《The Heartbreak Prescription》


 Chapter 1

    One day, Wendy discovered that her husband Stanley was having an affair.


    He had been seeing a college student.


    It was Stanley''s birthday. Wendy had prepared a table full of dishes early in the day. Just then, she heard a notification from his phone.


    Ding!


    He had left his phone at home.


    Wendy switched it on and saw a text from the college student.


    [I hurt myself when I was carrying the cake. It hurts so much.]


    Attached was a selfie-not of the sender''s face, but of her legs. The girl in the photo wore pulled-up white socks, ck leather shoes, and a blue-and-white skirt that had been pushed up to reveal her long, slender legs. Her pale knees were visibly reddened from the bump. The youthful, vibrant image of her body paired with coquettish words exuded a forbidden allure.


    People often say sessful businessmen like Stanley favored this type of woman when choosing mistresses.


    Wendy clutched the phone tightly, her fingers turning white from the pressure.


    Ding!


    Another text came from the college student.


    "Mr. Hawk, see you at Cloud Hotel tonight. I want to celebrate your birthday!"


    So, his mistress wanted to celebrate his birthday tonight.


    Wendy grabbed her bag and headed straight to Cloud Hotel. She had to see for herself who this college student was.


    She soon arrived at the hotel, ready to go in. Just then, she saw her parents, Harry and Lilian at the entrance. Surprised, she walked up to them.


    "Dad, Mom, what are you doing here?" she asked.


    Harry and Lilian, caught off guard, exchanged a nce before responding to her hesitantly.


    "Wendy, your sister''s back in the country. We brought her here," Harry said.


    ''Jessica?''


    Through the hotel''s gleaming floor-to-ceiling windows, Wendy spotted her sister Jessica and immediately froze.


    Jessica was wearing the exact same blue-and-white skirt from the photo in Stanley''s phone. The college student was none other than her own sister!


    Jessica had always been a beauty, known as the ''Red Rose of Hovendale,'' and she was famed for having the most beautiful legs in town. Many men had been captivated by her charm. And now, her darling sister was using those legs to seduce her husband.


    Wendy found itughable. She turned to her parents and said coldly, "So I''m thest to know?"


    Harry gave a sheepish smile. "Wendy, Mr. Hawk doesn''t even like you."


    "Exactly, Wendy," Lilian chimed in. "Do you know how many women in Hovendale are dying to be with Mr. Hawk? Better to let Jessica have him than some other woman."


    Wendy clenched her fists. "Dad, Mom, I''m your daughter too!"


    Turning on her heel, she started walking away.


    Lilian called after her. "Wendy, tell me has Mr. Hawk ever touched you?" Wendy stopped in her tracks.


    Harry''s voice turned sharp. "Wendy, don''t act like we owe you anything. Three years ago, when Stanley and Jessica were Hovendale''s golden couple, everyone thought they''d get married. But then Stanley got into a car ident and went into aa. That''s the only reason we had you marry him instead."


    Lilian gave Wendy a disdainful once-over. "Look at yourself, Wendy. In the past three years, you''ve turned into a housewife who revolves around her husband. Meanwhile, Jessica became the principal ballerina of herpany. She''s a white swan, and you''re just an ugly duckling. What do you have topete with Jessica? Just give Mr. Hawk back to her already."


    Every word felt like a knife into Wendy''s chest. Tears filling her eyes, she walked away.


    Back at the vi, night had fallen. Wendy had sent the maid Mathilda home, so the house was empty, dark, and cold.


    She sat alone at the dining table.


    The once-warm meal had gone cold. The cake she had carefully prepared had ''Happy Birthday, Honey'' written on it in frosting.


    It was ringly ironic, just like her existence-aplete joke.


    Stanley and Jessica had been the golden couple of Hovendale, with Jessica as Stanley''s cherished ''Red Rose.'' But three years ago, a sudden car ident left Stanley in a vegetative state and Jessica disappeared entirely.


    That was when the Crone family brought Wendy back from the countryside and forced her to marry Stanley in Jessica''s ce. Wendy had agreed willingly when she found out it was Stanley-the man she had loved all along.


    For three years, Stanley remained in aa. During those years, Wendy devoted herself to caring for him. She stayed by his side, gave up socializing, and focused solely on nursing him back to health, living as a dutiful housewife. In the end, her efforts paid off. Stanley woke up.


    Wendy lit the candles on the cake.


    The flickering glow illuminated her reflection in the nearby mirror-a in housewife in a dull ck-and-white dress, devoid of charm or excitement.


    Meanwhile, Jessica, now a sessful ballerina, was young, vibrant, and beautiful.


    Wendy was an ugly duckling, while Jessica was the white swan.


    After waking up, Stanley abandoned the ugly duckling and returned to the white swan''s side.


    Wendy let out a bitterugh.


    This wasn''t love; it was self-delusion. Stanley had never loved her, but she had loved him. The first one to fall in love always lost.


    Today, Stanley had made her losepletely.


    Tears welled in her eyes as she blew out the candles, plunging the vi back into darkness.


    Just then, two bright headlights pierced through the night. Stanley''s Rolls-Royce Phantom sped up the driveway and came to a halt on thewn.


    Wendy''s eyshes quivered. He hade back. She had thought he wouldn''t return tonight.


    The vi door opened and Stanley stepped in, carrying the cool air of the night with him.


    Stanley Hawk, the heir of the Hawk family, had been a business prodigy from a very young age. By 16, he had earned dual master''s degrees from Harfield. Later,


    he took Hawk Group public in Hawthorne, making a name for himself internationally before returning home to lead thepany as Hovendale''s wealthiest man.


    Stanley walked in.


    "Why didn''t you turn on the lights?" he asked in a deep, maic voice as he turned on the wallmp with a click.


    The sudden brightness made Wendy blink. When her eyes adjusted, she looked at him.


    Dressed in a custom-tailored ck suit, Stanley exuded a cold, aristocratic elegance that left countless socialites dreaming of him at night.


    "It''s your birthday," she said.


    Stanley''s handsome face remained indifferent as his gaze sweptzily over the dining table. "Don''t waste your time on this again. I don''t celebrate such asions."


    Wendy smiled faintly. "Is it that you don''t celebrate, or you just don''t want to celebrate with me?"


    Stanley nced at her, his gaze impassive. "Think what you like."


    With that, he turned around and started up the stairs.


    He had always been like this-distant and cold. No matter what she did, she could never warm his heart.


    Wendy stood and called after him. "It''s your birthday today. I have a gift for you."


    However, Stanley didn''t stop or turn around. "I don''t need it."


    Wendy let out a soft chuckle and said, "Stanley, let''s get a divorce."


    Stanley froze mid-step, one foot already on the staircase. He turned around, his deep ck eyes locking onto her.

 Chapter 2

    Wendy was also staring at him. Her tone was light but firm as she repeated, "Let''s get a divorce, Stanley. Do you like your birthday gift?"


    Stanley didn''t bat an eyelid. "You''re asking for a divorce just because I didn''t celebrate my birthday with you?"


    "Jessica has returned, hasn''t she?"


    At the mention of Jessica, Stanley''s thin lips curled into a faint, mocking smile. He took a step forward, closing the distance between them. "Are you bothered by Jessica?"


    Stanley, known as the youngest business prodigy alive, exuded an aura of power, wealth, and status. As he approached, Wendy instinctively stepped back, her slender back pressing against the cold wall.


    Her vision went dark as Stanley leaned in. He propped one hand against the wall beside her, trapping her between his firm chest and the wall.


    Looking down at her with his deep, striking eyes, Stanley sneered.


    "Everyone in Hovendale knows Jessica was the one I intended to marry. Weren''t you aware when you schemed to rece her and became Mrs. Hawk? You didn''t mind then, so why act all self-righteous now?"


    Wendy''s face turned pale.


    Yes, Stanley had wanted to marry Jessica. If not for the ident that left him in aa, how could Wendy have married him?


    She would never forget the day he woke up. The disappointment and coldness in his eyes when he saw her was devastating.


    Since then, they had lived in separate rooms. He never touched her.


    He loved Jessica.


    Wendy had always known this, but...


    She gazed deeply at Stanley''s face, the grown man ovepping in her mind with the young boy from years ago.


    ''Stanley, do you really not remember me?''


    It turned out she had been standing in ce all along, waiting for someone that no longer existed.


    It was enough.


    These three years were just her one-sided effort to cherish him.


    Suppressing the ache in her heart, Wendy said softly, "Stanley, let''s end this loveless marriage."


    Stanley''s brows arched sharply, and his deep, maic voice could be heard. "Loveless?"


    He raised his hand, gripping her delicate chin, his thumb brushing against her crimson lips in a provocative motion. "Is that why? Are you asking for a divorce because of that? Do you want it that badly?"


    Wendy''s delicate face flushed red like a ripe berry, vibrant and tempting.


    That wasn''t what she meant!


    Yet his thumb lingered on her lips, pressing and toying with them. She hadn''t expected such aposed and distinguished man to have such a teasing, roguish side.


    Stanley was seeing Wendy up close for the first time. She usually dressed in monotonous ck-and-white outfits, paired with oversized ck-framed sses, presenting herself like an old maid.


    But up close, he realized her face was barely the size of his palm, and her delicate features exuded a quiet elegance beneath those sses. Her dark pupils were stunningly beautiful.


    Her lips were soft, their plush surface springing back with a subtle sticity wherever his thumb pressed.


    It stirred an unbidden thought.


    Stanley''s gaze darkened. "I didn''t expect you to be so eager. You''re that desperate for a man, aren''t you?"


    p!


    Wendy raised her hand and pped him across the face. Stanley''s handsome face tilted to the side from the impact.


    Wendy''s fingers trembled with anger. She realized that loving someone too humbly only led to her dignity being trampled on. He had actually humiliated her.


    Furious, she dered, "I know you''ve never stopped thinking about Jessica. Fine, I''ll fulfill your wishes and return Mrs. Hawk''s title to her!"


    Stanley''s face instantly darkened, frosty and sullen. A man of his stature had never been pped before-never!


    His sharp gaze locked onto her. "Wendy, you married me when it was convenient


    for you, and now you want a divorce just because you feel like it. What do you take me for?"


    Wendy let out a soft chuckle. "A ything."


    "What?"


    Stanley''s expression stiffened.


    Wendy forced herself to endure the pain in her heart and said what she knew would hurt him. "You''re just a toy I took from Jessica. I''m done ying, so I''m tossing you aside."


    Stanley''s expression turned grim, his mood darkening to the point where it could drip with venom. "Fine! Wendy, you''re something else. Let''s divorce, but don''te crying back to me, begging for reconciliation!"


    He stormed upstairs, mming the study door shut with a deafening bang.


    Wendy felt as though all the strength had been drained from her body. Slowly, she slid down the wall, crouching on the carpet. Hugging her knees, she whispered to herself, ''Stanley, I won''t love you anymore.''


    The next morning, Mathilda entered the study.


    Stanley was seated at his desk, reviewing documents. He was a notorious workaholic.


    "Sir," Mathilda greeted Stanley cautiously.


    Stanley didn''t even look up. His icy aura hinted at his foul mood. It felt cold being around him.


    Mathilda carefully ced a cup of coffee by his hand. "Sir, this coffee was made by Mrs. Hawk."


    Stanley''s pen paused mid-air, his cold expression softening slightly.


    Was she trying to make amends?


    Truth be told, Wendy was an excellent wife. She cooked to his preferences, hand- washed his clothes, and meticulously managed his daily needs.


    Stanley picked up the coffee, taking a sip. It was her coffee-the taste he liked.


    But he was still angry.


    She had pped himst night, and he wasn''t about to let that go easily. A single


    cup of coffee wouldn''t suffice as an apology.


    "Did she admit she was wrong?" Stanley asked.


    Mathilda nced at him hesitantly. "Sir, Mrs. Hawk has left."


    Stanley froze, looking up at Mathilda.


    She handed him a piece of paper. "Sir, Mrs. Hawk left this with her suitcase and


    asked me to give this to you before she left."


    Stanley unfolded the paper. The words ''Divorce Agreement'' caught his eye.


    His expression darkened. He thought she was trying to reconcile.


    Mathilda added cautiously, "Sir, Mrs. Hawk asked you to finish the coffee before signing the divorce papers."


    Stanley red at the coffee. "Throw it out! All of it!"


    ''Sir, you seemed to like the coffee just fine a moment ago. Why don''t you


    anymore?'' Mathilda thought to herself.


    Without saying another word, she quickly left with the coffee.


    Stanley''s face was a thunderstorm, his mood in turmoil. He skimmed through the divorce agreement. She wasn''t asking for a penny-she intended to leave with


    nothing.


    Stanley scoffed coldly. It was bold of her to act like she didn''t need his money. How would a country girl like her survive without it?


    It was then that his gazended on the reason for divorce, handwritten by Wendy herself.


    "Due to my husband''s sexual dysfunction, he cannot fulfill his marital obligations."


    Stanley froze, his handsome face turningpletely dark.


    ''That damned woman!''


    He grabbed his phone and dialed Wendy''s number.


    The line connected, and Wendy''s voice came through clearly. "Hello?"

 Chapter 3

    Stanley''s thin lips curved into a frosty arc. "Wendy, get back here immediately!"


    Wendy chuckled. "You expect me toe back just because you said so? We''re divorced, Stanley. I''m not going to continue indulging you!"


    Stanley clenched his jaw. "I''ll give you a chance to rewrite the reason for divorce!"


    Wendy''s tone grew more yful.


    "Did I write anything wrong? Stanley, it''s been six months since you woke up, hasn''t it? Yet, in these six months, you haven''t even held my hand. You were in aa for three years, and although you''re physically healthy now, I have legitimate reasons to believe you''ve developed functional problems. You''re not potent anymore! Better hurry to find an experienced naturopath. As our parting gift, I wish you an early recovery of your manhood!"


    Stanley was rendered speechless. The veins on his forehead were visibly twitching.


    This woman was out of control.


    "Wendy, I''ll make you regret this! You''ll know what I''m capable of sooner orter!"


    "Sorry, but you''ll never get the chance!"


    "Wendy!"


    The call abruptly ended with two cold beeps. He hadn''t even had time to explode in anger before hearing the disconnected tone.


    ''Wendy...!''


    -


    Wendy had already arrived at her best friend Cecelia Sunder''s apartment. After she hung up the phone, Cecelia burst outughing and gave her a big thumbs-up.


    "Wendy, that was amazing! Stanley must be so furious, he''s spitting blood right now."


    Wendy reflected that she had been too humble in the past, which had allowed him to act superior to her for so long.


    ''Love yourself first. A woman must always prioritize self-love.''


    "Three years ago, when Jessica learned Stanley went into aa after the car ident, she immediately ran away. Now that he''s awake, he''s crawling back to her? What a joke! You''re better off without a man like that," Ceceliamented. Wendy unwrapped a candy and popped it into her mouth. The sweetness seemed to mask the bitterness in her heart. "That''s how you tell if you''re loved or not, Cecelia."


    Those who were loved were fearless. Those who weren''t lived in constant insecurity.


    Cecelia noticed Wendy had already gone through a pile of candies. She pulled Wendy to her feet.


    "Wendy, cheer up! When you give up one tree, you''ll discover an entire forest waiting for you. Tonight, I''m booking eight male hosts to celebrate you bing single!"


    Wendy covered her forehead andughed.


    Cecelia suddenly snatched Wendy''s ck-rimmed sses off her face, tossing them into the trash.


    Wendy tried to retrieve them. "My sses¡ª"


    Cecelia stopped her. "Wendy, you''ve been in academic research for too long, and you''ve gotten used to wearing these sses. But you should take a page out of Jessica''s book and doll yourself up."


    Wendy thought about how her parents had always told her she was an ugly duckling while Jessica was a swan. It wasn''t just her parents-Stanley must have thought the same. In his eyes, she was just an ugly duckling too.


    Cecelia dragged Wendy to the door. "Come on, we''re going shopping! Hair, nails, clothes-everything! I want Stanley and everyone else to see how stunning you


    can be!"


    As they walked out, Cecelia suddenly remembered something. "Oh, Wendy, are you really not taking any money from Stanley after the divorce?"


    "I have my own money," Wendy replied.


    "Letting Jessica spend Stanley''s money instead? Jessica says thank you!" Cecelia teased.


    Wendy didn''t know what to say to that.


    "What about the card Stanley gave you?" Cecelia pressed.


    Stanley was always generous and had given Wendy a premium ck card. However, she had never used it.


    Wendy pulled the ck card out of her purse and winked yfully. "Today, I''ll splurge and let Stanley foot the bill."


    That evening, at 1996 Bar.


    1996 Bar was Hovendale''s yground for the rich, where young heirs and the city''s elites spent extravagantly. The music was never-ending, and the dance floor was wild.


    In a luxurious and dimly lit booth, Stanley sat in the center of a leather sofa. Tonight, he had on a ck shirt paired with ck trousers. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing his toned forearms and a steel watch worth millions. His aristocratic, striking features made him the center of attention, drawing nces from countless women in the bar.


    Beside him was his close friend, Benny Gondale¡ªthe heir of the Gondale family and several other young elites.


    Bennyughed. "Stanley, are you serious? Wendy wants a divorce?"


    The othersughed along. "Everyone knows Wendy loves Stanley to the bone. When he was in aa, she insisted on marrying him. There''s no way she''d actually go through with a divorce."


    "Let''s bet on it. How long do you think Wendy can hold out before begging Stanley to take her back?"


    Benny smirked. "I bet she can''t even make it through tonight. She''s probably already sent Stanley a message."


    Stanley''s chiseled features remained cold and sharp, his mood clearly sour. He pulled out his phone and opened WhatsApp to check their chat history.


    Thest message from Wendy was fromst night. She had sent a photo of the broth with the caption, [Honey, even though your bone density is back to normal, you should still drink this broth regrly. Don''te home toote!]


    As he scrolled up, he saw countless simr messages-all from Wendy. She messaged him every day.


    He had never replied. Not once.


    Today, the chat was silent.


    Stanley felt a vague sense of irritation.


    Ding!


    A notification popped up.


    "See? I told you¡ªWendy messaged you!" Benny immediately eximed.


    Ding, ding, ding!


    Several more notifications followed in quick session.


    The group burst outughing. "We knew it-Wendy couldn''t hold out! But we didn''t expect her to cave so fast."


    "Stanley, open them. Let''s see how Wendy is begging you to reconcile," Benny urged.


    Stanley''s sharp eyebrows lifted slightly. Did she really send a message? If she regretted it so quickly, why did she make such a fuss this morning?


    He tapped on the notifications, only to freeze.


    Benny leaned over and read aloud, "Dear VVIP customer, your card ending in 0975 has been charged 800 dors at Dazzling Nail Salon."


    The group collectively frowned.


    Stanley scrolled further.


    2,000 dors at Artistry Hair Salon.


    86,000 dors at Chanel.


    240,000 dors at Louis Vuitton.


    There were no messages about reconciliations, only transaction notifications. The group fell silent, feeling like Wendy had pped them all hard in the face. Stanley''s expression darkened and he mmed his phone onto the table. He didn''t care how much money Wendy spent. What bothered him was that she had gone on a shopping spree right after their divorce. This woman was something


    else!


    The once submissive Wendy, who had clung to him for three years, now seemed to have grown fangs.


    "Stanley, what''s Wendy up to? She''s gone to do her nails and hair, and buy clothes. Is she trying to imitate Jessica?" Bennymented.


    "Jessica is Hovendale''s Red Rose. Wendy''s just a country bumpkin. No matter


    how hard she tries, she''ll only be a pale imitation."


    "A swan is a swan. An ugly duckling will always be an ugly duckling."


    Everyoneughed at Wendy.


    Suddenly, there was amotion in the bar. All eyes turned toward the entrance.


    Someone gasped, "Look¡ªan angel just walked in!"

 Chapter 4

    Wendy arrived.


    After finishing their shopping spree at the mall, Cecelia brought Wendy directly to 1996 Bar. Tonight, she was determined to throw a celebration party for Wendy. Wendy hadn''t expected to run into Stanley and his friends here, but she could hear their mocking remarks.


    She recognized Benny and the others in the luxury booth. They were part of Stanley''s circle, and Benny was Stanley''s close friend. Back when Stanley had a whirlwind romance with Jessica, they were all fans of Jessica, with Benny even regarding her as Stanley''s future wife.


    Over the past three years, Wendy had never truly integrated into their group. None of them ever epted her.


    Thebels they stered on her were always the same: desperate substitute bride, ugly duckling, country bumpkin, and the like.


    When a man didn''t love you, his friends wouldn''t respect you either.


    Cecelia, already fuming, rolled up her sleeves, ready to confront them. "I''m going to tear their mouths apart!"


    Wendy quickly held her back. "Cecelia, forget it! We''re divorced now-there''s no need to stoop to their level."


    Seeing Wendy''s calm and indifferent demeanor, Cecelia reluctantly held back her temper. Then, as more and more people began to notice Wendy and eximed, calling her an angel, Cecelia''s mood improved. "Wendy, let''s go. Time to party."


    Cecelia dragged Wendy to another luxury booth and waved her hand grandly. "Bring all the male hosts from 1996 Bar over here!"


    Meanwhile, back at Stanley''s booth, Benny and the others continued to mock Wendy. That was when they felt an icy and sharp gaze fall upon them.


    Looking up, they saw Stanleyzily lifting his cold gaze to re at them.


    His expression was chilling, displeased, and full of warning. The men stoppedughing, and they immediately shut up, not daring to speak ill of Wendy again.


    Benny nced at Stanley. Although Stanley had never paid much attention to Wendy, she had, after all, cared for him diligently for three years. It seemed Stanley still held some regard for that.


    At that moment, themotion around them grew louder.


    "Wow, what a stunning angel!"


    ''An angel? Where?''


    Following the direction of the crowd''s gaze, Benny looked ahead and was instantly dumbfounded. "Holy crap, she really is an angel."


    The other rich young men were equally astonished, their eyes glued to her. "When did such a stunning angel begin existing in Hovendale? How have we never seen her before?"


    Benny nudged Stanley. "Stanley, look! It''s an angel."


    Stanley, who had no shortage of women around him, wasn''t interested. He had seen all kinds of women-slim, curvy, and everything in between. He had no intention of looking, but Wendy''s booth happened to be right across from theirs.


    When Stanley nced over, he saw Wendy.


    Without her ck-framed sses and her usual dull, conservative attire, she revealed a delicate, fair face, her naturally exquisite bone structure, and ethereal beauty shining through. Her long, glossy ck hair flowed gracefully over her shoulders, making her look like a true angel.


    Stanley paused, staring at her for two full seconds.


    Benny was excited. "Stanley, what do you think of the angel?"


    Another rich young man chimed in, "Mr. Hawk probably doesn''t think much of her.


    Mr. Hawk likes delicate beauties like Jessica, not cold, aloof angels."


    "But look at her legs! Her legs are just as stunning as Jessica''s."


    Wendy was wearing a short, Chanel-inspired dress, shedding her usual conservative style and showing her legs for the first time.


    Her legs were perfectly proportioned


    slender yet shapely. Those were legs that


    could make any man''s imagination run wild.


    She looked just as good as Jessica.


    Stanley stared at the ''angel'' for a moment and couldn''t shake the feeling that she looked familiar, as if he''d seen her somewhere before.


    Just then, a line of male hosts walked in, all tall and handsome, forming a row in front of Wendy.


    Cecelia grinned. "Wendy, make your pick of eight."


    Deciding to indulge herself to celebrate her escape from the misery of marriage, Wendy smiled and pointed. "You, you, you... All of you stay."


    Benny counted aloud. "One, two, three... Eight! She actually picked eight male hosts at once!"


    The other rich young menughed. "Why waste money? If the angel just asked, we''d serve her for free."


    Everyone chuckled.


    Ding!


    Stanley''s phone buzzed again with a notification. Picking it up, he nced at it to see what Wendy had spent on this time.


    [Dear VVIP user, your card ending in 0975 has been charged 500,000 dors at 1996 Bar for eight male hosts.]


    Stanley froze, staring at the words before raising his eyes toward the so-called angel across the room.


    If that wasn''t Wendy, who else could it be?


    Stanley was speechless.


    Eight male hosts surrounded Wendy, pouring drinks into her ss. "Let''s y a drinking game."


    Cecelia pped happily. "Yes, let''s y!"


    In the first round, Wendy lost. One of the male hosts handed her a drink. "Please drink some."


    Wendy took a sip, but the other male hosts protested. "Why drink his and not ours? We want to serve you too."


    Surrounded by all the attention, Wendy found it impossible to keep up, overwhelmed by the ''sweet burden'' of their pampering.


    Stanley''s eyes narrowed, his handsome features tensing into a grim expression. Without a word, he stood up and strode out.


    Benny was taken aback. "Stanley? Where are you going?"


    Wendy was about to take another drink when arge, strong hand reached over, grabbed her slender wrist, and pulled her up like she was a rag doll. Startled, she looked up to see Stanley''s handsome face suddenly looming over her.


    She froze for a second, then quickly tried to break free. "Stanley, let go of me!"


    His face darkened and he dragged her away without a word.


    Cecelia stood up. "Stanley, what are you doing? Let Wendy go!"


    Benny and the others werepletely stunned. They stared, dumbfounded, as if


    they had just misheard something.


    "Wendy?"


    "That angel is Wendy?"


    "Is this the same ugly duckling Wendy we know?"


    "She''s actually stunning!"


    As they watched Stanley drag Wendy away, her cold, ethereal beauty still lingering in their vision, Benny muttered, "Damn, Wendy, who no longer chases after Stanley, just turned into a full-blown angel!"


    Stanley''s grip was firm and unrelenting, like an iron shackle. No matter how much Wendy struggled, she couldn''t break free.


    His strides were long, forcing Wendy to stumble as she tried to keep up. "Stanley, let go of me!"


    Finally, Stanley stopped and flung her backward. Wendy''s slender frame collided against the cold wall behind her.


    Before she could regain her bnce, Stanley''s tall figure loomed over her, pressing her against the wall.


    His eyes burned with fury. "Wendy, do you think I''m dead, ying around like


    this?"

 Chapter 5

    Wendy furrowed her brows. "What did I do?"


    Stanley clenched his jaw. "Who told you to dress like this?"


    ''What? Like this?'' she wondered. "What do you mean, Stanley?!"


    Stanley nced at her ultra-short skirt. "Your thighs are almost exposed. Do you really want people to see your legs like this?"


    Wendy''s skirt was a bit short, but it was Cecelia''s choice.


    Cecelia''s exact words were, "My dearest Wendy doesn''t show her legs, but look at how Jessica unts hers. Tonight, let everyone see who has the best legs in Hovendale."


    Wendy raised her finely arched eyebrows. "Looks like Mr. Hawk noticed my legs."


    Stanley paused.


    Wendy leaned back against the wall, appearingnguid and graceful. She slowly lifted her right leg, her crystal-high heel brushing against his ankle.


    Stanley had on ck trousers, showcasing his long, muscr legs, exuding an aura of coldness and restraint.


    Wendy''s pale foot gently grazed up his ankle, moving provocatively along his calf. It was an act of seduction and defiance.


    Stanley shot her a cold nce. "What are you doing?"


    Wendy curved her lips into a smile. "Mr. Hawk, which do you prefer? My legs, or Jessica''s?"


    Stanley stared at her small, delicate face that glowed with celestial radiance, yet she provocatively seduced him with a dazzling smile.


    Last night, he had glimpsed the beauty hidden beneath her dark-rimmed sses, but he hadn''t expected her to be this beautiful.


    He felt like he had seen this face somewhere before.


    Wendy''s clear eyes sparkled. "Mr. Hawk, has Jessica ever wrapped her legs around your waist?"


    Stanley''s breath hitched. His handsome face moved closer to hers, his gaze softening with a tenderness Wendy had never seen before. "Wendy, are you really this shameless? All you think about is men. You even hired eight male hosts to satisfy your needs!"


    He didn''t answer Wendy''s question about Jessica. That was perhaps the best kind of protection a man could offer a woman.


    Their love had been so passionate, full of youthful excitement. Jessica''s legs had definitely wrapped around his waist, or else why would he still remember her so fondly?


    Jessica was lucky to have a man like Stanley so deeply attached to her. He would never describe her as ''shameless.''


    Though Wendy wore a smile, her eyes remained clear and distant. "Well, Mr. Hawk, your body isn''t up to par and can''t satisfy me, so of course I have to go out and find men. Let''s get divorced quickly. If the first man doesn''t work, the next will be better."


    Did she actually say he was inadequate, and the next man would be better?


    This woman was truly asking for it.


    Stanley reached out, grabbing Wendy''s chin. "Are you trying to provoke me? Do you really want to know if I''m up to the task?"


    ''What?'' Wendy froze.


    Stanley moved closer to her lips, teasing, but with words that carried no warmth. "Dream on. I won''t touch you. The one I love is Jessica."


    He loved Jessica.


    He didn''t even need to say it-Wendy already knew. It stung her heart, the sharp pain spreading through her, though the ache wasn''t obvious.


    At that moment, a sweet voice rang out. "Stanley."


    Wendy looked up-Jessica had arrived.


    Jessica, the Red Rose of Hovendale, was a beautiful woman with rosy lips and perfect teeth, her body delicate from years of ballet training.


    Stanley immediately released Wendy and walked toward Jessica. He lowered his gaze to meet hers, his eyes filled with a tenderness Wendy had never seen. "You''re here."


    Jessica nodded, then turned to Wendy. "Who''s this?"


    Jessica didn''t recognize Wendy at first.


    However, Wendy would never forget Jessica.


    Wendy and Jessica were stepsisters, but frompletely different parents. Harry, Wendy''s father, wasn''t her biological father, but her stepfather.


    Many years ago, Wendy had a happy family with her real father, Jerry, and her mother Lilian, who were always respectful toward each other.


    Her father loved her dearly, always lifting her high. "Wendy, please be happy always."


    Then, one day, her father suddenly passed away. Harry, Jerry''s brother, moved in with his daughter Jessica. Wendy''s mother became Jessica''s mother as well.


    Her mother remarried her second uncle. Her mother loved Jessica and stopped loving her.


    When Jessica got an A in a test and Wendy got an A+, her mother hit her hand with a ruler. "Can''t you give your sister a break? Why must you outdo her?"


    When Jessica fell ill and had to undergo chemotherapy, her head had to be shaved. She cried, saying she had be ugly.


    In response, Wendy''s mother immediately shaved Wendy''s head. "You should look the same as your sister so she won''t cry."


    Every night, her mother, Jessica, and Harry would sleep together,ughing and ying.


    Wendy, holding the doll herte father had bought her, would stand outside their door, crying alone. "Mommy, I''m scared..."


    Eventually, Jessica called her mother "Mom," which made her mother incredibly happy. But then Jessica said, "A mother can only have one daughter."


    One rainy day, Wendy''s mother took her to the countryside and left her there. Wendy chased after the car, crying uncontrobly.


    "Mommy, don''t leave me! I''ll be good, I''ll always put my sister before me... Mommy, hold me... I''m scared...!"


    Wendy fell heavily into the muddy water while holding her doll, watching helplessly as her mother''s car disappeared from view.


    Wendy would never forget Jessica.


    At that moment, Benny rushed over. "Jessica, this is...your sister, Wendy!"


    Jessica was stunned. "You''re Wendy?"


    Wendy knew that Jessica had always looked down on her.


    When they were young, Jessica had always been the one to beat her. As Jessica grew up, she excelled in everything. Later, she even dated Stanley, the heir of the Hawk family. She grew up in a world of admiration and love, full of pride and arrogance.


    Benny, once again, was stunned by Wendy''s ethereal beauty. He whispered, "I didn''t expect Wendy to be this beautiful."


    Jessica''s memory of their childhood was fuzzy because she had never truly paid attention to her unloved sister. But wasn''t her sister the ugly duckling from the countryside?


    Jessica approached Wendy, ncing at her, her brow raised in haughty pride. "Wendy, I didn''t expect you to start dressing like me."


    Wendy remained silent. ''Well, if you say so,'' she thought.


    Wendy straightened her slender back, smiling but saying nothing. The light from


    the corridor illuminated her delicate, otherworldly face, making it glow like a precious pearl.


    She was no longer the Wendy from before.


    Jessica sneered. "Wendy, I heard you''re getting a divorce with Stanley. Can''t you live without a man? Coming to a bar to hire male hosts to fulfill your desires? If I were you, I''d get a job."


    As she spoke, Jessica nced at Stanley. In a tone that seemed almost benevolent, she added, "Stanley, Wendy took care of you for so long. Even if she was your maid, you should at least find her a job."


    Stanley''s gazended on Wendy''s face.


    "Jessica, nowadays, you need a degree to get a job. What''s Wendy''s education?" Benny said.


    Jessica seemed to recall something amusing. She lifted her chin andughed.


    "Wendy dropped out of school at 16."

 Chapter 6

    Benny was stunned. ''16 years old?''


    The reason people in Benny''s social circle held Jessica in such high regard wasn''t just because of her beauty. It was also because of her exceptional academic achievements. She was a high achiever at a prestigious university, someone unmatched even among Hovendale''s socialites.


    She deserved to be with Stanley.


    For any woman, beauty alone was a dead end. Beautybined with education was the real trump card. The higher the social ss, the more they valued a woman''s education.


    Benny''s initial admiration for Wendy vanished instantly. His tone became dismissive. "Wendy, did you seriously drop out of school at 16?"


    Wendy nced at Jessica, who stood there with pride, and smiled faintly. "Yes, I did stop studying at 16."


    Benny sneered, "Well, what a coincidence. Stanley also stopped studying at 16. But he''s a true prodigy, earning dual master''s degrees from Harfield at that age and making history. And you? Dropped out of high school with nothing to your name!"


    His mockery echoed loudly.


    Jessica stood tall, looking down at Wendy with disdain.


    Stanley, with his tall and imposing figure, stood silently under the corridor lights. His handsome face remained unreadable as his gaze fell on Wendy.


    For the past three years, Wendy had been just a housewife, revolving around him. It was no surprise shecked education.


    Wendy, however, didn''t seem embarrassed or flustered. Instead, her clear, luminous eyes met his gaze. Then she smiled gracefully and said, "Yes, what a coincidence."


    ''Indeed, what a coincidence.''


    For reasons he couldn''t exin, Stanley felt a ripple in his heart.


    He suddenly noticed how beautiful Wendy''s eyes were-brimming with vitality and seemingly able to speak volumes without words.


    "Wendy!" At that moment, Cecelia came rushing over. She red at Jessica. "Jessica, are you bullying Wendy again?"


    Jessica responded proudly, "We weren''t bullying Wendy. We were just discussing helping her find a job."


    Cecelia was stunned. "You''re helping Wendy find a job?"


    Jessica continued her magnanimous act. "Yes. Even though Wendycks education and qualifications, we''ll try our best to help her secure something decent."


    Ceceliaughed in disbelief. "Do you even know who Wendy is? Wendy is¡ª" Wendy quickly grabbed Cecelia''s arm to stop her. "Cecelia, let''s go."


    Cecelia held back her words, but before leaving, she cast a mocking nce at Jessica. "You''ll regret this someday!"


    With that, she led Wendy away.


    Benny fumed, "What''s wrong with Wendy? She dropped out of school at 16 and still acts so arrogant! If I were her, I''d be too ashamed to show my face."


    Jessica wasn''t upset. She had never truly looked at Wendy as a rival Wendy wasn''t even qualified topete with her. Getting angry at Wendy would only lower her status.


    She smiled loftily at Benny. "Benny, let it go. Ignorance is bliss."


    Benny turned to Stanley. "Stanley, you should hurry up and divorce Wendy. She''s not worthy of you."


    Stanley''s expression remained calm as his gaze briefly lingered on Wendy''s departing figure.


    "Let''s go," he said to Jessica.


    Jessica nodded. "Alright."


    And so, Jessica and Benny left with Stanley.


    Later, outside the bar...


    "Mr. Hawk?" a voice called out.


    Stanley looked up to see a familiar face. It was Dave Suarez, the president of Harfield University.


    Stanley approached him. "Mr. Suarez, what brings you to Hovendale?"


    Jessica, always respectful of such prestigious figures, greeted him as well. Although she had always excelled academically, she hadn''t been able to secure a spot at a top-tier institution like Harfield.


    Dave smiled. "Mr. Hawk, I''m here for a seminar. What a coincidence-you have a junior alumna here in Hovendale too."


    Stanley paused. "A junior alumna?"


    Dave nodded. "Yes, Harfield has two legends. The first is you, Stanley. The second is your junior alumna. Like you, she earned dual master''s degrees at 16. She''s a high-IQ prodigy. Unfortunately, you were a few years apart, so you''ve never met her."


    Benny''s curiosity was piqued. "Wow! Stanley''s junior is that amazing? Who''s better between the two of them?"


    Dave smiled and looked at Stanley. "They''re evenly matched."


    Stanley raised an eyebrow. He had never encountered a woman who could be his equal.


    Jessica, who had been calm earlier, suddenly felt an overwhelming surge of jealousy. This mysterious prodigious junior made her feel threatened.


    "Who is this junior?" she wondered aloud.


    Dave pulled out his phone. "Mr. Hawk, I''ve sent you her WhatsApp contact. She''s also in Hovendale. You should connect with her and look out for her since you''re her senior."


    Stanley nodded. "Alright."


    After Dave left, Benny urged, "Stanley, add her WhatsApp now! I want to see what she looks like."


    Stanley switched on his phone and found the contact. It had a profile named simply ''W,'' with a in white background.


    "What does the ''W'' stand for?" Benny asked excitedly.


    Stanley didn''t know either. He sent a friend request, adding the note, "Stanley."


    The request was pending approval.


    Benny was buzzing with excitement. "Stanley, once she adds you, introduce her to me! I''m in awe of her already."


    Jessica, sensing the shift in attention, grew visibly unhappy.


    At that moment, a Rolls-Royce pulled up. Stanley''s personal secretary, Zayn Cameron, had arrived.


    Jessica seized the opportunity to cut the conversation short. "Stanley, the car''s here. Let''s go."


    "Stanley, Jessica, see youter," Benny said.


    The Rolls-Royce glided smoothly through the city streets, the quiet, opulent interior filled with an air of calmness. The dazzling city lights outside refracted against the polished windows, creating a cinematic intery of shadows on Stanley''s chiseled face-elegant and enigmatic.


    From the driver''s seat, Zayn nced back respectfully. "Sir, where to?"


    "To the office," Stanley answered curtly.


    Jessica observed him quietly, love evident in her gaze. She broke the silence with a question. "Stanley, what was that with Wendy earlier? You''re not interested in


    her now that she''s grown more beautiful, are you?"


    Stanley turned his sharp gaze toward her, his voice nonchnt yet teasing. "She''s my wife. If something were to happen, wouldn''t that be normal? Wasn''t it you who handed her to me in the first ce?"


    Jessica knew he still med her for leaving him behind to marry Wendy three years ago while he was in a state ofa.


    "Stanley, it wasn''t like that. Wendy insisted on marrying you¡ªI had no choice but to let her take my ce..."


    Stanley''s piercing gaze held hers. "Do you even believe that yourself?"


    Jessica faltered.


    Biting her lower lip, she feigned defiance. "Fine! Three years ago, I abandoned you¡ªif you can''t forgive me for that, then let''s just break up! You can simply get rid of me if you don''t want me anymore."


    She turned to Zayn and ordered, "Zayn, stop the car!"


    Jessica wanted to get out, but before she could leave, Stanley''s long, elegant fingers reached out, grabbing her delicate wrist and yanking her firmly to his chest.


    Jessica''s soft body collided with his solid frame, and she froze.


    Above her, Stanley''s deep, exasperated voice softened into indulgence. "Jessica, you''re only this bold because you know I''d spoil you rotten."

 Chapter 7

    Jessica smiled, her heart filled with sweetness. She leaned into Stanley''s embrace, then tilted her delicate, radiant face to look up at him.


    "I knew it you can''t bear to let me go. You would never leave me."


    Stanley, as Hovendale''s wealthiest man, exuded an air of elegance and strength that could dictate the rise and fall of fortunes. He fulfilled every fantasy she had about what a man should be.


    But three years ago, when he had been in a car ident and dered a


    vegetative state, with doctors pronouncing he would never wake again, how could she waste the prime of her youth on a man like that?


    So, she had fled.


    Who could have predicted that Wendy, who married him in her ce, would somehow help Stanley wake up within three years?


    Even now, Jessica didn''t understand how Stanley recovered. Could Wendy''s fortune be aligned perfectly with his?


    Doctors called it a medical miracle.


    So, Jessica returned. She knew Stanley loved her he would never truly abandon her.


    Stanley looked at Jessica''s radiant face. "If it weren''t for what happened back then... Would I still spoil you like this?"


    At the mention of ''back then,'' Jessica froze, guilt shing through her eyes. She quickly changed the subject.


    "Have you slept with Wendy?"


    Stanley lowered his gaze. "Why would I sleep with her when I could sleep with you?"


    She knew he hadn''t been with Wendy, but she asked the question anyway, baiting him into a flirtatious response. He yed along, his words dripping with teasing ambiguity.


    Jessica loved this side of him-the allure of a mature man with a touch of mischief. His response made her cheeks flush.


    This cold and seemingly abstinent man only made her want to strip away hisyers and uncover his deeper desires.


    Jessica turned, boldly straddling his lean waist. She draped her arms around his neck, bringing her lips close to his. Her breath was warm and provocative. "Do you want me?"


    Zayn, who had worked as Stanley''s secretary for years, tactfully raised the partition between the driver''s seat and the back of the Rolls-Royce.


    Stanley looked at Jessica but said nothing.


    She was wearing a red dress. In her seated position, the hem had ridden up, exposing her long, wless legs. Those famed ''best legs in Hovendale'' were now sensuously wrapped around his tailored ck trousers, creating an intimate and sultry scene.


    Jessica tightened her legs around his waist, pulling herself closer. "Say it. Do you want me?"


    If he said yes, she would give herself to him right here and now.


    Stanley, of course, understood her intent.


    But at that moment, an image of Wendy''s legs from earlier in the evening at the bar shed in his mind.


    Wendy''s legs were perfectly proportioned, bnced in their slenderness and curves.


    She had asked him which legs he preferred-Jessica''s or hers.


    At the time, Wendy had yfully raised her foot, the delicate crystal chain on her stiletto heels glinting as it dangled from her dainty ankle. She had teased him with her toes, brushing against his leg and asking if Jessica''s legs had ever wrapped around his waist.


    Stanley slowly removed Jessica''s hands from his neck. "I''m still married."


    Jessica frowned. "So?"


    "I don''t intend to cheat while I''m still married," Stanley replied coolly.


    Jessica was momentarily stunned.


    The intimate atmosphere vanished. Stanley had put an end to it.


    Disappointed, Jessica slid off hisp. She had pride, too¡ªshe would only give herself to him if he wanted her.


    "When will you divorce Wendy?" she asked.


    Stanley''s gaze shifted to the cityscape outside the window. In truth, it was indeed better that Wendy initiated the divorce-he was nning for it anyway.


    "Soon," Stanley said, his tone detached.


    Wendy and Cecelia returned to their apartment. Wendyy on her soft bed, letting out a small sigh of relief. After tonight''s indulgence, it was time to return to her normal life.


    She pulled out her phone and opened WhatsApp.


    Wendy had two ounts. For the past three years, she had been using the ount named "Mrs. Hawk." Now, that ount had been officially retired.


    She logged into her other WhatsApp ount.


    As soon as she logged in, her notification chimed repeatedly. The group chat ''One


    Big Happy Family'' was bustling with activity.


    Wendy opened it.


    [Whoa, whoa, whoa! Wendy''s finally online!] Daryl eximed.


    [Wee back, Wendy!] Ernest added.


    [Big hugs to Wendy!] Samuel chimed in.


    Her three seniors were tossing virtual confetti, enthusiastically celebrating her return.


    [Three years ago, Wendy was all starry-eyed and insisted on leaving the mountains to experience life with a man. So, how was it, Wendy? Was the man worth it?] Daryl asked.


    [Not worth it,] Wendy replied.


    [Looks like Wendy had her heart broken. Haha!] Ernest wrote.


    [So even Wendy can''t conquer everything? Hahaha!] Samuel added.


    [All right, you two, stop teasing her. Let''s just say these three years were her trial


    by fire in the mortal world. Sorry, this is just too funny-I need tough it out. Hahaha!] Daryl typed.


    Wendy was speechless.


    She was tempted to kick all three of them out of the group.


    With a swift move, she renamed the group chat from ''One Big Happy Family'' to ''One Big Gossipy Family.''


    Just then, Samuel brought up a serious topic. [Wendy, it''s time for you toe back. Our surgery schedule is packed. I''ve booked you a tricky heart operation. Report to the naturopathy center tomorrow.]


    Wendy replied with an ''OK'' emoji.


    After exiting the chat, she suddenly noticed a friend request. She tapped it open and saw that it was from Stanley.


    Stanley was requesting to add her as a WhatsApp contact.


    The irony wasn''t lost on her. For three years, she had used her ''Mrs. Hawk'' ount to message him daily. Yet, he had never replied. Now, on her other ount, he was the one reaching out to her.


    ''Once upon a time, you didn''t care for me. Now, you''ll find I''m out of your reach.''


    Wendy''s pale, delicate fingers hovered over the keyboard. After a moment of hesitation, she tapped decisively.


    At Hawk Group...


    The Hawk Group building, andmark of Hovendale, controlled the city''s economic pulse. It towered into the clouds, its grandeur even more striking against the night sky.


    After dropping Jessica off at her home, Stanley arrived at his office. He sat in his ck leather chair while he reviewed documents.


    The sharp nib of his pen scratched across the paper as he signed his name, ''Stanley,'' with bold, confident strokes. Behind him, the gleaming floor-to-ceiling windows reflected the vibrant lights of the city-a dazzling backdrop that seemed to exist solely toplement this man.


    A crisp-sounding notification broke the silence. His phone buzzed with a WhatsApp alert.


    Stanley picked up his phone and opened the app. His brilliant junior had


    responded.


    Upon seeing the response, Stanley froze for a moment. Then, his thin lips curved


    into a smirk and he let out a soft chuckle.

 Chapter 8

    Stanley''s genius junior had directly rejected his friend request!


    At that moment, Zayn walked in with a cup of coffee. When he saw the screen on Stanley''s phone, he was stunned. ''Did someone actually reject the CEO''s friend request?''


    This was certainly something out of the ordinary.


    "Sir, your junior is...quite special," Zayn said.


    Stanley scoffed. ''Special indeed.''


    She was the first person to reject him. If she didn''t want to add him, so be it.


    Stanley picked up the coffee and took a sip, only to frown.


    "Is the coffee not to your liking, sir? I''ll make another cup," Zayn asked.


    Stanley suddenly remembered the coffee Wendy used to make it was always just right for his taste.


    With an impassive expression, Stanley said, "Write an eight-figure check. That''s my divorce settlement for Wendy."


    She said she wanted to leave with nothing, but he didn''t believe it for a second. A girl from the countryside who had stopped schooling at sixteen-how would she make a living? She was just ying hard to get, hoping for more money.


    This eight-figure check was enough to buy out her three years. After that, they owed each other nothing.


    Zayn nodded. "Yes, sir."


    Just then, Zayn''s phone rang. He answered and was thrilled. "Sir, great news! Dr. Cen has epted our request and agreed to perform the heart surgery for Miss Jessica!"


    Dr. Cen was a legendary figure in the medical world, known for her extraordinary skills. Even top-tier billionaires had to wait in line to see her.


    However, three years ago, Dr. Cen had mysteriously disappeared, and no one knew where she went.


    Now, she was back.


    Jessica had suffered from a heart disease since childhood and had undergone treatments, but nothing worked.


    Now, Stanley had used his immense wealth to secure Dr. Cen''s services for Jessica.


    The crease between Stanley''s brows finally smoothed out, and he smiled. Jessica would be saved.


    The next day, Wendy arrived at the naturopathy center.


    Suddenly, a group of ck-d bodyguards entered in an orderly formation, creating a path. Wendy and other bystanders were pushed aside.


    Two young women nearby were chatting.


    "What''s going on?"


    "Don''t you know? Hovendale''s Red Rose, the prima ballerina Jessica, felt unwell while dancing today. Mr. Hawk brought her here to see a doctor."


    "With Mr. Hawk around, no wonder it''s such a big fuss."


    Wendy''sshes trembled. She hadn''t expected to encounter Stanley and Jessica at the naturopathy center today.


    "Look, there''s Mr. Hawk and Jessica!"


    Wendy nced up, and Stanley''s tall, handsome figure came into view. He was dressed in a custom-tailored ck suit, exuding an air of elegance and dominance.


    He carried Jessica in his arms.


    Doctors and nurses from the naturopathy center flocked around them, fawning over them like stars orbiting a moon.


    "Mr. Hawk, this way, please."


    Stanley strode forward.


    One of the young women gushed, "Wow, Mr. Hawk is so handsome! He''s the epitome of a domineering CEO."


    "And Jessica''s so beautiful, with her fair skin and graceful ballerina aura. They truly are the perfect couple!"


    "A dashing, noble CEO and a delicate, enchanting dancer-ahh, I''m dying over their fairy-tale love story!"


    Wendy and Stanley''s marriage was a secret, known only to a select few. Most people were shipping Stanley and Jessica.


    Wendy watched Stanley disappear from her sight. Just now, he hadn''t even noticed her; his eyes were only on Jessica. She was nothing more than a supporting character in their fairy tale.


    Reeling in her emotions, Wendy followed her appointment instructions and found ward Number 109.


    Soon, she saw Stanley, Jessica, Harry, and Lilian inside.


    Jessica was already sitting on the hospital bed, surrounded by Harry and Lilian on either side. Just like in their childhood, they pampered Jessica like a princess.


    "Jessica, this is great!" Harry said happily. "Mr. Hawk managed to secure Dr. Cen to treat you."


    Lilian was moved to tears. "Jessica, you''ve been through so much! But now, everything will be fine. Once Dr. Cen cures your heart, you''ll be healthy and can marry Mr. Hawk as his bride."


    Jessica gave Stanley a sweet smile.


    Stanley, tall and imposing, stood by her side, gently patting her head.


    The scene of the four of them together was harmonious.


    Wendy froze at the door. She couldn''t believe how small the world was-Samuel


    had assigned her the heart surgery case, and it turned out to be Jessica.


    The heartwarming scene inside made Wendy''s eyes sting slightly.


    At that moment, Stanley seemed to sense something. He turned, and his deep, sharp gazended squarely on her.


    Wendy was caught off guard and met his gaze.


    Stanley''s gaze narrowed as he immediately strode over to her. "Wendy, what are you doing here?"


    "I..." Wendy began.


    Stanley''s voice turned icy. "Wendy, are you following me?"


    "I-I''m not," Wendy replied.


    Harry and Lilian noticed Wendy too.


    "Wendy, why are you here? Today, we invited the legendary Dr. Cen to treat your sister! How could youe here and cause trouble at a time like this?" Lilian


    yelled.


    Harry''s expression darkened. "Wendy, you''re so inconsiderate. Leave immediately!"


    Jessica said nothing. She sat on the bed, her gaze haughty and radiant as she nced at Wendy.


    At that moment, Stanley''s imposing figure leaned closer. He grabbed Wendy''s slender arm.


    His voice was cold and dismissive. "Wendy, are you still ying hard to get? Have you not had enough of this? Now you''re resorting to stalking? Stop wasting your time on me. Leave!"

 Chapter 9

    No one weed her arrival-they were all trying to push her away.


    Wendy found itughable. Her cold, sharp eyes swept across Lilian, Jessica, and Harry''s faces before she yanked her arm out of Stanley''s grip.


    A faint smile tugged at her lips as she said, "Fine, I''ll leave."


    ''Remember this-it was you who told me to go!''


    With that, Wendy turned and walked away.


    Soon after, she came back. Tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, she asked, "Mr. Hawk, do you know why I came to the naturopathy center today?"


    Stanley''s gaze fell on her wless, porcin-like face, her soft peach fuzz catching the light, making her beauty even more striking.


    Stanley''s expression was cold, and it was clear he didn''t care. His voice was harsh and distant. "Wendy, this is getting annoying."


    Wendy stepped forward with a dazzling smile.


    "I''m here to help you find a naturopath." She pulled a small card out of her pocket and handed it to him. "Here, this is for you."


    Stanley looked down at the slightly yellowed card, which looked like something someone might slip through a door crack.


    The card read, "Traditional Naturopath - Specializing in ED, premature ejaction, infertility, and helping you rediscover your manhood. Contact: 138XXXX8888."


    Stanley''s usually stoic face cracked ever so slightly.


    Wendy slipped the card into his suit pocket. "Jessica has a problem. Mr. Hawk, don''t you as well? You both should really get yourselves checked out."


    She turned and walked away without waiting for a response.


    Stanley''s hand, hanging by his side, clenched into a fist. This woman always managed to push his buttons.


    Jessica broke the silence. "Stanley, let it go. Wendy isn''t worth our time."


    Lilian nodded. "Right. Why isn''t Dr. Cen here yet?"


    Everyone grew tense at the mention of Dr. Cen, who was Jessica''sst hope.


    Stanley nced at his watch. The appointment time had passed, but Dr. Cen hadn''t arrived.


    Just then, a nurse walked in. "Mr. Hawk."


    Jessica, Harry, and Lilian perked up. "Is Dr. Cen here?"


    The nurse addressed Stanley. "Dr. Cen arrived earlier but has already left."


    ''What?''


    Stanley looked down the hallway but didn''t see anyone-only Wendy disappearing around a corner.


    Stanley frowned. "I didn''t see Dr. Cen."


    The nurse exined, "Dr. Cen came, but decided not to stay."


    "Why?" Jessica, Harry, and Lilian''s expressions changed instantly. "Why would Dr. Cen leave without helping Jessica?"


    The nurse apologized, "I''m sorry, but Dr. Cen refused to treat Miss Jessica."


    Jessica''s face went pale. Dr. Cen wouldn''t treat her? Why?


    Their earlier hope was doused like a bucket of cold water. Everyone was stunned.


    Jessica lost it. "Why won''t Dr. Cen treat me? Why?"


    Harry and Lilian immediatelyforted her. "Jessica, don''t get upset. We''ll figure something out and bring Dr. Cen back. You''ll be okay!"


    Stanley''s sharp features hardened. He stared down the empty hallway, his aura radiating danger.


    Outside the hospital, someone called out, "Wendy."


    Wendy paused and turned around slowly. It was Lilian, who had followed her out.


    Lilian approached her. "Wendy, this is for you."


    Wendy nced down-it was a check for 20,000 dors.


    "Wendy, Mr. Hawk doesn''t love you. Stop clinging to him and give him back to


    your sister. Why can''t you let her have him? Just divorce him and take this money to start fresh in the countryside," Lilian said.


    Wendy found it absurd. If she hadn''t secretly done a DNA test on Lilian and Jessica, she might have believed Jessica was Lilian''s biological daughter. Yet, that wasn''t the case.


    Lilian was only Jessica''s stepmother. However, Lilian adored Jessica and not Wendy, her actual daughter.


    Wendy knew Lilian was obsessed with Harry, which exined her bias.


    Wendy''s gaze was calm as she looked at Lilian. She smiled faintly. "So, being Mrs. Hawk is only worth this much to you? Or is that all I''m worth in your eyes?"


    Lilian froze, then hurriedly said, "Wendy, I''m your mother, and I''m doing this for your good. You don''t belong here..."


    ''Mother?''


    The word sounded foreign, and Wendyughed softly.


    "You already sent me to the countryside once, and now you want to do it again. You really are a great mother!"


    Wendy didn''t look at Lilian again. She stepped into a taxi and left.


    Inside, she sat quietly in the back seat. She retrieved a candy from her bag, unwrapped it, and popped it into her mouth.


    The cab driver nced at her through the rearview mirror. She wore a simple dress, exuding an air of elegance andposure thatmanded respect. On closer look, her skin was so pale it seemed translucent, and her figure under the dress looked fragile, as if a gust of wind could knock her over.


    The driver, who had a daughter around the same age, smiled kindly. "Youngdy, you really like sweets, huh?"


    Wendy turned her head slightly, the breeze outside blowing her hair across her face. She smiled softly. "Yeah, a little sweetness makes the bitterness easier to bear."


    Lilian stood frozen, watching Wendy''s taxi leave.


    Just then, someone approached. "Mrs. Crone."


    Lilian turned to see Ted Whalen, the head of the naturopathy center.


    Lilian immediately approached him. "Dr. Whalen, you have so many connections.


    Can you help us get Dr. Cen to treat Jessica?"


    Dr. Whalen smiled. "Mrs. Crone, I know Dr. Cen personally. I can make the introduction."


    Lilian''s face lit up. "Really? Thank you so much, Dr. Whalen."


    Dr. Whalen''s gaze shifted to where Wendy had disappeared. A sly smile tugged at


    his lips. "Mrs. Crone, was that your daughter who came back from the countryside? She''s stunning. For a second, I thought I''d seen an angel."


    Lilian''s expression turned cold, her earlier excitement fading into icy indifference.

 Chapter 10

    At the Crone family vi...


    Night had fallen. Lilian sat in the living room in a silk nightgown, waiting for Harry.


    In her younger years, she had been a stunning southern beauty, cherished by Jerry, who spoiled her to the point where she never had to lift a finger for household chores. Later, she remarried Harry, who inherited Jerry''s business empire and expanded it further. Her role as a wealthy wife was well-established, and with her meticulous self-care, she still exuded charm despite her age.


    The vi''s main door opened as a maid let Harry in.


    Lilian''s face lit up with joy. She rushed to greet him, helping him remove his suit jacket. "Honey, why are you home sote?"


    Unlike Jerry''s honest and reserved demeanor, Harry had always been dashing and flirtatious in his youth. Now, as a CEO, he carried an air of authority that made Lilian utterly infatuated with him.


    "I had a business dinner," Harry replied casually.


    As he spoke, Lilian caught a familiar scent on his suit-perfume from his new secretary.


    Her smile faded, reced by anger. "Were you with that secretary again?"


    Harry frowned, clearly displeased. "Lilian, stop being paranoid. Instead of wasting energy on this nonsense, why don''t you focus on cheering Jessica up? She''s upset that Dr. Cen refused to treat her. I''m tired. I''m going upstairs."


    He turned to leave.


    Lilian suddenly called out, "I found a way to get Dr. Cen to help Jessica."


    Harry froze mid-step and turned back, his expression immediately softening. He wrapped an arm around Lilian''s shoulder. "Lilian, you''re amazing. You never let me down. You''re my treasure."


    Harry was a master at sweet-talking, perfectly catering to Lilian''s delicate sensibilities.


    Lilian leaned into his embrace, her tone uettish she yfully scolded him "On one condition-you have to fire that secretary."


    "Done," Harry agreed without hesitation. "I''ll let her go tomorrow."


    Then, without warning, he scooped Lilian into his arms.


    Her body went weak, and a blush crept up her cheeks. "Didn''t you just say you were tired?"


    The silk of her nightgown shifted, revealing thece lingerie underneath. Harry''s grin turned wicked. "With you looking this irresistible, who could be tired?"


    Lilian lightly pped his chest. "You''re terrible."


    Harryughed, unabashed. "But you like it, don''t you?"


    The next day, Wendy was in her apartment when Lilian called.


    Lilian''s voice was unusually warm and motherly. "Wendy, I was wrong at the hospital. I''ve prepared all your favorite dishes. Come home for dinner."


    In the kitchen, Cecelia poked her head out. "Don''t go! She''s just Harry''sp dog.


    At her age, she''s still acting like a lovesick fool. She''s beyond saving."


    Wendy''s tone was indifferent. "I''m busy." She wanted to hang up.


    But Lilian quickly added, "Wendy, your father buried a bottle of wine when you were born, meant to be opened when you grew up. I''ve dug it up. Come home."


    Wendy''s longshes trembled slightly. Lilian always knew how to hit her weak spots.


    Soon, she arrived at the Crone family vi. Harry and Jessica weren''t home, and Lilian had indeed prepared an borate meal. On the table sat the bottle of wine, with the words ''For my Wendy'' clumsily written in her father''s handwriting.


    Wendy''s father hadn''t been well-educated, but was a self-made man. Unlike Harry, who had been a university graduate in his time, her father''s life had been built on grit and determination.


    Wendy traced her fingers over the words ''For my Wendy'' on thebel. She had once had a happy childhood; her father had loved young Wendy dearly.


    Lilian seemed to be in high spirits, her face glowing with vitality. She opened the wine and poured two sses, one for herself and one for Wendy. "Wendy, let''s toast."


    Wendy nced at her and asked coolly, "How did my father really die?"


    The question made Lilian''s hand tremble, nearly spilling her drink.


    She averted her gaze. "Wendy, he... He died of illness. I''ve told you before, but you wouldn''t understand. You''re not a doctor!"


    Wendy chuckled coldly and emptied her ss in one go. She would find out the truth about her father''s death.


    Setting down the empty ss, Wendy stood. "I have things to do. I''m leaving." As she proceeded to leave, Ted appeared.


    Wendy frowned. "Who are you?"


    Ted, middle-aged and outwardly gentlemanly, scanned Wendy with a lecherous gaze. His grin was slimy and overtly suggestive.


    Lilian put down her drink. "Wendy, this is Dr. Whalen from the naturopathy center. He can convince Dr. Cen to treat Jessica."


    Wendy studied him, her lips curling into a cold smile. "And?"


    Lilian dropped the pretense of motherly affection. "Wendy, sleep with Dr. Whalen, and Jessica will be saved."


    Her mother was asking her to sleep with a man to save her half-sister-so that was why she had been invited back.


    Wendy suddenly felt a burning heat spread through her body. Something wasn''t right.


    She nced at the wine bottle. Lilian had drugged it.


    Wendy''s eyes turned red with unshed tears. Disappointment filled her gaze as she looked at Lilian.


    What had she done to deserve this? Why was she never loved?


    Lilian avoided Wendy''s eyes and turned to Ted. "Dr. Whalen, she''s all yours."


    Ted''s excitement was palpable as he lunged toward Wendy. "Come on, gorgeous! Let''s see if you''re as wild in bed as you look!"


    Lilian left the room.


    The moment she was gone, Ted copsed to the floor, unconscious from a dose of drug.


    However, Wendy wasn''t doing well either. The drug was potent, and she felt as if she were burning from the inside out.


    She reached for the silver needles she always carried, only to realize they weren''t on her. She must have left them at her old vi.


    With no other choice, Wendy rushed back to the vi. Ever since she had moved out with her suitcase, she hadn''t returned. She searched the master bedroom for the needles but couldn''t find them. Mathilda must have thrown them out while cleaning.


    The effects of the wine intensified, making her head spin. She tried to hold onto her rationality, but the heat overwhelmed her.


    Just then, steady footsteps echoed outside the door.


    Someone was back.


    Could it be Stanley?


    Wendy''s eyes lit up as the door opened.


    A searing body flung itself into Stanley''s arms.

 Chapter 11

    Stanley caught Wendy in his arms as she stumbled into him. His sharp gaze flickered down at her, displeasure evident in his tone. "Wendy, what are you doing back here?"


    Wendy hadn''t expected him toe home. He was dressed in a sleek ck suit, tailored perfectly to his tall frame, still carrying the crisp chill of the winter night on the expensive fabric.


    She instinctively leaned closer, seeking sce in his cool,posed presence.


    "Stanley, help me..." she whispered, her voice trembling.


    Before she could say more, Stanley pushed her back gently but firmly, his brows furrowing. "What''s wrong with you?"


    Wendy hesitated, biting her lip. She couldn''t believe she had almost begged him for help. "I''ve been drugged," she admitted softly.


    ''Drugged?''


    Stanley''s expression darkened. This woman was always in trouble.


    "Wait here," hemanded.


    Striding to the window, he pulled out his phone and made a call. His tall figure was framed by the night sky, one hand loosening his tie with effortless elegance. The loosened knot, paired with his cold demeanor, gave him an irresistible, rebellious charm.


    Wendy didn''t dare to look at him any longer.


    Benny soon picked up the call. "Stanley! What''s up?"


    "I have a question. What do I do when a woman is drugged?"


    Bennyughed excitedly as if he''d just heard some gossip. "Is Jessica in trouble?


    If so, you know what to do-step in and save the day!"


    "Say something helpful," Stanley uttered.


    "Fine, fine. If a woman''s been drugged, she should take a cold shower. It''s rough, but it works. Otherwise, well... It could get serious."


    Stanley ended the call and turned to Wendy. "Can you manage a cold shower?"


    Wendy nodded weakly, her face flushed. "I can try."


    Without saying another word, she hurried to the bathroom.


    Stanley removed his jacket, draping it over a chair. Just as he began to roll up his sleeves, a sharp cry came from the bathroom.


    "Ahh!"


    His jaw tightened in irritation as he strode to the door. "What now?"


    Inside, Wendy stood under the shower, her thin camisole clinging to her slender frame. Her delicate shoulders and corbone glistened under the bathroom light. The shower wasn''t turned on yet. She was touching her forehead with a pained look in her eyes.


    "I hit my head," she whimpered, tears threatening to spill.


    Stanley''s eyes narrowed as he stepped closer. After pulling her hand away, he saw the red mark on her forehead.


    "You''re unbelievable," he muttered.


    "I''m not stupid," she retorted weakly. "I''m dizzy..."


    "Stand still."


    ''What?''


    Before she could react, Stanley turned on the shower.


    Ice-cold water poured down, drenching Wendy instantly. She gasped, instinctively throwing herself against him.


    "It''s too cold! I can''t!" she protested, trembling. Her body pressed tightly against him, soaking his white shirt and ck cks.


    He had no choice but to back away from her. The two stood under the cold shower together.


    Wendy felt very warm. She was like a fish out of water and desperately needed moisture. She began to fidget, her hands brushing against his waist.


    Stanley was a normal guy, and he tensed up immediately.


    "Wendy, what are you doing with your hands?"


    Her eyes sparkled mischievously. "Six-pack abs," she murmured with wonder in her voice.


    Stanley was speechless.


    Her gaze lifted to his face. "So handsome too," she uttered while admiring his good looks.


    Stanley reached out and directly pushed Wendy against the cold wall. He gulped before issuing a warning in a slightly hoarse voice, "Behave yourself!"


    Wendy smiled. "Wow, so strong. I like it."


    Stanley grabbed the showerhead and aimed it at her flushed face to help her sober up.


    "Ahh!" Wendy protested, struggling to bat his hand away. "Stanley, if Jessica were the one drugged, would you have helped her?"


    Stanley froze. "What?"


    Wendy''s longshes, damp with mist, trembled stubbornly. "Because it''s me,


    you''re making me take a cold shower. None of you like me!"


    Stanley noticed her eyes were red, as if she''d been crying earlier.


    Suddenly, Wendy lunged forward and bit his Adam''s apple.


    Stanley hadn''t expected this. The throat was one of a man''s most vulnerable and sensitive areas. Her sharp teeth sank in hard, and his narrow eyes instantly filled with bloodshot intensity. Even his lower back tingled.


    ''This damn woman!''


    Stanley wrapped his arm around her waist. It was so soft, like a willow bending in the wind, fragile enough to break with one snap. Her waist was slim-barely 20 inches. His thumb and forefinger could nearly encircle it.


    With her slender legs and narrow waist, Stanley realized she was gorgeous.


    His breath grew unsteady. He grabbed her face, prying her off. Her blushing, palm-sized face fit entirely in his hand. Frustrated, he gripped her and cursed, "Do you love biting things?"


    Wendy had little rationality left. The alcohol,bined with the effects of the drug, was making her weak.


    Her eyes shimmered with tears, and it looked like she might cry.


    Stanley froze and immediately withdrew his hand.


    But Wendy clung to him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to bite you. Does it hurt?"


    Before he could answer, Stanley felt something soft on his throat-she kissed him.


    A flicker of light danced in Stanley''s eyes.


    Her kisses moved upward,nding on his neck and leaving red marks along his strong jawline.


    The little beast that had just bared her teeth now behaved like a gentle kitten, snuggling in his arms and kissing him all over.


    "Have you and Jessica done it before?" Wendy asked.


    Stanley''s eyes darkened.


    She stood on tiptoe, her glistening eyes fixed on his thin lips. "Stanley, I''ve been


    drugged. I''m still your wife. Won''t you help me?"


    Stanley''srge hand gripped her slender waist. Her delicate, vase-like figure made him want to hold her tighter.


    Wendy slowly leaned in, her lips moving closer to his.


    Stanley didn''t pull away.


    The two grew closer and closer, their lips about to meet.


    At that moment, a melodic ringtone interrupted them-a phone call.


    Stanley pulled his phone out of his pocket, and the screen disyed two words.


    ''Jessica Crone.''


    Jessica was calling.

 Chapter 12

    Upon seeing the name ''Jessica'' on the screen, Stanley came to his senses.


    He was in disarray, his clothes half-wet, marks from Wendy''s kisses all over him, and his breathing uneven. Just moments ago, he had been aroused.


    He was actually aroused by Wendy!


    Stanley didn''t like Wendy. He attributed everything to the fact that he was just a man who couldn''t resist the temptation of a stunning woman.


    Pressing the button, Stanley answered the call. He felt guilty toward Jessica-so guilty that his voice carried an unusual softness. "Jessica."


    From Jessica''s end came the sound of heavy metal music. Her voice was sweet as she said, "Stanley, I''m at a bar right now."


    "No drinking. Have your assistant get you some milk," Stanley said.


    "Got it. My assistant always listens to you. Stanley,e join us. I''m waiting for you," Jessica responded.


    Stanley turned to leave.


    But just then, a small hand reached out and grabbed his sleeve.


    He turned around to see Wendy,pletely drenched. Her wet dress clung to her body, entuating her curves. Her eyes were red, and she clung to him with all her strength, refusing to let go.


    Stanley moved slightly, trying to pull his sleeve free from her grip. But Wendy stubbornly held on, her reddened eyes fixed on him.


    Stanley opened his mouth to speak, but Wendy suddenly lunged at him, wrapping her arms around him. Leaning close to his ear, she whispered, "Don''t go, I''m begging you."


    Yearster, though Wendy had grown up, she realized she was still afraid of being abandoned. She was afraid of standing alone on a bustling street.


    Stanley had no choice. From the phone, Jessica''s voice could be heard again. "Stanley, are you listening? Come here now."


    Wendy stood on tiptoes and called out, "Big Brother!"


    ''Big Brother!''


    That title was exclusively tied to the girl from years ago.


    But wasn''t that girl Jessica?


    Stanley''s expression abruptly changed. "Jessica, something urgent hase up. I can''t make it."


    Ending the call, Stanley pushed Wendy against the wall. His gaze was dark and piercing. "Who told you to call me ''Big Brother''? Wendy, who exactly are you?"


    Wendy clung to his neck and kissed his lips. Her soft, rosy lips pressed against his, exuding a sweet fragrance. It was a clumsy attempt at seduction.


    Stanley didn''t close his eyes but simply looked at her. She didn''t close hers either, her watery, expressive eyes staring back at him.


    Stanley suddenly realized Wendy''s eyes looked strikingly like those of the girl from years ago.


    Wendy kissed him for a while. Seeing no reaction from him, she pulled back, deciding to let it go.


    She turned to leave.


    Just then, Stanley tightened his grip, pulling her slender body firmly into his embrace. His overpowering presence enveloped her as he lowered his head and kissed her deeply.


    -


    At the bar, Jessica sat at the counter with her assistant.


    "Jessica, isn''t Mr. Hawking tonight?" her assistant asked.


    Jessica grew suspicious. Something felt off during the earlier call, as though someone was with Stanley.


    She immediately called Benny. "Benny, are you with Stanley tonight?"


    "No," Benny replied, "but Stanley did call me. It sounded like some woman had been drugged."


    Benny suddenly thought of something. "Jessica, could Wendy be the one drugged?"


    Stanley didn''t have much of a personal life, with only Jessica in the picture before.


    Now that Wendy was around, it wasn''t hard to guess.


    Jessica clenched her fists in anger. ''So Stanley was with Wendy!''


    But soon, she smiled and turned to her assistant. "Get me some drugs."


    "What kind of drugs?" the assistant asked.


    Jessica smiled as she yfully uttered, "Aphrodisiac."


    In the vi''s bathroom, Wendy was kissed so thoroughly that her legs gave out,


    and she started to sink to the floor.


    Stanley''s strong arms wrapped around her waist, holding her upright.


    Wendy''s cheeks were flushed red when the sound of a ringtone broke the moment. Stanley had an iing video call.


    It was from Jessica.


    Stanley nced at Wendy before answering the call.


    Jessica was seated at the bar, a drink in front of her, smiling. "Stanley, is Wendy with you? Did she get drugged?"


    Stanley didn''t respond.


    Jessica pulled out a packet of powder and poured it into her drink, downing it in one gulp.


    Stanley frowned. "Jessica, what did you just drink?"


    "Aphrodisiac," Jessica replied with a dazzling smile.


    Wendy''s eyshes trembled. She hadn''t expected Jessica to drug herself.


    Stanley''s handsome face darkened. "Jessica!"


    Just then, a tall, handsome man approached Jessica and struck up a


    conversation. "Hi, beautiful. Can I buy you a drink?"


    Jessica pointed at her phone. "This is my boyfriend, but if he doesn''t get here in thirty minutes, I''m all yours tonight."


    The man raised an eyebrow.


    Stanley''s voice turned icy. "Jessica, what are you doing?"


    Jessica''s expression was vibrant, her tone spoiled and domineering. "Stanley,


    tonight you can only choose one-me or Wendy."


    With that, Jessica ended the call.


    Stanley''s grip on his phone tightened, the veins on his hand bulging as fury burned in his eyes.


    ''Stanley, you can only have one woman.''


    ''Mom, you can only have one daughter.''


    The eerily simr words echoed like a curse in Wendy''s ears, leaving her frozen in


    ce.


    The warmth of Stanley''s presence was gone as he stepped away. Looking up, Wendy saw him changing out of his damp clothes into a fresh shirt and trousers at lightning speed.


    Stanley returned, his dark gazending on her. "What''s your type?"


    "What?" Wendy was momentarily confused.


    Stanley continued, "I''ll find you a man-or two, if you''d prefer."

 My Dad Please Come 13

    Wendy heard a buzzing noise. Did Stanley just suggest finding her a man or two?


    He had made his choice.!


    Without hesitation, he had chosen Jessica.


    It felt like a de had pierced Wendy''s heart, twisting deeper and shredding her to pieces. Trembling, she struggled to regain her


    voice.


    "Stanley, I''m still...your wife..."


    Stanley, now immacte in a ck shirt and matching trousers, had reverted to his usualposed and aloof demeanor, as if the chaos of moments before had never happened. His voice was cold and detached as he extended something to her.


    "This is for you," he said.


    Wendy nced down. It was an eight-figure check.


    Above her, his maic, unfeeling voice could be heard. "Wendy, this is your divorce settlement. Let''s end this."


    Stanley ced the check on the bathroom counter and strode out, leaving Wendy frozen in ce.


    He was going to Jessica.


    Just like her mother had done years ago.


    Wendy''s eyes turned red, tears welling up until they spilled over. Once again, she had been abandoned. No matter how much she tried to hold on-whether it was


    her mother or Stanley-they gave all their love to Jessica.


    No matter how hard she tried, it was never enough.


    Soon, voices came from outside.


    One of Stanley''s men had arrived, speaking with Mathilda. "Mr. Hawk sent me.


    I''m here to see Mrs. Hawk. Where is she?".


    "She''s in the bedroom. Follow me," Mathilda replied.


    Their footsteps approached.


    Panic-stricken, Wendy turned pale. She couldn''t believe Stanley''s efficiency-he''d already sent a man.


    The irony stung.


    Thud. Thud. Thud.


    The footsteps were just outside the door now.


    +20 Bonus


    Wendy acted fast and opened the window. It was the second floor, but she didn''t hesitate. After climbing out, she jumped.


    Shended hard on thewn below, feeling sharp pain in her ankle. It hurt so much, it felt unbearable. Ignoring her disheveled


    state, she fumbled for her phone and dialed Cecelia.


    The call connected, and Cecelia''s voice came through. "Wendy? It''ste. Where are you? Having fun somewhere?"


    Hearing Cecelia''s voice broke Wendy''s fragileposure. Tears she''d been holding back streamed down her face, one after


    another, hot and bitter.


    At 1996 Bar, Jessica sat at the counter, her beautiful face flushed from the drug''s effects, making her even more alluring..


    The tall man beside her, unable to resist her charm, draped an arm over her shoulder. "Hey, gorgeous. Thirty minutes are almost up. Looks like your boyfriend isn''ting. Guess that means you''re mine tonight."


    Jessica ignored him, her attention on the timer on her phone.


    "Rx," she said. "There''s still five seconds left. He''ll be here. Five, four, three, two, one..."


    The moment she said "one," the weight on her shoulder vanished.


    The man''s hand had been seized by another-a strong, calloused hand with defined knuckles. With a swift twist, there was a sickening crack.


    "Ahh!" the tall man screamed as his wrist fractured.


    Jessica turned around to see Stanley.


    He was here.


    Stanley''s broad shoulders carried the chill of the night air, his presence sharp and imposing. Without so much as a nce at the man writhing in pain, he shoved him aside with enough force to send him crashing into the bar.


    The man let out another cry of agony.


    Jessica stood, a radiant smile spreading across her face. She wrapped her arm around Stanley''s, beaming sweetly.


    "I told you," she said brightly. "My boyfriend woulde for


    me."

 My Dad Please Come 14

    Between Jessica and Wendy, Stanley would always choose Jessica.


    Wendy was never her match.


    Stanley cast a cold nce at the man before him, his thin lips spitting out a single icy word, "Leave."


    Terrified, the man fled without daring to look back.


    Stanley''s sharp gaze lowered to Jessica, and he pulled his arm free from her grasp. "Jessica, have you had enough of this


    nonsense?"


    Jessica stiffened, her expression freezing. "Are you scolding me? If I hadn''t caused a scene, you''d be in bed with Wendy right


    now!"


    Stanley remained expressionless. "So you drugged yourself?"


    Jessica, long spoiled by Stanley, lifted her chin haughtily. "Yes, Stanley. If you dare touch Wendy, I''ll make sure another man


    touches me!"


    Stanley''s face darkened, his mood oppressive enough to chill the air. Without another word, he turned and walked away.


    He left.


    He didn''t even try to coax her.


    As Stanley strode through the bar, his striking good looks andmanding presence drew every woman''s gaze. They ogled him,


    their desire in on their faces.


    Jessica, ever the strategist, wouldn''t give Wendy-or any of these women-the chance.


    The proud princess immediately swallowed her pride and lunged forward, wrapping her arms around Stanley''s lean waist from behind. "Stanley, don''t go." Stanley paused.


    Jessica clung to him tightly, her red lips pouting as she whimpered, "Stanley, I''m sorry. It''s just... I love you so much. I can''t bear the thought of you touching another woman."


    As she spoke, she nuzzled her face into his back. "Stanley, I feel so dizzy."


    Stanley stood silently for a moment before turning around. Without a word, he scooped Jessica into his arms.


    Her delicate frame rested effortlessly in his strong embrace, drawing countless envious stares from those around them. Jessica looped her arms around his neck, her lips curling into a victorious smile.


    +20 Bonus


    and


    Thirty minutester, Stanley carried Jessica into Saville Vi.


    Unlike the marital home he shared with Wendy at Imperial Garden, this vi was where Stanley lived alone. Its ck, white, gray palette exuded understated luxury, every inch reflecting wealth and luxury.


    Inside the master bedroom, Stanleyid Jessica on the soft, plush bed.


    As he turned to leave, Jessica wrapped her arms around his neck. "Stanley, are you still mad at me?"


    Stanley reached for her hand, intending to remove it.


    But Jessica leaned in close, her delicate face inches from his. In a soft, sweet voice, she cooed, "Big Brother!"


    The words froze Stanley in his tracks.


    For a moment, an image of Wendy shed through his mind. Had Wendy ever called him ''Big Brother''?


    No, it must have been his imagination. Wendy wouldn''t call him that. This term of endearment belonged solely to Jessica.


    cing both hands on either side of her, Stanley leaned closer and said gently, "Don''t do this again."


    Jessica knew he couldn''t resist her calling him ''Big Brother.''


    It was her secret weapon-the one thing that let her push boundaries and still have Stanley indulge her.


    Suddenly, Stanley asked, "Jessica, where''s the jade pendant I gave you back then?"


    Jessica''s eyes flickered.


    The pendant wasn''t with her. It was somewhere else.


    She couldn''t let him find out. She had to retrieve it first.


    "I left it at home," she said quickly, changing the subject.


    Jessica tightened her hold on his neck, pulling him closer. Their lips were nearly touching, the atmosphere charged with an intimate tension. Her voice turned sultry. "Stanley, I''ve been drugged."


    Stanley''s gaze briefly shifted to her flushed lips. "And?"


    "You''re my cure."


    With that, she leaned in to kiss him.

 My Dad Please Come 15

    Stanley''s mind wandered back to Wendy''s delicate face, her soft lips fragrant and


    inviting. He had kissed her not long ago, and


    the memory of that tender moment lingered.


    As Jessica leaned in for a kiss, Stanley turned his head to avoid her.


    Jessica missed her mark and pouted. "Why are you avoiding me?"


    Stanley couldn''t understand it himself. Jessica was the one he liked. A kiss between lovers was natural. He didn''t like Wendy..


    But he had just kissed Wendy. The sensation of her lips was still vivid in his memory. As someone with an obsessive cleanliness disorder, the idea of moving seamlessly from one woman to another left him physically ufortable-almost repulsed. It felt


    unclean.


    Just then, there was a knock on the door.


    Zayn''s voice came from outside. "Sir, the antidote is here."


    Antidote?


    Jessica froze. She had drugged herself, and Stanley had gone to fetch an antidote?


    Stanley removed Jessica''s hands from his neck and stood up. Furious, Jessica grabbed a pillow and hurled it at his face.


    "Stanley, are you even a man?"


    She had practically gift-wrapped herself for him, even gone so far as to drug herself to entice him. Yet, he still wouldn''t touch


    her.


    The pillow fell to the carpet after hitting Stanley''s face. He nced at her expressionlessly. "Get some rest."


    With that, he strode out of the room.


    Jessica sat there silently, seething.


    Stanley entered the study, his tall frame standing by the floor-to-ceiling window. A momentter, Zayn stepped in. "Sir, Jessica


    has taken the antidote."


    Stanley didn''t turn around. "What about the antidote for Imperial Garden?"


    "I sent an assistant to deliver it, but when he entered the room, It was empty. Mrs. Hawk had already left," Zayn replied.


    Stanley turned slightly, his brows furrowing. "Where did Wendy go?"


    What Wendy didn''t know was that the man who came to her room was sent by Stanley to bring her the antidote.


    +20 Bonus


    Zayn hesitated. "Sir, someone picked her up."


    ''Picked up?'' Stanley wondered.


    She had taken such a potent drug. Who had taken her away?


    His frown deepened. "Was it a man or a woman?¡±


    Zayn hesitated again. "That..."


    Stanley cut him off. "Forget it. I don''t want to know."


    What did it matter whether it was a man or a woman? He didn''t like Wendy. Plus,


    they were getting a divorce. It was none of his.


    business.


    Stanley dismissed him. "You may leave."


    "Yes, sir." Zayn exited.


    Stanley stood alone by the window, his long, clean fingers tugging at the buttons on his shirt. As he caught his reflection in the


    polished ss, he noticed a faint bite mark on his Adam''s apple-delicate and unmistakably left by Wendy.


    His mind wandered back to Imperial Garden, where Wendy had lunged at him,


    biting his Adam''s apple, then curling up against


    him like a kitten, kissing him there and everywhere.


    Stanley closed his eyes, irritation appearing on his handsome face. Ever since the intimate moment in the bathroom, he had


    found his thoughts drifting back to her more than once.


    But it had been a fluke.


    The desire he had felt for her was a mistake.


    When Stanley reopened his eyes, they were as cold and indifferent as ever, the earlier emotions buried beneath a steely calmness.


    The next morning, Wendy sat in a rattan chair while she quietly read a book. Cecelia paced the room, fuming.


    "A donkey must''ve kicked Stanley in the head! Ignoring his wife to chase after Jessica? And that Jessica-ugh, I''ve seen enough homewreckers, but to drug herself? She''s the lowest of the low!"


    Cecelia was genuinely enraged. The night before, when she arrived to pick Wendy up, she found Wendy sitting on the ground; hugging her knees. When Wendy lifted her head, her face was streaked with tears, looking just like an abandoned stray cat with


    nowhere to go.

 My Dad Please Come 16

    Wendy was amused. Cecelia hadn''t stopped cursing at Stanley and Jessica sincest night. Her willpower was truly astonishing.


    In reality, Wendy had long learned how to heal herself amid breakdowns.


    Wendy unwrapped arge candy and put it in her mouth. The sweetness that filled her mouth brought a smile to her face. "Cecelia, take a break. Right now, let''s just focus on settling scores. It''s an eye for an eye."


    Cecelia knew Wendy was going to teach these people a lesson. Wendy was very capable.


    However, Cecelia couldn''t help feeling sorry for her. Every time Wendy broke down and had to get back up again, it must''ve hurt.


    At that moment, muffled sounds came from the storage room.


    Wendy put the book down and smiled slightly. "Let''s go. We''ll start with Dr. Whalen."


    Yesterday, Wendy drugged Ted and had him brought here.


    Wendy led Cecelia into the storage room, where Ted''s hands and feet were tied,


    and his mouth was gagged with a cloth. Seeing


    Wendy enter, he became agitated and began to struggle.


    Cecelia walked over and removed the cloth from Ted''s mouth.


    Ted looked at Wendy and cursed. "How dare you drug me? Do you know who I


    am? I know Dr. Cen! Your mother has begged me


    before. What do you think you''re doing, you country bumpkin?! You should consider yourself lucky that I would even look at you.


    If you''re smart, you''ll just lie beneath me and be my ything!"


    Cecelia rolled up her sleeves and was about to p him, but Wendy stopped her.


    Wendy walked up to Ted and looked down at him. "You say you know Dr. Cen?"


    Ted''s face was full of arrogance and pride. "Have you ever heard of Dr. Cen? Let me tell you, Dr. Cen is a medical genius,


    miracle worker! Someone like you, a bumpkin, would never have the chance to meet her. But I''m different, I know Dr. Cen!"


    Wendy raised an eyebrow, a faint smile appearing on her face. "You say you know Dr. Cen? How can you prove it?"


    Ted proudly dered, "I have Dr. Cen''s phone number. I''ll call her right now, in front of you."


    Wendy nodded. "Alright, go ahead."


    Cecelia untied the ropes on Ted.


    Ted stood up and took out his phone from his pocket. He really did have Dr. Cen''s phone number. That day, when Dr. Cen


    was performing Jessica''s surgery, he had snuck into the director''s office and saw her phone number.


    He grinned proudly. "I''ll call her now, and you''ll see just how powerful I am!"


    With that, Ted dialed Dr. Cen''s number.


    The phone rang melodiously, and then was answered in a calm and unhurried manner. The call connected.


    +20 Bonus


    Ted''s face flushed with excitement. He immediately put on a ttering expression and said, "Hello, Dr. Cen, this is Ted from the naturopathy center. I''ve admired you for a long time. I wonder if I could have the honor of meeting you in person?" Soon, a pleasant voice came from the other end of the phone. "Turn around." "Turn around? What did that mean? Wait, no...."


    That voice seemed to being from behind him. Ted held onto his phone and slowly turned around


    Wendy was standing right behind him, holding her phone. She winked yfully and smiled faintly, as if amused. "Dr. Whalen,


    congrattions. Now you really know Dr. Cen."


    Ted froze, his face pale, staring in disbelief at Wendy, who was standing in front of him.


    Wendy, dressed in a long gown, with the hem elegantly falling around her delicate ankles, smiled lightly as she looked at him


    with interest, as if observing a clown jumping around in front of her.


    Ted''s legs buckled, and with a loud thud, he fell to his knees in front of Wendy.


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 My Dad Please Come 17

    In the living room at the Crone family vi, Harry sat on the sofa and looked at Lilian. ¡°Lilian, are you sure Dr. Cen will treat


    Jessica?"


    Lilian smirked. Yesterday, Wendy, under the influence of the drug, left with Dr. Whalen. The two of them must have ignited a passionate me during the short hours of the night. As long as Dr. Whalen got what he wanted, he would surely introduce Dr.


    Cen to treat Jessica.


    Lilian smiled. "Don''t worry. Dr. Whalen will bring good news shortly."


    With that, she sat on Harry''sp. Harry, the CEO of hispany, exuded the charm and authority of a middle-aged man. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she said coquettishly, "Honey, I was the one who brought Dr. Cen here. How are your nning to reward me?"


    Harry pinched her nose gently. "Didn''t I already reward youst night? Didn''t it satisfy you?"


    Lilian rolled her eyes yfully and pulled out a bottle of contraceptive pills. "Honey, I don''t want to take these anymore. I want to get pregnant and give you a son."


    Harry''s expression changed.


    In all these years of marriage, Lilian had never gotten pregnant because Harry didn''t want her to. She had been taking these pills


    for years.


    Lilian knew Jessica was Harry''s precious daughter, someone he would do anything for. After all, Jessica was born of that woman.


    But...


    Lilian concealed the strange glint in her eyes and hugged Harry, acting spoiled. "Honey, Jessica is all grown up now and will soon


    be Mrs. Hawk Let''s have a son together."


    Harry didn''t respond.


    At that moment, the sound of footsteps echoed through the hallway. Ted had arrived.


    Lilian''s eyes lit up as she immediately got off Harry''sp. She knew that once Dr. Cen agreed to treat Jessica, she could discuss


    having a son with Harry.


    Smiling brightly, she greeted, "Dr. Whalen, you''re here. Did Wendy satisfy youst night?"


    Lilian was too delighted to notice the unease on Ted''s face.


    Ted''s eyelids twitched. "Yes, very much."


    Lilian beamed. "In that case, you can arrange for Dr. Cen to treat Jessica, can''t you?"


    Harry also stood up, looking at Ted with hope in his eyes. "Dr. Whalen, as long as Dr. Cen agrees to treat Jessica, I''ll reward you


    +20 Bonus


    handsomely."


    Ted nced at Lilian. "Mrs. Crone, I''m here today to deliver a message from Dr. Cen."


    "What is it?"


    Both Harry and Lilian tensed up.


    "Dr. Cen asked me to tell you to stop wasting your efforts. Jessica will never receive the treatment she deserves," Ted replied.


    "What?"


    Lilian''s expression changed drastically. "Dr. Whalen, you...must be mistaken, right?"


    Harry turned to Lilian, his gaze icy. "Lilian, is this the result of your great efforts? Dr. Cen cklisted Jessica?"


    "Darling, I don''t know how things turned out this way! Please, let me exin..."


    Lilian tried to grab Harry''s sleeve, but he pushed her away forcefully. She staggered back, hitting the wall with a loud thud.


    Bang!


    Her forehead mmed against the wall, leaving a bruise on it. Lilian winced, tears streaming from the pain.


    "Honey..."


    Harry''s gaze fell on the contraceptive pills on the coffee table. "You''re right. You don''t need to take these anymore because you


    won''t have another chance."


    With that, he strode out of the room.


    Lilian''s face turned ashen. "Honey!"


    She grabbed Ted by the arm.


    "Dr. Whalen, what''s going on here?! Didn''t we agree that I''d send Wendy to your


    bed, and you''d help me arrange for Dr. Cen''s


    treatment? How did this happen..."


    Her voice f


    faltered when she noticed a slender and elegant figure standing by the doorway- Wendy had arrived.


    0

 My Dad Please Come 18

    Wendy had been standing there for who knew how long, her clear, bright eyes silently observing Lilian''s panic and embarrassment.


    Lilian froze on the spot.


    Ted quickly hurried over to Wendy, bending at the waist with a servile smile. "Ms. Crone."


    Wendy pulled out a pen and casually tossed it into the outdoor pool. "Dr. Whalen, I dropped my pen."


    "Ms. Crone, I''ll retrieve it for you immediately!"


    Ted dashed outside, not caring about the chillyte-autumn water. Without hesitation, he jumped straight into the pool.


    Lilian walked over, staring at the scene in disbelief.


    Momentster, Ted surfaced, dripping wet, holding the pen in his hand like a


    prized treasure. He looked at Wendy with an


    ingratiating smile. "Ms. Crone, I''ve got your pen!"


    Lilian watched Wendy as if looking at something otherworldly.


    Wendy smirked. "What''s wrong? Don''t recognize me?"


    Lilian struggled to process what was happening. She couldn''t understand what Wendy had done to Ted to make him so obedient


    like a trained dog.


    "Honestly," Wendy continued, "I''ve never understood why you treat me this way. What more could you possibly want? You took


    my father''s house, seized hispany, abandoned his beloved daughter, and even tainted the wine he cherished most and left


    for me."


    With that, Wendy stepped closer to Lilian, standing right by her side.


    "Today was just a small warning. Let me reintroduce myself-I''m no longer the Wendy you used to know. Next time, it would be


    best if you didn''t provoke me."


    Lilian stared at Wendy in horror. Wendy''s once bright, watery eyes now carried a coldness devoid of warmth. They were dark, deep, and foreboding, like a dangerous, mysterious abyss that sent chills down her spine.


    Paralyzed with fear, Lilian couldn''t respond as Wendy turned and walked away.


    Outside, Wendy stepped onto thewn just as a Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up. Stanley had returned to drop Jessica off.


    Stanley wore a sharp ck suit, exuding his usual aura of elegance and power. Jessica, in a striking red gown, looked radiant and


    beautiful. Walking together, they appeared to be the perfect pair.


    Wendy stopped in her tracks. She thought she had healed, but the memory of Stanley abandoning herst night to find another man for her came flooding back. The heart she thought had just mended now felt as if it were slowly being torn apart again.


    +20 Bonus


    Behind her, Lilian''s voice rang out. "Jessica didn''te homest night. She stayed at Mr. Hawk''s private vi, West Court, and


    didn''t return until now."


    Wendy understood Lilian''s implication-Jessica and Stanley had spent the night together.


    His private residence, Saville Vi, was a ce Wendy had never set foot in. She didn''t have the right.


    Her chest clenched with pain.


    Lilian chuckled. "Wendy, it''s such a pity. Mr. Hawk doesn''t love you. So what if you ruined things with Dr. Whalen this time? For Jessica, Mr. Hawk will undoubtedly get Dr. Cen to treat her!"


    Lilian spoke with absolute certainty.


    Wendy nced at her briefly. ''Oh, really?"


    Well, she looked forward to seeing that.


    At that moment, Stanley and Jessica were walking toward her. Jessica looked


    surprised. "Wendy, what are you doing here?"


    Wendy looked up, her gaze meeting Stanley''s


    Stanley hadn''t expected to see her there. It was their first encounter sincest night. He stopped in his tracks.


    Jessica clung to Stanley''s arm, shing a smug smile. "Wendy, Stanley chose me over youst night. You''re not mad, are you?"


    Lilian stood beside Jessica, both of them clearly enjoying the moment, waiting to see her humiliated.


    Wendy straightened her back and slowly smiled. "You''re overthinking it. A man who kisses so poorly isn''t worth getting angry


    §à§é§Ö§ä.


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 My Dad Please Come 19

    Jessica and Lilian''s expressions instantly changed.


    Wendy turned to Jessica, feigning surprise. "Oh, no! Don''t tell me Mr. Hawk didn''t mention he kissed mest night?"


    She pretended to recall thoughtfully. "Last night, when Mr. Hawk kissed me, it was so clumsy and rushed,pletelycking any


    skill. Honestly, I started to doubt if he even knew how to kiss."


    Jessica looked at Stanley in shock. Had he kissed Wendy?


    Stanley''s handsome face turned ice-cold in an instant. It was unclear whether it was because Wendy had deliberately told Jessica


    about their kiss, or because she publicly criticized his kissing skills. Either way, his sharp eyes darkened and fixed on Wendy with


    a chilling intensity.


    "Wendy!" he called her name, displeased.


    Wendy sneered. ''Oh?''


    Was he upset just because she said something about Jessica?


    Her clear, piercing eyesnded on Stanley''s face. "Why are you yelling? With


    kissing skills that bad, I don''t even want to spend.


    another minute with you. Let''s get divorced!"


    Everyone was speechless.


    Had Wendypletely lost her mind today?


    Stanley frowned deeply. "Fine. Let''s divorce right now!"


    Wendy was now


    ow seated in the back of Stanley''s Rolls-Royce Phantom, while he drove up front. They were heading to the


    courthouse.


    The luxurious, silent car was steeped in tension. Neither of them spoke.


    Stanley''srge, watch-adorned hand rested on the steering wheel as he executed


    a series of smooth, precise maneuvers- elerating, changingnes, and


    making turns seamlessly.


    "Who picked you upst night?" he suddenly asked.


    Last night...


    Those words tugged at Wendy''s nerves. "The man you sent wasn''t my type, so I went looking for someone else."


    "I found a man who''s great at kissing," she added deliberately.


    Stanley''s grip tightened on the steering wheel. He nced at her through the rearview mirror, his gaze sharp with warning.


    +20 Bonus


    "Wendy, are you bringing upst night''s kiss repeatedly because you can''t stop thinking about it?"


    Wendy was speechless.


    She met his gaze defiantly. "Looks like you''re the one who can''t stop thinking about it."


    Stanley remained silent.


    He regretted asking. He shouldn''t have brought it up.


    The atmosphere in the car turned oppressive, crackling with tension.


    Just then, a melodic ringtone broke the silence. It was a call. The screen showed


    it was from the Hawk family estate.


    Stanley pressed the button to answer.


    The butler''s voice came through. "Hello, Young Master. Your grandmother hasn''t been feeling well these past few days. She''s been asking for Mrs. Hawk and insists on seeing her. You should bring her home as soon as possible."


    Stanley frowned. ''Grandma wants to see Wendy... Just when I''m on my way to divorce her?"


    Gripping the wheel, he changed direction and drove toward the family estate. Wendy immediately spoke up. "Where are you taking me?"


    Stanley''s face remained expressionless. "Grandma wants to see you. You''ll know what to do when we get there."


    Wendy found it ironic. "Act like we''re a loving couple? I can''t do that anymore."


    Stanley sneered. "Haven''t you always enjoyed putting on an act in front of Grandma?"


    A pang of guilt shot through Wendy''s heart. Glinda Hawk''s health had always been fragile. Back when Wendy used to visit the estate, Stanley was cold and distant toward her. She had been the one trying to maintain the facade of affection.


    It had all been her one-woman show.


    And now, he was mocking her for it.


    Thirty minutester, they arrived at the Hawk family estate. As Wendy walked


    across thewn, she happened to run into


    someoneing out of the estate-Sienna Hawk.

 My Dad Please Come 20

    Sienna, Stanley''s cousin, was particrly close to Jessica. When she spotted Wendy, her face immediately darkened with disdain.


    "Wendy, Stanley doesn''t like you, and yet here you are cozying up to Grandma again? Honestly, in our family, only Grandma cares about you! Do you even know your worth? A country bumpkin who stood in as a recement bride when Jessica wasn''t around, and now you actually think you''re the young madam of the Hawk family? You''re not worthy of Stanley! Just hurry up divorce him already!" she snarled.


    Wendy had grown used to it. Stanley''s family members, much like his friends, had always looked down on her.


    Without sparing Sienna a nce, Wendy walked straight into the estate.


    in and


    Glinda, with her silver hair neatlybed, lit up with joy as soon as she saw Wendy. She reached out and sped Wendy''s hand. "Wendy, why haven''t youe to visit me for so long? Don''t you miss me?"


    This was the only warmth Wendy had ever received in the Hawk family. Glinda genuinely adored her.


    Wendy smiled a little as she gently embraced Glinda, her tone yful. ¡°Oh, Grandma. Of course I''ve missed you."


    Glinda beamed with delight, her smile unable to fade.


    At that moment, Stanley''s tall,manding figure stepped into the room.


    Wendy released Glinda and said warmly, "Grandma, you haven''t had your herbal soup for a few days, have you? I''ll go prepare some for you."


    With that, she headed for the kitchen.


    Stanley took a seat next to Glinda. "Grandma."


    Glinda nced toward the kitchen where Wendy had disappeared. "Stanley, have you been quarreling with Wendy?"


    Stanley didn''t want to upset his grandmother, given her frail health. ¡°No.¡±


    "Then why did Wendy run off to the kitchen the moment you came in? She never used to do that."


    Glinda''s gaze turned serious.


    "Stanley, don''t let Jessica cloud your judgment. Three years ago, when you went into aa, Jessica left you without a second thought and went abroad. It was Wendy who married you and took care of you.


    "In those three years when you were in that condition, I was under immense stress and my health deteriorated. Wendy not only cared for you but also came to the estate to look after me, preparing all kinds of herbal soups. Without Wendy, the Hawk family would have fallen apart long ago."


    She held Stanley''s hand tightly.


    +20 Bonus


    "I''m hardly a poor judge of people. Wendy is a good girl. She''s devoted to you with all her heart. Never disappoint a woman like


    that, Stanley. Because once a woman''s heart is filled with disappointment, she''ll leave. And when she leaves, she won''t look back


    Stanley, don''t wait until you lose her to regret it."


    Stanley raised his eyes and looked toward the kitchen. Wendy''s silky, jet-ck


    hair was tied into a low ponytail, revealing her


    delicate face and slender neck. She was breathtakingly beautiful.


    The aroma of the herbal soup she was preparing soon wafted out of the kitchen. It was bittersweet, with a unique freshness.


    Stanley realized how familiar this scent was-it was the same aroma that had apanied him during those three years.


    Though he had been in aa, his consciousness had remained clear. He had been aware of a woman''s constant presence by his


    side.


    She had soft hands that touched every inch of his body with care.


    He had thought it was Jessica.


    But when he woke up, he saw Wendy. She had introduced herself as Wendy.


    Later that evening, Glinda insisted that Stanley and Wendy spend the night at the estate. The two had no choice but toply.


    When Stanley entered the room, Wendy was sitting with her back to him, holding a pen and writing something


    Her phone, resting on the table, yed a voice message from her best friend Cecelia.


    "Wendy, my dear, you''re about to get divorced. Stop acting like a housemaid for these people! Hurry ande out I''ve already


    set up a blind date for you."


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 My Dad Please Come 21

    ''A blind date?


    Stanley''s aura turned icy in an instant. He raised a hand to undo the top button of his shirt, his jaw tightening.


    20 Bonus


    Ding, ding, ding!


    Cecelia had sent several consecutive WhatsApp messages, apanied by voice notes that began ying automatically.


    voice filled the room.


    ally. Her


    "Wendy, check out this guy-eight-pack abs, a gym enthusiast. Do you like him? You could rest your head on his abs at night!


    "And this one-adorable, obedient, and shy. He looks like he''d be so much fun!


    "Oh, and this one, the gold-rimmed-sses business elite-cold and aloof, a total dreamboat! Should we ask him to get on his knees and sing a song for you?


    "Wendy, all these men are your personal harem. Pick whoever you like!"


    Stanley''s lips pressed into a thin, grim line. He truly hadn''t realized that Wendy had an entire lineup of potential suitors vying for


    her attention.


    Wendy picked up her phone and casually sent a voice message back. "Got it, I''ll be there soon."


    When she turned around, she came face-to-face with Stanley. She handed him a piece of paper.


    "Mr. Hawk, this is the recipe for Grandma''s herbal soup. Boil it over high heat for an hour every Tuesday, Thursday, and


    Saturday. Make sure she drinks it while it''s still warm."


    Stanley''s gaze dropped to the paper, realizing she had been writing the recipe earlier. Her handwriting was neat and elegant. She had listed various herbal ingredients.


    "You know medicine?" he asked.


    "Yes, I''ve studied a little," Wendy replied nonchntly.


    Stanley didn''t take the paper. "To be safe, I''ll have a doctor review it."


    Wendy wasn''t surprised by his reaction. She knew Stanley looked down on her, dismissing her as a nobody from the countryside. She could understand why- after all, Stanley was a man born with the world at his feet.


    Setting the recipe


    ipe on the table, Wendy picked up her bag. "I won''te back to the estate anymore. Find an appropriate time to


    inform Grandma about our divorce."


    With that, she turned to leave.


    Stanley grabbed her slender wrist before she could take another step. "It''ste. Where are you going?"


    Wendy stopped reluctantly, trying to pull her wrist free from his firm grasp. "Mr. Hawk, let go."


    +20 Bonus


    Stanley studied her cold and distant expression. She seemed utterly detached, a stark contrast tost night.


    Last night, she had been a temptress-clinging to him, looking at him with those watery, irresistible eyes, stealing kisses like a


    mischievous kitten.


    The same woman who had seduced him so boldly was now acting as if she wanted nothing to do with him.


    Stanley let out a coldugh. ¡°Sote at night, who are you meeting? The gym enthusiast with eight-pack abs? The shy guy? Or the aloof one? Wendy, I didn''t know you were so...adventurous. Be careful you don''t catch something filthy and bring it back."


    p!


    Her free hand swung up,nding a hard p across his face.


    Stanley''s head snapped to the side, his chiseled features turning partially away from her.


    Wendy had hit him with all her strength, leaving her palm stinging from the impact.


    Stanley''s eyes darkened with fury, a crimson light shing in their depths. He shoved her forcefully, her knees buckling against the edge of the bed, sending her sprawling onto the soft mattress.


    In the next moment, her view was obscured as Stanley''s tall frame loomed over her. He pinned her beneath him, his sharp gaze cutting into her. "Wendy, have you gotten addicted to pping me? This is the second time."


    Jessica had never daredy a finger on him. If he showed even a trace of displeasure, she would rush to cate him.


    But this woman-who did she think she was, treating him like this? Did she think Stanley Hawk was someone she could just hit


    whenever she wanted?


    Wendy''s voice was calm but icy as she met his furious gaze.


    "Oh, so you do know that fooling around with multiple people at once can lead to something filthy? Then I supposest night,


    when you offered to find me one man-or several-you conveniently forgot that, didn''t


    you?"


    ÈÕ


    Suppo

 My Dad Please Come 22

    Stanley froze for a moment.


    +20 Bonus


    Wendyy beneath him, her silky ck hair cascading over the crimson bedspread-a shade specifically chosen by Glinda for their wedding room. The red entuated the creamy fairness of her skin, making her appear luminous, almost ethereal.


    There was an air of sensuality about the scene, but the thought of her lying like this beneath another man....


    Stanley''s fists clenched involuntarily.


    He had intended to rify that the ''delivery''st night was medicine, not a man. But as the words reached his lips, they refused to


    Wendy''s cold gaze met his. "Move."


    She had ordered him to move.


    Stanley didn''t budge.


    Frustrated, Wendy began to struggle. The memory of him bringing Jessica into his private wingst night shed through her mind, and it made her recoil from even the slightest physical contact with him.


    "Stanley, get off me! After spending the night with Jessica, did you even bother to clean yourself?"


    Stanley stiffened in silence.


    In one swift motion, he pinned Wendy''s hands above her head and issued a cold warning, "Wendy, stop moving!"


    However, Wendy had no intention of listening to him. She struggled even harder, her lithe, delicate frame twisting like a slippery little water snake beneath his firm, muscr body. The thin fabric between them made every movement seem dangerously


    intimate.


    Stanley''s mind was thrown back to the night before, to the way she had seductively clung to him, teasing him with her lips and


    tongue. That memory, coup


    with her current proximity, stoked an unwee heat within him. His gaze darkened, tinged with


    a hint of desire.


    Wendy sensed the shift almost immediately. She froze, her wide, watery eyes staring at him in disbelief. "Are you...?"


    Stanley swore under his breath and released her, sitting up abruptly. "No!"


    Wendy sat up as well, still eyeing him suspiciously. "But..."


    Stanley cut her off with a cold nce. "Wendy, the only reason you''re this angry is because I spentst night with Jessica instead of staying with you, isn''t it? What were you thinking? Did you honestly believe I''d touch you?"


    Wendy''s face turned pale, his words cutting like a de. She stood up, her expression icy.


    +20 Bonus


    "If that''s the case, then why do you care what kind of men I spend time with?" Stanley''s face darkened. "You!"


    Sensing his anger, Wendy smiled coolly. "Let me know when it''s time to finalize the divorce. Until then, feel free to y around.


    outside I''ll do the same, We''ll each have our fun."


    As she turned to leave, a thought seemed to strike her. Her bright, clear eyesnded briefly on Stanley''s lips, and she smirked.


    "Oh, and Mr. Hawk, maybe practice your kissing skills when you have some free time. Are you sure you even know how to kiss?"


    With that, she walked out, leaving him behind.


    She was con


    gone.


    Stanley sat on the edge of the bed, his broad chest heaving with suppressed


    rage. A storm of anger and gloom clouded his usually


    "That damned woman!''


    What was wrong with his kissing skills?


    Why did she keep bringing it up?


    Stanley let out a bitterugh. He knew exactly what she was doing-it was all part


    of her game, a ploy to provoke him into kissing.


    her again. Just like when she insinuated he wasn''t...capable.


    Her tricks hadn''t changed.


    Stanley reminded himself that Wendy was nothing more than a pretty face, devoid


    of substance. She wasn''t the kind of woman he


    was interested in. Any momentary attraction he had toward her was purely physical-nothing more than the natural response of


    normal man.


    Just then, his phone rang, interrupting his spiraling thoughts.


    The melodic ringtone indicated it was Jessica calling


    Stanley''s expression softened slightly as he answered, ¡°Jessica."


    Her cheerful voice immediately came through. "Stanley! Hurry up and join us at


    the bar. Nathan just got back from overseas, and we''re celebrating! Did you forget about his wee party?"

 My Dad Please Come 23

    Stanley pinched the bridge of his nose, realizing that he had forgotten.


    Nathan Lowe had returned to the country.


    The Hawk and Lowe families had long been the top aristocratic families in Hovendale, and they were also close friends. He and Nathan had grown up together and were good friends.


    Nathan was back in the country today, and now Jessica, Benny, and Sienna were all at 1996 Bar.


    Sienna''s cheerful voice rang out, "Stanley, hurry up ande!"


    Sienna liked Nathan. Her dream was to marry him, but Nathan was very selective, and it was hard for any woman to catch his eye.


    "I''ll be there soon," Stanley said, standing.


    Honestly, Wendy going out to find a man had nothing to do with him. Why should he be angry?


    A small-town girl, who had nothing else to do besides ying with men, was indeed shallow. She couldn''tpare to Jessica.


    Let her y. It didn''t matter who she yed with!


    That night, a Ferrari sports car roared as it sped down the road.


    Cecelia, who sat in the passenger seat, was happily enjoying the evening breeze. "Wendy, where did you get this sports car?"


    Wendy was driving, her face covered byrge ck sunsses. The evening breeze tousled her long hair, making her look wild and free. "Stanley gave it to me."


    In light of the money, Cecelia''s resentment toward Stanley lessened a bit. "He might be a huge jerk, but when ites to money, he''s really generous. Big checks, sports cars, houses.... He gives them all away freely."


    Wendy smiled. ''Indeed.''


    This was when they heard a sound from behind them. A silver modified Lamborghini was speeding to catch up.


    Some of the heirs of top aristocratic families in Hovendale liked to race and modified cars themselves.


    The silver Lamborghini pulled up beside them. The handsome man in the driver''s seat looked at Wendy with interest. "Hey, hot stuff! I''ve never seen you in Hovendale before. Would you like to add me on WhatsApp?"


    Wendy hadn''t expected to encounter a pickup line while out for a drive.


    She turned her gaze away and stepped on the elerator. The Ferrari roared like an arrow, speeding ahead,


    "Wow!" Cecelia shouted excitedly from the passenger seat. "Wendy, you''re so cool!"


    +20 Bonus


    Wendy raised an eyebrow. She had raced overseas before, so it was easy to shake someone off.


    The next second, her smile froze on her lips. The Lamborghini was rapidly gaining on them. The man raised an eyebrow, looking at her and smiling, implying-this was interesting.


    Wendy was speechless.


    She could only step on the elerator again, speeding ahead.


    The Lamborghini followed her relentlessly; the two top sports cars were racing down the road, attracting attention from passersby.


    Soon, they reached an intersection. Wendy made a false move, and as the Lamborghini was about to catch up, she quickly turned the steering wheel and entered an alley.


    The Lamborghini tried to follow her, but a loud honk sounded, and arge truck came speeding toward them.


    Nathan had no choice but to stop his car, watching helplessly as Wendy drove the Ferrari out of sight. Before it disappeared, he saw a hand sticking out of the Ferrari, giving a thumbs up, then turning it downward


    Nathan smiled, truly amused.


    After several years, he had returned to Hovendale and encountered someone so interesting.


    Nathan took out his phone and snapped a picture of the Ferrari''s license te.

 My Dad Please Come 24

    At that moment came a melodious ringtone, signaling an iing call. It was from Stanley.


    Nathan guessed that Stanley was probably urging him toe to 1996 Bar.


    Nathan turned his car around. Hovendale was Stanley''s turf, and once he got to 1996 Bar, all he needed was for Stanley to help


    him find out who owned the Ferrari.


    Wendy drove into the alley, and Cecelia said cheerfully, "Wendy, you shook him off!"


    Just as the words left her mouth, there was a loud collision, and the Ferrari crashed into the wall.


    Bang!


    Wendy''s legs went weak. It had been three years since shest raced, and today, encountering such a tough opponent in a high-


    speed race made her heart pound..


    Wendy and Cecelia got out of the car. The front of the Ferrari had been dented.


    "Wendy, what should we do now?" Cecelia said, her legs shaking.


    Wendy steadied herself. "It''s fine. I''ll call Stanley''s secretary and have him handle it."


    She dialed Zayn''s number.


    Nathan arrived at 1996 Bar and entered a luxurious private booth,


    Stanley sat in the main seat on the sofa, and Nathan sat beside him. These two men were the top figures in Hovendale, unattainable by most, the dream men of all the youngdies. When the two of them were together, they instantly became the most eye-catching folks in the bar.


    Sienna was the happiest. Her crush had finally returned to the country! She looked at Nathan with a flirtatious gaze and even sat


    beside him.


    Jessica sat beside Stanley, with several second-generation rich men from their social circle keeping thempany. It was a lively


    scene.


    ¡°Nathan, it''s been years! You''re finally back!¡± Benny said cheerfully.


    The rich second-generation menughed.


    "Nathan, is it true that the women abroad are more interesting than those in Hovendale? Have they caught your eye?"


    Nathan, holding a wine ss, raised an eyebrow and smiled. "No, Hovendale beauties are still more interesting.


    +20 Bonus


    "Yes! The most beautifuldies in Hovendale, namely Jessica and Sienna, are here!"


    When her name was mentioned, Jessica smiled and shed a confident grin. After all, she was known as the most beautiful


    woman in Hovendale and was used to the attention.


    Sienna, looking sweet, gazed at Nathan, hoping to attract his attention.


    However, Nathan didn''t look at these two beauties. He turned his head and looked at Stanley instead. "Stanley, help me look


    someone up."


    Stanley clinked his wine ss with Nathan''s and took a sip. "Man or woman?" Nathan smiled faintly. "A woman."


    Stanley casually took another sip of his drink. "No wonder you''rete today. Did you meet someone interesting?"


    Nathan chuckled.


    Stanley had been Nathan''s friend for many years. "Looks like it''s someone who really caught your eye. What''s she like?"


    Stanley was genuinely curious about what kind of woman Nathan liked.


    Nathan thought for a moment. "Ethereal, but also fierce. She makes your heart race with just a nce"


    Benny and the rich second-generation men were stunned. "Nathan, are you talking about a Hovendale beauty?"


    "Not Jessica or Sienna? We''re all dying to know which beauty managed to capture your heart."


    Nathan was known to be hard to please, and no one had been able to win his heart yet. Everyone was extremely curious about this


    ethereal and fierce beauty.


    Jessica, who had been in a good mood, now found her smile fading. Meanwhile, Sienna went stiff.


    Nathan opened his phone and showed the picture of the Ferrari''s license te to Stanley. "Stanley, help me find the owner of this


    car."


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 My Dad Please Come 25

    +20 Bonus


    Stanley lowered his gaze to the photo, and his deep, cold eyes narrowed sharply. He recognized this Ferrari.


    Looking at Nathan, Stanley asked, "Was the woman driving this car?"


    Nathan nodded. "Yeah, she even shook me off. She''s quite interesting."


    Stanley, if he recalled correctly, had given Wendy this Ferrari. In addition to a huge check, he had also given her some cars and houses. At that time, Zayn had told him that she had only chosen a Ferrari. He had found it strange-why would she drive a sports car?


    Stanley knew about Nathan''s driving skills. In fact, they asionally raced cars together. But Wendy was from the countryside- how could she have driven a sports car and even shaken off Nathan?


    Just then, Zayn walked over. "Sir."


    Stanley stood up. "I''ll step out for a moment."


    Stanley left the luxurious booth and stood in a dim corner. Zayn whispered, "Sir, Mrs. Hawk called earlier. She went out tonight in the Ferrari. It seems like she raced someone on the road, and the car crashed into a wall. The front of the car is totaled."


    Stanley''s face darkened. "Was she injured?"


    Zayn quickly replied, ¡°No, she wasn''t injured. Sir, should we send the car back for repairs overseas?"


    Stanley''s voice turned cold. "No, just get rid of the car."


    Zayn was taken aback. "Sir, what do you mean?"


    ¡°Get rid of the car. I don''t want anyone to find out anything about it. Do you understand?"


    Zayn broke into a cold sweat. Whoever had angered the president must have a death wish-his temper was as fiery as if someone had stepped on his tail. "Understood!"


    "Go on."


    Zayn left, and Stanley stood alone for a moment, his lips curling into a cold smile.


    It seemed he had underestimated Wendy-she had even managed to catch Nathan''s eye.


    Nathan was looking for Wendy.


    Stanley hadn''t expected Nathan, whose standards were so high, to be interested in someone like Wendy, who came from the countryside. They could each y their games, but not Nathan!


    Stanley returned to the luxurious booth. Nathan looked at him, asking, "Why did your secretarye over?"


    Stanley''s face remained expressionless, his voice t with no emotion. "There was an urgent document that needed my


    +20 Bonus


    attention. I''ve already asked Zayn to check on the car. I''ll let you know if there''s any news."


    Nathan nodded. "Alright."


    Both Jessica and Sienna had unhappy expressions. Tonight was meant to be about weing Nathan back, with the two most beautiful women in Hovendale apanying him. Yet now, the conversation had shifted to a mysterious woman none of them


    knew.


    Sienna clenched her fists in anger. Who was this vixen who had managed to seduce Nathan?


    Jessica, too, couldn''t understand who in Hovendale could possibly overshadow her. Determined to regain control, she stood up with a dazzling smile.


    "Stanley, Nathan, why don''t I dance for you two to liven things up?¡±


    As soon as the words left her mouth, the atmosphere became electric. Benny and the other second-generation rich men burst into


    excitement.


    "Jessica, you''re the principal ballerina! We get to see you dance without buying tickets!"


    "We''re so lucky to be here with Mr. Hawk!"


    "Who canpete with Jessica when she dances?"


    "Let''s all give her a round of apuse!"


    Amid the eager gazes and apuse, Jessica began her dance.


    She had been dancing since childhood. Every move was done with ease. She lifted one leg high and began to spin, captivating everyone with her beauty and making it impossible to look away.

 My Dad Please Come 26

    All eyes in 1996 Bar were drawn to Jessica as she dazzled the crowd with her confidence. Spinning gracefully, she moved right in


    front of Stanley, reaching out and pulling him up.


    Stanley, tall and with long legs, stood still, while Jessica, with her soft body, pressed against him and performed a seductive


    dance.


    The chemistry between the handsome man and the beautiful woman, coupled with the sizzling dance, sent the bar''s atmosphere


    to a fever pitch.


    At this moment, Wendy and Cecelia entered. Wendy immediately spotted Stanley and Jessica.


    The two of them stood in the center of the colorful lights, with Jessica pressed up against Stanley, and his gaze fixed on her. They


    were t


    the focus of the entire room.


    Cecelia immediately sneered, "Tsk, dancing so intimately with a married man-she really has no shame!"


    Wendy smiled and replied, "Stanley and Jessica have always been the golden couple. Let it go, don''t mind them."


    Wendy and Cecelia made their way to their booth, but Cecelia couldn''t let it go. "Wendy, I remember you used to dance too,


    right?"


    Wendy had indeed learned to dance, just like Jessica. Back then, Jessica would take a whole lesson to learn a dance, but Wendy could pick it up with just one look. Her dance teacher loved her for it.


    One time, Jessica cried when she went home. That night, her mother took a needle and pricked Wendy''s leg, saying, "Are you going to stop dancing now? Why do you alwayspete with your sister?"


    Little Wendy, with blood dripping down her leg, curled up in the corner, crying and begging for forgiveness. "Mom, it hurts, I


    won''t do it again... I won''t dance anymore..."


    Since then, Wendy never danced again. When she heard that Jessica had be a prominent ballerina, she couldn''t help but feel


    conflicted.


    Just then, Cecelia pulled Wendy up. "Come on, Wendy, let''s go dance on the dance floor."


    She led Wendy into the dance area.


    Wendy hesitated at first, but Cecelia exaggeratedly swayed her hips and said, "Wendy, don''t punish yourself for someone else''s mistakes. Just get back up where you fell. Look at Jessica! She''s being so provocative with your husband. In the end, Stanley just


    likes women like that. Can''t we outdo her?"


    Wendy was amused, and with the loud heavy metal music ring in her ears, she started to loosen up. Under Cecelia''s influence, Wendy began to move, her arms and legs flowing with the rhythm.


    Dancing was second nature to Wendy. As she danced close to Cecelia, the movements grew more heated, and she too performed a


    +20 Bonus


    sexy dance.


    Meanwhile, Jessica was still dancing with Stanley, his eyes filled with admiration for her. As Jessica danced into his arms, Stanley''s hand rested on her waist, and he asked softly, "Are you tired?"


    Jessica smiled. "No, I just want you to hold me."


    Stanley raised an eyebrow, his eyes gleaming with a mature charm. He did like Jessica. He admired her excellence and talent.


    Just then, amotion stirred around them, and the eyes that had once been on Jessica shifted. Even the rich second-generation crowd in the booth turned their attention elsewhere.


    "Look over there!" someone shouted.


    "An angel is dancing over there! Wow, she''s stunning!"


    Stanley and Jessica both looked up and turned their attention to the dance floor. They saw Wendy.


    Stanley''s expression changed instantly.


    At that moment, Nathan stood up, surprised. "It''s her!"

 My Dad Please Come 27

    Nathan immediately recognized Wendy.


    Jessica hadn''t expected Wendy to be on the dance floor, especially not dancing so provocatively. Wendy''s graceful figure swayed with the music, her movements so rxed and natural that her body effortlessly formed a seductive curve. Her hips swayed provocatively, reminiscent of the famous hip thrusts seen in pop girl groups.


    As a dancer herself, Jessica couldn''t help but admit that Wendy danced better than her. Wendy was more precise, more alluring, and, if she were honest, more seductive.


    The men in 1996 Bar couldn''t take their eyes off Wendy, some even whistling and shouting in admiration. The room was buzzing with excitement, and the men''s gazes spoke volumes,


    Jessica clenched her jaw. Could this country bumpkin dance too? She, the lead dancer of a ballet troupe, was now being outshined effortlessly by Wendy, who seemed to be stealing the spotlight with little effort.


    Why was it always her?


    At that moment, Jessica felt a shift at her waist as Stanley''s hand left her. He stepped forward, his gaze locked on Wendy and not moving away for a long time.


    Stanley was staring at Wendy.


    jessica felt a surge of anger, clenching her jaw as if she might snap them.


    Benny and a few other rich second-generation men stood up, appearing surprised as they recognized the woman on the dance.


    floor.


    "Benny, do you know her?" Nathan asked, his eyes lighting up.


    "Is that...Wendy?" Benny gasped, recognizing the woman.


    Nathan''s eyes widened. "Wendy?" His excitement was clear. "She''s the one I''ve been looking for!"


    Everyone was stunned. The woman who could captivate Nathan, with her ethereal and fiery charm, was none other than Wendy?


    Benny was incredulous. "Nathan, are you sure? Are you mistaken?"


    Sienna, who disliked Wendy the most, was also shocked. Wendy, the country girl she''d always seen as an ugly duckling, was now attracting Nathan''s attention? "Nathan, why would you like Wendy?" Sienna asked, unable to hide her surprise. Jessica couldn''t believe it either. ¡°Nathan, don''t joke about this. This isn''t funny!" Nathan ignored everyone else. His gaze remained on Wendy, a smile tugging at his lips. "She''s wild."


    +20 Bonus


    Stanley''s face darkened. He had already arranged for the Ferrari to be dealt with, but this situation was still unfolding. Wendy-


    dancing like this, so provocatively-was making him uneasy.


    What was she doing? If she could dance like this with a woman, what would happen if she danced with a man? Was she desperate


    for attention?


    The dance ended, and Wendy, drenched in sweat, happily walked off the dance floor with Cecelia. They were headed back to their booth, but their path took them right by Stanley''s luxurious booth.


    Nathan called out to them. "Hi, beautiful. It''s good to see you again."


    Wendy stopped, recognizing him immediately-the man who had flirted with her while driving a sports car.


    "It''s you," she said.


    Nathan smiled. ¡°Yes, it''s me. I''m Nathan. I didn''t expect us to meet again so soon. Can I buy you a drink?"


    "Nathan?'' Wendy didn''t know him.


    Just then, she felt a sharp, cold gaze on her face. When she looked up, she met Stanley''s icy eyes. His gaze was like a de, slicing.


    through her.


    Why was he looking at her like that? Was his mood still affected by Jessica''s provocative dance earlier?


    Nathan nced at Stanley, then back at Wendy. "Do you two know each


    other?!!

 My Dad Please Come 28

    +20 Bonus


    Wendy chose to ignore him. "I don''t know him."


    With those four words, Stanley''s lips curled into a mocking smile, silently ridiculing Wendy.


    Wendy didn''t know Nathan, but Cecelia did. It seemed like a good show was


    about to unfold. Nathan was Stanley''s best friend.


    Cecelia chuckled. "Nathan, I think we should skip the drink. Wendy needs to head home."


    Nathan immediately grabbed his car keys. "Then I''ll drive you both."


    Nathan followed Wendy and Cecelia as they walked away.


    As the three of them left, Benny and the other rich heirs started to murmur in disbelief. "What''s going on? Does Nathan have ant


    eye for Wendy?"


    "But Wendy is still married to Stanley. Does that mean Stanley is going to get cheated on by his wife and his best friend?" Benny


    asked.


    Just as Benny finished speaking, Stanley''s sharp gazended on him, his eyes like daggers. Benny immediately fell silent.


    Stanley grabbed his car keys. "You guys enjoy yourselves. I''m leaving."


    Sienna helplessly tugged at Jessica''s sleeve. ¡°Jessica, how could Nathan like Wendy? Isn''t it enough that Wendy secretly married


    Stanley? Does she want them both?"


    Jessica''s face grew dark with displeasure. She hadn''t expected Nathan to be interested in Wendy either.


    She sneered. "Her? Don''t worry. Neither Stanley nor Nathan would ever truly be interested in someone like Wendy whoes


    from the countryside. She''s not worthy."


    Both Stanley and Nathan were highly sought after by the high societydies of Hovendale. Wendy, with her background, had no


    ce among them.


    Jessica quickly caught up to Stanley. "Stanley, wait for me."


    Sienna stomped her foot, fuming. "Wendy, this isn''t over!"


    Wendy was pulled into Nathan''s luxury car by Cecelia, and Nathan began driving them home.


    Soon, Nathan noticed in the rearview mirror that a Rolls-Royce Phantom was tailing them¡ªit was Stanley''s car.


    Nathan was puzzled. "Why is Stanley following us?"


    Cecelia nced at the car behind them and knew that the show was about to get interesting. "Nathan, can you lose Mr. Hawk''s


    car?"


    Nathan grinned. "Stanley and I race together. He''s always steady, and I''m usually no match for him."


    +20 Bonus


    Nathan nced at Wendy through the rearview mirror, admiring her delicate


    features. "Stanley rarely meets an opponent. Maybe


    you could race with him sometime, see who''s better."


    Wendy smiled but didn''t respond.


    The Rolls-Royce continued to follow closely behind them. Nathan stepped on the elerator, determined to shake off Stanley''s


    In the back, Stanley''s Rolls-Royce remained persistent. Jessica sat in the passenger seat.


    Nathan suddenly elerated. Stanley''s fingers gripped the steering wheel tightly, and he too stepped on the elerator to catch


    1. up.


    It was getting fast-too fast.


    Jessica felt like she might be thrown out of the car at any moment and grew uneasy. "Stanley, slow down! Don''t go so fast!"


    Stanley''s expression remained calm, his side profile sharp with an air of chilling intensity. He acted as if he hadn''t heard Jessica''s plea. The Rolls-Royce glided through the neon-lit streets with ease like the ruler of the night.


    Jessica, already with a weak heart, began to turn pale. She screamed in panic, "Stanley, stop the car, stop! No... Ahhhh!"

 My Dad Please Come 29

    "Ahhh!"


    Jessica''s scream made Stanley m the brakes, bringing the Rolls-Royce to a sudden halt.


    Jessica gasped for breath, terrified out of her wits. "Stanley, why were you driving so fast?"


    Stanley''s face remained cold and dark. He nced up, noticing that the Lamborghini, which had nearly caught up with them, had already zoomed past while he was stopping.


    Stanley pressed his lips together. "Are you hurt?"


    Jessica shook her head. "I''m fine."


    She then muttered, "I can''t believe Wendy''s caught Nathan''s eye. Did you see how she was dancing in the club? I mean, she grew


    up in the countryside, dropped out of school at 16, and learned all these tricks to seduce men. She''spletely lost herself-so


    shameless, so self-destructive!"


    Stanley''s gaze grew cold as the image of Wendy''s soft, seductive movements in the club shed through his mind. Jessica wasn''t


    wrong-Wendy had indeed learned all those seductive techniques. Even Nathan, who was usually so hard to impress, had been


    captivated by her.


    "Stanley, have you divorced Wendy yet?" Jessica asked.


    "Not yet."


    Jessica was taken aback. "Why? Weren''t you supposed to get divorced today?"


    She had assumed they had already finalized it.


    "Grandma really likes Wendy. For the sake of her health, we''ve decided to temporarily put the divorce on hold," Stanley replied.


    Was Glinda involved?


    Jessica knew Glinda disapproved of her. Glinda liked Wendy and was


    tion du''s biggest su


    A sense of deep unease gripped Jessica. As long as Glinda was around, it seemed like Stanley would never divorce Wendy, and she


    would never be Mrs. Hawk.


    Jessica''s frustration grew. "Stanley, why do you always listen to your


    grandmother? What about me? I''m getting older! A woman''s youth is the most valuable thing. How long do you expect me to wait?"


    Stanley nced at her with a cold, indifferent expression. "If you had wanted it three years ago, you could have been Mrs. Hawk by now. What does Wendy have to do with it now?"


    Jessica was speechless, her frustration boiling over. She had been hit where it hurt most.


    +20 Bonus


    But she was clever. In an instant, she softened her posture, leaning seductively against him and reaching for his neck. "Stanley, I''m sorry. I just want to marry you so much. Don''t you want to marry me?"


    Her soft words seemed to have no effect on Stanley. He gently removed her hand, his interest clearly waning "I''ll take you home


    first."


    Jessica had no choice but to sit back, her eyes darkening with spite. She didn''t like waiting. She liked to take action. She had to


    make Stanley divorce Wendy as soon as possible! Even Glinda couldn''t stop her!


    Half an hourter, the Rolls-Royce pulled up on thewn of the Hawk family estate. Stanley had returned home.


    Stanley entered the living room, but he didn''t see Wendy. She still hadn''te home.


    He was furious. She wasing backter than him.


    Given the route, Nathan should have already dropped her off. Unless.... She had gone somewhere with Nathan!


    Stanley took out his phone and dialed Wendy''s number,


    The phone rang once before being picked up. He clenched the phone tightly, his voice cold as he demanded, "Wendy, why aren''t. you home yet?"


    Wendy''s clear voice came through the phone. "Mr. Hawk, have you forgotten? I told you I wouldn''t go back there."


    Stanley''s tone grew more irritable. "How am I supposed to exin to Grandma


    that she can''t see you? Wendy,e back. immediately! Why do you always run off? Who are you seeing out


    there?"

 My Dad Please Come 30

    The phone clicked off with two beeps, and Stanley was left staring at the screen in stunned silence.


    That damned woman actually hung up on him!


    At that moment, the butler Freddy walked over. Stanley gave him an order, "Freddy, call Wendy and tell her that Grandma isn''t feeling well. We need her toe back immediately!"


    Freddy was momentarily taken aback. "But, sir, your grandmother has already taken the medicine Mrs. Hawk prepared and is


    resting. She''s feeling fine."


    Stanley''s temper red, his voice deep and dangerous. "Tell a lie! Don''t you get it?"


    Freddy hesitated again, clearly ufortable. "Sir, isn''t it a bit harsh to lie to Mrs. Hawk? Over these past three years, she has


    been taking care of both you and your grandmother. She''s been very hard- working. Let her go out and rx tonight, it won''t hurt."


    Stanley''s gaze was icy, his voice like a de. "Freddy, are you going to make the call or not?"


    Perhaps Stanley''s re was too intense, because Freddy immediately pulled out his phone. "I''ll do it!"


    Stanley ced his hands on his hips, his brows furrowed in frustration. ''Everyone in this house has gone mad. No one listens to


    me anymore! It''s all because Grandma spoiled her!''


    Thirty minutester, Wendy hurriedly arrived at the family estate. She pushed open the door and rushed in. "What happened to


    Grandma?"


    She froze in her tracks as soon as she stepped inside. The living room waspletely silent and dark. No lights were on.


    "Why aren''t the lights on?"


    Wendy reached out, feeling along the wall for the light switch.


    Just as she did, arge hand appeared, grabbing her delicate wrist and yanking her forward. Wendy gasped as her slender body collided against a broad, warm chest.


    The man held her tightly and forcefully pushed her against the wall.


    Wendy immediately recognized him. Who else but Stanley could behave so violently in the family estate?


    She raised her hands, trying to push him away from her chest. ¡°Stanley, what are you doing?"


    His voice was low and mocking, "Stanley? Now you remember me? Wasn''t it just


    a moment ago that you didn''t know who I was?"


    As Wendy adjusted to the dark, she noticed the moonlight filtering in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating his


    cold, stern face as he red down at her.


    +20 Bonus


    She felt puzzled and confused. "Stanley, are you angry because I said I didn''t know you? Aside from a few people in your circle, not


    one knew about our marriage. Do you want me to call myself Mrs. Hawk, so you can be the scumbag while Jessica ys the


    mistress?"


    "That sharp tongue of hers!"


    Stanley reached out and lifted her chin, forcing her to look up at him. "So eloquent. Could it be because you''ve already found


    someone else?"


    "Someone else? What do you mean?" Wendy''s voice wavered slightly, realizing what he meant.


    "Nathan!"


    Wendy shuddered, realizing that Stanley had misunderstood her rtionship with Nathan.


    She didn''t bother to exin. Instead, she smirked. "Stanley, we agreed to y our games. You and Jessica were practically


    grinding on the dance floor at the bar, and I didn''t say a word. What''s it to you what Nathan and I are doing?"


    Wendy tried to push past him, but Stanley''srge hand gripped her shoulder, pinning her firmly against the wall.


    Her shoulder collided with the hard wall, causing her to feel a sharp pang of pain. Wendy''s usually gentle features became icy, her


    voice cold and firm.


    "Stanley, let me make this clear. I was good to you in the past because I liked


    you, but that''s no reason for you to abuse me. Now, I


    don''t like you anymore."


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 My Dad Please Come 31

    +20 Bonus


    Although Wendy had a troubled childhood, she never lost the courage to love.


    Whether it was Lilian or Stanley, she had always loved them passionately and actively. Loving someone didn''t mean being humble or inferior, and it certainly didn''t give anyone the right to mistreat her, especially when she didn''t love


    anymore.


    She no longer loved Stanley.


    Stanley studied her serene face with cold eyes, his lips twisting into a mocking smile. "You really don''t love me anymore?"


    "Yes-mmph!" Wendy started to answer, but before she could finish, he leaned down and forcefully pressed his lips to hers.


    Her mind exploded, a rush of nkness filling her thoughts. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she realized he had unexpectedly


    kissed her.


    It wasn''t their first kiss, but thest time in the shower, she had pulled him in and kissed him. Now, it was him kissing her.


    Wendy immediately struggled, raising her hands to push him away. "Stanley, let me go!"


    Stanley''s strong, broad frame pressed her firmly against the wall as his kiss grew more intense, as if he was iming and


    conquering her. Quickly, he took advantage of her slightly parted lips to invade her mouth, sweeping through with possessive


    force.


    In an instant, his distinct scent overwhelmed Wendy, filling her senses. She found his clean and crisp scent intoxicating.


    Wendy had never been close to any other man-she had no experience, practically untouched. Her body was sensitive, unfamiliar with such intimacy. The sensation of their lips and tongues entwining made her flush deeply. She felt like she was melting under


    his kiss.


    Her hand, which had been against his chest, slowly curled, clutching the fabric of his expensive shirt as her body softened, losing


    strength.


    Stanley noticed her weakening and caught her slender waist with his arm, holding her steady against his chest. He pulled away


    from the kiss, releasing her lips.


    Wendy''s face was flushed bright red. "Why did you..."


    Stanley''s voice was deep and mocking as he taunted her, "Are you sure you don''t love me? One kiss and you basically melt in my


    arms."


    With her like this, she had the nerve to mock his kissing skills? Look at how she was drenched in desire.


    It was as if cold water had been sshed over Wendy, her previously flushed face now pale and red with humiliation. It dawned on her his kiss had been nothing but to humiliate her.


    He hadn''t even closed his eyes; he just watched her get lost and disoriented in the kiss with no empathy.


    #201


    Bonus


    Stanley found it amusing, his gaze lingering on the remnants of warmth in her eyes. "So sensitive, huh?"


    A man his age knew everything, and in the prime of his life, he had no hesitation


    in making her feel as small as possible.


    Wendy felt mortified. He had truly humiliated her.


    She hated him, but she hated herself even more because her body still responded


    to him. Perhaps she still loved him-and that


    was the very thing he mocked her for.


    But Wendy wasn''t the kind of person to be easily humiliated or controlled. If someone threw a punch, she''d throw it back without


    hesitation.


    Sheposed herself before leaning in, her small face inches from his


    "Exactly. And if you can''t satisfy me, I''ll just find someone else. You''ve been hooking up with Jessica, so why can''t I do the same?


    Stanley, what are you so proud of? If Nathan kissed me, I''d be exactly the same."


    She purposely emphasized Nathan''s name, a sharp edge in her tone.


    Sure enough, Stanley''s face darkened. A cruel smirk appeared on his lips.


    "Oh, how unfortunate for you. I should''ve recorded our little session earlier and shown it to Nathan to let him see who''s ying


    his part!"

 My Dad Please Come 32

    This man!


    Wendy was furious. She stood on her tiptoes and bit the corner of Stanley''s lip.


    "Ugh!" Stanley winced in pain, a faint taste of blood filling his mouth. She had drawn blood with that bite.


    He grabbed her face, squeezing it until her lips formed an "O" shape. His eyes were full of anger. "What are you, a dog? Do you


    always have to bite people?"


    Wendy shot him a defiant look. "You should be thinking about how to exin that cut on your lip to Jessica tomorrow. Even


    though Nathan took your ce, isn''t Jessica stuck with my second-hand goods?"


    Stanley stared at her, speechless.


    Second-hand goods?


    This damned woman!


    "We can hook up with other people, but you can''t be with Nathan!"


    "Why?" Wendy asked, her voice calm but mocking.


    up and down with disdain.


    In truth, Stanley saw Nathan as a good friend. He couldn''t stand the thought of it. He looked Wendy up


    "You think Nathan would be interested in you? Keep dreaming! You only know how to shake your hips on the dance floor. You''re


    a country bumpkin who dropped out of school at sixteen, with no degree and no job. Nathan''s not that desperate. He might y with you for a while, but he''d get bored real quick."


    Wendy clenched her jaw, her chest tightening. So that was it-he thought she wasn''t good enough.


    Maybe men were all the same-if they didn''t want something, they didn''t want anyone else to have it either.


    Wendy didn''t get angry. Instead, she smiled. "Do you think I looked good dancing in the club today?"


    Stanley froze. "What?"


    Wendy pushed him away forcefully. "From now on, I''ll dance for him every day,


    and it''ll be different each time. I''ll make sure he


    never gets bored."


    Without waiting for his response, she turned and went upstairs.


    Stanley stood there, stunned.


    Wendy!!!


    Wendy entered her bedroom, but Stanley, looking grim, followed her inside. "Grandma''s health is deteriorating, so we''ll put the


    divorce on hold. You need to stay here tonight and pretend to be my loving wife. Do you understand what I''m saying?"


    +20 Bonus


    Although his tone was harsh, Wendy understood the gravity of the situation regarding Glinda''s health. She nodded in agreement.


    She turned to look at Stanley, offering a gentle smile. ¡°I don''t mind. But I wonder if Jessica can wait."


    Stanley shot her a cold nce. "You sleep in the bed. I''ll sleep on the couch. I''m going to shower first."


    Stanley went into the bathroom..


    Just then, Wendy''s phone rang, the tone ringing out melodiously. It was a call from Samuel.


    She answered the call, and Samuel''s voice came through the line. "Wendy, did you reject Jessica''s order?"


    "Yes," Wendy replied.


    Samuel''s voice became serious. "You can''t reject that order. When we took it, Stanley paid a massive deposit. Now, we''ve received awyer''s letter from him. His legal team is top-tier in the country-they''re undefeated. He''s demandingpensation, and he


    might make us bankrupt."


    Wendy''s heart sank as she fell silent.


    "Wendy, Stanley isn''t someone to mess with. He insists you show up at the


    naturopathy center tomorrow. He wants to see you!"


    Samuel''s tone was filled with urgency.


    Wendy sighed. Stanley had always been decisive and ruthless. From the moment Samuel epted the order on her behalf, she


    knew she was trapped.


    "Fine. Tell him I''ll be at the naturopathy center tomorrow," Wendy said, a resigned edge to her voice.


    She ended the call just as she heard the bathroom door open with a soft click. Stanley emerged, freshly showered.


    limited offer: Top up now to get 5% more bonus

 My Dad Please Come 33

    Stanley had just finished his shower, wearing a ck silk pajama. His damp, short hair hung loosely, droplets of water glistening


    like mist. He looked fresher and more youthful than his usual well-dressed, suit- d self.


    Wendy nced at him for a moment. The man truly was blessed with good looks.


    Just then, his phone rang. It was a call from Zayn. He grabbed his phone and answered the call.


    "Mr. Hawk, Dr. Cen epted your invitation to meet tomorrow at the naturopathy center." Zayn''s voice came through.


    Stanley''s expression remained stoic. "Last time, Dr. Cen came and left without


    a word. Tomorrow, I''ll get a glimpse of that


    mysterious person."


    mes


    Wendy felt a chill at the back of her neck. This was bad.


    Stanley had never forgotten how Dr. Cen had canceled theirst meeting. He wasn''t the type to let someone y games with


    him, and he was determined to see Dr. Cen tomorrow.


    Stanley then looked over at Wendy. "Aren''t you going to take a shower?"


    "Right." Wendy quickly hurried to the bathroom.


    Stanley frowned, ending the call. This Dr. Cen was starting to annoy him, just like Wendy. He dried his damp hair with a towel.


    before opening up some files. As he flipped through them, soft, melodic sounds came from the bathroom.


    "Stanley? Stanley!"


    It was Wendy, calling his name.


    Her voice was sweet and soft,pletely different from her usual sharp tone. It sounded like honey, dripping with warmth.


    Stanley stood up and walked to the bathroom door. "What is it?"


    The door creaked open just a crack, revealing Wendy''s damp eyes and half of her face. The steam from the shower had made her


    forehead slightly flushed, giving her a soft, glowing look.


    She looked at him and asked, "Could you lend me a shirt?"


    Stanley raised an eyebrow. "Don''t you have sleepwear here?".


    ¡°I do,¡± she said, holding up a ckce lingerie set. "If you want, I can wear it for you right now."


    Stanley''s face went nk. He figured it was Glinda''s idea, trying to spice things up between them. He grabbed a white shirt from


    the closet and tossed it to her.


    "You don''t have the figure for that, so you''d better not embarrass yourself."


    He intentionally threw the oversized shirt straight at her face, covering her small headpletely.


    +20 Bonus


    Wendy quickly tugged the shirt off her face and shot him a re, then tossed the lingerie at his handsome face with a sharp p.


    "My figure might not be good, but yours is. Maybe you should wear it yourself." Stanley froze, unsure what to say.


    Wendy mmed the bathroom door with a sharp thud, sending a gust of air straight at him.


    Stanley had been in a bad mood before, but now he couldn''t help butugh.


    His long fingers traced thece of the lingerie as he inspected the straps and design. Glinda had clearly put a lot of thought into


    this. Without a second thought, he tossed it into the trash.


    Stanley sat back on the couch and resumed his work. Just then, the bathroom door opened with a quiet click before Wendy


    stepped out.


    He nced up, and there she was, wearing his oversized white shirt. The loose fabric made her frame appear even more delicate, and the curves of her body made her look both pure and seductive. The shirt reached just above her knees, revealing smooth and


    pale legs, the perfect bnce of grace and beauty.


    Stanley had to admit he had been joking earlier; Wendy truly had a stunning face and an incredible figure.


    Wendy didn''t speak to him. She had dried her hair and now sat at the vanity, applying skincare products. There were several


    bottles and jars scattered across the counter as she dabbed some lotion on her face, leaving behind a sweet, fragrant scent.

 My Dad Please Come 34

    +20 Bonus


    Though they had been married for over three years, Stanley had never shared a bedroom with Wendy. In fact, he hadn''t shared a bed with any woman, making this moment entirely new to him.


    As he watched her carefully applying skincare, moving from one product to the next, Stanley found it all rather intriguing.


    Wendy, noticing his gaze, turned her head toward him.


    Stanley didn''t have time to look away, and their eyes met.


    Wendy shot him a re. "What are you staring at? Haven''t you ever seen a beautiful woman before?"


    "You should spend some time reading to improve yourself. No matter how pretty you make yourself, you''re still just a vase,¡±


    Stanley replied coolly.


    Wendy, who had just beenbeled a "vase", wanted to curse aloud. She vowed that she would blind the arrogant Stanley with her


    brilliance.


    Without responding, she climbed into bed, pulling the covers up.


    At that moment, Stanley''s phone rang with a soft chime. He nced down and saw that it was a message from Dave at Harfield, who had created a group chat and added him.


    Along with him, there was another member: W, the genius freshman who had recently rejected his friend request.


    Now, they were both in the same group chat.


    Dave weed them with a message.


    [Wee, two of our greats from Harfield! We''re about tounch a digital game, and before it goes live, we''d love for you two to


    test your speed.]


    Stanley sent an "OK" in response.


    W also sent an "OK."


    Dave sent the game link, and both Stanley and W clicked to start, diving into a speed-based programming challenge.


    It didn''t take long for Stanley to finish-hepleted it in 10.4 seconds.


    Stanley nced at W''s ck avatar. He was curious how long this freshman would take.


    A few days ago, Dave had told him that a genius girl had been challenging his record and getting closer each time. At first, he


    didn''t believe it.


    W had rejected his friend request, and Stanley hadn''t given it much thought after that. But here they were, unexpectedly brought


    together by Dave.


    +20 Bonus


    Just then, Dave sent a screenshot. (Both of youpleted it in 10.4 seconds, challenging the limits. Impressive!]


    Stanley''s sharp eyes flicked. He couldn''t believe W hadpleted it in 10.4 seconds too. No one had ever been able to match his


    speed before, but this genius freshman had done it.


    A smile tugged at the corners of Stanley''s lips as his long fingers typed out a response on his phone.


    Wendy sat on the bed, holding her phone. She saw that Stanley had finished in 10.4 seconds as well. Just then, she was tagged in


    the group by Stanley.


    He asked, [Why didn''t you ept my friend request?]


    Wendy looked over at him. He was engrossed in his phone, waiting for W''s reply,pletely unaware of her presence.


    Wendy, with her delicate fingers, typed a quick reply.


    Ding!


    Stanley''s phone buzzed with a new message that consisted of just a few simple words. [You''re really annoying.]


    Stanley stared at the message for a moment, reading it twice before scoffing, an enigmatic smile ying on his lips.


    Annoying? How was he annoying?


    What had he done to get on this genius freshman''s bad side?

 My Dad Please Come 35

    Being called "annoying" out of nowhere left Stanley feelingpletely confused.


    He didn''t pay much attention to it. Setting his phone aside, he returned to reviewing the documents in front of him. By the time


    he finished his work, it was alreadyte into the night.


    Stanley got up to pour himself a ss of water. As he turned toward Wendy, he saw that she had already fallen asleep.


    He was about to return to the sofa when a soft chime echoed from her phone, which was resting beside her pillow. Wendy had an


    iing text.


    Stanley nced at her phone, and in the next moment, his dark, intense gaze narrowed suddenly.


    He saw her profile picture glowing on the screen. It looked eerily identical to the profile picture of the genius freshman, W.


    Stanley quickly walked over to the bed, reaching for her phone.


    Just then, Wendy shifted in her sleep, and her delicate face pressed against his hand.


    Stanley froze, unsure of what he was doing. He must have been seeing things- was it possible that Wendy was the same genius


    freshman W?


    No way.


    She was just a beautiful vase.


    At that moment, Stanley realized his palm felt oddly warm. It was because Wendy, still in her dreams, nuzzled her soft cheek.


    against his hand like a little kitten.


    His gaze fell on her face, and the soft glow of the bedside light made her skin appear wless, almost glowing. Her pure ck hair curled gently around her neck, and a few strands brushed against her crimson lips. Everything about her- her pale skin, dark hair, and red lips-struck him with a visual force that captured his attention.


    Sometimes, a woman''s beauty could be deadly, especially to a man. Stanley couldn''t help but take another look.


    But he quickly pulled his hand back and stood up. He was confident in his resolve-he would never fall for a woman''s looks.


    He''d seen all kinds of beauties before, and he wasn''t about to be swept away by hers.


    Stanley returned to the sofa and shut his eyes to sleep.


    When Wendy woke up the next morning, Stanley was already gone. She nced


    at the time and immediately panicked-she was going to bete.


    She had an appointment with Stanley at the naturopathy center at 9:00 AM. Given his cold, stern expression the night before,


    +20 Bonus


    there would be consequences if she didn''t show up again.


    Wendy hurriedly washed up and rushed downstairs.


    Glinda called out to her, "Wendy, you''re awake! Stanley has already left. Come and have breakfast with me."


    "Grandma, I''m going to bete. I have to go!" Wendy dashed out the door.


    Glinda, concerned, muttered, "How could she skip breakfast?"


    At that moment, Freddy, the butler, walked over with an envelope. "Mrs. Glinda, someone just dropped this off for you. It''s for


    your hands only."


    "What is this?"


    Glinda took the envelope, and when she opened it, a photograph fell out.


    Wendy arrived at the naturopathy center before 9:00 AM and spotted a few familiar faces in the waiting room.


    Stanley and Jessica had already arrived, along with Sienna.


    Jessica looked thrilled. "Stanley, is Dr. Cen reallying today?"


    Jessica had been suffering from a heart condition since childhood, and she had two big wishes: the first was to be healthy, and the


    second was to marry Stanley and be Mrs. Hawk. She was determined to fulfill both.


    Stanley nodded. "Dr. Cen will be here."


    Sienna, holding a pen and paper, beamed with excitement. "This is amazing! Today I finally get to meet the legendary Dr. Cen. I''m such a huge fan. I''ll definitely ask for an autographter!"


    As she spoke, Sienna looked around eagerly. "Where is Dr. Cen? Dr. Cen... Wait, Wendy?"

 My Dad Please Come 36

    Sienna spotted Wendy approaching.


    Stanley and Jessica noticed her, too. Jessica was taken aback. "Wendy, what are you doing here?"


    Sienna looked at Wendy with obvious disdain. "Wendy, I''ll make you pay for what you did with Nathanst night! Now, just leave. We''re all waiting for Dr. Cen, and we don''t have time to waste on you!"


    Stanley''s gazended on Wendy, his sharp brow furrowing slightly. Though he didn''t say anything, it was clear he wasn''t weing her presence. He felt that she was here to cause trouble.


    Wendy wasn''t offended. She simply found their reactions amusing. She gave them a yful smile, then winked at Stanley before


    saying, "I know you''re waiting for Dr. Cen."


    Jessica snapped, "Then why don''t you just leave?"


    Wendy straightened her back, smiling confidently in front of the three of them. "Actually, I''m the one you''re all waiting for-"


    Before she could finish, someone else appeared. "Wendy, what are you doing here?"


    Wendy turned around to see Trish Crone.


    Wendy''s grandmother, Edith Richards, had three sons-Jerry, Harry, and Archer Crone. Trish was Archer''s daughter.


    Trish was exceptionally aplished-her academic background surpassed even Jessica''s. She held a medical doctorate, spent


    two years abroad, and had participated in major surgeries. She was more ambitious and self-assured than Jessica.


    Both Jessica and Trish were the prized daughters of the Crone family. They had one thing inmon-they both looked down on


    Wendy.


    Jessica raised an eyebrow, "Trish, what are you doing here?"


    Trish walked up to Stanley, offering him a confident smile. "Mr. Hawk, hello. Dr. Cen sent me."


    Wendy blinked. ''I sent her?''


    "I''m Dr. Cen''s assistant, here to assist her with Jessica''s heart treatment," Trish continued.


    Wendy''s memory clicked. Samuel had mentioned this to herst night. He told her about an assistant eager to gain experience,


    and now it made sense-this assistant was Trish.


    What a small world.


    When Jessica heard that Trish was Dr. Cen''s assistant, she couldn''t help but smile. "Trish, it''s been two years. I didn''t expect


    you''d be Dr. Cen''s assistant by the time you returned."


    Sienna, always the gossip, turned to Trish. "Trish, is Dr. Cen a man or a woman? What do they look like? I''m so curious!"


    Late 36.


    +20 Bonus.


    Trish''s face lit up with admiration. "Dr. Cen is a legend in our medical world that we all admire. For years, I''ve worked hard to


    get close to Dr. Cen, and now I''m the doctor''s assistant. But I still haven''t had the chance to meet the doctor in person."


    Sienna was impressed. "Trish, that''s incredible! The Crone family''s daughters are truly impressive, except for..." She nced at


    Wendy with an expression of disdain. "Wendy, how can you be socking? You''re from the Crone family too, but the difference between you, Trish, and me is enormous."


    Slenna exaggeratedly spread her arms wide.


    Trish looked at Wendy with a cold expression. "Wendy, I''ve heard about your situation. You should divorce Mr. Hawk and go back


    to the countryside. Don''t embarrass the Crone family any further."


    Jessica chuckled. "Trish, Wendy dropped out of school when she was 16. What do you expect


    Wendy couldn''t respond to that.


    her to do?


    Stanley, unfazed, nced at Trish and asked, "Where''s the doctor? Dr. Cen should have been here by now. We had a 9:00 AM


    appointment."

 My Dad Please Come 37

    +20 Bonus


    Stanley was only interested in seeing Dr. Cen. As the minutes passed with no sign of the doctor, his expression grew colder.


    Trish nced at the time, her voice soft but certain. "Mr. Hawk, Dr. Cen must have been dyed. Who knows what Dr. Cen''s


    working on. The doctor''s been in seclusion for three years now."


    Dr. Cen''s disappearance had been the biggest mystery in the medical world. No one knew the reason for the doctor''s prolonged


    disappearance.


    Wendy, standing by the door, rolled her eyes. She wanted Stanley to open his eyes wide and see that she had kept her word and


    shown up. Even Jessica, Trish, and Sienna were her witnesses.


    Seeing that Stanley''s face didn''t soften, Trish uttered, "Mr. Hawk, I''ll start by checking Jessica."


    Twenty minutester, Stanley and Trish stood outside the door. Trish, dressed in a white silk blouse and a ck pencil skirt,


    looked bright and professional.


    She met Stanley''s gaze-handsome andmanding-and said, "Mr. Hawk, based on my preliminary assessment, I believe


    Jessica''s heart condition is due to an acquired heart defect, likely a ventricr septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus. Surgery


    can correct this."


    Stanley frowned slightly, his voice low. "Is the surgery risky?"


    Trish smiled, her lips curving into a seductive grin. "That depends on the specific surgical n. Let''s exchange numbers so we


    can stay in touch, Mr. Hawk."


    Trish pulled out her phone, ready to get Stanley''s number.


    Wendy, who hadn''t left, watched the scene unfold, a hint of amusement flickering in her clear, bright eyes.


    It seemed Trish''s intentions were far from professional. She couldn''t help but wonder why the two remarkabledies of the Crone


    family were so smitten by Stanley.


    Stanley had yet to respond when a soft, clear voice interrupted. "Jessica doesn''t have an acquired heart condition. She has a


    congenital heart disease."


    Trish froze before turning toward the voice to find Wendy standing there. Stanley also turned to look at her.


    Wendy


    y stood confidently before them, her jet-ck hair tucked behind her ear, her presence radiating an effortless charm. Her striking eyes locked onto Stanley''s handsome face as she said, "Stop wasting time and find a suitable heart for Jessica. She needs


    a transnt."


    Trish''s face shifted, her frustration evident. She snapped, "Wendy, what are you talking about? How dare you question me! Do you even know anything about medicine?"


    +20 Bonus


    Stanley''s eyes were on Wendy, who stood poised and graceful, exuding a captivating, indescribable aura.


    "Mr. Hawk, I''ve said all I needed to say. Whether you believe it or not is up to you." Wendy turned to leave.


    Behind her, Trish fumed with rage. A sixteen-year-old who had dropped out of school had the nerve to challenge her medical expertise! It was an utter humiliation.


    "Mr. Hawk, don''t listen to Wendy!"


    As Wendy rounded a corner to leave the hospital, her steps slowed when she spotted Jessica.


    Jessica had been waiting for her.


    "I heard you''ve got Mrs. Glinda backing you up. She''s stopping Stanley from divorcing you." She scoffed, a bitterugh escaping her lips. "As a woman, I feel sorry for you. Stanley doesn''t love you. You can''t hold onto your husband, so you''ve turned to Mrs. Glinda. Wendy, you''re truly pathetic."


    Wendy met Jessica''s contemptuous gaze and smiled knowingly. "Jessica, you''re the pitiful one here. I won''t be divorcing Stanley, and you''ll forever be the hidden mistress. Look at how desperate you are."


    Jessica clenched her fists. "You little..."


    But then, she smiled again. "Do you think just relying on Mrs. Glinda will save you? You''re about to learn a harsh lesson from


    me

 My Dad Please Come 38

    After speaking, Jessica turned and left.


    Wendy furrowed her brow. What kind of game was Jessica ying?


    Soon, Sienna''s scream echoed through the hall.


    "Aaaah! Stanley, something''s happened!"


    Wendy quickly turned back as she wondered what was going on.


    Sienna, panic written all over her face, grabbed Stanley''s arm. "Stanley, Jessica''s been taken!"


    Stanley''s expression darkened. "Who took Jessica?"


    "Grandma took her! Grandma sent someone to grab Jessica!" Sienna replied anxiously.


    What?


    Stanley''s


    ''s presence suddenly grew colder, as though the temperature had dropped to freezing


    Just then, Sienna spotted Wendy arriving and immediately pointed at her. "Wendy, it''s your fault! Stanley, someone sent


    Grandma a photo-it''s the one of Jessica and you dancing closely at the barst night. Grandma saw it and flew into a rage, and


    sent people to take Jessica. I''m sure Wendy''s the one who sent it!"


    Wendy''s expression remained calm, but inside, she was stunned. She had no idea that someone had sent Glinda a photo.


    "Stanley, Wendy''s so malicious! She knows Grandma favors her and will take her side. With Jessica''s heart condition, she wanted.


    to use Grandma to get rid of her!"


    As soon as those words left Sienna''s mouth, Wendy felt Stanley''s cold, piercing gazend on her. He strode toward her, his long legs carrying him quickly.


    Wendy met his eyes. "Stanley, I didn''t do it."


    Stanley''s lips curled into a thin, tight line, and his voice was like ice. "Wendy, you''d better hope Jessica is okay."


    With that, he turned and left in a swift stride.


    Sienna shot Wendy a look full of malicious satisfaction and followed Stanley.


    Wendy''s face went pale. She knew Stanley didn''t believe her he must have thought she was the one who sent the photo


    She was the most likely suspect, anyway.


    A sense of unease crept into her heart. She quickly made her way to the Hawk family''s estate.


    +20 Bonus


    When Wendy arrived at the family estate, she barely reached the study door before hearing Glinda''s sharp voice.


    "Jessica, how can you be so shameless? Stanley''s married to Wendy now! That means he''s your brother-inw. Yet you go off


    with him, bing a homewrecker! Three years ago, you left. Now, you think you could juste back because you felt like it?


    Do you really think the position of Mrs. Hawk has been reserved for you all this time? You''re selfish and greedy!"


    Jessica stood with her head lowered, her delicate face pale, "Grandma, it''s not like that..."


    Glinda, furious, snapped, "I''m giving you onest chance! Leave Stanley now. Go back abroad and nevere back!"


    to be with him


    Trembling with fear, Jessica shook her head. "Grandma, I''m sorry, but I can''t do that. I love Stanley! I want to


    forever!"


    Glinda''s anger boiled over, her voice trembling. "You''re shameless! If your parents won''t punish you, then I will do it for them


    today!"


    Freddy handed her a whip-the Hawk family''s traditional punishment.


    Glinda raised the whip andshed out at Jessica.


    "Aaaah!" Jessica screamed in terror.


    The sound of the whip cracking through the air was sharp and heavy, making anyone listening tremble.


    But the whip didn''tnd on Jessica. It struck Stanley instead.


    Stanley had arrived just in time.


    He rushed forward, pulling Jessica into his arms and shielding her with his body.


    The whip came down hard on his back.

 My Dad Please Come 39

    Glinda gasped, "Stanley!"


    Outside the door, Wendy was equally stunned. She hadn''t expected Stanley to shield Jessica from the whip.


    It was clear-Jessica had his tant favoritism.


    Stanley looked at Glinda, his voice firm. "Grandma, that''s enough. I''m the one who wants to be with Jessica. She''s done nothing wrong-it''s all my fault. If you want to punish someone, punish mel Don''t touch her!"


    Jessica immediately reached out and clung to Stanley. "No, Grandma, don''t hurt Stanley! If anyone should be punished, it should be me!"


    In that moment, Jessica and Stanley seemed like two star-crossed lovers, while Glinda stood as the viin trying to tear them


    apart.


    Wendy felt a bitter ache in her chest.


    Glinda''s hand, still gripping the whip, trembled with rage.


    "Stanley, Wendy''s your wife! Have you forgotten that for three years, when you were in aa, it was she who stayed by your side, never leaving you? How could you hurt her like this? I can see you''ve beenpletely bewitched by Jessica! Fine, today I''ll


    knock some sense into you!"


    With heartache and fury, Glinda swung the whip at Stanley.


    "Grandma, stop!" Wendy rushed forward, stepping in to block Glinda.


    Glinda snapped, "Wendy, don''t be afraid. I''m here for you. No one will bully you!"


    Wendy felt a sense of warmth at the words.


    At that moment, Jessica cried, "Stanley, it hurts so much!"


    Stanley turned quickly, his eyes falling on Jessica, who was clutching her chest, her face contorted in pain.


    "Jessica!"


    Wendy moved toward Jessica, reaching out to check her pulse. "Let me see."


    But before her fingers could touch Jessica, Stanley''srge hand shot out and grabbed her slender wrist with a tight grip.


    Wendy looked up to meet Stanley''s cold, unfeeling gaze. His voice was sharp and distant. "I don''t need your fake sympathy!"


    He jerked her arm away with a force that sent Wendy stumbling. Her soft waist collided painfully with the sharp corner of the


    desk


    A tear sprang to Wendy''s eye from the sudden pain.


    +20 Bonus


    Glinda immediately rushed to Wendy''s side, her voice full of fury. "Stanley, have you lost your mind? How could you hurt Wendy?"


    Freddy stepped in, standing between the two. "Mr. Hawk, this is too much!"


    Stanley looked at Wendy, who had reddened eyes, tears shimmering in her gaze, making her look utterly vulnerable.


    His clenched fist, hanging by his side, twitched. Stanley looked like he wanted to move forward, but at that moment, Jessica cried


    out again.


    "Stanley, I feel so dizzy..."


    She made a dramatic show of nearly fainting.


    Stanley reacted quickly, swooping down and lifting Jessica effortlessly into his arms. He strode toward the door, his voicemanding. "Get the car! We''re going to the hospital!"


    Wendy lifted her gaze to see Jessica, who had been feigning weakness and dizziness moments ago, now nestledfortably in


    Stanley''s arms, shooting Wendy a victorious smile.


    Jessica had won this roundpletely.


    Glinda stamped her foot, enraged. "Stanley, don''t bothering back once you leave..."


    Her vision blurred and she copsed, fainting right then and there.


    "Grandma!"


    "Grandma!"


    Wendy quickly set to work, needling Glinda. As the silver needles withdrew, Glinda''s breathing slowed and became steady.


    Freddy watched, anxious. "Mrs. Wendy, how is Mrs. Glinda?"


    Wendy gently ced the needles aside. "She''s fine. Let her sleep for a while."


    Freddy''s anger red again. "I don''t know what''s wrong with Mr. Hawk. He''s so focused on protecting Jessica!"


    Jessica truly was his precious one, and a loved one''s influence could be devastating


    Wendy winced, feeling a lingering pain in her side from the earlier collision. The ache seemed to w at her heart. Though Jessica might be feeling sorry for herself at the hospital, Wendy couldn''t help but think that, in her position as the original wife, she was


    the one who had it the hardest.

 My Dad Please Come 40

    Jessica''s arrogance was something Stanley had nurtured. She was the woman he''d spoiled rotten, and now, she wielded that


    power.


    Wendy gave a bitter smile. "Freddy, what exactly happened today? Did someone send Grandma a photo?"


    Freddy handed over the photo that showed clearly Stanley and Jessica dancing intimately at a bar the previous night.


    "This morning, someone sent this photo to Mrs. Glinda. They exposed Mr. Hawk and Jessica''s affair. Mrs. Glinda saw it and was


    furious. She immediately sent someone to grab Jessica."


    Glinda truly cared for Wendy and hated seeing her upset in any way.


    Wendy held the photo thoughtfully. "Freddy, who do you think sent this photo?"


    "Whoever exposed Mr. Hawk and Jessica''s affair is clearly on your side," Freddy replied.


    Wendy smiled softly, her thoughts drifting. No wonder Stanley didn''t trust her- everyone seemed to think the same thing


    At first nce, it seemed like she''d benefit from this situation. Either she or one of her friends could have sent it, using Glinda''s


    hand to teach Jessica a lesson and take revenge for her.


    At that moment, Glinda murmured from the bed, "Stanley..."


    Freddy leaned closer. "Mrs. Wendy, Mrs. Glinda''s calling for Mr. Hawk."


    Today, Stanley had upset Glinda, and Wendy feared that this might cause a rift between the two of them.


    Just then, a phone rang. It was Lilian calling,


    Wendy answered the phone, and Lilian''s cold voice immediately came through. "Wendy, look at the mess you''ve made! You got Jessica sent to the hospital. You''d bettere here right now!"


    Lilian demanded shee to the hospital.


    Wendy showed little emotion. "Alright, I''ll be there soon."


    She hung up, grabbed her bag, and headed out.


    "Mrs. Wendy, are you sure you want to go?" Freddy seemed concerned, worried Wendy might get hurt.


    Wendy reassured him, "Don''t worry, Freddy. I know what I''m doing."


    At the hospital, Wendy entered the VIP room. Jessica was sitting in her hospital gown, looking pale and fragile, like the ssic sick beauty. Stanley and Lilian were by her side.


    17/2


    +20 Bonus


    Lilian immediately started berating Wendy. "The doctor just checked on Jessica. Thankfully, she''s fine. But you went and stirred things up with Glinda, trying to use her to hurt Jessica. If Stanley hadn''t rushed back in time, Jessica might have been seriously. hurt, or worse. You''re ruthless!"


    Wendy remained silent.


    Stanley, tall andposed, stood by the bed, handing Jessica a ss of warm water.


    Jessica cooed, "Feed me."


    Stanley gently fed her the water.


    Jessica tilted her face up, looking at Stanley with a sweet expression. "Stanley, after all this drama with Wendy, your grandma''s


    probably going to hate me even more."


    She reached out and tugged at Stanley''s sleeve. "You''d better love me even more now. You have topensate for your grandma''s love I''ve lost."


    Stanley looked down at her, his gaze softening as he gently patted her head.


    Jessica smiled sweetly, her eyes sparkling with a victorious and provocative gleam as she turned her gaze to Wendy.


    Wendy stood by the door, watching her husband''s intimate gestures with another woman. She felt awkward and alone.


    "Wendy, what are you just standing there for? This whole mess is your fault. Apologize to Jessica right now!" Lilian sneered.


    Lilian had called Wendy to the hospital just to apologize to Jessica.


    Stanley slowly lifted his head, his dark, cold eyes locking onto Wendy''s face.

 My Dad Please Come 41

    +20 Bonus


    The two of them locked eyes.


    Wendy looked at Stanley, trying to exin herself. "Stanley, I swear, I didn''t send that photo to Grandma. I won''t admit to something I didn''t do."


    Jessica tugged at Stanley''s sleeve. "Stanley, look at her! Even now, she''s still trying to make excuses. She has no remorse!"


    Stanley''s gaze was cold, devoid of any warmth. "Wendy, apologize. Now."


    His voice wasmanding, as though he were giving her an order.


    Wendy''s pale eyes welled up, but she stood tall, her slender back straight and her tone stubborn. ¡°Stanley, I''ll say it again: I didn''t do this, so I won''t apologize."


    Stanley''s eyes were like ink, dark and deep, swallowing everything in their path. "Wendy. Your best friend Cecelia works at a magazinepany, doesn''t she?"


    A chill ran down Wendy''s spine. Was he threatening to go after the people close to her?


    Both Jessica and Lilian were watching her with expressions of triumph, their faces so smug it almost burned.


    Wendy curled her white fingers into fists. At that moment, Stanley had shattered her dignity, and now these two were trampling


    on her. Tears of humiliation welled up in her eyes, but she slowly forced the words out.


    "Jessica, I''m sorry."


    In the end, she apologized.


    Jessica grinned. "I''ll let it slide this time, but there can''t be a next time."


    "Wendy, you think just holding onto Glinda is enough? Stanley doesn''t even love you," Lilian chimed in.


    Wendy''s face drained of color, leaving her as pale as a ghost.


    Stanley strode out of the room. Now, the only people left in the room were Wendy, Jessica, and Lilian.


    Wendy turned to Jessica. "So, this is your lesson for me?"


    Jessica dropped the act, casually curling her lips into a smile. "Wendy, I''m teaching you. As women, we shouldn''t be focusing on getting Mrs. Glinda''s favor- we should be going after the man."


    Wendy was stunned. ¡°Jessica, did you send the photo?"


    Jessica grinned but didn''t deny it.


    Wendy gasped. "You actually sent the photo to Grandma, deliberately putting her against you. You decided to endanger yourself. Everything was just a setup, wasn''t it?"


    +20 Bonus


    "Not bad, Wendy. Yes, I sent the photo. Glinda doesn''t like me, and I''m not going


    to try and please her. If she doesn''t like me, that''s her loss. I''ll make sure she loses Stanley, her precious grandson."


    Wendy couldn''t believe it. "Jessica, that''s Stanley''s grandmother!"


    Jessica smiled, a wicked gleam in her eyes. "So what? To me, she''s just an obstacle in my way."


    Wendy''s voice trembled. "You''re insane!"


    With that, she turned and started heading toward the door.


    Jessica''s voice echoed from behind her. "Wendy, this is just a small lesson for you. Remember, neither you nor Glinda are my


    match."


    Wendy''s back was to Jessica, so Jessica couldn''t see her expression.


    Wendy stood up straighter, and in that moment, all the humiliation, difort, and shock in her eyes vanished, reced by a


    cold smile.


    Oh, really? Jessica was celebrating too soon.


    Wendy walked out, and there, standing in the doorway, was Stanley, tall and striking, holding his phone.


    Earlier, Wendy had called Stanley, so he had heard every word she''d exchanged with Jessica

 My Dad Please Come 42

    Actually, Wendy had suspected from the moment she arrived at the family estate that Jessica was the one who sent the photo.


    Earlier, in the hospital room, she had gently prodded Jessica, coaxing thetter to admit the truth to Stanley. Wendy wanted to


    hear Jessica confess it in her own words.


    Stanley hung up the phone and looked up at Wendy.


    Her gaze was cool as she let a mocking smile curve her red lips. "Stanley, I''m afraid you''re going to be disappointed. I didn''t send


    the photo-Jessica did."


    Stanley furrowed his brow, his handsome features tense, but he didn''t say a word.


    Wendy turned and started to leave. Just as she was about to pass him, Stanley reached out and grabbed her slender arm.


    Reacting instinctively, Wendy wrenched her arm away, not wanting any physical contact with him.


    "After you left, Grandma got so upset that she fainted. In her sleep, she kept calling your name. Maybe you should go check on


    her when you have the time," she spat


    With that, Wendy walked out.


    Just then, Zayn approached quietly. "Mr. Hawk, it seems Mrs. Hawk has misunderstood you. You didn''t just take Jessica''s side, did you? You were standing right outside the door, so even if Mrs. Hawk didn''t call you, you still heard everything, didn''t you?"


    A man like Stanley, sharp and perceptive, would never simply believe one side of the story. He had remained calm and silent, deliberately stepping away from the room earlier to give Wendy and Jessica privacy. In truth, he had been standing just outside, observing, trying to figure out who was lying.


    What he hadn''t expected was that Wendy had caught on, too. The way she''d subtly guided Jessica into revealing the truth was


    impressive.


    While Jessica thought she was teaching Wendy a lesson, she had been outyed.


    Zayn watched as Wendy walked out of sight and said with admiration, "Mr. Hawk, I don''t think Mrs. Hawk is as simple as she


    seems.


    Stanley had originally underestimated Wendy, seeing her only as a pretty face. Now, after seeing how she handled the situation, he had to admit she had impressed him. A girl from the countryside who was calm under pressure, with a sharp mind and a clever strategy-just how many sides did she have?


    Stanley turned, his voice firm. "Head back to the estate."


    Zayn hesitated, then said again, "Mr. Hawk, Ms. Jessica will probably call you if she can''t find you.''


    Before Zayn could say another word, he noticed the sudden, cold shift in Stanley''s expression. He fell silent.


    +20 Bonus


    Jessica had be too spoiled by Stanley''s affection, and now, she had crossed a line. She had sessfully triggered Stanley''s


    anger, and she had no idea yet. In fact, she was still basking in her own self- satisfaction.


    Glinda was awake when Wendy returned to the Hawk family''s estate.


    Wendy reached out and hugged Glinda, acting yful. ¡°Grandma, you really scared me when you fainted earlier."


    Glinda patted Wendy''s back affectionately. "Don''t worry, Wendy. I''m not going anywhere. I was more worried that if I left, Jessica would try to take advantage of you."


    Wendy''s pale eyes reddened. The truth was, no one could bully her now.


    But as she was wrapped in Glinda''s warmth, Wendy suddenly felt a pang of something deeper. She had never been loved like this before. Being loved made her feel vulnerable and delicate. Her eyes welled up with tears as she held Glinda even tighter.


    At that moment, Freddy called out in an excited voice, "Mr. Hawk, you''re back." Stanley had returned.


    His gaze fell on Wendy, who was still clinging to Glinda, looking like a little girl. It was the first time he had seen her like this.


    Wendy quickly pulled away from Glinda, standing up. ¡°Grandma, I''m going to rest in my room now."

 My Dad Please Come 43

    Glinda''s voice was gentle as she said, "Go ahead, dear."


    Wendy nodded and left the room.


    Stanley walked to the bedside, and Glinda scolded him sharply, "Why are you back? Get out of here now!"


    Stanley gave a small, genuine smile and apologized, "Grandma, I''m sorry, I was wrong."


    Glinda''s tone softened slightly, but she didn''t let him off easily. "I don''t need your apology. The person you really owe an apology to is Wendy!"


    Freddy, clearly upset, chimed in, "That''s right, Mr. Hawk! You just ran off with that Jessica. It was Mrs. Wendy who stayed behind to care for Mrs. Glinda when she fainted! It''s like you''ve been adopted, and Mrs. Wendy''s the real family!"


    Stanley stood speechless.


    "And then you pushed Wendy, and she hit the table! People always say the squeaky wheel gets the grease-don''t think just because Wendy didn''t cry, it didn''t hurt!" Glinda added.


    "Mr. Hawk, you really need to use your conscience. You can''t keep treating Mrs. Wendy like this!"


    Glinda and Freddy both kept on, criticizing Stanley. He just stood there, silent.


    Stanley nced in the direction Wendy had gone, then said, "Grandma, since you''re okay now, I''ll head back to my room."


    Without waiting for a reply, he turned and walked out.


    After Stanley left, Glinda sighed. "Wendy''s such a good girl. How could Stanley be so captivated by Jessica?"


    "Mrs. Glinda, when you were unconscious earlier, you were still calling Mr. Hawk''s name. Mrs. Wendy heard you, and then she went to the hospital and brought him back. Even though she didn''t say anything, I know Mrs. Wendy went to the hospital to get him. Mrs. Wendy is so perceptive-she didn''t want there to be any distance between the two of you because of her," Freddy replied


    Glinda nodded, touched. She had always known how wonderful Wendy was.


    "Wendy has alwayscked love, and Stanley... Stanley knows how to love. Wendy knows this, too, which is why she truly loves. him."


    Stanley had been born with everything-gentlemanly, well-mannered, and excellent at loving. He''d spoiled Jessica to the point where she was now impossible to handle, and it was clear to anyone who paid attention.


    Wendy recognized that, which was why she cared for Stanley so deeply. Yet, that very reason was also why she kept getting hurt.


    +20 Bonus


    "Mrs. Glinda, don''t worry," Freddy said again. "I believe that one day, Mr. Hawk will love Mrs. Wendy. When that happens, he''ll


    love her to death."


    Glinda chuckled softly. "I believe that, too. And I think that day wille soon!"


    Back in his room, Stanley found Wendy already out of the shower, dressed in his white shirt and sitting at the vanity, applying her


    skincare.


    She didn''t look at him as he entered.


    Stanley sat on the edge of the bed and called out, "Wendy."


    She didn''t respond.


    He undid two buttons on his suit jacket and tried again. "Wendy."


    Still no answer.


    She stood up from the vanity, clearly nning to ignore him and head to the bed


    to sleep. She was acting as though he wasn''t


    even there.


    But as Wendy tried to pass him, Stanley''s hand shot out and grabbed her delicate wrist. With a gentle pull, she was forced to sit on


    his strong thigh.


    It hurt.


    The muscle in his leg was so firm, so full of raw male power, that when she


    Wendy winced in pain and struggled. "Let go of me."


    Stanley held her firmly, keeping her seated on hisp. His deep voice wasced


    with a teasing smile. "Why are you ignoring me?"

 My Dad Please Come 44

    +20 Bonus


    "Why are you ignoring me?" Stanley''s voice was gentle, almost coaxing.


    For a man of Stanley''s stature, power, and influence, his willingness to lower himself to console a woman could easily give the


    illusion of deep affection, pulling her in with the temptation of emotional attachment.


    But Wendy remained clear-headed, knowing all too well that Stanley''s affection had never been meant for her.


    He had given it all to Jessica.


    Wendy kept her head lowered, her longshes fluttering slightly. She still tried to stand up. "Let go of me!"


    Stanley''s smile grew more pronounced. "Are you upset?"


    Wendy chuckled, finding the idea amusing "What do I have to be upset about?¡±


    Stanley''s tone softened,ced with concern. "Did I hurt you earlier? Did I make you hit your waist?"


    Wendy shook her head, denying it, "No."


    But Stanley''srge hand moved to her delicate waist, gently cupping the area as he leaned closer, his voice soft but steady. "Is it


    here?"


    It was indeed there.


    Wendy had noticed the bruises when she looked at herself earlier after the shower. The area was tender and dark purple, and it


    would likely take a long time to healpletely.


    Now, with Stanley''s hand resting so gently over the injury, she could feel the warmth of his palm, his fingers long and smooth. Despite the gentleness, Wendy resisted.


    She hated how he always gave her the stick and then the carrot. She didn''t want his charity. She would rather he remain cruel to


    her. After all, without his attention, her injury would heal just the same.


    Wendy tried to pry his fingers off, pushing his hand away. "It''s not. It''s fine. Please, let go!"


    It was the first time Stanley had seen her genuinely upset. He had witnessed anger before-Jessica could be fiery and demanding when upset, expecting him to cate her.


    But Wendy was different. When she was angry, she became quiet, her small head lowered, retreating into herself like a silent, obedient stray cat-a cat so quiet, so docile, it made you want to take her in.


    Now, she struggled to push his hand away, refusing to let him touch her.


    Stanley looked at her delicate, porcin face. Freshly showered, she looked like a flower untouched by the world.


    "If you won''t tell me, I guess I''ll have to see for myself." His fingers moved to her shirt hem, slowly lifting it.


    +20 Bonus


    Wendy felt a chill on her thigh and gasped. She then immediately pressed her hand against her shirt to hold it down.


    She looked up at him, her eyes wide with shock, like a startled deer, "What are you doing? I''m not wearing pants, you pervert!"


    Stanley froze, caught off guard.


    He hadn''t meant it.


    His only intention was to check the injury, but as he lifted her shirt, he realized his mistake. She had been sitting on hisp the entire time, her long, pale legs draped over his dark pants. The sight was already provocative-her soft curves contrasting with


    his firm, tailored fabric.


    The image of her thighs, delicate and smooth, shed through his mind. As her shirt lifted, she quickly squeezed her legs together. It was fair, warm, and soft.


    Stanley, who had just been called a "pervert" for the first time, wasn''t sure what to say in reply.


    He felt the need to exin himself. "I didn''t do it on purpose."


    Wendy wasn''t listening, "An exnation is just an excuse. You did it on purpose!" Stanley was left speechless. What could he say?


    Just then, his phone rang. The ringtone echoed through the room.


    He had ced his phone on the nightstand when he entered, and now Wendy''s gaze shifted toward it. On the screen, a familiar


    string of letters appeared-Jessica.


    It was Jessica calling-


    Wendy figured Jessica had called because she had been waiting for him at the hospital and was wondering where he was.


    Upon that thought, she immediately pushed Stanley away, climbing off hisp.


    Was he going back to the hospital to be with Jessica tonight?


    limited offer: Top up now to get 5% more bonus

 My Dad Please Come 45

    Wendy adjusted her white shirt and turned to face Stanley.


    The phone was still on the nightstand, the ringtone ying over and over. Yet, Stanley didn''t even nce at it. He didn''t pick up


    Jessica''s call


    That was probably the first time he had ever done that.


    Stanley, tall and lean, stood up and removed his ck suit jacket. Underneath, he wore a white shirt, but there was arge stain


    on the back-blood. Wendy''s mind shed to thesh Glinda had struck him with earlier.


    Thatsh had cut deep into his skin, but his resolve was unshakable. He didn''t show a hint of pain on his face.


    The wounds needed to be treated or they could get infected.


    "I''ll get the first aid kit and take care of that for you," Wendy said.


    Stanley turned his head to look at her, his lips curving into a small, teasing smile. "A moment ago, you wouldn''t even look at


    1. me.


    Wendy bent down to grab the first aid kit. "I just didn''t want Grandma to worry."


    Stanley sat down on the bed.


    "Take off your shirt," Wendy instructed.


    Stanley obeyed, removing the white shirt to reveal his well-toned upper body.


    It was the first time Wendy had seen Stanley shirtless. His broad shoulders and slim waist, the muscles firm and defined, were


    nothing like the exaggerated abs of a gym junkie. Instead, he had six well-defined abs, dignified and subtle. His V-line disappeared into his ck pants, held in ce by an expensive, cool-to-the-touch ck leather belt.


    The sight was almost too much, and Wendy''s face flushed a deep red. She didn''t know where to look.


    Stanley''s voice broke the silence, deep and teasing. "Now we''re even."


    Wendy blinked in confusion. "Even? What do you mean?"


    Stanley smiled. "Earlier, I looked at you. Now, you''ve seen me."


    Wendy''s face turned an even brighter shade of red. "I didn''t look!"


    Stanley raised an eyebrow. "Then why are you blushing?"


    Wendy felt like pping herself. If she had known this would happen, she wouldn''t have helped him at all.


    She carefully applied antiseptic to his wound. Thesh had been deep, and the red blood against the pale flesh was unsettling. There were signs of inmmation from theck of treatment.


    She tried to be gentle, careful not to cause him more pain..


    +20 Bonus


    Stanley''s voice interrupted her thoughts. "This mess was caused by Jessica. I apologize for her behavior.


    Wendy''s longshes fluttered. He was apologizing for Jessica? It was clear now- he saw Jessica as his own.


    "Is this how you always clean up after her?" Wendy asked, bitternesscing her tone. "She''s already gone so far as to involve Grandma. Who knows what she''ll do next? You''ve spoiled her."


    Stanley''s gaze darkened. He realized that Jessica had changed, be someone unfamiliar.


    "She wasn''t like this before," he said quietly.


    Wendy paused, applying pressure to the wound. "What was she like before?"


    Stanley''s mind wandered back to that girl from the past, a soft smile crossing his lips. "Before... She was very lovable. I liked her a


    lot."


    He said Jessica was lovable and that he liked her a lot.


    Wendy felt a sting of irony. What did that make her?


    She had always wanted to ask him-what was she to him? What did their past together mean?


    All he seemed to care about was Jessica; the "Big Brother" hadpletely forgotten about her.


    Wendy''s hand trembled, and the cotton swab dug into his wound.


    "Ow!" Stanley winced, his face paling from the sharp pain. "Wendy, did you do that on purpose?"


    Wendy''s eyes shed. "Does it hurt? I hope it hurts so much you cry!"


    Stanley froze.


    What did he do to deserve this?


    Women were so unpredictable!

 My Dad Please Come 46

    Wendy had finished dressing his wound. Unfortunately, Stanley''s injury had be infected, and as soon as hey down, he


    started running a high fever.


    He felt freezing cold, so she turned on the air conditioner and piled several nkets on him, but he still shivered. Cold sweat


    beaded on his forehead, and his lips turned pale.


    Wendy couldn''t help but think that he deserved it. Why hadn''t he treated his wound properly when he took Jessica to the hospital?


    2015


    She gave him a shot to help him get through it, but he would have to endure the fever on his own. Once the fever passed, he''d


    recover.


    Wendy pulled the nkets aside andy down next to him.


    His body was ice-cold, radiating an almost unbearable chill. She couldn''t just leave him like that. Biting her lip, she pressed her


    slender form close to his, hoping to warm him.


    Hey with his back to her, and Wendy avoided his injury, wrapping her arms around him from behind.


    Stanley could feel her warmth as she curled up against him. Her soft body gently pressed against his, the thin fabric of their


    clothes the only thing separating them.


    Soon, her small hand moved across his chest, resting on his six-pack abs, gently brushing over them with careful, tentative


    strokes.


    Stanley closed his eyes and, in a hoarse voice, whispered, "Wendy, I''m sick."


    Wendy knew he was sick. That was exactly why she had to find a way to warm him up. She could only rely on the most basic


    method to stimte him, but she wasn''t Jessica, and she didn''t know if this would even work.


    She didn''t answer him, and though she had started awkwardly, her actions became bolder as her hand moved up his body, finally resting on his sculpted chest.


    The sensation was electrifying.


    Stanley sensed her bing more restless, her hand continuing to tease him, even as he fought off illness.


    His patience snapped. He grabbed her hand, his throat working as he let out a sharp growl, "Wendy, stop touching me!"


    Their bodies were pressed together, and Wendy could feel the heat begin to radiate from his body, his muscles tensing under her


    touch.


    Wendy''s small face turned a bright red. "Stanley, it seems like your body doesn''t feel as indifferent to me as you say."


    Stanley froze. He didn''t want to acknowledge his physical reaction to her.


    +20 Bonus


    In the past, he had been stirred by her a few times, and now, with the fever taking its toll on him, his body responded instantly to


    her touch.


    He turned toward her, his teeth clenched. "Wendy, why are you so... infuriating!" Such a tempting little minx.


    She had drugged him in the shower before, teasing him with her kisses. Now, she was tormenting him even while he was sick.


    Stanley found an excuse for his desire. What man could resist her like this?


    His body was now burning with heat. Wendy had achieved the effect she wanted, and with a clear mind, she closed her eyes. "Go


    to sleep."


    Stanleyy still, feeling speechless. Was she ying with him?


    He finally fell asleep, and in his dream, he saw the girl from his past.


    Years ago, while on a mission, he had been betrayed by arade and fell from an airne into a dense forest, badly injured.


    The people chasing him were closing in, and his vision blurred. He copsed to the ground, thinking this would


    be the end.


    At that moment, a little girl appeared, holding a worn-out doll in her arms.

 My Dad Please Come 47

    He reminded her that the area was dangerous and urged her to leave quickly. The people chasing him were closing in, and she wouldn''t make it out alive if she stayed.


    But the girl didn''t leave. Instead of running, she struggled to drag him with her, pulling him into a hidden cave.


    "Big Brother, this ce is safe. They won''t find us here," she said.


    He looked at the girl-so young, only a child. It was already into the winter months, but she was wearing just a thin, faded dress


    that had been washed so many times it was nearly white. It seemed like she had been in this forest alone for a long time, her only


    He was badly injured, his body icy-cold.


    The girl reached out and hugged him. "Are you cold? If I hold you like this, you won''t feel cold anymore."


    He looked into her eyes, so clear and bright.


    "Why are you here alone? Where''s your home? Where are your parents?" he asked.


    The girl was silent for a moment. ¡°I have no home, no parents. No one wants me in this world."


    He pulled her into his arms. "If I survive, I''ll take you out of here. I want you around."


    He took off the crystal pendant around his neck and ced it on hers.


    They spent the night in the cold cave, holding each other for warmth. Their shared body heat kept them alive through the night.


    But when he woke the next morning, the girl was gone. He couldn''t find her.


    Hisrades arrived, and he had no choice but to leave by helicopter.


    "Where are you...? Don''t leave!" Stanley mumbled in his sleep, suddenly jolting awake.


    It had been a dream. He had dreamed of that girl again.


    In fact, he had found her long ago-that girl had been Jessica.


    Everyone in his circle knew that he and Jessica were a perfect couple. He had


    kept Jessica by his side all these years, raising her to


    be spoiled and radiant.


    Everyone knew she was his precious one.


    But even with Jessica right next to him, he still often dreamed of that girl from his past.


    He dreamed of her thin body, so determined as she dragged him along.


    He dreamed of her warmth, holding him close.


    +20 Bonus


    And he dreamed of her sudden disappearance, waking up in shock from it.


    Stanley tried to move, but then he suddenly realized there was a soft, fragrant body in his arms.


    Looking down, he saw Wendy lying there, her head resting against his chest. The memories from the night before came flooding back. He remembered everything-how they had ended up lying together.


    She had curled her delicate back against him, and he had wrapped his arms around her from behind.


    They had spent the night like that, wrapped in each other''s warmth.


    Now, it was the next morning. The brilliant sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room.


    Wendyy in his arms, her small, pale face so soft that even the tiny hairs on her cheek seemed to glow. Her longshes hung


    gently, like delicate little fans.


    Shey so peacefully and softly in his embrace, and for a moment, Stanley felt like the whole world had quieted down.


    It was as if the girl from his past had returned to him.


    He stared at her, unable to tear his eyes away. He watched her for what felt like forever.


    Then Wendy shifted slightly, still asleep. The loose white shirt she wore slipped off her smooth right shoulder, revealing the soft


    curve of her skin.


    Stanley''s eyes darkened. He was fully healed now, and as a young man, his body was naturally sensitive in the morning. With her


    body pressed so closely against his, he quickly turned his gaze away.


    Stanley remembered the wound on her waist.


    They were both covered by a nket, but he gently lifted her shirt, careful not to look below.


    Soon, her waist was exposed. The bruises on her soft, pale skin were rming to


    see.

 My Dad Please Come 48

    How much pain must she have been in back then?


    Stanley gently ced his hand on her soft waist, admitting to himself that his feelings for her had grown more tender.


    He lowered his head, leaning closer to her face. His voice, still thick with sleep, came out hoarse as he whispered, "Wendy, did I hurt you? I''m sorry."


    He said those words softly, almost to himself.


    In her dreamlike state, Wendy didn''t respond. Her breathing was light, her body so soft that every strand of her hair seemed to


    carry a delicate sweetness.


    Stanley''s throat burned with heat as he tried not to look at her youthful, inviting form. Despite his best efforts, he found himself


    leaning in, almost sumbing to the desire to kiss her soft hair.


    Just as his lips were about to brush against her, Wendy made a small sound and slowly opened her eyes.


    She was awake.


    Stanley quickly regained his senses, stunned by what he''d almost done. What hade over him?


    He actually wanted to kiss Wendy''s hair!


    How could he, who had seen countless beautiful women, be so foolish as to lose hisposure like this over Wendy? His heart


    raced as he quickly pulled away, throwing back the covers and jumping out of bed.


    Wendy sat up, rubbing her eyes with small fists. "You''re awake? Is your fever gone?"


    She slid out of bed, reaching to touch Stanley''s forehead to check his temperature.


    But before she could, Stanley quickly pushed her hand away.


    Wendy froze. What was he doing? She only wanted to check his temperature, so why was he reacting like this?


    Without answering her, Stanley turned and walked straight toward the bathroom. "I need a cold shower."


    The sound of rushing water echoed from inside as he began his cold shower.


    Wendy stood there, confused. "Stanley, what are you doing? It''s early in the morning! Your back injury can''t get wet. Didn''t you


    hear me?"


    Stanley didn''t respond.


    Wendy sighed, wondering why he was acting so strange. She decided to forget the matter and let him do what he wanted.


    +20 Bonus


    Later that evening, at the 1996 Bar.


    Stanley found Benny in one of the luxurious booths. "Where''s the stuff I asked for?"


    "Don''t worry, I brought it." Benny handed over a rub cream.


    This cream was a family secret of the Gondale family, known for its amazing healing properties.


    "Stanley, just rub this on the bruise, and it will disappear in no time. By the way, is Jessica hurt? Only she could make you ask me


    for this," Benny joked.


    Stanley took the bottle, preparing to leave.


    Just then, he spotted a familiar figure ahead-Wendy hade to the bar too.


    She was with Cecelia, who was muttering angrily, "Wendy, who the hell hurt your back? I swear, whoever did, I could just chop


    their hands off!"


    Stanley paused.


    He started to walk toward Wendy, but then he froze as he saw his good friend, Nathan.


    Nathan called out to Wendy. "Wendy, I heard from Cecelia that you hurt your back. Here, this cream is for you.


    He handed her a bottle of the exact same rub cream.


    "Damn!" Benny blinked, shocked. "Stanley, Nathan''s giving her the cream?"


    Benny stared at Stanley, wide-eyed. "Wait, you didn''t ask me for that cream for Wendy, did you?"


    Ahead, Wendy epted Nathan''s gift with a smile. "Thanks, Nathan."


    Stanley''s face darkened, and he tossed the cream at Benny. "You talk too much."


    He turned to leave, but suddenly, a soft arm looped around his, stopping him.


    It was Jessica. "Stanley, there you are!"


    Stanley looked up, only to meet Wendy''s cold, clear gaze from across the room.

 My Dad Please Come 49

    +20 Bonus


    Wendy noticed Stanley with Jessica. Jessica, who had already been discharged from the hospital, stood beside him, looking radiant as she looped her arm through his. The two of them, like a perfect match, lookedpletely at ease with each other.


    Cecelia snorted in disdain. "Stanley really does love Jessica, huh? Even after all that drama with Mrs. Glinda, he acts like nothing happened and just gets right back together with her."


    Wendy hadn''t expected to run into Stanley and Jessica at the bar, but seeing how quickly they''d made up didn''t surprise her.


    There was no trace of shock on her face. She simply curved her lips into a faint smile and said to Cecelia, "So, you just now


    realized Stanley loves Jessica?"


    In the past, this might have disappointed her, but now, she was numb to it.


    Just then, the sound of high heels clicking on the floor caught her attention.


    "Mr. Hawk, Jessica! What a coincidence," came voice.


    Trish''s


    Wendy looked up, surprised to see that Trish had also arrived.


    Trish was dressed in a ck spaghetti strap dress that showcased her curves, her curly hair and red lips giving her a striking, sultry appearance. Her gazended on Stanley, her eyes gleaming with interest.


    Wendy raised an eyebrow. It looked like things were really heating up tonight.,


    Jessica, still unaware of Trish''s interest in Stanley, kept her arm wrapped around his, shing a sweet smile as she greeted Trish.


    "What a coincidence, Trish."


    Benny, who had been waiting for this moment, excitedly spoke up. "Since everyone''s here, let''s sit down and y a game! Nathan, Wendy, do you guys want to join?"


    Nathan turned to Wendy and said, "Wendy, let''s y together."


    Wendy was about to decline, but Cecelia quickly jumped in. "Sure, we''ll y."


    It was then that Trish noticed Nathan and Wendy together. Her eyes widened in surprise. "How did Nathan end up with Wendy?"


    Jessica, ever the gossip, smirked. "Trish, didn''t you know? Nathan''s interested in Wendy."


    "What?" Trish gasped, her voice dripping with disbelief. "Nathan fancies Wendy? But Wendy''s from the countryside. She doesn''t belong with someone like Nathan


    Jessica shrugged, grinning. "You don''t get it, do you? Wendy knows how to charm men. Nathan''s already under her spell."


    Trish sneered, her voiceced with disdain, "How could I end up with a rtive like her? She''s really not fit for the spotlight."


    Jessicaughed, clearly enjoying the gossip.


    +20 Bonus


    Suddenly, Stanley pulled his arm away from Jessica and turned to walk off.


    Jessica''s hand dropped to empty space. The smile on her face faltered, freezing instantly.


    Last night, Stanley hadn''t returned to the hospital to be with her. She had called him multiple times, but he hadn''t answered. It was the first time he had treated her this coldly after all the time they''d known each other.


    Now, she felt utterly insecure. Fearing another woman might steal him away, she hurried after him.


    Catching up to Stanley, she pouted andined, "Stanley, why didn''t you answer my callsst night?"


    Stanley''s expression was unreadable, his sharp profile as cold and distant as


    ever.


    Wendy, Nathan, and Cecelia joined the group, along with Trish, Benny, and a few other rich heirs. The group was ready to y, so. Jessica had no choice but to drop the subject. She took her seat next to Stanley.


    Benny pped. "Alright! Now that we''re all here, let''s get started. We''re ying Truth or Dare."


    He pulled out a beer bottle, exining the rules.


    "Spin the bottle, and when it stops, anyone the bottle''s mouth points to can choose the person the bottle''s tail points to, and ask a Truth or Dare question."


    The first round began.


    The bottle spun andnded. The mouth of the bottle pointed to Trish, while the tail pointed to Stanley.

 My Dad Please Come 50

    The first round of the gamended on Stanley, and the atmosphere instantly grew more charged.


    Trish shed a yful smile at Stanley, her lips curling seductively.


    "Mr. Hawk, it''s your turn for Truth. Tell us, have you and Mrs. Hawk... consummated your marriage yet?"


    Everyone at the table, except Nathan who had just returned from abroad, knew that Wendy was Mrs. Hawk. Trish''s question was clearly meant to embarrass Stanley and probe into whether he had been intimate with Wendy.


    The rich heirs at the table, always eager for drama, started whistling, adding to the tension.


    Trish cast a sly nce at Wendy before turning back to Stanley. "You and Mrs. Hawk have been married for three years now. Have you never been with her? How much do you really not like your wife?"


    Jessica, not wanting to miss her chance, turned her haughty gaze toward Wendy. "I told Stanley not to touch Mrs. Hawk, so of


    course he hasn''t."


    Together, Trish and Jessica were clearly trying to humiliate Wendy.


    Benny and the other heirs began urging Stanley. "Come on, Stanley! Answer the question. No lying now-it''s Truth or Dare!"


    Cecelia looked at Trish and Jessica with fire in her eyes, practically itching to rip them apart. However, Wendy calmly held her


    back


    Cecelia hissed quietly, "Wendy, they''re doing this on purpose."


    Wendy gave a bitter smile. "It''s true that Stanley hasn''t touched me. Let themugh. It doesn''t bother me anymore."


    The truth hurt, but it was the reality. The fact that Jessica had forbidden Stanley from touching her didn''t matter; he had never


    intended to in the first ce.


    Wendy nced at Stanley, seated at the head of the table.


    Tonight, he wore a ck shirt and ck pants, the sleeves rolled up, revealing his sharp, defined forearms. When he lifted his


    gaze, his cold, piercing eyes met hers, but she couldn''t decipher what he was thinking,


    Jessica leaned in, pressing him. "Stanley, tell everyone you haven''t touched Wendy!"


    Under the collective gaze, Stanley''s voice was as cool and distant as ever. "I ept the punishment. I''ll drink."


    Instead of answering the question, he chose to take the penalty and drink.


    Jessica stiffened in shock. Trish''s expression faltered, her excitement momentarily gone.


    Stanley grabbed the bottle and tilted it back, drinking three full bottles in one go.


    Cecelia felt a flicker of respect for Stanley, finally seeing him stand his ground. She couldn''t resist taking a jab. "Well, Jessica,


    Stanley chose to remain silent. Seems like your order didn''t really work after all."


    Jessica''s face turned an ufortable shade of red as she struggled to regain herposure.


    Wendy studied Stanley, surprised by his choice. He could have easily answered, but he didn''t. Why?


    +20 Bonus


    Before she could ponder further, Benny quickly stepped in to steer the game along. "Alright, Stanley''s taken his punishment, so the first round is over. Let''s move on to the second round!"


    The beer bottle was spun again. This time itnded on Wendy, with the tail pointing to Trish


    Once again, it was Trish.


    Wendy''s clear, sparkling eyes lit up with a mischievous smile. She knew Trish had been working with Jessica to embarrass her, so


    now it was her turn to make things interesting. She wondered if these fake friends could handle what wasing next.


    Trish fixed Wendy with a cold, proud look. "Wendy, what do you want me to do?"


    Wendy blinked innocently and grinned. "Trish, this round, you''re going to do a Dare. Pick one of these gentlemen here to kiss


    passionately for three minutes."


    Wendy was setting the stage for something daring, a challenge that would shake things up.


    Trish was proud and high-strung, and only Stanley could make her feel that kind of passion.

 My Dad Please Come 51

    But Stanley was Jessica''s.


    What should she do?


    Uh-oh.


    The rich kids were getting excited again. Trish was famous for being a catch, and she was still single-many had a soft spot for her.


    Wendy smiled. "Trish, it''s your turn to pick."


    She nced at Jessica with a yful smirk. "Jessica, we all know Trish has a certain pride about her. Who do you think she''ll choose?"


    Jessica shot Wendy a re. "Of course, Trish is outstanding. Plenty of men are chasing after her. She must have a bit of that arrogance. That''s public knowledge."


    Wendy smiled, saying nothing more.


    Jessica turned her attention to Trish, genuinely curious. She wasn''t sure who Trish would choose, either.


    Sinceing back to the country, Trish had be Dr. Cen''s assistant. Meanwhile, Archer''s family was in Edith''s good books, and Trish was picking her ideal match among Hovendale''s high society.


    Jessica looked at Trish. "So, who will it be?"


    Everyone eagerly watched Trish, waiting for her to make her pick.


    Trish stood up, her gaze briefly meeting Stanley''s with a spark of interest. "Alright, I''ll choose


    now."


    She made her way toward Stanley.


    Passing by a young heir, Jessica''s eyes lit up. "Trish, are you picking Mr. Burton?"


    But Trish simply moved past him and walked toward the other rich heir.


    Jessica''s excitement grew even more. "Trish, are you picking Mr. Maxwell?"


    Not quite.


    Trish continued past all the rich heirs until only one person remained... Stanley.


    Jessica gasped, rising abruptly to block Trish''s path, her voice incredulous. "Trish, who are


    +25 Bonus


    you choosing? Are you seriously picking Stanley?"


    Since Jessica was standing in her way, Trish couldn''t reach Stanley. She met


    Jessica''s gaze head-on. "Why yes, Jessica. I''m picking Mr: Hawk."


    Jessica''s pupils constricted in shock. She couldn''t believe that Trish, so proud and confident, was eyeing Stanley.


    Stanley was hers. Trish was trying to steal him from her!


    "Trish, no! You can''t pick Stanley!"


    Trish, now Dr. Cen''s assistant, felt she was just as impressive as Jessica. "Why not? This is a game. Wendy told me to pick anyone from the men here, and that includes Mr. Hawk. What, Jessica? Can''t you ept the game''s terms?"


    "You!"


    The surrounding rich heirs murmured, "Looks like the Crone family''sdies are about to fight


    over Mr. Hawk!"


    "They were just acting like sisters, and now they''re tearing each other apart over him!"


    The onlookers were loving every minute of it.


    Cecelia quietly gave Wendy a thumbs-up. "Wendy, you''re brilliant! With one move, you got them fighting like cats and dogs."


    The two so-called sisters who had teamed up to humiliate Wendy earlier were now at odds. Wendy smirked, watching the drama unfold.


    At that moment, Wendy felt a cold, intense gazend on her. She looked up and met Stanley''s frosty eyes.


    Stanley wasn''t looking at Jessica or Trish. His cold, prating gaze was aimed straight at her. His eyes were like frozen daggers, chilling her to the core.


    Wendy quickly looked away, rising from her seat. "Cecelia, I''m heading to the bathroom."


    Wendy sshed cold water on her face in the bathroom before walking out, intending to


    return.


    As she passed the men''s restroom, a strong hand shot out from inside, grabbing her slender wrist and yanking her inside.


    "Ah!"


    +25 Bonus


    Wendy gasped in surprise as her delicate back was pressed against the cold wall. Looking up, Stanley''s handsome, imposing face loomed in her vision.


    She furrowed her brows. "Mr. Hawk, what are you doing? Why did you drag me into the men''s restroom?"


    Support

 My Dad Please Come 52

    Stanley''s tall, imposing frame blocked Wendy''s path, pressing her between the wall and his chest as he sneered, "Wendy, did you do that on purpose?"


    Wendy pushed against him, her delicate hands barely making an impact. "I don''t understand what you''re talking about."


    "Stop ying dumb." Stanley''s piercing eyes darkened with irritation. "You purposely pushed me toward Trish!"


    He had figured it out! He had known all along that she was using him as a pawn, stirring up trouble between Jessica and Trish.


    He had never imagined she could so casually shove him toward another woman, forcing him into a three-minute kiss with someone else.


    Wendy stopped pretending. Her clear, innocent eyes met his as she said, "Mr. Hawk, Trish fancies you."


    "And that''s her problem," Stanley shot back, uninterested. "Why does it concern me?"


    There were countless women interested in him-did he have to answer to every single one?


    Wendy fell silent, realizing he wasn''t interested in Trish. Jessica still held his affection.


    ¡°Mr. Hawk,¡± she said, "why are you so upset? Jessica and Trish both have feelings for you. That''s a sign of your charm! Let go of me!"


    Stanley didn''t budge. Instead, his voice dropped to a low, dangerous whisper. "Did what I told you that night? Why are you still tangled up with Nathan?"


    A mocking smile tugged at his lips.


    you forget


    "Wendy, you just want to use Nathan to get under my skin and grab my attention, don''t you?"


    What was he saying? How could he be so arrogant?


    "Mr. Hawk, ''you''re imagining things. I don''t love you anymore!"


    This was the second time she had told him this.


    Stanley''s lips curled in a cold smirk as he reached up, his long fingers brushing lightly across her delicate face, his touch teasing and intimate. His voice was softer now, almost a whisper, carrying that maic tone that made her heart


    race.


    "You really don''t love me anymore? I guess you''ve forgotten how I kissed you senseless that night at the family estate."


    +25 Bonus


    That man was a master of flirting. Wendy''s face turned a mix of red and white as she remembered everything about that night-how he kissed her with his eyes wide open, how he mocked her when she was lost in the kiss.


    He had the nerve to bring it up again!


    Stanley grabbed her chin, his eyes filled with mischief as he looked down at her. "Let''s see if you really don''t love me anymore."


    Without warning, he leaned in to kiss her lips.


    Wendy felt like Stanley, that arrogant jerk, was certain she still had feelings for


    him. He thought he could just bully her into showing affection.


    She wasn''t about to let him win. In a swift move, she bent her knee and shoved it into his


    groin.


    Stanley wasn''t expecting it. He gasped in pain, clutching his stomach.


    Wendy stepped back, taking advantage of his stunned state. "Mr. Hawk, I hope you understand now that I don''t love you anymore!"


    She didn''t look back as she walked away, leaving Stanley standing there, his face unreadable.


    Wendy returned to thevish booth, where Jessica and Trish were already seated again. The Truth or Dare round was clearly over, and she couldn''t just let them fight over Stanley any


    longer.


    Stanley had returned to his spot as well, his face clouded with an unapproachable air.


    Wendy avoided his gaze, acting as though nothing had happened.


    The third round of the game started. This time, the beer bottle''s neck pointed toward Benny, while the bottom of the bottle pointed at Nathan.


    Benny rubbed his hands together excitedly. "Finally, my turn! Nathan, it''s your turn for a dare. Just like Trish, I want you to pick one of thedies here and kiss them for three minutes."

 My Dad Please Come 53

    The crowd gasped as the atmosphere once again reached its peak.


    "The question''everyone''s been waiting for-who''s the luckydy from Hovendale who''ll win Nathan''s heart? It''s time to reveal the answer!"


    Nathan stood up and, without hesitation, walked over to Wendy, clearly choosing her.


    Both Jessica and Trish''s expressions changed at once.


    Stanley, holding a cocktail, didn''t show much emotion, his face as cold and unapproachable


    as ever.


    Cecelia, however, couldn''t hide her excitement. She exaggerated her surprise. "Wow, could it be that Nathan has fallen for Wendy?"


    Wendy looked up at Nathan. She had just finished dealing with Stanley and had no ns to start a new romance. She didn''t want to give Nathan any false hopes.


    At that moment, Nathan leaned down, his handsome faceing closer to hers. Wendy stuttered, "N-Nathan, I-"


    Nathan winked, a mischievous smile ying on his lips. "Wendy, I need you to help me out a


    little."


    Wendy was taken aback.


    "We''re ying a game here," he continued. "You wouldn''t want me to take the punishment, would you? Come on, for the sake of that rub cream, just cooperate with me."


    Wendy, realizing she couldn''t back out, sighed. "Can I give you the cream back instead?"


    Cecelia cheered them on from the side. "Kiss her! Kiss her! Kiss her!"


    Nathan gently cupped Wendy''s small face with his hands, drawing closer.


    Closer...


    So close...


    Almost there...


    Stanley watched the pair, his fingers tightening around his cocktail ss, causing the joints to turn white with the pressure.


    Wow.


    +25 Bonus


    The crowd erupted into cheers as Nathan and Wendy actually kissed.


    They kissed!


    Jessica was livid, pulling at Stanley''s sleeve. "Stanley, look! Wendy actually got Nathan to fall for her!"


    Stanley''s cold eyes narrowed as he observed the scene.


    Nathan was still holding Wendy''s face, kissing her gently as the crowd cheered. Wendy quickly turned her face away to end the kiss, her cheeks flushed red as she buried her face in Nathan''s arm.


    Nathan looked down at her, his gaze soft. Wendy, shy and bashful, peeked up at him with a look full of affection.


    Stanley''s eyes burned with jealousy. How dare she look so soft, so sweet when Nathan kissed her? He had thought only he could evoke that kind of response from her, but it seemed Nathan could get that same reaction.


    Had she really stopped loving him?


    The rich heirs cheered raucously.


    "Nathan, you promised a three-minute kiss! That''s just one minute!"


    "Keep going, keep going! We want to see more!"


    Nathan nced at Wendy with a soft gaze and said, "Wendy''s a bit shy. Don''t scare her."


    Then, he picked up the bottle. "I''ll take the punishment."


    He started drinking.


    The crowd went wild, egging Nathan and Wendy on.


    Meanwhile, Jessica and Trish could only watch in disbelief as Wendy became the center of attention tonight. While they had been fighting for Stanley, Wendy had effortlessly captured Nathan''s attention. How had she done it?


    Jessica was about toin to Stanley when his cocktail ss suddenly broke in his hand, creating a loud noise.


    He had crushed the ss with his bare hand.


    The shards of ss cut into his palm. Blood began to drip from his hand in slow, steady drops.


    Jessica gasped. "Stanley! Your hand! Let me get a doctor to help you!"


    But no one was paying attention to Stanley; they were still caught up in the chaos.


    Stanley ignored Jessica. Without a word, he stood up and walked away.


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 My Dad Please Come 54

    Stanley left, and Jessica quickly chased after him.


    "Stanley, wait up!"


    +25 Bonus


    The game was over, and Wendy, Nathan, and Cecelia were getting ready to leave the bar.


    Nathan turned to Wendy with a smile. "Wendy, thanks for helping me out earlier."


    Wendy shook her head. Nathan hadn''t actually kissed her-he had cupped her face, but in reality, he''d only kissed his fingers. Still, to everyone else, it looked like a real kiss.


    Wendy smirked. "I think I''ve repaid you for that rub cream, right?"


    Before Nathan could respond, Trish''s voice came from behind. "Nathan, wait!"


    Wendy turned around to look at Trish.


    Nathan looked at Trish. "Ms. Crone, is there something you need?"


    Trish stepped forward, ring at Wendy. "Nathan, don''t be fooled by Wendy. I''m here to expose her true nature!"


    Wendy''s face remained cold. She had known Trish wouldn''t be able to hold back.


    Nathan looked at Trish. "Ms. Crone, what do you have to say?"


    "Nathan, do you know who Mrs. Hawk is? It''s Wendy!"


    Nathan froze and turned his gaze to Wendy.


    "Nathan, over three years ago, Mr. Hawk became a vegetable after a car ident. Wendy, who had just returned from the countryside, took advantage of the situation and married him. She''s the ugly duckling that Mr. Hawk hasn''t even touched to this day! Nathan, don''t tell me you''re interested in a woman your good friend didn''t want!"


    Just then, Stanley and Jessica walked over.


    Wendy''s eyes immediately found Stanley, and she noticed the white bandages wrapped around his right hand.


    What had happened to his hand? Was he hurt? But when she had seen him in the men''s restroom earlier, his hand seemed fine.


    Jessica looked at Nathan. "Nathan, Trish is right. Wendy married Stanley, and she''s Mrs.


    +25 Bonus


    Hawk. You really shouldn''t im someone''s leftovers!"


    Stanley''s handsome face was partially hidden in the dim light, but his eyes


    flickered up at Wendy, his gaze filled with a hint of sarcasm.


    Wendy understood. He had said it before, back at the family estate-Nathan wouldn''t take over his leftovers.


    Maybe just like Jessica and Trish, Stanley was watching her, waiting to see her humiliated when Nathan rejected her.


    Nathan turned to Wendy, asking, "Wendy, is this true?"


    Wendy nodded honestly. "Yes, it''s true."


    Trish excitedly turned to Nathan. "See, Wendy admits it!"


    Jessica scoffed. "What else could she say?"


    Nathan curved his lips into a slight smile. "Actually, I''ve already guessed as much."


    What?


    Jessica and Trish froze.


    Nathan turned to Stanley. "Stanley, I''ve already figured out your rtionship with Wendy. That puts my mind at ease."


    Put his mind at ease? What did that mean?


    Jessica and Trish were confused. The night had been all about Wendy making a ssh with Nathan, stealing the spotlight. Why did Wendy deserve Nathan''s attention? They had to stop this!


    To them, Wendy should have stayed in the countryside where she belonged. They were sure that once Nathan found out she had been Stanley''s cast off, he would never want anything to do with her.


    They were just waiting for her downfall.


    But something felt off. Things weren''t ying out the way they had expected.


    "Stanley, I know you love Jessica, but since you''re not interested in Wendy, can I officially start pursuing her from now on?"


    Nathan reached for Wendy''s hand, gently holding her soft, delicate fingers in his palm.


    "Stanley, I have feelings for Wendy. I want to be with her."


    213

 My Dad Please Come 55

    Nathan not only didn''t reject Wendy, but he also confessed his feelings for her right in front of Stanley.


    Jessica and Trish stood there in shock. "Nathan!"


    Had Nathan lost his mind? Was he seriously going to take over his best friend''s unwanted goods?


    Stanley''s gaze fell on Wendy and Nathan''s held hands. The temperature around him seemed to drop instantly, and his eyes darkened as he parted his lips to speak to Nathan,


    "Of course, you can. You can do whatever you want with her."


    With that, Stanley turned and walked away,


    Jessica quickly followed.


    Wendy watched him leave, feeling a cold emptiness settle in her chest. Stanley truly was heartless. He had given Nathan permission to pursue her, even letting Nathan do whatever he


    wanted with her.


    "Wendy, I''ve known Stanley for many years. He and Jessica will never separate," Nathan said quietly.


    Wendy quickly pulled her hand from Nathan''s grasp. "I know."


    Without warning, Nathan stepped closer, pressing her back against the wall, His lips curled into a mischievous grin as he suggested, "So, how about being my girlfriend? I''ll spoil you the same way Stanley spoils Jessica,"


    Wendy trembled slightly, not wanting to get entangled with an heir from the Lowe family.


    "Nathan, thank you for your kindness, but I''m not worthy. I''m just from the countryside, with no education, no job... I don''t deserve someone like you."


    As she spoke, she pushed him away and ran off. "Goodbye, Nathan.¡±


    Nathan watched her retreating figure, a genuine smile spreading across his face.


    This girl was really something. She was definitely his cup of tea!


    Stanley stepped out of the bar, where a Rolls-Royce luxury business car was waiting by the curb. Zayn respectfully opened the rear door.


    716


    +25 Bonus


    Just then, Jessica ran out after him and threw her arms around him from behind. "Stanley, what''s going on? Why are you being so cold to me?"


    Her heart raced. She had no idea why Stanley was acting like this.


    Stanley removed her arms and looked at her with a neutral expression. "I need to


    go back to thepany to handle something. You should go


    home."


    He climbed into the backseat. Zayn then got into the driver''s seat and started the car, pulling


    away.


    Jessica stamped her feet in frustration. "Stanley!"


    Inside the car, Zayn said quietly, "Mr. Hawk, it seems Mr. Lowe is genuine about Mrs. Hawk..."


    Stanley lifted a hand and tugged at the button of his shirt, revealing a glimpse of his finely sculpted corbone, as though he could only breathe when he did so.


    Nathan had surprised him today. Stanley knew how picky Nathan was, yet Nathan had been willing to pursue Wendy.


    Stanley''s voice turned icy. "She really knows how to seduce men."


    He remembered how Wendy blushed when Nathan kissed her, the shy, almost hesitant look


    on her face. What man could resist that?


    He hadn''t been able to resist, either. His body had responded to her more than once.


    It wasn''t enough to lure him, so she''d gone after Nathan.


    "Mr. Hawk, should we return to the Hawk family estate now?"


    "No. We''re going to thepany. I''ll be staying there for the next few days."


    He didn''t want to go back and see Wendy.


    Stanley lowered the window, letting the cold wind brush against his face. Even now, he still felt an ache between his legs. Was she trying to shatter his manhood?


    She pped him and kicked his groin-only she would dare do such things.


    "Stanley, I don''t love you anymore."


    Her words echoed in his ears.


    If she didn''t love him, so what? Who needed her affection?


    Stanley found everything ridiculous.


    +25 Bonus


    He couldn''t believe he had asked for the rub cream and got punished in the first round of the game because of her


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 My Dad Please Come 56

    Stanley had just crushed a wine ss in his hand.


    For the past few days, he had beenpletely captivated by Wendy''s beauty, to the point where he no longer recognized himself.


    He figured he would let her do whatever she wanted with Nathan. She was nothing but a


    temptress.


    At the Crone family vi, Jessica was sitting on the living room sofa, throwing a tantrum." Dad, Mom, Stanley doesn''t care about me anymore!"


    Harry looked surprised. ¡°Jessica, how could Stanley not care about you? Has he gotten a divorce? When is he going to marry you?"


    Jessica stomped her feet in frustration. "Stanley hasn''t even divorced Wendy yet! It''s all Wendy''s fault. She doesn''t want to divorce him!"


    Harry, with a displeased expression, nced at Lilian. "What''s going on here? Isn''t Wendy your daughter? Why didn''t you tell her to know her ce? Why does she always get in Jessica''s way?"


    Lilian immediately said in a gentle tone, "Don''t worry, darling. I''ll figure out a way to get them divorced as soon as possible."


    "What are you going to do?" Harry asked, clearly skeptical.


    "Mom''s 80th birthday ising up. I have a perfect n for the celebration. I''ll make sure it all ys out there," Lilian said with a sly smile, clearly confident in her idea.


    Harry patted Jessica''s shoulder reassuringly. "Jessica, just hold on for a few more days."


    Jessica stood up. "I''m going upstairs."


    As Jessica went up, Harry also got up, intending to leave.


    Lilian stopped him. "Honey, it''s sote. You don''t need to go out tonight."


    Ever since Lilian''s failed attempt to drug Wendy, Harry had been distant with Lilian, spending several nights away from home. Lilian had been left alone in their empty bed.


    Lilian cuddled up to Harry, her fingers with bright red nails caressing his well- toned chest seductively. "I''ve missed you, honey."


    Harry pushed her away. "I''lle back home when Stanley finally divorces Wendy. You know


    +25 Bonus


    what to do."


    With that, Harry stormed out.


    Lilian''s expression darkened. She knew that over the past few days, Harry had been tangled up with his secretary.


    She wasn''t about to share her husband with any other woman.


    Now, she just had to wait for the 80th birthday party. She had her ns to make sure Stanley and Wendy got divorced.


    Soon, the 80th birthday party for Edith was in full swing, with the Crone family inviting all the high-society families of Hovendale. Their estate was adorned with lights and festive decorations, creating a lively atmosphere.


    Wendy had also arrived. She saw Edith sitting in a chair, while the second branch of the Crone family-Harry, Lilian, and Jessica-along with the third branch-Archer, Natalie Dittman, and Trish-were standing beside her, paying their respects.


    Edith beamed with joy as she held Trish''s hand. "I heard that Trish is now Dr. Cen''s


    assistant. Is that true?"


    Archer and Natalie looked proud. "Of course it''s true, Mom. Dr. Cen is a renowned miracle worker, and she personally selected Trish to be her assistant.¡±


    Wendy, overhearing that, could only smile tightly.


    "That''s wonderful! Trish has really brought honor to the Crone family," Edith kept repeating.


    Harry immediately chimed in, "Mom, Jessica''s now the lead dancer for the balletpany."


    Although the second and third branches of the Crone family appeared friendly on the surface, they had alwayspeted behind the scenes. Harry and Lilian would never let the third branch steal the spotlight in front of Edith.


    Sure enough, Edith quickly grabbed Jessica''s hand. "And Jessica''s amazing too! Trish and Jessica are both making the Crone family proud!"


    Edith proudly held one hand of Trish and one hand of Jessica, beaming with pride.


    Lilian, in a surprisingly good mood, suddenly spotted Wendy standing by the door.


    2/

 My Dad Please Come 57

    As soon as Wendy stepped through the door, no one bothered to greet her. She stood quietly to the side, feelingpletely out of ce amidst the lively atmosphere.


    Lilian''s voice broke the silence. "Wendy, you''re back."


    Everyone turned their attention toward her, their eyes locking onto Wendy in unison.


    Edith''s smile immediately vanished. A look of disdain crossed her face. "Why is Wendy back?"


    Lilian chuckled lightly. "Mom, it''s your birthday today. I asked Wendy toe."


    Edith''s tone soured. "I don''t need her here. Look at Trish and Jessica-how impressive they are! And then look at Wendy. She''s just a country bumpkin with no standing. She can''t even hold her own in a room like this. She''s nothing but a disgrace at my birthday celebration!"


    It was clear Edith had no love for Wendy.


    Tonight, Jessica and Trish had both done their makeup to perfection,peting to outshine each other. They cast a condescending nce at Wendy before sweetly addressing Edith.


    "Grandma, it''s fine. Wendy''s back, after all. She''s your granddaughter. You can''t just kick her out, can you?" Jessica said.


    "Grandma, today''s your special day. Don''t let something like this ruin it," Trish added with a smile.


    Edith returned the smile, though it was a little colder. "I''m more than happy with you two as my granddaughters."


    The unspoken message was clear-Edith didn''t consider Wendy her granddaughter at all.


    Wendy felt a cold chill settle in her chest. The Crone family had once been in the depths of poverty. It was her father, Jerry, who had built their fortune from the ground up.


    After Jerry became wealthy, he sent Harry to school, making Harry the first in the family to attend university. He had also helped Archer start a steel business, turning him into a powerful businessman.


    But after Jerry passed, these people didn''t mourn his loss. Instead, they divided up all of his assets, draining everything they could from his legacy.


    They had been feeding off Jerry''s blood.


    And Edith? She was the most calcting of them all. She gravitated toward whoever could bring glory to the Crone family.


    Chapter ba


    +25 Bonus


    Crone family''s status had risen even higher. They could barely imagine how glorious it would be when Stanley became their son-inw.


    Surrounded by admiration, Jessica felt like she had reached the pinnacle of her life. Stanley, the kind of man who could satisfy every woman''s vanity, was everything she had ever


    dreamed of.


    She gazed at him, her eyes sparkling with admiration.


    Stanley, his gaze soft, looked down at her for a moment, his expression gentle.


    Wendy, holding her ss, observed them from the edge of the room. Stanley and Jessica stood at the center, bathed in the glow of the lights as they basked in the attention of everyone around them. This was the supreme honor that Stanley had bestowed upon Jessica.


    When Stanley pampered a woman, it was clear he did sopletely.


    Wendy''s thoughts drifted back to years ago, to that time in the cave when Stanley had held her close and said, "I''ll take you out of here. I want you around."


    To this day, she couldn''t understand why the man who had once wanted her had then turned his back on her.


    Her shoulders sagged, her heart heavy. With a quiet sigh, she turned and walked away.


    Just then, Stanley looked up. His gaze followed her as she made her way out of the room, her figure disappearing into the crowd.


    A few of the executives followed his gaze and saw Wendy''s retreating form. "Mr. Hawk, do you know that girl?"


    Jessica''s heart skipped a beat. Not her again-Wendy!


    Stanley''s voice, calm and distant, broke through the tension. "I don''t know her."


    He said he didn''t know her.


    Jessica''s heart lifted, her anxiety evaporating. Of course, Stanley didn''t care about someone like Wendy-she was just a country girl who couldn''t even hold his attention.


    She nced at Lilian, who gave her a subtle nod. The performance Lilian had been preparing for the night was just getting started.


    Wendy carried the ss to the kitchen, but before she could leave, a maid called to her.


    "Hurry up! Take this bowl of chicken soup to the room. Mrs. Lilian wants itter."

 My Dad Please Come 58

    Zayn nodded. "Yes."


    In recent years, the Crone family had been soaring to new heights with Stanley''s support. Edith, ever the social climber, had developed an appreciation for antiques and fine art. She had searched long and hard for "The Flower-Adorned Lady", and now, thanks to Stanley, it was finally in her hands.


    "Wow!"


    Everyone crowded around, their voices filled with awe. "Mr. Hawk truly knows how to make a grand gesture. This painting is a true masterpiece, a rare find.¡± Edithughed joyously, clearly delighted. "Mr. Hawk, you''re too thoughtful."


    Jessica, her face glowing with admiration, gazed at Stanley. In her eyes, he was everything a woman could want-a wealthy man who was willing to go the extra mile to impress. Stanley was the kind of man who made hearts race and stirred feelings of envy.


    She smiled, her lips curling slightly. "Stanley, thank you so much."


    A few business executives approached, eager to join the conversation. "Mr. Hawk, Ms. Jessica, the two of you truly make a perfect couple. Does this mean we''ll soon be raising a toast to your wedding?"


    "I imagine it won''t be long before we stop calling her Ms. Jessica and start calling her Mrs.


    Hawk."


    Harry and Lilian, who had been standing nearby, made their way over. Despite his current position, Harry still wasn''t quite on the same level as these executives. The coboration proposal the Crone family had sent recently had been rejected, after all.


    Still, Harry greeted them with a grin. "Mr. Walton, Mr. Fuller, you two should drink a few more rounds tonight."


    Norman Walton smiled. "Mr. Crone, bring that proposal by tomorrow, and we''ll definitely do more business together."


    Harry''s face lit up with excitement. "Really? Thank you so much, Mr. Walton."


    Hughie Fuller chuckled. "Mr. Crone, you''re too kind. Not all of us are lucky enough to have a daughter like Ms. Jessica."


    Edith sped Jessica''s hand tightly. "Jessica is the lucky star of our Crone family."


    Harry and Lilian were practically floating on air. With Stanley attending the birthday party, the


    +25 Bonus


    Crone family''s status had risen even higher. They could barely imagine how glorious it would be when Stanley became their son-inw.


    Surrounded by admiration, Jessica felt like she had reached the pinnacle of her life. Stanley, the kind of man who could satisfy every woman''s vanity, was everything she had ever dreamed of.


    She gazed at him, her eyes sparkling with admiration.


    Stanley, his gaze soft, looked down at her for a moment, his expression gentle.


    Wendy, holding her ss, observed them from the edge of the room. Stanley and Jessica stood at the center, bathed in the glow of the lights as they basked in the attention of everyone around them. This was the supreme honor that Stanley had bestowed upon Jessica.


    When Stanley pampered a woman, it was clear he did sopletely.


    Wendy''s thoughts drifted back to years ago, to that time in the cave when Stanley had held her close and said, "I''ll take you out of here. I want you around."


    To this day, she couldn''t understand why the man who had once wanted her had then turned his back on her.


    Her shoulders sagged, her heart heavy. With a quiet sigh, she turned and walked away.


    Just then, Stanley looked up. His gaze followed her as she made her way out of the room, her figure disappearing into the crowd.


    A few of the executives followed his gaze and saw Wendy''s retreating form. "Mr. Hawk, do you know that girl?"


    Jessica''s heart skipped a beat. Not her again-Wendy!


    Stanley''s voice, calm and distant, broke through the tension. "I don''t know her."


    He said he didn''t know her.


    Jessica''s heart lifted, her anxiety evaporating. Of course, Stanley didn''t care about someone like Wendy-she was just a country girl who couldn''t even hold his attention.


    She nced at Lilian, who gave her a subtle nod. The performance Lilian had been preparing for the night was just getting started.


    Wendy carried the ss to the kitchen, but before she could leave, a maid called to her.


    "Hurry up! Take this bowl of chicken soup to the room. Mrs. Lilian wants itter."


    The maid sent Wendy off to deliver the chicken soup to Lilian.


    +25 Bonus

 My Dad Please Come 59

    Wendy didn''t respond.


    One of the maids sneered, "Wendy, don''t think you''re suddenly one of the Crone family''s heiresses. Let me tell you, there are only two heiresses in the Crone family: Trish and Jessica.


    Another maid chimed in, mocking her, "Exactly! Ms. Trish is Dr. Cen''s assistant, and Ms. Jessica is soon to be Mrs. Hawk. What are you? Just a nobody! Now hurry up and take the chicken soup to Mrs. Lilian!"


    The two maids looked down on Wendy, but she didn''t say a word. She simply took the bowl of chicken soup and walked toward the room.


    As she entered the main hall, Stanley, who was speaking with a few businessmen, spotted her. His brow furrowed slightly.


    Wasn''t Wendy supposed to be one of the Crone family''s daughters? Why was she working like a maid? Was this how she was treated by her own family?


    Stanley''s thoughts turned cold. She hit and kicked him before, but now, in front of everyone, she couldn''t say a word. She was only brave when it came to bullying him.


    Wendy entered the room, which was empty. She then ced the chicken soup on the table.


    Suddenly, she caught a faint smell. It was subtle-almost undetectable-but Wendy''s sharp senses picked up on it immediately.


    She closed her eyes, and then, without warning, copsed onto the bed.


    The door creaked open, and someone entered quietly.


    It was Hank Landon, Lilian''s nephew, azy young man who sponged off his family''s wealth. He approached the bed with a sinister grin.


    "Why didn''t Aunt Lilian tell me this country bumpkin was so beautiful?" Hank murmured, his lecherous eyes scanning her unconscious form. "Today must be my lucky day."


    He reached for her clothes.


    "You can''t me me! You''re the one who''s been standing in Jessica''s way, holding onto the title of Mrs. Hawk. Now you''re mine. Soon, Aunt Lilian and the others will burst in, and your reputation will be ruined, with scandals everywhere.


    The guests exchanged worried nces. "What''s going on?"


    Lilian smiled slyly. She knew the drama was just beginning.


    +25 Bonus


    Jessica, linking her arm with Lilian''s, grinned. "Mom, is this all part of your n?"


    Lilian chuckled softly. "Mr. Hawk and Wendy are about to divorce. Soon, you''ll be Mrs. Hawk."


    Jessica pouted, her voice dripping with affection. "Mom, you''re the best."


    Lilian turned to Harry. "Honey, you''re staying home with me tonight."


    Harry pulled her closer, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. "As long as you handle everything perfectly, I''ll do whatever you want."


    Lilian exhaled in relief, then turned to the others. "What''s that noise? It sounds like it''sing from that room. Let''s go check it out!"


    The group quickly followed her, eager to see what was happening. Archer and


    Natalie were among them, all hurrying toward the room.


    Outside the door stood a maid. Lilian asked, "Who''s inside?"


    The maid, one of Lilian''s aplices, pretended to be flustered. "Mrs. Lilian, I just saw Wendy go in there."


    "Wendy?" someone gasped. ¡°Isn''t she that country bumpkin? Is she in there having an affair?"


    The whispers grew louder.


    Edith mmed her cane on the floor, her face darkening as she spat, "I wouldn''t be surprised by that uneducated brat, ruining my birthday celebration with this nonsense!"


    Lilian exchanged a sly nce with Jessica, both secretly thrilled. If Wendy were caught in such a scandal in front of the prominent families of Hovendale, her reputation would be shattered forever.


    With a feigned air of concern, Lilian said, "I can''t believe Wendy would do something like that. I have to see it with my own eyes."


    Lilian pushed open the door, revealing a scene that made her smile with satisfaction.


    On therge bed, two figures were tangled together. Hank pinned a woman beneath him, violently tearing at her clothes...

 My Dad Please Come 60

    But Wendy missed. The person quickly spun around, grabbing her slender wrist with a firm grip. A cold, annoyed voice followed.


    "Wendy, what are you doing?"


    The silver needle dropped to the floor with a soft clink. Wendy froze for a second, realizing it was Stanley.


    Stanley had arrived.


    "Wh-what are you doing here?" she stammered.


    Stanley released her wrist and scanned the room, his dark, prating eyes sweeping over the space beforending on Hank. "Who''s he?"


    Stanley had seen Hank sneaking around downstairs, tailing Wendy, and decided to follow him


    1. up.


    Wendy opened her mouth to respond, but just then, footsteps echoed from outside. Her surprise for Lilian had arrived.


    Quickly, she pulled Stanley behind the curtains with her.


    "What are you..."


    Stanley was about to speak, but Wendy quickly pressed her hand over his mouth as the door flung open and someone walked in.


    "Don''t say a word," she whispered urgently.


    In the banquet hall, Jessica, Harry, Lilian, and Edith were chatting andughing with a few executives. Archer and Natalie, feeling left out, exchanged envious nces at them.


    Natalie couldn''t help but mutter resentfully, "Trish is so much more capable than Jessica, but Jessica knows how to y the game of love. Now that she''s got Mr. Hawk, the second branch is practically floating on air."


    Archer leaned in, determined. "Don''t worry! Trish will find someone just as good as Mr. Hawk."


    They both had high hopes for Trish''s marriage and were determined that she wouldn''t lose to the second branch.


    Suddenly, a sharp scream rang out, startling everyone in the room.


    Chopter 00


    The guests exchanged worried nces. "What''s going on?"


    Lilian smiled slyly. She knew the drama was just beginning.


    +25 Bonus


    Jessica, linking her arm with Lilian''s, grinned. "Mom, is this all part of your n?"


    Lilian chuckled softly. "Mr. Hawk and Wendy are about to divorce. Soon, you''ll be Mrs. Hawk."


    Jessica pouted, her voice dripping with affection. "Mom, you''re the best."


    Lilian turned to Harry. "Honey, you''re staying home with me tonight."


    Harry pulled her closer, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. "As long as you handle everything perfectly, I''ll do whatever you want."


    Lilian exhaled in relief, then turned to the others. "What''s that noise? It sounds like it''sing from that room. Let''s go check it out!"


    The group quickly followed her, eager to see what was happening. Archer and


    Natalie were among them, all hurrying toward the room.


    Outside the door stood a maid. Lilian asked, "Who''s inside?"


    The maid, one of Lilian''s aplices, pretended to be flustered. ¡°Mrs. Lilian, I just saw Wendy go in there."


    "Wendy?" someone gasped. "Isn''t she that country bumpkin? Is she in there having an affair?"


    The whispers grew louder.


    Edith mmed her cane on the floor, her face darkening as she spat, "I wouldn''t be surprised by that uneducated brat, ruining my birthday celebration with this nonsense!"


    Lilian exchanged a sly nce with Jessica, both secretly thrilled. If Wendy were caught in such a scandal in front of the prominent families of Hovendale, her reputation would be


    shattered forever.


    With a feigned air of concern, Lilian said, "I can''t believe Wendy would do something like that. I have to see it with my own eyes."


    Lilian pushed open the door, revealing a scene that made her smile with satisfaction.


    On therge bed, two figures were tangled together. Hank pinned a woman beneath him, violently tearing at her clothes...

 My Dad Please Come 61

    The woman beneath Hank struggled fiercely, screaming, "Let go of me! Somebody, help!"


    Lilian was overjoyed. This was exactly the scene she had imagined.


    She immediately shouted, "Wendy, so you really are having an affair with a man here! I''m so disappointed in you!


    11


    The people behind her gasped, whispering, "Is this really Wendy, the one from the countryside? How shameless!"


    Archer and Natalie, eager for a spectacle, couldn''t help but sneer at Wendy. They looked at her as if she were nothing more than an insect.


    "Mom, Wendy''s nothing but a stain on the Crone family. We need to get rid of her!" Archer spat, his voice dripping with disdain.


    Edith shared the same sentiment.


    Just then, the woman under Hank struggled, revealing her face. She cried, "Mom, Dad, it''s me! Please, help me! Somebody, help!"


    Archer and Natalie froze. When they saw her face, their hearts sank. It wasn''t Wendy-it was their daughter, Trish!


    "Oh my god! Trish!" Natalie gasped, rushing forward to grab Hank. "Let go of my daughter!"


    Archer, equally shocked, charged forward and kicked Hank off Trish. Hank fell to the ground with a violent thud.


    Trish''s dress was torn, revealing her fair skin. Her face was pale with fear, her body trembling.


    Natalie quickly draped her coat over Trish''s shoulders. "Trish, how did this happen? What''s going on?"


    Edith stood frozen, her voice barely above a whisper. "Trish, what are you doing here?"


    Lilian''s eyes widened in shock. Trish?! How could it be Trish? Where was Wendy? Where the hell was she?


    Jessica tugged at Lilian''s sleeve, her face full of disappointment. "Mom, how could this happen?"


    Lilian, flustered, had no exnation.


    The crowd began murmuring, "It''s not Wendy-it''s Trish!


    "Oh my god! Trish is here having an affair with a man!"


    Natalie quickly shielded her daughter. "Stop talking nonsense! Trish doesn''t even have a boyfriend! She would never do something like that!"


    Archer was frantic, "Trish, what happened?"


    Through her tears, Trish copsed into Natalie''s arms. "Mom, I don''t know what happened! A maid spilled something on my dress, so I went upstairs to change. I was in the room when this man attacked me. He pinned me to the bed and tried..... tried to take advantage of me."


    Trish''s honor was everything to her parents, Archer and Natalie had always hoped she''d marry someone like Stardey, someone worthy. But now, in front of all the elite families of Hovendale, Trish was pinned down by a man. The thought of it made both of them tremble with fury.


    Archer stormed forward, kicking Hank once more. "Who are you?! What''s your deal?"


    Hank''s eyes were zed over from the aphrodisiac gas he had inhaled earlier. Seeing Trish, he couldn''t control


    himself.


    Now, writhing in pain from the kick, Hank gritted his teeth and immediately cried, "Aunt Lilian! Aunt Lilian, please help me!"


    "Aunt Lilian?" Natalie''s eyes widened in disbelief as she turned to look at Lilian. "Lilian, is this thug your nephew?"


    Lilian''s face paled as the weight of the situation sank in. ""


    "Lilian, why did you bring your nephew here to Mom''s birthday celebration without saying a word? What are you up to?" Archer roared, his voice shaking with anger.


    Natalie charged at Lilian, pping her hard across the face. The sharp sound of the p rang out, leaving everyone stunned.


    Lilian stood frozen, her hand instinctively going to her reddened cheek. "Natalie, are you out of your mind? How could you hit me?"


    Natalie''s voice was filled with fury as she spat, "Lilian, this was all part of your


    n, wasn''t it? You wanted your nephew to ruin Trish''s reputation at the birthday party! How could you be so cruel?"


    2

 My Dad Please Come 62

    Jessica stepped forward, trying to exin. " re ke tha*


    "Get away!" Natalie shoved Jessica acide


    Jessica stumbled and crashed into the wall, a red mark foreng on her forehead.


    hear*


    Lilian rushed to grab Natalie by the arm. "How dare you hate


    Without hesitation, Natalie grabbed a fistful of Lilian''s hand scratched at Lilian''s fare with her sharp nails. " Lilian, who do you think you are?! You''re just a woman who married your brother-inw!"


    The room went silent for a moment. As the Crone family''s wealth and power grew, Lilian''s sordid past had been buried. But now, Natalie had exposed it in front of everyone


    The whispers began almost immediately. "Lilian married her brother-inw?"


    "You didn''t know? Her first husband was the older brother When he died, she married his younger brother."


    "She slept with the man and his brother... That''s scandalous!"


    Lilian, furious, lunged at Natalie, grabbing her by the hair. Shut your mouth before I tear it off!"


    The two women fought like wild animals. Harry attempted to break them up, but Archer punched him so hard that he staggered back, blood streaming from his


    nose.


    Meanwhile, Trish grabbed Jessica, and the two started pushing each other. The scene quickly descended into chaos as both families were caught in the melee..


    Edith stood, horrified, at the scene unfolding.


    "Stop! Stop fighting!" she screamed.


    Crash!


    The sound of furniture falling echoed as Lilian and Natalie collided with the table the gifts were set on. A few delicate ss ornaments fell, scattering across the floor.


    "My ornaments!" Edith cried in distress, her voice breaking


    In themotion, the two women knocked into a decorative box. Stanley''s gift, "The Flower-Adorned Lady", fell to the floor and was torn to pieces under their feet.


    Edith copsed onto the ground, her heart breaking. "My painting! Stop fighting! You''re ruining my birthday!"


    Outside, Wendy watched coldly behind the curtains as chaos unfolded.


    This was her gift to Lilian.


    She had arranged for a maid to spill wine on Trish''s dress, setting the stage for this spectacle.


    Wendy observed the chaos with a sharp eye. No one understood their hypocrisy, cruelty, and selfishness better than she did. If she had been the one pinned down today, both families would have joined forces to drag her through the mud.


    Yet the moment their interests were threatened, they''d turn on each other in a heartbeat


    The party at Edith''s 80th birthday was certainly lively. Wendy lowered her gaze, concealing the sharp gleam in her


    eyes.


    At that moment, a low, maic voice cut through the noise. "Can you take your hand off me now?"


    Wendy froze, suddenly aware that she and Stanley were hiding behind the curtains. Her hand had been over his mouth, her palm brushing against his sensual lips.


    Quickly, she withdrew her hand, confused. Stanley wasn''t supposed to be part of her n.


    She still didn''t understand why he was here. Wasn''t he supposed to be with Jessica?


    Stanley tugged at his tie, his voice low. "Wendy."


    He called her name.


    "What is it?"


    He looked at her with those intense eyes. "I feel so hot."


    Hot?


    Wendy''s heart skipped a beat when she saw the heated look in his eyes. His gaze


    was burning with desire, his eyes swirling with emotion.


    Wendy''s stomach dropped.


    Oh, no. He must have inhaled the lingering aphrodisiac gas in the room.

 My Dad Please Come 63

    "Wendy." Stanley''s voice was calm but edged with something deeper. "Mr. Hawk, you''ve been drugged!"


    Stanley pressed his lips into a cold, tight line. He had already sensed the change in his body.


    The two of them had been hiding behind the curtains, her soft body pressed against his and her delicate hand covering his mouth. He felt like fire was running through his veins; his thoughts scattered, and his body betrayed him.


    He''d fallen into the trap.


    Stanley reached out and gripped Wendy''s slender arm, pulling her along with him as they left the scene.


    Outside, chaos reigned. The crowd was thick, everyone watching the fight


    between the second and third branches of the family,pletely oblivious to their departure.


    Stanley guided Wendy away from the Crone family vi and into his own Rolls- Royce business luxury car.


    Zayn, ever respectful, asked, "Mr. Hawk, where to?"


    "Saville Vi," Stanley replied, his voice t.


    ¡¤


    Wendy was led into the Saville Vi-it was her first time here. Saville Vi, Stanley''s private retreat, was a ce she''d never been allowed into before.


    Now, unexpectedly, she found herself here, brought by Stanley, who had inhaled aphrodisiac gas.


    Stanley tossed her into the master bedroom, his tone firm. Stay here and don''t wander off."


    Wendy nodded, her voice soft. "Okay."


    Stanley turned and walked to his study.


    In the study, he removed his suit jacket, trying to shake off the heat coursing through him.


    Zayn''s voice cut through the stillness. "Mr. Hawk, we''ve looked into it. Lilian had used the aphrodisiac gas in the room to lure Mrs. Hawk in. She intended for her nephew, Hank, to ruin Mrs. Hawk, but by ident, Trish was affected."


    Stanley''s lips curled into a knowing smirk. "This was no ident. Wendy used Lilian''s n against her. She swapped herself with Trish, setting the stage for the drama at the birthday party."


    Zayn understood immediately. "Mr. Hawk, Mrs. Hawk is truly impressive."


    A single woman, orchestrating the entire Crone family. How could she not be impressive?


    Stanley recalled the trouble Jessica had caused, only to be quietly exposed by Wendy. Then at the bar, with a single sentence, Wendy had driven a wedge between Jessica and Trish, exposing their fake friendship. And now, she had turned Edith''s 80th birthday into an unforgettable event.


    Stanley thought of Wendy like a hardy nt that thrived in the harshest of conditions, her small body holding immense strength. At first, he had thought of her as just another housewife orbiting him. But slowly, he realized there was so much more to her. She seemed to have so many facets, all of which attracted others, drawing them in with an irresistible allure.


    Zayn spoke again, his tone sympathetic. "Mr. Hawk, Mrs. Lilian is Mrs. Hawk''s mother. To think she would do this to her own daughter... I feel sorry for Mrs. Hawk."


    Stanley''s chest tightened, his mind stirred by Zayn''sment. Yes, she was so pitiful, so vulnerable.


    Wendy stayed in the bedroom, too nervous to wander.


    This was Stanley''s room. She looked around, taking in the understated, luxurious decor-everything exuding a cool elegance, just like him.


    A familiar, deep voice broke the silence. "What are you looking at?"


    Wendy spun around, startled. Stanley stood there, his presence filling the doorway. She hadn''t realized when he had returned.


    Wendy, feeling caught, was suddenly self-conscious. She had been so curious about his room earlier, and now she was worried he had seen it all. She awkwardly took a step back. Her knee collided with the edge of the bed, and before she could steady herself, she tumbled onto therge bed.


    Wendy froze, her face flushing with embarrassment. She wished she could dig a hole in the floor and disappear. She tried to get up, but Stanley was already standing in front of her. With his long legs, he towered over her.


    Sitting on the bed, she had to look up at him, her small face tilting back to meet his gaze.


    "Um... Did you find the antidote? Actually, I can help you."

 My Dad Please Come 64

    Wendy wanted to ease the awkwardness.


    Stanley lowered his striking gaze and looked at her, his lips curving into a teasing smile.


    "Help me?"


    He was drugged, and now she was offering to help him.


    Wendy froze, her small face turning crimson. She quickly waved her hands,


    flustered. ¡°It''s not what you think! I can help you in another way!"


    "Oh?" Stanley raised an eyebrow, watching her il in a hurry to exin herself. His tone lightened, amused." And what other way would that be?"


    Wendy couldn''t speak.


    Was he doing this on purpose? Teasing her on purpose?


    The mature man seemed to enjoy the yful torment.


    Now, standing right in front of her, Stanley''s long legs were encased in tailored cks, his lean waist adorned by an expensive ck belt.


    Wendy dared not look below his waist. She couldn''t look there. But her face was almost level with it, so her eyes wandered nervously, unable to focus on one spot.


    Then, she felt her face cupped in hisrge hand. His lips curved in a smile. "Wendy, what are you staring at?¡±


    Earlier, she had been examining his room, and now she was sneaking peeks at him.


    Wendy flushed, stammering, "I-I wasn''t looking!" She stood up, ready to escape. But Stanley wouldn''t let her go. His hand still held her face. "Why were you sent to the countryside?" he asked, his voice casual.


    Wendy froze. She looked up at him, unsure what he meant.


    "Did no one want you?" he pressed.


    No one wanted her?


    The words struck Wendy''s heart like a blow. She felt her eyes well up with tears. It wasn''t just sadness; it was the sting of abandonment, the feeling that she had been discarded by the world.


    And the worst part? The man who had once imed he wanted her around had changed his mind too.


    Her eyes locked onto him, a mixture of sorrow and longing. Stanley looked down at her, his posturemanding. If he wished, he could shield any woman in his strong arms.


    At this moment, Stanley thought she looked utterly pitiful. From his vantage point, she sat on his bed, her delicate face still carrying a touch of youthful innocence. Now, her clear eyes shimmered with unshed tears.


    She was luring him in-tempting him to want her, to im her, to protect her.


    An invisible tension pulled between them, thick with unspoken desire, setting his nerves on edge.


    The fire Stanley had been suppressing surged uncontrobly. His fingers tightened around her soft cheeks, forcing her little mouth into an "O" shape, revealing her white teeth and the hint of her crimson tongue.


    *25 3048


    Gulping, Stanley abruptly let go, pulling his hand back. "I need to take a cold shower."


    He turned, heading for the bathroom.


    Wendy sat back on the bed. She didn''t need anyone anymore But seeing Stanley, she couldn''t help but feel the overwhelming urge to lean on him-to lean on the man who had once said he wanted her around when the world had cast her aside.


    Yet, he didn''t want her around.


    He wanted Jessica.


    The Crone family vi was a mess. Archer and Natalie had left with Trish, swearing viciously under their breath. Edith, fallen ill from anger, had been rushed to the hospital.


    Jessica and Lilian sat on the couch, their once-perfect makeup now ruined, clearly showing they hadn''t been able to defeat the third branch.


    The birthday banquet had turned the Crone family into theughing stock of Hovendale.


    Jessica seethed, her teeth clenched. Then, suddenly, she remembered Stanley. The guests had left, but where had Stanley gone?


    "Stanley? Stanley!"

 My Dad Please Come 65

    No one responded.


    Harry was still outside, seeing off the guests. With a forced mile, he escorted Norman and Hughie to theft car." Mr. Walton, Mr. Fuller, as for our coboration..."


    Norman couldn''t help butugh at the state of Harry''s face


    "Mr. Crone, you might want to see a doctor about that," heuggested, ncing at Harry''s injuries.


    The executives got into their luxury cars and drove off.


    Harry, his expression dark, stomped back into the living room. He marched up to Lilian, fuming, ¡°Lilian, is this your doing? You''vepletely ruined my reputation!"


    Lilian was the most dumbfounded by the whole thing. She still couldn''t understand how things had gone so wrong when she had nned everything so carefully,


    Lilian reached out, grabbing Harry''s sleeve. "Honey, let me exin..."


    Harry yanked away from her and grabbed his coat, his anger ring, "I don''t want to see you again!"


    And with that, Harry left their home.


    Lilian stood there, her face and neck marked with scratches, her skin pale. She had hoped this would be her chance to win Harry''s favor back, but instead, she had pushed him further away.


    She turned to Jessica, desperation in her eyes as she clung to her like a lifeline. "Jessica, let me exin-"


    Jessica pushed the woman away without mercy, her tone cold. "Mom, what have you been doingtely? You seem to mess everything up every time!"


    Wendy... It was all Wendy''s fault!


    Lilian''s eyes burned with hatred. Before Wendy returned, she had been livingfortably. But ever since Wendy came back, everything had gone wrong Wendy was her nemesis!


    Just then, Hank ran over and groveled in front of Lilian. "Aunt Lilian, I''m sorry."


    Lilian grabbed Hank by his cor. "Hank, what on earth happened? Why did Trish end up in the room instead of Wendy?"


    Hank tried to recall the events, his face troubled. "Aunt Lilian, I can''t remember clearly. I think I saw Mr. Hawk, and then Trish came in. I... I inhaled the scent from the room, and my desires took over. I couldn''t tell who was who anymore."


    Jessica stood up in shock. "What did you just say? Stanley was in that room too?"


    No wonder she couldn''t find Stanley!


    Hank nodded. "Yes."


    Lilian grabbed Jessica urgently, her eyes gleaming with a sudden realization. "Jessica, quick, go find Mr. Hawk!"


    Jessica was confused. "Why?"


    "Jessica, Mr. Hawk was in that room. He must''ve inhaled the scent too! We haven''t lost yet. You need to find him


    now. Tonight, you have to sleep with Mr. Hawk!"


    Jessica''s eyes widened with understanding. Why hadn''t she thought of that? Stanley had been affected by the scent, and he needed a woman-he needed her. She bit her lip, thinking. She and Stanley weren''t quite there yet. She knew that it was best not to let a man have her body before marriage-it would make him appreciate her less.


    She would dance for him, seduce him, but she wouldn''t go to bed with him. Tonight, he could have her, but on one condition-he had to divorce Wendy.


    Lilian was right. They hadn''t lost yet!


    With resolve, Jessica left.


    Lilian smiled to herself. Wendy probably thought she had won, but Lilian felt that Wendy was wrong. As long as Stanley still loved Jessica, Wendy would never win.


    At Saville Vi, Stanley was taking a shower in the bathroom while Wendy was preparing to leave.


    Even though he had been affected by the aphrodisiac gas, it seemed he didn''t need her help after all. There was no reason for her to stay.


    Just then, her phone rang, the melody sweet and clear. It was Nathan calling. Wendy answered the call, and Nathan''s voice came through immediately. "Wendy, where are you? Let me take you racing tonight."

 My Dad Please Come 66

    The bathroom door swung open, releasing a cloud of mist that enveloped Stanley''s tall, handsome figure as he stepped out, freshly showered.


    Stanley was dressed in a sleek, ck silk robe. As soon as he emerged, he overheard Nathan''s invitation to Wendy for a fun night.


    Wendy turned her head and saw Stanley standing there.


    "I''ll call you backter, Nathan," she said, disconnecting the call. She turned to Stanley, her voice steady but cool. "I''m leaving."


    She reached for her bag,,but Stanley''s deep voice, casual yetmanding, cut through the air. "Where are you going? Off to y with Nathan?¡±


    Wendy didn''t respond. She simply turned to leave, but Stanley''s hand shot out with swift precision, grabbing her delicate wrist.


    She froze, his touch burning through her skin. His body temperature was unnervingly hot, and his fingertips felt like they could scorch her.


    The cold shower hadn''t cooled him down; if anything, it had only fueled the heat building inside him.


    Wendy tried to pull her wrist away, but before she could react, Stanley pushed her back against the wall. "How far have you gone with Nathan? Been to bed with him?"


    The sound of her phone smashing against the carpet echoed through the room as it shattered into pieces.


    Dim light flickered in the room as Stanley''s solid frame pressed her against the wall, demanding answers about whether she''d slept with another man.


    Wendy''s longshes fluttered, like delicate wings in the air, her eyes burning with embarrassment and anger. I''m not telling you!"


    Stanley tilted his head, a low chuckle escaping his lips as he examined her, still holding her wrist firmly. The teasing grin on his face didn''t fade.


    IF


    He had fallen victim to the aphrodisiac gas, but he thought he could control himself. Yet the moment she looked at him like that, it stirred something deep inside him. The fire inside him became uncontroble. He had tried to cool off with a long shower, but it hadn''t helped.


    Now she wanted to go out with another man?


    His gaze dropped from her beautiful face to her tempting lips. He traced them with his fingers, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Would you rather I kiss you, or Nathan?"


    Wendy froze, her mind nk as she stared at him in disbelief. This man was insane.


    She raised her hand to push him away. "Let go of me...mmm!"


    Before she could say another word, Stanley leaned in and kissed her forcefully.


    Wendy''s pupils dted in shock, her mind nk as he took control. He kissed her hard, pressing his lips against hers and forcing his way into her mouth.


    She gasped for air, struggling against him. ¡°Stanley, stop.....


    He held her small hand tightly, squeezing her delicate fingers with a rough grip. His voice was husky as he


    murmured, "Wendy, help me."


    His body was on fire, and she felt like the sweetest temptation in the world. and he couldn''t resist.


    She was an addiction he couldn''t shake.


    Wendy, terrified, tried to break free.


    Every part of him screamed for her,


    But his fingers were like iron, unyielding and relentless, pulling her further down.


    "Stanley, please calm down. I can help you, but not like this...ah!" Wendy screamed.


    The sharp cry escaped her throat, breaking the silence and making Stanley''s vision cloud with a red haze.


    His lips trailed down her cheek, nting soft kisses in her Hair. "Wendy, do you love me, or do you love Nathan?"


    His voice was raw, rough like gravel, as he pressed the question. His words oozed with both charm and cruelty, mocking her.


    Wendy''s legs trembled beneath her, struggling to stay upright as she tried to avoid his lips. "Stanley, let go of me!


    Just then, a knock sounded at the door, and a soft voice followed. "Mr. Hawk, Ms. Jessica is here."

 My Dad Please Come 67

    +25 BORUS


    Jessica arrived.


    Stanley froze instantly.


    The haze of desire that had clouded his judgment earlier seemed to evaporate at that moment. He quickly averted his eyes, a wave of shame washing over him.


    What was he doing? He''d been on the verge of crossing a line with Wendy,


    Wendy, feeling the sudden loosening of his grip, found herself freed.


    "Stay here. Don''t go out," Stanley said, his voice taut.


    He turned and stormed off, likely to look for Jessica.


    Just moments ago, he had been consumed by lust, but now, with the mention of Jessica''s name, he pulled away from her without a second thought. It was as if Wendy no longer mattered.


    Wendy''s face, which had been flushed with embarrassment, slowly regained its natural color. A bitter smile tugged at her lips. How ironic-she, the legitimate wife, felt like the mistress, as though she were having an affair with Stanley while Jessica was the real wife.


    What would he do with Jessica now? No doubt, he''d be finishing what he couldn''t with her.


    Wendy bent down to pick up her phone, which had shattered into pieces on the carpet. She carefully pieced it back together.


    Soon, the phone rang. It was Lilian calling.


    Wendy answered the call.


    Lilian''s voice bubbled with amusement on the other end. "Wendy, I''m sure Jessica went to see Stanley, didn''t she?


    11


    Wendy''s eyes remained cold as she didn''t respond.


    Lilian seemed to be in a good mood. "I bet you were with Stanley, but once Jessica showed up, he probably abandoned you. By the way, remember when Stanley brought Jessica to Saville Vi? She slept in his master bedroom, on his bed."


    Wendy ended the call abruptly. She turned her gaze toward the bed in the bedroom.


    His bed. Just days ago, Jessica had slept there.


    At the Crone family vi, Lilian hung up the phone with a smile.


    Hank, his teeth clenched, spoke up. "Aunt Lilian, Wendy caused all of this trouble. Are we really just going to let her off the hook?"


    Lilian''s eyes gleamed with a mysterious light. "Considering the timing, Wendy''s foster father from the countryside should be out of prison by now."


    Hank''s anger faded, reced by a smile. "George Bard, right? He just got out a couple of days ago."


    Lilian''s smile deepened. "Now Wendy''s all grown up and married to Stanley, the wealthiest man in Hovendale- she''s living the high life and is favored by Mom. Let''s bring her foster father over. He should be enjoying the


    +25 BOHUS


    benefits of his daughter''s sess now."


    Hank gave an approving nod. "Aunt Lilian, I''ll handle it."


    He paused, then added, "Wendy is truly heartless. She blinded George in one eye and sent him to prison."


    Lilian chuckled softly. "Wendy, you think the show''s over? No, this is just the beginning. I wonder how the Hawk family will react to your dark past."


    Stanley entered the study, expecting to see Jessica.


    Since Stanley had brought Jessica home a few days ago, and she was the first woman he had ever brought back, the house staff let her in without hesitation.


    But when Stanley entered the study, he didn''t see her.


    Where had she gone?


    Suddenly, two small hands covered his eyes. A yful voice chirped, "I have a surprise for you!"


    Stanley reached up to remove the hands from his eyes, turning to find Jessica''s radiant face filling his vision.


    He sank into the couch. "What is it?"


    Jessica shed him a seductive look, then slowly lifted her delicate hand to slip off her coat. The garment fell effortlessly from her smooth shoulders,nding softly on the carpet. Now, she stood before him wearing only a strapless mini dress.

 My Dad Please Come 68

    Since she was young, Jessica had dedicated herself to dance and spentrge sums each month on skincare to keep herplexion wless and smooth. Her figure, graceful and slender, was entuated by the tight fit of the strapless mini dress she wore, showing off her curves.


    Stanley sat on the sofa, his eyes fixated on her. As she toyed with his attraction, he couldn''t help but nce at her body, admiring her elegant shape.


    Jessica had always been one of the most beautiful women in Hovendale, and she obviously possessed something special to have caught Stanley''s eye.


    Noticing his gaze, Jessica raised an eyebrow with a confident smirk, clearly aware of the effect she was having on him. She stepped closer; her high heels clicking on the floor, and boldly climbed onto hisp, straddling him.


    Her delicate fingers yfully traced the muscles of his chest. "Stanley, you''re so hard."


    She raised an eyebrow, her tone teasing. "With you so stiff, how could it not be a big surprise that I''m here, offering myself to you? Are you surprised yet?"


    She was iming that she was the surprise.


    Stanley remained silent, watching her with a detached expression as she continued to push her allure.


    With a sly smile, Jessica draped her arms around his neck and whispered seductively, "Stanley, do you want me? If you do, you''ll have to sign this first."


    She pulled out a document.


    Stanley nced at it. It was a divorce agreement.


    "Stanley, I want you to sign this and divorce Wendy right now. If you don''t, I won''t give myself to you."


    Jessica was certain she had the upper hand in this situation. How could a man resist a beauty like her?


    Stanley looked at her, his voice cold as he said, "I''m not divorced from Wendy yet. Is your family in such a hurry?"


    Jessica froze. ¡°What are you talking about?"


    "Your family must be so disappointed earlier when I didn''t catch Wendy and Hank


    in bed in front of the entire Hovendale elite, right?"


    Jessica''s pupils contracted as she met his cold gaze. He was watching her carefully, his expression unreadable.


    Stanley gently removed her hands from his neck. "Wendy is still my wife, and I don''t want this to happen again."


    With that, he pushed her off hisp and stood up, making his way toward the door.


    Jessica stood frozen for a moment, stunned by his rejection. She hade here full of confidence; she wanted to use herself as leverage to make Stanley divorce Wendy, imagining that this night would lead to a romantic first with him.


    But the reality hit her hard. Stanley''s focus wasn''t on her. His concern was for Wendy. He had made it clear- Wendy was still his wife, and he didn''t want


    anything like this happening again.


    Was this a warning? For Wendy?


    Jessica''s heart raced as she rushed forward, wrapping her arms around Stanley from behind.,


    He stopped.


    +39 BONUS


    Her hands began to roam over his chest, feeling the heat building inside him. "Stanley, don''t go! Stay with me."


    How could he possibly hold back at this point?


    Stanley had already been affected by the aphrodisiac and was burning up from the moment he left Wendy.


    Besides, Jessica was a beauty, and she was actively seducing him.


    But Stanley simply removed her hand and said, "I''m not in the mood tonight. I don''t want to."


    What did he just say?


    Jessica froze, the words sinking in.


    Stanley didn''t look back: "I''ll have the driver take you home Get some rest."


    Without another word, Stanley left.


    Still standing in her dress, Jessica stomped her foot in frustration. "Stanley!"


    He....had actually walked away?


    As a woman, Jessica could feel it-the shift in Stanley''s attention. Why wasn''t he the same with her anymore?


    Stanley entered the master bedroom, calling out, "Wendy..."

 My Dad Please Come 69

    The master bedroom was empty, with no sign of Wendy left behind.


    Just then, there was a knock at the door. Zayn appeared at the doorway. "Mr. Hawk, I saw Mrs. Hawk on my way here. She''s already left."


    She left? Didn''t I tell her to wait here?


    "I''ve sent someone to find the antidote for the aphrodisiac Zayn added.


    Stanley barely moved his lips. "No need."


    He stepped into the bathroom, turning on the cold shower


    The aphrodisiac in the room had been extinguished by Wendy, leaving only a trace amount that Stanley had inhaled. The effect wasn''t too strong, and he knew he could ovee it with his willpower.


    He stood under the cold water, letting it pour down his body. The icy droplets sshed against his toned muscles, each drop glistening before breaking apart- his chiseled physique enough to make anyone stare.


    Stanley kept his eyes down, but Wendy''s delicate face and soft, fragile hands kept appearing in his mind. Her touch wasforting, and it made him want more.


    His restrained desires surged once again. Stanley cursed softly, running a hand down his face, closing his eyes in frustration.


    The next morning, Wendy was woken up by the sound of her phone ringing. It was her best friend, Cecelia.


    Wendy answered, but the noise on the other end was chaotic. Cecelia''s frantic voice came through. "Wendy, you need to be careful! Benny just showed up at my magazine office with a bunch of guys causing trouble."


    "What?" Wendy''s heart skipped. Benny was causing trouble at Cecelia''s office? "Is everything okay? Are you alright?"


    "I''m fine... Ah!" Cecelia screamed suddenly, and the phone was snatched from her.


    Benny''s voice echoed in the background. "Wendy, your best friend is in my hands now. Come here if you want to see her again!"


    Cecelia''s voice cracked as she shouted, "Wendy, don''te here!"


    Benny barked out orders. "Someone shut her up!"


    All that came from Cecelia were muffled cries of distress.


    Wendy''s eyes narrowed, icy fury shing through her. "Benny, don''t hurt Cecelia. I''ming now!"


    She rushed to the magazine office, moving as fast as she could. Benny was there, surrounded by his bodyguards in ck. Cecelia was being held, her mouth taped shut.


    When Cecelia saw her, she immediately shook her head, silently urging Wendy to leave before things got worse.


    Wendy turned to Benny. "Mr. Gondale, what are you trying to do?"


    Benny, the local bully of Hovendale, was only afraid of Stanley-everyone else, he had no fear of. He chewed gum, casually, looking at Wendy with disdain.


    "Wendy, you got here quicker than I''d thought. Last night, Jessica called me, saying you were all over Stanley, refusing to let him divorce you. I couldn''t understand why someone like you, from the countryside, thinks you deserve Stanley."


    So it was Jessica who had stirred Benny up.


    Benny had always looked down on her, thinking she didn''t belong with Stanley. After Jessica''s failed attempt to seduce Stanley, she had used Benny to get back at Wendy.


    Benny moved closer to Cecelia, a malicious glint in his eye. Wendy, you''ve been making things hard for Jessica, so now I''m going to make things difficult for you. Today, I''m going to show you what happens when you mess with me!"


    He seemed ready to hurt Cecelia.


    "Wait!" Wendy spoke up.


    Benny paused, looking at her with a mocking grin. "What, Wendy? Are you scared now? Well, why don''t you grovel and beg for mercy right now?"


    Wendy''s gaze was icy and unwavering. "Mr. Gondale, I know you''ve always looked down on me. Here''s the deal: We''ll have apetition. If I lose, I''ll grovel and beg for mercy. If you lose, you''ll let Cecelia go, no questions asked."

 My Dad Please Come 70

    Benny was intrigued. "What kind ofpetition?"


    Wendy knew Benny was a big fan of mobile games. "Let''s y a round of mobile games, and we''ll see who wins and who loses."


    "What?" Benny burst outughing. "You want to challenge me in a round of mobile games? I''m a champion, Wendy! Do you really think I''ll lose to someone like you?"


    Wendy smirked. "We''ll find out soon enough."


    Benny pulled out his phone. "Alright, let''s do this! Today, I show you how it''s done."


    Wendy pulled out her phone as well, and they both started the game.


    In the game, Benny spun his character in midair, brandishing arge sword. "Wendy, prepare to die!"


    But in the next second, the sound of "Game Over" echoed through the room. The game had ended.


    Benny shot up from his seat, disbelief written all over his face. Just as he was showing off with his spin, Wendy had dropped down from above and, with a glowing axe, sliced through him.


    He was defeated..


    Benny found it hard to believe. He was a seasoned yer. He was a champion!


    He stared at Wendy in shock. "Wendy, you actually killed me?"


    Wendy grinned, her lips curving up. "Mr. Gondale, you lost."


    She put her phone away and walked over to Cecelia, tearing off the tape from her mouth. "Cecelia, are you hurt?"


    Cecelia brushed herself off. "I''m fine, Wendy."


    "Let''s go, Cecelia."


    Wendy started to lead Cecelia out of the office, but Benny stepped in front of them. "You''re not going anywhere!"


    Wendy looked at Benny coldly. "Mr. Gondale, a bet''s a bet. I won, and now you have to let us go."


    Benny, still not willing to ept defeat, grumbled, "Wendy I''m sure something went wrong. It''s impossible for me to lose to you. Let''s go again!"


    At that moment, a deep, maic voice interrupted them. "Benny, what''s going on here?"


    Benny turned around to see Stanley standing by the door.


    Stanley had arrived. Today, he was dressed in a ck shirt and ck pants, looking tall and handsome. His cold gazended on Benny''s face, clearly displeased.


    "Stanley, what are you doing here?" Benny asked, confused


    Wendy said, "I called Stanley."


    Stanley looked up, his gaze meeting Wendy''s.


    Wendy''s clear, cold eyes locked onto his, and for a moment, the two exchanged a silent understanding.


    Benny, still confused, asked, "Why did you call Stanley? That''s not fair-"


    Before he could finish speaking, Stanley pped him hard across the head. He pressed his lips together, reprimanding him. "Who told you toe here and cause trouble, Benny? Apologize, now!"


    "Stanley, you want me to apologize to Wendy? 1-"


    Stanley raised his hand for another p, his patience clearly running thin.


    Benny quickly backed down, his bravado vanishing. He looked at Wendy. "Wendy, I''m sorry."


    Wendy walked up to Benny, standing tall andposed. Her slender figure and clear, cold eyes made her presencemanding.


    "Mr. Gondale, listen carefully. First, it wasn''t me who''s been clinging to Stanley. It''s Stanley who doesn''t let me divorce him. Rather than wasting time on me, maybe you should focus on figuring out how to get Stanley to agree to it."


    Benny''s face reddened. "You little-"


    "Second," Wendy continued, stepping closer to him. "I hope this is thest time. If you every a finger on my friends again, I''ll make sure to teach you a lesson even if Stanley doesn''t."

 My Dad Please Come 71

    Benny sucked in a sharp breath, his face turning pale.


    What was this ugly duckling who came from the countryside saying? She wanted


    to teach him a lesson on behalf of Stanley? Was this a sick joke?


    In the entire town of Hovendale, the only person who could stand up to him, the local tyrant, was Stanley!


    Wendy tugged Cecelia''s hand. "Let''s go, Cecelia."


    As they moved toward the door, Stanley reached out and grabbed her delicate hand.


    His long, sharp fingers wrapped around her soft hand, and the simple touch sent an electric shiver up both of their spines. Their memories shed back to that night at Saville Vi, when he had pinned her to the wall...


    Wendy quickly yanked her hand away.


    Stanley studied her small, exquisite face. His Adam''s apple shifted slightly as he casually said, "Wendy, this won''t happen again.¡±


    Wendy stared at him coldly. "Handle things with Grandma as soon as you can. I''m ready to go to the courthouse for the divorce anytime. I''ve been wanting to give Jessica back her position as Mrs. Hawk for a long time."


    With that, Wendy turned and left, leading Cecelia away.


    Stanley watched her slender figure disappear, his brows furrowing slightly in thought.


    Meanwhile, Benny whined, "Stanley, what was that all about with Wendy?" Stanley shot him a cold look.


    Benny quickly shut up, indignant. "Stanley, I was ying a round of a mobile game with Wendy, and she killed me!"


    Stanley raised an eyebrow in surprise. "She killed you?"


    He knew Benny''s skill level in games-most people couldn''t touch him.


    Benny still wasn''t satisfied. "I won''t ept defeat! I''m ying her again!"


    He pulled out his phone and sent Wendy a private message.


    Wendy was still online, and she epted his challenge.


    They started another game.


    This time, Benny wasn''t showing off. He charged at Wendy with his massive 100¨C feet sword, shouting, "Die!"


    "Game Over" rang out.


    "Damn it!" Benny jumped up in frustration. He had been shouting about killing her, but once again, Wendy descended from the sky, her glowing axending squarely on him and knocking him to the ground.


    He lost again.


    Benny was losing his mind. ying with Wendy had turned into him beingpletely dominated.


    He couldn''t fight back at all.


    Why? He was a champion!


    Starley''s dark my flicked with surprise. He budy''t expand Wendy to be so good the you her boost spons was insane. Benny wasn''t even do to key leve


    Stardey suddenly remembered as bribor, the waced thest programing with her lighting.


    fast hands


    hos


    Could there be a connection between them? to, that was leadey akby srk off the thought


    Just then, Benny yelled, "Stanley, look at what Wendly just m


    Wendy had messaged Benny in the game. Madey Deed down at his phone, reading Wendy''s message.


    (Get out of my sight, mode


    Get out of her sight? Rookie?


    Benny''s face turned red with fury. "This is an absolute hurliation! Stanley, she''s mocking mel


    Stanley smiled, his lips curving into a small grin as he let out a low chuckle. She really was..interesting


    Through the polished ss window, Stanley caught sight of Wendy walking down the street with Cecelia Her pure ck hair cascaded smoothly over her shoulders, radiating a soft, delicate beauty that made her look even more graceful,


    Stanley couldn''t help but stare at her for a moment longer


    "Stanley, why don''t you challenge Wendy to a game?" Benny suggested eagerly. "You''ve never met someone who can challenge you in a game. You could easily beat her, and then teach her a lesson on manners."

 My Dad Please Come 72

    hapter 72


    Benny couldn''t beat Wendy in the game, so he tumed to day to vert¨¦s ftration


    Stanley raised an eyebrow, his expression indifferent. "he office dready"


    Wendy''s avatar had gone dark-she was no longer online.


    Benny sighed, feeling disappointed. "Stanley, next time, you have to y a zene with Wendy"


    Stanley wasn''t opposed to the idea. He looked at Berry andimply sad, "Wy


    Just then, Benny suddenly femembered something "Standey, have you added that presyor of you?"


    Stanley raised an eyebrow. "Are you that interested in her


    "Of course! She''s my goddess!" Benny replied eagerly,


    "I''m in a group chat with her," Stanley said.


    Benny''s eyes lit up. "Really? Stanley, hurry up and add me to the group. I have to add my godless


    Stanley, giving in to Benny''s constant pleading, took out his phone and added him to the gron


    When Benny saw W in the chat, his heart raced. His goddess!


    He never should''ve yed with that country bumpkin Wendy-what a waste of time! But now, his mood hadpletely lifted. He was beyond thrilled to be talking to his goddess.


    Benny immediately added W as a friend.


    "Stanley," he asked nervously, "what should I say when she approves my friend request? I''m so nervous."


    Stanley gave him a vague smile. "Wait until she approves your request first."


    After all, this genius junior still hadn''t added him as a friend yet.


    At that moment, Wendy''s phone buzzed. She saw Benny''s friend request. His message read, "Hello, Goddess."


    Cecelia burst outughing. "Wendy, I bet Benny never imagined his goddess would be the ugly duckling he''s always looked down on. I can''t wait to see his face when he finds out the truth."


    Wendy smirked, tapping a key on her phone.


    Benny''s phone rang, and he eagerly looked down. "It''s happening! My goddess ising through!"


    He looked at the screen, but his face immediately fell. Wendy had rejected his friend request.


    Stanley wasn''t surprised at all. As expected.


    Benny looked disappointed. "Why didn''t she approve my friend request?"


    He tagged Wendy in the group and asked, [Goddess, why won''t you be my friend?]


    Ding.


    Wendy''s reply came almost instantly. [Because you''re annoying, too.] Benny was speechless. What was so annoying about him?


    Stanley couldn''t help but smile again. It seemed Benny''s treatment was no different from his own.


    What puzzled him was why his genius junior thought he was annoying. Why would she think the same of Benny? What had they both done to offend her?


    Just then, a soft voice interrupted them. "Stanley, Benny, what are you two talking about?"


    It was Jessica.


    Benny perked up. "Jessica, we were talking about Stanley''s genius junior-my goddess! She just rejected my friend request."


    Again, this genius junior!


    Jessica''s eyes shed with jealousy. Benny had always fancied her, and justst night, she''dined to him about Wendy. Benny had rushed to her defense, but now he was calling the genius junior his goddess. Was he going to start ignoring her and only care about his "goddess" from now on? Jessica couldn''t shake the feeling of insecurity.


    But then Jessica shared some news.


    "Stanley," she said, "you need to go back to the old mansion. Wendy''s foster father from the countryside has just been released from prison. He''s at the Hawk family estate right now."

 My Dad Please Come 73

    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!

 My Dad Please Come 74

    George chuckled awkwardly. "Mr. Hawk, hello. I never expected Wendy to marry so well. Seeing you two together, so perfectly matched, I can rest easy now. I''ll be on my way and I won''t disturb you any longer."


    Glinda quickly tried to convince him to stay. "Stay for dinner, George. You''vee all this way, and I''ve already asked the staff to prepare the meal. It''ll be a nice family gathering tonight."


    Stanley looked at George, his voice calm and measured. "Stay for dinner."


    Both Stanley and Glinda invited him to stay.


    George smiled, "Well, since you insist, I''d be happy to oblige-"


    But Wendy''s cold voice cut through, stopping him. "He won''t stay for dinner."


    George froze, his gaze snapping to Wendy.''


    Wendy met his stare, her voice unwavering. "You just got out of prison. Don''te back to the Hawk family estate again."


    The moment her words hit the air, the atmosphere shifted tense and ufortable.


    Glinda paused, her eyes wide in surprise as she looked at George. "Wait, you''ve been to prison?"


    Wendy''s expression remained unreadable. ¡°Yes. He spent ten years in prison.¡± Glinda''s surprise deepened. "What did you do, George?"


    George turned his gaze to Wendy, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "Mrs. Glinda, if you want to know what I did, you can ask Wendy. She knows better than anyone."


    He tossed the question to Wendy, eager to see if she would share the reason for his imprisonment with Glinda and Stanley.


    Wendy understood his game and chose silence.


    Trying to smooth things over, Glinda intervened. "Anyone who could raise a daughter like Wendy can''t be all bad. People make mistakes, but as long as they change, it''s all right."


    Seeing that Wendy wasn''t responding, George let out a sly grin, feeling like he had won. "Well, I won''t stay for dinner. But Mr. Hawk, I''d like to have a word with you alone. Would that be alright?"


    Wendy opened her mouth to speak, but Stanley squeezed her delicate shoulder lightly and spoke first, "Sure. We''ll go to the study."


    George followed Stanley into the study, taking in the understated, yet elegant design-ck, white, and gray tones that oozed sophistication. The high-end finishes, the quiet luxury of the room, and the subtle disys of wealth sent a thrill of envy through George.


    One thing George had to admit was true: During the ten years he spent in prison, he couldn''t stop thinking about Wendy.


    She had taken his eye and sent him to prison, and he would never forget that. But now, to his surprise, she had married into a family like this-living a life of luxury.


    He had no intention of letting her forget about him.


    George turned to Stanley. "Mr. Hawk, Wendy was sent to the countryside when she was young and didn''t have much of an education. I know she''s risen above her station by marrying you."


    Stanley''s piercing gaze settled on George, his lips curving into a slight, barely perceptible smile. "That''s not true. She''s great."


    George was momentarily taken aback


    Stanley''s eyes never left George''s, the cold depths of them almost unnerving, "Is that all you wanted to say?"


    George found himself under the weight of Stanley''s gaze, feeling as though the man could see straight through him. It made him uneasy..


    He nervouslyughed. "Well, Mr. Hawk, I just got out of prison, and things are a little tight for me right now. I was wondering if maybe you could-"


    Stanley''s expression remained impassive, his brow lifting slightly. "You need money?"


    George felt small under Stanley''s cool demeanor, but he pushed forward with his request, his greed oveing his difort. "Yes, Mr. Hawk. After all, I''m Wendy''s foster father. It wouldn''t be too much to ask for a little help from you, right?"


    Stanley leaned back in the ck leather office chair, his tone calm but firm. "Sure. How much do you need?"

 My Dad Please Come 75

    Stanley was so generous that George paused for a moment before replying, "Mr. Hawk, just give whatever you think is appropriate."


    Stanley raised an eyebrow. "How about a million?"


    A million?


    George''s eyes lit up. He hadn''t expected Stanley to casually offer that much.


    "That will be enough."


    Stanley took out a check and handed it to George..


    George quickly counted the zeros. It really was a million! "Thank you, Mr. Hawk. I''ll be on my way now."


    With the check in hand, George walked off, clearly pleased.


    Stanley returned to the bedroom, where Wendy was already waiting for him.


    Wendy nced at him and asked, "What did George talk to you about?"


    Stanley casually undid a button on his ck shirt, revealing his well-defined corbone, and smirked. "What do you think he could have said?"


    Wendy furrowed her brow. "I''m asking seriously. I''m not joking."


    Stanley ced his expensive steel watch on the dresser. Noticing her tense, serious expression, he raised an eyebrow. "He didn''t say much. Just asked me for money."


    Wendy''s face shifted. "Did you give him any?"


    "I did."


    "How much?"


    "One million."


    Wendy was speechless. "Why did you give him money? And why one million?!"


    Stanley approached her. "Wendy, what''s with you tonight? That''s your foster father. What''s wrong with giving him a million?"


    Wendy stared at him, his aristocratic appearance exuding elegance and generosity. Stanley had always been generous, never stingy with her. A million was nothing to him, more like a small charity.


    Her clear eyes fixed on his handsome face. "If you give him a million today, he''ll ask for two million tomorrow. You''re just feeding his greed. I''m going to get that money back for you right now."


    She turned to leave, but Stanley grabbed her delicate arm.


    "Wendy, what''s going on with you?" He lowered his voice, asking, "Why did your foster father go to prison? Ten years. That''s a serious sentence."


    He was asking her about her foster father''s crime.


    * His gaze was gentle, not betraying any contempt for her despite George''s visit. Raised in a high-status family and


    well-educated, Stanley had the poise of someone ustomed to refinement. He had always been a good man, and Glinda was the same-epting her background, offering warmth. This was probably what a true aristocratic family looked like.


    When George threw the question at her today, Wendy hadn''t answered-not because she felt ashamed, but because there was no need to.


    Wendy looked at Stanley. "That''s personal. It has nothing to do with you."


    Stanley gave her a knowing smile, one that was full of meaning. He pulled her toward him, chuckling as he rebuked her, "Wendy, you''d better know your ce."


    Wendy said slowly, "Stanley, don''t get involved if you don''t n to bear responsibility. Don''t give others hope. That way, they won''t be disappointed.".


    She withdrew her arm from his grip and turned to leave.


    He was a good man, but ultimately, he wasn''t hers. They would divorce soon, and he would be Jessica''s man. No matter how much she might want to rely on him, it would never happen.


    Years ago, he had promised to take her away from that cave, but he would never know how long she had waited for him there-day after day. He never showed up.


    Instead, she was left with that brute, George.


    He never came for her.


    At a luxurious nightclub VIP room, George lounged on the sofa, pping the check for a million dors onto the coffee table. With his legs stretched out, he smirked.


    "Bring all your beautiful girls over here. See? I''ve got money!"

 My Dad Please Come 76

    George had spent ten years in prison, and now that he was out, he was eager to have some fun.


    The madam at the nightclub, upon seeing the check for a million, immediately broke into a wide grin. "Girls, it''s time to work!"


    A group of shy, well-dressed women entered, lining up in front of George.


    The madam asked with a smile, "George, which one do you like?"


    George gave them a quick nce, then shrugged. "They''re all too old. I prefer younger ones-the younger, the better."


    The madam responded, "George, these girls are all only 20. They''re quite young."


    George''s eyes gleamed as an idea crossed his mind. He licked his lips lewdly. "I want someone even younger."


    The madam looked at him with a mix of confusion and concern. Was this man possibly a pedophile? He certainly seemed like a pervert.


    Just then, the door to the VIP room was kicked open, and George looked up to see Wendy walk in.


    The madam was startled. "Hi there, pretty girl! Who are you looking for?"


    Wendy ignored her and coldly stared at George. She extended her hand. "Give me that check."


    "Well, well, well. Wendy, you''re here," George said, eyeing her wless, delicate face and her curvy figure. Compared to her, the women here seemed like mere decorations, draining his interest entirely.


    He held up the check with a smug smile.


    "Wendy, this money is your husband''s gift to me. After all, I''m your foster father. Isn''t it normal for you two to give me money to spend?"


    At his greedy and sleazy attitude, Wendy felt disgust rise in her chest. She moved toward him to snatch the check from his hand.


    His face darkened, and he sneered, "You little tramp! Do you really think you''re some high societydy now?"


    He reached out to grab her hair, ready to teach her a lesson.


    Before he could touch her, a sharp silver needle flew through the air and pierced his hand, driving straight through his palm. His whole body went limp, and with a loud thud, he fell to his knees.


    Wendy took the check, ncing at him with cold eyes. "You really think you can still hit me?"


    The needle had gone through his palm. George howled in pain, unable to stop his cries.


    Wendy didn''t spare him another nce. She turned and walked away.


    "Wait, Wendy!" George called after her.


    Wendy paused.


    With a twisted smile, George sneered, "You''re married to such a great guy. Maybe


    I should tell him about the time when you were just a girl, wearing a skirt and


    sitting on myp. You had juste from the city, looking as beautiful as a porcin doll. You smelled like milk and sweetness. I even kissed you, remember? Ha!"


    Wendy''s fingers, which had been hanging at her sides, slowly curled into a fist.


    "Tell me, Wendy. What do you think your husband will think when he hears about this? He''ll probably despise you! Glinda dotes on you and Stanley is your husband, but do you really think you''re worthy?"


    Wendy didn''t respond. She just lifted her foot and walked away.


    Wendy stepped out of the nightclub and onto the bustling streets. She didn''t take


    a car and instead chose to walk back on her own.


    The streets were lively with people in groups,ughing and talking. She walked alone, her mind drifting back to her childhood memories, as if they were ying in fast-forward inside her head.


    Lilian had given George money and sent her to his house in the countryside.


    At first, George''s wife was still around. When George got drunk or lost money gambling, he would take out his anger on that poor woman, beating her. She eventually snapped, and it didn''t take long before she jumped into the river to end her life.


    From then on, the house was just her and George.


    1

 My Dad Please Come 77

    Lars by tok over the sad of the poor was, doing sastry widow staring George''sst others.


    George would gray by the hut and Karky wat ¨¦s toties, as i was yet bay may would why her with heste Thwn days way su


    leavey bac


    As Weniby grew slidery, hury Rusanity Ruen §Þ§Ú§ß§Ö §Õ§Ú§Ö§ä§Ñ§ß§í tur Seastartans, rucal ce. Aard as fury §Ñ§â§â§Ö§Ñ§Ü§Ú§ñ


    ber changed, so did the dangers the fund


    George''s gaze began to the broming my arthrone. Hold forably put her onto his


    A tight, when she tried to bath, she would work the door fully, but won the turned around, the 4 syor his disgusting, excited eyes peering through the crack in the door,sing at her with a depraved y


    That became one of the most terrifying memories of her childhood


    One right, George came home with two of his rowdy friend Theyughed and pled, "Cergy, why don''t you find yourself a new wife?"


    Gepage chuckled darkly, "I already have a new wife, don''t just need to let her grow up a bit more."


    The two friends exchanged looks, their expressions turning to one of eager interstating, "She''s so young Howe we don''t have the same kind of luck?"


    Terrified, Wendy ran away from the house, trembling as she dialed Lilian''s number on the public phone.


    The call connected, and as soon as the phone rang, hot tears flooded her eyes before falling like pearls from a broken ne. Her voice broke as she cried out in desperation, "Mom Mom, help me..."


    On the other end, Jessica''s voice rang through, happy and a bit smug, "Who''s this? This phone belongs to my mom, not yours. I''m the only daughter she has!" Wendy froze.


    Then Lilian''s gentle, loving voice came through. "Jessica, my princess, it''s your birthday today. Come see the pearl crown I got you. Your friends are all here looking for you, andter, you''ll perform a dance for everyone."


    Jessica eagerly responded, "Thanks, Mom!"


    It was Jessica''s birthday.


    Wendy''s heart sank. She hung up the phone in despair. She couldn''t go back to George, so she walked and walked, deeper into the woods,


    In the forest, she found Stanley, badly injured.


    Stanley told her he would take her away. He told her that while no one wanted her, he did.


    They slept in each other''s arms, but the next morning, Stanley had a high fever and became delirious as he kept muttering, "Water...water..."


    Wendy, frantic, ran out of the cave to search for herbs and water to help cool him down. When she returned, the cave was empty. He was gone.


    Wendy waited for days in that cave, hoping that Stanley, the "Big Brother", woulde for her, believing that he would want her.


    4


    But instead, George found her.


    George had been searching for her ever since she left. He pped her hard, sending her crashing to the ground, cursing with venom. "You little tramp, how dare you run away! You belong to me, you understand? You''re here to serve me!"


    Breathing heavily, he pinned her to the ground, tearing at her old, worn dress. "I can''t wait anymore. Let me show you how I''m going to finish you off!"


    Shivering uncontrobly, Wendy barely held it together, her teeth chattering in fear. She managed to grab a nearby branch she had kept for protection and drove the sharp tip of it straight into George''s eye.


    He fell to the ground, blood pouring from his face.


    One of his eyes was destroyed.


    She personally took him to court, where he was sentenced to ten years in prison.


    Wendy closed her eyes, finally freeing herself from those dark memories. They say a tragic childhood takes a lifetime to heal, and for all these years, she had been healing herself.


    She worked tirelessly, desperately trying to pull the little Wendy out of that painful, helpless past.

 My Dad Please Come 78

    She was trying to save herself.


    The evening breeze felt crisp and refreshing People walked in pairs down the street, smiles on their faces, but Wendy felt a chill in the air. She lifted her arms, hugging herself as if to protect her lonely heart.


    Wendy returned to the Hawks'' family estate, wanting to check on Glinda. As she approached Glinda''s door, she overheard Glinda talking to Stanley.


    With a gentle tone, Glinda said, "Stanley, Wendy''s adoptive father came by today. I could tell Wendy was upset, so you should spend some time with her. She''s been through lot."


    She sighed softly,


    "Wendy was sent to the countryside as a child; her real father passed away early, and her mother never treated her well. I can see how lonely she''s been, how much she craves love. Even though Wendy''s adoptive father spent ter years in prison, look at the woman Wendy has be-so strong, so capable. She married into the Hawk family, so we should be grateful to him. If there''s anything he needs-housing, work, money-make sure it''s taken care of. Think of it as honoring Wendy''s father."


    Stanley''s handsome features softened under the dim light as he nodded. "Don''t worry, Grandma."


    Wendy stood outside the door, her pale eyelids suddenly damp with tears. She didn''t go in. Instead, she turned and walked back to her room.


    Stanley was in his study workingte into the night. When he returned to his room, Wendy was already asleep, curled up in a tiny ball under the covers.


    After taking a shower, Stanley noticed something on the nightstand-one million dors worth of a check, the one he''d given to George. Wendy had taken it back.


    It was now lying on the nightstand, returned to him.


    Stanley smiled faintly, his eyesnding on Wendy''s sleeping face.


    The bedsidemp cast a dim, yellow light over her. Wendy''s sleep seemed restless. Her delicate brows furrowed tightly as she whispered, "Mom... Mom..." She was calling for her mother in her sleep.


    Her longshes fluttered, and soonrge tears slid down her porcin cheek. She was crying.


    Stanley paused, and then, without thinking, raised his hand to gently wipe away the tear.


    At that moment, Wendy, still asleep, grabbed his hand. "Mom... Mom, don''t go..."


    11


    Stanley froze. Had she mistaken him for her mother? What was going on? "Wendy, I''m not your mom!"


    He tried to pull his hand back, but Wendy, unsettled in her sleep, pressed her small face into his palm, rubbing it affectionately. "Mom, don''t leave, don''t leave me..."


    4


    Stanley, exasperated, said, "I told you, I''m not your mom!


    Suddenly, Wendy''s small body trembled, and she began to cry louder, sobbing," "Mom..."


    Stanley felt his heart tug. Tears streamed down her beautiful face, her expression so sorrowful it made him want tofort her.


    His heart softened. This was the first time she''d cried in front of him. It seemed... He couldn''t stand seeing her in


    tears.


    Instead of going to the couch, Stanley climbed into the bed, gently patting her delicate back.


    He wasn''t used toforting a girl, and he felt awkward at first. But then his voice softened.


    "It''s okay. Don''t cry... I''m here... Mommy''s here..."

 My Dad Please Come 79

    The moment he called himself "Mommy", Stanley was relieved no one else had heard it but him.


    He had his pride, after all! He''d never done anything like this in his life!


    Fortunately, Wendy seemedforted when he said, "Mommy''s here." She burrowed into Stanley''s arms, her small hands wrapping tightly around his firm waist, and drifted back to sleep.


    Stanley couldn''t help but think she was clingy. He looked down at her, noticing she wasn''t crying anymore. But the soft tears still clung to her delicateshes, making her look so vulnerable and endearing


    A smile tugged at his lips. ¡°I''m not your mom, I''m your dad! Wendy, try calling me Daddy."


    Wendy, still fast asleep, gave no response.


    Stanley wrapped his arm around her slender shoulder, settling into sleep himself.


    The next morning, Wendy slowly opened her eyes.


    The early morning sunlight was bright, spilling warmth across the room. It was a new day.


    She tried to get up but then froze when she realized something felt off. A strong, warm arm was holding her delicate shoulder. She was lying in someone else''s arms.


    She paused for a moment, then turned her head and saw Stanley''s handsome face.


    Last night, Stanley hadn''t slept on the couch-he''d ended up in bed with her.


    What was going on? Why was he here?


    Seeing that the man hadn''t yet woken up, Wendy rxed her body and noticed that his scent was entirely different from George''s. While George''s smell was vile, Stanley''s was clean, warm, and even expensive. It made a woman want him not just his body, but him, the man himself.


    She studied his striking face and, before she could stop herself, her small hand gently, almost hesitantly, traced the strong line of his jaw.


    The area was freshly shaved, but her fingers met a slight stubble, rough and prickly. It stung, sending a strange, tingly sensation up her fingers.


    Just then, Stanley shifted, his eyes fluttering open.


    Wendy quickly pulled her hand back, as if she was a child caught red-handed. She immediately sat up and broke the silence. "Stanley, why are you in my bed?"


    Stanley, still groggy, stared at her with amused, half-lidded eyes. "Wendy, don''t you remember what happenedst night?"


    She truly didn''t. She remembered washing up and going to bed early-nothing


    more.


    "What happenedst night?" she asked, confusion clouding her mind.


    "You dragged me into bed with you and even called me Daddy," Stanley said, his tone light and teasing.


    "What?" Wendy''s wide eyes filled with shock as she stared at him. "You''re lying!" She grabbed a pillow and threw it at his smug face, furious.


    +25 BOAWS


    She would never!


    Stanley easily dodged the pillow and reached out to grab her delicate wrist, pulling her back into his chest.


    His gaze sharpened, and a smirk curled his lips. "Call me Daddy, Come on,"


    Wendy''s small face flushed bright red. What kind of twisted joke was this? She shot him an angry look and pushed him away, preparing to get up.


    But just as quickly, she was pulled back again. Her hair got caught on the button of his pajamas.


    "Ah, my hair!"


    Wendy scrambled to free her hair, frantic. But the more she rushed, the messier it became; the strands only got tangled tighter around his button.


    She shifted positions and yanked harder at her hair.


    That was when Stanley''s slightly hoarse voice rumbled above her. "Wendy."

 My Dad Please Come 80

    He was calling her name.


    With a snap, Wendy finally managed to free her hair, the knoting undone with a sharp tug


    She sat up, her voice trembling slightly, "What''s wrong?"


    Stanley looked at her, his expression unreadable. "Was that on purpose?"


    That was when Wendy realized something felt off. In the process of trying to untangle her hair, she ended up sitting on top of him.


    Her position was now him lying down, and her on top.


    Wendy''s mind went nk, the realization hitting her with a shock. Instinctively, she tightened her legs.


    Stanley''s firm waist was right beneath her, and her smooth pale legs draped over his sides, exposed and almost blinding in their fairness.


    The moment she reacted, Stanley''s sharp eyes flushed a deep red. His muscles, hidden under the silk of his pajama shirt, tightened and flexed, and he reached up, grabbing her soft waist, his voice hoarse as he said, "Rx.


    Wendy''s face turned crimson, her long, dark hair falling in disarray around her. Her clear, wide eyes darted around in panic, like a deer caught in headlights. She didn''t understand.


    "What do you mean?"


    Stanley swallowed hard, his throat tightening. "Rx your legs. They''re too tight."


    Wendy, caught off guard, couldn''t even muster a response.


    She could already feel the heat radiating from his body. The room was now charged with simmering tension, warm and heavy with unspoken words.


    Just then, a ringtone broke through the charged atmosphere-a phone call.


    Stanley''s phone, lying on the bedside table, lit up. Wendy looked up and saw "Jessica" shing on the screen.


    Stanley, still lying in bed, shielded his eyes with his hand, his gaze cool but with an unmistakable edge of allure. He answered the call.


    "Jessica."


    Jessica''s call shattered the tension that had been building between them.


    Wendy''s blush faded instantly and she scrambled to get off Stanley, stumbling as she quickly got off him.


    Stanley threw off the covers and got out of bed, while Jessica''s cheerful voice rang out on the other end of the line. "Stanley, you''re up already?"


    Stanley responded absently, "Yeah."


    His eyes were fixed on Wendy, watching her scramble in a flustered panic as she ran into the bathroom.


    He had been awake from the moment she moved, but he hadn''t opened his eyes. He''d known exactly what she was doing the way her soft fingers had carefully traced his jawline. He knew how much she wanted to touch him, yet was too scared to.


    "Stanley! Stanley, are you listening to me?"


    Jessica''s voice snapped him back to the present. He quickly shook himself out of his daze. "What''s up?"


    "Stanley, I''ve invited a few friends over to my house today. Come join us!"


    Jessica was inviting him to the Crones'' residence.


    Stanley turned her down without hesitation. "I have an important meeting today. I need to head to the office."


    Jessica, a little disappointed, replied, "Alright, then. All the best at work."


    Stanley hung up the phone and stared at it for a moment, his expression troubled. He nced at his pants, his handsome features looking slightly worn out..


    Every time Wendy was involved, it felt harder and harder to keep hisposure. He couldn''t understand why, even though he didn''t like Wendy, his body kept reacting to her.


    Stanley walked into the bathroom next door, turning on the cold water for a quick shower.


    By the time he returned, Zayn was already waiting for him. Mr. Hawk.¡±


    Stanley had regained his usual, calm demeanor, his cold, regal presence now back in full force. He parted his lips to give an order. "Have someone look into George Bard."


    Zayn looked confused for a moment. "Mr. Hawk, do you mean Mrs. Hawk''s adoptive father?"


    Stanley nodded. "George served ten years in prison. Have someone look into the case from back then. I want to know exactly why he was locked up."

 My Dad Please Come 81

    When Wendy stepped out of the bathroom, Stanley was already gone, likely


    called away by Jessica''s phone call. A bitter smile curved on her lips as she shook her head at the situation.


    Her phone buzzed, interrupting her thoughts-it was a call from Lilian.


    Wendy answered quickly. "Wendy, Jessica invited a few friends over today. Why don''t youe join us?"


    Was Lilian really being so kind?


    Wendy replied with a simple, "Sure, I''ll be there soon."


    Cecelia, hearing the news, rushed over right away. "Wendy, I don''t trust Lilian''s intentions! Now that George is out of prison, are you sure you want to visit the Crones'' residence?"


    Wendy remained calm, her voice steady. "I''just need to confirm something."


    Still worried, Cecelia insisted on apanying Wendy to the Crones''.


    When they arrived, the house was bustling with energy. Jessica''s guests had all arrived-Benny and a few other rich heirs from their circle.


    The moment Benny saw Wendy, his expression soured. "Wendy, what are you doing here?"


    Jessica smiled and exined, "I invited Wendy."


    Benny was visibly annoyed. "Why did you invite her? We don''t want to hang out with her."


    Wendy wasn''t offended. She blinked her eyes yfully, giving Benny a smirk. "I don''t want to y with amateurs, either."


    Benny froze, rendered speechless.


    He wasn''t an amateur! He was a top yer!


    The humiliation from thest time he was utterly defeated in a game by Wendy


    surged back to him, and without thinking, Benny jumped to his feet.


    "Wendy, are you brave enough to y again?"


    He had to win, to restore his pride.


    Wendy raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Oh, I''m too busy."


    Benny was ready to explode. "You little..."


    Cecelia couldn''t help it and burst outughing. Benny, the little tyrant, was probably only afraid of Stanley. Aside from him, the only one who ever seemed to put Benny in his ce was Wendy.


    She was sure that one day Wendy would make this little bully bow down to her.


    At that moment, Lilian reappeared. "Wendy, you''re back! Since everyone''s here, let me introduce someone."


    George stepped forward, standing in front of the group.


    Lilian smiled and said, "This is Wendy''s adoptive father from the countryside."


    Benny and the other rich heirs looked at George, puzzled. "This is Wendy''s adoptive father? Why does he only have one eye?"


    V, kes sedy''s brand you go to the


    Wendy''s you to wand der endod .dowy Lillian aut jessica sti


    they had brought George here.


    Corys iwwdwly walked toward Woudy,


    Westernly, it''s te


    Before Bendy con pat, Cacat eyed from of day, the wake stary and filled with disquet "You usef Get away from her have foto Wendy with your ty unt


    Georgs hesitated, then put on a sirds, "Kudy, I''m your day father cased you to the countryside he you really going to pretend you don'' KAZAM AK? how you''ve wanted in a fit Lauty and are living z wood Mix, bus you bend of ww ww?"


    jedica stepped forward, trying to y under "Wendy, this out digir Hain still your above father. You should take tim in and cars for k¨¦w properly"


    Wendy key her cold your fixed on George Beneath his age facade, she could see the suck in t¨²s eyes-a look of pure malice,


    It way as if he were refing, "Yol ww ye nd of me


    George shifted tis expression to one of sonow, though it was deady take, "Wendy,


    I shouldn''t havee here 1 shouldn''t have embarrassed you. If you''re doing well, thats all that matters. I''ll go back to the countryside now."

 My Dad Please Come 82

    George turned to leave.


    "Hold on!" Benny called out, stopping him in his tracks.


    George paused.


    Benny red at Wendy, his voiceced with anger. "Wendy are you even human? He''s your adoptive father, and you won''t even acknowledge him?"


    The other rich heirs, standing behind Benny, joined in, their voices full of disdain.


    "Wendy, it''s bad enough that youe from such a lowly background, but now you''re showing your true colors. You''re selfish and heartless, and you only care about money!"


    "How could Mr. Hawk marry someone like you? You''re nothing but a stain on his life!"


    Everyone turned their me on Wendy.


    Standing next to Benny, Jessica smiled smugly, clearly pleased with the situation. Cecelia opened her mouth to speak, but Wendy grabbed her arm, stopping her.


    At that moment, Lilian stepped forward, her tone dripping with false sincerity. "Wendy, you''re in the wrong here. George is your adoptive father. You should take him home."


    Lilian and Jessica had clearly expected Wendy to stay quiet about George''s past actions. They knew that most girls, when hurt, would choose to keep their suffering hidden, swallowing their pain without revealing the truth.


    This was Lilian''s cruel n-she wanted George to haunt Wendy for the rest of her life. She wanted Wendy to live in darkness forever.


    Wendy''s clear, piercing gaze fell on Lilian''s face. "Did you bring him here?"


    Lilian didn''t answer.


    Wendy''s lips curved into a cold smile, but her eyes remained unyielding. "So, you know everything, don''t you?"


    Lilian had abandoned her in the countryside, never once bothering to check on her.


    Wendy had once wondered if Lilian was unaware of everything. But today, she knew for sure-Lilian knew exactly what had happened.


    Lilian was fully aware of everything Wendy had endured in the countryside. Cecelia, trembling with rage, stepped forward and shouted at Lilian, "So you knew everything all along! And you still brought this monster here to torment Wendy? What kind of mother are you? You''re not just biased-you''re worse than an animal! The heavens are watching, and one day, you''ll get what''sing to you, you evil woman!"


    Lilian''s face darkened at Cecelia''s words.


    Jessica stepped up, her tone mocking. "Wendy, are you seriously going to ignore your adoptive father like this?"


    Benny and the other rich heirs closed in, aligning with Jessica. "Wendy, you''re unbelievable!"


    Wendy''s eyes, cold as ice, gleamed with an intense, sharp light. "Cecelia, let''s go."


    Cecelia shot them all a defiant re before following Wendy out the door.


    Jessica, in a far better mood now, turned to Benny. "Benny, what''s wrong with Wendy? Her adoptive father raised her, and she has no gratitude at all."


    Benny''s face twisted with disgust. "Jessica, you''re too kind. If Wendy had even a fraction of the goodness you have, she might be a decent person. I''m telling Stanley and Nathan about this. They''ll surely hate her, too."


    Jessica smiled, her lips curling in satisfaction. "You''re the Best, Benny."


    Benny grinned. "I''m just waiting for the day I get to toast to your wedding with Stanley."


    Benny, followed by the other heirs, left, and Jessica felt a sense of aplishment. Her goal for the day had been achieved.


    Lilian turned to George, noticing how he still stared in the direction Wendy had gone, his expression full of lewd intent.


    Lilian smiled. "George, you seem so fixated on Wendy. If you really want her, you''d better find a way to get her. You wouldn''t want to fail, would you? After all, Wendy blinded you ten years ago."


    George sneered, "I''ll make sure to get my revenge for that. Don''t worry. She''s got something in her past that I can hold over her head. She won''t dare defy me!"

 My Dad Please Come 83

    George left, and Jessica linked arms with Lilian.


    "Mom, what do you think Wendy has on George? What kind of leverage does she hold over hirn?"


    Lilian smiled, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Jessica, that''s not something we need to worry about. All you need to know is that Wendy is no match for you. She''ll end up being nothing more than George''s ything"


    Jessica smirked. In her mind, Wendying from the countryside-was nothing more than a match for someone like George. What right did she have to hold the position of Mrs. Hawk?


    Jessica praised, "Mom, you''re brilliant!"


    Lilian''s eyes shone brightly. "Jessica, your dad hasn''t been home for several nights now. Why don''t you call him and ask him toe home? He always does what you say."


    Harry really did treat Jessica like a little princess. When she asked him to do something, he''d never defy her.


    Jessica nodded. "I''ll do it, Mom. I''ll call him right now and make sure hees home."


    She took out her phone and dialed the number.


    Lilian felt at ease. Without Wendy standing in her way, her future looked much brighter.


    At the Hawk Group, in the CEO''s office, Stanley sat in a ck leather chair, going over some documents. His good friend, Nathan, hade to visit.


    Nathan took azy sip of his coffee and leaned against the desk. "Stanley, I came by today to ask you something."


    Stanley continued to review the files, his smile barely curling at the corners of his lips. "What''s got you in a bind? This is rare."


    Nathan raised an eyebrow. "I need your advice. How can I win Wendy over?"


    He was asking him how he could court Wendy.


    Stanley paused, his pen still in hand.


    "Stanley, you''ve been with Wendy for years. You know what she likes, what she enjoys. You must have a better understanding of how to win her heart than anyone else. Tell me what''s the secret?"


    Stanley set his pen down and looked up at Nathan. "Nathan, as your good friend,


    I have to tell you that you and Wendy aren''t right for each other."


    "Why?" Nathan asked, confused.


    "Wendy is... Well, she''s from the countryside. She doesn''t have much education


    or a job. She''s just a pretty face. She has ws."


    Nathan stared at Stanley in silence.


    Stanley raised an eyebrow. "What are you looking at me like that for?"


    Nathan smirked. "Stanley, we''ve known each other since we were kids, and this is the first time I''ve heard you speak so harshly about a girl."


    Stanley''s lips pressed into a thin line at Nathan''sment.


    In all their years of friendship, Stanley had never spoken ill of a girl. He''d seen Nathan date a model once, but he had simply nced at her otice and said nothing. But now, with Wendy, he couldn''t help but react strongly. Nathan eyed him with suspicion. "Stanley, are you trying to keep Wendy for yourself? Have you developed feelings for her?"


    He imed that Wendy was wed, but he seemed to want to keep her to himself. Had he fallen for her?


    Stanley raised an eyebrow, giving a dismissiv¨¦ chuckle. "What? No way."


    He couldn''t have feelings for Wendy. It was impossible.


    Nathan nodded slowly. "Well, that makes sense. You''ve been dating Jessica for


    so long, you''re definitely going to marry her."


    Stanley''s handsome face showed no emotion, but he simply nodded. "Yes."


    He was going to marry Jessica.


    With that in mind, Nathan pursuing Wendy seemed possible, though the thought of his best friend being with his


    ex-wife left a sour taste in his mouth.


    "So, what do you think I should do? What does Wendy like?" Nathan pressed.


    Stanley didn''t know. He had never given Wendy any gifts, and honestly, he had no idea what she liked.

 My Dad Please Come 84

    But Stanley remembered when Jessica had just returned to the country. She had her eye on a Chanel handbag, and he had Zayn buy it for her. Zayn delivered the bag to Imperial Garden, where Wendy happened to see it.


    Wendy''s face lit up with joy as she admired the bag, her eyes crinkling in a smile.


    "This bag is beautiful," she said.


    She seemed to really like it.


    Stanley replied, "She likes Chanel bags."


    Nathan smirked, "Bags, huh? That''s easy. Thanks for the tip."


    At that moment, Benny walked in. "Stanley, Nathan, you guys are here!"


    Nathan nced at Benny. "Benny, aren''t you supposed to be at the Crones'' residence?"


    "Yeah, I did. And 1 even ran into Wendy and her adoptive father. Stanley, Nathan, you wouldn''t believe it-Wendy actually rejected her adoptive father! She didn''t even recognize him as her father."


    Benny recounted everything that had happened at the Crones'' residence.


    "Nathan, how could you still have feelings for Wendy? She doesn''t deserve you. Now that you know her true colors, you can see what she really is-a shallow, materialistic, and heartless woman!"


    Benny''s frustration was evident.


    Nathan frowned. He turned to Stanley, asking, ¡°Stanley, what''s the deal with Wendy and her adoptive father?"


    "I''m not really sure," Stanley answered.


    Nathan, unconvinced, looked at Benny. "Sometimes what you see with your own eyes isn''t the whole truth. I don''t believe Wendy''s really that heartless. There must be some misunderstanding between her and her adoptive father.


    11


    "You can''t be serious, Nathan! After everything, you''re still defending Wendy?" Benny was furious. He thought Nathan would distance himself from Wendy after hearing all this. "Nathan, I think Wendy has really clouded your judgment. Stanley, you need to talk some sense into him!"


    Stanley''s cold eyes were unreadable, his expression stoic as he remained silent.


    Back at the Hawks'' family estate, Wendy entered the living room, where Glinda was sitting on the couch waiting for her. "Wendy, you''re back. Freddy, bring the chicken soup over here."


    The butler, Freddy, brought over the soup and handed it to Wendy. "Mrs. Hawk, Mrs. Glinda asked the maid to prepare this for you. Drink it while it''s hot."


    Wendy sat on the sofa and said sweetly, "Thanks, Grandma."


    Glinda smiled warmly. "Wendy, did you settle things with George? I was thinking of inviting him over for dinner tomorrow. After all, we''re family now, and we can''t overlook these little courtesies."


    Wendy''s longshes fluttered slightly. ¡°Grandma, don''t worry about him. I''ll take care of it."


    Glinda yfully scolded her, "You''re such a stubborn child. He''s your adoptive father, after all."


    Just then, a maid came in holding a box. "Mrs. Hawk, someone delivered this box for you."


    Wendy took the box from her. "Who was it from?"


    "He said he''s your adoptive father," the maid replied.


    George had sent her a box.


    Glinda raised an eyebrow. "Why didn''t hee inside? Open the box, Wendy. See what he sent you."


    Wendy carefully opened the box, revealing a photograph inside.


    It was a picture from her childhood, one that George had taken of her while she was in the bath. He had barged in unexpectedly, capturing the moment. Wendy had quickly covered herself with a towel, but parts of her shoulder, leg, and arm were exposed. Her long, wet hair clung to her face, and her wide, terrified eyes were filled with shock. The dark, dim settingbined with her vulnerable expression would undoubtedly satisfy some twisted individuals.


    "Wendy, George sent you a photo? Let me see," Glinda said, reaching for the picture.

 My Dad Please Come 85

    Glinda didn''t get the chance to take the photo because Wendy quickly put it back in the box. "Grandma, this is a photo from when I was a child. It''s so ugly. I can''t let you see it."


    Glinda smiled and withdrew her hand. ¡°I don''t think you could ever be ugly."


    Freddy added, "Ipletely agree."


    Wendy, hearing the warm reassurance from both Glinda and Freddy, lowered her head and took a sip of the chicken soup.


    Just then, the maid''s voice broke the moment. "Mr. Hawk."


    Wendy looked up and saw Stanley had returned.


    Glinda smiled brightly. "Stanley, you''re back?"


    Stanley took off his jacket and handed it to the maid before walking into the living room with long strides.


    Wendy, still holding her bowl, noticed something strange about the soup. It tasted odd, like some kind of herb had been added. "Grandma, did you put something in the chicken soup? It tastes strange."


    Glinda''s eyes sparkled. "Wendy, you noticed? I had them add some herbs to help with fertility."


    Fertility?


    Wendy stared at the bowl, a sudden tension in her forehead. She couldn''t help but feel ufortable. No matter how many herbs she drank, there was no way she could get pregnant since she and Stanley hadn''t even


    consummated their marriage.


    "Grandma!" Wendy protested.


    Glinda held Wendy''s hand with a gentle yet earnest expression. "Wendy, it''s about time you and Stanley had children. I''m getting older, and my biggest hope now is to have a great-grandchild before I die."


    Seeing the hopeful look in Glinda''s eyes, Wendy knew she was destined to disappoint her.


    Stanley sat down beside her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder in a protective gesture.


    "Grandma, Wendy is still young. There''s no rush when ites to children."


    Wendy nced at Stanley''s handsome face. Was he trying to put the pressure on her?


    "Grandma, actually, I do want to have children," Wendy said.


    Stanley froze, clearly surprised. He looked down at Wendy. She wanted children? Wendy yfully fluttered her longshes, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she met his gaze. "But Stanley''s been so busy with worktely. By the time hees back to the room, he''s just too tired to perform."


    What did she just say? Too tired to perform?


    Stanley''s face instantly turned dark, the color draining from it.


    "Stanley, you''re so young, but you''re too tired to perform? Glinda gave him an assessing look. "No wonder you and Wendy haven''t made any progress. So the problem''s with you, huh?"


    Stanley muttered, "It''s not like that, Grandma..."


    "I''ll have someone make you a special soup tomorrow," Glinda said seriously. "You need to build up your strength until you give us a baby for the Hawk family!" Stanley was speechless.


    Wendy stifled augh, her lips curling into a sly grin.


    Stanley shot her a sharp look, ring at her in displeasure,


    Back in her room, Wendy opened the box again and pulled out the photo.


    It was a picture of little Wendy, looking broken and vulnerable in a moment of helplessness.


    Just then, her phone rang with a melodious ringtone. It was a call.


    Wendy answered, and immediately, George''sugh came through. "Wendy, did you get the photo?"


    Wendy''s expression grew cold. "What do you want?"


    "I want money," George said with a smirk. "Mr. Hawk gave me one million before,


    but you took it back. Now, if you don''t give me more, this photo will end up in Stanley''s hands. It''ll reach Glinda, and everyone who knows you will see it. How do you think they''ll view you then?"


    Wendy''s voice was calm. "How much do you want?"


    George''s demand was bold. "A hundred million!"


    Wendy''s lips curved into a silent, amused smile. "A hundred million? You really have some guts."

 My Dad Please Come 86

    "Stop the nonsense! Tonight, you personally bring 100 million to me, or your photo will be all over Hovendale tomorrow. I''ll be waiting for you tonight!" George barked before ending the call abruptly.


    Wendy tightened her grip on her phone. Just then, Stanley''s voice came from behind her. "Were you talking to George?"


    She turned around, seeing Stanley had returned to the room


    His gazended on the box in her hand. His tall figure cast a shadow as he stood before her. "Grandma mentioned that he sent you a photo. What photo is it?"


    Wendy hesitated. Should she tell him about George? What would his reaction be if she did?


    She finally said, "This photo is-"


    Before she could finish, her phone rang again. This time, it was a call from Nathan.


    Wendy answered, and Nathan''s excited voice came through. "Wendy, hurry up ande out. I''ve got a gift for you!


    11


    Wendy furrowed her brow. "Nathan, I can''t really talk right now..."


    "I''m right outside the Hawk family mansion. If you don''te out, I''ming in," Nathan urged.


    Wendy quickly relented. "Don''te in. I''lle outside."


    Stanley watched her closely. "Was that Nathan?"


    Wendy nodded. "Yes, I''m stepping out for a moment. I''ll talk to you about the photo when I get back."


    Outside the mansion, Wendy spotted Nathan''s shy red sports car. He stepped out of the car, his handsome figure looking as confident as ever. He held a gift bag in his hand.


    "Wendy, this is a gift for you," Nathan said as he extended the bag to her. Wendy didn''t take it. "Nathan, what is this?"


    Nathan pulled out a bag from inside the gift bag. "It''s thetest Chanel bag. Do you like it?"


    Wendy nced at it. "Nathan, thank you, but I don''t like it. I won''t ept this gift." "You don''t like it? But Stanley said you liked bags," Nathan said, clearly puzzled. Wendy froze. "He said that?"


    "Yes, Stanley told me today that you once said you thought a Chanel bag was beautiful."


    Wendy''s mind raced. She remembered now-it was when Stanley had just woken up. It was her birthday, and she had unexpectedly found thetest Chanel bag in his study. She thought it was a birthday gift from him, and she had told him how beautiful it was.


    Later, she realized the bag had actually been for Jessica. She had seen Jessica carrying it out to afternoon tea with a few other socialites.


    It turned out it was all just her own misguided assumption. She hadn''t liked the bag; she had only liked it because she thought it was from him. He had never given her a gift.


    Now Stanley thought she liked Chanel bags. It was so ironic


    Nathan didn''t seem to notice anything was off. "Today, I went to Stanley''s office to ask him for advice to win you over. He told me you like bags, so I immediately had one bought for you. If you don''t like bags, then tell me what you really like."


    Wendy was stunned. Stanley had taught Nathan how to win her over?


    Her heart sank with bitterness. "Nathan, I don''t like anything. I could have all these things if I wanted, so you don''t need to buy me anything. Don''t waste any more time on me."


    With that, Wendy turned and walked away.


    Back in her bedroom, Stanley was standing tall on the balcony, his figure silhouetted against the fading light. He turned around as he heard her approach.


    "You didn''t like the bag Nathan bought for you?"

 My Dad Please Come 87

    Stanley had seen everything from the balcony carlier. He watched as Nathan gave Wendy the limited-edition Chanel bag, only for her to refuse it.


    Wendy turned to face him. "Did you tell Nathan that I liked bags?"


    Stanley raised an eyebrow, his sharp features still carrying that confident air. "Don''t you? I remember you liking them."


    Wendy smirked, her red lips curling into a yful line. "I don''t like bags. I like more expensive things, like diamond nes. Next time, have Nathan get me one of those."


    Stanley''s expression darkened for a moment, the mood turning tense. The conversation quickly came to an end.


    He cleared his throat and shifted the topic. "What kind of photo did George send you today?"


    Wendy had initially nned to tell him about the photo and George, but she changed her mind. She responded calmly, "Just a childhood picture he took of me."


    "Did George-"


    Stanley seemed like he was about to ask more, but Wendy cut him off. "Mr. Hawk, are you free? If you have time, maybe you should focus on learning how to have children."


    The mention of her past words about him being "too tired to perform? made Stanley''s mood shift. His gaze became cold and distant.


    "How I have children is none of your concern. Don''t worry about it."


    Without another word, he strode out of the room, leaving Wendy alone.


    She stared after him, her mind spinning. His having children had nothing to do with her-it only had to do with Jessica.


    Her face grew pale, and after a moment of collecting herself, she left the room and headed out to find George.


    Wendy arrived at the nightclub, the ce where George had been spending his days and nights indulging in excess.


    In the luxurious VIP room, George was lounging on the couch, surrounded by two beautiful women. They recognized Wendy immediately. "Well, look who''s here again. You''re not here to cause trouble again, are you?"


    George looked at Wendy''s fair, delicate face and chuckled, his mood lifting. "Don''t worry! This time she''s here to give me money to spend."


    Wendy wasn''t surprised by George''s calm reaction-she knew he''d expect her.


    With a cold expression, she gave the two women a sharp nce. "Leave. Now."


    The women, reluctant to go, clung to George''s side. "We want to stay with George."


    B¨²t George, suddenly uninterested, waved them off. "Go, go. I''ve gotpany now."


    The women left with noticeable displeasure. After all, George was a big spender. George turned to Wendy with a grin. "So, where''s my money?"


    Wendy pulled out a check and handed it to him.


    George took one look at the endless zeros on the check, and his eyes lit up with greed. He''d never seen so much money in his life.


    He was rich now. He was a millionaire!


    "Wendy, you''re something else. Who would''ve thought that after marrying Stanley, you could get 100 million so easily?"


    "Enough talk. We agreed on a transaction-money for the photo. Where''s the negative?" Wendy demanded.


    George gesturedzily toward the counter in the corner of the room, where a box sat. "It''s in there."


    Wendy walked over and opened the box to find the negative inside.


    Before she could do anything, a heavy blow struck the back of her neck. The


    sudden pain made her vision go ck, and she copsed onto the carpet.


    George walked over with the check in hand, his greedy eyes fixed on her. "Wendy, I want the money, and I want


    you.


    You''ll be with me from now on."


    Hisugh echoed in the room.


    Wendy closed her eyes, everything fading to darkness.


    Meanwhile, Stanley sat in his study, reviewing documents. Just then, Zayn hurried into the room, his voice low as he reported, "Mr. Hawk, we''ve found out why George went to prison."

 My Dad Please Come 88

    Stanley didn''t lift his eyes from the papers. "Go ahead."


    "Ten years ago, George was imprisoned for child molestation, child abuse, and attempted rape."


    The pen in Stanley''s hand suddenly paused, its tip pressing down on the paper. He looked up at Zayn, shocked." And the victim was Wendy?"


    Zayn nodded. "Yes, Mr. Hawk. George is a pervert and scum"


    Stanley''s handsome features hardened into a cold, sharp expression. He had suspected there was some dark history between Wendy and George, but he never imagined it would be something like this.


    Just then, a ringtone echoed through the room, breaking the tension. It was a call.


    Stanley answered, and Cecelia''s frantic voite came through the line. "Mr. Hawk, Wendy''s in trouble!"


    Stanley gripped the phone tightly. "What happened to Wendy?"


    "Wendy took a check to meet that animal, George. I followed her to the nightclub, but by the time I got inside, she was gone. He took her!"


    What?


    Stanley quickly stood up, striding out of the study. He pushed open the bedroom door, but the room was empty.


    She was gone. She had left while he was away. She had gone to find George on her own.


    "Why did she take the check to meet George?"


    "Because George has a photo of her," Cecelia answered urgently.


    A photo? Was it the one George had sent today?


    Stanley''s eyes narrowed as he noticed a box on the nightstand. He opened it, and inside, a photoy quietly.


    He picked it up and nced at it, but within seconds, his long, sharp fingers clenched around the photo. His usually handsome face darkened with anger and a terrifying coldness.


    That scum! Why hadn''t she told him? She could have told him.


    Then, Stanley''s gaze sharpened. There was something strangely familiar about the young girl in the photo. He''d seen her before.


    His icy eyes widened as realization hit. He had seen this girl before-she was the one who had saved him in the cave years ago!


    But the girl who had saved him was Jessica.


    Could it be that the girl who saved him wasn''t Jessica, but Wendy?


    Had he mistaken the person all these years?


    Stanley''s mind raced in confusion. He had been gravely injured back then and was on the brink of death. He hadn''t been able to see the girl''s face clearly. The next morning, when he woke up, she was already gone.


    So, was it Wendy who had saved him? Was she the girl from that time?


    "Mr. Hawk! Mr. Hawk, are you listening to me?" Cecelia''s voice snapped him back to the present.


    Stanley blinked, refocusing on Cecelia''s words. She was desperate now.


    "Mr. Hawk, you need to send someone to find Wendy. She''s back in that animal''s hands. You have to find her and bring her back this time!"


    Right. The most important thing now was to find Wendy.


    Once he found her, he would finally know if she was the girl from that time.


    If she was, he had made a grave mistake. He had left her with that monster, letting her suffer all alone. He would never forgive himself.


    How scared must she have been back then?


    He had promised to take her with him. He had promised he wanted her around.


    NV


    Stanley''s eyes turned red with fury as he red at Zayn. His voice was cold and sharp. "Get the security footage and track down George''s car. Block every route in and out of Hovendale. I want him trapped-I won''t let him escape!"

 My Dad Please Come 89

    4


    George sped down the highway in a white van, frequently ncing into the rearview mirror. Wendyy unconscious in the backseat, her delicate face pale under the dim interior light.


    His gaze lingered on her figure, tracing every curve with an unsettling intensity. The mere thought of having her at his mercy made his blood boil with excitement. Still, he knew he couldn''t act recklessly. He needed to get far away from Hovendale-somece where no one knew either of them. Once there, she would have no chance to escape. Then, he could do whatever he pleased.


    The anticipation made him flush with heat. Just as his mind spiraled into darker thoughts, the car in front of him stopped moving, and he mmed on the brakes.


    "What the hell?" he muttered, squinting through the windshield.


    Ahead, the cars hade to aplete stop. Drivers were poking their heads out of their windows, trying to make sense of the standstill.


    "What''s going on up there?" someone shouted. "An ident?"


    "No," another voice replied. "The road''s been blocked off. They''re checking vehicles."


    The road had been blocked off?


    George''s expression twisted with panic. A sinking feeling crept over him as snippets of conversations drifted through the air.


    "Who has the power to shut down an entire highway like this?"


    "Are you new here? It''s Stanley Hawk, Hawk Group''s CEO and Hovendale''s top dog. This town might as well be his backyard. If he wants the road closed, it''s closed. Simple as that."


    "Oh, Mr. Hawk blocked off the road? Do you think his wife has run away, and he''s hunting her down?"


    "Yeah, right. You''ve been reading too much fiction."


    George''s hands tightened on the steering wheel, his heart sinking like a rock. He broke into a cold sweat.


    Stanley was looking for Wendy.


    Damn it! Lilian had assured him that Stanley didn''t care about Wendy-that she was nothing but a discarded woman. If that were true, why would Stanley go to such lengths to track her down?


    Up ahead, a group of uniformed personnel began systematically inspecting cars, moving closer with every passing


    moment.


    George''s chest tightened. He couldn''t just sit and wait to be caught.


    With gritted teeth, he threw open the van door, scooped up Wendy in his arms, and bolted into the surrounding wilderness.


    Wendy stirred, her longshes fluttering slightly. A cold, slimy sensation on her face jolted her awake. She opened her eyes to find herself in a dark, damp cave, lying on a pile of dry grass.


    George loomed over her, his hand shamelessly caressing her cheek with a disgusting smirk.


    "You''re awake," he said, his voice dripping with a twisted kind of satisfaction.


    4


    The back of Wendy''s neck throbbed. The sensation of his hand on her skin was revolting, like a venomous scorpion clinging to her, making her stomach churn. Her voice was icy as she snapped, "Get your filthy hands off me!"


    George didn''t seem fazed by her resistance. His expression darkened with a perverse sort of amusement.


    "Wendy, even back when you first came to the countryside, you were so beautiful it was almost unreal. I knew then that when you grew up, men would be lining up


    to get their hands on you. So why should I let anyone else have you? You''re perfect for me-you can be my wife."


    His voice hardened, anger creeping in.


    "But you just had to be difficult. You had to stab out my eye and send me to prison for ten years! And for what? Nothing''s changed. Look at you now! You''re still under my control. No one can save you, Wendy. You''ll lie here obediently and let me do whatever I want. Just like you should''ve from the start."


    George''s mind had been consumed with lust. He had stopped himself from acting on his urge, wanting to wait for Wendy to wake up so he could fully get his revenge for being blinded by Wendy.


    He reached out, yanking at her clothes.


    "Let go of me!" Wendy screamed, thrashing against him with all her strength. George''s breathing grew heavier, his voice dripping with malice. "Who do you think is going to save you? Your precious husband, Stanley?"


    His face twisted into a bitter sneer as he recalled his desperate escape earlier.


    "It''s toote. By the time he gets here, you''ll already be ruined. No man will want you after that-not even him!"

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    George''s grip tightened. With a tearing sound, Wendy''s cor was ripped open, exposing her delicate, pale skin to


    the cold air.


    A wave of memories hit Wendy, taking her back to years age, in a simr cave, where she had been pinned beneath George. The foul stench of his body pressed down on her, and helplessness and fear engulfed her like a tidal wave. She felt as though she was suffocating, as though she was about to die.


    That young version of Wendy had been so close to death.


    She thought of Big Brother. Why wasn''t he here?


    Suddenly, Wendy felt a weight press down on her again-George had leaned over her. She closed her eyes, bitterly realizing that even after all these years, when she found herself in a simr situation, her first thought was still of Stanley.


    She had grown up in some ways, but in other ways, she hadn''t. She still longed for Stanley toe for her.


    Deep down, she knew he would nevere.


    Wendy reached for her waist...


    But before she could do anything, a foot kicked out, sending George flying off her. The force of the blow sent him crashing into the cave wall with a loud bang, and a spurt of blood erupted from his mouth.


    Wendy froze, her eyes darting upward. A handsome, dignified face filled her vision.


    It was Stanley. Stanley hade!


    The person who had been a fleeting thought just moments ago was now standing before her. Wendy blinked, unsure of how to react.


    Stanley stood tall, wearing a thin ck coat that cut through the cold, his face stern. He carried the chill of the outside world with him, a presence that seemed almost otherworldly, like a god of vengeance, sending a shiver through her.


    Why was he here?


    Stanley looked down at Wendy as she stared at him with tearful eyes, her expression that of someone who had been wronged, a look that made her seem helpless and small.


    She stared at him as if she hadn''t even imagined he woulde to her rescue.


    Stanley''s heart ached. He quickly removed his coat and draped it over her fragile shoulders, his voice soft but reassuring. "It''s okay now."


    Wendy finally felt the warmth of his coat against her chilled skin, a tangible reminder that he had reallye.


    George, bloodied and broken, knew it was over for him.


    "Mr. Hawk, please, let me exin! It''s all Wendy''s fault-she seduced me! P- Please, don''t listen to her. She loves seducing men ever since she was young! She''s not good enough for you..." George began to desperately try and shift the me.


    Wendy turned her gaze to Stanley. Without a word, Stanley stepped forward and delivered another crushing kick to George''s chest.


    George copsed again, coughing up more blood.


    Stanley''s gaze was sharp and unforgiving, like a predator staring down prey. "Where did you crawl out from? How dare you touch my wife!"


    ¡°Mr. Hawk... I¨CI''m sorry. Please forgive me!" George trembled, begging for mercy.


    Stanley looked down at him with disdain before lifting his foot and nting it on George''s groin. "Since you love tomit crimes so much, maybe we should remove the weapon you''ve been using."


    George''s scream echoed through the cave, and soon, blood pooled beneath him. He had been incapacitated.


    At that moment, Zayn arrived with a group of ck-d bodyguards. "Mr. Hawk."


    Stanley''s expression remained unchanged as he slightly parted his lips. "Take him away.''


    11


    "Understood, Mr. Hawk."


    Stanley turned and walked back to Wendy. He gently lifted her into his arms, cradling her against him.

 My Dad Please Come 91

    Wendy was gently lifted into the back of Stanley''s Rolls-Royce Phantom, her delicate frame ced carefully in the passenger seat.


    Stanley slid into the driver''s seat, hisrge hand gripping the steering wheel with ease. He pressed down on the elerator, and the luxury car smoothly sped down the road.


    Wrapped in his coat, Wendy felt the warmth of his body and the crisp, clean scent surrounding her. She could feel his heat seep into her chilled skin, and her small pose flushed a soft pink. A strange, fluttering feeling stirred in her chest. She never imagined he would show up..


    Years ago, he hadn''te.


    But now, he had.


    Wendy turned her head to nce at his chiseled, handsome profile.


    "Thank you," she said softly.


    Stanley''s long fingers gave the steering wheel a slight tug as he pursed his lips, his voice firm. "Why didn''t you tell me?"


    Wendy hesitated, not sure how to respond.


    "I asked you so many times. Why didn''t you say anything?" His tone grew colder. "Do you know what would''ve happened if I had been even a momentter?"


    Wendy could feel his anger simmering. Her eyes began to well with tears as she responded, her voice tinged with hurt, "Why are you yelling at me?"


    Stanley fell silent, looking at her with a mix of frustration and tenderness. Her eyes were shimmering with tears, her face contorted with the injustice she felt.


    How could she be upset when she could''ve prevented all this? He had seen the scum of a man on top of her, her clothes torn, and if he''d arrived even a minuteter...


    But looking at her now, with that soft, almost fragile expression on her face, Stanley couldn''t bring himself to stay angry. He worried that if he snapped, she might break down entirely. She was fragile and soft, like a delicate doll.


    Stanley adjusted the temperature on the air conditioning, his voice softer now. "Are you still cold?"


    Wendy shook her head. "Not anymore."


    "Wendy," Stanley suddenly said, his voice more serious.


    Wendy turned to look at him. "What is it?"


    "I want to ask you something. When you were little, did you-"


    Stanley was eager to know if she was the same girl from his past.


    But just then, a sharp, crackling sound came from outside the car asrge raindrops began to fall, followed by a heavy downpour.


    The radio crackled, and the weather report red through the speakers. "Tonight, a Category 4 tornado is expected to hit Hovendale, apanied by lightning and heavy rain. Residents are advised to stay indoors."


    A tornado was approaching, and they were on the highway with a two-hour drive ahead of them. The storm


    +25 BOHUS


    outside was turning into a full-blown hurricane. Continuing on the road like this was too dangerous. Stanley quickly swerved the car off the highway, pulling into a small inn near the exit.


    "For safety, we''ll have to stay here tonight and head back in the morning," Stanley said, his voice steady.


    Wendy nodded, not objecting.


    The inn was modest, certainly not on par with a five-star hotel, but it was clean enough.


    The innkeeper''s eyes lit up when she saw Stanley. "Handsome, are you checking in alone?"


    Wendy couldn''t help but feel a bit amused. Stanley attracted attention wherever he went. His tall frame, dressed in a shirt and trousers, looked like it was made for designer clothes. With the aura of a powerful businessman, it wasn''t surprising that the innkeeper was left stunned.


    Stanley showed no emotion, clearly used to this kind of attention. "One room. My wife will be staying with me." Hearing that, Wendy stepped forward, as the innkeeper had not seen her standing behind him, her delicate form hidden by Stanley''s imposing presence. Wendy smiled at the innkeeper, her expression bright and sweet.


    The innkeeper, initially disappointed to hear Stanley was married, softened when she saw Wendy''s graceful beauty and her gentle smile. Her mood was instantly lifted as she admired the beautiful couple.


    The innkeeper handed Stanley the room key. "You''re in room 503. The items on


    the bedside tablee with extra charges, and the prices are listed on the card."


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 92

    Stanley nodded and led Wendy toward the room.


    Wendy furrowed her brow slightly, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "What did she sayes with extra charges?"


    Stanley nced at her, her innocent eyes wide with question, as if she was eager to know. He turned away, offering no response.


    They entered Room 503. It was clean, but there was only one bed.


    Wendy couldn''t help but feel uneasy. How were they going to manage with just


    one bed tonight?


    "Wendy."


    Stanley called her name from behind.


    This was the second time he had said her name.


    Wendy turned to face him. "What''s wrong?"


    She suddenly remembered their unfinished conversation. "You wanted to ask me something in the car earlier. What was it?"


    "Did you-"


    Before Stanley could continue, his phone pinged, the sound cutting through the moment.


    It was a message from Jessica, along with a photo.


    Stanley opened the photo to find one from Jessica''s childhood.


    As he looked at it, he noticed something: Jessica''s childhood face bore some resemnce to Wendy''s.


    Stanley froze. He stared at the photo, then read Jessica''s message. [I found this while going through old albums today. Do you remember how I looked back then, Big Brother?]


    The realization hit him like a p. Jessica was the girl he had been thinking of.


    It wasn''t Wendy.


    The childhood photo of Wendy had only reminded him of Jessica, sparking a mistake.


    Stanley let out a softugh at himself. How could he have ever thought Wendy was the one from back then?


    No, Wendy wasn''t the one.


    "Mr. Hawk," Wendy called softly.


    Stanley looked up at her. "It''s nothing. I''m going to take a shower."


    "Okay."


    Stanley stepped into the bathroom, and the sound of water soon followed.


    Wendy stared at the bathroom door, wondering what exactly he had wanted to ask her earlier. But since he didn''t ask, she pushed it aside.


    She turned on her phone, which she had turned off earlier, and immediately noticed dozens of missed calls from Cecelia.


    A warm feeling spread through her chest as she quickly typed out a message to Cecelia.


    Cecelia replied almost instantly, [Wendy, you''ve finally replied! Do you know how worried I''ve been?]


    [I''m fine, Cecelia. It''s just that there''s a huge storm outside, and Stanley and I are stuck in a small guesthouse.)


    Right then, Wendy nced at the items on the bedside table. There were price tags on them.


    Her face turned bright red. Wasn''t that...a box of condoms?


    A variety of them-ultra-thin, lubricated, textured...


    Gosh.


    She suddenly realized that these were the types of items most hotels had, but she didn''t expect them in this inn, and they were clearly for sale.


    She had just asked him so innocently about the extra-charge items.


    He had clearly known but didn''t say anything. Perhaps he thought she was asking


    on purpose, knowing full well what they were.


    Wendy shifted ufortably.


    As she looked at the bedside table again, her eyes fell on something else. It was


    a ck mesh item, something she didn''t recognize..


    Cecelia immediately responded when she saw the photo. [Wendy, you really haven''t seen much, have you? Those are fis stockings!]


    Fis stockings?


    Cecelia sent a teasing message. [Is Stanley into fis stockings?]


    Wendy was at a loss for words. How would she know?


    Ding!


    Cecelia sent a voice message, and Wendy hesitantly opened it.


    Cecelia''s excited voice filled the air. "Wendy, tonight you should wear the fis stockings to seduce Mr. Hawk!"


    Wendy was still listening to Cecelia''s message when she suddenly realized the bathroom door had opened without her noticing. She looked up just in time to meet Stanley''s eyes.

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    Stanley had alreadye out of the bathroom. He had heard the entire voice message.


    Wendy stood frozen, her mind nk. She jumped up in a panic. "Wait, let me exin..."


    In her frantic state, her phone slipped from her hands andnded on the bed.


    Cecelia''s voice message yed right after, "Stanley''s in great shape-he must have a six-pack! And I''ve heard that men with long fingers are amazing in bed. Wendy, go for it and sleep with Stanley tonight!"


    Wendy, who had been trying to exin, froze.


    She felt like jumping off the building.


    Oh, my god! What was this mess? She had started out having a serious conversation with Cecelia, but things took a wild turn, getting more inappropriate by the second.


    The atmosphere had be unbearably awkward.


    Wendy nced at the man by the bathroom door, letting out a dryugh. "So you heard all that. Just remember that those were Cecelia''s words, not mine."


    She figured it was best to throw her friend under the bus.


    Stanley, freshly showered and still glistening with a light mist of water, stood there without a flicker of emotion on his handsome face. He simply said, "Go take a shower."


    "Okay."


    Wendy quickly dashed into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her.


    Three secondster, Stanley heard her panicked scream from inside. "Argh!" She was losing her mind.


    Stanley''s lips curled into a small smile as he leaned back against the doorframe.


    Wendy took forever to finish in the bathroom. She had never felt so embarrassed in her entire life.


    When she finally came out, Stanley was already lying in bed, his broad backzily propped against the headboard, working on his phone.


    There was only one bed in the room. If he was in it, where was she supposed to sleep?


    There wasn''t even a sofa, and the idea of sleeping on the floor waspletely out of the question.


    Just then, the man looked up and gave her a quick nce. "What are you standing there for? Get in bed."


    He wanted her to sleep in the bed.


    So, they were both going to share the bed tonight.


    It wasn''t like they hadn''t shared a bed before, so Wendy didn''t overthink it. She


    climbed under the covers, closed her eyes, and tried to fall asleep.


    Soon, she heard Stanley put down his phone and lie down beside her.


    Outside, thunder rumbled and lightning shed, but the soft light in the room made it feel warm and cozy.


    Wendy''s stiff body slowly rxed, and she began to feel sleepy. But then, suddenly, she heard a creaking sound from the neighboring room, like a bed rocking.


    This guesthouse had zero soundproofing, and Wendy''s ears perked up involuntarily. The creaking grew louder.


    Wendy wasn''t sure what was happening next door, but then she heard the unmistakable sound of a woman moaning softly-pleasure mixed with restraint.


    Wendy, who had never dealt with these matters before, was slow to react, but she soon realized what was going on.


    Her small, wless face turned bright red once again, burning hot.


    What kind of day was this? She was here with Stanley, listening to someone else''s live show.


    Wendy stole a nce at Stanley. He was lying still beside her, his eyes open, but he didn''t seem to be asleep.


    Wendy, her face still flushed, mumbled, "It''s a bit noisy next door, huh?"


    Stanley turned his head, his gazending on her flushed face. He smirked slightly.


    "I thought you''d ask what''s going on next door."


    Wendy went silent.


    So he thought she was asking on purpose.


    Just like before, he probably assumed she was pretending not to know when she asked about the extra charges. Wendy tugged the nket closer to her, burying her face in it, wishing she could disappear.


    Stanley''s lips curved into an amused smile. Her cute, embarrassed reaction had clearly entertained him.


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 94

    The noise from the room next door continued, growing louder and more reckless. How could he sleep through that?


    Stanley raised his hand and sharply knocked twice against the wall with his knuckles, the sound echoing in the


    room.


    Immediately, the noise from next door quieted down.


    Stanley closed his eyes.


    But he wasn''t sleepy. The restless energy of his young, vibrant body was hard to ignore in this environment. Wendy was right there beside him, soft and sweet- smelling His mind wandered back to that night in the main bedroom at Saville Vi. He had pinned her against the wall, forcibly holding her hand...


    Suddenly, the noise from next door started up again.


    Stanley opened his eyes in irritation, sitting up. He threw off the covers and got out of bed.


    Just as he stood, a small hand reached out and grabbed the sleeve of his shirt.


    He turned to see Wendy''s head poking out from under the covers. She had just been muffled, and her pale, unmade up face now had a faint flush. Her wide, sparkling eyes were so innocent, they made him want to kiss her.


    Wendy clung to him, uneasy. "Where are you going?"


    She could tell he was angry, and from his bodynguage, it seemed like he was about to go fight the guy next door. His beating up George in the cave earlier was the first time she had seen him lose his temper like that. She didn''t expect a noble man like him to be so ruthless when he threw a punch, but she didn''t like it when he fought.


    It seemed like his mood had been off all day. Did he feel like she was wasting his time?


    She thought back to why he hade to her rescue earlier. It must have been because she was still technically his wife. He wouldn''t just ignore her. After all, he was a good person.


    Stanley''s gaze softened when he saw her innocence, and a burning ache filled his chest. He quickly yanked his sleeve away and said, "Go back to sleep."


    He walked out before she could say anything else.


    Stanley knocked firmly on the door of the room next door. A young man''s voice called out, "Who''s there? I''ming."


    The door swung open, revealing the man who had been making all the noise.


    Stanley''s face was dark, his tone cold. "I''m in the room next door. Do you have any idea what time it is? Even if you''re not nning on sleeping, do you expect the rest of us to be awake too?"


    The young man immediately pulled Stanley aside, pulling out a cigarette and offering it to hi just got married, and we got carried away."


    Not appreciating his overly friendly tone, Stanley didn''t take the cigarette. Sorry, man. We


    The young man, curious, asked, "So, you staying alone?"


    Just then, a delicate voice rang out from behind him. "Stanley."


    The young man turned to see Wendy''s beautiful face peeking out from the crack in the door of Room 503. Her big, clear eyes were looking at Stanley, calling his


    name.


    The young man sucked in a breath. Wow! She was gorgeous like an angel.


    Stanley, seeing Wendy''s face, furrowed his brow. "Who told you toe out? Go back inside!"


    He was genuinely angry now.


    Wendy quickly shut the door behind her.


    The young man was about to take another look at her, but Stanley''s cold gaze stopped him in his tracks. He quickly broke into a nervousugh. "Hey, you''re hiding a stunning woman in your room. Why''d youe knock on our door?"


    The young man eyed Stanley, giving him a yful look.


    "Man, you wouldn''t happen to be ipetent, would you?''


    Stanley froze.


    Just as he was about to snap, Wendy''s soft voice came from behind him again.


    "Stanley,e back quickly."

 My Dad Please Come 95

    She kept calling his name.


    Her sweet voice had already drawn the young man''s attention again, and he turned to nce back.


    It was the kind of sound that made you want to keep looking.


    Stanley could only re and head back to his side of the room.


    Wendy had already crawled back into bed. Stanley red at her, irritated, "What are you doing, calling out like that? Trying to summon something?"


    Wendy was speechless. She was only trying to help!


    "I''m going to take a cold shower," Stanley muttered, heading straight for the bathroom.


    A few minutester, he emerged, his body still damp as he climbed back into bed.


    The two of themy in silence, the air thick with tension. From the next room, faint sounds ofughter and yful conversation reached them-the man and woman were still at it, their voices low but distinct.


    Stanley was about to get up and take another cold shower, but just as he moved to throw the covers off, he felt movement next to him. Wendy, who had been lying far away from him by the edge of the bed, had shifted closer. Her delicate body was now pressed against his side.


    For a moment, the air around them seemed to warm with the soft scent of her.


    Stanley froze. They were both adults, fully aware of what that kind of proximity meant, especially with the tension in the air. Wendy was clearly making the move to get closer to him, the invitation obvious.


    He looked down at her, his voice low and curious. "What are you doing?"


    Wendy lifted her watery, doe-like eyes to meet his, her gaze yful. "What do you think?"


    Stanley''s throat tightened as he swallowed, but before he could respond, his phone buzzed with an iing call.


    He pulled out his phone and saw that it was Jessica.


    He answered the call, and immediately, Jessica''s teasing voice came through. "Stanley, why aren''t you replying to my texts?"


    Jessica had sent him childhood photos earlier, and he had forgotten to respond.


    "I''ve been busy..." Stanley started, but his words faltered when Wendy, in one smooth motion, crawled into hisp, her lips brushing against his throat.


    His muscles locked up at the sudden, unexpected contact, and his eyes darkened, a wave of heat rushing through


    him.


    He quickly ced his hand on her delicate shoulder, pushing her back gently, signaling her to stop.


    She had done it on purpose. She knew exactly when to kiss him, just as he was on the phon wanted to test his resolve.


    *h Jessica. Wendy


    Her soft, pink lips lingered on his neck, teasing him as she kissed the sharp line of his throat, which resembled his chiseled face, utterly intoxicating.


    The room was eerily quiet, and Jessica''s voice came through again. "Stanley, why are you always so busy? What are you doing right now? Are you alone?"


    Wendy, clearly not done, bit down lightly on his throat.


    Stanley couldn''t keep talking to Jessica with Wendy acting like this. He swiftly ended the call and, in one motion, pulled Wendy off him by her shoulder, his voice low and strained. "Don''t bite."


    She had already left a mark on his throat once before, a small bite that had left a delicate impression for days. He had to keep his shirt buttoned up to hide it during meetings


    And now she was doing it again.


    Wendy enjoyed leaving her mark on him, especially due to his cold, controlled exterior. She loved teasing him, testing his restraint.


    Wendy tilted her head back, her lips finding his strong jawline, kissing him softly.


    Stanley''s hand, which had been resting on her shoulder, tightened instinctively. He wasn''t sure whether he wanted to push her away or pull her closer.


    His dark eyes flickered closed for a moment, struggling to regain control, but he couldn''t push her away. Instead, he allowed her to kiss him, her lips moving over his skin with growing intensity.


    Just then, his phone buzzed again. Jessica was calling once more.


    Stanley reached for the phone, but before he could grab it, Wendy''s lips were on his, soft and insistent.


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    She kissed him.


    Stanley''s eyes turned crimson as he quickly pushed her away. "Wendy!"


    Wendy gazed up at him, her face soft and innocent, yet there was a subtle, yful hint in her eyes. "Aren''t you going to answer Jessica''s call?"


    Stanley lowered his gaze, then forcefully captured her lips again.


    The phone kept vibrating-Jessica was still calling. Wendy felt a strange thrill, like she was caught in a forbidden act. Even though she and Stanley were legally married, it almost felt like they were sneaking around behind Jessica''s back.


    Stanley kissed her hard, almost as if punishing her, biting her soft lips, then taking control, ravishing her breath like a storm.


    This little minx-she loved teasing him.


    George was right-Wendy loved to seduce men. Even at a young age, she had managed to capture the attention of the worst kinds of people.


    At that moment, her soft hands found their way to his body, slipping inside his shirt cor.


    Stanley gasped, immediately releasing her. "Wendy, are you serious?"


    Wendy''s cheeks were flushed, like they had been kissed by a seductive blush. "Don''t you like it?"


    That night at Saville Vi, he had pressed her against the wall...


    Though neither of them mentioned it after, neither had forgotten it either.


    Stanley''s voice was hoarse as he asked, "Why?"


    Wendy met his gaze. "I want to repay you for saving me today. After this, we''ll be even."


    She wanted to show her gratitude, without feeling indebted to him.


    Stanley looked at her, his eyes red with desire.


    Wendy tried to convince him. "Don''t worry. We''ll be the only ones who know. I won''t tell Jessica."


    When Stanley heard that, his eyes darkened, gleaming with something deeper.


    At that moment, Wendy raised her head and ced a soft kiss on his lips, her eyes glinting mischievously as she looked at him. "Stanley, I''m very good at this... mmm!"


    She had meant what she said. She knew exactly where to touch, how to please him. After all, she studied medicine, so she knew the body''s secrets.


    But when the words reached Stanley''s ears, they lit a fire in him. He kissed her fiercely, as if losing all control, sinking into the passion without restraint.


    After what felt like an eternity, Stanley held Wendy close, her soft body pressed against his chest. Theyy there in silence, both of them enjoying the aftermath of their heated moment.


    After a while, Wendy tried to move. "I''m going to the bathroom."


    Stanley''s voice was still rough, hoarse from the intensity. "Il carry you." "No, it''s fine."


    Wendy tried to move away, but Stanley reached out and embraced her from behind. She shifted to dodge him, but her forehead bumped against the headboard.


    "Ow..." Wendy cried out in pain.


    Stanley''srge hand immediately cradled her forehead, rubbing it gently. "Did I hurt you?"


    Wendy looked at him. His narrow eyes still held traces of the red haze of passion, but there was also tenderness now, a soft warmth as he gazed at her.


    So, this was what he was like after their moments of pleasure. He cared for his partner so much.


    Wendy''s heart softened. "I''m fine."


    "Really?"


    "Of course."


    Sheughed softly, hiding in his embrace.


    Just then, a knock sounded from the next room-this time, it was the young man next door knocking on the wall.


    Wendy froze, immediately falling silent. Stanley raised an eyebrow. The young man had doubted his performance earlier. Now, he had definitely proven him wrong.


    He pulled the nket over both of them and grasped her soft hand once more. "Are you tired?"

 My Dad Please Come 97

    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?


    Today''s Bonus Offer

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    "Mrs. Crone, you have to help me! Mr. Hawk locked me up managed to sneak out, but if he catches me, it''s over! "George''s voice trembled with fear, the memories of Stanley still haunting him. He pleaded for Lilian''s help.


    Of course, Lilian would help George. He was her trump card, something she could hold over Wendy. She wasn''t about to let her ace be useless.


    "Mom, what should we do now?" Jessica asked, her voice filled with concern.


    Harry''s mood darkened. Lilian had just managed to do something that pleased him, and now there was aplication.


    "Lilian, what''s your n now?" he asked, a hint of irritation in his voice.


    Lilian turned to Harry, trying to calm him. "Honey, don''t get upset. This isn''t over yet."


    Jessica''s eyes brightened. "Mom, did you think of something?"


    "Jessica, call Mr. Gondale. He does whatever you say, right? Now is the time we need him!"


    Benny genuinely cared for Jessica and treated her like family.


    Jessica nodded eagerly. "Okay, I''ll call Benny right now."


    Thirty minutester, Benny arrived at the Crone family estate. "Jessica, why did you call me here in such a hurry?"


    Jessica grabbed his arm. "Benny, I need you to meet someone."


    George immediately bowed in front of Benny. "Mr. Gondale, please! You have to save me."


    Benny looked confused. "Aren''t you Wendy''s adoptive father? What happened?" George broke down, tears streaming down his face. "Mr. Gondale, Wendy rejects me because I''m from the countryside. She doesn''t even acknowledge me. She sees me as a stain on her life. She even sent people to beat me up! Look at my wounds-she did this to me! She wants to kill me!"


    Lilian sighed, her voice full of disappointment. "I never imagined Wendy could be this heartless and cruel."


    Benny''s anger red as he cursed, "That Wendy is nothing but trash! I can''t believe she would do this to her adoptive father!"


    "Do you think we should just let Wendy get away with this? Jessica asked, her eyes cold.


    "What do you suggest?"


    Jessica looked at him, a n forming.


    "Benny, let''s hold a press conference. Invite all the major media outlets in Hovendale. We'' who she really is, right in front of everyone!"


    pose Wendy for


    Benny immediately agreed, his resolve hardening. "I''ll take care of it. It''s about time Stanley and Nathan see Wently for what she truly is!"


    Jessica and Lilian exchanged a knowing look and smiled.


    They knew Wendy would never admit to how George had molested her-if she did, her reputation would be ruined forever. Once that was out in the open, she would be finished.


    As long as they held that weakness over her, they could control Wendy through George, keeping her trapped in darkness for the rest of her life.


    This press conference would be their chance to see how Wendy would handle the pressure.


    Lilian looked at Jessica. "Jessica, Mr. Gondale does everything you ask. You''d better make the most of it."


    Jessica smiled confidently. "Don''t worry, Mom. Benny hates Wendy. He''s the perfect weapon for us." Jessica was fully aware of Benny''s affection for her, and she intended to use that to her advantage.


    At Hawk Group, inside the CEO''s office.


    Stanley had returned with Wendy, as a business meeting was scheduled at thepany. He had no choice but to bring her into his office.


    Just then, Zayn rushed in, panic written all over his face. "Mr. Hawk, something''s wrong-George has escaped!"

 My Dad Please Come 99

    Stanley furrowed his handsome brow, lifting his gaze from the papers to look at Zayn. "Where did he go?"


    "George ran to the Crone family estate," Zayn replied. "And Mr. Gondale has already invited thirty-six media outlets from Hovendale to hold a press conference. They''re nning to use Mrs. Hawk of abusing and abandoning her adoptive father."


    Stanley pressed his lips together, his irritation growing. What was Benny thinking? "What are you all doing? You incapacitated George, and he managed to escape?" Seeing his boss get angry, Zayn was drenched in cold sweat. "Mr. Hawk, it''s-"


    "It''s my orders," Wendy suddenly interrupted in a clear voice.


    Stanley turned to look at her. "Your orders?"


    Wendy nodded. "Yes, I told Zayn to let George go on purpose."


    Stanley''s dark gaze deepened. "Why would you do that? They''re nning to hold a press conference. That scumbag is trying to stick to you for life! I''ll send my men to the Crones estate to bring George back, and the press conference will be canceled. Everything will go back to normal, as if nothing ever happened. No one will ever know what you don''t want them to."


    Wendy knew that with his power and influence, Stanley could easily erase everything.


    She had once wondered what he would think if he ever found out about her past with George. But now, he didn''t seem to care at all. Instead, he was protecting her.


    He was protecting her from the wounds in her heart that were too painful to reveal, sparing her from the judgment and whispers of others, shielding her from further harm.


    Wendy interrupted him. "Mr. Hawk, there''s no need for you to do anything. I''ll handle this from here."


    Handle it herself? How would she handle it?


    Stanley was skeptical. "Wendy, what are you-"


    "Mr. Hawk," Wendy cut in with a yful smile, her lips curving up as she winked at him. "You''ve already helped me once. There''s no need to help me again. I''d hate to feel like I owe you more."


    The atmosphere shifted at her words. Wendy was reminded of how she had repaid himst night.


    Stanley, too, thought about her "repayment" from the night before. He shifted his gaze back to the papers, his tone cold and indifferent as he said, "Do as you wish."


    Wendy watched him, noting how he had returned to his usual distant, stoic self ever since they left that inn. The night before was something only the two of them knew.


    Just then, a familiar voice echoed in the room. "Stanley, what''s going on with that press conference? Why is everyone saying that Wendy...""


    Nathan had arrived.


    The moment Nathan spotted Wendy, his face lit up with surprise. "Wendy, what are you doing here?" Wendy smiled and sat down on the sofa. "Nathan, what''s everyone saying about me?"


    Nathan took a seat next to her. "They''re saying you''re materialistic, that you''ve abandoned your adoptive father


    and even mistreated him. They''re using you of rejecting your father because he''s from the countryside."


    "Nathan, do you believe that?"


    Nathan shook his head,ughing. "If you were so materialistic, you would''ve been


    all over me. But you haven''t even agreed to my advances."


    He, after all, was very wealthy.


    Wendy didn''t know how to respond to that.


    Stanley, sitting in his office chair, wore a dark expression. So, this is what they


    were doing-flirting right in front of him?


    "Wendy, where were youst night?" Nathan suddenly asked.


    Last night...


    Wendy''s heart skipped a beat. "Why do you ask?"


    "I called youst night, but you didn''t answer. Even Stanley''s phone was


    unreachable.¡± Nathan''s suspicious gaze shifted between the two of them. "Did you two spend the night together?"


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    "Of course not!" Wendy immediately denied, her voice firm "I wasn''t with Mr. Hawkst night!"


    As she spoke, Stanley couldn''t help but smirk inwardly. She was so afraid of Nathan finding out they''d been together that she lied to cover up their night.


    That little liar.


    Nathan nced at Stanley, a puzzled frown on his face. "Stanley, why aren''t you saying anything?"


    Stanley''s handsome features remained emotionless, his eyes cold as ever. "Didn''t she already say everything?"


    He decided to go along with her lie.


    Wendy, feeling the awkwardness creeping in, quickly tried to exit. "Mr. Hawk, Nathan, you two can talk. I''ll step out for a bit."


    She left the room, leaving the two men alone.


    Nathan, clearly annoyed, walked up to Stanley. "Stanley, you need to be more perceptive."


    Stanley raised an eyebrow, giving Nathan a confused look.


    Nathan sighed dramatically. "When Wendy and I are together, you should find a way to leave and give us some private time. Got it?"


    Stanley''s expression darkened. Wasn''t this his office? It wouldn''t make sense for him to leave.


    Stanley''s voice was t with irritation. "Then you should go."


    Nathan blinked, incredulous. "What''s with that attitude? I''m your best friend! And you''re telling me to leave when I''m trying to get with a girl? Aren''t you supposed to help me out? Besides, you were the one who encouraged me to pursue Wendy in the first ce."


    Stanley sighed, not in the mood for this.


    Wendy was still his wife, and frankly, he wasn''t too keen on being made a fool of.


    He pursed his lips, uninterested. "You''re the expert in love. Is there a woman you can''t get?"


    Nathan chuckled. "Wendy''s different. She''s too pure, and I don''t want to scare her off."


    Stanley paused, his thoughts drifting. Pure?


    Her face, delicate and wless, certainly looked innocent like something carved from heaven itself. But Stanley knew the truth. She was the very woman who had kissed himst night, who had pressed herself against him, who had slid her hand beneath his shirt.


    His mind shed back tost night-the tingling sensations that had spread from his spine to the rest of his body, the fiery explosion of pleasure that had consumed him. Just the thought of it made his heart race and his mind lose focus.


    Wendy was anything but pure when it came to lovemaking.


    She knew exactly what she was doing.


    She had an innocent face, but she was also extremely skilled in bed. A woman like her, seemingly sweet on the outside but able to take control in the bedroom? No man could resist that.


    Stanley didn''t answer Nathan''s question, lost in thought.


    At that moment, Zayn walked in, his voice low as he reported, "Mr. Hawk, Mrs.


    Hawk left. She''s heading to the media conference."


    What? She was going to the media conference by herself?


    Stanley''s lips twisted into a cold smile, his mind racing. She had said she would handle things, and he thought she had a n to stop the event. Instead, she had gone to the site alone.


    What was she doing?


    Was she about to cause more trouble?


    Stanley stood up abruptly, his legs moving quickly as he headed for the door. "Prepare the car. We''re going to the media conference."


    He was going to find out exactly what she was up to.


    Nathan followed closely behind. "Stanley, take me with you"


    The media conference was a spectacle. Thirty-six of Hovendale''s most influential media outlets were present, and the room buzzed with excitement as cameras shed incessantly.


    George, standing before the cameras, reverted to his humble self, his eyes full of emotion as he spoke, his voice thick with tears, "Although Wendy is my adopted daughter, I''ve always treated her like my own flesh and blood..."

 My Dad Please Come 101

    "I sold everything I had to send her to school and poured all my money into getting her to the big city, but now she won''t even acknowledge me. She said I embarrassed her and told me to go back to the countryside..."


    George sobbed so pitifully that he almost convinced himself. His performance deserved an Oscar.


    The reporters clicked their cameras non-stop, eager to capture the drama. The story of a father abandoned by his foster daughter was the kind of hot topic that guaranteed a juicy headline. They all hoped to break the story first. The reporters couldn''t help but feel sympathy for George. They all began to criticize Wendy, "How could Wendy be so heartless?"


    "I never believed anyone was born evil in this world-until Wendy came along!" one of them eximed.


    Benny handed George a tissue, his voice filled with anger. "The whole reason we''re holding this press conference today is to expose Wendy for what she really is. Too many people still don''t know the truth about her. She can''t just abandon her foster father like this-she has to take responsibility for him!"


    George wiped his face with the tissue, a sly smile creeping across his face. Even with Stanley protecting her, he was sure Wendy wouldn''t be able to escape him. Lilian and Jessica exchanged a knowing nce, both of them smug and satisfied.


    Harry hadn''t shown up. He figured this press conference would be enough to deal with Wendy. He had other matters to attend to with some executives and had headed to a fancy hotel for dinner. All he had to do now was wait for Lilian''s good news.


    Lilian put on a pained expression and spoke with feigned regret, "I owe you all an apology. Wendy is my daughter, and it''s because I failed as a mother that she''s caused such a negative impact. I''m not a good mother."


    Jessica immediately stepped in to defend her. "Mom, it''s not your fault."


    The reporters quickly rallied to Lilian''s side. "Mrs. Crone, you''re a great mother. Just look at how well you raised Jessica."


    "Mrs. Crone, Wendy is just a born troublemaker. No matter how you raise her, it''s hopeless."


    Lilian smiled slyly to herself, knowing she''d just used Wendy''s downfall to build her own image as the perfect mother.


    Then Benny said, "The press conference has already started, yet Wendy hasn''t shown up. I bet she''s too scared to face us. She''s guilty, that''s why!"


    Before anyone could react, a clear, calm voice cut through the tension. ¡°Mr. Gondale, are you talking about me?"


    Everyone turned to see Wendy standing at the door, a graceful figure that seemed to glow. She hade.


    And she hade alone.


    Wendy walked confidently toward the front, and the reporters quickly made way for her. She stood directly in front of Benny.


    Benny scowled. "Wendy, how dare you show up here!"


    Wendy raised an eyebrow, her expression both sharp and yful. "Mr. Gondale, you seem confused. Do you want me toe or not? Which is it?"


    "You little..." Benny was furious, his face turning red. Wendy had managed to get under his skin time and time


    again.


    Lilian smiled, a sense of satisfaction washing over her. Werkly showing up was perfect. She quickly signaled George with a look.


    George reached out to grab Wendy, calling out, "Wendy..."


    Wendy turned to him, her eyes as cold as ice. "Don''t touch me with your filthy hands. I can''t stand it."


    George froze, taken aback.


    Lilian immediately fanned the mes of emotion. "Wendy, at a time like this, how can you still be so cruel to your foster father?"


    Jessica added, "Wendy, you need to apologize to him right now and take him back home with you.'' Benny snapped, "Wendy, you''re awful!"


    "1


    The reporters swarmed around, their cameras shing. "We''ve seen it all with our own eyes! Wendy, your true face is hideous. We''re exposing you right now!"


    Stanley and Nathan had just entered the room when they saw the chaos. Wendy was being cornered.


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    Everyone at the press conference was filled with outrage, with everyone pointing fingers at Wendy.


    Stanley''s cold, sharp gaze locked onto her. He thought she deserved what wasing to her.


    Didn''t she know this was a dangerous situation? How could she havee here alone?


    "Damn it!" Nathan muttered under his breath, stepping forward to protect Wendy.


    But someone moved faster. Stanley was already in front, his presencemanding attention.


    Nathan paused, feeling slightly bewildered.


    What was going on? Why was Stanley rushing in without thinking?


    The room, which was buzzing with chaos seconds ago, suddenly fell silent.


    Stanley watched as Wendy, the target of the mob, lifted her eyes-clear as a calmke, yet full of power. She calmly surveyed the crowd, and with a single nce from her, everyone fell silent, as if the very air around her had shifted.


    Stanley froze in his tracks. He had never seen Wendy like this before.


    The reporters were also taken aback. They didn''t understand where thismanding aura came from, but it was undeniable. Wendy radiated an energy that made them all hesitate, their voices trailing off in shock.


    Wendy scanned the room, her gazending squarely on George. "Did you think I came here alone?"


    George froze, confused. "What do you mean?"


    Before he could respond, Cecelia''s voice rang out. "George is over there! That''s him!"


    Everyone turned to see a group of uniformed police officers walking in, moving directly toward George. They pulled out an arrest warrant and read it aloud.


    ¡°George Bard, you are under arrest for extortion, kidnapping, attempted rape, and several other charges." The sharp sound of handcuffs snapping shut echoed in the room as George''s hands were bound.


    The room erupted in chaos. The situation flipped instantly, and no one knew what had just happened.


    The supposed victim had be the criminal?


    Benny was the most stunned. "Officers, are you sure you''ve got the right guy? He''s just a simple country guy. How could he be involved in extortion, kidnapping, and attempted rape? Who did he try to rape?"


    "He tried to rape me!" Wendy''s voice rang out, each word heavy with truth.


    Wendy''s words echoed loudly in everyone''s ears, shocking the entire room. Gasps filled the air.


    Everyone turned to Wendy in disbelief, especially George, Lilian, and Jessica, who were all stunned.


    Cecelia rushed to Wendy''s side, unwilling to leave her alone during this critical moment. friend, she wouldn''t let her face this alone.


    Vendy''s closest


    Wendy pulled out a photo-one that George had used to ckmail her in the past. She held it up to the crowd, her voice clear, firm, and full of strength.


    "Yes, George is my adoptive father, but he''s also a pedophile. Ten years ago, he was convicted of child abuse and


    molestation. He was sentenced to ten years.


    The room fell deathly silent as everyone stared at the photo the truth sinking in.


    Wendy continued, her tone unflinching, "Recently, he was released from prison. He came after me again. First, he used this photo to extort 100 million from me, and then he drugged and kidnapped me at a nightclub. Later, he tried to rape me in a cave."


    Wendy held up a small surveince device and focused her gaze on George. "I''ve been wearing this device the entire time. It records all the evidence of your crimes."


    George stood frozen in shock. He couldn''t believe it. Wendy had been wearing a surveince device all along. How dare she!


    Wendy slowly moved forward, stepping closer to George. Though she was speaking to him, her piercing eyes found Lilian.


    "The moment you were released from prison, I was the first to know. You thought you had trapped me, but in reality, I''ve been waiting for you. Ten years in prison


    wasn''t enough. This time, I''ll personally send you back. And this time, you won''t being out."

 My Dad Please Come 103

    George''s eyes widened in disbelief. Now he understood. He hadn''t realized it until this very moment.


    When he got out of prison, Wendy was the first to know. She had been waiting for him the whole time. Everyone thought she would never speak of the dark past from her childhood. After all, a woman''s reputation meant everything.


    And she never did speak up. She didn''t tell Glinda or Stanley


    When George demanded money, Wendy gave it to him without hesitation. He had easily knocked her out and kidnapped her. It seemed like he truly had her in his grip.


    But it was never like that.


    She had been pretending the whole time.


    She had been wearing a small surveince device, making it clear that everything-whether it was his demand for 100 million or his attempt to rape her in the cave-was all part of her n.


    She fed his greed with her fake obedience and guided him with her feigned endurance, leading him straight into the abyss of his own crimes.


    She had set the trap, and after ten years, she was yet again the one who sent him back to prison.


    With so many charges against him, he was either facing the death penalty or life in prison.


    It was all part of her strategy.


    What George could now understand, Lilian had already realized long ago. The day Hank brought George into the Crone family''s estate, Wendy had been standing outside, watching.


    Lilian stared at Wendy, shocked. She could hardly believe what she was seeing. Wendy was no longer that little girl who had chased after her mother''s car when she was abandoned, the one who had cried for help when she was molested, the one who had wandered lost in the woods without a home.


    So many years had passed. Wendy had grown up, standing tall before her now. Her eyes were calm and unwavering, full of strength and resolve.


    Wendy turned to face the cameras again, and her words resonated clearly. "I''ve never thought my life was shameful. I don''t like to punish myself for others'' mistakes. So, if you''ve ever been through something like I have,


    if you''ve faced the same kind of harm while growing up, remember: Don''t be afraid. Don''t be scared. I know it''s hard, but you have to stand up. No one will save you; only you can save yourself!"


    She had saved the little Wendy.


    Standing beside Wendy, Cecelia was moved to tears. She excitedly pped her hands, her apuse loud and heartfelt.


    The reporters felt embarrassed and started apologizing.


    "Ms. Crone, we''re sorry. We misunderstood you earlier. We were too harsh with our words."


    "Wendy, I have two daughters, so I know how strong you must be. You''re incredibly brave."


    The reporters all gave Wendy a thumbs-up, genuinely impressed by her strength.


    Stanley stood at the back and watched the scene unfold. His gaze remained fixed on Wendy, unable to look away. He had to admit he hadn''t thought she could handle all of this alone. But she had outsmarted them all, setting the


    perfect trap and turning the tables on them. It was a masterstroke.


    She had said she would handle her own business, and now was clear-she really could.


    He realized he had always underestimated her and looked down on her. But time and again, she kept surprising


    him.


    Stanley wasn''t sure what kind of woman he was attracted to, but one whobined beauty, talent, and an independent soul always shone the brightest. Wendy, standing there now, was radiant. He couldn''t tear his eyes away from her.


    Nathan, watching everything unfold in shock, hadn''t realized what kind of monster George truly was. "Stanley, did you know about this all along?"


    Stanley remained silent.


    His silence was an unspoken confirmation,


    Nathan was left speechless. Why hadn''t Stanley told him? He had made Nathan lose his chance to be the hero who saved the day!


    For some reason, he felt like their brotherhood had shifted, bing something unrecognizable.


    Meanwhile, Lilian and Jessica were frozen, their hands icy and their faces pale. They had never imagined things would unfold like this.


    Today''s Bonus Offer

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    The media conference had been aplete disaster for them.


    Lilian immediately said, "Wendy, I''m sorry. I misunderstood you earlier. Let me exin. I had no idea..."


    Wendy turned to look at her. "Are you sure about that?"


    At that moment, a police officer stepped forward and addressed Lilian. "Lilian Landon, you hid and assisted George during his escape. We reasonably suspect that you are an aplice. Pleasee with us for questioning


    Two officers grabbed Lilian by the arms.


    Her head buzzed. She remembered that, when George escaped, she had indeed sheltered him.


    Lilian stared at Wendy in disbelief. "You''re behind this?"


    Wendy had arranged for Zayn to release George, knowing all along that he would try to approach the Crone family.


    Wendy looked at Lilian innocently, a slow, almost knowing smile creeping across her face. "I don''t understand what you''re talking about. Mom, you don''t need to exin to me. You should go exin yourself to the authorities."


    Lilian was left speechless. "You little..."


    At that moment, George, being dragged away, cried out in desperation, "I don''t want to go to prison! Mrs. Crone, help me! Please, help me!"


    Everyone''s gaze immediately shifted to Lilian as whispers filled the air.


    Her "good mother" image was about to shatter.


    Lilian''s face drained of color. "Shut up! Someone make him shut up!"


    The reporters began to murmur, "That scoundrel, George, was imprisoned ten years ago for child molestation. How could Mrs. Crone not know about that?"


    "She knew and still kept associating with a guy who hurt her own daughter... What kind of mother is this?"


    "I heard Mrs. Crone''s just an old, desperate woman, crawling after Harry and then after Jessica."


    Lilian''s face twisted in fury. She hated beingbeled like that-absolutely hated it.


    "No! That''s not true!"


    She tried to say more, but the officers quickly grabbed her, one on each side, and began dragging her away. Jessica stood frozen, her mind racing. She was in a panic. What was happening? What was she supposed to do? t they This media conference had backfired in the worst possible way. They were trying to tear Wendy dowr ended up destroying their reputation.


    "Mom!"


    Jessica tried to call out to Lilian, but as the crowd turned to stare, her voice caught in her throat, She immediately fell silent.


    The most confused person in the room was Benny. He could barelyprehend what was happening.


    Then, he noticed a pair of clear, striking eyes staring at him¡ªit was Wendy.


    Actually, Benny felt a little guilty. He hadn''t known about the things Wendy had gone through.


    Right then, Wendy approached him, her voice calm and casual. "Mr. Gondale, are you hungry?"


    What?


    Benny was taken aback by her strange question.


    A momentter, Wendy smiled and added, "If you''re thirsty, you should eat some walnuts. It''s good for your brain.


    And with that, she walked away.


    "Pfft."


    Cecelia let out a quietugh before following Wendy.


    Benny, now snapping back to reality, blinked in confusion. She wanted him to eat some walnuts for his brain? Did she really think he was that much of an idiot?


    Any trace of guilt disappeared as if it had never been there. Benny was now seething with rage. "Wendy, get back here and exin yourself!"


    Just then, Jessica approached him. She couldn''t afford to lose Benny now. She said in a pitiful tone, "Benny, I don''t know how this happened. How could George be such a monster?"


    Benny looked at her, his face dark with disdain. "Don''t talk about that scum. He won''t being out again¡ªhe''ll die in there. Jessica, don''t me yourself. You''re beautiful and kind-hearted-he fooled you with his facade."

 My Dad Please Come 105

    Realizing Benny was still on her side eased Jessica''s nerves just a bit.


    After the press conference ended, Stanley returned to his luxurious Rolls-Royce. His voice was low and smooth as he addressed Zayn, who sat in the front seat. "Tell the media team I don''t want any details about Wendy leaking out."


    Zayn responded in a quiet tone, "Don''t worry, Mr. Hawk. Some of the female reporters deleted all the photos and videos of Mrs. Hawk right on the spot. They won''t be reporting on her."


    Stanley''s lips curved into a faint smile. "She really knows how to manipte people."


    Zayn replied with sincerity, "Mrs. Hawk is truly brave."


    Stanley raised an eyebrow. Yes, she really was brave.


    He pulled out his phone and dialed a number.


    "Hello, Uncle Cyril."


    Stanley''s uncle was the dean of vendale University, one of the top institutions in the country, and a manpletely obsessed with medicine. He was known and respected everywhere.


    Cyril''s voice came through the phone. "Stanley, what a surprise! What made you think of calling me?"


    "I need a favor, Uncle Cyril."


    "Go ahead. I''m curious about anything that makes you contact me personally."


    "I''d like to send a woman to study at your school."


    "A woman? Who?"


    "Her name is Wendy. I''d like you to arrange for her to join the medical program."


    "Wendy? Isn''t that your wife? Well, since you personally requested, tell her toe to vendale University tomorrow to enroll. I''ll meet her in person and see what she''s like."


    Stanley ended the call. Zayn, clearly surprised, asked, "Mr. Hawk, you''re sending Mrs. Hawk to vendale University?"


    Stanley looked out the window as the scenery passed by. "Wendy has a bit of cleverness about her, but she''s hardly refined She stopped studying when she was 16. Of course, now I understand why. It must have been hard to get a proper education since she had a scumbag for a foster dad. So now, I''m sending her to vendale University. She seems to have some interest in medicine, so I''m giving her a chance to study."


    Zayn''s eyes lit up. "Mr. Hawk, you really think ahead."


    "I don''t expect her to shine on a stage like Jessica, to be the center of attention. I just hope she can better herself, get an education; and find a stable job. Anything is better than..."


    Better than staying aimlessly stuck, looking for a man to waste time with.


    Zayn smiled. "You''re absolutely right, Mr. Hawk. I''m sure Mrs. Hawk will do her best and make you proud."


    Stanley gazed out the window. He hoped so as well. He simply wished she wouldn''t cause trouble.


    428 BONUS


    In a luxury private dining room at a five-star hotel, Harry sat with Norman, Hughie, and Edwin Zander, enjoying a meal.


    After the embarrassing incident at Edith''s 80th birthday party, Harry had worked hard to set up this dinner with these three influential men.


    Harry raised his ss. "Mr. Walton, Mr. Fuller, Mr. Zander hope I can count on your guidance in the business world from now on."


    The three men raised their sses in return. "Mr. Crone, you''re too modest. Everyone knows your precious daughter is in a rtionship with Mr. Hawk. I''d say it won''t be long before you''re Mr. Hawk''s father-inw." The reason the three men were so willing to entertain Harry was entirely because of Stanley. Over the years, Stanley had led the Crone family to great heights, and their sess was undeniable.


    Harryughed, pleased at the mention. He knew the press conference was ongoing, and soon enough, he''d be getting a phone call from Lilian. When that happened, he''d officially be Stanley''s future father-inw.


    Harry chuckled. "Soon, soon. I''ll buy you all drinks when the timees." Today''s Bonus Offer

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    Everyone emptied their sses.


    At that moment, the television in the private room started broadcasting a news report. The host, holding a microphone, said, "Today, the authorities arrested a criminal whomitted child molestation and attempted rape. They have also captured a suspected aplice.".


    The screen showed George, his head covered with a ck bag, being escorted to a police car. Then, Lilian was shown being led away.


    The three men didn''t recognize George, but they all knew lian. They froze for a moment.


    "Mr. Crone, doesn''t that suspect look like Mrs. Crone?"


    What?


    Harry, who had been about to pour more wine, stopped mid-motion. He turned toward the television.


    Sure enough, there she was-Lilian.


    His face instantly drained of color, and he stood frozen in ce.


    The host continued, "Everyone''s asking who the biggest simp of the century is- well, I''ve got to hand it to this suspect. Despite her age, she''s actually selling her own daughter just to be a simp herself. She''s doing it with such passion and enthusiasm, and it''s honestly unbelievable!"


    Harry stared at the screen, speechless.


    The three men''s expressions darkened, and they stood up and left without another word.


    "Gentlemen, please!" Harry called out, trying to stop them


    Norma, Hughie, and Edwin nced at Harry and smiled knowingly. "Mr. Crone, your charm really is something. We could never measure up."


    Without another word, they left.


    Lilian, dubbed the biggest simp of the century, had caused quite a stir. Now, even Harry was the butt of the joke


    these men. among


    The ss in Harry''s hand shattered as he mmed it on the floor in fury.


    Just then, his phone rang, the melody soft and melodic.


    It was Jessica.


    "Dad, the press conference went horribly wrong, and Mom''s been arrested. Please, bring awyer and bail her out. Jessica''s frantic voice came through, panicked and tearful


    11


    It waste at night when Harry arrived outside the police station. He came with thewyer to bail Lilian out.


    Liliatt''s face was pale-this was her first time in a police station.


    "Honey, please let me exin-"


    But before she could finish, Harry pped her across the face.


    The force of the blow made her head snap to the side, and soon, a bright red handprint bloomed on her right cheek.


    Harry''s face was stormy with rage. "You turned me into aughingstock in front of my business partners! How am I supposed to show my face in the business world now? Lilian, this is your doing! You''vepletely embarrassed me!"


    Lilian clutched her swollen face, too stunned to reply.


    All the resentment and hurt she had felt turned into a zing fury. She hated Wendy.


    It was all Wendy''s fault!


    Standing to the side, Jessica watched coldly. She didn''t step forward to stop Harry. To her, Lilian was just a stepmother, not her real mother.


    "Dad, what do we do now?" Jessica asked, her voice cool.


    Harry looked at her, his voice serious. ¡°I think Stanley''s feelings for Wendy are a bit different now. He is the key. You need to make sure you keep him close, right in the palm of your hand."


    Jessica smirked, lifting her chin with haughty confidence. "Dad, you think Wendy believes Stanley likes her? Well, it''s time to show her who''s boss. I''ll make sure she knows exactly where she stands."


    Even now, Jessica didn''t think Wendy was a threat.


    Yes, Wendy had won a few battles, but when it came to Stanley, she would never win.


    She was certain of that.


    If Wendy didn''t believe it, Jessica was more than willing to prove it.


    Back at the Hawk family''s estate, Wendy''s phone rang again, its soft melody echoing through the room.


    It was Jessica.


    "Wendy, are you free now? Let me take you out for coffee."

 My Dad Please Come 107

    Jessica actually invited Wendy for coffee.


    Wendy didn''t respond immediately, but Jessica raised an eyebrow and smiled. "What''s the matter, Wendy? Are you scared? You''ve been winningtely, riding high on your victories. Are you afraid of me?"


    Wendy curved her lips into a small smile and replied, "I''ll see you soon."


    She hung up the phone and got ready to leave.


    Just then, her phone pinged. It was a message from Cyril Lincoln, which was an operation n.


    Cyril wrote, [Ms. Crone, this is a difficult surgery I encounteredst week. When you have time, could you guide me through it?]


    Cyril was the dean of vendale University and also one of her students. Trish, who came from the same university, was one of Cyril''s favorites.


    It was thanks to Cyril''s strong rmendation, Trish became her assistant.


    So, in a way, Cyril and Trish were all her disciples.


    Wendy replied, [Okay.]


    Half an hourter, Wendy arrived at the caf¨¦ and immediately spotted Jessica.


    Rather than sitting and waiting, Jessica stood on the stairs to greet her.


    Wendy made her way up the stairs. "Jessica, I don''t think our rtionship is quite at the level where we can share a cup of coffee. If you have something to say, just say it."


    Jessica was standing confidently in her crystal heels, wearing a red spaghetti- strap dress that highlighted her status as a lead dancer. "Wendy, congrattions. You won the press conference."


    "Thanks," Wendy replied calmly.


    "But what does it matter? Winning doesn''t mean you can have Stanley, does it?" Wendy looked up at Jessica but said nothing more. ¡°So?"


    "So.."


    Jessica, noticing something in the corner of her eye, nced toward the caf¨¦''s entrance. The door had just opened, and a tall, handsome figure walked in.


    Jessica walked to the edge of the stairs, lowering her voice as she smiled at Wendy. "Wendy, I''m afraid you might get too cocky, so now I''m going to knock you down a peg.


    11


    Before Wendy could react, Jessica grabbed her sleeve while crying out, "No! Ah!" before tumbli. own the stairs. Wendy''s heart skipped a beat. She wasn''t sure what kind of game Jessica was ying, but this time, she was ying it dangerously.


    A deep, cold voice echoed through the space. "Jessica!¡±


    Wendy looked up, and there he was-Stanley.


    Stanley had arrived.


    Wendy immediately understood what Jessica was up to.


    Stanley had just walked in and saw Jessica tumbling down the stairs. He rushed forward with urgency. "Jessica! Jessica!"


    Wendy slowly descended the stairs and said coolly, "Stanley, she''s ying the same trick again. Can you seriously not tell she fell on her own?"


    Jessica, grimacing in pain as sweat beaded on her forehead sobbed, "Stanley, my legs... They hurt so much..." Stanley nced down, noticing that his hands had be warm and sticky. Looking closer, he saw blood. Jessica''s legs were badly injured, and blood was flowing in arge, heavy stream.


    Without sparing a nce for Wendy, Stanley immediately scooped Jessica up in his arms before heading for the exit.


    Wendy called after him, "Stanley, don''t let her fool you!"


    Stanley slowly turned his head, his cold, sharp eyes locking with hers. "Wendy, how can you be so heartless? Jessica is a dancer. Her legs are everything. Now they''re hurt!"


    With that, Stanley walked away, carrying Jessica.


    Wendy stood frozen in ce, feeling a mix of disbelief and anger. He called her heartless? It wasn''t like she''d pushed Jessica. She had fallen on her own.


    The truth was clear-he couldn''t stand seeing Jessica hurt. She was the lead


    dancer in ballet, and Stanley couldn''t hide the fact that he was deeply concerned for her. He was absolutely devastated.


    Today''s Bonus Offer

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    Wendy gave a bitter, self-mocking smile.


    In the VIP room of the hospital, Jessica''s leg had already been treated by the doctor.


    Stanley pressed his lips together as he looked at the doctor. ''Are her injuries severe? Will they affect her ability to dance in the future?"


    The doctor reassured him, "Mr. Hawk, there''s no need to worry. We did an X-ray, and thankfully, they''re just soft tissue injuries. There''s no damage to the bones or tendons. With proper rest, she''ll be able to dance again."


    Once the doctor left, Stanley felt a soft sensation in his palm. He looked down and saw Jessica''s small hand reaching up, slipping into his grasp. She held onto him gently.


    As he looked down at her, Jessica gave him a faint smile, her pale face showing a touch of vulnerability. "Stanley, I''m fine. Don''t worry so much about me."


    Stanley was so tense, and though she had expected it, a wave of sweetness washed over her heart.


    "Why did you throw yourself down the stairs?" he suddenly asked, his voice serious.


    Jessica froze for a moment but quicklyposed herself. She knew she couldn''t deceive him, and she didn''t want


    1. to.


    "Stanley, don''t you feel like you''ve been ignoring metely? I can''t feel your love anymore. I feel insecure," she admitted, her voice soft and almost pleading.


    Stanley knew she was right. He had distanced himself from her ever since she made that move on Glinda. She didn''t feel like the same girl anymore-she wasn''t the innocent girl he had once known in that cave.


    And in the time he''d spent with Wendy, Stanley found himself drawn to her in a way he couldn''t exin. He didn''t know what kind of magic Wendy had, but his attention was always drawn to her.


    That stormy night at the small inn, he and Wendy had shared an intimate moment.


    So now, seeing Jessica looking so pitiful, Stanley couldn''t help but feel guilty.


    He sat down at the edge of her bed, his voice softer. "But you can''t just throw yourself down the stairs, If you hurt your legs, you can''t dance anymore. I thought you loved dancing."


    Jessica reached out and wrapped her arms around Stanley, her soft body pressing against his chest as she murmured in a sweet, almost childlike voice, "Stanley, I was scared you wouldn''t want me anymore. Back in that cave, you promised you wanted me around. If that''s not what you want anymore, then forget my legs-if you want, I''ll give up my life."


    When she mentioned that cave, Stanley''s heart softened instantly. How could he stay mad at her?


    Stanley pulled her into his arms, "Don''t say things like that, I''ll never leave you." That was his promise. He wouldn''t leave Jessica.


    When a man like him made a promise, he would keep it for life.


    Jessica''s lips curved into a knowing smile. She could tell she had broken through


    his defenses. He would spoil her again, just like he used to.


    A sense of pride bloomed within her. Rolling down the stairs today had been worth


    it.


    Extremely worth it.


    Pouting, she looked up at him yfully. "I know your grandma is unwell, and I understand you can''t divorce Wendy for now. But from today on, you two are not allowed to share a bed. Don''t think I''m clueless. I know you''ve been sleeping in the same room with her. I won''t allow it, understand?"


    The fact that he had shared a room with Wendy, even shared a bed, bothered Jessica. And what made it worse was that he couldn''t resist Wendy''s beauty and was unable to control his reactions.


    That wasn''t right.


    Jessica was the one he loved. She was the one he had chosen and he couldn''t let Wendy tempt him anymore. He needed to put an end to it all.


    Stanley held Jessica close, his voice soothing. "I''ve already sent Wendy to vendale University. I''ve arranged for her to live on campus, and I won''t share a room with her again."

 My Dad Please Come 109

    What? He was sending Wendy to school where?


    vendale University?


    Was he out of his mind?!


    vendale University was one of the top schools in the country-what right did Wendy have to go there?


    Jessica''s expression shifted as she processed this. "Stanley, Wendy dropped out of school when she was 16. She came from the countryside. The only thing she knows is how to seduce men. How does someone like her even have the right to go to vendale University?"


    Stanley looked at Jessica without saying a word.


    His gaze was firm and resolute, clearly indicating there was no room for negotiation on this. His decision to send Wendy to vendale University was final.


    Jessica was quick to catch on. The two of them had just started to patch things up, and she wasn''t about to start a fight with Stanley now.


    Besides, someone like Wendy would only make a fool of herself by going to vendale University. Eventually, Stanley would grow more and more tired of her.


    Jessica didn''t need to do anything-she could just sit back and watch Wendy be a joke.


    With a smile, Jessica said, "Alright, Stanley. I''ll go along with whatever you decide."


    Stanley reached over and pinched Jessica''s little nose affectionately. "Good girl."


    Jessica beamed, curling into his embrace.


    Wendy returned to the Hawk family''s estate and waited in her bedroom for Stanley toe back.


    Hours passed, and it wasn''t untilte into the night that two bright beams of headlights cut through the darkness, illuminating the driveway. Stanley had finally returned, driving his Rolls Royce Phantom.


    Wendy figured he had been at the hospital with Jessica all this time, which was why he was sote.


    Soon, the bedroom door creaked open, and Stanley walked in, carrying an icy cold aura with him.


    Wendy looked up at him. "How''s Jessica?"


    Stanley, tall and imposing, entered the room and unbuttoned his suit jacket with a smooth motion. "Just some bruises. No damage to the bones."


    Wendy didn''t seem surprised. "Of course, she wouldn''t hurt her bones."


    Stanley turned to look at Wendy. Her sharp, clear eyes met his with calmposure.


    "I know you didn''t push her. Jessica fell down the stairs on her own," he said.


    Wendy stayed silent, waiting for him to continue.


    Stanley''s handsome face flickered in the dim light, his expression unreadable. "I can''t let her fall down the stairs again."


    Wendy almostughed. Jessica was clever, especially when it came to manipting Stanley.


    This time, Jessica wasn''t trying to frame her. She simply wanted to roll down the stairs in front of Stanley.


    And in doing so, her goal had been aplished.


    She had made Stanley care for her, and he couldn''t help but feel guilty. She had him wrapped around her finger.


    Wendy met Stanley''s gaze. "I''m sure you have something you want to say to me."


    Stanley looked at her as she stood there in the soft light, her quiet and graceful figure in stark contrast to Jessica''s domineering presence. Wendy seemed so calm and obedient- and smart.


    She had already figured out he had something to say.


    Stanley cleared his throat, his voice almost a whisper. ¡°Jessica doesn''t want me to share a room with you anymore.


    "1


    Jessica forbade them from sharing a room together.


    Wendy was taken aback for a moment. It felt like a sharp sting to her heart, sudden and painful. The ache lingered, and for a moment, she was lost in the hurt.


    She could almost hear Jessica''s proud voice in her ears. "Wendy, I''m afraid you might get too cocky, so now I''m going to knock you down a peg.''


    11


    And Jessica had seeded. She had done exactly that.


    Wendy''s wless little face remained unreadable, though it had lost a little of its color. She lowered her long, delicateshes, her voice quiet as she spoke, "I''ll move out tonight. I''ll talk to Grandma. I won''t being back here."


    Wendy turned to leave.


    Stanley quickly grabbed her delicate wrist, pulling her gently but firmly back. "It''ste. You should stay until tomorrow."


    He added softly, "I''ll sleep in the study tonight."


    Wendy couldn''t help but feel a pang of self-mockery. With just a few words from Jessica, Stanley could turn into a model of chastity.


    Today''s Bonus Offer

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    Wendy lifted her gaze to Stanley. "No, I''m leaving tonight.


    She tried to pull her wrist free from his firm grip, but Stanley''s grip held fast. His strength was unyielding, making it impossible for her to move. He parted his lips, his voice as calm as ever.


    "Tomorrow, go to vendale University to register."


    Wendy froze. "Why?"


    "I''m sending you there to study. Everything''s been arranged, and you''ll be studying medicine there."


    Wendy was speechless.


    He was really sending her to vendale University to study medicine? Had he even thought about what he was saying? Was he serious?


    "I''m not going!" Wendy snapped, refusing immediately.


    Stanley frowned, his brows drawing together in a handsome line. "Wendy, vendale University is one of the best in the country. It''s not easy to get in. This is a rare opportunity. I know you stopped studying at 16, but now I''m offering you a chance. Aren''t you interested in medicine? If you study hard, one day you can shine just like Jessica does on her stage."


    Wendy stood still, too stunned to respond at first.


    He really did think so little of her!


    She was furious beyond words.


    Still, she clenched her teeth and held back her frustration. "Fine. I''ll go."


    With that, she yanked her wrist free from his grasp and stormed out of the room.


    Wendy entered Glinda''s room, where the olddy was sitting on the bed, working on some needlework. She had reading sses perched on her nose as she knitted a sweater.


    "Grandma, why aren''t you in bed yet?" Wendy walked over to her.


    "Wendy, you''re just in time. I''ve knitted you a little vest. Try it on and see if it fits." Glinda tied off thest thread and carefully draped the vest over Wendy''s shoulders.


    "Oh, Mrs. Glinda, it fits her perfectly," Freddy said with a smile.


    Standing just outside the door, Stanley heard theughtering from within. He looked up to see Wendy wearing a pale yellow sleeveless knitted vest. The small vest clung to her delicate frame, entuating her slender figure. Her long, jet- ck hair flowed smoothly over her shoulders, and her little face, fran by her soft hair, appeared even more angelic.


    Glinda had a good eye for color. The soft yellow suited Wendy perfectly. "Grandma, I have plenty of clothes. You don''t need to strain your eyes knitting for


    me."


    "I was just thinking that autumn ising, and the weather is going to get colder, I don''t want you to catch a


    cold, so I made this for you to keep you warm."


    Wendy''s nose suddenly turned pink, a warm feeling spreading through her chest.


    Freddyughed softly. "Mrs. Wendy, Mrs. Glinda hasn''t done any knitting for years. Not even Mr. Stanley has an item of clothing Mrs. Glinda has made with her own hands,


    Glinda yfully scolded him. "Stanley has so many people around him. He won''t get cold. But Wendy is different. She''s always by herself.".


    Wendy had grown up taking care of herself.


    Something in Wendy''s heart shifted, softening, as though her most vulnerable ce had been gently touched. She reached out, wrapping her arms around Glinda.


    Her eyes became misty, ayer of pinkness covering her fair cheeks. She buried her face in Glinda''s warm shoulder and clung to her for a moment, reluctant to let go. ''Grandma, thank you."


    She really wanted to thank Glinda.


    She wanted to thank Glinda for the warmth, understanding, and care she had given her.


    She was grateful to Glinda for weing her into the Hawk family.


    The Hawk family estate was the warmest ce she had ever known. It was her safe haven, her home.


    But it would never truly belong to her.


    She couldn''t keep it, no matter how she tried.


    She had to leave soon.

 My Dad Please Come 111

    The truth was, Wendy had long since grown used to it.


    Wandering, drifting through life-she had grown up that way. But it was only now that she realized something: Warmth, not hardship, was what made her heart


    ache the most. That was what brought her to tears.


    Glinda reached out and pulled Wendy into a gentle embrace patting her back as if soothing a child. "Silly girl, why are you being so formal with me?"


    "Grandma, there''s something I need to tell you."


    "Sure, darling. What is it?""


    Outside the door, Stanley stood quietly, watching. Wendy was leaning on Glinda''s shoulder, her delicateshes fluttering as she cried silently, her tears falling like raindrops.


    "Grandma, I can''t stay here anymore. I''m leaving."


    Glinda was shocked. "What? Why? Has that boy Stanley been bullying you again? I''ll go teach him a lesson right now!"


    Freddy immediately handed her a feather duster. "Mrs. Glinda, use this!".


    Glinda took it in hand, shaking her head. "Wendy, don''t go. You''re not the one who should leave. If anyone should leave, it''s him!"


    Stanley stood outside the door, speechless.


    Had Glinda forgotten he was her biological grandson? He was considering the possibility that he was adopted.


    Also, he was upset with Freddy. Freddy needed to be reminded who actually ran this house.


    Wendy''s soft voice broke through the tension. "Grandma, you misunderstand. Stanley hasn''t been cruel to me. He''s been... very kind."


    Glinda didn''t believe it. "Really?"


    Stanley watched as Wendy wiped away the tears from her face with a small hand,ughing softly in her usual cheerful tone. "Of course, it''s true, Grandma. Don''t worry. I wasn''t done yet. Stanley is sending me to v¨¦ndale University to study. I''ll be staying on campus starting tomorrow, so I won''t be able to stay here anymore."


    Glinda blinked in surprise. "Stanley is sending you to vendale University? Well, that''s a great choice! That''s one of the best universities. At least Stanley is doing something right for once."


    Wendy pulled away from Glinda''s embrace. "I''m leaving for registration tomorrow." "I''ll go with you."


    "No, Grandma. You don''t need to."


    "Why? All students need a parent to apany them during registration. You don''t have any, but you have me! I''ll go with you.


    Wendy''s eyes glistened again, this time with unshed tears. She forced a smile. "Grandma, if you send me there in a fancy car, it might startle the other students. I just want to keep things low-key and focus on my studies."


    Glinda opened her mouth to argue, but Wendy interrupted before the tears could spill over again. She didn''t want to be greedy. She didn''t want to linger longer than she should, afraid that she might not be able to leave at all." Grandma, you shouldn''t distract me from my studies. I''lle visit whenever I can."


    Glinda finally relented. "Alright, then. Whatever you say."


    "Thank you, Grandma. Please get some rest."


    Glinda obedientlyy back down as Wendy walked out of the room.


    In the hallway, Wendy found Stanley waiting.


    "I''ve calmed Grandma down. I''ll be leaving now."


    Stanley looked at her, his gaze falling on her tear-streaked face. Her eyes, though puffy and red, seemed even brighter after crying. Her pale skin around her eyes was flushed, and her delicate little nose was slightly pink. Even though she stood with her back straight, with a certain stubbornness in her posture, she looked so fragile.


    She looked so utterly vulnerable.


    Stanley''s voice was quiet. "I''ll have the driver take you."


    "Thanks, but no thanks."


    With that, Wendy turned and walked away.


    She didn''t look back.


    Stanley watched as the gates of the estate opened. Her fragile figure quickly


    faded into the dark night, merging with the cold, endless ck.


    A heavy weight settled in his chest. He reached up and pulled off his tie, tossing it aside.


    Fine. She could just leave.


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    Wendy was just someone brought in to rece another. A small mistake, really.


    Stanley admitted there was a brief moment when he was lost in desire, but he didn''t love her.


    The person he cared about was Jessica. The person he wanted around was Jessica.


    He didn''t want to be caught between two women. His rtionship with Wendy should be over.


    Late at night, Cecelia heard a knock at the door. She quickly threw on a robe and went to open it. "Who''s there?"


    Standing outside was Wendy.


    Wendy wasn''t carrying anything, except for the pale yellow vest that Glinda had given her. With a wry smile, Wendy looked at Cecelia and said, "Cecelia, I have nowhere else to go. Can you take me in?"


    Cecelia immediately pulled her inside. Noticing how cold Wendy''s hands were, Cecelia gently rubbed them." Wendy, what happened? Why are you out here by yourself sote? It''s not safe."


    Wendy gave a faint smile. "Today, Jessica threw herself down the stairs and told Stanley he couldn''t share a room with me, so I was kicked out.¡±


    Cecelia froze for a moment, then quickly pulled Wendy into a hug. "Damn those two!"


    Her eyes reddened as her voice caught in her throat. "How could they treat you like this?"


    The next day, Wendy went to vendale University to register. Cyril had already arranged everything, so it went smoothly. She was ced in the medical department, ss 12.


    Wendy sat in the back row alone. The students around her were friendly, and they introduced themselves.


    Then, some of her ssmates excitedly whispered, "Guess what? Professor Lincoln ising to give us a lecture today. He''s obsessed with medicine and one of the most respected figures in the field!"


    "Professor Lincoln rarely gives lectures these days. They added this lecture at thest minute. We''re so lucky!" The professor they were talking about was Wendy''s apprentice, Cyril.


    Wendy hadn''t slept wellst night, and she was starting to feel the weight of exhaustion. She yawned and rested her head on the desk, trying to catch some sleep.


    Before long, the once noisy ssroom became silent. The students quickly settled into their seats as Cyril had arrived.


    Cyril was highly respected both in the medicalmunity and at vendale University, so he carried a natural authority with him. As he walked to the front of the room, he scanned the students. He was looking for Wendy.


    This lecture had been added just for her.


    Stanley was his nephew, and he had heard all about this wife of his. He was even more curious since Stanley had personally asked for his help because of her.


    Cyril cleared his throat. "Is Wendy, the new student, here?"


    A few students pointed in her direction. "Professor Lincoln, Wendy is over there."


    Cyril followed their gaze and spotted Wendy, asleep with her head on the desk. He paused.


    Since she was his nephew''s wife, Cyril felt he should show some respect. He walked down from the podium and stood next to Wendy. He cleared his throat again, louder this time.


    Still, Wendy was so tired that she remained in a deep sleep and didn''t stir. Cyril sighed.


    He reluctantly tapped on the desk, which woke Wendy up.


    She blinked her eyes, still groggy, and looked up at Cyril through her half-closed eyes.


    Cyril studied her, but he noticed Wendy was also studying him.


    He started to speak. "So you''re-"


    But Wendy interrupted, "You''re Cyril Lincoln?"


    Cyril froze for a moment. All these years, he had been addressed with nothing but respect, always referred to as " Professor Lincoln " by everyone. It had been years since anyone dared to call him by his full name.


    And yet, she had done just that.

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    At the moment, Cyril was standing while Wendy was sitting By all ounts, Cyril should have had the upper hand.


    But Wendy sat there with perfect posture, her clear, bright eyes calmly studying Cyril. Herposed and confident presence somehow made Cyril feel dwarfed.


    Cyril cleared his throat. "Y-yes, I am."


    Cyril mentally scolded himself. What was he even saying?


    Aside from his revered mentor, Dr. Cen, no one ever dared call him by his full name. And yet, this niece-inw of his addressed him this way.


    Cyril wanted to reprimand her. "You little-"


    But before he could say anything, Wendy gave a small nod and said, ¡°Alright, go ahead and give your lecture."


    Cyril froze.


    Who was the professor here, and who was the student? She was giving him orders now?


    But something in Wendy''s gaze seemed to make Cyril''s body move on its own. Without another word, he turned around and walked to the front of the ssroom. Grabbing the chalk, he started his lesson.


    Why was he doing as she told?


    He didn''t want to, but somehow, he couldn''t help himself.


    Cyril started his lecture, but Wendy, still tired fromst night, was already drifting off again. Apparently, her nap hadn''t been enough, and soon, she was sound asleep at her desk.


    She slept through the entire ss.


    As Cyril prepared to leave, he nced at Wendy, who was still sleeping. Part of him wanted to wake her up and teach her a lesson, but there was something holding him back, something about her that made him hesitant.


    With a sigh, he walked out quietly.


    Just then, Sienna arrived with two girls in tow. Sienna was a student at vendale University''s dance department. She had big dreams of one day bing a principal ballerina like Jessica. She admired Jessica greatly.


    Sienna was stunningly beautiful, with a body that could turn heads-her curves, particrly her ample chest, made her the talk of the campus. She was often called the campus belle and was a prominent figure in social circles at vendale University.


    When Sienna heard that Wendy had enrolled at vendale University, she was furious.


    What was Stanley thinking, sending this country bumpkin here? Did she even belong at a prestigious school like this?


    To Sienna, Wendy was nothing more than a stain on the university''s reputation.


    As Sienna stood by the window, she spotted Wendy still asleep at her desk. Her two sidekicks giggled as they whispered, "Sienna, I heard Wendy sleeps through every ss. Does she have some kind of condition or something?"


    "Ha, no surprise. She''s just here to make a fool of herself at vendale University," one of the girls chimed in. Sienna''s mood suddenly lightened. She pulled out her phone, snapped a picture of Wendy asleep, and quickly


    posted it to the school''s forum.


    Sienna added a caption dripping with sarcasm. [Let''s all wee the new student, Wendy.J


    It didn''t take long for thements to flood in.


    One student wrote, [Professor Lincoln gave a lecture today, and this new girl was sleeping? Seriously?]


    Another chimed in, [Is she the ''God of Sleep'' or something?]


    Two others agreed with the previousmenter, writing, Yeah, the God of Sleep has a nice ring to it.] Seeing Wendy being crowned the "God of Sleep" made Siennaugh with glee.


    Just then, her phone rang with a familiar ringtone.


    It was Jessica.


    ¡°Hello, Sienna, how''s Wendy''s first day at vendale University going?" Jessica asked.


    Sienna smirked, her voice dripping with disdain. "Jessica, why are you still wasting your time with Wendy? She''s not even worth your attention. Here''s a goodugh for you-Wendy became a celebrity on her first day..."


    Jessica chuckled. "Come to the bar tonight. Stanley''s taking me to y cards. You


    should bring that joke with you and tell Stanley and the gang."


    After a full day of sses, Wendy finally made her way back to her dorm. Today''s Bonus Offer

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    Wendy''s dormitory was shared by two people. One was her and the other was Halsey Mallin.


    Halsey grinned as she looked at Wendy. "You''re Wendy, right? I''m Halsey. Looks like we''re roommates now."


    Halsey was a lively, cheerful girl. However, there was a noticeable birthmark on the right side of her face-arge ck mark that stood out starkly against her fair skin.


    Noticing Wendy staring at the mark, Halsey wasn''t shy about it. She shrugged casually and said, "This birthmark is natural. The doctors said they can''t remove it, so my ssmates call me ''Clown Girl'' behind my back. No one wants to live with me."


    She gave a small shrug. "If you don''t want to stay with me either, that''s fine..."


    Wendy smiled and shook her head. "Well, how about that? Im a country bumpkin, so I guess we''re a perfect match. Looks like we''re destined to be roommates."


    Wendy extended her hand in friendship.


    Halsey beamed and took Wendy''s hand in hers.


    The two of them quickly became close. Wendy really liked Halsey. Even though Halsey had a visible w, she wasn''t ashamed of it at all. In fact, she was confident, bright, and full of energy.


    Suddenly, Halsey hooked her arm through Wendy''s. "Wendy,e on! I''m taking you out to a bar."


    A bar?


    Wendy hesitated, but before she could respond, Halsey had already dragged her along.


    They arrived at the 1996 Bar, and with a grand flourish, Halsey waved her hand at the waiter. "We want the most luxurious private room you have!"


    Wendy quickly tugged Halsey''s sleeve, whispering, "Do you have enough money for this?"


    Halsey patted her chest proudly. "I''m loaded!"


    Wendy blinked, saying nothing.


    The waiter gave an apologetic smile. "I''m sorry,dies, but our most luxurious room is always reserved for Mr. Gondale. Tonight, he''s using it to entertain Mr. Hawk."


    1996 was part of the Gondale family''s business empire, and Benny''s father was the owner of the establishment. Tonight, he was hosting Stanley.


    Halsey raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Hawk is here?"


    "Yes, Mr. Hawk is here with his girlfriend, Ms. Crone, for a game of cards. Mr. Gondale and a few other wealthy heirs are apanying him. That''s Mr. Hawk''s private room."


    Wendy hadn''t expected Stanley to be here tonight with Jessica. What a coincidence.


    She looked up and saw the luxurious private room at the back of the bar. That was Stanley''s room.


    Halsey grabbed her arm. "Wendy, let''s go check it out."


    Wendy was pulled to the door of the room, and as she peered inside, she saw the lively scene. The group was


    gathered around a card table, and in the main seat, Wendy spotted Stanley. Tonight, Stanley looked every bit the ssic heartthrob. He wore a white shirt with ck dress pants, the top two buttons casually undone, exposing his finely chiseled corbones. He sat at the main seat of the table, holding his cards with a rxed, yet elegant air-handsome, effortlessly cool, and just a littlezy, making him all the more charming.


    Beside him sat Jessica, who was dressed in a sleeveless floral dress, the fabric adorned withrge, blooming roses. She looked stunning, her beauty matching perfectly with Stanley''s.


    Together, they were like a picture-perfect couple, impossible to ignore.


    Benny and two other rich young men were also at the tableughing and ying cards.


    Benny was in a good mood. "Stanley, you''re about to lose again. You''ve already lost a lot tonight."

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    Tonight, Stanley had been losing steadily, his luck simply not with him. His handsome face had taken on a cold, distant expression.


    Jessica was focused on her cards, and a bowl of fresh seasonal fruits was beside her. She delicately picked arge, dark purple grape, peeled it, and gently held it to Stanley''s lips.


    Stanley, still distracted by the game, opened his mouth and took the grape from her. His attention was split between the cards and Jessica''s affectionate gestures. Jessica leaned into him, a picture of a loving, attentive partner. She even held out her soft palm to catch the pit from the grape Stanley had just chewed.


    She was like a shy little wife, dutifully caring for Stanley.


    The two young men at the table chuckled. "Only Mr. Hawk could get Hovendale''s number one beauty to pamper


    him like this."


    "Seems like you can''t have it both ways. No wonder Mr. Hawk has been losing tonight."


    Jessica smiled, a yful pout on her lips. "Stop making fun of me, you guys."


    Outside, Wendy watched the scene through the door. This was the first time she''d seen Stanley out with Jessica, ying cards with his friends.


    A sharp sting of pain hit her chest.


    Stanley lost again. He tossed his cards onto the table, pushing his chips forward. "You guys can split it up."


    Benny and the othersughed and pped. Benny said, "Thanks, Stanley! Always so generous!"


    Another guyughed. "Mr. Hawk is burning through cash tonight."


    Stanley didn''t show much emotion. His back was rxed against the chair, his posturezy, as if he had lost all interest in the game.


    Jessica looked at him with adoration in her eyes. "Stanley, are you tired of ying?"


    "I think Stanley''s out of steam," one guy teased.


    Another grinned while chiming in, "Ms. Jessica, want to help Mr. Hawk get some energy back?"


    The group began to tease them.


    Jessica smiled and poured a ss of wine. "Want a drink, Stanley?"


    Stanley watched her, not saying a word.


    In front of everyone, Jessica climbed onto Stanley''sp. Her position was slightly elevated, and she leaned forward, resting her hand on the back of his chair. She yfully pinned him against the seat.


    Still lounging in his chair, Stanley seemed to finally show some interest. His once- bored expression now held a hint of amusement as he raised an eyebrow at her.


    Jessica bit the rim of her wine ss and tilted it, letting the red wine spill out. Stanley was amused. He chuckled and allowed the wine to trickle into his mouth.


    "WOW!"


    Benny was the first to burst intoughter, followed by the other rich heirs. ¡°Ms. Jessica, that''s some trick!"


    "Look, Mr. Hawk''s smiling! Now I know why you''re his favorite, Ms. Jessica."


    The mood in the luxurious room was heating up, and Wendy watched as Jessica, flushed with embarrassment, got off Stanley''sp, returning to sit beside him.


    Stanley didn''t say a word, but his left arm draped casually over the back of Jessica''s chair, almost pulling her into an embrace.


    The others kept teasing, but Jessica yfully scolded them to stop. Stanley just smiled, watching her with a tender, indulgent gaze.


    Wendy couldn''t deny it-Jessica was smart. She knew that a man like Stanley was always the center of attention, always the one being catered to wherever he went. Such men wanted to be pampered, and Jessica yed her role well, creating the perfect atmosphere.


    Wendy didn''t want to watch any longer. It was self-torture.


    That was Stanley and Jessica''s world-a world she couldn''t belong to.


    "Halsey, let''s go."


    Halsey turned to her. "Wait, Wendy. Look, Sienna''s here too."


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    Wendy spotted Sienna sitting on the couch,ughing and calising a stir, clearly having a great time.


    Sienna smiled and said, "Stanley, Jessica, while everyone''s in such a good mood, let me tell you all a joke."


    Jessica''s curiosity was piqued, and she asked, ¡°What joke?!


    Sienna grinned mischievously, "It''s about Wendy!"


    Standing just outside, Wendy felt a sudden rush of difort. It wasn''t exactly


    the best time for her to be pulled into their fun, especially when Stanley and Jessica were so happy.


    She had been thinking earlier that she didn''t belong in their world, but now, it seemed someone was determined to drag her into it.


    Sienna continued, "Today''s Wendy''s first day at vendale University, and she''s already made a name for herself!


    11


    Benny looked at her with contempt. "Seriously? Someone like her?"


    Sienna chuckled. "Oh, yeah. She''s the ''God of Sleep''. She slept through the entire day at vendale University!"


    The room erupted inughter.


    Benny was the first tough out loud. ¡°At first, I didn''t understand why Stanley sent Wendy to vendale University. Now, I get it. Stanley sent her here to entertain us! Every day, a new joke! Hahaha."


    Everyone joined in,ughing at Wendy. Jessica, in particr, was the happiest, her eyes gleaming with smugness.


    Wendy couldn''t help but feel a pang of frustration. Well, if they were happy, so be it.


    Inside the luxurious room, Stanley didn''tugh. Jessica''s yful antics had slightly amused him, but hearing the " joke" about Wendy made his handsome face harden with sudden coldness.


    His hand, which had been casually resting on Jessica''s chair, retracted quickly.


    Then, with a sharp instinct, he turned his head, his dark, icy gaze sweeping over to the door.


    But there was no one there.


    Wendy and Halsey had already left.


    Stanley stood up, his expression darker than before, and walked toward the exit.


    Jessica blinked in surprise. "Stanley, where are you going?"


    Stanley replied coldly, "I''m going to the bathroom."


    After entering a luxurious lounge, Stanley pulled out his phone and dialed a number.


    The phone rang, and Cyril''s voice came through. "Hey, Stanley."


    Stanley, standing tall by the floor-to-ceiling windows, pressed his lips together. "Uncle Cyril, how was Wendy''s performance on her first day at school?"


    He actually called Cyril directly.


    Cyril hesitated before answering, "Not great. She spent the entire day sleeping." Chapter 116


    Stanley''s sharp, aristocratic brow furrowed. "I sent her to school to study, not to nap! Uncle Cyril, why didn''t you do something about it?"


    Cyril remembered Wendy''s words earlier.


    "You''re Cyril Lincoln? Alright, go ahead and give your lecture."


    With a hint of sarcasm, Cyril muttered under his breath, "Why don''t you do something about her?"


    Stanley''s face darkened further. "She''s your student. It''s your responsibility!"


    Cyril, unfazed, shot back, "Well, she''s your wife. Shouldn''t you be the one handling it?"


    Stanley, frustrated, ended the call abruptly.


    Back in his study, Cyril stood quietly, listening to the dial tone.


    "Unbelievable! How can these two be so disrespectful?"


    He thought about Wendy again. He wasn''t scared of her-after all, he was her professor. Tomorrow, he was going to deal with her.


    Ding.


    At that moment, Cyril''s phone pinged.


    He opened it to find a message from his most respected mentor, Dr. Cen. Yesterday, Dr. Cen had thoroughly reviewed and annotated his surgical n with red ink.


    Cyril''s eyes sparkled as he nced over it, unable to contain his admiration. "My mentor truly is amazing!"


    With great respect, Cyril quickly recorded a voice message.


    "Thank you, Dr. Cen."

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    Wendy had already pulled Halsey out of the restroom, and the two of them made their way toward the exit.


    As she listened to the voice message from Cyril, Wendy quickly typed a short reply, [Cyril, you got this.]


    Back in his study, Cyril couldn''t help but feel touched by how warm the message sounded. He quickly responded with a voice message of his own, "Yeah, I''ll do my best!"


    Wendy tucked her phone back into her bag just as Halsey grabbed her arm. "Wendy, let''s go."


    The two were about to leave when the bathroom door suddenly opened. Two people walked in.


    It was Jessica and Sienna.


    The four of them crossed paths right at that moment.


    Jessica immediately grinned, her expression full of smug satisfaction. "Wendy, what are you doing here? I heard Stanley kicked you out of the Hawk family''s estate. Now you''re staying in the dorms at vendale University?"


    She''d made quite the scene when she fell down the stairs, and now she couldn''t wait to rub her victory in Wendy''s face, the supposed "loser".


    Wendy raised an eyebrow, not at all angry. Instead, she smiled. "Jessica, this is the first time I''ve seen someorte so happy to gobble up my leftovers."


    What? Gobble up her leftovers?


    Jessica froze, confused.


    Wendy''s smile widened. "Well, the bed you''re sleeping in is the one I used, and Stanley is just my sloppy seconds. You couldn''t wait to get your hands on my leftovers, and it looks like you don''t even mind that they''re used. How unsanitary." She said Stanley was her sloppy seconds, and she called her unsanitary? Jessica''s face immediately drained of color.


    Halsey, who had been silently observing, chuckled. "Wendy is this Jessica, the ''mistress'' you were talking about?"


    The term "mistress" hit Jessica like a p, and she red at Halsey. "And who are you supposed to be?"


    Just then, Jessica''s eyesnded on therge birthmark on Halsey''s right cheek. A smirk tugged at her lips. "Wow, you''re really ugly."


    Sienna linking arms with Jessica, chimed in, "Jessica, you don''t know yet, but this is Wendy''s roommate and new best friend, Halsey, She''s our school''s Clown Girl."


    Sienna covered her mouth as she giggled, her voice dripping with mockery. "Jessica, don''t you think the country bumpkin and the Clown Girl make the perfect pair?"


    Jessica nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! They''re so perfect for each other. No one wants to hang out with them, so of course, they''re stuck with each other."


    Both Jessica and Sienna looked down on Wendy and Halsey, insulting them every chance they got.


    But Wendy and Halsey weren''t bothered. Wendy smiled at Halsey. "Let''s go, Halsey. Some people really have such foul breath. I can''t stand it anymore."


    "Right, let''s go," Halsey agreed, and they turned to leave.


    Jessica''s smile faded, and her voice became cold. "Sienna, you''re the campus belle of vendale University. That''s your turf. You need to handle Wendy and Halsey. At the very least, get them kicked out of here."


    Sienna''s face lit up with confidence. "Don''t worry, Jessica. Leave it to me."


    Satisfied, Jessica stood in front of the vanity, fixing her makeup. But then, something important crossed her mind. "Sienna, have you figured out who Professor Lincoln''s daughter, Bebe, is yet?"


    Cyril had his daughterte in life and treasured her deeply. Bebe was also the youngest daughter of the prestigious Lincoln family, known as their little darling since birth. She was very close to Stanley, her cousin, who doted on her like a little sister.


    The Lincoln family was well-connected, with deep ties to the Capital.


    Jessica had been searching for Bebe for a while, but both the Hawk and Lincoln families had protected her so well that Jessica couldn''t find any trace of her.


    Sienna frowned, thinking it over. "I''ve heard that Bebe is also at vendale University, but I''ve already checked everyone with thest name Lincoln here and found no sign of her."

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    Jessica frowned slightly. "Sienna, Glinda has never fully epted me, so I need to secure the support of the Lincoln family. Bebe is crucial to that. If I can get close to her, make her like me, and be her friend, I''ll be one step closer to marrying Stanley and bing his wife."


    Jessica was skilled at winning people over. Benny, Sienna, and the other rich heirs in Stanley''s circle all liked her. It was clear she had a way with people, and now she had to make Bebe like her.


    Bebe was the key to securing the support of the entire Lincoln family. That was Stanley''s mother''s family, and it was absolutely vital to her ns.


    Sienna nodded. "I''ll keep looking for her, Jessica. Honestly, I''m curious about who Bebe really is, too."


    Back in the luxurious private room, Jessica noticed Stanley was missing. He hadn''t returned since he left earlier. She walked through thevish lounge and found him lounging on a sofa. Stanley had been drinking, and it seemed like his mood was still off. His phone was carelessly tossed on the coffee table. He slouched onto the couch with his long legs stretched out, casually resting his arm on the table in front of him.


    With his eyes closed, his right hand, adorned with an expensive watch, rubbed his tired brow.


    Even after all this time, Jessica still found herself drawn to $tanley. There was something about him that made her heart race.


    The love between a man and a woman often started with admiration, and Stanley had always been the kind of man whose wealth, power, and status made him a natural¨Cborn prince in Jessica''s eyes.


    Even in a rxed state, just sitting there, he exuded an air of dominance, making her both crave and admire him. She walked quietly over to him, stepping behind him. Gently, she lifted her slender fingers and began massaging his temples.


    Her touch was light yet soothing, just the right pressure. Stanley pulled his hand away, and the tension in his brows slowly eased.


    Jessica smiled. ¡°Stanley, you haven''t even opened your eyes. Do you let any woman massage you like this?"


    Stanley shed a yful grin and reached up, grabbing her wrist with a firm tug. Before she knew it, Jessica was sitting directly on his strong thigh.


    Stanleyzily opened his eyes, his gaze falling on her delicate face. "Who else could I possibly let massage me, if not you?"


    Stanley was at an age where his charm and appeal were undeniable. When he flirted, it was with a wicked kind of energy that set the air on fire, making anyone who saw him feel both hot and flustered.


    Jessicaughed at his teasing, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Why didn''t you return to the private room?"


    Why didn''t he return? Because... of Wendy.


    The thought of Wendy made Stanley''s chiseled brow furrow slightly in frustration,


    a flicker of exhaustion passing


    over his handsome face.


    "Stanley, I ran into Wendy in the bathroom earlier. Guess what she said?"


    They hadn''t spoken since she moved into vendale University. Stanley didn''t show much emotion as he casually


    asked, "What did she say?"


    "She said you were just her sloppy seconds, and she also said I was unsanitary!" Jessica''s voice was filled with anger as she recalled the words.


    Stanley raised an eyebrow, letting out a small scoff.


    Wendy really had the nerve to say that!


    He could almost picture her sharp, sarcastic tone, her tongue wagging in that familiar way.


    Jessica reached out and touched Stanley''s handsome face, feeling the smooth skin. His looks and physique were enough to make any woman swoon.


    Her heart fluttered as she gazed at him, a mischievous glint in her eyes. She leaned in and teasinglymanded, " Stanley, kiss me.¡±

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    Jessica asked Stanley for a kiss.


    Stanley''s eyes lingered on Jessica''s delicate, rosy face. Compared to Wendy''s small, delicate features, Jessica''s was a vision of youthful allure, soft and inviting. Where Wendy seemed to always frustrate him and leave him annoyed, Jessica was a breath of fresh air-graceful and easy to be around.


    Stanley slowly lowered his head toward her...


    Meanwhile, Wendy and Halsey had a drink or two and spent a little time at the bar before deciding to head home. They stepped out onto the bustling street, hoping to grab a taxi.


    However, the area was busy, and there weren''t many taxis passing by.


    Wendy thought of an idea. "Halsey, how about we just rent a bike and ride back?"


    Halsey raised an eyebrow. "No need, Wendy. I''ll just call my cousin and have him send a car over."


    "Cousin? Halsey, you have a cousin?" Wendy asked, intrigued.


    Halsey gave a mysterious wink. "Yep."


    "Well, I think it''s fine. It''s getting prettyte. No need to bother your cousin."


    But Halsey had already pulled out her phone and dialed. "My cousin is out with his mistress right now, so I might as well give him something to do."


    Wendy was shocked. "Your cousin has a mistress?"


    "Yep. He''s married but doesn''t like his wife. Instead, he''s out there with some shameless mistress. He''s nothing but a scumbag!"


    Wendy couldn''t believe what she was hearing. Halsey had a scumbag cousin?


    But the more she thought about it, the more it seemed familiar-the story of that unlucky wife seemed eerily simr to her own. Maybe they were both just women caught in the same unfortunate situation.


    Back in the luxurious lounge, Stanley had moved even closer to Jessica, and they were about to kiss.


    Jessica could smell his sophisticated, cool scent, faintly tinged with alcohol. Her whole body softened under his


    presence.


    Her arms wrapped tightly around his neck, waiting for the kiss she was sure wasing.


    But instead of the kiss, she heard Stanley''s low, rich voice. Your lipstick is smudged."


    What?


    Jessica''s eyes flew open in surprise.


    Just then, the sound of a phone ringing broke the tension in the air. Stanley reached for his phone, pushing her gently away as he answered.


    Jessica stood up, frustrated, and took out a small mirror from her Chanel bag. She realized that while she had been touching up her lipstick earlier, she had applied it too heavily, causing it to smudge at the corners of her lips.


    She quickly dabbed it off with a tissue, irritated with herself


    Meanwhile, Stanley stood and moved toward the floor-to-ceiling window. His voice was calm as he spoke into the phone. "Bebe.¡±


    Bebe?


    Jessica''s heart skipped a beat. So, the call had been from Bebe.


    She tried to listen, but couldn''t hear what Bebe was saying on the other end. Stanley nodded as he said, "Alright, I''ll have a car sent over right now."


    After hanging up, Stanley suddenly tensed up his toned body when he felt Jessica hugging him from behind. Her hands wandered around his body, relishing his tight muscles. It was obvious she wanted to pick up where they had left off.


    However, Stanley gently removed her hand from his body. He looked at her, his expression cool. "I''ll take a rain check. I need to head back to thepany. I''ll have someone take you home."


    Jessica''s face paled. Though she didn''t want to admit it, she couldn''t help but feel disappointed. However, Stanley''s expression had already turned cold and distant. He clearly wasn''t interested anymore.


    Her gaze fell to the floor, self-conscious about her smudged lipstick. She knew how picky men like Stanley were. The slightest w would turn them off, and once they lost interest, there was little chance of getting it back. Just like that night at Saville Vi, when he had refused to be with her despite being turned on. It was as if his body had grown cold toward her.


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    This was a very dangerous sign.


    Stanley stretched his long legs and stood up before leaving the room. He instructed Zayn to arrange for a car.


    Jessica realized Bebe seemed to have a special ce in Stanley''s heart. Just one call from her, and he immediately jumped into action.


    She made up her mind: She had to find out who Bebe was. She had to be her best friend.


    Meanwhile, Wendy and Halsey were still standing on the busy street. Before long, a sleek Rolls-Royce pulled up, its engine purring softly.


    The driver opened the rear door respectfully, and both Wendy and Halsey slid into the luxurious car.


    Wendy stared, wide-eyed. "Halsey, is your cousin rich?"


    A Rolls-Royce-Stanley''s personal car was also this brand. Was this brand favored by scumbags?


    Halsey chuckled. "Yep, he''s pretty wealthy. Wendy, let me set you up with my cousin. You can be my cousin-inw."


    What?


    Wendy quickly declined. "Thank you, Halsey, but I think I''ll pass. I''m not cut out for that kind of thing."


    Halsey grinned mischievously.


    She wanted to tell Wendy that she was actually her cousin-inw because her cousin was Stanley!


    The next day at vendale University, Wendy and Halsey were heading back to their dorm together when a voice stopped them in their tracks. "So, you''re the God of Sleep, Wendy?"


    Wendy looked up, and there stood Paul Andrews.


    Paul, apanied by a group of followers, blocked Wendy''s path. He eyed her up and down with a sly grin. "Well, well. I didn''t expect the God of Sleep to be such a beauty."


    Halsey quickly leaned in and whispered, "Wendy, this is Paul. He''s the heir to the Andrews family, and they''re pretty influential here in Hovendale. Paul''s a bully at vendale University; he''s the campus troublemaker."


    Wendy''s gaze was cold as she looked Paul over. "I don''t know you."


    With that, she tried to walk away. However, Paul stepped into her path, grinning like a predator. "Hey, don''t be in such a rush. How can we get to know each other if we don''t try, hmm?"


    im about how


    The closer he got, the more Paul found himself mesmerized by Wendy''s beauty. She looked like a goddess. When Sienna had sent him to deal with Wendy and push her out of the university, she hadn''t war stunning Wendy was.


    "I like you, pretty girl," Paul said, stepping closer. "From now on, you''re my girlfriend. Come along with me, I''ll give you a life of luxury."


    As he spoke, Paul reached out to touch Wendy''s face.


    and


    4


    Wendy quickly turned her head to dodge his hand and hissed, "Get lost!"


    She grabbed Halsey''s hand, ready to leave, but the group of followers Paul had brought surrounded them, trapping them in ce.


    Halsey red at Paul. "Paul, don''t take this too far!"


    "Take it too far? Haha. I can take it as far as I want. Got a problem with that?" Paulughed arrogantly. "Wendy, stop pretending. You''re just a girl from a small town, azy student who sleeps through ss. You should count yourself lucky that I even noticed you!"


    Paul then shot Halsey a condescending nce and smirked Alright, guys, Wendy is mine. As for Clown Girl over here, she''s all yours. She''s so hideous, so I''m sure no man has ever touched her. But hey, at least you''ll have a virgin.¡±


    The group of followers burst into loud, crudeughter, their eyes lecherously scanning both Wendy and Halsey. Even Halsey, who usually had a calm temperament, was trembling with fury. "You little..." She wanted to move forward, but Wendy quickly stepped in front of her, protecting her. Paul raised his hand, giving an order to his cronies. "Grab them!"

 My Dad Please Come 121

    The crowd charged at Wendy and H?lsey.


    Soon, the sounds of shouting echoed through the campus. Oh, nol There''s a fight! Someone''s fighting!"


    Cyril had been grading papers in the dean''s office, but he limediately stood up and coldly asked, "What''s going on?"


    "Professor Lincoln, Paul brought a group and surrounded Wendy and Halsey... It''s bad... their hair''s been yanked, their faces scratched..." a male student gasped, out of breat


    What?


    Cyril''s expression changed instantly. He quickly ran out of the office with the head of the teaching department, Justin Morton.


    From a distance, Cyril saw the scene. All of Paul''s followers were lying on the ground, knocked out by the sleeping powder Wendy had used. Paul, meanwhile, was having his hair yanked and was pressed to the ground by Wendy. Halsey was wing at his face, letting out her frustration.


    Paul was howling in pain. "Ah! My hair! My face!"


    Cyril was dumbfounded.


    He had thought that Wendy and Halsey were the ones getting beaten up, but now it looked like they were the ones in control. They had overpowered Paul and were yanking his hair.


    They said women could be tough when they had to, and Cyril could bear witness to this. They sure did go wild in fights.


    "Let go of me now! Do you know who I am? I''m the heir of the Andrews family! I''ll tell my parents, and they''ll get you expelled from vendale University!" Paul screamed.


    Justin stomped his foot in frustration. "This is outrageous! You''re fighting in school! I''ll have a talk with your parents! All of you, call your parents!"


    Justin then turned to Cyril. "Professor Lincoln, you approved Wendy''s special enrolment, didn''t you? What do you suggest-"


    Cyril stood up straight, distancing himself from the situation. "I was only helping out. Wendy has a guardian. Call her guardian."


    Students surrounded Justin''s office, all eager to watch the drama unfold.


    Wendy, Halsey, and Paul had been separated by now, and Paul''s parents had arrived.


    Frank Andrews, Paul''s father, was red in the face as he mmed his hand on the desk. ¡°This is absurd! Were these girls raised in a barn or something? Look at what they did to my son! I demand some exnation!"


    Urs Andrews, Paul''s mother, was holding him tightly, her face full of concern. "Oh, our precious son! We''ve never even hit him in his life. You must expel these two girls from vendale University!"


    Paul chimed in, still full of rage. "That''s right! Expel them! If you don''t, I won''t let this go!"


    Wendy and Halsey were standing with their backs to the wall, being made to reflect on what had happened.


    Halsey argued, "Yes, we beat him up, but he harassed us first!"


    $1


    Paul jumped to his feet. "When did I harass you? Do you have any proof? But


    I have evidence that you hit me! Just look at all these bruises!!


    Halsey didn''t have any proof. "You little..."


    Wendy gently ced a hand on Halsey''s arm and shook her head, signaling her to stop.


    Paul touched his aching face. "You have to expel them today!"


    Outside the office, Sienna was watching the scene unfold. When she saw Paul and his family''s intimidating presence as they pushed for Wendy and Halsey''s expulsion she couldn''t help but smile smugly, pleased with the way things were turning out.


    She was the one who had secretly instructed Paul to cause trouble for Wendy, and now the result was exactly what she wanted.


    Sienna pulled back from the crowd and immediately called jessica, eager to share the good news.


    "Hello, Jessica? I''ve got some good news for you! Wendy''s in trouble. She''s going to be expelled from vendale University!"


    Jessica''s delightedugh came through immediately. "Really, Sienna? Wow,


    you''re amazing! I can''t believe you got them to expel Wendy today."


    re

 My Dad Please Come 122

    Sienna felt a sense of pride. vendale University was her territory, and dealing with Wendy was as easy as snapping her fingers.


    "Jessica, Wendy''s stay at vendale University will be short-lived this time. This whole situation will be a joke we''llugh about for the rest of our lives..."


    In the VIP meeting room at Hawk Group, a group of senior xecutives, each with a blue badge hanging around their necks, sat around the long conference table.


    It was a high-level meeting, and the finance manager was reporting on thepany''s financial work for the quarter. Apart from his voice, the entire room was silent, and the atmosphere was serious and formal.


    Stanley, the CEO of Hawk Group, sat at the head of the table Today, he wore a perfectly tailored ck suit that exuded elegance and power. His handsome face was slightly tilted as he read through the reports in his hand, radiating the quiet yet undeniable presence of someone in charge.


    Just then, the door to the meeting room suddenly opened, and Zayn rushed in. Zayn handed Stanley his phone, speaking quietly with hesitation, ¡°Mr. Hawk..."


    Normally, Zayn wouldn''t barge into such high-level meetings unless something urgent needed Stanley''s


    attention.


    Without lifting his gaze from the reports, Stanley replied coldly, "What is it? Just tell me.''


    11


    As soon as Stanley spoke, the finance manager''s voice stopped, and all the executives turned their eyes to Zayn, curious to hear what he had to say.


    Zayn''s forehead broke out in a cold sweat. "Mr. Hawk, people from vendale University called... They said Mrs. Hawk got into a fight at school."


    The noise of people inhaling sharply could be heard all around the room.


    Stanley paused his motion of flipping through the report. He slowly raised his head to look at Zayn. "What did you say?"


    "Mrs. Hawk got into a fight at vendale University. They want you to head over immediately as her guardian."


    Stanley stared at him, speechless.


    His handsome face instantly darkened. She had only been at vendale University for two days; she was already caught sleeping yesterday, and she got into a fight today? And now they were summoning her guardian?


    She sure knew how to make things difficult.


    Stanley clenched his jaw, clearly furious. He mmed the report onto the table and stood up, ready to leave.


    As soon as Stanley stood up, the entire VIP meeting room erupted in shock. "Oh, my. Mr. Hawk is married?"


    "Mrs. Hawk is still in school? She''s been sleeping and fighting there, and now they''re asking for her a guardian toe?"


    "Wow, Mr. Hawk is probably getting called in by a school for the first time in his life! This is some drama!"


    *25 BOMUS


    Quickly, the news spread throughout the entire Hawk Group, and everyone knew. While their CEO was in the middle of an important meeting, his wife had gotten into trouble at school and required a guardian to show up.


    Outside Justin''s office, the rubbernecking students had been dispersed, while Paul''s parents had taken him to the medical room to tend to his injuries.


    Wendy and Halsey were still standing in silence, reflecting on what had happened. Justin looked at themn sternly.


    "Wendy, I''ve called your guardian. They should be here soon."


    Wendy froze for a moment.


    Her guardian? Was it Lilian? Who else could it be?


    She didn''t think she had a guardian.


    She looked at Justin, about to speak, when Justin said, "Here''s your guardian."


    Just then, the door to the office opened. A gust of cold wind rushed in, and with it,


    the figure of someone tall andmanding.


    Stanley had arrived!


    Wendy''s sharp ck-and-white eyes widened in surprise.


    They had actually called him?!


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 123

    Wendy stared at Justin in shock. "Wait, Mr. Morton, you must have called the wrong person..."


    Her words trailed off when the towering figure blocked her view, casting a heavy shadow over her. Stanley had stepped right in front of her.


    With eyes sharp as daggers, Stanley nced at Halsey before his gaze locked onto Wendy. "Who started the fight? Step forward!"


    The anger radiating from him was palpable, and Halsey instinctively took a step back in fear.


    Halsey even reached out and gave Wendy a little push, sending her stumbling straight into the man''s chest.


    His chest was solid and firm, like a wall of steel. The aura of an elite


    businessman, who had just rushed from a high-level meeting, made his presence even moremanding-no one dared get too close.


    Wendy, still a little off bnce, felt her face flush as she found herself pressed against his chest. She couldn''t believe Halsey had just betrayed her like this.


    Traitor!


    Stanley looked down at her, his tone stern. "Stand up straight."


    "Okay." Wendy quickly stepped back, trying to regain herposure.


    "Lift your head," Stanley ordered, his voice low and firm.


    Wendy obeyed, lifting her head.


    Stanley''s brows furrowed as he studied her. Her face was bruised and scratched, her hair tangled from the scuffle. Even though she and Halsey had managed to subdue Paul, he still had a certain physical advantage over her. Her hair had been pulled on, her clothes were torn in a few ces, and there were even some dust marks on her pretty, fair face. She looked a bit pitiful.


    Despite all that, she still looked up at him with bright, clear eyes.


    For a moment, Stanley found his words of reprimand stuck in his throat.


    Just then, Justin walked over. "Mr. Hawk, I''m terribly sorry to have disturbed you, but the situation with Wendy and Halsey fighting is quite serious. The Andrews family is being very forceful about it and is demanding that Wendy be expelled. What do you think should be done?"


    Stanley''s lips pressed into a cold, sharp line. "I''ll take them back to clean up first." Justin nodded. "Alright."


    Stanley followed Wendy and Halsey to the girls'' dormitory. Halsey grabbed her washbasin and quickly ran off. Wendy, I''ll clean up in the next room."


    Wendy could only watch in silence.


    11


    Stanley didn''t enter the dorm and instead stood outside with a gentlemanly air. Wendy went inside to take a hot shower, freshening herself up.


    When she finished, Wendy opened the door and saw Stanley still waiting outside.


    His tall figure stood in front of the dorm, a sight that immediately stirred the entire building. Girls peeked


    through doors and windows while whispering in awe, their eyes sparkling with admiration.


    "Wow, he''s so handsome... I''m going to faint!"


    Stanley remained expressionless, not giving any attention to the girls.


    Zayn appeared, his voice low. "Mr. Hawk, should we handle this privately? The Hawks and the Andrews families have some history. If you speak to them, I''m sure they''ll retract their demand to expel Mrs. Hawk from vendale University."


    Stanley''s face hardened. Wendy had only been at vendale University for two days, yet she had already turned the ce upside down.


    Just then, it seemed Stanley sensed her gaze. He turned to look at her.


    His eyes were so intense that Wendy flinched and instinctively stepped aside to give him room. "Mr. Hawk, you cane in."


    Stanley walked into the dorm with long strides.


    It was Stanley''s first time in a girls'' dorm. The room was filled with the delicate


    pink and soft tones of youth- heart-shaped peach-colored bed sheets, posters of pop idols, and an overall feminine vibe. It felt like an entirely different world from the cold, mature aura Stanley carried.

 My Dad Please Come 124

    After Wendy moved out of the Hawk family''s estate, she had been staying here.


    Stanley''s eyesnded on Wendy''s small bed. The sheets and pillows were neatly arranged, but her white camisole was left carelessly on the bed after her shower.


    He quickly nced at it before turning his attention to the young woman behind him.


    Wendy tried to exin herself. "I hit Paul today because-


    "Wendy, I sent you to vendale University so you could focus on your studies and learn medicine, but what have you been doing here? Sleeping in ss and fighting? You might not be as excellent as Jessica, but you shouldn''t be causing trouble. The Andrews family is demanding that you be expelled from vendale University! I don''t have the time to clean up your mess every time!"


    Stanley''s pent-up anger finally erupted. He scolded Wendy without holding back.


    Wendy stood there, silently taking in his words while watching him seethe with anger.


    He clearly wasn''t interested in hearing her exnation.


    In his eyes, she was just a disappointment that wasn''t worth his time or attention, unlike Jessica.


    The man who had treated Jessica so gently at the bar just the night before, letting her feed him grapes and drinking wine from her hand in the private room, was a world apart from the cold, impatient person standing before Wendy now.


    Jessica was the one he loved.


    Wendy was the one he despised.


    Wendy''s clear, bright eyes met his. "Mr. Hawk, I''m sorry for wasting your time."


    Stanley paused, taken aback for a moment.


    Wendy gently smiled, her lips curving up slightly. "I don''t know why Mr. Morton called you, but I''ll talk to him. You''re not my guardian. Don''t worry about me from now on."


    With that, she moved toward the door, trying to open it. "You can leave now."


    Stanley''s fury surged to its peak. In one swift motion, he grabbed her slender wrist. "Wendy, what kind of attitude is that?"


    2


    Wendy struggled to pull away from him, but she couldn''t. Stanley stepped back, his knee hitting the bed. In the next instant, he pulled her with him, and they both fell onto the bed.


    It was Wendy''s bed, filled with her soft, fragrant scent. Stanley wasn''t unfamiliar with this scent-he''d shared a bed with her twice before.


    For the past two days, since Wendy moved out of the Hawk family''s estate, he''d been sleeping in thepany''s lounge. He hadn''t been around her sweet scent, and now, unexpectedly, he found himself surrounded by it again.


    As she fell, Wendy''s soft, delicate bodynded against his firm, cold frame. Her hair, freshly washed, smelled like flowers, sending an unexpected jolt through Stanley''s body.


    His muscles tensed instantly, and his Adam''s apple moved as he swallowed hard.


    Wendy gasped in surprise, realizing how they ended up on the bed-her on top of him, in a familiar position. It was the same way they''d ended up thest two times.


    Who would have thought that she often ended up on top of him?


    Wendy''s small hands scrambled to push herself up from his chest.


    But before she could move, he grabbed her wrist again, holding her in ce. His voice was deep, low, and a little hoarse as he warned, "Wendy, careful where you ce your hands."


    Her soft, pale hand, still slightly stiff from the sudden fall, had identally pressed against his abs.


    "I..." She wanted to exin but couldn''t find the words.


    Stanley pulled her back into his arms, his exhausted,zy gaze fixed on the ceiling as he murmured, "Wendy, can''t you just be a little more obedient?"

 My Dad Please Come 125

    "Wendy, can''t you just be obedient?"


    When Stanley said those words with his deep, gravelly voice, something in Wendy''s heart softened.


    Stanley really did want her to be obedient.


    In the more than three years of their marriage, although she had taken care of him while he was in aa, he had also given her a very generous materialpensation. He sent her to vendale University, and all he wanted was for their rtionship to end there.


    But she wasn''t being obedient at all. Justst night, when he heard about her beingbeled ¡°God of Sleep" in the bar, he was annoyed. Then, today, even during the meeting he couldn''t get any peace because she had gotten into a fight, and they demanded to meet with her guardian.


    Stanley had never dealt with something this troublesome.


    Just then, the young woman lying on top of him suddenly spoke up. "You don''t like obedient ones anyway."


    What?


    Wendy''s small hand pushed against his firm chest as she sat up. Her bright eyes met his handsome face, and she smirked slightly. "Don''t think I don''t know, Stanley. You like... the naughty ones."


    Stanley''s sharp features darkened immediately. He didn''t expect her to say something so blunt with that innocent, wless face of hers.


    Wendy met his gaze without flinching, her clear eyes slowly drifting downward, brieflynding on his sensuous lips. "I was standing outside the room at the barst night, saw how Jessica fed you wine and how much you liked it."


    She stared at him, her look bold and fiery.


    Stanley had known she was there. Even though he hadn''t seen her when he looked back, she had clearly seen everything outside the door.


    "You want me to be a good girl, but you''re out there looking for a naughty one to entertain you? You''re really something," Wendy said, then got off him.


    But her slipper fell off, and she couldn''t find it right away. So, she just sat back on the bed.


    Now Stanley was still lying on her bed, his expensive, custom-made ck suit pressed against her peach-colored, heart-patterned sheets-a forbidden, provocative sight.


    Wendy stretched her slender foot and kicked him on the thigh. "Get off my bed!"


    Stanley red at her. "Wendy, I dare you to kick me again."


    Pfft, as he wished.


    Unbothered, Wendy kicked him once more.


    Her foot was delicate, her toes rounded and soft, a pale pink sheen to her skin. When it made contact with the sharp-cut ck pants he was wearing, Stanley''s gaze sparked with something hot.


    In an instant, he grabbed her dainty foot. "Wendy, Jessica might be naughtier, but no one is worse than you."


    * Jessica was obvious in her attempts to flirt, but Wendy? She was sly and subtle- seductive in a way that was hard


    to resist.


    Last night, Jessica had just fed him drinks, but today, Wendy was kicking him in bed.


    Jessica wasn''t even close to being her rival.


    And that was why Stanley wanted to end things with Wendy He wanted to reject her advances.


    He stared at Wendy, his gaze dark. She had just showered, and she was wearing a thin camisole with a beige shawi draped over her shoulders. As she sat, the shawl slid down slightly, revealing the delicate straps of her top.


    Her delicate face, just out of the shower, was flushed with a natural glow. Her skin was smooth and soft, and she looked like she was made of ss. Her lips were a natural red, untouched by makeup, giving her an innocent, pure, youthful aura that made it hard to look away.


    Jessica was nothing like her. Every day, Jessica wore heavy makeup and bright red lipstick.


    Stanley hadn''t thought much of it before, butst night, he noticed her smudged lipstick. Honestly, it had dampened his mood.


    Wendy didn''t speak.


    Wendy was clever. No matter what she learned, it came naturally to her- manipting men was no exception.


    But no matter what she did, he didn''t like it.


    He only loved Jessica.

 My Dad Please Come 126

    Stanley decided to let the matter go.


    He was grabbing Wendy''s right foot, a spot that was especially sensitive for a girl. She tried to pull it back, her voice sharp as she barked, "Let go!"


    Realizing what he had done, Stanley nced at her and quickly released his grip.


    Her soft, pale foot quickly snapped back, hiding beneath the folds of her skirt.


    Stanley sat up and returned to the matter at hand. "I''ll have someone handle this..."


    Wendy curled up on the bed, shaking her head. "Thank you for your kindness, but that''s not necessary."


    Stanley turned his gaze on her. "Wendy, don''t be ungrateful. Do you think I want to deal with your problems?"


    "Then don''t," Wendy snapped, her voice firm. "Since the moment you kicked me out of the Hawk family''s estate, my problems are no longer your concern!"


    The tension between them instantly became palpable. Stanley was furious.


    Wendy raised one delicate eyebrow, her bright eyes gliding over him. "Didn''t Jessica satisfy youst night?"


    Stanley froze.


    "If she satisfied you, why are you here? You''re just here because you want me to owe you something again, aren''t you?" Wendy continued, her voice sharp.


    The memory of that stormy night suddenly shed through Stanley''s mind-the night only he and she knew about. He had helped her, and she had repaid him.


    His expression darkened, and he stood up abruptly. "I must have been out of my mind toe here."


    He shot her onest cold look before striding toward the door, his long legs carrying him away from her.


    As he left, Wendy wrapped her arms around herself.


    He should stay out of her business, stop being kind to her, and just be heartless like he always had. She didn''t need his pity.


    Right then, the door to the dorm room creaked open, and Halsey walked in. "Wendy, why did Mr. Hawk leave so quickly? He came all this way, and you didn''t even try to keep him here. Are you really going to push him off to Jessica, the third wheel?"


    Halsey had quietly slipped out earlier to give Wendy and Stanley some privacy.


    Wendy knew exactly what Halsey had been trying to do, and she smiled bitterly. "It''s no use, Halsey. He won''t fall for me."


    Halsey opened her mouth to speak, but Wendy quickly changed the topic. "Our priority right now is dealing with the crisis at hand."


    Halsey''s eyes lit up. "Do you have a n?"


    Of course, she did.


    Wendy didn''t need Stanley''s help. She could handle it on her own.


    Wendy hopped off the bed and casually gathered her long ck hair into a simple bun, revealing the graceful


    curve of her neck. She turned to Halsey. "Let''s go."


    Halsey blinked, confused. "Go where?"


    Wendy gave a yful wink, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Let''s go deal with Paul!"


    Halseyughed. When Wendy stopped her in Justin''s office earlier, holding her hand down and urging patience, Halsey knew Wendy had a n.


    "Sounds good. Let''s go!"


    Stanley climbed into his Rolls-Royce, his jaw clenched in anger. Zayn, sitting in the driver''s seat, nced at his boss''s grim expression and asked cautiously, "Mr. Hawk, how should we handle Mrs. Hawk''s situation?" Stanley''s voice was as cold as ice. "Don''t worry about her. She''ll handle her own problems."


    He scoffed, a bitterugh escaping him. "Once she really gets kicked out of vendale University, I''ll wait for her toe crawling back and begging me." Zayn stayed silent.


    Had they been fighting again?


    Just then, the sound of a ping echoed in the car. Zayn checked his phone.


    "Mr. Hawk, there''s been a twist in Mrs. Hawk''s situation!"

 My Dad Please Come 127

    In Justin''s office, Paul swaggered in, nked by his parents. As soon as he saw Wendy and Halsey, freshly cleaned up, he couldn''t help but feel a twinge of attraction.


    Wendy''s face, soft and pale, looked as if it had been carved from ss. She had a purity about her that was hard to ignore. He was still very much interested in making Wendy his girlfriend.


    Sienna had only told him to make trouble for Wendy, not to make her his girlfriend. Paul couldn''t understand why, with everything he had-his charm, his wealth¨C Wendy wouldn''t be interested. He had no problem with her humble beginnings; what gave her the right to reject him?


    When he parked his fancy car under the girls'' dorm, he was used to seeing women fawning over him. He didn''t understand Wendy''s resistance.


    With a sly grin, Paul sneered, "Wendy, are you scared? You''ve only been at vendale University for two days, and now you''re about to be kicked out. Maybe we can still work something out if you apologize to me now."


    Urs grabbed Paul''s arm. "Paul, she beat you up like that. Don''t let her get away with it. We should make sure she gets kicked out of vendale University!"


    Frank turned to Justin. "Mr. Morton, how do you intend to handle this?"


    Before Justin could speak, Wendy calmly said, "Mr. Morton what should we do if a bully at school is sexually harassing female students and threatening their safety?"


    Paulughed, dismissing her question. "Wendy, are you really using me of sexual harassment? Do you have any proof?"


    He was certain she couldn''t prove anything.


    Then Wendy slowly pulled out her phone and yed a video. It was aplete recording: from Paul and hisckeys appearing on the scene to the moment they grabbed Wendy and Halsey. The entire incident was captured clearly.


    Paul''s face drained of color. "You recorded it?"


    Wendy gave a small, confident smile. "Mr. Paul, you were asking for prove, and that''s what you got.''


    11


    Paul stood there, stunned. He had never expected Wendy to quietly record the video.


    Wendy''s bright, piercing gaze locked onto him. Her eyes shone with intelligence and sharpness.


    Justin was furious and barked, ¡°Paul, so you led a group to harass female students and started the trouble. Now, you''re trying to y the victim after losing the fight?"


    Paul stood there, wishing Justin would stop bringing up his embarrassing defeat.


    Halsey, who had been silently watching, couldn''t help but smirk: "Mr. Morton, I think the best course of action is to call the police."


    "No! Don''t call the police!" Urs immediately jumped to her feet, clearly worried about her son''s record.


    Wently raised an eyebrow. "Aren''t you trying to get us kicked out of vendale University?"


    Frank waved his hand dismissively. "We were just kidding! Let''s just drop it. Forget this ever happened!"


    He grabbed Paul by the arm and started pulling him out of the office.


    Paul was still fuming and whined, "Dad, wouldn''t that mean I just took a beating for nothing?"


    Frank smacked him on the head. "Shut up!"


    With that, Frank and Urs dragged Paul out of the room.


    The farce was over. Halsey gave Wendy a thumbs-up, and Wendy beamed back at her, shing a radiant smile. Outside, Stanley had been watching the entire scene unfold Zayn stood behind him and grinned. "Looks like Mrs. Hawk had a trick up her sleeve!"


    Then, with a smirk, Zayn muttered, "That Paul sure has guts. He thought he could just make Mrs. Hawk his girlfriend? What a joke."


    Zayn turned to Stanley. "Mr. Hawk, you''ve misunderstood Mrs. Hawk."


    Yes, Stanley had misunderstood her.


    She wasn''t disobedient. She didn''t pick a fight. She was just trying to protect herself. Paul was to me for having targeted her.


    Stanley looked at Wendy, who was smiling brightly at Halsey, her energy so alive and vibrant.

 My Dad Please Come 128

    Earlier, in the girls'' dorm, Wendy had tried to exin herself to Stanley.


    However, he hadunched into a tirade before she could even get a word in. He didn''t even listen to her, and by the time he was finished, her eyes had lost their light.


    Stanley felt a twinge of guilt at the thought.


    But the feeling quickly faded, reced by a scoffingugh. In the end, Wendy had brought this upon herself. She had barely stepped foot into vendale University, and already that yboy had set his sights on her.


    Stanley had seen the way Paul looked at her. As a man, he could tell-it was more than just interest. Paul was genuinely taken with her.


    If Wendy had just apologized and yed it cute, Paul would have likely forgiven her on the spot. There would have been no need for Stanley to step in.


    The thought made Stanley''s mood darken further.


    This little fox... she had a way of attracting men wherever she went. He didn''t send her here to date. He sent her here so she could study.


    If she dared try to get involved in a romance, he''d make sure she''d regret it!


    He turned his gaze sharply toward his secretary. "Zayn, it seems like you have quite a liking for Wendy, don''t you?


    Zayn had been showing her favoritism for a while now.


    Zayn.immediately stiffened, standing at attention. "Mr. Hawk, I just think Mrs. Hawk... is more suited to you."


    Stanley''s lips curled into a cold smile.


    It seemed like more and more people around him were starting to favor Wendy. What was it about her that had such a hold on everyone?


    +


    After hanging up the phone with Jessica, Sienna nced at the time, thinking that Wendy should''ve been packing her bags and kicked out of vendale University by now.


    Just then, she noticed Paul. His parents were ushering him into their luxury car, and the three of them drove off, heads hung low.


    "Mr. Paul!" Sienna called out, taken aback. She stepped forward, confused. "Mr. Paul, why are you leaving? Shouldn''t it be Wendy who''s going?"


    Was there a mistake? Had things gone wrong?


    Ding!


    Sienna''s phone buzzed, and she saw a new post on the vendale University forum. She clicked it, and her face immediately paled.


    The new post was titled, [School Bully Sexually Harasses Girl and Soon Learns His Lesson].


    Attached to the post was a six-second video. It showed Wendy yanking Paul''s hair and mming him to the


    ground,nding punch after punch.


    The post went viral instantly, drawing countless students toment.


    One wrote, [Oh, my god. Isn''t that Mr. Paul getting beat up


    Anothermented, [Haha! I''m sorry. I can''t help butugh. I usually watch Mr. Paul beat people up. This is the first time I''ve seen him get a beating. I need a moment to enjoy this.]


    Thements came piling in.


    [Wait a minute, the person beating up Mr. Paul is.. the God of Sleep, Wendy?] [Damn, Wendy looks stunning. She''s like a goddess!]


    [She''s literally a goddess. I honestly think she''s even more beautiful than the campus belle, Sienna.]


    [She''s even more gorgeous than Sienna. We have a new campus belle-Wendy!]


    Sienna''s eyes nearly popped out of her head. She hadn''t expected things to turn so quickly.


    Not only had Wendy not been kicked out, but Paul had fled with his tail between his legs.


    The whole incident had been posted on the school forum, and Wendy was being celebrated for taking down the school bully.


    But that wasn''t all. Now, Wendy''s beauty was getting attention, and it was starting to threaten Sienna''s status as the campus belle.


    No. This couldn''t happen.


    Sienna immediately logged into her backup ount, "Helen''s Rival", and posted ament.


    [I don''t think Wendy''s anywhere near as beautiful as Sienna. Sienna''s not just pretty-she''s kind-hearted and an amazing dancer, while Wendy is just some country bumpkin. She doesn''tpare to Sienna!]


    Today''s Bonus Offer

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    Next, Sienna logged into her second backup ount, "The Dancer", and pretended to tag her first backup ount, "Helen''s Rival".


    She typed, [Yes, exactly! If someone like Wendy, the God of Sleep who sleeps through her sses, bes the campus belle, it would be a joke. Sienna is still the best!],


    She then switched back to her main ount, "Sienna Hawk, and posted,


    [Everyone, let''s not fight. I think Wendy''s pretty great. I''ll dly pass on the title of campus belle to her!]


    Sienna was juggling three different ounts and ying three different roles to stabilize the situation. She couldn''t afford to lose her position as the prettiest girl in vendale University.


    Sure enough, after this little maneuver, Sienna''s loyal followers-mostly nerdy boys-startedmenting in droves.


    Onemented, [Wendy is beautiful, but the title of campus belle should go to Sienna. She''s the most outstanding of them all!]


    Another chimed in, [Sienna is my goddess. No one can take her ce in my heart.]


    Someone also wrote, [I''ll stand by Sienna no matter what!]


    To the outside world, Sienna was the embodiment of beauty and charm, especially when she yed the sweet and flirty role in front of the male students. Her E-cup bust helped her attract a lot of die-hard fans.


    The forum for vendale University slowly quieted down, and no one talked about recing the campus belle anymore. It was clear that Wendy, the God of Sleep, wasn''t deserving of the title.


    Sienna had managed to hold onto her crown as the campus belle.


    Frustrated, Sienna stomped her foot as she clutched her phone. Her maniption of Paul had backfired terribly. Not only had she nearly lost her spot as the prettiest girl on campus, but Wendy had almost ruined everything for


    her.


    It was as if Sienna had shot herself in the foot-it hurt so much.


    Just then, a gentle phone ringtone interrupted her thoughts. It was a call from Jessica.


    Excitedly, Jessica asked, "Hey, Sienna, what''s the news? Has Wendy gotten kicked out of vendale University already? I can''t wait to tell Benny and the others so we can allugh at her!"


    Sienna sounded defeated as she replied, "Jessica, Wendy didn''t get kicked out of vendale University."


    "What?" Jessica''s voice cracked with disbelief.


    Sienna was about to exin, but a clear, melodic voice cut in before she could, "Sienna, I''m so sorry to disappoint you."


    Sienna looked up and saw Wendy smiling sweetly with Halsey by her side.


    Without a word, Sienna immediately hung up the phone and red at Wendy with venom. ¡°Wendy, you don''t belong at vendale University. One day, I will make sure you''re kicked out!"


    Wendy''s smile didn''t waver. "I''m looking forward to it."


    Sienna was left speechless.


    At that moment, a tall, handsome figure approached-it was Stanley.


    $


    Without hesitation, Sienna grabbed his arm. "Stanley, you shouldn''t have brought Wendy to vendale University in the first ce!"


    Stanley looked at Wendy, and her clear, sparkling eyes met his.


    Just then, the sound of high heels clicking echoed as someone walked toward them.


    "Mr. Hawk, Sienna is right," a voice chimed. "You never should have brought Wendy here."


    Wendy turned and saw Trish.


    Gone was the disheveled, gloomy Trish from the banquet. Today, she was wearing a sleek ck bodycon skirt and crystal high heels, her appearance sharp and radiant. She exided confidence as she entered the scene.


    vendale University was Trish''s alma mater, and she was a well-known figure


    here. As Cyril''s direct apprentice, her entrance caused quite a stir.


    Many students excitedly pulled out their phones to snap pictures.


    "Wow, look! Trish is back at her alma mater!"


    "She spent two years abroad and participated in major surgeries. More importantly, do you know who she''s assisting now? Dr. Cen!"


    "You mean the legendary Dr. Cen?"


    "The one and only!"


    "Wow! Trish is the pride of vendale University!"

 My Dad Please Come 130

    "Of course! Didn''t you see that Professor Lincoln himself came out to greet her?"


    Everyone looked at Trish with a mix of admiration and envy


    Trish had arrived with Cyril, holding her head high, her chi tilted in a way that made her resemble a proud peacock. The confidence and pride radiating from her made her seem almost untouchable, and her presence was dazzling.


    As Trish and Cyril stopped, Trish''s gaze firstnded on Wendy. She looked her over with obvious disdain before shifting her focus to Stanley.


    "Mr. Hawk, Wendy dropped out of school at 16. I''ve even heard she sleeps through Professor Lincoln''s sses. What exactly makes her deserving of a spot at vendale University?"


    Sienna saw her opportunity and eagerly nodded in agreement. ¡°Exactly!"


    Stanley''s face, always soposed and dignified, betrayed no sign of emotion. He nced at Wendy before answering, "She will focus on her studies here."


    Sienna opened her mouth to speak again. She''d heard that Wendy only got into vendale University because Stanley personally asked Cyril on her behalf. Stanley had never made such a request for anyone-Wendy was the only exception. She couldn''t fathom why he thought she deserved such treatment.


    But before she could say anything, Cyril interrupted, his voice calm but firm. "Alright, everyone. Enough arguing. I trust Wendy will take her studies seriously from now on."


    Cyril obviously had to step in for his nephew. Hearing that, Sienna stopped speaking.


    Cyril''s tone shifted as he excitedly announced some big news. "I have something important to tell you all-Dr. Cen ising!"


    Dr. Cen wasing?


    Stanley''s expression shifted ever so slightly. He and Dr. Cen had missed each other twice already, and now, the famous doctor wasing to vendale University?


    Sienna, who idolized Dr. Cen, leaned forward eagerly. "Professor Lincoln, is this true?"


    Trish smiled knowingly. "Of course, it''s true. Dr. Cen ising to hold a lecture at vendale University. We''ll finally get to meet Dr. Cen in person."


    Dr. Cen had always been a mysterious figure and had disappeared for three years. Very few people had ever met the legendary doctor face-to-face.


    Sienna was now even more excited and asked, "Professor Lincoln, are you Dr. Cen''s apprentice?"


    Cyril, lost in thought for a moment, began to recount his story. "Years ago, a rare gue broke out in Condoria. The World Health Organization sent me to the front lines to research a vine. There was a medical equation that troubled me, something I couldn''t solve no matter what I tried. One day, I was feeling frustrated and went out for a walk. When I returned, the equation was solved-it was Dr. Cen who had solved it."


    He paused, smiling at the memory. "I didn''t even know Dr. Cen was there at the time. When I went out to find them, they had already left. But I managed to get their contact information from the staff who ap


    I texted them and was fortunate enough to be their apprentice."


    1 them.


    +


    The group listened intently, captivated by the story.


    Suddenly struck by a thought, Sienna spoke up. "Trish, if Professor Lincoln is Dr. Cen''s apprentice, and you''re his apprentice, then what''s your connection to Dr. Cen?


    Trish opened her mouth to respond, but a soft, melodic voice interrupted before she could. ¡°She''s Dr. Cen''s grand-apprentice."


    Trish froze. She looked up at Wendy, who had suddenly spoken.


    Wendy stood there, calm andposed, her bright eyes sparkling with a yful smile as she looked at Trish. She added, "The moment Dr. Cen arrives, you should greet them respectfully."


    Trish was speechless.


    Sensing the atmosphere growing awkwardly tense, Cyril cleared his throat. He turned to Wendy. "Wendy, what happened with Paul isn''t your fault. I''ll have someone handle it."


    Wendy''s clear eyes met his once again, and she nodded slightly. "I trust you, Cyril. I''m confident you''ll take care of it."


    Today''s Bonus Offer


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    Cyril froze, wondering who Wendy was calling "Cyril".


    Who was this Cyril?


    Wait, he was Cyril-but she shouldn''t call him that!


    Cyril was about to say something, but Wendy quickly scanned the room before turning and walking away.


    Halseyughed quietly, then nced at Cyril before hurrying after Wendy. "Wendy, wait up for me."


    Trish and Sienna were both shocked. "Professor Lincoln, did Wendy just call you by your first name? Has shepletely lost her mind?!"


    Trish and Sienna were stunned.


    Cyril was dumbfounded as well. This was the second time this had happened. He had no idea why Wendy called him by his first name so casually.


    Did she even know about respect or boundaries? Only his mentor, Dr. Cen, had the right to call him by his first


    name.


    And she actually said she trusted him to handle things-as if he needed her reassurance!


    Stanley watched as Wendy disappeared around the corner, his brow furrowed slightly. She truly was fearless, even addressing his uncle by his first name like it was nothing.


    At that moment, Zayn stepped forward, bringing Stanley back to the present. "Mr. Hawk, you have a dinner date with Ms. Jessica at seven tonight. I''ve made the reservation. We should head back now."


    Now that they had made up, Stanley had ns to take Jessica on a dinner date. Stanley turned to Cyril. "When does Dr. Cen''s lecture start?"


    Cyril replied, "Tomorrow morning."


    Stanley nodded. "I''ll be there tomorrow morning to see for myself just who this Dr. Cen really is."


    Wendy and Halsey were walking toward the girls'' dormitory, and Halsey couldn''t stopughing.


    "Wendy, you actually called my... I mean, Professor Lincoln by his first name. I''m dyingughing!"


    Wendy didn''t think there was anything wrong with calling him "Cyril".


    Noticing a familiar figure ahead of her, she paused mid-step.


    "Excuse me. Does Wendy live here?" asked the figure.


    The dorm supervisor replied, "Yes. Are you looking for her?"


    "I am. I''m her grandmother."


    "Oh, my. Your granddaughter is so beautiful."


    Right? She looks just like an angel from heaven."


    . Wendy froze in shock before rushing forward while calling out, ¡°Grandma!"


    Glinda had arrived!


    Glinda turned around with a bright smile. "Wendy!"


    Wendy rushed forward and wrapped her arms around Glinda. "Grandma, what are you doing here?"


    She never expected Glinda to find her at the school.


    Glinda smiled warmly. "Wendy, it''s been two days since youst came home to see me. Didn''t you miss me?" Wendy''s eyes grew teary. She buried her face in Glinda''s shoulder, gently rubbing against it. "I did."


    "I missed you too, darling, so I came to see you! I didn''te in a fancy car or wear anything fancy today. I came all on my own. I didn''t want to be a burden on you."


    Glinda had dressed simply but neatly for the visit, her silver hair tied up in an elegant style, trying to blend in. Wendy felt a rush of emotion in her heart. That night, she had said those things to avoid worrying Glinda, but she didn''t expect Glinda to actually visit her.


    Wendy hugged Glinda once more, grateful to have such a wonderful grandmother. "Wendy, how are you adjusting to vendale University? How''s school going? Have you made any friends?" Glinda asked with concern.


    At that moment, Halsey stepped forward with a sweet smile. "Hello!"


    Glinda stared at Halsey for a moment, confused. "Bebe...?"


    "Who''s Bebe? My name is Halsey Mallin! I''m Wendy''s roommate and best friend. Wendy is such a good girl here at school, and we all really like her!" Halsey winked at Glinda, hoping thetter wouldn''t reveal anything about her true identity.

 My Dad Please Come 132

    Glinda quickly understood. "Alright, alright. Now I can rx,"


    Wendy was over the moon. She hooked her arm through Glinda''s and said, "Grandma, you''re rarely out, so let me take you out and have some fun."


    Glinda''s face lit up with a smile. "That sounds wonderful! love going out and having fun."


    Wendy and Halsey took Glinda out to the main street, where they passed a milkshake shop.


    Halsey grinned. "Wendy, let''s grab a milkshake. They''ve got a new Taro vor, and it''s delicious!"


    Wendy nodded eagerly. "Sure."


    Glinda looked curiously at them. "You two are getting milkshakes?"


    Wendy knew that in some families, elders typically didn''t allow younger people to drink things like milkshakes. She quickly exined, "Grandma, actually, having a milkshake every once in a while isn''t bad for your health..."


    "Could you get me one too? I''d like to try it," Glinda suddenly said.


    Wendy froze in surprise. Glinda leaned over the milkshake counter, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I''ll have the strawberry milkshake with sprinkles. That looks so good!"


    Wendy and Halsey exchanged amused nces andughed.


    There was something refreshing about having a fashionable, fun-loving elder in the family.


    Wendy waved her hand. "Miss, one strawberry milkshake with sprinkles for my grandma, please!"


    At a five-star restaurant, the manager approached to greet Stanley and Jessica. "Mr. Hawk, Ms. Crone, please


    follow me."


    Stanley had brought Jessica here for a candlelit dinner.


    Stanley was dressed in a sharp ck suit, tall and dignified, while Jessica wore a beautiful, soft-looking silk dress, looking every bit the picture of elegance. They made a perfect couple.


    The restaurant was filled with the sound of a piano, creating a refined, romantic atmosphere.


    They were seated by the window, and the restaurant manager helped Jessica pull out her chair. She smiled warmly and said, ¡°Stanley, I heard that Wendy got into a fight at school today."


    When Stanley heard that, his face darkened slightly, his patience wearing thin. "Let''s not talk about her tonight."


    He didn''t want to discuss Wendy.


    Although Jessica hadn''t been able to use the fight as an excuse to get Wendy expelled from vendale University, she still felt satisfied with the way Stanley reacted.


    "Alright, I won''t bring her up again." Jessica lifted her wine ss. "To us, Stanley."


    Stanley didn''t want to think about Wendy, as the thought of her irritated him. He picked up his ss, ready to toast with Jessica.


    Just as their sses were about to touch, he paused.


    Through the polished ss windows of the restaurant, he saw something on the street outside. There was a milkshake shop across the road, and an elderly woman was holding a cup of strawberry milkshake with sprinkles, sipping it with such delight that her cheeks puffed out, as though she''d discovered a hidden treasure.


    Stanley''s eyes widened in disbelief. Wasn''t that his grandmother?


    The woman disappeared from his line of sight, and Stanley quickly denied it. No, it couldn''t have been her.


    Glinda was at the Hawk family''s estate. She hadn''t been out of the house for years. The woman outside didn''t dress like her, and there was no luxury car picking her up either.


    The most important detail was that Glinda had never, ever had milkshakes! "Stanley? Stanley, what''s wrong?" Jessica called.


    Stanley snapped back to reality. He figured his imagination had been ying tricks on him. He''d been so wrapped up in everything with Wendy that he was probably seeing things.


    He clinked sses with Jessica. "It''s nothing."


    Outside, Wendy had led Glinda away from the milkshake shop. The three of them


    soon stopped at a nearby location.


    It was a foot massage parlor!


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 133

    Glinda looked up at therge "Happy Foot Massage" sign and took a sip of her milkshake, curiosity piqued. "Wendy, what is this ce?"


    Wendy raised an eyebrow yfully and grinned. "They often say rxation is just


    a massage away. Grandma, Halsey, I''m treating you to a foot massage!"


    The three of them strutted inside with confidence, and the shop''s manager immediately greeted them warmly.


    Wendy said with a smile, "We''d like three male therapists, and make sure you send over your tallest and most handsome ones!"


    The manager responded eagerly, "Of course,dies. Right this way, please."


    Back at the restaurant, Stanley and Jessica were dining in the romantic ambiance of candlelight and piano music when Stanley''s phone suddenly vibrated. It was a call from the Hawk family''s estate.


    Stanley answered, and the frantic voice of the butler, Freddy, came through. "Hello, Mr. Hawk, something''s wrong!"


    Stanley''s face hardened. "What happened?"


    "Mrs. Glinda is missing!"


    What?


    "When did she go missing?" Stanley''s voice grew cold.


    "I went out for a while this afternoon. When I came back, Mrs. Glinda was gone... By the way, these past couple of days, Mrs. Glinda has been mentioning Mrs. Hawk a lot, asking if she''s okay at school, if anyone''s bothering her. Do you think she might have gone to find Mrs. Hawk?"


    Suddenly, Stanley remembered something. He looked up, his gaze shifting through the shining ss of the floor-to-ceiling windows to the milkshake shop across the street.


    It was very close to vendale University.


    The elderly woman he''d seen earlier, sipping on a milkshake, wasn''t just anyone- it was his grandmother!


    Stanley hung up the phone and stood up abruptly.


    Jessica looked confused. "Stanley, what''s wrong?"


    Stanley pressed his lips together. "Something''se up with my grandma. I can''t stay with you tonight. You''ll have to go home by yourself."


    He turned and walked away without another word.


    Seeing that the romantic dinner was ruined, Jessica felt a surge of anger. Was Glinda doing this on purpose?


    She had thought that after breaking the ice with Stanley, she could finally get closer to him, but once again, their time together was interrupted-yesterday by that Bebe character, and today, by Glinda!


    Stanley arrived at the foot massage shop soon after, where Zayn quietly reported, "Mr. Hawk, I''ve found out that Mrs. Hawk...brought Mrs. Glinda and Miss Halsey here."


    Stanley gazed up at the signboard with "Happy Foot Massage" written on it. "What kind of ce is this?"


    Zayn hesitated. "Um..."


    Stanley''s eyes narrowed. "Cat got your tongue?"


    Zayn wiped the sweat from his forehead. "They say rxation is just a massage away..."


    Stanley froze for a moment.


    So Wendy had brought Glinda and Bebe here for a foot massage?


    He clenched his jaw in disbelief.


    Stanley stormed into the building, his tall, imposing figure striding with purpose. The manager greeted him enthusiastically, "Hey, there, handsome. Are you here for a foot massage?" Before she could say anything else, a group of well-trained bodyguards in ck suits stormed in, blocking her. Stanley and Zayn walked past her, and every step he took sent amanding presence that turned heads. The manager stood stunned. This man was leagues ahead of their top therapist in looks and aura.


    Inside VIP Room 303, the bodyguards opened the door and stood aside. Stanley entered and saw the three of them: Wendy, Glinda, and Halsey. They were loungingfortably on the sofa, and in front of them were three tall, handsome male therapists, giving them foot massages. Wendy looked up, her face glowing with amusement. "Grandma, how''s the foot massage? Is it good?"

 My Dad Please Come 134

    Glinda took another sip of her milkshake, a satisfied smile spreading across her face.


    "It''s amazing."


    She then nced at the handsome young therapist in front of her. "How old are you?"


    The therapist smiled. "I''m 18."


    Glinda raised an eyebrow. "No wonder men, even when they''re 80, still like 18¨C year-olds. Turns out, even at 80, I like them too."


    Laughter echoed through the room.


    Wendy and Halsey chuckled, and the atmosphere was filled with the sound of three women enjoying themselves.


    Zayn, who had intended to go in and warn Wendy, paused. Hearing their


    conversation, he quickly turned and exited the room. Well, everyone had their way of living life¡ªhe supposed Wendy would have to deal with it on her


    own.


    Stanley stood in the doorway, his forehead tight with veins pulsing in irritation. An hour ago, he never would have imagined finding his grandmother holding a milkshake and getting a foot massage!


    A dark storm of anger surged through him, his eyes narrowing as his gaze locked onto the cause of his frustration -Wendy!


    What was she doing? Had she lost her mind?


    He had thought that their story hade to an end and they would start living their separate lives, but things seemed to be spiraling out of control as Wendy kept intruding on his life, turning everything upside down.


    Meanwhile, Wendy waspletely unaware of the tension. Shey backfortably on the sofa as the handsome male therapist worked his magic on her soft, pale feet. Perhaps the massage was just too soothing, as her adorable toes wiggled yfully, like a little kitten enjoying herself.


    Stanley could hardly believe his eyes. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, and he found himselfughing in disbelief. He''d once grabbed her delicate little feet in the girls'' dormitory, and she had yanked them back in shock, hiding them under her skirt.


    She was such a hypocrite.


    Just then, Halsey spotted Stanley standing in the doorway, and her eyes widened


    in panic. She immediately sat up, stammering, ¡°M¨CMr. Hawk?!"


    Glinda, too, froze, her milkshake cup stiff in her hand. "Stanley?"


    Wendy, who had been lyingfortably with a sleep mask on, suddenly froze. "Stanley? He would nevere to such a ce. He''s at a five-star restaurant having a candlelit dinner with Jessica."


    Before she could say another word, arge,manding hand reached out and yanked off her sleep mask. Stanley''s cold, handsome face loomed in front of her. Stanley...?


    Wendy gasped in shock, her eyes wide with disbelief.


    Stanley''s voice was as cold as ice as he seethed, "Put on your shoes and get out, now!"


    Wendy scrambled off the couch, tumbling to her feet. Momentster, she, Glinda, and Halsey were standing in the


    4


    hallway, lined up in front of Stanley like children awaiting scolding.


    The three of them exchanged nervous nces, heads hung low like they were about to be punished.


    Stanley''s piercing gaze swept over all of them, his voice a low growl.


    Whose idea was this?"


    Glinda and Halsey both silently pointed at Wendy, who was standing in the middle.


    Wendy sighed inwardly, thinking she was done for. At the worst possible moment, not one of them could be counted on.


    Halsey quickly muttered, "Mr. Hawk, I just remembered I have homework to do. I should head back to school."


    With that, Halsey turned and left.


    Glinda smiled awkwardly. "Stanley, it''s gettingte. I need to go home. Zayn,


    would you mind giving me a ride?"


    And with that, Glinda was gone too.


    Suddenly, the hallway was left with only Stanley and Wendy.


    Wendy raised her clear, bright eyes to look at the storm brewing in Stanley''s gaze.


    "Mr. Hawk, I guess I''ll head out as well."


    But before she could take a step, his strong hand shot out and grabbed her


    delicate wrist, pulling her back. His voice was low and menacing as he growled, "Did I say you could leave?"


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 135

    Chapter 135 Chapter 135


    Stanley didn''t say Wendy could leave, but she really didn''t want to stay. She tried to pull her wrist away from his firm grip.


    But Stanley''s long, slender fingers tightened around her wrist, pulling her along with him.


    "Stanley, what are you doing? Let go of me! Where are you taking me?"


    His strides were long, forcing Wendy to stumble as she tried to keep up with him.


    He dragged her out of the foot massage parlor and shoved her into his Rolls Royce Phantom. Half an hourter, the car stopped in front of Hawk Group''s office building, and he pulled her inside.


    The employees in the tech department were workingte that night. They were just about to grab a cup of coffee when they saw their intimidating CEO walking in with a stunningly beautiful Wendy.


    The employees'' exhaustion instantly vanished, reced by wide-eyed surprise. "Mr. Hawk?"


    Stanley didn''t even spare them a nce as he dragged Wendy into his office.


    The staff immediately erupted into whispers. "Is that Mrs. Hawk? Oh my god! She''s stunning!"


    Someone snapped a photo of Wendy and sent it to thepany''s internal chat group, causing an uproar.


    "Is this the one who caused Mr. Hawk to be called to the school after she got involved in a fight?"


    "She''s so much prettier than Jessica."


    "Well, that''s why she''s Mrs. Hawk, and Jessica is just...Jessica."


    "Looks like Mrs. Hawk has caused trouble again. Mr. Hawk looks pissed. He''s probably about to give her an earful.


    11


    "They''re the perfect couple! I''m obsessed!"


    In the CEO''s office, Stanley tossed Wendy inside. He yanked at the tie around his neck, his movements rough and full of tension. "Wendy, exin yourself!"


    He wanted answers.


    Wendy felt guilty and unsure of how she ended up in this situation. Why had she been caught when he was supposed to be out having a romantic dinner with Jessica?


    Seeing her silent, Stanley stepped closer, his tall frame towering over her. He breathed heavily, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he sneered, "Did you take Grandma out for a milkshake?"


    He was listing her supposed offenses.


    Wendy immediately denied it. "No, we didn''t drink any milkshakes.¡±


    As Stanley watched her lying through her teeth, his breathing became intense. "Did you take Grandma for a foot massage?"


    "I...


    "Wendy, I''ve really underestimated you. What else are you capable of? It''s bad enough you can''t b but now you''ve corrupted Grandma and Halsey too!"


    e yourself,


    His shout made Wendy''s fragile shoulders tremble. She lifted her chin defiantly, meeting his gaze with her own."


    Why are you shouting? I haven''t said a word about your affair with Jessica. So what if I brought them for a foot massage?"


    She even dared to talk back!


    Stanley shoved her, forcing her slender back to crash against the cold ss of the floor-to-ceiling window. His powerful body pressed in on her, his hand pinning her against the window.


    With a sudden, firm movement, he grabbed her throat, his eyes burning with rage. "Wendy, you''re asking for it!" Wendy felt her breath catch in her throat as she began to panic, pping at hisrge hand. "Let go of me..."


    Stanley''s gaze locked onto her delicate, angelic face, his anger boiling. How dare she stir up his life and mess with his emotions?


    And she didn''t look sorry at all!


    His grip tightened, and Wendy began to feel light-headed. She feared she wouldn''t be able to breathe much longer. Was he really going to strangle her?


    She knew he didn''t have feelings for her, but did he hate her so much now?


    Wendy didn''t want to die. Desperate and feeling suffocated, Wendy rose onto her tiptoes, pressing her lips softly against Stanley''s, kissing him.


    Stanley''s tall body went rigid in shock.


    Wendy''s soft, warm lips lingered on his, then parted slightly as she kissed him again, tracing the line of his cold, thin lips.

 My Dad Please Come 136

    Stanley couldn''t remember thest time he kissed Wendy.


    All he knew now was that the sensation from the kiss was making his whole body tingle, as if he were being jolted by electricity. At that moment, she boldly prated his defenses, soft and teasing, like a kitten''s paw swiping around a little before finally pulling him in with a gentle but irresistible tug.


    Stanley felt a surge of heat race from his spine to his brain. it was as if she had stolen his very soul.


    He breathed heavily, his weight pressing down on her, his body hovering over hers.


    When he realized his body seemed to remember her touch, he wanted to curse.


    He hadn''t been with Jessica. Physically, at his age, he needed some passion, but he had always been emotionally. distant and never thought much of it.


    But since he met Wendy, especially that stormy night when they had a taste of each other, it had opened a door he didn''t know was there. Now, every time he touched her, that same craving came rushing back, awakening a hunger in him he couldn''t ignore.


    It was a terrible feeling.


    Stanley reluctantly pulled his hand away from her delicate neck, allowing Wendy to take a deep breath of fresh air.


    His weight was crushing her. Wendy pushed against his broad chest, trying to get him off her. "Stanley, let go of me!"


    Stanley''s eyes, sharp and bloodshot at the corners, narrowed as he propped himself up against the window, gazing down at her. "Are you sure you didn''t drink a milkshake?"


    He could still taste the sweetness on her lips.


    Wendy immediately covered her mouth with her hand.


    "Milkshakes are made with artificial sweeteners. They''re bad for you..."


    "These days, most milkshakes are homemade; they''re not that bad. Having one won''t hurt Grandma."


    Her lips tasted sweet, and there was also a faint milky scent. He wasn''t sure if it was the milkshake or if she was just naturally sweet.


    Wendy had a youthful energy to her that Jessica, with all her refinement,cked.


    Stanley didn''t speak. His gaze dropped to Wendy''s lips, still shiny and red from the kiss, then shifted to her eyes.


    What was he doing?


    She had kissed him in a moment of panic, not because she had meant it. She had simply wanted to escape, nothing


    more.


    Did he want to kiss her again?


    The way he was looking at her now-it was so intense, so captivating.


    It made him look exceptionally charming.


    Wendy suddenly crouched down, sliding from under his arm. She stepped back two paces, putting distance, between them.


    As soon as she moved away, the charged atmosphere that had surrounded them broke, the heat dissipating into the air.


    Stanley stood up straight, trying to regain hisposure.


    Wendy, keeping her distance, finally said, "Mr. Hawk, I''ve learned my lesson. If there''s nothing else, I''ll head back to school."


    "I haven''t told you that you can leave yet."


    Just then, a soft knock came at the door, followed by Zayn entering, carrying a stack of papers. "Mr. Hawk, here are the five sets of exam papers you requested."


    Exams papers?


    Stanley tossed the papers into Wendy''sp. "From now on, you''re going to study hard. You''re going to finish these papers tonight."


    Wendy stared at the heavy stack in disbelief. Was he serious? Was he really asking her toplete these exam papers?


    Did he know who she was?


    She was determined to make him aughingstock tomorrow.


    But tonight, she had no choice. She had no way to fight back


    Wendy sat down and began working on the papers.


    Stanley didn''t look at her again. He sat down in his ck leather chair, focusing


    on the documents he had to review.


    An hour passed without either of them noticing. The darkness of the night had fully descended. Stanley nced up, only to see that Wendy had fallen asleep, her head resting on the table.


    She had fallen asleep again?


    Stanley walked over. When he saw the papers she had worked on, he froze in ce...

 My Dad Please Come 137

    All five sets werepleted.


    Stanley quickly grabbed the papers and scanned through them. Wendy''s neat, delicate handwriting filled the pages, and every answer was correct.


    How was this possible?


    Stanley was stunned. She had finished five full exams in an hour, and each one was a perfect score.


    How did she do it?


    Stanley looked suspiciously at the sleeping Wendy, then called out, "Zayn."


    The office door opened, and Zayn walked in. ¡°Mr. Hawk, what can I do for you?"


    "Zayn, I can''t believe you pulled something like this right under my nose!"


    Zayn looked confused. "Mr. Hawk, what did I do?"


    Stanley mmed the papers down onto the desk. "You secretly let Wendy copy the answers!"


    Zayn froze. "What? No, Mr. Hawk! I did no such thing!"


    Stanley wasn''t interested in hearing Zayn''s exnation. To him, an exnation was just an excuse. There was no way Wendy could have finished five perfect exams in one hour, unless Zayn had given her the answers.


    "You won''t get paid this month. Don''t let it happen again. Get out!"


    Zayn hung his head, feelingpletely wronged, and walked out.


    Stanley had originally nned to wake Wendy up and lecture her properly, but seeing her sleeping so peacefully and with the time alreadyte, he decided against it. Instead, he gently lifted Wendy in his arms and carried her to his lounge.


    He had been sleeping in the lounge these past few days, and now heid Wendy on his bed.


    He tried to leave, but Wendy suddenly reached out, wrapped her arms around his neck, and pulled him down onto the bed with her.


    After several days apart, they were sleeping in the same bed again.


    Wendy''s soft, warm body nestled against his chest as her little hands gripped his neck. She found afortable spot in his embrace and drifted back to sleep.


    Stanley stiffened, not used to having her so close again after a few days apart. She was still the same-clingy.


    She was holding onto him so tightly.


    Stanley tried to pull her hands off him. "Wendy, let go. We can''t sleep together."


    Jessica didn''t allow him to share a bed with Wendy.


    Wendy didn''t respond at all.


    Stanley couldn''t pull her hand away. His handsome features showed a hint of helplessness and frustration.


    Soon, drowsiness began to overtake him. He gently ced his hand on Wendy''s delicate shoulder, pulled her closer, and closed his eyes.


    At that moment, his phone, which had been resting on the Bedside table, lit up. It was a call from Jessica.


    Jessica was calling him.


    But since Stanley had already set the phone to silent earlier the call kept ringing without an answer.


    The next morning, Stanley slowly opened his eyes, stirring awake.


    Wendy''s soft body was still in his arms. She hadn''t woken up yet.


    Stanley nced at the time-it was almost 8:00 AM. He couldn''t believe howte he had slept.


    Usually, he was up by 6:00 AM, but when he slept next to Wendy, the quality of sleep was so good that he tended to sleep in.


    He carefully tried to move his arm, wanting to get up.


    As soon as he made a move, Wendy clung to him, refusing to let him get out of bed.


    Stanley looked down at her soft, pale face. "Wendy, I need to get up and work."


    Wendy buried her face in his chest, wriggling a little in displeasure, and let out a small,ining sound. Hmm!"


    Her girlish pout was like a soft "no", and it sounded so sweet.


    Stanley rolled his throat andy back down on the bed, almost absentmindedly.


    He hadn''t known she could act so


    coy.


    Her acting like this made his muscles tense up in response.

 My Dad Please Come 138

    But he really did need to get up.


    Stanley gently pulled his arm away from Wendy and climbed out of bed.


    He went into the bathroom for a cold shower, then dressed quickly in a ck shirt and ck trousers. As he walked into his office, he froze.


    There was already a beautiful figure in his officeJessica had arrived.


    Jessica turned to look at him, a sly smile curling on her red lips. "Stanley, did you just get up?"


    It was already 8:00 AM, and Jessica had never seen him sleep in sote before. Stanley hesitated. He hadn''t expected Jessica to be here so early.


    Just then, Zayn hurried into the office. "Mr. Hawk, I just came from the marketing department. I didn''t know Ms. Jessica had already arrived..."


    Zayn knew thatst night, Stanley had slept in the longue with Wendy, who was now probably still in the bed. Now, Jessica was here. This was awkward.


    Would the two women end up fighting over Stanley? Would they start pulling each other''s hair?


    Zayn didn''t even dare to look at Stanley''s face.


    Jessica, with her sharp intuition, quickly sensed something was off. "What''s going on? Am I not allowed in here?" Her gaze shifted toward the lounge. "Stanley, you didn''t hide some woman in there, did you? Afraid I''d find out?"


    She started walking toward the door of the lounge.


    But Stanley, his tall frame blocking her path, stood in front of the door to stop her from going inside.


    "Stanley, why won''t you let me in? I called you so many timesst night, but you didn''t answer. And now, you''re up thiste. Were you sleeping with someone else?"


    Faced with Jessica''s usation, Stanley frowned slightly. He parted his lips, his deep, smooth voice steady and unflustered. "Jessica, please leave."


    Was he telling her to leave? Why should she?


    She was determined to find out who was hiding in the lounge!


    Jessica pushed against Stanley with all her strength, and shoved the door open.


    Zayn was silently panicking, thinking this was the end.


    Jessica stormed into the room, but then froze almost immediately.


    Stanley followed her inside, his gaze moving toward the bed. Therge bed was now empty. Wendy was nowhere to be seen.


    Wendy, who had been sleeping there just moments ago, was gone.


    The lounge waspletely empty.


    Zayn felt confused, too. Where had Wendy gone?


    But with the tension easing, he quickly stepped in to smooth things over. "Ms. Jessica, you''ve misunderstood Mr. Hawk. He workedtest night and has a meeting soon...""


    Just then, there was a knock on the door. The department manager entered, holding a stack of files. "Mr. Hawk, here are some documents you need to sign."


    Jessica''s doubts were instantly put to rest. She realized she might have been overthinking. Stanley wouldn''t have another woman behind her back. She was just too afraid of losing him.


    Jessica nced at Stanley apologetically. "Stanley, I''m sorry. I''ll step out now so you can handle your work."


    And with that, Jessica left..


    Stanley watched her leave, her graceful figure disappearing from view, before walking into the now-empty lounge.


    Had Wendy left?


    No, that couldn''t be right. There was only one exit.


    Stanley''s sharp eyes scanned the lounge beforending on his wardrobe.


    The wardrobe door was closed, but it seemed like someone was hiding inside.

 Dad Please Come 139

    Stanley reached for the wardrobe door and opened it. Inside he found Wendy.


    She was curled up in the corner of the wardrobe, her small frame tucked in tightly. Her long, ck hair fell in soft waves. When the door opened, her sleepy, clear eyes, still heavy with sleep, snapped up at him like that of a startled ''deer.


    At that moment, she looked so vulnerable, almost like a secret lover hiding from the wife, forcing her to flee from his bed and hide in his wardrobe so that she wouldn''t get caught.


    Stanley furrowed his brow. "What are you doing hiding in here?"


    Wendy had just woken up; the sound of Jessica''s voice outside startled her from her sleep. When she opened her eyes, she realized she was in his lounge, in Stanley''s bed. She couldn''t remember how she''d ended up there; thest thing she remembered was falling asleep at the desk.


    With Jessica about to burst in and confront her, Wendy had panicked and crawled into the wardrobe.


    She looked at Stanley and asked softly, "Has Jessica left?"


    Stanley didn''t answer.


    Wendy tilted her head back slightly, her lips curving into a yful grin. ¡°I saw Jessicaing, so I hid. Mr. Hawk, don''t you think I''m a good girl?"


    Stanley remained silent. Good girl? More like the opposite.


    Wendy then attempted to stand, but after being cramped in the wardrobe for so long, her legs had gone numb. She tumbled forward, copsing onto the carpet.


    Stanley''srge, strong hand shot out just in time, catching her slender arm and steadying her.


    Wendy rubbed her numb leg, still trying to regain feeling. Thanks, Mr. Hawk."


    Stanley watched her, his gaze lingering as she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, revealing a delicate profile. His lips pressed together, and in a low voice, he uttered, "Next time, if a man doesn''t tell you to hide, you don''t need to sneak off. Understand?"


    Wendy shivered at his words. Did he really think she wanted to hide?


    She was his wife. Jessica was the one who didn''t belong here.


    Wendy thought it was pathetic, hiding like that. She had to admit, it felt absurd.


    "I was afraid Jessica might hit me."


    Stanley let out a sharpugh. "You''re worried you can''t win in a fight against her?"


    She had pinned Paul down and knocked him around, and now she was worried about Jessica?


    Wendy lifted her gaze to meet his. "I can win, but I''m afraid you''d help her.". Stanley froze.


    It wasn''t that Wendy was afraid of Jessica-she was afraid he''d help Jessica,


    Wendy''s clear, dark eyes locked onto his handsome face as he asked with a serious tone, ¡°If Jessica and I really did get into a fight one day, who would you help?"


    Stanley stared at her, silent.


    It was clear-his silence said everything. He''d help Jessica


    Jessica was the one he cherished. He had given her so much confidence that she, a homewrecker, could prance around like she was the legitimate wife.


    Wendy slowly and firmly pulled her arm back from his grasp.


    Stanley''s hand dropped to his side.


    Wendy, confused, asked, ¡°Mr. Hawk, how did I end up in your lounge?"


    Stanley''s face remained emotionless. "You fell asleep at the deskst night. When you woke up, you ran straight to my lounge and shamelessly slept in my bed."


    What?


    Wendy gasped, unable to believe what she was hearing.


    "Wait,st night... Did I sleep alone, or did I...sleep with you?"


    Her wide, innocent eyes were filled with genuine confusion She clearly didn''t remember how she had ended up clinging to his neck, pressing herself into his embrace.


    Since she didn''t remember, Stanley thought it was best to forget as well. After all, what had happenedst night had been an ident.


    Stanley smirked, a mocking curve to his lips.


    "Wendy, what are you expecting? Do you think I would sleep with you? No, I slept on the couchst night."

 My Dad Please Come 140

    Wendy stood there, speechless.


    She hadn''t expected anything from him. She knew he would never sleep with her-Jessica forbade him.


    Even so, she felt that there was no need to humiliate her like this.


    "Stanley, you really hate me that much, huh? Fine. I''ll never show up in front of you again."


    With that, she turned and walked away, leaving the room.


    The two of them parted on a sour note.


    Stanley''s face remained stormy as he entered his office and began sorting through urgent papers.


    Before long, Jessica walked in. "Stanley, when are we heading to vendale University? Dr. Cen is giving a lecture today, and we''ll finally get to see the doctor in person."


    Jessica had congenital heart disease, and Dr. Cen was herst hope.


    After two failed attempts, Dr. Cen was finally making an appearance today, and Jessica couldn''t contain her excitement.


    Stanley remembered Dr. Cen well-he was curious about the healer who was both a medical genius and a mystery.


    Finishing thest document, he stood up. "Let''s go to vendale University."


    When Wendy arrived at vendale University, the entire campus was buzzing with excitement. Banners were hung everywhere, reading, [Wee, Dr. Cen!] Several local TV stations had arrived, cameras in hand, eager to get an exclusive interview with Dr. Cen.


    The lecture had be the event of the day, drawing in crowds from all over. Wendy nced at the time-it was almost time for the lecture to begin. She had to head backstage.


    Just then, Trish and Sienna spotted her.


    Trish immediately scowled and barked, "Wendy, what are you doing wandering around? Do you even know what today is? Dr. Cen ising today! We''ve all been awake the whole night in anticipation, waiting right here. Are you trying to mess things up, disturb Dr. Cen, and embarrass vendale University?"


    Sienna sneered, "Trish, why are you wasting your breath? Wendy will probably just fall asleep during the lecture, like always."


    Wendy didn''t know how to respond, so she decided to keep quiet.


    Just then, Jessica''s voice rang out. "What are you all doing here?"


    Wendy looked up to see Jessica approaching, with Stanley by her side-a tall, handsome figure.


    Sienna smiled brightly. "Stanley, Jessica, you made it!"


    Jessica smiled warmly. "Stanley and I came to watch Dr. Cen''s lecture."


    Stanley and Jessica were also there for Dr. Cen, just like everyone else. Today, everyone was there to see the


    doctor.


    The moment Stanley appeared, Trish''s sparkling eyes locked onto him. She smiled and greeted him, ¡°Mr. Hawk, hello."


    Stanley gave a brief nod, and his cold, piercing gaze shifted toward Wendy.


    Wendy quickly averted her eyes, unwilling to make eye contact.


    Jessica looked around. "What were you all talking about just now?"


    19


    Sienna replied, "Oh, we were just talking about Wendy-"


    At that moment, Cyril''s voice echoed from the lecture hall. "Dr. Cen is about to arrive! The lecture is starting. Please take your seats."


    The lecture was about to begin!


    Trish quickly added, "Let''s not waste time on Wendy anymore. We should hurry and see Dr. Cen."


    Jessica cast a dismissive nce at Wendy and then linked her arm with Stanley''s. "Stanley, let''s go see Dr. Cen."


    Stanley showed no emotion as he led Jessica, Trish, and Sienna toward the lecture hall.


    Wendy was left standing alone, feeling as though they truly didn''t want to waste any more time on her.


    Right then, her phone buzzed with a new message.


    It was Cyril.


    [Dr. Cen, have you arrived?]


    Wendy smirked and replied, [I''m here.]

 My Dad Please Come 141

    Wendy made her way backstage. She had asked Cyril to clear the area, so she was alone in the room.


    She sat in front of the vanity, her long, jet-ck hair tied up in a low ponytail, exposing her delicate, swan-like neck. She then applied a light touch of makeup, adding ayer of lipstick.


    She rarely wore makeup-her face, naturally fair and youthful, already had an angelic look. Now, with just a hint of makeup, her beauty became even more striking.


    Outside, she could hear Cyril''s voice. "Good morning, everyone."


    Wendy stood up and reached out to lift the corner of the stage curtain. The massive lecture hall was packed, with rows upon rows of people filling the whole ce. This highly anticipated event was standing room only.


    The sound of camera shutters clicking echoed through the room.


    Cyril stood at the podium, speaking into the microphone. "We''ve gathered here today for..."


    The crowd cheered in unison, "Dr. Cen!"


    Cyril smiled and nodded. "That''s right. It is our great honor to have Dr. Cen with us here at vendale University for today''s lecture."


    Wendy scanned the crowd below. In the front row, she spotted Stanley sitting in the prime seat-tall, regal, his face as cold as ever. To his left were Jessica and Trish, and to his right sat the deputy dean and the head of the various faculties. No matter where he was, Stanley was always at the center.


    Cyril was practically bouncing with excitement as he chirped into the mic, "Alright, let''s wee Dr. Cen!"


    It was time for her to make her entrance.


    Wendy had been gone for three years, during which time she had lived as Mrs. Hawk. But now, she was returning as Dr. Cen.


    She couldn''t help but wonder what Stanley, Jessica, Trish, and Sienna''s reactions would be when they saw her. It was sure to be an unforgettable moment.


    Wendy prepared to step out onto the stage.


    But just as she was about to move, a sharp pain shot through the back of her neck. A heavy blow had struck her.


    The world went dark as she copsed to the ground.


    Meanwhile, in the lecture hall, Stanley sat at the front, with Jessica excitedly whispering, "Stanley, we''re finally going to meet Dr. Cen!"


    The stage curtain slowly began to draw back, and Stanley''s sharp gaze flicked over to the stage. But to his surprise, there was no one there.


    No Dr. Cen.


    A murmur of confusion spread through the crowd.


    Trish gasped. "Where''s Dr. Cen? What''s going on?"


    Cyril was equally stunned. He had just received a message from Dr. Cen, who imed to have arrived backstage. moments ago. Where had the doctor gone?


    Where had Dr. Cen disappeared to?


    "Everyone, please stay calin," Cyril said, trying to regain control of the situation.


    But the audience was in a frenzy, whispering among themselves. Just then, Stanley''s phone buzzed. It was an iing call from Halsey.


    Stanley stepped out of the lecture hall to answer. Halsey''s frantic voice came through the line. "Stanley, I have bad news! It''s about Wendy!"


    Stanley''s lips tightened into a cold, angry line. "What did she do this time?"


    "I saw Wendy being knocked unconscious and dragged away. I couldn''t catch up with the car, but I saw that it was Paul''s people. Paul took Wendy!"


    What? Paul took Wendy?


    First, she had been abducted by that scumbag George a few days ago, and now she was in the hands of the notorious yboy, Paul?


    How was she attracting all these men?


    Stanley felt a sharp pain in his chest, a mix of anger and frustration. It seemed like every day, there was something else going wrong with her. He could never have a peaceful moment.


    "Stanley, you need to find Wendy now! I think Mr. Paul is interested in her. If you don''t hurry, you''ll lose your wife!" Halsey gasped for air as she spoke.


    She was looking for Wendy when she saw Wendy getting dragged into a car. Halsey tried to chase after it, but to no avail.


    Stanley, silent, hung up the phone.


    Just then, Zayn walked up. "Mr. Hawk, should we block the roads like we didst time?"

 My Dad Please Come 142

    Stanley''s expression was ice-cold. "Paul''s car has free rein in Hovendale. Blocking the roads won''t work-we won''t make it in time."


    "What should we do, Mr. Hawk?"


    Stanley pulled out his phone and dialed Paul''s father, Frank


    The Hawks and Andrews had a long-standing rtionship, and he was acquainted with the old man.


    The call connected quickly, and Frank''s voice came through "Stanley? What a surprise-why are you calling me?" Stanley''s grip on his phone tightened, his voice sharp andmanding. "Your son kidnapped someone under my protection. Think carefully-does he have any private vis in the outskirts?"


    In a private vi on the outskirts, Wendy slowly opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was the extravagant design of the roomvish furnishings and expensive decor.


    Where was she?


    She bolted upright in bed.


    "Wendy, you''re awake?" A man''s voice rang out.


    Wendy turned sharply and saw Paul standing nearby. Her dark eyes instantly narrowed. "Paul? What are you doing?"


    She had nned to return today as Dr. Cen, but instead, Paul had abducted her and brought her here. Paul smirked. "What do you think I''m doing? That day, you beat me up so badly-shouldn''t we settle that score?" He had never suffered such humiliation. There was no way he could just let it go!


    Wendy''s fingers subtly moved to her waist, but her face changed when she realized something. She had changed outfits backstage, and she was now wearing a sleeveless white dress. She hadn''t brought her silver needles or medicinal powder.


    Paul suddenly sat down on the bed beside her. "Wendy, I''ll give you two choices. You can either grovel and apologize to me, or..."


    His gaze lingered on her delicate, doll-like face. With her makeup on, she looked even more breathtaking- stunning enough to make his heart race.


    Wendy edged back warily. "Or what?"


    Paul''s lips curved up. "Or you be my girlfriend. If you agree, then I''ll just chalk what happened that day up to yful flirting between lovers."


    He was trying this again-asking her to be his girlfriend.


    Wendy didn''t hesitate. "That''s not happening."


    Paul''s expression darkened. "Wendy, don''t be so stubborn, Do you know how


    many women would kill for a chance to be with me?"


    Wendy had no intention of wasting another second on him. Without another word, she jumped off the bed and bolted for the door.


    s, she didn''t make it.


    Paul grabbed her and shoved her back onto the bed. "Wendy, if I can''t have your heart, then I''ll take your body instead!"


    He pinned her down, his hands roughly pulling at her dress.


    "No! Let go of me!" Wendy struggled with all her strength, her nails digging into his neck and leaving a deep scratch.


    She was a wild one indeed.


    Paul, now even more fired up, pped her across the face-hard.


    Smack!


    The force of the blow sent stars bursting in Wendy''s vision. A metallic taste filled her mouth, and blood trickled from the corner of her lips.


    Paul quickly stripped off his shirt and unbuckled his belt. The sight of the girl beneath him¡ªher fair skin glowing under the light, her delicate arms and slender legs-made his breathing grow heavy. Even with all the women he had been with, he knew this one was different.


    He pushed her skirt up and forced her legs apart. "Wendy, I''m in love with you. Just be mine!"


    Wendy let out a bloodcurdling scream. "Ahhh!"

 My Dad Please Come 143

    Wendy was truly terrified now. Anyone would react with fear when faced with physical assault, and she was no exception.


    "Let go of me! Get away from me! Ah!"


    Wendy struggled to escape, but just then, the door to the room was kicked open with a loud bang.


    Stanley had arrived.


    37


    He walked in quickly, grabbing Paul by the cor and yanking him off Wendy. Without a second thought, he threw a solid punch right into Paul''s face.


    Paul crashed to the floor, but Stanley wasn''t done. He gave Paul a second punch, followed by a third...


    Paul''s face was soon covered in blood.


    Wendy sat up, calling out his name. ¡°Stanley... Stanley..."


    Stanley left Paul lying on the ground and rushed to Wendy''s side. She was trembling, clearly shaken.


    Stanley''s eyes scanned her, and the sight nearly stopped his heart. There was a red, swollen handprint on her cheek from where Paul had pped her. Her skirt had been pushed up so high that her pale thighs were exposed, marked with red bruises where Paul had gripped her. The sight of her being so brutally vited left Stanley seething with fury.


    He had walked in to find Paul on top of her, her legs spread wide. The image of that had made his blood boil.


    Stanley''s voice was low and tense as he asked, "Did he assault you?"


    Wendy''s pale eyes filled with tears. "No..."


    "Are you sure? Let me check."


    Stanley lifted her skirt just enough to reveal her white underwear. There was no sign of assault.


    Relief washed over him, but the anger still gnawed at him. He wanted to get up and beat Paul senseless.


    But Wendy reached out, her arms locking around him, holding him tightly. "Stanley, please, don''t. I just want to leave here. Take me away."


    Paul, bloodied and lying on the carpet, was barely conscious now. His eyes were unfocused, and Stanley knew that. if he kept hitting him, he could die.


    Stanley took a deep breath, controlling his rage. He then wrapped his ck coat around Wendy, holding her close as he carried her out of the room.


    Thirty minutester, the Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up to Saville Vi. Stanley carried Wendy into the master bedroom, then gently ced her in the spacious bathtub.


    He turned on the hot water, filling the tub.


    Wendy was freezing, her skin as cold as ice. Her face was pale, and only when the warm water surrounded her did she begin to feel some warmth return to her body.


    His cold, harsh voice interrupted the silence. "You''re wearing inakeup?"


    Wendy looked up, meeting Stanley''s gaze. His ck shirt sleeves were rolled up, revealing muscr forearms and an expensive wristwatch. The hem of his trousers was damp, but the soft champagne-colored light around them made him look even more like a distinguished, mature man


    His eyes were fixed on her, sharp with anger and mockery. "You even put on lipstick?"


    Wendy, still shivering, opened her mouth to speak. ¡°I.....¡±


    Stanley stood there with his hands on his hips, his expression full of frustration and anger.


    "Today, Dr. Cen was supposed to give a lecture. All the students went to hear it. And you dressed up like this? It''s like you were begging for Paul to take you."


    Wendy didn''t know how to respond.


    She had barely calmed down after the terrifying ordeal, and now she felt nothing but a deep sense of injustice. Her eyes filled with tears, the moisture reflecting the dim light. Soon,rge droplets began to fall from hershes, sshing into the tub below.


    She cried.


    Stanley froze, hisrge frame going rigid. "Wendy, why are you crying? Don''t think for a second that your tears are going to make everything okay!"


    The tears kepting, each one heavier than thest, sshing into the water below.


    +

 My Dad Please Come 144

    Wendy cried uncontrobly, her voice breaking with emotion.


    "You''re always so angry with me... Why does it matter if I put on makeup or wear lipstick? Jessica does it every day, and you never yell at her... If she had been the one taken, you''d be hugging her, calling her ''babe''... You just hate me, don''t you? Why do you hate me so much?"


    Her sobs were raw and desperate, her delicate shoulders trembling with each breath. Her eyes were swollen and red, her nose pink, like a rose about to bloom, and tears fell in sparkling drops, endlessly streaming down her face.


    Stanley''s expression shifted, his face turning pale. He quickly crouched down beside her, his hand reaching out." Wendy, please, stop crying."


    She hardly ever cried in front of him. The only time he''d seen her cry before was


    in her sleep, when she had sobbed out for her mother to stay.


    This was the second time, and it was because of him.


    He couldn''t bear to see her in tears.


    Stanley gently wiped a tear from her cheek. "Jessica wears makeup and lipstick, but you''re not like her..."


    Wendy had a natural, pure beauty-like a fairy. When she wore makeup, it only made her more striking, especially the red lipstick. Her lips, painted a soft cherry, looked like a ripe peach-sensual, tempting.


    Jessica could wear makeup and lipstick without a problem.


    But for Wendy, it seemed like it always led to trouble.


    She was different from Jessica.


    Wendy''s tears didn''t stop. Instead, they kepting, and as he wiped them away, more fell. Her eyes, glossy with unshed tears, red at him, filled with frustration and hurt


    "You don''t have to exin. You''re just biased. Jessica is perfect, and I''m not."


    Stanley wasn''t used toforting girls, and now he found himself lost. Why were there so many tears?


    He softened his tone, his voice low and raspy with regret. "Wendy, I''m sorry. I shouldn''t have been so harsh. Please, stop crying."


    But Wendy''s tears didn''t slow. She couldn''t understand why Stanley hated her so much.


    Then, in a mix of anger and sorrow, Wendy bit down on his firm wrist.


    This time, she didn''t bite hard, and Stanley didn''t feel any pain.


    He didn''t say anything. He was willing to let her bite him if it meant she''d stop crying.


    Wendy released him, sniffing and wiping her nose, and then asked softly, "Does it hurt?"


    Stanley wasn''t sure how other men would react to a partner like Wendy-one who would angrily bite you in frustration and then, in the next moment, feel sorry for you and ask if it hurt.


    He wasn''t sure what other men would do, but at that moment, his heart felt like it was melting.


    He had always known Wendy was trying to seduce him.


    And, truth be told, he liked it.


    Wendy''s way of tempting him was something he weed. He had always been drawn to it.


    Stanley looked at her, his gaze deep and intense, and shook his head. "No, it doesn''t.".


    Wendy wrapped her slender arms around herself. "I want to take a shower. Please, leave."


    Stanley stood and walked out of the shower.


    Momentster, Zayn entered the room. "Mr. Hawk, Mr. Andrews is here. He knows the situation isn''t good, and now he''s heard that Mr. Paul is in your hands. He''s here to get him back."


    Stanley''s face was expressionless, his lips curling into a cold smile. "Tell him to wait in the study."


    In the study, Frank and Urs were already waiting.


    Frank looked at Stanley, his voice sincere but with an underlying urgency. "Stanley, this is all Paul''s fault. He must have lost his mind to mess with your wife. I''m here to apologize on his behalf. But you know how it is-the Andrews family only has one heir. Stanley, you''re like family to us. Considering the long-standing friendship between the Hawk and Andrews families, I''m asking you to release my son."

 My Dad Please Come 145

    Stanley stood tall by the floor-to-ceiling windows, his long legs and imposing figure casting a shadow in the room. His cold, dark eyes seemed as if they were pools of ink-deep, distant, and dangerous.


    "Do you think this can be solved with just an apology? You should leave."


    Urs''s eyes filled with tears, and she begged, her voice trembling, "Stanley, please, I''m begging you! When you were a child, we used to hold you. Paul''s our only child, so please let him go. I swear we will discipline him properly from now on."


    Stanley didn''t flinch. His voice was cold as he gave the order. "Zayn, show them out."


    Zayn immediately gestured toward the door, his voice polite but firm. "Mr. and Mrs. Andrews, please follow me."


    Frank''s face turned red with anger. "Stanley, are you really going to be this heartless? Just because of a girl like Wendy? I''ve done my research-Wendy''s just some country girl with poor grades! Is she worth it? You''re willing to tear apart the rtionship between the Hawk and Andrews families for someone like her?"


    Stanley didn''t respond, only giving Zayn a brief nce.


    Zayn stepped forward, his expression neutral. "Mr. and Mrs. Andrews, would you prefer to leave on your own, or should I have someone escort you out?"


    Frank''s fury red. "You little... Fine, we''ll leave on our own!"


    Frank and Urs stormed out of Saville Vi. Once they were outside, Frank''s anger exploded.


    "Stanley ispletely unreasonable! He has no respect for anyone! It''s infuriating!"


    Urs grabbed his sleeve, her face filled with worry. "Honey, Paul is in his hands. What are we going to do if he refuses to release Paul? He''s our only son-if something happens to him, the Andrews family will be finished. You have to think of something to get him back!"


    Despite his anger, Frank realized he couldn''t do much. After all, Paul had caused all this trouble. If it escted, it would be difficult to control.


    Yet, Stanley had been unyielding and even had them thrown out without a second thought.


    Just when Frank was at a loss, an idea suddenly struck him.


    "I think I have a n. There''s someone who can help."


    Urs''s eyes widened with hope. "Who? Who can help us?


    Frank #miled as he stated, "Jessica."


    Urs''s face lit up, as if she had just found a lifeline. "Yes, that''s it! We can ask Jessica for help. She''s Stanley''s favorite. If she says something, Stanley will definitely listen and let Paul go!"


    Half an hourter, Frank and Urs arrived at the Crone family''s vi, bringing with them several luxury gifts. "Ms. Crone, we brought you some new designer bags and bracelets. We weren''t sure if you''d like them." The Andrews family''s visit was a big deal, so Harry, Lilian, and Jessica were all waiting in the living room to greet them.


    The Andrews family was part of the upper crust, with close ties to the Hawk family. A family like the Crone''s


    could never usually expect such attention.


    Looking at thevish gifts, Jessica couldn''t help but feel pleased. It wasn''t that she was particrly fond of these gifts-Stanley spoiled her with designer items all the time. She had grown ustomed to receiving thetest limited-edition items as soon as they were avable.


    What made her happy now was the fact that the Andrews family had lowered themselves to seek her favor. It was a kind of honor.


    Being part of the elite circles was important, especially since she nned to marry Stanley. She knew the importance of making connections and expanding herwork among the wealthy and influential. She had been maintaining a good rapport with Stanley''s social circle.


    Jessica smiled, her lips curling up in satisfaction. "I love them. Mr. and Mrs. Andrews, you really shouldn''t have gone to such trouble."


    Frank got straight to the point. "Ms. Crone, to be honest, we need your help."


    Since being pped by Harry at the police station, Lilian had been more subdued. Now, she was serving tea, her voiceced with surprise as she addressed the couple.


    drews, Mrs. Andrews, what is it that Jessica could help you with?"

 My Dad Please Come 146

    Urs quickly spoke up. "Today, my son kidnapped Wendy Mr. Hawk rushed over


    to rescue her, and now he''s holding my son hostage. Mr. Hawk refuses to let him go, all because of Wendy."


    What?


    Jessica''s expression shifted immediately. No wonder Stanley had suddenly left Dr. Cen''s lecture today.


    He had gone to rescue Wendy.


    How many times had this happened now? Thest time, Wendy had been kidnapped by George, and it was Stanley who had rushed to save her.


    Now, Stanley had gone so far as to hold Paul?


    The Hawk and Andrews families had ties-for Stanley to go so far, did Wendy mean that much?


    Jessica clenched her fists.


    Frank watched her closely. "Ms. Crone, everyone knows you''re Mr. Hawk''s favorite. No amount of words from us canpare to just one request from you. If you speak to Mr. Hawk, I''m sure he''ll release my son."


    At this, Jessica, Harry, and Lilian all smiled knowingly.


    ''s lips curled into a yful smile. "So that''s all you wanted me to do? Alright, I''ll go speak to Stanley right


    5. Crone, thank you so much! We''ll be waiting for good news from you."


    Jessica left, heading to find Stanley.


    Harry chuckled. "Mr. and Mrs. Andrews, you shouldn''t havee all the way here for something so simple. Don''t worry. Mr. Hawk adores Jessica-this will be a piece of cake for her."


    Lilian joined in with a smile. "Mr. Paul is an outstanding young man-so many girls must be throwing themselves at him. I''m sure Wendy seduced him and got him into this mess. Now, let''s drink some tea."


    The four of them sipped tea contentedly, and Frank and Urs couldn''t help but show Harry and Lilian with praises.


    "Mr. Crone, Mrs. Crone, you''ve raised a wonderful daughter!"


    Harry and Lilian grinned proudly. Jessica was indeed their pride.


    Inside Saville Vi, Wendy had finished her bath when the maid arrived with a cold pack. "Mrs. Hawk, Mr. Hawk asked me to bring this ice pack for your face. It will help reduce the swelling on your face."


    Stanley had even sent the maid with an ice pack.


    Wendy felt a warmth in her chest. It seemed that every time she was in danger, he was there for her.


    "Where is he?"


    "Mr. Hawk is in the study."


    "Then I''ll go find him."


    Wendy stepped out of her room, intending to thank Stanley in person. But soon,


    h¨¦r steps faltered when she spotted Jessica.


    Jessica was here.


    The two women encountered each other in the corridor.


    Jessica looked coldly at the red, swollen p mark on Wendy''s face, then arrogantly scrutinized her from head to toe. "I heard Paul kidnapped you. What are you going to do about it?"


    Wendy met Jessica''s gaze with icy indifference. "Hemitted a crime, so of course, I''ll make sure he gets his just punishment."


    Jessica sneered, stepping closer to Wendy. Smirking, she gloated, "Well, you''re going to be disappointed! Mr. and Mrs. Andrews came to beg me. I just need to say the word, and Stanley will let Paul go. If you don''t believe me, just wait by the door and listen."


    Wendy''s longshes fluttered with a slight tremor.


    Jessica lifted her chin in a proud gesture, ready to walk away, but then suddenly stopped. A mischievous smile yed on her lips as she added, "By the way, you just came from the master bedroom, didn''t you? The bed in there is so soft-I love sleeping in it."


    froze.


    Iways standing in the corner, envying everything I have, aren''t you? Envious that I have a mother, that I aley. Sometimes, I feel sorry for you because no one loves you."

 My Dad Please Come 147

    Jessica clicked her heels in her crystal-clear stilettos and walked into the study.


    Wendy was left standing alone, frozen in ce..


    "I feel sorry for you because no one loves you."


    Jessica''s words echoed in her ears over and over again.


    Wendy knew Jessica looked down on her. To Jessica, she was just some quiet onlooker, hiding in the shadows, coveting what Jessica had, her mother and Stanley. And Wendy had nothing- no one loved her.


    Jessica felt sorry for her.


    Wendy''s chest ached as if a thousand needles were piercing her heart. The pain stretched deep inside her, reaching her core. It was so bitterly ironic. Jessica''s mother and Stanley-they had all once been hers!


    Wendy''s gaze lingered on the study door ahead. If Jessica spoke to him, would Stanley really release Paul?


    Jessica had told her to listen outside, but at this moment, Wendy had lost all her courage.


    She couldn''t bear to hear it.


    Her heart, once warm, now felt like it was slowly freezing over. She realized she shouldn''t have gotten her hopes up for Stanley.


    Because without hope, there could be no disappointment, no more heartache.


    The maid arrived with another ice pack. "Mrs. Hawk, you should apply this to your face."


    Wendy shook her head. "No need."


    In the study, Stanley sat in his office chair, reviewing some documents. Jessica walked over to him and began massaging his shoulders. "Stanley, I heard you''re holding Paul."


    Stanley lifted his gaze from the documents. "Did Frank send you?"


    His eyes were sharp, and nothing could escape his notice.


    Jessica didn''t hesitate to admit it. "Yes, Stanley. Just let Paul go. The Hawk and Andrews families have been close for generations, and you have business dealings with them as well. Do you really want to break such longstanding rtionship for Wendy? It''s not worth it."


    Wendy wasn''t worth it. Everyone had said the same thing.


    Stanley pushed Jessica''s hand off his shoulder, his expression cold and emotionless. ¡°Jessica, you''re a woman too. I didn''t expect you''d say something like that."


    Jessica paused for a moment, then tried to justify herself. "But Wendy isn''t hurt, is she?"


    Stanley''s mood soured. A harsh, dangerous energy filled the room. "I''m not letting him go. You should leave."


    Jessica was stunned. She had made a direct request, and yet Stanley had rejected her. He wouldn''t release Paul.


    "Stanley, Mr. and Mrs. Andrews came to beg me. I''ve already promised them. Now you won''t release him? How am I supposed to face them when I return?"


    Stanley shot her a chilling nce. "That''s your problem. Who told you to make such a promise?"


    Jessica''s face drained of color. She hade with confidence, fully believing that Stanley would do whatever she said. Yet, he had pped her down with his words.


    "Zayn," Stanley called out.


    Zayn immediately entered the room. "Yes, Mr. Hawk?".


    Stanley''s eyes returned to the documents, his tone colder than ever. "Send Jessica home."


    Zayn looked at Jessica. "Ms. Jessica, this way."


    Jessica trembled with anger. Who would have thought she would be treated the same as Frank, unceremoniously thrown out?


    She turned to leave but stopped, as if a sudden thought crossed her mind. "Stanley, are you holding Paul because he hurt a girl, or because of Wendy?"


    Stanley looked up at her, annoyance shing in his eyes. His voice was sharp with irritation. "Get out!"


    Get out!


    The words ignited something inside Jessica. She reached out and knocked a vase off the table, sending it crashing to the floor.


    The loud crash echoed through the study.


    This was the first time they had fought like this because of Wendy.


    In the end, Jessica left.


    Stanley, however, seemedpletely unmoved, his demeanor colder than ever. The atmosphere around him was icy, oppressive-like a force that no one dared to challenge

 My Dad Please Come 148

    Stanley couldn''t focus on the documents anymore. He stood up and walked toward the master bedroom.


    The room was empty-no sign of Wendy.


    Seeing the bathroom door was closed, Stanley stood at the threshold, his voice low as he called out, "Wendy, are you almost done?"


    There was no response.


    No sound came from inside.


    Stanley raised his hand, about to knock, but before he could the bathroom door opened on its own.


    He paused, then walked in. Therge bathtub was empty. Wendy was nowhere to be found.


    Where did she go?


    Stanley stepped out, and just then, a maid entered the room "Mr. Hawk, Mrs. Hawk has already left."


    She left? Just like that?


    Stanley nced at the untouched ice pack. "She didn''t use it?"


    "No, Mrs. Hawk said she didn''t need it."


    On the nightstand, there was a note. Stanley extended his long fingers and picked


    it up. The note was simple.


    [Thank you.]


    She left without telling him and just left that little note behind for him.


    Stanley stood with his hands on his hips, a bitter chuckle escaping his lips.


    After the maid withdrew herself, Stanley was left alone in the vast bedroom. Hezily leaned against the desk and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. He took one and ced it between his lips.


    His broad shoulders slouched slightly as he lowered his gaze, flicking the lighter with a sharp click before the me ignited the cigarette.


    He took a deep drag and exhaled slowly. The smoke swirled around his face, blurring his sharp features. He didn''t smoke much, but today, with the frustration building up, he needed the nicotine to numb his mind.


    Not long after, Zayn appeared at the door. "Mr. Hawk, Ms. Jessica has left. About Mr. Andrews..."


    Stanley knocked the ash from his cigarette and, just then, noticed the small bite marks on his arm.


    It was from Wendy.


    Furrowing his brows, Stanley spoke, his voice cold and deliberate, "If Frank calls again, just tell him one thing..."


    At the Crone family''s vi, Jessica stepped into the living room. Frank and Urs immediately stood up to meet her.


    "Ms. Crone, where''s our son? Mr. Hawk agreed to let him go, right?".


    Harry and Lilian looked toward the door, expecting to see Paul with Jessica. When they didn''t, they froze.


    "Jessica, didn''t Mr. Hawke back with you?"


    Jessica nced at their eager faces, feeling her mood darken. "Mr. Andrews, Mrs. Andrews, I''m sorry, but Stanley refused to release him."


    What?


    Frank, Urs, Harry, and Lilian froze in disbelief.


    Frank''s voice turned sharp. "What''s going on? Ms, Crone, aren''t you Mr. Hawk''s favorite?"


    Urs''s face fell with disappointment. "Dear, we''ve made a mistake. She''s obviously not Mr. Hawk''s favorite. Her words don''t matter to him at all. She''s a liar!"


    Frank, now furious, barked, "Ms. Crone, you''ve wasted our time!"


    Without another word, Frank and Urs turned to leave.


    Harry and Lilian hurried to stop them. "Mr. and Mrs. Andrews..."


    Frank and Urs suddenly stopped in their tracks before ordering their


    bodyguards, ¡°Take everything we brought with us."


    At theirmand, the bodyguards immediately started removing the piles of luxury gifts from the living room.


    Ir. Andrews! Mrs. Andrews!" Harry jumped up in panic. "Jessica, what happened?"


    n, equally shocked, couldn''t understand. "Jessica, you talked to Mr. Hawk, and he still didn''t release Paul?"


    The pride Jessica had once felt now turned to humiliation. She dug her nails into her palm in frustration.


    Wendy! The game between us had just begun!


    6


    212

 My Dad Please Come 149

    In the girls'' dormitory...


    "Ouch... It hurts... Halsey, please be gentle..."


    Wendy had returned to the dorm after leaving Saville Vi, and Halsey was carefully applying an ice pack to her face.


    Hearing Wendy cry in pain, Halsey cursed under her breath "Paul is an animal! How could he do this to you? Where is he now? Wait a minute, Wendy-why did youe back alone?"


    When Halsey opened the door to the dorm, she was shocked to see Wendy walking in with a swollen red handprint across her face. Wendy''s arms and legs were also marked with bruises and red imprints-clear signs of abuse.


    It waste, and Wendy had returned alone, her body covered in injuries. Halsey''s heart ached for her.


    Where was Paul now?


    Earlier, Jessica had gone to see Stanley, so Paul was probably released by now.


    Wendy trembled slightly and, without a word, wrapped her arms around Halsey''s warm body. "Halsey, my face hurts. I don''t want to talk right now."


    kay, okay,¡± Halsey replied quickly, "I''ll stop asking. Let me check your other injuries. I''ll apply some more


    cine, and tomorrow, you''ll be back to looking like your beautiful self again."


    im light from the room cast a soft, warm glow over everything in the girls'' dorm.


    With Halsey''s care and the healing effect of the medicine, the marks on Wendy''s face and body had faded by the next morning. Her skin was as smooth and fair as it usually was.


    The two of them were about to head to the cafeteria for breakfast when suddenly, Frank and Urs appeared in their path, blocking the way.


    Halsey immediately went on alert. "What do you want?"


    Without a word, Frank and Urs groveled in front of Wendy.


    Halsey froze in ce. "Wendy, what...?"


    Wendy was also taken aback. She hadn''t expected Frank and Urs to grovel before her.


    Furrowing her brow, Wendy asked, "What are you doing?"


    Frank and Urs had clearly been up all night, their faces showing signs of exhaustion and anxiety.


    Urs was on the verge of tears as she looked up at Wendy, pleading, "Our son is an idiot, and he hurt you. As his parents, we''re asking for your forgiveness. Please, forgive him... Please, ask Mr. Hawk to release our son."


    Wendy paused for a moment. "Stanley hasn''t let him go yet?"


    "No." Frank shook his head. "Last night, we went to beg Jessica. She spoke to Mr. Hawk on our behalf, but Mr. Hawk refused. He said... he said..."


    Wendy''s eyes narrowed. "What did he say?"


    Frank looked defeated as he continued, "Mr. Hawk said we were asking the wrong person. We should have asked


    you, not Jessica."


    Had he really said that?


    Wendy had thought that once Jessica spoke up, Stanley would release Paul immediately. Apparently, that wasn''t the case. Stanley had even told Frank this himself.


    "Paul is our only child," Frank continued. "We''ve always painpered him, and because of ourck of discipline, he ended up hurting you. We''re willing to make amends, whatever you ask. The Hawk and Andrews families are old friends. Mr. Hawk said that you get to decide. Do you really want to tear apart the rtionship between our families?"


    Frank and Urs were desperately pleading before Wendy.


    Wendy looked down at them. "You can get up now. I''ll call Stanley and ask him to release Paul."


    "Really? Thank you!" Urs said, tears of relief in her eyes.


    "But I don''t ever want to see Paul again," Wendy added, setting her terms.


    Frank immediately agreed. "As long as Mr. Hawk releases him, we''ll take him abroad. He won''t show up in front of you again!"


    Wendy nodded. "Okay."


    k and Urs left after showering her with thanks.


    repayment", and he hung up on her.


    Her delicate face burned with embarrassment and indignation¨Che didn''t want it!


    If he didn''t want it, then why act so aloof?


    She felt so humiliated that she wished the ground would swallow her whole.


    Just then, amotion broke out ahead. Trish had arrived


    A crowd of students surrounded Trish, all of them with looks of admiration. "Trish, can you give me an autograph?


    §±


    "Trish, we want to be just like you in the future!"


    Halsey quickly filled Wendy in. "Wendy, you were taken by Paul yesterday, so you didn''t get to hear what happened after the lecture. Dr. Cen was absent, and during the chaos, Dr. Cen''s assistant-our very own shining star from vendale University, Trish-stepped up to take over the lecture. Afterward, the apuse was deafening, and just like that, Trish became famous.


    "Also, I heard that Trish''s academic paper was selected by the Medical Museum. Tomorrow, it''ll be officially disyed in the museum''s showcase for everyone to see. This is a huge honor, and now Trish is the one everyone''s talking about."


    Wendy watched Trish, realizing why the girl looked so pleased with herself today- more than usual, in fact. It seemed that when the king was away, the jester had decided to im the throne.

 My Dad Please Come 150

    abuse.


    It waste, and Wendy had returned alone, her body covered in injuries. Halsey''s heart ached for her.


    Where was Paul now?


    Earlier, Jessica had gone to see Stanley, so Paul was probably released by now.


    Wendy trembled slightly and, without a word, wrapped her arms around Halsey''s warm body. "Halsey, my face hurts. I don''t want to talk right now."


    kay, okay,¡± Halsey replied quickly, "I''ll stop asking. Let me check your other injuries. I''ll apply some more


    cine, and tomorrow, you''ll be back to looking like your beautiful self again."


    im light from the room cast a soft, warm glow over everything in the girls'' dorm.


    With Halsey''s care and the healing effect of the medicine, the marks on Wendy''s face and body had faded by the next morning. Her skin was as smooth and fair as it usually was.


    The two of them were about to head to the cafeteria for breakfast when suddenly, Frank and Urs appeared in their path, blocking the way.


    Halsey immediately went on alert. "What do you want?"


    Without a word, Frank and Urs groveled in front of Wendy.


    Halsey froze in ce. "Wendy, what...?"


    Wendy was also taken aback. She hadn''t expected Frank and Urs to grovel before her.


    Furrowing her brow, Wendy asked, "What are you doing?"


    Frank and Urs had clearly been up all night, their faces showing signs of exhaustion and anxiety.


    Urs was on the verge of tears as she looked up at Wendy, pleading, "Our son is an idiot, and he hurt you. As his parents, we''re asking for your forgiveness. Please, forgive him... Please, ask Mr. Hawk to release our son."


    Wendy paused for a moment. "Stanley hasn''t let him go yet?"


    "No." Frank shook his head. "Last night, we went to beg Jessica. She spoke to Mr. Hawk on our behalf, but Mr. Hawk refused. He said... he said..."


    Wendy''s eyes narrowed. "What did he say?"


    Frank looked defeated as he continued, "Mr. Hawk said we were asking the wrong person. We should have asked


    you, not Jessica."


    Had he really said that?


    Wendy had thought that once Jessica spoke up, Stanley would release Paul immediately. Apparently, that wasn''t the case. Stanley had even told Frank this himself.


    "Paul is our only child," Frank continued. "We''ve always painpered him, and because of ourck of discipline, he ended up hurting you. We''re willing to make amends, whatever you ask. The Hawk and Andrews families are old friends. Mr. Hawk said that you get to decide. Do you really want to tear apart the rtionship between our families?"


    Frank and Urs were desperately pleading before Wendy.


    Wendy looked down at them. "You can get up now. I''ll call Stanley and ask him to release Paul."


    "Really? Thank you!" Urs said, tears of relief in her eyes.


    "But I don''t ever want to see Paul again," Wendy added, setting her terms.


    Frank immediately agreed. "As long as Mr. Hawk releases him, we''ll take him abroad. He won''t show up in front of you again!"


    Wendy nodded. "Okay."


    k and Urs left after showering her with thanks.


    212


    4


    repayment", and he hung up on her.


    Her delicate face burned with embarrassment and indignation¨Che didn''t want it!


    If he didn''t want it, then why act so aloof?


    She felt so humiliated that she wished the ground would swallow her whole.


    Just then, amotion broke out ahead. Trish had arrived


    A crowd of students surrounded Trish, all of them with looks of admiration. "Trish, can you give me an autograph?


    §±


    "Trish, we want to be just like you in the future!"


    Halsey quickly filled Wendy in. "Wendy, you were taken by Paul yesterday, so you didn''t get to hear what happened after the lecture. Dr. Cen was absent, and during the chaos, Dr. Cen''s assistant-our very own shining star from vendale University, Trish-stepped up to take over the lecture. Afterward, the apuse was deafening, and just like that, Trish became famous.


    "Also, I heard that Trish''s academic paper was selected by the Medical Museum. Tomorrow, it''ll be officially disyed in the museum''s showcase for everyone to see. This is a huge honor, and now Trish is the one everyone''s talking about."


    Wendy watched Trish, realizing why the girl looked so pleased with herself today- more than usual, in fact. It seemed that when the king was away, the jester had decided to im the throne.

 My Dad Please Come 151

    Wendy''s absence only seemed to highlight Trish''s sess.


    Trish signed autographs for the group of students, then cheerfully walked over to Wendy.


    "Wendy, I heard you were kidnapped by Paul. Why do you always get yourself into trouble? You''re making our Crone family look bad!"


    No one from the Crone family seemed to care about her, only ming her.


    Wendy wasn''t the least bit upset-she was used to it by now. She gave a yful wink, her voice light as she replied, "I don''t mind making the Crone family look bad, as long as you''re there to make up for it."


    Thement struck a chord with Trish. She immediately smiled, her lips curling into a proud grin.


    "You heard about my academic paper, right? It was selected by the Medical Museum, and tomorrow, it''s going to be officially disyed in their showcase. Our whole family is celebrating. Tomorrow, Grandma and my parents areing to the Medical Museum to witness my moment of glory."


    Even Edith was getting involved-after all, Trish was Edith''s pride and joy. Not only was she the shining star of vendale University, but she was also the pride of the Crane family. Tomorrow, Edith would bring the entire third branch of the family to witness Trish''s big moment.


    Wendy raised an eyebrow. Even though she hadn''t been to the Crones'' residence in ages, she could imagine how thrilled they all were.


    She smiled. "Then I''ll go to the Medical Museum tomorrow too, just to join in the excitement."


    "You?" Trish eyed Wendy with disdain. "You cane if you want, but I know you''re just a small-town girl trying to rub shoulders with people like me. Just don''t cause trouble or embarrass yourself, or I''ll make sure the Medical Museum staff kicks you out."


    Wendy smirked. "Sure."


    Trish strutted away in her high heels, as haughty as ever.


    Halsey, clearly confused, asked, "Wendy, are you really going to the Medical Museum tomorrow? Trish and her family will definitely humiliate you."


    Wendy gave Halsey''s hand a reassuring pat. "Don''t worry. I know what I''m doing." She took out her phone and texted her Third Senior. [Samuel, send me Trish''s academic paper that got selected by the Medical Museum.]


    Samuel quickly replied to her. [Okay.]


    At Hawk Group.


    Stanley had spent the entire day in his office, buried in work. Thest few days, he''d been preupied with Wendy, and now the work had piled up.


    That evening, Benny showed up. He flopped down onto the couch,ining, "Stanley, I can''t believe you''ve made such a mess of things with the Andrews family all for a girl like Wendy. I swear, I think you''re under some kind of spell."


    Stanley looked up from his paperwork and cast Benny a col, disinterested nce. Chapter 151


    Benny immediately shut up. Though he wasn''t afraid of anyone, he certainly feared Stanley.


    Even so, Benny couldn''t let it go. He pulled up his game and tagged Wendy, challenging her to a game. After being knocked out by Wendyst time, Benny had upgraded his gear and was eager to get revenge.


    Meanwhile, Wendy was back in the girls'' dorm, reading the academic paper Samuel had sent her.


    Suddenly, her game ount lit up with constant notifications. Benny had sent her a challenge.


    [Wendy,e on!]


    [Let''s y a game!]


    [Prepare to lose!]


    [Are you scared?]


    [Chicken!]


    Wendy stared at the screen, exasperated.


    Benny was challenging her to a game.


    Wendy set aside the academic paper, logged into her game ount, and replied, [Fine, I''ll y one round with you.]


    Benny was overjoyed. Wendy was online! She wasing to "die" at his hands! The game started.


    Benny had spent a lot of money upgrading his weapons. What had once been a big sword was now a Zen staff. He charged at Wendy with an intense, ferocious attack.


    "Game over."

 My Dad Please Come 152

    The familiar announcement rang out.


    Benny shot up from the couch, his eyes wide in disbelief. "Damn it!"


    He swung his Zen staff and lunged forward, but before he could take a step, Wendy spun in the air,nding lightly and bringing her axe down on him. It was over in an instant-he was down.


    He was dead! He actually died!


    Benny couldn''t believe it. The sudden turn of events caught Stanley''s attention, and he looked over at Benny with a raised eyebrow.


    Benny, not one to admit defeat, huffed, [Wendy, let''s go again!]


    Wendy agreed, and the second round began.


    Just two secondster, Stanley heard Benny''s voice erupt again, more furious than ever. "Damn it! Damn it, damn it, damn it!"


    "Game over."


    Benny had lost again.


    Still unwilling to ept it, Benny growled, [Wendy, another round!]


    Wendy replied, [Mr. Gondale, you should think about this carefully. If you lose the third round, your rank will drop.]


    Benny had always been at the top rank as the champion, but after facing off with Wendy twice, he was about to lose his title. If he lost again, he''d drop all the way to bronze.


    Just then, Stanley''s low, maic voice rang out. "Benny, what''s with all the fuss?"


    Benny suddenly had an idea, and his face lit up like he''d found a savior. He rushed over to Stanley. "Stanley, help me! y against Wendy for me!"


    Stanley nced at him with mild disinterest. So, Benny was ying against Wendy, huh?


    Stanley had noticed Benny''s terrible performance. He barelysted two seconds when he faced Wendy. Last time, he''d been surprised by Wendy''s speed in the game. It was incredible.


    However, Stanley had no intention of ying against her.


    The night before, she had left without a word and left a "thank you" note. This morning, she had called and said "thank you" in person, but then immediately mentioned that she wanted to repay him and asked if he was interested.


    It seemed like she saw their rtionship as some kind of transaction based on flesh and desire. Did she really think that every time he helped her, it was for that?


    Stanley was fully capable of indulging his desires; there were plenty of women in line for him. It wasn''t like he couldn''t get anyone else.


    Who did she think she was?


    "Stanley, hurry up and y this round! Teach Wendy a lesson!"


    Stanley knew she deserved to be taught a lesson.


    He took the phone from Benny.


    Stanley wasn''t just good at business-he was also a gaming prodigy. He had recognized the potential in the gaming industry years ago and personally developed a few programs, which had made him his first fortune.


    As the heir to Hawk Group, he had once dabbled in extreme sports like racing, cruising, and flying. But now, with the family business in his hands, he rarely had time for such things.


    This time, he agreed to y, not because he wanted to, but because he was determined to beat Wendy. He wanted to see her humbled.


    She had criedst night, and he wanted her to stop. Now, she wasn''t crying anymore, but he felt like making her cry again.


    It was a w all men seemed to share.


    Stanley clicked the screen, starting the third round.


    He and Wendy were about to face off.


    Benny, feeling confident, cheered, "Stanley, kill her! Knock her out in one blow!"


    Stanley wanted to finish Wendy quickly, but he couldn''t.


    He paused, waiting for Wendy to make her move. She took Her usual swing with her axe, but this time, he dodged it easily.


    He countered with a strike from his Zen staff, but Wendy expertly avoided it.


    Stanley hadn''t considered Wendy a real opponent at first, but after a few exchanges, his rxed expression turnedy serious. He sat up straighter, his focus sharp, his long fingers moving rapidly on the keyboard.


    Wendy was fast-she was precise, ruthless. Every move she made was lethal. Stanley was shocked.

 My Dad Please Come 153

    Stanley knew Wendy was fast, but he never imagined she could be this fast.


    He''d nevere across a real challenge in a game until now-Wendy was the one to give him a run for his money.


    It waspletely unexpected for him.


    Benny, sensing something was off, panicked. "What the hell, Stanley? Wendy can actually keep up with you. Stay focused! If I lose this round, I''ll drop from champion to bronze!"


    As soon as he finished speaking, Zayn walked into the room "Mr. Hawk, there''s a call from the family estate..."


    The family estate? What had happened?


    Stanley''s attention wavered.


    And in that second-game over.


    His fingers froze mid-air. He lost.


    While Stanley was distracted, Wendy took advantage, bringing her axe down hard and knocking him t.


    He lost...to Wendy!


    Stanley had only wanted to teach her a small lesson, to make her cry...but this?


    Benny''s voice suddenly erupted in disbelief. "What?! Stanley, you lost? Oh my god! I''ve dropped to bronze! Noooo......"


    It had taken Benny three years to reach the champion rank, but with just a few matches against Wendy, it was all


    gone.


    Why? Why had this happened?


    Benny felt like his heart had been ripped out.


    Stanley, however, was oddly calm, though he couldn''t help but find the whole thing a bit funny. He pressed his tongue to the inside of his cheek and chuckled softly.


    Wendy had truly surprised him.


    He nced up at Zayn. "What''s going on at Grandma''s?"


    "Mr. Hawk, the family estate called and said the herbal recipe Mrs. Hawk gave to Mrs. Glinda is missing. Mrs. Glinda is asking if you can get another copy from Mrs. Hawk."


    So Glinda was fine, but it seemed the herbal recipe Wendy had left behind was the issue.


    Stanley pulled out his phone and immediately opened his WhatsApp. He dialed Wendy for a video call.


    In the girls'' dorm, Wendy had just won the game, but she knew it wasn''t due to her skill. Her opponent, Benny, had seemed to suddenly level up, as if he had ascended to a new realm of power. She was a little stunned by how strong he had became.


    She hadn''t been able to beat him fairly until she wasn''t sure if it was ag or some glitch¡ªbut he made a mistake, and she took advantage of the opening. That was when shended the final blow.


    In truth, Wendy knew she would never have beaten him if they had yed with real skill.


    4


    Why had Benny been so strong all of a sudden?


    As she puzzled over it, her phone rang. It was a video call from Stanley.


    Why was he calling her?


    Wendy tapped the screen to answer, and there he was-Stanley.


    He was sitting in a sleek ck leather office chair, wearing a crisp white shirt. The custom-made fabric clung to his muscr chest and broad shoulders; adding an extrayer of sophistication to his already strikingly handsome, cool, and untouchable demeanor.


    Stanley was truly the hardest man to get close to in Hovendale, a high-profile bachelor everyone talked about.


    Wendy stared at him through the screen. "Is there something you need?"


    Stanley watched her, his gaze lingering, Wendy had just showered, and her long, ck hair was loosely tied into a casual bun. A few strands had fallen out, gently draping around her snow-white neck, giving her a soft, ethereal - beauty.


    She was wearing a thin, white camisole. The delicate strapsrested lightly on her shoulders, leaving her smooth skin exposed. The sight was almost blinding in its sheer allure.


    Stanley paused for a moment, taken aback. He had never seen her like this before-fresh from the shower, with her hair in a messy bun and dressed so casually. It gave her an air of pure, youthful innocence that was impossible to ignore.

 My Dad Please Come 154

    Stanley''s voice was low and tense. "The herbal recipe you left for Grandma has gone missing."


    So that was what this was about.


    Wendy immediately grabbed a pen. "Just wait a second. I''ll write it down for you."


    She bent her head and began to scribble the recipe on a piece of paper.


    As she did, her white camisole shifted slightly, revealing the soft curve of her figure, the fullness of her chest.


    Stanley''s throat tightened. He already knew she was beautiful in more ways than one, but this-her slender waist, the way her curves gently red out-was enough to stir the deepest parts of a man. It was all part of her allure.


    It was natural.


    "Wendy!" Stanley''s voice was thick with barely contained tension.


    Wendy looked up, confused. "What''s wrong?"


    She seemed so innocent, with those bright, clear eyes, so pure and unaware.


    The way she looked at him, oblivious to the effect she had on him, only stoked the fire within.


    12


    Stanley swallowed hard and spoke again, his voice strained, "When you''re done, take a picture and send it to me." Wendy nodded, absent-mindedly thinking he, as a busy man, probably didn''t have time to wait for her to finish writing.


    "Okay, then, I''ll hang up now. Go on back to work."


    Seeing there was no reply from Stanley, she was about to end the video call when suddenly, Halsey burst into the room, holding an ice cream cone in each hand.


    "Wendy, here, I got you a vani ice cream!" Halsey grinned, handing one of the cones to Wendy as she enjoyed hers.


    The ice cream had started to melt a little, and Wendy quickly reached out to take it.


    "It''s starting to melt! Wendy, hurry and lick it. I got it from the convenience store. It''s so sweet!" Halsey urged.


    Wendy eagerly licked the melting ice cream. The rich vani vor spread across her tongue, and she smiled, eyes sparkling. "Mmm, it''s so sweet."


    The girlsughed together, two sweet tooths enjoying the moment.


    Halsey noticed Stanley on the video call and waved cheerfully. "Hello, Mr. Hawk!"


    Stanley nced at Halsey, then turned his gaze back to Wendy, who was happily licking her ice cream. She was sticking out her tongue just a little, savoring the sweetness like a child.


    Stanley couldn''t help but think that it seemed like she could be so easily won over with something as simple as ice


    cream.


    She was so easy to please.


    His throat tightened, the sensation burning hot as if a me was smoldering inside him. "Is the ice cream really that good?"


    Wendy looked up at him, Her smile still bright. "Yeah, it''s really sweet."


    It was clear she had a thing for sweet treats.


    Candy, milkshakes, ice cream-she loved them all.


    Halsey, clearly in a yful mood, teased her. "Wendy, Mr. Hawk helped you with Paul''s situation. Is this video chat because you''re thinking about how you''re going to repay him?"


    At the mention of repayment, Wendy''s fingers froze for a moment, her eyes flicking up to Stanley.


    He had been watching her the entire time.


    At first, she hadn''t noticed the change in his gaze, but now she saw it.


    He hadn''t stopped looking at her as she ate her ice cream. His eyes were dark and intense, while something simmered beneath the surface.


    Wendy knew what that look meant. She had seen him like this before. He was usually so poised and elegant, as if thinking of him in a sexual manner would be an insult to him.


    But Wendy knew how under that facade was something raw something much more dangerous that woulde out at night. He was a man who controlled his desires, but even someone like him had needs, and he wanted them satisfied.


    She had witnessed that side of him.


    Wendy, still with her hair in a messy bun, her delicate face flushed a soft pink, felt her pulse quicken. She held the ice cream cone with both hands and extended it toward him her voice a little hesitant.


    "Do you want some of this?"

 My Dad Please Come 155

    Wendy had no idea what she was saying.


    Stanley looked at the ice cream in her hand, then back to her delicate, angelic face. His voice came out rough as he asked in return, "Some of what?"


    Wendy''s mind was in aplete blur. She didn''t understand what he meant by that.


    Her heart raced-thump, thump, thump. The tension in the air between them was palpable, almost like it could be cut with a knife.


    Wendy decided to put an end to the whole thing. "Mr. Hawk I''m going to bed now. I''ll hang up."


    She quickly ended the video call.


    Halsey, preparing to shower, noticed Wendy''s flushed cheeks. "Wendy, why is your face so red?"


    Wendy touched her face absentmindedly. "Maybe it''s just the heat. Hurry up and go take your shower, Halsey."


    "Okay," Halsey replied, heading off to the bathroom.


    Left alone, Wendy sat down, looking down at the ice cream in her hands. Slowly, her thoughts began to clear. Why had she panicked earlier?


    This morning, she had asked him on the phone if he wanted her to repay him, and he had just hung up on her. How arrogant. How pretentious.


    So why hadn''t he acted like that just now? Why had he dropped the act?


    Deep down, Wendy hoped he would ept her repayment. Then they would be


    even.


    She finished writing out the herbal recipe and sent it to Stanley.


    In her contacts, she had saved Stanley as "Hubby".


    There was no reply from him.


    The same cool, distant attitude. The chat history was all her just her monologue. This chat history had been a witness to herughably humbling marriage.


    Wendy suddenly felt a spark of mockery. She grabbed her phone, posed for a selfie, and snapped a picture before posting it as an update.


    Stanley was sitting in the CEO''s office when he received the herbal recipe from Wendy. He didn''t reply, intending to continue with his paperwork.


    However, all he could think about was the way Wendy had looked while eating her ice cream. The sight of her little red tongue teasing out from her mouth, yful and forbidden.


    And then, she had asked whether he wanted some.


    Wanted some of what? Was she offering him ice cream? Or something else?


    Stanley leaned back heavily in his chair, his body stretching outzily as he loosened his tie with one hand, trying to cool off.


    He picked up his phone and opened Wendy''s contact, heading straight for her updates.


    There it was a selfie of Wendy. She was wearing that white, thin-strapped camisole, holding her ice cream. She


    was looking directly into the camera as she licked the ice cream, and the caption read, [Do you want some?]


    Stanley froze. That picture her skin exposed, her small, beautiful face framed in that soft, youthful glow- popped up on his screen like one of those ads on dangerous websites. It stung his eyes, a surge of heat rushing to his face. She had posted this?


    Stanley couldn''t hold back and replied to the update.


    Ding.


    Wendy''s phone buzzed with his response. Two simple, authoritative words: [Delete it.]


    He was telling her to delete the update.


    Wendy smiled to herself. He hadn''t replied to her message, but he was checking out her updates. So much for pretending not to care.


    She deleted it-after all, only he could see it. It was meant for him, and only him.


    Then, she opened the chat with "Hubby" and typed out a message.


    [Do you want it?]


    Stanley stared at the text on his screen. She was asking him if he wanted it.


    It was a bold test.


    A provocative invitation.


    Asking him, simply, if he wanted it.


    20

 My Dad Please Come 156

    Over the years, Stanley had been surrounded by the temptation of women, and he had met some skilled ones. He knew what Wendy was doing-she was trying to tease him.


    She wanted to see if she could hook him in, if he would take the bait.


    A thin, knowing smile tugged at the corner of Stanley''s lips. That little temptress.


    Just then, his phone rang, cutting through the tension. The screen shed with the caller ID, "Jessica".


    The disy of her name immediately cooled Stanley down. The heat that Wendy had stirred up in him slowly faded.


    Stanley answered the call.


    Jessica''s soft voice came through. "Stanley, are you still upset? I''m sorry. I shouldn''t have argued with you or thrown things. Honestly, I was just jealous. I got jealous that you were so kind to Wendy. Please don''t be angry anymore. I love you. I really, really love you!"


    Over the years, Jessica had been spoiled by him, but now, she was humbling herself, apologizing and coaxing him gently, telling him over and over how much she loved him.


    Stanley felt his heart stir. After all, she was his girl.


    Jessica was his girl.


    Stanley softened his gaze and said, "I was wrong, too."


    Jessica''s mood lifted immediately. "Well, then let''s just forget about it. Nathan''s birthday is tomorrow. Everyone''s getting ready for his celebration. Let''s go together."


    Stanley replied, "Alright."


    They hung up the phone.


    Just then, Benny emerged from the bathroom, his face still wet from sshing cold water. He couldn''t ept the fact that he had dropped from a champion rank to bronze. "Stanley, I''m bronze now! I hate Wendy!"


    Stanley shot Benny a nce. "Give it a rest. Go out and date someone instead."


    "I want to date too," Benny said.


    "Who''s caught your eye this time?"


    Benny''s mood suddenly lifted, and he leaned in, asking Stanley with a bit of excitement, "Stanley, do you think the genius freshman is pretty?"


    Stanley raised an eyebrow. So, Benny was interested in her now?


    Benny grinned, clearly excited. "Stanley, I''ll leave now. See you at Nathan''s birthday party tomorrow."


    Stanley didn''t pay much attention to Benny''s interest in the genius freshman. After


    all, people can love whomever they want. He didn''t mind.


    Stanley nced at the message from Wendy. [Do you want it?]


    He didn''t reply.


    He rejected Wendy''s temptation.


    She was trying to hook him-no way was happening.


    Wendy didn''t get a response from him, but deep down, she knew she wouldn''t.


    Stanley had Jessica by his side, and there were always plenty of beautiful women around him. His physical needs could be satisfied in many ways. What was she to him?


    She couldn''t win this untouchable man.


    He truly didn''t have feelings for her.


    Wendy let out a self-deprecatingugh.


    She pulled out Trish''s academic paper again and circled two mistakes with a red pen before sending it to Samuel.


    Samuel quickly replied, [I can''t believe there are such serious mistakes in this academic paper! I''ll have the Medical Museum pull it down.]


    The next day, Trish arrived at the Medical Museum with Edith, Archer, and Natalie. They walked past the disy cases, where they saw Trish''s academic paper disyed.


    "Wow!" Edith''s eyes lit up as she grabbed Trish''s hand. "I never thought someone from our family would make a name for herself at the Medical Museum. Trish, you''ve never let me down. Having you is a blessing for our family. You are the light of the Crone family!"

 My Dad Please Come 157

    Trish smiled confidently. "Grandma, this is just the beginning. I''ll go even farther in the future."


    Edith grinned widely, proud as could be. She knew her granddaughter was something special and would surely bring glory to the Crone family.


    Archer and Natalie were just as pleased. The more aplished their daughter became, the better her chances of marrying into a prestigious family.


    Just then, Edith noticed Wendy standing behind them. Her expression darkened. "Wendy, who allowed you toe here?"


    Wendy had shown up, but the family was so caught up in their happiness that they hadn''t even noticed her.


    Trish nced at Wendy briefly. "Grandma, I invited Wendy. She wanted to ride on my coattails. It''s fine. Let her stay here."


    Edith didn''t want Wendy there at all. Both Trish and Jessica had brought honor to the Crone family, but Wendy only brought embarrassment. In Edith''s mind, Wendy had never truly been part of the family.


    Since Trish had spoken up, Edith''s voice became sharp. "Wendy, stay out of the way. Don''t touch anything. If you break or dirty something, you''re the one who''ll be responsible!"


    Though Edith was her grandmother, Wendy felt a cold wave of disappointment wash over her. Still, she didn''t say anything, only offering a small, quiet smile.


    "Trish," some students from vendale University called out as they approached. They were all fans of Trish, having asked her for an autograph just the day before.


    "What are you all doing here?" Trish asked, delighted to see them.


    The students crowded around, pushing Wendy to the very corner of the room.


    ¡°Trish, today''s the public exhibition of your academic paper! We came to congratte you."


    "Trish, you''re our pride!"


    "Let''s take a picture!"


    Everyone moved in front of the disy of Trish''s paper. Trish stood in the center, with Edith, Archer, and Natalie on her left, and her ssmates on the right.


    Trish handed Wendy the camera, ordering sharply, "Wendy take a picture for us!" This was her moment of glory, and it had to be captured.


    Wendy looked at the camera in her hands and smiled faintly. "I''m afraid I can''t take this photo."


    Trish froze. "Why not?"


    Just then, a staff member from the Medical Museum approached them. "Excuse me, could you please step aside? We need to take down this academic paper."


    What?


    Trish''s entire body stiffened. "Why are you taking down my paper?"


    Edith, Archer, and Natalie were stunned. "There must be some mistake! Are you sure about this?"


    $


    "We''re sure. There''s no misunderstanding. Dr. Cen pointed out two errors in the paper, so the Medical Museum is withdrawing it, the staff member exined.


    With that, they removed Trish''s paper from the exhibit.


    Trish let out a shaky breath, standing frozen in ce.


    A few of her ssmates began to whisper among themselves. "No way! Dr.


    Cen caught mistakes in Trish''s paper."


    "Her paper got rejected by the Medical Museum!!


    §ª


    "Gosh, now Trish has embarrassed herself-even Dr. Cen and the Medical Museum know about it!"


    The students awkwardly mumbled, "Trish, we''ve got to go. We''ll see youter." They quickly fled.


    Edith grabbed Trish by the arm. "Trish, what''s going on?"


    The confidence and smile had vanished from Trish''s face. All that was left was sheer panic. Her paper had two mistakes, and Dr. Cen was the one who found them. Now, the Medical Museum had publicly rejected her paper, and soon, the whole of vendale University would know.


    What was supposed to be a moment of pride had turned into a public embarrassment.

 My Dad Please Come 158

    Trish had no idea how many people would be gossiping about her behind her back.


    She was someone who couldn''t stand being talked about, especially when it was for something as embarrassing as


    this.


    "Grandma, Dad, Mom, I don''t know how things got this bad!" Trish eximed, her voice shaky with panic.


    Archer and Natalie looked equally panicked. "Trish, you didn''t offend Dr. Cen, did you?"


    Edith pped her thigh in frustration. "Oh, no! Dr. Cen is a medical genius- someone we can''t afford to cross! What are we going to do now?"


    Wendy stood off to the side, watching as the family scrambled in a panic over Dr. Cen''s disapproval.


    Trish''s eyes were red, and she was visibly shaken.


    Just then, Natalie spoke up, her voice full of thought. "Trish, do you know if Dr. Cen is a man or a woman?"


    Archer frowned. "How is that relevant?"


    "Well, if Dr. Cen is a man," Natalie said, her voice lifting with hope, "if he saw someone as beautiful and talented as Trish, he''d definitely fall for her at first sight, right?"


    Edith''s expression shifted from worry to excitement. "Yes! If Trish became Mrs. Cen, the Crone family would truly be on top! With Dr. Cen and Mr. Hawk as my grandsons-inw, I would have no regrets in this life!"


    In truth, Archer and Natalie had been on the lookout for a good match for Trish for years. They couldn''t afford to lose to the second branch with Jessica. Their sights had long been set on Dr. Cen, since only the doctor could rival Stanley.


    Trish''s heart skipped a beat. She had admired Stanley, but it was clear his heart belonged to Jessica. So, she made a vow to herself to find someone just as remarkable as Stanley. Dr. Cen seemed to check all the boxes.


    A determined smile crossed Trish''s face. "Grandma, Dad, Mom, I''ve got some insider info-Dr. Cen has already arrived in Hovendale."


    "Really? Where is Dr. Cen?" Edith asked, her curiosity piqued.


    "You don''t need to worry about that. I''ll find Dr. Cen. Just wait for the good news." Trish shed a confident smile, her lips curling upward.


    The family buzzed with excitement again.


    Wendy stood quietly off to the side.


    Hmm, well, good luck with that.


    Just then, a pleasant ringtone sounded. Wendy saw that it was Nathan calling.


    She stepped outside to answer. Nathan''s voice came through the phone immediately. "Wendy, it''s my birthday today. Come join us for the celebration."


    It was Nathan''s birthday, and he was inviting her to celebrate.


    Wendy was about to decline. "Nathan, I-"


    Nathan cut her off, his tone light but firm, "Wendy, you have toe. If you don''t,


    I''ll just have to drive over to vendale University and pick you up from your dorm."


    Wendy paused. Well, that was certainly a strong-arm tactic


    "Fine, Nathan. Just send me the address, and I''ll be thereter."


    Nathan quickly sent the address. Wendy thought that since it was his birthday, she couldn''t show up empty-handed. She decided to go shopping for a gift.


    It couldn''t be too cheap, and definitely not too intimate-she didn''t want Nathan to get the wrong idea.


    After browsing through the mall, Wendy finally settled on a ssy men''s wallet.


    With the gift neatly packed in an exquisite gift bag, she took a cab to Nathan''s birthday party.


    Nathan''s birthday party was being held at a private winery, in the most luxurious VIP suite. The guest list was full of the circle''s elite young men, gathered together for a night of celebration.


    Stanley and Jessica were already there.


    Jessica handed Nathan a gift with a bright smile. "Happy birthday, Nathan."


    The pile of gifts on the couch was impressive, filled with luxury brands.


    Benny and Sienna made their way over. "Nathan, can we start the party now?"


    Nathan nced toward the entrance. "Hold on. My most important friend hasn''t arrived yet."

 My Dad Please Come 159

    The young men quickly began teasing, their voices rising in a yful chorus.


    "What kind of friend is this? Boyfriend or girlfriend?"


    "Nathan, are you secretly dating someone?"


    "So, what''s going on? nning to reveal your girlfriend today, huh? Which lucky


    Nathan smirked and muttered, "Keep it down, or you''ll scare her off."


    Hearing that, the crowd went wild.


    Stanley sat on the couch, his posture rxed. Jessica sat beside him, smiling knowingly. "Stanley, do you think the person Nathan is waiting for is Wendy?"


    Benny chimed in, "It has to be her. Nathan''s totally smitten with her!"


    Sienna shot them a jealous look. In their social circle, it was hard for regr people to break in. But here Nathan was, inviting Wendy, someone from outside their usual group, to his birthday. That alone spoke volumes about how much he cared for her.


    Stanley, dressed in a sharp ck shirt and trousers, remained calm, his expression as impassive as ever, as though he was a mere spectator to everything happening around him.


    At that moment, the door to the luxurious suite opened, and a graceful figure stepped into the room. It was Wendy.


    Nathan immediately got up, his face lighting up. "Wendy, you made it!"


    Wendy handed him a gift bag with a soft smile. "Happy birthday, Nathan."


    Nathan took the gift from her and guided her to a seat on the couch. "Wendy, these are my friends."


    All eyes in the room shifted to Wendy, who now stood at the center of attention. "Nathan, didn''t expect you to befriend such a pretty angel, one of the young men teased.


    "So Nathan''s into these pure, angelic types, huh?"


    "Hello, prettydy," another one greeted her, the group''s tone friendly but curious. Wendy nodded politely, acknowledging them one by one. Soon enough, her eyes fell on Stanley and Jessica, sitting across from her. They were already here, and so were Benny and Sienna, all staring at her.


    One of the men spoke up, introducing Wendy to the group. You''ve probably heard of Mr. Hawk and Jessica, right? They''re like the golden couple in our circle."


    Sienna, with a pointed tone, added, "Stanley and my Jessica have been together for years. Anyone trying to steal Stanley away from her is just setting themselves up for failure."


    Wendy knew Sienna was throwing shade at her, but she said nothing in response.


    Last night, herpetitive side had gotten the best of her, and she had tried to flirt with Stanley, testing his interest. Yet, he hadn''t even acknowledged her.


    And now, today, here they were, attending Nathan''s birthday party together, looking like a loving couple.


    She felt almost ridiculous for her actions the day before.


    Jessica nced at Wendy, then turned to Stanley with a smile. "Stanley, I''d like some wine."


    Stanley raised an eyebrow, his expression bing stern. "No wine for you, only milk."


    Jessica had a heart condition, and whenever they went out, Stanley was always strict about it-he never let her have alcohol, only allowing her warm milk.


    The young men burst intoughter, clearly enjoying the yful dynamic between Stanley and Jessica. "Mr. Hawk and Ms. Crone have such an incredible rtionship-I don''t think anyone coulde between them."


    Benny, lounging casually on the couch and chewing gum, shot a nce at Wendy. "Yeah, but some people have no shame. They just don''t know when to quit."


    Wendy could feel the sting of his words, but she stayed silent, sitting up straighter, her posture perfect.


    Sienna opened her mouth to respond, but just then, Stanley lifted his gaze, his cold eyes sweeping over Sienna and the others with a quiet warning. "Enough. It''s not my birthday, so stop making it about me."


    The group fell quiet, sensing his displeasure. With a shift in focus, they turned their attention back to Nathan, the birthday boy.


    "Nathan, let''s open presents! Let''s see what the pretty girl got you!" one of them said eagerly.

 My Dad Please Come 160

    Nathan didn''t even nce at the gifts from the others, but when it came to the one from Wendy, he seemed genuinely interested.


    "I''m curious too," he said with a smile.


    Benny casually ced the gift bag on the coffee table, and Nathan reached in to pull out the contents.


    Wendy''s heart sank as she realized the gift might disappoint Nathan. She nervously said, ¡°Nathan, I came in a bit of a rush, so I just bought you-"


    She was about to say "a wallet" but stopped abruptly when Nathan pulled out not a wallet, but a letter.


    Wendy froze.


    "Nathan, the prettydy wrote you a letter? Come on, read it out loud for us!" someone urged.


    Nathan held up the letter and read it out loud. ¡°Nathan, today''s your birthday, and I wanted to give you a special gift. Honestly, from the moment I saw you, I''ve fallen for you. I promise to be your girlfriend. Let''s make this official."


    Wendy felt her heart stop.


    She didn''t write this letter. Her gift had been swapped!


    She recalled how Benny had handled the bag earlier.


    Wendy''s gaze shot up to meet Benny''s, and she saw the sly, triumphant smile on his face.


    It was him.


    And Jessica, sitting across from her, was watching with an amused grin. Wendy instantly understood. It was Jessica''s idea to have Benny switch the gift.


    Benny, as always, did exactly what Jessica wanted.


    It all made sense now-Jessica had orchestrated this little spectacle for her at Nathan''s birthday party.


    The room erupted withughter and chatter.


    "Nathan, the prettydy just gave you a love letter for your birthday!"


    "Looks like Nathan''s no longer single! Kiss, kiss, kiss!"


    Everyone started cheering, egging them on.


    Nathan looked at Wendy, pleasantly surprised. "Wendy, you really want to be my girlfriend?"


    Feeling embarrassed, Wendy pulled Nathan close and whispered, "Nathan, you''ve misunderstood. I didn''t write this letter..."


    Nathan grinned, leaning in so close to her that, to everyone else, it seemed like they were engaging in a sweet, private conversation.


    "I know," he whispered in reply.


    Wendy blinked, taken aback. He knew?


    "Then why..."


    Nathan winked, his voice still low. "Wendy, it''s my birthday today. You wouldn''t want me to look stupid in front of all these people, right? If you turn me down now, I''ll never live it down. These guys willugh at me for the rest of my life,"


    Wendy hesitated, uncertain of how to handle this. "So, you''re saying-''


    "Wendy," Nathan cut in with a teasing smile, "let''s have a pretend rtionship for now."


    A pretend rtionship with Nathan?


    Wendy didn''t want to give Nathan any false hope She knew it wouldn''t be fair to him. While Nathan had been pursuing her, he had always respected her boundaries and never made her ufortable, so they had maintained a friendship.


    Now, though, the room was full of people, all eyes on them.


    Wendy felt it was too awkward to refuse him in front of everyone, especially since Nathan had always treated her kindly. Not many people had been so thoughtful toward her and she appreciated that.


    Wendy sighed and finally agreed. "Alright."


    Nathan''s face lit up, and before she could say another word, he pulled her into a hug. "Wendy, thank you for the gift. I love it."


    The room erupted in apuse, and someone shouted, "Nathan finally has a girlfriend!"


    Amid the cheers and teasing, one pair of eyes watched them with cold intensity.


    Stanley sat on the couch, his gaze fixed on the two of them, his expression turning icy as he observed the embrace.

 My Dad Please Come 161

    "Stanley."


    Jessica finally spoke up, breaking the tension.


    "You don''t even like Wendy, and we both know you two are bound to divorce eventually. But now Wendy has found her happiness, and it''s with Nathan. Wendy managed to win over someone that even the richest debutantes couldn''t. We should be happy for her, shouldn''t we, Stanley?"


    Stanley''s cold eyes briefly narrowed, his gaze sharpening at her words.


    At that moment, the attendants brought over the cake and lit the candles.


    "It''s time for the birthday boy to make a wish and blow out the candles."


    Nathan blew out the candles and then began slicing the cake. The first piece, of course, was meant for the birthday boy.


    But Nathan took a piece of the cake and held it up to Wendy''s lips instead.


    Wendy nced at him before opening her mouth to eat. Just as she was about to take a bite, Nathan pulled his hand away, teasing her.


    Seeing the yful grin on Nathan''s face, Wendy knew just how to y the part of the affectionate girlfriend. She shot him a mock re, pouting, and yfully punched his chest.


    Laughter filled the room.


    Nathan wrapped his arm around Wendy''s slender shoulders, pulling her close, and let out a joyousugh.


    "Nathan and his pretty girlfriend are too sweet!"


    "Forget about the cake. Just looking at them is giving me diabetes."


    Their yful back-and-forth had everyoneughing.


    Nathan once again brought the cake to Wendy''s lips, and she took a small bite. Lowering his head, Nathan kissed where she had just eaten and finished the rest of the cake in one motion, making the moment even sweeter.


    It was enough to make everyone chuckle and tease them more.


    Just then, Wendy felt a gaze fixed on her. She looked up and met Stanley''s cold, steely stare. He was ring at her with a brooding expression.


    Was he upset? She hadn''t done anything to provoke him. Besides, it was Jessica who had set her up with Nathan.


    Wendy gave him a bright, radiant smile, her lips curling into a yful grin as she leaned into Nathan''s embrace.


    Stanley''s expression remained icy as he watched her.


    Jessica, noticing the tension, smiled and said, "Stanley, look how sweet Wendy and Nathan are together."


    Stanley didn''t respond. Instead, he tipped his head back and drained his ss of wine in one go.


    The birthday party came to a close, and Stanley, Jessica, Wendy, and Nathan all stepped outside.


    Jessica was in high spirits. "Wendy, now that you''re Nathan''s girlfriend, we should go on a double date someday."


    4


    Wendy nodded, a smile tugging at her lips. "Sounds good."


    Nathan turned to Stanley. "Stanley, I owe you one. If it weren''t for you, I wouldn''t be with Wendy right now."


    Stanley''s expression remained unreadable. "Owe me for what?"


    "Don''t you remember when I asked you if you had feelings for Wendy? You said no, but you still gave me tips on how to win her over. The whole ''give her a bag'' advice didn''t work, but still, thanks."


    Stanley looked up at Wendy.


    Her clear, almond-shaped eyes met his. She remembered how Stanley had told Nathan to win her over by buying her a bag


    Jessica wrapped her arm around Stanley''s and beamed. "Wendy did take care of Stanley for three years. He''s just been trying to make it up to her. Of course, he wanted her to find someone good."


    Wendy extended her arm and linked it with Nathan''s, her eyes sparkling with a dazzling smile as she looked at Stanley. "Well then, congrattions, Mr. Hawk. It looks like you''ve finally gotten your wish."


    Stanley remained silent, his gaze still fixed on Wendy.


    "I''ll take you home, Wendy."


    "Alright."


    Nathan opened the passenger door of his sports car with a flourish, and Wendy


    slid in. The car sped off, quickly disappearing from view.


    As Jessica watched Nathan and Wendy drive away, she turned to Stanley, still smiling.


    "Stanley, will you take me home now?"


    13

 My Dad Please Come 162

    Stanley raised his hand and gently pulled his arm away from Jessica''s grip. His voice was cold and indifferent as he said, "I''ve had some drinks, so I can''t drive. I''m heading back to the office now. You can go home by yourself."


    Zayn pulled up with the Rolls Royce, and Stanley climbed into the car before it drove off.


    Jessica stood there, alone. She wasn''t upset; on the contrary, she was rather pleased with how things were going.


    Just then, Sienna walked over, stomping her feet in frustration. ¡°Jessica, can you believe that Wendy actually wrote a love letter to seduce Nathan? She''s so shameless!"


    The love letter wasn''t Wendy''s doing-it was something Jessica had Benny prepare. But she hadn''t told Sienna that. This was all part of her n-getting Wendy and Nathan together while also fueling Sienna''s hatred for Wendy.


    "Sienna, Wendy doesn''t deserve Nathan. But you know how men are they always want what they can''t have. Trust me, it won''t be long before Nathan gets tired of her," Jessica said, her voice dripping with certainty.


    She believed that a man like Nathan, who was simr to Stanley, might be temporarily enchanted by a pretty face, but it would neverst. She was confident he would abandon Wendy someday.


    Wendy was from the countryside and dropped out of school at sixteen. Once the novelty wore off, Nathan would grow bored of her.


    Sienna was convinced as well, but her expression darkened still.


    Jessica gave her aforting smile. "Don''t worry, Sienna. I think of you as a sister. I''ll make sure you and Nathan get together."


    "You''re the best, Jessica!" Sienna said, wrapping her arms around Jessica in a grateful hug.


    Jessica gave a half-hearted smile, her thoughts elsewhere.


    Just then, Benny walked over, looking unusually cheerful. "Looks like everyone''s falling in love. Maybe I should give it a go."


    Jessica and Sienna immediately turned to him, curious. "Benny, who''s the lucky girl you''ve set your sights on?"


    Who had managed to catch the eye of Hovendale''s infamous troublemaker?


    Benny grinned, looking mischievous. "She''s this genius freshman, Stanley''s junior."


    What?


    Jessica froze, her smile stiffening.


    She absolutely hated the so-called "genius freshman". Feeling threatened, she felt a deep jealousy brewing inside


    her.


    "Benny, have you met this genius freshman?" she asked.


    "Not yet," Benny replied nonchntly.


    Jessica raised an eyebrow. "So, you''re doing the whole online dating thing?" She couldn''t believe Benny would date someone online.


    Just then, Benny pulled out his phone. Thest time Stanley had added him to a group chat, he''d found himself in the same one as the genius freshman, W. Benny started typing a message, clearly in the mood to flirt. He tagged W and sent a message.


    [Hey, do you have a boyfriend?]


    He chuckled. "Let''s see how she responds."


    Jessica, on the other hand, was fuming with envy. She sneered, "Come on. You''re Hovendale''s little troublemaker, the heir to the family fortune. She''s probably thrilled that you''re flirting with her."


    Ding!


    The phone buzzed with a new message.


    Benny''s face lit up. "She replied! Um... Get lost?"


    That was her reply-two simple words, [Get lost!).


    Benny was left speechless, while Jessica and Sienna froze.


    Back in the CEO''s office, Stanley stood tall by the floor-to-ceiling window, his long legs nted firmly as thoughts of Wendy flooded his mind. Her delicate, wless face kept reying in his head.


    She''d written a love letter to Nathan.


    She''d yfully teased Nathan, punching him in the chest with a look of innocence, like a yful cat in heat.


    Last night, during the video call, she''d offered him some of the ice cream she''d just eaten and asked if he wanted some. Today, she was feeding Nathan cake.


    Stanley let out a bitterugh, curling his lips in disdain. So, when she couldn''t catch his attention, she moved on to Nathan? And she even seduced Nathan the same way she had seduced him?


    Ding!


    Just then, his phone buzzed. A new notification popped up.

 My Dad Please Come 163

    Stanley opened his social media app and saw thetest post Nathan had shared.


    It was a photo taken at vendale University''s sports stadium. The people were out of view, but their shadows were visible. One shadow was delicate and graceful, the other handsome and striking-obviously Wendy and Nathan.


    Nathan had captioned it, [The best birthday gift.]


    The post immediately attracted attention, and the wealthy heirs couldn''t help butment.


    [Nathan, it''s your birthday today. Why are you still outside?


    [Why are you two hanging out on campus? The presidential suite is already waiting for you!]


    [You guys don''t get it! Nathan''s staying in the girls'' dorm tonight.]


    [Dating a college girl-now that''s exciting.]


    Stanley read through thements, his throat tightening. His mind wandered back to Wendy''s dorm, to the little bed with the heart-shaped prints-he had slept there not long ago. He and Wendy had shared that bed.


    Would Nathan be sleeping there tonight, too?


    Stanley lowered his gaze, deep in thought. Both he and Nathan were like untouchable high-value men to the women of Hovendale, yet now they had both shared her bed. It was hard not to admire Wendy''s methods.


    Just then, Zayn entered the room. He immediately noticed the cold expression on Stanley''s face, and asked cautiously, "Mr. Hawk, are you upset because of Mrs. Hawk and Mr. Lowe?"


    Stanley tugged at his shirt cor but didn''t respond.


    "Mr. Hawk, I don''t think you should be bothered. You''ve always liked Ms. Jessica, so who Mrs. Hawk is with shouldn''t concern you. Didn''t you support Mr. Lowe pursuing her before? Now that he''s really with her, you seem upset-"


    Zayn was cut off as Stanley lifted his sharp gaze to meet his.


    Zayn immediately dropped the file he was holding. "I''ll leave now, Mr. Hawk."


    He rushed out the door, afraid of the icy look Stanley had given him.


    The CEO''s office was dead silent. Stanley mmed the file down onto the desk, grabbed his car keys, and strode out the door


    At vendale University, Nathan had just dropped Wendy off, and the two of them were strolling around the sports stadium.


    Wendy, curious, asked, "How did you know that love letter wasn''t from me?"


    Nathan smiled, his lips curling in amusement. "Because I know you wouldn''t write me a love letter." Being around Nathan was so effortless, sofortable. Wendy couldn''t help but smile back.


    Ding!


    Wendy''s phone buzzed. She opened her WhatsApp and saw that the message came from "Hubby", the first time


    +75 BONUS


    Stanley had ever sent her a message in their marriage.


    [Come out.]


    Two simple,manding words he was telling her toe out.


    Wendy quickly typed a reply, [I''m on campus.]


    [Look up.]


    Wendy''s heart skipped a beat, and she raised her eyes. Outside the school gate, she immediately saw a ck Rolls-Royce Phantom-Stanley''s car.


    He had actually driven to her school!


    The sleek, all-ck luxury car gleamed under the streetlights, quietly standing there like a king of the night. It had already caught the attention of passing female students, who couldn''t help but look back.


    At college, it wasn''t unusual to see rich heirs parking their luxury cars outside at night, but a Rolls-Royce? That definitely got the girls'' hearts racing.


    It wasn''t just the car-the dazzling vanity tes were rare even in Hovendale. Chapter 164

 My Dad Please Come 164

    The tinted windows of the luxurious car allowed those inside to see out, but no


    one could peer inside. Wendy couldn''t see Stanley, but she could feel the weight of his cold, dark gaze, fixated on her and Nathan. Why had he suddenly shown up to find her?


    Wendy turned to Nathan. "Nathan, it''s gettingte. I think I should head back to my dorm."


    Nathan grinned. "Alright, I''lle find you next time."


    He got into his Ferrari, and with a loud roar, the sports carped off.


    Wendy watched Nathan leave before she walked toward the Rolls-Royce Phantom. She reached for the backseat door and slid inside.


    The Rolls-Royce glided smoothly down the road, the luxurious interior illuminated by the neon lights of the night. Stanley''s hands, long and defined, gripped the steering wheel. The soft glow from the streetlights outside flickered across his handsome face, casting shadows and creating an air of mystery, as if his face were part of a ssic ck-and-white film.


    Wendy broke the silence first. "Mr. Hawk, did you need something from me?"


    Stanley''s deep voice was eerily indifferent. "Are you really dating Nathan?"


    Wendy nodded. "Yes."


    "You''re not right for him."


    "Why''s that?"


    "The Lowes would never consider someone like you. The Lowes want a debutante from a well-matched family. You''ll never step into their door-you''ll only be Nathan''s ything for a while."


    Since Stanley had always looked down on her, he was probably unaware of how hurtful his words were.


    "Then I''ll just y along."


    What?


    Stanley''s long fingers tightened around the steering wheel, and he nced at Wendy through the rearview mirror.


    Wendy met his gaze with her clear eyes, her lips curling slightly. "If I y along Nathan, I''m not losing anything. After all, you all think he''s out of my league. He''s handsome and rich-who wouldn''t want someone like that?"


    The air inside the luxurious car thickened to the point of suffocation.


    Wendy found itughable. Stanley had been unting his rtionship with Jessica, so what right did he have to meddle in her life? "Mr. Hawk, if there''s nothing else, please just take me back."


    Stanley gave her a long, prating look. "Come to the front."


    Wendy''s heart skipped a beat. What was he nning to do? Was he demanding repayment for the debt she owed him?


    She slid into the front passenger seat and fastened her seatbelt.


    Stanley nced at her wless face. "Do you know what I''m nning?"


    Wendy bit her lower lip, het teeth biting the soft, red flesh.


    Her lips lost their color with the pressure but immediately bounced back, youthful


    and full of life, inviting a desire to possess.


    "If you break up with Nathan, I won''t-"


    He didn''t finish his sentence because Wendy suddenly leaned over, closing the gap, and kissed his handsome face.


    Stanley froze.


    Wendy pulled back, her lips curling into a challenge. "Come on, then."


    Stanley''s throat moved unconsciously, his Adam''s apple rolling with a casual mockery. "Do you think Nathan knows you''ll y around with me while you''re with him?"


    Wendy stared at him. "I''ll y with you this one time, Stanley. But after that, don''te looking for me again." The traffic light ahead turned red, and Stanley brought the car to a halt. His gaze darkened as he looked at Wendy. Wendy''s delicate hand slowly climbed up to rest on his firm shoulder, and without hesitation, she leaned in and kissed his lips. 1


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 165

    Stanley was angry now-angry that she had said this was thest time and that he shouldn''te looking for her


    after this.


    Wendy''s soft red lips moved toward him, but he impatiently pushed her away.


    However, her small hand, which had been resting on his shoulder, moved to wrap around his neck, pulling herself closer to him.


    "Stanley, don''t push me away!"


    Her clear, shimmering eyes locked onto his, her voice soft but firm, with a hint of a yful lilt.


    The challenge in her tone made his muscles tighten.


    "Same condition," she continued. "This is our secret. I won''t tell Jessica."


    She kissed him again.


    Stanley''s narrowed eyes darkened, blood rushing to his face. A man who had tasted that kind of pleasure once was like a wild animal, asionally yearning for and remembering that feeling. Her boldness, her clinginess, easily sparked the fire within him.


    He gave up resisting, and as she pressed forward, he took control, hisrge hand gripping her smooth, fragrant shoulder. He wanted to pull her onto hisp.


    Honk!


    A sharp honking sound interrupted them, the traffic light had turned green.


    The car behind them quickly drove around, probably holding back frustration at the sight of the Rolls-Royce and its high-status license te, knowing they couldn''t afford to make a fuss.


    Stanley and Wendy quickly pulled apart. Wendy''s face turned bright red as she sat back down, recalling the fact that they were in the car.


    Stanley pressed the gas, and the luxury car sped down the road again.


    Neither of them spoke. Stanley''s hand rested on the steering wheel, his other hand, adorned with a luxury watch, falling to his side.


    Then, a small, soft hand reached over and lightly brushed against his fingers with her delicate pinky finger. Stanley felt his heart stir, as if a feather had gently brushed against it, sending a soft, tingling sensation through him.


    A good partner like her knew how to turn him on, understanding his every subtle gesture.


    9


    Stanley took hold of her pinky finger, gently squeezing it before intertwining his hand with hers, pulling her delicate hand into his warm palm.


    Hisrge hand held hers firmly.


    The awkwardness from earlier faded away. Wendy turned to look out the window. "Where are we going now?"


    Stanley hummedzily in response. "Hmm?"


    "A hotel? Or your ce?" Wendy asked tentatively.


    Stanley didn''t answer.


    Soon, Wendy realized they weren''t headed to a hotel or his vi; he had taken the car onto the highway.


    He was driving onto the highway.


    Wendy''s small face turned as red as a ripened apple. He had helped her, and this was her debt to repay.


    Her soft, delicate body leaned in again. Her soft red lips kissed his cheek and jaw, her hand slowly finding its way to his well-built chest.


    But Stanley pulled her hand away, his deep, maic voice rasping with a teasing edge. "Is that all you can do?"


    There was a hard edge to his demeanor. His gaze on her was intense, the way a mature man would look at a sultry woman, filled with mischief and desire.


    She realized it-sometimes, Stanley could be quite raunchy


    Wendy raised her delicate brow slightly, her youthful, innocent features tinged with


    a soft, enticing charm. "Of course not. I''m quite skilled, you know."


    "Heh."


    A low, raspyugh rumbled from Stanley''s throat. "Is that so? Let''s see then."


    His voice carried the yful, flirty tone of a man enjoying the game.


    Wendy kissed his thin lips, trailing kisses down his neck...


    Wendy returned to the girls'' dorm, looking exhausted. Then, as if her life had been drained out of her, she slept for two whole days.

 My Dad Please Come 166

    Halsey pulled Wendy up from the couch. "Wendy, wake up What were you doing? You lookpletely wiped out.


    Wendy rubbed her sleepy eyes and mumbled, "I just want sleep a little longer."


    "Sleep? No way! Get up now. Let''s hit the bar."


    Halsey dragged Wendy to the bar, and before long, they were inside a luxurious private room with a few familiar faces: Jessica, Benny, Sienna, and some rich heirs.


    Benny, lounging on the sofa, spoke up. "Jessica, Stanley''s been on a business trip for two days, right? Is heing back tonight?"


    After that night, Stanley left for his trip, and Wendy hadn''t seen him since.


    Naturally, they hadn''t been in contact either. ording to the unspoken agreement, after that night, they owed each other nothing but they had one more secret between them.


    Jessica smiled slyly. "Yeah, Stanley''sing back tonight.""


    "The other night, Mr. Hawk took his car on the highway, right? I heard he was speeding like he was in a race, and the camera caught him, so he got three points deducted. Did you know about this?"


    Jessica froze, clearly unaware of the incident.


    But Wendy, who was standing outside the room, knew exactly what had happened. That night, she and Stanley had been speeding and doing something else on the highway, and they were caught by the electronic cameras. It had resulted in points being deducted and a fine, a perfect example of what not to do.


    It was a lesson for everyone to drive carefully.


    "What the heck? Why was Stanley speeding like that? Was he in a bad mood or something?" Benny asked, curious.


    Wendy didn''t want to dwell on it. "Halsey, let''s go."


    She tried to pull Halsey away, but at that moment, Sienna suddenly shouted from the other side of the room," Jessica, Stanley bought you a gift while he was abroad!"


    Jessica''s face lit up with a delighted smile. "What did he get me?"


    Sienna replied, "My friend just told me she was at a foreign boutique when Stanley ordered this ne for you- the ruby and diamond ne from Alber, the one everyone''s been talking about!"


    Jessica''s eyes sparkled. She had been eyeing that ruby and diamond ne for ages. She couldn''t believe Stanley had actually bought it for her. It was truly a huge surprise!


    Benny and the other rich heirs chuckled. "Jessica, no doubt Stanley bought it for you."


    "Mr. Hawk really is romantic, isn''t he? Even when he''s abroad, he still remembers to bring you a gift."


    "Jessica, when Stanley gives you that ruby ne, you''ve got to show it to me! I haven''t seen anyone else get one of those yet.


    Jessica''s smile grew brighter. "You guys are really doubling down on teasing me when Stanley isn''t around, huh?"


    Wendy tugged at Halsey again, wanting to leave, but Halsey muttered angrily, "Mr. Hawk really pampers Jessica. He buys her a ruby ne when he''s abroad. Has he forgotten who''s really Mrs. Hawk?"


    The mention of "Mrs. Hawk" struck Wendy like a dagger. She smiled bitterly.


    Stanley had never given her a gift. He had bought Jessica a bag before, and Wendy had thought it was for her. She evenplimented the bag, saying how pretty it was.


    This made Stanley think she liked bags, and the whole thing had turned into a joke about him advising Nathan to give her one.


    Ding!


    Her phone vibrated. A message hade through on WhatsApp.


    Wendy unlocked her phone; to her surprise, it was from Stanley, who had been away on his business trip.


    He had sent her a photo.


    Wendy''s heart skipped a beat. It was a picture of the ruby and diamond ne. [You like it?]


    The message was brief, as always-Stanley''s typical style, asking if she liked it. Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 167

    Wendy froze, unsure of what he meant."


    Wasn''t the ruby ne meant for Jessica?


    Why was he asking if she liked it?


    Could it be that he bought two-one for Jessica and one for her?


    It wasn''t entirely impossible. He had the money, after all.


    Wendy found it almostughable. No matter his intentions she wasn''t going to keep second-guessing him or chasing after him anymore. That night on the highway had ready settled everything between them-they no longer owed each other.


    She put her phone away without replying."


    Just then, Jessica walked over with a bright smile on her face. "Wendy, you''re here too?"


    Her mood was clearly great, likely because she''d heard Stanley was giving her a ruby ne. She was someone who loved luxury, and knowing about that gift had clearly made her day.


    Wendy nodded. "Just came by to hang out."


    "Stanley''s nning a trip with me and Sienna to a resort in a couple of days. It''s famous for its hot springs, and we''re going to rx in the baths. You and Nathan shoulde too!"


    Wendy knew Jessica wasn''t being entirely sincere. Ever since Nathan''s birthday party, Jessica had been making


    her move.


    Wendy met her gaze and smiled slightly. "Sounds good. I have time, anyway."


    After Wendy and Halsey returned to the dorm, Wendy took a quick hot shower. By the time she was done, her phone rang.


    It was a call from Stanley.


    Her heart skipped a beat as she picked it up, hearing his deep, maic voice from the other side. "Come outside."


    He wanted her toe out.


    Wendy hesitated for a moment before throwing on a jacket and heading out.


    The Rolls-Royce Phantom was parked at the gate, just likest time. As she walked out, she saw him leaning against the expensive car, looking as sharp as


    ever.


    Stanley had returned from his business trip, wearing a ck, thin coat over a white shirt and a ck business vest. He looked every bit the sophisticated businessman. Students passing by couldn''t help but nce at him, some even turning around to take a second look.


    It was said that CEOS like him had a thing for young students, but honestly, how could these fresh-faced girls not be drawn to a wealthy, handsome boss like Stanley?


    This was the second time he had parked his car at vendale University''s gate. Lately, he had beening by


    more often.


    Wendy jogged over. "Hey, Mr. Hawk."


    Stanley straightened up, his gaze falling on her face. "Why didn''t you respond to my text?"


    He was referring to the WhatsApp message about whether she liked the ne.


    Wendy decided to lie. "I didn''t see it."


    Stanley''s expression grew slightly colder. Without saying another word, he opened the passenger side door and pulled out a bag, handing it to her. "Here."


    Wendy saw the Alber logo on the bag. Inside was the ruby and diamond ne.


    Right after returning from his trip, he came to give her the ne.


    Wendy didn''t take it. "Thank you, but I can''t ept this."


    Stanley''s eyes narrowed slightly. She had just showered, her long ck hair cascading down her back in soft waves, her face fresh and unmade-up-smooth, wless skin like a peeled lychee.


    She looked so pure, so innocent, that it was hard not to be drawn in.


    As she spoke, she looked up at him with those watery eyes, the same way she


    had that night in the car-soft, sweet, and obedient.


    Stanley''s voice dropped, a bit colder this time. "You don''t like it?"


    Wendy shook her head. "Mr. Hawk, you don''t have to give me gifts. I told you that night-please don''te looking for me again."


    His expression darkened in an instant. He sneered, a bitterugh escaping him. Without another word, he tossed the bag into a nearby trash can.


    Stanley got into the Rolls-Royce, mmed the door shut, and with a press of the elerator, sped off.

 My Dad Please Come 168

    He had left.


    But Wendy wasn''t thinking about his departure. What bothered her more was what he had done-how could he just toss that ruby ne into the trash like it was nothing?


    That ruby was worth over a million!


    Even though he was rich, he shouldn''t just throw away something so expensive!


    Without wasting a second, Wendy rushed to the trash can, reaching in to grab the precious bag. Fortunately, it wasn''t dirty or damaged-how tragic it would have been if it had been ruined!


    Back in the dorm, Wendy sat at her vanity and opened the ornate box. The ruby and diamond ne inside shimmered brilliantly under the light, stunning her with its breathtaking beauty.


    Stanley had always had impable taste. After all, he was born into a family of privilege, a high-born heir with a refined sense of style. Anything he chose would undoubtedly be exceptional.


    Though Wendy was wealthy herself, she rarely indulged in things like this. This was also the first time Stanley had given her a gift.


    She picked up the ruby ne and fastened it around her neck.


    Her skin was fair and smooth, with a neck as graceful as a swan''s, and below it, delicate corbones. The ruby shimmered against her skin, making her look both ethereal and morous.


    Wendy snapped a quick photo of herself with her phone, sending it to her best friend, Cecelia.


    Cecelia responded with an excited squeal. [Ahh, it''s so beautiful! I love it, I love it!]


    Wendy texted her back on WhatsApp. [It''s from Mr. Hawk.]


    Cecelia''s yful tone disappeared. [That jerk? Wendy, you must''ve pleasured him well, huh? He just gave you a ruby ne as a reward.]


    Wendy''s fair cheeks flushed with a hint of pink. Deep down, she already knew-it was indeed a reward.


    He knew how to spoil his woman, how to be tender.


    Wendy asked, [Should I throw it back in the trash?]


    Cecelia replied, [You sure you want to part with it?]


    Wendy wrote back, [Not really.]


    This ruby ne was way too expensive!


    [Then keep it.]


    [Keep it?]


    [The question is, do you like it?)


    Wendy nced at herself in the mirror. The ruby ne really did suit her. [I do.]


    Cecelia put her foot down. [Then keep it. You''re Mrs. Hawk. Why would you turn down a ruby ne from him?] Wendy relented. [Fine. He thinks the ruby ne is in the trash, so he won''t know I picked it up and put it on.]


    Wendy was about to put her phone down when it slipped out of her hand and almost hit the floor. She scrambled to catch it, but in the process, the phone made a sharp snapping sound. She had identally taken a screenshot, and worse yet, she mistakenly sent it to someone.


    Who did she send it to?


    "Hubby"?


    She had just sent a screenshot of her conversation with Cecelia to Stanley! Bloody hell!


    Wendy immediately retracted the message. "It''s fine, it''s fine, he won''t see it!" she consoled herself.


    Back at Hawk Group, Stanley had returned to his office, sitting in the chair with his lips pressed together in frustration.


    During his business trip abroad, he had seen the ruby in a magazine and immediately thought it would be perfect for Wendy. So, he had Zayn order it right away.


    As soon as his nended, he personally delivered it to her.


    But she had actually rejected it, telling him not to bother her again.


    Stanley''s face was dark, his mood sour. Just then, a notification pinged on his phone.


    It was a WhatsApp message. He clicked on it and saw Wendy''s screenshot. [You sure you want to part with it?]


    [Not really.]


    [The question is, do you like it?]


    [I do.]


    [He thinks the ruby ne is in the trash, so he won''t know I picked it up and put it on.]


    Right after he finished reading, the screenshot was quickly deleted.


    She had retracted it.


    Stanley''s lips curled into a faint, almost amused smile. He clicked on an emoji and sent it back to her.


    On the other side, Wendy was still trying to convince herself that he hadn''t seen it. After all, the busy CEO couldn''t possibly check his WhatsApp right away.


    She could just pretend nothing had happened.


    But the next second, a reply came in from "Hubby".


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    Wendy clicked on the message, seeing "Hubby" had sent a smiley emoji. Wendy froze for a second, then she covered her face and screamed, "Ah!" Stanley was sitting in the CEO''s office, watching Wendy''s chat window sh repeatedly with "typing..." for several minutes. Eventually, it seemed the person on the other end gave up, and nothing came through as the screen fell silent.


    The storm cloud that had been hanging over Stanley''s handsome face cleared, and he couldn''t help butugh.


    Wendy couldn''t stand teasing.


    Stanley''s mind drifted to the screenshot he had seen earlier the picture of her delicate, pink neck adorned with the ruby ne. It was truly beautiful.


    Her best friend had called him what again? "Jerk"?


    [That jerk? Wendy, you must''ve pleasured him well, huh? He just gave you a ruby ne as a reward.]


    Stanley''s gaze deepened as images of their time in the car shed through his mind.


    His handsome eyelids fluttered a few times, and he had to admit, Wendy had truly surprised him. That was why, during his brief trip abroad, the moment he saw the ruby ne, he had to buy it for her.


    They hadn''t yet taken their rtionship to the next level, but Wendy was the first woman who had ever taken care of him in this way. A man always feels differently about his first.


    At that moment, the door to the CEO''s office opened, and Jessica walked in. "Stanley, you''re back?"


    Stanley replied with a simple hum.


    Without hesitation, Jessica sat down on Stanley''sp, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Where''s my gift?"


    Stanley paused for a moment. He had bought a gift for Wendy, but nothing for Jessica.


    In fact, he hadn''t even thought about getting Jessica a gift this time.


    He had never done that before.


    Seeing the hopeful look in Jessica''s eyes, Stanley gently replied, "I forgot. Tell me what you want, and I''ll have my secretary buy it for you."


    Jessica was taken aback. "Didn''t you order the Alber ruby and diamond ne? Wasn''t that for me?"


    Jessica was convinced the ruby ne was meant for her.


    Stanley frowned slightly. "I ordered it, but I didn''t buy it."


    Jessica seemed disappointed, but she let it go, quickly shifting her attention.


    "Anyway, I''ve arranged something fun. I''ve set up a trip with Wendy. In two days,


    you, me, Wendy, and Nathan will all go to a resort for a spa getaway."


    1


    Stanley''s expression remained unchanged. "Wendy agreed?""


    "Mm-hmm. She''s dating Nathan now. She''s his girlfriend, so it''ll be a double date."


    Wendy was now Nathan''s girlfriend.


    The events that had happeited in the car that day? They were just her way of paying him back. She didn''t want to owe him anything.


    She told him to stoping after her.


    Was she really nning to be with Nathan?


    Other men were fine, but Nathan? Stanley couldn''t ept it


    Nathan was his childhood friend, the guy who had grown up alongside him.


    Having someone who had been with him go to his friend was something Stanley could never ept.


    Stanley nodded. "Okay."


    "Stanley." Jessica reached out to caress his handsome face, her eyes filled with deep affection. "Have you missed me these past few days?"


    Stanley removed her hand gently and urged her to get off hisp. "I just got back, and I have work to do. You should head back now."


    Work, work-was that all he cared about? Didn''t he have normal human needs?


    Wasn''t he allowed to have desires like any other man?


    Jessica couldn''t help but feel frustrated.


    Two dayster, Wendy and Nathan arrived at the resort hotel. Stanley and Jessica were already there. The four of them were officially going on a double date.


    The hotel manager greeted them promptly. "Mr. Hawk, Mr. Lowe, wee! I''ve prepared the two best ocean- view suites for you.''

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    Jessica looped her arm through Stanley''s, leaning into him. "Stanley, let''s share a room."


    Nathan wrapped his arm around Wendy''s slender shoulders "Wendy, let''s stay in the same room, too."


    Stanley nced at Wendy, watching as she nodded. "Alright"


    She agreed to stay in the same room as Nathan.


    Stanley''s lips tightened into a thin line.


    Wendy noticed Stanley''s gaze. She lifted her eyes and met the cold, dark depths of his stare.


    What was he looking at her for?


    The memory of the awkward exchange on WhatsApp the night before suddenly rushed back to her. At the time, she had been scrambling to find an escape, but now, she calmly shifted her gaze away.


    The hotel manager smiled warmly. "Mr. Hawk, Mr. Lowe, here we have the Presidential Oceanic Suite and the Executive Oceanic Suite. How would you like to divide them?"


    Jessica, already aware that the Presidential Suite had the best view, smiled triumphantly. "I''ll take the Presidential Suite. Wendy, you and Nathan can have the Executive Suite."


    With a slow, deliberate smile, Wendy responded, "Actually, the Executive Suite is perfect for you and Mr. Hawk. Nathan and I will take the Presidential Suite."


    What?


    Jessica''s expression darkened. Was Wendy trying to take the Presidential Suite from her?


    She clearly didn''t know her ce!


    "Stanley, I want the Presidential Suite!" Jessica pouted, looking at him with doe eyes.


    In truth, Stanley and Nathan didn''t really care which room they stayed in, but the two women were already at odds over the room.


    The hotel manager quickly stepped in, eager to resolve the situation. "How about this? Let''s have a littlepetition. Whoever wins gets the Presidential Suite. It''s the fairest way."


    Jessica raised an eyebrow. "What kind ofpetition?"


    "There''s a ten-minute drive to the beachfront vi, and we have two sports cars ready. You''ll race there."


    A race?


    Jessica''s lips curled into a grin. "Alright, I''m in."


    Wendy nodded. "Me too."


    Jessica looked at Wendy with a confident smirk. "Wendy, you''re definitely going to lose. Stanley and Nathan used to race all the time, and Nathan can never beat Stanley."


    Turning to Stanley, Jessica cooed, "Stanley, you have to win the Presidential Suite for me!"


    Stanley nced at Wendy before escorting Jessica to one of the cars.


    Nathan smirked. "Stanley, Jessica, you might be in for a surprise."


    What did he mean?


    Stanley looked up and saw Nathan toss the keys to Wendy. She slid into the driver''s seat, and Nathan climbed into the passenger seat.


    Jessica gasped, stunned. "Wendy, you''re racing?"


    It wasn''t Nathan and Stanley racing-it was Wendy and Stanley.


    Wendy could race?


    Wendy ced arge pair of ck sunsses over her delicate face, then turned toward Stanley. She smiled slowly, her lips curving into a yful expression. "Mr. Hawk, may the best man, or woman, win."


    Stanley''s eyes flickered with surprise and curiosity. He hadn''t expected Wendy to be skilled at racing


    How good could she be to challenge him? ?


    "Ready, set, go!"


    As the hotel manager''s voice faded, the two sports cars shot forward like arrows, tearing down the road.


    Stanley had been racing for years. He was a champion in every field he entered- good at everything, unbeatable. But as he nced in the rearview mirror, he saw Wendy''s car matching his pace. No matter how much he tried to pull ahead, she stayed right beside him.


    Interesting.


    If she wanted to y, he''d humor her.


    A grin yed on Stanley''s lips, and with a swift turn of the steering wheel, he made his move.


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    Stanley''s sports car suddenly swerved toward Wendy, attempting to force her off the track.


    But Wendy didn''t back down. The right side of her car scraped against the wall, sending sparks flying. In the blink of an eye, she skillfully drifted her car to the side and chased after Stanley.


    Her control of the car was impressive, even stunning.


    Stanley watched Wendy, feeling the breeze on his face. Her long, dark hair flowed out behind her, rippling in the wind, some strands catching on her delicate cheeks and slender neck. She looked so radiant, so captivating, it was impossible to look away.


    Wearing sunsses, she slowly nced at him, then gave him the finger.


    "Damn it!" Stanley muttered under his breath, a low, roughugh escaping from his throat. The sight of her stirred something deep inside him.


    She made his heart itch.


    In his mind, Wendy was just a country girl, always causing trouble and orbiting around him. But there were moments, like now, when her cleverness in outwitting bad guys, her ruthless gamey, and her boldness behind the wheel made him wonder.


    Which side of her was the real one?


    She was like a puzzle.


    He had started his attack; after all, since he had made a move, he couldn''t just let her have the upper hand.


    Wendy saw an obstacle ahead, and instinctively, she turned the wheel, trying to force him back. But Stanley hit the gas, using the downhill momentum to perform


    a perfect drift, cutting right past her like an arrow.


    Wendy looked up at him, and Stanley simply shrugged his shoulders, a nonchnt smile ying on his lips.


    Wendy''s red lips curled into a smile, her eyes sparkling with yful defiance.


    It was a battle of equals.


    Speed and adrenaline surged, igniting an uncontroble thrill.


    The two sports cars raced side by side, forming the brightest, most captivating sight on the track.


    Sitting in the passenger seat, Nathan cheered with excitement. "Wendy, I didn''t expect you to be this good at racing! Stanley must be in shock. He''s never met anyone who could challenge him-until now."


    Wendy smiled, amused.


    "But Wendy, the finish line''sing up, and you still haven''t beaten Stanley. You might not get the Presidential Suite after all," Nathan adde


    Wendy nced ahead at the finish line. "Don''t worry. Someone''s going to help me out."


    Help her out?


    Who?


    Jessica sat in the passenger seat, her stomach churning with jealousy as she watched Wendy keep up with Stanley. She felt sick with envy.


    Why was this happening? Wasn''t Wendy just some country bumpkin? How did she know how to race like this?


    Why was she shining so brightly?


    Jessica turned her gaze to Stanley. His attention was entirely on Wendy. Racing had always been his hobby, and who didn''t love someone who stood out like Wendy did?


    Jessica, who had a congenital heart condition, already felt ufortable in the sports car. The jealousy and bitterness only made her chest tighten painfully.


    She pressed a hand to her heart, wincing in pain.


    "Stanley!" she cried.


    The race was entering its final stage. Stanley was about to push the pedal to the metal when he heard Jessica''s anguished cry. He turned to look, and saw that her face had drained of color.


    Immediately, he slowed down.


    At that moment, Wendy''s car shot ahead with a roar, crossing the finish line. Wendy had won.


    Stanley drove up and parked before quickly getting out of the car with Jessica. Jessica''s condition had improved, but her face was still pale.


    Wendy and Nathan climbed out of their car, and a staff member from the resort handed Wendy the key to the Presidential Suite.


    Wendy took it with a smile, turning to Stanley and Jessica.


    "Mr. Hawk, Jessica, thanks for letting us win," she said brightly.


    Jessica''s anger red. "You little..."


    Wendy ignored her, shing a confident smile before turning and walking away with grace.


    Jessica stood there, fuming. She felt like she was going to explode.

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    212


    Nathan chuckled. "So, the ''help'' Wendy was talking about was Jessica."


    Stanley raised an eyebrow. "Help?"


    "Well, earlier, you and Wendy were neck and neck," Nathan continued, "Wendy said that Jessica has a weak heart, and even if you''re the best driver, Jessica can''t stand the speed, and she''s bound to help Wendy out."


    Did she really say that?


    Stanley''s gaze shifted toward Wendy''s retreating figure, and a faint smile tugged at his lips.


    Nathan nudged him with his shoulder. "She''s interesting, isn''t she?"


    Stanley raised an eyebrow, but didn''t answer.


    Meanwhile, Jessica stood there,pletely ignored, feeling like she was invisible.


    Wendy and Nathan entered the Presidential Suite with a breathtaking view of the sea, while Jessica and Stanley headed to the Executive Suite.


    Cecelia and Sienna had also arrived, eager to visit the famous hot springs at the resortter that evening.


    Cecelia grabbed Wendy''s arm. "Wendy, let''s go buy some bikinis!"


    They arrived at the bikini section, where an overwhelming array of styles left them both dazzled.


    Cecelia''s excitement was evident. "Wendy, with a body like yours, we have to pick the perfect bikini so you can really show off!"


    No sooner had she finished speaking than Sienna''s voice cut in, dripping with sarcasm. "An ugly duckling can only ever be an ugly duckling. What makes you think you couldpare to a beautiful swan?"


    Jessica and Sienna had also joined them.


    Before long, Stanley and Nathan walked in as well.


    Nathan moved over to Wendy''s side. "Wendy, what are you two talking about?¡±


    Sienna sneered, "Wendy was just picking out a bikini to show off her body in front of all the men."


    Wendy stayed silent.


    Cecelia opened her mouth to speak, but Wendy held up a hand, stopping her.


    Sienna wasn''t done. "Jessica is the lead ballerina-her body is top-notch. Some people might try to imitate her style, but no matter how hard they try, it''s justughable."


    Wendy remembered Jessica saying the same thing about her, using her of copying her style.


    But Wendy wasn''t angry. Instead, she realized Stanley was watching her. His eyes scanned her from top to bottom, and she couldn''t help but look away, wondering if he thought her body wasn''t as impressive as Jessica''s.


    Nathan furrowed his brows and, with irritation, scolded, "Sienna, why do you always feel the need to be so rude?"


    Sienna''s face went pale, her gaze shifting to Nathan. "Nathan, 1-¡±


    Wendy cut in, smiling as she spoke. "It''s fine, Nathan. Let''s just pick out a bikini, Cecelia."


    Wendy nced around, then her eyes settled on a pink bikini. "I''ll take that one."


    The shopkeeper smiled. "Good choice. That pink bikini is perfect for someone with your fair skin and stunning looks."


    As the shopkeeper took the bikini off the rack, Jessica''s voice suddenly piped up. "I''ll take that one too!" Jessica had also set her sights on the same pink bikini, and how, the two of them werepeting for it.


    Wendy nced at Jessica, who had a smug, dismissive look of her face. For Jessica, showing off her body was her specialty. She might have lost the race, but she was determined to outshine everyone in the hot springs, drawing all the men''s attention.


    She wondered if Wendy, the simple country girl, dared topete with her.


    The shopkeeper hesitated. "But... There''s only one left in pink..."


    "Sir, you''re a businessman. It''s simple-whoever pays more gets it," Jessica said,


    smiling sweetly as she linked her arm through Stanley''s. She fluttered her eyshes at him. "Stanley, I want that pink bikini. Get it for me."


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    First, it was a race; now, it was a battle of wealth.


    When it came to money, Stanley, the richest man in Hovendale, clearly wasn''t someone who could lose.


    Jessica shed him a coy smile, her pretty face glowing as she pleaded with him to buy the bikini.


    Stanley nced at Jessica, then shifted his gaze to Wendy.


    Wendy was looking at him with her clear, bright eyes.


    Jessica clung to his arm, pouting and sweetly begging, "Stariley, please buy it for me. I really want it!"


    Stanley turned to the shopkeeper. "I''ll pay you double what it''s worth."


    He offered to double the price to buy the bikini for Jessica.


    Jessica lifted her chin proudly, like a peacock unting her feathers, casting a


    smug look at Wendy as if to say, Look, Stanley bought it for me."


    Nathan quickly chimed in. "Stanley, you''re really killing the fun here. Sir, I''ll pay three times the price."


    Nathan was willing to pay three times the price to buy it for Wendy.


    Wendy nced at Nathan, shaking her head. "Nathan, it''s fine, really..."


    "No, it''s not fine," Nathan insisted with a grin. "I''m buying it, and I want to see you wear it."


    Stanley furrowed his brows slightly. "I''ll pay four times."


    Nathan countered, "I''ll pay five times."


    Now it was a battle between two men.


    Stanley shot back, "Six times."


    As Nathan was about to respond, Wendy stopped him with a gentle hand. "Nathan, I don''t want the pink bikini anymore."


    Wendy extended her slender finger and pointed to a vibrant magenta bikini. "I want that one."


    The shopkeeper quickly grabbed the magenta bikini from the rack. "Excellent choice, miss. That''ll look amazing on you."


    Wendy winked at Nathan yfully. "Nathan, could you buy this one for me?"


    Nathan raised an eyebrow. He realized that Wendy didn''t want to keep going with this rivalry between him and Stanley. She was being considerate, protecting his pride as a man and keeping things light for everyone.


    She was extremely thoughtful.


    "Of course," he said with a smile.


    He pulled out his wallet and paid for the magenta bikini.


    Wendy took the pink bikini and casually tossed it into Jessica''s arms. ¡°Here,


    Jessica, you can have this one. I don''t want it anymore."


    Jessica waspletely caught off guard. Her expression turned to one of shock as she realized Wendy had turned the tables on her.


    Cecelia chuckled. "Some people are so strange, paying six times the price for something Wendy doesn''t even want.


    Jessica was left speechless.


    "Wendy, let''s go change into our bikinis," Cecelia said, ncing at Stanley with a sly smile. "By the way, Nathan paid for the magenta one. You should hurry up and wear it for him."


    Stanley''s lips pressed into a tight line, his usual aura darkening.


    Wendy appreciated Nathan''s gesture. She smiled at him. "Thanks, Nathan. I''ll go change now."


    Nathan nodded. "Okay."


    Wendy and Cecelia walked off toward the women''s changing room.


    Meanwhile, Jessica stood there, holding the pink bikini in her arms, feeling utterly humiliated, She didn''t know what to do with it-she couldn''t just throw it away, but keeping it felt just as bad.


    Sienna''s face was equally sour, filled with envy. She resented Nathan for buying the bikini for Wendy.


    In the hot spring pool, Stanley and Nathan had already arrived. Jessica and Sienna followed soon after.


    Sienna, clearly delighted, called out, "Stanley, Jessica''s here!"


    Stanley looked up as Jessica stepped into view, wearing the pink bikini. Her dancer''s body, honed from years of ballet, was perfectly sculpted-curves in all the right ces. Her long, wavy hair cascaded down her back, making her look even more radiant and stunning. She was a fiery red rose.


    As soon as Jessica entered, all the men''s eyes in the hot spring pool snapped to her.


    Jessica, used to the attention, felt all the gazes on her. She had grown up in the spotlight, ustomed to the attention of men.

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    Jessica stepped into the hot spring pool and walked over to Stanley''s side.


    "Stanley, do you think I look good?"


    Stanley looked at her, but before he could answer, Cecelia pulled Wendy into the pool.


    Cecelia hopped into the water. "Wendy,e on, get in!"


    Stanley looked up at Wendy. She had changed into her bikin, but she looked ufortable. She had wrapped a towel around herself, trying to cover up.


    Jessica immediately sneered, "Wendy, why are you wearing a towel? Are you not confident in your body?"


    Sienna watched with amusement, clearly enjoying the scene.


    "Come on, Wendy. Everyone''s waiting for you to take off the towel!" Cecelia grinned and yanked the towel off Wendy.


    "Ah!" Wendy gasped in surprise, her body suddenly exposed to everyone''s gaze.


    Wendy was wearing a magenta bikini. Her skin was naturally fair, in a way different from Jessica''s-Jessica''s was the result of expensive treatments, but Wendy''s skin was like that of a delicate tulip, soft and pure. Her body was naturally graceful, with curves in all the right ces.


    Her waist was slender, almost like a porcin vase, and her figure only added to her youthful beauty. Her magenta bikini perfectly highlighted her smooth, porcin-like skin, giving her an innocent yet sultry allure.


    When Stanley caught sight of her, his pupils constricted slightly.


    "Wendy, get in," Cecelia called out, reaching for her.


    Wendy''s foot slipped, and her slender body toppled toward the water.


    Stanley reacted quickly, his hand reaching out to catch her.


    But before he could grab her, someone else moved faster. Nathan swiftly caught Wendy in his arms.


    Nathan looked at her in awe, his voice soft with concern. "Wendy, are you alright?"


    Ceceliaughed, teasing, "Nathan, do you think Wendy looks good in this bikini?"


    Nathan looked at Wendy and smiled. "She looks amazing."


    "Then I guess today''s money spent is worth it, huh?"


    "Definitely."


    Wendy''s face turned a little red. She shot a yful re at Cecelia, signaling her to stop.


    Nathan held her gently. "Do you want me to keep carrying you, or can you walk?" Wendy stood up in the water. "I can walk on my own."


    She and Nathan moved to one side of the pool.


    Stanley''s outstretched hand paused in the air, and slowly, he withdrew it, his expression darkening.


    Jessica stood frozen. Standing next to Wendy, she suddenly realized that Wendy''s skin was even fairer than hers. And Wendy''s figure was actually better than hers! With such aparison, the differences were night and day. Moments ago, all the attention in the pool had been on Jessica. Now, it shifted, and all eyes were on Wendy.


    Jessica couldn''t believe it. She had just been outshone by Wendy!


    A tall, handsome man walked toward Jessica. Sienna quickly whispered,


    "Jessica, this guy is definitelying for you."


    The next moment, the man walked past Jessica and stopped right next to Wendy. "Hey, beautiful. Can I get your number?"


    Someone was hitting on Wendy, asking for her number.


    Sienna, left speechless, turned her gaze elsewhere.


    Jessica, on the other hand, was seething. She felt like all her pride had just been stripped away.


    Nathan immediately pulled Wendy closer, iming his territory.


    Wendy, never forgetting her "fake girlfriend" role, smiled and replied, "Sorry, I have a boyfriend."


    The man, disappointed, turned and walked away.


    Nathan and Wendy exchanged a smile, but just as they did, Wendy suddenly felt


    a cold, piercing starend on her. She looked up, and her gaze met Stanley''s icy eyes. He was watching her intently, a chilling expression on his face.


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    Wendy found herself puzzled. Why was Stanley looking at her like that?


    Jessica was right there beside him, so why wasn''t he looking at her? Lately, it felt like Stanley had been watching her more than usual,


    Nathan looked at Wendy. "Wendy, let''s go to that hot spring over there."


    Cecelia covered her mouth, trying to hide herugh. "Nathan wants to be alone with you, Wendy. Go on, then."


    As she spoke, Cecelia shot Stanley a nce. Noticing his gloomy expression, she felt ted for some reason. Wendy followed Nathan as they walked to a different hot spring. They chatted for a while, but before long, Nathan''s phone rang. He excused himself to take the call.


    "Wendy, I''ll be right back. I just need to take this."


    "Alright," she replied.


    Nathan walked off to answer his phone, and Wendy lingered in the water for a bit. She noticed a vendor selling ice cream and, unable to resist the temptation, went over to buy some.


    However, when she reached the vendor, he had already left. Without realizing it, Wendy found herself walking deeper into a secluded part of the hot spring.


    There, Wendy saw two people-one was a man with a tiger tattoo on his chest, and the other was a woman with a seductive, curvy figure. The woman was sitting on the man''sp, and they were clearly engaged in an intimate moment. The surrounding water rippled as they moved.


    The womanughed. "Aren''t you afraid someone will see you with your boss''s woman?"


    The man, panting heavily, grinned arrogantly. "If anyone sees us, I''ll kill them!¡±


    Wendy hadn''t expected to stumble upon such a scene-she had unwittingly walked in on an affair.


    The man, Lionel Chambers, had a tiger tattoo, and he looked like a dangerous figure, someone involved in shady business.


    "Wait." Lionel suddenly snapped, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. His piercing gaze shot straight toward Wendy. Who''s there?"


    Wendy''s heart raced. She turned and ran.


    Lionel pushed the woman off him and nced toward his bodyguard, who was nearby. "Someone was here. Go after them."


    Lionel and a few bodyguards quickly started chasing after her.


    Wendy didn''t want to get in Ived with dangerous people like them, and she tried to escape as quickly as she could. To her horror, she realized she had ended up in a dead-end. She was trapped.


    Lionel and his bodyguards were closing in fast. What was she supposed to do?


    Wendy nervously backed away, but just then, her back collided with a strong chest.


    She looked up in surprise, only to see Stanley''s handsome face looming over her.


    Stanley? How did he get here?


    71


    He grabbed her slender arm and pulled her behind arge rock. His strong arm gently circled her waist, lifting her effortlessly and cing her on the stone.


    "Spread your legs and wrap them around my waist," he murmured.


    Wendy''s heart skipped a beat, and her body tensed in protest. "No!"


    Stanley''s eyes darkened as he looked at her with a smirk. "Haven''t you ever wrapped your legs around a man? Stop pretending."


    For some reason, he sounded angry.


    What was his problem? What had she done to upset him?


    Without waiting for her response, Stanley pressed his knee between her legs, forcing them apart, and his lean body moved closer, his narrow waist pushing against her.


    Wendy''s long, slender legs shook, refusing to cooperate as she kept her legs tightly together.


    She knew Stanley was only trying to protect her, but this wasn''t the way she wanted it. They could have handled this differently.


    "Stanley, stop this!" she begged, her voice trembling.


    She tried to push him away, using her delicate knees to shove him back.


    Stanley''s face grew even darker, and it was as though the air around him had


    turned to ice. Seeing her struggle only worsened his mood. His jaw tightened, and his eyes shed with cold fury.


    "Lionel!" A voice rang out. "I saw someone running this way just now!"


    0

 My Dad Please Come 176

    Lionel had arrived with his men.


    Stanley recognized Lionel. He was a tough, dangerous guy, the second-in-mand in a notorious gang. He was known for being ruthless, with the blood of many on his hands. Lionel hade to the resort with his boss''s wife, and Wendy had just happened to walk in on them.


    There was no way Lionel would let Wendy leave this ce alive.


    In the criminal underworld, there were rules. The worlds ofw and crime didn''t mix, and Stanley didn''t want things to escte here.


    At that moment, Lionel and his bodyguards approached.


    "It''s them, Lionel!" one of the men called out.


    Stanley nced down at Wendy and kissed her hard on the lips.


    Wendy had already heard Lionel''s voice approaching. Before she could react, Stanley''s kiss crashed down on her. It was aggressive, forceful, almost as if he was taking his frustration out on her. He kissed her like he was devouring her.


    Wendy pressed her hands against his chest, trying to push him away, but Stanley''s voice rang out, low and dangerous. "Do you want to die?"


    She didn''t, but she didn''t want this either.


    "It hurts... You''re hurting me," she murmured, her small face scrunched up in difort. She looked like a delicate little flower, pouting and upset, like a helpless doll in his embrace.


    Stanley softened his grip, his kiss gentler this time. He didn''t want to make her ufortable, and he kissed her more tenderly.


    Wendy''s hands, which had been pressed against his chest, slowly curled into his shirt, holding him closer. Her obedience and submission made Stanley pull her tighter, cradling her in his arms and kissing her even more intimately.


    They were behind arge rock, so no one could see Wendy''s delicate form. All Lionel and his bodyguards could see were Stanley''s broad shoulders and the sound of his soft kisses.


    Lionel immediately recognized who it was.


    Wasn''t this Stanley Hawk, the richest man in Hovendale?


    Lionel stopped his bodyguards. "It''s not them. That''s Mr. Hawk!"


    He grinned wickedly. "I never expected Mr. Hawk to be out here, indulging in a little romance."


    Though Lionel couldn''t see Wendy''s face, he could see her slender arms and the way her legs were draped around Stanley''s waist, her porcin skin looking so delicate it stirred something in him.


    A woman who could catch Stanley''s attention-she must be something special. Lionel''s grin grew wider, and he leaned forward, eager to see Wendy''s face. One of his bodyguards spoke up. ¡°Lionel, that person definitely went in that direction. Let''s go after them."


    "Let''s go," Lionel ordered, leading his men away.


    Wendy heard their footsteps fade as they left, and she let out a sigh of relief. She pushed Stanley away with all her strength. "They''re gone."


    Stanley reluctantly pulled away from her lips. "So, the moment they leave, you push me away? Wendy, you''re really something."


    Wendy was still confused about why Stanley had appeared here, but she couldn''t help but feel grateful. ¡°Mr. Hawk, thank you for earlier."


    54


    She was about to walk away, but Stanley was not about to let her go that easily. He pushed her back against the rock, trapping her.


    His gaze dropped to her bikini-d body.


    Wendy immediately lifted her hands to cover herself. "Mr. Hawk, what are you staring at?"


    Stanley smirked coldly. "You''re wearing that so people would look at you, aren''t you? You want all the men to notice you. Me looking at you-does that not satisfy your vanity?"


    "What are you talking about?" Wendy''s temper red. She raised an eyebrow and shot back, "Nathan bought me this outfit. I''m wearing it for him!"


    He hadn''t bought her the bikini-he had only bought one for Jessica.


    Stanley was so amused by her sharp retort that he couldn''t help butugh. He reached out and gently pinched her small face. "If it''s clothes that you want, I''ll buy them for you."


    Today''s Bonus Offer


    Wendy heard their footsteps fade as they left, and she let out a sigh of relief. She pushed Stanley away with all her strength. "They''re gone.''


    Stanley reluctantly pulled away from her lips. "So, the moment they leave, you push me away? Wendy, you''re really something."


    Wendy was still confused about why Stanley had appeared here, but she couldn''t help but feel grateful. ¡°Mr. Hawk, thank you for earlier."


    57


    She was about to walk away, but Stanley was not about to let her go that easily. He pushed her back against the rock, trapping her.


    His gaze dropped to her bikini-d body.


    Wendy immediately lifted her hands to cover herself. "Mr. Hawk, what are you staring at?"


    Stanley smirked coldly. "You''re wearing that so people would look at you, aren''t you? You want all the men to notice you. Me looking at you-does that not satisfy your vanity?"


    "What are you talking about?" Wendy''s temper red. She raised an eyebrow and shot back, "Nathan bought me this outfit. I''m wearing it for him!"


    He hadn''t bought her the bikini-he had only bought one for Jessica.


    Stanley was so amused by her sharp retort that he couldn''t help butugh. He reached out and gently pinched her small face. "If it''s clothes that you want, I''ll buy them for you."


    11


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    Stanley''s tall, solid frame trapped Wendy against the rock. In this secluded ce, he was offering to buy her something, and for some reason, Wendy couldn''t shake the feeling that they were sneaking around, like she was his secret mistress.


    In reality, she was his legitimate wife.


    "I don''t want clothes," she said, trying to push him away.


    Stanley''s gaze softened, and he pulled out an ice cream cone. "How about some ice cream?"


    Wendy blinked in surprise. Stanley was holding a strawberry-vored ice cream


    cone.


    "When did you buy this?" she asked, still in a bit of disbelief.


    "Just now," Stanley answered casually. He had been following her since he saw


    her chasing after the ice cream vendor earlier.


    Wendy lowered her gaze, not expecting Stanley to buy her the treat.


    Stanley held the ice cream close to her lips. "Take a bite."


    Wendy looked up at him with her clear eyes. "I don''t want to."


    In truth, she did want to. Her eyes had lit up when she had spotted the ice cream cart earlier.


    Stanley''s expression darkened with a heat she couldn''t ignore. His lips curled into a faint, teasing smile. "Then what do you want? Want to take a bite of my-


    "1


    Wendy''s pupils widened as she instinctively reached up to cover his mouth with her hand. What was he trying to say?


    Stanley smirked as she pressed her soft palm to his lips. "Want to take a bite of my hand? I remember you had a taste for biting people."


    Wendy''s face flushed crimson with embarrassment.


    Stanley removed her hand from his mouth and chuckled cruelly. "Wendy, what were you thinking just now? Why does your mind always go straight to the gutter?"


    the


    Wendy''s face turned a deeper shade of red, the color creeping down to her neck and even to her delicate earlobes. She was both embarrassed and furious. He was doing this on purpose!


    She didn''t want to be around him. Wasn''t he with Jessica? Why did he follow her here?


    She pushed against him, her voice sharp. "Move. I''m leaving."


    Stanley raised an eyebrow. "Wendy, where are your hands going?"


    It was then that Wendy realized her hand had ended up on his solid abs, feeling the firm muscles beneath his shirt.


    Stanley was wearing a white tank top and ck shorts, soaked from the hot spring. The wet fabric clung to his body, highlighting his broad shoulders, sculpted chest, and perfectly defined six-pack abs. His seductive V-line extended into his ck shorts.


    His sleek, muscr form was so breathtaking that it made her cheeks burn with embarrassment.


    Wendy raised an eyebrow, deciding to turn the tables. She gave him a teasing nce, her voice low and yful." Mr. Hawk, is there anywhere on your body I haven''t seen or touched?"


    Stanley''s gaze flickered with heat, and for a moment, he seemed speechless.


    At that moment, Nathan''s voice rang out from a distance. "Wendy! Wendy, where are you?"


    Nathan hade to find Wendy, and with him were Jessica and Sienna. Wendy immediately pushed Stanley away, her voice panicked. "Nathan''s here!"


    Stanley observed her nervous reaction, a small smile tugging at his lips. He handed her the strawberry ice cream. Wendy wanted to refuse, but before she could, Nathan, Jessica, and Sienna had already arrived.


    Nathan asked, "Wendy, how did you end up here? I''ve been looking everywhere for you."


    Jessica and Sienna quickly approached Stanley, and that was when Sienna noticed the ice cream in Wendy''s hand. " Wendy, where did you get that ice cream?"


    Jessica, noticing the ice cream as well, couldn''t hide her disdain. She hade here today to shine, to be the center of attention, only to find Wendy stealing her spotlight. Her voice dripped with sarcasm.


    "Wendy, you sure have some charm. You left Nathan for a little while, and already someone buys you ice cream? So, who bought this for you?" she taunted.

 My Dad Please Come 178

    Wendy nced at Stanley while holding the strawberry ice cream.


    Stanley stood tall with his long legs, watching her quietly, as if waiting to see how she would respond.


    "Who said someone bought this ice cream for me? I bought it myself." Wendy offered a small fib.


    Jessica and Sienna seemed doubtful, exchanging skeptical nces.


    Stanley watched her, a small smirk tugging at his lips. She was such a liar.


    Wendy didn''t want to engage in this game any longer. She turned to Nathan and said, ¡°Nathan, I don''t feel like staying in the hot spring anymore. Let''s go back to the room."


    Nathan nodded. "Okay."


    Nathan took Wendy''s hand, and they began to leave.


    Sienna sneered, "Wendy is definitely lying. I''m sure a man bought her that ice cream. And now she''s rushing back with Nathan, probably hoping to sleep with him."


    Jessica linked her arm through Stanley''s strong one, leaning in. "Stanley, Wendy is Nathan''s girlfriend now. They''re staying in the same room tonight. Do you think they''ll sleep together?"


    Sienna jumped in first. "Of course they will! Even though Stanley hasn''t touched Wendy, she definitely doesn''t look like a virgin!"


    Jessica nced at Stanley''s handsome face, then said, "Sienna, what are you talking about?"


    "Jessica, do you really think Wendy is as pure as you? Just look at her-she''s so good at seducing men! Who knows how many men she''s been with?" Sienna said with a sly grin.


    Stanley''s chiseled features tightened into an unreadable expression. His gaze lingered on the direction Wendy had gone, darkening with an emotion that was hard to ce.


    Sienna went on, "Did you forget about her foster dad? Not to mention how many men she''s been with, she and her foster dad probably-"


    She didn''t finish, because Stanley turned to give Sienna a sharp, icy look. The silent, fierce warning made Sienna instantly shut up.


    Jessica, being sharp, understood that someone like Stanley, with his refined nature, wouldn''t want to discuss Wendy''s dark past. It was sufficient that Sienna had brought it up.


    Even with all his grace, no man would ept a woman with a tainted past. Especially Stanley, who was known to have a kind of cleanliness obsession.


    "Stanley, I''m tired. Let''s go back to our room," Jessica suggested.


    Stanley, Jessica, and Sienna walked through the hallway, heading back to their rooms.


    At that moment, a staff member from the resort wheeled a food cart toward them. "Watch out, please."


    Sienna''s eyes caught the sign on the cart. "Presidential Suite? That''s going to Nathan and Wendy''s room." Jessica looked at the items on the cart. "Nathan and Wendy ordered...condoms?"


    Stanley''s gaze moved to the cart, and he saw the small box of green condoms clearly disyed.


    There was more than just condoms, though.


    Sienna''s voice rose in fury. "There''s also sexy lingerie! Werly actually ordered that!"


    A set of ck straps andce, unmistakably lingerie, stood out against the rest. It was hard to ignore.


    A box of condoms and sexy lingerie were on their way to Nathan and Wendy''s Presidential Suite.


    Sienna stomped her foot in frustration. "Wendy truly knows how to keep things interesting! No wonder Nathan can''t get enough of her. She''s as wild as theye!"


    Jessica clung to Stanley''s arm. "Now it makes sense why Nathan is so obsessed with Wendy. She looks so pure and angelic, like a goddess, but behind the scenes...she''s something else entirely."


    Stanley''s cold eyes betrayed no emotion, but the temperature around him seemed to drop sharply to an icy chill.


    Today''s Bonus Offer

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    212


    Stanley and Jessica returned to the Executive Oceanic Suite Stanley stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking out at the night.


    Just then, a soft body wrapped around him from behind. Two delicate white hands rested on his firm chest, moving suggestively.


    It was Jessica.


    Stanley turned around to face her and looked down, his expression curious. "What''s going on?"


    Jessica gazed up at his handsome face, her admiration unmistakable. Being alone in a room with him at night, with the air thick with tension, was enough to stir something deeper.


    With a coy smile, she asked, "Stanley, have you ever been with a woman?"


    "Why do you ask?" Stanley replied, his tone neutral.


    Jessica knew that the only woman in Stanley''s life had always been her. After Stanley fell into aa for three years, Wendy came into his life, but Jessica was sure that nothing intimate had happened between them.


    Still, Stanley was young, full of life, and in the prime of his desires. Could he really have no needs?


    She had been making advances for a while now, but he always turned them down. While she was determined to make him marry her before giving herself to him, she thought she could still offer him a little something sweet to tempt him.


    Her hand lingered on his broad chest, her voice warm with desire. "Stanley, I can help you."


    Her bright red nails were a stark contrast against the white shirt he wore, her touch teasing as it suggestively slid across the fabric. She stood on tiptoe to kiss his face, but her hand slipped to the expensive ck leather belt at his waist, ready to unfasten it. Even then, she didn''t forget to express her so-called purity.


    "Stanley, I''ve never been with a man. I''m not very experienced."


    Stanley pushed Jessica gently away, and her soft body tumbled onto the bed with


    ease.


    Then, before she could fullyprehend what was happening, Stanley was on his knees beside her, his towering figure looming over her.


    Jessica melted, her body softening under him. She loved the overwhelming strength and dominance that Stanley exuded-it drove her wild.


    Stanley''s handsome face moved closer, his lips hovering above hers, ready to im her with a kiss. 1


    Jessica closed her eyes, waiting eagerly for his kiss to fall.


    But it never came. Instead, Stanley reached over, took the phone from the bed, and backed away. "No, thanks," he said quietly.


    He was about to leave.


    Jessica''s eyes snapped open. After all her effort and boldness, he was rejecting her?


    She quickly sat up, panic rising in her chest. "Stanley, don''t go."


    She reached for the leather belt at his waist, her hands trembling with urgency. Her movements were a little too frantic, and Stanley could tell she truly wasn''t experienced.


    But he had encountered a woman who was far more skilled. She knew how to make him feel good.


    Jessica, in her inexperience, wasn''t doing it for him.


    Stanley gently took her hand, his voice cool and indifferent. "Stop. I''m still married."


    Jessica fell silent.


    Stanley stood up and walked away from the bed.


    "Stanley, you''re not divorced yet, and you have no intention of cheating. But what about Wendy? She''s next door, with your good friend Nathan. Right now, they''re probably already sleeping together!¡± Jessica snapped, her anger rising.


    Stanley''s tall,manding figure stiffened slightly. His mind raced, thinking back to what he had seen on the cart earlier the condoms and the lingerie.


    What were they doing now?


    Was Wendy serving Nathan the same way she had served him?


    Stanley''s jaw tightened, and he lowered his gaze, his fingers reaching for his phone to send a quick text.


    In the Presidential Suite, Nathan had gone to take a shower, and Wendy soon heard the doorbell ring.


    Who could it be?


    Wendy opened the door to find a hotel staff member standing there. "Hello, miss. Your order has arrived."

 My Dad Please Come 180

    What order?


    Wendy closed the door behind her and stared down at the bed. There were condoms and lingerie scattered across the sheets.


    She froze. She hadn''t ordered these things!


    Could it be a mistake by the room service?


    Just then, Nathan came out of the bathroom, his hair still damp. He paused when he saw the items. "Wendy, what''s this?"


    Wendy immediately realized that Nathan hadn''t ordered them either. So how did these things end up here?


    Ding-dong!


    The doorbell rang again.


    "I''ll get it," Nathan said, heading toward the door.


    When he opened it, Stanley and Jessica stood in the doorway.


    Wendy''s long eyshes fluttered. Weren''t they staying in the Executive Suite next door?


    "Stanley, what are you doing here?" Nathan asked in surprise.


    Stanley''s voice was deep and smooth. "Our room''s security system


    malfunctioned, and we need to have it tested. So, we''ll be staying here with you tonight."


    Wendy froze. So, Stanley and Jessica were going to stay with them tonight? In their room?


    Four people, in one room.


    It wasn''t that the Presidential Suite couldn''t amodate four, but it felt awkward.


    Jessica didn''t want to stay, but just earlier, the resort manager hade to their room, exining that there was an issue with the Executive Suite. The manager also said that all rooms were fully booked, so they had no choice but to squeeze into the Presidential Suite for the night.


    Jessica couldn''t believe how perfectly timed the situation was.


    Stanley looked at Nathan. "What''s the matter? Do you not want us here?"


    Nathan moved aside,ughing. "You''re always wee."


    Stanley and Jessica stepped inside.


    Wendy hadn''t expected them to show up so suddenly. The condoms and lingerie were still scattered across the bed. Panicked, she quickly grabbed them and hid them behind her back.


    But Stanley''s gaze didn''t miss a thing. His eyes lingered on her before they shifted to her hands, now hidden behind her back.


    "Wendy, we''ll be disturbing you and Nathan tonight," Jessica said, her wordsden with meaning.


    What could Wendy say? Feeling incredibly ufortable with her hands still hidden behind her back, she forced a smile. "It''s fine. I''ll just go take a shower." Chapter 180


    Wendy stepped into the bathroom and turned on the shower.


    The sound of rushing water echoed through the room.


    She stood at the sink, her slender fingers hesitating over the lingerie. The design was bold and suggestive-how on earth was she supposed to wear something like that?


    As she tried to figure it out, the bathroom door suddenly creaked open.


    Wendy looked up, her reflection in the mirror revealing a handsome, imposing face.


    Stanley.


    While she was showering, Stanley had snuck into the bathroom.


    And Jessica and Nathan were still outside.


    Wendy''s clear eyes widened in shock, and she quickly turned around to face him.


    "Who said you coulde in? Are you crazy? Get out, now!"


    She tried to push him out.


    ¤Ê


    But instead of leaving, Stanley took a step forward, his long legs closing the distance between them.


    Wendy still held the lingerie in her hand, the ck straps wrapped around her delicate fingers, making the whole situation feel incredibly intimate.


    Seeing Stanley watch her, Wendy quickly hid her hands behind her back again, her eyshes fluttering nervously. Her voice was sharp with warning.


    "Mr. Hawk, you need to leave. If you don''t, I''ll scream!"


    Stanley stepped closer until he was standing right in front of her, his lips curling into a teasing smirk. "Go ahead. Call Nathan in. I''ll tell him you told me toe in while you were in the shower, that you seduced me."


    Today''s Bonus Offer

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    What the hell was he talking about? This man was truly despicable!


    "Mr. Hawk, what exactly do you want?"


    Stanley nced at the lingerie she was hiding behind her back. "Put it on for me."


    Wendy''s breath caught. He had seen the lingerie she was holding, and now he was asking her to wear it for him.


    Furious, she hurled the lingerie at his face. "Never!"


    Stanley didn''t even flinch. The lingerie fell to the floor and he picked it up, a mocking smile on his lips as he held her small, delicate face in his hand. "You wore it for Nathan but you won''t do it for me?"


    Wendy was forced to tilt her head back, looking up at him with confused eyes. She didn''t understand what he was talking about.


    She hadn''t worn it for Nathan.


    She had never worn such things at all!


    She didn''t even know why room service had brought it to her.


    "Mr. Hawk, if you really want a woman to wear lingerie for you, then go find Jessica!" she shot back, daring him to find Jessica instead.


    Stanley''s lips curled into a derisive smile. "Jessica is pure and untouched. She wouldn''t wear something like this. Lingerie like that is for a woman like you to "wear, isn''t it?"


    A woman like her? What kind of woman did he think she was?


    Stanley gazed at her wless face, his thumb pressing against her soft lips, rubbing back and forth as he smirked. "Why are you looking at me like that, Wendy? Did you sleep with other men before you married me? After we got married, who else did you sleep with? Nathan? Who else?"


    Wendy''s heart sank. So this was what he thought of her.


    When he said a woman like her, he meant a promiscuous woman.


    He wouldn''t let Jessica wear that lingerie, so he expected her to do it.


    He really did think so little of her.


    Wendy gave him a bitter smile and pushed him away, trying to leave.


    But Stanley grabbed her slender body and pulled her into his arms, lowering his head to kiss her.


    "No!"


    Wendy struggled fiercely against him.


    Her body was too small and weak against his, twisting like a snake in his unyielding grip. Stanley''s breathing became erratic as his blood surged with desire.


    He shoved her roughly against the wall. "Why not do to me what you did to Nathan earlier?"


    Wendy tried to push him away. "Stanley, aren''t you afraid Jessica will find out?"


    Stanley sneered. "Jessica is understanding. She knows I love and respect her, but with you, it''s just for fun. You''re


    just here to satisfy my physical needs."


    He loved and respected Jessica, and Wendy was nothing more than an outlet for his lust.


    Wendy''s pale eyes filled with tears, her fingers trembling as she clutched the fabric of her shirt.


    "Stanley, do you think just because youe to me, I have to listen to you? Who I''ve been with is none of your business, but know this-I will never sleep with you!


    If you feel like you don''t want to sully the sweet and pure Jessica, then find some other woman to relieve yourself with, because it will never be me!"


    The room grew cold and heavy with the silence that followed her words.


    Stanley''s eyes darkened, a dangerous glint in them. His chest rose and fell with tension.


    Finally, Stanley released her, his eyes sweeping over her with disdain. "Wendy, do you really think I''m dying to be with you? Have you had your regr checkups? I wouldn''t even touch you. I think you''re dirty."


    With that, he turned and walked out, leaving her standing there.


    "Have you had your regr checkups?


    "I think you''re dirty."


    His cruel words echoed in her ears as Wendy realized he always found a way to hurt her, to make her heart ache. The rtionship between them had plummeted to an all-time low.


    Wendy''s body slowly slid down the wall, copsing to the floor as she sank to her knees. She couldn''t understand why he hade in and humiliated her so relentlessly, so unexpectedly.


    Cz

 My Dad Please Come 182

    Did humiliating her really make him this happy?


    Stanley stood on the balcony, wearing a ck silk robe. He held a cigarette between his long fingers, taking quick, sharp drags. The smoke spiraled up, obscuring his face, but the tight furrow in his handsome brow was clear.


    He smoked in frustration, the ash tipping off the end of the cigarette in angry bursts, lit red sparks falling to the floor.


    He felt like he was losing his mind.


    There was nothing wrong with the Executive Suite. He had instructed the resort manager to say that. He just didn''t want Wendy and Nathan in a room alone.


    The thought of her ordering condoms and lingerie made his mind race with images of what she might be doing with Nathan. He couldn''t control the jealousy churning inside him.


    In the dead of night, Stanley suddenly realized something terrifying. He couldn''t bear the thought of Wendy with another man.


    He didn''t love her, but he craved the pleasure she gave him.


    It was just supposed to be a casual thing. But the problem was, he hadn''t had enough yet. How could he let her go to another man before he''d even had his fill?


    Just then, someone wrapped their arms around him from behind.


    "Stanley, why are you smoking?"


    It was Jessica. She rarely saw him smoke.


    Stanley slowly turned around to face her, about to say something, when the bathroom door clicked open. Wendy stepped out, having just finished her shower.


    Nathan walked over to her.


    "Wendy, you''re done showering?"


    Wendy nodded.


    At that moment, she caught sight of Stanley and Jessica on the balcony. Jessica was holding Stanley from behind, and he had a cigarette between his fingers, the two of them lookingfortable and close.


    After humiliating her so thoroughly, he was now with Jessica.


    Wendy quickly averted her gaze. "I''ll blow dry my hair."


    She sat at the vanity and picked up the blow dryer, starting to dry her damp hair.


    Nathan stepped closer. "Wendy, let me dry your hair for you."


    Stanley watched Wendy. She had just finished her shower, and she was wearing a white nightgown with ace cor, making her appear so sweet and innocent.


    The vanity lights illuminated her face, smooth and soft like porcin. She looked like she smelled of soft, delicate


    sweetness.


    +25 BOTRYS


    Nathan stood behind her, taking the blow dryer and starting to dry her hair.


    Stanley''s gaze darkened as he saw Nathan''s long fingersbing through her hair. She looked up at him, smiling warmly, and the sight made something twist painfully in his chest.


    He nced down at his cigarette and felt a sting on his finger-he had burned himself on the tip of the cigarette. Stanley scowled and snuffed out the cigarette in the ashtray He then parted his lips, his voice cold and sharp. "Wendy, don''t you have hands? Can''t you do it yourself?"


    Wendy had been about to stop Nathan from helping her, but hearing Stanley''s words, she lifted her gaze to him.


    Stanley''s eyes were icy as he stared at her, his lips curling into a mocking smile. "Can''t you blow dry your own hair, or do you just love having a man do it for you?"


    Wendy''s face drained of color.


    Nathan frowned immediately. "Stanley, what''s wrong with you? I offered to help Wendy with her hair. Why are you treating her like this?"


    Stanley stood tall and unyielding, his voice as frosty as ever as hemanded, "You have hands. Do it yourself." Wendy reached out for the blow dryer, but Nathan stopped her hand. He red at Stanley.


    "Stanley, you''re really asking for it now! You wanna fight?


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    "You wanna fight?"


    Stanley''s eyes narrowed, a cold glint shing in them. The atmosphere between him and Nathan instantly thickened with tension, sparks flying in the air.


    Jessica stood frozen in shock. She hadn''t expected Nathan to actually stand up for Wendy and fight Stanley. The two of them had grown up together, practically inseparable since childhood.


    Jessica whirled toward Wendy, her voice dripping with usation. "Wendy, is this what you wanted? You seduce men, and now they''re ready to throw punches for you. You really know how to manipte them!"


    "Enough, Jessica!" Nathan''s fist clenched in anger.


    At that moment, Wendy reached out and gently grasped Nathan''s arm, her voice soft yet firm. "Nathan, don''t let this ruin everything. It''s not worth it."


    Nathan turned to look at her, his eyes filled with sincerity. "No, Wendy, you''re worth it."


    At his words, Wendy felt a warmth spread through her chest.


    Without another word, Nathan shrugged off his coat and draped it over Wendy''s shoulders, then took her hand in his. "Come on, Wendy. This ce isn''t any fun. Let''s go back."


    He was about to walk out, but Wendy paused, holding up her hand to stop him. "Wait."


    Nathan released her hand, and then she walked over to grab her phone. "Okay, Nathan. Let''s go."


    A smile tugged at Nathan''s lips as he took her hand again. "Let''s go."


    Soon, the Presidential Suite with its stunning sea view was left empty, save for Stanley and Jessica. Jessica turned to Stanley, her voiceced with surprise and a hint of disdain.


    "I never thought Nathan would go so far for Wendy. He''s willing to throw away years of friendship with you. Wendy''s a real siren, isn''t she?"


    Stanley''s face remained a frozen mask of ice, but there was an unmistakable storm brewing beneath it. He lifted his leg and, in one swift motion, kicked the nearby trash can.


    The ng of metal against the floor echoed sharply through the room.


    Jessica smirked at the sight. Truth be told, she was the one who had called room service and ordered the condoms and lingerie. Now, her n hade to fruition.


    Stanley stood there, hands on his hips, his chest rising and falling with a controlled, simmering anger. "We''re leaving too."


    Jessica, in a much lighter mood now, was pleased with how smoothly everything had gone. "Alright, I''ll go grab Sienna."


    She stepped out of the room, heading toward Sienna. In the hallway, she unexpectedly bumped into Lionel, who was walking with his men, clearly preparing to return to his room.


    "Useless idiots," he muttered under his breath. "The resort s hot springs are barely the size of a pool, and still, none of you can find a single person!"


    "We searched everywhere, Lionel, but the woman... It''s like she vanished into thin air."


    "We never even saw her face clearly. All we know is she was wearing a magenta bikini."


    Jessica''s steps faltered as the words hit her like a bolt of lightning. A magenta bikini? Wasn''t that Wendy?


    Were they looking for Wendy?


    Lionel and his men disappeared into their room, but Jessica stayed frozen, staring at their door. She knew exactly who they were-hard men with brutal methods, the kind who didn''t hesitate to use force to get what they wanted. If Wendy had gotten tangled up with people like that, Jessica might just be able to use them to her advantage.


    She smiled darkly to herself. It was time to make Wendy disappear.


    Pulling out her phone, Jessica recalled the photos Sienna had taken earlier that day, with Wendy in the magenta bikini clearly in view. That image woulde in handy now


    Inside his room, Lionel had just settled in when the doorbell rang. He frowned and walked toward the door.


    "Who is it?"


    But when he opened the door, no one was there.


    Instead, a photoy on the floor. He bent down and picked it up, his eyes lighting up when he saw the familiar figure of Wendy in the magenta bikini.


    A bloodthirsty grin spread across his face. "Found her."


    Nathan led Wendy out of the vacation vi, but she stopped looking at him with regret in her eyes.


    "Nathan, please don''t let anythinge between you and Mr. Hawk because of me," she said.


    ¡°Nah,¡± Nathan replied with a shake of his head, a slight grin tugging at his lips. "Stanley and I go way back. I''ve always known him to be a man of honor, but I''ve never seen him so worked up over a woman before."

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    Stanley''s behavior toward Wendy was harsh, almost excessive.


    Wendy felt a bitter pang in her chest.


    "I know Mr. Hawk hates me," she murmured softly, her heart sinking.


    Nathan opened his mouth to say something but hesitated, and then finally


    decided against it. "Wendy, stay here and wait for me. I''ll go get the car from the garage/"


    Wendy nodded quietly. "Okay."


    Nathan walked off, leaving her standing alone. She waited in silence, but soon, a figure appeared behind her.


    It was Stanley.


    He hade down too, his tall frame wrapped in a sleek ck coat, exuding an air of cold dignity.


    Stanley watched Wendy for a moment. She was looking down at her feet, lost in thought.


    He pressed his lips together and shifted his gaze away, turning to leave without a word.


    At that moment, Lionel and his men arrived. As soon as Lionel spotted Wendy, his eyes gleamed with interest. "That''s her!" he said, a grin spreading across his face. "Didn''t expect such a beauty! A true goddess."


    His men were equally thrilled. "Lionel, she''s more stunning than the women we saw in red light districts."


    "Look at her skin, her face, her body... Man, I want to pin her down right now."


    "How about we take her back with us and have some fun?"


    Lionel''s eyes darkened with desire, but his logic soon overpowered his impulse. Wendy had stumbled upon his affair with the boss''s wife, and he knew better than to let her get away. The dead can''t talk.


    "Don''t ruin my ns. She can''t leave. You handle it," he ordered.


    Lionel''s gaze shifted to one of his men in ck, who immediately nodded. He drew a sharp knife from his waist and moved toward Wendy.


    Stanley was just about to leave when he heard themotion. Turning around, he saw Lionel''s men approaching, one of them armed with a knife, making a beeline for Wendy.


    His polished ck shoes froze midair as his body reacted before his mind could catch up. Cursing under his breath, he turned and rushed back toward her.


    The ck-d man was nearly on top of Wendy. One quiet, lethal stab from behind, and she would be gone.


    The man raised the knife, preparing to strike.


    But just as the de lunged toward Wendy, arge hand shot out, gripping the knife''s handle with an iron-d force.


    The man froze, wide-eyed. Someone was stopping the knife barehanded? Was he crazy?


    Then he turned and saw Stanley, whose face was set in a grim line as he held the de in ce, Blood began to pool in his palm, the sharp edge slicing into his flesh.


    Blood dripped steadily to the floor, the sound of it strangely loud in the tense silence.


    The man, stunned by the sight, had no time to react. In an instant, Stanley wrenched the knife free and kicked the man in the chest, sending him flying several feet away. The impact knocked the breath out of him, and blood sprayed from his mouth.


    Lionel''s eyes widened in disbelief when he saw Stanley. He quickly gave orders, his voiceced with fury. "Don''t leave any witnesses! Take her down!"


    "Understood!"


    The other men drew their knives, rushing toward Wendy.


    Wendy, still unaware of the danger, turned at the sudden movement behind her. Just as she did, a ck-d man lunged toward her, knife raised high.


    Her heart froze in ce.


    "Wendy!"


    "Wendy!"


    Two voices called her name, their desperation cutting through the air.


    In the moment before the knife could strike, someone threw themselves at her, wrapping their arms around her protectively.


    Wendy fell into a warm embrace, just as the sickening sound of a de sinking into flesh echoed through the air. She felt a hot stter of blood hit her face, and a cold dread washed over her.


    Her eyes met the face of the man holding her, her breath catching in her throat as she realized what had just happened.


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    +25 BORIS


    It was Nathan!


    Nathan had returned with the car, and as soon as he saw someone aiming a knife at Wendy, he lunged forward without hesitation.


    The de pierced deep into his chest.


    "Wendy!¡± Nathan''s name escaped Wendy''s lips in a sharp gasp.


    Stanley, seeing the danger, rushed toward Wendy, but he was still too far away to intervene in time. After watching Nathan take the knife for Wendy, Stanley kicked down two of the ck-d men blocking his path and ran as fast as he could.


    Just then, Zayn and a group of bodyguards burst onto the scene, surrounding the


    area.


    Outnumbered, Lionel and his men were quickly captured.


    Jessica ran toward Stanley and wrapped her arms tightly around him. "Stanley!"


    Stanley was forced to stop. He wanted to push her away and get to Wendy and Nathan, but Jessica clung to him desperately. "Don''t go, Stanley! I''m so scared!"


    On the ground, Nathany still, a pool of blood spreading around him. Wendy immediately knelt beside him, pressing her hands over the wound, but the blood flowed relentlessly, seeping between her fingers.


    Her hands trembled. She couldn''t understand why Nathan had taken the knife for her. She was used to people treating her badly, but when someone cared for her, it left her utterly lost.


    "Nathan, hang in there. You''ll be okay."


    Nathan''s eyes became ssy, and soon, he slipped into unconsciousness.


    The sound of sirens filled the air as an ambnce arrived. Doctors and nurses quickly loaded Nathan onto a stretcher, and Wendy climbed into the ambnce with him heading straight to the hospital.


    Stanley, unable to push Jessica away, stood helpless as she clung to him. He watched as Wendy and Nathan disappeared from his sight.


    At the hospital, Nathan was wheeled into the operating room, the red light on the door flickering on. Wendy stood outside, pacing nervously.


    Stanley arrived soon after, spotting Wendy as she anxiously walked in circles. Her face was pale, streaked with blood, and she looked utterly unsettled.


    He strode up to her, his voice low and soothing. "Don''t worry. These are the best doctors in the city. Nathan will be fine."


    Wendy nced up at Stanley, her eyes immediatelynding on his injured hand.


    It was hard not to notice. His left hand was covered in blood and the wound hadn''t been treated, so some of it already beginning to coagte. His white shirt was stained with blood, and he appeared disheveled.


    What had happened to his hand?


    Stanley noticed her staring at the wound, and his fingers slightly curled. He stepped closer, his tall frame casting a shadow over her small, pale form: "Are you..."


    "Stanley!"


    At that moment, Jessica arrived and immediately linked her arm through Stanley''s.


    The question Stanley had intended to ask whether she was hurt-remained unsaid.


    When Jessica appeared, Wendy''s gaze shifted away from Stanley''s bloodied hand. She coldly sat down on a bench in the hallway, waiting in silence.


    Stanley watched her, the distance between them growing more obvious. The faint sound of his blood dripping onto the floor from his injured hand filled the air


    Just then, Zayn arrived in a hurry, speaking in a low voice. Mr. Hawk, the situation with Lionel has been handled. We also found something else at the scene-this photo."


    What photo?


    Wendy stood up, taking the photo from Zayn''s hands.


    Her heart stopped when she saw the image of herself in the magenta bikini, her expression frozen in disbelief.


    It all made sense now. This whole mess started when she unintentionally overheard Lionel having an affair with his boss''s wife at the hot springs. Lionel had seen her and wanted to silence her.


    But there was one thing she couldn''t figure out-how had Lionel recognized her?


    The

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    Now that she saw the photo, everything became clear.


    Wendy''s eyes widened in shock, and she turned her gaze to jessica.


    "Jessica... Did you give this photo to that man?"


    A shadow of disappointment and anger shed in Jessica''s eyes. Why had Nathan taken the knife for Wendy? Why wasn''t it Wendy who got hurt?


    And now, the photo had been discovered!


    Jessica''s expression shifted quickly.


    Stanley snatched the photo from Wendy''s hand. After a couple of seconds, he looked up at Jessica, his gaze cold and sharp.


    Jessica felt a chill run through her. She instinctively tried to deny it, her voice trembling, "What photo? I don''t know what you''re talking about! Wendy, I know you''re worried about Nathan, but don''t start using people without reason!"


    "Jessica, take a good look at the photo. You''re really stupid, aren''t you?" Wendy sneered.


    Jessica''s eyes flicked to the photo, and her heart dropped. She saw the watermark from her phone in the corner of the image.


    She cursed at herself internally for forgetting to remove the watermark. Her involvement in sending the photo to Lionel had been exposed.


    Jessica looked up at Stanley, her fear growing. His eyes, as cold as ice, felt like an endless abyss, staring at her with a dangerous, calcting look.


    He had never looked at her like that before.


    A wave of panic hit Jessica. She quickly stammered, "S-Stanley, it''s not like that! Y-You have to listen to me! I-"


    Wendy cut her off, her voiceced with fury. "What''s there to exin? Jessica, I can''t believe you''ve sunk this low! You''re the one responsible for all of this!"


    Without hesitation, Wendy reached for Jessica.


    Jessica, terrified, ducked behind Stanley, grabbing onto his arm. "Stanley, I''m so scared! Please, save me!"


    Wendy stopped, her outstretched hand halted by Stanley, who positioned himself between them, shielding Jessica.


    Wendy red at Stanley. "You''re going to protect her? She nearly got Nathan killed!"


    She was trembling all over, her face and hands stained with Nathan''s blood. He was still in surgery-and all of this was because of Jessica. ?


    Jessica wanted Wendy dead, and in the process, she had almost gotten Nathan killed.


    But here was Stanley, standing in front of Jessica, defending her no matter what she did. He would always protect her.


    Wendy''s pale eyes were red-rimmed with rage. She stared at Stanley with a cold, determined look.


    Stanley''s voice dropped lower, almost a whisper. "Wendy, I can''t let you hurt Jessica. She can''t be involved in this.


    11


    Behind him, Jessica slowly curled her lips into a smug, victorious smile, as if she had won.


    Wendy''s p was swift and sharp.


    The loud crack of her palm striking Stanley''s face echoed down the hospital corridor. Stanley''s handsome face tilted to the side, surprised flush crossing his features.


    Wendy hit him hard, and the sting in her palm made her had tingle.


    Jessica gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief, "Wendy, are you crazy? You actually pped Stanley?"


    Stanley was the man everyone tried to please and tter. And Wendy, how dare she strike him!


    Before Jessica could say more, Wendy''s hand swung back and, with another sharp smack, she pped Jessica hard across the face.


    Jessica stood frozen, stunned by the blow.


    Wendy didn''t just dare to p Stanley; she had now pped Jessica, too.


    Stanley slowly turned his face back, meeting Wendy''s intense, cold stare. Her delicate form stood tall, her clear eyes locked onto him with a fierce, chilling determination.


    "You''d better keep Jessica in your sight at all times," she warned, her voice quiet but cutting. "You wouldn''t want her falling into my hands."


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    The atmosphere in the hospital corridor was suffocating, heavy with tension.


    Just then, the door to the operating room swung open, and a doctor in a white coat emerged.


    Wendy rushed forward, her voice shaky. "Doctor, how is he?"


    "The surgery was a sess. He should wake up within 48 hours," the doctor replied.


    Wendy let out a small sigh of relief. She had seen Nathan''s wound earlier, and though the knife hadn''t struck any vital organs, she still couldn''t fully rx until now. If something had happened to Nathan because of her, she would have never forgiven herself.


    Soon, Nathan was wheeled out of the operating room, and Wendy followed him into the VIP ward. As the door shut behind her, she didn''t even nce at Stanley or Jessica.


    Jessica reached for Stanley''s sleeve, frustration evident in her voice. "Stanley, Wendy ispletely out of control! She pped you and then pped me. You have to-"


    Stanley yanked his sleeve away from her grasp, his tone sharp as he asked, "Don''t you think you deserved that?"


    Jessica froze, her eyes wide in shock.


    Stanley''s cold, piercing gaze locked onto her as he dropped the photo onto herp with a loud snap. "Jessica, I never realized how stupid and malicious you really are. You''ve truly disappointed me this time."


    The sting of being called "stupid and malicious" drained the color from Jessica''s face. Fear crept into her expression as she quickly tried to exin.


    "Stanley, please listen. It''s true I don''t like Wendy, but I never meant for Nathan to get hurt. I didn''t know things would get this bad...¡±


    Stanley shoved her away, his handsome face tight with barely contained frustration. "This is thest time, Jessica, I can''t keep cleaning up your messes. You need to figure things out on your own."


    "Stanley, I-"


    "I don''t want to see you. Nathan doesn''t want you here, either. Just go."


    Jessica opened her mouth to protest, but before she could speak, Zayn stepped forward, his voice low and polite. "Ms. Crone, please."


    Fuming, Jessica clenched her fists. She had really dug herself into a hole this time-she hadn''t taken Wendy down, and had managed to push Stanley away instead.


    "Ms. Crone, this way, please," Zayn repeated, his tone unwavering.


    With a bitter nce and a fiery red handprint on her cheek, Jessica stormed off, but she didn''t consider it a total loss. Stanley still protected her. As long as he was her ¡°Big Brother", she would never truly lose.


    Stanley stood tall in the doorway of the VIP room, his long figure framed by the ss. He watched Nathan, still unconscious on the bed, his vital signs returning to normal.


    Inside, Wendy sat beside him while holding his hand, keeping himpany.


    "Mr. Hawk," Zayn spoke softly, his voice full of concern. "Ms. Jessica intended to use Lionel to get rid of Mrs. Hawk, but she caused Mr. Lowe to be hurt. She went too far this time, but you still defended her. I believe Mrs. Hawk is truly furious now."


    Stanley''s expression darkened. Jessica had changed so much he almost didn''t recognize her anymore. She was nothing like the girl he had known in the cave years ago.


    Yet, he couldn''t just turn his back on her. He couldn''t let her get involved in the world of crime.


    He knew Wendy was angry with him. The p she had given him still stung. He could feel the subtle ache in his cheek where her hand hadnded.


    "Mr. Hawk, you should take care of your hand. It''s pretty bally injured."


    Blood continued to drip steadily from his palm. Stanley had caught a de with his bare hand, and the bleeding hadn''t stopped.


    Stanley stared at Nathan through the ss without saying a word.


    Wendy stayed by Nathan''s side, and soon, the night grew deep. As the clock ticked, the door to the room opened, and a nurse entered to check on him.


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    Nathan was doing fine, and his condition was stable.


    The nurse left, and soon, Zayn''s voice could be heard from outside the room.


    "Mr. Hawk, you really need to take care of that hand. If you don''t get it treated soon, it could be permanently damaged."


    Wendy looked up. She noticed Stanley''s tall, handsome figure standing by the door. He had been there all along.


    Zayn, ncing at Wendy, added urgently, "Mrs. Hawk, Mr. Hawk''s hand is still bleeding. Please, just say something."


    Wendy noticed the blood staining the floor. His hand would likely need a lot of stitches.


    She stood up and walked toward the door.


    Stanley''s eyes lit up as he saw her approach. His tall frame shifted slightly, his face showing a flicker of hope.


    Zayn, relieved, said, "I knew it! Mrs. Hawk still cares about you. Mr. Hawk, you really should-"


    But before he could finish, Wendy reached out and shut the door with a firm m.


    The door nearly hit Zayn and Stanley''s faces, sending a cold draft through the gap.


    Zayn stood there, momentarily stunned, unsure of how to react.


    Stanley''s gaze dimmed, the light in his eyes vanishing instantly. He looked through the small window in the door and saw Wendy return to Nathan''s bedside. She held Nathan''s hand and soon fell asleep with her head resting on the edge of the bed.


    Stanley gave a bitter, self-mocking smile.


    A week passed, and Nathan had made a remarkable recovery. Stanley knew Nathan had fully regained consciousness by now.


    In his office at Hawk Group, Stanley was reviewing documents when his phone rang. It was Glinda calling.


    Since thest time Glinda had been out with Wendy for a milkshake and a foot massage, she had been grounded and forbidden from leaving the house.


    "Hello, Grandma," Stanley answered.


    "Stanley, what have you and Wendy been up to? Why haven''t you beening home to see metely? Come home for dinner tonight. I miss you two." Glinda''s loving voice came through the line.


    There was still a bandage wrapped around his left hand he had 23 stitches, and the wound was still healing. He held the phone with his right hand, silent.


    He knew Wendy had spent the entire week at the hospital, never leaving Nathan''s side.


    "Stanley, did you hear me? I said, bring Wendy home for dinner tonight," Glinda urged.


    Stanley''s expression remained unreadable, his tone t. "Yeah, okay."


    That evening, Stanley returned to the Hawk family''s estate


    Glinda greeted him happily, but her smile faltered when she saw he was alone. "Stanley, why are you here alone? Where''s Wendy?"


    Stanley had driven home by himself.


    He noticed the disappointment on Glinda''s face and replied "Grandma, she''s busy with school. If you miss her, you can call her and ask her toe home for dinner."


    Without hesitation, Glinda picked up thendline in the living room. "I''ll call her right now."


    Stanley sank into the couch and casually picked up a business newspaper to read.


    Glinda''s call quickly connected, and Wendy''s clear, melodious voice came through the line. "Hey, Grandma."


    Glinda smiled warmly. "Wendy, you''ve been so busytely, haven''t you? You nevere to see me. Tonight, I''ve had a big dinner prepared, soe home and join me for dinner."


    At that moment, a maid entered, setting a cup of tea next to Stanley. "Mr. Hawk, please have some tea." Stanley didn''t react, as if he hadn''t heard her.


    Wendy''s voice returned, this time tinged with regret. "Grandma, I''m sorry, but I have a friend in the hospital. I need to stay with him tonight, so I won''t be able toe for dinner."


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    Glinda paused for a moment before quickly smiling and saying, "Alright, Wendy. You stay with your friend. When you have some free time,e back and have dinner with me."


    ¡°Sure, Grandma," Wendy replied.


    The two of them ended the call.


    Glinda nced at Stanley, who was still reading the business newspaper, his expression unreadable.


    "Stanley, have you fought with Wendy?" Glinda asked.


    Stanley didn''t look up from his paper. "No."


    Glinda let out a smallugh. "Do you know Wendy''s friend? Is it a guy or a girl?" Stanley remained silent.


    Glinda reached over and snatched the newspaper from his hands. ¡°You know, you''ve been holding the paper upside down."


    Stanley noticed for the first time that he had been holding the paper wrong. He pressed his lips together briefly. Glinda sighed and stood up. "I know you''ve been with that Jessica for a while, but nobody will wait around forever, Stanley. Wendy will eventually get fed up with waiting, and she''ll leave. She''s great, and you don''t even appreciate her. There are plenty of men out there who would. When Wendy ends up with someone else, don''te crying to me."


    Just then, Freddy came over. "Mrs. Glinda, has Mrs. Wendy returned? Dinner is ready."


    "Wendy''s noting back tonight, so I won''t eat," Glinda replied. With that, she turned and headed upstairs.


    Freddy, sensing the odd atmosphere, looked at Stanley and asked, "Mr. Hawk, why isn''t Mrs. Wendying home? Since she started school, she hasn''t returned. Mrs. Glinda mentions her every day. The house just isn''t the same without her. Mrs. Glinda hasn''t smiled in days."


    Freddy sighed and left the room.


    Stanley sat alone on the couch. He tugged at his tie, his face dark with frustration. He took out his phone and opened WhatsApp.


    With his long fingers, he typed a message to Wendy. [Why won''t youe back?]


    But before he could send it, he deleted each word, one by one.


    It was his fault she was gone. After pping him, she stayed by Nathan''s side. Of course, she wouldn''t return now. He sighed, thinking he would let the matter go.


    Nathan''s wounds were nearly healed now, and he would be discharged soon. That day, Wendy returned to the vendale University dormitory.


    There was a new student in the dorm, Luna Fisher.


    Luna came from a difficult background-her father was an alcoholic and gambler, and she had a younger brother still in school, adding to the financial burden.


    She was a beautiful girl with a pure, innocent appearance. She was studying in the drama department, with dreams of bing a famous star and earning enough money to change her family''s fate.


    She handed Wendy and Halsey a box of pastries. "Wendy, Halsey, my tom made these. My family doesn''t have much money, but my mom makes good pastries. I hope you don''t mind."


    Neither Wendy nor Halsey minded at all. Halsey took a bite of a cupcake and smiled. "It''s fluffy and sweet, Luna. It''s really good!"


    Luna looked at Wendy with eager, hopeful eyes, a slight smile on her face, as if waiting for her approval.


    Wendy took a bite herself, nodding with a smile. "Luna, your mom''s a really good baker."


    Luna beamed. "I''m d you like them. I''m heading to the Gold Vista Hotel to work as a waitress tonight, so I''ll be going now."


    With that, Luna grabbed her bag and left.


    Halsey had to head off to ss too, so she followed behind.


    Wendy sat alone in the chair for a moment. Her phone suddenly rang. It was a call from Trish.


    Wendy answered the call, and Trish''s excited voice came through immediately. "Wendy, I''ve got good news! I met Dr. Cen!"


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    Wendy was speechless.


    Trish''s voice came through, bubbling with excitement. "Wendy, guess what? Dr. Cen, the genius doctor, is actually a man! And get this-he''s totally fallen for me. We''re dating now!"


    What?


    Wendy''s mind was spinning.


    "I can''t talk to you right now. I''ll tell you moreter. But hey, you need toe toe home in a couple of days, ¡°Trish said before hanging up the phone abruptly. Wendy was certain now. Trish had to be dealing with some sort of scammer!


    Wendy took a deep breath and shook her head. She quickly headed to the bathroom for a hot shower. As the stepped out, her phone rang again. This time, it was Luna calling.


    Luna''s voice was filled with desperation, and Wendy could hear her crying. "Wendy, I''ve run into some trouble Can youe help me?"


    Wendy''s grip tightened on the phone. ¡°Luna, what''s going on?"


    "I''m working at the Gold Vista Hotel as a waitress, and just now, my manager took a liking to me and wanted me to spend the night with him. I got scared and hid in the bathroom, but his bodyguards were standing right outside watching me... Wendy, I''m so scared! I don''t want to do this. I don''t know who else to call. I have no other friends, and no one can help me..."


    Luna''s voice cracked with fear as she sobbed.


    "Luna, don''t panic. Stay in the bathroom and don''te out. I''ming to get you right now," Wendy said, her tone firm.


    "Thank you, Wendy," Luna whispered, relief flickering through her voice.


    Wendy hung up the phone and rushed straight to the Gold Vista Hotel.


    Wendy arrived at the women''s restroom in the Gold Vista Hotel and, just as expected, she noticed two bodyguards standing by the entrance.


    She walked calmly into the restroom. Inside, she found Luna, tear-streaked and looking utterly panicked. "Wendy, you came," Luna gasped, her face pale and frantic.


    Wendy took her hand gently. "Luna, don''t worry. I''m going to get you out of here." "But Mr. Silva''s bodyguards re outside. How will we get past them?" Luna''s voice trembled with anxiety. "Simple. We''ll disguise ourselves."


    Wendy had brought a bag in with her, and she reached inside, pulling out a dress, a hat, and a pair of sunsses." Change into these."


    Luna quickly changed, transforming from a sweet and innocent waitress into a


    bold, sultry woman. She lookedpletely different-no one would recognize her


    now.


    "Luna, we''re leaving now."


    Wendy took Luna''s hand and led her out.


    The two bodyguards eutside looked at Luna as she walked past. Luna''s hands


    were shaking, she was terrified they might recognize her.


    But Wendy held her trembling hand firmly and gave her a reassuring look.


    Luna took a deep breath and followed Wendy out.


    The bodyguards didn''t seem to notice anything unusual.


    Luna let out a quiet sigh of relief. "Thank God," she whispered.


    "Let''s hurry and get out of here," Wendy urged.


    Just then, Luna froze, her eyes widening in panic. "Wendy, I left my bag in the restroom! I need to go back and get it."


    Wendy stopped her, gripping her arm. "Luna, you can''t go back now. It''s too dangerous."


    "I have to get it! My tips for tonight are in there," Luna insisted, breaking free from Wendy''s grasp and turning to run back.


    "Luna, no!" Wendy called after her, but it was toote.


    In that instant, Luna''s manager, Jake Silva, apanied by two bodyguards, appeared, chasing after them. Jake, the slick, lewd man in his forties, now had a sharp gleam in his eyes. ¡°Luna, did you think you could run away? Get her! Take her back to my room, and make sure she''s cleaned up and ready!"


    The two bodyguards lunged forward, grabbing Luna, whose face went white with fear. She was caught.


    Wendy acted quickly, stepping in front of Luna and shielding her from the bodyguards. Her cold, piercing eyes locked onto Jake''s.


    "Stop! What do you think you''re doing?" she demanded.

 My Dad Please Come 191

    Jake stared at Wendy his eyes lighting up in surprise. "And where did youe from, pretty girl? You look like an angel."


    Luna, frightened, hid behind Wendy. "This is my ssmate. Mr. Silva, we''re students. We''re not selling our bodies. Please, leave us alone..."


    "Students, huh? That''s even better. I love schoolgirls," Jake said with a lecherous grin, eyeing Wendy hungrily. Since you''re ssmates, you two can serve me tonight,"


    With a wave of his hand, Jake instructed his bodyguards dressed in ck, "Take them both away."


    Wendy quickly stepped in front of the trembling Luna, her gaze cold as she stared at Jake. "Kidnapping someone in broad daylight? Don''t you realize this is illegal?" ¡°Illegal?¡± Jake burst outughing, his tone full of arrogance. "In Hovendale, I''m a big shot. I dine with Mr. Hawk, the wealthiest man in town, and you''re telling me about thew?"


    Jake brought up Stanley, the wealthiest man in Hovendale,


    Wendy hadn''t heard from Stanley in days, but everyone in Hovendale knew Stanley held immense power in the city.


    "What are you all standing around for? Get them now!" Jake demanded impatiently. 1


    Two ck-d bodyguards moved toward them.


    Luna clutched Wendy''s arm, her voice shaky. "Wendy, what should we do?"


    As one of the bodyguards reached for Wendy, she narrowed her eyes and snapped sharply, "How dare you!"


    Turning her cold gaze toward Jake, she added, "Try to touch us and see what happens. Do you even know who I am?"


    Feeling the powerful aura emitting from Wendy, Jake froze, confused. "Who are you?"


    Wendy''s voice was icy as she uttered each word clearly, "I am Stanley Hawk''s wife, Mrs. Hawk."


    Jake''s eyes widened in disbelief. "You''re Mrs. Hawk?"


    "That''s right. If you eveny a finger on us, Stanley won''t spare you!"


    Jake seemed skeptical, but just as he was about to respond, a voice came from behind them. "Mr. Hawk, this way, please."


    Wendy looked up and saw a group of people approaching, led by none other than Stanley himself.


    Stanley was here!


    Dressed in a perfectly tailored ck suit, Stanley walked with confidence and elegance, his presencemanding the attention of everyone in the room. The golden champagne lights from the hallway illuminated his striking face, adding a touch of brilliance to his already mesmerizing appearance.


    Wendy''s heart skipped a beat. She hadn''t expected the world to be so small. Stanley had actuallye after she brought him up.


    The hotel manager stepped forward respectfully. "Mr. Hawk, please follow me. Your private room is just ahead."


    Behind him, the other businessmen chatted amongst themselves while Stanley listened, asionally nodding as


    he walked toward Wendy.


    Jake, sensing an opportunity, stepped forward with a bright smile stered on his face. "Mr. Hawk, hello,"


    Stanley looked up at him, his expression cool and indifferent. "Hello, Mr. Silva."


    "Mr. Hawk, I didn''t mean to interrupt, but I have a female student here. Do you recognize her?" Jake said, pointing at Wendy.


    Wendy lifted her eyes, and their gazes met. Stanley''s dark, cold eyes locked onto hers, sending a shiver down her spine. The businessmen behind him all turned their attention to her as well.


    Wendy''s fingers curled slightly. She had only mentioned Stanley''s name to try and get out of this situation; she never expected him to actually show up.


    The night at the hospital, when she pped him, had severed their ties. Now Jake was asking if Stanley knew her -what would he say?


    Wendy felt a wave of embarrassment and difort.


    Stanley''s face remained impassive as his deep, maic voice rang out.


    "I don''t know her."

 My Dad Please Come 192

    He said he didn''t know her.


    After speaking, Stanley stepped away, his long legs carrying him forward as he led the businessmen into the luxurious private room.


    Wendy''s body stiffened slightly, the calm she had tried to maintain slipping away.


    Luna, still hiding behind Wendy, had stopped crying. Her pale face, once colorless, began to warm with a soft blush, her eyes glued to Stanley''s tall, handsome figure as she stared after him, mesmerized.


    Once Stanley was out of sight, Jake turned his attention to Wendy. "Haha! You say you''re Mrs. Hawk, but Mr. Hawk doesn''t even know you. You''re just a r!"¡ª


    Wendy had no response.


    Jake wasn''t in the mood to waste any more time. "Grab them!" he ordered.


    The two ck-d bodyguards immediately moved forward again, grabbing Wendy and Luna roughly.


    Luna struggled in their grasp. "Let go of me!"


    Wendy appeared calm, as she had a needle and some sleeping powder hidden on her. As soon as they entered the room with Jake, she would have a chance to escape with Luna.


    As Wendy was calcting her next move, Jake waved his hand impatiently. "Take them to the car."


    The two bodyguards pushed them forward.


    Just then, a voice called out from behind. "Mr. Silva, wait a moment."


    Jake turned around. Keh Rogers, who had juste out of Stanley''s private room, stopped him.


    "Mr. Rogers, hello."


    "Mr. Hawk would like you toe in and join him for a drink."


    Jake''s face lit up with excitement. An invitation from Stanley was a huge honor. "Great! I''ll be right there."


    Jake casually draped his arm around Wendy''s delicate shoulder. "Come on. You''lle with me to raise a ss to Mr. Hawk. Remember to behave yourself."


    Luna was left outside with the other bodyguards. If Wendy didn''tply, Luna would be the one to suffer.


    Wendy had no choice but to follow Jake into the luxurious private room.


    Inside the extravagant room, Wendy''s eyes immediately found Stanley, sitting at the head of the table. His presence was regal, his handsome face unbothered as the businessmen around him poured wine into his ss.


    This was the first time Wendy had seen him in such a setting-surrounded by influential businessmen, acting like the powerful figure he was.


    She hadn''t expected their next meeting to happen like this after all the days apart.


    Jake pulled her by the shoulder and guided her to a seat opposite him. The men around the table immediately began teasing. "Mr. Silva, is this your new girlfriend?"


    "Yeah, she''s a student from vendale University."


    "Your taste hasn''t changed at all. Still fond of schoolgirls, huh?"


    Since there were just men in the room, Jake chuckled. "This one''s interesting. Mr.


    Hawk, do you know what this girl just said? She imed to be your wife!"


    Wendy saw Stanley look up from his ss, his dark eyes locking on hers.


    He looked down at her from his lofty position, and his lips curled ever so slightly.


    Was that a faint, amused smirk?


    Wendy wanted to scream at Jake to shut up!


    "Hahaha! She sure has guts, calling herself Mrs. Hawk."


    "Today''s students are clever. They all want to hook up with the richest, most powerful man."


    "Mr. Hawk must have a lot of schoolgirls after him."


    The businessmen around the tableughed, mocking Wendy.


    Wendy''s delicate face flushed. She felt embarrassed, her pride stung.


    Jake stood up, holding his wine ss. "Mr. Hawk, let me offer you a drink."


    Stanley, sittingzily and elegantly, didn''t take the ss. Instead, he looked at Wendy. "Let here over and offer me the drink."

 My Dad Please Come 193

    Stanley wanted Wendy to offer him a drink.


    Wendy froze, her body tense.


    Jake, too, stiffened in confusion. What was Stanley doing? Was he interested in Wendy? If that were the case, Jake knew his ce. There was no way he''d darepete with Stanley for a woman.


    "What are you waiting for? Go offer Mr. Hawk the drink," Jake urged impatiently.


    The other businessmenughed. "I''ve seen plenty of girls trying to offer Mr. Hawk a drink, but it''s the first time I''ve seen Mr. Hawk ordering it."


    "Go on. Don''t keep Mr. Hawk waiting."


    Everyone''s eyes were on Wendy now, and she had no choice but to step forward and offer Stanley a drink.


    Wendy had no idea what Stanley''s intentions were, but she could only stand and walk over to him, holding the ss in her hand.


    "Mr. Hawk, here''s to you."


    As she stood, Stanley sat, and though she was slightly taller, he still looked at her with an air of dominance. His eyes swept over her, careless and indifferent, the gaze of a mature and wealthy businessman picking out a young girl.


    Seeing her reluctance, Stanley''s lips curled into a faint, amused smirk. "Who are you? Do you really think I''ll drink just because you offered?"


    A burst ofughter filled the room.


    "Haha, that''s right! Mr. Hawk doesn''t just drink whenever people offer him one," one of the businessmen joked.


    Wendy was silent, a deep flush creeping up her neck as she realized Stanley had just yed her. He''d made here over to offer a drink and now refused to drink it-just to embarrass her.


    Her eyes narrowed sharply, and she red at him before turning to leave.


    As fate would have it, just as she spun around, her foot caught on the carpet.


    "Ah!"


    She gasped as her body pitched forward.


    Wendy squeezed her eyes shut, already imagining how Stanley would lead the mockingughter once she hit the


    floor.


    Instead of crashing, she felt a strong arm wrap around her waist. A firm, muscr grip pulled her back up with ease, and she was gently guided into a broad, secure embrace.


    Wendy lifted her head in surprise, finding Stanley''s handsome face mere inches from hers.


    She hadnded, sitting on Stanley''s solid thigh.


    The clean, crisp scent of his masculinity enveloped her, standing out in stark contrast to the sleazy businessmen around them. He was the very definition of refined wealth.


    For a moment, Wendy was stunned.


    Stanley looked down at her with an unreadable expression. Was that intentional?" Laughter erupted again from the group.


    "Girls these days have so many tricks up their sleeves. Looks like she''s going all out to get Mr. Hawk''s attention."


    "This one really wants to be Mrs. Hawk, huh? Ambitious little thing."


    Wendy''s face burned with a mix of shame and anger. He knew perfectly well that she hadn''t done it on purpose!


    This was revenge-payback for the p she''d given him, and the one she had delivered to Jessica.


    Maybe he simply disliked her, and this was his way of constantly humiliating her.


    Wendy shot him another re, trying to rise from hisp.


    Stanley tightened his hold around her waist, his arms secure around her. "Who are you?"


    He asked again, his voice firm, as if challenging her to answer.


    "Who are you? Tell them loudly."


    Wendy''s heart skipped a beat. Was he trying to make her admit she was Mrs. Hawk? Was he going to mock her once more?


    She tried to pry his hands away, attempting to stand.


    "Beg me,¡± he whispered, his voice low andmanding.


    Beg me.


    His words sent a shiver down Wendy''s spine.


    Stanley studied her pale, delicate face, his gaze lingering. It had been days since he had seen her, and she seemed colder than before, her face stiff as if she were


    looking at a stranger.

 My Dad Please Come 194

    He was intentionally teasing her. The moment she red at him, it was the first sign of life in her.


    Stanley''s voice was low andmanding. "Beg me, and I''ll take you away."


    Being the experienced businessman he was, he already knew what kind of predicament she was in. He wanted her to speak up and ask him for help. Wendy would never do that.


    She didn''t need him to save her. She didn''t want to owe him anything.


    "Mr. Hawk, please let go of me!" Wendy struggled fiercely forcing herself out of his grasp and standing up from hisp.


    She didn''t want to stay in the room any longer. Without a word, she opened the door to the private room and stepped out.


    Jake immediately stood up. "Mr. Hawk, can I excuse myself?"


    Jake wouldn''t dare leave without Stanley''s permission.


    Stanley remained silent.


    The silence was enough of an answer. Jake quickly left.


    Stanley''s handsome face turned cold, his expression darkening.


    The people in the room noticed the shift. They exchanged looks, uncertain. What


    had gotten into the big shot?


    Wendy and Luna were forcefully shoved into Jake''s luxurious car by the bodyguards.


    Luna was trembling, huddled in the corner. Jake nced at Wendy and sneered. "So, what did Mr. Hawk say to you earlier?"


    Wendy stayed quiet.


    Jake reached over and pinched her delicate face. ¡°So you actually sat on Mr. Hawk''sp, huh? I''ve never seen anyone manage that before."


    Wendy frowned, trying to pull away from him. "Don''t touch me with your filthy hands!"


    But she couldn''t escape. Her skin was too soft, and her face reddened from his pinch.


    Jake''s eyes burned with desire. "I was nning to have my fun with you at the hotel, but now I can''t wait. I''ve really struck gold, getting someone who could sit on Mr. Hawk''sp."


    He flipped over and shoved Wendy down into the seat.


    He didn''t care that they were in a car. He reached for her clothes, tearing at them.


    Luna lunged forward, grabbing Jake''s arm, pleading desperately. "Mr. Silva, please let us go! We''re still students! We don''t want to do this..."


    Get off me!"


    Jake shoved her away with one swift motion, and Luna crashed against the window, her head mming into the


    ss with a sickening thu. Her face went pale from the pan.


    "Luma!" Wendy cried, trying to check if she was hurt.


    But Jake had pinned her down, urgently unzipping his pants. "Let''s have some fun, pretty girl."


    Wendy had nned to deal with Jake once they got to the hotel, but it looked like she had to act sooner than expected.


    She reached for the needle hidden at her waist.


    Just then, the driver''s voice came from the front. "Boss, there''s a car following us."


    "What?" Jake straightened up, peering through the rear window. He saw a Rolls- Royce Phantom pulling up behind them.


    Jake''s expression shifted. He recognized the car immediately. It was Stanley''s. Stanley had followed them!


    "Mr. Hawk?" Jake''s voice faltered. What was Stanley doing here?


    Before he could process it, the Rolls-Royce mmed on the gas, and with a


    deafening crash, it rammed into the back of Jake''s car.


    The impact was vicious, powerful.


    The world-ss Rolls-Royce had no equal. Jake''s car was immediately dented as the rear bumper crumpled from the collision.


    The sharp screech of tires echoed as Jake''s car was forced to a stop.


    The driver''s door of the Rolls-Royce Phantom swung open, and Stanley, tall and imposing, stepped out.


    With long strides, he approached Jake''s car and reached for the back door, pulling it open.

 My Dad Please Come 195

    Stanley yanked open the car''s back door and grabbed Jake by the cor, dragging him out.


    Jake was shaking with fear. "M-Mr. Hawk, what did I do to upset you this much? Please-"


    Stanley didn''t give him a chance to finish. With a swift punch, he mmed his fist into Jake''s face.


    With a loud bang, Jake''s body collided with the side of the car.


    Stanley''s muscles flexed beneath his suit as he punched again and again, each blownding with bone-crushing force, driving Jake into the car. Blood sttered across Jake''s face, and he couldn''t even beg for mercy anymore.


    Stanley paused for a moment, his cold gaze sweeping over Jake. ¡°Which hand did you touch her with? This one?"


    With a sickening crack, Stanley snapped Jake''s right arm with ease.


    Jake copsed to the ground, his breath ragged and shallow


    Just then, Zayn and his men arrived. "Mr. Hawk."


    Stanley''s chiseled features remained taut, his voice icy as he ordered, "Clean this up."


    Zayn nodded. "Understood."


    Stanley turned away from Jake and walked toward the back door of the car. He nced inside at Wendy. "Come out. I''ll take you back to campus."


    Without waiting for a response, he turned and got back into his Rolls-Royce Phantom.


    Wendy hadn''t expected Stanley to show up, let alone give Jake such a harsh beating. The force behind his punches had been terrifying.


    Wasn''t he just teasing her earlier?


    Why did he save her?


    Luna had arge bump on her forehead from hitting the window, and Wendy helped her out of the car.


    As they approached, Wendy saw Jake-once so cocky-lying unconscious on the ground. The area was cordoned off, with several people handling the scene.


    Wendy opened the door to the Rolls-Royce Phantom and helped Luna into the


    car.


    Inside, the world outside seemed to fade away into quiet luxury. Stanley sat at the wheel, calmly wiping the blood from his fingers with a tissue.


    Then, the car hummed smoothly as it sped toward vendale University, the silence between them heavy.


    Stanley said nothing.


    Wendy didn''t speak, either.


    Luna, still shaken but regaining someposure, looked at Stanley. Her pale face slowly turned a soft shade of pink. She spoke up quietly. "Mr. Hawk, thank you for today.''


    Luna was a performance major, and her voice was soft, almost musical-a pleasant melody.


    Stanley didn''t respond, his hand resting on the steering wheel. His demeanor was cold and distant, like an untouchable figure.


    Wendy nced up, catching Stanley''s reflection in the rearview mirror. As if sensing her gaze, Stanley looked up


    at her as well.


    Her eyes met Stanley''s for a brief second, and the moment hung in the air before she averted her gaze.


    Half an hourter, the Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up at vendale University''s gates. Wendy and Luna got out.


    Luna stood tall, the red bump on her forehead giving her a fragile, almost delicate appearance. She turned to Stanley once more. "Mr. Hawk, thank you."


    Stanley didn''t answer. His silence was as cold as ever.


    Wendy took Luna''s arm gently. "Let''s go back."


    "Okay."


    Together, they walked into the campus.


    Stanley remained in the car, watching Wendy''s figure as she moved further away.


    A faint, almost mocking smile curled at the corner of his lips.


    Back in the dorm, Wendy and Luna arrived to find that Halsey had just returned from ss. She was shocked to hear what had happened while she was gone.


    Halsey sighed in relief. "Thank goodness Mr. Hawk stepped in when he did. If you two had been taken to the hotel by that perv, I can''t imagine what would have happened."


    +25BONUS

 My Dad Please Come 196

    Halsey gave Wendy a yful wink. "Wendy, your husband did pretty well this time."


    Luna stared at Wendy in shock. "Wendy, Mr. Hawk is your husband? Are you really Mrs. Hawk?"


    Halsey nodded with a grin. "That''s right, Wendy is Mrs. Hawk!"


    Luna was in disbelief. She grabbed Wendy''s arm, her face full of envy. "Wendy, you''re so lucky. You must be so happy!"


    Wendy smiled awkwardly, unsure of how to respond. She didn''t even know what happiness was anymore.


    Wendyy down on her bed and took out her phone, opening up the conversation between her and "Hubby".


    After a moment of hesitation, she decided to send a simple message. [Thank you.]


    Just two words. Thank you.


    Ding.


    The reply came almost immediately.


    Stanley''s message was short and to the point. [How are you gonna thank me?]


    Wendy curled her delicate fingers around the phone, hesitating to reply. She pressed the phone under her pillow and closed her eyes.


    The next day, Luna arrived at Hawk Group. Thepany''s headquarters, located in the heart of Hovendale, towered above the city-a symbol of wealth, power, and influence. The building''s majestic height was enough to take anyone''s breath


    away.


    Luna walked in and approached the front desk. "Hi, I''d like to see Mr. Hawk."


    The receptionist smiled politely. "Do you have an appointment?"


    "No, but Mr. Hawk knows me."


    "I''m sorry, without an appointment, I can''t let you see Mr. Hawk."


    Disappointment flickered across Luna''s face, and she turned to leave.


    But just then, a group of people walked toward her. Stanley was at the front, apanied by senior executives from thepany, all wearing the blue badges that signified their positions. Stanley held a file in his hand and was deep in conversation with the others.


    Luna''s eyes lit up, and she hurried over. "Mr. Hawk, hello!"


    Stanley stopped and looked at her, his expression nk. "You are?"


    Stanley didn''t recognize her.


    "I''m Wendy''s ssmate. Thank you for saving me and Wendyst night."


    Stanley raised an eyebrow, faint recognition flickering in his eyes. Luna had dressed up carefully today, wearing a beautiful dress and holding her legs close together, looking innocent and demure.


    "Mr. Hawk, thank you for saving me and Wendy. This is a gift I''d like to give you."


    4


    Luna happily handed Stanley a gift bag.


    Stanley stood tall, his gaze cold and distant. "Did Wendy send you here?"


    "No, I came on my own. Wendy went to the hospital this morning to stay with Nathan." Luna''s voice was sweet and innocent as she spoke.


    Stanley froze for a moment.


    "Mr. Hawk, this is something I made myself..."


    Stanley''s expression turned cold. His voice was t, almost biting. "You don''t need toe here anymore."


    Without another word, Stanley turned and walked away.


    Luna stood frozen in ce.


    The receptionist quickly walked over. "Miss, please leave."


    Luna''s pale eyes began to tear up. She clutched the gift bag tightly, the one with


    the embroidered sachet she had made herself, but Stanley hadn''t even nced at


    it.


    Under the receptionist''s urging, Luna was forced to leave.


    As she stepped outside, she saw a luxury car pulling up. Thetest sensation in the entertainment industry, actress Willow Morrison, strutted into Hawk Group, nked by her assistant and bodyguards, her presencemanding attention.


    Two female employees at the entrance were chatting.


    "Isn''t that Willow, the major star? She''s the new rising star from Apex Entertainment, operated by ourpany."


    "Anyone who signs with Apex Entertainment is bound to rise."


    "You forgot to mention, if she bes Mr. Hawk''s woman she''ll have the world at her feet!"

 My Dad Please Come 197

    hapter 197


    Nathan had already found his answer. "I know Stanley. He''s never going to leave Jessica."


    Wendy nodded slowly. "Yeah, I know."


    Just then, her phone rang again. It was Trish.


    Wendy answered, and Trish''s cheerful voice came through Wendy,e to the family estate. Everyone''s here for dinner tonight. You should join us!"


    Wendy hesitated, but Trish added, "I''m bringing Dr. Cen home for dinner tonight, so you absolutely have toe!"


    Wendy raised an eyebrow, her tone shifting. "Okay, I''ll be there."


    That evening, Wendy arrived at the Crone family''s estate.


    The entire estate was beautifully decorated, as though everyone was celebrating something big. The maids were busy preparing exquisite food and drinks for the evening.


    As Wendy walked inside, she overheard two of the maids chatting.


    "Tonight, Ms. Trish is bringing her boyfriend home! Do you know who her boyfriend is? Dr. Cen!"


    "Dr. Cen! Oh my god, I can''t believe it! I get to see Dr. Cen in person today!"


    "Ms. Trish is amazing! She managed to win over Dr. Cen!"

 My Dad Please Come 198

    The maids were buzzing with excitement, clearly in awe of Trish.


    At that moment, Edith, along with Archer and Natalie from the third branch, came downstairs. The three of them were dressed formally, all sporting smiles of anticipation.


    When Edith saw Wendy, her expression immediately turned cold.


    "Wendy, Trish is bringing Dr. Cen hoine for dinner tonight. You''d better not say


    a word and embarrass Dr. Cen, or I won''t forgive you!" she snapped.


    Archer and Natalie nced briefly at Wendy before looking away. "Mom, Trish


    and Dr. Cen are almost here. Let''s go out and greet them."


    Just as they spoke, a luxury car pulled up on thewn.


    Trish, linked arm-in-arm with Dr. Cen, had arrived.


    Trish was stunning in a long gown, glowing with radiance. She proudly announced, "Grandma, Dad, Mom, let me introduce you to Dr. Cen, my boyfriend."


    Edith, Archer, and Natalie all turned to Dr. Cen at once, their faces lighting up with satisfaction. "Dr. Cen, it''s an honor to meet you," they said in unison.


    Wendy observed Dr. Cen-tall, handsome, and dressed in an expensive shirt and trousers,plemented by a luxurious watch. He carried himself with the polished charm of a true gentleman. He looked every bit the part, and it was impossible to tell he was a crook.


    Trish believed in him wholeheartedly.


    Dr. Cen smiled warmly. "Mrs. Edith, Mr. and Mrs. Crone, it''s a pleasure to meet you. I''ve brought some gifts."


    The driver quickly unloaded a stack of expensive-looking presents.


    Edith''s smile grew even wider. "Dr. Cen, you''re too kind! Please,e in!"


    She ushered Dr. Cen and Trish into the house. With so many people already gathered, Wendy found herself pushed into a corner where no one seemed to notice her.


    No one seemed to pay her any attention.


    "Dr. Cen, Trish, dinner is ready. We''ll begin as soon as everyone has arrived," Edith said with a smile.


    Trish nced around. ¡°Grandma, who are we still waiting for?"


    "We''re waiting for the second branch. Tonight, Jessica is bringing Mr. Hawk with her to dinner," Edith replied, turning to Dr. Cen. "I don''t know if you''ve heard, but the richest man in Hovendale, Mr. Hawk, is also my son-inw."


    Dr. Cen nodded. "I''ve heard of Mr. Hawk. It''s an honor to meet him."


    Wendy listened to the corner, surprised to learn that Jessica would be bringing Stanley, too. She had known Trish was bringing Dr. Cen, but the fact that Jessica was bringing Stanley made everything moreplicated. The second and third branches had always been inpetition, and now, with Trish showing off Dr. Cen, Jessica was surely bringing Stanley to unt her sess.


    Both branches seemed determined to outdo one another.


    At that moment, another luxury car pulled up on the estate''swn-the second branch had arrived.


    Jessica walked in, arm-in-arm with Stanley, followed by Harry and Lilian.


    Edith immediately stood up. "Mr. Hawk, Jessica, wee!!


    Tonight, Jessica was also dressed in a long gown, with wless makeup, looking as beautiful and delicate as a red


    rose.


    Stanley was dressed in a sleek ck suit, his handsome features striking against the refined elegance of his


    appearance.


    As he entered the living room, his piercing, cold eyes fell on Dr. Cen.


    "So, you''re Dr. Cen?" he asked in a cool tone.


    Dr. Cen graciously extended his hand. "Mr. Hawk, we''ve missed each other a couple of times before. Don''t worry. Ms. Jessica is in good hands with me. It''s a pleasure to finally meet you."


    Stanley looked Dr. Cen over, then shook his hand.


    The one most pleased by the exchange was Edith. She grabbed Stanley with one hand and Dr. Cen with the other. "Jessica and Trish truly are the pride of our family. Now, I have two incredible sons-inw-one is Mr. Hawk, and the other is Dr. Cen. Our family is truly blessed!"

 My Dad Please Come 199

    Edith felt like she was at the peak of her life, basking in the glory brought to her by her two most cherished granddaughters.


    Jessica and Trish, the two shining stars, both wore smiles that r¨¢diated pride.


    The second and third branches of the family were all wrapped in a joyful atmosphere.


    Wendy stood quietly in the corner, watching the bustling andvish Crone family gathering. She had always been an outsider, never truly a part of their world. The only contection she had to this family was her father, who had long since passed and been forgotten by everyone here.


    Suddenly, Wendy felt a gazend on her face. She looked up and found Stanley''s eyes fixed on her.


    Why was he staring at her?


    Tonight, he was here with Jessica, standing by her side as her support.


    It was as if everyone had forgotten that she was Mrs. Hawk


    Howughable.


    Wendy shifted her gaze away.


    "Alright. Now that everyone''s here, Mr. Hawk, Dr. Cen, let''s begin the dinner," Edith said with a smile.


    The table was set with a variety of fine dishes and wines, and everyone began to take their seats.


    Seats had already been arranged. Edith, as the eldest, naturally took the seat of honor. Stanley, Jessica, Harry, and Lilian sat on the left side, while Dr. Cen, Trish, Archer, and Natalie took the right side. The whole family seemed to be in perfect harmony.


    Wendy, however, realized there was no seat for her.


    Trish had invited her to dinner, but no one had prepared a ce for her.


    It seemed that Trish just now noticed the oversight. With a smile, she asked, "Wendy, you don''t have a seat?"/


    At once, every eye in the room turned toward Wendy.


    She had always been looked down upon by the Crone family and no one had paid attention to her until now.


    Edith sighed impatiently. "The seats are fixed, and there''s no extra space. Wendy, you''ll have to eat with the servants in the kitchen."


    Lilian, still harboring resentment for Wendy for causing Harry to p herst time, gave her a smile that didn''t reach her eyes. Her voice wasced with malice as she suggested, "How about this? I''ll have the servants add a seat in the corner for you. You can eat there."


    Edith and Lilian were clearly trying to humiliate Wendy, and everyone was watching her, waiting for her to be embarrassed.


    Dr. Cen nced at Wendy, curious. "And who might this be?"


    Trish casually smiled. "She''s just a servant in the house."


    Trish calling Wendy a servant was a p in the face. Inviting Wendy to dinner was her way of getting back at her for witnessing Trish''s humiliation at the Medical Museum when her academic paper was retracted. Now, she was unting her sess in front of Wendy.


    Jessica shot Wendy a disdainful nce, thinking she had overestimated herself for wanting to beat her.


    Wendy stood alone, her clear eyes calmly observing the Crone family. She gave a small, almost imperceptible smile. "It''s fine. There''s no seat for me here, so I''ll skip dinner."


    She turned to Dr. Cen. "I actually came back just to meet Dr. Cen."


    Edith scoffed. "Well, guess it''s your luck to be around Trish and get to meet Dr. Cen through her."


    Dr. Cen held Trish''s hand, and Trish shed him a sweet smile.


    Wendy spoke again, her tone indifferent. "Just a word of caution. No one has truly seen Dr. Cen before, so you all should be careful of frauds."


    Frauds?


    What was she talking about?


    The room froze.


    Dr. Cen''s eyes flickered with a hint of unease. He looked at Wendy, wondering


    if she had discovered something.


    But it was impossible. His n was wless.


    Wendy said no more. She simply turned and walked away.


    As soon as Wendy left, Edith muttered under her breath, clearly displeased, "What nonsense is she talking about? Is she saying Dr. Cen is a fraud?"


    How could that be?


    Trish was the first to deny it. Everything about Dr. Cen checked out. He was, without a doubt, Dr. Cen!

 My Dad Please Come 200

    Archer chuckled. "Wendy must be jealous of Trish. That''s why she''s saying all this-she''s trying to ruin dinner."


    Natalie snickered. ¡°She''s just a country bumpkin. How dare she call Dr. Cen a fraud! It''sughable."


    Trish squeezed Dr. Cen''s hand and apologized, "Dr. Cen, please don''t take anything Wendy says to heart. She''s just jealous, and it corroded her mind."


    Dr. Cen nced in the direction where Wendy had disappeared, feeling a slight sense of relief. Though he didn''t know what Wendy might have figured out, the way she made him feel uneasy and nervous was undeniable.


    Luckily, the Crone family had driven Wendy away.


    Looking around at the Crone family, the fake Dr. Cen was confident he had fooled them. He smiled warmly and said, "It''s alright. I won''t hold it against her."


    Edith smiled. ¡°Let''s not let Wendy spoil the mood. Come on, let''s eat."


    Trish beamed with pride. "Grandma, I have something to announce. I''ve joined Dr. Cen''s medical team and now own a share in it."


    Edith and the second branch of the family were taken aback. "What? You now own shares in Dr. Cen''s team?"


    Dr. Cen nodded. "Yes, Trish invested 150 million."


    A hundred and fifty million?


    Jessica''s eyes widened. "Trish, where did you get that kind of money?"


    Archer and Natalie grinned. "We mortgaged thepany."


    The third branch had pledged their entirepany in exchange for 150 million dors to give to Dr. Cen.


    Dr. Cen smiled confidently. "With me involved, there''s no risk in mortgaging thepany. I guarantee that 150 million will double this year and add up to 300 or even 500 million. By then, Trish''s worth will double as well."


    Dr. Cen was a known figure, so no one doubted his value.


    Now, Jessica, Harry, and Lilian couldn''t sit still. They, too, wanted to get on board with Dr. Cen and watch their assets grow.


    Jessica spoke up. "Dr. Cen, we''d like to invest 150 million as well."


    Harry and Lilian nodded eagerly. "We can mortgage ourpany too."


    The second branch was also ready to pledge everything they had.


    However, Dr. Cen didn''t immediately respond. Rather, he seemed hesitant. "Um..."


    Trish, holding his hand, urged, "Dr. Cen, we''ll all be family soon. Let them invest too."


    Dr. Cen finally agreed, nodding. "Alright, then. We''ll count you in too."


    Jessica, Harry, and Lilian were thrilled. "That''s wonderful! Thank you, Dr. Cen!"


    "Hold on!" Edith suddenly spoke up.


    Everyone turned to look at her. "What''s wrong?"


    Edith''s eyes sparkled. "If all of you are investing, I want to invest too."


    "Mom, you don''t have money."


    "Who says I don''t have money? I can mortgage the Crone family''s estate. It''s in a good location, and it''s worth a lot. Dr. Cen, I want to invest too."


    Dr. Cen thought for a moment before agreeing. "Alright Let''s all make money together. After all, Trish and 1 are getting married soon, and we''re all basically family now."


    Dr. Cen kissed Trish''s hand softly.


    Trish felt like she was on cloud nine.


    Now, everyone in the Crone family was overjoyed. They had all put their fortunes


    on the line, dreaming of bing rich overnight.


    Edith raised her ss. "Now that Wendy''s gone, our family''s luck is finally turning around. Let''s drink to our future!"


    Jessica, with Harry and Lilian, raised their sses. "Cheers!"


    Trish, with Archer and Natalie, also raised her ss. "Cheers!" Chapter 201

 My Dad Please Come 201

    The Crone family raised their sses and took a sip, their faces full of joy and satisfaction.


    As they did, Jessica noticed Stanley sitting quietly nearby. He hadn''t participated in any of the Crone family''s conversations and was keeping a remarkably low


    profile.


    Ever since Wendy left, Stanley had been staring off into the distance, as if his mind wasn''t entirely here.


    Jessica couldn''t help but speak up. "Stanley, what''s wrong Do you have a problem with us investing in Dr. Cen''s medical team?"


    Stanley slowly lifted his gaze and nced at Dr. Cen across the table. There was something sharp in his eyes, almost like he could see right through the man.


    For a moment, Dr. Cen felt a twinge of nervousness. Stanley''s gaze was calm but intense, like it could pierce through him, and the whole situation-Wendy earlier, Stanley now-was making him ufortable.


    But Stanley only gave Dr. Cen a brief, almost dismissive nce, then turned away.


    "No. You guys can decide what you want to do," he said lightly, standing up. "I''ve got to go. I have something to take care of."


    Stanley started to move toward the door, but Edith quickly shot Jessica a look.


    "Mr. Hawk, you''re leaving? But you haven''t had dinner yet, Edith said.


    Jessica knew Stanley was still upset over the photo incident but when he heard she was having heart issues, he rushed over without hesitation, didn''t he?


    Without missing a beat, Jessica ced a hand on her chest.


    "Stanley, my heart hurts..." she said softly, her voiceced with a hint of vulnerability.


    Stanley paused in his tracks.


    With a gentle sigh, Jessica allowed her body to lean against him, her head resting


    on his chest. "Stanley, will you carry me upstairs? I need to rest."


    Edith, eager to see things move along, chimed in. "Yes, Mr. Hawk. Please take Jessica upstairs to rest."


    Stanley hesitated for a moment, his gaze falling on Jessica''s pale face. Finally, he gave in, his strong arms reaching to scoop her up effortlessly.


    The two of them made their way upstairs, leaving the rest of the family behind.


    Edith turned her attention to the second branch. "Now that Trish is dating Dr. Cen and they''ll be getting married soon, I hope Jessica will be in the position of Mrs. Hawk by the time they do."


    Harry and Lilian froze. Lately, things had been rocky between Stanley and Jessica,


    Edith continued, her tone slightly pointed. "I''ve always valued Jessica. She needs


    to speed things up. It''s time for Mr. Hawk and Wen ly to divorce."


    It was true-Stanley and Wendy''s marriage had dragged on for far too long.


    Lilian, quickly catching on to the hint, said, "Don''t worry, Mom. Tonight, Jessica will make sure Mr. Hawk stays


    with her."


    Edith''s face lit up in satisfaction. "Good. Trish and Jessica are our two shining jewels. It would be best if they


    could hold a wedding together. It''ll be the talk of Hovendale-a grand spectacle!" Edith imagined the future, filled with pride and excitement


    Though the second and third branches had always been at odds, the two families had remained united after Jerry''s passing, especially in their shared disdain for Wendy.


    With a joint wedding, where the Crone daughters married Stanley and Dr. Cen, their family would be on top of the world.


    Edith raised her ss again. "To our bright future and the life ahead of us. Let''s drink to it!"


    "Cheers!"


    Meanwhile, Wendy hadn''t left the family estate immediately and went to the backyard.


    There used to be a swing back here, one her father had built for her. She would sit on it when she was little, and he would push her, higher than she could imagine.


    "Fly high, Wendy," Jerry would say with a smile.


    Those were the happiest days of her childhood.


    But when she reached the backyard, she found the swing was gone,pletely removed. Edith must have ordered it taken down.


    Wendy stared at the bare, empty backyard, her heart tightening in pain, as if an invisible hand was gripping it. Thest traces of her memories here had been erased.


    She stood still for a moment, then decided to leave. Just as she turned to go, two maids walked into view, carrying a tray of incense. They were chatting to each other as they passed.


    2

 My Dad Please Come 202

    The two maids walked along, talking softly,


    "Is this incense going to Mr. Hawk and Ms. Jessica''s room? one of them asked.


    "Yes," the other replied. "Mrs. Edith and Mrs. Lilian told us to deliver it. This is aphrodisiac incense."


    "Looks like tonight, Ms. Jessica and Mr. Hawk will finally get things moving"


    "You''ll see soon enough, Ms. Jessica will be Mrs. Hawk.¡±


    "And don''t forget Dr. Cen. He''s staying tonight, too. He and Ms. Trish are bound to make something happen. Mrs. Edith hasn''t stopped talking about how impressive her two grandsons-inw are."


    "The Crone family is rising to the top!"


    The two maids walked further away, their chatter fading as they went.


    Wendy, who had been standing quietly nearby, overheard their conversation. Edith and Lilian were nning to use aphrodisiac incense on Stanley, were they?


    Thest time, at the Crone family''s estate, Stanley had been exposed to some aphrodisiac, but it hadn''t been very strong, and he had managed to resist it. This time, however, the incense was far more potent-difficult to find and working with a fierceness that couldn''t be ignored.


    It seemed Edith and Lilian were eager to push things along.


    Should she tell Stanley?


    Looking at her feet, Wendy hesitated, then decided against it.


    It wasn''t her ce to interfere. Stanley had always loved Jessica, and the incense was just something to spice things up.


    Wendy nced back at the Crone family''s estate, now brightly lit and decorated, full of energy and celebration. The night was thick with fog, and her solitary figure soon disappeared into the mist.


    The maids had delivered the aphrodisiac incense to the room. Jessica was sitting on the bed as Stanley brought her


    some water.


    "Are you feeling better?" he asked, his voice calm and steady.


    Jessica nodded. "Yes, much better. Stanley, these past few days, my heart''s been bothering me. Now that we found Dr. Cen, I know he can help me."


    Stanley''s expression remained impassive as he nced at her. "Was it Trish who found Dr. Cen?"


    "Yes! Stanley, are you doubting Dr. Cen''s credentials?" Jessica asked, her eyes harrowing slightly.


    Stanley didn''t answer, his silence heavy.


    Jessica smiled, reassuring him. "Stanley, you''re overthinking it. Dr. Cen is the real deal."


    Stanley didn''t continue the conversation. He stood up, ready to leave. "Now that you''re feeling better, I''ll head


    back."


    "Stanley." Jessica quickly reached out, grabbing his hand and giving it a yful shake. "Are you still angry at me?


    312


    I''m sorry, okay? Please stay and keep mepany."


    Stanley pulled his hand away gently.


    "Rest well, Jessica," he said, his voice soft but firm.


    He turned to leave, but then, Jessica suddenly asked, "Stanley, have you developed feelings for Wendy?"


    Stanley froze, his steps halting.


    "You know why I showed that photo to that guy, Lionel?" she pressed, her voice low. "Because a woman''s intuition is never wrong. You seem to have feelings for Wendy, just a little bit."


    Stanley''s gaze shifted, his features hard to read. He briefly closed his eyes, but no one could tell what he was thinking. With a small movement, he tugged at his tie, feeling a sudden rush of heat.


    The heat was intense, and it hit him suddenly. Stanley could feel his blood boiling, the heat spreading through him, and his eyes narrowed as his body seemed to burn with lust.


    Something was wrong.


    Stanley immediately realized it. He reached for the door and flung it open.


    Outside stood Harry and Lilian. They seemed to have been there for a while.


    "M-Mr. Hawk," they said with forced smiles.


    Stanley''s face darkened. "Did you two do something?"


    His voice was cold, dangerous.


    "Mr. Hawk, we..." Harry began, but he faltered under Stanley''s piercing re.


    Stanley turned his icy gaze toward them, ready to leave.


    "Mr. Hawk!" Lilian suddenly called out, her voice urgent. "There''s no other way to get rid of the aphrodisiac effect. It only wears off after sex. If you leave, what will happen to Jessica?"

 My Dad Please Come 203

    Stanley paused in histracks, slowly turning to face jessica


    She, too, had inhaled the aphrodisiac incense, and a rush of warmth washed over her. Her delicate face flushed a deep red, and her lips, already tinted from the incense, were bitten lightly as she gazed at him with a certain sensual energy in


    her eyes.


    Lilian''s voice cut through the silence. "Mr. Hawk, Jessica needs you right now. You''re not going to leave her, are you?"


    Stanley remained silent, his gaze fixed on Jessica, his face unreadable.


    Without another word, Jessica threw back the covers, stepped out of bed, and rushed straight into his arms.


    Harry and Lilian exchanged a satisfied nce before closing the door quietly behind them.


    Jessica''s strap had slipped from her shoulder, exposing her delicate skin. She looked up at him with wide, admiring eyes. "Stanley, I''ve always known that you love me the most."


    With that, Jessica wrapped her arms around his neck, lifting herself onto her toes to press a kiss to his lips.


    But Stanley quickly turned his head, avoiding the kiss.


    Jessica froze for a moment, then leaned in again-but once more, Stanley pulled back.


    Stanley pushed her gently away, his voice cold yet firm. "Jessica, I hope this is thest time. Don''t ever try this again. If you do, you''ll have to face the consequences."


    The words "face the consequences" fell from his lips with a coldness that sent a chill through Jessica. Her rosyplexion paled instantly.


    This was his warning to the entire Crone family.


    Without another word, Stanley turned and began to walk away.


    Was he leaving? Was he walking out on her right now? What should she do?


    A wave of panic washed over Jessica. Without thinking, she threw her arms around him from behind. "Stanley, please don''t leave me! I need you!"


    "Jessica, let go," Stanley said, his voice strained?


    "Big Brother!" she called out suddenly. Her voice, softer than before, made Stanley''s steps falter.


    The sound of "Big Brother" was a trigger, one that had always had the power to soften Stanley''s resolve. Jessica''s lips curled into a sly smile. She knew exactly how to use that to her advantage.


    She quickly moved around to face Stanley, then, with a swift push, sent him tumbling back onto the bed.


    Boldly, she straddled him, parting her legs to sit firmly on his strong, toned waist. "Big Brother, don''t you want me anymore?"


    Stanley''s muscles tensed, his body betraying him, unable to refuse her.


    With a heated nce, Jessica leaned down, pressing her lips to his.


    Wendy had returned to the hospital and was sitting in Nathan''s VIP room, keeping himpany.


    Nathan had a business matter to discuss with Stanley, so he pulled out his phone. "I''m going to call Stanley."


    He dialed the number, but there was no answer.


    He tried again, and then a third time-still nothing.


    "Where is Stanley? Why isn''t he picking up?" Nathan muttered.


    Wendy dipped a towel into the warm water she had prepared, her long, delicate fingers gently twisting the cloth. Her expression was calm as she said softly, "Mr. Hawk is busy tonight. You should try him again tomorrow."


    "What''s he so busy with?" Nathan asked, a little impatient. Busy...with Jessica.


    The effects of the aphrodisiac incense must have already taken hold, and he and Jessica were probably together right now, in bed. There was no way Stanley would be able to answer a phone call.


    Wendy handed Nathan the towel, changing the subject. "You''re still recovering. You should get some rest." Half an hourter, the VIP room was silent. Nathan had fallen asleep in his bed.


    Wendy sat on the chair beside him, scrolling through her phone. She was messaging with Samuel on WhatsApp. Samuel''s message came through quickly.


    [Wendy, the Crone family has fallen into a scam. I checked, and this so-called Dr. Cen is actually part of arger fraud ring. The Crone family members are all gamblers, and it looks like they''re going to be scammed out of everything!]

 My Dad Please Come 204

    hapter 204


    Wendy was about to reply to Samuel when her plione suddenly vibrated with the sound of an iing call.


    Looking at the caller ID, her heart skipped a beat.


    It was Stanley calling her.


    Stanley? Why was he calling her? Wasn''t he with Jessica?


    Confusion swept over her, but she didn''t answer the call.


    The phone continued to vibrate for a while, with several more callsing in one after the other before it finally stopped.


    Wendyy back on the bed, the hour growingte. She closed her eyes, but sleep eluded her.


    As she tossed and turned, a sudden knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.


    Someone was knocking.


    Who could it be?


    The knock came again, sharp and deliberate, the rhythm of the rapping on the door strong and measured.


    Wendy got out of bed and opened the door. Standing in the hallway was the tall, handsome figure of Stanley. The hospital hallway was quiet at thiste hour, the dim lighting casting shadows on his broad frame. He stood there, still as stone, his piercing ck eyes fixed on her.


    The sight of him, appearing so suddenly in the dark, made Wendy''s heart race. What was he doing here?


    Stanley lowered his gaze to her. "Why didn''t you answer my calls?"


    His voice was low and husky, with a slight rasp that gave it a maic, almost seductive quality-a tone that could make your ears tingle.


    Wendy stood in the doorway. "I didn''t hear them."


    Stanley didn''t believe her. His lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "You''ve been with Nathan all day. You couldn''t spare a moment to answer me?"


    Wendy''s pale fingers curled into a fist. "Mr. Hawk, it''ste. Please go back. We can talk tomorrow."


    She reached to close the door, but before she could, Stanley suddenly bent his knee and pressed it against the door, preventing her from shutting it.


    Wendy had no choice but to look up at him, her clear eyes meeting his. "Mr. Hawk, what do you want?"


    "Do you really want to stay inside and talk to me like this? Should Ie in, or will


    The man had always been domineering, ustomed to getting his way.


    Wendy didn''t want to wake Nathan, so she stepped outside.


    Stanley grabbed her hand, pulling her with him.


    youe out?"


    Her small, delicate hand was engulfed in hisrger, warmer one. Wendy could feel the heat radiating off him, an unusual warmth that made her uneasy. The effects of the aphrodisiac incense still hadn''t worn off.


    +25ÁÜÆû


    She didn''t know what had happened between him and Jessica, and frankly, she didn''t want to know.


    She tried to pull her hand free. "Mr. Hawk, let go of me!"


    Stanley didn''t let go. Instead, he led her down an empty hallway and pushed her gently against the wall.


    Wendy found herself trapped between the wall and his solid chest. She raised her hand, trying to push him away Mr. Hawk, what are you-mmph!"


    Before she could finish, his face loomed closer, his lips capturing hers in a fierce kiss.


    Wendy''s mind went nk. She couldn''t think.


    His kiss was intense, and hisrge hands pressed against the wall, pinning her in ce.


    Wendy snapped back to her senses and struggled violently. "Let go of me!"


    She turned her head to avoid his lips, but Stanley, breath heavy, watched her intently. "You asked what I want, and the answer is this. Is that okay?" Chapter 205

 My Dad Please Come 205

    Wendy pushed him away, her voice firm. ¡°No, it''s not!"


    She struggled, trying to shove him back.


    In the chaos, she identally hit his left hand. Stanley winced, letting out a low hiss.


    Wendy froze, her concern rising. "What''s wrong? Are you okay?"


    Stanley stared at her, a faint grimace on his face. My hand hurts."


    He lifted his left hand, holding it out in front of her.


    Wendy knew his hand had been seriously injured, but she hadn''t realized that he''d had 23 stitches and that they''d only recently been removed. The scar that remained on his palm was deep and long, looking like a caterpir.


    They stood in the narrow corridor, lit only by the dim, warm light overhead. The space between them felt charged, so close that they could hear each other''s breathing, each other''s heartbeats.


    "Wendy, do you see it? My hand hurts," Stanley repeated, his voice low.


    Wendy wasn''t sure what to make of his constant mention of pain. For a man like him-someone who could withstand so much-it seemed odd for him to keep saying his hand hurt.


    She lifted her face and looked at him with a soft smile. "That''s ugly."


    She was talking about the scar on his palm, calling it ugly.


    Stanley scoffed. Without warning, he lowered his head and kissed her, shutting


    down her words with his lips.


    Wendy tried to pull away, but it was impossible. His long fingers tangled in her soft hair, pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss.


    His approach was forceful, his tongue entangling frantically with hers.


    She felt as if she couldn''t breathe, as if he was trying to consume her whole.


    Desperate, she clenched her fists and hit him lightly. Only then did Stanley slowly pull back, his lips leaving hers reluctantly.


    He buried his face in her hair, breathing deeply, his voice gravelly, "Wendy, someone used aphrodisiac incense on me."


    Their bodies were pressed so close together that she could feel the heat from his body and the hard, undeniable evidence of his desire. She tried to retreat, but


    there was nowhere to go-the wall stopped her escape.


    "So what?" she asked, her voice tinged with defiance.


    "So, you''ve been with Nathan all these days," he said, his voice low and coaxing. "Tonight, you should be with me.


    11


    He kissed her earently, his words whispering only for her to hear. "Wendy, I want to be with you."


    Wendy shivered slightly. She had guessed why he was here, why he hade to find her at this hour.


    But why wasn''t he with Jessica? Why had he left the Crone family''s estate?


    Her mind echoed with the words he had said to her once, back in the Presidential Suite: that Jessica was pure, untouched, and that it was her ce to deal with his desires


    Had hee to her because he didn''t want to impose on Jessica, to relieve his desires through her?


    Wendy hadn''t forgotten the humiliation he had made her feel before.


    Looking up into his eyes, she said firmly, "I don''t want to.


    She didn''t want to.


    The words came out crisp and strong.


    Stanley''s body froze, the tall, handsome figure bing stiff in shock.


    Wendy pushed past him and started to walk away,


    Stanley grabbed her slender wrist, his voice heavy with disbelief. "Wendy, do you really not love me anymore?"


    Wendy turned to face him. "No, I don''t."


    She looked him straight in the eyes as she said it.


    Stanley released his grip on her wrist, his expression unreadable. He smirked slightly, his lips curling. "Alright, then."


    Pulling out his phone, he dialed Zayn. "Get me a virgin. Send her to Imperial Garden."


    After hanging up, Stanley turned and left, his long strides carrying him away.


    He was gone.


    Wendy stood in the corridor for a moment, lost in thought, before returning to the VIP ward.


    Nathan was still asleep, oblivious to the storm outside.


    Shey down on the small bed beside him and closed her eyes.

 My Dad Please Come 206

    But she still couldn''t sleep. Soon, there was a soft knock at the door, signaling that someone had arrived.


    Who could it be this time?


    Wendy opened the hospital door to find Zayn standing outside, looking hurried. "Mrs. Hawk."


    Wendy stepped outside. "Zayn, what''s going on? Why are you here?"


    Zayn''s face was filled with urgency. "Mr. Hawk has been drugged by the Crone family. You need to go to Imperial Garden and check on him."


    "But didn''t he tell you to find a virgin? I''m not going." Wently said, turning to go back into her room.


    "Mrs. Hawk!" Zayn called after her. "What Mr. Hawk said about finding someone else he was just saying that out of anger! You can tell, can''t you?"


    Wendy hesitated for a moment, her hand still on the door handle.


    "Mrs. Hawk, when we were at the resort, Mr. Lowe took the knife for you. But you can''t only focus on how he protected you. You also need to see that Mr. Hawk hurt his hand trying to protect you!" Zayn''s voice was firm.


    Wendy slowly turned to face him. ¡°His hand has nothing to do with me."


    Zayn immediately pulled out his phone, unlocking a video. Mrs. Hawk, watch this for yourself."


    She clicked on the video. It showed her standing with her back turned when one of Lionel''s men lunged at her with a knife. At thest second, Stanley dove forward, grabbing the de just in time.


    Wendy froze. She had no idea.


    "Mrs. Hawk, Mr. Hawk''s left hand was injured because of you. That night, you pped him, and then he stood outside your room all night. The next day, he had 23 stitches in his hand, and doctors said that if it had been anyter, his hand could have beenpletely ruined.


    "That night, when the knife came at you, both Mr. Hawk and Mr. Lowe rushed toward you. But Mr. Lowe was closer, so he saved you."


    "Wendy!"


    "Wendy!"


    In the video, Stanley and Nathan shouted her name in unison, both of them sprinting toward her.


    Wendy stood frozen, her mind racing. The chaos of that night had made everything blurry, and without this video, she would have never known the truth.


    Stanley had never mentioned it to her. She never imagined that Stanley would save her.


    Why? Why would he do that? Hadn''t he always hated her?


    "Wendy... My hart hurts."


    The sound of Stanley''s voice echoed in her mind. He had said it twice. At the time, she found it strange, but now it was clear-he wanted her to see his injury because all these days, she had been with Nathan,


    Wendy found it a little funny. The way Stanley acted made him seem almostical.


    "Mrs. Hawk, I know Mr. Hawk said some harsh things to you, but it was all because he saw you with Mr. Lowe. He


    was upset."


    Wendy looked at Zayn. "Why was he upset?"


    Zayn hesitated. "You''ll have to ask him that yourself, Mrs. Hawk, but I think Mr. Hawk might have developed feelings for you."


    He had feelings for her? Stanley?


    How could that be?


    Wendy had never dared to consider that possibility. The promise in the cave all those years ago-he had long forgotten it, and only she still held on to it.


    He didn''t want her anymore, but here she was, standing by his side.


    She had always followed wherever he went, hoping that he could give some of his inessible love to her.


    Yet, all the love he had was poured out for Jessica.


    Could he really fall for her?


    At Imperial Garden, Stanley sat on the couch in the living room. He pulled the tie from around his neck and crumpled it into a ball before tossing it aside. His handsome face was dark and unreadable, the mood heavy with tension.


    Suddenly, there was a soft click, and the door to Imperial Garden opened. Someone stepped inside...

 My Dad Please Come 207

    Stanley lifted his gaze, and there she was-a figure so delicate it seemed untouched by the dust of the world. Wendy had arrived.


    His thin lips pressed together in a tight line. "What are you doing here? Who told you toe?"


    Wendy stepped into the living room, closing the distance between them until she stood right in front of him.


    "Zayn!" Stanley called out, his voice sharp. "Zayn, where''s the girl I told you to prepare? Why isn''t she here yet?"


    Silence.


    No one answered him.


    Wendy remained quiet as well.


    Stanley tugged at the cor of his shirt, his frustration evident.


    "Get out," he snapped at her.


    Wendy lowered her long, delicateshes and met his gaze. "Fine. I''ll leave, then."


    She turned on her heel and started to walk away.


    The next moment, arge, well-defined hand shot out, gripping her slender arm with force. A low, gritted voice, dark with irritation, rang out. "Wendy!"


    Stanley was so angry he could barely contain it, her name escaping through clenched teeth.


    Wendy turned back to face him, hershes fluttering as she looked at him with a yful, almost mischievous glint in her eyes. "What do you want?"


    Stanley yanked her toward him, and her petite frame tumbled onto his solid thighs. His body burned like moltenva, the effects of the aphrodisiac incense having taken hold long ago. Only his sheer willpower had kept him going until


    now.


    Since returning to Imperial Garden, his eyes had turned bloodshot, and his consciousness had begun to blur.


    Now, with Wendy''s soft, fragrant body in his arms, Stanley buried his face in her hair, his lips seeking hers. Hisrge hand slipped beneath the hem of her clothes, exploring the warmth of her skin.


    Wendy''s delicate frame trembled slightly in his embrace, a hint of nervousness betraying her otherwiseposed demeanor.


    "Why are you shaking? Never been with a man before?"


    Wendy looked up at Stanley. His eyes burned with two flickering mes of desire, the mask of theposed, mature man stripped away. His gaze was raw, unapologetic and filled with a hunger that was both thrilling and intimidating.


    Did he always think of her as someone with a messy personal life, someone who had been with countless men?


    Was that why he treated her so casually?


    Wendy bit down on her red lip, her frustration bubbling over. She raised her hand, aiming to p his handsome face.


    But this time, she didn''t seed. Stanley caught her wrist in mid-air, his grip firm. With a swift motion, he pushed her down onto the sofa, hisrge, heated frame pinning her beneath him. "You''ve developed a habit,


    haven''t you? Try pping me again, and see what happens.


    Only she would dare to raise a hand against him.


    Wendy struggled beneath him. "Let go of my hand."


    Stanley released her wrist, but his hands moved to the buttons of her clothes, intent on removing them.


    "Stanley, wait. I can help you."


    Wendy''s fingers brushed against the needle she kept at her waist. She gripped it tightly, ready to press it into one of his pressure points.


    But Stanley was no ordinary man. He knocked the needle from her hand before


    she could act. "What are you trying to do?"


    The needle fell onto the carpet, and Wendy immediately reached for it. "My needle!"


    Stanley watched as she stretched out to retrieve it, her silky ck hair cascading like a waterfall, tangling around her slender, fair arms. Her profile was wless, her skin like porcin. She was undeniably beautiful.


    His gaze lingered on her, studying her with the intensity of a man appreciating a woman. Every man had his preferences, but before Wendy, Stanley hadn''t been sure what his type was.


    Jessica had been his treasure, his darling, Everyone assumed he was drawn to women as vibrant and striking as red roses. He had thought so, too.


    Until Wendy came along


    Somehow, she seemed to embody everything he found captivating. Her ethereal beauty often left him unable to look away.


    Stanley''s eyes remained fixed on her snow-white, oval face as his hands moved to the ck belt around his waist. With a sharp tug, he undid it, the sound cutting through the tension in the room. His heavy, heated body pressed down on her, trapping her in his embrace.


    He leaned over her, his voice low as he murmured her name "Wendy."


    Wendy''s fingers brushed against the needle on the carpet. She was so close to grabbing it.


    But then, she felt the hem of her skirt being pushed up.

 My Dad Please Come 208

    Wendy froze, her body stiffening as she struggled against him.


    "Stanley, don''t!" she pleaded, her voice trembling.


    Stanley held her tightly and pulled her back onto the couch Without hesitation, he leaned down, capturing her lips in a fierce kiss. Wendy fought him, her hands pushing at his chest, but her resistance only seemed to fuel his intensity.


    In the heat of the moment, Stanley identally knocked over a vase, sending it crashing to the floor. Newspapers and magazines scattered everywhere, adding to the chaos.


    Eventually, Wendy stopped struggling. Her forehead bumped against the edge of the couch, and tears welled up in the corners of her eyes.


    Stanley suddenly stilled, his dark eyes widening in shock as he stared down at her. "You''re...still...a virgin?" he asked, his voice filled with disbelief.


    He had assumed she wasn''t. The thought that she might have been untouched had never crossed his mind.


    Wendy sat up abruptly, her emotions boiling over. In a sh of anger, she sank her teeth into his shoulder, biting down hard enough to draw blood. Stanley''s jaw clenched, his muscles tensing as he let out a low, pained groan. She was practically tearing a piece of him away.


    With a firm grip, Stanley pinched her jaw, forcing her to release him. He used his left hand, and Wendy couldn''t help but notice the long scar running across his palm-a permanent reminder of the time he had saved her.


    But even that couldn''t erase the pain he had caused her.


    Tears streamed down Wendy''s face as she red at him, her eyes glistening with a mix of anger and hurt. Stanley felt something inside him crack, as if a part of his heart had just crumbled.


    "I''m sorry," he rasped, his voice heavy with regret. "I was wrong."


    He had been wrong-so terribly wrong.


    She had never been with anyone before. He was her first. And yet, he had treated her so poorly, saying things that had cut her deeply.


    Wendy turned her face away, refusing to ept his apology, Stanley grabbed her small hand and hurled it against his face, forcing her to p him. The sharp sound echoed in the room.


    "Hit me," he urged, his voice rough. "If once isn''t enough, do it again. And again. I''m sorry..."


    He tried to make her strike him once more, but Wendy quickly pulled her hand back.


    Her reaction put a smile on Stanley''s face. He leaned down to brush a gentle kiss against her lips.


    "Wendy," he murmured, his voice soft and husky, "do you still love me?"


    The question hung in the air, heavy and loaded. And what about him? What did he truly feel?


    Wendy thought of Zayn''s words and hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. "Stanley, have you..." -


    Stanley kissed her again. "What?" he asked, his breath warm against her skin.


    But Wendy couldn''t bring herself to finish. Instead, she shrank back, too afraid to ask the question burning in her heart. Stanley took her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers in a tight, intimate grip.


    "Give yourself to me, babe," he whispered, his voice deep and velvety, sending shivers down her spine.


    It was the first time he had called her ¡°babe¡°, and the way he said it-so tenderly, so possessively-made her


    heart race.


    Wendy closed her eyes, unable to look at him. The floor-to-ceiling windows reflected their figures, and she caught a glimpse of Stanley''s bare torso, his muscles taut and defined as he hovered over her. His shoulder des shifted with every movement, his frame both powerful and strikingly beautiful.


    Wendy felt like a small boat adrift in a stormy sea, tossed and turned by relentless waves. She surrendered to the currents, letting them carry her higher and higher until she was lost in the sensation, consumed by it.


    The next morning, Wendy''s longshes fluttered as she slowly opened her eyes. She was still in Stanley''s arms, the two of them having fallen asleep on the couch. Stanley hadn''t woken yet, his arm draped protectively over her shoulder as he held her close.


    Wendy shifted slightly, wincing at the soreness in her body. Last night, she and Stanley had be true husband and wife in every sense.


    As she gazed at his sleeping face, so calm and handsome, she finally gathered the courage to ask the question she hadn''t dared to voice the night before.


    "Stanley,¡± she whispered softly, "have you ever loved me? Even just a little?"

 My Dad Please Come 209

    Asleep, Stanley remained still without giving her any response.


    Just then, Wendy''s phone lit up with an iing call.


    It was Luna.


    Wendy answered quickly, and Luna''s panicked voice came through. "Wendy, where are you? You need to get back to the dorm right now-Halsey''s in trouble!" What? Halsey was in trouble?


    Wendy immediately hung up and carefully slipped out of Stanley''s embrace. She quickly gathered her clothes from the carpet, slipping them on before hurrying out of the room.


    Wendy left, and soon after, the door to Imperial Garden clicked open, and someone entered silently..


    It was Luna.


    Luna had arrived.


    She walked into the room, taking in the sight of Stanley, still asleep on the couch, and the clothes scattered across the floor. It was clear to anyone what had happened the night before.


    Stanley and Wendy had slept together.


    Luna lifted her hands to unbutton her shirt and slowly slipped it off. Then, sheid herself down next to Stanley, gazing adoringly at his handsome, noble face. This was the closest she had ever been to him, and she could hardly believe it.


    Stanley, the richest man in Hovendale, was truly too breathtaking.


    Her heart pounded in her chest, the sound of it echoing in her ears.


    Luna reached out to pull the nket off Stanley, intending to slip into his arms. But just then, Stanley seemed to stir. He slowly opened his eyes, waking up. Luna quickly asked, "Mr. Hawk, you''re awake?"


    When Stanley''s eyes opened, he immediately saw the unfamiliar face next to him. He sat up, his cold, piercing gaze locking onto Luna. "Who are you? What are you doing here?"


    "I''m Luna," she said, her voice steady butced with uncertainty. "We''ve met before. I''m Wendy''s ssmate." Stanley''s memory clicked. She was indeed Wendy''s ssmate.


    "Mr. Hawk,st night, your secretary came to find me and asked me toe to Imperial Garden to look after you. So,st night we..." Luna trailed off, covering herself with a hand, her face flushed with embarrassment.


    Stanley rubbed his temples. He couldn''t remember much from the night before.


    All he remembered was leaving the Crone family to find Wendy at the hospital, but she had refused him. He had barely managed to hold onto his sanity and returned to Imperial Garden, but after that, everything became a blur.


    However, he did remember Wendying.


    She had been in his arms the night before, lying beneath him, tangled in passion.


    But as he opened his eyes, Wendy was nowhere to be found


    Had he...slept with Wendy''s ssmate instead?


    Stanley''s gaze fell on the sofa, where a bloodstained mark remained on the


    cushion¡ªa girl''s most precious symbol of her first time.


    His face hardened, turning dark and forbidding. "Put your clothes back on."


    In the study, Zayn rushed in, breathless. "Mr. Hawk."


    Stanley, still wearing the clothes from the night before, looked grim. "Did you go to the hospital to look for Wendyst night?"


    "I did," Zayn replied. "I even showed Mrs. Hawk the footage from the vacation vi''s surveince cameras and told her your left hand was injured because of her. I tried to get Mrs. Hawk toe to Imperial Garden, but...she didn''t agree. She went back into the ward."


    Zayn had seen Wendy enter the roomst night.


    What Zayn didn''t know was that after he left, Wendy hade out and headed to Imperial Garden.


    A bitter, self-deprecating smile crossed Stanley''s face. She hadn''te, just as he had expected.


    Last night, he had been with her ssmate, not her.


    When Stanley had seen the bloodstain on the sofa, he knew it wasn''t Wendy.


    Because Wendy had lost her first time long ago.


    Stanley didn''t even know what he had been hoping for. How foolish of him to imagine that she might actuallye!

 My Dad Please Come 210

    "After Mrs. Hawk entered the hospital room, I followed your instructions and found you a virgin."


    That virgin was Luna.


    Stanley''s expression remained unchanged, his face an unreadable mask. "I understand."


    He walked into the bathroom and turned on the cold shower


    The icy water cascaded down from his head, and he closed his eyes, letting it wash over him.


    His body was marked with several scratches, and there was deep bite mark on his shoulder. He had thought those were from Wendy, but now he realized they weren''t.


    It had all been just a dream.


    A dream where he imagined being with Wendy.


    But she never came.


    Instead, he had ended up with her ssmate.''


    Stanley scrubbed his skin hard, trying to erase the marks, as if washing them away would cleanse him.


    With a loud bang, a heavy punch collided with the wall, sending a crack through the tiles.


    Luna had finished dressing and was waiting for Stanley in the study.


    Soon, Stanley walked in. He had showered and was wearing a clean white shirt and ck pants. His face, once tense with emotion, now wore his usual cold, distant expression. He seemed to have returned to hisposed, aloof self, his indifference as sharp as ever.


    "Mr. Hawk," Zayn greeted.


    Stanley sat in his office chair, his eyes briefly flicking toward Luna. "There''s a check. Take it and leave."


    Zayn handed Luna the check.


    She nced at it, the number on it almost blinding in its magnitude.


    But Luna didn''t take it. "Mr. Hawk, I don''t want money."


    She didn''t want money?


    Stanley''s lips curled into a cold smile, his voice deep and devoid of warmth. "What happened is just a transaction. You came here to sell yourself, didn''t you? Don''t tell me you want to talk about feelings, and don''t you dare say you''re in love with me."


    Luna''s face paled. She knew he was indifferent, but she hadn''t expected him to be so cruel.


    He looked down on her, stripping away any pretense, shattering the small bit of dignity she had. Despite everything, there was something about him-something that made it hard not to love him.


    Mr. Hawk, I know you''re not interested in me, and I don''t have any unreasonable expectations. I don''t want money, but I want to join Apex Entertainment under yourpany. I''m in the performing arts, and I want you to give me the resources to make me a star."


    Stanley nced at her. "Fine."


    He agreed.


    Helping create a star was nothing for him. He had the power to do it easily. Besides, he had always been generous.


    "Ms. Fisher, someone from Apex Entertainment will be in touch soon to discuss the contract with you. There will be major resources-reality shows, movies, fashion, and more. You''ll also have a top-tier team to build your image and push you into the limelight," Zayn said.


    Luna''s eyes lit up. This was everything she had ever dreamed of, and now, it was finally happening.


    "Thank you, Mr. Hawk."


    Stanley didn''t show much emotion.


    Zayn gestured toward the door. "Ms. Fisher, this way."


    She had gotten what she wanted, and now, there was nothing more to say. Their


    paths would likely never cross again. Zayn escorted her out.


    Luna stole onest lingering look at Stanley before she followed Zayn out of the


    room.


    The study fell silent once more. Just then, the ring of a phone broke the quiet-an iing call.


    It was Lilian.


    "Hello, Mr. Hawk. You left Jessica alonest night, and now, something''s happened! She''s in the hospital. You need to get here right away!"

 My Dad Please Come 211

    Chapter 211 Chapter 211


    +26 BONUS


    Wendy rushed back to the girls'' dorm and found Halsey sitting on her bed, nursing an injured ankle.


    "Wendy, I''m fine. I just twisted my ankle while walking today. It''s swollen, but I applied some ointinent, and it''ll heal soon. I don''t know why Luma told you toe back because of this. It''s nothing major."


    So Halsey had just sprained her ankle.


    Luna''s phone call had been so urgent, saying that something had happened to Halsey, but she hadn''t rified what. Wendy had been scared out of her wits.


    "Just rest here. Don''t walk around too much," Wendy said, inspecting Halsey''s swollen ankle.


    "Got it."


    After confirming that it wasn''t serious, Wendy finally rxed. Wendy grabbed her pajamas and went into the bathroom for a hot shower.


    Her body ached all over. And there were the marks from Stanley-hickeys fromst night-dotted across her skin.


    As she stood under the hot water, her mind wandered back tost night. His eyes were fixed on her, intense and fiery, never leaving her for a second.


    She could almost feel the weight of his gaze, hot and prating.


    She had tried to cover his eyes with her hand, yfully saying, "Don''t look at me." But he removed her hand and kissed her instead, murmuring, ¡°Wendy, you''re so beautiful."


    She had meltedpletely in his embrace, in the heat of his kiss.


    Wendy blinked her eyes shut, quickly shaking those vivid, seductive images from her mind.


    He should be awake by now, right? She had left before he woke up. Would hee looking for her?


    After finishing her shower, Wendy climbed into bed, too exhausted to stay awake. She quickly drifted off into a much-needed nap.


    By the time she woke up, it was already afternoon. She opened her eyes and checked her phone.


    There was nothing. No calls. No messages. Absolutely nothing from Stanley.


    A faint sense of disappointment clouded Wendy''s bright eyes.


    She sighed before getting out of bed. Just then, there was a knock at the door.


    Halsey answered it, and standing outside were a few unfamiliar people. "Who are you?" Halsey asked, confused.


    "We''re here to help Luna move out," one of them said.


    "Move out?" Wendy and Halsey exchanged surprised looks. "Where is she moving to?"


    "Luna won''t be staying here anymore. She''s moving to Lux Vis."


    Lux Vis?


    That was Hovendale''s luxury district-high-end and exclusive. Many famous celebrities lived there.


    Halsey looked stunned. "Are you sure you''ve got the right ce?"


    (0) +25 BOHASS


    "We''re sure. Luna signed with an entertainmentpany, and Ynda Miller will be managing her from now on.


    Ynda Miller? The renowned celebrity manager, known for nurturing mega- sessful stars?


    The group walked in, carrying only Luna''s identification and a few books. Everything else was discarded without a second thought, tossed straight into the trash.


    Halsey stood frozen, trying to process what had just happened. "Wendy, what''s going on with Luna? How did she suddenly be so sessful?"


    They both knew Luna''s background well. Yesterday, she was still working multiple jobs just to get by, and today, she was moving into a luxurious neighborhood, about to be personally mentored by Ynda.


    It was like a fairytale transformation-almost too good to be true.


    The strangest thing was, Luna hadn''t evene to collect her things. She had sent these people to do it for her. Halsey had a nk expression, unable to understand.


    Wendy watched the group leave, furrowing her brow. "I''m not sure what happened with Luna, but those people definitely look like they know what they''re doing. We don''t need to worry. She''s probably doing better now." Halsey nodded. "Yeah, we all hope the best for her."


    Luna had worked so hard, struggling with her humble background. She had been constantly feeling inferior and walking on eggshells. Wendy and Halsey had always seen it they truly wanted to help her, hoping for nothing but the best for Luna.

 My Dad Please Come 212

    Just then, the sound of a soft ringtone broke the silence-Wendy''s phone was ringing. It was Nathan calling


    "Wendy, I''m being discharged today. If you don''te, I''ll have to go home alone," he said, his voice light but with a hint of yfulness.


    Wendy smacked her forehead, realizing she had forgotten Nathan''s discharge day. She quickly grabbed her things and rushed to the hospital.


    Stanley had arrived at the hospital and made his way to the VIP ward, where he found Jessica.


    She was lying on the bed, dressed in an oversized hospital gown. Her face was as pale as paper, and she was still unconscious.


    Stanley stood by her bed, concern in his eyes. "What happened to Jessica?"


    "Mr. Hawk,st night you left Jessica alone, and she was so upset she copsed. She was rushed into the operating room for emergency surgery," Harry exined, his voice tight with worry. "The surgery went well, but she''s been in aa ever since."


    Lilian and Harry were both visibly shaken, their faces full of anxiety. None of them had expected Stanley to push Jessica away at that moment, leaving her alone.


    Stanley felt a deep sense of guilt and self-me.


    Last night, when Jessica had tried to kiss him, all he could think about was... Wendy. He had been thinking about Wendy when he pushed Jessica away. He left the Crone family''s estate and went to the hospital, hoping to find Wendy.


    What he didn''t know was that after he left, Jessica''s condition had worsened, leading to her being rushed to the operating room.


    Just then, Jessica slowly began to wake up, her eyelids fluttering.


    "Jessica, you''re awake?" Harry and Lilian hurried over, helping her sit up.


    Jessica looked at Stanley, and her eyes, once pale, were now filled with tears. She felt a surge of hurt and


    frustration as she used him. "Stanley, where did you gost night? You left me all alone. Did you go looking for Wendy?"


    What? He went to look for Wendy?


    Lilian gasped in shock. Had Stanley gone to find Wendy?


    She was as stunned as Jessica to find out about this. She never thought that Stanley would ever be interested in Wendy.


    Stanley''s hands clenched into fists at his sides, but he didn''t respond. His silence spoke volumes.


    Jessica''s heart burned with rage. She couldn''t understand why-why he would choose her over Wendy.


    Tears began to pour from Jessica''s eyes. "Stanley, you''ve fallen in love with Wendy!"


    This time, it wasn''t a question-it was a statement.


    Stanley had developed feelings for Wendy.


    Lilian''s expression turned pale. "Mr. Hawk, how could you"


    She couldn''t believe her ears. Had Stanley truly started to fall in love with Wendy? How was that possible? Wendy wasn''t worthy of him!


    "Stanley, don''t you remember your promise to me?" Jessica cried, her emotions spiraling. "You said you wanted me! Now, you don''t want me anymore. Fine-if that''s the case, I don''t want to live anymore. I''ll just die!"


    In a panic, Jessica threw off the covers, her body shaking with emotion.


    Stanley reached out instantly and pulled her back into his arms. His voice was rough with emotion. "I didn''t do anything with Wendy."


    Jessica froze, her tear-filled eyes searching his face. "Stanley, are you really telling the truth? Nothing happened between you and Wendy?"


    Stanley looked at her, his heart heavy. Jessica was his girl. How could he abandon her?


    He admitted to himself that he had been caught up in his feelings for Wendy and even developed real affection for her. He had never admitted it out loud, but his heart was clear enough.


    Yet, Wendy no longer felt the same way about him.


    And Stanley knew that he had to take responsibility for Jessica.


    He gently wiped away the tears from Jessica''s face, his touch soft. "Wendy and I are done."

 My Dad Please Come 213

    Stanley said that he and Wendy were done.


    Jessica was overjoyed, throwing herself into Stanley''s arms and clinging to him tightly.


    "Stanley, I know Wendy''s great at seducing men. I don''t me you for developing feelings for her, but I know you''ll always choose me. The one you really love is still me!''


    Yes, Stanley had developed some feelings for Wendy, but the one he loved most, the one who truly had his heart, was Jessica-his girl from the cave.


    Stanley reached out and embraced Jessica in return.


    Harry looked on with a proud smile, relieved to see Jessica so happy. If she was happy, then as her father, he was happy too.


    Lilian, too, seemed content, but her eyes shed with bitterness as her thoughts turned to Wendy.


    She had never imagined that a country girl like Wendy could make Stanley even a little bit interested in her. That little troublemaker!


    Wendy arrived at the hospital, and Nathan had already packed his things, ready to leave.


    "Nathan, I''m sorry. I had something to take care of, that''s why I''mte." Wendy apologized sincerely.


    Nathan shed a grin. "No worries. Let''s go."


    "Alright, I''ll grab the luggage."


    Wendy moved to take the bags, but they were too heavy. With her body still sore and weak, she stumbled, almost losing her bnce.


    "Wendy, be careful!"


    Nathan quickly reached out, catching her around the waist. The two of them tumbled back onto the bed.


    Nathan ended up on top of Wendy.


    At that moment, a tall and imposing figure appeared at the doorway-it was Stanley.


    Jessica and Nathan were in the same hospital, and since Nathan was being discharged, Stanley hade to visit him. But when Stanley arrived at the door, he saw Nathan on top of Wendy in an incredibly intimate position.


    Stanley froze for a moment, his tall frame rigid.


    Last night, Wendy had rejected him so clearly, and he hadn''t forgotten it. But here she was, tangled up with Nathan on the bed.


    He let out a cold, bitterugh, his lips curling into a mocking smile. The anger inside him boiled as he turned and walked away.


    Nathan looked down at Wendy, concern etched on his face. "Wendy, are you alright?"


    Wendy shook her head, still shaken from the surprise. "I''m fine."


    Nathan immediately released her, and they both sat up. "The luggage can wait. I''l have the driver carry it."


    Wendy nodded, but just then, a voice echoed from outside the room. "Mr. Hawk."


    Wendy''s heart skipped a beat. Stanley? Was he here at this hospital?


    She quickly got up and ran out of the room. In the hallway ahead, she saw Stanley''s distinguished figure.


    "Stanley!" she called out, her voice loud and clear.


    Stanley seemed not to hear, his back still turned as he walked away without stopping.


    "Stanley!" Wendy called again, hurrying to catch up.


    But just as she was closing in, a nurse wheeled a cart toward her. "Excuse me! Please move aside!"


    Wendy didn''t have time to avoid it and was knocked into by the cart.


    "Wendy!" Nathan rushed forward and grabbed her, his voice filled with panic. "Wendy, are you hurt?"


    Wendy''s arm had struck the cart, tearing the skin and drawing blood.


    When she looked up again, Stanley''s figure had disappeared down the hallway.


    Wendy''s heart sank as she looked at her bleeding arm, her thoughts clouded with confusion and pain.


    Back at the girls'' dorm, Wendyy on her bed, texting Cecelia on WhatsApp.


    [Cecelia, a friend of mine was a virgin, and after she slept with her husband for the first time, the husband hasn''t contacted her or paid any attention to her. What does that mean?]


    Wendy was still new to romantic rtionships, and Stanley was her first.


    After their night together, his cold and distant attitude left her confused. She couldn''t understand what he was thinking.

 My Dad Please Come 214

    Wendy could only ask her best friend for advice.


    Ding!


    Cecelia''s reply came through. [That means your friend didn''t keep her husband satisfied in bed. He got tired of her after just one time.]


    What? Was that really what happened?


    Wendy thought about it. To build a longsting rtionship, the couple had to be congruent in every area, and sexualpatibility was especially important.


    She knew that men like Stanley had high standards when it came to physical intimacy. He needed a woman who could keep him pleased in the bedroom.


    Had she failed to keep him satisfiedst night? Had Stanley gotten bored of her after just one time?


    Ding!


    Another message from Cecelia popped up. [Wendy, don''t tell me this friend is actually you! Have you and Stanley slept together?]


    Wendy didn''t know how to respond, so she decided to brush it off for now. She denied it, saying, [It''s not me.]


    Putting her phone down, Wendy fell into an unsettled sleep


    She woke up the next morning and went through her morning routine. But then, an awful realization hit her- Stanley hadn''t used any protection!


    They had gone three rounds, each time rough and intense. He hadn''t been able to control himself, and she hadn''t been able to stop him. He''d finished inside her each time.


    And yesterday, she had forgotten to take her birth control pill.


    Wendy''s heart raced in panic. Judging by how things were going with Stanley, there was no way they would want children. He probably didn''t want her to get pregnant either.


    There wasn''t enough time to make her own emergency contraception, so Wendy rushed to the pharmacy.


    "Can I help you, miss?" the pharmacy owner asked.


    Wendy''s eyes went straight to the morning-after pills on the shelf. She was allergic to one of the ingredients in the pills, but she had no choice.


    "I''ll take that one."


    She swallowed the pill quickly and made her way back to vendale University.


    Halsey saw her on the way and approached. "Wendy, I couldn''t find you earlier. Where did you go?"


    Wendy looked pale and her stomach was in agony. She was experiencing an allergic reaction to the morning-after pills.


    Halsey noticed Wendy''s face had gone even paler, sweat forming on her


    forehead. She looked off, unwell, her entire demeanor wrong.


    "Wendy, what''s going on? Don''t scare me!" Halsey said.


    4


    Before Wendy could answer, her vision blurred, and slie copsed.


    "Wendy! Wendy!" Halsey cried out in pante.


    Halsey rushed Wendy to the school nurse''s office, her voice frantic. "I don''t know


    what''s going on with Wendy! She just fainted out of nowhere!"


    The nurse examined the test results she had on hand. "She had an allergic reaction to a drug.''


    "What kind of drug?" Halsey asked, worried.


    "She''s allergic to morning-after pills, and she just took one"


    What?


    Halsey''s eyes went wide in shock. She hadn''t realized that Wendy had fainted from an allergic reaction to morning -after pills.


    Now Wendyy on the bed, her small body curled up like a shrimp, her face pale and sweating profusely. She had one hand pressed against her stomach, clearly in pain.


    Halsey immediately took out her phone and dialed Stanley.


    Stanley was sitting by Jessica''s bedside at the hospital. Jessica, who was clingy, had her head resting on Stanley''s chest.


    "Want some mango?" Lilian offered Jessica a te of fresh fruit.


    Jessica pouted. "Stanley, feed me."


    Stanley picked up a piece of mango with a fork and held it to Jessica''s mouth.


    Just as she was about to take a bite, his phone rang. It was a call from Halsey. Stanley answered the phone, and Halsey''s anxious voice came through immediately. "Stanley, where are you?"


    "I''m at the hospital with Jessica," Stanley replied, his attention still on Jessica.


    "Wendy''s sick, and you''re still with Jessica? You need toe to the school right now! Wendy had an allergic reaction to the morning-after pill she took and fainted!"

 My Dad Please Come 215

    Stanley froze for a moment.


    Wendy fainted from taking what?


    A morning-after pill?


    He wanted to ask more, but before he could, he heard a few beeps, indicating Halsey had hung up the phone.


    Jessica, who had overheard the conversation, looked at Stanley in shock. "Stanley, Wendy fainted after taking a morning-after pill?"


    Stanley didn''t answer. He immediately pushed Jessica away from him.


    "I''m going to vendale University," he said quickly, his voice tight with urgency.


    He rushed out the door.


    Jessica turned to Lilian, her confusion evident. "Mom, what''s going on? Nothing happened between Stanley and Wendy. Why would she take a morning-after pill?"


    Lilian didn''t know what to think either, but her face grew serious. "I''ll find out what happened."


    Stanley arrived at vendale University as quickly as possible, heading straight to the school''s medical office. "You''re finally here! Please, look at Wendy!" Halsey pulled Stanley over to the bed.


    Stanley lowered his gaze, taking in the sight of Wendy lying on the bed. Her body curled slightly, and even in her weakened state, she looked fragile and pitiable, more delicate than ever.


    At that moment, Wendy trembled slightly and opened her eyes.


    "Wendy, you''re awake," Halsey said gently, helping her sit up.


    Wendy blinked, surprised. "What are you doing here?"


    Stanley, tall and imposing, stood quietly, his face hard to read.


    "Halsey called me," he said shortly.


    Wendy had never expected that her allergic reaction to morning-after pills would lead Halsey to call Stanley. She turned to Halsey, clearly upset. ¡°Halsey, you shouldn''t have-"


    Halsey didn''t let her finish. "Wendy, you were allergic to the morning-after pill. Of course I called Mr. Hawk! He needs to take responsibility for this!"


    She then turned to Stanley, her tone usatory. "Birth control pills are already harmful to a woman''s body, and Wendy''s allergic reaction only makes things worse. If you don''t want children, then make sure you take precautions next time! Don''t just enjoy yourself and make Wendy suffer the consequences!"


    Wendy''s pale face flushed with embarrassment and anger.


    "Halsey, stop it,¡± she whispered.


    Stanley looked down at Wendy coldly. He wasn''t speaking to her, but to Halsey. "You can leave now."


    "Alright, I''ll give you two some space," Halsey said, stepping out of the room.


    Now, it was just Stanley and Wendy alone together. Wendy shifted ufortably, unsure whether he thought she had nned all of this and intentionally involved Halsey to make him take responsibility.


    "1"Wendy spoke up, but Stanley cut her off, cold and direct.


    "Have you been spending a lot of time with Nathan?" he asked, his eyes


    narrowing as he studied her.


    Wendy was caught off guard. What kind of question was that?


    She had been at the hospital taking care of Nathan.


    "Yes," she answered with a slight nod.


    Stanley sneered, his lips curling into a dismissive smile.


    So, she took the morning-after pill for Nathan. Did they not use protection?


    The coldness in Stanley''s gaze deepened, mixed with mockery.


    "Why did you take a morning-after pill?" he asked, his voice tinged with disdain.


    Wendy looked down. "I don''t want to get pregnant."


    She didn''t want to get pregnant.


    Stanley''s expression softened for just a moment. "I see. You''re right to take the pill. It''s fine for us to see other people, but if you end up pregnant, don''t expect me to take responsibility for it."


    Wendy''s heart sank, her mind racing.


    What was he talking about? Wild thoughts raced through her-what did he mean by "don''t expect me to take responsibility"?


    The warmth that had filled her chest vanished, reced by a chilling emptiness. Her hands suddenly felt cold, her body growing numb.


    Stanley''s thin lips twisted into a mocking smile. "After all this, you still had the nerve to call me? Never do that again."

 My Dad Please Come 216

    Wendy''s pale eyes instantly reddened. She had always known that Stanley knew exactly how to humiliate a person.


    If he wanted to shame someone, he would do it in the most cruel, humiliating way possible.


    She hadn''t asked Halsey to call him.


    Even if she had, so what?


    He was the one who hadn''t used any protection!


    "I understand," Wendy said, her voice thick with emotion. Don''t worry, Mr. Hawk. I won''t call you again. You can leave now."


    She forced herself to lift her gaze, trying to stop the tears from spilling. She didn''t want to cry in front of him. Stanley noticed the redness around her eyes, and an unexpected sense of satisfaction surged through him. It felt almost like revenge, like a deep, bitter kind of justice.


    He knew he hated her. He hated that she didn''t show up that night.


    He had deliberately called Zayn, knowing that he would go looking for her.


    But she never came.


    He hated even more that she had called him when she passed out.


    She got allergic to morning-after pills she took because of Nathan, and she still called him? What did she take him for?


    Stanley''s lips curled into a thin, cold smile. His words came out even sharper than before. "Let''s just get this divorce over with. We can keep it from Grandma, but let''s at least get the paperwork done first-"


    Before he could finish, Wendy picked up the pillow and hurled it at him with all her strength. "Get out!"


    She wanted him to leave.


    The pillow struck his handsome face before falling to the floor. Stanley suddenly bent down, pinning her back onto the bed.


    Wendy tried to fight back, but Stanley held both of her iling hands to the side of the bed, his voice a low growl. "Wendy, who gave you permission toy a hand on me? Have I been too lenient with you?"


    Wendy struggled to keep her tears in check, but it was no use. The tears fell relentlessly, as if they had broken free from some invisible chain.


    Her vision blurred as the tears continued to pour.


    She cried.


    Stanley''s chest tightened. He had wanted to see her cry, but now that it was happening, he was flustered. She always did this to him-made him feel confused, frustrated


    Wendy sucked in a shuddering breath, her voice trembling and broken. "Stanley, I hate you... I really, really hate you...!"


    She repeated it over and over, and she cried while doing so.


    Stanley knew she was good at getting men''s attention, but now, even now, she was pulling him in. His throat


    tightened, his voice hoars. "Why do you hate me?"


    She was the one who had messed up.


    She was still his wife!


    *


    Tears continued to streak Wendy''s pale face, a rush of sadness and frustration overwhelming her. "Because you don''t want me...because you always use the fact that I love you to hurt me..."


    He had promised he would want her, but he didn''t.


    In the years they had been married, he had never been kind to her. He was


    always tormenting her.


    She really, truly hated him.


    Why was he doing this to her?


    Stanley felt something inside him soften. The sensation was confusing, like a mix


    of pain and tenderness that he couldn''t exin. His heart ached, and his thoughts were all over the ce.


    He wanted to say something, but then his gaze fell on her cor.


    With the way she was lying, he could see the delicate curve of her corbone, which was marked with hickeys.


    Those marks led downward, disappearing into her soft, round bosom.


    Stanley could easily imagine how intense things must have been between her and Nathan.


    Ayer of dark, angry red spread across his narrowed eyes. That softness in his chest vanished, reced with a cold, hard bitterness. All of this was just her way of seducing men!


    She didn''t love him anymore.


    He let go of Wendy and sat down on the edge of the bed.


    Wendy turned over, her back to him, andy on her side. She wiped her face with her hand, trying to push away the evidence of her tears. "I can leave anytime. Just tell me when you''re ready to get the divorce."

 My Dad Please Come 217

    Wendyy on her side, her back turned to him, while Stanley sat on the edge of the bed. They looked like a married couple in the middle of a bitter argument.


    Stanley clenched his fists, then, after a long pause, he finally spat out a single word.


    "Sure."


    He stood up and walked out.


    He left.


    Tears that Wendy had been holding back slipped down her face uncontrobly. She grabbed the nket and pulled it over her tear-streaked face. It wasn''t a big deal. It was just a bad night. If he didn''t have feelings for her, she would just pretend it had been a bad dream.


    Still, her heart ached. It hurt so much.


    Wendy knew deep down, she was still in love with Stanley.


    So deeply in love.


    Since that day, Wendy and Stanley hadn''t spoken again. The focus of the media during this time, however, was all on Luna.


    Luna had suddenly joined one of the most talked-about variety shows, and her poprity skyrocketed due to her pure and sweet image. She became known for her innocent persona and gained millions of fans, quickly rising to fame as the newest star in the industry.


    Rumors swirled that Luna was soon going to join the cast of a movie, "In Her Prime", directed by a famous director, where she would y the female lead.


    At the same time, Luna had signed major endorsement deals,nding features in five top magazines, and hermercial value was on the rise. She became an instant sensation in the entertainment world, effortlessly securing the kind of resources others could only dream of. She became a mega star.


    One day, Wendy and Halsey went to Gold Vista Hotel for a meal. When they arrived at the entrance, a group of bodyguards rushed out, shouting, "Move aside! Don''t block the way!"


    One of the bodyguards pushed Wendy and Halsey into a corner before setting up a barrier.


    Halsey lost her bnce and stumbled, but Wendy caught her just in time.


    Upset, Halsey asked, "What are you doing? Who are we blocking?"


    One of the bodyguards responded arrogantly, "Have you heard of Ms. Luna Fisher? You''re blocking her way."


    Luna?


    At that moment a luxury chauffeur-driven car sped up to the entrance. An assistant quickly opened the rear door, and Luna''s star manager, Ynda, helped her out of the car


    It had been a long time since Wendy and Halsey had seen Luna. Well, they had seen her on TV, but now, seeing her in person, they almost didn''t recognize her.


    Luna had changed so much. She wore an expensive designer dress and crystal high heels, her entire outfit a disy of high-end fashion. Her beautiful face was hidden behind oversized sunsses. Surrounded by her


    entourage, she walked in ke a true star.


    "Ms. Fisher, it''s such a pleasure," the manager of Gold Vista Hotel said, rushing to greet her.


    Not long ago, Luna had worked here as a waitress. Now, she hadpletely transformed into the kind of star that the hotel manager was eager to tter.


    Luna removed her sunsses, revealing her wless "no-makeup" makeup look. Her already stunning face was now even more radiant, and with a yful smile, she said, Mr. Armstrong, it''s been a while. I used to work here as a waitress."


    "Yes, Ms. Fisher. It was an honor. I''m sorry I didn''t see your talents before. Your luxury suite is ready. Please, follow me."


    Luna, followed by a group of people, walked inside with a sense of grandeur.


    Halsey stood there, frozen. "Wendy, is that really Luna? She looks like apletely different person!"


    Wendy watched Luna, whose innocent features now seemed to carry a subtle air


    of superiority. She furrowed her brow slightly. "Yeah... She does look different


    now."


    At that moment, Luna turned around and caught sight of Wendy and Halsey. Chapter 218

 My Dad Please Come 218

    Luna immediately stopped in her tracks. "Wendy, Halsey, what a coincidence! You''re both here, too." Wendy and Halsey took a step closer to Luna, but her bodyguards in ck blocked their way.


    "Stop right there!" one of the bodyguards ordered.


    Luna waved her hand dismissively, smiling. "It''s fine. They re my ssmates."


    The bodyguards stepped aside, and Wendy and Halsey finally made their way to Luna.


    "Luna, I can''t believe you''ve be a star!" Halsey eximed, looking at her in surprise.


    Luna raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, I got myself a boyfriend. He''s the one who helped me be a big star."


    "A boyfriend? Luna, you''re dating someone? I''ve never heard about this boyfriend before," Halsey replied, clearly surprised.


    Luna shed a sweet smile. "My boyfriend is handsome and rich, and he spoils me. He loves me a lot."


    With that, Luna took a step forward and grabbed Wendy''s hand. "Wendy, things are going so well for me now. You must be happy for me, right? You must wish me and my boyfriend the best, don''t you?"


    Wendy''s clear eyes remained fixed on Luna''s face as she quietly responded, "Congrattions, Luna."


    "Thank you," Luna replied with a smile. "I''m heading off now. Let''s catch up again when we have time."


    With that, Luna turned and walked away with her entourage.


    Halsey was left staring after her. "Wendy, who is Luna''s boyfriend? Whoever he is, he must have a lot of resources to support her like this. Not many people in Hovendale can do that."


    Hovendale wasn''t particrlyrge or small, but the circle of wealthy elites was tight. There weren''t many people who could afford tovish Luna with so much attention and resources.


    Wendy continued to watch as Luna disappeared from view. "I don''t know, either."


    "Actually, I don''t think Luna''s dating. She seems to have found a sugar daddy, someone who''s financially supporting her. Who do you think he is?" Halsey wondered.


    Wendy nced in the direction where Luna had vanished, then gently took Halsey''s hand. "No matter what, Luna has gotten what she wanted. Halsey, I''m hungry. Let''s go get some dinner."


    "Sure."


    Luna walked down the hallway, nked by her entourage. Her manager, Ynda, said, ¡°Luna, we have a shoot at E Magazine tomorrow morning at nine."


    E Megazine?


    Luna suddenly remembered something. "Isn''t Cecelia Sunder the deputy editor at E Magazine?"


    Ynda nodded. "Yes, that''s right."


    A sly smile tugged at Luna''s lips. She remembered that Cecelia was Wendy''s best friend.


    "Great. We''ll be there on time tomorrow."


    Tomorrow was going to be interesting.


    The next day...


    Wendy had just finished ss when Halsey rushed up to her, out of breath.


    "Wendy, did you hear? Luna went to E Magazine today for a period photoshoot to promote her uing movie, ''In Her Prime''. While she was doing a wire stunt, the harness snapped, and she fell! She got hurt and had to be rushed to the hospital."


    Wendy froze, taken aback. She hadn''t heard about this.


    Wendy wasn''t one to follow the entertainment news, but it was everywhere now. The headline read, "Luna Fisher Injured During Photoshoot".


    "How''s Luna?" Wendy asked.


    "She should be okay," Halsey replied.


    Wendy suddenly thought of something. "Halsey, where exactly did Luna have the photoshoot?"


    "At E Magazine."


    Wendy''s brow furrowed, a bad feeling creeping over her. She immediately pulled out her phone and dialed Cecelia. The phone rang several times, but no one answered.


    Wendy''s concern deepened, and she dialed Cecelia''s assistant instead. The voice that answered was filled with fear and panic.


    "Cecelia''s been taken away by some people... She''s being held at the police station!"

 My Dad Please Come 219

    Cecelia had been taken to the police station?


    Wendy''s face turned pale as she hung up the phone. She turned to Halsey. "Halsey, I need to go to the police station!"


    "I''ll go with you," Halsey replied, already following her.


    At the police station, Wendy and Halsey found Cecelia locked in a holding cell. Wendy grasped Cecelia''s cold hands. "Cecelia, what happened? Why are you here?"


    Cecelia''s face was pale, and she looked utterly confused. "Wendy, this is all connected to that celebrity, Luna Fisher."


    Cecelia exined what had happened.


    "Luna went to E Magazine for a photoshoot. They needed her to do a stunt with


    a wire, but someone had cut the wire in advance. Luna fell, and she pointed at.me, saying she saw me cut the wire. The police arrested me right away, Please, Wendy, you have to believe me! I didn''t do it! I didn''t cut the wire. I have no reason to harm her!"


    Cecelia''s voice was frantic. Luna had falsely used her, making it look like she had tried to kill her.


    Halsey shook her head, equally puzzled. "Who would cut the wire? Cecelia didn''t do it, so why is Luna using her? Luna and Cecelia don''t have any problems with each other, do they?"


    Cecelia, too, was baffled. "Exactly! I don''t know why she used me. I''ve never wronged her."


    Wendy''s clear, thoughtful gaze flickered for a moment as if a realization crossed her mind. She gently reassured Cecelia, "Don''t worry. I''ll go speak to Luna. As soon as she rescinds her statement, you''ll be free."


    Wendy and Halsey headed to the hospital, where Halsey spoke up. "Wendy, do you think Luna set Cecelia up? It doesn''t make sense. Cecelia is your best friend, after all."


    Wendy had suspected as much, but she chose not to voice her concerns.


    In the VIP room of the hospital, Luna sat on the bed. E Magazine had top-notch safety measures, so even though the wire had snapped, the thick foam padding below had prevented any serious injury. Luna was perfectly fine,


    When Wendy and Halsey entered the room, Luna showed no surprise. She


    smiled, her lips curling into a sly grin." Hey, Wendy, Halsey."


    Wendy approached the bed, ncing at Luna''s supposed injury. "Luna, are you okay?"


    Luna nodded lightly. "I''m fine."


    "We just came from the police station," Halsey said. "Cecelia couldn''t have cut the wire. Are you sure you didn''t make a mistake!


    Wendy''s gaze fixed on Luna. ¡°Luna, Cecelia is my best friend. I hope you''ll rescind your statement and release her.


    11


    Luna, lying backzily on the bed, suddenly said, "I''m a little thirsty."


    Her assistant immediately jumped up. "I''ll get you some water."


    Luna didn''t even look at the assistant as she sharply said, "didn''t ask you to get


    it!"


    The assistant froze, awkwardly standing still.


    Luna then turned her gaze to Wendy, and it was clear what he wanted. She expected Wendy to get the water. Halsey opened her mouth to say something, but Wendy raised a hand to stop her. "I''ll get it."


    Wendy went to the side and poured a ss of water before handing it to Luna.


    Luna smiled slyly. "Thank you, Wendy."


    But as Luna reached for the cup, her expression suddenly changed. With a quick motion, she knocked the cup out of Wendy''s hand. "The water''s so hot! Are you trying to burn me?"


    The water sshed all over Wendy''s hands and clothes.


    Halsey immediately grabbed some napkins and began wiping Wendy down. "Luna, what''s your problem? You''ve been acting strange with Wendytely! Are you targeting her?"

 My Dad Please Come 220

    Wendy had already tested the water''s temperature. It was lukewarm, not hot at all.


    Her sharp, clear eyes locked onto Luna''s face. "You intentionally frained Cecelia. It wasn''t about her at all, was it? It''s me you''ve got an issue with."


    Luna shrugged nonchntly, a sly smile spreading across her lips. "Yeah, it is." Halsey was fuming. "Luna, have you lost your mind? Wendy has always considered you a friend. Don''t you remember who rushed to save you when Mr. Silva took you away from Gold Vista Hotel? Now that you''re a big star, you''ve forgotten all about that and turned your back on everyone? You''re just repaying kindness with malice! What happened to your conscience?"


    Luna didn''t show the slightest bit of guilt. Instead, she coldly chuckled. "Finally, you''re saying what''s really on your mind. You''re just jealous of me. You''re jealous because I found a rich boyfriend. You''re jealous because I became a big star!"


    Jealous?


    Halsey was speechless. "If you''re so proud, why don''t you just tell us your boyfriend''s name?"


    Wendy gently pulled Halsey behind her, her eyes sharp and clever as she fixed her gaze on Luna. "Do I know your boyfriend?"


    Luna had unted him to Wendy more than once, so she should know who he was by now.


    Luna didn''t answer.


    Just then, her assistant quickly answered a phone call and whispered something into Luna''s ear.


    Luna''s face lit up with excitement, and she proudly looked at Wendy. "Sorry, but I don''t have time to discuss Cecelia right now. I won''t rescind my statement. My boyfriend heard about my injury, and he''s here to take me home from the hospital."


    Halsey was infuriated. "You little..."


    Luna calmly swung her legs off the bed and stood up. Wearing a beautiful dress, she twirled a few times in front of the mirror, making sure she looked perfect, before walking toward the door, her assistant trailing behind her.


    "She''s such a jerk! We''ve really misjudged her before. Who the hell is her sugar daddy? He must be a big shot to give her all that cockiness." Halsey was livid.


    Wendy stared in the direction where Luna had disappeared. After a moment, she said, "We''ll find out who her sugar daddy is if we follow her."


    She, too, was curious to know who the man behind Luna was.


    Wendy and Halsey made their way downstairs. They spotted Luna standing on the street, waiting patiently. Her sugar daddy hadn''t arrived yet.


    "Here hees!" Halsey said, pointing.


    Wendy looked up and saw a stretched-out Rolls-Royce, its sleek ck exterior gleaming with an aura of cold luxury. The car looked like it had descended from the heavens, its imposing presence attracting the attention of everyone around.


    Luna''s eyes lit up. In an instant, she went from the towering, unapproachable star to a lovestruck young woman. Het assistant opened the back door, and Luna lifted her skin, stepping inside the car.


    The dark-tinted windows hid the car''s interior, keeping the identity of its upants a secret. Everything about the car was low-key yet mysterious.


    Soon, the luxury vehicle sped off, carrying Luna into the night, vanishing from sight, just as she vanished from Wendy''s view.


    Halsey was confused. "Judging by the car, it looks like Luna got herself a powerful sugar daddy. But I still can''t figure out who he is."


    As Halsey reached out to grab Wendy''s hand, she noticed how cold Wendy''s fingers were-like ice.


    "Wendy, what''s going on? Your hands are freezing."

 My Dad Please Come 221

    Wendy withdrew her gaze and shook her head. "Halsey, I''m fine."


    She pulled out her phone and dialed the Hawk family''s estate.


    Glinda''s voice came through, full of cheer. "Wendy, you finally decided to call! I''ve missed you so much!"


    Wendy looked out the window at the sleek, business-ss car approaching. "Grandma, I don''t have ss tonight. I cane back to the family estate for dinner."


    "That''s wonderful! Stanley''sing back tonight too. I''ll be waiting for you."


    "Okay."


    After ending the call, Wendy turned to Halsey and said, "Halsey, I need to go back to the Hawks."


    "Alright. Go have dinner with Mrs. Glinda," Halsey replied.


    Wendy met his gaze. ¡°No, I''m going to find out who''s backing Luna.¡±


    "What?"


    Halsey blinked, clearly taken aback.


    The long Rolls-Royce glided steadily down the road. Zayn drove up front while Luna sat in the back, ncing at the man beside her.


    Stanley wore a tailored ck suit, a handkerchief tucked into his pocket. He had juste from a high-level meeting, and his sharp business aura blended with the city''s neon lights, looking just as astonishing as it had been when she first caught a glimpse of him.


    Stanley held a file, flipping through it without acknowledging Luna.


    Luna gazed at him, admiration clear in her eyes. "Mr. Hawk, I fell from the wire today, but I''m fine. You didn''t need toe check on me."


    Stanley didn''t look up, his voice cold as he asked, "Did Wendy visit you at the hospital?"


    Luna froze.


    Stanley snapped the file shut, his dark, cold eyes finally locking onto her. "Careful what you say in front of Wendy, understand?"


    Hismanding gaze made it clear: He was warning her to watch her words around Wendy.


    Luna stiffened.


    She had thought he hade specifically to see her after she fell, but instead, his words were all about Wendy.


    Even more troubling was the warning he gave her, reminding her not to speak out of line in front of Wendy.


    Luna understood his unspoken message-he didn''t want Wendy to know about their night together.


    The humiliation of her misced feelings made her fist tighten. How could she not resent Wendy?


    She came from humble beginnings, but Wendy was also from the countryside, not someone above her.


    Yet, Luna had always learned to read people, living in a constant state of caution. Wendy, on the other hand, was


    calm, smart, and decisive everything Luna was not.


    And to make matters worse, Wendy had be Mrs. Hawk marrying a man who was practically a god in Luna''s


    eyes.


    Why her? If Wendy could do it, why couldn''t Luna?


    Luna had been keeping track of Stanley''s movements, waiting for the right moment. That night, when Zayn was seeking out a virgin, Luna thought her opportunity had arrived.


    But when she went to the Imperial Garden, Wendy had already beaten her to it and spent the night with Stanley.


    The person who should have been with Stanley was her!


    She was jealous of Wendy; she hated Wendy.


    Even more so now; Stanley''s indifferent, cold tone only fueled her growing resentment.


    Still, she dared not show it. She simply nodded. "Okay, I understand, Mr. Hawk."


    Just then, a pleasant ringtone interrupted them-a call from the Hawk family''s estate.


    Stanley pressed a button to answer. Glinda''s voice rang out happy as ever. "Stanley, hurry home for dinner! Wendy''s joining us!"


    Stanley''s handsome face flickered with a brief change, his brows lifting slightly. "I''ll head home now." After hanging up, he turned to Zayn and ordered, "Stop the car." Zayn brought the luxury car to a smooth halt.

 My Dad Please Come 222

    Stanley nced at Luna beside him. "Get out."


    He ordered her to leave the car.


    And just like that, he dropped her off in the middle of the road.


    Luna got out, and the business car sped off with a whoosh, leaving her surrounded by exhaust fumes.


    Luna clenched her fists and stomped her foot in frustration


    Wendy had already arrived at the Hawk family''s estate, sitting on the living room sofa and chatting with Glinda.


    Not long after, therge estate doors opened. A chill breeze followed a tall, dignified figure inside-Stanley had returned.


    The housekeeper greeted him respectfully. "Mr. Hawk."


    Stanley took off his shoes at the entrance and strode into the living room, his long legs carrying him effortlessly. When he saw Wendy, their eyes met.


    It had been a while since theyst saw each other, not since that day in the school infirmary. Wendy had lost some weight and appeared more delicate. Her once- perfectly round face now had a sharper, cooler air about it.


    She was still wearing her school uniform-a white shirt and a checkered skirt, with a jacket thrown over it. Her hair was pulled into a high ponytail, and her youthful, innocent energy was almost palpable.


    Stanley looked at her but didn''t say a word.


    "Wendy, you''re back! Come on. Let''s eat," Glinda said cheerfully.


    The three of them sat down at the dining table. Glinda sat at the head, while Stanley and Wendy were seated across


    from each other.


    The housekeeper served Stanley a bowl of soup, and after taking a sip, Stanley furrowed his brows. "Grandma, what kind of soup is this?"


    Glinda chuckled. "It''s Caldo de Cardan soup, for your health" Stanley froze.


    "Stanley," Glinda continued, "do you remember what I told youst time? You''re not getting any younger. It''s about time you and Wendy have children. Drink this soup, and tonight, I want you to make me a great-grandchild.


    11


    Stanley turned his gaze toward Wendy


    Wendy raised her eyes to meet his, her gaze steady and clear, then spoke softly, "Grandma, I still need to go to school tonight."


    Glinda paused, surprised. "But Wendy, you just got home! Aren''t you going to stay the night?"


    "I''m really busy with schoolwork," Wendy replied gently.


    Glinda, with a tender expression, picked up some barbequed ribs and ced them in Wendy''s bowl. "Wendy, you''ve lost weight recently. After dinner, let Stanley drive you back to school,"


    back


    Stanley watched her, noticing how quiet Wendy had be. Her longshes cast delicate shadows on her cheeks as she picked up the rib and took a small, graceful bite.


    Stanley felt a pang of something in his chest-Wendy''s silence tonight made her seem so fragile.


    After dinner, Wendy got up to leave. Stanley grabbed the car keys, following her outside.


    As they walked together, Wendy caught the scent of perfume in the air-it was a sweet, peachry fragrance, familiar and unmistakable. It was the same fragrance Luna used.


    Earlier, in the VIP hospital room, Luna had mentioned that her boyfriend would be picking her up and had sprayed this very perfume.


    Wendy''s face went pale as the realization hit her. She had found the answer.


    In all of Hovendale, other than Stanley, the richest man in the city, who else had


    the resources to make Luna a star overnight?


    So, Stanley was Luna''s benefactor, the one backing her all along


    Wendy had suspected as much, but she hadn''t wanted to believe it.


    The two of them walked across thewn toward the luxury car. Stanley, noticing


    her sudden quietness, raised an eyebrow and asked, "What made you decide toe back tonight?"


    "Mr. Hawk, do you have some time tomorrow?"


    "Why?"


    "Tomorrow, let''s go to the clerk''s office and get a divorce."


    Stanley froze mid-step.


    Wendy stopped too, her eyes cold as she fixed her gaze on him. "Stanley, I want


    a divorce. I don''t want to wait another day."

 My Dad Please Come 223

    212


    Stanley''s face turned cold in an instant. He had never forgotten about her taking the morning¡ªafter pill for Nathan. Theck of contact between them these past few weeks was his way of slowly distancing himself.


    But today, she came back to the family estate for dinner. He thought she was softening, maybe even trying to make amends.


    And yet, what was she saying?


    She said she wanted a divorce, and that she couldn''t wait another day.


    Did she think he had the patience to deal with her?


    Stanley''s eyes sharpened, cold as knives, as he grabbed her slender arm. "Wendy, you came back tonight just to make me miserable, didn''t you?"


    Wendy immediately jerked away from his grip. "Don''t touch me with your filthy hands!"


    What did she say?


    She tilted her face up, meeting his dark, threatening gaze, her voice cold and steady as she enunciated, "Stanley, you are absolutely disgusting."


    Disgusting in a way she couldn''t stand anymore.


    Stanley''s temples pulsed with veins. His grip tightened around her delicate neck as he pushed her roughly against the Rolls Royce Phantom. "Wendy, are you tired of living?"


    Wendy almostughed bitterly at herself. She had actually believed that there might be a sliver of affection for her from him.


    But there was nothing-nothing at all.


    Not only that, he had humiliated her beyond belief.


    That night, she had given him her first time, and he had treated her cruelly. And now, just a short timeter, he was supporting her ssmate, Luna, as her sugar daddy.


    Of all the women out there, why did he have to choose her ssmate?


    Wendy felt sick to her stomach.


    Her eyes, usually soposed, were red-rimmed as she red at him without fear. "Stanley, even if you strangle me to death, I''ll still think you''re disgusting! I want a divorce tomorrow. I''m done with being Mrs. Hawk."


    Stanley''s anger exploded. His chest rose and fell rapidly as his cold gaze turned into something much darker.


    She thought he was disgusting?


    He felt the same about her. After all, how many men had she been with?


    He fought to control the rage and bitterness rising inside him.


    "What exactly do you mean by disgusting? Exin yourself" he demanded.


    "Didn''t you sleep with Luna?"


    The mention of Luna''s name caused Stanley to freeze. She knew?


    She had figured it out.


    He had warned Luna varlier because he didn''t want Wendy to know. He couldn''t exin why, but he just didn''t want her to know that he had been with her ssmate.


    He had also braced himself for her reaction once she found out, but he never imagined she would have the audacity to use him of being filthy.


    Stanley released her neck but grabbed her chin instead. He forced her to look up at him, her face tilted in an almost worshipful angle as his lips curled into a mocking smile. "Isn''t this exactly what you wanted? Didn''t you tell me to go find another woman?"


    What was he talking about?


    Wendy didn''t quite understand.


    Stanley''s smile widened, his hand reaching up to pat her cheek lightly. "What are you pretending for, Wendy? When I came after you, you rejected me. Now, what gives you the right to use me of sleeping with someone else? Let me tell you something: Luna''s very good at taking care of me. She knows exactly how to please me."


    Wendy didn''t understand everything he was saying, but thest words cut through her like a knife.


    Luna was good at taking care of him.


    Luna knew how to please him.


    Wendy felt a sharp pain in her chest, as though a dagger had been twisted in her heart.


    Stanley was doing this on purpose. He was intentionally hurting her.


    He forced her against the cold, expensive car, his voice almost taunting as he continued, ¡°Luna was a virgin, pure and clean. Once she was with me, I made sure she had everything she could possibly want-luxury homes, sports cars, endless resources... I gave it all to her and turned her into a star."

 My Dad Please Come 224

    "Enough! Stop!" Wendy cut him off, her voice trembling with anger. She didn''t


    want to hear anymore.


    Not a word more.


    Stanley sneered, his eyes hard with a cruel gleam. He wanted Wendy to listen-to make her remember that all of this, everything he was saying, was because she had pushed him away.


    She had turned him down, so he gave everything she didn''t want to someone else-someone like Luna.


    He released her sharply, his voice cold as ice. "Fine. If you want a divorce, you''ll get it. We''ll go tomorrow. If it weren''t for Grandma, I would''ve kicked you out of the Mrs. Hawk position a long time ago. There''s a line of women waiting outside!"


    Wendy''s heart ached, her fingers curling into delicate fists as she held back her tears. "Then I''ll see you tomorrow at 9:00 AM, outside the clerk''s office."


    Without another word, Wendy turned and left, not looking back.


    Stanley''s gaze followed her retreating figure, his face cold and distant.


    Fine, he would get a divorce.


    He had already made up his mind to distance himself, to end it all.


    Their marriage had long since run its course.


    Just then, his phone rang, and Zayn''s voice came through.


    "Mr. Hawk, Ms. Fisher fell from the wire today. The person who cut the wire is still


    in the police station. Ms. Fisher doesn''t want to let the culprit off easily. She wants them to stay there for life."


    Stanley''s mood soured even further. His patience with Luna was at its breaking point.


    "Let her handle it however she wants," he said coldly.


    "Got it, Mr. Hawk."


    In the girls'' dorm, Halsey was fuming, her face red with anger.


    "What?! Stanley''s the one supporting Luna? He''s the one behind all the resources, making Luna into a star? Has he lost his mind?


    "Does he even remember he''s married? Isn''t it enough that he''s got Jessica? Now Luna''s involved too? Doesn''t he know Luna is your ssmate? Could he be any more disgusting?


    "No wonder Luna has been acting so smug and passive-aggressive in front of you, always trying to undermine you. You thought she was your friend, but she''s been eyeing your husband the whole time. She''s a monster!"


    Halsey was livid throwing insults at both Stanley and Luna


    Meanwhile, Wendy was still focused on Cecelia. She quickly sent a WhatsApp message to Samuel.


    [Please arrange awyer for me. I need to bail Cecelia out of the police station.] Samuel replied with an "OK" and a promise to handle it.


    Wendy copsed onto her bed, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. She knew she had dragged Cecelia into this mess-Luna was targeting her. She had to get Cecelia out, no matter what.


    As for Stanley, his words still echoed in her mind, clear as day.


    This time, he had truly broken her heart. Wendy had run out of patience and disappointment. She was done.


    She never wanted anything to do with him again.


    Tomorrow, she would finally divorce him.


    The next morning, Wendy left vendale University and headed straight for the clerk''s office.


    At 9:00 AM, she and Stanley had arranged to meet for their divorce.


    She didn''t want to wait a second longer.


    Samuel had already sent awyer, Leonard Chapman, to the police station. As soon as Wendy and Stanley got their divorce certificate, they would head there..


    Half an hourter, Wendy arrived outside the clerk''s office, standing and waiting for a moment. Soon enough, the familiar sleek Rolls-Royce Phantom appeared, speeding toward her.


    Stanley had arrived.


    Wendy hadn''t expected her marriage to end like this.


    But today, she and Stanley were finally getting a divorce.

 My Dad Please Come 225

    Wendy lifted her foot, ready to step forward.


    Just then, the sound of a phone ringing broke the tension. It was Leonard calling.


    "Hello, Ms. Crone. There''s been a problem at the police station. You need toe right away!"


    Wendy''s heart sank. Had something bad happened to Cecelia?


    Without another thought, she turned and ran.


    When Wendy arrived at the police station, Leonard quickly rushed to meet her. "Ms. Crone."


    "What''s going on with Cecelia?" Wendy''s voice was tight with concern.


    However, she was cut off as her eyes fell on a familiar figure. Luna was here. Luna, as always, was decked out in high-end brands, surrounded by her entourage. Today, she had even brought along twowyers with her.


    Luna approached Wendy with a smirk, her lips curling in a mocking smile. "Wendy, I heard you came to bail Cecelia out. Well, forget about it! Your dear friend is going to spend the rest of her life there. She''ll never get out."


    Leonard lowered his voice as he said to Wendy, "Ms. Crone, Luna brought twowyers with her-both are top-tierwyers from Hawk Group. Hawk Group''s legal team is one of the best in the country, undefeated. They''ve already rejected our bail request. With their intervention, the situation for Ms. Sunder looks very grim." Wendy''s gaze turned cold as she realized just how far Stanley was willing to go to back up Luna.


    Luna eyed Wendy with a smug expression. "Wendy, you must know by now about Mr. Hawk and me, right? I''m sorry, really. I know Mr. Hawk is your husband, but he doesn''t love you. You know how it is... Mr. Hawk and I, we couldn''t help ourselves."


    Wendy didn''t say anything and just stared at her in silence.


    Luna lowered her voice and let out a softugh. "Wendy, I also know that not long


    ago, you and Mr. Hawk finally consummated your marriage."


    Wendy''s heart skipped a beat. "How do you know that?"


    Luna raised an eyebrow. "Oh, Mr. Hawk told me, of course." Stanley had told her that?


    "Wendy, Mr. Hawk also told me that you''re rather boring in bed. Youck any charm. He only slept with you once, and he doesn''t want to do it again. But me? I''m different. I make Mr. Hawk very happy. He says I''m his little minx. He says he loves me."


    Wendy felt like the ground beneath her was crumbling.


    Did Stanley really say that?


    "Wendy, Mr. Hawk is amazing. I want to be with him. You''re my best friend, and I know you''ll understand and support me."


    With that, Luna turned on her heel, her entourage following behind her, leaving Wendy standing there alone.


    Leonard''s voice pulled Wendy from her thoughts. "Ms. Crone, if we try to go up against Hank Group directly, we won''t win. The only way to get Cecelia out is to go to Mr. Hawk."


    Go to Stanley?


    Wendy almostughed at the absurdity of it.


    Just then, another phone rang, pulling her attention back.


    She nced at her phone-Stanley was calling.


    She hesitated for a moment before answering.


    "Wendy, I''m already at the clerk''s office," Stanley''s voice came through, cold and irritated. "I''ve been waiting for you. Where are you?"


    Wendy''s fingers tightened around her phone. She almost forgot about their divorce appointment. She quickly tried to exin. "Mr. Hawk, I have something urgent to deal with right now, so I-"


    "Wendy, what kind of game are you ying now?" Stanley interrupted, his tone sharp and impatient. "You''re the one who wanted the divorce, and now you''re making excuses? I don''t have time to y these stupid games with you!" So, this was how he saw her?


    She couldn''t confront him just yet. She had to talk to him about Cecelia.


    Press

 My Dad Please Come 226

    "Mr. Hawk, I need to talk to you about-


    "I''m busy," he coldly cut her off. "If you have something to discuss, contact my secretary and make an appointment."


    With that, he hung up without another word.


    The line went dead with a loud, hollow beep.


    Wendy''s heart sank, but for Cecelia, she had no choice but to approach Stanley.


    "Mr. Chapman, wait for my message," she said quietly.


    Wendy arrived at the Imperial Garden, where the maid opened the door with a polite greeting. "Mrs. Hawk."


    "Is Stanley here? Please let him know I''m here to see him," Wendy said, keeping her voice steady.


    "Of course. Please wait a moment."


    Wendy stood outside, waiting. It wasn''t long before the maid returned. "Mr. Hawk


    is in the study, but he said he doesn''t want to see you."


    He didn''t want to see her.


    Wendy didn''t move. "Then I''ll wait here until he''s ready to see me."


    Just then, a luxury MPV pulled up and Luna stepped out, her crystal heels clicking on the pavement.


    Luna nced over at Wendy with a mocking smile. "You came to see Mr. Hawk, huh? Well, he''s not going to see you. He doesn''t have feelings for you. You really need to stop chasing after him like this. It''s pointless."


    With a final sneer, Luna strutted inside, her heels clicking louder with every step. Wendy''s small hands clenched into tight fists at her sides.


    Inside the study, Stanley sat behind his desk, reading through documents. His face, cold and regal, betrayed his irritation at the thought of Wendy.


    He had waited for her outside the clerk''s office for what felt like an eternity, only for her to stand him up. She had promised toe, but never showed up. Was she ying with him?


    Had he really been reduced to this, toyed around by a woman?


    Now, she had the audacity toe here. Well, he didn''t want to see her.


    The door to the study opened. Luna entered, a soft smile on her lips.


    "Mr. Hawk," she greeted him sweetly.


    Stanley barely nced up, his eyes cool and sharp. "Why are you here? Get out."


    Luna looked at him, her voice soft as she approached him. "Mr. Hawk, I just wanted to thank you for everything you''ve done for metely. I came to ask if you''d like to join me for a drink at the bar. If it''s a bad time, I can leave, but I couldn''t help noticing Wendy downstairs when I arrived..."


    Stanley suddenly changed his mind. "Come back."


    Luna stopped in her tracks,


    Stanley looked at her with a cool expression. "Let''s go to the bar now."


    Luna''s lips curved into a smile, her eyes gleaming.


    Wendy had been waiting outside for what felt like forever. Spoon, the vi gates opened, and Stanley emerged, Luna by his side.


    Wendy quickly stepped forward. "Mr. Hawk, please give me five minutes. I need to talk to you."


    Stanley''s cold gaze settled on Wendy''s beautiful face. "I don''t have time right now."


    Luna stepped closer, her voiceced with mock sympathy.Wendy, I''m sorry, but Mr. Hawk is taking me out. We''ll be going now."


    Luna climbed into Stanley''s Rolls Royce Phantom, and Stanley mmed his foot on the gas, speeding off and leaving Wendy standing there, staring at the fading taillights.


    At the luxurious booth in the 1996 Bar, Benny watched with some surprise as Stanley entered, with Luna in tow. "Isn''t that Luna Fisher, the rising star from the entertainment world? Why''d you bring her here?" Benny asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Benny knew the entertainment industry well, having dated both rising stars and younger models.


    Stanley didn''t answer. His dark shirt was unbuttoned at the cor, revealing the refined lines of his neck. He sat down in the center seat of the booth and downed a whole bottle.


    He reached for another bottle of liquor, but Luna''s delicate hand pressed gently on his, stopping him. Her soft fingers rested on his knuckles, her voice yful yet firm.


    "Mr. Hawk, don''t drink anymore."

 My Dad Please Come 227

    Stanley nced sideways at Luna.


    Her hand rested gently on his, and she could feel the sharp elegance of his bone structure. She also brushed against the cold, luxurious watch on his wrist, its icy touch just as expensive and intimidating as he was- something that made you hesitate to touch, yet want to at the same time.


    Luna, the picture of innocence, blushed deeply. "Mr.Hawk I gave myself to you willingly that night, it was my first time. Do you remember our night together?"/ Benny, sensing something wasn''t right, opened his mouth to speak. "Stanley..."


    One of the wealthy second-generation men beside him held him back and whispered, "It seems like Mr. Hawk has a thing for her. Whoever Mr. Hawk favors, that''s the one who you need to show respect."


    Benny didn''t agree. He only recognized Jessica.


    Stanley continued to watch Luna, her shy, demure look making her seem even more appealing. The truth was, during this time, Stanley hadn''t thought much about that night.


    Because all his memories of that night were tangled up with Wendy.


    It had been a dreamlike, passionate fantasy with Wendy, one filled with desire and pleasure.


    He could still recall the way Wendy had looked beneath him, soft, fragrant, giving him an intense pleasure.


    But, in retrospect, that pleasure didn''te from Wendy. It came from the woman before him-Luna.


    Luna, shy and yful, looked up at him with a teasing gleam in her eyes. "Mr. Hawk, I don''t need any titles or recognition. I just want to stay by your side. Tonight, we can..."


    Her face was flushed with youthful shyness, yet her words were full of sultry suggestion.


    Stanley didn''t respond. He simply kept looking at her, his gaze unreadable.


    When Wendy arrived, she immediately saw this scene-Luna whispering something to entice him, while Stanley sat with his head lowered, eyes half- lidded, looking like he was about to agree.


    He really had brought Luna to a bar.


    Wendy''s lips curled into a cold, sarcastic smile. His tastes hadn''t changed. From Jessica to Luna, they were always the type to cling to him.


    And he couldn''t stand her. She was too dull, too uninteresting.


    Just then, the bar manager approached with a bright smile. ''Ladies, how many of you are joining us?"


    Wendy''s eyes, as clear as crystal, met his. "I don''t drink."


    "You''re at a bar and you don''t drink? So, what exactly are you here for?"


    "I want to...dance


    "Darice?" the manager asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Wendy replied calmly, "I''m here for pole dancing."


    In the luxurious booth, Luna watched Stanley eagerly, waiting for his reaction, Stanley curved his lips into a faint smile, neither fully amused nor amused at all. "Are you addicted to selling yourself? Want to strike a deal again?"


    It was like a bucket of cold water poured over Luna, freezing her in ce.


    Stanley didn''t look at her again. He simply picked up a new bottle of liquor and took a long drink


    At that moment, the bar manager stepped onto the stage. "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we have a special guest


    at 1996 Bar¡ªa little temptress, and she''s here to perform a pole dance to spice things up!"


    Stanley wasn''t paying attention to the stage, nor did he have any interest in the little temptress. But the wealthy young men around him reacted, their voices full of surprize


    "Damn, where did this little temptresse from? Her body is perfect!"


    One of the men shouted, "Mr. Hawk, you have to see this!"


    Stanleyzily lifted his eyes, ncing toward the stage. That was when he saw her-the little temptress.


    She wore a ck spaghetti-strap, body-hugging dress, the straps resting delicately on her smooth, fair shoulders. The dress clung to her curves, outlining her slender, seductive waist perfectly.


    The key detail, however, was that she wore ck stockings, which contrasted against her legs-long, toned, and perfectly shaped. Her attire was bold and alluring, a stark departure from the pure, innocent look she had worn before.


    A light veil covered her face, obscuring her features, but her eyes, full of allure and mischief, flickered beneath the veil, capturing every nce.

 My Dad Please Come 228

    As soon as she appeared on stage, the crowd erupted into cheers.


    The music kicked in, and the figure on stage immediately began to move, her body flowing with the rhythm.


    She leaped, her body twisting like a snake as she wrapped herself afound the pole, spinning and jumping in perfect harmony with the beat. Her flexible and thin form seemed capable of folding into any shape, and the visual impact sent waves of wild, excited screams from the crowd.


    In the luxurious booth, the wealthy young men pulled Benny''s arm in excitement. "Betiny, when did a little temptress like this show up here? I can''t believe you never told us!"


    Benny stared at the figure on stage, equally stunned. A beauty like this could easily be the centerpiece of any club, a showstopper. How had he never seen her before?


    Who was this little temptress?


    At that moment, Stanley froze, his hand halting midair as he held the bottle. His eyes were locked on the dancer on stage, not even blinking, as if he couldn''t tear his gaze away.


    Wendy, moving gracefully on stage, was aware of his stare. He was watching her.


    A sly smile curled on her lips as she effortlessly performed a split in midair.


    Wow.


    The men in the crowd couldn''t contain themselves, cheering loudly.


    One of the men whispered, "Damn, this girl is flexible as hell!"


    "Did you see that? She did a split like it was nothing. Whoever dates her is lucky."


    "Do you think a girl like that will ever settle down with someone?"


    "Speaking of which, Jessica''s a ballet lead, but even she''s not as flexible as this little temptress."


    The men couldn''t stop talking about the dancer. Stanley''s usuallyposed face darkened, a storm brewing in his


    eyes.


    The pole dance ended, and Wendynded gracefully, standing tall. The crowd erupted into apuse, the sound rolling like a wave through the bar.


    The atmosphere was electric. The bar manager, smiling broadly, stepped onto the stage. "Ladies and gentlemen, the excitement doesn''t stop here. Next, our little temptress will pick one lucky guest for an up-close and personal dance!


    The men immediately began shouting, eager to catch her eye.


    "Look over here! Pick me!"


    "Don''t choose him. Pick me, pick me!"


    "Come on, little temptress. I want to dance with you!"


    Everyone wanted to be chosen by Wendy.


    Her mesmerizing eyes scanned the room, briefly pausing over each man, before finally settling on Stanley.


    She stepped off the stage and walked toward him.


    +23 2018


    The bar manager spoke into the mic. ¡°Looks like our little temptress has made her choice. Who will she pick?


    A hush fell over the crowd as all eyes followed Wendy''s every move.


    Stanley''s eyes were fixed on her as she made her way through the crowd, walking straight to him.


    Wendy smiled, her lips curling in that familiar, teasing way "Mr. Hawk, I choose you."


    She had chosen Stanley.


    Luna, sitting beside him, went pale. She had hoped to make something happen with Stanley tonight, but now all the attention was on the little temptress, stealing the spotlight from her. To top it off, the woman had chosen Stanley right in front of her.


    Luna didn''t recognize Wendy, but in her mind, she was raining curses on the dancer.


    The bar manager grinned. "Our little temptress has chosen Mr. Hawk. Seems like


    all the beautiful women are drawn to him. Now, let''s have the little temptress and Mr. Hawk share an intimate dance!"


    The music started again, the neon lights of the bar shing brightly. Stanley, cool andposed, sat back on the sofa, his piercing gaze fixed darkly on the temptress standing before him...

 My Dad Please Come 229

    Wendy''s sharp gaze turned toward Luna. "Miss, could you move aside? You''re blocking me from dancing with Mr. Hawk."


    Wendy''s words were a direct challenge, asking Luna to move aside.


    Luna, furious, clenched her fists, unwilling to budge.


    But the people around her quickly chimed in, "Ms, Fisher, move over!"


    Luna shot Wendy a furious re but, grudgingly, stepped aside.


    Wendy smirked inwardly. She had seen through Luna''s true nature, and this was her retaliation.


    And her retaliation had only just begun.


    Wendy''s eyes met Stanley''s. He hadn''t taken his gaze off her, and she wasn''t intimidated. With a soft, seductive smile, she parted her legs in front of him and boldly climbed onto hisp, straddling his muscr waist.


    The crowd erupted.


    "Little temptress, you''re the first to climb onto Mr. Hawk like that and dance so close to him!" one of the men shouted.


    Wendy, her face concealed by a thin veil, seemed like an ethereal beauty turned into a seductive temptress, and no one recognized her.


    She raised an eyebrow and teased, "Well, Mr. Hawk seems to have a never- ending stream of women around him. Not only does he have Ms. Fisher, but in the past, he even had the heartthrob, Ms. Jessica, dancing for him. Looks like I might not even make the cut."


    "If you can impress Mr. Hawk with your dancing, you''ll definitely make the cut," someone joked.


    Wendy locked eyes with Stanley, her gaze shimmering with mischief. "Well then, let me do my best and take on the challenge."


    With that, she started swaying to the music.


    Her slim, snake-like waist, entuated by the tight ck skirt, moved seductively with the beat¡ªan irresistible dance, deadly in its allure.


    As if to make it worse, her hips swayed left and right, her seductive movements perfectly on disy as she sat on Stanley''sp, her ck stockings drawing attention.


    The entire bar was in a frenzy, the men shouting and moving in rhythm with her. More people surrounded her, trying to match her moves.


    It was pure, unrestrained passion.


    Stanley''s dark eyes flickered, the depths of them burning with an unsettling, dangerous light. No one else had recognized her, but he had. She was Wendy.


    Who told her to dress like this? What was she trying to do?


    The men surrounding them looked at her as if they were entranced. Was she here to charm everyone?


    As his gaze traveled down her mesmerizing movements, Stanley''s mind raced. How many sides did she have?


    She could be a cold, aloof beauty, or a fiery temptress.


    Every side of her was irresistible.


    As Wendy continued to dance, she felt something against her waist, and before she could react, a strong arm wrapped around her, pulling her hard against a muscr chest.


    Wendy looked up, her eyes meeting his, cold yet burning with a dangerous heat. She smiled, her lips curling. "Mr. Hawk, what are you-"


    "Wendy, what the hell are you doing?"


    Wendy''s smile faltered. Did Stanley recognize her? She hadn''t expected her cover to be blown so quickly.


    Pushing hard against his chest, Wendy scrambled off him, her feet quickly carrying her away.


    The crowd shouted after her. "Little temptress, where are you going?"


    The music abruptly stopped, and the bar manager took the stage. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, the performance from our little temptress hase to an end. Thank you all for watching."


    Reluctantly, the crowd began to disperse, still buzzing from the excitement.


    One of the guys chuckled. "Mr. Hawk, you''ve had Ms. Jessica dance for you, and now this little temptress has too. So, which one did you enjoy more?"

 My Dad Please Come 230

    +25 BCAUS


    Stanley''s shirt and pants were slightly wrinkled where Wendy had sat on hifn, but oddly, it only added a touch of untamed wildness to his look, making him seem even more rebellious in the bar''s dim light.


    He didn''t answer the question and didn''t say which woman he preferred. Instead, he grabbed a bottle of liquor and drank it down in one go.


    Luna, fuming with anger, could hardly believe what was happening. That little temptress-where had shee from? The moment she entered, everyone seemed to forget Luna even existed. She had be invisible.


    Luna had gotten used to being the center of attention, surrounded by people wherever she went. She had be ustomed to the spotlight, but now this little temptress had knocked her back down to reality.


    She hated the feeling.


    Without wasting another moment, Luna hurried to sit beside Stanley. "Mr. Hawk, I


    Before she could finish, Stanley set his empty bottle down on the table, stood up, and walked out.


    He left.


    He left her alone, sitting there.


    "Why did Mr. Hawk leave? Benny, I want to get that little temptress''s number," one of the men nearby spoke.


    "Forget it. Mr. Hawk has his sights set on her," another replied.


    "What do you mean?"


    "Didn''t you see Mr. Hawk''s pants earlier? The outline was obvious. That little temptress gave him a reaction. With all the power Mr. Hawk yields, do you think she''d prefer you over him?"


    What? Stanley had reacted to her dance?


    Luna''s eyes burned with jealousy. In her mind, Stanley had always been the epitome of cold aloofness, a man who seemed distant from women. He treated her with indifference, never showing any interest.


    But now, this little temptress had somehow made him respond like that?


    Why?


    She had just dealt with Wendy, and now this other temptress appeared?


    Who the hell was she?


    Stanley stepped outside for a breather and pulled his phone from his pocket, sending Wendy a message on WhatsApp.


    [Change your clothes ande out.]


    Ding!


    Wendy''s reply came quickly. [Okay. I''ll be right there.]


    Stanley smirked, his lips curling into a cold smile. She was being obedient now.


    He wanted to congratte her for achieving her goal.


    Just then, two drunk men from the group came stumbling by,ughing loudly. "That little temptress is something else! She''s so hot, I can''t take it. Let''s go get her tonight. I guarantee we''ll have her begging for inercy by morning."


    "Are you sure she''s in the dressing room up ahead?¡±


    "Of course. Let''s go. We''re going to have the night of our lives!"


    The two men were clearly plotting to take advantage of Wendy.


    Stanley''s lips tightened into a chilling line. Without a second thought, he blocked the path of the two young men with his tall,manding figure.


    The two drunkards didn''t recognize Stanley. "Who the hell are you? Move out of the way! We''re busy gettingid!" Stanley''s gaze was as cold as a frozenke. His lips barely moved as he spat, "Leave."


    The two men froze. "Do you know who we are? You''re really asking for it, huh?¡±


    One of them waved his hand. "Get him!"


    Immediately, two bodyguards dressed in ck rushed toward Stanley.


    Stanley, already in a bad mood thanks to Wendy, couldn''t stand being harassed


    any longer. With a dryugh, he picked up a bottle of liquor and, without


    hesitation, swung it at the first bodyguard who approached.


    The sound of ss hitting flesh rang through the air.

 My Dad Please Come 231

    Stanley had always been swift and ruthless, his actions precise and chilling, a force to be reckoned with.


    The bodyguards in ck were caught off guard by his sudden aggression.


    The two spoiled rich young men froze for a moment, then quickly erupted in anger. "What are you standing around for? Get him!"


    "On it!"


    The ck-d bodyguards charged forward.


    Wendy, stepping out of the dressing room, was immediately struck by the chaos unfolding in front of her. Stanley was taking on ten men by himself, kicking one bodyguard so hard that he crashed into the bar, sending liquor bottles smashing to the floor.


    Screams filled the air as people scattered in panic. "They''re fighting!"


    Wendy could hardly believe what she was seeing. She had only stepped away for a moment to change, and now Stanley was in the middle of a brawl.


    It seemed that he had been in a lot of fightstely.


    Without hesitation, Wendy rushed to his side. "Mr. Hawk!"


    Stanley, after dispatching one more bodyguard, nced at Wendy. She was staring at him, her beautiful eyes wide with shock. "Have you caused trouble again?"


    Stanley didn''t reply, but inwardly, he was wondering who exactly had caused trouble.


    He reached out and grabbed Wendy''s slender arm, pulling her into a secluded corner of the bar. His cold, bloodthirsty gaze locked onto hers as he spoke in a low,manding tone, "Stay here. Don''t move."


    And with that, he returned to the chaos, his focus back on the bodyguards.


    Benny, hearing themotion, rushed over. When he saw Stanley surrounded, he cursed under his breath and immediately barked, "How dare you touch Stanley on my turf! Close the doors and deal with them!"


    Benny grabbed a broken bottle and charged into the fray.


    The scene erupted into madness, but it wasn''t long before the bar''s security arrived and managed to subdue the two young men and the bodyguards.


    Benny immediately pped the two young men across the face. "Open your eyes! How dare you mess with Stanley! Are you out of your minds?"


    The two men, now sobering up, recognized Stanley.


    They both dropped to their knees in terror. "M-Mr. Hawk, please spare us..."


    Stanley gave them a cold, disdainful nce from above but said nothing. Turning, he walked back to Wendy, grabbing her wrist with a firm grip and pulling her along with him.


    Stanley dragged Wendy into a luxurious room and tossed her onto the soft bed.


    Wendy tried to sit up, but before she could, Stanley dropped to one knee beside the bed, leaning over her with his hands nted on either side of her. He trapped her beneath him, his presence dominating


    "Wendy, what exactly do you want?"


    475 BONUS


    He had just been in a fight, his anger and tension still palpable in the air as he red down at her.


    Wendy tilted her delicate face upward, her eyes locking with his. "Mr. Hawk, I need to talk to you."


    "So you thought showing up as a temptress would get my attention?" His voice was harsh, cutting through the air.


    Why was he speaking to her like that?


    If he had been willing to listen, she wouldn''t have had to resort to this.


    Wendy''s lips curled into a yful smile as she replied, "You don''t like seeing me act like a temptress?"


    Stanley paused, caught off guard.


    Wendy inched closer to him, her voiceced with intelligence and charm. "It seems like you''re so lost in Luna''s arms that it''s hard to even get a word in with you. If you''re such a perv, I thought I''d appeal to your desires, show you a little something to catch your attention."


    What had she just said?


    She called him a perv?


    Only she would think he was like that.


    Stanley''s hand reached up to pinch her soft cheek, his lips curling into a mocking smile. "You really think you''re some kind of supermodel? If I were really that kind of man, do you think I''d settle for you?"


    He let go of her and stood up, clearly preparing to leave.


    Wendy bit her lip, her thoughts racing.


    Stanley was right. What kind of beautiful women hadn''t he seen by now? Jessica and Luna each had their own allure, and if he was truly the kind of man she was implying, he would already be surrounded by countless beauties.


    +25 BORUS

 My Dad Please Come 232

    Just then, Wendy noticed a familiar figure standing by the door-it was Luna.


    Luna had arrived.


    With all the noise outside, Luna had already gotten up to search for Stanley. That was how she managed to find this room.


    When she saw Wendy and Stanley on the bed, her once innocent eyes instantly darkened with venom. She red at Wendy with a malice that was sharp and poisonous, like the sting of a scorpion.


    Wendy smirked, her lips curling into a cold smile. As Stanley began to pull away, she suddenly reached up, wrapped her arms around his neck, and flipped over, pinning him beneath her.


    Now, she was on top.


    Luna, standing outside the door, froze in shock. She never imagined that Wendy would dare to take control like this.


    What boldness!


    As Wendy''s soft, fragrant body once again settled on top of him, Stanley stiffened for a moment. He pursed his Hips, clearly displeased. "What are you trying to do now? Get off."


    Wendy refused to budge. "Mr. Hawk, which do you prefer my intimate dance or Jessica''s?"


    It was the same question the group had asked him earlier.


    Stanley didn''t respond.


    Wendy''s delicate finger traced along his strong chest, her touch deliberately teasing. "Then let me ask you another question. That night, what exactly did you do with Luna?"


    Stanley''s strong muscles tensed up as he grabbed her wandering hand.


    To be honest, he couldn''t remember. All he could recall was the wet dream he had about Wendy.


    But out of pride and ego, he would never tell her about that dream.


    Aware that Luna was outside and most probably eavesdropping, Wendy looked at Stanley, her stunning eyes seducing him. "So, where did you do it? Was it on the bed, on the couch, in the car-"


    Before she could finish, her small waist, delicate as porcin, suddenly tightened. Stanley immediately grabbed hold of her waist, his eyes darkening with fury as he gritted his teeth. "Wendy, would it kill you to not seduce me for one day?"


    He had brought Luna to the bar, and now Wendy, transformed into a temptress, had stolen his attention away from her.


    Jessica had danced close to him before, and he remembered it clearly. Now, Wendy was sitting on him, twisting in ways that drove him wild, and asking him which one he liked more-Jessica or her.


    She was always trying to tempt him.


    Stanley red at her. He had spoken out of anger earlier, but he had to admit-her face was, indeed, like a supermodel''s.


    When she yed the role of a temptress, she was even more captivating.


    She had the skill-she wasn''t afraid of her rivals and would always take the initiative to catch the man she wanted. No man could escape her grasp.


    Stanley straightened up, then kissed her red, soft lips with force.


    Wendy froze for a moment. Though she had been deliberately seducing him, she hadn''t expected him to kiss her so suddenly.


    Wendy didn''t pull away. Instead, she raised her eyes, her cold, sharp gaze flicking to the door where Luna had been.


    Luna''s face was pale as a ghost. Stanley had been so cold to her, yet he kissed Wendy.


    Luna could feel it-Stanley was in love with Wendy


    When a man truly had feelings for a woman, it was impossible to hide. Luna, Jessica...everyone around Stanley had sensed it. He was drawn to Wendy.


    Now, as Wendy''s cool, prating gaze met Luna''s, thetter clenched her fists tightly and turned, storming off. The moment Luna left, Wendy pushed Stanley away, her hand resting against his solid chest. -


    Stanley tightened his grip around her soft waist, his throat tightening as his voice became hoarse. "What''s wrong?


    IL


    Wendy met his eyes, her expression unyielding. "Mr. Hawk, I just made Luna run off."

 My Dad Please Come 233

    Stanley was clearly aroused. The corners of his narrow eyes had reddened with the heat of desire. Listening to Wendy''s words, he froze and stared at her.


    Wendy casually gestured toward the door. "Mr. Hawk, now you''ll have to work your magic and get Luna back."


    Stanley, ever sharp, immediately understood. Wendy wasn genuinely trying to seduce him-she was putting on a show for Luna.


    The desire in his eyes instantly faded, reced by a cold rity. He fixed Wendy with a frosty gaze. "Get off me, now."


    Wendy didn''t waste any time and immediatelyplied.


    Stanley stood, his tall, lean figure casting a long shadow by the floor-to-ceiling windows. This damned woman! "Spit it out. What do you want from me?"


    Wendy took a steadying breath. "Mr. Hawk, Cecelia didn''t cut Luna''s wires. She''s been framed. I hope you''ll show mercy and let her go."


    Cecelia? Her best friend?


    Stanley hadn''t been paying attention to Luna''s fall or any of the drama


    surrounding it, so he didn''t know it was tied to Cecelia.


    Zayn had called him about the incident, but he had left the matter to Luna.


    So Wendy hade here for her friend.


    Stanley turned, a cold smirk curling at his lips. "Are you asking me for a favor?"


    Wendy flinched, her heart heavy. She had to swallow her pride for Cecelia. "Yes, I am."


    "Then you need to show some sincerity. Have you thought about what you''re willing to offer in exchange?"


    His blunt words made Wendy stiffen.


    Stanley''s gaze roamed over her graceful figure, taking in every inch. His tone shifted to one of yful amusement. "You haven''t even thought about it, huh? Come back when you''ve figured out what you''re willing to offer."


    Without waiting for a response, he turned to leave.


    But Wendy reached out, grabbing the sleeve of his shirt. "Wait."


    Stanley paused, turning back toward her. "Wendy, I''m no charity. Why should I go easy on your friend? Honestly, there''s nothing about you I particrly want, except..."


    His gaze lingered on her body. "Except for this."


    That night at the hospital, she had refused him."


    Now, he wanted to see if she''d give in.


    Wendy curled her fingers into a fist. She didn''t understand him. She had already been with him once, but he had found her too dull, too uninteresting. After that, he hadn''t wanted anything more.


    So why was he making these demands now?


    Did he want her again?


    "Mr. Hawk, aren''t you worried about what Jessica and Luna might find out?" Stanley''s expression remained unreadable. "This is our secret, just between us. Isn''t that what you said before? I help you, and you repay me. You set the terms of this game


    Wendy had no response to that. Slowly, she released her grip on his sleeve. "Think it over. When you''ve made up your mind,e finde."


    With that, Stanley walked out.


    After leaving Stanley without any progress, Wendy headed straight to the police station to visit Cecel¨ªa.


    However, Leonard stopped her before she could enter. "Ms. Crone, we can''t see Ms. Sunder right now."


    Wendy froze. "Why not?"


    Leonard''s face was grim. "Mr. Hawk has ordered that no one is allowed to visit her anymore."


    What?


    Stanley was being ruthless. He was forcing her into a corner!


    Cecelia was locked away, and Wendy had no idea how she was doing.


    Wendy''s pale eyes welled up with unshed tears. She didn''t want to make that kind of deal with Stanley, but his relentless pressure left her with no other choice.


    "Ms. Crone, what should we do now?" Leonard asked.


    At that moment, Wendy thought of someone-Nathan.

 My Dad Please Come 234

    Wendy could turn to Nathan for help.


    Wendy arrived at Nathan''s vi and was surprised to find his assistant packing up


    his things.


    "Nathan, what''s going on?" Wendy asked, confused.


    Nathan shed a smile. "My dad just called. There''s been an issue with one of the overseaspanies, and I need to fly back."


    In recent years, the Lowes had shifted their business abroad, and their assets were all over the world. This time, Nathan had simply returned for a brief vacation.


    But Nathan''s sudden departure, especially at this moment, made Wendy wonder if it had something to do with Stanley.


    Could Stanley have secretly orchestrated something to get Nathan to leave?


    "Did you need something?" Nathan asked, his voice soft.


    Wendy shook her head. "No, nothing."


    "Wendy," he said, his eyes soft with affection, "do you want me to stay?"


    Wendy knew this was Nathan''sst attempt to test her feelings. If she said yes, he would stay.


    "I''m not worth it. You''ll meet someone better than me someday."


    Wendy offered no hope, no promises.


    Nathan wasn''t surprised. He had had feelings for Wendy from the start, but she


    had always rejected him. Now, he was ready to let go.


    "Alright, then. I''ll be leaving now."


    "Let me take you to the airport."


    "No. If youe to see me off, I won''t want to leave."


    Wendy stopped in her tracks. "Goodbye, Nathan.


    Nathan smiled and opened his arms, giving her a brief hug. ''We''ll still be friends. You can reach out anytime."


    "Okay.


    Nathan released her, then left with his assistant.


    Once Nathan was gone, Wendy slowly looked away. It seemed she had toe up with a new n to save Cecelia.


    That was when an idea suddenly struck her.


    Wendy pulled out her phone and quickly sent a text.


    Wendy arrived at Hawk Group and walked up to the front desk. "Hi, I''d like to see-"


    Before she could finish, the receptionist recognized her and greeted her with surprise. "Mrs. Hawk, what brings


    you here?"


    Wendy froze. She and Stanley had a secret marriage, and since she rarely came


    to Hawk Group, how did anyone here recognize her?


    "Mrs. Hawk, you''re here to see Mr. Hawk, right? Please, follow me."


    The receptionist led Wendy straight to the elevator, heading toward the CEO''s office.


    As they passed by several employees, Wendy noticed the bright looks in their eyes. Everyone nodded and greeted her with respectful smiles. "Mrs. Hawk."


    Wendy blinked, confused. "Do you all know me?"


    "Of course, we all know you! You''re still at vendale University, right? We saw Mr. Hawk being called away as your representative during one of the meetings." Wendy fell silent.


    She hadn''t realized her "glorious" moments had spread all over Hawk Group. Everyone seemed to be gossiping about her and Stanley.


    "Don''t mind us. We may have joined Hawk Group, but we weren''t always top students. But don''t worry! Mr. Hawk is a genius, a Harfield grad. You can always ask him for help with your homework. He''ll guide you through it, I''m sure!¡±


    Wendy stayed quiet, unsure what to say.


    The receptionist brought Wendy to a conference room outside the CEO''s office. "Mrs. Hawk, please wait here for a moment. Mr. Hawk is currently meeting with some important foreign clients."


    Through therge, shining ss windows, Wendy could just make out Stanley inside.


    3

 My Dad Please Come 235

    In the understatedly luxurious business conference room, Stanley stood tall in a custom-made ck suit, exuding both handsomeness and an air of nobility. He was leading the senior executives of Hawk Group as they met with Marc Dubois, the CEO of the Frontellian luxury brand, LVMA


    "Mrs. Hawk, Mr. Hawk''s Frontellian is impable! He speaks over twentynguages fluently, and he never needs a trantor," the receptionist told Wendy as she prepared a cup of coffee for her.


    Wendy smiled lightly. "Thank you."


    DO


    "You''re wee. I''ll leave you to it now," the receptionist said with a bow before walking away.


    "Alright."


    Once the receptionist had left, Wendy''s sharp eyes once again drifted toward the floor-to-ceiling windows, focusing on Stanley inside.


    Stanley stood alongside Marc, effortlessly conversing in wless Frontellian. It was a world of high stakes and prestige-the top-tier business summit, the kind of morous, intoxicating atmosphere Wendy could feel even from across the ss. She could see that Stanley was in his element, ying the role of a sessful, well-respected businessman.


    No wonder so many women were after him-Jessica hadn''t even left, and now there was Luna.


    When Stanley was all business, he truly did look the part-cold, distinguished, and utterly untouchable.


    But then, remembering how he had pressured her, Wendy couldn''t help but think of him as a well-dressed beast. His publicposure might be pure, but privately, he was filled with desire.


    A small, mischievous thought crossed her mind. She took out her phone, opened


    up the chat with "Hubby", and sent him a message.


    In the business conference room, Stanley''s phone buzzed.


    He was in the middle of a conversation with Marc when he heard the notification.


    With a brief apology, he took his phone out of his pocket.


    The message was from Wendy. [Mr. Hawk, I''m here to beg.]


    Stanley nced up and through the gleaming windows, his eyes locking with Wendy''s.


    Just like the other night, she was dressed in her school uniform-a white blouse, striped skirt, and a beige collegiate-style baseball jacket over it. Her long ck hair was tied up in a high ponytail, giving her the appearance of a pure, youthful college student just stepping into adulthood.


    Wendy sat on the couch outside, her clear, sharp eyes fixed on him.


    for a


    Their gazes met, suspended in the air for a moment,


    Marc, noticing Wendy outside, turned to Stanley and asked in Frontellian, "Mr. Hawk, who is she?"


    Stanley broke his gaze from Wendy and replied coolly, "She''s my wife."


    Marc was taken aback. "Your wife is still a student?"


    Stanley nodded. "Yes."


    Then he returned to his conversation with Marc, focusing back on the business at hand.


    He had barely looked at Wendy for a second before turning his attention away, clearly indicating he was busy. She


    was meant to wait.


    Wendy couldn''t help but feel more mischievous as she watched him-dashing, refined, every inch the well-dressed, sessful man. Pulling out her phone again, she searched through her messages before sending him another text. Ding!


    Stanley''s phone buzzed again.


    Once more, he apologized to Marc, took out his phone, and opened the message from Wendy.


    This time, Wendy had sent a GIF-one of those colorful, yful ones, of someone licking a lollipop.


    The moment it popped up on his screen, it was like one of those annoying, brightly colored ad pop-ups that appear in the corners of web pages. Stanley''s gaze darkened as he looked toward Wendy.


    He was staring at her with a piercing, serious expression, his eyes heavy with something darker-lust, and the sharp, unspoken authority of someone in control. His gaze was both intense and hungry, as if he were silently warning her, making it clear who was in charge.


    If it were Jessica or Luna on the receiving end of such a look, they probably would''ve melted right there. Wendy''s lips curled into a small smirk. He liked to y theposed, untouchable role, didn''t he? He wanted her to beg, so she would, but only to tear away the mask and expose his true nature. She enjoyed stripping away his perfect fa?ade, showing the world the darker, more dangerous side of him.


    Stanley continued to stare at her, but Marc, noticing the tension, couldn''t help but nce at Wendy too.


    With a smile, hemented, "Mrs. Hawk has such an amazing presence. So serene and otherworldly...like an angel."

 My Dad Please Come 236

    Stanley''s Adam''s apple rolled as he stared at Wendy. She had the face of an


    ¨¢ngel-unearthly, almost as if she didn''t belong in this world. But then she sent him that kind of GIF, especially when he was busy.


    Damn it. Her other side was definitely a little devil.


    She seemed to know everything, to be good at everything.


    Marc chuckled. "Mrs. Hawk looks so young. She must be clingy. Mr. Hawk, can you handle it?"


    Having a cute little wife was one thing, but it was up to the man to see if he could handle her.


    Stanley watched Wendy through the ss. He wasn''t sure. He and Wendy hadn''t really taken things that far yet, and he honestly didn''t know if he could handle her. Ding!


    Another message from Wendy popped up.


    Stanley opened it. [Mr. Hawk, are you up for this? If not, I''ll leave.]


    Damn it!


    Stanley cursed silently in his mind. How was he supposed to work with her acting like this?


    Meanwhile, outside, Wendy felt a small victory as she watched him struggle. She knew Stanley wouldn''t drop his


    work toe find her. After taking a sip of her coffee, she stood up, ready to leave.


    But just as she moved, a deep, maic voice rang out from behind. "Where are you going?"


    That voice...


    Wendy turned around. The door to the business conference room had opened, and there stood Stanley.


    He actually came out?


    Stanley strode toward her with long, confident strides. Before she could even react, he was standing right in front of her. "Let''s go."


    11


    Wendy blinked, taken aback. "Go...where?"


    Stanley reached out, taking her soft, delicate hand in his, his fingers pressing gently against her pale skin. "Where do you want to go? We''ll go wherever you like."


    Wendy was speechless.


    Her mind exploded in shock. She had only been teasing him Had she pushed things too far? Was this actually happening?


    My gosh!


    Just then, Marc stepped out and asked in Frontellian, "Mr. Hawk, aren''t you going to introduce us?"


    Wendy turned to Stanley.


    Stanley shot her a look, his voice dripping with mockery. "What are you staring at? Didn''t you say you were good at this? Can''t understand Frontellian?"


    He was teasing her, but in a harsh, mocking way.


    +25 BORIS


    Wendy raised an eyebrow, her clear, sharp eyes now locked on Marc. She spoke up, "Hello, it''s nice to meet you. My name is Wendy."


    Wendy spoke in perfect Frontellian, her voice light and clear, her pronunciation wless.


    Stanley froze. Did she just speak Frontellian?


    He hadn''t expected that-especially not that she''d speak it so well.


    Marc''s eyes widened in surprise. "Mrs. Hawk, you speak Frontellian? No wonder you captured Mr. Hawk''s heart."


    Wendy''s gaze shifted to Stanley''s noble face, and with a yful glint in her eye, she said, "Him? He''s so arrogant. He thought I couldn''t speak Frontellian."


    Marc looked at Stanley, amused. "Mr. Hawk, looks like Mrs. Hawk has quite a few surprises for you-things you''ll just have to discover for yourself."


    She certainly was full of surprises.


    It seemed like Wendy had a lot of secrets hidden, things for Stanley to uncover.


    Stanley gave her a long, meaningful look, and then said goodbye to Marc. Without another word, he grabbed Wendy''s hand and led her away.


    Stanley pulled Wendy down the stairs. She tugged at her hand, trying to pull it free from his grasp. "Mr. Hawk, you should get back to work. I was just teasing you earlier."


    Without a word, Stanley opened the door to his Rolls-Royce Phantom and, without asking, shoved her into the passenger seat.


    He rested his hand on the doorframe, shing her a cold smile. "Are you done ying? Now it''s my turn."

 My Dad Please Come 237

    What was he talking about?


    Wendy could feel it-the cold, distant act was gone. The wicked, lustful Stanley was back.


    She had wanted to peel back his mask before. But now that it had been pulled away, she realized she didn''t want it as much as she thought.


    The Rolls-Royce Phantom sped smoothly down the road. Wendy nced at the man beside her. "Did you have someone stop me from seeing Cecelia?"


    Stanley''srge hand, with defined knuckles, rested casually on the steering wheel. He gave a half-hearted hum, barely acknowledging the question.


    He admitted it.


    "Did Nathan leave because of you, too?"


    Stanley signaled, turning the wheel effortlessly with his strong wrist, his expensive watch catching the light as he made the turn.


    His deep voice rumbled as he said, "Nathan should have arrived by now. What do you think he''s doing right now?"


    Wendy said nothing, waiting for him to borate.


    Stanley handed her a photo.


    Wendy took it and stared at the image. There, she saw Nathan with another woman.


    "This is who the Lowes chose for Nathan," Stanley exined. "Lucille Jenner, the daughter of the Jenner family. Nathan justnded, and he''s already been taken to meet her for an arranged marriage. The union of the Lowe and Jenner families is inevitable."


    The photo was taken in a luxury suite at a six-star hotel. Both the Lowe and Jenner families were present, with Nathan and Lucille sitting across from each other.


    Lucille was stunning, d in a long pearly white dress, radiating the grace of a youngdy born into a prestigious family. A union of the two powerful families felt all too real as the two of them sat there together.


    "You can say I made Nathan leave, or you can say it''s the Lowe family''s decision for Nathan to return. Either way, you won''t be stepping into their door. You and Nathan won''t have a future together."


    Wendy stared at the photo. She could see how well Nathan and Lucille matched. In her heart, she was happy for


    him.


    Nathan was one of her few friends. She hoped he would find the right person for himself.


    Wendy tucked the photo away. "I know I''m not worthy of Nathan. I''m self-aware."


    Stanley didn''t even flinch, giving a cold grunt. "Where do you want to go? A hotel?"


    Wendy''s heart tightened at his words. Was he already getting to the point?


    "I don''t want to go to a hotel."


    "Then we''re going back to Imperial Garden."


    Tonight, he was taking her back to Imperial Garden.


    426 BONUS


    Their first time together had been in Imperial Garden. After a night of interse passion, he had humiliated her deeply.


    Wendy still couldn''t understand why, if he was already tired of her, he wanted to sleep with her again.


    "Mr. Hawk, are there condoms at your ce?"


    Stanley nced at her.


    4


    Wendy straightened her back, her posture firm and graceful "I''m allergic to the morning-after pill, so you''ll have to wear a condom. I''m sure you don''t want to have a child with me, right?"


    Of course not. Stanley hadn''t thought about having children


    Wendy could tell by his silence that he didn''t want to have a child with her. That night, he had been under the influence, unable to control himself.


    She forced down the bitterness in her chest. "How about this? You have someone get the condoms ready, and you let Cecelia out. After all, I''m not going anywhere."


    Before she could finish speaking, the Rolls-Royce Phantom suddenly stopped. Stanley stepped out of the car, opening the passenger door. "Get out."


    Wendy stepped out, a little confused. "Why are you parking the car here?"


    Stanley pointed with his eyes toward the supermarket ahead. "You wanted condoms, didn''t you? Let''s go buy some."


    Wendy was speechless.


    Stanley led her into the store, and Wendy couldn''t believe what was happening. He was actually taking her to buy condoms.


    She had never done anything like this before.

 My Dad Please Come 238

    Stanley stopped the car. "The contraception section is right hip ahead. You go get


    it."


    He was making her go buy condoms for him.


    If it weren''t for Cecelia still being in his grasp, Wendy would''ve told him to get lost.


    This was too much!


    Wendy refused to move. Stanley stared at her sinall, wless face. A delicate flush had spread across her cheeks, even creeping down to her soft, pale earlobes. It was pure, adorable-enough to make him want to tease her a little


    more.


    "What are you standing there for? Don''t you want your friend out?"


    It was a threat.


    Fine.


    Wendy epted it. She turned on her heel and headed toward the contraception aisle.


    As soon as she stepped in, two couples turned to look at her, their gazes sharp and filled with curiosity.


    Wendy wanted to disappear into the ground.


    She nced back to see Stanley standing in the hallway, his long legs stretching across the space as he watched her with an amused smirk, clearly enjoying her difort.


    Wendy bit her pink lower lip, trying to hold back her embarrassment, then reached for a box of condoms, holding it up to him. "Is this the right size?"


    Stanley took a closer look-size S.


    "Not it? What about this one?"


    Wendy swapped the box for another and, with yful, innocent eyes, looked up at him.


    The size S had turned into XS.


    The two couples now watched Stanley with sympathy.


    Stanley''s face darkened to an unreadable ck, his features stiffening. Without a word, he strode over and red at her fiercely.


    When Wendy saw him so flustered, her eyes sparkled with mischief. She went on teasing him. ¡°Mr. Hawk, let''s not do this. I''m worried Mrs. Hawk might find out..."


    Now, the couples'' sympathy turned into disdain. "What a jerk!"


    Stanley''s forehead veins popped as his anger boiled. He reached for Wendy, ready to grab her.


    Wendy shed him a sly smile, like a cunning little fox, and darted away.


    But she didn''t get far. Stanley''s hand grabbed hold of her high ponytail, pulling her back gently but firmly.


    Here he was, a sophisticated businessman in an expensive suit, and yet, he was tugging on her ponytail.


    "What are you doing?! Let go of my ponytail, you perv!"


    Thest time Stanley saw her in this student outfit with her high ponytail, he had wanted to tug on it then, too.


    Stanley shoved her against the wall, his tall, powerful frame trapping her in ce as his dark eyes locked on hers. "Can''t wait? You''re already starting your role- ying here?"


    Wendy''s face flushed. She had wanted to see him flustered, but by saying she was role-ying, he had added ayer of yful tension to the moment.


    She lifted her watery gaze to meet his. "Mr. Hawk, this isn''t role-y. You''re using Cecelia to force me into this. You''re exercising the unspoken rule and taking advantage of me, aren''t you?"


    As he loosened his grip on her ponytail, a few strands fell free to curl around her pale neck-she did look like a student at the mercy of a powerful businessman.)


    Stanley cleared his throat, his voice low and slightly husky. Do you know what the ''unspoken rule'' is? Using protection or not-that''s two different kinds of y. When you told me to wear one, I didn''tin."


    Wendy''s sharp, clear eyes widened. She suddenly understood-just because this man didn''t mess around with women didn''t mean he didn''t know how.


    She pressed her small hand against his chest. "I don''t want to take the morning- after pill again. You didn''t wear one that night..."

 My Dad Please Come 239

    +25 BORUS


    Wendy''sst words, "You didn''t wear one that night," faded quietly, and Stanley didn''t quite catch them.


    All he heard was the part about her not wanting to take the morning-after pill anymore.


    His mind immediately shed back to that time when she had fainfed from an allergic reaction to the pill because of Nathan. A smirk tugged at his lips, cold and mocking "If you can take the morning-after pill for another man, why can''t you do the same for me?"


    What was he talking about?


    When had she ever taken the morning-after pill for another man?


    In the past, he had misunderstood her, thinking she had been with many men, and she had endured it all. But that night, he knew it was her first time. And still, he said this to her.


    Wendy clenched her fist and punched him.


    She was still angry, still hated him.


    Stanley didn''t move to avoid the hit. After she struck him, he gently took her little fist, turning it into a soft grip as he pulled her along.


    "Wait, I haven''t bought the condoms yet," Wendy reminded him in a soft voice.


    Stanley paused, ncing at the shelf full of small boxes. "I''ll give you one more chance. Go pick another."


    Under his gaze, Wendy reached out and grabbed thergest size avable.


    She had given in.


    Stanley let out a low chuckle before pulling her toward the cashier. After paying, he dragged her back into the car.


    Inside the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Wendy checked the time. It would take about half an hour to reach Imperial Garden, and half an hour was enough.


    She turned to the man beside her. "Let''s just go to Imperial Garden."


    Stanley''s gazended on her delicate, smooth face, his expression suddenly shifting. "Sit on myp."


    Wendy froze.


    Stanley''s hand moved quickly. He gripped her soft waist and lifted her off the passenger seat, cing her firmly on his strong, muscr thigh.


    His thigh was solid and powerful, filled with raw masculine strength, and as Wendy''s slender body settled there, a heat rushed to her face.


    "Mr. Hawk, what are you doing? We''re in the car," Wendy protested, trying to move away.


    Stanley''s grip tightened, holding her firmly in ce. "It''s not like we''ve never done this in a car before. What''s wrong? You feeling shy today?"


    Wendy was speechless.


    She started to squirm in his hold. "Mr. Hawk, let''s just go to Imperial Garden."


    The driver''s seat was already cramped, so their bodies were pressed tightly together. As she struggled, her delicate form shifted within his arms, making his long, narrowed eyes darken with desire.


    One hand remained around her soft waist, while the other slid under the hem of her clothing, his breath hot and steady against her fragile skin. "Don''t move," he warned.


    She had been teasing him at thepany earlier, never giving him a moment of peace. He had wanted to teach her a lesson for a while.


    Wendy furrowed her brow, her small hands clutching his exposed wrist. She identally brushed against his luxury watch, which felt cold and expensive. She pushed against him, wincing. "Mr. Hawk, it hurts... You''re hurting me..."


    Her voice, soft and fragile as she cried out in pain, had a hint of seductive sweetness, and suddenly, Stanley realized something. He had seen this side of her before.


    In that wet dream.


    That dream now felt like a memory, vivid and real, as if it had truly happened.


    And now, it was like that night hade alive again, the intense feelings from that time still lingering in his body. Stanley''s dark eyes locked onto hers, his expression unreadable. "Even if it hurts, you''ll have to endure it." Before she could respond, he lowered his head and kissed her, his lips crashing into hers with force. His kiss was fierce, a storm of raw emotion, and Wendy felt his overwhelming presence flood through her, suffocating her as she struggled to breathe,

 My Dad Please Come 240

    Wendy''s small face was flushed with a deep crimson as she bit his tongue,


    The sudden sharp pain made Stanley pull back, and Wendy look deep, desperate breaths. Her small, delicate eyshes fluttered, trembling with a soft, frantic vulnerability that was almost too endearing


    Stanley reached out and grasped her chin, forcing her to til her head back and meet his gaze.


    "Wendy," he growled, his voice hoarse, "you''re bogging me now. If you bite me again, you can forget about seeing your friend. Understand?"


    His tone was low, and threatening, his position of power clear as he loomed over


    her.


    Wendy met his eyes, hesitating for a moment before reluctantly agreeing, "I understand.".


    Stanley''s hand reached for the condom on the passenger seat.


    Just then, Wendy pushed him back, taking control of the situation. "Why should it only be you undressing me? I want to undress you, too."


    She reached for his suit jacket buttons with urgency.


    Her movements were too quick, and when she couldn''t get them undone, she simply yanked at them.


    Stanley''s head rested against the seat as he let out a low groan, his eyes narrowing as he quietly stopped her. " Slow down. Don''t rip my buttons. I don''t have spare clothes in the car."


    His jacket was tightly fastened, and Wendy couldn''t pull it apart. She gave up on fighting with the buttons and instead slid her hand inside his jacket, brushing against his toned, narrow waist and feeling the hard muscle of his abs beneath his shirt.


    Stanley''s throat tightened, his body burning with desire as he felt her touch.


    He immediately pulled her lithe body against his chest. "Why are you so eager?" Wendy''s face turned a deep shade of red, but she didn''t speak.


    Stanley''s lips found hers once more, pressing against her with a fierceness that seemed to take control of her entirely.


    This time, Wendy didn''t fight him. Instead, she ''subtly reached for the needle hidden in her waist, aiming to press it into his pressure points.


    Unfortunately, she failed.


    Stanley''s hand shot out, grabbing her wrist in a firm hold. "What are you trying to do?"


    Damn it, caught again.


    Every time she tried to surprise him, it ended in failure.


    This man was just too alert.


    Stanley had spent years in the military, and his instinct for danger was sharp.


    There was no way Wendy was able to sneak up on him.


    "What is this?"


    Stanley''s gaze fell on the needle in Wendy''s hand. His expression darkened as he immediately snatched it away.


    Wendy immediately reached out to grab it back. "It''s mine! Give it back!"


    Stanley''s face paled. He had seen this needle before.


    In that dream.


    In that wet dream, Wendy had had the same needle. She had been lying beneath him, just like now, trying to use the needle to attack him.


    But he had caught her.


    Stanley threw the needle onto the carpet, a grim realization dawning on him.


    He had always thought it was just a dream. But now, Wendy really had the needle.


    A flicker of something passed through his eyes. He suddenly considered a new possibility.


    Could it be that night wasn''t a dream at all? Could the woman in his arms that night have really been Wendy? Before Wendy could reach for the needle again, the ringtone of a phone echoed through the car.


    It was a call from Halsey.


    "Wendy, good news! Just as you predicted, Luna rescinded her statement. She proved Cecelia''s innocence, and she''s been released!" Halsey''s excited voice came through the phone.


    Wendy''s lips curled into a smile as she let out a relieved breath. She had finally saved Cecelia


    She turned her gaze back to Stanley. "Mr. Hawk, Cecelia has been exonerated. I no longer need to ask anything of you. Our deal is over."


    Her clear, intelligent eyes shone with an inner light, a spark that caught Stanley''s attention. He stared at her, his curiosity piqued. "What did you do?"

 My Dad Please Come 241

    It was clear that Wently had done something to turn the tables and save Cec¨¦lia.


    Wendy hadn''t yet ended the call when Halsey''s voice came through, already hearing Stanley''s deep tone in the background. "Wendy, where are you and Mr. Hawk right now?".


    "We-"


    "I can see Mr. Hawk''s car!"


    Suddenly, there was a sharp knocking sound on the car window-Halsey was already outside, knocking on the ss.


    Wendy hadn''t expected Halsey to be so close. Though the tinted windows of the expensive ck car blocked the view from outside, Halsey''s sudden appearance startled Wendy. She was still sitting in Stanley''sp, tangled up with him in an intimate embrace.


    Just then, Stanley''s deep voice, gravelly and smooth, came through. "Wendy."


    He called her name.


    Wendy nced at him. "What''s wrong?"


    "Let go."


    "What?"


    Stanley''s gaze dropped, and his eyes darkened as he noticed her legs wrapped tightly around his waist. Startled from earlier, she had instinctively clung to him.


    Stanley swallowed hard. "Your legs... Let go. It''s too tight."


    Wendy''s face instantly turned bright red. Mortified, she quickly released him and scrambled back into the passenger seat before opening the door. "Halsey!"


    "Wendy!" Halsey beamed as she grabbed Wendy''s hand. "Cecelia''s fine! Let''s hurry to the police station and get her."


    "Okay, let''s take a cab," Wendy suggested.


    "A cab? Why take a cab when we can ride in Mr. Hawk''s car?"


    Wendy opened her mouth to protest, but before she could, Halsey had already opened the back door and shoved


    her inside.


    Halsey turned toward Stanley, who was now driving, and said politely, "Mr. Hawk, could you please take us to the police station?"


    Stanley''s desire had already faded, his usualposed and distant demeanor returning. He lowered the window slightly to let the cool evening breeze in, then smoothly started the car and headed for the police station.


    "Mr. Hawk, can you believe that Luna changed her mind? She cleared Cecelia and had her released. Aren''t you surprised?"


    Halsey seemed particrly bitter toward Stanley, her words sharp.


    Stanley''s handsome face remained unreadable, though a hint of surprise flickered in his eyes.


    Luna had changed her mind?


    Halsey grinned proudly. "It was all thanks to Wendy. Before she came to Hawk Group to find you, she sent Luna a text. That text terrified Luna so much that she immediately dropped the charges on Cecelia."


    A text?


    Stanley raised his eyes, catching Wendy''s reflection in the rearview mirror. "What text?"


    Wendy met his gaze. "It said, ''Mr. Hawk told me to go beg him.""


    [Mr. Hawk told me to go beg him.]


    Those few words said everything. Luna would have known exactly what they meant the moment she read it.


    Stanley smirked, amused. So, Wendy''s visit to Hawk Group had all been a show for Luna. No wonder she had been dragging her feet the entire time-she was stalling for Luna.


    This woman!


    "Mr. Hawk, isn''t Wendy clever?" Halseyughed, clearly impressed.


    Stanley''s chuckle rumbled from deep within his chest, low and husky. This time, he had be a pawn in her


    game.


    She had used him to shift from defense to offense, turning the tables against him. Stanley nced at Wendy again, his gaze casual. "Very."


    The word came out in such a nonchnt tone that it didn''t sound like praise at all. If anything, it was more of a


    tease.


    Wendy''s clear, bright eyes met his without hesitation, and she gave him a yful smile. "Thank you for thepliment, Mr. Hawk."


    Half an hourter, the Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up outside the police station. Wendy and Halsey got out and hurried inside to pick up Cecelia.

 My Dad Please Come 242

    Wendy wrapped Cecelia in a big hug. "Cecelia, I''m sorry you had to go through all that these past couple of days."


    Cecelia looked perfectly fine, her spirits high. "I had it easy in there-good food, good sleep. Everything was just fine."


    The three of them shared augh.


    Just then, Luna approached and shot Wendy a venomous re. Originally, she had nned to use Cecelia to annoy Wendy, but instead, Wendy had turned the tables on her. She couldn''t ept that, and it stung.


    Luna knew Stanley had feelings for Wendy, especially after that night. The woman who had slept with Stanley was Wendy. That was why, when she saw that text from Wendy Luna had panicked.


    She sent people to find out more, and sure enough, Wendy had gone to Hawk Group to meet Stanley. Not long after that, Stanley had taken her away in his luxury car.


    Luna had been terrified. The only thing left for her to do was go to the police station and rescind her statement, getting Cecelia released.


    Her sweet, innocent face twisted with resentment as she red at Wendy. "Wendy, you knew full well that I was with Mr. Hawk, yet you still went after him. You really have no shame-"


    "Luna." Wendy cut her off, her eyes pointing toward the outside. "Mr. Hawk''s out there. Be a good girl so he won''t see your dark side."


    Luna turned, and her eyesnded on the Rolls-Royce Phantom parked outside.


    The world-ss luxury car stood in the dim light, its presence understated yet mysterious. Though Luna couldn''t see inside, she felt a chill run down her spine. She could almost feel the icy gaze of someone watching her.


    Her expression shifted instantly, from venom to a pitiful, helpless look.


    That was when she heard a soft, mocking sound. Luna turned, and her gaze met Wendy''s eyes.


    Wendy stood under the bright lights, her clever and lively eyes staring at Luna, piercing through her every mask, seeing all the deception.


    Luna''s face drained of color.


    Halsey chuckled softly. "You really are a good actress, aren''t you?"


    Cecelia stepped forward and nudged Luna''s shoulder. "You know fully well you''re


    a homewrecker. It''s best not to let your dirty little secrets get out-otherwise, your ''pure'' image will quickly turn into that of a seductress."


    Luna clenched her fist.


    Wendy called out, "Cecelia, Halsey, let''s go."


    "Alright."


    Wendy, Cecelia, and Halsey turned to leave.


    Luna''s anger simmered, but she didn''t dare tosh out for fear Stanley would see.


    She walked outside and approached the Rolls-Royce Phantom. At that moment, the window slowly rolled down, revealing Stanley''s perfect face.


    "Mr. Hawk, Wendy and I are friends. Even though Cecelia tried to harm me, I still let her go..." Luna tried to


    exin, attempting to establish herself as the innocent, kind-hearted one.


    Stanley lounged casually, his long fingers resting on the steering wheel. He lifted his gaze and nced at Luna with a cold, expressionless look before speaking in a detached voice. "Was that really you that night?"


    Luna froze, not quite understanding the question. "What?"


    Stanley''s voice turned colder. "The woman who was with me at Imperial Garden that night-was that really you?" Luna''s heart skipped a beat. Why was he asking her that? Did he know something?


    Had he figured out that the woman that night wasn''t her, but Wendy? Did he realize she had been pretending to be Wendy all along?


    Luna forced herself to calm down. "Mr. Hawk... Of course it was me.


    Stanley''s sharp gaze locked onto hers, catching the brief flicker of guilt in her eyes. His expression grew colder, more cutting.

 My Dad Please Come 243

    Stanley didn''t say a word. Luna couldn''t figure out what this man was thinking or what was going through his mind.


    "Mr. Hawk, it was me that night. I gave you my virginity-


    Before she could continue, Stanley pressed the elerator, and the luxury car sped off.


    "Mr. Hawk!" Luna stood frozen in ce, her anxiety mounting. She was terrified- what if Stanley had discovered the truth?


    At that moment, two bodyguards dressed in ck suddenly appeared. They grabbed Luna by the arms and began dragging her away.


    Luna screamed, panic rising in her chest, "Who are you? Let go of me!"


    "Get in! Ms. Crone wants to see you."


    The two guards were forceful, shoving Luna into a sleek, ck luxury car.


    Luna looked up and saw Jessica inside, her delicate face set in a cold expression as she stared at her.


    Luna''s heart sank. She had heard of Jessica-everyone in Hovendale knew that Jessica was Stanley''s beloved. Wendy, on the other hand, was just an unimportant wife, and Luna wasn''t afraid of her.


    But Jessica? That was a different story.


    "M-Ms. Crone, hello..." Luna stammered.


    Jessica gave Luna a slow once-over. "So, you''re the woman who spent a night with Stanley? I heard he''s been throwing all kinds of resources your way, turning you into a big star."


    "I..." Luna faltered, unsure of how to respond.


    Jessica scoffed. "Now, I''m sure plenty of men are after you. Since you love sleeping around with men so much, how about I send you to the red-light district to work as a prostitute? What do you think of that?"


    Luna trembled, her voice barely a whisper. "Please, Ms. Crone, don''t..."


    Jessica looked at Luna coldly, like she was nothing more than an insect. She had never imagined that this cheap woman had benefited from the aphrodisiac incense she had used on Stanley.


    Just the thought of this woman climbing into Stanley''s bed made Jessica seethe with rage. She wished Luna would just disappear.


    Jessica shot a look at the two bodyguards. "Take her away."


    "Got it, Ms. Crone."


    The bodyguards stepped forward, grabbing Luna once more


    Luna realized she had crossed paths with someone ruthless and dangerous. Fear drained the color from her face. She panicked and threw herself at Jessica''s feet, desperately pleading, "Ms. Crone, you''ve got it all wrong! The woman who was with Mr. Hawk that night wasn''t me-it was Wendy!"


    Jessica froze, her face momentarily nk. "What did you say?"


    "I was just pretending to be her! Wendy slept with Mr. Hawk that night-she gave him her virginity."


    Jessica gasped, her face full of disbelief. Wendy? Wendy had climbed into Stanley''s bed that night and consummated their marriage?


    No wonder Wendy had passed out from an allergic reaction to the morning after pill. It wasn''t for Nathan-she had taken it for Stanley!


    How could this be? Why Wendy?


    Jealousy surged through Jessica, burning away all her rational thoughts. She pressed her hand to her chest as her heart ached.


    Just then, Lilian entered the room. "Jessica, are you alright?"


    "Mom, did you hear that? It was Wendy!" Jessica''s voice was tight with fury.


    Lilian''s face darkened. No matter how much she had tried to stop it, she couldn''t prevent Wendy from getting into Stanley''s bed.


    "Jessica, calm down."


    "Calm down? How can I calm down?! Wendy slept with Stanley! She''s never been with any man before-that was her first time! Luna''s been pretending to be Wendy, and Stanley''s thrown so many resources her way. Those should have been for Wendy! I can''t even imagine what Stanley will do when he finds out the truth about her!" Stanley had already developed a soft spot for Wendy. If he found out that Wendy had given him her first time, how would he react?

 My Dad Please Come 244

    Jessica was so furious that she dug her nails deep into her palms, but she barely felt the pain as the fury coursed through her.


    Lilian''s face was as dark as a storm cloud. She nced at Luna, still kneeling before her. "Is this all you''ve got? If you can''t even deal with Wendy, then you have no use here


    Luna panicked, her voice shaky. "I can handle it. I''vee up with a new n to deal with her!"


    Lilian snorted coldly. "We''ll see how you perform. Now, get out of here."


    Luna hurriedly scrambled to her feet and fled.


    "Mom, why did you let her go?" Jessica demanded, frustration evident in her voice.


    Lilian gave a strange, almost wicked smile: ¡°Mr. Hawk still doesn''t know the woman from that night was Wendy. We can take advantage of the fact that he hasn''t figured it out yet and use Luna to handle Wendy. All we need to do is sit back and let the chaos unfold before we reap the benefits."


    Jessica took a deep breath, calming herself. Lilian was right Stanley still had no idea that the woman from that night had been Wendy.


    There was still time.


    "Mom, you really are brilliant."


    Lilian wrapped her arms around Jessica in aforting hug. "Jessica, I''ll do anything for your happiness. If Wendy gets in your way, I''ll make sure she disappears."


    In Jessica''s heart, Lilian wasn''t just a stepmother-she had be like a real mother to her. Despite the rtionship''splicated start, Lilian was more devoted than anyone could have imagined.


    "Mom, why are you so good to me?" Jessica asked, her voice soft with emotion.


    Lilian lovingly stroked her head. "Because you''re my daughter."


    The sense of revenge surged through Jessica. Wendy''s own mother didn''t even care about her! The one Lilian truly cared about was Jessica-Lilian saw Jessica as her real daughter.


    Jessica smiled sweetly, her voice dripping with affection. "Mom, you''re the best!"


    Stanley returned to Imperial Garden. As soon as he entered, a maid rushed to greet him. "Mr. Hawk."


    He made his way into the living room, his gaze falling on the couch. That night, it was on that very couch that two bodies had twisted together in heated passion- one cold, the other soft-fitting together perfectly, creating a night of intense pleasure.


    Who had that woman been? Was it Wendy?


    Stanley couldn''t bear to think about it. After all, that night, the woman had given him her first time.


    Did Wendy still have her first time?


    Suddenly, something caught his eye beneath the sofa. He crouched down and picked it up-a needle.


    It was the needle Wendy always carried with her.


    +25 BOUS


    How had Wendy''s needle ended up here?


    The answer was clear now what had happened that night wasn''t just a dream!


    Wendy had been there.


    This needle was the best evidence of all.


    The woman from that night had been Wendy,


    Stanley immediately pulled out his phone and dialed a number.


    It was quickly answered, and Nathan''s familiar voice came through. "Hey, Stanley."


    Stanley gripped the phone tightly, his fingers trembling slightly. "Nathan, I have a question for you."


    "Go ahead."


    "Have you ever slept with Wendy?"


    There was a brief pause on the other end before Nathan''s voice shifted to a cold edge. "Stanley, I haven''t even held Wendy''s hand. How could we have slept together?


    "Stanley," Nathan continued, his voice softening, "Wendy''s a nice girl. I respect her. I hope you''ll treat her well."


    So they hadn''t slept together.


    Then... The morning-after pill. The allergic reaction. The fainting in the nurse''s office. The hickeys on her skin. None of it had been Nathan.


    It had all been him.


    Stanley''s breath caught as the realization hit him.


    It had never been anyone else. It had always been him.


    It hadn''t been a dream. It had been real. Their first time together.


    Stanley stood still, his hand resting on his waist. His chest rose and fell with


    shallow breaths as he pondered the mess he had made.

 My Dad Please Come 245

    It was her!


    It was Wendy!


    Yet, he had mistaken her for someone else.


    As Stanley recalled the way he had treated Wendy-his coldness, his humiliating words-he could have pped


    himself.


    That day in the nurse''s office, he had pinned her down on the bed, and she had tearfully told him how much she hated him. She was so innocent, so vulnerable.


    He cursed at himself over and over.


    His muscles tensed as the anger built inside him. He scowled, his handsome face twisted in frustration-but soon, a small smile curved on his lips.


    Cecelia had a good night''s sleep after she got back to the apartment. The next day, Wendy and Halsey took her out shopping.


    The three of them walked through the mall, entering a boutique that sold essories. Wendy''s eyes lit up when she saw a collection of cute hairpins.


    The pins were in candy-colored shades, with designs of pink strawberries, green watermelons, and yellow lemons ...all very yful and vibrant.


    "Wendy, these hairpins are perfect for you! Why don''t you get the yellow one?" Halsey suggested.


    "I think the pink one is nice too," Cecelia chimed in with a thoughtful look.


    Cecelia and Halsey both gave their input, but before Wendy could make a decision, a familiar voice interrupted her


    "Wendy, what a coincidence! You''re out shopping too?"


    Wendy looked up, and there stood Luna.


    Luna was out with her assistant, who was holding a few designer shopping bags. She took off her sunsses and approached Wendy with a smirk. "Wendy, I actually have some good news I want to share with you."/


    Cecelia raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Did you win an Oscar or something?"


    Luna''s expression faltered for a moment.


    "You little..." she snapped, but quickly recovered, pressing her hand to her chest


    as if feeling faint. She bent over and started to fake a gagging sound. >


    Halsey frowned. "Luna, what are you up to now?"


    Luna stopped, her face pale. She looked at Wendy, her tone almost pitiful. "Wendy, I''ve been feeling really offtely-1


    y-I''m always tired and nauseous, You studied medicine, right? Can you check my pulse and see what''s wrong?"


    Cecelia opened her mouth to speak, but Wendy held up her hand. "Okay, I''ll check."


    Wendy reached out, gently cing her fingers on Luna''s wrist.


    After a few moments, her delicate fingers stilled.


    She looked up at Luna.


    Luna''s eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Wendy, what''s wrong with me?"


    Wendy pulled her hand back and, with an icy calmness, said "You''re pregnant." What?


    Halsey and Cecelia both jumped in shock, unable to stayposed. "You''re pregnant? Who''s the father?"


    Luna smiled at Wendy, a sly glint in her eyes. "Wendy, when I was with Mr. Hawk, he didn''t use protection. I''m carrying his child."


    Luna was pregnant-with Stanley''s child.


    Wendy had already suspected Luna might be pregnant when she had seen Luna bending over to vomit, but hearing it confirmed aloud still made her fingers tighten into a fist.


    Halsey and Cecelia exchanged a stunned nce, unable to believe what they were hearing.


    Just then, a deep, maic voice cut through the tension.


    "What are you all doing here?"


    Wendy looked up and saw Stanley, standing tall and imposing in the doorway.


    Stanley was here!


    Luna''s face lit up with excitement, and she quickly rushed to his side. "Mr. Hawk, I have some great news to tell you."


    Stanley gave her a brief nce. "What''s the news?"


    "I''m pregnant!" Luna announced, her smile wide with triumph.


    She told Stanley about her pregnancy.


    Stanley''s lips curled into a thin, almost amused smile. ¡°Is the child mine?"


    ¡°Yes,¡± Luna confirmed eagerly. ¡°It happened that night. You''re going to be a father."


    Stanley''s handsome face remained impassive, without a flicker of emotion. "What do you want?"

 My Dad Please Come 246

    Luna''s face was flushed with a yful shyness. "Mr. Hawk, tomorrow is my birthday, and I''m nning to have a party. Would you considering to celebrate with me?"


    Luna was now a hotshot celebrity, her every move followed by the media and fans. If Stanley, the powerful business tycoon and the wealthiest man in Hovendale, attended her birthday party, it would secure her fame and fortune for a lifetime.


    Wendy''s clear eyes settled on Stanley, who simply nodded in response. "Alright."


    He had agreed to attend Luna''s party.


    Luna''s heart soared with joy. "Thank you, Mr. Hawk!".


    "Since you''re pregnant, you should take good care of yourself. You should go home and rest," Stanley said, his words of concern making Luna even happier. She ced her hand gently over her abdomen.


    "I''ll head home, then. Don''t worry! I''ll take good care of our baby. I''ll see you tomorrow."


    Luna shot a challenging nce at Wendy before walking away, her assistant following behind, a look of triumph on her face.


    Stanley stretched his long legs and walked over to Wendy.


    His gaze locked onto her delicate, wless face, his eyes lingering on her.


    "Mr. Hawk, what are you staring at? I forbid you from looking at Wendy!" Halsey mocked.


    "Mr. Hawk, you should go check on Luna. Looks like you''re going to be a dad!" Halsey added scathingly.


    Stanley ignored their teasing remarks. He reached out and grabbed Wendy''s slender wrist. "Come with me."


    Without waiting for her response, he started to drag her along.


    Wendy didn''t want to go with him. She yanked her arm in protest. "Let go of me!" "Mr. Hawk, stop! Let go of Wendy!" Halsey and Cecelia tried to stop him. However, Stanley didn''t listen. He slipped his hand around Wendy''s soft waist and lifted her effortlessly over his shoulder before turning and walking away.


    "Hey, Mr. Hawk, you can''t just kidnap her like that!" Halsey and Cecelia shouted while running after them, but they were blocked by Stanley''s bodyguards.


    All they could do was watch as Stanley took Wendy away.


    "What the hell is going on with him? Where is he taking Wendy?"


    Stanley forced Wendy into the back of his Rolls-Royce Phantom and drove her back to Imperial Garden.


    Wendy hadn''t expected him to bring her back here. Unwilling toe here, she didn''t get out of the car.


    Before she could protest, Stanley had already lifted her onto his shoulder and carried her inside.


    Wendy''s t stomach pressed ufortably against his broad shoulder: She clenched her fists, hitting him with all her might. "Let go of me!"


    The housekeeper heard the noise and immediately rushed over. "Mr. and Mrs. Hawk."


    Stanley walked straight into the living room, casually throwing Wendy onto the soft sofa.


    The moment Wendy touched the cushions, memories from that night came flooding back. She pushed herself up with her arms, but in the next instant, Stanley was on one knee beside her. He grasped her slender wrist and pressed her back down onto the couch.


    "Stanley, don''t touch me! Let go!" Wendy struggled fiercely, her body squirming beneath him like a trapped bird. With her hands immobilized, she kicked him as hard as she could.


    Damn, she was relentless!


    0


    Stanley''s eyes burned with dangerous intensity, and his breath grew heavier. "Wendy, if you keep struggling, we''ll just repeat what happened that night.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 247

    What did he just say?>


    Wendy''s eyes widened in shock. He had gotten Luna pregnant, and was still saying things like that to her?


    Shame and fury swelled inside her, and she spat at him, "You''re despicable!"


    Stanley looked down at her with those sharp, striking eyes. Wendy''s long, silky ck hair was messily spread out on the couch, her delicate face framed by eyes that were as clear as day, staring at him with a mix of anger and hurt. The sight was almost identical to the one in his dreams.


    At that moment, all his memories came rushing back.


    Stanley''s lips curled into a faint smile. "Why call me that? What exactly makes me despicable? Tell me." Though she had sharp words, Wendy was still awkward when it came to insults. Her voice, soft and weak, could only manage a few words like "annoying" or "despicable" it was almost childlike.


    Wendy red at him. "What do you want from me? If you ever try to find me again, I''ll tell Luna. She''s carrying


    my hand." your child, and she can''t handle stress. You''d better not forge


    Her mentioning Luna made Stanley''s eyes sh with a cold cutting sharpness. Since Luna had dared to trick him, he was adamant about making her regret it tomorrow.


    "Wendy, are you angry? Is it because of Luna? Because she''s pregnant?" Stanley''s voice was low, his words almost testing her.


    Wendy''s face turned pale and flushed in quick session. Anger, shame, and sadness all washed over her. She straightened up suddenly and, without thinking, bit down on his Adam''s apple.


    6


    That was a sensitive, vulnerable spot for men, and Stanley winced in pain. His long, sharp eyes turned bloodshot as he sat up. He then reached out to pull Wendy into his arms and sit her on hisp.


    He was dressed in a ssic white shirt and ck pants, a perfect example of a polished, handsome businessman.


    Wendy, on the other hand, was in a white sweater and a ck pleated skirt-she looked every bit the innocent college girl.


    But at that moment, as Stanley held her, it almost felt as though a sessful businessman was cradling a pretty student, the contrast strikingly obvious.


    "Mr...."


    The housekeeper, holding a tea tray, walked out of the kitchen, but her words faltered when she saw the scene in the living room.


    The older maids at Imperial Garden were quick to blush when seeing Stanley holding Wendy like that. They immediately turned around and returned to the kitchen, unwilling to watch any further.


    Stanley''s long fingers ran through Wendy''s hair, gently cupping the back of her head.


    She still hadn''t let go of his throat, and in a soft voice, he whispered, "Wendy, I''m sorry." His lips brushed against her ear as he apologized, his voice low and hoarse.


    Wendy froze. Slowly, she let go of him.


    A small, delicate bite mark appeared on his throat-a reminder of her fierce nature.


    She really did like to bite.


    There were already so many marks of hers on him.


    "I won''t ept your apology!" Wendy pushed him away and tried to stand up.


    But Stanley''s strong arm reached out, pulling her back onto hisp. He held her tightly from behind, burying his handsome face in her long, dark hair again. He whispered once more, "Wendy, I''m sorry."


    Wendy had no idea what he was trying to do. Was he ying the carrot or stick approach?


    She didn''t want that.


    "Let me go! Don''t touch me! Go find Luna!" She struggled, trying to pry his fingers off her.


    Stanley''s lips tightened. "Luna and I didn''t-


    0


    He began to exin, but before he could finish, a loud knock echoed from the door.


    Halsey and Cecelia had followed them here. They were shouting from the other side of the door, "Let Wendy out now!"


    Stanley''s brows furrowed in irritation.


    Wendy took this opportunity to push him off forcefully and scrambled to her feet. Without another word, she ran toward the door..


    +25 BCAUS

 My Dad Please Come 248

    "Wendy, are you okay? What did Mr. Hawk bring you here for?"


    Halsey and Cecelia quickly grabbed Wendy as she stood there, trying to process everything


    Wendy furrowed her brows, still confused about what Stanley was doing. He had brought her to Imperial Garden and then said "sorry" twice-it was very out of character for him.


    But then she remembered Luna''s pregnancy, and her frustration toward Stanley faded. She didn''t want to waste any more time on him.


    "Let''s just go," she said, her voice t.


    "Alright," Halsey and Cecelia agreed.


    The three of them left, and Stanley remained on the couch, his expression darkening as he masked the lust that flickered in his eyes.


    Just then, Zayn entered and reported in a low voice, "Mr. Hawk, I''ve found something."


    Stanley looked up. "Go on."


    "It turns out Luna has a boyfriend in the countryside. He loves her very much, and he works the dirtiest and hardest jobs on a construction site to earn money so she can go to college. They''ve been sleeping together, and the child in Luna''s belly is his."


    Stanley''s lips curled into a cold, bitter smile. "Tomorrow is her birthday, right? Make sure we prepare her a very special gift."


    Zayn understood immediately. "Got it, Mr. Hawk."


    Stanley''s gaze sharpened as he looked at Zayn. "That night, it wasn''t Luna-it was Wendy who came to find me at the hospital. I''m surprised you didn''t know that. I don''t want this to happen again."


    Zayn immediately apologized, a little embarrassed. "I''m sorry, Mr. Hawk. I didn''t expect Mrs. Hawk toe looking for you. Looks like she still has feelings for you."


    Did she?


    That night, after being drugged with the aphrodisiac incense, he had driven to the hospital to see her, thinking she would refuse him.


    But she hadn''t.


    She hade.


    She was willing.


    The next day.


    Wendy, Halsey, and Cecelia arrived at the Gold Vista Hotel, only to discover that Luna''s birthday party was being held there.


    The party was a big event-crowded with fans and media journalists.


    Wendy spotted Luna, the star of the day.


    Luna wore a stunning custom pink gown and had her hair styled in a princess braid. Her youthful, beautiful face shone with radiance as she posed for photos with her fans.


    The fans were all praising her.


    "Luna, you''re gorgeous!"


    "You''re everything I hoped for. You''re just breathtaking."


    "Luna, can you sign something for me?"


    Her manager, Ynda, stepped forward. "Luna, it''s time to start the party."


    Luna grinned. "Ynda, let''s wait a little longer. There''s a very important mystery guest who hasn''t arrived yet."


    The fans and journalists were all curious. "Ms. Fisher, who''s this mystery guest?"


    Luna winked yfully, her voice sweet. "It''s a secret for now."


    Halsey and Cecelia exchanged looks of disbelief. "Some people are just disgustingly cheap."


    Wendy, who had originally nned to stay and eat, suddenly lost her appetite. "Let''s eat somewhere else."


    "Yeah, I can''t stomach being here either."


    The three of them turned to leave, but just then, Luna spotted Wendy from across


    the hall. She immediately walked over with a smug look on her face.


    "Wendy, are you here for my birthday party?"


    Wendy looked at her, seeing the clear sense of pride in Luna''s expression.


    "No."


    Luna only smiled wider. "What''s wrong? Mr. Hawk will be here soon to attend my


    party. As my good friend, why don''t you stay and witness the happiest moment of my life?"

 My Dad Please Come 249

    Luma''s eyes shone with pride-she couldn''t wait to unt her happiness in front of Wendy.


    Wendy''s gaze remained cold, and she didn''t respond.


    Luna ced her hand on her small belly, a smug smile curling her fips. "Wendy, you''re not jealous of me, are you? Some people have to take the morning-after pill after a night and even faint from the allergies, while I get pregnant and am showered with love. Life sure isn''t fair, is it?"


    "Hey!" Halsey and Cecelia both moved as if to say something, but Wendy raised a hand to stop them.


    "Let''s go," she said softly, her voice level.


    With that, Wendy turned on her heel and walked away.


    Halsey and Cecelia quickly followed. "Wently, why didn''t you let us put her in her ce?"


    Wendy gave a bitter, almost self-deprecating smile. "Why bother? She''s just telling the truth."


    She took the morning-after pill and fainted from an allergic reaction. Meanwhile, Luna got pregnant and became a huge star.


    It was painfully obvious who Stanley loved and didn''t.


    Luna knew exactly how to sting Wendy. Every word felt like a needle, sharp and deliberate, lodging itself in Wendy''s heart, always causing a faint ache.


    The three women were waiting for the elevator when a group of people approached. At the front was that tall, handsome figure-Stanley had arrived.


    Stanley was apanied by Zayn and others. The hotel manager greeted them personally. "Mr. Hawk, please, allow us to take the VIP elevator."


    The manager activated the VIP elevator.


    Stanley had indeede. He was here for Luna''s birthday party.


    It made sense. Luna was carrying his child, after all. He would certainly be here.


    Just then, Stanley''s gaze swept over to Wendy, and their eyes met for a brief moment.


    "Come in," he said, his voice steady.


    He was inviting them into the VIP elevator.


    The manager immediately stepped aside for thedies. "Please join us."


    Wendy hesitated, not wanting to go in, She still couldn''t understand why Stanley had apologized to herst night, but she wasn''t about to forgive him. She didn''t want to share an elevator with him, and honestly, she hadn''t expected to run into him today.


    But Halsey and Cecelia, one on each side, pulled her into the elevator anyway. They weren''t afraid of him. They had no reason to.


    Wendy sighed inwardly.


    She nced at Stanley again. Today, he was wearing a custom ck suit, looking every bit the aloof, handsome businessman. He was surrounded by people, his demeanor cold and detached.


    Stanley had looked at her for a moment, then turned away, not bothering to nce in her direction again.


    Wendy stepped into the corner, trying to distance herself from him.


    They both acted like strangers.


    Just then, the hotel manager spoke up. "Mr. Hawk, what happened to your Did you get bitten?"


    The manager had sharp eyes and noticed the small bite marks on Stanley''s throat.


    The room fell silent, all eyes focusing on Stanley''s neck.


    "Mr. Hawk, it really does look like you were bitten."


    Wendy stood in the corner, deliberately keeping to herself. She didn''t want anyone to pay attention to her.


    neck?


    But the sudden attention to the bite marks, made her spine stiffen. She could feel her back straighten in response, her body tense.


    She heard Stanley''s voice, low and smooth, exining matter-of-factly, ¡°Yeah, I was bitten, by a little puppy."


    "A puppy?"


    Stanley let out a faint, ambiguousugh. "I''ve got a puppy. It''s not well-behaved, always biting me."


    "You have a puppy? How lucky the puppy must be to have you as its owner!"


    The crowd started to murmur in admiration, clearly envious.


    Wendy, feeling utterly speechless, remained silent.


    The elevator soon arrived with a soft ding, and she quickly stepped out.


    Halsey and Cecelia followed, calling after her. "Wendy, why are you rushing? Wait for us!"


    Stanley watched as Wendy walked away, a slow, almost unnoticeable smile tugging at the corners of his lips.


    Just then, his phone buzzed with a new message. It was from Luna.

 My Dad Please Come 250

    Luna couldn''t wait any longer. She texted Stanley, [Mr. Hawk, have you arrived?]


    Stanley''s eyes darkened, turning as deep and cold as an abyss. He replied with one simple word. [Yes.]


    At the birthday party, Luna''s heart soared when she saw his reply. Stanley was here!


    What a shame that Wendy wasn''t around to see this. Luna Wanted Wendy to witness this moment so badly!


    Luna grinned widely and turned to the crowd. "Everyone, the birthday party can officially begin! The special guest I''ve been waiting for has arrived."


    "Luna, who''s this special guest?"


    "Ms. Fisher, stop teasing us! Please bring out this VIP guest. We can''t wait to see!"


    Luna smiled mischievously. "Alright, let''s wee him now!"


    The doors to the banquet hall swung open, and all eyes turned toward them. Then, someone walked in.


    Luna eagerly rushed forward, ready to greet the guest. "Mr..."


    But before she could say "Mr. Hawk", she froze in her tracks.


    The person who entered wasn''t Stanley. It was her boyfriend, Danny Moreno.


    Danny, still in his work uniform, had rushed over from the construction site. He walked up to Luna with a big smile. "Luna, happy birthday!"


    Luna stood still in shock. Why was Danny here? Where was $tanley?


    For all these years, Danny had been working hard on the construction site to pay for her college. In truth, Luna had been using him.


    She had the looks and the body, and Danny was just her stepping stone-she believed she was out of his league.


    She wanted a man like Stanley, someone powerful and rich. She had dreamed of bing a star, marrying a wealthy man, and escaping her poor origins to climb to the top.


    She


    had kept her rtionship with Danny a secret, and no one knew about them. But now, here he was, showing up at her birthday party.


    Everyone was staring at Danny. "Luna, who is this?"


    "Ms. Fisher, is this the special guest you were waiting for?"


    The sight of Danny in his work uniform had already caused whispers among the fans and journalists.


    Luna''s face turned pale. She couldn''t let anyone find out about her rtionship with Danny. She stared at him, her voice shaking with panic. "Who are you? I don''t know you. You''ve got the wrong person. Today''s my birthday. You need to leave now!"


    Luna started to push him away.


    Danny reached out to grab her arm. "Luna, what''s wrong? I''m your boyfriend!"


    ]]


    +25 80404


    Boyfriend?


    The crowd gasped, stunned by the revtion. "Ms. Fisher is dating a construction worker?"


    Luna''s eyes shed with panic. She had no idea how Danny had ended up here, but he was ruining everything This was the worst possible timing!


    "I don''t know this man! Security, get him out of here!" Luna started calling for the security staff.


    Danny grew desperate. He rushed forward and wrapped his brins around her, holding her tightly. "Luna, why won''t you admit I''m your boyfriend? Now that you''re a star are you ashamed of me? Do you think I''m not good enough for you?"


    "1..."


    Before Luna could say anything, Danny pulled out his phone and quickly shed a picture in front of the camera. "Look, this is a photo of me and Luna together! I''m her boyfriend. I''ve spent years working on the construction site to pay for her education. I''ve spent hundreds of thousands on her. Luna promised that when she graduated, we''d get married!"


    He swiped through more photos, showing intimate pictures of them hugging and kissing-clearly showing they were a couple.


    The room erupted into chaos.

 My Dad Please Come 251

    Luna had invited several media reporters to her birthday party. She was at the height of her poprity, so all the media had shown up, paying her the respect she deserved.


    She had nned to use this moment to elevate herself even further-but then Danny showed up, bringing shocking news that flipped everything upside down.


    The room erupted as the reporters immediately began snapping photos, their cameras clicking frantically.


    "Ms. Fisher, so you really do have a boyfriend?"


    "Wait, so you only got into college because your boyfriend supported you by working construction?"


    "Was your innocent, pure image just a lie to deceive your fans and the public?"


    Luna had not anticipated such a sudden turn of events, and the situation quickly spiraled out of control. Panicking, she yelled, "No photos! Stop taking photos!"


    It was then that she unintentionally looked up to the second floor. Standing by the ornate balcony railing was a tall, dignified figure-Stanley Hawk.


    Stanley had arrived. He stood there, observing everything from above, his gaze sweeping over the chaos below.


    Luna''s face went pale.


    This was bad-Stanley now knew she had a boyfriend, but she couldn''t let him learn the whole truth.


    "That''s it for the birthday party today!"


    Luna spun around, intent on leaving. She didn''t want to be there anymore. She had to get out of there, fast.


    But Danny reached out and grabbed her arm. "Luna, where are you going?" "Let go of me!"


    "Luna, how much longer do you n on hiding your pregnancy from me?"


    What?


    Luna froze, staring at him in disbelief. How did Danny know she was pregnant? "Wh-what are you talking about? I don''t understand..."


    Danny immediately pulled out a document and held it up. "This is your pregnancy report from the hospital. Are you still going to deny it?"


    Luna had indeed gone to the hospital for a checkup just a few days ago, but how did Danny end up with her pregnancy report?


    Without thinking, she snatched the report from his hands. How do you have this?"


    "Someone gave it to me."


    Someone? Who could this "someone" be?


    "Luna, why didn''t you tell me


    you were pregnant with my child? What are you trying to do?"


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Luna shouted, her voice trembling with anger. ¡°The baby in my belly isn''t yours!"


    It had to be Stanley''s.


    And now, Stanley was standing upstairs. No, the truth couldn''te out!


    "Luna, you''re one month pregnant. A month ago, I came over to give you money, and we stayed at a little moret that night. You were so wann and affectionate, saying you wanted to reward me for my hard work. We didn''t use protection, and that was when the baby was conceived."


    Luna''s breath quickened. ¡°Enough! Stop talking! Shut up!"


    Danny continued, ¡°We''ve been sleeping together for a long time. You gave me your virginity before you even started college. Don''t you remember?"


    It was over. She was done for.


    Luna didn''t need to look up to know that Stanley''s gaze was fixed on her from the second floor. She could feel it- he was looking at her, his eyes cold, watching her unravel as her lies were exposed.


    Her hands clenched into fists. "Danny, stop talking! Please, I''m begging you-just stop!"


    Danny fell silent, but the sound of cameras snapping echoed loudly around them. The reporters surged forward, surrounding her in an instant.


    "Luna, are you pregnant?"


    "The popr innocent girl dating a construction worker, now unwed and pregnant-this is explosive news!"


    "Luna, is your n to kick your boyfriend to the curb after bing famous?"

 My Dad Please Come 252

    "So many resources have been poured into you recently. Did yournd yourself a sugar daddy?"


    The reporters'' questions grew sharper, their words cutting through the air. Luna''s face turned pale as she nced at the fans surrounding her.


    The admiration they once held for her quickly vanished. One by one, they began to shout insults.


    "We were blind!"


    "We thought we were supporting an innocent girl, but turns out she''s just a cheap woman!"


    "We''re leaving!"


    Without a second nce, the fans turned their backs on her walking away.


    Luna realized it was over. She had hoped her birthday party wouldunch her to


    new heights, but instead, it hadpletely destroyed her.


    One moment she was on top of the world, the next she had fallen hard, plummeting into the depths of despair.


    What could she do now?


    Luna lifted her eyes to the man standing on the second floor. Stanley, standing tall, looked down on her from above, his narrow eyes as cold and deep as a frozenke. His piercing gaze was suffocating, like a death sentence.


    He knew. He knew everything.


    Two bodyguards in ck suits shoved Luna up the stairs. "Move it!"


    She stumbled, losing her footing, and with a loud thud, fell to her knees on the plush carpet.


    Stanley, standing by the ornate balcony, turned his body slightly, his sharp gaze falling on her.


    Luna trembled uncontrobly. "M-Mr. Hawk, please let me exin..."


    Stanley''s presence was chilling, his lips barely moving as he said, ¡°Sure. Exin why you''ve been pretending to be Wendy."


    Luna''s heart skipped a beat. She had hoped Stanley hadn''t figured out about Wendy, but now her worst fear was


    confirmed.


    She froze in shock. "You knew, Mr. Hawk?"


    Stanley''s lips curled into a cruel smile, the coldness in his eyes deepening.


    Just then, Danny walked into the roonf. "Mr. Hawk."


    Luna''s shock deepened. "How do you know Mr. Hawk?"


    Danny shot her a disappointed look. "Mr. Hawk gave me the pregnancy report. He also arranged for me toe to your birthday party. If not for him, I never would''ve seen your true colors."


    Luna gasped, the realization hitting her like a ton of bricks. Stanley had known the truth all along...stead of confronting her directly, he yed the game, using Danny to push her from the heights of sess straight into the depths of ruin.


    $


    A chill ran through Luna''s bones as the gravity of her situation settled in. She had unknowingly crossed paths with someone far more dangerous than she had ever imagined.


    "M-Mr. Hawk, I''m sorry! I was wrong. That night, you slept with Wendy, and I pretended to be her... I was just so jealous of her. Why could she have you, and I couldn''t... Please, I beg you, forgive me! I won''t do it again..."


    Luna could only grovel and beg for mercy.


    Stanley looked at her with disdain, his coldness cutting through her like a knife. If


    it weren''t for Wendy, he would have never even remembered her existence.


    "I''m taking back all the resources given to you. You''ll be cklisted across all tforms. Your dream of being a star is over. And I''ll make sure you''re expelled from vendale University. Pack your things and leave Hovendale. Don''t ever dirty my eyes with your presence again."


    Tears streamed down Luna''s face. She had worked so hard to get into vendale University, and now it was all falling apart. She had just tasted the sweet life of being adored by fans, but now it was all gone!


    The wealth and fame she had so longed for were nothing more than fleeting illusions, vanishing before her eyes.


    Stanley took a long stride, turning to leave.


    "Mr. Hawk... Mr. Hawk, please don''t..." Luna sobbed, pleading for mercy.


    Stanley paused, casting a brief nce over his shoulder. "A wise person knows their limits. Do you think you deserve to be jealous of Wendy? To pretend to be her? That will be the biggest regret of your life."


    Today''s Bonus Offer


    3

 My Dad Please Come 253

    With that, Stanley turned and walked away.


    Luna was consumed by an overwhelming fear. In her moment of greed, she had pretended to be Wendy, and now Stanley had made it clear that this would be the decision she would regret for the rest of her life.


    She was beyond doomed.


    Luna turned to look at Danny, the only person she thought could save her now.


    Though Danny came from humble beginnings, he was hardworking and ambitious. Over the years, he had spent hundreds of thousands on her. Whenever something happened with her family, he was the first one to step in and take care of it. She couldn''t afford to lose him now.


    "Danny, I''m sorry. It''s all my fault... Please, take me home. I''ll make things right, and we can start over together... "Luna sobbed, grabbing Danny''s hand.


    But Danny pulled his hand away with force, his expression cold. "Luna, you can''t stay in Hovendale anymore. Now that you''ve hit rock bottom, you think of me. I''ve seen your true nature. Someone as greedy as you doesn''t deserve any sympathy."


    Without another word, Danny turned and walked away.


    "Danny, don''t leave me! Don''t you remember? I''m carrying your child! You can''t just abandon me!"


    Danny nced at her belly, his expression indifferent. "That child is just a tool for you. You''re not fit to be a mother. For the sake of that baby, you should go to the hospital and get rid of it."


    With that, Danny walked away, his footsteps echoing in the distance.


    Luna had lost everything. Her dreams had shattered, and she was left with nothing.


    "No! You can''t do this to me! What am I supposed to do now?" Luna cried, her voice breaking.


    Wendy, Halsey, and Cecelia had just finished dinner at a restaurant and were heading outside.


    "Wendy, how do you think Luna''s birthday party went?"


    "Mr. Hawk attended her birthday party, and she''s carrying his child. She''s probably on her way to the top now."


    "He''s such a jerk!"


    Halsey and Cecelia couldn''t help but express their disgust for both Stanley and Luna


    Wendy just smiled, but before she could say anything, a loud voice suddenly rang out. "Stop! Don''t run!"


    A person, clearly in a panic, came running toward them and tripped, falling at Wendy''s feet.


    Wendy looked down, her eyes widening in surprise. The person who had fallen was none other than Luna.


    Luna was filthy, her hair a tangled mess. Her clothes were covered in rotten eggs and spoiled vegetables. A few fans were chasing her, shouting insults as they ran. "Luna, you liar! Don''t run!"


    "Luna?"


    Halsey and Cecelia were stunned, staring at her in disbelief


    Luna had be a pariah, hated by everyone. She hadn''t expected to crash right in front of Wendy. Her dignity had been crushed underfoot, leaving only humiliation, pain and disgrace.


    At that moment, she suddenly remembered when Wendy had rushed to help her during the incident at the Gold Vista Hotel.


    At that time, Wendy had truly treated her as a friend,


    Tears welled up in Luna''s eyes, and she quickly stood up and ran. "Please, stop following me!" Halsey and Cecelia were left speechless. "Wendy, is that really Luna? What happened to her?" Wendy watched Luna''s retreating figure with confusion. What had happened to her?


    Later, the three girls returned to their dorm and turned on the TV to an entertainment channel.


    The host was excitedly announcing, "Breaking news! The once-innocent Luna, who shot to fame and was beloved by fans, is now exposed for dating a construction worker and being pregnant out of wedlock. Her image is shattered!"


    The screen switched to footage from the birthday party, showing everything that had happened after Danny''s arrival.


    Halsey jumped in shock. "What?! Luna has a boyfriend?"

 My Dad Please Come 254

    Cecelia was stunned. "Wait, what? She''s pregnant out of wedlock? So the baby in Luna''s belly isn''t Mr. Hawk''s- it''s her boyfriend''s?".


    Wendy had a feeling something must have happened at the birthday party, but she didn''t expect it to be like this.


    Luna had a boyfriend, and the baby in her belly belonged to him.


    So, what did that mean about Luna''s rtionship with Stanley?


    At that moment, there was a knock on the door.


    "Who is it?"


    Wendy went to open the door, only to be greeted by the tall, handsome figure of Stanley standing outside.


    She froze for a moment. What was he doing here? This was the girls'' dorm!


    Wendy didn''t want to talk to him and tried to close the door


    But Stanley ced his hand against the door, blocking it, his tall frame standing in


    the doorway as his dark eyes met hers. "Wendy, I need to talk to you."


    "I don''t want to hear it."


    "You don''t have a choice."


    With a powerful push, Stanley forced the door open and walked inside.


    Halsey quickly excused herself. "You two talk. We''ll step out for a bit."


    She wanted to give them some space.


    But Cecelia didn''t want to leave. "I don''t want to go-ugh!"


    Before she could finish her sentence, Halsey covered her mouth and dragged her out.


    Halsey turned back to add, "We won''t be back tonight."


    She closed the door gently behind them, leaving Wendy alone with Stanley.


    Stanley stood in front of Wendy, his tall, imposing figure casting a shadow over her. "I haven''t done anything with Luna. I never touched her."


    Wendy shivered slightly, looking up at him with wide, clear eyes. "Do you think I''m going to believe that?"


    Luna had a boyfriend, but that didn''t prove she hadn''t been involved with Stanley. If Stanley hadn''t been with Luna, why would he have invested so many resources in her?


    Stanley stood with the light behind him, his lips pressed tightly together. "If I


    touched her, I''d admit it. But I didn''t. I''m not the type of man who''s too cowardly to own up to something like that."


    Wendy fell silent


    This man really was arrogant. Though to be fair, Stanley didn''t seem like the type to shy away from the truth.


    So, why did you-


    "She was pretending to be you.¡±


    What?


    Wendy blinked, stunned.


    Stanley''s gaze was fixed on her delicate face, his voice dropping to a low, seductive tone. "Wendy, after you left that day, Luna came in. The first thing I saw when I opened my eyes was Luna lying beside me. She told me she had spent the night with me."


    Wendy was in shock as everything clicked into ce.,


    That morning, Luna had deliberately called her away. As soon as she left, Luna snuck in and pretended to be her.


    It was all part of Luna''s plot.


    Luna had yed her while stringing Stanley along. She had been eyeing Stanley from the start.


    "Wendy." Stanley stepped closer, lowering his voice as he exined, "The resources I gave Luna, the fame I pushed her toward, all of it... It was because I thought of her as you."


    They were standing very close now, his breath brushing against her soft cheek, an unspoken tension in the air, pulling at her emotions.


    He had thought of Luna as her.


    Wendy turned her face away, her voice cold as ice. "I see. Now that you''ve said your piece, you can leave."


    She was dismissing him.


    Stanley''s lips curled into a small, amused smile. ¡°Just like that? Are you really going to let me walk away?"


    Today''s Bonus Offer

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    "What else do you expect?" Wendy shot back


    The light in the girls'' dormitory was soft, casting a gentle glow on her delicate face. Her skin looked so smooth, almost as if it could break with a breath. Even the fineyer of peach fuzz on her cheeks appeared glistening and


    soft.


    Stanley''s sharp, handsome features softened as a smile spread across his face. "Don''t you have anything to say about that night?"


    That night...


    Wendy hadn''t thought about that evening in a long time, but now, hearing him bring it up, the memories rushed back.


    Two figures, one hard and one soft, entwined on the couch.


    Sweat and pleasure intertwined, and it all ended in a burst of fireworks, filling the air with the remnants of the explosion.


    He had been on top of her, calling her name.


    "Wendy."


    Wendy lifted her gaze to meet his, their eyes locking. Stanley was looking at her, deeply, his gaze unwavering.


    Her face, the size of a palm, flushed bright red. Because of Luna, she had thought he''d forgotten that night, but now, seeing the little reflection of herself in his eyes, she realized that he hadn''t.


    He remembered, just as she did.


    "I don''t want to say anything," she muttered, trying to turn and leave.


    But Stanley, tall and imposing, blocked her path.


    1


    She moved left.


    He moved left with her.


    She moved right.


    He moved right as well.


    He was yfully yet forcefully trapping her in his shadow.


    Wendy red at him, exasperated. "What are you doing?"


    Stanley smirked, his voice low and teasing, "What do you want?"


    Wendy didn''t understand what he meant. Was he trying to make up for what had happened that night? After all, he had poured so many resources into Luna, practically turning her into a superstar overnight, surrounded by fans and admirers.


    "I don''t want anything," Wendy said while pushing past him and trying to escape. But Stanley''s arms snaked around her from behind, pulling her tight against him.


    His lips brushed against her ear, and he whispered, "Wendy, I always thought you didn''te that night. I didn''t know it was you."


    $4


    Hisrge hand moved to her t stomach, gently making circles there, his voiceced with tenderness as he said, " You fainted after taking the morning-after pill that day. Your stomach must''ve hurt a lot, right?"


    He pressed a kiss to her pale ear, then buried his face in her long hair, nting soft kisses along her neck. "I''m sorry for making you face that night alone."


    At that moment, Wendy''s heart stirred.


    He said he was sorry for making her deal with that night by herself.


    He asked if her stomach had hurt.


    He said he thought she hadn''te.


    Stanley was truly a man who knew how to love andfort a woman. Wendy''s fair eyes started to fill with unshed


    tears.


    All the frustrations and pain from these past days seemed to open up, magnified by the gentle embrace and soothing words he offered.


    Stanley turned her in his arms, his strong hand guiding her waist as he pulled her to face him.


    Her bright, wide eyes were now glistening with tears. Stanley cupped her face in his hands, lowering his head to kiss her lips.


    Just then, a soft, ringing sound interrupted the moment. His phone.


    Wendy quickly pushed him away. "Someone''s calling you."


    Stanley reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. That was when he saw the name on the screen-Jessica.


    It was Jessica calling.


    Stanley nced at Wendy. She had already seen the name, and without a word, she stepped away from him.


    He reluctantly answered the call, and Jessica''s voice immediately came through.


    "Stanley, where are you? Are you with Wendy again? Stanley, have you forgotten what you promised me? You said you were done with Wendy. You said you''d divorce her soon. You said you wouldn''t share a bed with her again! Have you forgotten all of that?"

 My Dad Please Come 256

    The dormitory was eerily quiet, and Jessica''s agitated voice but through the


    silence, sharp and clear enough for Wendy to hear every word.


    Wendy poured herself a ss of water and took a sip. For some reason, the water felt bitter in her meth


    Stanley didn''t say a word, but his handsome brows had already furrowed.


    "Stanley, I miss you so much. I need to see you right nowe over now!" Jessica''s voice rang out from the phone.


    Stanley gripped his phone tightly and with long, fneasured steps, walked out of the room.


    Wendy turned her head to watch his retreating figure. He was going to be with Jessica, wasn''t he? a


    She had almost forgotten-Luna was just a brief distraction, Jessica was the one he truly loved.


    One phone call, a few words, and he was gone.


    That night between them had meant nothing in the grand scheme of things.


    A bitter smile curled on Wendy''s lips.


    Stanley had reached the hallway when he frowned. "Jessica, I can''te right now."


    Jessica exploded. "Why?! Are you staying with Wendy? Stanley, listen to me: You have to choose between me and her. If you don''te tonight, you''ll regret it!"


    With a loud click, she hung up.


    Stanley pressed his lips into a cold, thin line.


    He stood still for a moment, holding his phone, and looked back at Wendy''s dorm.


    In the past, he would have rushed to find Jessica without a second thought. But now, he hesitated.


    At that moment, his phone chimed with a "ding", and a new notification appeared.


    It was a friend request from Cecelia.


    Cecelia had added him on social media.


    Stanley clicked ept.


    Immediately, Cecelia sent him a screenshot of her chat with Wendy.


    Wendy wrote, [Cecelia, a friend of mine was a virgin, and after she slept with her husband for the first time, the husband hasn''t contacted her or paid any attention to her. What does that mean?}


    This was the message Wendy had sent to her best friend after being distanced by Stanley.


    At the time, Cecelia hadn''t fully understood. [That means your friend didn''t satisfy her husband in bed. He got tired of her after just one time.]


    Now, Cecelia understood, so she sent the screenshot to Stanley.


    Cecelia had typed out several things in the message, but in the end, she only sent one sentence. [Wendy has suffered so much for loving you.]


    Wendy had suffered so much for loving him.


    Stanley''s heart, once hard as stone, began to soften before meltedpletely.


    During the time he had been mistaken about Luna, he couldn''t imagine the inner turmoil Wendy had experienced. Yet, she hadn''t said a word when he asked her to.


    Unlike Jessica, who would call him and yell at him if she felt wronged, Wendy kept everything inside.


    He remembered the look in her eyes earlier, wet with unshed tears-cold yet fragile, standing alone.


    Loving him had caused her so much suffering.


    Back in the dorm, Wendy stood alone for a long time. Her two delicate braids fell gently beside her face, and under the soft lighting, she appeared quiet, isted.


    Ding!


    Her phone on the bed rang, breaking her thoughts.


    Wendy turned, still holding the water cup.


    But the next moment, she crashed straight into a solid wall of muscle. Stanley had returned, standing right behind


    her.


    When Wendy saw him again, her mind went nk. "Why did youe back?"


    she asked, stunned.


    Why did hee back?


    Hadn''t he gone to be with Jessica?


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    Wendy never expected Stanley toe back. After hearing How demanding, Jessica had been on the phone, practically ordering him toe over, she thought he would go for sure,


    Jessica was his sweetheart, the one he always ran to. Even when he was drugged, just one call from Jessica could pull him away.


    This was the first time he hadn''t gone.


    Wendy wondered just how furious Jessica would be tonight


    Stanley looked at her. "What were you thinking just now?"


    He had stood behind her, watching her with her head lowered so quietly. He couldn''t tell what was on her mind.


    Suddenly, he remembered the girl he had met in the cave years ago. She had been just as quiet, just as isted. It made him want to cherish and protect her. Stanley didn''t know why, but something about Wendy reminded him of that girl from the past.


    Wendy didn''t want to answer. "I wasn''t thinking about anything."


    Stanley didn''t press her. He nced down at his wet shirt and trousers. When he had turned earlier, the water from her cup had sshed all over him. "My clothes are wet."


    Wendy quickly grabbed a tissue and started wiping him down. "I''m sorry. It was an ident."


    The white shirt clung to his body, and Wendy could almost see the muscles beneath. She wiped down further, moving past his waist and the ck belt, reaching his damp pants...


    "Wendy."


    His voice, low and husky, sounded from above her head.


    Wendy kept wiping, focused. "What is it?"


    "Was that on purpose?"


    What?


    Wendy froze. When she saw the distinct outline on his trousers, her face flushed a deep red.


    She stepped back several paces. "Of course not..."


    9


    Stanley gave her a quick nce. ¡°My clothes are wet. I''ll go take a shower. My assistant will bring me new clothes soon, and you can take them from him."


    With that, he turned and walked into the bathroom.


    The sound of water flowing soon echoed from behind the bathroom door. He was taking a shower.


    Wendy''s face was a fiery red. She didn''t do it on purpose. Why did he...


    Right then, a knock sounded at the door. Zayn had arrived.


    "Mrs. Hawk, these are Mr. Hawk''s clothes."


    "Okay."


    Wendy took the bag from him and pulled out the new shirt and trousers, His clothes were hand-washed by the


    *


    maid, soaked in fabric softener, and then ironed to perfection-stiff yet elegant. Wendy walked up to the bathroom door and knocked. "Your clothes are here."


    The sound of running water continued from inside, but Stanley''s deep voice came through. "Come in and leave them on the counter."


    She opened the door and stepped inside.


    He was in the shower, the frosted ss door obscuring him Wendy didn''t look in his direction as she ced the clothes on the counter. "I''ve ced them here."


    She turned to leave.


    But his voice stopped her. "Where''s the shower gel?".


    He was looking for the body wash.


    Today, she had ced her shower gel on the sink. Wendy picked it up and walked over to him. "It''s here."


    As the frosted ss door slid open, Wendy lowered her head, holding out the body wash.


    But Stanley didn''t take it.


    Her arm was growing tired.


    What was he doing?


    Wendy finally looked up, confused.


    And in that moment, her eyes met his. Stanley had a small, teasing smile on his


    lips as he looked at her. "Afraid to look at me?"!


    He was doing this on purpose!


    Wendy''s face burned brighter. "Forget it!"


    She turned to leave.


    But just as she did, Stanley grabbed her delicate wrist and pulled her into the bathroom.

 My Dad Please Come 258

    Wendy''s delicate back was pushed against the cold, white tiles of the bathroom wall. Warm water poured over her head, soaking her instantly. She raised her hands to push against the man in front of her.


    "What are you doing?"


    The water hit Stanley''s handsome face, trickling down his sharp, striking features.


    It ran from his pronounced Adam''s apple, down his muscr corbone, and further still...


    It was like a painting of a man bathing, a visual feast of pure beauty.


    Wendy''s heart raced as a fire ignited in her chest. She felt like a frightened deer, not knowing where to look, overwhelmed and panicked.


    Stanley pressed her against the wall, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Why are you so shy? Haven''t you seen every part of me before?"


    Wendy hadn''t expected him to pull her in like this. That night, he had been drugged, lost in a daze, but now he was fully awake.


    She had never been this close to him while he was sober, much less bathed with him before.


    ¡°Stanley, let me go! I want to leave!" Wendy struggled to escape.


    But Stanley wouldn''t let her go. He reached up, slipping something into her hair.


    Wendy nced at the mirror he had ced in front of her and saw him clip a yellow hairpin into her wet locks.


    Quickly, he added a pink one, then a green one.....


    Wendy froze. These were the hairpins she had seen when she was shopping with Halsey and Cecelia. She had wanted to buy them, but Luna had interrupted.


    He had gone back and bought all of them.


    Stanley watched her, his gaze softening as he took in the sight of her wet, jet- ck hair, her cool and ethereal features matching her perfect bone structure.


    She looked beautiful.


    The candy-colored hairpins added a youthful energy to her, giving her a yful and bright charm.


    Stanley''s lips brushed against the pins, kissing them softly. He pulled her close, his strong arm around her shoulder, holding her tightly in his embrace. He kissed her hair again.


    "So beautiful."


    Wendy''s body softened in his arms. She could barely stand, her knees weak.


    Stanley was always generous, especially when it came to rewarding those who pleased him, including with thoughtful gifts.


    Wendy still tried to push him away, her voice quiet but firm. "No, Stanley! Let me go!"


    Stanley held her close, his voice rough as he asked, "Wendy are you still going to find me a to help me with my issues in bed?"


    Wendy paused. This man really held a grudge, didn''t he? He was bringing that up


    now.


    erienced doctor


    Stanley pinched her delicate chin, forcing her to meet his gaze, not letting her look away. "Did I notst long enough? Or was I not hard enough? That night, you were so aroused. I heard you moaning. Your voice was so soft and sweet, like a little kitten."


    He remembered.


    Wendy''s face burned bright, the blush creeping all the way to her earlobes. She quickly pressed her hand to his mouth, her innocent features holding a touch of feisty charm. "Stop talking!"


    Stanley pulled her hand away and pinned it to the wall, He bent down, his body aligning with hers perfectly, his voice low. "Did you enjoy yourself that night?"


    Wendy struggled, still trying to cover his mouth, refusing to answer.


    Stanley''s gaze was intense, burning with desire. He leaned down and kissed her soft, red lips. "I really liked it."


    He said it.


    He said he liked it.


    In fact, he said he really liked it.


    Wendy''s clear, bright eyes were filled with emotion, her gaze flickering between surprise and anticipation.


    Stanley lowered his head, capturing her lips with his once more.


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 My Dad Please Come 259

    Wendy''s delicate body slid down toward the floor, but thankfully, Stanley''s strong arm was there to catch her, holding her soft waist.


    She felt like she was going to melt under his fiery kiss.


    Stanley reached down to undo her buttons, his voice deep and husky as he asked, "Do you have a condom?"


    Wendy shook her head. No, she didn''t. I


    "I''ll have Zayn bring one over," he said, about to grab his phone.


    Wendy quickly stopped him. He thought it was a normal request to have his secretary deliver a condom, but she felt that after this, she would never be able to face Zayn again.


    "Don''t..."


    Stanley''s lips trailed down to her soft neck, kissing lower. "Don''t what?"


    His short hair brushed against her and poked her tender jaw, making her feel both painful and ticklish. She threaded her small hands through his hair, trying to push him away. "Stanley, don''t."


    Her mind was a mess. She hadn''t nned to be intimate with him again. Everything today felt so chaotic. Stanley kissed her again. "I want you, Wendy."


    Wendy.


    He had called her the same way that night. He had whispered her name-Wendy.


    Her face flushed deeply. The hands that had been pulling on his hair slowly rxed before falling weakly onto his broad shoulder, and she found herself wrapping her arms around his neck.


    Stanley reached for his phone again.


    "No... It''s my safe period. I won''t get pregnant..." Her voice was fragile, breaking with emotion.


    Stanley smiled faintly, pulling her into another deep kiss.


    Late into the night, the sound of footsteps echoed down the corridor of the girls'' dormitory. The girls who had been out on dates were returning.


    "Did you hear that noise?"


    "What noise?"


    "It sounded like the bed creaking."


    "No, you must have heard wrong. Hurry up and go inside."


    Theyughed as they entered their rooms.


    On the bed, with sheets covered in pink hearts, Stanley wore a clean white shirt, but only one button was fastened, hanging loosely to reveal the muscles of his abdomen. His narrow eyes were dark with desi sitting on him.


    nd the girl was


    As he gripped her soft waist with hisrge, calloused hands, he coaxed her in a low voice, "Rx, they''ve gone


    inside."


    Her long, pure ck hair was disheveled, tangled around her fair, delicate skin, full of life and warmth. She pressed her head against Stanley''s shoulder, on the verge of tears. "Stanley, there''s someone out there..."


    Stanley kissed her gently. "Don''t worry. I''m here."


    His voice lingered in her mind.


    Wendy''s lips were numb from his kisses. From the beginning, Stanley had


    controlled everything. She had no choice but to surrender.


    "Wendy, when we were together that night, was it your first time? Had you never


    been with anyone else? Am I your first?" he asked, his voice strained.


    Wendy''s wet eyes met his. "Don''t you know the answer already?"


    "I want to hear it from you."


    Wendy nodded slowly. "I''ve never been with anyone else. Only you."


    That answer clearly pleased him. Stanley smirked.


    Wendy felt like a small sailboat tossed violently in the sea, thrown high by the roaring waves, only to crash back


    down.


    As she sank into the sensation, she suddenly heard him whisper hoarsely, "Me too."


    Me too. What did that mean?


    Wendy didn''t have time to think, and he didn''t offer any further exnation.


    At the Crone family''s vi, Jessica sat on the living room couch, her hand tightly


    gripping her phone as she dialed Stanley''s number again and again.


    It waste now, and she had asked Stanley toe and be with her.


    She was confident because, in the past, all it took was one call, and Stanley would rush to her side.


    Wendy wasn''t a threat to her at all.

 My Dad Please Come 260

    But today was different. No matter how long she waited, Stanley didn''te.


    Jessica, starting to panic, kept calling Stanley over and over-but all she heard on


    the other end was the cold, mechanical voice of the automated system.


    ÐÐ


    "Sorry, the number you are trying to reach is temporarily unavable. Please try againter."


    Stanley wasn''t answering her calls.


    Bang!


    In a burst of frustration, Jessica mmed her phone against the wall, her delicate face twisted in anger.


    "Jessica, don''t get upset. Your heart can''t stand it," Lilian said, trying to calm her down.


    Jessica shoved Lilian away.


    "How can I not be upset? Luna is useless! I thought her little pregnancy trick would work-that we could set up a situation where her baby would die at Wendy''s hands, and then Wendy would be ruined for good. But she''s such an idiot! Now Stanley knows that the woman from that night was Wendy. He''s probably with her right now!"


    Jessica was terrified that Stanley would discover the truth about that night. Now, her worst fear hade true- he had found out.


    They had been together for years, but had never crossed that line. Wendy was the first woman Stanley had ever been with. They say that a man never forgets his first woman.


    Jessica was truly scared now.


    Lilian''s face also darkened. Who would have thought Luna would be so ineffective?


    Now Stanley was with Wendy, and for the first time, he hadn''te to be with Jessica.


    This was a very dangerous sign.


    "Mom, I''m really scared. Do you think Stanley will find out the truth about what happened in that cave? Do you think he''ll realize that I''m not the girl from back then, and that Wendy was the one he''s been searching for all along?"


    Lilian''s face went pale. "Quiet, Jessica!"


    Jessica froze, quickly covering her mouth with her hand. Luckily, they were in their own house, and no one would


    hear.


    That secret needed to stay buried forever.


    "Jessica, never say that again. If Stanley finds out, it won''t just be you-it''ll be the end for our whole family!" Lilian warned.


    Stanley was a dangerous man. If he discovered the truth, the consequences would be unimaginable. They couldn''t let him find out.


    Jessica slumped onto the sofa. "Mom, we should never have let Wendy marry Stanley in my ce. We shouldn''t have let her get so close to him!"


    "Wendy''s just some poor country bumpkin, with no education and no job," Lilian spat. "I thought Mr. Hawk wouldn''t look twice at her. Who knew he''d be so slowly drawn to her!"


    +28 BONUS


    At first, both Lilian and Jessica had looked down on Wendy never considering her a real threa


    Perhaps fate had already decided things. Wendy hade into Stanley''s life, and now he was attracted to her.


    "Mom, what do we do now? We can''t just sit back and let this happen."


    Lilian thought for a moment. "We have to pull out all the stops this time, Jessica. We have to make sure we win Mr. Hawk over and get him to divorce Wendy." "What''s the n?"


    Lilian whispered something in Jessica''s ear.


    The next morning, Wendy slowly opened her eyes. As soon as she moved, every inch of her body ached, as though she had been run over by a truck.


    Now, she was lying in the warm embrace of a well-built man. Stanley was still asleep, his arm around her, holding her close.


    Wendy lifted her gaze to his handsome face.


    Even in sleep, he remained regal, as though untouched by the world. Who would have guessed that he, the high and mighty CEO, would spend a wild night with her in a girls'' dorm room?


    The most unattainable man in Hovendale, now lying in her bed, covered in pink love-heart sheets.


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 d Please Come 261

    Wendy reached out, her fingers trembling as she tried to touch Stanley''s handsome face.


    But before she could, his hand shot out and grabbed hers. Stanley blinked sleepily, his eyes still heavy with the remnants of sleep. He gently ced her hand on his lips, kissing it softly before turning to look at her.


    "Good morning."


    His voice was low and husky, the kind of voice that rumbled in his chest when he first woke up. He gazed at her with his dark eyes, a warmth in his expression.


    Wendy''s small face flushed a soft pink. "It''s gettingte. We should get up."


    Stanley pulled her soft body back into his arms. "Just a little longer," he murmured, still wanting to sleep.


    But Wendy pushed herself upright. "No, we can''t. This is a girls'' dorm, and everyone will wake up soon. You have to leave."


    Stanley''s narrow eyes twinkled mischievously, his handsome features showing amusement. "We spent the night together, and you want me to leave the moment you opened your eyes? I feel used."


    Wendy gave him an exasperated look, but didn''t say anything. She threw off the nket and tried to climb out of bed. The moment she stood, her slender body wobbled, and she slipped toward the floor.


    "Ah!" she gasped softly.


    Before she could hit the ground, a strong arm shot out and caught her around the waist, lifting her effortlessly.


    "Are you okay?" Stanley''s voice was soft but concerned as he held her securely in his arms.


    Of course, she wasn''t okay.


    Wendy clenched her small fist and punched him in the chest. It was oddly endearing.


    Her face, still free of makeup, was a soft shade of pink, and the yellow candy- colored hair clip, the only one left on her head, was now crooked.


    Her yful little expression said it all. She was ming him for the fall.


    Stanley''s low, amusedugh rumbled from deep in his chest. Her yful, innocent charm was always something he adored.


    He gently ced her back on the bed, then leaned over her. Still have some energy? How about a little morning workout?"


    He leaned down to kiss her.


    Morning workout?


    Wendy tried to dodge his advances. "Stanley, stop."


    They both tumbled over in a yful, tangled mess on the bed. At that moment, the


    air was thick with sweetness. It was probably what love smelled like.


    Then, Stanley''s hand slid under the pillow, and his fingers brushed something hard.


    "What''s under your pillow?" he asked, curious.


    It was the crystal pendant-the very one he had given her back in that cave all those years ago.


    Wendy stared at him. "You gave this to me."


    "Did 12"


    "Yeah," she said softly, lifting the pendant from under the pillow. She wanted to show him, to remind him of the


    past.


    She had always wondered if he remembered her-if he remembered that night. It seemed like he had forgotten.


    But as she held the pendant, his phone suddenly rang, cutting the moment short.


    Stanley answered it immediately, and Lilian''s frantic voice came through. "Mr. Hawk, you need to get to the hospital! Jessica cut her wrist!"


    Jessica had tried to kill herself.


    Wendy''s hand, still holding the crystal pendant, froze.


    Stanley''s expression tightened. The warmth andfort he had given her evaporated as he quickly stood and grabbed his clothes.


    "I''ll be right there."


    He hung up the phone and rushed to get dressed.


    Wendy sat on the bed, the crystal pendant still in her hand. Seeing Stanley so urgently rushing off, she quietly ced it back under the pillow.


    Last night had been a moment of passion, but now, reality was knocking at the door.


    Jessica had always been the barrier between Stanley and Wendy, a problem that could never be solved.


    Wendy stood up from the bed. "I''ll follow you to the hospital."

 My Dad Please Come 262

    Stanley nced at Wendy before nodding.


    "Alright."


    The two of them arrived at the hospital and entered the VIP ward, where they found Jessica.


    Jessicay in bed, her face pale. She was still unconscious, her breathing assisted by a venttor. Though her right wrist was wrapped in thick bandages, blood could be seen seeping through.


    Lilian rushed toward Stanley as soon as she saw him. "Mr. Hawk, you''re here!"


    But her movement froze when she noticed Wendy standing behind him. Her expression shifted instantly. "Why did you bring her here?"


    Wendy gazed at her mother-the one who birthed her-with cold, steady eyes.


    Lilian''s voice grew sharper with anger. "How dare you show your face here, Wendy! Last night, Jessica had heart problems and needed Mr. Hawk by her side. You knew that, but you wouldn''t let go of him! Look at what happened -Jessica cut her wrist! Are you happy now that you got what you wanted? You''re the one who pushed Jessica to kill herself! Get out of here!"


    In a fit of rage, Lilian grabbed a water cup and hurled it at Wendy.


    Crash!


    The cup hit Stanley''s head with a loud thud.


    Wendy didn''t feel the impact. Her vision darkened as a tall, broad figure stepped in front of her, shielding her.


    Looking up, she saw Stanley standing in front of her. The cup had struck his head, and blood began to trickle down his forehead.


    Wendy''s heart skipped a beat, her clear, dark eyes widening in shock. She hadn''t expected him to protect her like this.


    Lilian was equally stunned, her breath catching in her throat. "M-Mr. Hawk, why..."


    Stanley''s face remained impassive, his tall frame acting as a shield for the fragile Wendy behind him. He lifted his gaze to face Lilian. "I went to see herst night. If anyone''s to me, it''s me, not her. Leave her out of this."


    Stanley''s voice was firm, telling Lilian to leave Wendy out of this.


    Lilian''s face turned ashen.


    Wendy quickly stepped forward, gently pulling a towel from the bed to press it against Stanley''s wound. "Does it hurt?"


    Looking into her concerned eyes, Stanley shook his head. "I''m fine."


    Wendy''s heart softened. Grown ustomed to Lilian''s cruelty, she couldn''t


    understand why Stanley would protect her.


    At that moment, Jessica stirred in the bed, beginning to wake up.


    Lilian brightened. "Jessica''s awake!"


    *75 B


    Stanley immediately pulled Wendy''s small, trembling hand away from his forehead and walked toward the bed.


    Jessica appeared frail, her eyes weak as she slowly extended her left hand to Stanley. "Stanley."


    Stanley took her hand in his.


    Lilian immediatelyunched into a long-winded spiel.


    "Mr. Hawk, why didn''t youest night? Do you know how long Jessica waited


    for you? She didn''t sleep a wink. She waited for you all night!


    "I''m so worried about Jessica. She''s always had lieart problems. I brought her some chicken soup this morning, but when I entered, I found her copsed in a pool of blood


    "Her blood stained the carpet. We rushed her to the emergency room and they stitched her up. We were lucky to save her."


    Jessica''s eyes were red, filled with hurt and resentment. Her weak voice trembled as she asked, "Stanley, why didn''t youest night?"


    Stanley looked at her, his guilt and self-me overwhelming him.


    He had been with Wendy the whole night, while Jessica, waiting for him, had


    fallen into despair and chosen to end her life.


    Jessica''s gaze shifted to Wendy. "What''s she doing here? Tell her to leave! Stanley, I don''t want to see her. Please, ask her to go."


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 263

    Jessica didn''t want Wendy here.


    Wendy turned to look at Stanley.


    Still holding Jessica''s hand, he slowly lifted his gaze to meet hers.


    Their eyes locked.


    Before Stanley could speak, Wendy shifted her gaze and briefly nced at Jessica before offering a small, polite smile. "I''m d you''re okay. I''ll leave now."


    She turned and walked away.


    But she didn''t leave immediately. She stood outside the door, listening to the conversation inside.


    Jessica''s voice was filled with sorrow as she used Stanley, "Stanley, tell me. Did you sleep with Wendy?"


    Stanley looked at the door for a moment before his eyes settled back on Jessica''s pale face. "Jessica, I''m sorry."


    He admitted it.


    Jessica bit her lip. "Stanley, why? You told me you and Wendy were over!"


    Stanley''s expression darkened. Yes, he had told Jessica that he and Wendy were finished, but he couldn''t stop himself from seeking out Wendy.


    "Stanley, you''ve forgotten my warning. I told you not to touch Wendy, not to sleep with her! Now that it''s happened, I''m giving you a chance to make things right. I forgive you, but you have to choose between me and Wendy. I want you to divorce her immediately!"


    Wendy, standing just outside the door, heard those words. Once again, Jessica was forcing Stanley to make a


    choice.


    Would he choose Wendy or Jessica?


    Jessica was demanding that he divorce Wendy now.


    Wendy lowered her head, her whole body trembling slightly. After a long pause, she turned and walked away, the light from the hallway stretching her slender silhouette long and thin.


    Inside the VIP room, Stanley furrowed his brow. "Jessica..."


    "Stanley, is this choice so hard for you? I know Wendy is good at seducing men. She must have tricked you into bed. But sex and love are separate for men, right? You just used her to satisfy your physical needs, but you love me, right? Stanley, if I''m not the one you want to be with anymore, there''s no reason for me to live. I''ll kill myself right now!"


    With those words, Jessica became hysterical, sitting up and attempting to tear the bandages from her wrist. The wound began to bleed again, and the fresh blood soaked through the cloth, turning it crimson.


    Stanley''s face went pale as he rushed to stop her. "Jessica, what are you doing? Stop!"


    "Don''t stop me!" Jessica screamed, her eyes filled with fury and pain. "You want me dead, don''t you? I''ll make sure you''ll never have me again!"


    She pushed at Stanley, struggling so fiercely that she lost her bnce and fell off the bed, crashing to the floor.


    "Ah, Jessica!" Lilian screamed in panic.


    Stanley immediately reached out, pulling her into his arms. "Jessica, are you crazy?"


    Tears streamed down Jessica''s face. "Do you not want me anymore? Big Brother, you promised you''d be there for me! You''re my Big Brother, aren''t you?"


    Her calling him "Big Brother" made Stanley''s muscles tighten as veins bulged on his forehead. He held her tighter, his voice rough and reassuring. "I won''t leave you, promise."


    "Then divorce Wendy. I want you to divorce her!"


    The pain in Stanley''s eyes was palpable.


    Lilian spoke up, her voice desperate. "Mr. Hawk, you lost your way for a moment with Wendy. Jessica is the one you truly love. Ask yourself, who do you love- Wendy or Jessica?"


    In his mind, Stanley saw Wendy''s delicate face, the image of her sweet, innocent features. He closed his eyes, forcing the image of her away. The person he loved was always Jessica.


    Jessica was his little girl. He couldn''t let anything happen to her.


    When it came to choosing between Wendy and Jessica, there was no question.


    He would choose Jessica After a long silence, Stanley''s hoarse voice finally broke through.


    "Alright, I''ll divorce Wendy."

 My Dad Please Come 264

    Wendy returned to the girls'' dorm and was greeted by a video call from Halsey,


    Halsey''s bright, happy face appeared on the screen, her eyes mischievously dancing, "How did it gost night? Did you and Mr. Hawk, you know..."


    She wiggled her eyebrows, her expression full of yful insinuation.


    Wendy chuckled, trying to keep the mood light. "Why aren''t you back yet?"


    "I didn''t want to interrupt you two. Thest thing I wanna do is be a third wheel."


    With that; Halsey continued, "Mr. Hawk handled Luna really well this time. I honestly think he has feelings for you. You guys consummated your marriage and are officially husband and wife now. I hope things go well for you both, and that you can have a happy life together."


    Wendy wasn''t sure how to respond. She popped a candy into her mouth, letting the sweetness spread across her tongue.


    After a moment, she smiled and said, "I appreciate that, Halsey. Come back soon, alright?"


    "I''ll be back tonight."


    "Okay."


    Wendy ended the call, feeling the weight of the conversation linger in the air. She sat on her bed and retrieved the crystal pendant from under her pillow. Her soft fingers gently traced the intricate patterns on its surface.


    Just then, her phone rang, the melodic chime signaling an iing call.


    She nced at the screen-Stanley.


    Stanley was calling.


    Wendy looked down and answered the phone.


    Stanley''s deep, maic voice filled her ear. "Are you free now?"


    Wendy''s reply was quiet, almost a whisper. "Yeah."


    "I''m waiting outside the school gate."


    His car was already there, parked just outside. He was waiting for her. "Alright."


    She hung up the call and opened her closet. She grabbed something from it and slipped it into her bag before heading out the door.


    The Rolls-Royce Phantom was still parked in the same spot. Wendy slid into the front passenger seat and asked, How is Jessica?"


    Stanley''srge hands gripped the steering wheel, his face as handsome as ever but tinged with coldness. "Her emotions are still unstable, and her heart condition is getting worse. It''s not looking good."


    Wendy didn''t reply.


    Suddenly, Stanley turned his head, his eyes resting on her delicate profile. "Wendy, let''s get a divorce."


    11


    +25 80#US


    He was asking for a divorce.


    Wendy smirked, not feeling the least bit surprised. She knew she couldn''t win against Jessica''s tears. Between her and Jessica, it had always been clear he would choose Jessica.


    She had guessed as much when they were in the hospital. Everything had unfolded just as she expected.


    They''d been heading for a divorce for a while now. It was just a matter of time. Today, it was finally time to end their marriage.


    Wendy nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "Okay"


    Stanley tightened his grip on the steering wheel. "Feel free to ask for anything for the division of assets."


    "I don''t need anything," Wendy replied. "What you gave me before was enough. I don''t want more."


    Stanley pulled out a gold-embossed ck card and handed it to her. "This is for you."


    "I don''t need it."


    "This is for that night andst night. Take it. You''ve earned it."


    Wendy felt like her heart was being gripped by a strong hand. The pressure was painful, making each breath feel heavy and ufortable.


    She had given herself to him, so he offered her money aspensation.


    No matter how passionate or deep their connection had seemed, in his mind, it had all been a transaction. Everything could be bought with money.


    Wendy''s clear, dark eyes fixed on his handsome face, and a question that had been burning inside her for so long slipped past her lips.


    "Stanley... Have you ever had feelings for me?¡±


    Today''s Bonus Offer

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    Wendy asked if Stanley had ever had feelings for her.


    The question left him momentarily stunned.


    Of course, he had.


    He had once caught himself thinking about Wendy in a romantic sense.


    He felt reluctant to let go of her-he felt drawn to her, wanting to im her.


    He had feelings for Wendy, but in the grand scheme of things, that feeling meant nothingpared to how he felt for Jessica.


    Now, with the divorce looming, he intended to cut all ties, to sever thempletely without hesitation.


    He spoke the words that seemed to crush the air between them:


    "Wendy, I love Jessica."


    He said he loved Jessica.


    The light in Wendy''s eyes slowly dimmed, the question she had asked now feeling like a painful mistake. She had set herself up for humiliationplete and utter humiliation.


    Still, she wasn''t a sore loser.


    "Then let''s get a divorce."


    Stanley paused. "Go get your marriage certificate."


    Wendy forced a thin smile and reached into her bag. "I already brought it with me."


    When she left earlier, she had grabbed her copy of the marriage certificate from her closet, knowing full well what Stanley''s intentions were when he called.


    Stanley nced at her before starting the car and driving toward the clerk''s office. Half an hourter, they were sitting in the clerk''s office.


    The staff member gently suggested, "Are you sure about this? Meeting someone and getting married isn''t something youe by often. I think you should reconsider."


    Stanley''s face remained impassive. "No need to reconsider."


    "Alright," the clerk said, clearly reluctant but understanding. "Please sign the divorce papers."


    Wendy stayed seated, her eyes on Stanley as he picked up the pen and signed his name with bold, decisive strokes.


    His signature was firm, without a trace of hesitation or lingering feelings.


    After that, he put the pen down.


    Wendy''s pale eyes filled with tears. She silently took the pen, her hands trembling as she signed her name.


    The clerk nced at her documents, and asked gently, "Dear, you don''t have any family?"


    Her documents had only her name on them, with no family member listed. Wendy had always been alone, without


    a family.


    And so, she nodded. "Yeah."


    The clerk stamped the papers with a seal and handed both Stanley and Wendy their divorce certificates. "The paperwork isplete. You''re divorced now." Wendy took the certificate in silence, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you."


    As they left the office, Stanley asked, "Do you want me to take you back to campus?"


    Wendy shook her head. "No, thanks. I''ll go back on my own. You should go to the hospital and be with Jessica."


    With that, she turned and walked away.


    Wendy walked alone down the street, unaware of how long or how far she had walked. Her eyes were burning with tears, and the mist of them clouded her vision as the tears streamed uncontrobly down her face.


    The moment she had turned away from him, she had already been crying.


    She had always been alone. She had never had a home-until he appeared.


    In that cave, he had promised to take her with him, saying he wanted her around. She had believed him.


    While he had pampered Jessica over the years, Wendy had grown up on her own and walked down a long, lonely path, only to end up back by his side.


    She had hoped to take his name, to build a home with him.


    For three years, while he was in aa, she had held onto the most innocent dreams, determined to be his wife. She had thought that as long as she gave it her all, everything would work out.


    But in the end, the home they could have had was lost. No matter how hard she tried, it seemed they were destined to part.


    Wendy grew tired and stopped, feeling the weight of her exhaustion. A sharp pain overwhelmed her, and she slowly sank to her knees.


    She wrapped her slender arms around her legs and buried her tear-streaked face into her knees.


    Her fragile shoulders trembled, and at that moment, she cried uncontrobly, her heart breaking with every sob.

 My Dad Please Come 266

    Losing Stanley hurt more than Wendy had ever expected.


    She couldn''t even exin what it was about him that made her feel this way. He was never kind to her at all. And yet, everyone has that one person in their life they love-someone who might not deserve it, but still holds a ce in your heart.


    She loved Stanley.


    Her fingers tightly gripped the crystal pendant he had given her, the one she knew she would never let go of. But deep down, she understood-she had lost him.


    She had lost her Big Brother.


    At that very moment, Stanley sat in his Rolls Royce Phantom, parked by the side of the road. Through the gleaming windshield, he watched Wendy huddled in on herself, crouched on the street, sobbing uncontrobly.


    A red haze slowly crept into his dark eyes, and his grip on the steering wheel tightened. Something stung his heart, a pain that wasn''t sharp but spread in waves, dense and suffocating.


    Then his phone rang. It was Jessica.


    "Stanley, have you divorced Wendy?" she asked cheerfully.


    Stanley''s voice came out hoarse, his gaze still locked on Wendy. "Yes."


    "Great! Then hurry up ande back to the hospital. I want to see your divorce papers in person."


    With a satisfied tone, Jessica ended the call.


    Stanley blinked, and the red in his eyes faded, leaving behind a cold detachment. He and Wendy were done now. It


    was over.


    They were as good as strangers.


    The woman he loved-the one he was going to take care of was Jessica.


    With that, Stanley hit the elerator and the luxury car roared to life, speeding off toward the hospital.


    Wendy returned to the girls'' dormitory. She had barely opened the door when she was greeted by a spray of confetti from Halsey and Cecelia.


    "Congrattions, Wendy! Did you go on another date with Mr. Hawk?"


    Wendy stepped inside, but the smiles on Halsey and Cecelia''s faces quickly faded when they saw her. Her face was as pale as a sheet, her eyes swollen and red from crying.


    "Wendy, what happened?"


    "Your hands are so cold. What''s going on? Don''t scare me!


    Wendy silently pulled out the divorce papers, her voice quiet and distant. ¡°I''m okay. Stanley and I got divorced."


    "What?"


    Halsey and Cecelia jumped in shock.


    "Wendy, what happened? Why did you suddenly get divorced... Hey, Wendy!"


    Wendy''s vision blurred, and she fainted, copsing to the floor. She was delirious with a high fever, her body heating up to 107¡ãF. She felt cold one moment and burning the next.


    Divorcing Stanley had brought her down with a serious illness.


    Jessica had been in the hospital for a week, and her wrist was almost healed. Stanley and Lilian had stayed with her, taking care of her, so she recovered quickly.


    One day, Trish came by to visit, carrying a fruit basket. ¡°Jessica, when will you be discharged?"


    Jessica''splexion had already regained some color, and she smiled as she answered, "I''ll be out tomorrow." Stanley handed her a peeled apple. This whole week, Zayn had brought files to the hospital, and Stanley had worked from her room, never leaving her side.


    Jessica took a bite of the apple, savoring the sweetness of the moment.


    Trish turned to Stanley. "Mr. Hawk, I heard you and Wendy are divorced now." Jessica smiled brightly. "Yes, they are. Wendy is no longer Mrs. Hawk!"


    The second and third branches of the family were always intertwined-when one seeded, the other followed, and when one suffered, so did the other. Plus, Trish had never liked Wendy, so she was happy for Jessica.


    Trish chuckled. "I heard that after the divorce, Wendy got really sick. She hasn''t been to ss for a week!"


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 267

    After the divorce, Stanley and Wendy never contacted each other again. This was the first time he had heard any news about her.


    It turned out she had fallen seriously ill.


    Jessica immediately grinned, her red lips curling with a mix of pride, pity, and mockery. "I never would have guessed that Wendy was so deeply in love with Stanley."


    Trish joined in, mocking Wendy as well. "With her background, she''ll never find another man like Mr. Hawk. It''s honestly a little sad when you think about it."


    Jessica tilted her head, gazing at Stanley with a yful pout "Stanley, now that your ex-wife''s sick, don''t you think you should give her a call andfort her?"


    Stanley remained expressionless, his handsome face still asposed as ever. He looked at Jessica. "Sure. I''ll call her right now."


    He made a move to reach for his phone.


    Jessica''s expression instantly changed. "You wouldn''t dare!"


    Stanley smirked. "Then why did you suggest it?"


    He was just teasing her-he had no intention of calling Wendy at all.


    Jessica felt a warm sense of sweetness in her heart. Pouting she huffed at him.


    Trish immediately spoke up. "I can''t stand you two. How about I leave and let you guys enjoy your moment alone?


    "1


    Stanley stood up. "You two keep talking. I''ll be right back." With that, he turned and walked out.


    "Jessica, you and Mr. Hawk are inseparable now, and Wendy''s all alone."


    Jessica leaned back against the headboard, a contented smile on her face. She felt like everything had been worth it, especially her suicide attempt. "Wendy never knew her ce. A country bumpkin with no education, no job... How could she think she had any right to fight me for Stanley? I just put her back in her ce."


    "Keep it up, Jessica. Get Mr. Hawk to marry you next. Grandma even wants us to have our wedding at the same time."


    Making Stanley and Wendy divorce was just the first step. Now, Jessica was going to make sure Stanley married


    her.


    Even without Trish''s reminder, Jessica knew exactly what to do.


    "Why didn''t Dr. Cene today?" Jessica asked.


    Upon the mention of Dr. Cen, Trish blushed. "He had a big surgery today and couldn''t make it, but I''ve got good news. Remember a while back, when our two families each invested 150 million dors, and Grandma even mortgaged the family estate? That money has already doubled! Our family''s wealth has doubled!"


    Jessica''s eyes lit up. "Really?"


    Really! Do you still not trust Dr. Cen?"


    "Yes, of course, I trust him! Dr. Cen would never lie to us!"


    Jessica felt ted. Now, the entire Crone family''s fortune had doubled. Without Wendy, the family''s fortune had taken a turn for the better.


    "How are things going with you and Dr. Cen?" Jessica asked again.


    Trish immediately held out her hand, showing off a diamond ring on her fourth


    finger. The enormous diamond sparkled brilliantly, dazzling in the light.


    Trish smiled sweetly. "He proposed to me, and I said yes."


    Wow.


    Looking at the huge diamond, Jessica felt a flutter in her heart, but she wasn''t envious. She knew Stanley would give her an even bigger one.


    Whenever Stanley made a move, it would make others jealous of her.


    ¡°Jessica, we''re all just waiting for the good news about you and Mr. Hawk. Once it happens, we''ll have a joint wedding. It''ll definitely cause a stir in all of Hovendale!" Jessica nodded confidently. ¡°Don''t worry. That day ising soon."


    Stanley stood tall in the corridor, his long legs and imposing figure unmistakable.


    Right then, Zayn approached with a stack of papers. "Mr. Hawk, these are the documents that need your signature today."


    Stanley nced out the window, not turning to look at Zayn "Leave them in the hospital room."


    Zayn hesitated before speaking up. "Mr. Hawk, Mrs. Hawk... I mean, Ms. Wendy-"

 My Dad Please Come 268

    Before Zayn could continue, Stanley interrupted in a low voice, "We''re divorced. There''s no need to update me on her situation."


    Zayn paused for a moment, then nodded respectfully. "Understood." He turned and left the room.


    At that moment, Jessica walked out. She had overheard everything Stanley had said. A smile curled on her lips as she approached him.


    She knew Stanley''s decisive nature. Once he had divorced Wendy, he wanted nothing more to do with her.


    Now, his heart and mind were entirely focused on Jessica. She was his one true love.


    Jessica stepped closer and wrapped her arms around Stanley''s waist from behind.


    Stanley didn''t need to look to know it was her. His gaze shifted from the window, and he lowered his eyes to the small hands that hadtched onto his waist.


    Jessica''s right wrist had mostly healed, but there was still ascar, a reminder of the injury that ruined its beauty. As a dancer, she was someone who valued her appearance deeply.


    Stanley gently took her right wrist in his hand. "I''ve already contacted the best doctors overseas. They''ll help remove that scar."


    Jessica smirked, her lips curling up. "No, I want to keep it."


    Stanley turned to face her. "Why?"


    "Because it''s a mark of my love for you," she replied, her voice soft but firm. "I want to keep it as a reminder, a reminder for you to always love me."


    Jessica was clever. She wanted to keep the scar as a way to make Stanley feel guilty, a reminder of the time he had spent with Wendy.


    Stanley looked at her, then pulled her into his embrace, his hand resting gently on her shoulder. "It won''t happen again."


    Jessica smiled and nodded, her excitement shining through. "When are we getting married?"


    She was ready. She wanted to make it official.


    Stanley tightened his hold on her. "Grandma doesn''t know yet that Wendy and I have divorced. She can''t handle any more stress in her current condition, so we can''t get married right now."


    Jessica felt a surge of irritation toward Glinda. If it weren''t for that old woman, she would already be Mrs. Hawk.


    Jessica didn''t let her frustration show. Instead, she leaned against him sweetly. "Okay, but I need recognition. I want to work for us. How about this-introduce me


    to your mother''s family. I want to gain their recognition and support.¡±


    Stanley''s mother was from the prestigious Lincoln family, one of the most respected names in the Capital. Jessica had long coveted their approval.


    Once she had the Lincoln family''s support, even if Glinda opposed the marriage, she wo ept it.


    ave no choice but to


    "Their youngest is your cousin, right? Bebe? I''ve heard she''s the favorite.


    Introduce us. I''m sure we''ll be best friends," Jessica cooed, her voice yful.


    She wanted to be best friends with Bebe?


    Stanley eyed Jessica. That might be more difficult than she thought.


    But he didn''t reject her request. "Alright, I''ll try."


    "Thank you. You''re the best!" Jessica beamed as she slipped into his embrace, a smug smile ying on her lips.


    What else did Wendy have to fight her with?


    At that moment, a melodic ringtone echoed in the room-Stanley''s phone was ringing.


    It was Dave, Harfield''s chancellor, calling.


    Stanley answered the call.


    "Mr. Hawk." Dave''s voice came through clearly. "In a few days, there will be a Summit Academic Forum at the Hovendale Sports Arena. Elites from around the world will be attending. This time, we would like you and the genius freshman to give the closing speech for Harfield."


    Stanley held the phone in his hand, absorbing the news.


    He was going to give the closing speech with the genius freshman?

 My Dad Please Come 269

    Stanley''s deep voice rang out. "Mr. Suarez, are you saying that the genius freshman is attending the Summit Academic Forum?"


    What?


    The phrase "genius freshman" struck Jessica like a lightning bolt, instantly capturing her attention. Was the mysterious and aloof genius freshman about to make an appearance?


    "She''s actually been in Hovendale this whole time," Dave replied. "Unfortunately, you''ve never met her. She''ll be attending the Summit Academic Forum, so you two will finally get to meet. Please make sure to find some time to attend the event."


    Stanley nodded. "Alright."


    After they hung up, Jessica was in shock. "Stanley, the genius freshman has been in Hovendale all this time? Who is she?"


    Hovendale''s circle wasn''t thatrge, and she had never heard of this brilliant young woman before.


    Jessica felt uneasy about the existence of this genius freshman.


    Stanley, equally unaware, didn''t know who she was either.


    Thinking about the freshman''s mysterious, cool demeanor, Stanley raised an eyebrow. To be honest, he was quite curious himself.


    "We''ll find out when the timees," he replied.


    Wendy had been bedridden for seven days, trapped in a feverish haze.


    By the eighth day, she was better, her sickness slipping away. She was fully recovered.


    Halsey and Cecelia rushed to her side. "Wendy, you really scared us."


    Wendy opened the window. The bright, warm sunlight poured over her fragile form, casting a golden glow. She took a deep breath of the fresh air outside, then yfully winked.


    "Girls, don''t worry. I''m fine now."


    She had healed herself.


    The light had returned to her eyes. Although the process of breaking herself apart and rebuilding was excruciating, she was well again.


    She had epted that Stanley didn''t love her and didn''t want her around anymore. She bore the pain and, with great effort, had carved Stanley from the depths of her heart.


    She had no regrets.


    She had loved with all her heart, throwing herself at the fire that ruined her.


    And so, there were no regrets.


    Halsey and Cecelia cheered.


    "I knew you wouldn''t let a man destroy you!"


    "You''re single again now. The world''s your oyster! Screw Stanley!"


    Wendy wrapped an arm around each of them. "That''s right. It''s all in the past. Screw Stanley!"


    They allughed together.


    Soon after, Wendy returned to ss. It was Cyril''s lecture again.


    Cyril was teaching at the front of the ss, but Wendy felt drowsy and rested her head on the desk, dozing off. Seeing Wendy sleeping during his ss, Cyril shook his head. She really didn''t deserve someone like Stanley. What Cyril didn''t know was that his opinion was about to change dramatically in the near future.


    Cyril continued his lesson on the ancient medical text, "ssic of Herbal


    Medicine". As he spoke, Wendy, still slumped on the desk, suddenly woke up. Her clear eyes fixed on him, and she raised her hand, signaling for him to


    Cyril was stunned. What now?


    He walked over to her.


    Wendy looked up at him and pointed out, "You made a mistake earlier."


    What?


    Cyril froze. He was considered a giant in the medical field-Wendy was the first to ever im that he made a mistake.


    Confident, Cyril rebutted, "That''s impossible!"


    Wendy sat up straight in her chair. "Go back and check ''ssic of Herbal Medicine'',


    Volume 10, page 4008. You definitely made a mistake."

 My Dad Please Come 270

    Wendy said seriously, "As medical practitioners, we must be meticulous. A tiny mistake can lead to disastrous consequences."


    At that moment, Cyril stood while Wendy sat. Despite the height difference between them, her slender, graceful back was perfectly straight. Her intelligent, clear eyes were full of earnestness as she gave Cyril a lesson, almost as though she were the teacher and he the student.


    Cyril, speechless, was taken aback.


    Was she teaching him? Did she really think she was his teacher? He had only one teacher, and that was Dr. Cen!


    Cyril couldn''t believe what was happening. He was about to reprimand Wendy, but before he could say anything, she spoke up again. "Alright, Cyril, you can go now."


    Cyril was stunned.


    She was calling him by his first name again.


    The interaction left him speechless. He simply turned and walked away.


    Back in the office, Cyril was fuming. There was no way he could have been wrong!


    He immediately grabbed the "ssic of Herbal Medicine" and flipped to the page


    in question. To his surprise, Wendy had been right-he had made a mistake on the very page she had pointed out.


    He gasped in disbelief. She was spot on!


    Just then, the head of the department walked in. "Professor Lincoln, what''s going on with you?"


    Cyril, still in shock, replied, "There''s this student... She sleeps as soon as ss starts, but when she wakes up, she points out a mistake I made in my lecture. What do you think of that?"


    The department head smiled. "That student sounds like a genius!"


    A genius? Was Wendy a genius?


    Cyril was even more stunned.


    ss ended, and Wendy''s phone rang. It was Dave from Harfield.


    She answered, and Dave immediately told her about the uing Summit Academic Forum and the need for her and Stanley to appear together.


    "Wendy, you''ve been in Hovendale all this time, but I''m surprised Mr. Hawk doesn''t even know who you are," Dave said curiously.


    Wendy smirked and responded, "I know him, but he doesn''t know me."


    "Well, this Summit Academic Forum is the perfect chance for you two to properly meet. He will finally know who you are."


    3


    She had already divorced Stanley, and there was no longer any connection between them. They be strangers.


    It was true, though-she should meet him again as apletely new person. Wendy nodded. "Yeah."


    Later that evening, in the luxurious VIP booth of 1996 Bar, Benny excitedly asked, "Stanley, is it true? Is the genius freshman really going to make an appearance?"


    $


    Stanley sat at the center of the booth, dressed in a ck shirt and ck pants, with Jessica seated beside him and Sienna nearby.


    Seeing Benny''s excited expression, Jessica felt a (winge of displeasure. She knew Benny was interested in the genius freshman and wanted to pursue said freshman.


    Other rich heirs chuckled. "Benny, have you really fallen for this genius freshman?"


    "He has always been surrounded by beautiful women, but now it seems someone finally has him interested."


    With everyone''s attention focused on the genius freshman, Jessica smiled, trying to mask her irritation.


    "Benny, this is just an online crush. How do you know what the genius freshman looks like? I''ve heard that these top-tier women from prestigious families often aren''t very attractive. Since no one is interested in them, they focus solely on their studies."


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 271

    Sienna immediately chimed in, "Jessica''s right! The genius freshman could be ugly and overweight. Your illusion will shatter once you see her."


    Jessica and Sienna both started poking fun at the genius freshman, trying to stir


    the pot.


    Benny, however, was unfazed. "I''ve seen my fair share of pretty faces, and they don''t interest me. Even If this genius freshman isn''t anything special, iny feelings wouldn''t change. Marrying her would improve my family''s genes."


    Jessica and Sienna were stunned by his response.


    It seemed Benny''s mind was set on this genlus freshman, and there was no pulling him back now.


    The other rich kids around them chuckled. "Benny, are you even sure if she''s single?"


    Benny had no idea who the genius freshman was. A while ago, he had tagged her


    in a group chat, asking if she had a boyfriend. Her response had simply been, [Get lost.]


    He immediately pulled out his phone. "I''ll text her right now."


    The other rich kids were excited. "Hurry up, hurry up!"


    Benny opened the group chat and tagged W. [How about I introduce you to a boyfriend? He''s handsome, tall, and he''s really into you.]


    Benny sent the message. But after waiting a while, there was no response from the genius freshman.


    The rich kids burst intoughter. "No way! She actually didn''t reply to your text! All those other girls used to reply, in seconds."


    Benny snapped, "Shut up! She probably didn''t see the message.


    11


    At that moment, Dave shared some files and tagged Stanley and W in the group chat. [Here are the documents for the Summit Academic Forum. Please take a look when you Have time.]


    Stanley satzily on the couch, not saying a word. The noiseing from Benny''s group seemed to have nothing to do with him.


    He nced at the message from Dave and replied with a single word, [Okay.]


    Almost immediately, Walso replied, [Okay.]


    Benny couldn''t believe his eyes.


    It felt like a p to his face.


    4


    "Ha! Benny, you said the freshman probably didn''t see her phone. But now, she''s just ignoring you!"


    Benny held up his phone and immediately tagged W again. Why didn''t you reply to me?]


    At that moment, Wendy and Halsey had just arrived at the entrance of 1996 Bar. Wendy saw that Benny had tagged her again.


    What was this little tyrant up to now?


    In response, she sent two words.


    Benny saw what she wrote. [I did.]


    She said she had replied to his text.


    The entire VIP booth erupted intoughter, the rich kids wereughing so hard they couldn''t sit up straight.


    "The freshman said she replied-I guess her reply wasplete silence!"


    "Not replying after reading means she''s not interested, Berry."


    Benny wasughing in frustration. He had dated so many women, but this genius freshman was by far the hardest to deal with. This only sparked hispetitive nature.


    He kicked the guy beside him. "Stopughing! One day, I''ll win her over."


    "Who exactly is this genius freshman? We''ve never heard of anyone like her in Hovendale."


    "The Summit Academic Forum is where Mr. Hawk and this genius freshman will finally team up. We can''t wait to see it."


    Jessica, sitting on the couch, listened with growing frustration. Usually, she and Stanley were the golden couple in their circle. Now, the spotlight was on Stanley and this genius freshman, especially with their first-ever


    appearance together.

 My Dad Please Come 272

    hapter 272


    The highly anticipated pairing had already stolen all the attention, overshadowing everything else.


    Jessica''s heart burned with jealousy, consumed by a deep resentment toward this genius freshman.


    At that moment, Sienna suddenly eximed, "Look, Wendy''s here!"


    Stanley, holding a ss of wine, wasn''t in the best of moods tonight. He was indifferent to everything around him. But when he heard Sienna, he looked up, his sharp, handsome eyes glimmering


    He saw Wendy.


    Tonight, Wendy wore a sleeveless ck dress. The tight fit entuated her slender waist, and the puffed-out skirt made her long, white legs stand out even more. As she entered, she immediately caught the attention of


    many.


    Her long, jet-ck hair flowed smoothly down her back, and a sweater hung casually from her arms. From his angle, he could only see her profile, which made her already delicate features look even smaller. Her pale, translucent skin gave her an ethereal, almost otherworldly quality.


    That aura of hers-no one in Hovendale could replicate it.


    Jessica noticed Wendy too, her eyes lighting up.


    She had always seen the genius freshman as herpetition, secretlypeting and feeling jealous. But now, with this country girl in her sight, she suddenly felt an overwhelming surge of superiority.


    Smiling, she said, "I heard Wendy was terribly sick recently Looks like she''s recovered now."


    Sienna snorted dismissively. "Stanley''s been wanting a divorce for a while. It''s about time. Honestly, it''s a favor to her that he hasn''t done it sooner. Can''t believe she fell sick for that."


    Benny, who had never liked Wendy, watched her closely. "Well, now it''s over. They''re divorced. Stanley, when do I get to attend your wedding with Jessica?"


    The rich kids around them started to tease. "Guess we should start calling her Mrs. Hawk now."


    Jessica beamed with pride.


    Stanley nced at Wendy, his expression unreadable. He turned away before taking a long sip from his wine ss, draining it in one go.


    Wendy and Halsey hade to the bar to rx. After having a drink or two, Wendy went to the restroom.


    In the hallway, a figure suddenly appeared in front of her.


    Wendy looked up-it was Jessica.


    Jessica smiled brightly, her lips curling up in a mockingly sweet grin. "Wendy, I heard you were really sick after your divorce from Stanley. Are you feeling better now?"


    Wendy''s gaze was icy. "Jessica, I don''t think we''re close enough for small talk. If you have something to say, just "say it."


    Jessica, holding a bag in her hand, continued with a smug expression. "This bag is a limited edition. Stanley took me to buy it."


    Wendy raised an eyebrow. "And?"


    "This bag isn''t for me," Jessica said, her smile growing wider. "It''s a gift for the youngest daughter of the Lincoln family, Bebe."


    Wendy said nothing. She knew that the Lincoln family was stanley''s maternal side, but Stanley had never introduced her to them.


    She waited, silently, for Jessica to continue.


    Jessica studied Wendy, not wanting to miss a single expression on her face. "Glinda likes you, I''ll admit that. But Stanley ns to introduce me to Bebe, to the Lincoln family. Stanley and I are both working on this, Wendy. We''re nning to get married."


    Jessica and Stanley were nning to get married."


    Just then, a tall and handsome figure appeared in her line of sight. Stanley had arrived.


    Jessica walked over to him, sweetly looping her arm through his strong one. "Stanley, I told Wendy that we''re getting married."


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 273

    Wendy stood there, her eyes locked on Stanley.


    Stanley gave her a cold nce before turning his attention to Jessica, his voice gentle. "Let''s head back."


    He had just acknowledged it-and he did it in front of Wendy.


    Jessica smiled sweetly, knowing that Wendy''s heart was likely burning with a mix


    of envy, jealousy, and resentment. Wendy was probably suffering right now.


    A country bumpkin, still thinking topete with her? Dream on!


    "Alright."


    Jessica wrapped her arm around Stanley''s, turning to leave with him.


    Just as they were about to walk away, Wendy''s clear voice rang out behind them. "Stanley."


    She was calling after him.


    Stanley stopped in his tracks, turning around.


    Jessica smiled. ¡°Wendy, you two are divorced now. Are you still hung up on Stanley? Want to try to win him back?"


    Wendy stood tall in the corridor, her posture straight and unyielding. She didn''t acknowledge Jessica, her eyes, clear as ever, focused on Stanley''s distinguished


    face.


    She spoke, her voice soft but resolute, "Stanley, I loved you!"


    Stanley''s gaze met hers.


    Wendy''s voice was melodic, yet firm. "I believe loving someone with all my heart isn''t something to be ashamed of, but it shouldn''t be the reason for you to treat me like this. Once, I truly loved you. But now, I no longer do."


    She didn''t love Stanley anymore.


    Stanley''s tall,manding figure froze for a moment.


    Wendy took a step forward, her long legs carrying her closer to them.


    She continued, her tone unwavering, "We''re divorced, so technically, we''re just exes. Decent exes should pretend not to recognize each other if they cross paths on the street. Better yet, see it as if we''re dead to each other. So, keep your current partner in check. Don''t strut around with her in front of me. I''m just your ex-wife, not your mother. Whether you want to get married, have kids, whatever- it''s none of my business. I don''t care."


    Jessica''s face turned red with anger. She hade over to unt, to see Wendy in pain. Instead, Wendy walked over with a calm andposed demeanor, flipping the script.


    Jessica snapped, "Wendy, how dare you..."


    Wendy stopped in front of them, a cold smile curling her lips. Her piercing gaze locked onto Jessica''s face.


    "And what exactly are you bragging about? Mrs. Hawk was a title I left behind. Stanley is a man I''ve already been with. You''re so proud of picking up the scraps. I''ve never seen such a shameless rebound."


    Jessica was left speechless.


    She was furious, her chest tightening in anger. Since when did Wendy get so sharp-tongued?


    Without another word, Wendy turned and walked away.


    But just then, someone else approached from the front it was Benny.


    Benny stepped forward. "Wendy, Stanley''s already divorced you! Why do you keep showing up around him? How shameless could you-


    11


    "And you, Benny!" Wendy cut him off sharply. "You''d better lower your voice when you talk to me. Otherwise, I''ll tell everyone how you went from being a champion to a bronze after I defeated you in the mobile game, and they''ll allugh at you!"


    Benny froze for a second, then, feeling wounded, he snapped, "Wendy, you vicious woman!"


    Wendy gave him a quick nce from head to toe. "I''m not even at my worst. If you keep bothering me, next time, I''ll turn you from bronze into total trash!"


    What?


    Benny nearly choked.


    Wendy didn''t spare another nce at them. She walked off with a carefree stride.


    Benny was furious. "Stanley, look at this Wendy!"


    Jessica, too, was about to explode. "Stanley, look at her!"

 My Dad Please Come 274

    Chapter


    274


    They had all hoped to see Wendy make a fool of herself, batin the end, the had humiliated thempletely. It was outrageous!


    Stanley watched Wendy''s slender figure as she walked away, his gaze derp and unreadable. No one could tell what he was thinking, He pressed his lips together, then said softly, "Alright, that''s enough."


    Jessica quieted down, her anger toward Wendy still dimmering beneath the


    surface. She tried to suppress it, focusing instead on her goal.


    "Stanley, you said tonight you''d introduce me to Bebe. Where is she?"


    Jessica hadn''t forgotten the reason she was here. She was determined to marry


    Stanley as soon as possible.


    Having just seen Halsey, Stanley murmured, "I''ll go find her."


    Without missing a beat, Jessica quickly handed him the limited-edition handbag, "Stanley, give this to her. She''ll love it!"


    Noticing that Wendy had been gone for a while, Halsey started to feel uneasy. She stood up to go look for her.


    Just then, Stanley called out, "Bebe."


    Halsey ignored him and turned to walk away.


    But Stanley blocked her path. "You''re really getting more and more rude. You won''t even acknowledge me anymore?"


    Halsey was Cyril''s daughter, though she took her mother''sst name. That was why Jessica and Sienna hadn''t realized she was Bebe.


    Cyril had Halseyter in life, and because she had a birthmark on her face, both the Lincoln family and Stanley had always spoiled her.


    Halsey red at Stanley. "Stanley, how could you treat Wendy like that? Do you have any idea how sick she was after your divorce? She had a 107-degree fever thatsted seven days, and she cried even while unconscious-"


    Stanley''s eyes narrowed, and he cut her off sharply. "Enough! Don''t talk about her anymore!"


    Halsey stopped speaking


    Stanley''s face remained emotionless, his voice low and cold. "We''re divorced


    now. I don''t want to hear anything about her."


    Halsey stared at Stanley in shock. She hadn''t expected him to be so heartless.


    Stanley handed her the limited-edition handbag.


    Halsey looked at it, confused. "What''s this?"


    "It''s from Jessica."


    What?


    Halsey threw the bag back at him. "Keep it away from me! I don''t want anything from that homewrecker!"


    Stanley frowned at her. "Bebe, stop being difficult. Jessica really wants to be your friend. She''s a proud person, but


    +75 SONUS


    she''s been trying so hard to please you. You should try to get along with her." Try to get along with Jessica?


    "Her trying to please me is her problem, not mine. I never asked her to. I''m not going to be friends with someone like her."


    Stanley''s lips tightened. "Jessica and I are nning to get married. She''ll be your new cousin-inw."


    Halsey''s eyes widened. "You''re going to marry Jessica right after divorcing Wendy?"


    Jessica was his girl, and marriage had always been part of the n. It was just that after the car ident that left him in aa, Wendy hade into his life. But Wendy was just a brief chapter.


    Now that the chapter was over, it was time to marry Jessica.


    Stanley nodded. "Yes, I''m going to marry Jessica."


    Halsey was speechless, but eventually, she gave in. "Fine. Give me the bag." Stanley did as he was told.


    Halsey continued, "If you''re so set on marrying Jessica, that means she''ll be my cousin-inw soon. I''ll try being her friend."

 My Dad Please Come 275

    Stanley''s expression softened a little.


    "I like this bag. As a token of my gratitude, I''d like to invite Jessica to my house tomorrow,¡± Halsey said. Hearing that she was inviting Jessica to the Lincoln family''s estate tomorrow, Stanley nodded. "Alright."


    After he left, Wendy returned. "Hey, sorry I was gone for so long.


    Halsey took Wendy''s hand. "I was just about toe find you."


    Wendy smiled in return. "Let''s go. I''m hungry. Let''s head to the snack street."


    "Alright. I''ll take care of the bill," Halsey replied.


    Wendy immediately stopped her and pulled out a gold-embossed ck card from her bag. "Don''t fight me for it. Tonight, I''m paying. This is the card Stanley gave me when we divorced. From now on, I''ll use his card. Let him foot the bill."


    Halsey''s eyes lit up. "Attagirl! This is Mr. Hawk''spensation for you. If you don''t spend it, Jessica will." Wendy stared at the ck card in her hand. "How much do you think this card is worth?"


    Halsey thought for a moment. "I''m not sure, but I have a n-tomorrow, let''s go buy a vi!"


    Wendy raised an eyebrow and winked yfully. "Oh, you underestimate him. Tomorrow, let''s buy an aircraft carrier instead!"


    Stanley passed on Halsey''s message to Jessica, and both Jessica and Sienna were visibly delighted.


    "Jessica, this is amazing!" Sienna gushed, excited. "Bebe liked your gift, and she agreed to be your friend. She even invited you to visit the Lincoln family''s estate tomorrow!"


    Jessica hadn''t expected things to go so smoothly. She had sessfully won over Bebe, the little darling of the Lincoln family. It seemed like gaining the approval and support of the Lincoln family was just around the corner! Jessica was very satisfied that all the effort she and Sienna had put into befriending Bebe didn''t go to waste.


    Soon, Stanley was called away by Benny, and Jessica turned to Sienna. "Sienna, you shoulde with me to the Lincolns'' estate tomorrow."


    "Are you sure I cane?"


    Sienna was technically just a distant rtive of the Hawk family, not a direct heir, so she hadn''t managed to interact with the Lincoln family before.


    "Of course! By then, you, Bebe, and I will be the best of friends. The three of us can hang out together."


    Sienna was overjoyed. "Sounds great!"


    As they were happily talking, they spotted Wendy and Halsey leaving after paying the bill.


    "Isn''t that Halsey, the uggo? Is Wendy hanging out with her?" Jessica sneered.


    Sienna also wore a disdainful expression. "Well, Wendy''s not like you. You can be friends...th Bebe, the Lincoln family''s favorite, but Wendy''s level only matches that uggo s."


    Jessica covered her mouth andughed. "They really are a perfect match!"


    Then Sienna remembered something. "Jessica, since you and Stanley are getting married, make him give you his supplementary card."


    Stanley''s supplementary card?


    "His supplementary card is linked to the main card. Once you have it, you''ll have


    ess to all of the Hawk family''s assets to spend as you like!"


    Jessica''s heart fluttered with excitement. She hadn''t known about this


    supplementary card before, but now she wanted it badly!


    She was surprised Stanley hadn''t mentioned it to her yet.


    "I don''t want to ask for it. I''ll wait for him to give it to me willingly," Jessica said arrogantly.


    "Everyone knows that where a man''s heart is, his money will follow. Stanley loves you so much, he''ll definitely give you that supplementary card without you even having to ask," Sienna said.

 My Dad Please Come 276

    "Sienna, you sure know how to tter."


    After saying their goodbyes to Benny and Sienna, Stanley and Jessica stepped out of the bar.


    "I''ll have someone take you home," Stanley offered.


    Jessica tilted her head, her delicate face upturned as she gazed at him. "I don''t want to go home tonight. I want to go to your vi."


    Having done some thinking, Jessica realized she had been far too reserved. She didn''t want to wait until after marriage to get intimate with Stanley.


    Stanley was a man, after all, with normal needs. If those needs weren''t met, he could easily be tempted by other


    women.


    That was how Wendy had managed to slip into his life, taking advantage of a crack in their rtionship to climb into his bed.


    Tonight, Jessica was determined to go to Stanley''s vi, offering him a flirtatious invitation.


    Looking at Jessica''s flushed face, Stanley pursed his lips. "I can''t. I have to workte at the office tonight. I''ll have someone take you home. Be good."


    Jessica''s face fell in disappointment. "Alright. See you soon!" She got into the car and left.


    Zayn opened the rear door of the Rolls-Royce business car, and Stanley got in. As the car glided smoothly down the road, he sat in the back, going through documents. Just then, his phone buzzed with several messages.


    He unlocked his phone, and it was a series of notifications about the gold- embossed ck card.


    [Dear VVIP user, you have spent 190.00 dors on your card ending in 7777 at 1996 Bar.]


    [Dear VVIP user, you have spent 5.00 dors on your card ending in 7777 at Bob''s Diner.]


    67.67.


    [Dear VVIP user, you have spent 1.99 dors on your card ending in 7777 at Bob''s Diner.]


    Wendy and Halsey had gone down the snack street. All of Wendy''s spending records were sent to Stanley''s phone.


    The amounts were small-5 dors, 1.99 dors, and even 99 cents.


    She had bought a pudding.


    Stanley stared at the transactions, his lips curving into a faint smile.


    Just then, her soft, clear voice echoed in his mind. "Stanley, I don''t love you anymore."


    She said she didn''t love him anymore.


    Women like Wendy were bold in both love and hate. When she loved, she loved fiercely, like the sun zing in the sky.


    She had loved him that way.


    But once she turned away, there would be no turning back.


    She no longer loved him.


    Stanley set his phone down. He wouldn''t call what he had for Wendy love, but for some reason, at that moment,


    he felt a vague sense of los in his heart.


    At the girls'' dorm, Wendy woke up to find Halsey was nowhere to be seen. It struck her as odd. Where had Halsey gone?


    "Halsey? Halsey?"


    Wendy searched around, but couldn''t find her anywhere. Then, she noticed a small note on the table, written in Halsey''s neat handwriting.


    [Wendy, don''t look for me. I''m going home for the day.]


    Halsey had gone home.


    Wendy didn''t know where Halsey''s home was. They had known each other for so long, yet Halsey''s family had nevere to visit. Halsey had never brought it up, so Wendy hadn''t asked.


    Friendship required a certain distance, a bnce, so that both parties could feelfortable and at ease.


    Wendy folded the note and tucked it away.


    Just then, a notification sounded-she had received a text.


    It was from Samuel. [The herb you wanted has arrived.]


    Wendy''s eyes lit up. The most important herb had finally arrived! There was hope


    for removing Halsey''s birthmark, after all.

 My Dad Please Come 277

    Halsey returned to the Lincoln family''s estate, where the maid, Isabel Langstaff, was already waiting at the door.


    "Ms. Halsey, wee home," she greeted warmly.


    Halsey had been born with a birthmark on her face, which was why she had been called "Clown Girl" or "uggo". Any other girl might have felt ashamed, but Halsey was always bright and optimistic. Because of this, she was loved by everyone in the Lincoln family, especially the staff


    Halsey smiled and hugged Isabel. "It''s good to be home! Today, I invited two people here. I''m going make sure it''s a memorable visit."


    She emphasized the word "memorable" with a yful tone


    Isabel beamed. "Are they your friends? I''m d to hear you''ve been making so many friends."


    Just then, a luxury car pulled up, and two people stepped out. It was Jessica and Sienna, the guests Halsey had. invited.


    Halsey smiled, her lips curling up. Speak of the devil.


    This was Jessica and Sienna''s first time at the Lincoln family''s estate. Both of them had dressed carefully, eager to make a good impression on Bebe.


    "Sienna, what do you think Bebe looks like?" Jessica asked, her curiosity piqued. "I''m not sure, but I''m certain she''ll like you, Jessica," Sienna replied.


    Jessica felt a rush of happiness. The next moment, her expression froze as she spotted Halsey.


    "Halsey? What are you doing here?" Jessica asked in shock.


    Sienna, too, was stunned. "Halsey, this is the Lincoln family''s estate! How did you end up here?"


    Neither Jessica nor Sienna had expected to run into Halsey at the Lincolns'' residence.


    Isabel stepped forward to speak, but Halsey stopped her. Turning to Jessica and Sienna, she said, "Yeah, this is the Lincoln family''s estate. Want to guess why I''m here?"


    Jessica narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Are you...?"


    Halsey smirked. "Am I what?"


    Jessica nced at Isabel, then back at Halsey. "Are you her daughter? Is your mother working as a maid here?"


    Isabel''s face darkened with anger. "Hey!"


    Halsey stepped in front of Isabel, silencing her.


    A chuckle escaped from Sienna. "Haha! So your mom works as a maid here, huh? Why didn''t you mention it sooner?"


    Jessica sneered at Halsey. "Halsey, you can''t be med for being ugly. What you can be med for, though, is the fact that you run around and scare people with your hideous face."


    "We actually feel kind of sorry for you. Your mom''s a maid, and you''re ugly. How about we organize a charity fundraiser to help you get rid of that birthmark on your face? You''re really repulsive."


    "No wonder you hang out with Wendy! Besides her, who else would want to be friends with someone as ugly as


    you?"


    Jessica and Sienna didn''t hold back, attacking Halsey with cruel words.


    Isabel trembled with rage. At first, she thought these two were Halsey''s friends, but now it seemed they were just rude people who dared to insult Halsey.


    If it weren''t for Halsey standing in the way, Isabel would have already called the bodyguards.


    On the contrary, Halsey wasn''t angry in the slightest. "So what are you two doing here?"


    Jessica immediately puffed up with pride. "Have you heard of Bebe, the youngest daughter of the Lincoln family? She invited us to visit her here today!"


    "Oh, wow!" Halsey eximed, her eyes wide with surprise and envy. "Bebe actually invited you two to the Lincoln family''s estate?"


    Jessica and Sienna immediately lifted their chins, practically glowing with pride.


    "I bet you''re jealous! Bebe is the Lincolns'' beloved daughter, their precious little darling. She invited us to hang out here."

 My Dad Please Come 278

    "Yeah! We''re all here to hang out with Bebe, while you can only y with that country bumpkin Wendy. How pathetic," Sienna sneered at Halsey.


    Isabel nearly rolled her eyes, speechless at the absurdity of it all.


    Halsey grinned brightly.


    "Oh, yes, I really envy you both for getting to hang out with Bebe," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.


    Siennaughed. "Jessica, don''t waste any more time with this ugly thing. Let''s go inside and meet Bebe."


    Jessica wasn''t interested in wasting another second on Halsey, either. "Sure. Let her wallow in her jealousy. Let''s go."


    The two of them walked past Halsey, their arrogance radiating.


    Isabel couldn''t help but chuckle. "It seems they still don''t know who you are."


    Halsey raised an eyebrow, her smile turning devious. "Don''t worry. I''m going to make sure they won''t forget this!


    11


    As Jessica and Sienna entered the living room, Jessica felt like she was in a dream. She had finally stepped foot in the Lincoln family''s house.


    She was one step closer to achieving her goal.


    At that moment, a maid approached them. "Ladies, please make yourselvesfortable. Ms. Lincoln is upstairs changing. She will be down shortly."


    "Okay, thank you," Jessica replied, settling onto the couch with Sienna as they waited eagerly for Bebe to appear. Jessica was confident in her social skills. She had already prepared her words in her mind. She would make sure to win Bebe over and make Bebe her strongest ally.


    Soon, the maid announced, "Ms. Lincoln ising downstairs."


    Bebe was here!


    Jessica and Sienna quickly stood up, their excitement mixed with nervous anticipation as they turned to the staircase.


    The next moment, their expressions froze, their breath catching in shock.


    Halsey, now wearing a long gown, slowly descended the stairs, her beautiful eyes locking onto the petrified Jessica and Sienna.


    Their faces drained of color as they gasped. ¡°Halsey, what are you doing here?"


    Halsey walked toward them, her lips curling into a yful smile as she winked. "What do you think I''m doing here?"


    Jessica''s shock was evident. "Halsey, we''re waiting for Bebe. Why are you..."


    Jessica''s voice trailed off.


    They had been waiting for Bebe. But now, seeing Halsey, the only exnation was that... Halsey was Bebe.


    How could that be?


    Sienna couldn''t believe it. "Halsey, y-you''re Bebe?"


    Jessica and Sienna''s eyes widened in disbelief. They had never imagined that Halsey, the so-called "uggo" who hung out with Wendy, could be the Lincolns'' treasured daughter Bebe.


    No way!


    They refused to ept it.


    "This is a joke, right? You''re the uggo! How dare you pretend to be Bebe-" Jessica aaid, but her words were cut off by a harsh voice.


    "Enough!"


    Isabel''s voice rang out sharply, silencing Jessica before she could finish.


    In an instant, a group of well-trained bodyguards rushed into the room,


    surrounding Jessica and Sienna, trapping them with no escape.


    Jessica and Sienna were taken aback by the imposing show of force. Meanwhile, Halsey walked around them and casually took a seat on the living room sofa.


    Isabel red at them, her tone cold andmanding. "You brats! How dare you spit nonsense at Ms. Halsey! Keep talking, and I''ll have you thrown out right now!"


    Jessica and Sienna looked at Halsey, who elegantly epted the tea the maid handed her. She took a sip and then looked up at them with a sly smile.


    "You two were looking for Bebe, right? Well, congrattions. You found her. I am Bebe."

 My Dad Please Come 279

    Halsey stopped pretending. She revealed that she was, in fact, Bebe.


    Halsey was Bebe?


    Jessica was thunderstruck. Her mind went nk, unable to process the shocking revtion.


    Halsey was actually Bebe?


    She and Sienna had practically gone through the entire roster of vendale University-and the person they had been trying to get close to was none other than Halsey, the uggo?


    It felt like a cruel joke from fate. Jessica couldn''t bring herself to believe it.


    Meanwhile, Sienna stood frozen, unable toprehend.


    Halsey smiled. "Jessica, I heard from Stanley that you were desperate to be friends with me. You were so chatty earlier, but now that you''ve seen me, you can''t seem to get a word out."


    Halsey sat back on the sofa while Isabel and the bodyguards stood respectfully behind her. She watched with amusement as Jessica''s face twisted with embarrassment.


    Jessica clenched her fists, mortified.


    Thinking back to her words outside the estate gates, she realized how foolish she had been. At the time, Halsey hadn''t revealed her true identity, ying her like a fool.


    ¡°B¨CBebe, how....." Sienna stammered, trying to speak up.


    Halsey gave Sienna a sharp look. "I wasn''t talking to you. Do you think you have a right to interrupt?"


    Sienna fell silent.


    Isabel scoffed. "Your father is just a minor branch of the Hawk family. A few years ago, he begged Mr. Hawk for help, and it was only then that Mr. Hawk gave him a hand. You''re clever, though-pretending to be filial to Mrs. Glinda to get in her good graces. But you''re just a nobody who got slightly lucky. What right do you have to speak to the daughter of the Lincolns?"


    Isabel''s harsh words tore apart Sienna''s weak family background, making herplexion go ashen.


    Halsey turned to Jessica. "Oh, by the way, Jessica, about that limited-edition bag you gave mest night..."


    Isabel handed the bag over to Halsey, who casually examined it in her hands.


    "It''s a nice bag, but I don''t like it."


    With a flick of her wrist, Halsey tossed the bag straight into the trash.


    Jessica stood still, stunned.


    Halsey''s gaze was cold as she spat, "Jessica, Stanley has feelings for you and wants to marry you-but that''s his business, not mine. In my heart, I only acknowledge Wendy as my cousin-inw. You''ll never rece her. If you thought you could take a shortcut through me, you''re sorely mistaken."


    Jessica''s face drained of color, her heart sinking. Halsey was t-out rejecting her, and worse, blocking her path of getting into the Lincoln family''s good graces.


    Glinda already didn''t like her; if the Lincoln family didn''t ept her either, how could she ever be Mrs. Hawk?


    And now, Bebe was saying she only acknowledged Wendy as her cousin-inw. How could Jessica stand it?


    "B¨CBebe, isn''t there some kind of misunderstanding here? Wendy must''ve badmouthed me in front of you. I can exin, really-" Jessica tried to salvage the situation, lowering herself and struggling to fight back.


    Halsey curled her lips into a smirk as she cut in, "Jessica, do you know why I invited you here today?"


    Jessica had no idea.


    "Because Stanley told me you really want to kiss up to me. So, I wanted to see for myself just how low you''d go to tter someone else. And, wow, it''s truly a sight to behold!


    Halsey apuded mockingly.


    Jessica dug her nails into her palm, her body trembling with humiliation. Halsey hadpletely shattered her pride and dignity.


    "Get these two out of here, now!" Isabel ordered.


    The ck-suited bodyguards immediately stepped forward grabbing Jessica and Sienna.


    "Let go of me! Halsey, I''m the one Stanley loves! I dare you toy a hand on me!" Jessica shrieked-she immediately tried to use Stanley to defend herself.

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    Halsey stood up, unfazed. "Jessica, get this straight: this is my territory, not the Hawk family''s. Someone get them out of here!"


    "On it!"


    Before Jessica and Sienna could even struggle, there was a loud "bang", and they were unceremoniously thrown out. The two of themnded in a heap outside the door, utterly humiliated.


    Isabelughed cruelly while Halsey shed a yful grin, her eyes gleaming with amusement. She had promised to give them a memorable experience.


    How dare they pick on Wendy, her good friend! Did they think no one had Wendy''s back?


    After Wendy had been so terribly ill recently, Halsey finally got the chance to settle the score. She had just avenged Wendy in the most satisfying way possible.


    Outside, Jessica and Sienna scrambled to their feet, shocked by how quickly things had turned. They never expected to be tossed out of the Lincoln family''s estate.


    Halsey was infuriating! Anyone who hung out with Wendy was nothing but trouble!


    "Jessica, Bebe ispletely on Wendy''s side. What should we do now?" Sienna asked, her voiceced with frustration.


    Jessica''s expression turned dark and vengeful. She wasn''t about to let this slide. "We leave for now," she muttered, her anger bubbling.


    The two women started to walk away, but as luck would have it, it began to rain.


    Jessica felt like the universe had it out for her. She had just been kicked out of the Lincolns'', and now she was about to get soaked.


    Just then, a luxury car pulled up. The driver lowered the window and called to Sienna, "Are you Ms. Sienna? My boss would like you to get in.¡±


    His boss? Who was that?


    Sienna opened the back door and climbed in with Jessica. As they settled into the back seat, they saw none other than Gilbert Greenwood.


    Gilbert was the heir of the Greenwood family, the handsome heartthrob of vendale University. He was not only the captain of the basketball team, but also the object of affection for countless female fans.


    Sienna hadn''t expected to see Gilbert. She wasn''t very familiar with him since her attention had always been on Nathan. Still, she and Gilbert were both the campus''s most popr figures-he the campus heartthrob, and she the campus belle.


    Sienna was mindful of her image around men. With her pure and pretty appearance, along with her voluptuous chest, she was a total dream girl in the eyes of many. She smiled at Gilbert, her voice sweet as she thanked him. " Thanks, Gilbert.


    Gilbert returned her smile, his charm undeniable. "No problem, Sienna."


    He handed her a towel. "You''re wet. Here, you can use this to dry off."


    "Thanks."


    Charter 290


    Jessica watched Gilbert closely, her eyes lighting up. If she remembered correctly, Gilbert was engaged to Halsey,


    The Lincoln and Greenwood families had a long-standing marriage pact. Bebe, the Lincoln family''s daughter, was promised to Gilbert, the Greenwood heit.


    Gilbert''s gaze was focused entirely on Sienna, and the warmth in his eyes made Jessica smirk knowingly.


    Just then, Gilbert''s phone rang with a melodious ringtone, and he picked up the call. Halsey''s voice immediately came through, full of excitement. "Gilbert, don''t forget our movie date tonight at seven!"


    Gilbert pressed his lips together, responding with a calm, Got it," before hanging up.


    Jessica took note of everything. A n was already forming in her mind.


    Soon, the luxury car pulled up to vendale University. Jessica and Sienna got out.


    "Thanks, Gilbert," Sienna said.


    Gilbert smiled. "My pleasure."


    As they watched the car drive off, Jessica grabbed Sienna''s arm.


    "Sienna, didn''t you notice? Gilbert is into you!"


    Sienna frowned. "But he''s engaged to Halsey."


    "Halsey looks down on you, right? Why not steal her fianc¨¦? That would be a far more satisfying victory, wouldn''t it?" Jessica suggested, her voice full of malice.

 My Dad Please Come 281

    Sienna paused for a moment. To be honest, she hadn''t really thought about it.


    "Jessica, I''m in love with Nathan-"


    ¡°Sienna, stop waiting for Nathan," Jessica interrupted. "He''s already got an engagement set with Lucille Jenner. The marriage between the Lowe and Jenner families is official, and it''s unbreakable. You need to find a new target, fast.¡±


    Jessica continued, "The Greenwood family is one of the most prestigious in Hovendale, Gilbert is well-born, and his character is excellent. He''s the husband the Lincoln family picked out for Bebe. If you can steal him, you''ll marry into the Greenwood family!"


    Jessica was right. Nathan was about to get married. Even though Sienna still had feelings for him, she couldn''t waste her youth waiting for someone who was out of reach.


    Sienna had always been a side branch of the Hawk family, and just earlier, Isabel had humiliated her. She needed to find a good match.


    Now, Gilbert seemed like the best option.


    Being chosen by the Lincoln family meant Gilbert was top-tier in every way.


    If she could steal Gilbert away, it would be the perfect revenge on Halsey-she''d be able to hold her head high.


    `She, the daughter of a side branch of the Hawk family, could still take away the fianc¨¦ of the Lincoln family''s true- born daughter!


    Jessicaughed. "I didn''t expect Gilbert''s fianc¨¦e to be that uggo! What man wouldn''t prefer a beauty to someone like her? Sienna, I''m sure Gilbert is interested in you.''


    Sienna was skilled at reading people. Just one nce from Gilbert earlier in the car had told her everything she needed to know-he fancied her.


    Halsey, that uggo, didn''t stand a chance of keeping him.


    Sienna was the queen of vendale University''s dance department, adored by all the geeks. Winning Gilbert over would be a piece of cake.


    Sienna nodded. "Alright, Jessica. Wait for the good news."


    "Halsey''s waiting for Gilbert to take her to the movies tonight. It''s your chance, Sienna."


    Sienna blushed, giving an okay sign.


    Halsey returned to the girls'' dormitory. She didn''t tell Wendy about the


    confrontation she had with Jessica and Sienna, so Wendy had no idea what had happened.


    Halsey changed into a beautiful dress and spun around in front of Wendy. "Wendy, do you think Gilbert will like me in this dress for our date?"


    Wendy was writing out a prescription. She nced up at Halsey''s excited, bright smile and nodded. "He''ll definitely like it."


    Halsey made up her mind to wear the dress and began to get ready.


    Wendy had just learned that Gilbert was Halsey''s fianc¨¦. "Halsey, why did you choose Gilbert?"


    "I''ve always had this birthmark on my face, and when I was younger, everyone used to make fun of how ugly 1 was. Only he ever said I was beautiful, and I felt warmth from him. Later, he told me he loved me, and we got engaged."


    Wendy had seen Gilbert once, during a basketball game. He was surrounded by cheering girls, and it was easy to see why he was warm and handsome.


    Wendy nodded, walking over to Halsey. She gently covered Halsey''s left cheek, hiding the birthmark.


    With that, Halsey''s true beauty was revealed. She had a small, delicate face framed byrge, yful eyes, making her look gentle and charming.


    Without that birthmark, Halsey would have likely captured the hearts of countless


    men.


    "Wendy, it''s almost time. I''m heading out now." Fully dressed, Halsey stood up,


    grabbed her bag, and headed for the door.


    Wendy waved with a smile. "Alright, have fun!"


    ¤Ê


    ANT


    Gilbert hade to vendale University, ready to head to the cinema.


    But the rain was stilling down, and his luxury car was parked quite a distance away. He nned to brave the rain and walk over.


    "Just as he was about to head out, a pink umbre appeared, held over his head.

 My Dad Please Come 282

    Gilbert turned around and was met with Sienna''s fresh and brifol face pe it up


    "Sienna? Why are you here?"


    Sienna was dressed in a navy cored white and the top,


    detta Barkiet that perfectly entuated her with a yful mile, the said. "Giffet, ebay yes


    curves. She stood before Gilbert, her legs strange and gra let me ride in your car to escape the rain Now, I''m being an abestia for you I''d say we''re


    Gilbert chuckded


    "You have a date, right?" Sienna acked "Here, you can keep the ambre Pll head off now."


    She turned to leave. But after taking a step, she suddenly ted her ankle and winced in pain


    Gilbert immediately stepped forward with concern. "Sienna are you okay***


    Tearewelled up in Sienna''s eyes from the pain. She looked helpless and fragile. ¡°I twisted my ankle. It hurts much..."


    "I''ll carry you to the infirmary," Gilbert said, reaching out to lift her in his arms. Sienna looked up at his handsome face. "But what about your date?"


    Gilbert smiled, his lips curling. "It''s not as important as you."


    Sienna''s face flushed. "Then, can you take me to the dance studio? I have some ointment there."


    Gilbert nodded and carried Sienna toward the dance studio As they walked, Sienna gazed at his charming face." Gilbert, how did you know about me?"


    Gilbert thought for a moment. "There was that basketball game at vendale University. I was the team captain, and you were the cheerleading captain. When you came out to perform, I noticed you right away. But at that time, it seemed like you weren''t interested in the boys at school.


    Sienna had always been the cheerleading captain. During that game, she wore a cheerleading costume, dancing energetically on the field. Her huge bosom bounced with every move, and her agility had the whole arena screaming.


    That was when Gilbert first noticed her. It was hard not to, as the guys around him kept talking about her, saying she was the prettiest girl in the dance department.


    In fact, the vendale University dance department had two main attractions- Stenna''s chest and Chelsey Watts''s hips-both were a deadly weapon for men.


    Sienna felt warmth blossom in her heart. So Gilbert had fancied her back then, But at that time, her heart had been with Nathan.


    Suddenly, a loud thunderp echoed through the sky. C


    "Ah!" Sienna cried out, startled. She instinctively reached up and wrapped her arms around Gilbert''s neck.


    Gilbert looked down at her, his voice gentle and amused. "You''re scared of thunder?"


    Sienna nodded, her face showing a hint of fear. "Yeah."


    Gilbert chuckled softly. "What a scaredy-cat."


    Sienna shot him a yful look, and the air between them seemed to crackle with tension.


    Just then, a ringtone echoed from Gilbert''s pocket. However, he let the phone ring without making a move to


    answer it.


    Sienna raised an eyebrow. "Gilbert, aren''t you going to answer? What if it''s important?"


    Gilbert''s handsome face shifted slightly, a trace of impatience in his eyes. "There''s no need to answer."


    Meanwhile, Halsey had already arrived at the cinema. At first, the lobby had been packed with people, but now, it was empty except for her.


    The movie had already started, and everyone else had gone inside.


    Halsey checked the time. She had been waiting since 7:00 PM, and now it was 8:00 PM. Gilbert still hadn''t shown


    1. up.


    She pulled out her phone and dialed his number. A cold, mechanical female voice answered, "Sorry, the number you have dialed cannot be reached at the moment. Please try againter."


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 283

    Why wasn''t Gilbert answering his phone? Had something happened?


    A sense of unease settled in Halsey''s chest as she worried about Gilbert''s safety. Clutching the popcorn, she ran through the heavy rain back to vendale University.


    By the time she returned, Halsey was drenched, with the popcorn hidden in her arms. Though she hadn''t managed to see the movie, at least she could share the delicious treat with Gilbert.


    Hurrying to find him, Halsey stopped short when she spotted Gilbert up ahead. Gilbert was there, and beside him was someone she recognized-Sienna.


    Gilbert had helped Sienna apply some ointment and stayed by her side the entire time. Now that Sienna''s foot no longer hurt, they were walking back together.


    Halsey watched them. Gilbert and Sienna walked side by side, with Sienna shyly saying something as Gilbert wore a warm smile on his handsome face.


    They were talking andughing, looking every bit like a couple in love.


    Halsey stood frozen, unable toprehend why her fianc¨¦ was walking alongside Sienna.


    So, he hadn''t gone to the cinema because of Sienna?


    Halsey felt foolish. She had been worried about him, rushing back like a soaked mess, only to find him hanging out with Sienna.


    Fuming, she pulled out her phone and dialed Gilbert''s number.


    She heard his phone ring in his pocket, but he made no effort to answer as he continued to chat with Sienna.


    Halsey''s heart sank, a wave of anger flooding her. She immediately stormed over and stood in front of them. Gilbert, what''s going on? Why are you with her?"


    Gilbert and Sienna stopped. Sienna looked fragile and frightened. "Halsey..."


    11


    Gilbert quickly moved to shield Sienna, ring at Halsey. "Halsey, why are you yelling? You''re scaring Sienna."


    The anger boiled over in Halsey. "Gilbert, we had ns to see a movie at seven! Why didn''t you show up?"


    Gilbert''s gaze fell on the birthmark on Halsey''s face, his expression tinged with distaste. The fact that she was drenched only repulsed him even more. Coldly, he replied, I forgot! We can watch the movie tomorrow. Do you really have to make a scene?"


    What? She was making a scene?


    Halsey sneered, "I don''t think you forgot, Gilbert. You were too busy hanging out with Sienna. You''re cheating on me!"


    The word "cheating" struck a nerve in Gilbert, making him ufortable. "Sienna and I haven''t done anything."


    "Cheating is cheating, whether it''s physical or emotional. Do you think there''s a difference?"


    Halsey''s sharp words left Gilbert speechless.


    At that moment, Sienna reached out and tugged at Gilbert''s sleeve, her voice sweet and innocent. "Gilbert, it''s my fault. You two are fighting because of me."


    Gilbert looked at Sienna and softly reassured her, "Sienna, it''s not your fault. I can''t control what she thinks."


    Sienna looked at Halsey and shed her a mocking smile.


    Halsey''s fury red, but she said nothing. She turned and walked away.


    Behind her, Sienna''s voice rang out. "Gilbert, what''s your rtionship with Halsey?"


    Gilbert paused for a moment, then replied, "We''re just friends."


    Halsey let out a bitterugh. They were engaged, yet he was saying they were just friends.


    It was utterly ridiculous.


    She felt like the most pathetic person on earth.


    After Halsey left, Gilbert and Sienna parted ways.

 My Dad Please Come 284

    Sienna pulled out her phone and called Jessica. When Jessica heard that Halsey had waited for hours in the theater and came back drenched, she burst intoughter.


    20


    "This is too much! The Lincoln family''s darling, who? Who cares if she''s from a rich family? She''s just an uggo. Sienna, you''re amazing! Gilbert''spletely smitten by you now."


    Sienna smirked. "Don''t get ahead of yourself. There''s more toe tomorrow."


    Jessicaughed. "That''s what she gets for teaming up with Wendy and trying to go against us. This is her lesson. I''m waiting for more good news from you."


    "Don''t worry, Jessica. I''ve got it all under control."


    Wendy didn''t return to the dorm untilte. The dorm was dark; and the lights were off.


    Could Halsey still be out on her date? Wendy figured she must be having a great time.


    Wendy turned on the light and was surprised to see a small, curled-up figure on the bed. Halsey had alreadye back and was in bed.


    Wendy found it a little odd. "Halsey, you''re back from your date already? Did you have a good time with Gilbert today?"


    Halsey''s back was turned to her. "Yeah, I did. I''m tired. Goodnight."


    Wendy gently tucked her in. "Goodnight. Sleep well.''


    Wendy grabbed her pajamas and went to take a shower.


    Halsey curled up in the nkets, her small face covered in tears of frustration and hurt.


    The next morning, when Halsey woke up, Wendy had already left. She had cried for hoursst night, and her eyes were swollen and red.


    Halsey got up and washed her face. Just as she was finishing, a loud knock echoed from the door.


    "Coming," she called.


    When she opened the door, she froze. Gilbert was standing outside. He hade


    to the dorm to find her.


    Was he here to apologize?


    Even if he was, she didn''t think she''d forgive him.


    "What are you doing here?"! Halsey asked, her voice a little shaky.


    Gilbert looked at her with a dark expression. "Why did you send someone to hurt Sienna?"


    Halsey was stunned. "Someone hurt-Sienna?"


    "Yes!" Gilbert snapped. "They beat her up and warned her to never cross you again."


    Halsey was quick to respond. "I didn''t send anyone to hurt Sienna!"


    Gilbert didn''t believe her. His face twisted in disgust as he spat, "Halsey, I never imagined you''d be so cruel. Let

 My Dad Please Come 285

    §ã


    Halsey was in shock, unable toprehend what Gilbert was saying.


    So, he only got close to her because of family pressure. He adplimented her, said she was beautiful, and even agreed to marry her. But in his eyes, she was just an "ggo"!


    So this was his true feeling all along.


    Her face turned pale.


    "Halsey, I don''t want to see Sienna hurt again. You should just kill yourself!"


    Gilbert threw the cruel words at her, then turned and walked away.


    Halsey stumbled back several steps, her eyes welling up with tears. She quickly covered her mouth and ran out of the dorm.


    The rain still fell, mirroring the storm in her heart. Halsey ran out of vendale University and hailed a taxi at the


    entrance.


    "You''re just so ugly. You''re nothing more than an uggo! You should just kill yourself!"


    Gilbert''s cold, heartless words echoed in her ears, and the tears came flooding down. Halsey''s sobs grew louder as she cried uncontrobly.


    "Where to, miss?"


    "Take me to the Lincolns'' residence on Palm Street..."


    Halsey choked on her words. Now, the only thing she wanted was to go home.


    She was too lost in her sorrow to notice the driver ahead, wearing a cap. As he nced up, he quietly revealed a sinister, lecherous smile.


    Wendy had returned to vendale University, her phone in hand as she tried calling Halsey, but there was no


    answer.


    Why wasn''t Halsey picking up?


    Wendy found it odd. As she passed by the dance studio, she noticed Gilbert through the bright floor-to-ceiling windows. She paused in her steps.


    Inside the studio, Gilbert was with Sienna. Sienna looked terrified, her eyes red and teary. "Gilbert, do you think Halsey will send someone after me again? I''m so scared!"


    "Don''t worry, Sienna. I''m here. I''ll protect you."


    Sienna immediately threw herself into Gilbert''s arms. "Gilbert, thank you."


    Gilbert paused for a moment, then smiled and gently embraced Sienna.


    Wendy froze, her eyes locked on the sight before her. She immediately grabbed


    her phone and called Halsey again. Still, there was no answer.


    A sinking feeling formed in Wendy''s chest. She rushed toward the dorm, calling out, "Halsey? Halsey!"


    The dorm was empty; Halsey wasn''t there.


    Where had she gone?


    Panic started to rise in Wendy as she quickly ran outside. The rain had grown heavier.


    She opened her phone''s location app. Recently, she and Halsey had shared their locations; as long as Halsey hadn''t turned it off, Wendy could track her.


    It didn''t take long for the location to load. Halsey hadn''t turned it off, and Wendy saw that she was heading toward a remote area on the outskirts of town.


    What was Halsey doing there?


    Wendy immediately waved down a taxi. She had to find Halsey.


    Just then, the sound of a car honking caught her attention. She turned to see a Rolls-Royce Phantom pulling up beside her.


    It was Stanley''s car.


    The luxurious vehicle came to a stop next to her, and the driver''s side window slowly rolled down, revealing Stanley''s handsome face.


    For some reason, he was here.


    Stanley''s piercing eyes settled on Wendy''s anxious expression. His deep,


    maic voice rang out. "Something wrong?"


    Wendy quickly answered, "Halsey''s gone missing!"


    Stanley''s face immediately darkened.


    "I tracked her location," Wendy said. "I think she''s in danger."


    "Get in the car!"


    Stanley reached for the passenger door, but Wendy opened the back door and climbed in.

 My Dad Please Come 286

    Stanley''s long fingers paused for a moment.


    "Drive. We need to find Halsey as soon as possible."


    Stanley nced at Wendy through the rearview mirror. She sat in the back seat, her eyes glued to her phone. Her face was pale, and the cold, ethereal beauty of her features seemed even more delicate in her anxious state.


    Her mind was entirely focused on Halsey, and she hadn''t even looked at him.


    The distance between them, once so close, felt like a vast chasm now, strange and distant.


    Stanley turned his gaze back to the road and stepped on the elerator. "Alright."


    Halsey had been crying nonstop. She was heartbroken, yet as the tears fell, something didn''t feel right.


    She realized that the road outside the car window wasn''t the way home, and the path was growing more deste and isted with each passing mile.


    Halsey looked toward the driver. "This isn''t Palm Street. Where are you taking me?"


    The driver removed his cap, revealing a scarred face. He grinned maliciously. "Miss, I''m taking you somewhere fun."


    Halsey felt a strange sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu, and then it hit her.


    This driver he was the infamous Stormborn Devil, the man the police had been chasing for weeks. The Stormborn Devil was notorious for attacking women in the rain, and just this past month, he had murdered two female college students.


    A chill ran through Halsey''s body, her hands turning cold as realization struck. She had gotten into the car of a serial killer.


    She was in danger!


    "Stop the car!"


    Halsey quickly reached for the door handle, but it was locked.


    She couldn''t just sit and wait for disaster. In a desperate move, she lunged for the steering wheel.


    The taxi swerved dangerously, and the driver, clearly caught off guard by Halsey''s strength, mmed on the brakes, his expression gloomy.


    The car came to a halt. The Stormborn Devil jumped out and roughly yanked Halsey out of the car.


    p!


    The sound of the p rang out.


    Halsey, the cherished daughter of the Lincoln family, was struck so hard that her ears rang. Blood began to seep from the corner of her mouth.


    you


    and


    The Stormborn Devil shoved her against the car, his face twisted with a sinister smile. "I was nning to take you home, but you seem eager, so I''ll take care of you right now I''ll have my way with you first, then kill dismember you. Sounds pretty thrilling, doesn''t it?"


    Halsey''s heart raced with ferror, but she didn''t give up. She struggled, her voice trembling with defiance. "Let me go! You''remitting a crime! Thew will catch up with you!"


    The Stormborn Devil wasn''t fazed. His eyes lingered on the birthmark on Halsey''s face. ¡°You''re so ugly. No man would ever want you. Before you die, I''ll let you know what it''s like to be with a man. You should thank me, really.


    31


    The cruel words sent a wave of pain and humiliation crashing over Halsey. Her tears poured down once more.


    Then, with a sharp rip, the Stormborn Devil tore open her blouse.


    Halsey''s delicate skin, the smooth porcin-like beauty of a sheltered young woman, was exposed to the cold air. Her wlessplexion only seemed to fuel the twisted desire in the Stormborn Devil''s eyes.


    "Your face is so ugly, but your body''s quite a different story" he muttered, leaning down to kiss her.


    Halsey screamed in terror. "Ah!"


    Closing her eyes in hopelessness, she wondered-was this really how it would end?


    Because she was ugly, no one loved her.


    Because she was ugly, she was humiliated.


    Just as despair overwhelmed her, a long, clean hand shot out, grabbing the Stormborn Devil by the back of his shirt. The stranger yanked with all his strength, and Halsey felt herself loosen as the Stormborn Devil was pulled away from her.


    The rain poured even harder, soaking through her clothes. Trembling, Halsey shielded herself with her hands, her wet eyes rising to look at the person who had saved her.


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 287

    The one who appeared before her was a young man, dressed in a ck T-shirt and pants. Halsey immediately recognized him-Dwight Garner.


    44


    Dwight, along with Gilbert, was one of the two most popr guys at vendale University. While Gilbert was the cheerful and handsome rich heir, admired by many girls, Dwight was cold and solitary. The girls were too intimidated to approach him, yet the girls'' dormitory buzzed with rumors about him every night."


    Halsey watched as Dwight stepped forward, yanking the Stormborn Devil away with a powerful motion.


    The Stormborn Devil quickly regained hisposure and snarled, his face twisting in rage. "You brat! How dare you ruin my fun!"


    With that, the Stormborn Devil swung a punch at Dwight.


    Dwight, agile and quick, effortlessly dodged the blow and retaliated with a punch to the Stormborn Devil''s stomach. With a loud bang, the Stormborn Devil crashed into the side of the car, spitting out a mouthful of blood.


    Dwight had a buzz cut, his features sharp and strong in a way Halsey had never seen before. His cold, hard charm was almost aggressive in its intensity. The rain dripped down his face and the contours of his body as he advanced on the Stormborn Devil, his muscles visibly flexing beneath his ck T-shirt. Each movement was full of power, radiating a dangerous and undeniable masculinity.


    The Stormborn Devil realized toote that he had met his match. Panicked, he pleaded, "Stop... Please, I''m -begging you..."


    Suddenly, his expression darkened, and he pulled out a sharp knife, thrusting it toward Dwight.


    Halsey gasped, holding her breath as she shouted, "Watch out!"


    Dwight didn''t flinch. As the knife came toward him, he caught the Stormborn Devil''s wrist in one swift motion, twisting it until it cracked with a sickening snap. The Stormborn Devil''s hand was now bent at an unnatural angle, and the knife fell to the ground.


    Dwight didn''t hesitate. Without even blinking, he grabbed the de and plunged it deep into the Stormborn Devil''s shoulder.


    "Argh!"


    The Stormborn Devil let out a terrible scream. Dwight twisted the knife, his hand turning it inside the killer''s shoulder.


    Fear overtook the Stormborn Devil''s face. He had taken two lives in the past month, blood staining his hands, but the boy in front of him filled him with a deep, visceral dread. Trembling, he muttered, "Y-You''re a monster..."


    With that, the Stormborn Devil''s eyes fluttered shut, and he copsed, unconscious.


    Dwight released his grip, and the Stormborn Devil crumpled to the ground.


    Halsey''s legs gave out, and she sank to the ground. She had grown up protected


    as the beloved daughter of the Lincoln family, never exposed to such brutal, terrifying scenes.


    Dwight, unfazed, turned and began walking toward her.


    Halsey, unnerved, instinctively shifted back.


    The men she was used to were either like Stanley-handsome, distinguished, and


    full of authority-or like her father and Gilbert-gentle, charming, and warm. She had never interacted with someone like Dwight before.


    Now, the young man walked toward her, his presence imposing. Even though they were around the same age, Dwight seemed older in a way that made her feel a subtle pressure; there was a sense of danger that emanated from him.


    The harsh, raw energy he exuded seeped into the air.


    Suddenly, Halsey remembered the rumors she had heard about him at school. They said Dwight''s father had died, but before that, he was a drug dealer.


    Dwight was the son of a drug dealer.


    Halsey looked up at him warily. "Wh-what do you want from me?"


    Dwight paused, ncing at her for a moment before tossing his ck jacket in her direction.


    "Put it on."


    His voice was cold, devoid of warmth.


    Halsey caught the jacket. It was undoubtedly his, still warm with his body heat.


    It felt strangelyforting.


    He was such a cold person, yet his warmth seemed to seep through the fabric.


    Dwight didn''t spare her another look. Instead, he pulled out his phone from his pocket and made a call.

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    He gave the address, his voice cold as he spoke into the phone. "The guy''s out cold... Quit wasting time. Just transfer the money to my card."


    Halsey had no idea who he was calling. In a daze, she quickly slipped on his jacket, covering her exposed skin.


    She supported herself against the side of the cab, trying to stand up. She wanted


    to thank Dwight, but before she could, a familiar, clear voice rang out from the distance.


    "Halsey! Halsey, where are you?"


    Wendy had arrived.


    By the time Halsey turned around, Dwight had already disappeared.


    How had he left so quickly?..


    She hadn''t even had the chance to thank him in person.


    Stanley and Wendy had arrived, and Stanley had noticed the skid marks on the road. Understanding what had happened, he and Wendy had gotten out of the car to search


    Wendy rushed over when she saw Halsey. "Halsey, are you okay? What are you doing out here? You scared me to -death!"


    Stanley looked down at the unconscious driver lying on the ground, already piecing things together. Seeing Halsey unharmed, he let out a small sigh of relief.


    Yet his handsome face remained tense, his voice sharp as he scolded her. "Halsey, what were you thinking, running off like that? You''re an adult now. You need to learn to take responsibility for yourself!"


    The sadness, frustration, and fear from the danger Halsey had just faced all burst forth in Stanley''s stern words. Her eyes welled up, and she turned on her heel, walking away.


    Wendy quickly chased after her. "Halsey, where are you going?"


    Halsey didn''t look back.


    Wendy''s right leg identally hit a stone, and she gasped in pain, clutching her leg.


    Halsey hesitated for a moment before running back to her. She kneeled and checked Wendy''s injury. "Are you okay?"


    Wendy let go of her leg, smiling. "I''m fine. There''s not even a wound."


    Halsey froze, staring at her.


    Wendy stood in the rain, her bright eyes twinkling with warmth as she gave Halsey a yful wink. "See? Things aren''t as bad as you thought."


    Tears suddenly streamed down Halsey''s face.


    Wendy opened her arms, pulling Halsey into aforting embrace. She gently patted Halsey''s back. "It''s okay.


    Let it all out."


    Halsey sobbed into Wendy''s shoulder, her voice muffled by her tears.


    "Wendy, I''ve had a birthmark since I was born. My parents Everyone around me got upset because of it, especially my dad. He feels guilty because he can heal others, but he can''t heal his own daughter... They love me so much...


    "I love them a lot too... I don''t want to see them sad, so I try to smile... But sometimes, when I look in the mirror, I feel so upset too...


    "Gilbert said I was beautiful, and I believed him...but he was lying to me. He said I''m really ugly... Wendy, have I done something wrong? Is being unattractive some kind of crime?"


    Wendy held her tighter, her voice soft andforting. "Halsey, you haven''t done anything wrong."


    Stanley, tall and serious, stood off to the side. Bebe was his cousin, so how could he not feel for her?


    Momentster, two police cars pulled up, and a few uniformed officers got out before taking the unconscious Stormborn Devil into custody.


    An older officer nced in the direction Dwight had disappeared, then turned to Halsey. "Miss, has the young man who saved left?"


    you


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    Was the officer asking about Dwight? Had Dwight''s phone call earlier been to this officer?


    Halsey nodded slowly, her voice soft. "Yeah, he''s gone."


    The officer didn''t say anything else. "We''ll lock this guy up. Tomorrow, we''ll need you toe in and give a statement."


    Halsey nodded again. "Okay."


    "It''s rainy season now, and a thunderstorm ising. It''s not safe to head back in this weather. There''s a rest stop up ahead. You should go there, take a hot shower, and change into some dry clothes. You wouldn''t want to catch a cold," advised the officer kindly.


    Stanley, Wendy, and Halsey were all soaked through. It waste autumn, and the chill in the air only made the rain feel colder. With no better option, they followed the officer''s advice and made their way to the rest stop.


    The rest stop wasn''trge, but it was clean. The young man at the front desk led them to a room. "Sorry, this is the only room avable tonight."


    Three people in one room?


    Wendy nced inside and saw that there was only one bed.


    But there was no choice.


    Stanley nodded. "That''s fine. We''ll take it."


    The young man handed over the room key, and then left them to it.


    Stanley stepped inside, but Wendy suddenly ran after the young man, calling, "Wait a second!"


    The young man paused. "Is there something else?"


    Stanley watched as Wendy, her delicate face glowing with a sweet smile, spoke to


    the man. "Can you add extra bedding? There are three of us."


    The young man blinked, then asked, "Is that handsome guy with you?"


    "Yeah, that''s my brother," Wendy replied.


    Stanley heard her response.


    "Please, handsome. Can you help us out? Get us extra bedding?" Wendy added with a yful tone, the kind of voice that could make any man''s heart soften.


    The young man''s face flushed noticeably.


    Stanley stood by the door, watching the scene with a stern face before turning and heading back to the room.


    He stood by the bed, tugging at his tie as he tried topose himself. Momentster, Wendy returned, holding the extra bedding. She didn''t speak to him but looked at Halsey instead.


    "Halsey, why are you just standing there? Go ahead and take a shower first."


    Halsey realized there was no point in dying and nodded. "Okay. I''ll go wash up."


    Halsey went into the bathroom.


    Stanley remained by the bed, but soon Wendy walked over and ced the


    beddings on the bed. She didn''t look at him or try to speak.


    In fact, she hadn''t spoken to him much earlier, either-both of them had seemed to run out of things to say.


    Stanley pressed his lips together, a slight edge to his voice. Did you use your charms to get the bedding?" Wendy nced up at him, her eyes meeting his for a brief moment. "When you need something, you have to act little sweet. I''m single right now, so it''s not a big deal, right?"


    Stanley''s expression remained unchanged, his deep voice even colder. "So, you''re putting yourself out there?" Wendy set her bag down on the table. "Is it so strange? You''re getting married to Jessica. I n on dating and remarrying too. I have no intention of staying single forever."


    The lights in the room were dim, casting shadows on Stanley''s sharp features, making his expression harder to read. That guy at the front desk earlier... You probably wouldn''t be interested in him, right?"


    Wendy paused, then turned to look at him.


    Stanley, despite being drenched in his expensive suit, still carried the air of a mature man. His tall frame and long legs added to the imposing presence that filled the room, a stark contrast to the humble setting of the rest stop.


    Wendy understood what he meant. The man she had once married was him-an ideal, a gem. A small-town clerk ''from a rest stop couldn''t possiblypare.

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    Wendy studied Stanley with her clear, sharp eyes as she shed a teasing smile.


    "You''re constantly surrounded by powerful men. If you find someone suitable, maybe you could introduce me."


    Stanley nced at her briefly before looking away, his expression unreadable. He casually tugged off his tie, his voice low and indifferent. "If I meet someone suitable, I''ll introduce you."


    "Thanks, Mr. Hawk."


    Just then, the bathroom door opened. Halsey quickly came out, her hair still damp. "Wendy, hurry up and go shower."


    Wendy didn''t hesitate. She walked into the bathroom without a word.


    Thest to shower was Stanley. By the time he entered, both girls had already settled into bed,


    Halsey, who had cried earlier, was now calm. She had told Wendy everything about Gilbert and Sienna.


    After hearing the full story, Wendy furrowed her brow. "Sounds like Sienna intentionally stole your fianc¨¦. She''s easy to deal with, but the real problem is Gilbert. Do you still have feelings for him?"


    Halsey shook her head. "Not anymore. I used to think he was a nice person, but it turns out it was all just his maniption and lies!"


    -Wendy sighed in relief. Luckily, Halsey didn''t love Gilbert anymore. Sienna wasn''t the real issue-Gilbert was. Wendy was worried Halsey would get stuck in the past.


    If you don''t let others bully you, no one can.


    That was the Halsey Wendy knew-lively, bright, and strong.


    Wendy took Halsey''s hand in hers. "Halsey, do you remember what you said to me when I was getting divorced?"


    Halsey grinned. "To hell with Stanley!"


    Wendyughed. "To hell with Gilbert!"


    When Stanley emerged from the bathroom, he saw both girls lying together on the bed, whispering to each other.


    Halsey murmured, "To hell with Gilbert!"


    Wendy chimed in, "To hell with Stanley!"


    Stanley, standing in the doorway, froze. His face darkened in an instant. So, this was what they said about him when he wasn''t around?


    Just then, Halsey noticed Stanley standing there. She sat up quickly. "Mr. Hawk, there''s only one big bed here. How are the three of us going to sleep?"


    It was finally time to figure out where everyone was going to sleep.


    Stanley didn''t answer right away. He climbed into the bed andy down next to Wendy.


    Wendy sat up immediately. "Mr. Hawk, why are you sleeping here?"


    Stanley gave her a calm nce. "I''m your brother, right? Is it wrong for me to sleep next to nt sister?"


    Wendy, exasperated, muttered curses under her breath.


    What a freak!


    But with only one bed, Stanley could either sleep next to her, next to Halsey, or in between the two of them.


    Wendy still didn''t know the rtionship between Stanley and Halsey, so she didn''t want Stanley to sleep next to Halsey-it wouldn''t be the best thing for Halsey''s reputation. She shot Stanley a re and reluctantly epted the situation.


    Stanleyy on the outer side of the bed. Wendy gave him a nket, then settled herself in the middle. She scooted closer to Halsey and curled up in the nkets next to her, keeping a decent distance from him.


    Stanleyy t on his back, his nket, which Wendy had just used, carrying a pleasant, lingering fragrance.


    It had been a while since his divorce from Wendy. He had spent most of his time with Jessica since then, and his memories of Wendy had faded.


    Yet, the soothing fragrance in the nket instantly brought those memories rushing back.


    Stanley propped his arm behind his head, wide awake despite the exhaustion. Today''s Bonus Offer

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    Wendy and Halsey huddled together under the same nket, neither of them asleep. They were deep in conversation.


    "Wendy, have you ever met a guy like this?" Halsey asked.


    Wendy turned her head. "What kind of guy?"


    Halsey''s mind drifted back to the memory of the handsome Dwight with his buzz cut. "You know, the cold, cool type. The kind that''s really good at fighting and a little intimidating..."


    Wendy nced at the ck baseball jacket hanging on the coat rack. It had originally been worn by Halsey, and after she fook it off, she had carefully hung it there. It was obvious it belonged to the guy who had saved her.


    Wendy''s lips curled into a sly smile. "Are you talking about Dwight, the campus heartthrob?"


    Halsey nodded. "Yeah."


    Wendy winked teasingly. "Are you nning to repay his kindness with your body?"


    Halsey''s face turned pink. ¡°Shut up! I''m not talking to you anymore."


    Wendy chuckled.


    Halsey quickly covered her mouth. "Wendy, stopughing!


    Outside, rain poured down in heavy sheets, but inside, the two girls were cozy and warm, their quietughter filling the small, humble room with warmth.


    Stanleyy there on the bed, his thin lips curling into a faint smile.


    Halsey yfully scolded, "Hey, stop making fun of me! I don''t know who else to talk to, so I''m telling you. You''re my cousin-inw, after all."


    Halsey treated Wendy as both her cousin-inw and confidante.


    Wendy paused, her eyes narrowing. "What do you mean, cousin-inw?"


    Halsey''s heart skipped a beat. She had forgotten that Wendy still didn''t know her true identity.


    Wendy, however, had heard Halsey talking about her cousin before. "Halsey, are you talking about your scumbag cousin?"


    Scumbag cousin?


    Stanley turned toward them, his gaze sharp and piercing as he shot an icy re at Halsey. Had they been gossiping about him behind his back?


    Halsey froze. She nervously stuck out her tongue. "Oh, my cousin''s quite the heartthrob. A lot of women would love to be with my cousin-inw, but there''s only one person I''d call that."


    Halsey''s words were clearly meant for Stanley''s ears.


    Stanley''s expression remained neutral. Jessica hadined to him about it before-Halsey.wasn''t interested in being friends with Jessica. She had called Jessica to the Lincolns'' residence that day to get back at her for Wendy''s sake.


    Through her actions, Halsey had shown that the only cousin -inw in her heart was, indeed, Wendy.


    1


    Who Stanley chose to marry was irrelevant-she would only acknowledge her own cousin-inw.


    What else could Stanley say?


    Wendy, however, didn''t want to delve too deeply into the affairs of Halsey''s cousin. After all, they didn''t concern her. Her thoughts drifted to Dwight. She had


    met him before, and the impression he left was still fresh in her mind.


    "Halsey, do you know what I think Dwight''s like?" Wendy asked. Halsey, still a little lost in thought, responded, "What?"


    Wendy replied softly, "Dwight''s like a wild horse. He''s not someone from your world."


    Halsey thought about it for a moment, then yawned, her eyelids growing heavy. She grabbed Wendy''s arm. "No matter what, I''m going to take his jacket to the dry cleaners and return it to him. I want to thank him in person. Wendy, I''m so tired. Let''s sleep."


    Wendy nodded. "Okay."


    The two girls quickly fell asleep, their peaceful breathing filling the room as they drifted into slumber.


    But Stanley couldn''t sleep. While the two girls were chatting softly beside him earlier, he couldn''t seem to drift off.


    He turned to look at Wendy. Her small face was buried in the nket, and she was sound asleep. Reaching out, Stanley gently pulled the covers off of Wendy exposing her left calf.


    Earlier, she had bumped it on a rock, but when Halsey had checked, she had shown her her right leg, which was unaffected. Her left calf, however, was swollen and bruised.


    She just didn''t tell Halsey about it.


    Stanley had never understood why Halsey and Wendy were so close. In fact, he


    had tried to get Halsey to build a better rtionship with Jessica.


    But now, he understood.

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    The bond between girls is simple-it''s all about sincerity.


    It seemed Halsey and Jessica would never be friends in this lifetime.


    Stanley got out of bed and walked to the bathroom, where he grabbed a warm towel. He gently pressed it against Wendy''s injury. The warmth would help ease


    the pain.


    He returned to bed, but just as he settled in, his phone lit up with a text from Jessica.


    She sent him a photo of a set of sensual lingerie from Victoria''s Secret, one of the runway designs.


    [Do you like it?]


    She was asking if he liked the lingerie.


    Since they made up thest time, Jessica had be much more obedient and considerate around him, not as spoiled as before. Stanley could tell that Jessica was trying to please him and hoping for their rtionship to move to the next level.


    They were both adults now, and some things didn''t need to be explicitly stated- they both understood without words.


    Stanley was about to reply when, suddenly, a soft and warm little body rolled into his arms.


    -He froze, ncing down to find Wendy already in his embrace.


    Halsey, who had been sleeping in the innermost part of the bed, rolled over in her sleep, taking the nket with her. Wendy, feeling the chill, instinctively moved toward the warmth,nding right in Stanley''s arms.


    Stanley tensed. Wendy, still asleep, pulled off the covers and snuggled into his warm embrace. She rested her head against his chest before continuing her slumber.


    Stanley''s throat tightened as he softly called, "Wendy? Wendy!"


    Wendy, in a daze, furrowed her brows and mumbled, "Shush! Let me sleep!" Stanley was speechless.


    Wendy''s small hand started to wander restlessly, slowly sliding down his side, slipping inside the hem of his shirt. She brushed against his toned abdomen, murmuring "So warm..."


    Her hand was cold, and she tucked it inside his shirt, using his warmth to warm her fingers.


    Stanley immediately grabbed her wandering hand, stopping her from moving any further.


    What was she doing?


    Her small hand was like a spark, igniting something inside him. He could feel his body responding to her touch, every nerve alive with heat."


    During their time apart, Stanley had be moreposed, focused on his feelings for Jessica. Even with Jessica''s flirtations, he had never been aroused.


    But now, Wendy''s touch was stirring feelings he had buried deep inside. The memories of their passionate encounters flooded his mind. It turned out he had never forgotten about them.


    But they were divorced now. The one he should be loving was Jessica.


    Stanley fought to suppress the growing desire within him, his handsome face hardening. He wouldn''t fall for Wendy''s temptations again He wouldn''t sleep with her again.


    Fortunately, Wendy seemed to have settled down. She was now nestled into him, feeling like she was sleeping in a warm furnace,pletelyfortable.


    She was deep in sleep now.


    Stanley wanted to push her away, but every tifne he moved she only clung tighter to him. He eventually gave up, his muscles rxing as he slowly closed his eyes.


    The next morning, it was Halsey who woke up first. Rubbing her sleepy eyes, she sat up-and froze.


    What she saw made her eyes widen in disbelief. Stanley and Wendy were sleeping in each other''s embrace. Halsey rubbed her eyes, thinking she was dreaming-but she wasn''t.


    Stanley and Wendy were fast asleep, wrapped in the same nket. Stanley''s arm was around Wendy''s shoulder, and they were cuddled together, soundly sleeping.


    This was outrageous!


    Halsey yanked the nket off them, then kicked Stanley off the bed. Today''s Bonus Offer

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    Thud!


    Stanley was jolted awake as he fell off the bed.


    He never expected to be kicked out of bed like that. With a sharp, displeased look, he red at Halsey. "Bebe, what the hell are you doing?!"


    Hands on her hips, Halsey shot him a defiant look, "Stanley you''re already divorced from Wendy. Who gave you the right to sleep holding her?"


    Stanley froze for a moment, his face dark and cold, still recovering from his slumber. Halsey''s words hit him like a ssh of cold water.


    Had he really been holding Wendy while he slept?


    Halsey continued, "Just now, your arm was around Wendy''s shoulder. You were holding her tightly in your arms while you slept. I won''t stand for it! If you want someone to hold, go find Jessica. But don''t forget, one day, there will be another man holding Wendy in bed!"


    Another man holding Wendy in bed?!.


    Stanley''s breath caught in his throat. "Shut up!" he barked.


    The loudmotion had woken Wendy up. She blinked groggily and sat up, rubbing her eyes. "You''re both up already?"


    Stanley nced at her. She looked innocent, her skin flushed with sleep, still dazed and unaware of what had just happened. She lookedpletely harmless.


    It was all her fault! If Wendy hadn''t been the one to throw herself at himst night, none of this would have happened.


    He hadn''t pulled her into his arms before he fell asleep, but once he had, he instinctively held her close.


    Now, Bebe had witnessed it all and kicked him out of bed for it.


    And here Wendy was, clueless about everything. Stanley shot her a cold, irritated look before turning and heading straight for the bathroom.


    After sshing his face with cold water, he heard the sound of the two girls talking outside.


    Wendy, still confused, asked, "What''s up with Mr. Hawk? Why is he so upset so early in the morning?"


    Halsey responded, "Who knows? Maybe he woke up on the wrong side of the bed."


    Wendy shrugged. "Whatever. If he wants to throw a tantrum like a little girl, let him."


    The two girls giggled.


    Inside, Stanley was fuming. He was about to lose it!


    Stanley drove Wendy and Halsey to the entrance of vendale University, then mmed his foot on the gas and sped off without a second thought.


    Wendy and Halsey, however, weren''t the least bit angry. On the contrary, they were in high spirits as they made their way into the university.


    As they approached the basketball court, they saw a crowd gathered around. Gilbert was ying basketball. Gilbert, tall and athletic, dodged his opponent''s block and spared into the air, dunking the ball with impressive ir.


    "Ahhh!"


    The group of girls surrounding the court squealed, their eyes sparkling with admiration.


    Sienna ran up to him, handing him a bottle of water,


    "Thanks, Sienna," Gilbert said as he took the bottle and opened it to take a drink.


    A bunch of students gathered around them, teasing, "What''s going on, Gilbert? Are you and Sienna a thing now?"


    "You''ve had plenty of juniors offering you water before, but you''ve never epted. What made you take Sienna''s?


    33


    "Sienna''s our dream girl! Wow, Gilbert, you''ve managed to pull her without even saying a word?"


    "Gilbert and Sienna make such a perfect couple-they''re both so good-looking." "Kiss, kiss, kiss!"


    The crowd cheered, surrounding Gilbert and Sienna, goading them on. One person even gave Sienna a little pusfi, and she ended up falling into Gilbert''s


    arms.


    He caught her instinctively.


    "Haha!" The crowd burst outughing.


    Wendy and Halsey stood off to the side, watching. Wendy shot Halsey a concerned look. "Halsey, are you okay?"


    Halsey raised an eyebrow. "Never better! Just wait here while I go do something!"

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    Halsey pushed through the crowd, making her way to Gilbert and Sienna.


    The moment Sienna saw her, fear shed across her face, she quickly hid behind Gilbert. "Halsey, please don''t hit me again..."


    11


    Gilbert stepped in front of Sienna, his expression one of disgust as he looked at Halsey, "Halsey, what are you trying to do now?"


    Halsey smirked. "Sienna, are you so scared I''ll hit you? Maybe you know you deserve it, huh? That''s what you get for third-wheeling!"


    Third-wheeling?


    The students around them gasped, and whispers quickly filled the air.


    "Why did Halsey say Sienna was third-wheeling?"


    "What''s the deal between Halsey and Gilbert?"


    Gilbert''s expression darkened. "Halsey, are you done causing trouble? Just leave, now!"


    But Halsey stood firm, not budging an inch. "Gilbert, are you afraid? Afraid that people will find out we''re engaged? Are you worried they''ll know that you''re my fiance?"


    -Halsey couldn''t help but feel a little foolish. Gilbert had never once publicly acknowledged their rtionship, and that fact spoke volumes.


    Gilbert opened his mouth to say something, but Halsey cut him off. "Gilbert, let''s call it off. I want to end our engagement.''


    Gilbert froze, clearly taken aback. He hadn''t expected Halsey to say that.


    The Lincolns and the Greenwoods had been family friends for generations. His parents had arranged for him to pursue Halsey, telling him that she was the one he would eventually marry. That was why he had been so deliberate in getting close to Halsey.


    He hadplimented her looks and told her he loved her, and it worked. He had her wrapped around his finger.


    She was always trailing behind him, sharing everything she enjoyed-food, fun, you name it. She was bubbly, cheerful, and bright, but to Gilbert, she seemed silly.


    Looking at the birthmark on her face, he felt nothing but disgust.


    Then he saw Sienna on the basketball court. The typical teenage boy was easily drawn to Sienna''s figure, especially now, when Sienna was practically throwing herself at him.


    But he hadn''t expected Halsey to want to call off the engagement.


    He couldn''t believe the uggo actually wanted to break things off with him!


    For the first time, Gilbert looked at Halsey differently. Her eyes were clean, beautiful, and shining with something he hadn''t noticed before.


    Halsey spoke again, her voice steady, "Gilbert, listen closely. You''re not abandoning me. I''m getting rid of you instead. We''re ending this engagement."


    She took the bracelet off her wrist, the one that had been given to her by Gilbert''s mother during their engagement, and handed it to him.


    This bracelet was a family heirloom from the Greenwood family, a symbol of their engagement.


    Now, she was returning it.


    Gilbert''s eyes turned cold. "Halsey, you''re the one who wants this engagement


    over. Don''te crying to me when you regret it."


    "I won''t regret it," Halsey said, her voice unwavering.


    "Fine," Gilbert snapped. "We''ll end it."


    He took the heirloom bracelet from her, his face grim.


    Without another word, Halsey turned on her heel and walked away. As she


    passed Sienna, she called out loudly, Everyone, make sure you keep an eye on your boyfriends. Sienna here loves stealing other people''s men!"


    Sienna''s face drained of color. "You little..."


    But Halsey ignored her, walking away without a second nce.


    The students around them started murmuring, pointing fingers at Gilbert and Sienna.


    "Oh, my God! Gilbert was engaged? How could he be hanging around with Sienna behind his fianc¨¦e''s back?" "Did you see how Sienna practically pressed herself against him just now? She really is third-wheeling." "Wow, didn''t expect our dream girl to be so open-minded. But I mean, just look at those assets. What guy could resist her?"


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    The crowd began to murmur and cast judgmental looks at Sienna, their eyes taking on a more lecherous edge.


    Sienna hadn''t expected Halsey to get over it so quickly, let alone strike back like that. Flustered, she pushed through the crowd and ran off.


    "Sienna!" Gilbert called out, chasing after her.


    He grabbed her by the arm. "Sienna, are you mad at me?"


    Sienna looked upset, her face flushed with embarrassment. She tried to pull away from him. "Gilbert, we can''t keep doing this. People are already talking about us."


    But Gilbert didn''t let go. Instead, he pulled her into a hug. "No, we don''t have to care about what others think. Sienna, tell me the truth-do you have feelings for me?"


    Sienna, who had been pretending to be a fragile little flower all this time, blushed and nodded shyly. "Yes, I do."


    "Then let''s be together," Gilbert said, his voice filled with excitement. "Tomorrow, in front of everyone, I''ll profess my love for you.¡±


    Sienna''s eyes brightened. She knew she had won him over.


    The Greenwood family was one of the wealthiest and most prestigious families in Hovendale. Marrying into that family would allow her to make a huge leap in status.


    "Don''t you think we''re being a little unfair to Halsey?" she asked, her voice soft.


    Just hearing Halsey''s name frustrated Gilbert.


    How dare that ugly woman call off their engagement in front of everyone! Tomorrow, he would profess his love to Sienna and make sure Halsey saw it-he wanted to watch her cry and regret her decision.


    But wait... Why was he still thinking about that ugly girl?


    He didn''t want to think about her.


    Gilbert reached up and cupped Sienna''s delicate face, a smile crossing his lips. What man could resist a beautiful woman? This face was what he liked. Halsey, with that hideous birthmark on her face, was far too unattractive.


    "Don''t mention her. It ruins the mood," he said, and then leaned in to kiss Sienna.


    Sienna hesitated for just a moment before melting into the kiss, teasing him as he grew more desperate.


    Gilbert, the typical 6''1" athlete with a good family background and a charming appearance, pushed Sienna up against the wall. His hands slid under her clothes, desperate to feel more.


    Gilbert bit her earlobe and grinned wickedly. "Can''t even hold onto you with one hand."


    Sienna yfully punched him in the chest.


    Half an hourter, Sienna and Gilbert pulled away from each other, their smiles sweet and satisfied. Sienna then took out her phone and called Jessica.


    "What? Gilbert''s going to profess his love to you in front of everyone tomorrow?" Jessica answered, excited. "I have to be there. I want to see that uggo burst into tears!"


    Jessica had never forgotten the humiliation Halsey had put her through at the Lincolns''. Tomorrow, she would personally be there to watch Halsey squirm and make fun of her.


    Sienna, still basking in the glow of her newfound happiness, smiled. "I''ll be waiting for you, Jessica. And tomorrow, it won''t just be Halsey crying, but Wendy too!"


    Right, Wendy!


    Wendy was her real target.


    "Sienna, you''re so happy with Gilbert now, huh?" Jessica teased.


    Sienna felt giddy, especially recalling the way Gilbert had pinned her against the wall earlier. The bad-boy athlete in him made her weak in the knees. "Thank goodness I listened to you, Jessica. You''re the best."


    Jessicaughed. "You''re going to be Mrs. Greenwood soon. can''t wait for the show tomorrow."


    Watching Halsey fight back so bravely made Wendy feel really proud. Halsey wasn''t letting her birthmark hold her back; in fact, she radiated warmth, like a little sun, with an endless source of energy.


    Wendy went to get some hot water when she overheard two girls talking.


    "Did you hear? Tomorrow, Gilbert''s going to profess his love to Sienna in front of everyone!"


    "Halsey is so pathetic! Even though she was his fianc¨¦e, Gilbert obviously didn''t have feelings for her. Look at how he''s pampering Sienna."


    "I have to admit, Gilbert and Sienna really do make a perfect couple."

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    "Tomorrow, Gilbert is going to embarrass Halsey in front of everyone!"


    The campus heartthrob pairing up with the campus queen at vendale University-many people were supportive of their rtionship.


    Hearing these words, Wendy smirked, her lips curling into a cold smile. Over the past few days, Sienna had been stirring up trouble. There was no doubt Jessica had been behind it, pushing Sienna to target Halsey.


    Did they really think they could embarrass Halsey tomorrow?


    Wendy wasn''t so sure who would be the one with an egg on their face.


    She returned to the girls'' dorm just as Halsey, holding Dwight''s ck jacket, was about to head out.


    "Halsey, wait a minute," Wendy called to her.


    Halsey had nned to get Dwight''s jacket dry-cleaned, but stopped when Wendy called her name. "What''s up, Wendy?"


    Wendy pulled out a colorful candy. "Here. I got this for you!


    Halsey had a sweet tooth, so she eagerly took the candy and popped it into her mouth. ¡°Thanks-ugh, it''s so bitter!"


    -Halsey immediately wanted to spit out the awful-tasting candy, but Wendy covered her mouth. "Don''t spit it out.


    Remember, some medicines are bitter, but they''re good for you. Swallow it."


    Reluctantly, Halsey swallowed the bitter candy. "Wendy, what on earth was that? It tastes horrible!"


    Wendy, watching Halsey''s soft, beautiful face partially covered by the birthmark, gave her a mysterious wink." It''s a secret. You''ll find out tomorrow."


    "Okay. I''ll head out now," Halsey said, her curiosity piqued as she ran off.


    After Dwight''s jacket had been dry-cleaned, Halsey folded it neatly and put it in a bag. Then, she went to find Dwight.


    "Excuse me. I''m looking for someone," Halsey called out to a guy in the hallway.


    The guy nced at her. "Are you looking for Dwight?"


    Halsey was surprised. "How did you know?"


    He smiled. "We get a lot of girlsing to look for him every day. We''re used to


    it."


    Dwight was that popr, huh?


    Although Dwight and Gilbert were both considered the top heartthrobs at vendale University, Gilbert was loud and shy, whereas Dwight usually kept to himself. He often wasn''t even on campus, but girls still kepting to find him.


    "So is Dwight here? I need to talk to him."


    The guy shook his head. "He hasn''t been here for a few days. He''s probably out working to make money.''


    Halsey froze.


    "1


    "You know Dwight''s family situation, right? His dad passed away a while ago, and his mom''s blind. He also has a younger sister in middle school.


    "He''s a top student. He was the top science student in our state during the SATS, and that was why vendale University offered him a full schrship. But since he''s the only one who can support his family, he''s been working to help out. If you want to find him, you''ll have to go to his house."


    Halsey had heard that Dwight''s father had been involved in the drug trade, but she hadn''t known about his blind mother or younger sister.


    "Okay. Do you know where he lives?" she asked.


    "Down on Wentworth Drive."


    "Thank you."


    Determined to find Dwight, Halsey went to a shopping mall first and bought some expensive supplements. Then, she took a cab to Wentworth Drive


    Wentworth Drive was a poor neighborhood-dark, damp, and dreary. It was Halsey''s first time in such a ce. She was used to the luxurious, pristine neighborhoods of Hovendale, where space was as precious as gold. This area was a far cry from that.


    Carrying the high-end gift box, Halsey walked through the muddy, rain-soaked paths, which dirtied her skirt and the round-toe leather shoes she was wearing.


    Halsey was very particr about cleanliness, and though she resisted the urge to wipe her shoes, she couldn''t help but feel ufortable.


    Still, she pressed on and finally found Dwight''s home.


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    Halsey raised her hand and knocked on the door with soft taps.


    The door opened quickly, but it wasn''t Dwight who greeted her-it was a girl.


    The girl looked at Halsey with curiosity. "Are you looking for someone?"


    Halsey guessed this must be Dwight''s younger sister, Madeline Garner, since she was wearing a middle school uniform.


    Madeline was slightly thin, but she had a neat, high ponytail and a pair of bright, lively eyes that sparkled with energy. There was something about her that resembled Dwight, a certain spark that was hard to miss.


    Halsey immediately liked Madeline. She smiled warmly. "Hi, I''m Halsey, Dwight''s friend from school. I came to see him. Is he home?"


    Madeline shook her head. "He isn''t."


    It was already sote, and he still hadn''te back.


    At that moment, Dwight''s mother, Tina Garner, stepped out. "Are you a


    schoolmate of Dwight''s? Come on in and have a seat."


    Halsey looked at Tina. Tina''s eyes werepletely blind, and her hair had turned mostly white. Despite this, Tina had a kind and gentle demeanor, speaking with a warmth that hinted she must have been a beauty in her younger


    years.


    Halsey stepped inside. "Hello, Mrs. Garner."


    Tina greeted her with a bright smile. "Come on in, dear. Dwight will be back soon."


    Though the house was small, it was neat and clean. Halsey noticed a water bottle on the windowsill with a few gardenias floating inside. In this dark, damp, and stormy alley, this little home felt like a bright, weing oasis.


    As Halsey was taking in her surroundings, the door suddenly creaked open, and Dwight walked in.


    Standing at the door, Dwight''s height was imposing-at 6''2", he looked like a guardian statue. Today, he wore all ck, his sharp jawline and buzzcut giving him a rugged, cool look that immediately caught Halsey''s eye.


    Tina smiled with joy. "Dwight, you''re back! Someone from your school is here to see you."


    Dwight had sensed someone''s presence when he entered earlier. His cold, sharp ck eyes scanned Halsey with at piercing intensity.


    Halsey quickly stood up, understanding now why some of the girls were both terrified and drawn to him. "Hi, Dwight. I''m Halsey. You saved mest night. Do you remember? I came to return your jacket and to thank you in person.¡±


    Dwight gave her a nce, his expression still as cold as ever. He then looked at the expensive gifts she had brought. "You done talking? If you are, take your stuff and leave."


    Halsey was taken aback.


    He was so distant, so unapproachable.


    Tina immediately interjected, "Dwight, why are you being so rude? Dear, don''t mind him. Dwight''s like that-he doesn''t usually get along well with girls. It''s dinnertime now, so why don''t you stay and have dinner with us?"


    Halsey looked at Dwight. He didn''t get along well with girls? She couldn''t imagine that being true-he was far too


    popr.


    Madeline chirped, "Dwight, I like Halsey. Let her stay for dinner."


    Dwight looked at Madeline, his cold eyes softening slightly. He reached over and ruffled Madeline''s hair. "Are you hungry? I''ll make your favorite, braised ribs."


    Halsey noticed that Dwight was holding a bag of groceries, and he was surprised to learn he could actually cook.


    He didn''t acknowledge her anymore and simply walked into the kitchen.


    Tina offered, "Dwight, let me cook. You rest."


    "Mom, you go rest," Dwight replied.


    Halsey stood outside the kitchen, watching Dwight as he worked. His long hands expertly wielded a spat, stirring the food in the pan. Through his thin T-shirt, she could see the lines of his strong, muscr arms. He was so sharp and graceful, his movements powerful but fluid.

 My Dad Please Come 298

    Dwight was truly unlike any man Halsey had ever interacted with.


    Stanley, her father, Gilbert... None of them could cook, because they had plenty of servants to do it for them. But Dwight? He could cook, and by the smell wafting through the house, he seemed quite skilled at it.


    Soon, the delicious aroma of braised ribs filled the room. Halsey smiled to herself-just like Madeline, she loved braised ribs. It was one of her favorite dishes.


    Before long, Dwight brought the braised ribs to the table. They looked as good as they smelled, and on the side, he had prepared a te of light stir-fried greens. Halsey wasn''t even hungry at first, but now, the sight of the food made her


    stomach growl.


    Just as she was about to take a seat, a cold, harsh voice cut through the moment. "Why are you still here?"


    Halsey froze.


    She looked up in surprise, her innocent, almond-shaped eyes locking with Dwight''s. He had quietly appeared next to her, his gaze sharp and indifferent.


    Halsey felt a bit embarrassed. She quickly stammered, "Mrs. Garner, Madeline, my dad just called. I need to get going."


    Tina and Madeline exchanged nces and didn''t try to stop her. "Alright, dear. Come visit us again sometime."


    ''Halsey stood up and waved sweetly. "Okay, goodbye."


    As she left, Halsey retraced her steps through the muddy alley. The path was so slippery, and she had to carefully step over the puddles to avoid getting her dress dirty.


    Suddenly, a burly man appeared in front of her, clearly intoxicated, his heavy scent of alcohol filling the air.


    The man''s eyes lit up when he saw her. "Hey, littledy. Where did youe from? Come on. Let''s have a drink together."


    Halsey''s heart skipped a beat. After the terrifying encounter with the Stormborn Devil the night before, ''she couldn''t believe she was now being chased by a drunk. Instinctively, she turned and ran.


    "Don''t run!" the man shouted, chasing after her. "You''re asking for it, huh? Let''s see how I handle you!"


    Halsey screamed in panic, "Help! Help-ah!"


    Out of nowhere, she collided with someone''s chest.


    Looking up, she saw Dwight''s sharp, buzzed head looming above her. He had arrived just in time.


    It was like she had found her lifeline. "Dwight, help me!" she gasped.


    The drunk man had caught up by now, but when he saw Dwight, he froze for a moment. "Oh, hey, Dwight."


    The man and Dwight were neighbors and seemed to know each other.


    0


    Dwight''s face remained unreadable as he raised his hand and ced it around Halsey''s shoulders, pulling her into his arms.


    Halsey tensed at the sudden closeness.


    Though she had been engaged to Gilbert, she had never even held his hand, let alone had moments like this. Now, Dwight''s arm was firmly around her, and she could feel his strength through the thin fabric of her dress. Her heart


    raced in an instant.


    The drunk man chuckled and looked at Dwight. "Is this your girlfriend?"


    Girlfriend?


    Halsey''s eyes widened in shock as she turned her gaze toward Dwight.


    Without meeting her eyes, Dwight muttered coldly, "Yeah.


    He actually called her his girlfriend?


    Halsey was stunned-she stared up at him, but Dwight wasn''t looking at her. His attention remained on the drunk man, and all she could see was the cold, sharp lines of his profile.


    The drunk manughed loudly. "Ah, I see. Sorry, Dwight. I had no idea. Well, it''s good to know you found someone. About time you have a girlfriend, now that you''re in college."


    Dwight gave him a chilling look but didn''t respond.


    "Well, see you around."


    The man, sensing the tension, quickly turned to leave. As he walked away, he spat and muttered under his breath, "A drug dealer''s bastard, acting all high and mighty. Bah!"


    Today''s Bonus Offer

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    Halsey had, of course, heard the drunk man''s muttered insult. Her eyes moved to Dwight, who stood nearby.


    The cold light from the streemps cast a sharp contrast against Dwight''s face, making him look almost otherworldly. Up close, Halsey could see a touch of youth in his features-he was mature for his age, yet he seemed about the same age as her, only a freshman. He was so young, yet his demeanor was anything but.


    His expression was impassive, silent as ever.


    "Why-"


    Before Halsey could say more, Dwight released her, his hand slipping from her shoulder. "You forgot your things, "he said, his voice as cold as his gaze.


    He had gathered her gifts.


    "No, it''s for your mother," Halsey quickly corrected. "They''ll help with her health. I''m really grateful for what you did for me."


    Dwight didn''t respond. Without a word, he took the gifts and walked briskly ahead. Halsey followed quickly, catching up to him.


    As they left the dim, damp alley, Dwight led her into the bright street outside. He hailed a taxi and ced her gifts in the backseat. Then, without looking at her, he said, ¡°Go home. Don''te back here again. And thank you for the gifts.¡±


    A sudden warmth bloomed in Halsey''s chest. She realized that, beneath his icy exterior, there was a heart that burned with an undeniable intensity.


    When he called her his girlfriend in front of the drunk man, he was protecting her.


    When he had guided her out of the alley and sent her off in the cab, he was still looking out for her.


    It was a quiet, unspoken kind of protection from a boy for a girl.


    Did he not find her ugly?


    Gilbert never seemed concerned for her safety, perhaps because he thought she was too ugly to get into trouble.


    Halsey climbed into the cab obediently. "Bye, Dwight."


    Dwight turned and walked away.


    She pressed her face against the window, watching him as he disappeared around a corner. His cold silhouette vanished into the shadowy alley, out of sight.


    When Halsey returned to the Lincoln family home, Isabel had prepared a fresh batch of braised ribs for her. Halsey licked the te clean.


    "Isabel, do you have more?" she asked.


    Isabel quickly replied, "My dear, you''ve had plenty. You might get indigestion if you eat too much of that. I''ve made chicken soup; you can have some of thatter.¡±


    Finally, satisfied, Halsey put her utensils down. After seeing Dwight''s braised ribs, she had been starving. Now, her hunger was sated.


    Just then, her phone rang-it was Cyril. Cyril had been away on business for a few days, out of Hovendale.


    Halsey pressed the button to answer the call. "Hey, Dad."


    "Bebe, I heard that kid from the Greenwood family bullied you. Don''t worry. I''ll take care of it when I get back! I''ll make sure theye to apologize." Cyril''s voice was filled with concern. He was always protective of her.


    Halsey wasn''t upset at all. Honestly, there had been no love or affection between them.


    "Dad, Gilbert doesn''t have feelings for me, so there''s no need to force him. I''m over him now. I''ve returned the family''s heirloom bracelet to him. We''ve called off the engagement, and I have nothing to do with him anymore." Cyril didn''t say whether he was pleased or displeased with Her decision. "Bebe, I''ll handle this when I return."


    The father and daughter ended the call.


    Halsey decided not to return to the girls'' dorm that night. Instead, she went to her room and indulged in a rxing milk and rose petal bath.


    As she soaked, she suddenly thought about Dwight again. She had heard that his father passed away when he was in middle school. His mother was blind, and he had a little sister. She wondered if he had taken on the burden of supporting the family that young.


    Compared to that, what was a birthmark on her face?


    So many girls liked him, but what was his type?


    Halsey recalled the way he had looked at Madeline, his sister. He obviously cared for her deeply.

 My Dad Please Come 300

    If Dwight had a girlfriend, would he be as gentle with her as he was with his


    sister?


    Halsey suddenly stopped herself. What was she thinking?


    She suddenly realized that she had been thinking about Dwight for far too long. Her face flushed bright red in an


    instant.


    What was going on with her?


    Halsey didn''t sleep well that night, and the next day, she arrivedte at


    vendale University.


    By the time she made it to the campus, the sports field was already packed with people. Flowers and balloons were everywhere.


    Gilbert was kneeling in front of Sienna, holding arge bouquet of roses. "Sienna, from the moment I first saw you, I fell deeply in love with you. Will you be my girlfriend?"


    Sienna, dressed in a beautiful dress, looked at Gilbert with a sweet, happy smile. She nodded enthusiastically." Yes, I''ll be your girlfriend."


    Gilbert stood up, cupped Sienna''s innocent face in his hands, and kissed her.


    -Sienna blushed and giggled. But then she noticed Halsey, and her expression faltered. "H-Halsey."


    Gilbert turned to look at Halsey. He pulled Sienna protectively behind him. "Halsey, you saw it. Sienna has agreed to be my girlfriend. We''re together now!"


    Halsey gave a cold, mockingugh. "Well, that''s great. At least Sienna doesn''t have to be the third wheel anymore.


    11


    The term "third wheel" hit Sienna like a p. Her eyes shed with venom.


    "Halsey, you can''t call Sienna a third wheel!" a voice interrupted as Jessica stepped forward.


    Jessica stood right in front of Halsey. The humiliation she had suffered at the Lincolns'' was fresh in her mind. Now, she was going to return it tenfold.


    With a smug smile, Jessica addressed Halsey. "Halsey, you''ve had that birthmark on your face since you were little, while Gilbert has always been the heartthrob of vendale University. I''m sure you know why you two got engaged. I heard it was an arrangement between your families. Gilbert doesn''t even have feelings for you!"


    The surrounding students immediately began gossiping.


    "I always wondered why Gilbert would get engaged to Halsey. I thought maybe she saved his life or something, but it turns out it was just a family arrangement."


    "So Sienna isn''t a third wheel after all! She''s Gilbert''s true love."


    "Gilbert is so brave, breaking free from his family''s expectations to be with the one he truly loves."


    "One''s the heartthrob of vendale University, the other''s the school''s prettiest girl. This is literally a match made in heaven! I ship these two so hard."


    "Halsey''s so petty. I can''t believe she had the audacity to criticize Gilbert and Sienna. Doesn''t she realize that an ugly girl like her doesn''t stand a chance with someone like Gilbert?"


    With Jessica''s words stirring up the crowd, the students quickly turned on Halsey, pping and cheering for Gilbert and Sienna''s "true love".


    Halsey clenched her fists in anger. ¡°You said it yourself: This was an engagement between our families. Why don''t you tell everyone why our families arranged it in the first ce-"


    "Halsey," Jessica cut her off, "are you talking about when you two got engaged because Gilbert said you were pretty and that he loved you?"


    Halsey''s voice trembled. "That''s the truth!"


    Jessica and the crowd erupted intoughter.


    "Ha! Halsey, do you seriously believe that Gilbert would ever say such things? I highly doubt that!"


    "Gilbert, liking an uggo? Yeah, right."


    The crowd burst into mockingughter, throwing around the word "uggo" again and again.


    Halsey''s face went pale.


    Gilbert looked at her with disdain. How dare she call off their engagement! She should have been begging him to take her back.


    Sienna smirked, her lips curling into a satisfied smile. So what if Halsey was the


    darling of the Lincoln family? She still managed to humiliate her.


    Just then, a clear and pleasant voice rang out.


    "What are you all talking about?"


    Today''s Bonus Offer

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    Jessica looked up and saw Wendy. Wendy was here!


    A broader smile spread across Jessica''s face. She had been waiting for Wendy. Finally, Wendy had arrived!


    Wendy walked over to Halsey, who was visibly angry.


    "Wendy, these people are despicable-shameless, even! They''re turning the truth upside down," she fumed.


    "I know, Halsey," Wendy reassured her with a calm, soothing nce.


    Jessica smiled slyly. "Wendy, you''re just in time. Your good friend, Halsey, said


    that Gilbert told her he loved her. Do you believe that? It''s important to have self- awareness. Let me ask you: Do you think Halsey is an uggo?"


    Jessica was clearly trying to provoke Wendy.


    Wendy raised an eyebrow, her clear, sharp gaze meeting Jessica''s. "Of course not. In fact, Halsey is gorgeous."


    What?


    "Haha."


    "Hahaha!"


    Jessica, Gilbert, and Sienna allughed.


    Sienna bent over withughter. "Wendy, did you just say Halsey is gorgeous?"


    Jessica was sure Wendy had fallen into her trap. "Wendy, you and Halsey truly belong together!"


    Gilbert looked at Halsey. She was clearly no beauty, but there was something about her-her eyes. They were clear, bright, and sparkling. He had never seen such beautiful eyes before.


    The surrounding ssmatesughed. "Wendy, I think you don''t understand the definition of ''gorgeous''."


    "Yeah, we know you''re close with Halsey, but you can''t just lie through your teeth like that."


    Watching Wendy and Halsey be the targets of ridicule, Jessica felt an overwhelming sense of triumph.


    Wendy wasn''t in a hurry, though. She stood there with her usual calm elegance, then turned to Halsey and winked. "Halsey, now''s the time. Tell everyone the truth. That birthmark on your face... It''s fake!¡±


    Everyone froze.


    Was the birthmark fake?


    Halsey was stunned. She tugged at Wendy''s sleeve and whispered, "Wendy, this birthmark is real!"


    Jessica stepped forward, clearly skeptical. "Wendy, if you say Halsey''s birthmark is fake, then prove it to us!"


    Gilbert and Sienna also moved closer. Gilbert was adamant. ''I''ve known Halsey for a long time. She was born with the birthmark. There''s no way it''s fake. She''s just an uggo."


    Wendy met Gilbert''s gaze with a cold, piercing look. "Are you scared?"


    Gilbert blinked, confused. "Of what?"


    "Are you scared that Halsey might transform into a stunningdy, the kind you''ve always liked? Are you worried you''ll regret abandoning her?"


    Gilbert scoffed. "I''ll never regret that!"


    "Fine," Wendy spat, "remember what you said. Just don''t end up eating your wordster."


    With that, Wendy took out a makeup remover wipe she had prepared earlier. "Halsey, stand still. I''m going to remove that birthmark right now."


    Halsey had no idea what Wendy was doing. She desperately gave Wendy a warning look. "Wendy!"


    Wendy calmly stared at Halsey, then took a step closer, her delicate hand gently touching Halsey''s face.


    She slowly wiped the area, saying softly, "This birthmark has been with you for so many years. Now I''m helping you get rid of it. Halsey, get ready to reveal your true beauty!"


    Sienna didn''t believe for a second that the birthmark was fake, but the next moment, she froze in ce. She watched in disbelief as the birthmark on Halsey''s face slowly faded away.


    A collective gasp filled the air. It seemed like everyone present had gasped at the same time, stunned by what they were witnessing.


    Before anyone could react, the birthmark had vanishedpletely, revealing Halsey''s smooth, porcin-like skin. It was like a pearl that had been polished and was finally shown to the world in all its glory.


    Before long, Halsey''s wless face waspletely visible.

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    Halsey was incredibly beautiful; she had the kind of delicate charm cultivated in wealthy families, a soft and radiant beauty. With the birthmark gone, a small beauty mark appeared just beneath the corner of her right eye,pleting the transformation.


    Wow!


    The crowd gasped in awe, witnessing an uggopletely transform into a breathtaking beauty.


    The most shocked of all were Jessica and Sienna. Their pupils shrank in disbelief. Halsey''s birthmark was actually gone!


    How was that even possible?


    Wendy withdrew her hand. "All done."


    She pulled out a small mirror and handed it to Halsey. "Halsey, say hello to your new face."


    Halsey took the mirror, her reflection staring back at her. Was this really her?


    Slowly, she reached up to touch her right cheek. After a brief moment of shock, tears welled up in her eyes.


    Sometimes, in the stillness of night, she would wonder what she had done wrong.


    With tear-filled eyes, Halsey looked at Wendy. Wendy''s eyes twinkled with a soft smile, and she said gently, " -Halsey, you''re beautiful."


    Halsey was bursting with joy, wanting nothing more than to give Wendy a big hug.


    But just then, Gilbert''s voice rang out. "This can''t be possible!"


    Halsey turned her head to look at him. Her delicate, round face, now fully visible, stunned Gilbert into absolute stillness.


    So Halsey wasn''t ugly after all!


    She was...stunning!


    Halsey stared at Gilbert, a cold smirk forming on her lips.


    "Gilbert, today, I''ve finally seen your true colors. You know better than anyone who''s right and who''s wrong. I


    don''t want to waste any more time with someone like you. Since our engagement


    is off, from now on, we''ll go our separate ways."


    With that, she turned to walk away.


    Suddenly, a tall, cold figure entered her line of sight-Dwight had arrived.


    Halsey''s heart skipped a beat. She hadn''t expected Dwight to be at school today.


    Dwight showed no interest in themotion happening around him. Holding a coat in his hand, he walked briskly toward the ssroom.


    Halsey''s face lit up, and she quickly ran after him. "Dwight, wait for me!"


    As Halsey chased after Dwight, the crowd around them began to stir.


    "Isn''t that Dwight, the campus heartthrob?"


    "He barelyes to school, but there''s no shortage of girls chasing after him. Most of them are from rich families.


    "Could Halsey have fallen for Dwight too?"


    "Halsey doesn''t love Gilbert anymore-has she moved on to Dwight?"


    Gilbert knew Dwight well. Back in high school, Dwight had been the top science student in the state, while Gilbert had ranked second.


    The two of them had both entered vendale University and were known as the school''s two biggest heartthrobs. Of course, Gilbert knew about him.


    Now, Halsey was leaving him to chase after Dwight? Had she fallen for Dwight?


    Gilbert''s hands clenched into fists by his sides.


    Halsey caught up with Dwight. "Dwight, hi!"


    Dwight nced at her with an impassive expression.


    He was so cold.


    Halsey smiled, a sweet, charming smile lighting up her round face. The beauty mark beneath her eye only enhanced her delicate, soft features. "Dwight, don''t you remember me? I''m Halsey!"


    .As soon as she spoke, Halsey felt her wrist being grabbed tightly. She turned, and was met with Gilbert''s furious face.


    Gilbert gritted his teeth. "Halsey, what''s this about?"


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 303

    Halsey froze when Gilbert grabbed her wrist.


    "What do you mean?" she asked, confused.


    Gilbert nced at Dwight, then turned his gaze back to Halsey. "What''s your rtionship with him?"


    Halsey couldn''t help butugh in disbelief. She yanked her arm away from his grip. "Gilbert, we''ve already broken off our engagement. Who do you think you are to ask me that? Don''t forget, you''re with Sienna now!"


    Sienna had already rushed over. She had seen Halsey go after Dwight, and to her surprise, Gilbert had followed. Gilbert was the one chasing after Halsey this time.


    It was the first time Gilbert had ever actively pursued Halsey.


    Sienna was stunned, her eyes filled with confusion as she looked at Gilbert.


    But Gilbert didn''t even spare her a nce. His eyes were locked on Halsey, burning with anger. "Halsey, don''t try to change the subject. I''m asking you-when did you start getting involved with Dwight? Did you cheat on me?"


    Cheat?


    Halsey almost scoffed. She had suffered enough watching Gilbert and Sienna flirt with each other. She had been heartbroken, all alone, only to run into the Stormborn Devil. If not for Dwight, she might have been dead by now. -With icy calmness, Halsey replied, "Gilbert, I don''t owe you any exnation. I''m not into you anymore." "Then who are you into? Him?" Gilbert''s eyes were fiery as he stared at Dwight.


    Halsey opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, Dwight, who had been silent, started walking away. "Dwight, wait for me!" Halsey hurried to catch up to him.


    But just as she was about to reach Dwight, Gilbert stepped in front of him, blocking his path. "Did I say you could leave?"


    Dwight halted. He hadn''t spoken a word until now, his indifference clear. But now, he nced up at Gilbert with a cold, piercing look. Then he spat out one icy word. "Scram


    He told Gilbert to scram.


    Gilbert''s fists clenched in fury. He was the heir to the Greenwood family, and no one dared speak to him like that.


    Gilbert hated Dwight. He had always been at the top of his ss, with a team of private tutors, and everyone had assumed he would take the spot as the top scorer in the state. But then, Dwight appeared out of nowhere and stole the top spot.


    Gilbert had his people look into Dwight''s background. They had found out that, the day before the big exam, Dwight had been working on a construction site.


    Dwight, despite his humble background, had somehow defeated Gilbert.


    "Hey, Dwight, what''s with the attitude? I challenge you to a match. How about we y some basketball?"


    Gilbert challenged Dwight to a basketball game to settle things between them. The crowd instantly erupted in excitement.


    "Oh, my god! Our two campus heartthrobs are about to sh head-to-head?"


    "All of this because of Halsey. These two are fighting over, Her!"


    "Wait a second. The real star here is Sienna!"


    "Honestly, after Halsey''s birthmark disappeared, she totally outshines Sienna in terms of beauty."


    Sienna couldn''t believe how things were unfolding: Was Gilbert challenging Dwight over Halsey?


    As she watched Halsey''s delicate, wless face-so soft and beautiful-Sienna''s jealousy red up, and she dug her nails into the palm of her hand.


    Who would have thought Halsey could go from an uggo to a stunning beauty!


    go."


    Sienna quickly grabbed Gilbert''s arm. "Gilbert, stop it. I''m not feeling well. Let''s


    Gilbert didn''t even acknowledge her. His focus remained entirely on Dwight. "What''s wrong, Dwight? Are you too scared to take me on?"


    Gilbert was confident in his basketball skills. He wanted to defeat Dwight in front of Halsey. There was no way Dwight was a match for him.


    Dwight remained calm, his face showing no emotion. "I''m not interested in ying games with you. Go find someone else to bother."

 My Dad Please Come 304

    With that, Dwight turned and walked away.


    Gilbert stood there, speechless. He couldn''t believe Dwight had the nerve topletely ignore him.


    Halsey, frustrated, snapped, "Gilbert, do you think you can just challenge people whenever you like? Who do you think you are? Dwight, I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to drag you into this. Wait for me!"


    Halsey rushed after Dwight.


    Gilbert, furious, grabbed a basketball and threw it hard toward Dwight''s back.


    "Watch out, Dwight!" Halsey cried.


    The ball flew swiftly, aiming for Dwight''s back. Just as it was about to hit, Dwight''s hand shot out, and he caught the ball effortlessly in his palm.


    He turned, looking directly at Gilbert, then began to sprint toward the basketball hoop.


    Dwight was epting the challenge!


    The two most popr guys at vendale University were actually about to go head-to-head.


    The crowd around them held their breath.


    Gilbert quickly positioned himself in front of Dwight, trying to block his path and steal the ball. But Dwight faked him out, sidestepping him with a fluid move.


    Gilbert tried again to intercept Dwight.


    But Dwight, holding the basketball, leaped into the air. His ck T-shirt rode up slightly, revealing his toned waist and abs. With a sharp motion, he dunked the ball into the hoop with one hand.


    It was fierce.


    It was beautiful.


    Gilbert waspletely outssed.


    The girls in the crowd couldn''t contain themselves and started screaming in admiration.


    "Dwight is so cool!"


    "Gilbert has always been the captain of the basketball team, but it turns out that''s only because Dwight didn''t bother to y."


    "Dwight is absolutely killing it!"


    Dwight pulled his hand back, his chest rising and falling slightly from the exertion. He picked up his ck jacket from the floor and walked off.


    Halsey stood there, watching his retreating figure. He was so strong!


    Whether it was in a fight or ying basketball, he radiated power.


    She could imagine him being the kind of guy who could protect her in the future.


    She felt a little scared, but at the same time, she couldn''t help but want to watch him more.


    Like the other girls, it was the first time Halsey had seen Dwight y basketball, and her heart was racing wildly.


    "Dwight, wait for me!"


    Halsey ran after him.


    Gilbert stood frozen,pletely stunned. He hadn''t expected to be so easily defeated by Dwight.


    The moves Dwight pulled off just now made it clear that he was no easy opponent. Gilbert hadn''t stood a chance.


    He had lost.


    doesn''t


    "Gilbert, don''t worry. It was just one match. It doesn''t mean anything," Sienna quickly said, trying tofort Gilbert.


    But Gilbert''s face was unreadable, his frustration clear. He shoved past Sienna and turned to leave.


    Sienna, pushed off bnce, stumbled back several steps, almost falling. Just then, a sweet voice rahg out. "Are you okay, Sienna?"


    Sienna looked up to see Wendy watching her with an amused expression.


    It wasn''t just Wendy-many of the students were looking at her, whispering and pointing. Today, Sienna had gone from the center of attention to a supporting role in Halsey''s story. The public profession of love earlier had turned into a big joke. Sienna, who had always been the queen of vendale University, had never faced such humiliation. She couldn''t take it. Her eyes filled with tears as she turned and ran away.


    "Sienna!" Jessica called out after her.


    What had happened? Why had ite to this?


    Jessica''s anger red as she red at Wendy. "Wendy, this is all your fault! Why do you always go against me?"


    Without warning, Jessica raised her hand to p Wendy across the face.


    But before the p couldnd, arge, well-defined hand reached out and grabbed Jessica''s wrist.


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 305

    Jessica looked up, and a handsome, imposing face filled her vision-Stanley had arrived!


    She froze. Why was Stanley here?


    "S-Stanley, what are you doing here?" she stammered.


    Stanley nced at her coldly but didn''t say a word.


    Wendy smiled faintly. "Jessica, I called Mr. Hawk and told him toe."


    What?


    Jessica was stunned. She hadn''t expected Wendy to have called Stanley in advance.


    Wendy walked up to Jessica, her bright, clear eyes sparkling with a mixture of amusement and judgment.


    She smirked slightly, saying, "You and Sienna put on such a show today. Of course, I had to invite him toe and see it.


    "You knew Gilbert was Halsey''s fianc¨¦, yet you encouraged Sienna to seduce him and break Halsey''s heart. Not only that, but today, Gilbert publicly confessed his love for Sienna. You both twisted the truth, misleading everyone into thinking Halsey didn''t deserve Gilbert, calling her an ''uggo''.


    4


    "Jessica, your intentions were vile, and the way you''ve acted is unforgivable. It would have been a shame not to let -Mr. Hawk witness your true colors."


    Wendy''s words hit like a barrage, sharp and cutting, leaving Jessica pale and speechless.


    Jessica hadn''t anticipated Wendy had this up her sleeve.


    It was clear that Stanley had been present all along, and he had seen everything unfold. Halsey was his beloved cousin, the darling of the Lincoln family.


    In a panic, Jessica turned to Stanley. "It''s not like that, Stanley! Please, let me exin."


    Stanley''s gaze was as cold as a frozenke. Without a word, he released her wrist and shoved her hand away.


    Jessica took a step back, panic rising inside her.


    At that moment, Wendy''s clear eyes locked onto Stanley''s handsome face. "Mr. Hawk."


    Stanley turned to face her.


    Wendy met his gaze steadily, her voice firm and deliberate. Please keep your woman in check. If she ever crosses my path again, I won''t hesitate to teach her a lesson myself"


    With that, Wendy turned on her heel and walked away.


    As she passed him, she purposefully bumped her shoulder against his-a deliberate, provocative gesture. Stanley stood tall, watching her retreat. He was amused by her boldness, though irritated by her defiance. As soon as Wendy was out of sight, Jessica rushed to grab Stanley''s sleeve. "Stanley, please, listen to me-"


    "What else is there to exin? I saw everything myself!" Stanley''s voice was cold, his disappointment clear. "You knew Halsey was Bebe, yet you and Sienna still did all this. Is this how you wanted to work toward our marriage? Was this how you nned to be friends with Bebe?"


    For the past few days, Stanley had been by Jessica''s side. He had ns to marry her, and he even genuinely hoped Bebe and Jessica could be friends.


    But Jessica''s actions had crushed his faith in her.


    His harsh words made Jessica panic. "I wanted to be friends with Bebe, but you saw what happened! She kicked me out of the Lincolns'' residence. She doesn''t like me at all. She only acknowledges Wendy as her cousin-inw.¡±


    "So this is your justification for hurting others?" Stanley''s voice was icy as he shot back.


    Jessica faltered, speechless. "I.....¡±


    Stanley''s lips twisted into a mocking smile. "Jessica, you''ve changed so much. I almost don''t recognize you anymore."


    With that, Stanley turned and walked away.


    Jessica stood frozen, her heart sinking. She hadn''t changed. This was who she had always been.


    He had always thought of her as the girl from that cave. He had always thought she was Wendy.

 My Dad Please Come 306

    But Jessica wasn''t the girl from the cave!


    Jessica gritted her teeth so hard it felt like her gums were about to crack. Wendy had outsmarted her at every turn today, even bringing in Stanley for the final blow.


    She had always underestimated Wendy, but now, she was slowly realizing just how clever she really was.


    She had toe up with a way to deal with Wendy


    Taking out her phone, Jessica dialed Edith''s number.


    Wendy returned to the girls'' dorm, and soon after, Halsey arrived as well.


    "Halsey, did you catch up with Dwight?" Wendy asked.


    Halsey sighed in frustration. "No, hepletely ignored me."


    Wendy smiled slyly. "Looks like he isn''t easy to win over."


    "Who said I was trying to win him over? Stop teasing me," Halsey said with a blush.


    Wendyughed but didn''t push the joke any further.


    Then Halsey suddenly hugged Wendy''s slim arm. "Wendy, how did you make the birthmark on my face disappear? I''ve been thinking about it. Yesterday, you gave me a really bitter candy. Don''t lie to me-it must have been that candy, right?"


    Wendy was about to speak when a soft knock sounded at the door.


    Who was it?


    Halsey opened the door, and standing there was a tall, handsome figure-Stanley.


    "Mr. Hawk, what are you doing here? Anyway, here''s some advice: You need to be careful of Jessica. She''s devious and wicked. If it weren''t for Wendy, God knows what she would''ve done to me!" Halsey said, fuming.


    Stanley looked at Halsey''s delicate face. The birthmark was gone, and now she looked stunning, like a delicate pearl.


    This was his cousin. When he saw Wendy wipe away the birthmark from her face in the car earlier, no one was more shocked than he was.


    Cyril wasn''t back yet, but when he returned, the entire Lincoln family would be in for a surprise.


    For years, Cyril and the entire Lincoln family had been searching for a way to remove Halsey''s birthmark in the Capital, but nothing had worked. Now, it waspletely gone.


    Stanley pursed his lips. "How did your birthmark disappear?"


    Wendy wanted to stop Halsey from answering, but before she could, Halsey


    blurted out, "Because Wendy gave me a really bitter candy."


    Wendy cursed herself for not coordinating with Halsey beforehand.


    The next moment, Wendy noticed Stanley looking up. His sharp, eagle-like gazended on her, sizing her up without a word.


    "Halsey, can you step outside for a moment?" Stanley said softly.


    Halsey nodded. "Okay."


    Once Halsey was out, Stanley walked in and closed the door behind him.


    Stanley approached Wendy with steady steps, exuding an overwhelming presence that seemed to envelop her in shadow. "Where did that candye from?"


    Wendy tilted her wless face and nced at him, simply saying, "I won''t tell you."


    Stanley was speechless.


    It was clear that Wendy didn''t want to talk to him. She tried to walk away.


    But Stanley quickly grabbed her delicate arm, stopping her in her tracks.


    Wendy was forced to halt, her brows furrowing as she struggled. "Let go of me. If you don''t, I''ll make you regret it!


    As soon as the words left her mouth, Stanley pulled hard, yanking her into his chest.


    Wendy looked up, only to see a mocking smirk on his face. He towered over her, his eyes gleaming with amusement.


    "You keep saying you want to teach me a lesson, that you''ll make me regret it... Wendy, you sure act tough.''

 My Dad Please Come 307

    Since the divorce, she had been acting like a little kitten in front of him, puffing out her chest and waving her tiny ws around.


    Her ferociousness didn''t hurt, but it certainly aroused some feelings inside him.


    Wendy crashed into his chest and was instantly enveloped by the clean, crisp scent of his masculine presence. She struggled more fiercely, pushing against him.


    "Let go of me!"


    Stanley pushed her away with a swift motion, sending Wendy falling onto the bed.


    Her delicate back pressed into the soft mattress, and just as she tried to sit up, the masculine scent descended once more. Stanley kneeled on her bed, hisrge hands braced on either side of her, a yful, amused expression on his face as he looked down at her.


    "Come on, Wendy. Show me how tough you are."


    He looked at her as if mocking her, and a thin flush of annoyance spread across Wendy''s fair cheeks. She red at him. "Being tough isn''t something you just talk about. You''ll soon see how tough I can be." Stanley''s curiosity grew. He reached up and gently pinched her delicate chin. "Wendy, who are you, really?" He was genuinely starting to question her. It felt like there were many secrets hidden beneath her surface, things he couldn''t figure out.


    He pinched her just enough to make it sting, and Wendy pushed his hand away, her tone sharp. "I''m someone you''ll never get."


    Stanley''s eyes darkened, and his sharp brow arched. "Didn''t I already get you?¡±


    Wendy shot him a look. ¡°You won''t be getting me again.¡±


    The conversation suddenly took on an ambiguous tone. Stanley''s mind shed back to that night-the very bed they were on now. He and she had made love here before.


    The night before their divorce, the hallways of the dormitory had been filled with people walking by. She had sat on top of him, biting her red lip, her face flushed as she looked at him.


    She had been so nervous, too tense to rx.


    The images from that night came flooding back. Now, here she was again, beneath him. Stanley swallowed hard, immediately loosening his grip and pulling away from her


    He stood up.


    The sheets on her bed had been changed. They were no longer the pink, heart- shaped ones from that night, but a set of small, floral patterns instead.


    Wendy sat up. "Mr, Hawk, you should go. No matter what you ask, I won''t tell you anything.


    Stanley nced at her, then turned and left the girls'' dormitory.


    He was gone.


    Ding!


    At that moment, Wendy''s phone buzzed with a text.


    Dave had tagged both Stanley and her in a group message. The Summit


    Academic Forum is happening tomorrow. Congrats in advance to you two for your first coboration.


    Wendy watched Stanley leave. She didn''t n to tell him anything because they would meet again soon.


    Then, her phone rang with a melodic tone. It was Edith.


    Wendy immediately guessed Edith was calling for something unpleasant. If she had to guess, it was probably because Jessica had called Edith, whining about what had just happened.


    Wendy answered the call, and Edith''s voice came through, stiff andmanding. "Wendy, you need toe to the family estate tonight."


    Wendy smirked, her lips curling into a smile. "Alright, I''ll be there on time."


    Wendy arrived at the Crone family''s estate. It was lively tonight, with both the second and third branches of the family present.


    It seemed like another one of those feasts that usually meant nothing good.


    Edith looked at Wendy and said, "Wendy, you''re back. Come here. Let me introduce you to someone. His name is Matthew Goodman."


    Edith brought Matthew forward. Wendy nced at him. Matthew looked honest and simple, wearing sses and appearing rtively clean-cut.


    Edith said again, "Matthew''s a middle school teacher from a rural town. He has a permanent position. I brought him here to meet you for an arranged marriage. Once you''re married, you''ll move to the countryside to live with him."

 My Dad Please Come 308

    Wendy finally understood Edith''s intentions. So this was a matchmaking setup an attempt to marry her off to the countryside.


    Matthew looked at Wendy, seemingly unprepared for how stunning she was. He gave an awkward smile and said, "Nice to meet you, Ms. Crone."


    Just then, Jessica''sughter rang out. ¡°Grandma, what are you all talking about?


    Wendy lifted her gaze and saw Jessica-and she wasn''t alone. She was holding onts


    Stanley''s arm as they walked in together.


    Stanley was here, too.


    Edith immediately put on a warm smile. "Mr. Hawk, Jessica, you arrived just in time! Wendy is in the middle of a matchmaking introduction. This is her potential husband


    Matthew."


    Without hesitation, Edith nudged Matthew forward, positioning him right next to Wendy


    Trish had been in an excellent moodtely, her face brimming with arrogance as she


    smirked.


    "Wendy, Matthew is a certified middle school teacher in the countryside. He has a stable government job and a college degree-he''s educated and cultured. Now look at you. You dropped out of school at 16, and you have no degree and no job. Marrying Matthew is a step up for you. Grandma has gone to great lengths to arrange this for you."


    Lilian chimed in with augh. "Wendy, I think Matthew is a great match for you. You''d better agree to this marriage now-opportunities like this don''te twice."


    Jessica curled her lips into a sweet smile and tilted her head to look at Stanley. "Stanley, don''t you think Wendy and Matthew make a perfect couple?"


    Stanley''s gaze fell on Wendy.


    +25 Bonus


    Matthew, with his in features and thick sses, stood dutifully beside her. He wasn''t remarkable in any way. And yet, Wendy stood out like a delicate flower in full bloom beside


    him.


    Stanley pressed his thin lips together.


    Edith turned to Matthew. "Mr. Goodman, are you satisfied with Wendy?"


    Men are visual creatures. Though Matthew had always believed that a wife should


    be chosen for her virtues rather than her looks, he couldn''t deny that Wendy''s natural beauty


    and grace were captivating.


    Even if Wendy had dropped out of school at 16 andcked a degree or a job, he was willing


    to overlook all of that.


    Matthew looked at Wendy, his voice sincere. "I''m very satisfied. Ms. Crone, I''ll be in Hovendale for two days. I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation to the Summit Academic Forum, and I''d love to take you to this prestigious event the day after tomorrow. It would be a great chance for us to get to know each other." When Trish heard Matthew bringing up the Summit Academic Forum, her eyes sparkled with excitement. She turned eagerly to Stanley. "Mr. Hawk, I heard that Harfield''s brilliant young prodigy will be giving the keynote speech alongside you!" Lately, the biggest buzz in Hovendale had been about one thing-Harfield''s genius girl.


    Even though Edith rarely left the family estate, she had already heard the name. Lilian and


    Natalie from the third branch had also been hearing about her constantly from the high- society women they associated with.


    Everyone was talking about this mysterious prodigy.


    No matter how aplished Jessica and Trish were,pared to this young genius, they


    paled inparison.


    When faced with absolute intelligence and academic achievements, Jessica and Trish didn''t


    evene close.


    +25 Bonus


    Edith let out a sigh of amazement. "I heard that this Harfield genius, just like Mr. Hawk, skipped several grades and even earned dual master''s degrees by the age of 16. She set


    another record."


    Lilian shook her head in disbelief. "Is there really a girl that remarkable? Someone who can


    stand on equal footing with Mr. Hawk?"


    Natalie smirked. "I already managed to get an invitation to the Summit Academic


    Forum. The whole family is going to attend. I''m really curious to see what this so- called genius girl looks like. Maybe she even has


    superpowers!"

 My Dad Please Come 309

    Edith, along with the second and third branches, had received their invitations to the Summit Academic Forum long ago. They were all eager to see this genius girl


    for


    themselves.


    None of them could imagine what this prodigy could possibly be like, and they were curious


    about what made her so remarkable.


    Jessica, still holding onto Stanley''s arm, couldn''t help but feel a burning jealousy whenever


    the genius girl was mentioned.


    Right now, the spotlight of all of Hovendale was on this prodigy. Everyone was buzzing with anticipation for Stanley and the genius girl''s first public appearance together. Jessica was determined to witness it herself the day after tomorrow.


    Wendy stood off to the side, her clear, bright eyes gleaming with a quiet, amused smile as she watched the scene. She couldn''t help but find it a little funny.


    She gave a brief smile, just a touch of amusement curling her lips.


    Before she could even let the smile fade, she felt a piercing gaze fixed on her. She nced up and immediately met Stanley''s cold eyes.


    He had been staring at her the whole time.


    Wendy quickly looked away, feeling an ufortable shiver.


    Lilian steered the conversation back to the matter at hand. "Wendy, Mr. Goodman has already expressed his interest. Why don''t you spend a few days with him, go on a date, and see how things go? After that, we can settle the marriage."


    Wendy stared at Lilian, her mother, who was so eager to marry her off that it seemed she couldn''t wait for the wedding night to arrive. Clearly, this was all just to remove the obstacle between Jessica and her goal.


    +25 Bonus


    Wendy looked at Matthew. "Mr. Goodman, I''m sorry, but this isn''t going to work. You don''t need to waste your time on me."


    Her words left everyone stunned.


    Edith was the first to react, scolding her harshly. "Wendy, are you out of your mind? Are you turning down Mr. Goodman?"


    Trish added, "Wendy, Mr. Goodman just said he wants to take you to the Summit Academic Forum. Do you honestly think you have a chance to get in on your own?"


    Lilian frowned. "Wendy, Mr. Goodman doesn''t mind that you don''t have a degree or a job, and you''re still turning him down?"


    Jessica, too, thought Wendy was being ungrateful. Matthew was a great match- he had a degree and a steady job as a teacher. If it weren''t for Wendy''s looks, he probably wouldn''t


    even consider her.


    Everyone was criticizing Wendy, and she could tell it was genuine disappointment. They all seemed to believe she was reaching far beyond her grasp with someone like Matthew.


    Wendy smirked. "Sorry, everyone, but thank you for your good intentions. However... I already have a boyfriend!"


    The room fell silent.


    "When did you get a boyfriend?"


    "Who''s your boyfriend?"


    Jessica couldn''t sit still anymore. She didn''t know what kind of game Wendy was ying now. With a sarcastic tone, she teased, "Wendy, I know you''ve always had high hopes for yourself. You don''t want to marry a teacher, you want to marry a rich man, right?¡±


    With that, Jessica nced over at Stanley. "Stanley, you know so manypany CEOS. Why don''t you introduce one of them to Wendy?"


    +25 Bonus


    Stanley studied Wendy for a moment. They had divorced not long ago, but now she had a boyfriend?


    Wendy nced at Jessica, then let her eyes rest on Stanley''s handsome, dignified face. She remembered him promising her at that little inn that he would introduce her to a suitable


    CEO.


    "No need to trouble Mr. Hawk. My boyfriend is already very wealthy!" Wendy raised an eyebrow, clearly proud of herself.


    Wealthy?


    Trish burst outughing first. "Wendy, what kind of rich person would be interested


    in you? It wouldn''t happen to be some old, ugly man, would it?"


    Wendy ced her hands yfully behind her back and winked. "My boyfriend is


    not only wealthy, but he''s also handsome and tall, like Henry


    Cavill."


    Support


    Share

 My Dad Please Come 310

    Wendy turned her gaze toward Stanley. "My boyfriend is no less impressive than Mr.


    Hawk."


    As she said this, her eyes sparkled with a glow that made it seem like she was genuinely dating someone extraordinary. Stanley''s handsome brows furrowed, his expression darkening slightly.


    "Hahaha!"


    The Crone family, however, wasn''t buying it.


    Edith scoffed. "Wendy, don''t make such grand ims. I don''t believe for a second


    that you


    have a boyfriend like that!"


    Lilian added, "Wendy, stop embarrassing yourself."


    Wendy raised a single delicate eyebrow. She thought of the text sitting in her phone, the


    one from Samuel.


    [I''ll be in Hovendale in two days.]


    Her third senior wasing-she hadn''t been lying to anyone.


    "I have something to do, so I''ll be leaving now."


    With that, Wendy turned on her heel and walked away.


    The others exploded in disbelief. "Wendy is such a liar-she made up a handsome, rich boyfriend just to fool us!"


    "She should look in the mirror. Rich men aren''t fools; they wouldn''t go for her!"


    Jessica, still clinging to Stanley,ughed mockingly. "Stanley, looks like our divorce really hit Wendy hard. She''s dreaming of finding a rich man like you so much!"


    +25 Bonus


    Stanley''s gaze lingered on the direction Wendy had left, his eyes dark and unreadable.


    Wendy left the Crone family''s estate and headed for the girls'' dorm, standing on the street


    corner to hail a cab.


    However, taxis were few and far between in this area, and she had already been waiting for


    a while.


    Suddenly, the sound of a car horn broke the silence. Wendy turned around and saw a Rolls-


    Royce Phantom cruising toward her.


    It was Stanley''s car.


    His car had arrived.


    The luxury vehicle came to a stop, and the driver''s window slowly rolled down, revealing Stanley''s handsome face. He looked at her and asked, "Trying to get a cab?"


    Wendy nodded. "Yeah."


    "This isn''t a good spot for a taxi. Get in. I''ll give you a ride."


    He was offering to drive her?


    Wendy hesitated. She didn''t want to get in the car, but it was alreadyte, and who knew how long she''d have to wait for a cab? So, reluctantly, she gave in. "Thanks, Mr. Hawk."


    She walked around to the back seat and reached for the door.


    But just as her hand touched the handle, the car made a beeping sound, and the central locking system clicked. Stanley had locked the doors.


    Wendy froze, looking up at him in shock.


    Stanley''s strong hand rested elegantly on the steering wheel. He sat high in the car, his gaze cool and teasing as he looked down at her. "Where''s that handsome, rich boyfriend of yours? Why isn''t he here to pick you up?"


    Wendy was dumbfounded.


    +25 Bonus


    Now she understood. He hadn''t actually nned on letting her into the car; he was just messing with her.


    Stanley''s lips curled into an amused smirk. His eyes scanned Wendy from head to toe with a mature, mocking air. "You talk about having a great boyfriend, acting all impressive. Little liar, you''re really good at spinning tales."


    He called her a little liar, saying she was spinning tales!


    Wendy''s small face instantly turned bright red, a mixture of embarrassment and fury. She balled her fists, her voice trembling with anger. "You little..."


    Before she could say anything more, Stanley pressed the elerator, and the luxury car sped off with a roar as Wendy watched on.


    This man was so mean! He was absolutely infuriating!


    Stanley nced at the rearview mirror, catching a glimpse of Wendy. The girl was fuming, stomping her feet in frustration.


    He couldn''t help but grin, the good mood evident as he let out a low chuckle.


    Wendy cursed under her breath.


    Stanley, just you wait!


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 My Dad Please Come 311

    1


    The long-awaited Summit Academic Forum had finally arrived, drawing the


    attention of


    everyone around.


    Wendy was up early, already getting ready for the day. She grabbed Halsey''s arm.


    "Halsey,e on. I''m taking you out."


    "Huh? Where are we going? So many people are heading to the Summit


    Academic Forum today. I heard Mr. Hawk and that genius girl are going to meet


    for the first time," Halsey said, gossiping excitedly.


    Wendy grinned, her lips curling up. "Yeah. That''s why we''re going to the Summit Academic


    Forum."


    Halsey blinked, shocked. "What?"


    Half an hourter, Wendy and Halsey arrived at the venue. The ce was buzzing with


    excitement. Academic elites from all fields had gathered here.


    Wendy quickly spotted many familiar faces in the crowd. There was Sienna, who hade


    with her ssmates from vendale University.


    A few days ago, Gilbert had confessed his feelings for her in public, turning her into aughingstock. So, she had pulled some strings through her father to secure an invite to


    this Summit Academic Forum.


    The ssmates she had brought along immediately started ttering her. With the shift in her status, Sienna was now walking with her head held high, smiling the entire time.


    Wendy also noticed Edith, Jessica, and Lilian from the second branch, and Trish and Natalie from the third branch-basically the whole Crone family had arrived. Just as they


    had said, they were here to witness the genius girl in person.


    Jessica quickly spotted Wendy in the crowd. "Wendy, what are you doing here?"


    +25 Bonus


    Trish''s haughty gaze fell on Wendy, her tone dripping with disdain. "Wendy, this is the Summit Academic Forum. What are you, a 16-year-old who dropped out of school, doing here? Are you trying to embarrass the Crone family?"


    Edith snapped sharply, her voice icy. "Wendy, you need to leave! This event requires an invitation. Do you even have one?"


    Wendy''s clear, sharp eyes looked back at them, and she shook her head. "No, I don''t."


    Sure enough, Wendy didn''t have an invitation!


    The Crone family members barely reacted. To them, it would have been more surprising if Wendy had an invitation.


    Lilian crossed her arms, looking unimpressed. "Wendy, you should leave before the security here escorts you out."


    Just then, Sienna appeared, walking over with her vendale University ssmates. She smirked and teased, "Oh, look who it is-the ''God of Sleep'' from vendale University."


    Her friends allughed along. "The God of Sleep is awake today? What a surprise that you''re attending the Summit Academic Forum! Hrious."


    Sienna draped an arm around Jessica and Trish''s shoulders, smirking as she introduced them. "Let me introduce you to Wendy, the God of Sleep. She''s also from the Crone family. But unlike her sister, Trish here is a postdoctoral researcher from an Ivy League school,


    and Jessica graduated from a top university. Both of them have impressive degrees. But Wendy? Well, she''s known for sleeping in ss!"


    Trish and Jessica had indeed excelled academically, and Edith had always treated them as the Crone family''s jewels.


    The vendale University students burst intoughter.


    "Wendy, aren''t you at least a little embarrassed?"


    "Wendy, you should head back to bed. You''re just making a fool of yourself here."


    +25 Bonus


    The mocking remarks kepting, but Wendy didn''t get upset. Instead, she smiled at them, unfazed.


    Halsey was already boiling with anger. This was too much!


    She pointed at Edith and Lilian, shouting, "Are you really Wendy''s family? You''re her grandmother and mother, and yet you''re leading the charge to bully her? I''m starting to wonder if Wendy is actually rted to you!"


    Wendy had long since gotten used to this; to her, having family felt like having none at all,


    She was like an orphan in her own home.


    Edith''s eyes shed with something unreadable when Halsey questioned whether Wendy


    was rted to the Crone family.


    Though Wendy was the biological daughter of her eldest son, Jerry, there was only room for


    Jessica in Edith''s heart.


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 My Dad Please Come 312

    Harry was Jessica''s father, but the truth was that he had simply brought Jessica back from the Capital.


    Jessica wasn''t even his biological daughter.


    Her real father...was someone of immense wealth and status.


    Jessica came from a family of extraordinary background.


    Of course, this was the biggest secret hidden deep within Edith and Harry''s hearts, and they wouldn''t dare reveal it at this moment.


    Edith looked at Wendy, her face cold. "Wendy, you should stop calling me ''Grandma''. I have no granddaughter like you!"


    Halsey was taken aback by Edith''sck of remorse. She couldn''t believe the words she was hearing. Enraged, she stormed, "What?!"


    Just then, a small, soft hand gently rested on her arm. Wendy stepped forward, looking straight at Edith. "Grandma, are you really cutting ties with me?"


    Edith stood her ground, unflinching. "Yes, I am!"


    Wendy turned her gaze toward Lilian. "Mom, is that what you think too?"


    The same sentence echoed in Lilian''s mind-"I''m starting to wonder if Wendy is actually


    rted to you!"


    Lilian had been observing Edith the whole time and understood exactly what was going through thetter''s mind. She curled her lips into a strange, knowing smile.


    When Wendy directed the question to her, Lilian hesitated for only a second before standing behind Edith, her face a picture of difficulty. "Wendy, you''re being


    unreasonable.


    I will always stand by your grandmother."


    Both Edith and Lilian were willing to sever their ties with Wendy.


    +25 Bonus


    After her father''s passing, these two women were supposed to be the closest family she had


    left.


    One was her grandmother, the other her mother.


    But time and again, they had shown her just how little they truly cared for her.


    Wendy nodded, her expression steady. "Fine. If that''s what you want, I dere I no longer have anything to do with the Crone family!"


    Edith couldn''t have been more pleased. People like Wendy, who were useless to the Crone family, should be discarded like trash.


    Especially someone like Wendy, who had dropped out of school at just 16-she was nothing but a stain on the Crone family''s reputation.


    Lilian and Jessica both smiled, pleased with the turn of events.


    At that moment, a stir spread through the crowd. "Mr. Hawk is here!"


    Stanley had arrived!


    Wendy looked up as the crowd parted to make way for him. Today''s star, Stanley, was here.


    Dressed in a hand-tailored ck suit, Stanley looked every bit the handsome, refined gentleman. A group of bodyguards cleared a path for him, and he walked through the crowd, nked by staff, as though he were a king descending from the heavens.


    "Mr. Hawk, this way, please."


    Stanley walked confidently toward the crowd.


    Benny, looking especially sharp today, was also present, carrying a huge bouquet of red roses. His excitement was palpable.


    Stanley, my dream girl is finally going to make her appearance today! After her speech, I''m


    going on stage to give her these roses."


    Stanley''s face remainedposed, no emotion showing.


    Jessica quickly stepped forward. "Hey, Stanley."


    Stanley paused and looked at her.


    Jessica smiled sweetly. "Look, Wendy''s here too."


    Stanley''s eyes fell on Wendy.


    +25 Bonus


    Benny immediately chimed in, "Wendy, what are you doing here? Are you here to see my dream girl too?"


    Wendy nced at the bouquet of roses in Benny''s hand. "Your dream girl?"


    Benny puffed out his chest with pride. "My dream girl is the genius freshman! I''m going to


    give her these roses after her speech."


    Wendy paused for a moment, then, unable to help herself, burst intoughter.


    Benny frowned, his face hardening. "What are youughing at?¡±


    Wendy''s eyes sparkled with amusement as she looked at Benny. "Your dream girl doesn''t


    like red


    roses."

 My Dad Please Come 313

    Benny froze for a moment. "Wendy, how do you know my dream girl doesn''t like red


    roses?"


    Edith quickly cut in, "Don''t listen to Wendy''s nonsense. I think she''s just jealous of the genius girl who''s catching your attention, and she''s trying to cause trouble." Benny, his patience wearing thin, threatened, "Wendy, you''d better not ruin this for me. I''m going to officially pursue my dream girl!"


    Wendy found it all rather amusing. With a smirk, she replied, "Well, good luck, Benny."


    Benny snorted in response.


    Jessica wasn''t about to let the focus stay on the genius girl for too long. She continued to mock Wendy. "Stanley, Wendy''s here at the Summit Academic Forum, but she doesn''t even


    have an invitation."


    Stanley turned to Wendy and quietly asked, "You don''t have an invitation?"


    Wendy shook her head. "Nope."


    Stanley smirked, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. "Looks like your ''impressive'' boyfriend isn''t all that great after all-he couldn''t even get you an invitation."


    Wendy remained silent.


    It was clear Stanley had a fixation on her boyfriend. He couldn''t stop talking about him, like he was obsessed with him.


    Halsey looked at Stanley, her tone firm. "Mr. Hawk, Wendy and I don''t have an invitation. Can you help us get in?"


    Stanley''s gaze fell on Wendy''s exquisite face, his voice cool as he asked, "Do you want my help?"


    Wendy shook her head. "No, thank you."


    +25 Bonus


    Halsey, clearly anxious, shot Wendy a look and whispered urgently, "Wendy, we don''t have an invitation! Don''t you want to get in? Don''t worry. Mr. Hawk will help us."


    Wendy smiled softly. "Halsey, we don''t need his help."


    Jessica and Trish exchanged nces before turning back to Wendy. "Wendy, stop being so stubborn. If Mr. Hawk doesn''t help you, how will you get in?"


    "That''s right, Wendy. If you''re so bold, go ahead and walk in yourself!"


    The group was clearly enjoying watching Wendy''s predicament. a


    Wendy straightened her delicate posture, gently taking Halsey''s hand. "Let''s go, Halsey."


    With that, she led Halsey forward, walking confidently toward the entrance.


    Siennaughed. "Wendy, the entrance is over here."


    Edith''s face twisted in disdain at the scene, thinking how utterly embarrassing it was that


    Wendy didn''t even know where the entrance was.


    But Wendy didn''t turn around. The entrance was to the left, but she was walking... toward


    the VIP passage.


    A sharp intake of breath echoed through the crowd. Edith''s expression shifted instantly. "Wait, why is Wendy heading toward the VIP passage?"


    Wendy was walking the VIP path!


    Jessica and Trish both took a step forward, their faces full of disbelief.


    The VIP path was meant for people of Stanley''s status, people who were at the top. They, however, had to go through the regr entrance with an invitation. What was Wendy


    doing?


    "Stanley, why is Wendy walking through the VIP path?" Jessica asked, her voice filled with


    astonishment.


    +25 Bonus


    Stanley, surrounded by a sea of people, nced at Wendy. She and Halsey had reached the VIP entrance, where a few staff members with blue badges quickly approached, their


    expressions respectful. "Ms. Crone, we''ve been expecting you. Please, this way." Wendy''s profile was sharp and ethereal as she nodded and followed the staff inside. Her


    slender figure quickly disappeared from view.


    Stanley''s cold eyes narrowed, his gaze sharp and focused.


    Jessica opened her mouth to speak to Stanley again, but he had already started


    walking himself, entering the VIP path without a word.


    The crowd exchanged stunned nces.


    "What''s going on? How is Wendy able to use the VIP


    path?"


    ÈÕ


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 My Dad Please Come 314

    +25 Bonus


    "Not only that, but it seems the high-level managers of this Summit Academic Forum were the ones who weed Wendy just now," Edith said in surprise.


    Lilian, equally shocked, exchanged nces with her.


    Sienna then spoke up, her tone dismissive, "Wendy dropped out of school at sixteen. She''s always up to something shady. We shouldn''t let her intimidate us."


    "Exactly!" Jessica chimed in, agreeing. "Wendy must be pulling some sort of trick. We should call her out. Grandma, Mom, let''s go inside and see what she''s really up to!"


    Edith let out a cold snort. "Good thing I foresaw this and cut ties with her in advance.


    Whatever mess she causes inside won''t be our problem."


    Stanley entered the main hall, scanning the area. He looked around, but couldn''t spot


    Wendy anywhere.


    He had rushed in earlier, trying to follow her, but he had still lost her. Where could she have gone?


    He turned to one of the staff members nearby. "Who uses the VIP entrance?"


    The staff member responded respectfully, "Mr. Hawk, the VIP entrance is reserved for the


    top students of prestigious universities attending the Summit Academic Forum.¡±


    Top students of prestigious universities? So why did Wendy use the VIP entrance earlier?


    "Mr. Hawk, your seat is here. Please follow me."


    Stanley followed the staff member to the front row of the center section. This was


    the prime spot, the most prestigious seat in the entire venue.


    He noticed that the seat next to him was empty.


    Stanley nced at the vacant spot beside him. "Is this seat reserved for the genius freshman?"


    "Yes, Mr. Hawk."


    "She still hasn''t arrived?"


    "I''m not sure."


    With a wave of his hand, Stanley dismissed the staff member.


    +25 Bonus


    He lowered his gaze to the steel watch on his wrist. The Summit Academic Forum was about to start, but his aloof and brilliant junior still hadn''t shown up.)


    Meanwhile, Edith, Jessica, Trish, and Sienna were seated in the right section. They were all craning their necks to look at the empty seat beside Stanley.


    "That empty seat next to Mr. Hawk must be for that genius freshman, right?" "Of course. Today, all eyes are on the pairing of Mr. Hawk and the prodigy. Everyone is eagerly awaiting their first appearance together."


    "Where is this genius freshman? Why hasn''t she arrived yet?"


    "I can''t wait to see her!"


    As everyone kept eyeing the empty seat beside Stanley, Jessica couldn''t hide her jealousy. ¡°She really knows how to keep things mysterious."


    Benny, seated behind Stanley, was nervous and excited. Holding a bouquet of red roses, he whispered, ¡°Stanley, where''s my dream girl? Could you text her or something? Everyone''s


    waiting."


    Stanley pulled out his phone and opened the WhatsApp group. He tagged W, asking, [Still not here?]


    Ding!


    A reply came from W. [I''m here.]


    She said she had arrived, but no one had seen her yet.


    +25 Bonus


    Stanley stared at the letter "W" on his screen and asked again, [What does W stand for?]


    W replied, [It''s my name.]


    Her name?


    W?


    Suddenly, Stanley''s mind raced. The letter "W" could only mean one thing- Wendy!


    It hit him all at once. Could his genius freshman really be Wendy?


    No way.


    He quickly dismissed the thought. Wendy had dropped out of school at sixteen. How could she possibly be the brilliant freshman he had been waiting for?


    Just then, the host stepped onto the stage.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, wee to the Summit Academic Forum! Let the event officially begin."


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 My Dad Please Come 315

    The Summit Academic Forum officially began, and the room erupted into a wave of apuse.


    The host smiled and said, "The most anticipated event of today''s Summit Academic Forum is the debut of Mr. Hawk and the genius freshman. I''m sure everyone is eager to see this talented young woman take the stage!"


    All eyes quickly turned to Stanley and the empty seat beside him. Someone in the crowd could hardly contain their excitement and called out, "We can''t wait any longer! Let''s see the prodigy!"


    The hostughed. "Alright, let''s wee her to give the opening speech for our Summit Academic Forum!"


    The genius freshman was about to make her entrance!


    The previously noisy hall fell silent in an instant, everyone holding their breath in anticipation.


    Sienna and the students around her were visibly excited. "She''sing, she''sing! It''s finally happening!"


    Edith, Trish, and Lilian had been searching for Wendy the entire time after they entered, but they couldn''t find her.


    They decided not to waste any more time looking for her and turned their attention to the


    stage. This was their main reason foring, and they were far too curious about the genius freshman.


    Jessica, however, looked darkly jealous. She couldn''t wait to see what the so- called genius freshman looked like. Surely, it was going to be some ugly freak!


    Benny, holding the red roses, noticed his palms were sweating.


    +25 Bonus


    He cursed himself, thinking-how could he, the fearless king of Hovendale, be this nervous just because the genius freshman was about to make her appearance?


    "Stanley, we''re finally going to see my dream girl!" he said, a little panicked.


    Stanley lifted his gaze, his eyes settling on the host''s podium. The next moment, a delicate figure emerged into view.


    She was wearing a white shirt and a ck pencil skirt that perfectly outlined her graceful figure. Her simple outfit highlighted her youthful, elegant charm. She wore her long, dark hair in a high ponytail, and not a single piece of shy jewelry adorned her.


    Yet, as she walked from the shadows into the bright lights, herposed elegance was captivating.


    She reached the podium, and her clear, bright eyes scanned the room. With a soft smile, she introduced herself.


    "Hello, everyone. I''m Wendy Crone."


    She introduced herself as Wendy!


    Her melodious voice rang through the microphone, crisp and clear, reaching


    everyone''s ears. Stanley, who had beenzily leaning back in his seat,


    straightened up immediately. His gaze locked onto Wendy, and it was impossible for him to look away.


    He was stunned.


    It was her...? It actually was her!


    So, Wendy was the genius freshman!


    Edith and Trish, who had been watching, froze in shock.


    "Wendy?" they gasped.


    "Oh, my God! Sienna, you''ve got to see this! It''s Wendy!" 2/3


    +25 Bonus


    The students around them grabbed Sienna''s attention. Sienna, seeing Wendy on stage, looked as though she had seen a ghost. She couldn''t speak a word.


    How could it be Wendy? Wasn''t she the God of Sleep?


    The most shocked of all were Jessica and Lilian. When Wendy appeared, they both shot to


    their feet, disbelief written all over their faces.


    "How could it be Wendy?" Lilian muttered, unable toprehend. "No, this can''t be! She dropped out of school at sixteen..."


    Around them, whispers of admiration filled the air.


    "Wow, the genius freshman is finally here! I heard she, like Mr. Hawk, skipped grades and earned a dual master''s degree from Harfield at just 16 before she stopped attending


    school."


    Jessica sucked in a sharp breath. That was right! Wendy had dropped out of school at 16.


    However, the difference between "dropped out of school at 16" and "stopped attending


    school at 16" was massive.


    It turned out that Wendy, just like Stanley, had earned a dual master''s degree at 16.


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 My Dad Please Come 316

    Being a "God of Sleep" was a lie.


    Theck of education was a lie, too.


    It turned out Wendy was a prodigy!


    It turned out the mysterious genius freshman was Wendy!


    "I never expected this genius freshman to be so beautiful! She looks like an angel! Truly, she''s both talented and stunning."


    "Oh, I think my heart just skipped a beat!"


    Jessica''s hands clenched into fists by her side, her grip tight. She couldn''t ept this reality. The Wendy she had always looked down on-this same Wendy-was the genius freshman who had made her so jealous it drove her crazy.


    Lilian was also in disbelief. She couldn''t understand how Wendy ended up on the podium. Hadn''t she sent Wendy away to the countryside?


    At that moment, someone behind them impatiently urged, "Can you two sit down? You''re blocking our view of the genius freshman."


    "If you don''t sit down, we''ll have to call security and have you escorted out!"


    Lilian, embarrassed, quickly sat down. She tugged at Jessica''s sleeve. "Jessica, sit down."


    Jessica reluctantly sat. Even though she dug her nails into her palm, she couldn''t feel the


    pain.


    Wendy stood at the podium. After introducing herself, a wave of apuse flooded the room.


    Everyone was weing her. The dazzling lights above shone down on her fair, radiant face, so breathtaking that no one could look away.


    +25 Bonus


    Wendy smiled, the corners of her lips curling upward. "I''m honored to be here with all of you today. Now, I''d like to begin my speech. The topic of my talk is..."


    Wendy began her speech, her voice clear and resonant. The content was fresh and profound, and by the time she finished, the apuse went on for a long time.


    After the speech, Stanley found Wendy.


    Dave had already arrived, and Wendy stood beside him. Dave was proudly introducing her to the top schrs from various universities and industry elites.


    Dave turned to see Stanley and immediately smiled. "Mr. Hawk, you''re here." Wendy turned slightly, her bright eyesnding on his noble and handsome face. "Mr. Hawk, let me properly introduce you to Wendy Crone, your junior."


    Stanley looked at Wendy. She wore a blue tag around her neck, with her photo affixed to it.


    At sixteen, Wendy had graduated from Harfield in her Master''s robes and cap- she was young, pure, and out of this world.


    Stanley''s gaze shifted from the blue tag to Wendy''s face.


    Now, they stood in the middle of the brilliant lights, surrounded by peopleing and


    going.


    Wendy stepped closer, her lips curving into a radiant smile. Slowly, she extended her hand to Stanley. "Mr. Hawk, let''s reintroduce ourselves. I''m Wendy Crone."


    She reintroduced herself to Stanley.


    Stanley looked at her small, delicate face, and a smile tugged at his lips. He couldn''t help


    but chuckle softly.


    It really was her.


    +25 Bonus


    The one who had rejected his friend request, the one who had mysteriously imed to


    dislike him-it was her.


    The one who had shared the glory with him and stood by his side to create legends-it


    turned out to be her.


    Wendy was the genius freshman!


    Stanley reached out and took her soft hand in his. He lowered his voice and asked, "Why


    didn''t you tell me?"


    Wendy''s bright eyes were full of him, her gaze deep and steady. "Mr. Hawk, I''ve always


    known who you are, but you didn''t recognize me."


    She had traveled a long, long way, just to be by his side.


    But, how unfortunate-he didn''t know who she really was. Comments


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 My Dad Please Come 317

    A strange feeling stirred in Stanley''s chest. He wanted to say something, but


    before he could, his palm was suddenly empty-Wendy had already withdrawn her hand.


    She was quickly surrounded by a group of young elites, all bright minds of their generation.


    Among them was a man named Lucas Norris, a fellow Harfield graduate who had now made a name for himself as a rising star in the tech industry, the young CEO of a publicly


    tradedpany.


    Lucas looked at Wendy''s breathtakingly beautiful face and smiled. "Wendy, I''m curious¡ª what''s your rtionship status?¡±


    Stanley''s gaze remained fixed on Wendy as he watched her raise a delicate brow. Then, she answered in just three simple words.


    "Single and avable."


    Single and avable.


    Those words made Lucas'' eyes light up. Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone. "Wendy, since we''re alumni, why don''t we add each other as friends on Facebook?"


    Wendy nodded. "Sure, Lucas."


    And just like that, they exchanged contacts.


    Stanley stood off to the side, watching. Suddenly, a memory surfaced-Wendy had rejected his friend request before.


    And yet, she would add someone else as a friend.


    She called Lucas by his first name, so casually, so warmly.


    Yet, she only ever addressed him as "Mr. Hawk". She rarely called him by his first name.


    +25 Bonus


    A hollow feeling crept into Stanley''s chest, as if something important had slipped through


    his fingers.


    "Wendy!"


    A sudden voice broke through the chatter.


    Edith, Jessica, Trish, and Lilian had arrived, but they couldn''t get close. Wendy


    was in the VIP section, a space they had no right to enter.


    A staff member stepped forward, blocking their way. "Excuse me. You''re not allowed beyond this point."


    Edith, however, wasn''t about to back down. Looking up at Wendy, she raised her voice, her tone urgent. "I need to see Wendy! I''m her grandmother!"


    Never in Edith''s wildest dreams had she imagined that the girl she had always considered the disgrace of the Crone family would turn out to be a genius. Now, she couldn''t wait to im Wendy.


    Hearing themotion, Wendy turned her head.


    The staff member immediately approached her with the utmost respect. "Ms. Crone, these women say they''re here for you. Thisdy ims to be your grandmother.¡±


    Edith forced a smile. "Darling, it''s me-your grandmother!"


    Darling?


    This was the first time Edith had ever addressed Wendy like that. The irony of it made herugh. ¡°Grandmother? If I''m not mistaken, didn''t we sever ties about an hour ago?"


    Edith froze.


    Wendy''s gaze swept past her andnded on Natalie and Trish. Natalie looked extremely ufortable, while Trish-who was always so proud-seemed to have lost all her arrogance, standing there in a daze.


    +25 Bonus


    Behind them, Lilian and Jessica watched darkly, their expressions twisted with resentment and jealousy.


    Natalie tried to smooth things over. "Wendy, your grandma was just speaking out of anger before. We''re still family, no matter what."


    Wendy stood tall, exuding an air of quiet elegance. She blinked, her longshes fluttering slightly as she looked at Edith. "So, are you saying you want to be my family again?"


    Edith nodded eagerly. "Wendy, we''ve always been a family-"


    "Too bad," Wendy cut her off sharply, "I don''t want to be your family anymore."


    Edith stiffened.


    Wendy''s clear, unwavering gaze swept over the people before her. They had hurt her deeply, their cruelty leaving wounds that had once ached unbearably. But now, all that


    remained was an icy detachment.


    "I was abandoned by you all since I was a child," she said calmly. "Other people had grandmothers and mothers¡ªa family. But I felt like an orphan. Just like you said before-


    we''ve already severed ties. And this time, it''s my turn to turn my back on you."


    With that, she turned to the staff beside her.


    "I don''t know them. Please escort them out."

 My Dad Please Come 318

    The staff immediately stepped in. "Ladies, please leave immediately."


    "Wendy, you can''t treat us like this...!"


    With a swift motion of the hand, a group of security guards appeared and escorted Edith, Jessica, Trish, Lilian, and Natalie out of the venue without hesitation.


    As they were forced out, Edith almost stumbled, but Jessica and Trish caught her on either


    side.


    "Grandma, are you alright?"


    Edith quickly shook off their support and shot them a cold re. "Did you see that? Wendy is the prodigy!"


    Edith had always considered Jessica and Trish the Crone family''s shining jewels. She had


    never spoken harshly to them, but now, her frustration poured out.


    "Look at the effort I''ve put into you two! You had private tutors, every path paved with money, and yet you only managed to make it into Ivy League schools and the top schools in the state. And Wendy? She was sent to the countryside as a child, and now she''s a genius who can stand shoulder to shoulder with Mr. Hawk! What a disgrace you two are!"


    Regret churned inside Edith, nearly eating her alive. She regretted severing ties with Wendy


    more than anything.


    Wendy was the genius! She could have brought so much honor to the Crone family.


    Together, Jessica and Trish couldn''t measure up to Wendy.


    Jessica and Trish stood there, pale and silent, too terrified to speak a word in their defense.


    They thought back to all the insults they had thrown at Wendy, and now, Wendy must be looking at them as nothing more than foolish clowns.


    At that moment, Lilian stepped forward, trying to calm things down. "Mother..."


    +25 Bonus


    "Shut up!" Edith snapped, ring at Lilian. "You have no right to speak! You''re the most


    useless of all!"


    Lilian froze. At that moment, she hated Wendy with all her heart. She couldn''t understand


    why Wendy, the girl they had abandoned as a child, had turned into a genius.


    "I don''t want to see you all right now! You''re all giving me a headache!" Edith hissed, and


    with that, she stormed off.


    "Edith!"


    "Grandma!"


    Trish, Lilian, and Natalie hurried after her.


    Jessica stood alone, fuming in silence, her clenched jaw biting her gums until they bled.


    Why did it have to be Wendy? She was the genius freshman, Stanley''s junior! Would Stanley regret it?


    Who wouldn''t fall for someone extraordinary? Today, Stanley had discovered that the


    housewife who had always revolved around him for the past three years was actually a genius who could stand at his side. Would he fall for her now?


    Stanley didn''t get a chance to speak with Wendy again, as Halsey had arrived.


    Halsey surrounded Wendy, her voice full of excitement. "Wendy, are you really the prodigy?"


    Wendy smiled. "In the flesh."


    "Oh, my god! Wendy, I swear I''m in love with you," Halsey gushed, her admiration for


    Wendy pouring out like a never-ending stream.


    Wendy chuckled. "We should head back."


    +25 Bonus


    The Summit Academic Forum had concluded, and Wendy bid farewell to Dave and the


    others before heading out with Halsey.


    They were nning to return to the girls'' dorm.


    At that moment, Stanley''s tall, elegant figure appeared. He walked over, his voice


    low and maic. "Let me give you a ride back."


    He wanted to take Wendy back.


    Before Wendy could respond, Lucas, the rising tech mogul, also approached, his gaze fixed on Wendy. "Wendy, where are you headed? Let me take you."


    Lucas also wanted to give Wendy a ride.


    Halsey looked between the two men, her eyes wide with realization.


    Both men wanted to take Wendy home. How would she choose?


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 My Dad Please Come 319

    +25 Bonus


    Stanley hadn''t expected Lucas to show up. As a man himself, he could already sense Lucas''s


    growing interest in Wendy.


    Lucas was very into Wendy.


    Wendy nced at Stanley, then turned to Lucas. "We''ll go with you, Lucas."


    She chose Lucas without any hesitation.


    Stanley''s sharp features tightened in an instant.


    Lucas was thrilled. With a gentleman''s smile, he opened the car door. "Ladies."


    Wendy and Halsey climbed into the car.


    Halsey threw a nce at Stanley, her expression a mix of sympathy and a little bit of schadenfreude. That was what he deserved for treating Wendy poorly-now, Wendy wanted nothing to do with him.


    Stanley stepped forward, but just as he did, his arm was suddenly caught.


    It was Jessica. She clung to his arm, forcing a sweet smile. "Stanley, were you waiting for me?"


    Stanley looked up at Wendy.


    The luxury car Lucas had been driving was already pulling out of the garage, heading off with Wendy.


    Wendy had left.


    Stanley tore his gaze away from the scene, yanking his arm out of Jessica''s grasp. "I''m heading to thepany. You can go home on your own."


    Stanley turned and made his way to the car.


    +25 Bonus


    Jessica''s face was drained of color. She immediately stepped in front of him, blocking his path. "Stanley, I want you to take me home!"


    Stanley''s expression remained cold. His rtionship with Jessica hadn''t healed, especially


    after the incident with Halsey. He spoke in a distant tone.


    "I need to go to thepany."


    "It''s all just excuses!" Jessica''s voice rose. "I heard everything! You and that


    inte mogul were both fighting to take Wendy home. Why is it when I ask you to take me home, you''re suddenly heading back to thepany?"


    Stanley''s face grew colder. "Jessica!"


    He uttered her name firmly, warning her with his gaze. He had no interest in arguing with


    her here.


    Jessica froze.


    Stanley stepped around her, getting into his car.


    Abandoned in her spot, Jessica stared at his retreating figure and muttered


    bitterly, "Stanley, are you falling for Wendy? I mean, of course, you are! Wendy is a genius. A


    woman like her, who could have anyone, chose to marry a man who was in aa for three years, turning herself into a housewife just to revolve around you. If it were me, I''d be moved too!"


    Her biting words made Stanley stop in his tracks. Slowly, he turned, and his cold eyes locked onto her painted face.


    "You read my mind, Jessica. That''s exactly what I think. Wendy is a genius, yet she chose to lower herself and take care of me, all to make me happy. She''s won my heart. Why would I want to deal with you when I have someone like her?"


    Finally, he spoke the truth-Wendy was the one who had won his heart.


    Anyone who was paying attention could see it: He had feelings for Wendy, the kind that


    213


    went beyond simple admiration.


    Jessica''s fair face flushed with a mix of anger and humiliation.


    +25 Bonus


    Stanley let out a slow, mocking smile. "The one with the least right to say anything is you. You''re the one who pushed Wendy onto me!"


    Jessica''s face was drained of all color once more. If she hadn''t run away when Stanley was in that car ident-if she had stayed by his side-there wouldn''t have been any Wendy.


    It was her own actions that had pushed Wendy into his life.


    Stanley didn''t look at her again. Without another word, he got into his luxury car, and the Rolls-Royce Phantom sped off.


    At Hawk Group''s CEO office, Stanley sat back in his ck leather chair, his eyes scanning the papers on his desk.


    Zayn entered, walking briskly.


    He said in a low voice, "Mr. Hawk, we''ve gathered all the information on Mrs. Hawk... I mean, Ms. Wendy. After she sent her abusive foster dad to prison, someone started sponsoring her education. She quickly elerated through school, and by the age of 16, shepleted a dual master''s degree at


    Harfield."

 My Dad Please Come 320

    hapter 320


    Stanley stared at the information in his hands, his eyes lingering on the empty space under the "Sponsor" section.


    "Who sponsored Wendy?"


    Zayn shook his head. "We haven''t been able to identify the sponsor yet."


    Stanley pursed his lips, a hint of frustration in his gaze. "What did Wendy do after she graduated at 16?"


    For someone like her, a rising star, graduation should''ve marked the beginning of her career, just like his own path. Back when he was at Harfield, Stanley had already dipped his toes into the financial and business world. By the time he graduated, he had already


    But Wendy? She seemed to have no job, no clear path.


    That was something Stanley found puzzling.


    "I''m sorry, Mr. Hawk. We couldn''t find any details. After Ms. Wendy graduated at 16, she


    disappeared for 2 whole years."


    Those two years of her life were aplete mystery.


    No one knew what she had been doing.


    "Until two yearster, when you had your car ident," Zayn continued. "Ms. Wendy suddenly appeared in Hovendale, and under the Crone family''s arrangement, she married


    you."


    Stanley knew exactly what happened after that.


    He put the file down. "You can leave now."


    "Got it, Mr. Hawk."


    Zayn left the room.


    Alone in his office, Stanley leaned back in his chair, pulling out his phone. The entertainment headlines were full of Wendy''s name.


    Stanley looked at the photos of Wendy-she was wearing a white shirt, her hair tied up in a high ponytail, standing on the podium. The photos had gone viral. Her delicate, radiant face shone under the bright lights, exuding an almost ethereal beauty.


    The media had called her "the most beautiful genius¡°.


    Stanley leanedzily against the back of the sofa, his mind wandering. He had never imagined that the housewife who had spent thest three years orbiting around him would turn out to be a genius, also his junior.


    He had even sent her to vendale University, and now, looking back, he couldn''t help butugh at himself.


    Why had she married him?


    At the time, he had been in aa after the car ident. Doctors had dered that he


    would never wake up.


    Even Jessica had run away.


    But Wendy hade to him. She had married him.


    Those three years should have been her most valuable years. Why had she wasted them on a man in aa?


    Stanley picked up the file again, flipping through it. Just then, a photograph slipped out.


    He picked it up and saw that it was a picture of Wendy from her time at Harfield.


    She was wearing a white dress, standing in front of a window disy at school, smiling brightly at the camera.


    Stanley froze as his eyes fell on what was in the disy.


    +25 Bonus


    It was the school''s honor roll, and his own picture was there, still holding the top spot. Wendy, looking youthful and innocent, stood beside the photo, cradling a few books in her arms. Her little head was tilted toward his photo, a radiant smile on her face.


    That was a photo of them together.


    Stanley stood still, a realization dawning on him... Wendy must have loved him for a long, long time.


    In ces he hadn''t even seen, she had always loved him.


    Under the photo of "the most beautiful genius", countlessizens leftments.


    [I think I''ve fallen in love today.]


    [Me too!]


    Jessica had asked him whether he had fallen for Wendy.


    The whole city was swept up in romance, and Stanley, a man like any other, couldn''t deny that he had been touched by the fierce, burning love from a girl like Wendy. He admitted it -he had indeed fallen for her.


    Stanley pulled out his phone, opening up Wendy''s social media ount, and typed a


    message.


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 My Dad Please Come 321

    hapter 321


    Stanley asked, [Are you back on campus?]


    He was asking if Wendy had made it back to vendale University. After all, it was Lucas


    who had driven her home tonight. The thought of her getting into another man''s car made Stanley''s lips tighten into a thin line.


    The next moment, Stanley froze. A notification appeared, indicating that the text he had sent hadn''t gone through.


    [You''re not friends with the recipient. Please add them as a friend before you can chat.]


    Stanley was speechless, his face darkening. Wendy had blocked him. In fact, she had blocked him the day they got divorced.


    It suddenly hit Stanley-they had gotten a divorce. It was over.


    She had once loved him with fiery passion, but that was in the past. She no longer loved


    him.


    "Stanley, I don''t love you anymore."


    Her clear, gentle voice echoed in his ears-the words she had spoken to him that day. She


    had told him herself that she no longer loved him.


    Stanley opened her profile-she had changed her username from W to "Wendy".


    He clicked to send a friend request.


    There was no response.


    Wendy hadn''t approved his request.


    At that moment, a phone rang, its melody sweet and melodic. It was Jessica.


    Jessica was calling him.


    +25 Bonus


    Stanley didn''t answer. He gave a self-mocking smile as the lights cast shadows over his handsome, cold features.


    At the Crone family''s estate...


    Stanley still hadn''t answered the call. Jessica screamed in frustration, her anger spilling


    over as she began smashing the vases in the living room.


    Crash!


    ss shattered everywhere, the floor littered with broken pieces. J


    At that moment, Harry and Lilian rushed in. Lilian immediately ran to Jessica and grabbed


    her.


    "Jessica, what are you doing? There''s ss everywhere! Be careful, you''ll hurt your


    hands!"


    Jessica shoved Lilian away, her jealousy and fury pouring out on the older woman. "It''s all your fault! Why did you have Wendy? Why does she have to be a genius? Just look at how Grandma treats her now! Stanley won''t even answer my calls! Gah, I hate Wendy so much!"


    Lilian was speechless, unable to respond to her daughter''s outburst. No one loved Jessica


    more than she did.


    Harry stepped forward quickly, trying to calm Jessica down. "Jessica, please, don''t get too worked up. Your heart condition might re up again."


    "Dad, I''m just so angry! Wendy''s just some country girl. She dropped out of school at 16, but somehow, she''s turned into this genius! I''m so scared... I''m worried that Stanley will fall for her. Glinda doesn''t like me, and I''ve offended Bebe Lincoln. Dad, when will I finally marry Stanley?"


    Jessica couldn''t handle everything that had happened today. Her beautiful face twisted in


    frustration as tears streamed down her cheeks.


    Harry, feeling his heart ache for his daughter, pulled her into his arms. "Don''t worry, Jessica. We''ll find a way. You''ll definitely marry Mr. Hawk!"


    Jessica went to her room, copsing onto the bed.


    +25 Bonus


    Meanwhile, Harry returned to the living room, where the maids had already cleaned up the mess, and sat down on the sofa.


    The TV in the living room was ying a news channel, where the reporter was making an


    announcement.


    "It is reported that the business magnate, Horace Larson, returned to the Capital yesterday, making an appearance at Queennd Cemetery. For years, Mr. Larson, the world''s richest man, has been searching for his daughter, who went missing as a child. To this day, he has yet to find her."


    The screen shifted to the Royal Cemetery, a dreary, rain-soaked day. A tall, distinguished figure stood silently in front of a gravestone, with his personal butler holding a ck umbre over his head. Tiny droplets of rain slid off the umbre, obscuring the man''s


    face.


    In the cold, somber atmosphere, the rain added a mysterious depth to the scene, making it all the more haunting.


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 My Dad Please Come 322

    Harry reached out and switched off the TV with a quick motion.


    At that moment, Lilian walked over, her gaze filled with concern. "Harry, is Jessica asleep?"


    Lilian''s voice softened,ced with sympathy.


    "She cried herself to sleep just now. Honey, Jessica has only one wish-she wants


    to marry Mr. Hawk. Can''t you make that happen for her?"


    Harry''s expression darkened, his voice cold. "What do you mean?"


    "Honey," Lilian pressed, "I know everything. Jessica isn''t even your biological daughter!"


    Harry bit his lip, remaining silent.


    "Jessica has a prestigious background. If you would just reveal who she really is, all the


    obstacles would disappear. She could marry Mr. Hawk," Lilian continued, her voice growing more insistent.


    Harry stood up, his voicemanding. "I don''t want to hear this again! You''d better keep it to yourself."


    With a final warning, Harry headed upstairs.


    Lilian, frustrated, couldn''t let it go. "Why won''t you acknowledge Jessica''s real background, Harry?"


    Harry stood at the top of the stairs, his demeanor calm, almost too serene, but his words carried a weight of emotion. After a long pause, he said, "Jessica''s mother doesn''t want her to return to the Capital."


    It was that woman again!


    Lilian''s eyes shed with a malicious glint. No wonder Wendy, even after being sent to the


    countryside, still emerged a genius. She hade from a truly exceptional line.


    But what did it matter?


    All the glory and attention would eventually be bestowed upon Jessica.


    +25 Bonus


    Though Harry had firmly rejected Lilian''s suggestion, she knew deep down that he was torn. He did care about Jessica.


    Soon, Jessica''s true background would be revealed.


    Lilian''s lips curled into a sly, knowing smile.


    The next day, Stanley was in his office when he received a call from Cyril, who had just


    returned from his business trip.


    "Stanley, are you free today? Come have lunch with us," Cyril invited.


    Cyril wanted Stanley toe over to the Lincoln family''s residence for a meal.


    Stanley had barely gotten any sleep after staying in the office all night. He rubbed his temples, groaning. "Uncle Cyril, I don''t have time today."


    "That''s too bad. I''ve already invited Bebe and Wendy to join us."


    Wendy was going to the Lincolns'' for dinner, too?


    Stanley changed his mind immediately. "I''ll be there soon.


    Thirty minutester, Stanley arrived at the Lincoln family''s estate. Wendy and Halsey hadn''t arrived yet.


    Cyril adjusted his sses with a yful smirk. "Stanley, didn''t you just say you didn''t have time? Now, here you are."


    Stanley nced around the room as though searching for someone.


    +25 Bonus


    "Don''t bother looking," Cyril said with a chuckle. "Wendy and Bebe are still on their way."


    Stanley sat down on the couch in the living room, his gaze steady.


    "I''ve heard the news," Cyril continued, amused. "Now, everyone at vendale University knows that Wendy, the ''God of Sleep,'' is actually a genius. No wonder when she fell asleep in my ss, she could still point out my mistake the moment she opened her eyes. Stanley, your wife is quite the hidden gem."


    Cyril still didn''t know that Stanley and Wendy were divorced.


    Stanley remained silent.


    Cyril switched to a different topic. "By the way, Bebe''s birthmark suddenly disappeared. She said Wendy gave her a really bitter candy."


    Stanley''s brows furrowed slightly, his expression thoughtful. "I''m not entirely sure


    about that. I asked Wendy, and she said..."


    "What did she say?"


    She had said she wouldn''t tell him!


    At that moment, Isabel''s cheerful voice rang out. "Ms. Lincoln, you''re back!"


    When Stanley heard that, he figured Wendy and Halsey had arrived.


    He looked up, his gaze shifting toward the door.


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 My Dad Please Come 323

    Halsey had returned.


    But she came back alone-Wendy wasn''t with her.


    Cyril asked, puzzled, "Bebe, why are you alone? Where''s Wendy?"


    Halsey exined, "She had something to do and couldn''t make it today."


    Stanley looked at Halsey, his lips pressing into a thin line. "What does she have to do?"


    Halsey shed a sly smile. "If you really want to know, I''ll tell you. Wendy went out to have some fun."


    Wendy went out to have fun?


    "Where did she go?"


    "To Feirwale. I heard it''s going to snow soon, so Wendy went with everyone to see the first snowfall of the winter. Oh, and Lucas is with her too."


    Stanley''s memory kicked in. Yesterday, Dave had mentioned taking everyone to Feirwale to see the snow, but Stanley had turned it down. He hadn''t expected Wendy and Lucas to go together.


    Halsey chuckled. "Stanley, I think Lucas really fancies Wendy. He drove to pick her up this morning. Now, you won''t have to worry about introducing Wendy to any CEOs."


    She feigned a sigh. "Some men are blind, though. They have a gem in their hands but go for worthless pebbles. Now, that gem might be snatched by someone else."


    Stanley fell silent.


    Halsey hadn''t directly insulted him, but her words hit home.


    Wendy was the gem, and Jessica was the worthless pebble. Halsey was mocking him for


    losing the gem and picking up the pebble instead.


    +25 Bonus


    Wendy arrived at Feirwale, apanied by several older students from her school and the top schrs from various households. It was a lively group of about ten people, with Lucas among them.


    They stayed at a seaside resort, and as soon as they stepped out of the resort, they could see


    Feirwale ahead.


    A female student handed Wendy her room key. "Wendy, you''re in Room 608." Wendy took the key. "Thanks."


    Lucas nced at his own room key-612. It was farther from Wendy''s, so he immediately swapped with another student. "Can I switch with you to Room 609?"


    Everyone could tell that Lucas had feelings for Wendy, and they teased him. "Room 609 is right across from Wendy''s. Looks like Lucas wants to be closer to her!"


    "Seems like Lucas has fallen for Wendy and wants to pursue her."


    Lucas looked at Wendy, his eyes sparkling. "Ady in her prime deserves a worthy


    gentleman. Keep it down, or you''ll startle Wendy."


    The studentsughed. He was already protecting her before they even officially


    started anything. It seemed Lucas was really interested in Wendy.


    He walked over to Wendy. "Do you like watching snow?"


    Wendy nodded. "I''ve loved snow since I was little. My dad and I made a promise toe to


    Feirwale to see the snow."


    A female student asked, "So where''s your dad? Why didn''t you bring him with you?"


    Back then, Wendy''s father was still around. Hengad built a swing for her. On snowy days, she''d sit on it while he stood behind her, holding an umbre to shield her from the snow,


    lifting her high into the air on her favorite snowy days.


    +25 Bonus


    He had said, "I hear Feirwale has the most beautiful snow. Next year, I''ll take you there to


    see it."


    The next year, her father was gone forever.


    Wendy smiled faintly. "My dad has passed away."


    The students beside her gave herforting pats on the shoulder.


    Lucas said gently, "It''s okay. Even though your dad can''t be here to see the snow with you, we''re here for you."


    The atmosphere lightened.


    "ording to thetest report from the weather station, the first snowfall of


    Feirwale is about to arrive. Let''s go back to our rooms and drop off our bags. Then we''ll head out together to see the first snow of the


    winter."


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 My Dad Please Come 324

    Everyone returned to their rooms.


    Wendy set her luggage down and took out her phone. When she opened her Facebook, she


    saw Stanley''s friend request.


    He wanted to add her as a friend.


    They were divorced now, and he was with Jessica. Wendy didn''t want to get caught up in any more drama with him, so she didn''t ept.


    Wendy stepped out of her room and ran into Lucas, who wasing out of the room across the hall. He smiled and said, "Wendy, I''m right across from you. If you need anything, just let me know."


    Wendy smiled back. "Okay."


    Wendy, Lucas, and the other students left the hotel together, heading toward the vast, open expanse of Feirwale.


    "Wendy, look. It''s snowing," Lucas said.


    Wendy looked up just as snowkes began to drift down from the sky, soft and fluffy like goose feathers. It was really snowing. The streets were nearly empty, and snowkes swirled around, quickly nketing the ground in white.


    The powerful waves of the ocean crashed relentlessly in the distance, blue and white meeting at the horizon-half sea, half snow. It was a stunning sight, breathtaking in its beauty.


    Wendy wore a long white down coat, wrapping herself tightly in its warmth. Her delicate nose and pale eyelids were already reddened from the cold, but she walked forward against the fierce wind, step by step.


    She was seeing the snow in Feirwale.


    Just like her father had said, it was so beautiful-but also, so cold.


    "Oh my god! This ce is gorgeous!"


    The other students ran off, excited to explore.


    +25 Bonus


    Ayer of mist suddenly appeared over Wendy''s bright eyes. She walked toward the beach,


    cupping her hands around her mouth, and shouted toward the sea, "Dad, I''m here in


    Feirwale, just like we said!"


    The mighty waves mmed against the lighthouse, sending a deafening roar into the air. The winter romance felt like the perfect response from her father.


    At that moment, Wendy felt a sense of release. She felt like she had finally let go of the grief from losing her father and the feeling of never being loved after his passing.


    Lucas watched Wendy from behind, and to him, no snowstorm in the world couldpare


    to her beauty.


    One of the male students nudged him. "What are you waiting for? Go to her! You should be


    watching the snow with someone you love."


    Lucas hesitated, but then suddenly had an idea. "I''ll be right back."


    He ran back toward the hotel.


    Wendy extended her hand, letting the crystalline snowkes fall gently into her palm. Her clear, bright eyes sparkled with delight.


    Just then, a ck umbre appeared overhead. Someone was holding it over her.


    Wendy turned with a smile. "Lucas..."


    Her words faltered when she saw that it wasn''t Lucas standing there-it was Stanley.


    Stanley was here!


    He wore a sleek ck wool coat with a gray turtleneck underneath. His tall, elegant figure


    +25 Bonus


    stood before her, and at that moment, the swirling snowkes seemed to entuate his


    presence. He looked like he had stepped straight out of a painting.


    Wendy froze, unsure how he had ended up here.


    He had said he wasn''ting to Feirwale, but now, here he was, unexpectedly.


    He had arrived at the most romantic moment-right when she was standing in the snow.


    Stanley''s gaze fell on Wendy''s small face, the cold making her nose and the corners of her eyes red, which only made her skin appear even more delicate. The glistening light in her eyes added a soft, captivating glow.


    Holding the umbre, Stanley raised the corner of his lips in a small smile.


    "Aren''t your hands


    cold?"


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 My Dad Please Come 325

    Wendy quickly tucked her cold, snow-covered hands into her sleeves.


    "Wendy, I got you..."


    Just then, Lucas returned, holding a pair of fuzzy gloves in his hands.


    He had gone back to the hotel to buy the gloves because he was worried Wendy''s hands might be freezing. But when he returned, he found Stanley was already there.


    Stanley had arrived first and was now standing next to Wendy, both of them sheltered


    under the same ck umbre.


    Lucas felt a bit disappointed. It seemed his gloves were toote-Wendy wouldn''t need


    them now.


    He walked over and asked, "Stanley, what are you doing here?"


    Lucas had also graduated from Harfield, but in front of someone like Stanley, who was truly exceptional, he still felt a little inferior.


    At that moment, the other students gathered around. "Stanley, didn''t you say you weren''ting? What brought you here?"


    Everyone was curious about why Stanley had shown up unexpectedly.


    Stanley nced at the group and replied in his deep, calm voice, "I was nearby on business, so I decided to stop by."


    Wendy looked at him, her clear eyes full of disbelief. He was here on business? It seemed


    too much of a coincidence.


    "Well, since you''re already here, why not stay and have fun with us?" the group eagerly invited Stanley.


    Stanley gave Wendy a brief nce before nodding. "Sure."


    +25 Bonus


    Everyone cheered, excited by his decision. One of them suggested, "Let''s go have fondue tonight!"


    "Fondue and snow-what a perfectbination!"


    "You''re buying, Stanley!"


    With Stanley around, he was usually the one picking up the tab.


    Stanley didn''t object. "Alright."


    They all went to a restaurant and found a table by the window. Several of the students eagerly pulled Wendy to sit with them. "Wendy,e sit here."


    They adored Wendy and treated her like a younger sister, always looking out for her.


    Wendy sat down, and just then, Lucas tried to take the seat next to her. Since Wendy and Lucas were the youngest students there, it made sense for them to sit together.


    But suddenly, Stanley''s deep, maic voice broke through. "Lucas, why don''t you sit next to me?"


    Stanley, who had already taken the main seat at the round table, suddenly called out to


    Lucas.


    Everyone chuckled. "Go on, Lucas. Sit by Stanley."


    "Stanley, of all the juniors, Lucas is the one who reminds me the most of you."


    Lucas was outstanding in both academics and character. At such a young age, he was already the CEO of a publicly listedpany and a rising star in the tech world. There was a certain air about him that reminded everyone of Stanley. Sometimes, they jokingly called


    him "Stanley Junior".


    Lucas had initially hoped to get a bit closer to Wendy, but with Stanley''s sudden request, he could only stand up and move to sit next to Stanley.


    Lucas smiled. "I''m nowhere near as good as Stanley, but I''ll aim to be like him."


    +25 Bonus


    Soon, the cheese fondues arrived, one in the original vor and the other spicy. Snow was falling outside, and inside, the steam from the pot filled the room, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.


    Stanley''s gaze shifted to Wendy, who was sitting with the senior students. She liked to dip her bread into the spicy cheese fondue, and the heat made her fair cheeks turn a rosy red. Her little lips looked even more vibrant, almost glowing. Lucas''s eyes never left Wendy. "Do you like spicy food?"


    Wendy nodded. "Yeah.".


    Stanley''s brows twitched slightly. He remembered that she didn''t like spicy food. Had her taste changed?


    The group looked at Wendy. "So, Wendy, what have you been doing these past few years after graduation?"


    Everyone was curious about the prodigy. As far as they knew, Wendy didn''t seem to have a job at the moment.


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 My Dad Please Come 326

    Wendy paused for a moment, her small hand holding the utensils before she answered honestly, "I got married."


    What?


    The group was stunned.


    Lucas stared at Wendy in disbelief. "Wendy, you''re married?"


    Wendy immediately sensed Stanley''s gaze on her. His eyes always had a way of making her feel pinned down. She tried her best to ignore him, smiling softly.


    "Yeah, so these past few years, I haven''t been busy with anything... I''ve just been taking care of my husband, being a housewife."


    Wendy spoke the truth. For over three years, she had lived inplete seclusion, revolving around Stanley.


    The other students were shocked. "Wendy, you chose to be a housewife in your prime?"


    "We actually got divorced not too long ago," Wendy added.


    That took everyone by surprise even more.


    "The man who made Wendy willingly be a housewife must have been something


    else."


    "Wendy, who is your husband-I mean, your ex-husband?"


    The group became intensely curious about Wendy''s ex-husband. They were eager to know what kind of man could capture Wendy''s heart.


    Wendy lifted her gaze to the man across from her.


    Stanley was sitting perfectly still, hardly touching his utensils. Wendy knew he didn''t like


    spicy food; he preferred nd dishes.


    +25 Bonus


    Now, his dark, intense gaze was fixed on her face, mirroring the curiosity of the others, as though waiting for her to answer.


    How was she supposed to answer?


    Her ex-husband was indeed exceptional, and he was sitting right there with everyone.


    Wendy turned her attention back to the group and smiled gently. "It''s all in the past now. Let''s not talk about him anymore. Here''s to our new lives."


    The people around the table were all sharp-witted. Since Wendy didn''t want to discuss it, they didn''t press her further. They quickly moved on and raised their sses.


    "To new beginnings."


    As the group clinked sses, Stanley sat at the head of the table, his expensive watch catching the light as he gracefully sipped his water.


    "Wendy, now that you''re back, I''m assuming you want to work again. Why don''t you join


    us?"


    Wendy immediately declined. She did have a job, but it wasn''t something she could openly talk about. "Thanks, everyone, but I''m in Hovendale right now, so it''s not really


    convenient."


    "Hovendale? Oh, Stanley''s also in Hovendale."


    "Stanley, Wendy is your junior. You should really help her out, maybe even bring her into


    yourpany."


    Wendy didn''t know how to respond. She wished she could reject outright.


    Stanley''s gaze lingered on Wendy''s face. She had taken off her white puffer jacket, her long ck hair loosely tied with a simple hairband. A few strands had fallen behind her ear, resting against her snowy white neck. She looked so pure and beautiful, almost ethereal.


    Her bright eyes met his, and she said, "No need to trouble Mr. Hawk-


    +25 Bonus


    Stanley''s lips curved slightly as he suddenly spoke. "Why do you always call me Mr. Hawk? Why don''t you call me by my first name?"


    Wendy''s heart skipped a beat.


    "Haha, Wendy, you really are something! Why do you call everyone by their first name, but you call Stanley ''Mr. Hawk''?"


    "Wendy, you''re in Hovendale now. You''d better hold onto his coattails tight. Go ahead and call him ''Stanley''."


    The group, eager to stir the pot,ughed and encouraged her to call Stanley by his first


    name.


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 My Dad Please Come 327

    Wendy felt like she was being roasted over an open me. What was Stanley doing? Did he really want to hear her call him "Stanley"?


    He was definitely messing with her again.


    Wendy shot him a re. Stanley, however, only smiled slightly, clearly enjoying himself.


    At that moment, a phone rang, breaking the tension. Wendy''s phone was ringing.


    It was like a lifeline. Wendy quickly stood up. "Enjoy your meal, everyone. I need to take


    this call."


    Wendy stepped into the hallway to answer the phone. It was Samuel calling.


    "Wendy, I''m already in Hovendale. Where are you?"


    "I''m in Feirwale right now, but I''ll be back in a couple of days."


    "Okay, I''ll wait for you."


    Wendy hung up the phone and turned to leave, but as she did, she collided with a warm,


    muscr chest.


    "Ah!"


    Her phone slipped from her hand and fell toward the floor.


    Her phone!


    Wendy quickly reached down to grab it.


    However, arge, well-defined hand stretched out first and caught the phone in midair. Wendy looked up, and Stanley''s handsome, refined face came into view. Stanley! What was he doing here?


    "Mr. Hawk, give me my phone back!" Wendy quickly said.


    She reached for her phone, but Stanley raised his arm, keeping it out of her reach.


    What was he ying at?


    Wendy, standing on her toes, leaned toward him to try to grab her phone. "Mr. Hawk, that''s my phone. Please give it back to me!"


    +25 Bonus


    Stanley, towering over her, looked down at her with his dark eyes. "I can give it back to you,


    but you have to call me Stanley."


    He had followed her here just to make her call him "Stanley".


    Wendy tilted her head up, gazing at him with her clear, delicate face. "I''m not calling you that. I don''t need your help, and I''m not going to work for yourpany."


    Stanley''s lips curved into a smile. "So you don''t want a job?"


    He could understand if she hadn''t worked these past years¡ªafter all, she had been taking


    care of him.


    But did she still not want to work?


    Wendy, of course, wasn''t going to reveal her true situation to him. Her bright eyes fluttered as she replied, "I can''tpare to you. After you graduated, you listed your firstpany. Me? I''m just a full-time housewife,pletely out of touch with the world."


    She was belittling herself.


    Stanley couldn''t tell if she was speaking the truth or not, but as she spoke, her eyes sparkled with wit and life, like stars in the sky-captivating at first nce. He was drawn in by her.


    "So what are your ns for the future?" Stanley asked softly.


    "What ns could I have? Maybe I''ll fall in love again, get remarried. If I end up with


    +25 Bonus


    someone like you, maybe I''ll get a big chunk in the divorce settlement and be set for life."


    Stanley reached out and gently cupped her small chin. "Wendy, I''m not joking with you."


    "I''m not joking, either. Let go of me."


    Wendy pushed his hand away.


    Just then, footsteps approached-Lucas and another student were walking toward them,


    chatting.


    "Lucas, I didn''t know Wendy was married before. Are you still nning to pursue her?"


    3


    "Wendy was married, but she''s already divorced. Of course I''m still going after her."


    "Haha, looks like you''re really serious about her!"


    "She''s different. She''s nothing like the other girls I''ve met."


    The two walked off into the distance.


    Wendy had overheard their conversation. She could tell that Lucas had feelings for her.


    When they were eating fondue earlier, she had intentionally mentioned her past marriage


    in hopes to make him give up.


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 My Dad Please Come 328

    At that moment, Wendy felt a sharp pain in her delicate chin as Stanley tightened his grip and squeezed hard.


    Wendy furrowed her brows in difort. "You''re hurting me."


    Stanley looked at her, a faint, mocking smile tugging at his lips. "I didn''t realize you have


    so much charm."


    He had already seen many men fall for her-Lucas was the most outstanding of


    their peers,


    and even he had been caught by her. He didn''t mind that she had been married.


    Seizing the opportunity, Wendy snatched her phone back from his hand. "No matter how much charm I have, I still couldn''t capture your heart."


    She turned to leave.


    Before she could take a step, a strong arm wrapped around her slender waist, pulling her


    back into his chest.


    Her soft body pressed tightly against his, the thin fabric barely separating the warmth and


    hardness of their forms.


    Wendy immediately struggled. "What are you doing? If you don''t stop, I''ll scream for


    help!"


    "Wendy, have we met a long time ago?"


    Wendy froze.


    Stanley pulled out the photo-the one of her with his framed photo in the window disy.


    Wendy''s eyes widened, her pupils shrinking. How did this photo end up in his hands?


    Stanley''s gaze was locked on her face, and he asked again, "Wendy, have we met before?"


    +25 Bonus


    Wendy''s mind was spinning. She hadn''t expected this photo to find its way into his hands. What should she say now?


    Did he not remember what happened in that cave? Should she tell him, try to awaken his


    memories?


    But he was with Jessica now-he loved Jessica so much.


    Wendy pressed his broad chest, trying to push him away, her delicate body wriggling in his hold. "Does it really matter?"


    She twisted like a little serpent in his arms, and Stanley''s body, which had been stiff for so long, suddenly tingled with the sensation. His breathing grew heavier. Hisrge hand slipped around her waist, pressing firmly.


    His voice dropped to a hoarse whisper, "Wendy, I want to know-how long have you had feelings for me?"


    He wanted to know how long she had had feelings for him?


    Would he mock her with the information afterward?


    He didn''t have the right to!


    Wendy stood on her tiptoes and bit down on the corner of his lips.


    Stanley winced in pain as her bite broke skin.


    He held back the pain,zily swallowing and coaxing her in a low, husky voice, "Not here.


    Someone might see."


    Wendy hadn''t heard him speak like that in ages-gentle, indulgent, full of desire. Wendy released her grip and took a step back.


    Stanley''s gaze was hot, never leaving her face. "How did you be so bold?"


    Wendy shot him a look. "I''ve always been bold. It''s just that back then, to take care of you, I


    +25 Bonus


    adjusted and kept things more simple."


    Her eyes were filled with unspoken emotions-both a bit resentful and yful.


    Stanley lowered his head, sealing her lips with his.


    Wendy''s mind went nk, the world crashing down around her. Since their divorce, this


    had been their first kiss.


    She hadn''t expected him to suddenly kiss her.


    Immediately, she struggled, but hisrge hand gripped the back of her head, holding her


    firmly in ce. His overwhelming presence filled the air, and he coaxed her mouth open,


    guiding her in a slow dance of their lips.


    Earlier, they both had fondue, but Stanley hadn''t touched his utensils much. Wendy could


    taste him-the same clean, noble taste that was untouched by the world''s filth.


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 My Dad Please Come 329

    "Stanley, let go of me!"


    Wendy shoved him away forcefully. Stanley''s narrowed eyes were dark with desire, and he leaned in to kiss her again.


    "Stanley, we''re divorced! Think about Jessica!" Wendy yelled.


    The mention of Jessica hit Stanley like a cold bucket of water, freezing him in ce. Wendy pushed him away once more and turned, running from him.


    Stanley stood there, not quite understanding what had just happened. Jessica was his girl, and he knew he had to be responsible for her.


    Yet, he couldn''t stop being drawn to Wendy. He couldn''t control himself around her-it was like an unbreakable spell.


    After finishing the fondue, everyone returned to the resort hotel.


    Stanley walked with two other students, while Wendy and Lucas were ahead, walking together.


    Stanley nced over. Lucas was saying something, and Wendy wasughing happily.


    "Stanley, you''ll be staying in Room 621. Is that alright?"


    Stanley showed no expression. "Where is Lucas staying?"


    "Lucas is in Room 609, right across from Wendy. I think they make a great pair!


    We should help bring them together, give them some time alone."


    Everyone seemed to want to pair Wendy with Lucas.


    Stanley pressed his lips together. "They''re not suited for each other."


    His words made the others pause in surprise.


    "I want to stay in Room 607," Stanley added.


    +25 Bonus


    One of the students immediately pulled out his keycard. "That''s my room. I''ll trade with


    you."


    Stanley epted the card. "Thanks."


    He went to his room.


    The students exchanged nces, puzzled. "Why would Stanley want to stay across from Wendy?"


    "Earlier, he said Lucas and Wendy aren''t a good match... I swear I heard a bit of jealousy in


    his voice."


    "Wait, do you think Stanley is into Wendy?"


    "Honestly, don''t you think they would make a better pair?"


    Someone pulled out their camera and showed the photo they had snapped earlier-Stanley and Wendy standing under a ck umbre, the snow falling all around them. One was a handsome, noble figure, the other a graceful, ethereal beauty-truly a match made in


    heaven.


    Stanley entered his room, took a hot shower, andy down on the bed. He took out his phone and opened Facebook, but he found that Wendy still hadn''t approved his friend


    request.


    Stanley furrowed his brows, then sent another friend request. In the note, he simply wrote,


    [ept me.]


    ept me.


    Just two words, as domineering as always.


    But there was no response.


    She still hadn''t epted him.


    Stanley chuckled bitterly, closing his eyes to sleep.


    A whileter, the door to his room creaked open. A slender, graceful figure walked


    in.


    It was Wendy.


    +25 Bonus


    She had just taken a shower, wearing his white shirt, her smooth, slender legs bare beneath it. The sight of her was both delicate and subtly alluring.


    She climbed into bed and nestled under the covers.


    Stanley felt her soft, boneless body shifting restlessly against his. He opened his eyes and saw the nket lift as Wendy''s small head popped out. She looked at him with a yful


    smile.


    "You up?"


    Stanley blinked, fully awake now.

 My Dad Please Come 330

    Stanley stared at the ceiling above him, realizing it had all been just a dream.


    He had dreamed of Wendy.


    Last night, Wendy hade into his dreams.


    His throat tightened, and his muscles tensed, every inch of his body feeling the heightened


    sensitivity of a man in the early hours of the morning, full of youthful energy.


    Stanley slowly reached his hand under the covers, his eyes closing in a moment


    of


    indulgence...


    The snow had fallen all night, and today, everyone had agreed to go skiing.


    The group had gathered, but Stanley still hadn''t arrived.


    "Where''s Stanley?"


    "I''ll go get him."


    They were about to head out to find Stanley when, just then, he walked out of his


    room.


    "Morning, Stanley."


    Stanley''s handsome face showed no sign of emotion, but the chill around him was palpable, a clear warning to keep your distance. He gave a slight nod. "Morning."


    "Stanley''s here! Let''s head to the ski resort."


    Stanley noticed Wendy standing with Lucas.


    Lucas was talking to her. "Wendy, I sent you something on Facebook earlier. Did you see


    it?"


    Wendy nodded. "Yeah, I did."


    Stanley let out a coldugh. ¡°Lucas, you and Wendy are friends on Facebook?" Lucas nodded. "Yeah."


    +25 Bonus


    Nearby, some of the older students chimed in, "We''re all friends with Wendy on Facebook. Aren''t you?"


    Stanley was silent.


    So, he was the only one whose friend request she didn''t approve? She added everyone else as friends, but not him?


    Stanley was already in a bad mood, and his gaze turned dark as it locked onto Wendy.


    Wendy felt a chill run down her neck.


    What was he looking at her like that for? He seemed like he was going to devour her.


    She hadn''t added him for a reason. She didn''t want anything to do with him anymore.


    "Alright, everyone! Let''s go."


    Half an hourter, they arrived at the ski resort.


    Everyone was getting their gear on, and one of the older girls asked Wendy, "You don''t know how to ski?"


    Wendy shook her head. "I don''t."


    "Lucas, you''ll be in charge of teaching her. Wendy, Lucas is an expert skier. You two enjoy


    yourselves!"


    Lucas had strapped on his skis, gliding smoothly across the snow with graceful, fast turns. He stopped in front of Wendy and extended his hands. "Wendy, give me your hands. I''ll give you a one-on-one lesson."


    "Thanks, Lucas."


    +25 Bonus


    Wendy had put on her skis as well. She ced her hands tentatively in Lucas'', and he led


    her into the ski area.


    Stanley stood outside as he watched them, his gaze so dark that it could almost burn a hole right through them as he stared at their intertwined hands.


    Lucas was an excellent teacher, and Wendy was a quick learner. Soon enough, she was able to pick up the basic moves as she let go of his hands to ski on her


    own.


    "Ah!" Wendy let out a gleeful cry, enjoying herself immensely.


    Just then, someone behind her lost control of their skis and was headed straight


    for her. The person panicked and yelled, "Move! Get out of the way!"


    Wendy''s eyes widened. She tried to move, but as a beginner, her feet wouldn''t cooperate


    and she froze in ce.


    At thest second, a figure shot forward, tackling her to the ground.


    Though they avoided the collision, both of them fell onto the snow, tumbling rapidly


    downhill.


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 My Dad Please Come 331

    The ident happened so suddenly. Wendy lifted her gaze and saw Stanley''s handsome, distinguished face.


    In the split second before the crash, Stanley had thrown himself to the rescue.


    Why would he do that?


    "Mr. Hawk?"


    Their bodies were rapidly tumbling downward, and arge rock wasing up fast. They


    were about to crash into it.


    Stanley''s strong arms tightly wrapped around Wendy. He whispered, "Hold on to me."


    Without thinking, Wendy clung to Stanley.


    A loud "thud" rang out as they collided with the rock,ing to a stop.


    Wendy was now on top, with Stanley holding her. She quickly pushed herself up. "Did you hit your head on the rock?"


    Just before the collision, Stanley had spun her around with force to protect her, and his head had mmed against the rock with a heavy thud.


    She didn''t feel any pain, though, because he had held her so tightly that she wasn''t injured.


    Now, Stanley was lying still, his eyes closed, unresponsive.


    Wendy was scared. "Mr. Hawk? Mr. Hawk! Open your eyes! Don''t scare me!"


    Still, Stanley didn''t respond.


    Wendy tried to get up and call for help, but her delicate arm was suddenly grabbed by arge hand. The person gently tugged her back into his embrace,


    Stanley''s eyes opened, and he looked at her with a smirk. "Why are you so flustered?"


    Wendy froze.


    +25 Bonus


    Stanley''s lips curled into a grin. "Didn''t you say you didn''t love me anymore? Why are you so worried about me? Gotcha now, didn''t I?"


    He was pretending?


    Wendy was so relieved that she almost burst into tears. She clenched her fist and punched him hard. "Stanley, you''re really annoying!"


    Her legs were still weak from the shock. She had truly been scared to the point of losing strength.


    Stanley held her tightly. "Don''t move!"


    Wendy could tell something wasn''t right in his voice. His face was pale, and it was clear


    that his head had really taken a hard hit.


    Wendy gently cradled his head, checking both sides. "Are you bleeding? Let me see."


    A head injury was serious.


    Stanley felt dizzy. He took her small hand and held it firmly in his. "I''m fine. Stop moving. Let me hold you for a while."


    Wendy stayed still, lying obediently in his arms.


    He had been injured while saving her. To say she wasn''t touched would be a lie. Even after


    their divorce, he was still here when she was in danger.


    "Stanley, next time, don''t save me. I don''t need you to save me."


    What an ungrateful little thing!


    Stanley reached up and pinched her little cheek. The snow at the resort was cold,


    and her fair face had turned rosy from the chill. He pinched her cheek in


    frustration. "Wendy, can''t you go a day without making me angry?"


    Chapter 33)


    Wendy pushed his hand away. "Don''t pinch my face!"


    +25 Bonus


    When Stanley saw how distant she was with him, his eyes burned with fury. She wasn''t like this with Lucas. She had been chatting andughing with him, her smile so sweet.


    Stanley let go of her cheek with a painful groan. "My head hurts."


    Wendy immediately grew concerned. "Where does it hurt?"


    Stanley pointed to his temple. "Here."


    Wendy leaned in, her small hand gently brushing aside his short, neat hair, revealing a


    He''d really gotten a big lump from the impact.


    "Is it here?"


    "Yeah."


    "I''ll rub it for you."


    Wendy softly massaged the bump, even gently blowing on it.


    3


    Without realizing it, they had gotten very close. She was right there, her face close his as she blew on him. Stanley inhaled deeply, catching the sweet, cedar- scented fragrance of


    her youthful skin.


    The vivid memory of the passionate dream he hadst night surged into his mind, and he


    swallowed hard.


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 My Dad Please Come 332

    Stanley slowly turned his handsome face toward Wendy.


    Wendy was concentrating on massaging therge bump on his head, unaware of how intimate their situation had be. But then, Stanley suddenly turned his face, and she


    felt his lips soft against hers.


    Stanley''s cool, thin lips brushed against her soft, red ones, and the two of them kissed.


    Wendy''s clear eyes widened in shock, freezing in ce.


    Stanley looked at her, his voice steady. "Wendy, you kissed me."


    He was using Wendy of kissing her.


    Wendy opened her mouth to speak, but just then, Lucas and the other older


    students arrived, calling out, "Wendy? Wendy!"


    "She was just over there skiing! Where is she now?"


    They had realized Wendy was missing, and Lucas led the search.


    Wendy tried to say something, "I''m-!"


    Before she could finish her sentence, arge hand grabbed the back of her head, and Stanley kissed her again.


    What was he doing?


    Wendy struggled, but the man''s strength was overwhelming. He held the back of her head firmly, preventing her from escaping, and forced her mouth open, kissing her deeply.


    At that moment, Lucas had reached the area near therge rock. "Wendy? Wendy, where are you?"


    Wendy''s heart was pounding in her chest. Lucas was so close, while she and Stanley were


    +25 Bonu


    tangled together behind the rock, kissing in the snow.


    Stanley''s breath was ragged. The girl on top of him was so tense, she didn''t even realize how tightly she was holding his tongue.


    Earlier, when she had tried to rise, her legs had straddled his waist. Now, her knees were pressed against him.


    The pressure on him was too much, making his eyes redden with desire.


    "Lucas, we''ve searched this area, but we haven''t found Wendy."


    "Do you think she''s somewhere else? Maybe she went to the bathroom."


    "Let''s check another ce."


    Lucas and the others walked away.


    As soon as they left, Wendy''s tense body rxed. She didn''t even want to


    imagine what the others would think if they had seen her and Stanley in such an intimate position.


    Stanley wasn''t just the unreachable billionaire from Hovendale; in everyone''s eyes, he was


    the ultimate legend.


    No one knew what he was like when he was involved with women-but she did.


    Wendy ced her hands on his chest and quickly pushed him off. She wiped her lips


    furiously with her small hands. "What are you doing?"


    Stanleyy back in the snow, covering his bright red eyes with a hand. "You


    kissed me first. So, I kissed you. We''re even."


    Wendy was speechless. She didn''t kiss him!


    Wendy scrambled to climb off of him.


    At that moment, he grabbed her again with his strong arms while sitting up.


    "ept my friend request," he ordered.


    "Never!"


    +25 Bonus


    He narrowed his eyes and pulled her back into his arms. His heavy breathing brushed against her snow-white ear as he whispered darkly, "Are you thinking of doing something with me right here?"


    Wendy froze. She noticed someone had started looking in their direction, and quickly pulled out her phone. "Fine, I''ll do it."


    Wendy opened her Facebook app and epted his friend request.


    "Happy? I can see you''re not seriously hurt. Let''s get back now."


    But Stanley grabbed her once more.


    "Stanley, what else do you want?"


    Stanley stared at her. "Wendy, you still haven''t answered my question. Have we met


    before?"


    Was he really that curious about this?


    Since he wanted to know, she might as well tell him about what had happened in the cave.


    "Stanley,


    we..."


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    +25 Bonus

 My Dad Please Come 333

    "Stanley, we have met before!" Wendy dered.


    Had they really met before?


    Yet, Stanley couldn''t recall a thing. When had he ever seen her?


    Still, there was something about Wendy that felt so familiar-something that always seemed to pull him toward her, making him want to get closer to her without even realizing


    1. it.


    "We actually..."


    3


    Wendy reached for her neck, hoping to pull out the crystal pendant Stanley had given her. However, she couldn''t find it.


    It was then she remembered that she had left it in her room.


    "Stanley, wait here. I''ll be right back with something." Wendy quickly got up and ran off.


    Stanley watched her leave, his mind swirling. What was she going to get?


    Wendy rushed back to the hotel and entered her room. She retrieved the crystal pendant and held it in her palm.


    Would Stanley recognize it? Would seeing this pendant help him remember their past? Would Stanley remember her?


    She wanted to try.


    Wendy hurried back to the ski resort. From a distance, she saw Stanley still standing where she had left him, waiting for her.


    She was about to run over to him when her footsteps suddenly froze. She saw the figure of a woman standing next to him-Jessica had arrived.


    Jessica had flown in from Hovendale, and was now standing right beside Stanley.


    +25 Bonus


    Wendy stopped in her tracks, the warmth she had felt earlier extinguished in an instant. She suddenly felt a little foolish.


    He didn''t remember her. How could she have thought the crystal pendant would bring back


    his memories?


    She was just someone insignificant. If she were important, he wouldn''t have forgotten her.


    The woman he loved was Jessica, and she was already standing there beside him.


    Wendy lowered her gaze, her fingers tightly clutching the crystal pendant in her hand. She forced a self-deprecating smile.


    Forget it.


    She turned to leave.


    But then, she froze again. There was someone standing behind her, and she jumped in


    surprise.


    It was Benny.


    Benny had arrived.


    At the Summit Academic Forum, Benny had discovered that the dream girl he had admired


    for so long was actually Wendy, and the bouquet of red roses he had been


    holding had dropped to the ground.


    Even now, he still couldn''te to terms with reality.


    The Wendy he had always disliked, the one he had looked down on, was not only


    the genius freshman, but also the woman he had been wanting to pursue.


    Wendy turned to Benny. "Benny, what are you doing here? And why are you standing behind me without saying anything?"


    Benny''s eyes were dark and stormy. "Wendy, are you really that genius?"


    +25 Bonus


    At the mention of this, Wendy raised an eyebrow and walked up to him with a sly


    smile. "I''ve already told you your dream girl doesn''t like red roses.


    Her eyes sparkled with amusement, almost as if she were mocking him.


    Benny''s expression darkened.


    "See you around."


    Wendy stopped talking and turned to walk away.


    Benny stood still, watching her figure disappear.


    Ahead of her, Stanley hadn''t expected Jessica to follow him here. "What are you doing


    here?"


    "Am I not allowed toe? Why didn''t you answer my calls? Zayn said you were here on


    business, but I found out Wendy came to Feirwale to see the snow with someone else. Isn''t it a little too coincidental? Did you follow Wendy here?" Jessica asked, her voice sharp.


    Stanley pursed his lips. "I need to ask Wendy something."


    "What is it?"


    "I think I''ve met Wendy before."


    What?


    Jessica''s heart skipped a beat. Had Stanley found out about something?

 My Dad Please Come 334

    +25 Bonus


    Had Stanley realized that Jessica had been pretending to be Wendy all along?


    Stanley nced around. He had been waiting for quite some time, but Wendy hadn''t shown up. With a sigh, he turned and walked away.


    Jessica approached Benny, standing in front of him. "Benny, now that Stanley''spletely captivated by Wendy, you have to help me."


    Benny remained silent.


    3


    Inside, Jessica was growing anxious. She knew Benny had always wanted to pursue the genius girl. Now that he knew Wendy was the very one, she couldn''t help but wonder: Would Benny''s feelings shift toward Wendy?


    No way! She couldn''t let that happen.


    Without wasting a second, Jessica grabbed Benny''s sleeve and started to speak ill of Wendy.


    "Benny, don''t let Wendy fool you! She may seem like a genius, but she''s been stringing you and Stanley along, ying with your feelings. She just wanted to bask in the spotlight at the Summit Academic Forum. She''s very calcting. She knows her way around men."


    Benny stayed quiet for a moment before he looked at Jessica. "How do you want me to help you?"


    A cold, sharp glint appeared in Jessica''s eyes. "Benny, I want Wendy to disappear!"


    Meanwhile, Wendy, along with Lucas and the students, made their way back to the hotel.


    "Where''s Stanley? Why didn''t hee back with us?" Lucas asked.


    "Oh, his girlfriend showed up, so he''s probably with her now. He won''t being back with us," one of the seniors replied.


    Lucas paused for a moment. "Stanley has a girlfriend?"


    "Yeah, I think it''s the lead ballet dancer, Jessica."


    "I''ve seen her dance on TV. She''s tall and fair, so beautiful and delicate, like a swan!"


    "It makes sense that his girlfriend''s remarkable."


    +25 Bonus


    "Right now, they must be wrapped up in each other. We should be considerate and not


    disturb them."


    Lucas walked up to Wendy and smiled. "Is Jessica really that pretty? To me, Wendy is the prettiest."


    Wendy smiled but didn''t reply.


    One of the girls added, "They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Stanley must think


    his girlfriend is the most beautiful woman in the world, and of course Wendy is the prettiest in your heart."


    "Jessica is the morous type, while Wendy is the cool, ethereal beauty. It all depends on what kind of woman a man prefers."


    Everyoneughed and chatted, but Wendy didn''t join in the conversation. At this moment, Stanley was probably with Jessica.


    Soon, everyone went to their rooms.


    Lucas turned to Wendy. "Let''s rest for a bit and go out for lunch togetherter." Wendy nodded. "Sure."


    She opened the door to her room and stepped inside. Just then, her phone rang with a


    familiar, melodious ringtone. It was a call from Stanley.


    Stanley was calling her.


    Wendy prepared to answer, but then, a sudden chill ran down her spine as she sensed


    someone standing behind her.


    +25 Bonus


    She turned around, but before she could react, a figure dressed in ck emerged from behind the door. She was struck with a blunt force to the back of her head.


    Everything went ck, and she copsed onto the carpet, unconscious.


    Her phone fell to the floor, and she identally hit the answer button. Stanley''s


    deep, soothing voice immediately echoed through the phone.


    "I''ve waited for you for a long time. Why aren''t you here yet? Wendy? Wendy!"


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 My Dad Please Come 335

    The snow had stopped falling in Feirwale, but the dock remained damp and chilly.


    Jessica and Benny stood on the pier, where a yacht was docked. A man dressed in ck


    threw the unconscious Wendy onto the deck of the boat.


    Benny looked at Wendy, then at Jessica. "Why did you have him bring Wendy here? What did you do to her?"


    Jessica furrowed her brows. "Are you questioning me? I can tell you''ve changed. It''s like you''re starting to waver, like your heart''s shifting toward Wendy."


    "That''s not true," Benny replied quickly.


    "Do you still see me as the one Stanley''s supposed to be with?" Jessica asked.


    Benny nodded. He had always admired Jessica and believed she and Stanley were a perfect match. "Of course!"


    "Then prove it to me. You''ve always hated Wendy, right? Now that she''s unconscious, get on the yacht, take her out to sea, and throw her into the water. Make sure she disappears forever!"


    Benny froze. At first, he thought Jessica was just joking when she said Wendy had to disappear, but now he realized she was perfectly serious.


    He remained still. "Jessica..."


    "You too? You''re abandoning me, too?!" Jessica''s voice quivered. She pressed her hand to her chest, trying to catch her breath. "You and Stanley have both been deceived by Wendy, that maniptive woman! I can''t..."


    She gasped for air.


    "Jessica, what''s wrong?" Benny asked, concerned.


    +25 Bonus


    The snow had stopped falling in Feirwale, but the dock remained damp and chilly.


    Jessica and Benny stood on the pier, where a yacht was docked. A man dressed in ck threw the unconscious Wendy onto the deck of the boat.


    Benny looked at Wendy, then at Jessica. "Why did you have him bring Wendy here? What did you do to her?"


    Jessica furrowed her brows. "Are you questioning me? I can tell you''ve changed. It''s like you''re starting to waver, like your heart''s shifting toward Wendy."


    "That''s not true," Benny replied quickly.


    "Do you still see me as the one Stanley''s supposed to be with?" Jessica asked.


    Benny nodded. He had always admired Jessica and believed she and Stanley were a perfect match. "Of course!"


    "Then prove it to me. You''ve always hated Wendy, right? Now that she''s unconscious, get on the yacht, take her out to sea, and throw her into the water. Make sure she disappears forever!"


    Benny froze. At first, he thought Jessica was just joking when she said Wendy had to disappear, but now he realized she was perfectly serious.


    He remained still. "Jessica..."


    "You too? You''re abandoning me, too?!" Jessica''s voice quivered. She pressed her hand to her chest, trying to catch her breath. "You and Stanley have both been deceived by Wendy, that maniptive woman! I can''t..."


    She gasped for air.


    "Jessica, what''s wrong?" Benny asked, concerned.


    "My chest hurts, Benny! Will you help me or not?" she pleaded, her voice cracking.


    Benny looked at Jessica, then nodded reluctantly. "Alright, Jessica. I''ll help you."


    +25 Bonus


    With that, Benny boarded the yacht, which soon set off, disappearing from Jessica''s view.


    Jessica curled her lips into a satisfied smile. She knew Benny would help her.


    The yacht sailed out into the open sea, and Benny gazed down at Wendy. She was still unconscious, showing no signs of waking.


    He crouched down to look at her delicate face, so beautiful and pure.


    It was true that he had always despised her. Maybe it was time to make her disappear.


    Benny reached out, preparing to push Wendy into the sea.


    But the next moment, his hand froze. As he stared at her, something inside him held him back. He couldn''t bring himself to harm her.


    Back on the shore, Jessica waited, her eyes fixed on the yacht, expecting good news. She had manipted Benny into this moment, knowing it would give her power over him. Once he did her bidding, Benny would be her puppet, and she could use him as she wished.


    It was a perfect n-two birds with one stone.


    Just then, her phone rang.


    It was Benny calling.


    Jessica quickly answered, her voice calm but impatient. ¡°Did you throw Wendy into the sea?"


    Benny''s voice came through the phone, filled with hesitation. "We can''t do this, Jessica. It''s illegal."


    "What?!" Jessica''s heart skipped a beat. Benny hadn''t gone through with it?


    "Have you thought about what Stanley would do if he found out about this? I can''t


    go through with it. I''m taking Wendy back right now."


    The call abruptly ended with two beeps as Benny hung up.


    Jessica clenched the phone tightly, her beautiful face darkening with fury. Benny


    had refused to follow her orders. He was going to bring Wendy back.


    The man in ck beside her asked softly, "What should we do now?"


    +25 Bonus


    Jessica''s eyes turned cold, her expression hardened with malice. "I won''t let


    Wendye back! If Benny''s heart is already wavering, then he can go with her!"


    3


    If Benny wasn''t useful anymore, then she would have to destroy him herself.


    Jessica pulled out a remote control and pressed a button. The screen disyed a timer for


    three minutes.


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 My Dad Please Come 336

    Jessica had actually tampered with the yacht in advance, nting explosives on board.


    This was the countdown for the bomb. Once the three minutes were up,


    would detonate.


    the explosives


    Jessica gazed out over the sea.


    "Benny, don''t me me! You can only me yourself. Your heart has already turned toward Wendy, so you''ll disappear with her."


    3


    On the yacht, Benny had intended to head back.


    Just then, a massive wave crashed over them, the cold water sshing onto Wendy''s face.


    Her longshes fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes. She was awake.


    Sitting up, she looked at Benny in confusion. "Benny? Where are we?" Her head was aching


    faintly.


    Benny turned to her. "You''re awake?"


    Wendy quickly realized what was happening. She stared at the vast, endless ocean, and her eyes instantly grew cold.


    "Benny, why did you take me out here?"


    "What? Do you think I''m trying to hurt you? Jessica actually told me to bring you out here. I may not like you, but I would never harm you! I''m taking you back right now."


    Jessica, again?


    Wendy didn''t understand why Jessica was doing this. She and Stanley were already divorced. Stanley loved Jessica-what more could she possibly want?


    +25 Bonus


    Then, Wendy suddenly noticed the red blinking light of a countdown timer. "What''s this?"


    Benny froze. "That''s a bomb! Why would there be a bomb on the yacht?"


    Wendy''s heart sank. The countdown had already entered the final 30 seconds, counting down by the second...


    She grabbed Benny urgently. "It''s toote! The bomb is about to explode!"


    Benny cursed under his breath. "What do we do?"


    Wendy looked at the endless sea. "We have no choice but to jump."


    "Are you insane? This is the ocean!"


    "Being blown up or jumping-pick one.


    "I''m not jumping!" Benny shouted.


    Wendy stood there for a moment, and then-without hesitation-kicked Benny from behind. His body toppled off the yacht and plunged into the cold, unforgiving sea.


    "Dammit!" Benny''s voice was drowned out by the roaring, icy water.


    The countdown was now in its final ten seconds.


    10, 9, 8...


    Without any hesitation, Wendy leaped into the air. Her slender body fell gracefully into the


    boundless sea below.


    Boom!


    The yacht exploded with a deafening st.


    Stanley stood with his phone in hand, repeatedly calling Wendy, but the voice on the other


    end was cold and mechanical.


    +25 Bonus


    "Sorry, the number you have dialed cannot be reached at the moment. Please try again


    Where had she gone?


    For some reason, Stanley felt a sense of unease, as if something bad had happened.


    He immediately returned to the resort hotel and went to Wendy''s room, Room 608. He raised his hand to knock on the door, but the door was slightly ajar, and it swung open


    automatically.


    Stanley stepped inside. "Wendy? Where..."


    His voice trailed off when he saw Wendy''s phone lying on the carpet.


    At that moment, Lucas appeared at the door. "Wendy? Stanley, what are you


    doing here? Where''s Wendy?"


    Stanley picked up Wendy''s phone, his face darkening. "Something''s happened to Wendy."


    Lucas froze. "What?"


    Stanley strode out of the room, shouting, "Someone!


    Help!"


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 My Dad Please Come 337

    Wendy felt pain all over her body, as if her bones were about to shatter.


    And it was so cold.


    The icy ocean water relentlessly sshed against her face, sending a chill deep into her bones. She shivered uncontrobly and fully regained consciousness, slowly opening her


    eyes.


    She was alive.


    The yacht had explosives on board, and just before it was about to detonate, she and Benny had jumped into the sea. The cold, biting water surged around her in every direction, but she fought against it, swimming with all her might.


    Her small body unleashed an incredible drive to survive.


    Eventually, the waves carried her to the shore.


    It was already nighttime, and the area was deste. Wendy struggled to stand.


    "Benny? Benny!"


    She had kicked Benny into the sea. Where was he now?


    Wendy looked around. "Benny, are you alive? If you are, answer me!"


    Soon, she stopped, her eyes falling on Benny, who had also been washed ashore.


    Wendy rushed over. "Benny? Benny, wake up!"


    Benny was unconscious, his right leg severely injured, blood pouring from the wound.


    The blood had already stained the ground around him.


    Wendy checked his injury, her expression tense. Benny''s leg was badly hurt-if it wasn''t treated soon, he''d lose it for sure.


    +25 Bonus


    Wendy wasn''t some kind of saint. If Benny hadn''t brought her out to the sea, none of this would have happened. He and Jessica were working together.


    Right now, she really wanted to leave him here and let him fend for himself.


    Even so, Wendy knew Benny wasn''t a bad person at heart. She had to find a way to help


    him.


    However, they were in the middle of nowhere, and there wasn''t a soul in sight.


    "Is anyone there? Help! Help!" Wendy shouted.


    At that moment, a beam of shlight light shone toward her, and two men appeared.


    The man in the lead shouted, "Who''s there?"


    Wendy''s heart leaped with hope. "We''re tourists who fell into the water. My friend is hurt. Can you help us?"


    The two men approached. This was Jetmore, a small coastal vige. The man in front was


    Alec Kemp, the vige chief''s son, and the one behind him was his younger brother, Peter


    Kemp.


    Alec''s gazended on Wendy''s face. When he saw her delicate, stunning beauty, his eyes lit


    1. up.


    Wendy felt uneasy under his gaze, but being in such a situation, she had no choice but to lower her head. "So, can you help us?"


    Alec quickly nodded. "Of course. We''re happy to help. Come with us to our vige, and I''ll have our vige doctore take a look."


    Wendy thanked them sincerely. "Thank you so much. We really appreciate it."


    Alec and Peter carried the unconscious Benny into a small house andid him on the bed. Soon, the vige doctor arrived and began to examine Benny''s leg injury.


    +25 Bonus


    Benny slowly regained consciousness, his face pale as he looked around. "Where are we?"


    Wendy stepped forward. "Hey, you''re awake. We were washed ashore by the waves. Alec helped us."


    Alec''s eyes remained fixed on Wendy. "What''s your rtionship with him?"


    Wendy immediately replied, "I''m his sister-inw."


    Benny knew she was pretending Stanley was his brother, but he still red at her. "You''ve got a thick skin! Who says you are?"


    Alec seemed surprised. "You''re married?"


    Wendy nodded. "Yes, I''ve been married for over three years. My husband must have


    noticed that we''re missing and is probably looking for us right now. He''ll be here


    soon.


    Since you saved us, my husband will surely reward you handsomely."


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 My Dad Please Come 338

    Wendy had said that on purpose. Now, stranded with Benny, who was severely injured, she


    found herself in this deste ce. Alec, the man who had been eyeing her with a look that


    made her skin crawl, was someone she had to be cautious of.


    However, Benny wouldn''t go along with her story. In his eyes, Wendy had already divorced


    Stanley, and now she imed she was still married to him? She had no shame. Benny tried to speak, but Wendy shot him a deadly look as she hissed, "Shut up!" As she spoke, Wendy reached out and pressed on his wound. "How are you not dead from the pain yet?"


    "Ah, that hurts!" Benny groaned, sweat pouring down his forehead. "I''m gonna kill you!"


    The vige doctor said, "The leg injury is too severe. I can only stop the bleeding for now. He needs to be sent to the city tomorrow for proper treatment."


    Wendy shook her head. "It''s toote for that. His leg has to be treated tonight."


    The doctor frowned. "How should we treat it?"


    Wendy stated matter-of-factly, "Break the bone."


    What? Break the bone?


    Benny stared at her in shock. "Break my bone? You want to ruin my leg?"


    Wendy looked at him with a cold smile. "Exactly."


    She then turned to the vige doctor. "Doctor, please hold him down. I''m going in."


    The doctor didn''t hesitate and quickly held Benny''s legs in ce.


    Benny panicked, struggling with all his might. "Let go of me! Wendy, don''t you dare break my leg! If you do, you''re as good as dead!"


    +25 Bonus


    Despite his desperate struggle, Benny couldn''t break free from the doctor''s grip due to the severity of his injury. He could only watch helplessly as Wendy moved closer.


    Wendy''s hands reached for his leg. With a sharp crack, she snapped the bone.


    The searing pain hit Benny like a thunderp, and he nearlyunched himself off the bed.


    The pain was so intense that his whole body tensed, and all he could do was grit his teeth and curse, "Wendy, you''re so malicious! With Stanley gone, you finally show your true colors. You''ve been wanting to hurt me all along!


    "No wonder Stanley doesn''t love you! No wonder he prefers Jessica! And you still call yourself his wife? Bah! In my eyes, only Stanley belongs with Jessica!"


    The intense pain clouded Benny''s mind, turning his thoughts into nothing but fury toward Wendy.


    Wendy kept her hand on his leg, not even lifting her head. She wasn''t angry. Her voice was


    cool and clear. "I know you think Jessica''s so great. Too bad she''s not here right now. For now, you''re stuck with me."


    "Wendy, you''ll get what''sing to you!"


    The next moment, another crack echoed through the room. Benny felt the excruciating pain from before fade by half. Hey on the bed, gasping for breath.


    The vige doctor gasped in awe. "Bone regeneration? My God, I''m witnessing the legendary bone regeneration technique! You''re a miracle worker!"


    The doctor stared at Wendy in disbelief.


    Benny''s face drained of color. "What''s bone regeneration?"


    The doctor quickly exined, "You''ve misunderstood her. She''s not trying to harm you. In fact, she''s saving your leg. Your injury was so severe that there was a great chance you''d lose it, but this youngdy is using a technique to help regenerate the bone. Your leg is going to be fine!"


    Benny froze. Had he misunderstood Wendy?


    She was trying to save him?


    The doctor continued, "You should thank her. She saved your leg.¡±


    +25 Bonus


    Benny looked at Wendy, stunned. He knew she was a genius, but he had no idea she was


    skilled in medicine.


    She could heal?


    She was trying to save his leg, but he had said so many hurtful things.


    Feeling a pang of guilt, Benny opened his mouth.


    "Wendy..."


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 My Dad Please Come 339

    +25 Bonus


    Wendy wiped her hands with a handkerchief before turning her gaze to Benny. "I don''t care what you''re trying to say, but it had better not be an apology."


    That was exactly what Benny had in mind, but the words were now stuck in his throat.


    Wendy''s voice was cold, almost emotionless.


    "You tried to harm me, and a simple apology can''t undo that. So, don''t bother apologizing. I won''t forgive you."


    3


    Benny was stunned speechless. He was the local tough guy in Hovendale, feared by everyone except Stanley. No one dared to disrespect him like Wendy just did.


    His face turned pale with frustration.


    "Just close your eyes and rest. I think your leg''s going to be fine," Wendy added.


    Benny''s face was ashen, and he seemed too weak to argue. He could onlyply with her


    request and close his eyes.


    Wendy gently tucked the nket around him. She knew Benny had always


    preferred Jessica and believed Stanley belonged with Jessica, so his harsh words didn''t surprise her. She had


    gotten used to it.


    She wanted to leave Benny to his fate, to walk away, but something inside her wouldn''t let


    her. Herpassion as a healer was too strong.


    Just then, Alec walked in with a set of clean clothes. "You''re soaking wet. You should change into these."


    Benny had already gotten changed, and now Alec had found some women''s clothing for


    her. ?


    Wendy felt a chill seep into her bones. She hadn''t noticed the cold earlier while focusing on


    Benny''s injury, but now the damp clothes felt like ice against her skin, sending a shiver


    down her spine.


    She gratefully took the clothes. "Thanks, Alec. I''ll change here."


    +25 Bonus


    Wendy entered the room and began removing her wet clothes to change into the dry ones.


    Suddenly, she heard footsteps from outside. Someone was approaching the door. That person was right outside, and she was in the middle of changing.


    Wendy quickly called out, "Who''s there? Who''s outside?"


    The person on the other side gave a sheepishugh. "Wendy, it''s me."


    It was Alec.


    Wendy had been wary of Alec ever since he had brought her and Benny back. Though he had helped them, he clearly had ulterior motives.


    But she couldn''t afford to make an enemy of Alec just yet. Benny was seriously injured, and they were on Alec''s turf.


    Wendy forced a neutral tone. "What brings you here?"


    Alec stood by the door, peering through the crack. He tried to get a glimpse of her,


    but Wendy was standing in a ce where he couldn''t see.


    Alec grew impatient. "Are you done changing? Should Ie in and help?"


    He wanted toe in.


    Wendy immediately refused, her voice firm. "I appreciate the offer, but I''m fine."


    Alec''s tone softened, but there was a hint of insistence. "Wendy, you''re a guest here. I have to take care of you. I''ming in."


    Without waiting for her response, Alec pushed the door open.


    Wendy, now fully dressed, stood calmly and faced Alec. "I''m already dressed. Thank you."


    Alec felt slightly disappointed. Why had Wendy changed so quickly? He hadn''t


    seen


    anything!


    +25 Bonus


    He looked at Wendy''s delicate face with greedy eyes, taking a step closer. "You must be cold. Why don''t youe to my room? It''s warm in there..."


    Wendy quickly moved to the other side of the room, putting some distance between them.


    "My brother-inw''s leg is badly hurt. I need to go take care of him.¡±


    00


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 My Dad Please Come 340

    Wendy quietly left the room.


    Alec watched her retreating figure, his expression darkening with frustration.


    +25 Bonus


    It was now evening, and Benny was deep in sleep. Wendy, however, couldn''t bring herself to close her eyes. She had to stay alert, especially with Alec around.


    Clearly, her im that she was married hadn''t been enough to deter Alec. He was still


    much interested.


    very


    Wendy couldn''t afford to rx. She feared for both her and Benny''s safety.


    She sat alone at the door, the stillness of the mountain vige night pressing down on her. It was eerily quiet-an almost ethereal silence. The vige, covered in snow, seemed to be shrouded in a cold, deste loneliness. It felt like the edge of the world.


    Wendy shivered, the chill sinking deep into her bones. A cold wave washed over her, and she suddenly felt unwell. It was as if a fever was creeping up on her.


    She had been in the icy sea for far too long. Even her normally strong body couldn''t hold


    1. up.


    Wendy pressed her palm against her skin, trying to keep herself awake. She couldn''t afford to fall asleep, not with danger lurking at every corner.


    Suddenly, Stanley''s face popped up in her mind.


    What was he doing right now? Was he with Jessica? Would he realize they were missing? Would hee looking for them?


    Benny''s leg was badly injured, and Alec was still eyeing her. She had no idea how she was going to make it back.


    +25 Bonus


    The cold was unbearable. Wendy wrapped her arms around herself and rested her head


    against the doorframe, her eyelids growing heavier.


    Just as she was drifting off, she felt something cold and wet brush against her face. A slow,


    greedy caress.


    Wendy''s eyes flew open.


    Alec was standing beside her, his eyes gleaming with intent, his fingers still lingering on


    her face.


    Wendy recoiled, pulling away from him. "Alec, what are you doing here again?"


    Wendy''s body felt heavy, her strength sapped. Panic red inside her as she realized something was wrong.


    Alec had returned to his room, but he couldn''t sleep. The image of Wendy''s delicate,


    angelic face haunted him, fueling a desperate fire inside him.


    He had lived in this vige for years, and even though he''d seen women from the outside


    world, none were like Wendy. She was a beauty like no other, and he had desired her since


    the moment he saw her.


    Alec grinned lewdly. "Wendy, don''t pretend you don''t know. You should be aware of how I


    feel about you. I want you."


    Wendy pushed his hand away, her voice firm but tense. "Alec, stop joking! I''m married."


    "So what if you''re married? We can have some fun here. Your husband will never find out,"


    Alec sneered.


    With that, he lunged at her.


    Wendy''s pupils dted, and she quickly tried to move out of the way.


    But her body was too weak to escape. Alec, much stronger, knocked her down to


    the


    ground. He immediately started ripping at her clothes.


    "Wendy, you''re so beautiful. Just give in to me!"


    +25 Bonus


    Pinned beneath him, Wendy recoiled at his touch, disgust and fear surging inside her. She struggled with all her might. "Let go of me! Think about what you''re doing! My husband will be here soon, and he''s rich! He won''t let you get away with this."


    Alec was too consumed by his desires to listen. He tore at her clothes, hearing the fabric rip. "Forget your husband. Tonight, you belong to me! Haha!"


    He leaned down, ready to kiss her.


    Wendy twisted her head away, her heart sinking into despair. She felt helpless, powerless. Was this how it was all going to end?


    "No, please! Let go of me!"


    Just then, arge hand reached from behind and yanked Alec by the back of his cor.


    The person pulled with such force that Alec was immediately torn away from her, and Wendy could feel her body suddenly feeling lighter.

 My Dad Please Come 341

    apter 341


    Wendy looked up and saw Benny.


    Benny, who had been in a deep sleep, had woken up to the noise. He immediately jumped out of bed and yanked Alec off of her.


    Alec, overwhelmed by his lustful haze, hadn''t expected someone to sneak up from behind. He lost his bnce and mmed into the wall.


    Benny''s face was pale, but his expression remained fierce. He looked at Wendy, asking, "Are you okay?"


    Wendy nodded. "I''m fine."


    Only then did Benny turn his gaze toward Alec. His fists clenched, his face twisted with fury. "You scum!"


    Alec, clearly frustrated that his ns had been interrupted, scowled.


    "You two were stranded, and I saved you. Without me, your leg would''ve been


    ruined by now. And now you have the nerve to call me names? Is it so wrong for me to want a little gratitude? She''s not some innocent virgin. She''s a married woman! What''s the difference if she sleeps with one more man?" Alec shamelessly taunted.


    Benny''s anger red. Veins bulged on his forehead as he charged at Alec, throwing a punch.


    Alec locked eyes with Benny, ring. As Benny lunged at him, Alec quickly fought back,


    and the two men engaged in a vicious struggle.


    Wendy stood up, her heart racing as she watched the fight unfold.


    Benny was the notorious local tough guy, skilled inbat, but his leg injury was slowing him down. Alec, on the other hand, was tall and strong; soon enough, Benny found himself at a disadvantage.


    Alec''s face twisted into a cruel grin. "If you two had just cooperated, maybe I''d have spared


    +25 Bonus


    your lives. But since this is where we''re at, there''s no need to hold back anymore. I''ll kill you now and keep your sister-inw here as my ything, my ve for amusement! Haha!


    "I never wanted to save you in the first ce, but Wendy''s too beautiful for me to resist. Looks like I''m really lucky," Alec continued as he tightened his grip on Benny''s neck, his voice dripping with malice.


    Just then, there was a loud crash. A chair struck Alec hard on the back of the head.


    Alec froze, blood streaming from his forehead. He turned to see Wendy standing there, holding the chair, having attacked him from behind.


    Alec''s teeth clenched, and he instantly drew a sharp knife from his belt, lunging toward Wendy. "You little wench, you''re asking for it!"


    Wendy quickly stepped back, her heart racing. She hadn''t expected Alec to be so physically strong-he hadn''t even staggered from the blow.


    As Alec charged with the knife, a figure suddenly stepped in front of Wendy.


    It was Benny.


    He stood in front of her, blocking the attack.


    Wendy''s eyes widened in shock. Everyone knew how much Benny despised her, but in this moment of danger, he was willing to protect her from the knife.


    "Benny!" Wendy cried.


    Benny swung his arm, wrenching the knife from Alec''s grip, then kicked Alec with all his might. Alec was sent flying several feet, crashing into the wall, blood spurting from his mouth as he fell unconscious.


    "Benny, are you okay?" Wendy rushed over to check on him.


    Though Alec had missed stabbing Benny, the knife had left a deep cut on his arm, and blood


    +25 Bonus


    was now dripping from the wound.


    "Your arm''s hurt! Let me bandage it for you."


    Wendy grabbed the medical kit and carefully tended to Benny''s injury.


    The two of them had just fought off Alec, and now, as they took a moment to catch their


    breath, they realized they were lucky to have survived.


    Benny nced down at the unconscious Alec. "He''s the vige chief''s son. Once he wakes up tomorrow, we''ll be in real danger."


    Wendy''s thoughts mirrored his. Alec''s family connections made him a dangerous threat. Although they were safe for now, it was a risk they couldn''t ignore.


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 My Dad Please Come 342

    "I think I saw some herbs outside. I''ll go gather some. You should rest here," Wendy said as she packed up the medical kit and headed out.


    She had scoped out the area when she arrived. There were herbs she could collect that might help her with her n-something to make Alec forget what had happened.


    Wendy crouched down to pick the herbs, but she heard footsteps approaching from behind. She turned to find Benny following her.


    Benny hade after her.


    Wendy was surprised. "Why are you following me? You''ve lost a lot of blood. Go rest."


    Benny stood tall, looking down at Wendy''s delicate face. Even in the in clothes of a vige woman, her beauty was undeniable. "I''ll stay with you. I''m afraid there might be


    another Alec."


    Wendy''s lips curled into a genuine smile. "I''m divorced from Stanley now. Even if


    something happens with another man, it won''t be cheating. You don''t need to follow me."


    Benny pressed his lips together. "It''s not about Stanley."


    Wendy nced at him, studying Benny''s handsome face. As the only son of the Gondale family, he held power in Hovendale, living a life of luxury and ease. Now, though, he looked a little worse for wear-his leg and arm were injured, and his face was pale, but his good looks were still apparent.


    Unlike Stanley, who had an air of aristocratic grace, Benny looked like he stepped out of aic book, with his youthful charm.


    Wendy was even more confused. If it wasn''t because of Stanley, then why was he following her?


    "Wait... Is it because you care about me?"


    Benny''s face hardened at her words, and he arrogantly lifted his chin. "You think too highly of yourself. Do you actually think I''d care about you?"


    Wendy simply raised an eyebrow. "I was kidding. I knew you wouldn''t care about me. Everyone knows you can''t stand me. You only care about Jessica."


    Benny didn''t respond.


    +25 Bonus


    Wendy carefully tucked the herbs into her pocket. "But have you ever wondered why there were explosives on the yacht? Why the countdown? Who wanted to kill me... No, who wanted to kill us?"


    Benny clenched his fists at his sides, unwilling to think about Jessica.


    3


    "I''ll get to the bottom of this when I get back," he muttered.


    Wendy didn''t press further. Benny wasn''t stupid, and she knew when to leave things


    unsaid.


    Benny watched as she expertly gathered herbs, her movements so practiced that it almost seemed second nature. Unable to resist, he asked, "Do you know medicine?"


    Her skills seemed impressive-she''d been able to reset his bones after all.


    Wendy nodded. "Yeah, Stanley sent me to vendale University to study medicine. Have you forgotten?"


    Benny blinked. "Are you bragging?"


    "How''s that bragging?"


    She was a genius, but she never said it out loud. That was why Stanley had sent her to vendale University.


    Back then, Benny had thought about pursuing the genius freshman, but now he wondered if she had beenughing at him the whole time.


    Benny had never been put in this position before. It was the first time he had been outdone


    by a woman.


    Wendy finished gathering the herbs. "Let''s go back."


    Benny silently followed behind her.


    +25 Bonus


    Just then, Wendy''s vision suddenly blurred, and her body swayed before copsing toward the ground.


    "Wendy!"


    Benny rushed forward, reaching out to catch her slender waist. Her head fell against his


    chest.


    The sudden closeness made Benny freeze.


    He was only two years older than Wendy, so their ages were quite close.


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 My Dad Please Come 343

    Benny had been in rtionships with many girls before; he had held them and shared much more intimate moments with them.


    But when he suddenly held Wendy in his arms, his heart raced in a way that feltpletely unfamiliar.


    He didn''t have time to think about it now, though.


    He quickly shook Wendy''s shoulders. "Wendy, are you okay?"


    That was when he realized her forehead was burning with fever, and her whole body was too warm. She had a high fever.


    It was just like the saying: When it rains, it pours. It was just one bad news after another.


    Wendy slowly opened her eyes and stood up. "I''m fine.¡±


    "You''re not fine! You''ve got a fever. Can you even walk? Let me carry you back," Benny


    insisted.


    Wendy nced at Benny''s injured leg. "Can you even carry me with that leg?"


    Benny fell silent. He felt insulted. How could he not even carry a girl who probably weighed less than 90 pounds?


    Seeing him momentarily humbled, Wendy smiled and headed back into the room. Benny


    followed her.


    Wendy crushed the medicinal herbs, forcing them into Alec''s mouth, and then took a bit of the fever-reducing herbs herself.


    Benny watched her, busying herself with the herbs, moving back and forth with her fragile body despite her illness. He wanted to help, but he didn''t know how, so he just watched.


    After she finished, Benny said, "You should lie down and rest."


    +25 Bonus


    As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized the awkwardness of it-there was only one


    bed, and he was already lying in it.


    He lifted the covers. "You get in bed."


    Wendy quickly stopped him. "Just lie down and rest. Your leg injury is serious. If it gets


    infected, I''ll have to take care of you. I''ll just sit for a bit."


    Benny thought for a moment, then looked at her. "We can share."


    The bed was big enough for both of them.


    Wendy opened her mouth to refuse.


    3


    But Benny spoke before her. "If you get sick, I''ll have to take care of you. Don''t make this


    more difficult for me. I''m not going to take care of you. I''ll just leave you behind." Wendy was speechless, thinking that she shouldn''t have saved him. She should have let


    him figure it out on his own.


    Wendy climbed into bed, lying on the edge. Her body was alternating between hot and cold, and she felt miserable. Her eyelids were getting heavier, and she murmured, "Just sleep."


    She turned her face away and closed her eyes.


    Wendy fell asleep quickly.


    Benny turned to look at her. She was lying on her side, keeping a safe distance from him.


    Who would''ve thought that one day he''d be lying on the same bed as her?


    Benny reached over, pulling half of the nket from his side and covering her with


    it.


    Wendy wasn''t sleeping soundly. She was getting colder and colder. She wrapped her slender arms around herself as her lips trembled, turning pale from the cold.


    "So cold..."


    Benny heard her muttering and leaned closer. "Wendy, what''s wrong? What are


    you


    saying?"


    Wendy shivered. "So cold..."


    She kept repeating how cold she was.


    +25 Bonus


    Benny ced his hand on her forehead. It was burning hot, like a furnace, but her limbs were freezing cold. She probably had a fever of 107¡ãF.


    "It''s so cold..."


    Benny gave her all the nket he had, trying to share some warmth with her.


    Yet, it didn''t help. The thin nket wasn''t enough to warm her up, and she continued to


    shiver.


    There was only one thing left to do-he needed to warm her with his body, hold her close.


    Benny reached out, about to embrace her.


    But then he hesitated and pulled his hand back,cking the courage.


    Benny stared at the ceiling. Nothing would happen between them. He didn''t like


    her that way. He was only trying to warm her up, and that should be okay, right?


    He leaned closer again, his hand gently resting on her delicate shoulder, before pulling her


    close from behind.


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 My Dad Please Come 344

    Wendy trembled in Benny''s arms.


    Benny tightened his embrace, trying to offerfort.


    "It''ll be over soon. Hang in there."


    +25 Bonus


    Wendy had disappeared, and Stanley had sent more people to search for her.


    It wasn''t long before Zayn brought in some surveince footage. "Mr. Hawk, we found them. They boarded a yacht together."


    Stanley watched the footage, seeing Benny board the yacht, with Wendy already on it.


    His handsome face darkened, his expression grim. "Why did Benny suddenlye to


    Feirwale?"


    No one knew why Benny hade.


    "Mr. Hawk, I think Benny came because of Ms. Wendy," Zayn said carefully.


    "Did they find the yacht?" Stanley asked sharply.


    "We''ve sent people to the sea. The yacht exploded."


    Stanley immediately stood up. "What did you say? Exploded?"


    Zayn nodded. "Yes. The yacht was loaded with explosives."


    Just then, Jessica walked over. "Benny must''ve nted those bombs! He wanted to kill


    Wendy. I knew Benny hated her, but I didn''t realize he hated her that much. Now Benny''s gone too. Do you think they both died in the explosion?"


    This footage didn''t capture Jessica-though she wouldn''t have allowed it to in the first


    ce.


    +25 Bonus


    Now that Wendy and Benny were both presumably dead, she could shift all the me onto Benny. This way, she could clear herself of any suspicion.


    Stanley didn''t even look at Jessica. His voice was cold and low. "Search along the river. I want to see them to know for sure, even if it''s in a body bag."


    Zayn nodded. "Understood."


    Without another word, Stanley turned and walked away.


    "Stanley!¡± Jessica immediately grabbed his arm. "Where are you going? I came here for you! Aren''t you going to spend time with me?"


    Stanley''s voice was ice-cold, devoid of any warmth. "I need to find Wendy and Benny."


    "But they''re probably dead."


    "I don''t think so."


    With that, Stanley wrenched his arm away from her grip and walked off, Zayn following closely behind.


    He was going to look for Wendy and Benny.


    Jessica stood there, her face darkened with frustration. Wendy was in trouble, and Stanley was so worried.


    It''s all pointless. The yacht exploded in the sea. Wendy had to be dead.


    As for Benny...


    He couldn''t hold this against Jessica. After all, he was the one who wouldn''t do as he was told.


    Stanley and his team scoured the area by sea, but came up empty-handed.


    Stanley looked at the map. "Where is this?"


    "It''s Jetmore," Zayn replied, "a vige along the river."


    Stanley paused, thinking for a moment. "Head there."


    +25 Bonus


    Soon, Stanley''s team arrived at Jetmore. Zayn asked, "Do you think Ms. Wendy and Benny


    are here?"


    Stanley froze for a moment as his gazended on the beach. There, he spotted something


    small glinting in the sand-a pearl earring.


    Bending down, he picked it up before cupping it gently in his hand.


    Zayn''s eyes widened in recognition. "I remember this pearl earring! It belongs to Ms.


    Wendy! We''re on the right track. She and Benny must be here."


    The earring was cold to the touch as Stanley clenched his fist around it. Soon, the chill


    melted into his warm hand.


    He looked up, his eyes scanning the vige ahead as he wondered if Wendy and Benny were


    here.


    He hade for them!


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 My Dad Please Come 345

    +25 Bonus


    Stanley, along with Zayn and their team, entered Jetmore. As they made their way through, Stanley spotted a group of vigers and immediately approached them. "Excuse me, could you tell me if two people came into your vige today?"


    The vigers eyed him warily. "Who are you? What brings you here?"


    Stanley was straightforward. "We''re here looking for someone."


    The vigers quickly waved him off. "No one''se into our vige! We don''t wee


    outsiders. You should leave."


    A couple of the vigers began to usher Stanley away.


    Zayn opened his mouth to speak, but Stanley raised a hand to stop him. "Alright, then. We''ll leave. Thank you for your time."


    Stanley turned and began to walk away.


    Zayn, confused, frowned. "Mr. Hawk, why are we leaving? I have a feeling Ms. Wendy and Benny are here!"


    Stanley''s gaze turned sharp and cold, his eyes piercing like a hawk''s. "It''s not just a feeling, Zayn. I''m certain they''re here."


    "Then why are we leaving?"


    "Didn''t you see? Those vigers are incredibly hostile. I saw one of them go into the vige to get reinforcements. We don''t have enough people, and we''re on their turf. We can''t force our way in."


    The key point was that Stanley still had no idea where Wendy and Benny were. If things got physical, it would only put Wendy and Benny in more danger.


    Stanley felt like he was at a disadvantage, unable to act freely. His hands were tied by the


    V/3


    vige''s resistance.


    "I''ve already sent for backup," Zayn reported.


    Stanley nodded. "We still need to find a way into the vige."


    As soon as the words left his mouth, a voice rang out.


    "Who are you?"


    Stanley turned, and behind him stood Fiona Kemp.


    +25 Bonus


    Fiona was the vige chief''s daughter and Alec''s younger sister. She had spotted Stanley from a distance. His striking features, noble presence, and regal stature made him stand


    out wherever he went. Like a ma, he attracted her attention.


    Fiona, a beauty herself, had never met anyone as handsome and charismatic as Stanley, so


    she couldn''t help but walk over.


    Looking at him with interest, Fiona said, "I''m the vige chief''s daughter, Fiona. Is there anything I can help you with?"


    Stanley''s eyes lit up. He hadn''t expected Fiona to approach him so willingly.


    "Hello. We''re looking for someone."


    "Who are you looking for?"


    "A man and a woman. They''re both very good looking."


    Fiona looked at Stanley with a soft, almost flirtatious gaze. "What''s your


    rtionship with the good-looking woman?"


    Zayn, watching the scene unfold, silently cursed his boss''s damning good looks, attracting


    unwanted attention wherever he went.


    Stanley, aware of Fiona''s interest, knew how to handle situations like this. He had many women around him-each one with different charms-and he could read their intentions


    easily.


    +25 Bonus


    Right now, he needed Fiona''s help, so he decided to y along with her attraction.


    "They''re my siblings. They fell off a yacht and were washed ashore here. I''vee to find


    them."


    Fiona''s eyes brightened. "Are you married?"


    Stanley shook his head. "I''m not. Can you help us?"


    Hearing that Stanley was still single made Fiona even happier. "I''ll be honest with you. Today, my brother brought a man and a woman into the vige. The man''s leg was badly injured."


    Finally, Stanley had the information he''d been searching for. Regardless of any injuries, at least they were still alive.


    The heavy weight that had been pressing down on his chest finally lifted.


    "Ms. Fiona, could you take us to see


    them?"


    Support

 My Dad Please Come 346

    +25 Bonus


    Fiona nced at Zayn and the others, then turned to Stanley. "Our vige doesn''t allow outsiders, so these people can''te in. But I can sneak you inside."


    Zayn quickly interjected, "Mr. Hawk, it might be dangerous for you to go in alone." Stanley raised an eyebrow. "Dangerous? What do you mean?"


    Zayn lowered his voice. "Fiona is interested in you. Be careful; she might try to trap you as


    her husband."


    Stanley shot Zayn a cold look, and thetter immediately fell silent.


    Stanley gave his instructions. "You all stay here and rest. I''ll contact you when I need you."


    Zayn nodded. "Understood."


    Stanley turned back to Fiona. ¡°I''ll go with you. Thanks for helping me.


    "Let''s go."


    Fiona led Stanley into the vige. As they walked side by side, Fiona''s heart fluttered. "What''s your name?"


    "Stanley."


    "Can I call you Stan?"


    Stanley hesitated. "If you''d like."


    "What do you do for a living?"


    "I run apany."


    "I see. Why aren''t you married yet? What kind of girl do like?"


    you


    Looking at Fiona''s eager expression, Stanley couldn''t help but smile. "I like a


    warm-


    20/01/3


    +25 Bonus


    hearted girl, someone who listens and is always willing to help. You helped me get into the vige, and that makes you exactly the kind of girl I like."


    Stanley''s sweet words flowed easily, and he had a way of making women feel like they were


    the center of his attention.


    Fiona''s face lit up. "Of course, I''ll help you. After all, these two are your siblings. We''re here -this is the ce!"


    Fiona stopped in front of a small house. "They''re inside."


    Were Wendy and Benny really here?


    3


    Stanley didn''t waste any time. He reached out and pushed the door open.


    Inside, he saw Benny and Wendy lying together on a bed. Stanley had already wondered many times how they would be, but he hadn''t expected to find them like this.


    Benny had his arms around Wendy, trying to keep her close, while Wendy''s delicate form


    rested in his embrace.


    Stanley froze.


    Benny had been trying to warm Wendy up, but she was too cold, her body almost lifeless.


    At that moment, Benny heard the door creak open. He looked up and saw


    Stanley''s handsome, dignified face.


    Benny froze. "Stanley?! Stanley, you''re here?"


    Benny was surprised.


    Stanley nced at Benny before his gaze moved to Wendy.


    Benny immediately withdrew his hand in panic. "Stanley, I promise nothing happened! Come closer. Wendy has a high fever; she''s been shaking and crying about being cold."


    Stanley quickly stepped forward. He saw Wendy''s small, delicate face-pale and trembling,


    DISK2/3


    a picture of fragility.


    He called softly, "Wendy? Wendy!"


    But Wendy didn''t respond.


    +25 Bonus


    Stanley''s eyes then caught the red marks on her neck. Her skin was so delicate that any


    contact from a man would leave a mark.


    He turned to Benny. "Who did this?"


    "It was Alec! Stanley, you came toote. Wendy and I had a terrifying night. We almost


    died!"


    Stanley gently touched Wendy''s small face before picking her up, cradling her in his arms.


    At that moment, his heart softened impossibly. He felt a deep surge of protectiveness and


    tenderness for her.


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 My Dad Please Come 347

    tanley nced at Benny. "You should rest now. We''ll talk about everything tomorrow."


    Both Wendy and Benny needed to recuperate tonight. They would deal with leaving the vigeter.


    With Stanley there, Benny felt reassured. He nodded. "Okay."


    Stanley carefully picked Wendy up and carried her out. Fiona had been standing outside, and she stepped forward: "Is she going to be alright?"


    3


    "She has a high fever," Stanley replied. "Could you arrange a room for us?"


    Seeing Stanley''s distinguished, handsome face, Fiona couldn''t resist. As the daughter of the vige chief, she immediately used her position to arrange a clean little room for


    Stanley.


    Stanleyid Wendy down on the bed. She was ice-cold to the touch, her forehead damp with cold sweat. Her soft, baby-fine bangs clung to her pale, delicate face, making her look


    heartbreakingly fragile.


    Stanley reached out and gently pushed her bangs aside.


    "Stan." Fiona''s voice broke the silence.


    Stanley remembered that there was still someone else in the room. He straightened up. "Do you have a brother?"


    Fiona nodded. "Yes, his name is Alec. He''s of marriageable age, and the girls in this vige are all fair game for him. But he has high standards and hasn''t found anyone he likes yet."


    Stanley''s lips curled into a cold, slight smile. Alec sure had high standards, setting his sights on Wendy. She was one in a million, after all.


    Fiona, with her heart racing, gazed at Stanley. She continued, "I''m of


    marriageable age too, but I don''t like any of the men here. My dad keeps pressuring me to get married. What


    should I do, Stan?"


    Fiona was dropping clear hints at Stanley.


    Interestingly, it seemed that both Alec and Fiona had set their sights on Stanley and


    Wendy, respectively.


    "I''ll meet with your dad tomorrow."


    +25 Bonus


    "Really?" Fiona''s eyes brightened. She thought Stanley had picked up on her hints and


    would go ask her father for her hand the next day.


    Stanley understood everything. Fiona''s ring hints were nothing new to him, but


    he chose not to confront them. Instead, he said, "My sister and I need to rest now. You can


    leave."


    "Alright."


    Fiona left the room happily, even closing the door behind her.


    But soon, Fiona had a thought. Wait... There was only one bed in the room. How


    were the two of them supposed to sleep? Would they share the bed?


    Once Fiona was gone, only the two of them were left in the room. Wendy shivered, her teeth chattering. "I''m so...cold..."


    Stanley raised his hand and unbuttoned his coat with his defined fingers. He removed his ck jacket, then climbed into the bed.


    Wendy, sensitive to the warmth, shifted in her sleep and instinctively curled up against


    Stanley.


    Stanley reached out and pulled her into his arms.


    With such poor conditions, they had no choice but to rely on the most primitive way to stay


    warm.


    Their bodies were pressed close together, her soft, fragile form fitting into his embrace.


    Stanley froze for a moment.


    It had been so long since he had held her like this.


    +25 Bonus


    Since their divorce, they had been like strangers to each other. In truth, on the rare nights when he couldn''t sleep, he would asionally think of her.


    Wendy felt the warmth wasn''t enough. Her little hands began to move restlessly. The top two buttons of his white shirt had been undone, and she slipped her hand inside his cor.


    His chest was strong and firm, his muscles well-defined, and lower down, his sculpted abs


    felt like a furnace, warm and solid.


    Support

 My Dad Please Come 348

    Stanley felt her small hands wandering over his body, her movements frantic with need. In her haste, she tore one of his buttons clean off.


    His Adam''s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard, hisrger hand closing over hers to still


    her.


    "Wendy, slow down. I don''t have spare clothes here."


    If his shirt got ruined, he''d have nothing else to wear.


    But Wendy wasn''t cooperating. All she wanted was warmth-more of it, as much as she could get. She slipped her hand free from his grip and buried her face against his neck with a whimper. "I''m so cold...¡±


    Her voice, weakened by illness, came out in a breathy whine, almost childishly sweet.


    Not that Stanley needed reminding-even when she wasn''t sick, she knew exactly how to melt into him, all soft sighs and pleading whispers in bed.


    She had always been a little temptress.


    It had been a long time since he hadst tasted it due to their divorce.


    Stanley clenched his jaw, fighting the urge-and lost. His fingers found the buttons of her blouse, working them open with deliberate slowness.


    Then everything spiraled.


    He flipped her beneath him, their hands tangling in fabric-his half-shrugged-off white shirt, her clothes being peeled away. The sharp lines of his shoulder des flexed as he moved, the deep groove of his spine a stark contrast to the smooth, chilled skin of Wendy''s fingers as they skated up his back.


    When he lowered himself against her, their bodies pressed flush-her skin like ice, his burning with barely leashed hunger. A sh of opposites, raw and electric.


    It was dangerous and thrilling.


    +25 Bonus


    In the dim silence of this remote vige, the heat between them ignited like a


    spark to dry kindling, consuming everything in its path.


    A sharp gasp escaped Wendy as if she had been scalded.


    Stanley stared down at her delicate face-the same face that had always drawn


    men in without effort. Even now, it hooked him all over again.


    He caught her chin between his fingers and crushed his mouth to hers.


    Wendy felt like she had been thrown into a furnace. The heat was unbearable, smothering


    -she tried to squirm away, but his weight pinned her in ce. Then something slid


    between her lips, and her brows furrowed in protest, a muffled whimper catching in her throat. Her small hands shoved weakly against his chest.


    "G-Get off me..."


    The vige outside was dead silent. Stanley had no idea how secure this room really was. Fiona-or anyone-could barge in at any second.


    He dragged the nket over them, his voice a rough whisper against her ear. "Shh. Quiet."


    His lips trailed to her cheek, then the sensitive curve below her ear, his knee nudging her legs apart.


    Her entire body tensed, a sharp crease forming between her brows as she twisted away. "No...stop..."


    Then-


    Wendy''sshes fluttered wildly, and suddenly, her eyes flew open.


    She was awake.


    +25 Bonus


    The first thing she saw was Stanley''s face-his aristocratic features now darkened with something far from gentlemanly.


    Why was he here?


    Wendy''s mind nked as she tried hard to recollect her memories.


    Stanley''s gaze burned down at her, the edges of his eyes bloodshot. He knew she was awake


    now. She stared up at him, dazed, her wide eyes utterly lost-innocent in a way that speared straight through his self-control.


    Men were visual creatures-and Stanley was no exception. He was drawn to her stunning


    beauty.


    He dipped his head to im her mouth again.


    This time, Wendy jerked her face away, fully alert now. "Stanley! Why are you here? Let me


    go!"


    His voice came out gravel-rough. "And how exactly am I supposed to do that now?"


    Her thoughts spun. She remembered being stranded here with Benny, wondering


    if Stanley would even bothering for her.


    And now, here he was-taking advantage of her while she was feverish and helpless!


    Her voice shook. "Have you forgotten? We''re divorced!"


    0


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 My Dad Please Come 349

    Wendy reminded Stanley that they were divorced now.


    Stanley hadn''t forgotten, but his hands remained steady. "You''re running a fever. I''m just trying to warm you up."


    Wendy scoffed. "Warming me up doesn''t require this. Is this how you warm up other women too?"


    "Other women don''t grab my cor and rip my buttons off like you do. You started this."


    Her gaze flickered to his shirt-one button already missing, clearly her doing.


    Wendy shoved against his chest. "Get off me!"


    Stanley pinned her squirming hands against the mattress and kissed her cheek before she


    could protest further.


    He wasn''t stopping.


    Wendy thrashed beneath him. "Stanley, we''re divorced! If you''re that desperate, go find Jessica! Though with your habit of juggling multiple women, you''d better


    get tested regrly-wouldn''t want to catch something nasty."


    Stanleyughed, though enraged. That sharp, familiar wit of hers hadn''t changed at all.


    He gripped her chin. "I''ve never touched Jessica."


    What? He''d never touched Jessica?


    Wendy froze.


    They had been together for years. How was that possible?


    Seizing her distraction, Stanley captured her mouth in a searing kiss. His lips moved with rough determination, invading her senses like a thief. Wendy fought harder, but her icy


    limbs were already warming, pale skin flushing pink with frustration.


    "Stanley, there''s no condom!"


    His gaze burned into her. "It''s your safe period. Your cycle is due any day."


    "We still can''t!"


    "Why?"


    +25 Bonus


    "Weren''t you the one who said unprotected sex costs extra? Why should I give you the premium experience?"


    Stanley paused, then smirked. "You should''ve asked whether I''m giving you a choice."


    Wendy opened her mouth-only for his lips to silence her again.


    Dazed, she clung to one coherent thought: Her cycle was like clockwork. It would arrive any


    moment now.


    Wendy woke to insistent knocking. Morning light filtered through the curtains.


    After the sweaty ordealst night, her fever had broken, leaving her body spent but healed.


    Now shey curled against Stanley''s chest, his arms locked around her waist from behind.


    Neither had stirred until...


    Knock. Knock.


    The knocking continued.


    Wendy shifted, while Stanley opened his eyes, fully awake.


    "Someone''s at the door," she whispered.


    She tried to rise, but he gripped her soft waist firmly, stopping her. "Who is it?"


    Fiona''s voice chirped through the wood. "Are you up, Stan? It''s me."


    Stan?


    +25 Bonus


    Wendy arched a brow. "Wow. Your charm even prates remote mountain viges, I see.


    Impressive."


    Stanley shot her a warning look but called back, "I''ll be out soon."


    "Is your sister feeling better?"


    Sister? Since when?


    Wendy''s re could''ve melted steel, but Stanley answered smoothly, "Much better."


    "My dad''s thrilled about your meeting today! He prepared a feast. We''ll wait for you!" Fiona chirped before her footsteps faded away.


    Wendy propped herself up. "Care to exin, brother dear? Or do you make a habit of lying


    to innocent


    girls?"


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 My Dad Please Come 350

    Stanley gazed down at the woman in his arms, the corners of his narrow eyes lifting slightly. "We lived under one roof before. I think that justifies me calling you my sister."


    The shamelessness!


    Wendy raised her foot to kick him.


    In one smooth motion, Stanley flipped her beneath him. "Care for round two?"


    The fire dancing in his eyes told her he wasn''t joking. The man''s stamina was downright


    terrifying.


    "Wendy," he murmured, trailing a finger down her cheek. "We''ve never made love in the


    morning."


    Heat exploded across Wendy''s delicate face. This lunatic!


    She shoved him off with all her strength and scrambled out of bed.


    Stanley merely smirked, watching her retreat.


    Stanley and Wendy went to check on Benny. After examining his leg injury, Wendy nodded approvingly at the positive progress. He had made it through the critical night.


    "You''ll keep this leg," she announced.


    Benny red at her. "Well, don''t expect any thanks."


    "Hah, as if your gratitude would make me immortal."


    Benny was rendered speechless.


    Stanley observed their exchange silently. Though they bickered, he sensed something had shifted in Benny''s attitude toward Wendy.


    "Stanley, let''s get out of here," Benny grumbled.


    Nodding, Stanley said, "I need to see the vige chief first."


    He turned to leave without another word.


    "Why are you meeting the chief?" Benny called after him.


    +25 Bonus


    Watching Stanley''s retreating figure, Wendy spat, "Maybe he''s going to bring back another lover. Jessica might have somepetition."


    Hearing Jessica''s name, Benny fell silent, his gaze darkening.


    When Stanley arrived at the chief''s house, Fiona rushed out eagerly. "Stan! Come in! My dad and my brother, Alec, are waiting to meet you!"


    Inside, avish spread covered the table in Stanley''s honor. The chief''s eyes had lit up when Fiona mentioned Stanley owned apany.


    The chief and Alec sat together. Alec had no memory ofst night''s events, though his body ached inexplicably.


    Rubbing his neck, Alec groaned, "Dad, I feel like I got beaten upst night. And I keep thinking I saw some stunning woman...


    "Don''t worry, Alec," the chief assured him. "I''ll find you a stunning wife and secure a wealthy husband for Fiona."


    "Dad," Fiona interrupted, "Stan''s here!"


    Both men stood abruptly. Their eyes gleamed brighter at the sight of Stanley''s aristocratic bearing-some people simply radiated wealth and power, and Stanley was the perfect


    example.


    The chief stepped forward eagerly. "You must be Mr. Hawk! What an honor!" He extended


    his hand.


    Stanley didn''t move.


    213


    Fiona blinked. "Stan, what''s wrong? Aren''t you here to ask for my hand?"


    +25 Bonus


    Ignoring them, Stanley fixed his hawk-like gaze on Alec. He strode forward, each step


    measured.


    Alec frowned in confusion. "Mr. Hawk, what-"


    Crack!


    Stanley''s fist connected with Alec''s jaw, sending him crashing into the wall. Blood trickled from Alec''s lip.


    Grabbing Alec''s cor, Stanley hissed, "Now you remember who beat you up? How dare


    you covet my woman!"


    His fists rained down like a storm.


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    Wendy and Benny were waiting for Stanley. Stanley''s people had already arrived and


    surrounded the vige, ensuring they could leave safely.


    Yet despite how long they waited, Stanley never showed up. No one knew where he had


    gone.


    "Why hasn''t Stanleye yet?"


    Just then, Stanley appeared, his tall, handsome figureing into view. He had arrived.


    "Stanley, where have you been? What took you so long?" Benny asked, his curiosity getting


    the better of him.


    Stanley didn''t answer. Instead, he wiped his hands with a tissue. Wendy noticed blood on


    his hands.


    Zayn walked over. "Mr. Hawk, we can go now."


    Stanley nodded, and the group boarded the yacht, ready to leave.


    "Stanley... Sob..."


    Wendy heard crying. She turned her head and saw Fiona.


    Fiona was running toward them, crying. She stood by the shore, reluctant to leave.


    "Aw, did you break that girl''s heart? It looks like she''s really in love with you." Stanley cast a cold nce at Wendy. "I don''t want her love. Do you want it?" Wendy fell silent, utterly speechless.


    The group returned to Feirwale. Lucas and the senior students were already there. Lucas looked at Wendy, concern written on his face.


    "Are you okay, Wendy? You disappeared so suddenly! We were all so worried."


    Wendy shook her head. "Don''t worry, everyone. I''m fine."


    "What happened, Wendy? Why did you disappear without a word?"


    +25 Bonus


    Before Wendy could answer, a soft figure ran toward them and threw herself into Stanley''s arms. "Stanley, you''re finally back! I was so worried!"


    It was Jessica.


    Jessica had arrived and immediately leaped into Stanley''s embrace.


    Wendy nced at Jessica, who was staring at her defiantly in Stanley''s arms.


    Wendy knew Jessica had incited Benny to try to hurt her, but she had no proof. Since the


    matter involved Benny, it was impossible to rify, which was why Jessica acted with such


    confidence.


    Wendy smiled slightly. "I''m really tired, everyone. Let''s head back."


    "Alright, let''s go back and rest. Tonight, we''ll fly back to Hovendale."


    Lucas looked at Stanley. "See youter."


    Stanley was tightly embraced by Jessica; he wanted to push her away, but the more he tried,


    the tighter she clung to him.


    "Stanley and Ms. Crone have such a close rtionship!" someone remarked.


    Stanley looked at Wendy, whose face remained cold and expressionless. She didn''t even


    nce at him or Jessica.


    "Let''s go."


    Wendy followed Lucas and the others as they left.


    Stanley, still trapped in Jessica''s tight embrace, could only watch as Wendy disappeared from his sight.


    Inside, Jessica seethed with anger. She hadn''t expected Wendy to be so lucky-


    after everything that had happened, Wendy still returned alive.


    At that moment, Stanley finally pushed Jessica away. "Let''s go too."


    Stanley got into the car.


    +25 Bonus


    Jessica noticed Benny behind them. She quickly walked over, pretending to be concerned. "Are you alright? How''s your injured leg?"


    Benny looked at her. "What''s the deal with the explosives on the yacht?"


    Jessica had already prepared an excuse.


    3


    "Those explosives were meant for Wendy. The countdown had already begun and I thought


    you''de back in time, but you didn''t. I was so shocked that you both fell into


    the sea after the explosion. Do you know how worried I was? I even urged Stanley to hurry and find


    you!"


    Benny remained silent, gazing at Jessica with a mix of doubt and suspicion.

 My Dad Please Come 352

    "Benny, why are you looking at me like that? Are you doubting me? Do you think I wanted to blow you up too?


    "Hey, we''re friends! It hurts me to see you doubt me like this. I can''t believe how much you''ve changed!


    "Why didn''t youe back in time anyway? Did you hurt Wendy on the yacht?"


    Jessica was clever. She hit Benny with a direct emotional appeal, questioning him first.


    Benny hadn''t hurt Wendy on the yacht. His face softened. "That''s not what I meant."


    "We need to stay united. Don''t let Wendye between us," Jessica urged, trying to regain


    control of the situation.


    Wendy started packing her things, preparing to fly back to Hovendale.


    Once her bags were packed, she stepped outside to look for the others. It was then that she spotted Jessica in the corridor.


    Jessica had been waiting for her.


    Wendy wasn''t surprised, and walked toward her.


    Jessica smiled. "I''m so d you''re back safely. I was really worried about you."


    Wendy smirked. "Were you behind this?"


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about. Everything should be based on evidence. Otherwise, I could sue you for defamation."


    Jessica not only acted confidently, but she also stepped forward, deliberately provoking Wendy. Her attitude seemed to say, "What are you going to do about it?"


    +25 Bonus


    Wendy wasn''t angry at all. Instead, she winked yfully and said nonchntly, "Actually, I should thank you, Jessica. You know, true feelings show in times of crisis. I was in danger, and luckily, Mr. Hawk saved me. You don''t know this, but when Benny and I were in that vige, it was really dangerous. If Mr. Hawk hadn''t arrived, we might not have made it


    back."


    Wendy''s words struck a nerve with Jessica, whose smile quickly vanished. A cold, furious


    re reced it as she stared at Wendy.


    Wendy took a couple of steps forward, her voice filled with amusement as she said, "By the way, Jessica, did Mr. Hawk tell you that he and I spent the night together?"


    What?


    Jessica froze. "You and Stanley... slept together?"


    Wendy nodded. "Yup."


    Jessica''s face turned pale with rage.


    "Why the long face? You were the one who pushed me into his arms in the first ce."


    Jessica''s chest began to rise and fall with anger. She clenched her fists and spat out, "You''re disgusting!"


    "I''m disgusting? I learned from the best! When you face a shameless opponent, what can you do? You have to be even more shameless. I''m just using your tricks to defeat you!"


    Jessica ground her teeth in frustration. As she looked up, she saw a tall,


    handsome figure approaching. Stanley had arrived.


    "Stanley!" Jessica called out, trying to regain herposure.


    Wendy turned around and saw him too.


    Stanley had showered and was now wearing a clean white shirt and a ck suit, looking elegant and poised. He stood tall in the corridor, backlit by the light. It was clear that he had


    been there for a while, listening to their conversation.


    He walked toward them with long strides.


    +25 Bonus


    Jessica watched him, fuming. "Stanley, Wendy just told me that you slept with her! Is that true?"


    Stanley''s gaze fell on Wendy''s face.


    Wendy hadn''t expected him to show up, but she had done nothing wrong. She


    looked back at him with calm, clear eyes, unbothered.


    Stanley nodded. "It''s true."


    He admitted it without hesitation.


    "I know Wendy must have seduced you!" Jessica yelled. "She''s nothing but a


    shameless seductress!"


    ÈÕ


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    "Hang on!"


    Wendy interrupted Jessica''s insults.


    "You got it all wrong. I didn''t seduce Mr. Hawkst night. In fact, I resisted him with all my strength, but he took advantage of me when I was feverish and weak!"


    What? Stanley forced himself on Wendy?


    Jessica couldn''t believe it. Stanley was the kind of man who had women constantly surrounding him-he nevercked attention from beautiful women.


    Whenever Jessica tried to get close to him, he always turned her down, iming he was either too busy or just not in the mood. If anything, he was the most restrained man she had ever met.


    But now, he had forced himself on Wendy when she was sick?


    Jessica was inplete disbelief.


    "That''s impossible!" she shrieked. "You''re making things up!"


    Wendy turned to Stanley. "Mr. Hawk, since you''re here, tell Jessica if I''m lying."


    Stanley nced at Wendy for a moment before saying slowly, "What she said is true."


    Jessica stood there, speechless.


    Looking at Jessica''s face, which seemed to be cracking in anger, Wendy couldn''t help but


    sneer.


    "Jessica, when you were the other woman, did you never think it might happen to you? Let me tell you something-Mr. Hawk can''t control himself. So, you''d better watch what you say to me. Otherwise, I might just make you a cuck!"


    With that, Wendy turned and walked away.


    +25 Bonus


    Jessica was on the verge of losing it. She couldn''t believe that instead of destroying Wendy, she had inadvertently pushed Wendy and Stanley together. She had shot herself in the foot


    -and it hurt.


    Jessica red at Stanley. "Why are you doing this to me? You promised me you wouldn''t sleep with Wendy again! You''ve already divorced her!"


    Stanley had nothing more to say. His handsome face was shrouded in shadow, barely visible in the dim light. "Jessica, I''m sorry. Wendy-"


    "Enough! Don''t say another word!" Jessica shouted, mming her purse onto the ground.


    Meanwhile, Wendy grabbed her luggage, ready to head back to Hovendale.


    Lucas and the others approached her, and Lucas leaned in to speak quietly. "Wendy, I saw Stanley and his girlfriend arguing."


    "Yeah, I saw that too. His girlfriend was really mad. She even threw her purse on the ground."


    "What do you think they are fighting about?" one of the seniors asked.


    Wendy just smiled but didn''t respond.


    When Wendy returned to the girls'' dorm, Halsey immediately greeted her with a big hug. "Wendy, you''re finally back!"


    Wendy handed Halsey the gifts she had brought back from Feirwale, and the two of them chatted for a while before Wendy took a nap.


    She slept straight through until the next morning. When Wendy opened her eyes, she


    realized she had been sleeping very welltely-maybe even a little too much.


    She pulled out her phone to check her messages. Samuel had sent her a text.


    [Are you back?]


    Wendy replied, [Yes, I am.]


    Samuel responded, [Then let''s meet up.]


    Wendy typed, [Let''s meet at NovaHealth. I haven''t been there in a while.]


    Samuel replied, [As the founder, you''ve really been cking.]


    +25 Bonus


    At that moment, NovaHealth was packed with people. Stanley had arranged for a VIPne


    to take Jessica there to get some medication.


    Since returning from Feirwale, Jessica had been feeling unwell, with her heart condition


    always bothering her. She stuck close to Stanley, asking him to stay with her. Trish and


    Lilian were with them as well.


    Trish got the medication and nced at it. "This is the heart medication NovaHealth just


    released. It''s incredibly effective, and it''s been all the rage in the medicalmunity."


    "Who developed this heart medication?" Jessica asked.


    "The founder of NovaHealth, who registered NovaHealth as a naturopathy brand six years ago. Not only do NovaHealth hospitals have a presence all over the ce, but thepany also went public as arge pharmaceuticalpany overseas six years ago. It shocked the entire medical world," Trish exined.


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 My Dad Please Come 354

    Lilian reflected for a moment. "I vaguely remember. Nova Health was listed overseas on April 11th. I think it was called the ''411 Legend''."


    Trish nodded. "That''s right."


    Jessica looked at the medication in her hands. "Now that you mention it, the founder must


    be quite an extraordinary person. Stanley, do you know this founder?"


    Though Jessica was still angry, she didn''t dare take it out on Stanley. She had to keep her hold on his heart. She silently ced the me for everything on Wendy.


    Stanley paused, thinking for a second. "We met once.


    Stanley had indeed crossed paths with the NovaHealth founder six years ago in Stoneridge,


    Mericana.


    Back then, he was already a prominent figure in the business world and had been invited to


    attend a corporate conference hosted by Hawthorne. That very night, the founder of


    NovaHealth wasunching thepany. He remembered hearing the sound of her clock


    striking at midnight.


    People around him had told him that the founder was only 16 years old at the time.


    Stanley himself hadunched his firstpany at 16. Coincidentally, the NovaHealth founder had alsounched her firstpany at the same age.


    Such a coincidence.


    After the event, Stanley stepped outside and saw the founder, though only her silhouette.


    She was wearing a strapless ck dress, with a fringed scarf draped over her shoulders. Perhaps her feet had grown tired from wearing high heels, because she was holding a pair


    of crystal heels in one hand, walking under the bright lights of Stoneridge,


    At that moment, the dazzling lights seemed to surround her like a backdrop.


    It was just a fleeting nce, but her figure had been imprinted in his mind-cold


    yet stunning, radiating a brilliant, unspoken charm.


    Even after six years, Stanley could still clearly remember her.


    "Mr. Hawk, is the founder very old?" Lilian asked curiously.


    +25 Bonus


    It wasmon for older doctors to have higher medical skills, and Lilian was thinking along those lines.


    Stanley smirked slightly. "She''s a young woman."


    What? Was the NovaHealth founder just a young woman?


    Jessica, Trish, and Natalie were all stunned.


    Trish sighed, "We''re all human, but the difference between people is just so huge. No matter how hard you work, it seems like it doesn''t matter whenpared to talent."


    Both Trish and Jessica were the hard-working types.


    At that moment, a group of bodyguards in ck rushed in, setting up a security


    line at the VIP entrance. The atmosphere was intense.


    People around them began to whisper.


    "Do you know who''sing?"


    "Don''t you know? Mr. Samuel from Florias ising!"


    "I heard he''s involved in both legal and illegal circles. Why is he suddenly in Hovendale? I''ve heard he''s incredibly handsome!"


    "Not just that! Mr. Samuel has two seniors with impressive backgrounds. All three


    of them dote on their female junior, who''s basically a little princess."


    Stanley''s sharp, handsome features tightened. He knew Samuel and had even worked with


    him before.


    So, Samuel was actually here in Hovendale.


    Just then, a luxury car pulled up, and Samuel stepped out.


    +25 Bonus


    Dressed in a long coat, Samuel indeed looked strikingly handsome. His bodyguards cleared the way as he strode confidently inside.


    Jessica turned to Stanley. "Why is Mr. Samuel here in Hovendale?"


    Stanley nced at Samuel, his expression calm. ¡°I''m not sure, but judging by his stride, it


    looks like he''s here to meet someone."


    At that moment, Lilian gasped.


    "Wendy?!"


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 My Dad Please Come 355

    Stanley looked up and saw Wendy.


    Wendy hade to NovaHealth''s hospital.


    At that moment, his arm was tightly wrapped by Jessica, who clung to him. "Why is Wendy here? Stanley, I don''t want to see her. Every time I do, my heart hurts."


    Stanley turned his gaze away from Wendy and gently pulled his arm out of Jessica''s grasp. "Let''s go, then. I''ll drive.""


    With that, Stanley walked out.


    After they returned, Jessica stayed close to Stanley, always seeking his attention. Stanley didn''t refuse her, and he stopped reaching out to Wendy.


    But Jessica could feel the shift. Stanley, who once seemed so affectionate, now felt distant -almost like there was no love left, only duty.


    Her fists clenched in frustration the more she thought about it.


    Wendy made her way to NovaHealth and found Samuel.


    Samuel smiled as he looked her over. "You''ve lost weight. Looks like after leaving your grandfather and us, you''ve been tasting the bitter side of love here."


    Wendy shot Samuel a re. She knew he would tease her-he had never held back his


    sharp tongue.


    Wendy sighed. "If that''s all you want to say, I''ll leave now."


    Samuel immediately stopped her. "This is for you."


    He handed her a property deed.


    "What''s this?"


    +25 Bonus


    "Your genius identity is out in the open now. Are you really going to keep staying


    in the dorms? This is a house I got for you."


    Wendy knew it was time to move out, but Halsey was still living in the dorm. Well, she


    could always visit.


    She took the deed from Samuel.


    Samuel pulled out a set of car keys. "This is for you as well-it''s a car."


    Wendy couldn''t believe it. Samuel was offering her a house and a car in one go! She took the keys. "Thanks."


    "You''re wee. So, when do you n on going back? You and Mr. Hawk are divorced


    now."


    Samuel hade to talk to Wendy about leaving Hovendale.


    Wendy hesitated. "I still have unfinished business in Hovendale. Once I''ve dealt with that,


    I''ll head back."


    "Are you talking about the Crone family?"


    Wendy nodded. "Yes."


    Samuel nodded in return. "Alright. I''ll stay in Hovendale for a while."


    "Okay. Keep in touch."


    Wendy said her goodbyes to Samuel and prepared to head to her new home.


    As she stepped outside the hospital, she saw Jessica, Trish, and Natalie standing by, waiting for a ride.


    A Rolls-Royce Phantom soon pulled up. Stanley had arrived in his car.


    Stanley stayed in the car, looking at Jessica. "Get in."


    Then, his eyesnded on Wendy, who was standing just behind Jessica. Their two pairs of eyes locking in silent recognition.


    +25 Bonus


    gazes met-


    Jessica followed Stanley''s gaze and saw Wendy. She immediately sneered. "Wendy, you really are relentless! What are you doing? Following us now, are you?"


    "Following?" Wendy smirked, her lips curling into a yful smile. "Being delusional is a disease. You''re at a hospital, so go in and get it checked out."


    "Cut the act! We keep running into each other; that can''t all be a coincidence.


    You''re still obsessed with Stanley, aren''t you? That''s why you''re following us!"


    3


    Trish immediately chimed in. "You and Mr. Hawk are divorced, Wendy. He doesn''t want you anymore! Stop clinging to him like a pest."


    Lilian eyed Wendy. She had been taken aback to discover Wendy''s identity as the ''genius girl'', but that didn''t mean much in the grand scheme of things.


    Lilian smiled.


    "Wendy, I didn''t expect you to be a genius, but after graduating, you didn''t even bother with a career. You got married and became a housewife. And now that you''re divorced, you have nothing left. Stop obsessing over Mr. Hawk and Jessica. You should focus on getting a job. Financial independence is really important for a


    woman.


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 My Dad Please Come 356

    Wendy was left speechless. Just then, her new car arrived.


    "I was just waiting for my ride. I''ll see you all around."


    "Your ride? Do you mean a cab?" Jessicaughed. "It''s hard to catch a cab outside the hospital."


    Wendy used to take cabs all the time, so it made sense that Jessica would think that.


    Trish looked Wendy up and down with disdain. "I''ve lost all respect for you. Look at your senior ssmates! All of them have a house and a car. They''re all doing great, while you''re still taking cabs. You''re really ruining the reputation of the ''genius girl'' title."


    Lilian pulled on Trish''s arm. "That''s enough. I actually feel sorry for Wendy."


    Wendy saw her new car pull up and the driver getting out and walking toward her. She took a few steps forward, stepping past Trish and Lilian, and walked straight up to Jessica.


    With a yful wink, she said, "You''re right. It really is hard to get a taxi here."


    Jessica beamed with satisfaction.


    Wendy turned her head and looked at Stanley, who was in the back of the Rolls- Royce. "Mr. Hawk, how about you give me a ride?"


    At this, Jessica''s face immediately turned pale. "No way!"


    Wendy smirked, her eyes locking onto Jessica. "Then why are you making such a fuss here?"


    Jessica was at a loss for words.


    Stanley looked at Wendy. It had been two days since theyst spoke, and since then, they hadn''t had any contact. Today, Wendy''s long, dark hair cascaded beautifully down her shoulders, and her delicate face made it impossible for anyone to look away.


    Stanley''s lips quirked slightly. "It''s hard to get a cab here. Why don''t you-"


    +25 Bonus


    Before he could finish, the driver arrived and spoke to Wendy. "Ms. Wendy, I''ve brought your new car. I''ve test-driven it, and everything is in perfect condition. You can hit the road


    whenever you''re ready."


    Wendy nodded. "Thanks."


    The driver left.


    "New car?" Jessica blinked in confusion. "You bought a car?"


    Trish and Lilian were equally shocked. Wendy bought a new car? When did that happen?


    Wendy pulled out the car keys from her bag with a little jingle.


    Jessica''s eyes widened as she looked up and saw the luxury car parked by the curb. She


    gasped-it was a Rolls-Royce.


    It was just like Stanley''s, but Wendy''s had a starlight roof, which was stunning.


    "You bought a Rolls-Royce? Where did you get the money for that?" Trish asked in shock.


    None of them had expected Wendy to buy such an expensive car.


    Wendy smiled yfully at the three stunned faces. ¡°Guess."


    With that, Wendy stepped into her new car, pressed the gas pedal, and sped off, driving gracefully away.


    Stanley watched as Wendy disappeared from his sight. He had seen her driving before, her hair flowing in the wind, a picture of beauty and elegance.


    It was so bold.


    Suddenly, Stanley felt like this version of Wendy was strangely familiar, like he had seen


    her somewhere before.


    Then, it hit him. No, it wasn''t just anyone. It was a vivid image of someone he had


    met


    briefly six years ago the founder of NovaHealth.


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    +25 Bonus

 My Dad Please Come 357

    No way. How could that be?


    Stanley couldn''t help but feel a little amused. How did he even startparing Wendy to the radiant and poised founder of NovaHealth?


    "Mr. Hawk, how about you give me a ride?"


    Just moments ago, Wendy had stood outside his car and asked him for a ride.


    Stanley chuckled. She had her own car, but still chose to say something like that. It was clearly just to tease Jessica.


    And to provoke him a little, too.


    This woman was getting bolder and bolder.


    At that moment, Jessica, Trish, and Lilian climbed into the car. Jessica took the front seat, while Trish and Lilian settled into the back. Stanley pressed the elerator, and the Rolls-Royce Phantom glided smoothly onto the road.


    Jessica could hardly believe it. Wendy, driving the same kind of car as Stanley? What kind of person was she to afford a Rolls-Royce?


    "Did Wendy spend your money again, Mr. Hawk?" Lilian asked.


    Trish immediately piped up, "Mr. Hawk, when you two got divorced, did you give Wendy a lot of money? Otherwise, how could she afford a Rolls-Royce?"


    Stanley''srge hand, adorned with an expensive watch, rested on the steering wheel. His gaze remained fixed ahead, and he didn''t respond.


    Jessica understood. He didn''t want to talk about how much he had given Wendy during


    their divorce.


    Stanley was generous, there was no doubt about it. It was clear he had given Wendy a


    +25 Bonus


    significant amount. Jessica hadn''t minded it before, but now, she couldn''t stand it. Why should Wendy get to drive a Rolls-Royce?


    But since Stanley didn''t want to discuss it, there was no point in pushing the topic further.


    Suppressing her anger, Jessica said, "Stanley, I heard you moved to Royale Residences. I''d


    love to check it out.


    Trish chimed in, eager as well. "I''ve heard a unit there costs over 10 million. I''d love to see


    it too!"


    Stanley didn''t object, and the luxurious car headed toward Royale Residences.


    3


    Half an hourter, the Rolls-Royce Phantom came to a stop at Royale Residences. Jessica


    stepped out of the car. "Wow, this ce is so luxurious!"


    Trish and Lilian were in awe of the opulence around them.


    Just then, another Rolls-Royce sped up and came to a halt. The driver''s door


    opened, and Wendy''s slender figure stepped out.


    It was Wendy.


    She had also driven her car to Royale Residences.


    Jessica was stunned. "What are you doing here?"


    Wendy was just as surprised to see Jessica and the others, but she hade here because it was the address on the property deed. It couldn''t be wrong.


    This was her new home.


    "You really have no shame, with your cheap tactics. I can''t believe you followed us from the hospital to Royale Residences! How did you even know Mr. Hawk moved here?" Trish


    sneered.


    Was Stanley living here now? The house Samuel had prepared for her was also in Royale


    Residences.


    What could Wendy say? She simply shrugged.


    "What a coincidence. I live here, too."


    +25 Bonus


    Lilian burst intoughter. "Don''t act like you''re some big shot. This is Royale Residences! How could you afford to live here?"


    Wendy didn''t respond. She simply stepped into the elevator.


    Stanley watched her, then followed her into the elevator as well.


    Lilian whispered to Jessica and Trish, ¡°Let''s go in too. Wendy says she lives here. Let''s see where she actually lives. If she''s lying, we''ll catch her in the act!" a


    "Good idea!"


    Soon, the elevator reached the 9th floor. Wendy stepped out, followed by Stanley. Royale Residences had two apartments per floor, so the 9th floor only had two residents.


    And now, both Wendy and Stanley had stepped out at the same time.


    Trishughed. "Ha! We''ve got you now! There are only two units on the 9th floor. Don''t tell me one of them is yours, and that you and Mr. Hawk are neighbors!"


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    +25 Bonus

 My Dad Please Come 358

    Lilian sneered, "Wendy, you still im you didn''t follow Mr. Hawk here? You''re


    clearly stalking him! You''re so maniptive. You even knew Stanley lived on the 9th floor. Are you obsessed or something? What''s wrong with you?"


    Wendy turned to Stanley. "You live on the 9th floor?"


    Stanley simply pointed with his eyes toward Unit 901. "This is mine."


    Wendy nodded. "I see."


    She walked up to the door of Unit 902, and typed in the code. With a soft click, the door


    swung open.


    Jessica, Trish, and Lilian stood there with their mouths agape.


    Wendy lived in Unit 902? She actually lived at Royale Residences-and she was right across the hall from Stanley?!


    Wendy stepped inside, but before closing the door, she looked back at Jessica and the others. "Looks like you were right after all. We are actually neighbors."


    With that, she shut the door with a definitive m.


    Lilian sucked in a sharp breath.


    What kind of luck did that brat have? How did she suddenly end up with a luxury car and a fancy new home? Was this truly Wendy?


    Jessica, still in shock, hurriedly turned to Stanley. "Wendy actually bought a ce at Royale Residences? And she lives right across from you?"


    Stanley stared at the closed door of Unit 902, his brows furrowing slightly. He hadn''t been in contact with Wendy, so he had no idea about any of this.


    Jessica was about to lose it. "How much did you give her? Look at how she''s spending like


    +25 Bonus


    it''s nothing! Luxury cars, luxury homes-what''s next? Is she going to buy a ne or a yacht? Is she nning to travel into space or something?"


    Wendy hade from a small town. Meanwhile, Jessica could barely afford to drive a Rolls-Royce or live in Royale Residences. What made Wendy so special?


    Trish couldn''t believe it either. "Mr. Hawk, I think it''s fine for you to give Wendy


    some


    money in the divorce, but you shouldn''t have given her so much! Does she think she can get rich just from marrying and divorcing you?"


    Stanley pulled out his phone and opened his messages.


    Unfortunately, there were no alerts or notifications of any spending.


    The past couple of days, Wendy had been catching up on sleep at the girls''


    dorms. She hadn''t spent a single penny of his.


    Yet, here she was-driving a luxury car and living in a luxury home.


    The money meant little to Stanley, but he couldn''t help but wonder: Where had Wendy gotten the money?


    Stanley pressed his lips together. "She hasn''t spent my money."


    Jessica couldn''t help butugh in disbelief. "You''re lying! She hasn''t spent your money? Then where did she get the money from? Sure, she''s a genius, but after graduation, she became a housewife! She hasn''t worked a day in her life, and yet she''s living like this?"


    Jessica''s frustration boiled over; she was about to say more when two security guards


    approached.


    "Ma''am, please keep the noise down. Royale Residences has a strict policy against loud disturbances."


    "What?!" Jessica blurted out.


    "We received aint from the resident in Unit 902. She reported noise disturbance.


    +25 Bonus


    Please take your argument outside and do not disturb the resident''s rest," the security guards continued.


    Jessica stood there, stunned. Wendy had actually called in aint about her?


    "Wendy, get out here!" Jessica screamed.


    She stormed toward Wendy''s door, ready to knock on it.


    Before she could even get close, the security guards lunged at her. One grabbed her from the left, the other from the right, and they forcefully pinned her to the ground.


    The security at Royale Residences was top-notch, the best in all of H?vendale. Jessica finally got to experience their "service".


    They held her down; one of them held a stun gun and warned her, "Ma''am, this is your


    second warning. Please refrain from making any more


    noise."


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 My Dad Please Come 359

    Lilian and Trish were in shock as they saw Jessica pinned to the ground. They rushed forward, trying to help her.


    "Let go of her, now!"


    +25 Bonus


    "Third warning," one of the security guards said sternly. "We''ll throw you out if stop."


    you


    don''t


    In an instant, the three women were unceremoniously thrown out of Royale


    Residences. The heavy doors mmed shut behind them with a loud bang.


    2


    Jessica was speechless, and Trish was equally stunned. Meanwhile, Lilian just stood there,


    bewildered.


    They had never been treated like this before. Especially not Jessica-she was always the VIP


    whenever she was with Stanley, always treated with respect.


    But now,


    here she was, unceremoniously kicked out. This was definitely a first for her.


    Trish, burning with anger, snapped. "This is all Wendy''s fault! What''s going on, Jessica? Wendy''s driving luxury cars and living in mansions, and now she''s thrown us out? Has she


    lost her mind?"


    Jessica clenched her fists. "What other exnation could there be? She only has all this because Stanley doesn''t want her anymore. He gave her a huge divorce settlement. That''s


    all!"


    Lilian looked bitterly at the apartments inside. "Don''t be so upset. No matter how much Stanley gave her, it''s still a limited amount. She''s just a housewife with no job. Let''s see how long she can keep this up when the money runs out!"


    Hearing that, Jessica and Trish grudgingly calmed down.


    Trish then spoke up. "Jessica, you need to find out how much Mr. Hawk gave Wendy in the


    divorce."


    +25 Bonus


    Jessica was sure it was a hefty amount-at least 20 or 30 million, given Stanley''s fortune.


    He could afford to throw that kind of money around without a second thought.


    She hadn''t been curious before, but now, she was.


    "I''ll figure it out,¡± she said, her mind racing.


    Just then, Trish''s phone rang, the melody cheerful and lively.


    Trish''s face lit up with a smile-it was her boyfriend, Dr. Cen, calling. She eagerly


    answered the call, and after a moment, she jumped in excitement. 3


    "Oh, my! That''s great news!"


    Jessica raised an eyebrow. "Dr. Cen has great news? What is it?"


    Trish, practically glowing with joy, replied, "The money we invested with him has multiplied tenfold! Our fortune is growing. We''ve really struck it rich!"


    "Seriously?" Jessica and Lilian both jumped, thrilled.


    Edith and the second and third branches of the family had all invested heavily in Dr.


    Cen''s venture. They had mortgaged their family estate andpany shares, betting


    everything on it.


    Now, to hear that their assets had grown tenfold was a fortune beyond imagining. Jessica''s mood lifted immediately. "We''ve got money now! Wendy''s just living off Stanley''s divorce settlement, while we''re on our way to wealth!"


    Lilian offered an idea. "Your grandma''s been in a bad moodtely. How about we take her out shopping tomorrow? A little fun for the whole family."


    "Good idea!" Jessica agreed.


    +25 Bonus


    Wendy hadn''t expected the house Samuel prepared for her to be at Royale Residences and to be directly across from Stanley''s apartment. It was a bizarre coincidence.


    But Royale Residences was truly avish ce, fitting for someone of her stature. The luxurious apartment was perfect for settling down.


    After taking a rxing milk and rose petal bath, Wendy heard a chime from her phone. It was a message from Samuel.


    [I''ll take you shopping tomorrow.]


    Wendy smiled and texted back. [Sounds good.]


    After finishing her bath, Wendy got up, tidied up her apartment, and grabbed the trash bag


    to head downstairs.


    As she stepped out, she saw a tall, handsome figureing out of the apartment across from hers. It was Stanley.


    It seemed like their paths had crossed as neighbors.


    Wendy felt that their rtionship hadn''t reached the point where they should be


    greeting each other. It would be better if they pretended to be strangers whenever


    they bumped into one another.


    Çú

 My Dad Please Come 360

    Upon that thought, Wendy quickly turned to leave. However, Stanley blocked her path.


    "Don''t you have anything to say to me?" he demanded.


    Wendy looked up at him with her clear, sharp eyes. "About what?¡±


    Stanley pressed his lips together and then replied, his voice tinged with curiosity, "The luxury car you''re driving, the mansion you''re living in-where did theye from, and whose money are you spending?"


    Wendy straightened her slender back, exuding confidence. "Just know it isn''t your money. I don''t think I have to exin the rest to you."


    She tried to step past him.


    But Stanley, tall and imposing, stood like a wall, refusing to let her pass.


    Wendy smirked slightly, her lips curling in amusement. "I know you''re very curious. Just like Jessica and the others, you probably think I''m just a housewife, living off the divorce


    settlement you gave me, with no way to earn money on my own."


    Stanley had indeed thought this way, as it was true that Wendy didn''t have a job.


    "You''re highly educated and talented. Before, you focused on taking care of me, but now I can help you. If you''re interested in a particr industry, I can arrange a job for you, or even help you start your own business."


    Stanley knew very little about Wendy-other than the fact that she was a genius. That was


    all he knew.


    Wendy studied him carefully. The man in front of her was undeniably handsome and had an allure that could captivate any woman. He would offer money, career opportunities, and resources after a divorce-anything she needed, he would provide.


    Wendy shook her head. "No thanks."


    +25 Bonus


    He was blocking her way, and she couldn''t leave. So, Wendy turned, intending to head back


    to her apartment.


    Before she could take a step, Stanley grabbed her wrist with hisrge hand, his fingers strong andmanding.


    His hand, clean and long with faint fingerprints, pressed against her delicate skin. Wendy''s


    mind instantly shed to the image of his hand on her body.


    She tried to pull away, but he was too strong, his grip unyielding as he held her in ce.


    "Let go of me!"


    Wendy instinctively tried to break free.


    But Stanley pushed her back, pinning her against the wall with one swift movement.


    Wendy looked up at him, her voice cold. "If you keep this up, I''ll tell Jessica." Stanley''s gaze locked onto her face, his eyes sharp, assessing. "And what are you nning to tell her? That I''ve taken advantage of you?"


    He remembered thest time she had told on him to Jessica.


    Wendy narrowed her eyes, wondering if she was seeing things. It almost seemed like she saw a hint of amusement in Stanley''s expression. "This time you haven''t, but you''re still harassing me."


    Stanley''s lips curved into a mocking smile. "Want me toe over tonight?"


    What?


    Wendy''s eyes widened, her pupils contracting in surprise.


    Stanley tilted his head slightly. "Or should we go to your ce?"


    Wendy warned through gritted teeth, "Stanley!"


    Stanley chuckled, yfully pinching her cheek. "See? Now this is what I call harassment."


    Wendy stood there, stunned, realizing he was just messing with her.


    What a madman!


    +25 Bonus


    Stanley towered over her, his expression both yful and intense. "Let me ask you again- where did the car and the housee from? You haven''t spent my money, so where did you get the money to afford all this?"


    She hadn''t spent his money, but then where did her moneye from?


    Wendy raised an eyebrow, countering, "What are you implying? That I''m spending another man''s money?"


    Stanley didn''t answer, but his eyes flickered with something unreadable.


    Wendy knew she had guessed correctly. This insane man probably thought she was using


    another man''s money. He probably had a list of names in his mind, starting with Lucas.


    Wendy smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "I didn''t spend anyone''s money. All of this was given to me."


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 My Dad Please Come 361

    Stanley frowned slightly, his handsome brow furrowing as he asked, "Who gave these to you?"


    Wendy raised an eyebrow and replied, "My boyfriend!"


    Boyfriend?


    Stanley''s face instantly turned cold, the warmth vanishing as he remembered Wendy had


    mentioned before that she already had a boyfriend. And now, this boyfriend seemed to have made his appearance.


    "Is it that rich boyfriend of yours?"


    "Yeah, it''s him."


    Stanley let out a sarcasticugh. "Someone who can afford to buy you a luxury car and a


    mansion must be quite the spender. The Hovendale circle is so small; I really can''t think of who your boyfriend could be."


    Wendy smirked. "Well, that''s your problem. I''m going home now."


    Wendy turned to leave.


    But Stanley blocked her again. "You really should get a job. With your education, you should be focused on improving yourself, not pretending to have some rich boyfriend."


    He didn''t believe she had a good-looking, wealthy boyfriend.


    Wendy didn''t feel the need to exin. Samuel had already arrived in Hovendale, and


    Stanley would meet him soon enough.


    She pushed Stanley away forcefully. "My life is none of your business."


    With that, Wendy walked inside.


    +25 Bonus


    As she shut the door in front of him, Stanley stood there, arms crossed, his face dark with frustration. He couldn''t shake the feeling that she was hiding something from him-there


    was a secret she was keeping.


    That feeling didn''t sit well with him.


    The next day, Wendy and Samuel arrived at the mall''s boutique. Samuel grinned and said, "Go pick out something. It''s my treat."


    "You''re so generous. Thank you," Wendy replied with a grin.


    She began browsing the clothes.


    Just then, Samuel''s phone rang, and he took it. "I''ll step outside to take this call."


    "Alright."


    Samuel stepped out to answer the phone.


    Wendy continued to browse through the clothes, with a sales associate following her, eagerly suggesting, "Miss, you have such an elegant presence! Thisce dress would look


    perfect on you."


    Wendy was considering trying it on when a familiar voice rang out. "Wendy? What are you doing here again?"


    Wendy turned around and saw a group of familiar faces.


    Edith, Jessica, Trish, and Lilian had all arrived.


    Jessica,pletely shaking off the embarrassment of being kicked outst night, was now beaming with pride. She and Trish held Edith on either side while walking in with Lilian, their faces full of smugness as theyughed and chatted together.


    "What are you here for? Buying clothes?" Jessica asked.


    Wendy nodded. "Yes, I''m buying clothes."


    Trish grinned. "We have some amazing news. Want to hear it?"


    Before Wendy could respond, Edithughed. "Remember when we invested with Dr. Cen? The money we put in has multiplied tenfold! We''ve struck it rich!"


    As she spoke, Edith nced at Wendy.


    "I remember you calling Dr. Cen a fraud back then. Seems like you''re just jealous. Sure, you''re a genius, but look at you now! You married Stanley, became a housewife, then got divorced and now do nothing with your life. You haven''t achieved anything. Honestly, you can''tpare to the golden girls of our family. Now, they''re out shopping with me. I''ve got it made with two granddaughters like them!"


    Edith held Jessica and Trish''s hands, her face full of pride.


    Mentioning Dr. Cen made Wendy chuckle. She raised her delicate eyebrows.


    "Dr. Cen made your assets grow tenfold? That''s


    impressive."

 My Dad Please Come 362

    Trish immediately straightened her back, her fiery red lips curling into a smirk. "Wendy, don''t be jealous. Dr. Cen is my boyfriend, and we''re getting married soon."


    Wendy nodded. "So you''ve multiplied your assets tenfold. When is Dr. Cen going to give you all that money? Has he said when it''ll be delivered?"


    Edith paused, caught off guard. "Well..."


    "Looks like he hasn''t said anything. I guess he can say whatever he wants about how much money he''ll give you. But I''ll say it again-he''s a fraud. You should watch out."


    Trish''s expression immediately darkened. Her boyfriend Dr. Cen was the one thing she


    took the most pride in, and she wouldn''t let anyone tarnish his name.


    "You''re just jealous of me! You''re jealous I have someone like him as my boyfriend!" she


    spat.


    Jessica''s voice dripped with sarcasm. "Wendy''s not just jealous of you. She''s jealous of me


    too, because I have Stanley."


    Before Wendy could respond, a deep, maic voice interrupted them.


    "What are you all doing?"


    Wendy looked up.


    Stanley had arrived.


    Jessica immediately hooked her arm around Stanley''s. "You''re here! We were just chatting with Wendy. She''s so envious of me and Trish because Trish has Dr. Cen, and I have


    you."


    "Those are your words, not mine," Wendy quickly added.


    Lilian immediately chimed in, "It''s not shameful to envy Jessica and Trish. Don''t be shy


    about it."


    +25 Bonus


    Wendy couldn''t help but think everyone from the Crone family wasn''t right in the head. "I don''t need to envy any of you. I have a boyfriend. I didn''te here to shop alone today- I''m here with my boyfriend."


    Boyfriend?


    Edith immediately remembered. "You said before you had a very wealthy boyfriend. Are you still going with that story? Look at your current situation-you''ve got all this education but no job. What kind of wealthy man would be interested in you?"


    3


    Trish scoffed. ¡°Sure, you drive a luxury car and live in a mansion, but that''s all Mr. Hawk''s money. You''ll run out of it eventually."


    Wendy smiled and curled her lips. "Well, you''re mistaken. The luxury car and mansion I have were gifts from my boyfriend. I didn''t spend any of Mr. Hawk''s money. After all, my boyfriend is just as wealthy."


    Jessica immediately sneered, clearly not believing it. "Stop spinning tales! Who in all of Hovendale couldpete with Stanley?"


    Wendy smiled and said nothing.


    Stanley looked at Wendy''s delicate face and said, "Since you say you came with your boyfriend, where is he? I''d like to meet him."


    "If your boyfriend is as rich as you say, why don''t you bring him out and let us see him?"


    Lilian added.


    Edith waved her hand dismissively. "Alright, stop listening to her lies. Let''s just buy


    some


    clothes."


    Wendy lifted her gaze, and sure enough, Samuel''s handsome figure had already returned- he had finished his call. Her eyes scanned the faces of the group, and she smiled sweetly.


    "Since you''re all so curious about my boyfriend, let me introduce you. Here he is."


    §³§ä§Ñ§ã§í 202


    She pointed her eyes ahead.


    The group followed her gaze and soon saw Samuel walking toward them.


    Jessica, Trish, Edith, and Lilian all gasped audibly, utterly stunned.


    "Mr. Samuel?" Jessica uttered in disbelief.


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 My Dad Please Come 363

    Samuel had arrived.


    Jessica and the others had already met him yesterday at NovaHealth, but now that they were seeing him again, their expressions shifted dramatically.


    Samuel walked up to Wendy and ced a hand on her shoulder. "I just stepped out to take a call. What''s going on here? It looks like I missed something interesting."


    Wendy shed a yful smile. "No, you didn''t miss anything. In fact, you''re just in time. These people all wanted to meet my boyfriend, and I told them it was you."


    Wendy shot Samuel a knowing nce.


    Samuel instantly understood. He wrapped an arm around Wendy''s slender shoulder and turned his gaze toward the others. "And these are...?"


    Wendy introduced them one by one. "This is Edith, Lilian, Jessica, and Trish Crone."


    Her eyes fell on Stanley''s refined, handsome face. As soon as Samuel stepped into the room, Stanley''s expression also shifted.


    Clearly, Stanley hadn''t expected her boyfriend to be Samuel.


    "And this person needs no introduction. This is Mr. Hawk," Wendy casually added.


    Samuel turned to Stanley. "No, no introduction needed. I''ve had dealings with Mr. Hawk before. Hello, Mr. Hawk. I''m on your turf now, so I''ll be counting on your hospitality."


    Stanley eyed Samuel, pressing his lips into a cold line. "So, you''re Wendy''s boyfriend?"


    Samuel kept his arm around Wendy. "Isn''t it obvious?"


    Jessica, Trish, Lilian, and Edith were all stunned, struggling to process what was


    happening. Wendy had imed she had a wealthy boyfriend, but they hadn''t believed her. Now, the infamous Samuel from Florias was actually her boyfriend?


    How could this be?! Was today April Fools'' Day?


    +25 Bonus


    "Mr. Samuel, how could you be dating Wendy? Did you know Wendy was married before?" Jessica immediately blurted out.


    Samuel smiled slightly. "Of course."


    "Then why..."


    Was the famous Samuel seriously interested in someone who had been married before?


    Samuel nced at Stanley. "Mr. Hawk is Wendy''s ex-husband, right? I guess great minds think alike. Wendy is amazing. Mr. Hawk liked her, and so do I."


    Jessica was speechless.


    Trish, her voiceced with disdain, spat, "Mr. Samuel, are you dating Wendy just because she''s a so-called ''genius''? Let me tell you, she''s all talk! She doesn''t even have a job now- she''s just a parasite living off men."


    Samuel raised an eyebrow, looking at Wendy. "Did you tell them all this?"


    Wendy innocently shook her head. "No, I didn''t."


    Samuel chuckled. "Wendy''s actually out of my league-you have no idea how popr she really is."


    Jessica and the others, of course, had no idea.


    "Let me put it this way-you all know I have two male seniors and a female junior, right?"


    Samuel continued.


    Jessica nodded. "I''ve heard the junior is your group''s favorite."


    Samuel nodded. "Exactly. She''s very popr in Florias. There are so many


    people lining up to be her boyfriend that they stretch all the way to Fronce. Wendy is just as popr as her."


    Jessica stood there, stunned. She couldn''t believe what she was hearing. Was Samuel really


    +25 Bonus


    Wendy smirked and said, "Not too long ago, you all set me up on a blind date. I told you I


    already had a boyfriend then, and now you''ve seen for yourselves. The luxury car I drive


    and the mansion I live in-they''re all thanks to Samuel. None of it''s from Mr. Hawk."


    Edith remembered how she had once introduced Wendy to a teacher at the Crone family''s


    estate, and she genuinely thought Wendy wasn''t even good enough for him.


    Now, she felt as if Wendy had put her in her ce.


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 My Dad Please Come 364

    +25 Bonus


    Jessica, Trish, and Lilian all felt like they had been thoroughly humiliated as well.


    Wendy turned her gaze to Stanley. "Do you believe me now?"


    Her clear, bright eyes sparkled with a yful glint.


    When Stanley saw Samuel''s arm still around her, his handsome face darkened, the tension practically radiating off him.


    This little minx!


    Even Samuel had fallen under her spell. She really had a way of getting what she wanted!


    "Wendy, we''re here to shop. Did you see anything you liked?" Samuel asked, trying to shift


    the focus.


    The sales associate immediately stepped forward, presenting a delicatece dress. "This


    one would look perfect on you, miss."


    Wendy nodded. "I''d like to try it on."


    "Of course. Go ahead."


    Wendy took thece dress into the fitting room.


    Jessica, however, was no longer in a good mood. She tugged on Stanley''s arm. "I told you she''s bad news! Look at her. She''s already gotten herself tangled up with Mr. Samuel. Look at how nice he is to her. I think he''spletely smitten!"


    Stanley pressed his lips together, silent.


    At that moment, Samuel stepped forward. "Mr. Hawk, I just want to thank you for taking care of her all this time. Since you''re divorced, you don''t need to worry about her anymore -I''ll take care of her from here on out."


    nutes 1/3


    +25 Bonus


    Stanley turned his gaze to Samuel. The two handsome, sessful men locked eyes, an invisible tension building between them.


    The sparks were practically flying.


    Then the sales associate''s voice broke the silence. "She''s ready."


    Stanley and Samuel both turned as Wendy stepped out of the fitting room, wearing thece


    dress.


    The form-fittingce dress perfectly hugged Wendy''s curves, its intricate rhinestone-studdedce paired with a sleek, bodycon skirt. Wendy''s hair was loosely styled, and as she walked out, she seemed to move like a goddess, every step graceful and enchanting.


    Stanley''s eyes were locked on her, and he was unable to look away.


    But his view was soon blocked as Samuel stepped forward, a pleased smile on his face as he gazed at Wendy. "You look absolutely stunning."


    Wendy spun around, admiring herself in the mirror. "I''ll take this one," she said with a


    smile.


    Samuel handed the sales associate a ck card with gold lettering. "Please charge it to the


    card."


    The sales associate hesitated for a moment. "This dress is a custom piece, and the


    rhinestones are all hand-sewn, so it''s quite expensive¡ª"


    Samuel interrupted her, his tone firm. "Just swipe the card."


    The sales associate beamed. "Of course! Right away."


    As Jessica watched Samuelvish money on Wendy so freely, her jealousy red.


    She couldn''t help but stare at Wendy''s figure. It was perfectly proportioned, with just the right amount of curves in all the right ces-no doubt she had the power to captivate


    men. This dress seemed tailor-made for her.


    "Wait!" Jessica called out.


    The sales associate froze.


    Wendy and Samuel turned to look at Jessica.


    +25 Bonus


    With an air of arrogance, Jessica said, "Wendy, our tastes really are the same. I like this


    dress too."


    The sales associate looked ufortable. "Sorry, miss, but this dress is the only


    one we


    have in stock."


    Jessica''s lips curled into a smug smile. That was exactly what she had hoped.


    Looking at Wendy, she said slowly and deliberately, "Wendy, I want that dress. Take it off and give it to me.


    Jessica wanted Wendy''s dress.


    Samuel opened his mouth to respond, but Wendy quickly stopped him, shaking her head.


    Jessica looped her arm through Stanley''s, leaning in with a smug grin. "Stanley, I want that dress! Buy it for me, and I''ll wear it for


    you."


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 My Dad Please Come 365

    Jessica told Stanley she wanted Wendy''s dress.


    Her damnedpetitive nature wouldn''t let her ept being outshone by Wendy. She had to have that dress. She couldn''t let Wendy steal her spotlight!


    This wasn''t the first time, either. Back when they were at the hot springs, Jessica had bought the bikini Wendy wanted.


    Stanley stared at Wendy."


    3


    At that moment, Samuel reached for Wendy''s soft waist and pulled her closer. With a smirk, he said, "Mr. Hawk, there''s a certain order to things-rules, you know? Isn''t that how it works?"


    Stanley''s eyes narrowed as they fell on Samuel''s hand. When Samuel had his arm around


    Wendy''s shoulders, it had been bad enough, but now, with his hand on her waist, Stanley could feel the icy chill rising in his gaze.


    Jessica pouted, ying her usual game of charm. "Stanley, now that Mr. Samuel is Wendy''s


    boyfriend, she''s acting all high and mighty with him behind her. You''re my boyfriend. You wouldn''t let me lose to Wendy, would you?"


    Stanley pressed his lips together and then turned his gaze to Samuel. "Mr. Samuel, rules are made by people, aren''t they? Whoever has the power gets to make the rules."


    Samuel raised an eyebrow. "What are you saying?"


    Stanley turned to Wendy. "Jessica wants the dress you''re wearing. You should just take it


    off and give it to her."


    He actually told her to take the dress off and give it to Jessica.


    Samuel''s smile didn''t falter, but his voice turned sharp. ¡°Mr. Hawk, if that''s the case, it seems like we should have a duel. A man''s gotta do what a man''s gotta do for the woman he


    2016


    cares about."


    +25 Bonus


    Samuel held Wendy in his arms while Stanley and Jessica stood together. The tension in the


    air was thick.


    Stanley and Samuel were men of wealth, and now, it seemed, it was time for them


    measure their fortunes.


    At that moment, Wendy spoke up.


    "No need for apetition. I''ll take off the dress and give it to Jessica."


    Wendy was the one making the move.


    Samuel looked at her, surprised. "Why..."


    Wendy silenced him with a nce. "There''s no need to fight over a dress. I''ll just go change


    now."


    Wendy walked into the fitting room, changed out of the dress, and handed it to Jessica. "Here you go, Jessica."


    Jessica couldn''t hide her smug grin. "I''ll give you credit for knowing your ce. You know


    you can''tpete with me."


    Wendy''s clear, sparkling eyes twinkled as she smiled. "You''re still the same, always trying to pick up my leftovers."


    What?


    Jessica froze, her smile faltering.


    Wendy''s lips curled into a teasing grin. "I''ve already worn this dress. If you want it, take it. You came begging at my door, so I''m happy to throw you a bone."


    With that, Wendy lifted her hand, and her slender fingers released thece dress, letting it fall directly into Jessica''s waiting hands.


    The gesture was so cold, almost like charity to a beggar.


    Jessica''s smile disappeared, reced by a furious scowl. "Wendy, you little-"


    +25 Bonus


    Samuel''s voice cut through the tension. "Ms. Jessica, you seem upset. You wanted the dress, and Wendy gave it to you. So, what''s the problem? Seems like there''s no winning with you. Mr. Hawk, your girlfriend seems prone to mood swings. Does she really make you happy?"


    Jessica was speechless, her mind spinning from Samuel''s words. Wendy''s actions had already angered her, but now Samuel''s taunts were making her head buzz.


    3


    Lilian cut in, trying to ease the situation. "Alright, Jessica, why don''t you go try on the dress for Mr. Hawk?"


    Lilian was smart-she knew that Jessica''s goal was to win Stanley over, to secure his


    affection.


    Jessica was the lead dancer in ballet, with a body to die for. The moment she stepped out in that dress, she would outshine Wendy for sure.


    Trish chimed in, "Yeah, you should try it on! I''m sure you''ll look way better in that dress than Wendy


    does!"


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 My Dad Please Come 366

    Jessica regained her confidence. She shot a provocative nce at Wendy before heading into the fitting room to try on the dress.


    It didn''t take long before Jessica came out, and both Lilian and Trish immediately praised


    her.


    "Jessica, you look stunning!"


    Jessica certainly looked beautiful in thece dress, but there was an odd


    expression on her face. She felt like the waist was too tight.


    When she was in the fitting room, she had to suck in her stomach just to get the zipper up.


    She twirled in front of Stanley, holding the dress. "Stanley, do I look good?"


    Stanley stared at Jessica, silent.


    Lilian quickly jumped in, "Of course you look amazing, Jessica! How could you not? You''re the lead dancer in ballet. You''re leagues above all those housewives!"


    No sooner had Lilian finished speaking when a loud "rip" echoed through the room-the fabric of Jessica''sce dress had split at the waist.


    Lilian, stunned, went silent.


    Jessica let out a sharp scream and immediately reached to cover her waist.


    The dress had actually torn!


    How could something so embarrassing happen to her? And in front of both Stanley and Wendy, no less.


    The saleswoman said awkwardly, "Thisce dress isn''t really your size, miss. You need arger one."


    It wasn''t a huge deal to wear a bigger size, but Jessica was too proud. She felt deeply humiliated.


    Samuel burst intoughter. "Ms. Jessica, do you usually wear this size? If so, you''ve definitely gained some weight recently. Your waist is thicker now."


    Jessica, speechless, shot Samuel a re.


    +25 Bonus


    Samuel continued, "But don''t take it too hard. I know you work hard to keep your figure as the lead dancer, but Wendy''s waist has always been naturally slim. There''s noparison."


    Jessica, humiliated, was left fuming.


    She red at Wendy, her voice filled with venom. "Wendy, was this your n all along? You knew I couldn''t fit into this dress, and you still let me try it on. You just wanted to watch me make a fool of myself!"


    Wendy blinked innocently. "You should know your size. How would I know whether you could fit into this dress?"


    Jessica was left speechless. She opened her mouth to say something, but Stanley''s deep, maic voice interrupted.


    "Enough."


    Jessica looked up, meeting Stanley''s cold, emotionless gaze.


    He gave her a quick nce, showing no emotion, just a distant, aloof tone. "Stop arguing."


    Lilian quickly stepped in to cover Jessica. "Go and change out of that dress right now."


    Jessica''s face turned pale. She knew she had embarrassed herself in front of Stanley. Reluctantly, she made her way back to the fitting room.


    Samuel wrapped his arm around Wendy. "Let''s go. Let''s shop at some other stores."


    Wendy, having seen the drama unfold, had no interest in staying any longer. "Alright, let''s


    go."


    With that, Wendy and Samuel turned to leave.


    +25 Bonus


    As they passed by Trish and Edith, Wendy stopped and addressed them. "Let me offer some friendly advice: ask Dr. Cen for money tonight. Let''s see if he gives you anything."


    Samuel raised an eyebrow. "Dr. Cen?"


    Edith and Trish quickly regained theirposure, trying to recover from the embarrassment from earlier.


    "You heard right, Mr. Samuel! Dr. Cen is my boyfriend now," Trish said proudly.


    "And he''s going to be my future grandson-inw!" Edith added with a smile. Samuelughed in disbelief.


    "Dr. Cen isn''t a man. Dr. Cen is a


    woman."


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 My Dad Please Come 367

    apter 367


    Dr. Cen was a woman?


    Both Edith and Trish froze, their faces turning pale. "Mr. Samuel, what are you talking about? Dr. Cen can''t be a woman. I''m dating him! He''s a man!"


    Samuel raised an eyebrow. "I not only know Dr. Cen, but we''re also very close. I''m telling you: She''s a woman."


    Trish was so stunned by this news that she stood frozen in ce. "That''s impossible! You


    must be lying to me!"


    Edith, too, couldn''t believe it. "Mr. Samuel, I understand that you''re dating Wendy


    now, but there''s no need to joke about something like this."


    Neither of them seemed convinced, so Samuel shrugged. "Dr. Cen is a


    woman. Forget it if you don''t believe me. Wendy, let''s go."


    "Alright."


    Samuel turned and left with Wendy.


    Edith and Trish remained standing there, stunned.


    Edith nervously grabbed Trish''s arm. "Why would Mr. Samuel say Dr. Cen is a woman? What''s going on?"


    Just then, Jessica emerged from the fitting room, having changed into her clothes. She and


    Lilian walked over to them, their faces serious.


    "Trish, are you sure the person you''re dating is really Dr. Cen?"


    "This is important, Trish!" Edith said. "We''ve invested everything. I even mortgaged the family estate. If we''ve been tricked, the Crone family is finished!"


    Trish, equally nervous, had always believed she was in a rtionship with Dr. Cen. When


    +25 Bonus


    Wendy first warned that Dr. Cen was a fraud, no one believed her. Now, with Samuel saying it, Trish was starting to doubt.


    But she forced herself to stay calm. "Why would you believe what Mr. Samuel says? He''s Wendy''s boyfriend. Of course, he''s just trying to mess with us. Don''t listen to him!"


    Jessica turned to Stanley. "Stanley, what do you think?"


    Stanley nced in the direction where Wendy and Samuel had disappeared, his voice low and maic.


    "I don''t know Dr. Cen. We''ve missed each other a few times, but this Samuel guy is a big yer in Florias. Since he operates in both the legal and illegal worlds, he''s well- connected. If he says he knows Dr. Cen and that Dr. Cen is a woman, it might not bepletely baseless."


    Trish''s anxiety deepened, while Jessica''s face turned pale.


    They just received news that their fortunes had multiplied tenfold, but now, they found out they might have been duped.


    No one could ept that!


    Just then, Stanley''s phone rang.


    He looked at Jessica. "You all can keep shopping. I need to head back to the office."


    With that, Stanley left.


    "Stanley!"


    Edith grabbed Jessica''s arm. "What do we do now? You have to ask Mr. Hawk for help!"


    Jessica sighed. "Stanley warned that we shouldn''t invest in Dr. Cen."


    What?


    Edith''s face shifted.


    +25 Bonus


    At that moment, Trish spoke up. "We can''t panic just yet. Here''s what I''ll do: I''ll call Dr. Cen tonight and ask for the money."


    "Alright, we''ll wait for your call."


    That evening, Trish returned home. Archer and Natalie quickly gathered around her.


    "Trish, didn''t you go out with Dr. Cen today? When are you two getting married? Your


    grandma wants you and Jessica to have a joint wedding that''ll shock Hovendale. Your dad and I have already been boasting about it to the bosses around here, and now everyone''s


    envious," Natalie gushed.


    Archer leaned back on the couch.


    "The second branch has been throwing their weight around, all proud of their soon-to-be son-inw, Mr. Hawk. But now, Dr. Cen is going to be our son-in-w. We''ve finally gotten the upper hand! Trish, you need to hold on to Dr. Cen. He''s a wonder doctor.


    That''s a huge win for


    us."


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 My Dad Please Come 368

    Archer and Natalie were absolutely pleased with Dr. Cen as their future son- inw.


    However, Trish''s expression darkened. She pulled out her phone and dialed Dr. Cen''s


    number.


    The call connected, but instead of Dr. Cen''s voice, a cold, robotic voice answered.


    "Sorry, the number you have dialed is not in service."


    Not in service?


    Trish''s heart fell to her stomach. She quickly dialed again.


    But once again, the same robotic voice replied, "Sorry, the number you have dialed is not in


    service."


    Trish immediately tried to text Dr. Cen on WhatsApp. But the text wouldn''t send. Instead of two ticks, the status remained a single tick.


    Dr. Cen had blocked her.


    The number was now disconnected, and WhatsApp showed her as blocked. The man who had been sweet-talking her just yesterday had vanished into thin air, and now she couldn''t


    reach him at all.


    With a loud thud, Trish''s phone slipped from her hand and fell to the carpet. She copsed onto the floor like a deted ball.


    "Trish, what''s wrong?"


    "Why are you sitting on the carpet? Get up."


    Archer and Natalie rushed to pull Trish up, only to realize that she was ice-cold, her body


    trembling.


    +25 Bonus


    Meanwhile, Wendy and Samuel had just stepped outside. Samuelughed.


    "Wendy, the Crone family is really something! They actually thought they could make Dr. Cen marry one of their daughters and make him their son-inw. It''s unbelievable!"


    Wendy raised an eyebrow, her expression unfazed. "They''ve been living in a dream world. I warned them, but they mocked me, calling it jealousy. Now, if they''ve been scammed out of their money and anything else, that''s on them, not me."


    Samuel chuckled. "Wait until they find out who Dr. Cen really is! That''ll be a sight to


    see."


    Wendy smiled. Just then, her phone buzzed with a WhatsApp notification from Halsey.


    [Wendy, Professor Lincoln invited us to dinner tonight.]


    Cyril?


    Wendy had been so busytely, she almost forgot about her beloved student.


    Wendy replied, [Alright, we''ll go together.]


    Halsey wrote again, [I have something to take care of and I''m not at school. Can you wait for me in the girls'' dorm? I''ll be back soon.]


    Wendy grinned. [What''s so important? Are you going to see Dwight, the campus heartthrob?]


    Halsey feigned indignation. [Stop teasing me, or I''ll stop talking to you!]


    Wendy ended the chat with Halsey. Though she had been caught up in her worktely, she knew Halsey had been trying to get close to Dwight, but he had never even shown his face.


    "I need to go to vendale University," Wendy told Samuel.


    "I''ll drive you there."


    +25 Bonus


    The two of them climbed into the luxury car, with Samuel behind the wheel and Wendy in


    the passenger seat.


    Suddenly, her phone beeped again.


    It was a message from Stanley.


    Thest time they were in Feirwale, Stanley had forced her to add him on social media, and


    now he was messaging her.


    Wendy opened the message.


    [Is Samuel really your boyfriend?]


    He was demanding to know if Samuel was her boyfriend.


    Wendy didn''t reply.


    Stanley sent another message. [How did you two meet?]


    Stanley was someone with a sharp instinct, and now he was probing about how she had


    Wendy still didn''t respond.


    Her silence was met with another forceful demand.


    [Answer me!]


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 My Dad Please Come 369

    [Answer me!] Stanley demanded.


    Wendy couldn''t help butugh.


    Who did he think Stanley was? Her boss? Why should she listen to him?


    She ignored him once again.


    Samuel, sitting in the driver''s seat, chuckled. "Wendy, even though you and Mr. Hawk are divorced, I can''t help but feel like there''s still something between you two. Is he still interested in you?"


    Wendy shrugged, uninterested. "I don''t know."


    Samuel smirked. "When I put my arm around you in the store, he looked like he wanted to chop my hand off. I have to say, pretending to be your boyfriend is a dangerous job."


    Wendy turned her head to look at him. "Well, if you don''t want to pretend, I could always


    ask Daryl or Ernest."


    "Don''t even think about it. I''d walk through fire for you!"


    The two of them joked andughed, and before long, they arrived at vendale University. Wendy made her way to the girls'' dorm, only to find that Halsey wasn''t there.


    Wendy sat down to wait for her.


    As Wendy had guessed, Halsey had gone to find Dwight.


    Halsey arrived at Dwight''s ssroom, and before she could call out to the


    students inside, two male students quickly approached her.


    "Hey, Halsey!"


    Halsey blinked, surprised. "You know me?"


    "You''ve beening to find Dwight for a whole week now. Of course, we know you!"


    +25 Bonus


    "And now, you''re a famous figure around here. That incident with Dwight and Gilbert fighting over you at the basketball game? Everyone''s talking about it." Halsey didn''t realize she had be somewhat of a campus celebrity. Her birthmark had disappeared, and her oval face was now even more radiant and charming, drawing admiring nces wherever she went.


    Today, Halsey wore the school uniform: a white blouse with a blue skirt, topped off with a navy blue zer. Her long ck hair hung freely, and she wore a fringe that gave her the look of a pure, innocent student.


    Halsey blushed slightly. "So, is Dwight in today?"


    The two male students shook their heads. "No. He hasn''t been to school for several days


    now."


    He missed school again.


    Halsey felt a pang of disappointment. "Okay, thanks. I''ll be going now."


    She grabbed her handbag and turned to leave. Inside her bag was his ck jacket, which


    she still hadn''t returned to him.


    After winning the basketball game against Gilbert, Dwight had walked away without a nce in her direction, not even acknowledging her.


    Halsey made her way to the women''s restroom to wash her hands. Just then, a few senior girls walked in, with the leader being the prettiest girl in her department, Alina Rowe.


    Alina came from a wealthy family and was famous for her beautiful slender legs, prompting many boys to pursue her. She was chatting with her friends, and they began teasing her.


    "Have


    you managed to win Dwight over yet?"


    Dwight?


    Halsey''s ears perked up.


    +25 Bonus


    Alina replied arrogantly, "Not yet. I''ve been pursuing him for so long, but he hasn''t given me the time of day. I think he''s just pretending, acting cold and ignoring me."


    Her pretty face was marked by frustration.


    "Yeah, I''m sure he''s pretending. He must be secretly enjoying it-he''s being wooed by the prettiest girl in the department with those stunning legs!"


    "I think Dwight is just an ungrateful idiot. So many rich young men have driven their sports cars to the dorms to chase after Alina. They''ve all been rejected, but this poor kid thinks he''s special?¡±


    Alina smiled with a hint of bitterness. "Honestly, the only reason I like Dwight is because he''s handsome. He''s got that rugged, tough vibe. If not for that, I would''ve kept my distance from him for his messy


    background."


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 My Dad Please Come 370

    One of the other girls sneered, "Dwight''s dad was a drug dealer, right?¡±


    Alina nodded. "Yeah, he''s the son of a drug dealer. His mom''s blind, and he has a sister in middle school. Their family situation is pretty terrible, but with a drug- dealing father, a blind mother, and a struggling family, it only makes me want to win him over even more. It feels like a challenge. Ha!"


    Alina and the girls around her allughed, their voices wobbling with amusement, mocking Dwight''s family.


    Halsey''s expression hardened. She turned off the tap and red at Alina and the others with her striking almond eyes.


    "Are you doneughing?"


    Her sudden voice caught Alina and the others off guard.


    Alina looked over at Halsey, quickly recognizing her. "Well, well, it''s the famous Halsey. What does our conversation have to do with you?"


    Halsey furrowed her brow. "You shouldn''t be mocking others. You can''t use someone''s


    pain as your joke."


    Halsey had been to Dwight''s house, and despite the difficult circumstances, it was a warm


    home. His mother and sister were kind-hearted and loving.


    The ce was dark and damp, but Dwight had grown up there, and the crude words from that drunken man-calling him a "bastard" that night-spoke volumes about how hard Dwight''s life had been.


    You don''t have to love someone, but you should never hurt them.


    Halsey couldn''t tolerate Alina leading the group in ridiculing Dwight like that.


    Alina, unbothered, smirked and gave Halsey a once-over. "I heard you''ve been chasing


    after Dwight yourself. Looks like his charm is pretty strong, seeing as he managed to attract a rich girl like you!"


    Halsey wasn''t pursuing Dwight, but that wasn''t the point. She didn''t owe them any exnations.


    +25 Bonus


    She stepped forward, her tone calm but firm. "Whether I''m chasing after Dwight is none of


    your business. But I do know that since you can''t have him, you''re just being sour about it."


    Alina''s expression shifted immediately. Halsey had struck a nerve. Alina had had feelings


    for Dwight for a long time, but now that she couldn''t get him, she resorted to bitterness.


    Seeing as her deepest secrets had been revealed, her face flushed with embarrassment and anger. She clenched her fists tightly.


    Halsey ignored Alina, grabbed her handbag, and turned to walk away.


    But just then, Alina''s voice came from behind. "What''s wrong with what I said? Dwight''s


    just the bastard son of a drug dealer. He should count himself lucky that I even nced his


    way!"


    Halsey froze mid-step, then turned around and walked straight up to Alina. "Say that again."


    Alina, still full of arrogance, sneered, "I said Dwight is "


    Before Alina could finish, Halsey reached out and shoved her.


    Alina stumbled backward, nearly falling to the ground. She quickly regained her bnce, her face twisted with fury. "How dare you push me! You''ll regret this. Girls, get her!"


    Alina signaled to the other girls, who quickly rushed toward Halsey.


    Though Halsey was small, she was strong. As Alina reached for her face, Halsey


    yanked Alina''s long hair and mmed her to the ground.


    "Have you heard about respect? If you haven''t, I''ll teach you."


    "Argh! Halsey, let go of me!"


    The two of them tumbled on the floor, struggling fiercely as the other girls closed


    in,


    attacking Halsey.


    The scene descended into pure chaos.


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 My Dad Please Come 371

    Soon, a crowd of students gathered around.


    "Someone''s fighting!"


    Alina immediately felt a rush of fear. Fights at school could result if a formal reprimand, and the worst part was, she was the one getting hurt-and it really hurt, too.


    Throughout the entire altercation, Alina had been pluned to the ground by Halsey. Although a few other girls were also attacking Halsey, it didn''t make any difference.


    Halsey was relentless. All Alina felt was a searing pain all over her body.


    Finally, she managed to shove Halsey off her. "Halsey, just you wait! I''m gonna get help and teach you a lesson!" With that, Alina grabbed her friends and fled.


    Halsey, though she had also taken a few hits, was unfazed. Her clothes were torn, but she picked up her handbag from the floor and made her way to the changing room. She needed to change into something else; she couldn''t go out looking like this.


    She wasn''t at all regretful about the fight with Alina. People who had nothing nice to say didn''t deserve her patience.


    While Alina went off to gather reinforcements, Halsey waited.


    She pulled off her top, hissing in pain as she winced. Her body was marked with many red scratches from the fight. She hadn''t felt them earlier, but now the pain was hitting her all at once.


    Just then, her phone rang, its sweet ringtone cutting through the silence.


    It was Wendy calling.


    Halsey answered the phone, and Wendy''s clear voice immediately filled her ear. "Halsey, where are you? I heard you got into a fight!"


    Wendy had been waiting in the dorm for Halsey, but a student had just run by, saying they saw Halsey in a fight.


    Halsey held the phone to her ear. ¡°I''m fine. I ran into Alina, and overheard her and the other girls talking badly about Dwight."


    "So, you fought them because of Dwight?" Wendy asked, surprised.


    "Yeah, they were five or six against me, but I held my own-ouch."


    Halsey hadn''t even finished her sentence before she identally brushed one of


    her wounds, and tears welled up in her eyes from the pain.


    "Where are you? I''lle find you," Wendy said, her concern clear.


    Halsey gave her the location, and Wendy quickly hung up.


    Wendy wasted no time heading to the changing room to find Halsey. It wasn''t long before she spotted a familiar figure-Dwight.


    He was at the school today.


    He was dressed all in ck as usual, with a ck shirt open to reveal a white undershirt beneath. His ck pants and tall, lean frame made him stand out as he moved with confident strides. His short, neat hair and strong


    Jawline gave him a sharp, bugged look, and his cold, distant mura made him seem untouchable.


    The very qualities that made him so aloof only added to his allure, especially for wealthy, well-behaved girls at this school.


    Wendy immediately stepped forward and called out to him "Dwight, please wait!"


    Dwight paused and turned his head to look at Wendy, his expression neutral. "What is it?"


    "Hi, I''m Halsey''s best friend. Do you remember Halsey?" Wendy sald.


    Dwight didn''t answer the question. Instead, he timed to walk away.


    Wendy blinked, not knowing how to handle his coldness, Sle quickly stepped in front of him, blocking his path.


    "Halsey just got into a fight because a few girls were talking badly about you.


    Dwight nced at Wendy but said nothing. He started to walk again.


    "I''moot trying to guilt-trip you, but she really appreciated what you did for herst time. I know your


    don''t want


    to get involved with her, but the more you avoid her, the more she wants to see you. So... Could you please spare a few minutes to meet her?" Wendy continued.

 My Dad Please Come 372

    In the changing room, Halsey pulled out a new outfit and, with her back to the


    door, started changing into her undergarments.


    Suddenly, a soft knock echoed from the door.


    Wendy had arrived? That was quick.


    "Come in," Halsey called.


    The door opened, and someone stepped inside.


    It wasn''t Wendy, but Dwight who entered.


    As Dwight stepped into the changing room, he caught sight of Halsey in the middle of changing. She wore the school''s skirt and had just switched into a new bra, her slender hands reaching behind to fasten the hooks.


    Dwight froze. He had knocked first, not expecting to see this.


    Halsey''s skin was as white as snow, almost glowing, with a delicate frame. Her long, dark hair cascaded down in soft waves, gently curling around her arms. Her back was breathtakingly beautiful, with a slim waist and a perfect curve that drew


    his gaze.


    Dwight quickly turned away, his face flush with embarrassment, and he started to step back toward the door. But before he could leave, Halsey''s soft voice called out to him. "I can''t reach the hook on the back of my bra. Could you help me?"


    She took a few steps backward, positioning herself right in front of him.


    "Here, I can''t get it."


    Dwight didn''t move.


    Halsey''s voice turned more insistent, tinged with a hint of urgency. "Please, my hands hurt, and my body hurts too... Ouch."


    Dwight''s gaze lowered involuntarily, Halsey''s pale skin was marred with red scratch marks, a result of the fight earlier. She looked bruised and battered.


    For some reason, Dwight felt a twinge of sympathy. He raised his hand and, almost reluctantly, reached for the bra sp.


    But he had never helped a woman with this before, and he found it tricky. The three rows of tiny hooks were difficult to fasten, and he moved slower than usual, careful not to brush against her skin.


    Halsey, curious, asked, "You''re struggling with it too, huh? It might be too tight. It didn''t feel like this before. Maybe my chest has grown bigger."


    She nced down at her chest. "Well, if it has, that''s great. Men like bigger boobs, right? I mean, I won''t expect to get Sienna''s E cups, but I could settle for a D cup!"


    Dwight waspletely caught off guard.


    He quickly finished the task, and the sp was finally secured.


    He turned, ready to leave. But as he reached for the door, Halsey had already spun around.


    "Wendy, why are you so quiet today-ah!"


    12


    MES


    She shrieked as she turned to find Dwight standing there she gasped, shocked "Wh what are you doing here?"


    In a panic, Halsey grabbed her school shirt and quickly pulled it on to cover herself


    Dwight, wanting to leave, reached for the door handle again


    "Stop!" Halsey called out from behind him.


    Dwight''srge hand gripped the door handle, and he was about to exit when Halsey, half-Laughing in disbelief, moved forward.


    He really wouldn''t listen, huh?


    Her soft body was pressed between him and the door, and, with a small nudge, she mmed the door shut.


    She tilted her head back to look at him, her face flushed with frustration. "Dwight, I told you to stop. Didn''t you hear me? You''re not going anywhere!"


    Nowel


    the two of them stood in front of the door. Dwight towered over her by at least a foot, and he looked down at her, his face cold and indifferent. "What do you want?"


    What did she want?


    Halsey''s cheeks flushed, and she looked up at him, a little embarrassed. "I should


    be asking you that. You just saw everything!"


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 373

    Halsey was saying that Dwight had seen her without her clothes on.


    Dwight


    looked at her, unflinching. "I didn''t.¡±


    "Don''t lie! Are you saying you didn''t look at me at all?" she demanded, her voice sharp.


    Dwight remained silent, but it was obvious. Of course, he lid looked-he wasn''t blind.


    Halsey''s soft, delicate face was flushed with a rosy line. The thought of what had just happened made her feel both angry and embarrassed. She had thought it was Wendy, not him.


    "What exactly did you see? What did you hear?" she asked, er curiosity piqued. Dwight stayed quiet, not answering her.


    Halsey hated when he did that-ignored her, stayed silent.


    "Cat got your tongue?" she teased.


    Finally, Dwight spoke. "You said you wanted a D cup..."


    "Ah!" Halsey squealed, quickly standing on tiptoe and pressing her hand against


    his mouth, stopping him from saying more. "Stop talking!"


    Her hand came down abruptly, closing the gap between them. Dwight found himself staring into her bright, captivating eyes. They were the same eyes he remembered from the first time they met-eyes full of light, like they were filled with sunlight.


    That rainy day, when he had unintentionally saved her, her face still had the birthmark, but her eyes were just as mesmerizing as they were now.


    Dwight took her hand gently, pulling it away from his mouth. "I didn''t want to say anything, but you kept insisting."


    Halsey frowned, her frustration showing. "I told you to stop talking!"


    Dwight, with a cool indifference, started to turn toward the door. "Bye, then."


    But Halsey blocked the door, stepping in front of him. "You saw everything! What are you going to do about it?"


    Dwight looked at her, amused by her persistence, "What do you want me to do about it?"


    Halsey took a moment, considering her response. "You saw everything, so I should get to see you too. It''s only fair.


    Dwight was silent, caught off guard by her response.


    Halsey, now provoked by his arrogance, reached for the hem of his white tank top and started to lift it.


    But before she could go further, Dwight''srge hand shot out to stop her, pressing her hand back down. "Halsey," he warned, his vote low.


    Halsey''s eyes sparkled with a mischievous grin. "Oh, so you know my name. I thought you didn''t. Anyway, I''m going to see all of you today."


    She pulled at the fabric again, determined to reveal more.


    Slowly, Dwight''s tan skin began to emerge, in stark contrast to her pale, softplexion. His skin was healthy


    and sun-kissed, with a ruggedness to it that only emphasized his physicality.


    As she tugged the fabric higher, she caught sight of his abs six perfectly defined muscles lined his stomach. Halsey couldn''t help but marvel at the sight. Her eyes followed the defined muscles, her gaze traveling lower. His pants


    fit tightly around his narrow waist, and the curve of his hips led down into his ck pants, tied with a belt. The image of his physique left little to the imagination.


    She kept pulling the shirt up, but this time, her gaze caught on the marks on his body-scratches and scars, old and new, crossing his chest. His body seemed covered with these injuries, some deep, others faded.


    How could one person have so many scars?


    Curious, she reached out to touch them.


    But before her hand could make contact, Dwight grabbed both her wrists, pushing them up against the wall. His tall, muscr frame leaned into hers, and his voice was low, almost a growl. "I only looked at you. I didn''t touch you."


    His hands kept her in ce, not allowing her to move.


    Halsey blinked in surprise, not expecting him to get so close so quickly. His cold, handsome face was now mere inches from hers.


    Flustered, she stammered, "Wh-what are you doing?"


    Dwight froze. Only then did he realize how close their bodies were, how his chest


    was pressed against hers. Their faces were close, his hands firmly holding her wrists, the tension between them palpable.

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    Dwight quickly released her wrists and took a couple of steps back, putting some space between them.


    Halsey felt a warm sensation in her nose and reached up to touch it. When she looked at her fingers, they were covered in blood.


    "Ah! I''m bleeding," she cried out, panic rising in her voice


    Dwight nced at her and saw the blood. He pulled out two issues and handed them to her. "Tilt your head back. It''ll stop soon."


    Halsey took the tissues and tilted her head, still confused. Why am I bleeding?"


    Dwight didn''t answer. He turned and opened the door, stepping out.


    The cold wind hit him immediately, freezing his face. It was sharp and biting, but it also helped clear away the soft, sweet scent of the girl he had just left behind.


    Just then, Halsey caught up to him, having stopped the bleeding from her nose. "Wait up! Why do you have so many scars?"


    Dwight didn''t slow his pace, continuing on with long, determined strides.


    But Halsey was relentless, chattering away beside him. "Are these from fighting with people? You shouldn''t fight anymore. Focus on your studies. Getting knowledge is the best way forward."


    Dwight didn''t react, treating her as if she were invisible.


    Up ahead, a group of people approached. It was Alina, apanied by a few other girls.


    Alina, her face flushed with anger, called out, ¡°Halsey, stop right there! I''ve got reinforcements. Are you scared now?"


    Halsey was surprised Alina had the audacity toe here. She immediately wanted to step forward. "I''m not scared-"


    But before she could finish, Dwight stepped in front of her, blocking her path. His tall, lean body stood in front of Halsey, and he stared coldly at Alina.


    Alina hesitated, her anger faltering for a moment. The truth was, she really had feelings for Dwight. She had turned down many rich young men because her heart had been set on him from the start.


    "Dwight, I-"she spoke.


    Dwight parted his lips slightly, uttering a single, icy word "Leave."


    He told her to leave.


    Alina''s face drained of color as disappointment, sadness, and humiliation all hit her at once. Her hands clenched into fists. "Dwight, I''m in love with you! I''ve set aside my pride and dignity, pursuing you for so long. How could you tell me to leave? How could you be so heartless?"


    Dwight simply looked at her, his tone indifferent. "I''m not interested in you."


    The public rejection made Alina''s face turn even paler, and her voice cracked. "You''re not? Then who are your interested in? Is it her?" She pointed at Halsey behind him ''Do you have feelings for Halsey?"


    Dwight remained silent.


    But to a woman, silence alivays felt like a confirmation. Alina''s emotions began to ball over.


    "Do you really have feelings for her? You''re protecting her you''ve never protected me like this! What does the have that I don''t? Why her?"


    Dwight''s patience was gone. "Are you going to leave or not?


    Alina was truly hurt now. She let out a bitterugh.


    "Do you really think you''re something special? You''re just drug dealer''s son, burdened by your mom and sister! And what do you do when you''re not in school? Everyone else may not know, but I do. You work on construction sites, taking on multiple jobs. You''re just a broke guy!!


    Halsey, her fists clenched, stepped forward. "Alina, why do you like to say nasty things about other people?" Alina scanned Halsey from head to toe before her gazended on the crystal hairpin In Halsey''s hair. "Halsey, that little hairpin of yours is Chanel''s new release. It must cost thousands, right?"


    Today''s Bonus Offer

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    Halsey paused for a moment. She was indeed wearing a halpin, but it was a gift from her aunt.


    Alina chuckled. "You''re wearing a thousand dor Chatirpin like it''s nothing, but that kind of money would take Dwight forever to earn. Do you really think you two are a good match?"


    Halsey put her hands on her hips, "What does it matter to you if we''re a good match? You and Dwight aren''t a good match, that''s for sure!"


    Alina sneered. "You little..."


    At that moment, Dwight turned to Alina, his voice cold as spoke, "Get out of my face. Don''t make me say it a third time."


    Alina, torn between love and fear for Dwight, shivered as his ley gazended on her.


    "Fine! Just wait and see. You and Halsey won''t have a good ending," Alina snapped, then turned and walked away with her group.


    "Finally, she''s gone." Halsey turned to Dwight. "Don''t fall for her. She''s not nice- she kept insulting you!"


    Dwight looked at her, puzzled. "What did she say?"


    Halsey hesitated, trying to protect his pride. She said carefully, "She mentioned your family situation."


    Dwight understood immediately. His family background wasn''t exactly a secret, and he didn''t care what others said.


    Dwight looked into Halsey''s bright, beautiful almond-shaped eyes. "Is that why you fought with her? Because she insulted me?"


    Halsey nodded. "Yes!"


    Suddenly, Dwight took a step closer to her, his long legs carrying him forward. He asked, his voice low, "So you have feelings for me?"


    Halsey''s heart skipped a beat, and she could feel her pulse racing. She had never felt this way before-her heart was out of control, and her face turned crimson,


    When she had been with Gilbert, everything had been calm and unremarkable. But with Dwight, she felt like her entire being was on fire.


    This was the first time she had felt this around a man. She had fallen for Dwight.


    From the moment he appeared out of nowhere on that rainy night, she had been drawn to him, unable to look


    away.


    Halsey gazed at him, her big eyes sparkling with uncertainty. "L..


    Dwight had already noticed the look in her eyes, a look that Alina and other girls who pursued him often gave him.


    He took another step forward. "Do you want me to be your boyfriend?"


    Halsey''s fingers nervously tugged at the fabric of her shirt. She was shy, but she was also someone who loved fiercely. She wasn''t afraid to express her feelings. If she was into someone, she wanted to say it out loud.


    Halsey tilted her face up to look at him. "Will you?"


    She was asking if he would be her boyfriend.


    Dwight shook his head. "No."


    Halsey froze.


    Dwight''s expression remained unreadable as he added, "Don''t waste your time on me. I''m not interested in you."


    With that, he turned and walked away.


    Halsey stood still, stunned. He said he wasn''t Interested inher? But then why had he asked?


    She watched as Dwight''s cold, aloof figure disappeared from view, her frustration building. Why wasn''t he interested?


    Just then, she heard Sienna''s voice from behind.


    "Gilbert, did you hear that? Halsey has feelings for Dwight she even confessed to him just now, but he rejected her. It''s hrious!"


    Halsey spun around to see two familiar faces-Sienna and Gilbert.


    The whole fight with Alina had already reached Sienna''s ears, and she had immediately brought Gilbert over. So, they had witnessed everything that had just happened between Halsey and Dwight.


    Gilbert''s eyes were cold as he red at Halsey, clearly displeased.


    Sienna, on the other hand, looked like she was enjoying the spectacle.


    Halsey didn''t want to see either of them, nor did she feel embarrassed about being rejected.


    "So it''s just two annoying eavesdroppers," she said, rolling her eyes.

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    Halsey tumed on her heel and walked away, leaving Sienna standing there, speechless.


    Gilbert quickly stepped forward, blocking her path. "So you have feelings for Dwight?"


    Halsey nodded. "Yeah, I do."


    #


    Gilbert still couldn''t believe it. "No way! How could you pagably like someone like Dwight? You must be doing this to get back at me, right? I didn''t expect you to y hard to get."


    Halsey was at a loss for words. "Gilbert, listen carefully: It''s over between us. We were too young back then, and I know you took advantage of me and cheated on nie. But honestly, I never had any romantic feelings for you. Now, Dwight''s the man I want."


    Gilbert was in disbelief. He couldn''t believe that the girl who used to chase after him had fallen for someone else.


    "Do you even know who Dwight is? He has such a messy background. Do you really think he can take care of you? Or are you nning to support him?" he sneered.


    Halsey frowned. "I seriously don''t know where you and your friends get your sense of superiority from. The only thing that makes you different from Dwight is that you were born with more wealth. But I''m telling you, I have. feelings for Dwight. I''m going to do whatever I want!"


    "You "Gilbert''s face turned ashen with rage.


    "Move. Don''t block my way!!


    Gilbert didn''t budge. He stared at her, furious.


    Halsey turned to look at Sienna ¡°Sienna, is this why you brought Gilbert here? To make him harass me?"


    Sienna''s expression changed. Over the past few days, Gilbert had been distant with her. He wasn''t as sweet or affectionate as he had been during their secret affair.


    She had only brought him over to watch Halsey''s humiliation, but she hadn''t expected Gilbert to be so fixated on her.


    Sienna quickly stepped forward and grabbed Gilbert''s arm. "Gilbert, you and Halsey have already broken off your engagement. You have nothing to do with her anymore. She''s into Dwight now, and that''s her business. She''ll just end up embarrassing herself. Let''s go."


    Sienna tried to pull Gilbert away.


    But Gilbert''s face darkened, and he didn''t make any move to leave. "Halsey, I see you won''t give up until you hit rock bottom. I''m taking you to see what kind of person Dwight really is!"


    With that, he roughly shook Sienna off.


    Sienna stumbled backward, nearly losing her bnce.


    Gilbert ignored her and grabbed Halsey''s delicate arm, pulling her along


    Sienna was furious. "Gilbert!"


    What had gotten into him?


    Gilbert dragged Halsey to his car. The Greenwood family was a prestigious name


    in the elite circles, and as the heir to the family, Gilbert drove a Ferrari.


    +25 CAMUS


    Halsey kept struggling, trying to break free. "Let pol You''re hurting me!"


    Gilbert nced down, noticing the red mark he had left on fer wrist from how tightly he had gripped it.


    He looked at Halsey, whose birthmark was now gone, and noticed the same softness in her features, the delicate, radiant beauty of a rich girl with porcin- like skin. Her eyes sparked like a fragile red rose, so beautiful and vulnerable.


    Gilbert released her wrist and opened the passenger side door of the car. "Then get in the car yourself."


    "I don''t want to!"


    "I''m taking you to see Dwight. Don''t you want to know what he''s up to?" Today''s Bonus Offer


    Chapter 372.

 My Dad Please Come 377

    Hearing Gilbert''s words, Halsey stopped struggling and obediently got into the passenger seat of the Ferrari.


    Gilbert slid into the driver''s seat, his face dark with frustration. "Are you really that curious about Dwight?"


    At first, she refused to get in his car, but for Dwight''s sake he had agreed.


    Halsey looked up at Gilbert. "Do you realize how strange you''re acting right now?" Gilbert paused, taken aback.


    "I''ve already stepped aside for you and Sienna," she contined. "Now she''s your girlfriend. She''s got great boobs and a tiny waist, plus she''s into dance. Isn''t that the type you like? You should be with her. Why do you keep bothering me?


    Gilbert gripped the steering wheel tighter. "L..."


    "Gilbert, don''t tell me you''ve fallen for me," she said, a mocking glint in her eyes.


    The sarcasm in her gaze hit Gilbert hard, and he couldn''t hold back his frustration. He scoffed, "Get over yourself! How could I ever fall for you?"


    "Good," Halsey replied coolly.


    She didn''t want his affection, especially not now. Overdue love was worthless.


    Gilbert realized his feelings were driven by possessiveness. After all, Halsey used to revolve around him; and now, out of nowhere, she had shifted her affections to Dwight-Hispetitor. Of course, it left him feeling uneasy.


    If Halsey was doing this to get his attention, then he had to admit she had seeded.


    Half an hourter, the Ferrari pulled up in front of a construction site. Halsey stepped out of the car.


    She had never been to a construction site before, and the noise and chaos reminded her of Dwight''s living conditions.


    She nced around, and her little round-toed leather shoes identally sank into the mud, getting dirty all around the edges.


    Gilbert looked down at her shoes. "Your shoes are dirty. Want me to clean them with a tissue?"


    Halsey shook her head. "No. You said you were bringing me to see Dwight. Where is he?"


    Gilbert nodded toward the front. "Over there."


    Halsey looked up and saw a group of workers in blue uniforms and yellow hard hats. Among them, one figure stood out-tall, cold, and strikingly handsome. That was Dwight.


    He was working at the construction site.


    Earlier, Alina had mentioned that Dwight worked multiple jobs every day, including at construction sites. It seemed she wasp lying.


    Halsey watched Dwight, covered in dust and sweat, carrying a heavy bag of cement on his shoulder. He was focused on his work and hadn''t noticed their arrival.


    Gilbert smirked. "See? That''s the guy you''re into. Why would you fall for someone like him?"


    Halsey''s eyes followed Dwight as he lifted bag after bag of cement, his body bending under the weigh


    vas


    paid ording to the immer of bags he carried, and at the moment, he had already lifted nine logs, his back hunched slightly under the heavy load.


    Halsey turned to Gilbert. "Let''s go back."


    Without another word, she began walking away.


    Gilbert was thrilled, knowing that once Halsey fully understood who Dwight was,


    she would realize the rtionship was impossible.


    "Now you see, Dwight is not the right person for you. You shouldn''t be with someone like him-"


    "Gilbert," she interrupted, her voice steady, "I''m leaving now because I don''t want to disturb Dwight. He has his pride, and I hope you''ll respect that too."


    What?


    Gilbert froze; he thought Halsey had lost interest in Dwight but instead, it seemed she was protecting Dwight''s pride delicately.

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    Gilbert clenched his fist. "Halsey, are you under Dwight''s sell or something?"


    "That''s none of your business!" Halsey snapped,


    Gilbert ced his hands on his hips and let out an angry scoff. "Fine! Then what I do is none of your business, either. I''m going to find Dwight right now."


    With that, Gilbert turned and started walking toward Dwiple.


    Halsey''s face changed, and she immediately reached out to grab Gilbert, "What are you doing? People are working! You have no right to disturb them!"


    At that moment, the construction foreman rushed over, parting. He bowed to Gilbert and said, "Mr. Gilbert, what a surprise! It''s so messy and dirty here. You''ll ruin your clothes. Are you here to Inspect the site today?"


    Halsey froze.


    Gilbert turned to Halsey with a sly smile. "Oh, I forgot to tell you. This is one of my family''s properties, and I oversee this construction site. It''s no surprise I''m here for a site inspection."


    Halsey almost forgot that the Greenwood family was in real estate. This was one of their properties, and Dwight had conveniently ended up working on theirnd.


    Gilbert turned to the foreman "I heard there''s someone named Dwight working here."


    The foreman nodded. "Yes, that''s right."


    "Go ahead and call him over."


    The foreman immediately shouted, "Dwight,e over here!"


    Dwight set down the cement bag he was carrying and looked up. He immediately spotted Gilbert and Halsey.


    The workers at the site were busy with their tasks, but the sight of a Ferrari parked in the middle of a construction area, along with Gilbert and Halsey''s striking looks, made it impossible for anyone not to notice.


    Dwight''s face remained emotionless as he walked toward them, his steps purposeful and unhurried,


    The foreman smiled. "Mr. Gilbert, this is Dwight. He may be young, but he''s hardworking and willing to do anything."


    The foreman seemed to be very fond of him.


    Gilbert looked Dwight up and down. "What a coincidence. Didn''t expect to find you working on my family''s construction site."


    Dwight''s expression remained cold as he asked, "Is there something you need? If not, I''ll be on my way."


    Halsey immediately spoke up. "We don''t need anything. You should get back to work."


    Halsey tried to puff Gilbert away, but Gilbert just chuckled. "Dwight, how many cement bags do you think you can carry at once?"


    The foreman replied, "He can carry eight. Our strongest workers here can only manage five."


    Gilbert grinned. "Alright, Dwight, here''s a challenge. Add one more bag to that and I''ll give you a hundred. Add two more, and you''ll get two hundred. I''ve got plenty of cash. Let''s see how much you can carry."


    The foreman was stunned. "Mr. Gilbert, that''s too much! Eight bags are already extremely heary Adding more could seriously hurt him."


    Gilbert looked at Dwight, a mischievous smile on his face. "You said you wanted to make money, right? Well, I''m giving you a chance to earn it."


    Halsey''s face froze in anger. "Gilbert, are you done with your games? Do you really have to act so superior?"


    Gilbert turned his attention back to her. "I''m not forcing anyone to do anything. I''m paying for a bit of entertainment. Dwight wants to make money, and I''m offering him a chance. It''s a win-win for both of us."


    Then he looked at Dwight. ¡°So, what do you say? Are you in?"


    Halsey immediately tried to stop him. "Dwight, don''t listen to him!"


    Before she could finish speaking, Dwight said, "Okay, I''ll do it."


    Halsey froze, unable to believe what she had just heard.


    The foreman quickly brought over a stool. Gilbert sat down, ready to watch the spectacle unfold.


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 ease Come 379

    Halsey rushed to Dwight''s side, trying to stop the game. "Dwight, don''t go along with Gilbert''s game. This could hurt your body. If you really need money, I can-"


    Dwight nced at her, and Halsey Immediately fell silent.


    She hadn''t meant to say that it was just that she didn''t want him to hurt himself for the sake of money.


    Dwight looked at the foreman. "We can start now."


    The foreman began loading cement bags onto Dwight''s shoulders, one by one, quickly reaching eight bags. Then, the foreman added a ninth and a tenth bag.


    Gilbert watched eagerly, pping his hands. "Wow! I didn''t expect you to push yourself so hard for money. Here''s


    one, two...!


    Gilbert tossed two hundred dors onto the ground.


    The foreman continued stacking bags-eleven, twelve.


    "Three, four hundred."


    Gilbert kept tossing money onto the ground.


    With twelve bags now on Dwight''s shoulders, his face remained expressionless, but the sweat on his forehead dripped relentlessly, and his uniform was soaked through


    Halsey wanted to stop it, but no matter what she said, it felt wrong. She could only watch helplessly.


    The foreman, visibly ufortable, spoke up. "Dwight, if you can''t take any more, just say so."


    But Dwight didn''t utter a word.


    The foreman added more bags-thirteen, fourteen.


    "Five hundred, six hundred."


    Gilbert threw six hundred dors onto the ground


    Halsey looked at the scene, knowing that Dwight was a person with a lot of pride. But with fourteen bags on his shoulders, it was clear that the weight was bending his spine.


    She turned to Gilbert, her voice firm. "Enough, Gilbert! Stop!"


    At that moment, a melodious ringtone broke the tension-it was Dwight''s phone.


    The foreman immediately called for a halt. "Dwight, someone''s calling you. Let''s stop here."


    Dwight paused, carefully cing the fourteen bags of cement at their designated spot before returning to the


    group.


    Gilbert nced at the six hundred dors on the ground. "The money''s right here. Take it. It''s yours."


    Dwight bent down to pick it up.


    Before he could reach it, a delicate white hand moved faster Halsey crouched down, gathered all the money, and dusted off the dirt from the bills. Then, she stood up and pushed the money into Dwight''s arms. "Here you go. Six hundred dors."


    Chapter 379.


    $75 BONUS


    Dwight looked into Halsey''s bright, almond-shaped eyes for a moment before taking the money. He turned to Gilbert with an icy look.


    "Thanks, Mr. Gilbert. If you ever want to throw more money around, just call me. I''m always happy to y along."


    Gilbert immediately stood up, furious. "You little..."


    Gilbert never expected Dwight to be soposed, so open, and without a hint of self-pity.


    Dwight pulled out his phone-it was a call from his mother He quickly answered the call, but instead of Tina''s voice, it was Madeline''s.


    Madeline''s voice was frantic and tearful. ¡°Dwight, something happened to Mom... Sob..."


    Dwight''s expression fell. "Maddy, what happened to Mom? Stop crying for a sec. Just tell me what''s going on."


    "Mom copsed today! Mrs. Hart and I rushed her to the hospital, but they said we needed to take her to a bigger hospital for a full check-up. Where''s that big hospital? I''m so scared..."


    Madeline, only in her first year of junior high, waspletely overwhelmed. Dwight gripped his phone tightly. "Wait right there. I''ming now." He hung up the phone, then immediately turned and started running. Halsey called after him. "Dwight, where are you going? Wait for me!"

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    Halsey was about to chase after Dwight.


    However, Gilbert grabbed her arm. "What are you going after him for? You''re not going anywhere!"


    Halsey forcefully pulled away from him. "You have no right to conftol mel"


    Without another word, she quickly ran after Dwight while Gilbert clenched his fists in frustration.


    Halsey followed Dwight to a small hospital. Tinawas lying on a hospital bed, still unconscious.


    Madeline stood by her side, crying nonstop, her face pale with fear. The neighbor, an older woman, was trying tofort Madeline.


    "Maddy!" Dwight cried when he arrived.


    "Dwight!" Madeline''s thin body copsed into Dwight''s arms, sobbing


    uncontrobly. "Please check on Mom! She won''t wake up no matter how much we call her..."


    Dwight gently patted Madeline''s back tofort her before turning to look at Tina, lying motionless on the bed." Mom!"


    Yet, Tina didn''t respond.


    The neighbor, Penelope Hart, spoke up, "Dwight, you two need to hurry and take her to a bigger hospital. The doctor just came by and said she needs to go there for a full check-up. We can''t wait much longer. But there''s a shortage of beds there, and we don''t know which doctor is best. What should we do?"


    Penelope sighed, her voice heavy with concern. She knew Dwight''s father had passed away a long time ago, Dwight had been taking care of his mother and sister. It always seemed like bad luck found those who could least afford it.


    and


    Before Dwight could say anything, Halsey rushed over. "I''ve got a solution. I know people at the big hospital. I can arrange everything."


    Madeline looked at Halsey through her tears. "Halsey_."


    Halsey took out her phone. "Don''t worry, Maddy. I''ll call someone right now."


    Dwight reached out and pressed his hand over Halsey''s phone.


    Halsey looked up at him. "This is no time for politeness. One call, and I can arrange it all."


    Dwight hesitated for a moment, then slowly withdrew his hand.


    Halsey immediately dialed the number. "Hey, Dad "


    After hanging up, Halsey turned to Dwight. "It''s all taken care of. Someone''s on their way."


    Sure enough, within moments, a group of medical professionals in white coats arrived. They carefully lifted Tina onto a stretcher and moved her to an ambnce.


    The doctor looked at Halsey. "The patient''s vital signs are stable. She''s already on


    a venttor. Dr. Willis from the naturopathy center is waiting. As soon as she arrives, they''ll begin a full examination."


    Halsey nodded. "Okay."


    She looked at Dwight and Madeline. "Let''s all head to the naturopathy center together."


    They all rushed to the Naturopathy Center, where Tina was handed over to Anthony Willis for the examination. Two hourster, Tina was wheeled back into a VIP intensive care room. She slowly opened her eyes and woke up. The chaotic scene from earlier instantly quieted down, and Madeline rushed over. "Mom!"


    Tina''s vision was blurry, her voice weak. She reached out and gently touched Madeline''s head. "Darling, I''m fine.'' Dwight took Tina''s hand, his face full of concern. "Why did you copse? Are you okay?"


    Tina smiled faintly. "I guess I''m getting older, and my body has gotten weak. Don''t worry, Everything''s fine." Halsey had been staying by their side. She stepped forward hd said softly, "Mrs. Garner, hi. I''m Halsey. We metst time. Do you remember me?"


    Tina''s face lit up with recognition. Of course, she remembered Halsey. A well- bred, well-educated, sweet, and polite girl like her was exactly the kind of person mothers loved.


    Tina smiled warmly.


    "Of course, I remember you, Halsey. Howe you haven''te to visittely? I even asked Dwight about you."


    Today''s Bonus Offer

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    Halsey smiled, her lips curving up as she replied to Tina, "didn''t want to disturb you, so I usually just meet Dwight at school."


    Tina chuckled softly, clearly pleased.


    At that moment, Anthony arrived, and Halsey stepped outside.


    In the director''s office, Anthony handed Halsey the medical report. "Ms. Lincoln,


    the patient''s test results are in."


    Halsey looked at him expectantly. "How did it tuin out?"


    Anthony shook his head. "The patient is in thete stages of cancer."


    What?!


    Halsey froze. ¡°Late stages of cancer? Are you sure? Mrs. Gamer has always been so healthy.


    "I''m certain," Anthony replied. "She likely had cancer for several years. She was aware of it but never sought treatment, nor did she tell anyone. The cancer has spread to her heart and brain. She has about two months left."


    Halsey slumped into the chair, stunned. She couldn''t believe it-only two months left for Tina.


    Why hadn''t she said anything when she was diagnosed? Why hadn''t she sought treatment?


    And Dwight and Madeline had no idea about all this.


    In the hospital room, Penelope and Madeline stayed by Tina''s side. Madeline poured a cup of water. "Mom, have some water."


    Tina leaned back against the headboard, taking a sip of the water. She looked at Penelope and smiled weakly." Penelope, I really appreciate you helping me this time."


    Penelope squeezed Tina''s hand gently. "No need to thank me. I know how hard it is for you, raising two kids on your own. It must''ve been tough."


    Tina nced at Madeline, still so young "No matter how hard it''s been, we''ve made it through. Dwight''s grown up, but I feel sorry I couldn''t provide more for Maddy."


    Penelope sighed. "Dwight''s done so well. He''s just like his dad, Herman. He turned into a strong, capable man.¡±


    When Herman Gamer''s name was mentioned, Tina''s eyes, which had lost focus long ago, suddenly filled with


    tears.


    Penelope immediately realized her mistake. Herman was the wound that never healed, the pain they all carried.


    Tina wasn''t naturally blind-she had gone blind because she had cried too much for Herman.


    Penelope quickly changed the subject. "That girl, Halsey-she''s stunning, you know. Her face is so small, and her skin is like porophin, almost glowing. Her eyes are bright, and her figure is lovely. I''ve never seen such a beautiful girl. She''s definitely from the big city."


    Tina smiled softly. "Halsey''s that beautiful? I could tell by the way she speaks that she must be a lovely, charming girl she''s always so sweet and soft."


    Madeline chimed in, her voice full of pride. "Mom, Halsey is really pretty."


    Penelope added, "And it''s not just her looks. She''s well educated too, and she goes to school with Dwight. She muste from a promineht family. She made one call and had you admitted to this hospital. The doctor who''s been examining you, Dr. Willis, I think I''ve seen him on TV-he''s highly regarded. Is she Dwight''s girlfriend? He''s reallye a long way, dating such a wonderful girl


    Tina listened quietly, then spoke, her voice calm, "We shouldn''t jump to conclusions about their rtionship. We don''t want to tarnish the girl''s reputation. She''s probably out of Dwight''s league. He hasn''t mentioned anything about dating anyway, and a girl like her must have many sultors.''


    Penelope patted Tina''s hand gently. "I understand, bin Dwight''s grown up, the day he''ll get married. Don''t you want him to? If he doesn''t, he''ll spend his whole life alone.


    Tina didn''t respond.


    Madeline, with her innocent sincerity, added, "Dwight won''t be alone. He still has me."


    Chanter 387

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    Penelope chucked and tapped Madeline on the forehead.


    "Your brother loves you so much. He made sure you got into the best middle school. I''m sure he won''t let you turn into an old spinster and stay with him forever."


    Madeline giggled, her smile wide.


    Just then, Halsey entered the room.


    Madeline brightened at the sight of her. "Halsey!"


    Penelope stood up. "Did you get the test results?!!


    Halsey''s fair eyes were red around the edges, and she nodded. "Yes, I have them."


    Madeline''s expression shifted to concern. "What''s wrong with Mom? Is she really sick?"


    Halsey looked over at Tina, still lying on the bed, but she didn''t say anything.


    Penelope sensed the tension and immediately said, "Maddy why don''t youe outside with me for a minute? 1 need to talk to you."


    Madeline, trusting her, agreed without hesitation. "Okay."


    Penelope guided Madeline out of the room.


    Now, the room was quiet, with only Halsey and Tina remaining. Halsey took a seat beside the bed, her eyes focused on Tina.


    Tina was dressed neatly; her clothes had seen better days and had faded from frequent washing, but they were clean and well-kept. Her half-silver hair was pinned up neatly, and her face held a serene, kind expression


    Halsey thought of her own mother, who was about the same age as Tina but was on vacation overseas. Her mother would always buy beautiful dresses and make sure she looked stunning. She had always said that women were born with a love for beauty.


    Tina was surely interested in looking beautiful, but life had taken a different path for her.


    "Did you see my test results?" Tina asked quietly.


    Halsey nodded. "Yes, Mrs. Garner. You''re in thete stages of cancer."


    Tina smiled softly. "I know. Actually, about four years ago, I fainted at home and went to the hospital for tests. That was when I found out something was wrong." "Why didn''t you get treatment? If you had, maybe it wouldn''t havee to this."


    "Maybe," Tina said with a sigh. "The doctors said if I had over 150 thousand for treatment, maybe I could''ve lived


    little longer. But back then, Maddy was still so young, and Dwight wasn''t even an adult yet.


    "Dwight had it really hard. Before his father passed, that man left behind 300 thousand in debt. I couldn''t help. because I had lost my sight. Dwight started skipping school and secretly working. He was so young; afraid he wouldn''t be taken seriously, he got a tattoo, shaved his head, and put on a tough exterior. He had to look like someone you wouldn''t want to mess with."


    Tina raised her hand, and Halsey instinctively reached out and took it. Tina''s hand was rough and calloused, the thick skin almost prickly to the touch.


    She chuckled. "Is Dwight always cold toward you?"


    Halsey nodded. "He''s like that with everyone. He doesn''t smile."


    Tina''s voice softened. "Dwight wasn''t always like this. He used tough a lot. He had the most beautiful smile. But after his father died, leaving us three alone, he became tough. His father was a drug dealer, and people loved talking about us behind our backs. Dwight was afraid of us being mistreated, so he stopped smiling altogether." Halsey''s heart ached. She had grown up surrounded by love and care, and her greatest hardship had probably been dealing with Gilbert.


    But since meeting Dwight and his family, she felt like she was seeing a whole new side of life.


    "Even if we didn''t have any debt and I had a million, I wouldn''t have spent it on something uncertain. For the past four years, I''ve prayed every day, hoping I could live a little longer at least long enough to see Dwight grow up. At least... I could spend a little more time with him."


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    "I feel like God heard my prayers,¡± Tina murmured, her voice soft and wistful. "Four years have passed in the blink of an eye, and Dwight has grown up. I know my time is running out. How much longer did the doctor say I have?"


    Halsey''s beautiful almond-shaped eyes misted over with unshed tears. "He said you have about two months left."


    Tina whispered, almost to herself, "Two months... That''s not a lot of time."


    Halsey immediately gripped Tina''s hand tighter. ¡°Don''t worry, Mrs. Garner. I''ve arranged for Dr. Willis to give you the best treatment. We''ll fight for more time."


    Tina turned toward Halsey. "Halsey, if it weren''t for you, I wouldn''t even be here. We owe you a debt of gratitude. Our family may be poor, but we don''t like owing anyone anything. I''ll leave the hospital today, and you won''t have to trouble yourself with me anymore."


    "Mrs. Garner_" Halsey began, but she knew there was no convincing Tina. Just like Dwight, Tina had her pride.


    Halsey didn''t press the matter, but she was determined to help in her own way. The imported medicine would not only ease Tina''s pain but also buy her more time.


    "Please don''t tell Dwight or Maddy about my condition."


    "Why? I think-"


    "If Dwight finds out, he''ll sell everything to get me treatment. I know my body; the treatment won''t work, so there''s no need to waste money. I don''t want to burden Dwight more than he already has been. He''s never known a life of ease, always caught between me and his father''s legacy."


    Seeing Tina had made up her mind, Halsey chose to respect her wishes. "Okay, I''ll keep it a secret."


    "Thank you so much."


    Halsey sniffed and wiped at her nose, reddened from emotion. "No need to thank me. Dwight actually saved me. Without him, I wouldn''t be here."


    Tina''s gentle smile tugged at the corners of her lips.


    "By the way, where''s Dwight?" Halsey asked.


    "He went to take a shower. He should be out soon."


    Dwight had rushed back from the construction site, covered in dirt and dust. Even while waiting in the hospital earlier, he had attracted attention with his rugged appearance.


    Every time he came home, he made sure to clean up, not wanting his family to see him looking so grimy.


    This VIP hospital room had its own bathroom, so Dwight had gone in to freshen up.


    Halsey remembered the heavy cement bags he had been carrying earlier. His shoulders must be in pain. She immediately went to Anthony and got a medicinal ointment that worked wonders for muscle aches.


    Holding the ointment in her hand, Halsey stood by the bathroom door, about to knock


    But before she could, the door opened on its own.


    Was he not inside?


    She pushed the door slightly and stepped in. "Dwight, are you-


    And then, in the next second, Halsey found herself staring Dwight. He had just stepped out of the shower, wearing only a pair of ck pants, his upper bodypletely bare.


    Thest time they were in the dressing room together, she had seen his perfect physique broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and defined abs. Right now, the image of a stinningly handsome man fresh from the shower struck her like a jolt.


    Halsey gasped, quickly covering her eyes with both hands. Wh-why aren''t you wearing any clothes?"


    Dwight hadn''t expected her to barge in so suddenly. He quietly grabbed a clean white tank top and pulled it over his head. "Why didn''t you knock?"


    She had meant to, but the door had opened on its own.


    Halsey peeked through the crack between her fingers, herrge eyes watching him.


    He was already dressed inthe tank top, and she noticed a tattoo on his arm-arge eagle.

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    Halsey felt a warm sensation at the tip of her nose. She reached up to touch it and realized she was bleeding again.


    "Ah, I''m bleeding again!"


    Dwight immediately reached for a tissue and shoved it into her nose. "Tilt your head back."


    Halsey did as told, raising her head. "Why is it that whenever I''m around you, I always get nosebleeds?"


    Dwight nced at her. "You''re good to go.


    Halsey looked at him, confused. "Why didn''t you answer me


    What could he have said?


    Without a word, Dwight turned to leave.


    He was starting to ignore her again.


    Halsey blocked his way, handing him the ointment. "Here, this is for you." "What''s this?"


    Halsey pointed to his shoulder, which was visibly red. "You carried so many cement bags today, so I''m sure your shoulder is sore. If you apply this medicine once in the morning and once at night, you won''t feel any more pain."


    Dwight gave her a quick look but didn''t respond.


    Halsey persisted, "Take it."


    Dwight reached for the ointment, but instead of just grabbing it, he pulled on Halsey''s hand as well. Before she knew it, she was suddenly in his arms.


    Halsey looked up at him. His face was close, his freshly washed hair still damp. The usual coldness was gone from. his features, reced by a hint of youthful defiance.


    Halsey blinked, her mind racing. "Wh-what are you doing?


    Dwight''s gaze softened as he studied her delicate face, her confusion making her look even more innocent and endearing. He leaned in and asked quietly, "What do you want?"


    Halsey waspletely lost, unable to follow his train of thought. "What do you mean, ''what do I want?


    Before she could process what was happening, her vision went dark as Dwight bent down and kissed her soft, red lips.


    Her mind went nk, and the world around her seemed to explode in a rush of confusion.


    She had never kissed a man before. This was her first kiss, and it hade out of nowhere.


    Dwight pulled back almost immediately, a teasing question in his voice. "Is this what you wanted?"


    Halsey stood there stunned. "What are you doing?"


    Dwight met her eyes. "Thank you for everything today. I don''t like owing favors. Did I give you what you wanted?"


    Halsey remained speechless.


    It took her a moment to realize what he meant-he had kissed her to thank her.


    A wave of frustration surged through her. Was this all he thought of her? Did he want to keep their rtionship that distant, resorting to a kiss just to draw a line between them?


    She looked at him with a raised brow. "Is this all you''ve got?"


    Now it was Dwight''s turn to be confused. "What?"


    Halsey gave him a yful, soft look, raising an eyebrow. "Do you even know how to kiss?"


    Dwight froze for a second, processing her words. Did she want a longer kiss?


    "What are you staring at me like that for? You said you wanted to thank me, right? You saw what I did today. I helped you, so you can''t just kiss me once and call it even. I want more!"


    Halsey said that with a yful, mischievous tone.


    Halsey noticed that Dwight''s ears were turning red.


    His ears...were actually red..


    Her words had made him blush so quickly.


    She herself was feeling shy, but seeing him like this gave her the courage to be bolder.


    This man, usually so cold and distant, could actually blush


    Halsey raised her hands and wrapped them around his neck Dwight''s body stiffened in response.


    When he didn''t push her away, Halsey took that as a sign and boldly moved


    forward. If he could kiss her, then she could kiss him too.


    She stood on tiptoe and leaned in, pressing her lips gently to his.


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    Dwight''s lips were cold, and the sensation of the kiss felt unexpectedly nier


    Halsey, though inexperienced, had seen people kiss before, but the hadn''t realized how pleasant it could feel


    Dwight stayed rigid, not moving. He didn''t close his eyes, and he noticed that neither did she


    Herrge, beautiful eyes were full of innocence and curiosity. When young boys and girls reached a certain age, they naturally became curious and cager to explore and experience intimacy with someone they had feelings for it was something innocent and bold at the same time.


    Halsey''s soft, red lips were pressed against his, and soon, she sucked his bottom lip


    A wave of heat surged through Dwight, starting from his sensitive lower back and spreading out, leaving him with a tingling, almost dizzying sensation that made his eyes bloodshot.


    Now, with Halsey''s arms wrapped around his neck, their bodies were pressed together, and it didn''t take long for her to notice something different in his body.


    She pulled away slightly, confused. "What''s that? It''s pressing against me." Halsey reached down.


    But Dwight quickly grabbed her slender wrist, stopping her from moving any further. "Are you done?"


    Halsey looked at his icy, unyielding face, still cold as ever, but she wasn''t afraid. She pulled her wrist free, him down. "I''m not."


    "What more do you want?"


    Halsey pulled out her phone. "This is my Facebook. Send me a friend request." Dwight felt like she was pushing it a little too much. "Why"


    "Add me as a friend, and then we''ll be square. No one owes anyone anything." Halsey said quickly, her voice firm.


    Dwight gave her a nce before pulling out his phone and adding her as a friend.


    After opening Halsey''s Facebook page, he noticed her profile picture was a close-up of her face, taken at sunset. Her small, oval face was lit by a soft, sweet smile, with a few strands of dark hair framing her face. The atmosphere was youthful and beautiful.


    Dwight nced at it before quickly looking away. "It''s done"


    With that, he stretched his long legs and headed out


    Wait, he was leaving? Did he not want to spend any more time with her?


    Halsey held her phone, staring at his profile picture. His was just a ck square, with his name simply listed as Dwight.


    She clicked on hi profile, but it was empty. He hadn''t posted anything


    Although she didn''t gain any useful information, she was still happy to have added him as a friend.


    Dwight stood by the window for a moment, letting the cool air blow over him and calm his body''s heat


    The sensation in his body was unfamiliar he had never felt this way before. Chapter 385


    -


    He didn''t like being with Halsey. Being around her always made him feel like he was caught in her sweet, soft


    aura.


    After a while, Dwight calmed himself down and returned to the hospital room. Tina was up, packing her things.


    He rushed over to her. "Why are you out of bed?¡±


    "I''m feeling much better. Let''s go home now," Tina replied.


    "But you still haven''t gotten the test results. Let me go get them."


    "Dwight," Tina called out to him, stopping him. "Dr. Willis already brought over the test results. Everything is fine. I fainted at home because of low blood sugar."


    Dwight still seemed doubtful. "Really?"


    Tina handed him the test results, showing no issues. "Here, look for yourself. Do you think I''d lie to you?" Dwight flipped through the papers, seeing that everything was normal. He let out a sigh of relief.


    "Okay. I''ll stay with you more over the next couple of days, but you should still be careful about the low blood sugar."

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    Tina nodded. "Okay. Where''s Halsey?"


    Dwight pulled out a bag and started packing his things. He didn''t look up, his voice t. ¡°She went back. We''re just ssmates, nothing more."


    "I know a lot of girls are into you. Remember that one who flipped a love letter and choctes into your backpack? Maddy saw it. What was her name again? Alina?"


    Dwight lifted his head, a bit annoyed. "Don''t bring up those people. Halsey is different from them."


    Tina smiled. ¡°Oh, so in your eyes, Halsey is different from all those other girls who fancied you?"


    Dwight fell silent, his expression unreadable. He focused or packing again.


    "Dwight, you''re not a kid anymore. If you have feelings for someone, don''t let them slip away, Halsey is a nice girl.


    Dwight finished packing his bag, took it in hand, and gently supported Tina as he helped her out of


    the hospital.


    As they walked down the hallway, Dwight said softly, "I don''t think about these things. I can''t give her a future."


    Tina was quiet. She knew Halsey came from a good family, and that was why she had distanced herself from Halsey in front of Penelope earlier she didn''t want to harm Halsey''s reputation.


    It was because she liked Halsey so much that she wanted to protect her.


    "Right now, all I''m focused on is Dad''s case. One day, I will prove his innocence. I want everyone to know that he was an undercover cop, not a drug dealer."


    Tina''s eyes glistened with tears as she squeezed Dwight''s hand. "You shouldn''t have to carry this burden."


    It was going to be a tough road ahead.


    "I often think that if your dad were still alive, he wouldn''t want you to walk down this path. He''d want you to live a normal life, fall in love with a girl, get married, have children, and live a peaceful, happy life."


    People passed by in the hallway as Dwight guided Tina through the crowd.


    "I know what kind of life I want. That kind of life isn''t for me. I don''t have feelings for anyone, and I never will," Dwight said.


    Wendy had been waiting for Halsey, and when she saw her return, she rushed over. "You''re finally back! I thought you''d nevere back after seeing Dwight."


    Halsey blushed. "Stop teasing me! Let''s hurry and go to the Lincolns'' residence." Wendy and Halsey made their way to the Lincolns'' residence. On the way, Halsey told Wendy everything that had happened.


    "Mrs. Garner''s cancer has spread to her heart and brain, and she only has two months left. But Dwight doesn''t know. Since his dad passed away, he''s been living with his mom and sister. I can feel that his mom is pir. I can''t even imagine how Dwight will cope when Tina is gone,"


    Wendy sighed with regret. Once cancer spreads, there''s little hope.


    However, she could help Tina pass without suffering


    Wendy looked at Halsey. "In life, we can never escape the pain of loss."


    Halsey nodded. "At least now I have Dwight''s contact. If something happens, I can still find him. Wendy was surprised. "Halsey, you''re impressive. You ever got Dwight''s contact."


    Halsey leaned in and whispered in Wendy''s ear. "Actually, Dwight and L... We did it."


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    What?


    Wendy gasped, her eyes widening. "You did it? What did you do?"


    Halsey held up two fingers, lightly tapping them together. We kisded,"


    Wendy sighed in relief-she thought Halsey and Dwight might have already taken things further.


    She gave Halsey a curious look. "Do you really have feelings for Dwight?"


    Halsey''s mind shed with an image of Dwight''s cold, handsome face. Her heart began to race, her feelings stirring in a way she couldn''t control. So, this was what falling in love felt like.


    She shyly nodded. "Yes."


    Wendy looked like she waited to say something, but in the end, she kept quiet. Love was between two people, and everyone else was just a third party.


    Half an hourter, they arrived at the Lincoln family''s house. Wendy and Halsey walked inside.


    Wendy still didn''t know Halsey''s true identity, and Halsey had nned to find a moment to exin things to her. She had made sure to give everyone a heads- up today-no one was allowed to reveal her identity.


    "Ms.... Ms. Crone, you''re here!" Isabel greeted them enthusiastically.


    Wendy and Halsey smiled. Just then, Cyril came down the stairs. "Hello, Wendy."


    Wendy''s clear, sharp eyes met Cyril''s, and she nodded. "Yes, I heard you wanted to talk?"


    Cyril smiled. "Let''s talk in the study."


    Wendy nodded. "Alright."


    A deep, maic voice interrupted them. "Wait."


    Wendy turned, seeing Stanley standing by the door.


    Stanley was here too..


    Halsey blinked, tilting her head. "Mr. Hawk, what brings you here? Are you looking for Wendy?"


    Stanley looked at Wendy. He had texted her, but since she hadn''t replied, he decided toe to her.


    "Wendy, I need to talk to you."


    Cyril raised an eyebrow at Stanley. "Get in line. I''m the one who invited her. Wendy, let''s go upstairs and talk."


    Wendy followed Cyril upstairs.


    Stanley waited in the living room when Halsey walked up to him. "What do you need to talk to Wendy about?" Stanley pressed His lips together. "Do you know that she''s been seeing Samuel?"


    Halsey smiled teasingly. "Isn''t it normal for her to be dating? You''re about to marry Jessica. What, do you expect Wendy to remain single forever for you?"


    Stanley was silent.


    +25 BORS


    Upstairs, in the study.


    Wendy entered first, while Cyril took a phone call.


    It was Wendy''s first time in Cyril''s study. She looked around and then sat down. Cyril quickly returned after his phone call. He had a lot of questions for Wendy.


    He wanted to ask how Wendy had gotten rid of that birthmark on Halsey''s face.


    He wanted to know why Wendy always slept through his sses, only to wake up and point out his mistakes.


    He felt like Wendy was hiding something.


    When Cyril entered the study, he froze, staring in shock. Wendy was sitting in his office chair, holding one of his academic notes and reading through it.


    When she heard him, Weridy looked up at him. ¡°So, Cyril, what did you want to talk to me about?"


    Hearing her call him by his first name, Cyril almost copsed, his legs nearly giving out.


    He had already guessed the truth.


    His eyes widened in disbelief as he stammered, "Y-You''re Dr. Cen?"


    Wendy shed a small, confident smile, her voice soft and clear. "Yup."


    Without another word, Cyril dropped to his knees.


    "Mr. Lincoln." The butler quickly rushed over to help Cyril up. "Mr. Lincoln, what''s wrong?" Cyril shook his head. "I-I''m fine."

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    Before he could finish speaking, Cyril''s legs buckled again, and he began to slide toward the floor.


    "Mr. Lincoln!" The butler quickly rushed to support Cyril.


    Wendy stood up and walked over to him, gently cing a hand on his arm. "Chill. No need to be so nervous."


    Cyril stared at Wendy in disbelief. He could hardly believe that the legendary Dr. Cen, known for her skills in naturopathy, was actually such a young woman and his own niece-inw, no less! It felt like a dream,


    Cyril looked at Wendy and asked again, "You''re thy mentor?"


    Wendy nodded, her expression yful. "Yes. Was I not clear? Should I have called you ''Cy'' instead of ''Cyril''?"


    Cyril, speechless, was still processing the shock.


    Now he was absolutely certain-Wendy was indeed Dr. Cen, his mentor.


    "D-Dr. Cen, I never imagined it would be you..." he stammered, feeling utterly confused about the proper way to address Wendy now.


    Wendy smiled softly. "There''s no need to be formal. We can meet as peers in academia. You can just call me.


    Cyril could hardly contain his amazement. "Did you really remove the birthmark on Halsey''s face?"


    Wendy nodded. "Yes, I did."


    Cyril''s mind clicked into ce. All the mysteries were finally solved. No wonder Halsey''s birthmark had vanished, and no wonder Wendy immediately noticed his mistake after waking up in ss. These were things that ordinary people couldn''t do-unless Wendy was far from ordinary.


    So Wendy really was Dr. Cen!


    Cyril was overwhelmed with excitement, his emotions surging. He felt gratitude, admiration, and awe for Wendy.


    "I did a ton of research on Halsey''s birthmark, but I couldn''t figure out how to make it disappear."


    Wendy returned to the desk, picked up a pen, and wrote down a prescription.


    "This is what I used. Take a look."


    Cyril eagerly grabbed the paper, his eyes widening in admiration. ¡°Brilliant! Truly brilliant. No wonder you''re my


    mentor."


    Wendy smiled gently. "So, is there anything else you need?"


    Cyril shook his head. "No, nothing else. Please stay and have dinner with us.''


    have ns tonight. I need to head back."


    Wendy and Cyril left the study and headed downstairs, where Stanley and Halsey were still waiting in the living


    TODII.


    Halsey stepped forward and linked her arm with Wendy''s. "How did it go?"


    "Not bad. I have to go. Let''s head back."


    "Alright."


    At that moment, Stanley stepped in front of Wendy, blockin; her path. "Not so fast.


    I need to talk to you."


    Before Wendy could respond, Cyril immediately rebuked him, "Stanley, that''s enough! Show some respect. You can''t just order Wendy around like that!"


    Stanley stared at Cyril as if he had seen a ghost. "Uncle Cyril what''s wrong with you? Have you been possessed or something!


    Ignoring Stanley, Cyril smiled broadly and gestured politely. "Wendy, please excuse my nephew. Have a safe trip back. I''ll have the driver take you."


    Stanley was stunned. He wondered whether his uncle had lost his mind.


    Wendy shot a nce at the flustered Stanley before turning to leave with Halsey.


    Halsey, still smiling mischievously, stuck out her tongue at Stanley as if to say, "Serves you right!"


    Stanley stood with his hands on his hips,ughing in frustration.


    What on earth was going on?


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    Wendy and Halsey got into the car and drove off, leaving Stanley and Cyril standing outside. Stanley eyed Cyril suspiciously. "Uncle Cyril, what''s going on with you?"


    Only when Wendy and Halsey''s car hadpletely disappeared from sight did Cyril pull his gaze away. He looked at Stanley, "What do you mean? I''m perfectly fine. I feel great."


    Stanley raised an eyebrow. "You might want to take a look the way you were bowing and scraping to Wendy just now."


    Stanley had never seen Cyril act like this before.


    Cyril bristled, "Bow and scrape? I was just showing respect. You wouldn''t understand."


    Showing respect?


    Stanley was confused. Why would he show respect to Wendy?


    He felt like Cyril must''ve been confused.


    "I wanted to talk to Wendy, and you interrupted me. I wanted to ask her if she''s been seeing Samuel."


    At the mention of Samuel, Cyril nodded. "I think she is."


    Stanley was curious. "Why do you think so?"


    Cyril gave Stanley a look from head to toe before replying with a serious tone. "Because you''re not good enough for her. She deserves someone better."


    With that, Cyril turned and walked inside.


    Stanley stood there, dumbfounded.


    What in the world was happening?


    Stanley had no idea when Cyril had started thinking he wasn''t good enough for Wendy.


    Wendy stayed at Royale Residences that night. The next morning, she was woken up by the sound of her phone ringing it was Samuel calling.


    Wendy picked up with azy voice. "Hey, Samuel "


    "Wendy, I''ve got some breaking news for you. The fake Dr. Cen ran away."


    Wendy stretched out in bed, not at all surprised. She had known that the fake Dr. Cen would eventually run off.


    "He took everything from the Crone family and disappeared without a trace. This morning, the court and the bank. showed up to seize the Crone family estate, as well as the second and third branches'' businesses. The Crone family is inplete chaos-they''ve been wiped out.''


    Wendy scoffed. She had no sympathy for them. In fact, she had warned them beforehand, only to be met with mockery.


    "They were destroyed by their own greed and ignorance. Everyone has to pay the price.


    Samuel chuckled. "Let''s sit back and enjoy the show. I can''t wait to see how the Crone family deals wit this."


    At the Crone family estate, everyone had gathered. Edith, along with members from the second and third branches of the family Harry, Lilian, Jessica, Archer, Natalie, and Trish were all present in the living room.


    The court and bank officials had already begun posting notices, Edith, red-faced and furious, stormed over to


    them, shouting, "What are you doing? This is my house! Get out of here right now, or I''ll sue you for trespassingle


    The court official looked at her with a nk expression. "Feel free to take it to court."


    Edith stood there, stunned.


    The bank officials held out all the necessary documents. "You all signed over everything, including this family estate. Now, we are legally seizing your property. You need to leave, or we''ll have to force you out."


    Edith grabbed Trish''s arm. "Trish, what''s going on? Where Dr. Cen? Where did he take our money?


    Trish''s face was ashen, the arrogant attitude she once hadpletely gone.


    "Grandma... 1-I''ve been scammed. That man wasn''t Dr. Cen. His real name is Abe McKinney, and he''s a fraud. He took our money and ran."


    What?


    Jessica and Lilian looked as if they had just been hit with a ton of bricks. They grabbed Trish.


    "You''ve been scammed? Do you realize how much money we invested? Now ourpanies have been mortgaged too! You''ve ruined us! We''re going to lose everything!"


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    Harry was frantic. "Trish, you need toe up with something fast!"


    Archer and Natalie were on the verge of tears. "Our moury was taken too! Do you think we''re not freaking out? We''ve all been scammed!"


    Edith was beside herself with panic, pping her thighs over and over. "It''s over! This is it! What are we going to


    do now?"


    The court officials spoke up, trying to maintain order. "Please leave immediately and stop disturbing our work."


    Edith tried to resist, her voice rising in defiance. "I''m not going anywhere! This is my house! I''ve lived here for decades! This is the Crone family''s estate, and I dare anyou toy a hand on it!"


    A minuteter, Edith was forcibly escorted out by two court workers, along with the second and third branches of the family.


    Jessica, furious, shouted, "Don''t touch me! I''ll leave on my own. Let go!"


    She yanked herself free from the workers, but as they loosened their grip, she lost her bnce and crashed to the floor,nding hard on her backside..


    Everyone watched on in silence.


    Edith sat on the ground, wailing and pulling at her hair. ¡°What are we going to do? What did we do to deserve this? Why is this happening to us?"


    The second and third branches were silent, too. Just yesterday, they had been celebrating their so-called windfall. Now, they were all face down in the dirt.


    They had lost their entire fortune-they were left with nothing, with no home to return to. How had it all gone so Wrong?


    "Trish, what are we going to do now? We''ve been tricked by that fake Dr. Cen, but I''m sure we can still get our money back. You have to think of something!" Jessica urged


    Trish was too panicked to think straight. "All of the information he gave us was fake. I can''t find him anywhere! Where am I supposed to go to get our money back?"


    call Mr


    Lilian looked at Jessica, her expression grim. "Jessica, we''re out of options. You should call Mr. Hawk. Maybe he can figure out how to fix this."


    Edith sprang to her feet, desperation in her eyes as she looked at Jessica. ¡°Yes, you have to call Mr. Hawk! He''ll know what to do."


    Jessica didn''t want to lose everything. She was used to a life of luxury, and she wasn''t ready to give it up. Quickly, she pulled out her phone and dialed Stanley''s number.


    The phone rang twice before it was answered. Jessica clutched the phone tightly. "Stanley, something terrible''s happened!"


    Stanley''s deep, calm voice came through the receiver. "What''s wrong?"


    "Do you remember Dr. Cen? He''s not really Dr. Cen at all! He''s a fraud!"


    There was a long silence on the other end.


    "We''ve already invested all our money. The court and the bank showed up today and sealed ourpanies. They


    even took the family estate. We''ve lost everything! Please, help us! Help us find that fake Dr. Cen and get r money back!"


    Stanley remained silent for a few seconds before responding, "I warned you a long time ago that something was off with that guy. You shouldn''t have been so hopeful. And How look, it''s toote. This was bound to happen.


    "I''ve always had trouble contacting Dr. Cen. There''s no point in asking me for help. The longer you wait, less chance you have of getting your money back. You should be looking for the right person now."


    "Right person? Who exactly should we be looking for?" Jesica asked.


    Today''s Bonus Offer

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    Stanley''s voice was calm but firm.


    "Of course, you need to find someone who knows Dr. Cen, Isn''t Professor Lincoln Trish''s mentor? You could ask her to reach out to him, or


    Jessica interrupted, her voice trembling with urgency. "Or who?"


    "Samuel mentioned he was familiar with Dr. Cen. He even said she was a woman. You could ask him to help you get to the bottom of this," Stanley replied, before hanging up.


    Trish, now with a clearer direction, spoke up.


    "Let''s go find Professor Lincoln," she said immediately.


    Earlier, they had beenpletely disoriented, unable to think straight. Now that Stanley had pointed them in the right direction, they could either go to Cyril or Samuel for help.


    "Alright." Jessica agreed, nodding.


    The Crone family arrived at the Lincoln family''s residence. Isabel, who knew Jessica, wasn''t exactly weing


    "Sorry, Mr. Lincoln''s not home, so I can''t let you in," she said firmly.


    Jessica''s face turned pale. Normally, she would have just walked away, but now, with a favor to ask, she had not choice but to swallow her pride. "We really need to speak with him. Could you please let him know we''re here?"


    Isabel snorted dismissively. "Everyone says that. Am I supposed to let everyone in just because they im they have something important to talk to Mr. Lincoln about? Who do you think you


    are?"


    Isabel still held a grudge from thest time Jessica and Sienna had humiliated Halsey, so she wasn''t about to show Jessica any kindness now.


    Trish stepped forward, her voice full of urgency. "I''m Professor Lincoln''s prized disciple. I need to speak with him."


    Isabel shot her a nce and muttered, "Birds of a feather."


    Trish was taken aback, left speechless.


    The Crone family stood there, frantic and pacing, like ants in a frying pan, not knowing what to do.


    Just then, a luxury car pulled up. Cyril had returned home.


    Edith''s eyes lit up. "Look, Professor Lincoln''s back!"


    Trish quickly rushed forward. "Professor Lincoln!"


    Cyril saw her and raised an eyebrow. "Trish, what brings you here? And why is everyone with you?"


    Trish, nearly out of breath, rushed to exin. "Professor Lincoln, you have to help us! Our family is in serious trouble!"


    Cyril raised an eyebrow. "What happened?"


    Trish hurriedly exined, "We were scammed by a fake Dr. Cen! He tricked me into falling for him, then took our money and vanished. We invested everything with him, and now he''s disappeared with our funds."


    Cyril burst outughing, unable to hold it in.


    Edith and the others stared at him, shocked


    Cyril, still chuckling, said, "Sorry, I couldn''t help myself. So, Trish, you got scammed by Dr. Cen? I''m surprised you thought you couldnd such a genius. And why do you keep referring to Dr. Cen as a man? Dr. Cen is a woman!"


    Dr. Cen was a woman?


    When Samuel had first mentioned this, they hadn''t believed him; now, hearing Cyril confirm it, they started to realize it was true.


    Edith''s face drained of color, and she stomped her foot in frustration.


    "What an absolute waste! I had fantasies about Dr. Cen bing my grandson-inw. I even dreamed that Trish and Jessica would have a joint wedding, and they would marry Mr. Hawk and Dr. Cen in a grand wedding! I thought our family was finally rising to the top!"


    One blow after another shattered Edith''s dreams.


    Cyril gave Edith a knowing look and smirked. "Your family''s luckier than you think."


    Lilian blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"


    Cyril didn''t exin further but added with a hint of dark humor, "But you all did a


    great job of throwing out your best assets."


    Edith waspletely bewildered. What was he talking about?


    Archer and Harry were both desperate.


    "Professor Lincoln, our family estate andpany have been seized by the bank! We''re going to be on the streets tonight! Can you help us? We''d be forever grateful."


    Fo

 My Dad Please Come 392

    Trish pleaded, her voice desperate, "Professor Lincoln, please, help us think of something! We''re out of options." Cyril shook his head. "Well, you''vee to the wrong person. It''s someone else you have to ask for help. "Who?" Trish asked, her tone filled with anticipation


    Cyril simply answered, "Wendy."


    "What?" The Crone family members were stunned. "Why Wendy? What can she possibly do to help us?"


    "Is she going to help us catch that fake Dr. Cen? Is she going to save the Crone family, bring us back from the brink?".


    Jessica and Trish''s faces were filled with disdain. They couldn''t believe that Wendy would have the ability to solve their problem.


    "Shetan," Cyril replied.


    "What?!" The Crone family was in disbelief.


    Cyril gave them a cryptic look. "I''ve pointed you in the right direction. What you do with it is up to you."


    With that, Cyril turned and walked inside.


    Edith, still in shock, asked, "Why would Professor Lincoln tell us to go to Wendy?"


    Lilian shook her head. "Wendy''s just a housewife! I can''t believe she could do anything to help us."


    "We don''t believe it either," another muttered.


    "Professor Lincoln''s advice doesn''t make sense. Now, it looks like our only choice is to go to Samuel for help." Since Cyril couldn''t assist them, the Crone family had no other option but to ask Samuel for help.


    The Crone family found themselves at Samuel''s doorstep. But the maid blocked their way, saying, "Sorry, you can''te in."


    It felt like the Crone family was running into nothing but dead ends, constantly being rejected.


    Jessica said carefully, "Hi. We really need to speak with Mr. Samuel."


    "Wait here. I''ll let him know you''re here," the maid replied before closing the door with a sharp click


    The Crone family waited outside, shifting restlessly. Ten minutes passed, then thirty. The maid had gone inside and hadn''te back out.


    The evening had fallen, and the Crone family had not eaten all day. Exhausted, Jessica felt a chill creeping in. She hugged herself for warmth.


    "It''s so cold," she thurmured.


    Then, light rain began to fall, the first signs of a storm approaching.


    Edith pped her thigh in frustration. "It''s going to rain! It''s like the heavens are turning against us!"


    Trish, equally cold, wrapped her arms around herself. They huddled together under the eaves, trying to stay dry.


    1


    Edith grumbled, "Trish, this is all your fault! You were scammed by that fake Dr. Cen! You didn''t just lose your own money-you dragged the entire family down with you!


    Trish could hardly find the words to defend herself.


    Archer and Natalie immediately stepped in to protect Trish "It''s not entirely her fault. Jessica didn''t help, either."


    They turned their attention to the second branch.


    Edith''s eyes narrowed as she focused on Jessica, "Jessica, you''ve got no


    backbone. Mr. Hawk and Wendy have been divorced for ages, and you still haven''t managed to take her ce as Mrs. Hawk Now, Mr. Hawk won''t even lift a finger to help us. That just goes to show, you mean nothing to him!"


    Jessica''s face turned pale, her expression filled with a sense of unfairness.


    Harry and Lilian, frustrated, pointed at Trish and her parents. "What are you doing? How could you me everything on Jessica?"


    The second and third branches began to argue among themselves, tempers ring. It looked like a fight was about to break out.


    Edith, fed up, snapped, "Enough! All you do is argue, and it''s getting us nowhere. What happened to the Crone family''s two golden girls? You''re utterly useless!"


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 393

    The two "golden girls", Jessica and Trish, were left speechless.


    They didn''t dare to say a word in response.


    At that moment, the vi''s door creaked open. Samuel''s handsome, refined figure appeared in the doorway.


    Edith''s face lit up with relief. "Mr. Samuel, hello! We''re so d to finally see you."


    Samuel stood at the door, looking at them with aslight frown. "Mrs. Edith, what''s going on here?"


    Jessica noticed that Samuel seemed to be in a good mood, and she couldn''t help but suspect that he had deliberately made them wait out in the cold drizzle for almost half an hour. She had a strong feeling that he had been inside, probably watching them struggle from the window, maybe even enjoying their difort.


    Edith quickly exined, "Mr. Samuel, we''ve been swindled by that fake Dr. Cen. He took all our money, and now we''re desperate. We have nowhere else to turn but to ask for your help."


    "Thest time we met, you said you knew Dr. Cen very well. Is that true?" Trish added.


    Samuel smiled, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "I told you before that you''d been tricked. Dr. Cen is a woman, not a man. And yes, I know her very well.¡±


    Jessica''s eyes lit up with hope. "Can you help us? Please, help us find the fake Dr. Cen and recover our lost money?"


    Samuel looked at the Crone family, amused by their desperate expressions. He had been standing upstairs earlier, watching them struggle in the cold. Now, seeing the way they were looking at him, he smiled and said, "Begging me won''t do any good. You''ll need to go ask someone else for help."


    "Who?" Trish asked, confused.


    Samuel answered, "Wendy."


    What? Not Wendy again!


    Cyril had told them to go find Wendy, and now Samuel was telling them the same thing. What was going on?


    "Mr. Samuel, please don''t joke around! This isn''t funny. Wendy can''t help us."


    Samuel raised an eyebrow. "I''ve said what I needed to say. Whether you listen or not is up to you."


    With that, he turned and walked back inside.


    "Mr. Samuel...


    Jessica started to speak, but before she could finish, the maid mmed the door shut with a loud bang


    They were left standing outside, once again shut out.


    Edith, bewildered, asked, "Why would both Professor Lincoln and Mr. Samuel tell us to go find Wendy?"


    ¡°Don''t let them fool you! They''re probably just making fun of us. We''re not going to beg Wendy for help!" Lilian quickly said.


    Lilian didn''t want to go to Wendy, and neither did anyone else.


    Edith, Jessica, and Trish had always looked down on Wendy treating her like she was beneath them. Now they were expected to swallow their pride, go to Wendy, and begher for help? It felt impossible.


    ¡°If neither Professor Lincoln nor Mr. Samuel can help us, what should we do?" Edith asked, her voice tinged with desperation.


    The group fell silent. None of them knew what to do.


    "It''s getting dark. Are we really going on the street tonight?" Edith asked anxiously.


    This entire scene yed out before Samuel, who stood on the second-floor balcony, watching them. He pulled out his phone, snapped a photo with a soft click, and sent it to Wendy.


    After the photo was sent, Samuel dialed Wendy''s number.


    The phone rang once, then was picked up. Wendy''s clear, melodious voice came through the receiver. "Hey."


    Samuel smiled slightly. "Did you see the photo I sent you? The Crone family is arguing among themselves. They''re about to spend the night on the streets."


    Wendy, who was at Royale Residences, had taken the day off and was currently arranging flowers in a vase.


    Ch

 My Dad Please Come 394

    apter 394


    Wendy had already seen the photo Sammel sent. Today seemed to be one of the lowest points for the Crone family. They had climbed their way up, stepping over Jerry''s legacy with each move, only to now fall hard.


    "I saw it," Wendy replied.


    "I told them that only you can help them now, and that they have toe to you. Do you think they''ll actually ask you for help?"


    Wendy curled her lips into a confident smile. "They will."


    She knew the Crone family too well. When faced with an opportunity to save their fortune, they would swallow their pride ande crawling to her. It would be humiliating for them, but they would do it.


    "How are you so sure?"


    Wendy gently ced a red rose into the vase, her fingers brushing the petals with


    care.


    "I know them too well. They wille to beg for my help."


    An hourter, the Crone family arrived at Royale Residences


    Edith couldn''t believe her eyes. "Is Wendy really living here now?"


    Jessica, Trish, and Lilian hadn''t mentioned to Edith that Wendy was driving a luxury car and living in a mansion. They didn''t want toe to Wendy, but given the circumstances, they had no choice but to swallow their pride and seek her help.


    Jessica nodded. "Yes, she is."


    Edith struck her chest in disbelief. "We''re out here in the cold, while she''s living in this ce. Why? Why her?!"


    Lilian sneered, ¡°She''s only here because of men! Didn''t you see how she''s with Mr. Samuel? He''spletely taken by her. He bought this mansion for her."


    Trish added, "I doubt Wendy could afford this on her own. There''s no need to envy her."


    Edith''s heart seemed to settle slightly. "Enough of this talk Let''s just figure out how to approach her."


    Jessica and Trish were still baffled as to why Cyril and Samuel both told them to seek Wendy''s help.


    Soon, they arrived at Wendy''s door. Jessica hesitated before ringing the doorbell.


    No one answered.


    Jessica rang the doorbell again.


    This time, the door creaked open, and Wendy appeared in the doorway.


    Her clear, piercing eyes fell on them, "What are you doing here?"


    Edith forced a smile. "Wendy... Well, there''s been some trouble at home. You know about it, right?"


    "Home? Which home? 1 remember you all severed ties with me, so I don''t have a home anymore," Wendy replied with a yful smile.


    Edith''s face darkened. "How dare you..."


    Jessica quickly stepped forward. "What are you talking abo? You''re still a part of this family. Now that Trish has been tricked by the fake Dr. Cen, you should be helping!


    Trish chimed in, "Yeah, Wendy, you can''t be so heartless! What good does it do you if our family falls? If you''re secretly enjoying our downfall, then you''re no better than anyone else!"


    Wendy''s gaze lingered on Jessica. "Are you done?"


    Before Jessica could respond, Wendy had already reached for the door to close it. "Wendy!"


    Jessica quickly stopped the door from closing. "What are you doing?"


    Wendy smiled, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Why are you here today? Are you here to give me a lecture? If I''m not mistaken, you''re here to beg for something, right?"


    Wendy''s eyes swept over the Crone family members one by one.


    With a smirk, she added, "Do you need me to teach you how to act when you want to ask for a favor? Without the right attitude, nothing is going to happen." Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 395

    Wendy was reininding them of the purpose of their visit they were here to beg for help.


    Edith, Jessica, and Trish froze, their earlier arrogance gone. The proud posture they had shown just moments ago


    vanished.


    Wendy made a move to close the door again.


    But Edith quickly spoke up. "Don''t close the door, please! We''re here to ask for your help. Please, will you help us?


    Edith was the first to lower her head.


    Wendy raised an eyebrow, ncing at the others.


    Archer and Natalie from the third branch followed suit, lowering their heads.


    "We were wrong before. For the sake of family, please help us," they said.


    Harry also bowed. "Let''s not make things worse between us. Please, we''re asking for your help"


    Wendy''s gaze moved to Lilian.


    Lilian didn''t want to lower her head. She couldn''t believe how things had spiraled out of control. This wasn''t supposed to happen!


    She couldn''t understand how Wendy, the girl they had cast aside, had be a genius. How did Wendy end up with a luxury car and a mansion, while they had been swindled into sleeping on the streets, now forced to beg Wendy for help?


    What had happened in the meantime?


    Lilian didn''t want to speak up, but Edith red at her, the warning clear in her eyes.


    Though reluctant, Lilian bowed her head. "Wendy, I''m sorry. You''re still a Crone no matter what. Please, help us."


    Wendy turned her gaze to Jessica and Trish.


    Trish lowered her head. "Wendy, please."


    Jessica clenched her teeth, nearly grinding them to dust, but finally said, "Please help us."


    Wendy''s sharp, clear eyes rested on Jessica''s face. "Jessica, what did you say? I didn''t quite hear you. Could you say it louder?"


    Wendy was making her repeat herself.


    Jessica''s frustration boiled over. "Hey!"


    But Edith quickly pulled on Jessica''s arm, stopping her.


    Jessica looked up and saw Wendy standing there, poised and elegant, her amused eyes glinting as she watched Jessica struggle."


    Jessica felt like she might explode. She had no choice but to raise her voice again. "Wendy, please help us."


    Wendy''s lips curled into a faint smile. It was deeply ironic to her. The once haughty Crone family, the ones who would have loved nothing more than to trample her underfoot, were now all bowing their heads one by begging for her help.


    Just then, Wendy looked up and saw a tall, handsome figure Stanley.


    She hadn''t realized when he''d returned, but now, standing opposite her, he silently observed the scene with calm


    eyes.


    Their gazes met.


    Jessica, noticing Stanley at the same time, hurried over. "Stanley."


    "Mr. Hawk."


    Stanley took a few long strides toward them, his tall frame moving effortlessly.


    Jessica grabbed his arm, leaning into him with a pout. "Stanley, now you see Wendy for who she really is! She''s forcing us to bow down to her. We''re family after all. She''s so selfish, cold-hearted, and petty."


    Wendy couldn''t help but smile. Now they were calling her family? She certainly didn''t feel like part of their family. Wendy wasn''t concerned with Stanley''s opinion. She smiled and met his gaze with confidence. "Mr. Hawk." Stanley''s eyes lingered on Wendy''s face. "Now that they''ve all asked you for help, are you going to deal with the fake Dr. Cen for them?"


    "Yes, Wendy, we''ve asked. You can help us now, right?" Edith said.


    Wendy''s smile widened. "I can help, but I have one condition.

 My Dad Please Come 396

    "What condition?"


    "I want my dad''s ashes."


    Jerry''s ashes had always been kept by the Crone family. Wendy had asked for them before, but they refused to give them up.


    Mentioning Jerry made the faces of everyone in the room shaft slightly.


    "What''s wrong? I''m his biological daughter. Am 1 not allowed to take my dad''s ashes?" Wendy''s voice was steady but sharp. "You''ve never treated him as part of the family, why do you still hold onto his ashes so tightly? Now, it''s a choice: You can either keep his ashes or protect the Crone family''s interests. Choose for yourselves." Edith''s murky yet shrewd eyes fixed on Wendy''s face. She realized that her granddaughter had truly changed.


    "Fine, I''ll give you Jerry''s ashes." Edith finally agreed.


    Lilian immediately grabbed Edith''s sleeve. "Mom!"


    Wendy saw their small gestures and subtle expressions, and a coldugh escaped her. "I''m just taking back my dad''s ashes, and you''re this upset? Could it be that you''re hiding some kind of dark secret?"


    "What nonsense are you talking about!" Lilian snapped immediately. "Your dad''s ashes have always been ced in the grand hall. I just don''t want you disturbing


    his peace.


    Wendy''s smile was biting and filled with mockery, "You''ve always disturbed my dad''s peace. You trapped him in the Crone family''s estate-was that so he could watch his wife and brother fool around while abandoning his own daughter?"


    Lilian froze. "How dare you!"


    Wendy''s gaze swept over the Crone family members.


    Jerry had bought the mansion that the Crone family was living in, paid for Harry''s college, and even taught Archer all he knew about business.


    Yet, what had any of them given back to him?


    "All these years, you''ve been living in luxury, stepping on my dad''s grave. I ask you, when you lie awake in the middle of the night, don''t you ever dream of him returning to confront you?


    Wendy''s wordsnded heavily, and the blood drained from the faces of the Crone family members. They became


    ashen.


    At that moment, they were uneasy, even a little afraid to meet Wendy''s piercing gaze.


    Jessica and Trish, being younger and less empathetic, didn''t fully grasp the weight of the situation.


    Jessica, growing impatient, cut in. "Wendy, stop with this nonsense! We''ll give you the ashes, but you have to solve the problem with the fake Dr. Cen!"


    Trish nodded in agreement. "Jessica''s right! Honestly, we don''t believe you can solve the issue. Once you do, we''ll give you the ashes. How about that?"


    Jessica and Trish weren''t fools-they wanted to make sure Wendy could hold up her end of the deal


    Wendy raised an eyebrow. "Fine, I agree."


    "How long will it take you to catch that guy? We can only re you three days. No more," Edith demanded. "Yeah, our money is in his hands! The longer we wall, the greater our losses. Three days is all we can afford."


    Stanley, watching Wendy Intently, said, "Three days. Do you really think you can catch this fake Dr. Cen in that


    time?"


    Wendy shook her head.


    Jessica couldn''t help but sneer, "You can''t catch him in three days? Are you trying to trick us, then?"


    Wendy looked at Jessica, her voice calm. "I shook my head cause I won''t need three days. I''ll find the fake Dr. Cen tomorrow and bring him straight to you.''


    "What?"


    Edith''s voice rose with excitement. "You can find him by tomorrow? You''re not lying, are you?


    Today''s Bonus Offer

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    Wendy didn''t say much


    "Tomorrow, I''ll bring the fake Dr. Cen to the Crone family''s estate. You bring my dad''s ashes, and we''ll make the exchange in person."


    With that, Wendy turned and entered her apartment, mining the door shut with a resounding bang


    The others stood frozen.


    Lilian wore a skeptical expression. "We''ve already filed a report and used every method to search for the fake Dr. Cen, but it''s like he''s vanished into thin air- there''s not a trace of him. Now Wendy says she''ll bring him tomorrow. Why do I find that so hard to believe?"


    Trish turned to Stanley. "Mr. Hawk, what do you think?"


    Stanley, his gaze fixed on the closed door of Wendy''s apartment, pressed his lips together slightly. "At this point, you don''t have many options other than trusting Wendy."


    The others fell silent.


    "Then we''ll wait until tomorrow and see if she really can bring us that guy," Edith said, mming her hand down on the table.


    Jessica, who had been holding onto Stanley''s arm, pouted. "I guess we''re homeless tonight..."


    Stanley barely reacted. "I''ll have my secretary arrange something. You can stay in the presidential suite at a hotel for the night."


    Edith''s eyes immediately lit up. "Thank you, Mr. Hawk!"


    Lilian smiled as well, seizing the opportunity to add, ¡°Jessica, why don''t you skip the hotel? Mr. Hawk is staying here. You should stay with him tonight."


    Jessica looked at Stanley, her face glowing. "Stanley, can 1-"


    Stanley pulled his arm away without any emotion. "I have work to do tonight and won''t be done untilte. You all go to the hotel and get some rest.¡±


    With that, Stanley entered his apartment, mming the door shut behind him. Jessica stood there, stunned. She had wanted to stay with Stanley, but instead, she had been met with rejection. Her pride felt shattered.


    A soft taugh broke the silence. It was Natalie.


    Natalie quickly covered her mouth. "Sorry, I couldn''t help it."


    At this point, with Trish and the fake Dr. Cen''s rtionship falling apart, the third branch was clearly not happy with the second branch''s sess. They didn''t want to let Jessica marry Stanley.


    Harry and Lilian also felt awkward, knowing their daughter''s proposal had failed.


    Edith stomped her foot in frustration. "Alright, enough! You''re all the same! Stopughing at each other-you''re all just as hopeless!"


    Jessica and Trish stood in silence.


    "I had hoped you two would team up for a grand wedding, but clearly, I


    overestimated you. I''m leaving!" Edith


    huffed before storming of.


    The others followed her, heads down in defeat.


    Inside the apartment, Stanley stood tall by the floor-to-ceiling windows. Zayn had arrived and was standing behind him.


    "Mr. Hawk, we''ve already deployed people to search for the fake Dr. Cen. He''s been preparing for this, so it will take some time to track him down."


    Stanley removed his coat, revealing a white shirt and business vest. He pushed his bangs back, exposing his handsome and refined face. He had been busy these past few days since he had just returned from Feirwale, and be had many documents to go through.


    Zayn,


    confused, said, "We''ve been searching for the fake Dr Cen. Why did you have Ms. Jessica and the others beg Ms. Wendy for help?


    Stanley unbuttoned his shirt slightly and rolled up the sleeves, turning to look at Zayn.


    "I''ve been searching for the real Dr. Cen, but the doctor''s too good at hiding. I''ve seen only glimpses. This


    whole situation presents a perfect opportunity. I want to stand back and see if, amidst all the turmoil, the real Dr. Cen''s identity will finally be revealed."

 My Dad Please Come 398

    Zayn immediately understood. It was clear now-Stanley had been patiently waiting all along, like a mantis waiting for the cleada while the bird was lurking behind.


    It had happened before. Stanley had missed meeting the real Dr. Cen multiple times.


    No one had managed to slip away from under Stanley''s watch until now. The real Dr. Cen was the first.


    It seemed that this time, Stanley was determined to unmask this mysterious Dr. Cen once and for all. Stanley hadn''t done much today, but somehow, he knew everything that had happened outside.


    Zayn, still puzzled, spoke up. "The Crone family went to se Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Samuel today. Both of them said that they needed to ask Wendy for help, saying she was the only one who could solve the situation. What do you think that means?",


    Stanley''s handsome face was bathed in the dim light, his expression distant and enigmatic as he gazed out, his tone inreadable. "What do you think it means?"


    Zayn shook his head. "I can''t figure it out."


    Stanley smiled, the curve of his lips sly and ambiguous. "Either Wendy knows Dr. Cen, or... Wendy is Dr. Cen.


    What?


    Zayn gasped, his breath catching in shock. "Ms. Wendy is D. Cen? H-How is that even possible?"


    Stanley turned to face the floor-to-ceiling windows. It was highttime, and the city lights below twinkled like stars. He scoffed softly.


    "Yeah, I also think it''s impossible. How could the woman who suddenly appeared by my side when I was in aa and circled me for three years be the legendary Dr. Cen? I don''t believe it, either."


    Zayn hesitated, then ventured, "Then maybe Ms. Wendy knows Dr. Cen."


    Stanley nodded thoughtfully. "That''s more likely. After all."


    "After all, what?"


    Stanley''s voice grew a bit colder. "After all, Samuel knows Dr. Cen. He has a widework, so it''s not surprising he''d know someone like Dr. Cen. And since Wendy''s been involved with him, it''s natural that she would know Dr. Cen too." Zayn nodded. "That''s true."


    Stanley waved him off. "You can go now. We''ll see if Wendy can find the fake Dr. Cen before we do."


    "Understood, Mr. Hawk"


    Zayn left the room.


    Now, Stanley was alone in the apartment. He knew Wendy was nearby, just across the hall.


    He pulled out his phone and nced at it. The screen was empty-none of his texts to Wendy had been answered.


    During their three years of marriage, she had sent him countless messages every day, all of which ignored.


    At some point, the roles had reversed. Now, it was she who didn''t respond.


    #


    Even though she was just across the hall, Stanley felt like she was growing farther and farther away from him.


    The next day...


    At the Crone family''s estate, Edith arrived with the second and third branches of the family in tow.


    The estate''s gates were sealed with a notice, and they couldn''t get inside. They could only stand by the entrance and wait.


    Edith anxiously scanned the surroundings. ¡°It''s almost time. Where is Wendy? Why hasn''t she shown up yet?" Jessica sneered, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "I don''t believe for a second that she''ll be able to catch the fake Dr. Cen. She could be lying to us."


    Everyone was lost in their own thoughts, their moods heavy with uncertainty.


    Just then, a Rolls-Royce luxury sedan pulled up to the side of the road. The back door slid open slowly, revealing Stanley''s handsome face.


    Stanley had arrived.


    Today was the day Wendy had agreed to meet the Crone family, and he hade to see for himself.


    Zayn, in the driver''s seat, nced at the time. "It''s almost the agreed time, but Ms. Wendy still hasn''t arrived."


    Stanley showed no sign of impatience, his expression unreadable as he wondered whether Wendy would show up.


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 399

    Stanley wasn''t sure if Wendy would actually show up.


    The Crone family wasn''t sure, either.


    Everyone was waiting for Wendy.


    Then, a Rolls-Royce pulled up, its doors opening with smooth precision. A graceful and poised figure stepped out.


    Wendy had arrived.


    Zayn''s eyes lit up. "Mr. Hawk, Ms. Wendy''s here! She really camel"


    Stanley looked up, his gazending on Wendy.


    Edith hurried forward. "Wendy, you finally made it. You''re almostte."


    Wendy smiled, her lips curling into a yful grin. "I''m not ate. There''s still a minute left until the time. Do you all really have no patience to wait?"


    Edith was momentarily speechless.


    Jessica quickly spoke up. "Enough of the talk! Where''s the fake Dr. Cen?"


    Jessica nced around, but Wendy hade alone. She hadn''t brought anyone with her.


    scheduled


    "Wendy, you didn''t bring the guy?" Jessica scoffed. "I knew it! You don''t have the ability to bring him here. You''ve just been lying all along!"


    She grabbed Edith''s arm. "Grandma, did you see? She didn''t bring him! I told you, how could a housewife like her possibly have the means to bring us the fake Dr. Cen?"


    Wendy looked at Jessica with amusement. "Do you want me to bring you the fake Dr. Cen or not? I find you so contradictory. Are you sure you''re not suffering from split personalities?"


    Jessica was left speechless. Wendy hadpletely uncovered her hidden thoughts.


    It was true-Jessica was a walking contradiction.


    On one hand, she wanted Wendy to bring the fake Dr. Cen because she didn''t want her life as a pampered rich girl to end.


    On the other hand, she didn''t believe Wendy could actually pull it off and didn''t want Wendy to be better than her.


    Edith shot Jessica a disapproving look. ¡°You should keep quiet. Not being able to catch the fake Dr. Cen isn''t going to do any of us any good."


    Jessica mped her mouth shut, feeling wronged.


    Trish stepped forward. "The scheduled time is here. Where is he?"


    Lilian chimed in, "You should hand him over now. If you can''t, you''re nothing but a


    liar. We won''t let this go, because you''ve wasted our precious time."


    Wendy smiled faintly, her red lips curving upward. She then pped her hands together.


    With the sharp sound of her apuse, a ck van sped toward them. Two men in ck suits quely got out and dragged someone forward.


    The person''s head was covered with a sack, obscuring their face.


    Edith gasped. "Is this the fake Dr. Cen?!


    Wendy nodded confidently. "Yes. Pay attention."


    She reached forward and removed the sack from the person''s head, revealing their face.


    It was indeed the fake Dr. Cen.


    Everyone stood frozen in shock. Wendy had actually brought him, right on time! Jessica and Lilian''s eyes widened in disbelief. "It really is "


    Trish, seeing the fake Dr. Cen, couldn''t contain her emotions. He had tricked her, taking her most precious asset-her purity-and her money. She had lost both her wealth and dignity.


    She stormed forward, fists flying as she pounded the fake Dr. Cen with all her strength. "You liar! You''re a fraud! Give us our money back! Now!"


    The man''s face was swollen and bruised, clearly beaten by Wendy''s people. He didn''t look at Trish but instead trembled as he gazed at Wendy.


    "Y-You''re a monster! You''re terrifying!"


    Jessica stared at him, confused. "What are you talking about? Why are you afraid of Wendy? She''s just a useless housewife. What''s there to be afraid of?"

 My Dad Please Come 400

    Lilian immediately asked, "Wendy, how did you find the fan Dr. Cen?"


    Wendy''s lips curved into a subtle smile, her expression gleaming, "That''s none of your business. Right now, I''m here to take my dad''s ashes."


    Edith stepped in front of Wendy, blocking her way. "You can''t


    Wendy looked at Edith, her voice cold. "What? Are you trying to back out? If you do, you can forget about the fake Dr. Cen. You won''t see a single penny of your money back


    Edith hesitated, a flicker of guilt crossing her face. ¡°I promised you I wouldn''t go back on my word. It''s just... Today''s not a good day to give you Jerry''s ashes. We can do on another day."


    Wendy fixed her gaze on Edith, her tone unwavering. "I''m here to take Dad home. Any day works for me."


    With that, Wendy brushed past Edith and strode toward the Crone family''s estate.


    The white seal still marked the entrance to the estate. Wendy reached out, peeled


    it away, and then pushed the door open with a firm motion.


    The door creaked as it swung open, and Wendy walked inside.


    She made her way to the Crone family''s grand hall, where many photos


    It sat in a corner, half-covered by a rag, with dust settled on top.


    Wendy''s heart sank. She couldn''t understand why the Crone family would treat her father this way.


    She gently picked up Jerry''s photo and wiped away the dust with her hand. Her pale eyes turned red, and she spoke softly, "Dad, I''m here to take you home."


    Her father''s ashes were ced behind the photo. Wendy held the urn to her chest and carefully lifted the photo before walking out with purposeful steps.


    Edith watched her leave, asking, "Where are you taking him?"


    Wendy replied without turning back, "Anywhere away from the Crone family. To him, any ce other than this is home."


    With that, Wendy walked aw


    With that, Wendy walked away, her steps firm and resolute


    Once Wendy was gone, Lilian walked over to Edith, concern written on her face. "Wendy has Jerry''s ashes now, What if she finds out the truth about how he died?"


    Harry and Archer quickly gathered around, clearly worried as well. It was the Crone family''s most hidden secret.


    Harry voiced his concern. "If Wendy figures it out, she won''t just let it slide. She''spletely different from before, almost as if she''s be impossible to predict. If she seeks revenge, it could be a real problem."


    Edith shot a sharp look at everyone, her gaze filled with disdain. "What are you all afraid of? It''s just ashes! Do you think Wendy can detect toxins in them? You''re all overestimating her."


    Jerry had been poisoned to death.


    Harry, Archer, and Lilian breathed a little easier. In their minds, Wendy didn''t have the ability to test the ashes for poison


    Edith''s eyes narrowed, her voice cold as she spoke, "Jerry'' lead. Nobody can me us for being heartless. He owed us. He was never truly part of the Crone family. I found him on the side of the mad; I took him in and raised him, and he should have repald us.


    "I didn''t want him to die at first, but once he learned the truth about Wendy''s real background, he wanted to take her to the Capitall" 1


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 401

    hapter 401


    This section touched on Wendy''s background, which only Harry and Edith know about. There was also Jerry, who knew the truth but had paid the ultimate price for it.


    Harry immediately spoke up, stopping her. ¡°Mom, stop talking!


    Edith, understanding the seriousness of the situation, quickly fell silent.


    Lilian had been straining to listen, hoping to catch some important information. With them suddenly quiet, she felt disappointed.


    Jessica and Trish circled the fake Dr. Cen.


    "You liar! Give us our money back, now!"


    "How dare you trick us-you''re just asking for trouble!"


    Jessica and Trish were unleashing their fury on the imposter. It was all his fault that the Crone family had been through hell these past couple of days!


    "Now that we''ve caught this fake Dr. Cen, we need to get our money back quickly," Edith said.


    Harry and Archer nodded. "Right."


    Meanwhile, the Rolls-Royce business sedan remained parked quietly on the side of the road, the people inside observing the unfolding scene.


    Zayn was surprised. "Mr. Hawk, Ms. Wendy actually beat us to finding this fake Dr. Cen and brought him here. Why do I feel like she is harder to read than we thought? Is that just my imagination?"


    Stanley sat in the backseat, his expression unreadable. If it was an illusion, then it was a shared one. Wendy did seem to be a bit more mysterious than she let on


    Stanley ordered, his voice cool, "Follow her. Let''s see where she goes." "Yes, sir."


    The Rolls-Royce began to follow Wendy''s car. Stanley''s gaze grew sharper. He felt he was getting closer to the truth. It was as if he was about to uncover who Wendy really was.


    Half an hourter, Wendy arrived at NovaHealth Hospital.


    Zayn said, ¡°Mr. Hawk, Ms. Wendy has gotten out of the car and entered NovaHealth. What is she doing here? Does she have some kind of connection


    with NovaHealth?"


    Stanley watched Wendy''s slender figure disappear inside the building. "We''ll find out by following her."


    Stanley and Zayn got out of the car and followed Wendy into the hospital.


    Soon, they reached the top floor. In the hallway ahead, a group of bodyguards in ck stood, clearly waiting for Wendy''s arrival.


    Zayn whispered, "Mr. Hawk, look at this. NovaHealth is putting on quite the show to wee Ms. Wendy."


    Stanley pressed his lips together, forming a cold, tight line.


    What was Wendy hiding? Who exactly was she?


    Stanley tried to move forward, but his steps faltered when a tall, handsome figure appeared ahead. It was Samuel.


    The bodyguards in ck nodded respectfully. "Mr. Samuel


    Samuel strode up to Wendy''s side, "Wendy, you''re here. Les go inside."


    Wendy nodded. "Alright."


    Wendy and Samuel entered together.


    Stanley froze in ce, stunned by the unexpected appearance of Samuel.


    "So it''s Mr. Samuel! Ms. Wendy came to Novallealth to see him. These must be his men. I misunderstood everything earlier. I thought Ms. Wendy had some important identity," Zayn sald


    Stanley had also thought he was just one step away from uncovering the truth, but Samuel''s appearance threw everything off course.


    "Mr. Hawk, it seems that the quick capture of the fake Dr. Cen must have been Mr. Samuel''s doing. Ms. Wendy has been trying to retrieve her father''s ashes, so she teamed up with him to stage this whole thing so that he would tell the Crone family to approach her. Now, everything makes sense. It looks like we were overthinking,¡± Zayn reasoned, making sense of the situation.

 My Dad Please Come 402

    Stanley watched the direction where Wendy had disappeared, feeling a surge of uncertainty. Was it really that simple? Maybe it was.


    Just then, the sound of a phone ringing broke the silence. Acall hade in.


    Stanley quickly pressed the button to answer, and Lin''s anxious voice filled his


    ear.


    "Mr. Hawk, Jessica suddenly copsed-something''s wrong with her heart! She''s been rushed to the hospital." Without a word, Stanley hung up the phone and turned sharply, heading for the door.


    Wendy and Samuel entered theboratory. Wendy tied her long, jet-ck hair into a simple ponytail and slipped on a whiteb coat. "I''m starting the tests on my father''s ashes right now."


    Samuel looked at her thoughtfully. "You''ve always suspected something was off about your father''s death. Do you think someone from the Crone family did this?"


    Wendy nodded. "I do."


    "But your father was part of the Crone family, right? Even a tiger won''t eat its cub. Why would they go that far?" Wendy paused for a moment before answering, "Do you remember the research we did earlier? Edith couldn''t get pregnant for three years after she married. She tried a lot of remedies before finally having my father."


    Samuel nodded. "I remember that. So what are you thinking?"


    Wendy took a deep breath. "I suspect my father wasn''t really a Crone at all-he was probably adopted."


    Samuel was taken aback. "Why didn''t I think of that before?"


    Wendy cradled Jerry''s ashes in her hands. "But right now, this is still just a theory. Once I finish the tests, the truth wille to light."


    Samuel nodded. "Go ahead."


    She worked tirelessly from morning until evening, and by the time night fell, two sets of results were already ced on the table.


    Samuel walked over. "How did it go?"


    Wendy''s voice was calm, yet filled with certainty. "I wasn''t wrong. My father was poisoned. He was murdered, and I''ve also done a DNA test. There''s no blood rtion between him and anyone from the Crone family. Just like I thought he was adopted."


    The truth was now clear.


    Samuel said slowly, "So your father was adopted. But after Edith took him in, she went on to have Harry and Archer. It''s almotus if fate yed a cruel joke on him. Do you suspect one person or several people were behind. your father''s poisoning?"


    begin to


    A cold, dangerous light gleamed in Wendy''s eyes. Holding the urn with Jerry''s ashes, she felt a che coldness seep through her fingers. No matter how hard she tried to warm it, it stayed frozen. She couldn''t imagine what her father must have felt in his final moments-poisoned by those closest to him.


    The greatest pain wasn''t the physical suffering, but the betrayal that cut so deeply. Chapter 402


    +25 BOHUS


    "I suspect the killer wasn''t alone. Today, I watched the expressions on the faces of the Crone family-Edith, Harry, Lilian, Archer, and Natalie. They all looked guilty, like they were hiding something, I suspect they''re the ones who worked together to poison my father."


    Samuel shook his head, his face filled with disbelief. ¡°These people are beyond cruel-monstrous, even! So, what do you n to do now?"


    Wendy''s gaze locked on the photo of her father. Her eyes had turned as cold as ice, her voice sharp with determination.


    ¡°I''m going to make them pay using the way they killed my father. The suffering my father went through, I will make them feel it a hundred, no-a thousand times over! I want them to cough up everything they took from him!


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 403

    Samuel understood the bond between Wendy and her father He knew how deeply her father loved her-those were some of the few truly happy moments in Wendy''s


    life


    Now that it was confirmed her father had been poisoned by someone from the Crone family, it was only natural for Wendy to want revenge.


    Samuel nodded. "I''ll always stand by your side."


    Stanley arrived at the hospital and made his way to the VIP room.


    Jessica had been admitted again. She was wearing a hospital gown and sitting up in bed, with Harry and Lilian by her side.


    Although Stanley had grown distant from Jessica, she was still his girl, and he wouldn''t just ignore her. So, he came immediately.


    "How are you feeling?" Stanley asked, sitting down beside her, his concern evident.


    Jessica took his hand in hers. "Stanley, my heart... It hurts again."


    Lilian quickly spoke up. "Jessica''s heart pain came back. It was so bad she fainted. The doctors just left, but they''re at a loss-nothing they''ve tried worked. The previous Dr. Cen was a fake. Only the real Dr. Cen can save her. Have you found Dr. Cen yet?"


    Stanley shook his head. "Not yet."


    Harry looked worried. "Jessica''s heart condition can''t be ignored anymore. We need to do something about it!" Stanley nodded, a determined look in his eyes. "I know. I''m working on it."


    Just then, Zayn walked in, holding a folder. "Mr. Hawk"


    Zayn seemed to have something he didn''t want to discuss in front of everyone. Stanley stood up. "I''ll step outside for a moment."


    Stanley left the room, and Lilian, sensing something was off, looked at Jessica, "Where''s he going? What''s going on?"


    Jessica, lost in thought, replied slowly, "Stanley has already been searching for a suitable heart for me. Could it be that he''s found a match?"


    Lilian''s face lit up. "That''s great news! I wonder whose heart it is. But whoever it is, it''s an honor for them to match Jessica. But why would Mr. Hawk step out to discuss it?"


    Jessica was just as confused. "I don''t know."


    In the corridor, Stanley and Zayn stood facing each other. Zayn spoke quietly, "Mr. Hawk, we''ve found a heart match for Ms. Je?Sira."


    Stanley''s eyes brightened with hope,


    Zayn hesitated, his lips sealed.


    the match?"


    11


    Stanley raised an eyebrow. "Cat got your tongue?"


    Zayn handed over a sealed envelope. "It''s better you see for yourself."


    Stanley opened the envelope, and a name immediately caught his eye.


    Two simple words: Wendy Crone.


    Stanley''s eyes widened. "Wendy?"


    Zayn nodded. "That''s right. Ms. Wendy''s heart is a perfect match for Ms. Jessica."


    Wendy. How could it be her?


    Stanley had never imagined that the match would be Wendy


    Jessica''s heart condition couldn''t be dyed any longer. They had been searching desperately for a match, but he never expected it to be Wendy.


    Zayn said softly, "Mr. Hawk, what should we do


    ow? You''re not really thinking about asking Ms. Wendy to give up her heart for Ms. Jessica, are you? But without Ms. Wendy, it looks like Ms. Jessica won''t survive long, What''s the right choice here?"


    Now, Stanley was faced with a difficult decision-Jessica or Wendy?


    He pressed his lips together into a thin, grim line, his mind racing. After a long


    pause, he finally ordered, "Don''t tell anyone about this."


    Zayn nodded. "Understood."


    Stanley returned to the hospital room.


    Jessica looked at him, her eyes filled with anticipation. "Stanley, why did you step outside? Did you find a match for my heart?"

 My Dad Please Come 404

    Stanley''s face remained asposed and stole as ever, showing no sign of emotion, His voice was t as he replied to Jessica, "Not yet."


    "Mr. Hawk, we need to act quickly. Jessica''s condition can''the dyed any longer!" Lilian urged him, her tone growing more anxious.


    Harry chimed in, agreeing with her. ¡°Yes! Jessica barely made it through thest episode. What if she doesn''t survive the next one?"


    Stanley nodded, his expression hardening. "I''m aware of the situation."


    Just then, the sound of a phone ringing broke the tension. Stanley pulled out his phone.


    "I need to take this call," he said, his voice calm as he walked out of the room. Jessica watched Stanley leave, her gaze thoughtful and her mind clearly racing


    At that moment, Zayn entered the room. "Ms. Crone, I''ve taken care of your hospitalization paperwork. You can rest easy now."


    He made to leave, but Jessica called out, stopping him.


    Zayn, please wait."


    Zayn halted and turned, polite as ever. "How can I help you Ms. Crone?"


    Jessica looked at him intently. "I know what''s going on. Stanley already told me."


    Zayn froze, caught off guard. He hadn''t expected that Stanley would have told her. After all, Stanley had asked him to keep quiet.


    It seemed that Stanley and Jessica''s bond was stronger than he had realized..


    "Ms. Crone..." Zayn trailed off, his words hanging in the air.


    Jessica, sensing that he was hesitating, narrowed her eyes. She instinctively knew that Stanley was hiding something from her.


    Her intuition was always spot-on, and she was right.


    "Stanley told me he''s found a match for my heart. But this person..." Jessica''s voice faltered as she nced at Zayn, studying his reaction closely.


    Zayn was good at keeping secrets, but it was precisely because of that that Jessica was now more certain of her guess.


    "This person is someone close to me, isn''t it? And it''s Wendy..."


    Zayn wentpletely still.


    Jessica''s fingers tenched into fists. She had been right all along. The heart that could save her was Wendy''s.


    No wonder Stanley hadn''t told her!


    "Ms. Jessica," Zayn said softly, "Mr. Hawk has made his decision. I can''t speak


    for him. You s getting better for now. Please excuse me."


    With that, Zayn turned and walked out.


    1 focus on


    Chapter 404.


    Lilian, who had been quietly listening, suddenly jumped, her volee full of shock. "Jessica, Wendy''s heart could save you?"


    Jessica''s eyes shed with something dark. "Yes. Her hearts a match for me, but Stanley didn''t tell me. What does that mean?"


    Lin''s expression turned puzzled. "I don''t know. His decidon doesn''t make sense. Since he''s found the heart that matches you, shouldn''t he ask Wendy to donate It to save you? Does he really think she is more important than you?"


    Jessica''s chest tightened with frustration. It felt like Stanley was deliberately keeping this from her to protect Wendy.


    Why? Why was he doing this? Did he no longer care about her life?


    As if on cue, Lilian spoke again, her voice now moreposed, "You know, Jessica, this might actually be better." Jessica turned to her, confused by the sudden shift in Lilian''s tbne. The smile on Lilian''s face was strange, almost cryptic.


    Lilian patted Jessica''s hand gently. "If Wendy''s heart can save you, it''s a good thing, right? She will have unless Mr. Hawk ns to let you die. And she''ll die at his hands."


    to go,


    Lilian''s grin widened. "She''s probably the most unlucky person in the world. There are so many ways to die, yet she''s found the most tragic one. Right in your hands."


    A cold, dark smile appeared on Jessica''s face. Yes, it was better that Wendy was


    a match. Now it was much more interesting


    The game was truly beginning.


    Without another word, Jessica pulled out her phone and dialed Wendy''s number. Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 405

    The phone rang once, the inelodic tone echoing through the quiet room before being answered. Wendy''s clear, soft voice came through the line. "Hello?"


    +25 CONUS


    Jessica couldn''t help but smile. Wendy still had no idea about the siluation¡ªjust thinking about her fate made Jessica feel a surge of triumph.


    "Wendy, it''s me. I just wanted to thank you for helping its catch the fake Dr. Cen. We''re working hard to recover the money we invested. Although we won''t be able to get it all back, I still want to thank you for your help." Wendy was currently at Royale Residences, staying in after few days of not really going anywhere. She had been unusually sleepytely, feeling constantly tired for no apparent reason.


    As Jessica thanked her, Wendy raised an eyebrow, a hint of disbelief in her voice. "Stop beating around the bush. Just tell me what you want."


    Jessica thanking her? Wendy didn''t believe it for a second.


    Jessicaughed softly. "I had a sudden pain in my chest and fainted earlier today. I was rushed to the hospital. Since we''ve been through so much together, can youe by and visit me?"


    Wendy scoffed. "Why? Would seeing me cure you? What do we need doctors for, then?" Jessica bit back her frustration. Being sharp-tongued was always a trademark of Wendy''s. She fought the urge to snap back. She reminded herself to be patient, as there was time. The game had only just begun.


    "Actually, Stanley has been searching for a suitable heart for me. He found one, and it belongs to someone you know. If youe over, I''ll tell you all about it."


    Wendy paused, unsure of Jessica''s intentions. She would find out once she got there, anyway. After learning the truth about Jerry''s death at their hands, she had been waiting for the Crone family toe to her doorstep. Wendy smirked. "Alright. I''ll be there soon."


    After hanging up, Wendy took a sip of warm water.


    Suddenly, a sour taste rose in her throat. She bent over and gagged, even though she hadn''t eaten anything. The dry heaving left her feeling nauseous, and she couldn''t stop until bile came up.


    What was happening to her?


    She quickly went to the bathroom to brush her teeth, trying to shake off the difort.


    Then, something urred to her-something important. Her period, which was always on time, had note yet..


    She checked the date. Her period was already ten dayste.


    Since returning from Feirwale, she had been so busy that she hadn''t even thought about it.


    But now it hit her: She hadn''t gotten her period.


    What was going on?


    Wendy''s mind raced with a sudden possibility. She quickly checked her pulse. Chapter 405


    Her face went pale as she realized what had happened. The pulse indicated she was pregnant.


    She was pregnant!


    Her mind shed back to the night she and Stanley had divorced. He hadn''t used protection, and though she had nned to take the morning after pill the next day, Stanley had divorced her instead. After that, she hade home from the clerk''s office and fallen ill, bedridden for a week with a fever.


    She hadpletely forgotten about the pill.


    That was when she had gotten pregnant.


    She figured she must be around 40 days along now.


    Wendy felt her head spinning. Her mind went nk, and for a moment, she could barely think straight.


    Since their divorce, she hadpletely cut ties with Stanley. She never once imagined she could end up pregnant with his child.


    Now, after all this time, she was pregnant. It was as if the universe was ying a cruel joke on her.


    What should she do now?


    Wendy ced a hand on her t stomach, still in disbelief. Was this really happening? Was there already a little life growing inside her?


    It was her and Stanley''s child.

 My Dad Please Come 406

    Wendy sat on the couch for a long time, lost in thought.


    Finally, she stood up and headed for the hospital.


    She needed to think about the situation with the baby, but for now, the had to meet Jessica


    Half an hourter, Wendy arrived at Jessica''s VIP ward and saw her lying on the


    Jessica smiled, her lips curving up. "Hey, Wendy You got here pretty fast!


    Wendy nced at Jessica''s pale face. "Your heart is getting worse. If you faint again next time, it could be life-threatening. So, I figured I should visit. Who knows? It might be thest time


    Jessica was silent, feeling the sting of Wendy''s words.


    She finally realized why her heart condition had worsened Wendy had to be the one causing


    Jessica took a deep breath to steady her emotions. "You don''t have to worry about that. Stanley already found a heart that matches mine. He''ll save me."


    Wendy raised an eyebrow. "So what if he found it? Does the person even agree to save you? Without his or her consent, it''d be illegal."


    Jessica fell silent again.


    At that moment, Lilian spoke up. "I''m sure that person will agree."


    Wendy turned to look at Lilian, a wry smile on her lips. "Is that person you? Congrattions, then. I''m sure you''d be more than happy to offer your heart to save Jessica."


    Lilian was taken aback by thement. Was Wendy really losing it?


    Jessica''s patience snapped. "It''s not her. I''m sure you''re curious about who that person is. Actually, I can


    can tell yo


    you


    Wendy studied the two of them carefully. She could tell that Jessica had called her


    to the hospital for a reason. And now that they were talking about a matching heart.


    Wendy''s sharp gaze focused on Jessica. "Is that person me?


    Both Jessica and Lilian chuckled, impressed with how quickly Wendy figured it


    out.


    Jessica nodded. "That''s right. It''s you!"


    The two of them grinned, exchanging nces as they looked at Wendy.


    Wendy was actually quite surprised. She hadn''t expected her heart to match Jessica''s. It seemed fate had already bound them together tightly.


    Wendy''s lips curled into a small smirk. "Well then, you''re as good as dead, Jessica-and it''s going to be my doing.


    Jessica''s face faltered. "What?"


    Wendy''s smile only widened. "Am I wrong? I won''t save you. Just sit there and wait to die."


    Jessica was at a loss for words.


    Wendy stood up. "Alright, I''ve said what I needed to. I''m leaving now."


    She started to turn and walk away.


    "Wendy!" Jessica called after her. "It doesn''t matter if you refuse! Do you think Stanley will refuse?"


    Wendy''s steps froze as she paused.


    Jessica seemed to regain her confidence. "Stanley won''t just let me die! Now that your heart matches mine perfectly and you can save me, what do you think Stanley will do?"


    Wendy honestly had no idea. What would Stanley d


    Just then, the door to the room creaked open. Stanley''s tall, handsome figure appeared in the doorway. He had returned.


    Stanley hadn''t expected Wendy to be there. When he saw her, his gaze softened


    for a moment, taken aback by her ethereal beauty.


    Wendy looked up at him, and their eyes met. For a moment, neither of them spoke.


    "Hey, you''re back. I''m craving an apple. Could you peel one for me?" Jessica said sweetly, her voice a little yful. Stanley tore his eyes away from Wendy''s face and walked over to Jessica. "Sure."


    Jessica looked triumphantly at Wendy, as if to show off.


    Wendy nced at Jessica. "Jessica, your heart isn''t in the best shape. Maybe you should cut back on apples." Stanley blinked, clearly thrown off by thement.


    Jessica stared at Wendy, equally speechless.


    Wendy''s gaze then shifted to Stanley''s handsome face. "Could you step outside


    for a moment? I need to talk to you.


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 407

    Wendy called Stanley out, saying she needed to talk to him privately.


    Jessica immediately made a fuss, grabbing onto Stanley''s muscr arm. "If you have something to say, just say it here!"


    She wasn''t letting Stanley go.


    Wendy looked between the two of them. Now that she was pregnant, why should she bear this burden alone? She couldn''t let Stanley and Jessica continue their little moment. No, she had to tell Stanley what was going on.


    Wendy said firmly, "Jessica, this is none of your business. can only talk to him about it. Mr. Hawk, I''ll be waiting for you outside."


    With that, Wendy walked out.


    Jessica pulled at Stanley''s arm. "Stanley, you''re not going anywhere."


    Stanley pulled his arm away gently. "I''ll just be a minute."


    He turned and walked out.


    "Stanley!" Jessica shouted after him, her voice filled with frustration.


    Stanley steppe


    stepped into the hallway, where Wendy was waiting for him.


    He walked toward her. "You wanted to talk?"


    Wendy looked at him, her expression serious. "Yes."


    Stanley nodded. "Go ahead."


    Wendy hesitated, unsure of how to start.


    Stanley''s brow furrowed. "What, now you''re not going to say anything?"


    Wendy finally spoke, her voice calm but inquisitive, "Mr. Hawk, have you ever thought about bing a father?"


    Stanley paused, clearly taken aback by the question. "Why do you ask that?"


    Wendy gave a small smile, her eyes twinkling. "Well, I just noticed that you''re not getting any younger. I was just


    curious."


    Stanley shook his head, his voice cold and distant. "I haven''t thought about it. I don''t like kids."


    His tone made it clear he wasn''t interested in having children. It was final.


    Wendy wasn''t shocked, though there was a hint of disappointment in her voice as she replied, "Okay."


    Stanley looked at her, his gaze intense. "So, you called me out here just to ask me that?"


    He nced up and down her figure, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "You''d better not tell me you''re pregnant."


    "I''m not!" Wendy quickly shook her head, wanting to put an end to that line of questioning


    Just then, her phone rang with a soft melody. She pulled it out to see "Samuel" shing on the screen.


    Without a second thought, she denied the call.


    Stanley raised an eyebrow, the faintest smile curling his lips "Why didn''t you answer? Is it not convenient with


    me here?"


    Wendy didn''t respond.


    Stanley''s voice turned curious, almost too calm. "Are you nning to have kids with Samuel


    Wendy looked at him with a nk expression. "I''m not. I''m gonna go


    She moved as if to walk away.


    But Stanley reached out and grabbed her wrist, holding her in ce "Wendy.."


    He trailed off, as if he was about to say something, but stopped himself.


    Wendy stood still, watching him, waiting for him to continue.


    What


    was he going to say? Did he want her to save Jessica? Did he want her to die so Jessica could live?


    She met his gaze with clear, steady eyes. Stanley didn''t speak.


    After a long pause, Wendy decided to take the lead.


    "Is it true that my heart matches Jessica''s perfectly?"


    Stanley''s tall, imposing frame stiffened, his expression faltering for a moment. "How do you know about that?"


    "Jessica told me just now."


    Stanley frowned. This was something he hadn''t wanted Jessica to know, but somehow, she had figured it out and told Wendy.


    Wendy''s voice grew serious. "If I save Jessica, I won''t survive. Do you want me to die?"


    Stanley didn''t answer.


    Wendy gave a small, almost sad smile. ¡°Jessica and I aren''t close. I''m not insane enough to give her my heart. So forget about it-unless you truly want me to die."


    Stanley''s eyes were filled with conflicting emotions,


    Wendy jerked her arm free from his grasp, turning to leave


    Stanley stood there, alone in the hallway for a long while, his mind racing. Then,


    he slowly made his way back into the hospital room.


    "Are you done talking? What did Wendy say to you?" Jessica asked, eager to know /

 My Dad Please Come 408

    Stanley looked at Jessica. "You already know about the hean match?"


    Jessica didn''t hesitate to admit it. "Yeah! Wendy''s heart is a perfect match for mine. Why didn''t you tell me?"


    Stanley countered, "If I told you, then what?"


    Jessica answered as if it were obvious. "Then you should figure out a way for Wendy to save me


    Stanley fell silent.


    Jessica''s voice grew more urgent. "Don''t you want to save me? Are you really going to hesitate between me and Wendy? Are you in love with her? Is that why you''re hesitating?"


    Stanley looked at Jessica, his expression firm. "You can''t take Wendy''s heart."


    Jessica''s face turned pale.


    He actually said that she couldn''t take Wendy''s heart.


    "So, what do I do now? Are you going to give up on me? Have you forgotten your promise to me? First, you''ve been hot and cold with me, and now you won''t even try to save my life?"


    Stanley''s voice was low, almost resigned. "I''ve already sent people out to search for alternatives. You can''t take her heart, but I''ll find another way."


    With that


    Stanley turned and walked out. He left her there.


    "Stanley,e back!"


    Jessica was furious. Stanley had refused her. It all boiled down to one thing- Stanley just couldn''t bear to give up on Wendy!


    If it were before, Stanley would''ve agreed.


    But at some point, something had changed with Stanley. He had changed when it came to Wendy, and it was a change that even Jessica feared.


    Samuel called, asking Wendy to dinner, but she politely declined. She had already made ns with Cecelia and Halsey for a girls'' night out.


    The three of them arrived at a restaurant and chose a table by the window.


    Halsey grabbed the menu. "What do you guys want to eat?"


    Cecelia shrugged. "Anything goes. I''m not picky."


    Wendy thought for a moment. "I''m craving something spicy."


    "Spicy? Wendy, when did you start liking spicy food?" Cecelia asked, clearly surprised. She knew Wendy''s eating habits well-Wendy rarely ever liked anything spicy.


    Wendy shrugged, a little embarrassed. She knew it was her pregnancy that had changed her cravings. "I don''t know. I just really want something spicy tonight."


    Cecelia eyed her suspiciously. "Why did your taste change that quickly? Are you... pregnant? They say you crave different food when you''re pregnant."


    Cecelia was joking, but Wendy didn''t deny it.


    "Wait a minute!" Cecelia gasped, her voice rising. "Wendy, are you really pregnant?"


    Wendy met her eyes, and for the first time, she didn''t feel the need to hide. In fact,


    she needed someone to help her think this through.


    Wendy nodded, her expression calm. "Yes, I''m pregnant.


    "Oh my god!"


    Both Cecelia and Halsey stared at her, their jaws practically on the floor.


    Halsey recovered first. "Does Mr. Hawk know about this?"


    Wendy shook her head. "Not yet."


    "Well, what are you waiting for? You have to tell him! He has to take responsibility for this," Halsey said, already pulling out her phone. "I know he isn''t the greatest guy, but he''s not a bad person. If he knows you''re pregnant, he''ll take care of it. You can count on him to handle things,


    Halsey was already dialing.


    Wendy knew that even if Stanley didn''t want the child, he would make sure she and the baby were well taken care of


    But she gently stopped Halsey''s hand from pressing the call button. "No, it''s fine. I talked to him today. He told me he doesn''t like kids. He doesn''t want to be a father."


    Cecelia''s eyes widened in surprise. "So are you saying you want kids? You want to be a mom?"


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 409

    Cecelia''s questions caught Wendy off guard.


    Honestly, she hadn''t fully decided what to do about the baby yet.


    She ced her small hand gently on her t stomach, feeling the weight of the decision. The thought of aborting the baby was unbearable. This wasn''t just Stanley''s child-It was hers too.


    If Stanley didn''t want the baby, did that mean she shouldn''t want it either?


    Cecelia broke the silence. "Wendy, if you want to keep the baby, then go ahead. With our financial situation, we''re not exactly struggling. A lot of women are opting to be single mothers now. And honestly, if Mr. Hawk doesn''t want the child, that''s even better. We can just kick him out of the picture and raise the baby ourselves. I''ll be the godmother!"


    Halsey nodded in agreement. Even though Stanley was her cousin, Wendy had made it clear that she didn''t want him to know about the pregnancy. Halsey respected that and fully supported whatever decision Wendy made.


    Wendy always took the time to think things through, so whatever decision she made would be the right one for her.


    "I''ll be the godmother too," Halsey added with a grin. "Maybe the baby won''t have a dad, but it''ll have three moms. And even though Mr. Hawk might not be the greatest guy, you can''t deny his gics. Can you imagine? A baby between you and Mr. Hawk-it''s bound for sess!"


    Ceceliapletely agreed. "There was that story a while back about a rich woman who married a grad student from Stanfern University. She spent over 30 million on him got pregnant, and then divorced him right after. She basically paid for his gics with all that money. So, it''s actually a pretty good deal. You should definitely keep the baby."!


    With both Cecelia and Halsey encouraging her, Wendy thought it through and felt a weight lift from her chest.


    She didn''t need to worry about money, and she didn''t mind having a baby so young, as it yed into her goals in life.


    She nodded. "Alright, I''ll keep the baby."


    Halsey quickly reced Wendy''s ss of wine with a ss of milk. "You''re our top priority now, Wendy. You''re a pregnant woman."


    Cecelia winked yfully. "Honestly, having Mr. Hawk''s baby is a win. His genes are top-tier, and I bet his skills in bed are just as impressive."


    Wendy had just taken a sip of milk when Cecelia''s words made her burst outughing, spraying the milk all over the table. She red at Cecelia, still grinning. "Just eat your food."


    Cecelia shrugged, tossing a big shrimp into Wendy''s bowl. Come on, Wendy, you''ve changed! You promised we''d always share everything, but now you won''t even tell us about your sexy times with Mr. Hawk."


    Wendy sighed and resigned herself toment on his skills in bed. "Fine. He''s incredible!"


    Cecelia and Halsey both gasped dramatically. Halsey added "Of course he is. If he wasn''t, he wouldn''t have knocked you up so quickly!"


    Wendy rolled her eyes, but deep down, the teasing from her friends had lifted her spirits. The stress about the baby had melted away.


    "Since you''re craving spicy food, it''s likely it''s a girl," Cecelia said with a mischievous smile.


    They all began to guess the baby''s gender.


    Wendy smiled, her eyes twinkling. "It doesn''t matter-boy or girl, I''ll love it the same. But if it''s a girl, she''ll be my little bundle of joy."


    Wendy had always dreamed of having a daughter.


    Halsey grinned. "If it is a girl, she''ll be all soft and cute. I''m sure Mr. Hawk would love that. But too bad. It seems like he''s not going to be involved in the baby''s life."


    Ceceliaughed. "Let''s raise a ss to Wendy, a single mother by choice!"

 My Dad Please Come 410

    Wendy, Halsey, and Cecelia raised their sses.


    At that moment, the door to the restaurant swung open, and a group of people entered. Leading the pack was a tall, handsome figure-Stanley.


    Stanley hade to the restaurant, but not for a casual meal. He was here for business, apanied by several senior executives.


    The restaurant manager greeted him warmly. "Mr. Hawk, the private room is ready. Please follow me."


    Stanley followed the manager toward the private room, but as he did, his eyes scanned the crowd and immediately locked onto Wendy, who looked as graceful


    as ever.


    Wendy, along with Cecelia and Halsey, hade out to eat. They were deep in conversation,ughing and toasting, clearly in high spirits.


    The executives behind Stanley noticed where he was looking. "Mr. Hawk, do you know those threedies? They look so young, like schoolgirls."


    The executives were intrigued by Stanley''s attention to the women, since he was rumored not to be interested in


    them.


    His face remained neutral. He didn''t answer, simply saying, "Let''s go in."


    The restaurant manager smiled. "There are beautiful women waiting for you inside, Mr. Hawk. You and your guests can enjoy the dinner while watching them dance."


    At high-end restaurants these days, dancers would perform to entertain wealthy executives, offering them a taste of indulgence.


    Wendy, unaware that Stanley had arrived, stood up. "I''m going to the bathroom." Immediately, Cecelia and Halsey stood too. "We''ll go with you."


    "It''s fine. The bathroom is just over there."


    "No way! You''re pregnant now. As your baby''s godmothers, we need to look after you," Cecelia insisted.


    Unable to refuse, Wendy let them apany her to the restroom.


    As they walked past a luxurious private room, Cecelia suddenly stopped. "Wendy, look! Isn''t that your baby daddy?


    11


    Baby daddy?


    Wendy was momentarily confused and nced over. Her eyes widened when she saw Stanley.


    So, "baby daddy" referred to Stanley.


    Wendy frowned, thinking the nickname didn''t suit him.


    She watched Stanley, who was sitting at the head of the table, having dinner with several executives. Three women in front of a huge floor-to-ceiling window were dancing.


    The dancers were wearing silk dresses, their bodies adorned with ornaments that tinkled as they moved. Their flowing skirts twirled as they danced, and they looked as ethereal as angels.


    Cecelia smirked. "Looks like your baby daddy knows how to enjoy himself."


    Wendy shot Cecelia a look. ¡°He''s not my baby daddy. Stop calling him that."


    Halsey chimed in, "Well, he is the baby''s dad, Wendy. You''re here, struggling with the pregnancy, and he''s out there living it up. I can''t help but feel a little off about it."


    Cecelia added, "Exactly! We can''t let him off the hook so easily. He''s going to have to help with the baby''s expenses, right? If you don''t want him, at least make sure he doesn''t spend it all on other women."


    Wendy''s gaze returned to Stanley, who was chatting with the executives and raising his ss to toast. He drank from it with ease.


    One of the dancing women kept ncing his way as she danced, her eyes practically glued to him, clearly smitten. As they danced, they twirled and, with a synchronized movement, glided to Stanley''s side. One of the dancers, her body softening, fell directly into his arms.


    The executives burst outughing. "Mr. Hawk, you''re really a chick ma. You can''t even have a quiet meal without someone falling into your arms!"

 My Dad Please Come 411

    Chapter 411 Chapter 411


    Wendy watched the scene unfold before her. The woman in Stanley''s arms was gazing up at him with deep affection, while he lowered his gaze in return. It was clear he was enjoying the attention he was getting


    Wendy quickly averted her eyes. "Alright, enough of that. Mr. Hawk and I aren''t together. Since Jessica hasn''t said anything about this, I have nothing to say either. Let''s go.


    With that, Wendy turned and left with Cecelia and Halsey.


    Wendy entered the restroom, while Cecelia and Halsey waited outside.


    "Stanley doesn''t deserve Wendy," Cecelia said.


    Halsey suddenly had an idea. "Wait, I''ve got it."


    Halsey pulled out her phone, found a picture of Wendy, and posted it to her social media with the caption, [Singledy urgently seeking a boyfriend.]


    After hitting send, Halsey winked mischievously. "Mr. Hawk has a beautiful woman in his arms, so let''s find Wendy a boyfriend online. When he sees this, his reaction will be priceless."


    Cecelia immediately gave Halsey a thumbs up. "Halsey, you''ve got a quick mind."


    "Of course," Halsey replied proudly.


    Cecelia suddenly thought of something. "You have Mr. Hawk''s social media?" Halsey paused for a moment before answering with a harmless lie. "Yeah, we exchanged contacts when I was sharing a dorm with Wendy."


    Inside the luxurious private room, Stanley remained unfazed by the teasing remarks from the executives. He kept his eyes down, watching the woman still in his arms.


    "Are you going to leave on your own, or should I have someone escort you out?"


    The woman froze. She was the main dancer of the restaurant, and many hade to watch her perform. She had her eyes on Stanley the moment he stepped in and thought she could charm him, but he cruelly put an end to her delusion.


    "I-I''m sorry, Mr. Hawk..." she stuttered as she got off of him.


    Stanley''s sharp, handsome features remained cold. "Leave."


    "Yes, sir."


    The woman quickly fled the room.


    The executives chuckled. "Looks like Mr. Hawk isn''t interested in the women here."


    "Is Mr. Hawk still seeing Ms. Jessica? It looks like she''s satisfied him enough.


    Stanley didn''t respond. Instead, he pulled out his phone and almost immediately saw the post Halsey had made.


    It was a picture of Wendy.


    Stanley clicked on the photo. Wendy was wearing a white backless halter dress, her wless skin glowing. Her bare back was exposed, and the sight of her smooth, delicate skin paired with the sultry neckline made it seem


    almost inappropriate, like something out of an adult website.


    Singledy urgently seeking a boyfriend?


    Since Halsey and Stanley had mutual friends, the post was already gaining


    attention. Comments flooded in.


    [You''re friends with such a beautiful woman?]


    [Please introduce me!]


    [She''s perfect. I''d marry her in a heartbeat!]


    Stanley''s face darkened. He opened Halsey''s profile and sent a simple message. [Delete it.]


    The blunt,manding tone was Stanley''s signature.


    Halsey, of course,ughed at the message. "Wow. Looks like he''s panicking."


    Just then, Wendy emerged from the restroom. "What are you two up to?"


    "Nothing. Let''s head back," Halsey said with a smile.


    Wendy nodded. "Alright."


    The three of them passed by the bar of the restaurant, where loud heavy metal music red. Young men and women were dancing wildly.


    Two girls hurried toward the bar.


    "Hurry! The headliner''s here tonight! Oh, wow! His body is incredible. We''re in for a treat tonight!"

 My Dad Please Come 412

    Wendy, Cecelia, and Halsey stopped in their tracks.


    Cecelia said, "This restaurant''s bar is really famous. I''ve heard there''s a main attraction here who draws in all the rich women. They say when he does his striptease, the tips just keeping."


    Halsey nodded. "I''ve heard that too. Apparently, all the waiters here are shirtless muscr guys with abs. Let''s go in and see for ourselves."


    Wendy had no objections. "Alright, let''s go in."


    The three of them squeezed into the bar, which was already packed. Everyone was gathered around the stage.


    On the stage, several handsome men were dancing while the music red. The crowd was chanting, "Take it off, take it off, take it off!" as the men started to strip.


    The man in the center was the headliner of the bar. He wore a ck tank top and ck pants, and his face was hidden behind a cold, emotionless mask.


    Cecelia raised her eyebrows. "Is that him? The main guy? Wow, he''s even better than I expected! That body is incredible."


    Wendy nodded. "His body''s great, but Halsey... Halsey!"


    Wendy called out to Halsey, noticing that Halsey was staring nkly at the man in the center of the stage.


    Halsey recognized him instantly. The man wasn''t just any dancer-he was Dwight. Even though Dwight was wearing a mask, the cold, wild energy radiating off him was unmistakable.


    Halsey hadn''t expected to see him here. Now, standing in the spotlight, the vibrant lights hitting his figure, surrounded by rich women screaming for him, it felt decadent and extravagant.


    "Take it off! Take off your shirt!" the women were shouting.


    Halsey watched as Dwight grabbed the cor of his tank top before pulling it apart with a forceful tug.


    With a loud rip, his shirt tore open, revealing half of his chest.


    His chiseled muscles and defined abs sent the crowd into a frenzy.


    The host stepped onto the stage. "Are youdies enjoying the show? If you''re having a good time, don''t forget to show some appreciation with a tip!"


    Waiters brought out trays, and the rich women went wild, throwing tips onto the tes. Soon, the trays were full.


    One woman screamed, "I want to touch him! I have money! Let me touch him!" Other women joined in, shouting, "Let me touch him! I have money too!"


    "I have more money!"


    It quickly became apetition, with the women fighting over who would get to touch Dwight.


    Cecelia, enjoying the spectacle, remarked, "I didn''t expect the main guy to be this popr. He''s basically a male escort. He takes off his shirt, and the tips keeping. A touch might get him more, and if he spends the night with one of them, he''d probably make a fortune."


    As soon as Cecelia finished speaking, Halsey quickly snapped, "He wouldn''t do that!"


    Wendy and Cecelia turned to her, surprised. "Halsey, how do you know he wouldn''t? Do you know him?"


    Halsey did know Dwight, but since he was wearing a mask, it was clear he didn''t want anyone to recognize him. So, she kept quiet.


    She shrugged. "Not every guy working here is a male escort Maybe he''s doing this because he needs the money. I''m sure he has his limits and won''t sell himself."


    Wendy and Cecelia exchanged puzzled nces. Why was Halsey defending him so much?


    Halsey pulled them both forward. ¡°Come on. Let''s get closer and take a better look."


    The three of them squeezed their way to the front. Halsey looked up at Dwight, and he caught her gaze.


    244

 My Dad Please Come 413

    Dwight and Halsey locked eyes.


    Dwight''s face was hidden behind a mask, making it hard to read his expression. But his gaze was as cold as ever, staring at Halsey like she was just another stranger.


    The hostughed. "Ladies, calm down! Here''s what we''ll de. Only one person cane up and touch our star dancer. We''ll decide by a bidding war. The highest bid wins


    Immediately, the rich women around them started shouting out offers.


    "I''ll pay a thousand!"


    "Three thousandl


    "Five thousand!"


    "Ten thousand!"


    The price quickly climbed to ten thousand, and Cecelia was stunned. "Ten thousand just to touch him? Is his six-pack made of gold or something? Are these women out of their minds?"


    At that moment, Halsey raised her hand. "I''ll bid twenty thousand!"


    Halsey had bid twenty thousand.


    Wendy and Cecelia turned to look at her, surprised.


    Cecelia subtly tugged at Halsey''s sleeve. "Halsey, why are you jumping into this?"


    Halsey, her almond-shaped eyes still focused on Dwight on stage, ignored her. "Twenty thousand! I want to touch him. Just one touch."


    Dwight''s eyes met hers, and he could feel a hint of defiance in the way she spoke. She was offering twenty thousand to overpower the other women and score the chance to touch him.


    Wendy''s eyes narrowed as she pieced it together. She knew who could make Halsey act so out of character-only Dwight could do that.


    The rich women around them blinked in shock before jumping back into the bidding.


    "Fifty thousand!"


    "One hundred thousand!"


    Halsey was caught off guard, but before she could react, the prices were escting.


    She was taken aback. She hadn''t brought that much cash with her when she left the house. Quickly, she grabbed Wendy''s arm. "Wendy, lend me some money. I''ll pay you back when I get home."


    Wendy didn''t hesitate. "No problem!" She pulled out a gold-embossed ck card Stanley had given her. "Take whatever you need."


    Halsey stood up straight, her voice firm. "I''ll bid 500 thousand!"


    The room went silent in shock.


    Halsey had bid 500 thousand.


    Chispies 413


    +25 BORB


    The host raised his eyebrows. "That beautifuldy has bid oo thousand. Is there anyone willing to go higher?"


    Halsey met Dwight''s gaze, a sly challenge in her eyes. The message was clear- he was hers tonight.


    Dwight showed no emotion. He simply turned and walked off the stage.


    "Hey! Don''t leave!"


    "Why is he leaving?"


    The rich women were stunned.


    The host awkwardly cleared his throat. "Sorry,dies. I was just joking. As you all know, our star dancer doesn''t sell himself. Not even for a touch."


    The rich women were visibly disappointed. "Forget it, then."


    The crowd was so packed that someone bumped into Wendy, and Cecelia cried out, "Wendy!"


    Wendy braced herself for a fall, but just then, a strong, muscr arm reached out and wrapped around her waist, steadying her.


    Wendy looked up, and that handsome, distinguished face filled her vision. Stanley had arrived.


    Wendy''s voice trembled. "Mr. Hawk, what are you doing here?"


    Stanley''s expression was cold. He didn''t like this ce. This bar was just a


    yground for wealthy women, and he had found them here, clearly for the male dancers. The whole situation made him so angry that heughed


    "Is this fun for you? Take my card. Who''s caught your eye?"


    Wendy was speechless, quickly standing up. "I didn''t bid! It was Halsey who wanted to."


    Stanley looked around, his eyes scanning the room. Halsey had already pushed through the crowd and was heading toward Dwight.


    Halsey was the darling of the Lincoln family. Now that she was at the age where marriage talks were on the table, Stanley furrowed his brow. "Why is she hanging around with these unsavory characters?"


    Wendy watched Stanley, noticing how his perfectly tailored ck suit looked almost out of ce in this shy, decadent ce. He carried himself with an aura


    of cold refinement, a true representation of high society


    He and Dwight were frompletely different worlds.


    Chapter **

 My Dad Please Come 414

    Wendy knew Stanley would never approve of Halsey getting involved with Dwight.


    Wendy raised an eyebrow, clearly irritated. "Mr. Hawk, you''re really overstepping, What does Halsey''s business have to do with you?"


    Stanley shot her a sharp look. "Had enough fun? If you''re done, I''ll take you home."


    With that, Stanley grabbed Wendy''s slender arm and started pulling her away.


    Cecelia called out from behind, "Wendy! Mr. Hawk!"


    Dwight had gone backstage to change. He didn''te to this ce often, but he had to admit-it was incredibly profitable.


    He had pulled off his torn white tank top and was about to slip into a ck hoodie when the door behind him suddenly opened.


    Dwight''s piercing gaze darted to the intruder. "Who''s there?"


    Halsey, having followed him in, was startled to find Dwight standing there topless.


    Her pale face flushed bright red, and she immediately covered her face with both hands, letting out a small gasp.


    Dwight quickly pulled the hoodie over his head, grabbed his bag, and turned to leave. He wasn''t nning on speaking to Halsey; he treated her like she was invisible.


    But Halsey stepped right in front of him. "Are you going to pretend you don''t know me?"


    Dwight paused, his voice cold. "Move."


    Halsey didn''t budge.


    He moved left, and she followed. When he moved right, she mirrored. No matter what he did, she kept blocking


    his way.


    She ced her hands on her hips, a defiant look on her face. "I''ll move after you talk to me."


    Dwight''s patience snapped. He reached out, grabbed her by the cor of her shirt, and, with ease, yanked her aside like she weighed nothing.


    Halsey, now dangling a few inches off the ground, wondered whether he was even human. His strength was mind-boggling.


    Dwight dropped her and walked out the door.


    Halsey quickly scrambled to her feet and chased after him. Dwight''s tall,


    "Dwight? Dwight, wait up!" Halsey called, pushing her way through.


    Dwight wasn''t interested in wasting any more time with Halsey. He didn''t want to


    get involved with her. At this hour, he was ready to go home.


    Just as he stepped outside the bar, a sleek, luxury car was waiting for him.


    Several well-trained bodyguards in ck suits blocked his path.


    "Hello, sir. Ms. Lohan would like to meet with you."


    A wealthy woman had tracked Dwight down and now insisted on meeting him. Dwight''s face remained stoic. "I''m not interested."


    One of the bodyguards smiled. "Ms. Lohan said if you''re not willing to meet her, she''ll settle for meeting your family. She can find them easily enough." Dwight stopped in his tracks.


    The bodyguard continued, "It''s an honor for someone like Ms. Lohan to take an interest in you. If you serve her well, you''ll never have to worry about money again. You won''t even have to lift a finger. So, young man, you should cherish this opportunity."


    With that, the bodyguard opened the car door. "Get in."


    Dwight''s eyes shed with coldness, but he still climbed into the car.


    The car sped off.


    Halsey had been watching from a distance and immediately spotted Dwight getting into the car. Without a second thought, she hailed a cab. "Follow that car in front of us, and make it quick."


    Half an hourter, Dwight was dropped off at the presidential suite of a six-star hotel, where a woman in her forties, still beautifully maintained and full of charm, was waiting for him.


    Her name was Penny Lohan.


    Penny looked Dwight up and down with approval, her lips curling into a satisfied smile. "You always wore a mask before, so I couldn''t see your face. I didn''t expect you to be so handsome."

 My Dad Please Come 415

    Dwight looked at Penny with a nk expression. "Did you need something?"


    Penny walked up to Dwight, her red-tipped fingers reaching out to poke his waist. "So hard," she purred.


    Dwight''s expression hardened. "Take your hand off me."


    Penny didn''t seem bothered by his tone.


    "You know why I brought you here, right? We''re both adults. From now on, you''ll be with me. I''ll take care of you. As long as you make sure I''m satisfied in bed, you can set your own price. No need to go out there doing stripteases anymore."


    Dwight raised an eyebrow. "I''m guessing you''re married. Aren''t you worried your husband might find out?"


    "Rx," Penny said confidently. "My husband won''t ever know. I''ve done this before, and he''s never suspected a thing. It''spletely safe."


    Dwight smiled coldly."""What if I told your husband?"


    Pennyughed. "He wouldn''t believe you."


    Dwight''s lips curled up into a smirk as he pulled a small recorder from his pocket.


    "Too bad. I''ve already recorded everything you just said."


    Penny''s face shifted immediately. She hadn''t expected Dwight to bring a recording device.


    Her smile faltered, reced by a look of anger. "You really don''t know what''s good for you. I''m rich and hot. I''m offering to pay you to keep mepany. No man has ever turned me down before. You''re the first."


    Despite her well-maintained appearance and captivating charm, Dwight wasn''t impressed.


    He gave a derisiveugh. "If so many men are into you, why don''t you go find them? I''m not interested. But if you dare disturb my family, I''ll make sure your life bes a lot moreplicated."


    Penny took in the cold, ruthless look in Dwight''s eyes and remained silent.


    He turned to leave, but as he walked away, a strange sensation overtook him. It felt like a wave of heat had suddenly rushed up to him, making him ufortably hot


    Dwight had been around enough to recognize the feeling. He turned back to look at Penny. "What''s in your room?"


    Penny nced at the table where an aphrodisiac incense sat. "You''ve already been exposed to the incense. It''s strong, isn''t it?¡±


    She stepped closer, her red-tipped fingers gently resting on Dwight''s shoulder. "You''re at the right age, full of energy. Do you really expect me to believe you don''t have any interest in sex? You have needs too, right?"


    Penny''s voice grew softer, almost seductive. "Come on, don''t resist. We''ll have a great time."


    Meanwhile, Halsey had tracked down the hotel and made her way to the presidential suite. Unfortunately, she had no idea which roon Dwight had entered.


    She called out, her voice echoing in the hallway. "Dwight? Dwight, where are you?"


    Inside the room, Dwight heard her voice. He quickly removed Penny''s hand from his shoulder, opened the door, and stepped out.


    "Dwight, what are you doing here?" Halsey''s voice was filled with surprise as she rushed over to his side.


    129 BONUS


    As Halsey came closer, she finally spotted Penny in the room. "Who are you?"


    Penny studied Halsey carefully. Compared to the older woman, Halsey was youthful and beautiful. Her small, oval face was soft and delicate, with eyes that sparkled with youth. Standing beside Dwight, they made a picture- perfect couple, like a scene straight out of a romance movie


    Penny raised an eyebrow. "I think that''s a question I should be asking you. Who are you?"


    Without hesitation, Halsey grabbed Dwight''s arm. "He''s my boyfriend! What are you doing with my boyfriend?"


    Penny nced at Dwight, her gaze questioning. "He''s your boyfriend?"


    Dwight didn''t respond. "Let''s go."


    He pulled Halsey away.


    Furious, Penny stomped the floor in frustration, thinking that Dwight really didn''t know how to appreciate a good thing.

 My Dad Please Come 416

    Halsey and Dwight were walking down the hallway when Halsey asked, "Who was that woman earlier? Why did she bring you to a hotel room?"


    Dwight pulled his arm away from Halsey''s grasp. "I''m not obligated to answer your questions."


    Halsey raised her hand and gently touched his forehead. "You''re burning up! Are you sick?"


    Her soft, warm hand against his skin, along with the faint scent of her fragrance, caused Dwight''s heart to race.


    He quickly removed her hand from his forehead. "Don''t touch me."


    His voice was cold and sharp, and there was a hint of irritation in his tone that made Halsey''s pale eyes well up.


    She had always been pampered, a sheltereddy who had never experienced such rejection. She looked at him, hurt, wondering if he really disliked her that much.


    She hadn''t done anything wrong.


    Her sad, dejected gaze made Dwight stiffen, but he didn''t say anything. Instead,


    he turned and walked away.


    However, Halsey trailed behind him like a shadow.


    They both entered the elevator, Dwight silent and Halsey following suit.


    Just as the doors closed, the elevator suddenly jolted twice before plummeting downward at a terrifying speed. Halsey screamed in panic, her body jerking forward from the sudden drop.


    Before she could collide with anything, a strong hand reached out, grabbing her arm and yanking her safely into an embrace.


    Dwight held her tightly, keeping her steady in his arms. "The elevator''s malfunctioning. Don''t be scared."


    Her fear gradually faded as she felt the warmth of his body, and a strangefort bloomed in her chest. Just moments ago, she had thought he couldn''t stand her, but now she realized he wasn''t as indifferent as she had imagined. He was looking out for her.


    Halsey tilted her head up to look at him.


    "You''re really burning up. Are you sick? Should we go to the hospital?"


    Dwight kept holding her arm, his voice hoarse. "No need."


    "But you feel like a furnace!" Halsey said, reaching her hand to touch his waist.


    The moment her small hand made contact with his sensitive skin, Dwight''s breath hitched.


    He wasn''t thinking about anything inappropriate-he had never had a girlfriend or been involved with a woman before.


    Penny had been right about one thing: he had needs, and right now, his body was reacting strongly, especially with the intense aphrodisiac he had inhaled.


    Dwight lowered his head and kissed Halsey''s soft lips.


    Halsey''s eyes widened, her pupils dting in surprise.


    What was he doing? Was he kissing her?


    His kiss was urgent and passionate, overwhelming Halsey, she felt her legs give way and began to slip to the floor, but Dwight quickly caught her, pulling her into his arms.


    He paused, his breath heavy and hot against her face. "I''ve been drugged."


    Halsey''s mind was foggy. "Wh-what?"


    Dwight looked into her eyes. "Is it okay if I kiss you?"


    Halsey''s body felt weak, her mind swirling with conflicting thoughts. She raised her arms to wrap around his neck, standing on her tiptoes to meet his lips.


    Neither of them had much experience, but after theirst encounter, they found themselves tangled in a kiss, like two lovebirds entwined.


    Halsey''s heart raced. She was really into Dwight, more than she had realized. The kiss felt so sweet. As their kiss deepened, Dwight shifted, pushing her gently against a corner. His hands slid lower. Halsey''s face flushed bright red, and she buried her cheek in his chest, whispering, "Dwight..."

 My Dad Please Come 417

    Dwight came to a stop.


    Halsey blinked her big, beautiful eyes at him. "Am I your girlfriend now?"


    Dwight froze.


    Halsey continued, "Only two people who are in a rtionship can do this. Are we girlfriend-boyfriend now?"


    It was as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over Dwight, extinguishing all the heat that had been building inside him. Slowly, he let go of Halsey, trying to stand up straight.


    Halsey wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him back toward her. She pouted, her lips bright red." What''s this? If you don''t want to date me, why did you kiss me? Are you just trying to use me?"


    Dwight swallowed hard, trying to shake off the irresistible scent of her soft, sweet skin. "I''m sorry."


    He said the words, and they hit Halsey hard. Was he saying he didn''t want to be with her?


    Halsey looked at him, her eyes wide with hurt. "You don''t have feelings for me?"


    Dwight had no response.


    Halsey pushed her small face closer to his, her bright eyes sparkling as she softly asked, "Why aren''t you into me? Am I not pretty enough? Not gentle enough? Not obedient enough? Tell me what''s wrong with me, and I''ll try to change."


    Dwight attempted to remove her hand from his neck, but she held on tighter.


    "Dwight, I''m in love with you," she said, her voice full of sincerity.


    Dwight didn''t know how to respond.


    Her boldness was clear-she was unafraid to express her feelings. She wanted to be with him.


    It was as if the mes of desire that had just been extinguished reignited within Dwight. At that moment, the elevator door opened, and bright light poured in.


    The elevator had malfunctioned, but now a professional technician had arrived and opened the doors.


    "You two can get out now," the technician said with a cheerful tone.


    Halsey quickly pulled her hand away from Dwight and stepped back.


    Dwight turned and exited.


    Just as he did, he felt something soft in his palm. It was Halsey''s small hand, reaching out to hold his.


    Halsey had taken his hand.


    Dwight paused for a moment.


    The technician noticed and smiled, asking, "Are you two a couple? You look so sweet together."


    Halsey immediately responded, "Yeah, he''s my boyfriend!


    Dwight just stood there, speechless.


    They exited the hotel, and Dwight gged a cab. Halsey followed him inside.


    Dwight nced at her. "I''m going home. Why are youing with me?" Halsey replied, "Didn''t you say you were drugged? I can help you."


    Dwight''s voice was hoarse. "Do you know how to help me?


    Halsey smiled brightly. "You can teach me. I''m a quick learner." Her eyes were wide and sparkling, clear and innocent.


    Dwight remembered that she had once been engaged to Gilbert.


    He blurted out, almost without thinking, "Didn''t your ex-boyfriend teach you?"


    As soon as the words left his mouth, Dwight regretted asking. He wasn''t the type to meddle in others'' business, and he didn''t know why he had asked that question.


    Halsey didn''t overthink it. She answered with innocent sincerity, "Don''t mention that jerk! Nothing ever happened between us. We''ve never even held hands."


    Hearing her response, Dwight turned away, looking out the window.


    Half an hourter, they arrived at the familiar, run-down neighborhood-Dwight''s home.


    Tina came out. "Dwight, you''re back?"


    Madeline saw Halsey and bounced over excitedly. "Halsey, it''s so nice of you to visit!"


    +25 BORUS

 My Dad Please Come 418

    Halsey greeted them, "Mrs. Garner, Maddy, hello."


    Tina was visibly happy. "Dwight, you should have told us Halsey wasing. We could have prepared a few more dishes."


    Dwight was about to say that Halsey wasn''t eating here, but she cut in before he could. "Mrs. Garner, I''m not picky. As long as there''s enough food, I''m fine."


    Tina smiled, "Well, we definitely have plenty."


    Everyoneughed, their mood light and cheerful.''.


    Dwight stated, "I''m going to take a shower."


    He went back to his room, turning on the shower and letting the cold water pour over him.


    The aphrodisiac Penny had prepared for him was potent. Dwight had been around long enough to recognize these kinds of tricks, but still, as a man, the effect of the drug was something he couldn''t easily shake off.


    The cold water hit his solid muscles, sshing off him. He closed his eyes, trying to focus.


    Suddenly, the door opened, and Halsey''s soft voice rang out "Dwight."


    He didn''t look up. "Yeah?"


    "Mrs. Garner asked me to bring you some clean clothes."


    "Just put them in here."


    Halsey entered the room. There was a frosted ss door separating them, but she didn''t look in that direction." Where should I put them?"


    "Just hang them up."


    "Okay."


    Halsey hung the clothes up neatly.


    Dwight turned his head, his gaze falling through the frosted ss. He caught a glimpse of her silhouette. Her figure was delicate and graceful, with slender, soft features. Her long ck hair cascaded down her back, radiating a soft, inviting


    scent.


    She stood on her toes, hanging up his clothes, her body turned sideways. Her body was curvy in all the right ces, her figure youthful and firm.


    Dwight''s eyes reddened slightly, his body tense with a feeling he couldn''t shake. He reached out, almost instinctively.


    From the other side of the ss, he heard her call to him. "Are you done yet? You''ve been in there a long time."


    He didn''t respondy


    "Why aren''t you answering me? Cat got your tongue?" Halsey''s voice came again, yful but persistent.


    "Dwight? Dwight!"


    The sound of her calling his name through the frosted ss felt like a secret, hidden behind the barrier, yet full of unspoken excitement. Each call was so sweet, like fireworks exploding in his mind, making everything around


    him feel distant and hazy.


    For a moment, it was like inhaling something foreign and addictive-strange, yet drawing him in deeper.


    "Dwight? Dwight!"


    Unable to control himself anymore, Dwight snapped, his voice hoarse, ¡°Shut up! Are you trying to drive me crazy?


    "1


    Halsey, on the other side, fell silent.


    She left, and Dwight turned off the water, using a towel to dry himself off before slipping into the clean clothes she had brought. He stepped out of the bathroom.


    Tina had finished preparing the vegetables, and Dwight moved to the kitchen to start cooking.


    Madeline was sitting at the table doing her homework, and Halsey watched her for a moment. Madeline''s handwriting was beautiful, and she was a top student, always at the top of her ss.


    "Maddy, you''re really impressive. Which high school do you want to go to?" Halsey asked.


    Madeline smiled, "I want to go to Oakwood High. My brother went there too, and he got in with the highest score."


    Halsey had heard about it. "I heard he was the top scorer in the state that year."


    Madeline beamed with pride. "Yeah, Dwight has always been number one in everything, from elementary school all the way through college. He''s my goal. Honestly, I still feel like I''m far behind him."


    Halsey couldn''t help but think that the Garner siblings were both incredible. Though she herself was excellent in school, she knew she could never match Dwight''s level of achievement.


    She stepped into the kitchen and watched Dwight stir-frying the vegetables.


    "Dwight, are you not interested in me because my grades aren''t as good as yours? Do you think I''m dumb?"

 My Dad Please Come 419

    Dwight didn''t respond.


    Halsey watched him, noticing how his freshly washed, short hair was still damp, his ck T-shirt and pants giving him a more youthful, handsome vibe.


    He was an excellent cook, his skills honed from a young age. A man who could cook was undeniably more attractive.


    The more Halsey looked at him, the more she found herself drawn to him. "Dwight, why aren''t you talking to me? If you keep ignoring me, I might just have to tickle you."


    Without warning, she reached out and tickled him.


    Her soft little handsnded on his toned waist, sending a tingly sensation through him.


    Dwight quickly caught both of her iling wrists with one hand and pushed her firmly against the wall. "What are you doing? Stop it."


    Halsey struggled, trying to pull her hands free. "Why are you being so mean?"


    Dwight didn''t let go.


    Halsey stood on her tiptoes and quickly kissed him on the lips.


    Dwight froze for a moment.


    Seeing that he didn''t resist, Halsey grew bolder and leaned in again, kissing him with more confidence.


    As their lips met, Dwight''s senses were overwhelmed with the sweet, soft scent of her-so different from the soap he used. Her fragrance was a mix of high-end floral notes, as if she were wrapped in the luxury of expensive perfumes. Dwight finally released her wrists.


    Halsey wrapped her arms around his waist, coaxing his mouth open as she deepened the kiss.


    He was cold, distant, and often detached, but when she kissed him, his body heat was undeniable. Halsey couldn''t help but love the feeling of kissing him.


    As their kiss continued, Dwight''s body, which had started to calm down, once again became feverish


    Just then, Tina''s voice rang out from the other room. "Smells like something''s burning."


    Tina hurried into the kitchen. "Dwight, did you burn the food?"


    Tina, unable to see, had entered without knocking, since this was her home.


    Halsey, startled, quickly pushed Dwight away, her face turning bright red.


    Dwight, with his cool, almost unreadable expression, immediately turned off the stove. "I forgot to turn off the heat. It''s fine.".


    Tina chuckled gently. "Well, be careful.",


    Halsey quickly added, "Mrs. Garner, we were talking, and I think he lost track of time."


    Tina smiled warmly. "That''s alright. You two continue. I''ll step outside for now."


    Once Tina left, Halsey felt the tension in the air, an awkwardness lingering


    between them. She nced at Dwight and couldn''t help but notice that his ears had turned red.


    He was blushing!


    Halsey was surprised. "Are you blushing?"


    Dwight quickly denied it. "No."


    Halsey smirked. "You''re definitely blushing! Don''t try to hide it."


    Dwight gave her a look. "Get out."


    "I don''t want to leave. I want to stay with you!"


    Halsey wrapped her arms around Dwight from behind.


    She was soft and warm, pressing herself against him. Dwight stiffened. "Aren''t


    you embarrassed, throwing yourself at me?"


    Halseyughed. "Why should I be embarrassed?"


    Dwight raised an eyebrow but didn''t answer.


    Halsey grinned. "You''re my boyfriend, aren''t you? Isn''t that what couples do?


    Kiss, hug, spend time together? I''m not embarrassed!!!


    Dwight raised an eyebrow. "Who said I''m your boyfriend?"


    "But you are!"


    "I never agreed to that!"


    "Well, I kissed you, and you didn''t reject me. Not once! I keep kissing you, and you keep epting it. I''m sure you''re into me too!"


    Dwight smirked. "Well, you offered yourself, and I''m single-what if I''m just taking advantage of you?"


    "So, you''re saying you''re a jerk? If that''s the case, then fine Be a jerk. Come on. Do your worst."


    Halsey knew he wasn''t a jerk.


    Dwight had no response.


    Just then, Warren Thorpe, Dwight''s friend who always followed him around, entered the room.


    "Dwight... Holy crap, where did this stunnere from?"

 My Dad Please Come 420

    Warren hade looking for Dwight, but he wasn''t expecting to find him with Halsey. When he saw her, his eyes went wide in surprise.


    Halsey quickly pulled away from Dwight, feeling a bit embarrassed. She smiled at Warren and introduced herself." Hi, I''m Halsey."


    Warren grinned. "Hi, nice to meet you. I''m Warren. Dwight you got a girlfriend?"


    Dwight shook his head. "She''s not my girlfriend.


    "I am!" Halsey said, smiling brightly.


    Dwight gave her a look of disbelief.


    Warrenughed. "Dwight, I thought you were going to die a lonely man. You never showed arry interest in girls before, but now I get it. It''s not that you weren''t interested, just that you had high standards and hadn''t found someone you liked. Halsey here-she''s way out of the league of the girls who used to chase you around!"


    Dwight set the spat down and looked at Warren. "Let''s talk outside."


    They stepped out into the yard, and Dwight said, "Alright, enough with the small talk. What did youe here for?"


    Warren''s face grew serious. "You told me to keep an eye on Phantom-he''s here."


    Phantom was the notorious drug lord from years ago. Dwight''s father had worked as an undercover agent in his gang, but eventually, he was caught and killed by the drug lord.


    Dwight had been searching for this man ever since, and now Phantom had resurfaced.


    A cold wind blew through, making Dwight''s thin ck T-shirt p against his body. His eyes hardened with frost. "Got it."


    He turned to head back inside.


    Warren stopped him. "Your girlfriend''s really pretty."


    Dwight pursed his lips. "She''s not my girlfriend."


    "Are you serious?" Warren raised an eyebrow, looking at Dwight. "We''ve known each other forever. If you didn''t like her, you wouldn''t have let her get this close. The only reason you''d let someone in that close is because you like them."


    Dwight didn''t respond immediately, his silence hanging in the air. After a few seconds, he finally spoke. "I can''t offer her a future, so there''s no point in starting anything. She''s from a good family."


    Warren chuckled. "Good family, pretty, sweet, and clingy. Are you sure you''re not into her? Honestly, you don''t have to be so hard on yourself. I can tell that girl''s crazy about you."


    Dwight''s expression remained neutral. "Go home."


    He then went back inside.


    Halsey came out and asked, "Did Warren leave?"


    Dwight nodded. "Yeah, he''s gone."


    Tina, who had been quietly watching, said, ¡°Every time Warrenes over, he brings something but never stays


    3


    to eat."


    Dwight brought the dishes the table. "Let''s eat."


    Halsey sat down without hesitation, staying for dinner. Dwight had made braised ribs, one of Madeline''s favorite dishes.


    He carefully picked up a piece of the ribs and ced it in Madeline''s bowl. Madeline smiled at him. "Thanks, Dwight."


    Dwight pulled his utensils back, but then he noticed Halsey looking at him with expectant eyes. She pushed her small bowl toward him, silently asking for a piece


    too.


    Madeline immediately added, "Hurry, give Halsey a piece too!"


    Halsey looked up at Dwight with a hopeful gaze.


    Dwight, still holding his utensils, picked up another piece of the ribs and ced it in her bowl


    Halsey took a bite, and she was immediately impressed. The first time she had seen Dwight make this dish, she had wanted to try it. She hadn''t expected it to taste this good.


    With a sweet smile, Halsey said, "This is really delicious!"


    Tina smiled warmly. "If you like it, you shoulde over more often and let Dwight cook for you."


    Halsey looked at Dwight and smiled. "I will."


    As dinner came to an end, a loud crack of thunder suddenly echoed from outside, followed by heavy rain.

 My Dad Please Come 421

    Chapter 421 Chapter 421


    Halsey stared out the window at the pouring rain. How was she supposed to get back to school in this weather? Madeline spoke up. "Halsey, it''s too dangerous to go back in this rain. Why don''t you stay here tonight?"


    Tina nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Halsey, stay here. You can sleep in Maddy''s room."


    Tina liked Halsey a lot, but she was also very clear about boundaries. She wouldn''t allow Halsey to sleep in the same room as Dwight.


    Halsey smiled and nodded. ¡°Alright. Looks like I''m staying with you tonight, Maddy."


    Madeline happily linked arms with Halsey. "Come on! I''ll show you to my room."


    Once inside Madeline''s room, Madeline pulled out a new nightgown. "This is new. You can wear it."


    Halsey took it in her hands. "Thanks."


    "Go take a shower first," Madeline suggested.


    There were three rooms in the house, none of them very big-Tina had one, Dwight had one, and Madeline had the other. The bathroom was shared.


    Halsey held the nightgown in front of her as she headed toward the door. "Okay, I''ll go shower."


    As she stepped out of the room, she ran into Dwight. "I''m only staying because it''s pouring out there. Don''t worry. I''ll be good. I won''t cause any trouble."


    Dwight nced out the window at the heavy rain and then turned his attention back to her. "So, where are you sleeping?"


    Halsey winked yfully. "I''ll sleep with you."


    Dwight froze, then his face turned serious as he growled, "Halsey!"


    Halsey grinned. "I was joking. Of course, I''m not sleeping with you. I''m sleeping with Maddy! Now, I''m off to take a shower!"


    With that, she walked into the bathroom.


    Dwight stood there, still processing. He knew Halsey was just teasing him, but didn''t she know how dangerous it was to joke like that with a guy? It wasn''t a joke to be taken lightly.


    He poured himself a ss of water, trying to clear his mind


    Suddenly, there was a loud crash of thunder outside, followed by a sh of lightning. At the same time, Halsey''s terrified scream rang out from the bathroom. "Ah!"


    Dwight immediately set down his water ss and rushed to the bathroom door. "Halsey, what''s wrong?"


    There was no answer.


    He twisted the doorknob and pushed the door open, rushing inside. ¡°Halsey, are you..."


    Dwight froze as he saw Halsey sitting on the floor, having tripped and fallen.


    The most shocking thing was that her clothes were almostpletely off, revealing a lot of smooth, pale skin that was hard to ignore.


    Dwight swallowed hard.


    Halsey quickly covered herself with her clothes, her voice high-pitched with panic. "There''s a rat! A rat!"


    Halsey was terrified of rats. Apparently, one had darted out from somewhere and scared her so badly that she fell.


    Dwight immediately looked away. "Where is it?"


    Halsey pointed frantically. "It''s over there! It''s so scary! Get rid of it!"


    At that exact moment, the rat darted out from a corner of the room and headed straight for Halsey.


    Halsey jumped in sheer panic and threw herself into Dwight''s arms. "Dwight, help me!"


    Without thinking, Dwight instinctively opened his arms to catch her. Shended against him, her legs wrapping tightly around his waist, and her arms clung to his neck in a desperate grip.


    "It''sing at us! Hurry, get rid of it!"


    Dwight,pletely caught off guard by the situation, could only feel her warmth as she pressed against him. The rat had already scurried away, but he found himself struggling to breathe.


    His voice was hoarse as he tried to calm her. "It''s okay now. The rat''s gone."


    "Really?"


    Halsey looked down at the floor, and sure enough, the rat was no longer in sight.


    But then she realized something far more rming: She was still wrapped around Dwight like an octopus, and their position was undeniably intimate.

 My Dad Please Come 422

    And on top of that, Halsey had taken off her outer clothes.


    Halsey let out a soft gasp. "Ah-mmm!"


    She was about to cry out again, but Dwight quickly covered her mouth with his hand, silencing her.


    "Don''t make a sound," he whispered urgently. "My mom and my sister are in the house. Do you want them to see us like this?"


    Halsey blinked, her wide eyes filled with surprise as she looked at him. She pulled his hand away. "I won''t make a sound. Just put me down."


    Dwight released his hold, and Halsey carefully climbed off him.


    However, as she moved, her hand brushed against something. It wasn''t the first time she had touched it, but this time, curiosity got the better of her, and she reached out. "What''s this?"


    "Halsey, don''t touch that!" Dwight tried to stop her hand from reaching any further. Yet, Halsey was too quick. He couldn''t stop her in time.


    Dwight''s body stiffened. A flush of desire spread across his face, creeping up from the corners of his eyes.


    Halsey quickly realized what she had done. Her mind exploded in a rush of confusion, and she staggered back a few steps, her eyes widening as she stared at him. "Y-You."


    Dwight saw her innocent, unknowing expression and immediately turned, walking quickly out of the room.


    Halsey stood frozen.


    What had she just done?


    She quickly raised her hand to cover her burning red face, feeling utterly


    embarrassed. She couldn''t even look him in the eye.


    Dwight was already gone, but soon, Halsey''s voice rang out from inside the room. "Dwight!"


    Dwight stopped in his tracks.


    Halsey called out, her tone a little more anxious. "I''m scared the rat mighte back. Could you just stand by the door while I finish? I''ll be quick, I promise. Okay?"


    There was no way Dwight could say no. "Alright."


    A few momentster, the sound of rushing water filled the air as Halsey started her shower.


    Dwight stepped over to the window, opening it to let in the cool night air. Her scent was soft and inviting; it was too easy for a man to lose himself in suchfort, and Dwight didn''t like that feeling.


    About ten minutester, Halsey stepped out, calling to him. "I''m done."


    Dwight turned around, and his eyesnded on Halsey. Her long, dark hair was damp, and she wore a delicate floral nightgown belonging to Madeline.


    The nightgown didn''t reveal much, but it was a bit too small for her. Madeline was only in the ninth grade, still growing, and Halsey was a young woman now. The dress clung to her body, entuating her curves-her bust and hips stood out sharply.


    Dwight caught a glimpse of her before quickly looking away "Alright, I''ll head back to my room."


    He started walking toward his own room.


    But then, a small, delicate hand reached out and grabbed the sleeve of his shirt.


    Dwight paused, trying to pull his sleeve free.


    But her grip was stubborn, tugging at the fabric, making creases as it wrapped tightly around her palm.


    He turned to look at her. "What is it?"


    Halsey looked up at him, a yful smile curling at the corners of her lips. "Dwight,


    do you have feelings for me?" Dwight opened his mouth, ready to deny it.


    But girls never really needed a boy''s answer, because they already knew.


    Halsey''s grin widened. "I knew it. You have feelings for me!''


    Dwight frowned. "I don''t."


    Halseyughed softly. "If you don''t, then what about your... reaction earlier? I don''t care. You''re into me!"


    With that, Halsey slipped back into her room, leaving Dwight speechless.


    He stood there for a moment, his mind racing, before heading to his own room. Sitting down at his desk, he pulled out all the research he had gathered on Phantom.


    Just then, his phone pinged with a text from Warren.


    Dwight opened it, and Warren had sent a video.


    What could this be?


    Dwight clicked on it...

 My Dad Please Come 423

    It was porn.


    The moment the audio filled the room, Dwight immediately realized what was going on and quickly shut it off.


    He sent two words to Warren. [Wanna die?]


    Warrenughed. [You have a girlfriend now. You should start learning. It''s time to widen your horizons.)


    Dwight quickly replied, [Shut up!]


    Warren didn''t dare to send another message.


    Dwight returned to studying Phantom''s files. Before he knew it, half an hour had passed. He was lying on the bed, his arm resting behind his head. His mind was in a chaotic swirl, and it was unclear what he was thinking about. His mind had always been calm before.


    But after meeting Halsey, things started to feel a little off.


    Somehow, Dwight found himself reaching for his phone again and clicking on the video.


    In the room next door, Halsey and Madeline had already settled into bed, chatting. Halsey asked, "How''s your mom''s health beentely?"


    Madeline nodded. "She''s much better. After thest time she went to the hospital and got that medicine, she''s been feeling less pain, and she''s more energetic now."


    Halsey felt a bit relieved. The medicine was imported from overseas, and she had asked Anthony to prescribe it to Tina at a fake low price, so they didn''t know the whole story yet.


    It seemed the medicine was working well, but it still wasn''t enough to cure Tina.


    "Maddy, when you get into Oakwood High, you can live at my ce. My house is really close to the school."


    Halsey knew Tina could only stay until Madeline finished her exams. Once Tina was gone, Madeline would have no choice but to stay with Dwight, and that wouldn''t be ideal.


    Halsey thought about taking Madeline in as a sister. Cyril really valued talent, and Madeline was a good kid-he would definitely like her.


    Madeline smiled. "Once high school starts, I''ll probably stay at the school dorms. I''m actually pretty independent.


    Both Dwight and Madeline were strong-willed people. Hearing that, Halsey smiled. ¡°Focus on your exams for now. It won''t be long before the big test, and you still need to go to school tomorrow. You should get some sleep."


    "Okay. Goodnight, Halsey."


    Madeline closed her eyes and fell asleep quickly.


    But Halsey couldn''t settle. She tossed and turned for a while before finally sitting up, unable to sleep. She decided to go find Dwight.


    When she reached his door, she was about to knock, but she noticed the door wasn''t fully closed.


    She pushed it open and stepped inside. "Dwight!"


    Dwight, lying on his bed and staring at his phone, jumped at the sudden sound of


    her voice. He quickly hid his phone. "What are you doing here?"


    "I came to check on you. What''s with the big reaction?"


    Halsey noticed Dwight had ced his phone under his pillow, and her sharp senses immediately picked up on something. "Why are you hiding your phone? What secrets are you hiding in there?"


    Dwight hadn''t expected her toe in, and his brow furrowed. "This is my room. Get out."


    Vis


    Halsey walked over to his bed. ¡°I''m not leaving. Why are you trying to kick me out? What''s on your phone? Let me see."


    Halsey reached out to grab his phone.


    Dwight was exasperated. He said with a frown, "Is your hobby barging into people''s rooms?"


    Dwight didn''t want to hand over his phone, but Halsey was quick. She grabbed it from his hand before he could stop her.


    "You''re watching a video? What is this?" she asked as she opened it.


    Dwight didn''t respond.


    He shut his eyes in resignation andy back down. Fine, whatever. Halsey''s dark,


    clear eyes widened in shock as she stared at Dwight.


    "How could you watch this kind of video? Y-You''re nasty!"

 Dad Please Come 424

    +25 BOHUS


    Dwight grabbed the nket and pulled it over his handsome face, not saying a word. He wasn''t in the mood to talk. The first time he did something bad, and she caught him. His luck was unbelievable.


    Halsey reached out and pulled the nket off his face. "Dwight, talk to me. Why are you watching this?"


    Now, Dwighty t on the bed, one long leg hanging off the edge. His posture was rxed, but there was an untamed, wild energy about him-reckless, carefree.


    Halsey snatched the nket off his face, her soft body pressing into him, her weight on top of him.


    Dwight, feeling resigned, let go of any pretense. "So what if I watched it?"


    "You..." Halsey was left speechless by his shamelessness.


    Dwight looked at her small, oval face. "You can leave now."


    "I''m not leaving."


    "Then what do you want?".


    "I want to watch too!"


    Dwight narrowed his eyes and reached for the phone, trying to stop her from seeing it.


    But Halsey had already clicked on the video. She was curious, after all-she had never seen something like this before.


    "Halsey!"


    Dwight tried to grab the phone back, but Halsey dodged, and the two of them tumbled onto the bed. Dwight was behind her now, his body pressed against hers, almost as if he was holding her in an embrace.


    Halsey blinked her bright eyes and grinned. "Let''s watch it together."


    Dwight said nothing, still staring at her.


    Halsey clicked on the video.


    Dwighty back again, feeling a bit defeated. He had wanted to keep this to himself, but he never expected her to show up. Now, the situation seemed to be spiraling out of control, like a train that couldn''t be stopped.


    Before he knew it, Halsey climbed onto him, her face flushed like a ripe tomato. She boldly leaned down and kissed him, her soft lips pressing into his.


    Dwight''srge hands, with their prominent knuckles,nded on her slender waist, gripping it tightly.


    Halsey wrapped her white legs around his torso, pulling herself closer to him. "We can''t do this." Dwight still held onto some semnce of control.


    Halsey looked at him, her voice soft. "I''ve never been with a man before. This is my first time, Dwight. I''m in love with you. I want to be with you."


    She confessed her feelings to Dwight.


    There was nothing harder to resist than a beautiful woman''s affection, and Dwight found himselfpletely tangled up in her, lost in the haze.


    Just then, a voice rang out from outside. "Dwight, are you asleep?"


    Halsey froze in surprise.


    Dwight quickly grabbed the nket, covering Halsey''s body "I''m in bed, Mom. Is something wrong?"


    Halsey could hear Tina''s voice through the nket. "The heavy rain will probablyst all night. The ground will be slippery in the morning. Don''t let Halsey walk back to school alone. You should take her."


    Dwight replied, "Okay."


    Halsey felt a warmth in her heart as she wrapped her arms around Dwight''s neck, nting a soft kiss on his skin, her lips trailing up to his ear.


    Dwight''s throat tightened, and he held her in ce, his voice low and warning. "Halsey!"


    Outside, Tina was still speaking. "When you get to the school gate, you should part ways with Halsey. Don''t let anyone know she stayed here. A girl''s reputation is important, so you need to be careful."


    Dwight sighed. "Got it, Mom. Get some rest."


    Tina left and went back to her room.


    Dwight threw the nket aside and red at Halsey with a fierce intensity. He suddenly flipped over, pinning her underneath him. "Halsey, you''d better not regret this!"

 My Dad Please Come 425

    On the other side, Stanley pulled Wendy out of the bar, his long strides quick and confident. Wendy could barely keep up, stumbling behind him.


    Wendy frowned. "Stanley, let go of me!".


    Stanley opened the door of his luxury car and shoved her into the passenger seat before he slid into the driver''s


    seat.


    The Rolls-Royce Phantom sped down the road, the city''s neon lights casting a glow on the sleek car.


    Wendy raised an eyebrow. "Did you finish dinner already? Was thedy''s dance not enough to keep you around?"


    Stanley''s sudden appearance at the bar had caught Wendy off guard, especially since she had just seen him watching a group of beautiful dancers moments ago.


    His hand, adorned with an expensive watch, rested on the steering wheel. The city''s lights reflected off his sharp, handsome face, making him look both refined and striking


    "You saw me?" he asked, his voice smooth.


    Wendy nodded. "Yeah. Your charm seems endless. Everywhere, there''s someone falling for you."


    Stanley''s lips curved into a small, amused smile. "That''s rich,ing from you. Didn''t you also go to the male stripper bar? Was it fun? If I had shown up a littleter, would you have swiped my card to spend some time with a few strippers?"


    Wendy just stared at him, speechless. That sharp tongue of his...!


    Worried about Halsey, she took out her phone and dialed her number.


    But the phone just kept ringing, and no one picked up.


    What could Halsey be doing?


    Stanley''s deep voice cut through the silence. "Is Halsey with Dwight?"


    Wendy nodded. "I think so."


    Stanley''s tone remained calm, with no sign of surprise. He simply said, "Tell Halsey to stay away from him."


    Wendy nced at him. "Don''t underestimate him. Are you looking down on him? He has lots of potential. There''s a story behind him."


    Stanley''s lips quirked up slightly. "I''m not looking down on him. Dwightes from a different world than ours or Halsey''s. They''re not likely to have a future together. When you know something won''t work out, it''s better to make sure there''s no feelings involved."


    Stanley made his analysis, and while Wendy agreed with him in a way, she couldn''t help but think of Dwight as a wild stallion-untamed and free. Sooner orter, he would soar in a domain he excelled in.


    Wendy lowered Her gaze. "That may be true, but you can''t stop love."


    At first, she had known there was no future for her and Stanley, but she still married him.


    Stanley didn''t respond. Thirty minutester, the Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up to Royale Residences.


    The rain was pouring down, and without an umbre, Stanley and Wendy ran to the apartment building, both getting soaked.


    1/2.


    Wendy entered the building and scanned her fingerprint to unlock the door. ¡°Thanks for the ride. I''ll see you around."


    She stepped into the apartment, ready to close the door behind her.


    But Stanley, tall and imposing, blocked the doorway. His knee suddenly bent and shoved the door back open before she could close it.


    Wendy blinked in surprise. "What are you doing?"


    Stanley simply replied, "I forgot my key. Zayn will bring it over soon. Can Ie in and wait?"


    Wendy immediately refused. "No... Hey, Stanley!"


    But her protest was useless. The door was pushed wide open, and Stanley strode into her apartment without hesitation.


    Wendy sighed in exasperation. "This is breaking and entering."


    Stanley nced around the apartment. Both hers and his were designed with a panoramic sea view, offering stunning vistas.


    The difference was in the d¨¦cor-his was sleek with ck-and-white tones, while hers was filled with warm colors. The champagne gold crystal chandelier above added a cozy, homely vibe to the space.

 My Dad Please Come 426

    Stanley scanned the room. "This ce must have cost quite a bit to decorate, huh?"


    Wendy shrugged. "So what?"


    "Did Samuel pay for all of this?"


    ¡°Yeah, he paid for everything. He bought the luxury car, the mansion-everything. I just brought my stuff and moved in."


    Vo


    Stanley pressed his lips together in thought. Then, his eyesnded on something on the coffee table.


    "What''s this?" Stanley moved toward the table.


    Wendy looked up, her clear eyes suddenly narrowing in shock. On the coffee table was a pregnancy test.


    Wendy reached out to grab it, but Stanley was faster. He snatched up the test before she could.


    He nced at the test, then at her. "Why did you buy a pregnancy test?"


    Wendy quickly scanned it. Thankfully, it was a new one, and there were no two red lines-thankfully, it didn''t reveal that she was pregnant.


    Since Stanley didn''t want kids and had no ns of being a father, she hadn''t nned on telling him.


    Wendy wasn''t sure what his reaction would be. If he knew she was pregnant, would he want her to keep the baby?


    What if he didn''t want her to have his child? Would he force her to get an abortion?


    She wasn''t willing to take that risk.


    "Why aren''t you answering? I asked you why there''s a pregnancy test here."


    Stanley''s sharp gaze fixed on her with intensity.


    Wendy hesitated. "Well, a pregnancy test is for testing pregnancy."


    Stanley took a long step forward, closing the distance between them.


    Hismanding presence loomed over her, forcing Wendy to step back. "What are you doing?"


    Soon, she felt the back of her knee against the couch. She was forced to sit down as Stanley advanced, leaning on the armrest with one hand, trapping her against him. He stared down at her, his tone colder now.


    "Why are you testing? Are you testing for my baby?"


    Wendy''s heart skipped a beat.


    Stanley''s voice was even colder when he added, "Or are you testing for Samuel''s baby?"


    Wendy froze for moment, instantly understanding what he meant. She raised a hand and pushed against his solid chest, trying to get him to back off.


    "What''s it to you?"


    Before she could react further, Stanley grabbed her chin, forcing her to look up at him, his grip tightening.


    "Are you angry?" Stanley''s voice was low and teasing.


    Wendy snapped, "No!"


    Yeah, why would you be angry? Not like you and Samuel haven''t slept together


    yet."


    The words struck her hard. She shot Stanley a furious re. This was probably the reason he barged into her apartment earlier-he just wanted to find out how far things had gone with Samuel.


    If he wanted to know...


    Wendy smirked, her eyes gleaming with mischievous intent. She arched an eyebrow and teased, "You''re right, Mr. Hawk. We''ve already slept together."


    "Is that so?" Stanley ran his fingers over her chin, his voice taking on a dangerous tone. "Who''s better in bed, Samuel or me?"


    Wendy''s eyes narrowed, her mind racing.


    "Or rather," Stanley continued, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "which one of us do you prefer?"


    A wave of anger surged through her, and Wendy snapped. She lifted her hand and swung at Stanley''s sharp face.


    Before she could make contact, Stanley caught her slender wrist in a firm grip. "Why hit me?"


    No one could be worse than him. Wendy opened her mouth and, in a desperate move, bit down on his lip.


    She immediately tasted the faint metallic vor of blood. She had broken the skin.

 My Dad Please Come 427

    Stanley winced in pain. Wendy was still the same, always biting when she got upset.


    Without warning, Stanley shoved her backward, pushing her deep into the sofa.


    Wendy''s soft body sank into the cushions. Just as she was about to sit up, Stanley''s tall, solid form descended on top of her, pinning her down.


    She ced both hands on his firm chest, furrowing her brow. "Stanley, what are you-mmph!"


    Before she could finish, her lips were covered by his. Stanley had lowered his head, capturing her lips in a forceful


    kiss.


    Wendy''s eyes widened in shock. Thest time they had shared an intimate moment like this was back in that vige, when he had forced himself on her. After that, nothing.


    Now, his clean, crisp, and ''domineering presence overwhelmed her once again. He pried her lips open, invading her mouth with his.


    Wendy''s mind went nk.


    "Stanley, let go of me!"


    Wendy struggled against him, her hands pressing against the ck fabric of his suit jacket. Her fingers brushed a decorative pin on hispel, its cold, sharp edges sending a shiver through her, momentarily freezing her.


    The woman beneath him was struggling fiercely, and Stanley''s throat burned like hot coals. He drank deeply from her, his lips trailing over her cheek and earlobe, leaving a trail of heat.


    "Stanley, stop! What are you doing? We''re divorced!" Wendy yelled.


    Stanley didn''t stop. Instead, his hand moved to undo the buttons on her blouse.


    Suddenly, a melodious ringtone broke through the tension the sound of a phone ringing.


    Wendy fumbled for her phone, the caller ID shing. It was Samuel calling.


    "Samuel''s calling! If you don''t stop now, I''ll answer the phone!"


    Stanley''s fingers tightened around her delicate face, and he gave a shortugh. "Didn''t know you were into that.¡±


    Wendy blinked, confused. "What?"


    Stanley looked at the caller ID, amused. "I guess it''d be exciting to let your current boyfriend see the live show between you and your ex-husband, huh?"


    The words hit Wendy like a bomb. She was burning with shame and anger.


    How could he say something so shameless?!


    Her clothes were in disarray; her soft shoulder was exposed, her hair a mess, while Stanley remained perfectlyposed, his suit immacte.


    He smiled slowly, speaking with deliberate calmness, "Go ahead, answer. Let Samuel see for himself who''s better in bed."


    Wendy was speechless.


    p!


    She raised her hand and struck Stanley across the face.


    This time, Stanley didn''t move to avoid it. Her hand made a crisp sound as itnded, knocking his face to the side.


    He slowly turned his head back, his voice cold. "One p equals one found."


    "What?"


    "If you want to hit me again, we''ll go two rounds tonight."


    Wendy was speechless.


    3


    Stanley lowered his head again, kissing her deeply, his lips thoving lower.


    Wendy struggled desperately beneath him, but his weight kept pressing down on her. No matter how hard she pushed, she couldn''t move him.


    Her hands slipped into his neatly cropped hair, tugging at it, trying to push him away.


    "Stanley, what the hell are you doing? If you need to satisfy your physical needs, go find Jessica! There are plenty of beautiful women outside. Whye to me? Is it because you think I''m a pushover?"


    Wendy truly couldn''t understand why he kepting after her. The woman in the silk dress from earlier was stunning and flexible, perfect for him. Why not take her home instead?


    Stanley''s hand moved to the back of her body, undoing theplicated sps of her bra.


    Wendy bit her lip, her teeth sinking into the red flesh. Samuel''s call was stilling through, and she finally declined.

 My Dad Please Come 428

    "I''m calling Jessica!"


    Wendy figured that if Stanley was going to act so arrogantly with Samuel''s call, she might as well call Jessica and let her see exactly what was going on.


    Sure enough, the man above her froze. Stanley looked down at her, his eyes intense.


    Wendy smirked. She knew that name would do the trick.


    "Stanley, get out of my house right now! Otherwise, I''ll tell Jessica about how you''re sexually harassing me tonight. She might not be able to do much, but trust me, she can make sure you can''t do anything either."


    Stanley''s gaze burned with desire as he looked at her, his voice rough. "Wendy, what''s wrong with you?"


    Wendy blinked in confusion. Why was he asking that when she was talking about Jessica?


    What was wrong with her?


    Stanley lowered his head and kissed her soft earlobe. "Wendy, you''re leaking."


    Leaking?


    Wendy suddenly realized what he meant. Since bing pregnant, her body had changed, and she had been feeling especially full in her chesttely. Last night, white liquid had even leaked from her.


    Her mind exploded with the realization, and she quickly shoved at Stanley. "Get off me!"


    Stanley grabbed her small chin, pulling her back in for another kiss.


    His kiss was forceful and passionate, sweeping over her like a storm, before his lips moved lower.


    Wendy''s small face turned bright red, almost like a cooked shrimp. She could feel the muscles of his body pressed against her, and his excitement was obvious.


    Stanley, the mature and wealthy man, knew exactly what he was doing.


    "Stanley, you''re a sick bastard! Let me go! I swear I''m calling Jessica!"


    Wendy quickly opened her WhatsApp and made a video call to Jessica.


    The call was already ringing.


    "I''m calling her on video-stop right now!"


    As she spoke, the video call connected, and Jessica''s pretty face appeared on the


    screen.


    Jessica was in the hospital, having been dealing with heart issues and was currently under observation.


    Lilian was by her side, the two of them talking about Wendy.


    Jessica, looking serious, said, "Mom, I''m going to get Wendy''s heart-no matter what!"


    Her life depended on it.


    Lilianughed softly. "Don''t worry. Mr. Hawk dotes on you. He''ll make it happen."


    Just as they spoke, Wendy''s video call came through.


    Jessica smiled slyly. "Why are you calling me on video? Looks like the sun''s rising in the west. What''s going on?


    +25 BOHUS


    Are you finally willing to donate your heart to me? Even if you''re hesitant, Stanley will make sure you agree, He will save mel"


    Lilian handed Jessica an apple. "Wendy, a wise person knows when to yield. You should just say yes and get it over with."


    Wendy didn''t expect Jessica to talk so much after answering the video call. She shouted loudly, "Jessica, help me!" Jessica froze. Only then did she realize Wendy''s small face was flushed red, like a vibrant sunset, her expression a mixture of embarrassment and something else.


    Wendy''s voice was urgent. "Control your man! He broke into my apartment and is trying to-argh!"


    Before Wendy could finish, she pulled the camera down slightly, and Jessica''s body froze. She saw the man lying on top of Wendy."


    It was Stanley!


    The man in the handmade ck suit had Wendy pinned against ''the sofa, his body pressed against hers. Jessica was shocked, her mind nk as she processed what she was seeing.


    For some reason, she couldn''t make sense of what was happening between Stanley and Wendy,

 My Dad Please Come 429

    No! How could this be?


    Jessica couldn''t believe it.


    She immediately erupted in anger, shouting, "Wendy, what are you doing with Stanley? You little tramp! You must have seduced him! Stanley is my boyfriend now! Don''t you have any shame?"


    "Wendy, take a good look! It''s your boyfriend harassing me!"


    "You little-"


    Jessica opened her mouth to say more, but the video call was suddenly disconnected.


    Inside Royale Residences, Wendy was still pinned under Stanley. She had hoped to say a few more things to Jessica, but before she could, Stanley snatched the phone out of her hand and hung up the call..


    Stanley''s eyes were burning with a dangerous desire. "Done with your rant?"


    Wendy scoffed. "Not even close! I still have so much to say to Jessica, but I''m sure she''s already imagined it all by now. Just you wait."


    Stanley tossed Wendy''s phone onto the coffee table. "If you''re done, let''s get back to what we were doing,"


    He kissed her again.


    Wendy couldn''t even find the words to respond.


    Just then, Stanley''s phone rang from his pocket. It was clear Jessica was calling.


    Wendy immediately shoved at him. "Jessica''s calling you! Let go of me. You need to answer her call!"


    Stanley made no move to answer it. One hand was busy tugging at Wendy''s clothes, while the other was undoing his belt. His voice came out low and strained. "Shut up and focus."


    Wendy feltpletely powerless. If that night in the vige had been about him saving her, now things were different. Both of them were fully aware of what was happening, yet Stanley had forced his way in to sleep with


    her.


    They had ended things, and Wendy had no desire to be with him. She was pregnant now, with their baby growing


    inside her.


    At the early stages of pregnancy, it wasn''t safe for her to be intimate or engage in vigorous activity.


    Seeing his determination, Wendy felt fear creeping in. "Stanley, please, don''t touch me! It hurts. You''re hurting me."


    Stanley kept her trapped beneath him, his voice low and amused. "What


    happened to all that strength? You''re so delicate now."


    Wendy winced, her face flushed with embarrassment. "I''m on my period. It''s not a good time."


    Stanley gave her a skeptical look. "Really? Let me see."


    Wendy quickly shook her head. "It''s true. Do you really want to push things


    further? It''s unsanitary. I could get sick."


    Stanley swallowed hard, clearly thinking. "Then what should we do?"


    Wendy tried to push him off, intending to run. "Go find someone else."


    But she didn''t get very far. Stanley grabbed her tightly. "Where do you think you''re going?"


    His strong arms wrapped around her waist, holding her against him. Wendy''s slender waist had always been his favorite, and he squeezed her hard, pressing into her stomach.


    Wendy frowned, clearly ufortable. "I really don''t feel well. Please, let go of me."


    Stanley looked down at her, his eyes softening. He could tell she wasn''t lying. He calmed down a little, his gaze gentle as he asked, "Where does it hurt? Your stomach?"


    Hisrge hand rested on her small belly, gently rubbing in circles.


    His palm was so big it covered her entire stomach, and the warmth from his hand,bined with the tender touch, made Wendy feel vulnerable. Stanley, when he wanted to, could easily make a person fall for him with just a few moments of


    care.


    Wendy quickly pulled his hand away. "What are you doing?"


    Stanley lifted her effortlessly and ced her on his firm thigh. "If you don''t want this, then we can go back to what we left unfinished."


    Exasperated, Wendy gave in to his threats.


    Stanley pulled her into his embrace on the couch, his hand once again resting on her small belly.

 My Dad Please Come 430

    "It''s gettingte. You should go home and get some rest," Wendy said, her voice calm but firm.


    Stanley nced at her, with no intention of moving. "You''re right. It''ste. Goodnight."


    Wendy froze.


    Was he staying here tonight?


    "Mr. Hawk, hasn''t Zayn brought the key yet?" Wendy asked, trying to keep her voice steady.


    "He won''t bring it until tomorrow. So tonight, I''ll be staying here," Stanley replied smoothly.


    "No," Wendy protested, her voice trembling slightly.


    Stanley turned to her, his gaze sharp. "I''m informing you, not asking for your permission."


    Wendy opened her mouth to say something else, but before she could, the world around her seemed to darken." Stanley kissed her again, silencing her with a force that left her breathless.


    In the hospital room, Jessica had been dialing Stanley''s number relentlessly, but there was no answer.


    She tried Wendy''s number next, but still, no one picked up.


    What were they doing?


    Thinking back to the images she had seen during the video call, Jessica felt rage bubbling up inside her. With a fierce motion, she threw her phone across the room with a loud crash.


    "Wendy, you tramp! I''ll make sure you pay for this!" she shouted, her fists clenched in fury.


    Lilian immediately stepped forward tofort Jessica. "Calm down! You can''t let your emotions take over. You need to keep your health in mind."


    Jessica shoved her away. "Mom, if you really love me, help me! Do you see what Wendy''s doing? She''s trying to steal Stanley from me. I should have never let her marry in my ce. She and Stanley should never have crossed paths!"


    Lilian felt a pang of regret as well. Wendy, the girl in the cave from all those years ago, was now back in Stanley''s life. And though Stanley hadn''t cared for Wendy at first, his attention had shifted entirely to her.


    "Don''t worry. I have a n," Lilian said, a glint of something dark flickering in her eyes.


    Jessica''s curiosity piqued, she leaned in. "What n?"


    Lilian whispered something into Jessica''s ear, her words low and conspiratorial.


    Jessica''s eyes widened in excitement, and she immediately gave her mother a thumbs up.


    "Mom, you really are the best!"


    The next morning, Wendy woke up with a start. She shifted slightly, then realized she was still on the couch. But the space beside her was empty-Stanley had already left.


    She remembered how they had both fallen asleep on the couch the night before, Stanley holding her close in his


    warm, protective embrace She had slept soundly in his arms the whole night.


    He was gone now.


    Wendy sat up slowly, reaching for her phone. She saw that Samuel had called her multiple times.


    Quickly, she returned his call.


    Samuel picked up almost immediately. "Where were youst night? I''ve been


    trying to reach you, and you didn''t pick up any of my calls."


    Wendy hesitated for a moment, then lied. "I went to bed earlyst night."


    "You''re lying," Samuel said, his voice teasing. "You were with Mr. Hawk, weren''t you?"


    Wendy almost choked.


    Did Samuel have some kind of sixth sense?


    Wendy quickly changed the subject. "Why were you trying to get in touch with me so urgently?"


    "Mr. Hawk has been looking for you. He has issued a public search in the industry to track you down. I can barely hold them off here. What do you want to do?" Samuel asked, his voice heavy with concern.


    Stanley was searching for her so urgently?


    It made sense. Jessica''s condition couldn''t hold on much longer, and with Stanley being so concerned for her, it was inevitable that he woulde looking for Wendy.


    Wendy smiled slightly, her lips curling into a knowing grin. "Don''t worry. Get in touch with him and tell him that I''ve arrived in Hovendale. I''ll arrange a time to meet him."


    Samuel chuckled, a glint of amusement in his voice.


    "If the Crones hear that the real Dr. Cen is arriving in Hovendale, they''ll


    probably implode. Alright, I''ll set up the meeting with Mr. Hawk. He''s been looking


    for you, and it''s about time you show him who you really are."

 My Dad Please Come 431

    +25 BORIS


    Wendy felt that it was time for her to finally show herself. The Crone family had been responsible for her father''s death, and it was time to settle those scores once and for all


    And then, there was Stanley. He had always wanted to know who Dr. Cen really was.


    Well, now she was ready to tell him.


    At the CEO''s office in Hawk Group, Stanley sat behind his desk, reviewing documents. His hand moved swiftly with a pen as he signed his name in the bottom corner of each page with a sharp, decisive stroke.


    Just then, the door opened, and Zayn entered quietly. "Mr. Hawk, we''ve received news about Dr. Cen."


    Stanley paused, the pen hovering in midair. His dark eyes shifted up to meet Zayn''s. "Go on."


    "We''ve just received word from Dr. Cen that the doctor will be attending the dinner tonight. The real Dr. Cen has arrived in Hovendale and has arranged to meet with you there."


    Stanley''s expression deepened, his gaze growing darker. He had been searching for Dr. Cen for what felt like an eternity. After multiple close calls and the mess with the imposter, the real Dr. Cen had finally arrived.


    Tonight, he would see for himself who this mysterious Dr. Cen truly was. Stanley''s lips curled into a thin smile. "Good. Let''s meet tonight at the dinner.''


    Later, Stanley arrived at the VIP ward. Earlier that morning, Lilian had called, saying that Jessica''s heart condition had red up again, and she needed hispany.


    Stanley stepped inside and found Jessica fuming with anger. "Stanley, what happenedst night? Why were you with Wendy? I know it''s her fault-she''s the one who''s been after you! She purposely bought a house right across from yours so she could keep tempting you!"


    "Jessica," Stanley interrupted, his tone firm.


    Jessica red at him, her anger barely contained.


    Stanley took a deep breath before replying. "Last night, I went to find Wendy." "What?!"


    Jessica froze for a moment, then quickly covered her ears, as though blocking out the words.


    "I don''t want to hear it! I don''t want to know! Stanley, I went abroad before, and that was why I allowed Wendy to marry in my ce. So, if you''ve slept with her, I won''t me you, but please don''t let her manipte you.


    "She may be highly educated, but in the past few years, she''s just been a housewife. I don''t believe you''d fall for someone like her!


    "I admit, Wendy is pretty, and she knows how to handle men. I''m sure that''s what drew you to her. She satisfied you in bed, and that''s why you started to pay attention to her. In the end, she''s just using her looks to get what she wants. You don''t love her. The one you love is me!"


    Stanley''s handsome face remained unreadable. In truth, some of what Jessica said was urate-Wendy did have a way of pleasing him, especially in bed.


    Stanley''s mind wandered back to the images fromst night, the way Wendy''s body had shifted under his touch. Just thinking about it made his throat dry.


    He had spent the entire night holding her, and it was one of the most agonizing experiences of his life. The need to see her again was consuming him, and he didn''t even understand why.


    He still valued women with high education, strong careers, and independent personalities¡ªthose who could challenge him. Wendy was brilliant, a prodigy even, but after bing a housewife, she had no job, no career, and that didn''t fit his usual preferences.


    But with her, it was different. He couldn''t exin it.


    Jessica continued, her voice trembling slightly. "I''m not feeling well. The doctors said I can''t handle any more stress. I don''t want to hear anything that makes me upset."


    Stanley pursed his lips. "Dr. Cen has arrived in Hovendale."


    What?


    Jessica froze, her eyes widening in shock. Then, a rush of joy filled her gaze. "Really? The real Dr. Cen is here in Hovendale?"


    +25 BORUS

 My Dad Please Come 432

    At that moment, Edith, Lin, and Trish all arrived, walking into the hospital room with expressions of surprise and excitement.


    Edith''s eyes sparkled. "The real Dr. Cen has really arrived in Hovendale?"


    Stanley nodded. "Yes, Dr. Cen will be attending the dinner tonight."


    Goodness!


    The Crone family was buzzing with excitement.


    Trish, looking starstruck, eximed, "The real Dr. Cen has finally arrived! The doctor is my idol, my goal-the person I want to be. I can''t believe I''m finally going to meet Dr. Cen!"


    Edith added, "Dr. Cen is so mysterious, always appearing and disappearing. We''ve been fooled by the fake Dr. Cen before, but now, we''ll finally see the doctor''s true face."


    Lilian, too, was curious. "Do you think Dr. Cen is a man or a woman?"


    Jessica shook her head. "I don''t know either. We''ll have the answer tonight."


    Edith turned to Stanley with a hopeful look. "Mr. Hawk, can wee with you to the dinner tonight? We all want to meet Dr. Cen."


    Stanley nodded. "Sure."


    Just then, a clear and melodic voice broke in. "What''s all this talk about? Sounds like you''re discussing something exciting."


    Stanley turned, and there, standing at the door, was Wendy. She looked as graceful andposed as ever.


    Jessica raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing here? Let me tell you some good news-the real Dr. Cen has arrived in Hovendale!"


    Edith jumped in with a teasing smile. "Dr. Cen is truly the epitome of grace and power. No matter how educated you are, in front of Dr. Cen, you''re just a speck of dust."


    Wendy curved her lips into a faint smile. ¡°So, you''re all going to see Dr. Cen tonight?"


    Trish grinned. "Yes, but you''re not invited."


    Wendy chuckled softly at their reactions, raising an eyebrow. "Well, what a coincidence. I know Dr. Cen."


    Edith''s eyes widened in disbelief. "You know Dr. Cen?"


    Wendy tilted her head, her gaze sharp. "Did you all forget that I was the one who handled the fake Dr. Cen issue for you?"


    Mentioning that situation made Trish seethe with frustration. She had been left with nothing after all her efforts." You only managed to catch the fake Dr. Cen because of Mr. Samuel!"


    Wendy''s smile remained, her eyes sparkling with mischief. ''I don''t care what you say. The truth remains that I do know Dr. Cen.¡±


    Jessica''s curiosity peaked. "You say you know Dr. Cen, but tell me, is Dr. Cen a man or a woman?"


    Wendy smiled slyly. "Dr. Cen is a woman, and a beautiful one at that."


    Wendy stepped closer to Jessica, her voice tinged with subtle meaning. "Jessica, you''d better be careful. When Dr. Cen meets Mr. Hawk, who knows? Mr. Hawk might just fall for her."


    Was Dr. Cen beautiful?


    Jessica felt a wave of unease wash over her. She turned to Stanley, her voice tight with urgency. "Stanley loves me. No one is going to take him away from me."


    Wendy''s gaze shifted to Stanley, her eyes lingering on his distinguished face. "Is that so?"


    Stanley stared at Wendy for a moment before reaching out to grasp her slender arm, pulling her out of the room. Once they were in the hallway, Wendy quickly yanked her arm free from his grasp. ¡°What are you doing?" Stanley stopped, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I should be asking you that question. What exactly do you think you''re doing here?"


    Wendy raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "Well, as you saw, I just wanted to tell them about Dr. Cen."


    Stanley regarded her with suspicion. "Do you really know Dr. Cen?"


    Wendy nodded confidently. "I do."


    She stepped closer to him, her lips curling into a yful half-smile. ¡°Actually, you''ve already met her."

 My Dad Please Come 434

    Wendy was saying Stanley had met Dr. Cen


    Stanley hadn''t known this. A deep, probing look crossed hiface as he studied Wendy. He couldn''t shule the feeling that Wendy was hiding something from him.


    Right now, Wendy''s eyes sparkled, glowing with an almont restible brightness. Stanley couldn''t help but feel a strange stir in his chest as he gazed at her.


    Just then, Edith and Lilian emerged from the room, and Edith called out, "Hendry"


    Wendy turned to look at Edith. "Did you need something?


    Edith''s gaze was serious. "Did you take your father''s ashes back and get everything settled?"


    At the mention of her father, Wendy let out a coldugh. "Are you really pretending to care about my dad''s ashes?"


    "How can you talk like that? Jerry was my first son. I''m his mother!" Edith retorted, a hint of anger creeping into her voice.


    Wendy scoffed, her voiceced with bitterness. "My dad''s gone. Who are you trying to fool with that? He wasn''t even your biological son. You adopted him."


    Edith and Lilian froze, their expressions faltering in shock. They hadn''t expected Wendy to know the truth Lilian''s voice quivered with disbelief. "How did you find out about that?"


    Wendy took a few steps closer, stepping into their personal space with unwavering confidence.


    "Back in the day, you were desperate to secure your position in the family. You couldn''t get pregnant, so you adopted my father. The moment he entered the Crone family, you miraculously got pregnant. You had Harry, who''s really your first son, and Archer, your youngest. Those two are your darlings.


    "You''ve always been biased. My dad knew he wasn''t your real son, so he endured everything. He truly considered you his mother. He built his career from nothing, supported his two younger brothers, and did everything he could to be a good son to you. He gave you all everything you now have. He repaid the debt of your adoption long ago!"


    Her words hit hard, and Edith and Lilian stumbled back, stunned.


    They hadn''t expected Wendy to know about the past, and now, they were wondering how on earth she had discovered all this.


    Wendy''s gaze turned to Lilian. "My dad truly loved you. He married you, treated you well, adored you as a wife, and never once let you down. But look at what you''ve done to him!"


    Lilian''s face twisted in shock and anger as if Wendy had just stepped on herst nerve. "What are you talking about?"


    "What am I talking about? You know exactly what you did to my dad! How do you sleep at night, knowing you''re enjoying the wealth he left behind? Don''t you ever wonder, in the dead of night, if my dad mighte back and haunt you all?"


    "What nonsense are you speaking?!"


    Her face ghostly pale, Lilian raised her hand to p Wendy across the face, fury written all over her face.


    However, Wendy was too quick. She caught Lilian''s wrist before it couldnd.


    Lilian gasped, her voice shaking with outrage. "I''m your mother! How dare youy a hand on me!" Wendy''s eyes gleamed with icy rity. "Mother? You don''t deserve that title."


    With a swift motion, Wendy shoved Lin, sending her stumbling backward. Lilian crashed into the wall with a loud thud, leaving herpletely off bnce and looking uterly disheveled.


    Edith and Lilian were left staring at Wendy in shock and rage.


    Edith''s voice was trembling with fury. "You''ve gone too far! You think just because you''re with Mr. Samuel now, you can get away with anything? Men are unreliable. Once Mr. Samuel gets tired of you, you''ll just be another worthless housewife!"

 My Dad Please Come 435

    Seeing that Wendy had arrived, Jessica froze for a moment. Why is she here?"


    Stanley''s gaze shifted to Wendy, watching her intently.


    As Wendy approached them, Samuel wrapped his arm around her waist. "There you are."


    Edith, Jessica, Trish, and Lilian quickly gathered around, all eyes on Wendy, who looked as radiant as ever.


    Edith spoke up first. "Wendy, what are you doing here? Are you here to see Dr. Cen too? The doctor is truly a wonder whom everyone seems to adore. Even someone like you, a mere housewife, knows the doctor''s name!"


    Wendy raised an eyebrow. "That''s right. I''m here to see Dr. Cen."


    Trish scoffed. "Wendy, even if you do meet Dr. Cen, the doctor won''t waste any time talking to someone like you."


    Wendy turned her gaze toward Trish. "And you think Dr. Cen will talk to you?¡±


    "Of course!" Trish replied proudly. "I''m studying medicine after all."


    "Wendy, today is a huge day-the real Dr. Cen is here in Hovendale," Lilian interjected. "This isn''t the time for your little tricks to attract men. Don''t embarrass the Crone family."


    Wendy simply smiled but didn''t respond.


    Samuel looked at the Crone family members and couldn''t help but smile faintly. Soon enough, they would realize just how foolish they were.


    Stanley''s cold eyes narrowed as he looked at Wendy. "You''re here to see Dr. Cen?"


    Wendy nodded. "Yes."


    At that moment, Samuel spoke up. "It''s almost time. Dr. Cen should be making her entrance soon."


    Wendy smiled. "I''ll excuse myself for now."


    She turned and left.


    Once Wendy was gone, Jessica clung to Stanley''s arm with a sneer. "Stanley, I can tell Wendy is up to something.


    She must know Dr. Cen can help me, and she''s probably trying to stop it from happening."


    Edith nodded in agreement. "Yes, we need to make sure Dr. Cen stays away from Wendy."


    Stanley pressed his lips together, saying nothing.


    Samuel smirked. "Once Dr. Cen steps out, it''s going to be quite a show."


    Wendy made her way up to the second floor, where she touched up her makeup. Soon, she would make her entrance as Dr. Cen.


    She couldn''t wait to see the looks on Edith, Jessica, Trish, and Lilian''s faces when they realized she wasn''t just a housewife, as they still believed.


    At that moment, a waiter walked in. "Ms. Crone, you may go out now."


    Wendy stood up. "Alright."


    She made her way toward the door, preparing to make her grand entrance.


    But then, just as she was about to step outside, she froze in ce. She turned to the waiter. "What did you just call me?"


    The waiter had addressed her as Ms. Crone, not Dr. Cen.


    A cold, sharp light shed in Wendy''s eyes as she stepped toward the waiter. "Who are you? Who sent you?"


    Before she could finish, a sharp pain shot through the back of her neck-someone had attacked her from behind. Her vision went dark, and she copsed into unconsciousness.


    "Get her out of here now," the waiter whispered.


    Back in the main hall, Stanley and the others were still standing around, and


    Jessica was there too. Just then, a soft chime sounded from her phone.


    Jessica opened the message, which simply read, [The job''s done.]


    A smile curled on Jessica''s lips.


    "Stanley, I''m going to the restroom for a moment.¡±


    Stanley nced at her. "Dr. Cen will be making an appearance soon. Why are you leaving now?"


    While Dr. Cen was certainly important, Jessica''s n was more important.


    "I''m just a little nervous with Dr. Cen about toe out Jessica exined. "I''ll be quick. Don''t worry. I''ll be right back!"

 My Dad Please Come 436

    With that, Jessica turned and walked away.


    Before she left, she cast a quick nce at Lilian, and the two exchanged a silent, knowing look.


    Stanley and Samuel stood together, and Samuel nced at his watch. "Mr. Hawk, Dr. Cen will be making her appearance soon."


    Stanley turned to Samuel. "How do you know Dr. Cen?"


    Samuel didn''t answer directly. Instead, he said, "You know her too."


    Stanley''s brow furrowed. Wendy had said the same thing to him before-that he knew Dr. Cen. Now, Samuel was saying the same thing. What was going on here?


    What did Samuel and Wendy mean by this?


    Could it be that Dr. Cen was someone Stanley knew after all? Had Dr. Cen always been right under his nose?


    Just then, the host spoke up. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us tonight. The moment we''ve all been waiting for is finally here. Let''s wee Dr. Cen!"


    Everyone''s attention shifted upstairs, their breaths held in anticipation for Dr. Cen''s arrival.


    Stanley looked up.


    Edith, Trish, and Lilian had moved to the front. Edith was practically vibrating with excitement. "Here ites! Dr. Cen is finally here!"


    Everyone waited eagerly.


    But after a moment, nothing happened. The silence upstairs lingered.


    Whispers began to spread. "What''s going on? Why hasn''t Dr. Cen arrived yet?"


    "Has Dr. Cen actuallye?"


    The host began to look concerned. Dr. Cen was supposed to make an entrance right about now, but where was the doctor?


    Quickly, the host announced, "Please be patient, everyone. I''ll go check upstairs. Dr. Cen will be here soon."


    The host hurried upstairs.


    Trish frowned. ¡°Could Dr. Cen be backing out again tonight? We all came here for the doctor."


    Stanley''s brow furrowed as he looked at Samuel. ¡°Mr. Samuel, this Dr. Cen sure likes to keep people guessing. The doctor''s making us all wait."


    Samuel, too, was puzzled. Wendy had already arrived, so why didn''t she show up? Had something happened?


    Without wasting a moment, Samuel rushed upstairs.


    Stanley, too, felt a growing curiosity. He had missed Dr. Cen on several asions now, and after all this time, he was eager to find out who this mysterious person really was.


    Just then, his phone rang with a clear, melodic tone. It was an iing call.


    Stanley quickly answered, and Jessica''s frantic voice filled the line. "Stanley, please, you have to help me!"


    +25 BOREYS


    Stanley''s fingers clenched around the phone. "What happened? Calm down. Tell me what''s happening. I need to know everything."


    "Stanley, I-ah!"


    A piercing scream echoed through the phone, followed by a sharp beep as the call abruptly ended.


    Lilian rushed forward, her face full of concern. "Jessica called you?"


    Stanley''s expression darkened as he pressed his lips together. "Something''s happened to her."


    "How could this be? She just went to the bathroom earlier," Lilian said. "We need to go check on her right away!" They rushed to thedies'' restroom. Inside, the scene was chaotic, evidence of a struggle all around. Jessica''s phoney on the floor, shattered into two pieces.


    Lilian picked up the broken phone and handed it to Stanley, her voice trembling. "Look, it''s Jessica''s phone! Do you think she''s been kidnapped?"


    Edith and Trish had arrived by now, both clearly shaken.


    "Who would have taken Jessica? She has a weak heart-she can''t handle this kind of stress!" Edith said worriedly.


    Trish added urgently, "Mr. Hawk, please, you have to think of a way to save her!"


    Stanley stared at the broken phone in his hands, his face tuming colder with each passing second.


    Just then, his phone rang again, its melodious tone breaking the tense silence.

 My Dad Please Come 437

    Stanley pressed the button to answer the call, and a gruff male voice came through.


    "Hello, Mr. Hawk."


    Stanley''s expression remained unchanged as he gripped the phone. "Who are you?"


    "You don''t need to know who I am. All you need to know is that the one you''re looking for is in my hands," the voice replied.


    Lilian, panic in her voice, spoke up, "He''s the one who took Jessica! Mr. Hawk, you have to save her!"


    Stanley''s tone was cold as he asked, "Is Jessica with you?"


    "That''s right," the voice said. "Now, let me have her say a few words to you."


    Momentster, Jessica''s frantic voice came through the phone, "Stanley, help me! Please, I''m so scared!"


    Stanley''s lips twisted into a sharp, emotionless line. "What do you want?"


    "I want money," the voice responded harshly. "Prepare 100 million, and I want it now."


    Stanley let out a humorlessugh. "You kidnapped someone, and you''re trying to extort 100 million from me? That''s enough to put you in prison for the rest of your life."


    The gruff voice didn''t sound intimidated. "Don''t try to scare me. I''m not easily intimidated. Do you think 100 million is too much to save one person? Well, what if there are two?"


    Stanley''s eyes narrowed. "Two people?"


    At that moment, Samuel rushed over. "Mr. Hawk, Wendy is missing."


    Earlier, when Dr. Cen hadn''t shown up, Samuel had gone upstairs to check, only to find that Wendy was gone.


    Stanley froze for a moment, then tightened his grip on the phone. "Is Wendy in your hands too?"


    Meanwhile, in a secluded warehouse on the outskirts, Wendy slowly regained consciousness.


    She found that her hands and feet were tied, and standing in front of her was a man with a scarred face, along with a few others in ck clothing.


    Wendy realized she had been kidnapped.


    This day was turning out to be quite the spectacle. She had nned to reveal her true identity as Dr. Cen, but instead, she had ended up in this situation.


    Just then, a familiar voice echoed in the distance. "Wendy, are you awake?" Wendy turned her head and saw Jessica, also bound and lying next to her. Wendy''s breath caught in her throat. "Jessica? You''re here too?"


    Jessica struggled against her ropes. "You have to let us go! I''m Stanley''s girlfriend! If you touch even a hair on me, he''ll make sure you regret it. This is his turf-he''ll make sure you can''t escape!"


    The man with the scar, holding a phone, chuckled darkly. "I know you''re Mr. Hawk''s girlfriend, and this one is his ex-wife."


    Scarface stepped closer to Wendy. "Why don''t you say something to Mr. Hawk?"


    4


    Wendy nced around, then suddenly shouted into the phone, "Stanley, we''re in


    a warehouse in the western outskirts..."


    Scarface, taken off guard by her sudden words, raised his hand and pped Wendy hard across the face.


    Smack!


    The force of the blow caused Wendy''s face to jerk sideways, and within moments, a bright red handprint bloomed on her cheek, swelling rapidly-a disturbing, vivid mark.


    Stanley, on the other end of the line, heard both Wendy''s voice and the sharp sound of the p. His face immediately hardened, and his voice dropped to an icy growl.


    "Stop! If youy another hand on her, you won''t see the light of day tomorrow!"


    Scarfaceughed cruelly. "Seems like you''re a softie for your ex. I pped her, and you''re all upset."


    Stanley''s voice was cold and unwavering. "I''ll give you 100 million like you asked. Give me the address, and I''ll bring the money. You hand over the people."


    "You''re quick to agree," Scarface replied with a mockingugh. "Alright, I''ll wait for you. But only you cane."

 My Dad Please Come 438

    Scarface gave Stanley the address and abruptly hung up the phone.


    Lilian immediately spoke up, "Mr. Hawk, you have to save Jessica1 Her heart isn''t strong; she can''t handle the stress!"


    Samuel nced at Stanley, concern etched on his face. "Wendy''s in their hands too. You have to bring her back."


    Stanley didn''t respond, his expression hardening as he turned and walked out without another word.


    Inside the warehouse, Scarface looked at Wendy and Jessica with a smug smile.


    "Tsk, tsk," he murmured. "You can question the character of the rich, but you can''t question their taste. Mr. Hawk''s ex-wife and girlfriend-you''re both beauties. It''s enough to make anyone jealous."


    One of the men in ck chuckled, "Boss, we still have time. Why don''t you have a little fun with them?"


    Scarface rolled up his sleeves and moved toward Wendy, grabbing her delicate chin. "Why don''t I start with the ex-wife? I''ll see what a woman Mr. Hawk''s been with is like."


    With that, Scarface reached for Wendy''s clothes, intending to tear them off.


    Wendy didn''t flinch. She looked at him with unshakenposure and said, her voice clear, "Touch me, and you''ll regret it."


    Scarface froze.


    He studied Wendy. Despite the swollen, red handprint across her cheek, she remained poised, her eyes clear and fearless. ¡°If you''re lucky, you might walk away with 100 million. But if youy a hand on me, you won''t be leaving here at all."


    Scarface slowly pulled his hand back.


    Jessica shot Wendy a sharp look. "Wendy, you really know how to talk big. Do you think Stanley''sing to save you? No, he''sing to save me! If I hadn''t been kidnapped too, he wouldn''t even care about you!"


    Even now, with everything going on, Jessica still couldn''t help but speak with arrogance. Wendy shot her a cold nce, mocking her for being an idiot.


    Suddenly, a voice came from outside, "Boss, Mr. Hawk''s here."


    Stanley had arrived, and he was fast.


    With a loud bang, the warehouse door was kicked open, letting in a rush of cold air. Standing tall in the doorway was Stanley, hismanding presence filling the space.


    Stanley wore a ck coat that fluttered in the wind. His imposing figure radiated a chilling aura, as if the very air around him grew colder.


    He walked in with long, purposeful strides.


    Scarface stepped forward with a grin. "Mr. Hawk, you''re faster than I expected. You didn''t disappoint me."


    Stanley looked at Scarface, his voice cold. "I want to see them first."


    "Of course," Scarface replied. "Your ex-wife and your girlfriend are right there."


    Stanley walked further into the room and saw Wendy and Jessica, both tied up.


    Jessica''s eyes lit up when she saw Stanley. "Stanley, you''re here! I was so scared, but I knew you''de for me! Please, take me out of here! I don''t want to be here anymore!"


    Stanley briefly nced at Jessica before his gaze settled on Wendy''s face.


    Wendy sat silently on the floor, her eyes calm and clear as she looked up at Stanley.


    Stanley''s eyes immediately caught the swollen handprint on her right cheek.


    Just then, Scarface approached him, a grin still on his face. The women are fine. Have you brought the money?"


    Stanley turned to Scarface, his voice low and dangerous. "Did you p her?"


    Scarface hesitated. "I..."


    Before he could say more, Stanley raised his hand and pped Scarface across the face with a resounding crack.


    Scarface staggered back, clutching his face, eyes wide in disbelief as he stared at Stanley.


    Stanley stood tall, his figure imposing as ever. He smirked slightly.


    "How dare youy a hand on her!"


    +2

 My Dad Please Come 439

    The atmosphere immediately turned tense, as if the air itself was thick with danger. Scarface couldn''t believe Stanley had actually pped him.


    But Stanley was his golden ticket now, so Scarface didn''t want to escte things. He swallowed his pride and held back his anger.


    "Have you brought the money?" Scarface asked, his voice steady despite the tension.


    Stanley replied coolly, "I brought it. Not a penny less. But I want the money exchanged for them, one for one."


    Scarface chuckled. ¡°Alright, one for one. But I can only hand over one person."


    Stanley narrowed his eyes, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous tone. "What do you mean?"


    "We agreed on a one-for-one exchange, but I never said I''d give you both. A hundred million only buys one person," Scarface sneered, a malicious grin spreading across his face.


    Stanley''s expression didn''t change. "I can pay more."


    "Mr. Hawk, that''s not how things work around here. One person-take your pick. Your ex-wife or your girlfriend. Choose one to take with you. The other one stays with us," Scarface said, hisughter cold.


    Wendy''s face drained of color. She hadn''t expected Scarface to pull this stunt-to make Stanley choose between her and Jessica.


    Jessica immediately jumped in, her voice pleading. "Stanley, don''t hesitate! You''ll choose me, right? My heart''s acting up again. Please take me out of here."


    Stanley nced at Jessica briefly before his eyes locked onto Wendy.


    Wendy met his gaze, her voice soft but steady. "Mr. Hawk, if I beg you, will you choose me?"


    Wendy wasn''t foolish. Of course, she wanted to leave. She wasn''t alone anymore. She carried Stanley''s child. Would that change his choice? If she asked him for help, would he choose her over Jessica?


    Stanley furrowed his brows, but remained silent.


    Scarface''s voice broke through the tension. "Mr. Hawk, I''ll count to three. Make your choice quickly, or you won''t get anyone. One... Two..."


    Jessica chimed in again, her voice urgent. "Stanley, don''t you remember the promise you made? You said you''d take me with you! You promised to always be there for me!


    Scarface''s count was nearing its end.


    Stanley''s voice rang out calmly, "I choose Jessica."


    Stanley made his choice. He chose Jessica.


    Wendy wasn''t entirely surprised. After all, Stanley had never chosen her between the two of them.


    Still, hearing him say it out loud stung.


    Her heart ached as she thought about the baby inside her. It hadn''t even been born yet, and its father had already abandoned it.


    He had left both of them behind.


    172


    Scarfaceughed. "No hesitation, huh? Now, go ahead and take Jessica with you."


    With a wave of his hand, Scarface signaled for his men to untie Jessica.


    As soon as she was freed, Jessica jumped and rushed to Stanley. "I knew you''d choose me! My legs feel like jelly-pick me up!"


    She pouted yfully.


    Stanley reached out and swept her into his arms.


    Jessica smiled up at him. "Let''s get out of here."


    Stanley gave Wendy onest nce before turning and walking out with Jessica in his arms.


    He left.


    He left with Jessica.


    Wendy curled her lips, into a bitter smile.


    Just then, Scarface stepped forward, grabbing Wendy''s delicate chin. "Did you see that? You''re the one he left behind. Mr. Hawk doesn''t want you anymore. Now, we''ll have our way with you."


    Wendy jerked her face away, breaking free from his grip.


    Scarface chuckled darkly. "Feisty, huh? Well, let''s see if you can keep this upter."


    He lunged at Wendy.


    Stanley had carried Jessica outside and set her down. He turned, ready to go back.

 My Dad Please Come 440

    Jessica froze for a moment, then quickly grabbed Stanley''s arm.


    "Where are you going?"


    Stanley''s voice was firm, "I''m going back. Wendy is still inside


    "You''re actually going back to save Wendy?"


    Stanley pulled his arm away from Jessica''s grip. I can''t just leave her here."


    I can''t


    Without another word, Stanley turned and started walking away.


    Jessica rushed after him, desperate to stop him. "Stanley, my heart hurts so much! I think I''m going to faint!"


    Yet no matter how fnuch Jessica called out to him, Stanley kept walking, determined to go back


    Stanley entered the warehouse and found that Scarface and his men were all lying on the ground, unconscious. Wendy was nowhere to be seen.


    Stanley immediately grabbed Scarface by the cor. "Where''s Wendy?"


    Scarface groaned, clutching his eyes in pain. "She ran away! That damn woman must''ve secretly untied herself, and when we got too close, she threw something at us-some kind of powder. Ugh, my eyes, they''re burning. I can''t see!"


    Scarface and the ck-d men were writhing on the floorpletely out of it from the powder Wendy had used on them.


    Stanley rushed forward and noticed the warehouse window was open. Wendy must have escaped through it.


    He pulled out his phone and dialed a number. "Take care of this, and find Wendy!"


    Stanley got Jessica to the hospital, where Edith, Lilian, and Trish were already waiting.


    Lilian took Jessica''s hand, her concern clear. "Are you okay?"


    "I''m fine, Mom."


    "Then what about Wendy?"


    Jessica bit her lip in frustration. "Wendy ran off by herself."


    What?


    Lilian was stunned for a moment. This whole kidnapping had actually been a n between her and Jessica. Scarface had been hired with arge sum of money for the job.


    They had intended to force Stanley into making a choice, to hurt Wendy and show her her ce.


    On the other hand, they had nned for Scarface to take advantage of Wendy before they bound her up and took her heart.


    Yet, Wendy had managed to escape on her own.


    Lilian''s face darkened. "She got away? Where did she go?"


    Jessica shook her head. "I don''t know. Stanley''s already called for people to search for her, but they haven''t found


    +15 80004


    her yet."


    Outside, Stanley stood tall in the corridor as Zayn approached quietly to report, "There''s still no news on Ms. Wendy. She didn''t return to Royale Residences."


    Stanley''s lips pressed into a thin line. Where could she have gone? "Keep looking."


    "Will do, sir."


    Wendy had managed to escape alone. On her way back, she happened to run into Samuel, who hade looking for her.


    Samuel''s voice was filled with concern. "Are you okay?"


    Wendy ced a hand over her t stomach, her face pale as she shook her head. "I''m fine."


    "Why are you holding your stomach? What''s wrong with it?"


    Wendy opened her mouth to speak, but before she could say anything, her vision darkened, and she copsed.


    "Wendy, Wendy!" Samuel quickly lifted Wendy into his arms, carrying her back to his vi.


    When Wendy opened her eyes again, she was lying on therge bed in a room of the vi. Samuel was sitting at her bedside.


    ¡°You''re pregnant, and you were in shock. You need to rest," Samuel said softly.


    Wendy sat up, her expression troubled. As a doctor, she knew exactly what had happened.


    She ced her hand gently on her stomach. The baby was still there.

 My Dad Please Come 441

    +28 BONUS


    Wendy sat up slowly. "I''m fine. Both the baby and I are oka"


    She refused to let anything happen to her child. She had simply been in shock due to the kidnapping


    Samuel looked at Wendy seriously. "You''re carrying Stanley''s child. Haven''t you told him?"


    Wendy gave a wry smile, her lips curling with a hint of bitterness. "You saw it yourself. He didn''t hesitate for a second when it came to choosing between me and Jessica. What difference would it make to tell him? It''s better I don''t. I can take care of the child on my own."


    Samuel sighed, understanding the depth of Wendy''s pain.hough she hadn''t said it, Stanley''s choice today had clearly hurt her deeply.


    At that moment, Cecelia and Halsey arrived. The two rushed over, Immediately cing their hands on Wendy''s


    stomach


    "How''s the baby? Is everything okay?"


    Wendy smiled. "Everything''s fine."


    Cecelia scowled. "Mr. Hawk''s such a jerk! Has he lost his mind? How could he abandon his own baby and choose Jessica instead? Baby, when you''re born, don''t ever talk to your dad. Let him rot in hell with Jessica!"


    Halsey frowned, her expression filled with frustration. "Mr. Hawk really crossed the line this time. I''m calling him and giving him a piece of my mind."


    Wendy quickly stopped her. "Please stop. Jessica feels invincible because she''s the one he chose. I''m the one he abandoned. If you call him to yell at him, it''ll just embarrass me.


    Cecelia and Halsey hesitated, then reluctantly agreed.


    "Forget him! That bastard isn''t worth it. At least we''ve got each other. The baby will have two loving godmothers.


    Wendy nodded, a genuine smile crossing her face as she gently rubbed her t stomach. "Exactly. We don''t need a dad like that."


    With her best friends by her side, Wendy couldn''t help but feel better. It was amazing how the support of close


    friends could lift her spirits.


    Samuel suddenly said with a smirk, "I had someone look into Scarface. Do you wanna guess who he is?


    Wendy''s clear, sharp eyes met Samuel''s. "I don''t know who he is, but I''m sure he''s someone Jessica hired with a lot of money.


    Samuel raised an eyebrow. "How did you know?"


    Wendy let out a coldugh. "I know Jessica well. If she had really been kidnapped, she would''ve been terrified. But when we were both kidnapped, she seemed more amused, like she was enjoying the show. Then, when Scarface made Stanley choose between me and Jessica, it only confirmed what I already suspected."


    Samuel nodded. "You''re right. Scarface was hired by Jessica This whole kidnapping was all a y she concocted."


    Wendy sneered. "Well, the show''s over for her now. It''s my turn. Samuel, contact Stanley and tell him I couldn''t make it to the dinner because of some business,


    but I''ll be going straight to the hospital to see Jessica tomorrow.


    Samuel smiled. ¡°Sure. Sounds like tomorrow''s going to be interesting."


    Yes, tomorrow would indeed be interesting.


    Chapter 441.


    Samuel paused before asking, "By the way, Mr. Hawk has been looking for you. Do you want to talk to him?" Cecelia Immediately responded, "No! What''s the point of him looking for Wendy now? Where was he earlier?¡± Halsey chimed in, "Exactly! Let him keep searching. We don''t need to bother with him!"


    Stanley entered the hospital room, and Jessica kept clinging to him,ining about heart pain and begging him not to leave her side.


    Just then, Zayn walked in, his expression serious. "Mr. Hawk, we still haven''t found Ms. Wendy. There''s been no sign of her."


    Stanley furrowed his brows in frustration, a deep crease forming between his eyes. Where on earth could Wendy have gone?

 My Dad Please Come 442

    Jessica snorted. "Wendy must know you''re looking for her, and she''s deliberately hiding from you. What a maniptive woman!"


    Edith chimed in, "Mr. Hawk, don''t worry about Wendy. She''s not in any real danger."


    Zayn nced around at the cold-hearted members of the Crone family and couldn''t help but wonder if Wendy was really rted to them.


    Zayn then said, "Mr. Hawk, I''ve got some good news


    Stanley looked at him. "What good news?"


    "Dr. Cen just contacted us. The doctor couldn''t make it to the banquetst night because of something urgent, but will be at the hospital first thing tomorrow morning to see Ms. Jessica."


    What?


    Jessica''s eyes lit up. "Really? Dr. Cen wille to the hospital tomorrow morning to treat me?"


    Edith''s face lit up. "This is incredible! I''m sure Dr. Cen will be able to treat Jessica''s heart condition.


    Trish added, "I was so disappointed not to see the doctor at the banquet. But now,


    I can''t believe Dr. Cen will be here tomorrow morning! This is amazing!"


    Lilian excitedly grabbed Jessica''s hand. Jessica''s heart condition had always been a source of great worry for her, but now that Dr. Cen wasing, there was hope.


    Mentioning Dr. Cen caused Stanley''s lips to press into a tight line. Dr. Cen had stood him up too many times already. If the doctor failed to show up again, his patience would run out.


    "Well, tomorrow morning," Stanley said, "I''ll finally see who this Dr. Cen really is!"


    The next morning, Edith, Jessica, Trish, and Lilian were already up. They hadn''t slept well the night before, as they were too excited about Dr. Cen''s visit. By morning, they were already up, eager to meet the famous healer.


    The group stood in the hallway, nervously shifting on their toes, looking around. "Where''s Dr. Cen? I''m so excited. Why aren''t they here yet?¡±


    Stanley, tall andposed, stood in the hallway as Zayn quietly said, "Mr. Hawk, Dr. Cen has arrived"


    Ahead of them, a group of doctors, all in white coats and of certain rank,


    appeared, walking toward them with impressive presence.


    "Dr. Cen! Dr. Cen is here!"


    , Jessica, Trish, and Lilian held their breath, their eyes wide and unblinking as they stared at the approaching figures.


    Then, a graceful figure appeared in their line of sight. She wore a pristine white coat, leading the group toward Jessica.


    Jessica''s eyes widened in shock, her pupils narrowing as she froze in ce.


    Edith gasped, "Wendy?"


    Trish eximed, "How could it be Wendy?"


    Lilian raised her brows. "Why is Wendy here?"


    Stanley, too, stood frozen, shocked by Wendy''s unexpected appearance.


    Wendy, leading the group, walked closer. Jessica fimmediately shouted, "Wendy, what are you doing here?"


    The hospital''s vice dean, standing behind Wendy, Immediately rebuked her, "Watch your manners! Do you know who this is?"


    Wendy raised a hand, signaling the vice dean to step back.


    Edith was stunned. "What is he talking about?"


    Trish was suspicious. "Wendy, what are you up to? We''ve been waiting for Dr. Cent What are you doing here?"


    Wendy smiled, her lips curling into a yful smirk. "I know you''ve been waiting for Dr. Cen. She''s here now."


    Lilian furrowed her brow. "What do you mean?"


    Wendy raised an eyebrow, then pointed to the name tag on her white coat. "Look here."


    Stanley''s gazended on the name tag: Dr. Cen.


    Wendy was Dr. Cen!

 My Dad Please Come 443

    Jessica''s gaze fell on Wendy''s name tag, which clearly read Dr. Cen.


    Jessica gasped, her breath catching in her throat. She stared at Wendy in utter disbelief.


    "Dr. Cen? Wendy, you''re... Dr. Cen?"


    Edith, Trish, and Lilian all saw it too, their moutlis dropping open as they stared at Wendy in shock, as though they''d seen a ghost.


    "Wendy, w-who are you, really?"


    Wendy raised an elegant brow, her expression calm. "You''ve been searching for Dr. Cen, right? Well, I am Dr. Cen. Dr. Cen is me!"


    What?! Wendy was Dr. Cen?!


    Jessica, Trish, Edith, and Lilian were all frozen in ce, unable to speak. They had never in their wildest dreams imagined that Wendy could be Dr. Cen. How was that even possible?


    It was Jessica who managed to regain her voice first. "That''s impossible! This must be some kind of lie! Wendy, you''re pretending to be Dr. Cen, aren''t you?"


    Trish shook her head in disbelief. "How could you be Dr. Cen? Dr. Cen is a miracle doctor! Since you married Mr. Hawk, you''ve be a housewife! How could you possibly be Dr. Cen?"


    Lilian frowned in confusion. "If you were really Dr. Cen, there''s no way you''d be so low-key! You can''t possibly be Dr. Cen!"


    Edith was too stunned to speak. Was Wendy truly Dr. Cen? How could that be?


    This granddaughter, whom she had always overlooked and dismissed, was actually the miracle doctor? If Wendy was Dr. Cen, then what did that make Jessica and Trish-the two granddaughters she had always held up as the Crone family''s shining jewels?


    Compared to Wendy, they weren''t justcking-they were insignificant!


    Had she lost the true treasure and settled for trash?


    No!


    Edith couldn''t ept it.


    At that moment, the vice dean, who had been standing behind Wendy, spoke up.


    "Enough! This is Dr. Cen! Ms. Jessica, she''s the only one who can treat your heart disease. Didn''t you always want Dr. Cen to treat you? Well, now she''s standing right here in front of you. She''s going to save your life!"


    Jessica took a step back, her mind reeling. She had never imagined that Wendy could be Dr. Cen the very person who had the potential to treat her heart condition.


    Now, the expressions on Jessica, Trish, Edith, and Lilian''s faces were priceless.


    Wendy''s clear, sharp gaze swept across each of them before she shed a gentle smile.


    "Jessica, didn''t you keep wishing for me toe? But now that I''m here, you don''t seem too happy about it. That''s okay. If you don''t want me to treat you, you can always seek help from someone else."


    Jessica stammered, "I-L..."


    Chapter 443-


    Wendy didn''t give her a chance to speak. She calmly walked up to Stanley and addressed him.


    "Mr. Hawk."


    Stanley, standing tall in his custom ck suit in the hallway, looked every bit the handsome, distinguished man. Wendy, in her crisp white coat, with her long ck hair pulled back into a low ponytail, walked toward him with a graceful poise, her beautiful face and slender neck exuding elegance.


    Stanley stared at Wendy, stunned, unable to collect his thoughts.


    It wasn''t just the Crone family who was shocked; he was to


    He never could have imagined that Dr. Cen would be Wendy.


    The person he had been desperately searching for, the one be had missed again


    and again, had been right here beside him.


    It had always been Wendy.


    Zayn said with surprise, "Ms. Wendy, I can''t believe you''re Dr. Cen!"


    Wendy smiled, her lips curling upward. "Well, I am."


    She then turned to Stanley. "Mr. Hawk,


    Wendy extended her hand toward him.


    hello


    Stanley slowly came to his senses, reaching out to grasp her delicate hand. Her hand felt soft, almost fragile, like it had no bones.


    Stanley squeezed it gently, but the warmth left his palm as quickly as it hade.


    He f


    He felt a bit disoriented.


    Wendy spoke again.


    "We''ve worked together before. You''re offering arge sum to hire me to treat Ms. Jessica, but now that I''m here, she doesn''t seem to wee me and even questions my identity. I guess we should call off this arrangement."

 My Dad Please Come 444

    As soon as Wendy finished speaking, Jessica immediately stepped forward.


    "That''s not what I meant..."


    on


    Wendy fixed her gaze ois Jessica. "Then what did you mean? Do you want me to treat you?"


    Jessica fell silent, unable to find the right words.


    Wendy''s lips curved into a sly smile. "I can treat you, but you''ll have to beg me."


    Wendy was making, Jessica beg her.


    Jessica''s face drained of color.


    Wendy knew Jessica all too well, Jessica had always looked down on her, holding herself in high regard. The revtion that Wendy was Dr. Cen was a great blow to Jessica''s pride.


    Now, making her lower her head and beg for help was more humiliating than anything-far worse than death


    It wasn''t just Jessica who felt the sting, Edith, Lilian, and Trish all felt the difort growing inside them, each more uneasy than thest..


    Wendy''s piercing eyes glinted with amusement as she looked at them. "Now, you''re the ones who need something from me. When you beg, you have to show some sincerity. Didn''t you teach me that?"


    Lilian''s face flushed with anger. "Wendy, watch it!"


    Wendy tilted her head slightly. "Of course, you don''t have to beg me. You can just wait for Jessica to die."


    "You''re a doctor, and you''re obligated to save lives! How can you speak like that?" Edith cried.


    A doctor, obligated to save lives?


    Wendy took two steps closer, stopping right in front of Edith. "Anyone can say that to me, but you don''t have the right to. I''m sure you remember how my father died."


    Edith''s face went pale as she stared at Wendy, her heart pounding. Did Wendy already know?


    Wendy took in Edith''s horrified expression, enjoying every moment. She wasn''t in a rush; she was just getting started.


    She had all the time in the world to y with these people.


    "You wanted to see me, and now you have. The deal stands, Jessica. If you want me to treat you,e and beg me. I''m leaving now."


    With that, Wendy turned and walked away without a care in the world, her stride full of confidence and arrogance. Jessica''s face had turned a deep shade of anger.


    Jessica turned to Stanley, her voice desperate. "Stanley..."


    Stanley didn''t look at her. He took long strides, moving swiftly to catch up with Wendy.


    "Stanley!" Jessica stomped her foot in frustration.


    Edith moaned, "Is Wendy really Dr. Cen? Oh my god! Wendy is Dr. Cen!"


    Trish''s face was ashen, shock gripping her tightly. She had always been the most prideful among the Crone


    family. She had never imained that Wendy could be Dr. Cean


    Meanwhile, Lilian felt like the might choke on her own fury. Even though she had sent Wendy off to the countryside, she never thought Wendy would still turn out remarkable.


    Her genes were truly terrifying-something beyond human control!


    "Mom, what should we do now? We have to ask Wendy for help! And look- Stanley''s following her!"


    Before, Stanley had been like them, thinking Wendy only Il a degree but was just a housewife.


    Now that Wendy''s true identity as the miracle doctor had been revealed, it was a glory that would make any girl


    stand out.


    Every man loves a woman with exceptional talent.


    Jessica could feel the intense sense of danger growing inside her. She felt like Stanley was slipping away, like grains of sand slipping through her fingers, no matter how lightly she held on.


    Stanley finally caught up to Wendy. "Wendy,"


    Wendy stopped and turned to face him. "Is there something you need?"


    Stanley hesitated for a moment. "I need to talk to you."


    Wendy raised a delicate eyebrow. "Sorry, but I have a major surgery to perform


    shortly. I don''t have time. If you need to speak with me, please make an appointment through my assistant."

 My Dad Please Come 445

    hapter 445


    Wendy told Stanley to make an appointment to talk to her.


    Stanley''s handsome face darkened immediately. No one had ever dared to make him make an appointment. Wendy


    was the first.


    "You''ll have to excuse me."


    With that, Wendy walked off with a group of people, leaving Stanley standing there, frozen.


    Stanley could only stare, his expression cold.


    At that moment, Zayn approached. "Mr. Hawk, how about alk to Ms. Wendy''s assistant and schedule an appointment for you?"


    Right after Zayn spoke, Stanley shot him a sharp, cold look


    Zayn-feltpletely innocent. "Before, Ms. Wendy was just Ms. Wendy. But now, she is the wonder doctor, Dr. Cen, a legend in the world of medicine. She''s always been hard to reach. Even the wealthiest people have to schedule appointments to see hier. I don''t think you need to be upset, Mr. Hawk. Ms. Wendy surely isn''t targeting you."


    Zayn was only trying to exin, but the more he spoke, the worse Stanley''s mood seemed to get.


    Stanley snapped, "If you''re not good at talking, maybe it''s better to stay quiet." Zayn fell silent.


    Just then, the sound of a phone ringing broke the tension. It was a call from Cyril.


    Stanley quickly pressed a button to answer. "Uncle Cyril, did you know about Wendy''s identity from the start?" On the other end, Cyrilughed. like you''ve finally figured out that Wendy is Dr. Cen! But why are you ming me now? Dr. Cen is your wife. You didn''t know, and now you''re upset with me?"


    Stanley was left speechless.


    Cyril added with a chuckle, ¡°Oh, I almost forgot! Dr. Cen sn''t your wife anymore. You''re divorced." Stanley stood in stunned silence. What was going on? Had everyone around him decided to turn on him today? "I''m hosting a dinner at my ce for Dr. Cen tonight. You shoulde," Cyril continued.


    Wendy had already revealed her identity, and Cyril, as Wendy''s apprentice, naturally arranged the dinner. Stanley, still reeling from the news, replied, "Alright, I''ll be there on time."


    Stanley arrived at the Lincoln residence for dinner. He stood with Cyril, surrounded by a few towering figures from the academic and medical world.


    They all smiled at Cyril. "Who would''ve thought Dr. Cen is such a young woman? To have such achievements at her age she must be the chosen one!"


    Cyril couldn''t stop praising her. "Yes, I never would have guessed that Wendy is my mentor, Dr. Cen. She''s a genius from Harfield, with a natural gift for medicine that''s simply astonishing."


    Looking at Stanley, Cyril added, "Mr. Hawk, I bet you''re the most surprised person here, huh?"


    Stanley wasn''t in the best of moods. He gave Cyril a cool, somewhat distant look. "Uncle Cyril, you seem quite happy."


    Cyril grinned. "How could I not be? Dr. Cen is my mentor If you were still her husband, I''d have to address you more respectfully. That would confuse the hierarchy, wouldn''t it?"


    Stanley didn''t know how to respond.


    Cyril gave him a knowing nce. "Regretting it now?"


    Was he? Stanley wasn''t sure.


    At that moment, there was a sudden stir nearby. "Look, herees Dr. Cen!"


    Stanley''s gaze lifted, and there she was-Wendy,


    Tonight, Wendy wore a long ck dress. Her straight, darkchair was loosely tied up, with some strands gently resting on her pale neck, giving her an air of ethereal beauty.


    She was apanied by Halsey, who wore a white gown, youthful and yful in her appearance.


    Together, the two of them made for a striking pair, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.


    "Ms. Wendy." Cyril moved forward to greet her.


    Wendy and Halsey walked over, and Cyril introduced Wendy to everyone around them.

 lease Come 446

    Wendy gave a small, graceful smile and nodded casually.


    Stanley watched her, and at that moment, everything clicked. He finally understood why Wendy always called Cyril by his first name every time she saw him. It was because Cyril was her apprentice,


    Wendy was Dr. Cen.


    "Dr. Cen, after you graduated from Harfield, you went to Condoria to participate


    in the development of arge scale gue vine. Then, you suddenly disappeared. What happened?"


    "Yes, Dr. Cen. You disappeared from the public eye for three years. We''ve all been wondering what you were doing during that time."


    The group of people around her was clearly fascinated by Wendy.


    Wendy''s lips curved into a yful smile as she answered, "got married."


    "Married? You''re married?"


    "Who could possibly be the amazing man who captured your heart? I''m so curious."


    Wendy''s clear, piercing eyes briefly met Stanley''s before she looked away. Sheughed softly. "At the time, he was a vegetable."


    "A vegetable? You actually married a man in a vegetative state?¡±


    "I''m sure he''s recovered now. With your medical skills, he''s probably up and walking, good as new."


    Wendy smiled. "Yes, he''s doing great now. Healthy as ever


    Stanley''s heart suddenly softened. He had just realized-Wendy was the one who had saved him..


    He had always wondered how it was possible. When he had be a vegetable, all the doctors had given up on him, and even Jessica had left. Yet, Wendy married him for three years, and he had recovered.


    What he hadn''t known was that it was Wendy who had healed him.


    "Well, now you two must be very happy together," someonemented.


    "How could they not be happy? Without Dr. Cen, he wouldn''t be the man he is today."


    Wendyughed lightly. "Actually, we''re divorced now."


    Everyone was shocked. "Why? He must be out of his mind!"


    Wendy shrugged. "It''s in the past. Let''s not talk about him.


    Halsey, linking arms with Wendy, chimed in, "Yes, it''s all behind us. No need to bring it up. Honestly, losing. Wendy is his loss."


    She threw a meaningful nce at Stanley.


    The group began to murmur, "That guy doesn''t know how lucky he was. When he was in a vegetative state, Cen married him, healed him... How many people would get so lucky?"


    Dr


    Cyrilughed. "In with the new, out with the old. My mentor is so outstanding-I''m sure there are plenty of great men out there waiting to be noticed by her. Right, Mr. Hawk?"


    Stanley, suddenly being mentioned, didn''t have much to say.


    ¡°Mr. Hawk, I''m sure you know many talented young men. Why not Introduce them to Wendy?" Halsey sald yfully.


    Before Stanley could reply, Halsey added, "I''m just joking, Mr. Hawk. But really, Wendy Is Dr. Cen, the wonder doctor. There are people lining up for her from here to Fronte. No need for your Introduction."


    Stanley just stood there, feeling like the target of their teasing.


    The crowd slowly dispersed, and Stanley approached Wendy. "Thank you."


    Wendy looked at him, raising an eyebrow. "Are you thanking me for getting you out of your vegetative state?"


    Stanley nodded.


    Halsey couldn''t help but add, "Mr. Hawk, is ''thank you'' all you have to say? It''s amazing, really. When you became a vegetable, Jessica ran off, but Wendy came to your side. The wonder doctor, Dr. Cen, withdrew from the world during the peak of her career, and she became your wife for three years!"

 lease Come 447

    Dr. Cen had withdrawn from the public eye for three year, all for hardey


    It wasn''t until now that Stanley finally understood that


    He gazed at Wendy''s delicate face, his voice trailing off "Wendy, "


    Before he could finish, Wendy interrupted by addressing Hasey. "Hey, it''s all in the past. We don''t need to talk about it anymore. Let''s go over there,"


    "Okay," Halsey agreed, ready to leave.


    But Stanley reached out and grasped Wendy''s slender wrist stopping her from walking any


    A sharp hiss escaped Wendy as Stanley tightened his grip,


    Wendy winced, and Stanley looked at her arm. "What''s wrong?"


    Halsey quickly pulledStanley''s hand off Wendy''s wrist. "Do you remember the kidnapping? Well, she was injured during the ordeal. Especially her arm-there''s arge bruise there."


    Stanley''s handsome brow furrowed in concern.


    "Of course, at that time, you didn''t hesitate to choose Jessic. You took her away and left Wendy behind. So, Mr. Hawk, you really don''t need to be concerned about Wendy. After all, you and Jessica were aplices of those kidnappers!" Halsey said in one go.


    Stanley stood there, silent.


    He wanted to ask Halsey whether she still thought of him as her cousin. He wondered why she would be so cruel to her family.


    Yet, Stanley had no retort. He had left Jessica behind at that time; there was nothing he could say.


    "Wendy, I''m sorry."


    Wendy looked at him, her expression calm. "It''s alright. I''m used to it."


    Stanley''s heart ached suddenly.


    Wendy let out a bitterugh. "After all, between me and Jessica, she''s always been your unwavering choice. I''ve always been the one left behind."


    Stanley''s chest tightened, as though stung by a swarm of bees, the pain overwhelming him in its intensity.


    "I''m sorry. Jessica once saved my life," Stanley said quietly


    Jessica saved him?


    This was the first time Stanley had ever told Wendy that, and she was surprised. She hadn''t expected Jessica to be capable of saving anyone.


    "I didn''t expect you to be the type to repay even the smallest favor. Jessica saved you, and you''ve never forgotten it. But when I saved you, youpletely forgot about me?"


    Wendy found it almost ironic. She had saved Stanley, yet he had no memory of that.


    Stanley was stunned. "You saved me? When?"


    Wendy''s eyes narrowed slightly. "A few years ago, didn''t you get seriously injured and get lost in a forest?" Stanley froze. How did she know that? How did she know about him and Jessica?


    He took a step forward, his tall figure looming over her. "How do you know about this? Did Jessica tell you?" Jessica?


    Wendy chuckled, shaking her head. "Why would I need hero tell me? I was there at the scene!"


    What?


    Stanley was in shock.


    She was there? In that forest? How was that possible?


    "What were you doing there?" Stanley asked, still in disbelief.


    Before he could ask more, a voice rang out. "Stanley!"


    Wendy looked up to see Jessica approaching.


    But it wasn''t just Jessica. Edith, Trish, and Lilian from the Crone family had all arrived.


    Jessica rushed over, linking her arm through Stanley''s, as if marking him as hers. "There you are."


    Wendy couldn''t help but smile faintly at the sight of Jessica''s territorial stance.


    Just then, Cyril walked over. "Oh, Trish. Let me introduce you. This is Dr. Cen. Dr. Cen is my mentor, so I guess that makes her your grand-mentor."


    Grand-mentor?


    Trish''s face turned an ashen white, as if all the color had drained from her. Chapter 448

 My Dad Please Come 448

    Wendy smiled softly as she said to Cyril, "I''ve heard for a while that Trish is one of your prized students."


    With that, Wendy settled into a seat, her eyes clear and her mile teasing as she looked at Trish. "ording to seniority, Trish should be my grand-apprentice. So, Trish, I''d like you to offer me wine."


    Wendy sat confidently in the center of the room, her gaze a mix of humor and challenge, as she watched Trish Trish felt like the pride she took in her prestigious education had just been crushed under Wendy''s words.


    "Alright. Someone get the wine," Cyril called out.


    Momentster, a maid arrived with the wine, and Cyril turned to Trish. "Trish, go serve Dr. Cen some wine, and call her ''Grand-mentor''."


    Trish stayed rooted to the spot.


    Wendy''s lips curled into a sly smile. "Why are you hesitating? Come over here."


    Someone nearby chuckled, "Trish, to have Dr. Cen as your grand-mentor is a rare blessing. Why are you still standing there? Go offer her wine."


    Edith and Lilian stood behind Trish, silent, their faces pale, clearly not daring to speak.


    Reluctantly, Trish took the wine and walked over to Wendy''s side. "Dr. Cen, please have some wine."


    Trish''s voice trembled as she barely held back tears.


    Wendy remembered how arrogant and cruel Trish had been before, and instead of taking the ss, she smiled. "Is this how you show respect? When you were tricked by the fake Dr. Cen, I tried to warn you, but you wouldn''t listen. At the very least, you should bow and offer me wine.


    Wendymanded Trish to bow and offer her the wine.


    Trish''s eyes filled with tears, the sting of humiliation cutting through her. The proud image she had held for years seemed to crumble under Wendy''s quiet dominance. She had be the punchline of a cruel joke.


    Why was this happening to her?


    Trish''s lips trembled as she slowly lowered her body, her pride broken. Biting the bullet, she bowed before Wendy.


    She lifted the ss, offering it to Wendy with trembling hands. ¡°Grand-master, please have wine."


    Edith, Jessica, and Lilian watched in shock, their faces as white as the walls. Wendy''s gaze was cold but measured.


    "As doctors, we must do good and stay humble. Arrogance can only lead to downfall. Remember, there is always someone more skilled than you, and if you are too proud, someone will knock you down one day. I hope you''ll remember that."


    The words were sharp, like a p in the face. Trish''s tears fell freely now, each drop a symbol of the honor she had


    lost.


    The pride she had clung to for twenty years had evaporated under Wendy''s gaze.


    She was no longer a figure of strength-she was a mere joke.


    Why was this happening?


    Trish''s voice shook as she whispered, "I understand."


    Finally, Wendy epted the ss, taking a delicate sip. "Yoji can go."


    Trish slowly straightened her back and retreated to the side,


    Someone in the crowd spotted Edith and called out, "Mrs. Blith, you''re here too? Dr. Cen is the granddaughter of the Crone family, right? You must be so proud that you have such a remarkable doctor in the family"


    Edith could only smile awkwardly, unable to respond.


    For so long, she had seen Jessica and Trish as the pride of the Crone family, but now, standing before Wendy, they seemed insignificant inparison.


    Yes, Wendy was remarkable, but she wasn''t a true Crone.


    Someone recognized Lilian.


    "You''re Mrs. Crone, right? That makes Dr. Cen your daughter. How did you manage to give birth to someone like her?"


    "Mrs. Crone, your genes are incredibly strong. Please, share your secrets with us!"

 My Dad Please Come 449

    Everyone gathered around Edith and Lin, marveling at how they had raised such an exceptional youngdy like Wendy.


    Tonight''s dinner was filled with elites from all walks of life-exactly the kind of crowd Edith had always dreamed of. She had always craved the spotlight, yearning to stand on the highest stage and bask in everyone''s admiration.


    For years, Edith had ced her hopes on Jessica and Trish. She had been living in a fantasy where Jessica married Stanley and Trish married Dr. Cen, hoping these two would elevate her to the top.


    But now, what Jessica and Trish couldn''t aplish, Wendy had easily achieved for her.


    Now, Edith truly was the center of envy.


    Oddly, this wasn''t the feeling she had expected.


    Edith forced a smile, one that barely concealed her difort


    Lilian, standing next to her, clenched her fists in frustration. She too wore a smile, but it was more painful than


    tears.


    At that moment, Wendy looked over at Edith and Lilian, her lips curling into a sly smile.


    "You don''t need to ask them for any advice anymore. I''ve cut ties with them," she said casually.


    What?


    The room fell silent, and a murmur of surprise spread through the crowd.


    "Why did you sever ties with the Crone family?"


    Wendy stood up, the bright lights above her casting a radiant glow on her. With deliberate grace, she walked toward Edith and Lilian, taking her time.


    "As you all may have heard, I grew up in the countryside. I wasn''t raised by the Crone family-I was raised in a small vige."


    The room buzzed with whispers. "Yes, I remember she grew up in the countryside. I heard it was her own mother who sent her away there when she was very young."


    "Why would she do that? Isn''t Ms. Wendy her daughter?"


    "Well, what else could it be? Mrs. Lilian remarried. She married herte husband''s brother and became Ms. Jessica''s stepmother."


    "No way! She did such a scandalous thing?"


    Lilian gritted her teeth, her face flushing with anger at the gossip swirling around her. She hated it when people talked about her past.


    Lilian the most.


    Wendy, of course, knew exactly what stung Lilian the most


    With a smile, she continued, "Everyone knows Mrs. Crone is my real mother, but she remarried my uncle. He brought along his daughter, Jessica, so there was no longer any ce for me in the Crone family.


    "Of course, I understand Mrs. Crone. Every woman has the night to pursue love. But it''s quite rare to find someone like Mrs. Crone, who was so blinded by love that she abandoned her own daughter to the countryside and doted on someone else''s daughter like she''s the apple of her eye."


    Halsey chuckled as he turned to look at Lin. "Mrs. Crone you''re in your forties now, huh? Who would''ve thought that simping knows no age? I guess it can happen to the best of us!"


    Halsey''s words wereced with mockery. The rest of the crowd soon joined in,ughing and pointing


    The looks they cast at Lilian turned to disdain. People whispered and snickered.


    "How could someone like her exist in this world? She abandoned her family for a guy! She''s a total simp!"


    "Mrs. Crone has truly opened our eyes tonight."


    "Now her own biological daughter has turned out to be the wonder doctor, Dr. Cen. She must be dying of regret!


    Lilian became the target of scorn. Her face had turned an ashen gray, her anger and humiliation barely contained.


    Jessica red at Wendy with burning resentment. Tonight, Wendy had unleashed all her fury-first humiliating Trish, and nowunching an attack on Edith and Lilian.


    Jessica couldn''t stay silent any longer.


    "Wendy, I know you''ve always resented Mom, but over the years, she''s sessful woman I am today!"


    in me a lot of resources to make me the


    As she spoke, Jessica proudly looped her arm through Stanley''s, showing off the man beside her.


    "Right, Stanley?"


    Everyone''s eyes turned not to Jessica, but to Stanley, the man standing next to her.

 My Dad Please Come 450

    Stanley, the wealthiest man in Hovendale, had the power tomand the world with a mere gesture. As long as he was present, Jessica was confident no one would dare to speak ill of her.


    In other words, with Stanley by her side, Jessica believed she embodied the ultimate pride of the Crone family. The room quickly quieted down, the gossip dying away.


    Lilian, wearing a smug smile, looked at Wendy. "Wendy, I know you despise me, but you can''t just stand by and let Jessica die, can you?"


    Jessica immediately chimed in, "Wendy, you know I have a heart condition. Stanley even spent a fortune asking you to treat me, yet you refused to help. You wanted to watch me die, didn''t you? How cruel can you be?"


    The t


    two of them yed off each other, bringing up the heart condition to pin the me on Wendy.


    Wendy had known from the moment this mother-daughter duo showed up that they were clearly setting the stage for something.


    Wendy''s eyes narrowed as she faced them. "Jessica, do you really not know why I didn''t help you?"


    Jessica''s face immediately shifted to a look of feigned innocence. "What did I ever do wrong? I was just a chlid back then! Why do you have to take out your anger toward Mom on me? I''m just as innocent in all of this." "Innocent


    Wendy''s voice was sharp. "Didn''t you work with those kidnappers to try and kill me?"


    What?


    Jessica froze.


    Wendy knew?


    Wendy''s lips curled into a mocking smile as she nced at Lilian and Jessica. "You thought I didn''t know? You hired those kidnappers. You wanted me dead!"


    A collective gasp filled the room,


    Stanley''s lips tightened into a cold, thin line as he turned his gaze to Jessica. "Jessica, is this true?"


    Jessica quickly shook her head. "She''s lying! Don''t believe her! Wendy, you can''t just make up these things! Do you have any evidence?"


    Lilian immediately stepped in, standing by Jessica''s side. "Wendy, I know you''re angry, but don''t start making wild usations! Jessica is the kindest soul. She would never do such a thing!"


    Just then, Samuel entered the scene. "Wow, you are really great at acting! You should''ve won an Oscar for that performance."


    "Mr. Samuel,"


    The crowd parted, and Samuel walked confidently up to Wendy''s side.


    He addressed Stanley directly. "Mr. Hawk, have you ever wondered why those kidnappers targeted both Wendy and Jessica? And why did they ask you to choose between the two of them? Doesn''t that strike you as odd?"


    Stanley''s gaze turned to Jessica. His eyes were like cold steel, sharp and piercing, sending a chill through the


    room.


    Jessica shivered under his gaze.


    +25 BORBUS


    Samuel then pulled out a USB drive. "Inside here are the bank transaction records between Jessica and the scar-faced kidnapper. Once you take a look, everything will be clear."


    Samuel handed the USB drive to Stanley.


    Stanley reached out to take it, but Jessica snatched it from his hand. "You can''t look at this!"


    Stanley stared at her, noticing the panic in her eyes. "Why can''t I look? I''m giving you a chance right now. You''d better tell me the truth. Confessing now will lead to a different oue than if I find out myself."


    Jessica began to feel a knot of fear tighten in her chest. She had been so confident that everything she and Lilian had done was wless, that it would never be discovered.


    Wendy should''ve died in that warehouse. If she had, none of this would have happened.


    Why hadn''t Wendy died?


    Wendy''s gaze was cold as she met Jessica''s eyes.


    "Now that we''re at this point, do you still think you can hide the truth? The truth


    will alwayse out. You''re the mastermind behind it all!"

 My Dad Please Come 451

    Jessica''s face turned pale with panic.


    She quickly nced at Lilian


    Without hesitation, Lilian stepped forward. "It wasn''t Jessica! It was me! I was the one who contacted that man with the scar and set up this entire kidnapping!''


    Wendy stared at Lilian. Since Lilian had jumped in to take the me, it was clear that she and Jessica were desperate.


    In an attempt to protect Jessica, Lilian had taken all the ze upon herself..


    Wendy let out a bitterugh. Was this what they called a mother''s love?


    Why?


    Wendy was Lilian''s biological daughter, but Lilian had always treated Jessica as if thetter were her own flesh and blood. Wendy wondered what she had done wrong


    Being betrayed by her own mother like this stung, no matter how many times it happened.


    Everyone stared at Lilian in shock.


    "It was you?"


    Halsey, furious, snarled, "Mrs. Crone, Wendy is your real daughter! You hired thugs to kidnap her and tried to have her killed! Are you out of your mind?"


    Lilian hadn''t expected the truth toe out. She couldn''t let Jessica''s involvement be revealed. If Jessica were exposed, her reputation would be ruined, and there would be no way she could exin things to Stanley. So, Lilian had taken the entire fall.


    Lilian looked at Wendy. "I''m sorry, Wendy. I''m your mother, after all. I hope you can let this go."


    Wendy sneered, "My mother? I remember you and Edith cutting me off a long time ago. If I continued being your daughter, being a part of the Crone family, I''d probably end up in a ditch somewhere!"


    "Wendy considered you family, but you all wanted her dead. What kind of people are you?" Halsey added.


    The crowd erupted into murmurs of disbelief.


    "What was Lilian thinking? How could a mother do this? She hired thugs to kidnap her own daughter while pampering someone else''s daughter like a queen!"


    "She must bepletely blinded by love... It''s terrifying''


    Lilian was so furious that she felt sick, but with so many people around, she couldn''t let her emotions show. In the end, both she and Jessica had lost everything in this game.


    Wendy turned to Jessica. "You think the sh drive you''re holding contains evidence?"


    Jessica froze, her eyes narrowing as she stared at the sh drive she had snatched. "What are you getting at?" Samuel chuckled. ¡°Jessica, Mrs. Crone, you''ve both been fooled. That sh drive is empty. There''s nothing on it." Chapter 451


    What?


    Jessica and Lilian both looked horrified.


    Samuel looked at Stanley. "Mr. Hawk took the kidnapper. I''m sure he has already investigated him, but found nothing. However, when I mentioned the sh drive, Mr. Hawk, you didn''t expose me. We should thank you for ying along with this little act."


    Jessica was stunned, her gaze locked on Stanley in disbelief. "Is what he said true? You knew the sh drive was empty?"


    Stanley looked back at Jessica. "Yes, I knew."


    When Stanley had arranged for Scarface to be dealt with, he had done a thorough investigation, including looking into the man''s bank ounts.


    So, when Samuel inentioned the sh drive having transaction records, Stanley immediately knew it was a lie. Samuel had been bluffing, using a fake sh drive to trip Jessica and Lilian up.


    This time, Jessica and Lilian had covered their tracks well, but they had run into high-level yers like Samuel and Stanley. As soon as they acted, both men had exposed them.


    Jessica was on the verge of breaking down. She looked at Stanley. "Whose side are you on? Why are you teaming up with outsiders to go after me?"


    Wendy scoffed. "What do you mean, going after you? Mrs. Crone said she did this for you. Why are you so worked up now?"


    "Yeah, Jessica!" Halsey added. "If you really didn''t know, why wasn''t your first reaction to condemn Mrs. Crone for hiring thugs to kidnap Wendy? Instead, you turned your anger on Mr. Hawk. What''s that about? You say you didn''t know, but no one''s buying it!"

 My Dad Please Come 452

    All eyes turned to Jessica.


    "It''s obvious that Mrs. Crone and Ms. Jessica teamed up to try to kill Ms. Wendy!"


    "Luckily, Ms. Wendy is the wonder doctor Dr. Cen. If it weren''t for that, she might have died a dozen times over at their hands."


    "Honestly, Jessica is shameless. She stole someone else''s mother, family, and ce of belonging... What more does she want? Why would she still want to harmi Dr. Cen?"


    "Some people are just born bad seeds."


    Hearing people calling her a bad seed, Jessica felt a knot form in her stomach. She realized that tonight, Wendy had expertly trapped her in a web of lies and maniption


    Stanley''s disappointed gaze was fixed on Jessica, and the weight of his stare hit her like a ton of bricks. "Why did you do this? You''ve truly let me down."


    Stanley could barely recognize the person Jessica had be. Was this the same girl who had once cared for him in the cave?


    Jessica wanted to exin herself. "I"


    But Wendy stepped forward, cutting her off. "Now you understand why I refused to treat you, don''t you? I''m no saint. Why should I treat someone who wants my life?"


    Jessica stood speechless.


    Wendy turned her attention to Stanley. "Mr. Hawk, now that you know Jessica wanted to kill me, do you still want me to save her?"


    Jessica was desperate for her life. She couldn''t afford to let this opportunity slip away. She reached for Stanley, pleading, "Stanley, save me!"


    Stanley''s lips pressed into a thin, tight line, his expression cold.


    Wendy raised an eyebrow, her voice dripping with sarcasm Jessica, if you want me to save you, then beg for it. I want you to grovel before me!"


    Trish had bowed earlier, and now Wendy was demanding that Jessica grovel. This would be even more entertaining.


    Lilian''s face turned pale with fury. "You actually want Jessica to grovel? You-" "Wow, you must really love Jessica," Wendy mocked with asly grin.


    Lin stood there, speechless.


    Wendy''s gaze fixed firmly on Jessica "This is your chance. It''s now or never. Will you grovel and beg me, or not?"


    Jessica would never grovel. She thought Wendy was mere trash. Why should she grovel before her?


    Desperation red inside Jessica as she turned to Stanley for help. "I don''t want to grovel before Wendy! She''s gone too far. Please, help me!"


    Stanley had be herst hope..


    Lilian and Edith rushed to Stanley''s side, urging him to intervene. "Mr. Hawk, Jessica is your girlfriend. Are you really going to let her grovel before Wendy in front of everyone here in Hovendale? That would damage your reputation, tool"


    Stanley remained silent, his face an unreadable mask ofposure. He gave nothing away.


    Jessica was in a panic. She couldn''t figure out what Stanley was thinking, and the pressure of the situation was suffocating.


    She couldn''t grovel. She couldn''t!


    "Stanley," she pleaded, clutching at him desperately. "Did you forget your promise? You said you would protect me. You said you would never abandon me. You haven''t forgotten, have you?"


    Stanley''s gaze softened, but there was no sign of emotion. I''ve let you get away with so much, and this is how you''ve be. I don''t know what you''ll do next if I keep enabling you, I can''t let you lose yourself."


    Jessica''s eyes widened in shock, her voice shaking. "Stanley, are you saying..."


    Stanley turned his gaze to Wendy, his voice calm and cold. Since Dr. Cen wants you to grovel, then you should grovel,"

 ase Come 453

    Jessica pasped in shock, almost certain the had misheard.


    Stanley had actually just told her to grovel to Wendy!


    She staggered bark, nearly losing her bnce, but Lilian quickly caught her.


    "Mr. Hawk, how could you do this to Jessica? You''re helping Wendy bully her!" Lilian said, her voice trembling


    dith disbelief.


    Stanley shot Lilian a cold nce, his eyes sharp and unwavering "And you? Isn''t Wendy your own daughter? How do you exin what you did?"


    Lilian was caught off guard, unable to respond to the biting retort.


    Wendy''s clear, sharp eyes were fixed on Jessica. "Are you going to grovel or not? My time is precious. I don''t want to waste it on you.


    Halsey let out augh"If you don''t grovel this time, next time, even if you want to, you''ll have to wait in line to do so."


    Jessica, already pale, turned even more ashen.


    Wendy didn''t wait for her response. "It seems like you haven''t made up your mind. Well, I''m leaving."


    "Yeah, let''s go." Halsey looped her arm through Wendy''s, and the two of them started to walk away.


    But Jessica wasn''t going to let them leave just like that. Her hands clenched into tight fists at her sides, and she shouted after them, "Fine, Wendy, I''ll grovel!"


    Wendy stopped in her tracks and turned around, her gaze locking onto Jessica. And then, Jessica groveled.


    In front of the entire elite of Hovendale, Jessica groveled before Wendy..


    Her eyes filled with tears, burning with humiliation. This was the greatest disgrace she had ever experienced. ''Wendy, please, I beg you, save me.


    Jessica had groveled and begged Wendy.


    Lilian''s heart felt as if it were pierced by a thousand arrows. In that instant, the hate she had for Wendy reached its boiling point.


    Edith stomped her feet, wailing in frustration, "What is happening? Our family is ruined! We''re truly finished!"


    Edith had prided herself on the two shining stars she had raised, only to watch them both be destroyed by Wendy. Wendy looked down at Jessica, her lips curling into a slow, cruel smile. "I''m not going to save you."


    Jessica froze. "You told me to grovel! How could you-"


    "Yes, I told you to grovel, but I never promised you that groveling would save you."


    Lilian immediately pulled Jessica up from the floor. "Wendy, you''re going too far!"


    Wendy''s gaze swept over Edith, Lilian, Jessica, and Trish, each face meeting her chilling eyes.


    "How did my father die?" she asked, her voice cold and steady.


    The question struck Edith and Lilian like a p.


    Wendy continued, "How did my father die? Who killed him I want you to give me an answer. In three days, at my father''s grave, I want all the people who killed him to prove before his grave, confess their sins, and turn themselves in."


    Edith and Lilian stared at Wendy, their faces pale. In her eyes, there was a cold, lethal glint, like a sharpened de ready to strike.


    Wendy''s voice was icy as she spoke again, "You think todays the end? No-I''m telling you, today is just the beginning! All these years, you''ve walked all over my father''s grave, enjoying wealth and luxury. Now, it''s time for you to pay it all back!"


    With that, Wendy turned and walked away.


    Her slender, graceful figure quickly disappeared into the night.


    Edith and Lilian knew the truth now: Wendy was dering war on the entire Crone family. She had made Jessica grovel and Tish bow before her as a warning.


    She was just getting started.


    The dinner party ended, and Stanley stepped outside. At that moment, Edith, Lilian, and Jessica all rushed up to


    him.


    "Mr. Hawk, are you really just going to stand by and watch Wendy destroy us?

 My Dad Please Come 454

    Jessica looked at Stanley with a hurt expression, her eyes filled with unished tears, silently hoping he would


    Yet, Stanley''s face remained impassive. Without any warmth, he asked, "How did Wendy''s father really die? Which one of you in the Crone family is the murderer?"


    Edith and Lilian both fell silent, their expressions grim.


    Stanley didn''t say anything more.


    Zayn pulled up in a sleek Rolls-Royce. Stanley got into the car and drove away.


    At the Crone family''s estate, the house was steeped in an eerie, suffocating silence that hung over everything as Edith sat on the couch. She had just smashed everything on the coffee table.


    Rare, antique vases that she had treasured for years had crashed to the ground, shattering into countless pieces. These were some of Edith''s most cherished possessions, things that everyone else had to handle with the utmost


    §ã§Ñ§ä§Ö.


    The floor was a disaster-broken ss and ceramics were scattered across the room. The maids stood quietly in the corners, too afraid to make a sound.


    The second and third branches of the Crone family had arrived, all of them gathered, without exception.


    Edith, still furious after breaking everything, muttered bitterly, "What a bunch of trash. Not one of you is better than Wendy.


    "She grew up in the countryside, yet she''s a genius from Harfield, and she''s Dr. Cen. If she were my granddaughter, I would have been the queen of Hovendale by now!


    "Now Wendy''s riding over us, and we can''t fight back at all. It''s all because you people are useless!"


    Harry and Archer had rushed back from thepany. They couldn''t believe what they had just learned-that Wendy was the famous Dr. Cen.


    Archer, uncertain, asked, "Wendy is Dr. Cen?"


    Harry, still in disbelief, muttered, "Looks like she is."


    As they thought back to how they had groveled before that fake Dr. Cen, they imagined how Wendy must have thought they wereplete fools.


    Edith scowled. "What should we do now? Wendy has her sights set on us. She wants to unmask the one who killed her father and make them turn themselves


    in."


    Trish, anxious, asked, "Grandma, who really killed Uncle Jerry?"


    Jessica and Trish both had no idea what had happened.


    Edith let out a cold huff. She had no affection for Jerry-after all, he had only been adopted into the family. Harry and Archer, on the other hand, were her flesh and blood.


    Edith sighed, her voice growing dark. "The poison that killed Jerry that night was brought to him by Lilian herself. Jerry noticed something was wrong, and when he tried to resist, Harry and Archer both held him down. Lilian pried his mouth open, and then I poured it in. We all worked together to poison him."


    "What?!"


    Jessica and Trish stared in shock, their minds struggling to process the revtion. Edith''s voice softened as she recalled the night. "It was raining heavily that night. Jerry died in his room, struggling fiercely right up until the end. No matter how much we tried to hold him down, we couldn''t. When the poison finally took hold, he was still calling out Wendy''s name his eyes never even closed."


    Even after all these years, Lilian, Harry, and Archer hadn''t been able to forget that night.


    Wendy had asked them if they had ever experienced nightmares, if Jerry hade back to haunt them as a vengeful ghost.


    And the truth was, they had.


    Archer spoke up, his voice thick with guilt. "Jerry loved Wendy the most. We thought if we sent her to the countryside, we''d be rid of her and the Crone family would live in peace forever. But she came back to avenge Jerry.


    Harry sighed, regret heavy in his voice. "If Wendy really gets her revenge, our whole family will fall. This feud is impossible to resolve."

 ase Come 455

    Jessica and Trish were both stunned, unable to fully grasp the dark truth that had just been revealed to them. They had no idea about the hidden history of Jerry''s death, and now, as they learned that it had been a conspiracy within their own family, their faces turned pale.


    It wasn''t out of sympathy for Jerry. After all, they had no real affection for him.


    They simply feltered.


    Trish, her voice shaking, asked, "You all killed Uncle Jerry! What are we supposed to do now? Wendy''s avenging him, and now she''s demanding the killer be handed over. Our family is doomed!"


    and all of


    Jessica copsed onto the couch, her head spinning. "How did this happen? Now Wendy''s targeting us, and you are the murderers! Do you think Wendy''s going to take down our entire family?"


    Trish shook her head in disbelief. "Wendy''s not the same person she was before. She''s Dr. Cen now, a miracle doctor. She''s no longer just some useless housewife from the countryside. She''s powerful."


    Jessica, her heart racing, grasped at her chest. "What do we do? What can we do? My heart condition is getting worse. If Wendy doesn''t help me, am I just counting down my days?"


    For Jessica and Trish, their survival came first. They weren''t thinking about anyone else''s fate-just their own. The revtion about Wendy being Dr. Cen was a blow to Trish, especially after being forced to bow to her publicly. She could hardly process the shock.


    Jessica, on the other hand, was more concerned with her deteriorating health. Wendy had crushed all her hopes, and she could feel it slipping away.


    The entire Crone family was in shock. No one had ever expected Wendy to be such a formidable force.


    Why must Wendy be Dr. Cen?


    Edith turned to Jessica, her face grim. ¡°Jessica, we need to get Mr. Hawk involved. You need to ask him to help us."


    Mentioning Stanley made Jessica''s teeth clench, her resentment bubbling up. ¡°Grandma, you saw how Stanley treats me. He won''t help us."


    Edith''s frustration boiled over. "What happened to the two shining gems of the Crone family? I see nothing but useless stones now! Not one of you is half as useful as Wendy! I should have kept Wendy by my side all those years ago."


    Jessica''s eyes burned with tears, feeling helpless and crushed under the weight of her grandmother''s words.


    Harry and Lilian, seeing Jessica in such distress, took her home. As soon as she sat on the couch, tears streamed down her face.


    "Mom, Dad, what am I supposed to do now? It feels like Stanley''s heart belongs to Wendy now. Not only am going to lose Stanley, but my health is failing too. I''m so scared! I can''t lose everything!"


    At first, Jessica lund been Stanley''s golden girl, the prima ballerina who stood at the top of the world. She had looked down on Wendy, but slowly, as Wendy''s power and abilities grew, Jessica felt herself pushed further and further down. Wendy seemed unstoppable now, and Jessica was left feeling utterly powerless..


    Lilian, heartbroken, pulled Jessica into her arms. "Don''t be afraid, Jessica. You still have me."


    She turned to Harry, her voice filled with urgency. "Harry, say something. Look at Jessica-she''s in tears! You must have some way to help her, right?"


    12


    Jessica, her eyes swollen with tears, looked up at Lilian. "Mom, do you really think Dad can help us?"


    Lilian nodded. "Yes. If your father wants to, he can fix this."


    Desperate, Jessica grabbed onto Harry. "Dad, do you have a n? Please, help me! Aren''t I your real daughter? I''m losing everything. You have to help me; I don''t want to die, and I don''t want to lose Stanley!"


    Harry looked torn, his heart aching for his daughter. Of course, he would do anything for Jessica, she was the one he loved most in this world.


    He ced aforting hand on her back. "No one loves you more than I do. I will help you, but I need some time to think this through."


    Ch

 y Dad Please Come 456

    apter 456


    Jessica nodded, her voice soft but full of desperation. "Okay Dad. You have to help me."


    "Don''t worry, Jessica. Go get some rest now. I''ll take care of everything. Whatever happens, I''ll protert you," Harry said.


    "Okay."


    With that, Jessica headed to her room.


    Harry and Lilian also returned to their room. Lilian took a quick shower andy down in bed. After Harry finished his shower, he climbed into bed beside her.


    Lilian turned to him, her tone serious. "Harry, you have to help Jessica''


    Harry sighed. "How exactly do you expect me to help her?"


    Lilian''s voice became more urgent. "Of course, you need to get in touch with that powerful man from the Capital. Once you reach him, everything will be solved. Wendy may be remarkable, butpared to him, she''s nothing- like an ant that can be crushed with a single hand."


    Harry hesitated, his thoughts tangled. "But Jessica''s birth mother didn''t want her past revealed. She doesn''t want Jessica going back to the Capital."


    Lilian grew more frantic. "But she''s in serious trouble now! If we don''t use the power from the Capital, there''s no way out. Besides, what''s so bad about going back to the Capital? She could be one of the most powerful people there. Jessica is a precious gem, after all!"


    Harry needed more time to think. He hadn''t forgotten what Jessica''s biological mother had said before she passed away, but now the Crone family was in too deep. Wendy had forced them into a corner, and there seemed to be no way out. Wendy was pushing too hard, too fast..


    Harry looked at Lilian with frustration. "Look at what you''ve done! How did Wendy get so powerful? It feels like she could send the Crone family straight to hell with just a snap of her fingers!"


    Lilian shifted ufortably, a flicker of guilt in her eyes. Yet, she stayed silent, not daring to speak up and risk revealing anything.


    "Do you really hate Wendy that much?" she asked.


    "Of course, I hate her! Anyone who''s our enemy-especially if they''re targeting Jessica-I hate them!"


    Lilian smiled, her lips curling into a sly grin. This was the reaction she had been hoping for.


    If Harry knew the truth-that Wendy was the one he was supposed to protect for life-Lilian couldn''t even Imagine how he would react.


    Lilian was truly in love with Harry. She had obsessed over him for years, and in her eyes, there was no room for anyone else. Singe Harry seemed to care so much about that woman, Lilian was ready to do something drastic to make him regret it.


    She was determined to control Harry and every single person in the Crone family. Lilian leaned in closer, curling up against Harry. "Okay, settle down. I hate Wendy, too."


    Lilian tilted her head up and kissed Harry on the lips, her voice a whisper, "Honey, we haven''t been close in a


    while. Don''t you miss it?"


    Her hand slid beneath Harry''s shirt, teasingly, her touch suggestive.


    Harry quickly pulled her hand away, his face hardening. "There''s been too much going ontely. I''m not in the mood. Let''s just sleep."


    Hey back on the bed, tuming his back to Lilian as he closed his eyes.


    Liliany there, feeling the sting of rejection, her fists clenched in frustration.


    He wasn''t in the mood? He was probably too busy with all the other women to care about her anymore.


    Lilian knew Harry had been gathering information about tlist woman. The secretary he kept close had eyes that looked like hers, and that was why she had be a favorite of his.


    Lilian hated that woman. She hated her with a burning passion-just like she hated Wendy.


    She wanted them all gone.


    Especially Wendy.


    She wanted Wendy dead!


    Stanley returned to Royale Residences, but instead of going into his apartment, he stood tall and still outside Wendy''s door.


    Since learning that Wendy was Dr. Cen, he had been stunned. He still hadn''t had a real conversation with her since finding out.


    Stanley raised his hand and pressed the doorbell to Wendy''s apartment.

 My Dad Please Come 457

    Stanley rang the doorbell.


    It wasn''t long before the apartment door swung open, revealing Wendy''s graceful figure in the doorway. "Who is it -Mr. Hawk?"


    Wendy''s eyes met Stanley''s, and he could see that she had changed into a loose,fortable home dress. The delicate makeup she had worn earlier was now gone, revealing a fresh, natural beauty-a face untouched by powder, glowing with the softness of the evening/


    She looked a world away from the radiant woman at the diner party.


    "Do you have a moment?" Stanley asked.


    Wendy''s fingers twitched nervously. "Is there something you need? You can just say it''


    Stanley opened his mouth, but before he could speak, a familiar voice echoed from inside. "Who''s there, Wendy?"


    Stanley looked up and saw Samuel standing in the apartment.


    Samuel, in slippers and holding an apple, was casually biting into it. "Mr. Hawk, what brings you here?"


    Stanley''s words caught in his throat. He hadn''t expected Samuel to be there.


    Wendy''s gaze shifted slightly, and she spoke again, her tone a little more guarded, "So? Is there something you need? If not, I''ll be going inside."


    Stanley, his lips pressed into a thin line, looked at her, then nced inside again. "Just you and Samuel in there?"


    "Is it strange for us to be here together?" Wendy countered, her tone sharp.


    Stanley''s face hardened, his aristocratic features growing colder. The tension in the air grew thick.


    Just then, Halsey peeked his head out from the kitchen. "Wendy, are you done? The food''s going to burn!"


    Then, Cecelia''s voice joined in from inside. "Wendy, hurry up!"


    Stanley''s expression remained icy as he processed the voices. Inside, there was more than just Samuel-Halsey and Cecelia were there as well.


    Yet, that didn''t ease the tension for Stanley. Knowing that Samuel was hanging out with Wendy''s two closest friends made it clear that they were all very familiar with one another, and they often spent time together.


    Samuel looked at Stanley, a polite smile on his face. "Mr. Hawk, we''re making dinner. Have you eaten yet? You''re wee to join us."


    Stanley, still hungry from his hurried return to find Wendy, opened his mouth to ept the invitation.


    Before he could speak, however, Wendy interrupted him.


    "No, he doesn''t need to join us." She turned back to Stanley, her tone firm. "We''re having dinner now. Bye.''


    reached


    With that, she reached for the door, and with a swift motion, closed it in his face with a sharp m.


    Stanley stood there for a moment, stunned. Then, he let out a quiet, self- deprecating smile. He turned and walked back to his apartment.


    Stanley lived alone, so his apartment was quiet-empty, save for the soft light in the living room. Tall and lean, he stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking out at the sea of lights below.


    He pulled out his phone and opened Halsey''s social media feed. She had just posted something.


    [Wendy cooked for us herself! So many dishes, and they all casted amazing! I wish I had a bigger stomach!]


    Along with the post was a photo of a beautifully arranged fable filled with food that looked irresistible, Wendy, Samuel, Halsey, and Cecelia were all raising sses to each other in a toast.


    Stanley clicked on the photo and studied it carefully, his eyes lingering on it for several moments,


    A cold breeze drifted through the room, adding to the stillness of the night. It seemed to only make Stanley''s handsome features more mysterious, giving him a touch of somber elegance,


    Suddenly, he remembered how long it had been since he''d had one of Wendy''s meals.


    Wendy was an excellent cook-something Stanley knew all too well. He had been in aa for three years, and after waking, he had needed extensive recovery.


    During that time, Wendy had faithfully prepared meals for him every day, waiting for his return home.

 My Dad Please Come 458

    Stanley still remembered the night Wendy had first brought up the idea of divorce. It was his birthday, and she had made an borate dinner, waiting for him toe home.


    Things he once didn''t care about were now gone, and it left hollow feeling inside him, along with a faint ache.


    Perhaps this was the regret thates when you only realize what you''ve lost once it''s gone.


    Stanley lifted his cup, quietly sipping the warm water. The warmth spread through his mouth andzily slid down his throat, a subtle sensation as it passed.


    Before, he had never known that Wendy was Dr. Cen Busince she was the wonder doctor, why had shee into his life?


    She took a picture with his photo in Harfield,


    After he became a vegetable, she had disappeared from the public eye, retreating from the world to marry him, even cooking for him! How much did she love him?


    Stanley went through all his memories, trying to recall a time when he had met her before the photo was taken. He couldn''t remember. He didn''t know her before.


    So... When had she started having feelings for him? What had sparked her feelings?


    He really wanted to ask her.


    He always felt that there was some kind of story between them, something that had happened long ago, but it had slipped his mind.


    His tall, handsome figure seemed to carry a tinge of loneliness, his sharp features softened by a sense of mncholy.


    Wendy was eating dinner when Samuel asked, "What did Mr. Hawk want from you earlier?"


    Wendy took a bite of shrimp, her expression unreadable. "I don''t know."


    Cecelia spoke up, "Mr. Samuel, don''t bother with that guy. Besides Jessica, he''s got women flocking to him wherever he goes. He can snap his fingers and they''lle running. It''s best if she just stays away from him." Halsey, fully supporting Wendy, added, ¡°Exactly! Wendy''s Dr. Cen-how many people wish they could just meet her? But Wendy took care of him for three years. He was the luckiest man alive, but he didn''t even appreciate it!"


    Wendy picked up her ss. "Let''s not talk about him. Right now, all I want is to get revenge for my father. Come on, let''s toast."


    "To revenge!" they all cheered.


    "Wendy, you''re sure that''s milk you''re drinking, right? You''re pregnant-no other drinks for you."


    Wendy smiled softly. "Don''t worry. I won''t drink."


    She ced her hand gently on her t stomach, rubbing it in slow circles. She loved this child more than anyone


    else.


    This was her child, and she would give all her love to it.


    After standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows for about an hour, Stanley spotted Halsey and Cecelia. Halsey a


    Stanley


    and Cecelia were leaving Wendy''s apartment, heading downstairs to leave,


    y furrowed his brows. He didn''t see Samuel.


    Why wasn''t Samueling downstairs?


    Halsey and Cecelia had left, so did that mean Sanniel was staying over at Wendy''s tonight?


    Stanley immediately took out his phone and dialed Halsey''s number.


    Downstairs, Halsey answered the call. "Hello."


    Stanley''s voice was cold. "Why did only you twoe downstairs? Where''s Samuel?"


    Halsey raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Samuel? He''s noting down. He''s staying with Wendy tonight."


    Stanley''s long fingers curled around the phone tightly.


    Halsey continued, "Why are you so surprised? They''re a couple now. Isn''t it normal for them to stay together?"


    Then she added, "You could always go find Jessica. After all, you''ve made it clear


    that you chose Jessica over Wendy, leaving her and the baby behind!"


    The mention of the child struck a nerve deep in Stanley, a sharp, instinctive reaction.


    "What baby?" he asked, his voice tight.

 My Dad Please Come 459

    Downstairs, Halsey''s heart fell.


    Uh oh! She might have said too much.


    Halsey had been furious; she had wanted to stand up for Wendy, and she especially felt sorry for the baby inside Wendy. In her anger, she had blurted everything out without thinking.


    She quickly said, "Baby? You must''ve misheard! I never mentioned anything about a baby."


    Stanley gripped the phone even more tightly. "You clearly sold something about a baby. You said I abandoned Wendy and the baby. Halsey, are you hiding something from me?"


    Halsey felt a twinge of guilt. Luckily, Stanley wasn''t there, or her poor lying skills would''ve given her away. "I told you, you must''ve misheard. I didn''t say anything about a baby. Do you really want one so badly?"


    The question caught Stanley off guard, leaving him speechless.


    "See? You don''t even like kids, so why ask? I''ve got things to do. Bye." Halsey quickly ended the call.


    Stanley stood in his apartment, listening to the busy signal, his brows furrowed. He was certain he hadn''t misheard.


    Could it be true? Was Wendy pregnant?


    Stanley suddenly recalled a time when she had asked him whether he liked kids.


    He nced down at his wristwatch. It was already veryte. Samuel was staying at her ce. What were they doing right now?


    Stanley turned around and quickly left his apartment. He walked straight to Wendy''s apartment again.


    He rang the doorbell.


    The door opened soon after, but it wasn''t Wendy who answered; it was Samuel. Samuel, looking handsome and rxed, stood by the door. Seeing Stanley didn''t seem to surprise him. "Mr. Hawk, back again? Are you looking for Wendy?"


    Stanley pressed his lips together tightly. "Where is she?"


    Samuel replied casually, "She''s taking a shower."


    Stanley''s hands, which had been hanging by his sides, clenched into fists in an instant. "It''ste. Why are you still here?"


    Samuel chuckled. "It iste. Why are you here, looking for Wendy? I''m her boyfriend now. I think that justifies me being here but it doesn''t seem right for you to keeping around looking for her."


    Stanley sneered, his lips curling coldly, "Wendy may be your girlfriend now, but she was my wife. Why can''t Ie see her?"


    Samuel replied, "If you stay, you''ll be in the way when Wendy and I get busyter."


    Stanley shot back, "Wendy''s my ex-wife. We''ve done everything couples do together. I''ve seen every part of her."


    The two of them exchanged barbed words, volleying back and forth with sharp, pointed remarks, each one trying


    to outdo the other..


    +26 BONUS


    Samuel finally said, "Well, you said it yourself. Wendy is your ex-wife. It''s over between you."


    Stanley snapped, "Whether or not it''s over between us is none of your business. Do you have nothing better to do, butting in on other people''s affairs?"


    At that moment, a soft, melodic voice interrupted, "Who is t?"


    Stanley looked up and saw Wendy, freshly out of the shower. She had changed into a loose, champagne-colored nightgown, her small, delicate face flushed with a healthy low from the warmth of the steam. Her skin seemed soft and fresh, radiating a youthful, delicate beauty.


    Wendy froze when she saw Stanley standing by the door. "What are you doing here again?"


    "I don''t know why he''s here again either," Samuel chimed in.


    Wendy turned to Stanley. "Do you need something? If you do, just say it."


    Stanley, with determined steps, bypassed Samuel and walked straight into the apartment. He reached out and grabbed Wendy''s slender wrist firmly.


    "Come with me."

 My Dad Please Come 460

    Stanley yanked Wendy along with him.


    Wendy stumbled to keep up, her voice panicked. "Where are you taking me? Let go of me! I don''t want to go!"


    Stanley didn''t give her a choice. He dragged her out of the apartment and shoved her into the elevator.


    Samuel stood frozen, shocked by Stanley''s domineering behavior. "Hey! What are you-


    Before Samuel could finish his sentence, the elevator doors closed, and the two of themn disappeared from his sight.


    Samuel stood there, speechless.


    Stanley dragged Wendy down to the parking garage, forcing her into his luxury


    car.


    Wendy struggled fiercely, trying to break free from his grip. "What are you doing? What''s going on with you? Where are you taking me? I''ve told you, I don''t want


    to go!"


    Stanley opened the door to the passenger seat of his Rolls-Royce, his cold, sharp gaze sweeping over Wendy''s face. "Are you hiding something from me?"


    Wendy froze. "What do you mean?"


    Stanley''s eyes dropped to her t stomach.


    Wendy instinctively took a step back. "What are you looking at? You sick bastard!"


    Stanley''s voice was low and steady. "Are you pregnant?"


    Wendy stiffened. Had he figured it out?


    Stanley''s gaze lingered on her face, his expression unreadable. "Are you pregnant? Is it mine?"


    Wendy''s mind went into a frenzy. He found out that she wanted to get rid of him and keep the baby.


    What would he do now? Would he take her to get an abortion?


    The child was partly his, after all.


    Her thoughts raced. She couldn''t admit it. She shook her head immediately. "I''m not pregnant."


    Stanley watched her closely, his eyes sharp and piercing. "Really?"


    .


    Wendy responded quickly, trying to sound confident, "Of course. We ended things long ago. I can''t be with your baby. If you''ll excuse me."


    pregnant


    She turned, intent on walking away.


    Stanley grabbed her again, pulling her back forcefully and shoving her into the passenger seat. "I don''t believe you. I''m taking you to the hospital for a checkup. I want to hear it from the doctor!"


    Wendy''s heart raced, a sense of panic creeping in.


    Stanley slid into the driver''s seat. Wendy pleaded, "I swear I''m not pregnant. Please believe me!"


    Stanley nced at her stomach once more, a cold smirk curling on his lips. "If I find out you stole my genes and carried my child behind my back, you''re going to regret it."


    Wendy blinked, helpless. "I really haven''t!"


    Just then, Wendy sneezed.


    It was chilly outside, and she was only wearing a nightgown when Stanley had dragged her out. Wendy shivered. "I''m freezing. How about we go to the hospital tomorrow instead?"


    Stanley reached into his coat, pulling off his ck suit jacket and tossing it at her. "Put this on."


    The jacketnded over her head, covering her face. Wendy Wasn''t sure if he had done it intentionally, but the crisp scent of his cologne and the lingering warmth of his body on the jacket enveloped herpletely.


    She quickly reached up and pulled the jacket off her face, her eyes shing with irritation as she red at him.


    "You really think too highly of yourself. Do you really think I''d steal your genes?" Chapter 461

 My Dad Please Come 461

    Wendy shot back with a biting remark.


    Stanley started the car, and the luxury vehicle smoothly spoil down the road. Ilsrge, strong hands gripped the steering wheel as he turned slightly, a hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.


    "How would I know if you wanted to steal them? There are plenty of women who want to have my children. I can''t trust you.


    Wendy was speechless.


    He really was arrogant!


    But then again, Stanley had the kind of arrogance that could back Itself up.


    Wendy ching from the cold, knew she couldn''t afford to catch a cold while pregnant, so she reluctantly put on


    his ck suit jacket,


    The jacket was oversized, enveloping her petite frame. "You might have good genes, but mine aren''t bad either. Maybe others would want to steal your genes, but I absolutely wouldn''t."


    Stanley''s thoughts wavered for a moment. Of course, her genes were no less impressive. She was the talented genius of Harfield, the one who had be the renowned Dr. Cen-her gic potential was just as extraordinary as his, if not more.


    He briefly wondered what it would be like if they had a child together.


    But the thought quickly passed. He didn''t dwell on it.


    "We''ll find out once we get to the hospital."


    It seemed he was determined to take her for the pregnancy test. Wendy realized she had no say in the matter, she stopped resisting and allowed him to take her to the hospital.


    About half an hourter, the Rolls-Royce pulled up in front of NovaHealth Hospital. Wendy nced at the building, surprised that Stanley had brought her here for the checkup.


    "Let''s go inside," he demanded.


    "Mr. Hawk, why did you bring me to NovaHealth?"


    Stanley raised an eyebrow, his gaze cool andposed. "I know the director here. I don''t trust other hospitals, especially since you''re Dr. Cen. I''m worried you might fake the reports."


    Stanley was a man who thought of everything. He had covered all the bases.


    s, he had met his match in Wendy.


    Wendy chuckled. "What, you''re not worried I''ll fake it here too?"


    "NovaHealth is a huge, publicly listedpany. It covers a wide range of industries, from healthcare to pharmaceuticals to medical equipment. You can''t control it because the big boss behind NovaHealth is just as wealthy as I am."


    Wendy smirked, a yful glint in her eyes. "Do you know the big boss behind NovaHealth?"


    Stanley''s mind wandered back to the stunning figure he had seen in Hawthorne, Mericana. The image of her elegant, poised presence had stayed with him. It was unforgettable.


    50


    "I''ve met her once."


    He had met her once?


    Wendy blinked, confused. "Where did you meet her?"


    Stanley shrugged casually. "Hawthorne, Mericana. It was when Novallealth went public. She rang the opening bell at midnight. I saw her from behind, but she didn''t see me."


    Ah, so that was it. Wendy now understood why she didn''t remember. Stanley had been there that night when NovaHealth went public.


    Fate always worked in strange ways.


    Wendy took a step closer, her small face suddenly inches from his. "Are you in love with the boss behind NovaHealth?"


    Stanley froze. "What?"


    "Why else would you still be thinking about her all these years? One glimpse of her back, and she''s been stuck in your mind? Well, it makes sense. There aren''t many women in the business world who can stand side by side with you."


    Stanley looked at Wendy in front of him. She was teasing him, joking around, but now her face was lively and bright, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Her yful energy seemed to mirror the grace of that unforgettable figure from NovaHealth. In that moment, the two images seemed to merge in his mind.


    Stanley reached out, gently pinching her soft cheek. "Are you jealous?"


    Wendy couldn''t understand why he was pinching her cheek


    p!


    Wendy immediately pped his hand away. "Don''t pinch me."


    Stanley raised an eyebrow. "Don''t pinch you where?"

 My Dad Please Come 462

    Wendy froze for a moment, only realizing a few secondster that Stanley was making a dirty joke, which caught her off guard.


    Her face immediately turned red with embarrassinent. "You''re shameless!"


    Stanley, his long legs striding ahead, casually entered Noval Health, muttering, "What did I say that''s shameless? Is your mind always this dirty?"


    Wendy was speechless..


    This man looked so proper, so well-put-together, yet no one was worse than him.


    Not wanting to continue this conversation, Wendy followed him into the building, Soon, Terence Binder, the director of NovaHealth, hurried over, clearly surprised. "Mr. Hawk, what brings you here at this hour?"


    Terence wasn''t on duty tonight. He had been summoned by Stanley''s call and rushed over from home.


    Stanley replied, "I brought someone in for a pregnancy check-up."


    Terence raised an eyebrow. "Who is it?"


    Stanley moved aside slightly, letting Wendy step forward so Terence could see her. "Her."


    Terence''s eyes widened in shock, his pupil''s dting as he sucked in a breath, stumbling over his words. "Y-You..."


    Stanley looked at Terence, his tone sharp. "You know Wendy?"


    Terence stammered, "I-L..."


    While Terence was clearly flustered, Wendy remained calm and collected. "No, we don''t know each other." Terence was sweating now, his mind racing. Two giants, both Stanley and Wendy, showing up at NovaHealth at the same time without warning? He had beenpletely unprepared.


    Stanley spoke again, "Dr. Binder, please go ahead and prepare the pregnancy test forms."


    Terence snapped back to his duties. "Of course, of course. My office is right here. Please, follow me."


    Stanley led the way into the director''s office. As he turned around, he noticed Terence was practically following Wendy around like a shadow, his respectful demeanor showing that he was almost afraid Wendy would somehow hurt herself.


    "Ms. Crone, please, right this way."


    Stanley, who wasn''t receiving such treatment, couldn''t help but frown.


    This world was growing increasingly strange, one he no longer understood. Why was Terence so respectful toward Wendy?


    Wendy walked ahead. "Dr. Binder, just give Mr. Hawk the form, as he instructed. I''m only here for the pregnancy check"


    Terence nodded enthusiastically. "Right away. I''ll get it ready."


    Terence quickly prepared the test form.


    Stanley reached for it, but Terence had already stepped to Wendy''s side. "Ms. Crone, the blood draw station is over here. Let me lead you."


    Without a second thought, Terence started to guide Wendy out. It was as if he hadpletely forgotten about Stanley, leaving him standing behind.


    It was only when Wendy turned back and remembered Stanley that she stopped and asked, "Mr. Hawk, aren''t youing?"


    Seeing Stanley standing quietly, Terence pped his leg in realization. "Right, right! Mr. Hawk, this way, please."


    Stanley was slightly irritated.


    The whole situation felt strangely off.


    Wendy finally spoke up, "Dr. Binder, just give the pregnancy test form to Mr. Hawk. He''ll personally apany me. Only then will he feel at ease."


    "Of course. Here you go, Mr. Hawk." Terence handed the form to Stanley with both hands.


    Stanley took the form, then turned to Wendy. "Let''s go."


    Wendy followed him out, and behind them, Terence wiped the sweat off his forehead. His mind was spinning. The big boss was here, and with Stanley too- getting a pregnancy test?


    Could it be that the big boss was pregnant?


    whe


    If she really was, he couldn''t imagine what kind of incredible child Wendy and Stanley''s offspring could


    Whoever was born into that family would be a force to be reckoned with. Chapter de

 My Dad Please Come 463

    Wendy sat in front of the blood draw station, looking at Stapley.


    "I don''t want to get my blood drawn."


    Stanley nced at her, his tone serious. "You don''t have to If you don''t want to, but you need to tell me the truth now. Are you pregnant or not? I don''t like being led to, especially about something as important as this."


    Wendy met his gaze and replied firmly, "I''m not pregnant,


    Stanley nodded, unfazed. "Alright, then. We''ll do the blood draw."


    Wendy raised an eyebrow, a slight frustration in her voice. told you the truth, but you still don''t believe me. What do you want to hear? Do you want me to say I''m prepitant?"


    Stanley didn''t respond to her directly. Instead, he turned his attention to the nurse. "Go ahead and drew the blood.


    The nurse, having never seen such a handsome man before, blushed. "Sir, could you please lift your wife''s sleeve?


    Wife?


    Wendy furrowed her brow. "You''re mistaken. I''m not his wife."


    The nurse looked confused. "Not his wife? Then why are you here for a pregnancy test?"


    Wendy, caught off guard, could only fall silent. She didn''t know how to answer that question.


    At that moment, Stanley''s long fingers reached over and rolled up her sleeve. The nurse announced, "I''m starting the blood draw now."


    Wendy turned her head away, not wanting to watch.


    Stanley''s eyes softened as he looked down at her. "Are you afraid of needles?" Wendy remained silent.


    Stanley teased her lightly, "Aren''t you a doctor? You''re afraid of getting your blood drawn?"


    Wendy felt like he was being ridiculous and didn''t want to engage with him.


    But just then, Stanley gently cupped the back of her head with hisrge hand and pressed her face softly into his


    chest


    His deep, soothing voice rumbled from above. "Just close your eyes."


    Wendy wanted to move, but Stanley''s grip tightened, his voice moremanding. "Don''t move."


    Helpless, Wendy stayed still, her face pressed against his chest. His clean, masculine scent filled her nose, and no matter how she tried, she couldn''t escape it.


    After the blood draw, Wendy sat on a bench in the hallway, waiting. Stanley, tall and imposing, stood in front of


    her.


    Wendy lifted her gaze to meet his. "Mr. Hawk, you''re really overreacting tonight. I''m not pregnant."


    Stanley didn''t show much emotion. "I need to see the test results."


    At that moment, Terence hurried over, holding the pregnaty test results. "I have Ms. Crone''s test results."


    Stanley took the results from Terence''s hands.


    "She''s not pregnant," Terence confirmed.


    Stanley looked down at the test results, which clearly showed that Wendy wasn''t pregnant.


    Wendy stood up, a slight smile tugging at her lips. "There''s your proof. I told you I''m not pregnant."


    Wendy, being the wonder doctor Dr. Cen, had taken matters into her own hands beforeing here. She had given herself an injection that altered the pregnancy test result.


    Stanley couldn''t quite put his feelings into words. He wasnt sure if he was relieved or disappointed.


    He should feel relieved, right? After all, he didn''t want a child, and Wendy being pregnant would have been a majorplication.


    But now that it was confirmed she wasn''t pregnant, he couldn''t shake the strange sense of emptiness.


    Wendy broke the silence. "Can we go back now?


    Stanley didn''t show much emotion. "Alright."


    Terence immediately stood up and bowed deeply, showing respect as he saw them off. "Mr. Hawk, Ms. Crone, please have a safe journey."


    Stanley and Wendy got back into the luxurious Rolls-Royce, Wendy turned to him and said, ¡°Just take me home." Stanley''s grip tightened on the steering wheel as he pressed the gas pedal, the car speeding down the road toward Royale Residences. "Is Samuel staying with you tonight?"


    "Yeah. He bought me the apartment, after all. He''s my boyfriend now, so it''s pretty normal for him to stay over, right?" Wendy shot back.

 My Dad Please Come 464

    Stanley asked again. "So, are you two going to sleep together tonight?


    Wendy''s body tensed, and she shot back, "I could ask you the same. Are you and Jessica going to sleep together tonight?"


    Stanley didn''t respond.


    Wendy nced at his long, elegant fingers as he removed his ck suit jacket, revealing a white shirt and a business vest. The sleeves of the shirt hugged his strong wrists, and the luxurious steel watch on his wrist seemed to reflect his sharp, refined nature.


    "We''re already divorced. From now on, I''d prefer it if you stayed out of my business."


    Just then, the sharp sound of brakes pierced the air as Stanley suddenly jerked the steering wheel. The car swerved and pulled over to the side of the road.


    Wendy was momentarily stunned. "What are you doing.


    Her sentence was cut off as Stanley moved swiftly, pressing his tall, handsome frame against her. Both of his hands cupped her face, and before she could react, his lips were on hers as he kissed her fiercely.


    Wendy froze, shocked by the sudden kiss. She immediately pushed against his solid chest, trying to pull away.


    "Let go of me!"


    Stanley pulled back just enough to leave their faces only inches apart, their breath mingling. He could feel her sweet, soft scent in every breath he took. "Do you love Samuel?"


    "Of course I do!" Wendy responded quickly.


    "Do you love him the way you loved me?" Stanley''s voice was low, almost teasing.


    Wendy blinked, caught off guard by the question.


    Stanley watched her closely, a yful smirk tugging at his lips. "You''re a genius; you''re Dr. Cen. And yet, when I was in aa, you married me. Just how much did you love me that you''d want me even when I was a vegetable?


    It was a question of curiosity, but to Wendy


    held all the power.


    it felt like he was speaking from a ce of superiority, as though he Wendy looked at him, her voice steady but firm. "I don''t love you anymore." "Really?" Stanley asked, his tone skeptical.


    Wendy opened her mouth to reply, but before she could, darkness clouded her vision as Stanley kissed her again, his lips iming hers in a forceful, demanding kiss.


    She struggled, trying to push him off, but his body was pressing her down against the seat, making any resistance futile. Stanley kissed her relentlessly, their lips and tongues tangled in a heated exchange, their breaths erratic.


    Stanley''s kiss moved from her lips to her cheek, then her neck. Hisrge hand slid under her nightgown, sending a rush of heat through her.


    Wendy''s face flushed with both shame and anger. She quickly pressed her hand against his, trying to push it out from beneath her gown. "Stanley, stop! Let go of me, you jerk!"


    Stanley bit down on her soft, white earlobe, his voice a low, gravelly whisper. "Are you sure you don''t have


    feelings for me? Look at low your body reacts every time 1 pouch you."


    Wendy''s mind exploded in a fiery haze, and her blood rushed to her head.


    He truly know how to humiliate her.


    Without thinking, Wendy suddenly gripped his neck, pulling him into a passionate kiss of her own.


    The girl who had been resisting so fiercely moments before was now responding with equal intensity. Stanley froze for a moment, surprised by her change. But it wasn''t long before he kissed her back, deepening the kiss.


    As Wendy tangled his tongue with hers, she slid her small, soft hands down his chest, her touch sparking a fire within him. Her hands were bold, tracing his strong body, and Stanley''s breath grew more ragged.


    "What about you?" Wendy whispered. "Do you have feelings for me?"


    Stanley froze, momentarily caught off guard by the question.


    Wendy smirked, her lips curving in a teasing grin. "Mr. Hawk, you''ve got to be into


    me, right? Look at how your body is reacting every time I touch you."


    She mirrored his earlier words back at him.


    Stanley''s tongue brushed against his right cheek as he let out a chuckle.


    Wendy''s eyes were clear, steady as she met his gaze.


    "Mr. Hawk, what''s so funny? You still haven''t answered me Do you have feelings for me or not?"

 My Dad Please Come 465

    Wendy repeated her question, asking him if he had feelings for her.


    Stanley didn''t respond. Instead, he gently cupped her face his hands and leaned in to kiss her lips again.


    Wendy turned her head away, avoiding him. "Stop!"


    Stanley''s grip tightened, and he turned her face back toward him. "We''ve alreadye this far, and you''re telling me to stop? Don''t you want to try doing it in the car?"


    Wendy looked at him, the lights of the city casting a brilliant glow on his handsome face. He exuded maturity, wealth, and undeniable charm, and his direct, seductive invitation was enough to make anyone''s heart race.


    Wendy clenched her teeth in frustration. "I do want to try doing it in the car," she shot back.


    Stanley''s eyes darkened, the redness in them deepening as he leaned down toward her lips once more.


    But before he could reach her, Wendy added, "Just not with you. I''m talking about with my boyfriend, Samuel!"


    Stanley froze. This woman really knew how to push his buttons.


    "Wendy!" His voice was sharp now.


    Wendy braced herself against his broad chest. "You can always go find Jessica. I''m sure she''d be more than willing to go at it with you in the car!"


    Stanley''s lips pressed into a thin line. He had never once slept with Jessica despite her numerous attempts, teasing him, wanting to stay over at his apartment. He had no interest in her.


    The small, delicate face before him seemed to be the one he truly desired.


    "Why were you so in love with me? You mentioned we met before."


    Stanley hade to see Wendy because of this. He needed to get to the bottom of this, to questions.


    Wendy met his gaze with clear, steady eyes. "Yes, we''ve met before."


    "Where?"


    ask Wendy some crucial


    "I told you already, remember? It was over ten years ago when you got injured and wandered into a forest." Stanley''s cold eyes narrowed, a sharp glint shing


    in them. Yes, that was where he and Jessica had crossed paths.


    But how did Wendy know about this?


    He studied her closely. "And then?"


    "You were injured. I saved you.


    Stanley froze.


    Wendy said she sayed him? That couldn''t be right.


    It was Jessica who had saved him.


    "Where did you save me?" he asked.


    Wendy hadn''t expected Stanley to have no memory of that moment. She had already said so much, but he still didn''t remember.


    Chants 465


    "In a cave," she replied.


    Stanley''s pupils contracted. Was it possible that the girl who saved him in the cave was Wendy?


    No.


    The girl who had saved him in the cave had to be Jessica. Why would it be Wendy?


    It was bing clear that someone was lying-it was either Wendy or Jessica.


    But who?


    Who was really his girl?


    At that moment, Wendy pushed against his chest, forcefully shoving him back. "I saved you back then, but I''m not expecting anything in return anymore. We''re divorced now. I just want to live my life. Please, stay away from me. It''ste. Can you just take me home?"


    Wendy was deeply disappointed in Stanley. She wasn''t someone who used favors to manipte others, and since he didn''t remember, she decided to let it go and


    move on.


    Stanley was a mess. All these years, he had believed that the girl in the cave had been Jessica.


    For all these years, he had kept Jessica by his side, showering her with affection.


    But now, it seemed the girl in the cave could have been Wendy. It left himpletely confused.


    He needed to find out the truth.


    Stanley''srge hand gripped the steering wheel once more, pressing the elerator as he drove toward Royale Residences.


    Wendy had been feeling unusually sleepytely due to her pregnancy. She didn''t speak another word to Stanley and just sank back into her seat, falling asleep quickly.


    When the Rolls-Royce pulled up at Royale Residences, Stanley noticed that Wendy was still asleep.

 My Dad Please Come 466

    Wendy''s delicate body was nestled in his oversized suit, her small face flushed with a faint rosy hue.


    Stanley didn''t wake her. He opened the car door, stepped our, and gently lifted Wendy in his arms, cradling her like a delicate treasure.


    As Stanley carried Wendy to his floor, he ran into Samuel, who had just stepped outside. "Oh, you brought her Ivick. Is she asleep? I''ll take it from here."


    Samuel reached out, ready to take Wendy from Stanley.


    However, Stanley had no intention of handing, Wendy over. He walked around Samuel, holding Wendy securely as he made his way into his apartment.


    "Mr. Hawk," Samuel called out to him from behind.


    Stanley paused for a moment.


    Looking at him, Samuel continued, "We''re all adults here. If you love her, love her with everything you have. If


    and you don''t, then let her go. ying between Wendy and Jessica like this isn''t fair to either of them, dit''s going to hurt everyone."


    Stanley didn''t respond.


    Samuel pressed on, "Who do you really love: Wendy or Jessra? You need to ask yourself that. I hope you make a choice soon, because if you don''t, I won''t let you keep dragging Wendy through this confusion."


    Stanley said nothing. He simply closed the door behind him.


    Inside the apartment, Stanley gently ced Wendy on his soft bed in the master bedroom.


    Wendy remained sound asleep, not stirring at all. She rolled over and settled into afortable position, continuing her peaceful slumber.


    Stanley reached out and lightly pinched her cheek, his voice low as he chuckled, "Seriously? You didn''t wake up at all? It''s like you''re a ko."


    Although Wendy didn''t wake up, she seemed to sense someone pinching her cheek. She furrowed her brows and instinctively tried to move his hand away, letting out a soft, sleepy hum


    The way her voice trailed off, almost as if saying "No", was endearing, like a soft, flirtatious whine.


    Stanley, already struggling with his frustration, felt a rush of heat course through him. But with Wendy asleep, he knew he couldn''t do anything


    Reluctantly, he pulled away from her and went into the bathroom to take a cold shower.


    Five minutester, Stanley emerged from the bathroom, wearing a ck silk robe. He towel-dried his damp hair, the droplets glistening on his skin.


    The d¨¦cor in his master bedroom was always sleek, minimalist-ck, white, and gray, with a cool, distant feel But now, with Wendy''s small, fragile body tucked under his covers, curled up in his bed, the room felt softer and more inviting.


    Stanley''s heart softened. He pulled the nket back and climbed into bed beside her.


    Wendy seemed to sense something, her body shifting in her sleep, and she rolled right into his arms.


    Stanley swallowed, wrapping his arms around her. The familiar sweetness of their past moments together flooded


    his mind. She seemed different, yet still the same. She still ked sleeping in his arms just like before.


    He leaned down and ced gentle kiss on her smooth forehead.


    "Good night, Wendy.


    The next morning, Wendy slowly opened her eyes, the unfamiliar crystal chandelier above her making her feel a bit disoriented.


    Where was she? Was this Stanley''s apartment?


    She sat up quickly, her mind racing. She had no idea how she had ended up here.


    Looking at the nightgown she was wearing, she noticed it was clean. It seemed like nothing had happened between themst night.


    Wendy got up and walked out. The apartment was vast and empty, with sign of anyone.


    Stanley was already gone.


    He always woke up early. He was probably already at the office.


    Wendy felt a


    same bed so often.


    of frustration. They had been divorced for a while now, yet they still ended up sleeping in the

 My Dad Please Come 467

    Wendy returned to her apartment. Just as she was about to settle in, her phone


    rang.


    It was a call from Samuel.


    Wendy pressed the button to answer. "Hey, Samuel."


    "Wendy, you''re awake! How was it, sleeping at Mr. Hawk''sst night?" Samuel teased.


    Wendy furrowed her brows. "How did I end up sleeping at Us ce?"


    "He carried you backst night. He just took you straight to his ce. I tried to take you, but he wouldn''t give you to me. I don''t think I would''ve won if we really got into a figh


    Wendy was dumbfounded.


    It seemed she had fallen asleep in Stanley''s car, and he had carried her back to his apartment.


    But why had he taken her to his ce?


    "Is there something new going on between you two?" Samuel asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.


    We''re divorced. Nothing like that will happen again," Wendy replied firmly.


    She and Stanley were no longer together, and she would keep her distance from him from now on.


    "Alright, then. How about we meet tonight at Velvet Vogue? I invited Dr. Binder for dinner. Your surprise visit to NovaHealthst night really startled him."


    Wendy nodded. "Okay, I''ll see you tonight."


    In the CEO''s office at Hawk Group, Stanley sat behind his desk, while Zayn stood by, delivering his report. "Mr. Hawk, I''ve had people look into it, but the cave from back then was well-hidden, so we didn''t find any leads. The only way we''ll know for sure who saved you that night is by focusing on Ms. Wendy and Ms. Jessica."


    Stanley wasn''t surprised. If there had been anything to find, he would have uncovered it years ago. That was why he had always believed Jessica''s version of the story without question.


    But now, things were different.


    Now, he had doubts.


    Stanley stood up, his tall frame cutting a striking figure by the floor-to-ceiling windows. "Call Jessica. Tell her to meet me at Velvet Vogue tonight. I''ll be buying her dinner.


    Zayn nodded. "Good idea. Ms. Jessica has been calling a lottely. If she knows you want to have dinner with her tonight, she''ll be thrilled."


    Stanley''s gaze grew dark, his tone cold. "We''re not going to tip our hand yet. I want to see who''s lying. Whoever is deceiving me will regret it."¡±


    Zayn hesitated before asking, "Who do you hope that girl from back then is Ms. Wendy or Ms. Jessica?"


    Stanley''s thoughts paused. Who did he hope it was?


    He didn''t know.


    Right now, all he wanted was to uncover the truth.


    That evening, Jessica was dressed to the nines. With her makeup wlessly done and a white evening gown hugging her figure, she arrived at the restaurant.


    She was absolutely delighted. Stanley inviting her to dinner was a rare treat-he had been distanttely, and this was the first time in a long while that he had taken the initiative,


    Stanley and Jessica were seated at a window-side table at Velvet Vogue. The waiter pulled out their chairs, and they sat down across from each other.


    Jessica smiled brightly at Stanley. "What made you decide to spend time with me tonight?"


    Stanley''s expression softened. ¡°A lot has happened recently, I realized I''ve neglected how you''ve been feeling, so I wanted to spend some time with you tonight."


    Stanley had always katown how to use his charm, and any woman would fall for his gentle attention. Jessica, especially, was no exception.


    Her worries melted away, and she immediately reached for Stanley''s hand resting on the table.


    Just hearing you say that means everything. I thought you didn''t love me anymore."


    Stanley took her hand in his. "How could I not?"

 My Dad Please Come 468

    Jessica smiled sweetly, her face flushed with shyness.


    Just then, the doors to Velvet Vogue swung open, and Wendy and Samuel walked in.


    Samuel spoke up. "Dr. Binder is waiting for us. Let''s go inside."


    Wendy moved toward the entrance, but her steps halted suddenly as she spotted two familiar figures,


    Following her gaze, Samuel saw Stanley and Jessfca.


    At that moment, Stanley and Jessica were holding hands, gazing into each other''s eyes with such a tender look it was almost sweet enough to make anyone believe in fairy tales.


    Samuel smirked. ¡°I didn''t realize Mr. Hawk was such a busy man. He carried you to his cest night, and tonight he''s here having dinner with Jessica. ying the field between two women-he''s really an expert at this."


    Shaking his head, Samuel chuckled. "Didn''t expect him to be such a yer."


    Wendy stared at Stanley and Jessica, then said, "No, he''s not a yer."


    Samuel raised an eyebrow, looking at Wendy in surprise.


    Wendy continued, "He''s always loved Jessica, and he''s always favored her. He''s not a yer."


    Samuel sighed. ¡°Alright, then. Let''s head in."


    Wendy nodded, tearing her gaze away from Stanley and Jessica, and followed Samuel into the restaurant.


    Stanley and Jessica didn''t notice Wendy and Samuel. Stanley released Jessica''s hand, gracefully taking his knife and fork to cut into his steak. Then, as if casually bringing up an old memory, he asked, "Do you remember when we first met in that cave?"


    Jessica paused for a moment, her knife still in mid-air. She lifted her gaze to Stanley. "Why are you asking this?"


    Stanley''s tone remained soft but insistent. "It was the first time we met. I''ve never forgotten it. Have you?"


    Jessica''s eyes flickered briefly, and she looked away. "Of course I haven''t forgotten."


    Stanley leaned slightly forward, his voice gentle.


    "That forest was so remote. You told me your parents had taken you on a trip, but you got lost and wandered into that forest. You found me there, badly injured, and brought me to the cave.


    "In the cave, you treated my wounds, but the next morning, when I woke up, you were gone. Your parents found


    and took you away, right?"


    you


    Jessica nodded slowly. "Yes, that''s right."


    What Stanley didn''t know was that Jessica had been there for another reason. It was right after her birthday, and Wendy had called Lilian, asking for help.


    At the time, Wendy had been living in the countryside, trapped by the shadow of her foster father. That phone call was how Jessica and Lilian found out about Wendy''s dire situation. ted by the news, Jessica had insisted that Lilian take her to see it firsthand, to witness Wendy''s suffering.


    They both went to the forest, and Jessica had witnessed everything-Wendy and Stanley''s encounter, everything that had happened.


    So, Jessica knew all the details. She knew it all.


    That story sounded perfectly reasonable, and Stanley hadn''t suspected anything for years.


    Stanley set down his knife and fork, his gaze sharp as he looked at Jessica. "By the way, whatever happened to that crystal pendant I gave you?"


    Jessica froze, her heart racing. That was the one question she had feared-her fatal w. She didn''t have the crystal pendant.


    That pendant had always been with Wendy.


    Jessica stammered, "_"


    Stanley cut her off, his voice calm but firm.


    "I''ve wanted to see that pendant for years. But every time, you''vee up with


    an excuse not to show it to me. Could it be...you don''t have it?"


    His tone remained casual, but his words were sharp.


    "If you don''t have that pendant, how can you prove you''re the girl who saved me all those years ago?"


    Jessica''s mind was racing. Was Stanley starting to doubt her?


    That pendant was her greatest bargaining chip. If Stanley found out that she


    wasn''t the girl who saved him, she would have nothing left.


    0

 My Dad Please Come 469

    "Stanley, please listen to me," Jessica pleaded, her voice trembling as she tried to exin.


    Stanley watched her quietly, his gaze steady and unyielding "I don''t want to hear anything else right now. I just want to know where that crystal pendant is."


    His lips curled into a cold, almost menacing smile.


    "You wouldn''t be lying to me, would you?"


    Jessica stiffened, her heart sinking "Lying to you? What do you mean?"


    Stanley''s eyes narrowed as his voice grew more intense. "It possible that the girl who saved me all those years ago wasn''t you, but someone else? You haven''t been lying to me all this time, pretending to be her, have you?"


    His eyes bore into hers with a chilling calmness, making Jesica feel an icy shiver crawl up her spine. Stanley had never looked at her like this before.


    Had he figured it out? Did he realize she wasn''t the real girl from that day?


    Stanley''s face remained expressionless, but the silence only deepened her unease. She had no idea how much he knew or suspected.


    There was no way Jessica would admit to anything. This wasn''t just about her-it was about her life of luxury.


    "I don''t understand what you''re talking about. Why would you think that?"


    Her voice turned pleading, a tinge of hurt in her tone.


    "I''m the one who saved you in that cave. You promised you would take me with you. You said you would take care of me. Don''t you remember?"


    Stanley''s gaze darkened, his words cutting through the air like a de. "If it were you, that would be the best oue. I''ve spent over ten years of my life with you. If it wasn''t you... Well, you should know the consequences of lying to me."


    Zayn had once asked Stanley who he hoped the girl from that day might have been.


    The truth was, Stanley didn''t know.


    He just knew he felt a sense of panic rising within him.


    He had invested so much in Jessica. If she wasn''t the one, that would show how foolish he had been.


    And if that girl from the past was actually Wendy...


    He couldn''t even bring himself to think about it. He didn''t want to remind himself of every terrible thing he had done to Wendy.


    The thought of that girl being Wendy was something he couldn''t bear to consider.


    Jessica shook herhead firmly. "I swear I''m not lying to you.


    "Then, where is the crystal pendant? I want to see it today. I need to see it for myself. That pendant is the best proof of who you really are."


    Jessica knew she couldn''t escape this. Quickly, she said, "I have the crystal pendant."


    Stanley''s sharp eyes flickered slightly, his interest piqued. "Show me! Chapter 469


    can show you, but... It''s our symbol of love. Tonight, I want to show your apartment," Jessica said, her


    voice soft and shy.


    Stanley pressed his lips together, considering her words.


    "Don''t you want to see the crystal pendant?" Jessica added.


    at your


    Stanley finally agreed, his voice calm but decisive. "Alright tonight, at my apartment."


    "Good," she responded, relief flooding her.


    After dinner, Stanley and Jessica walked out together. Just as they stepped outside, they spotted someone-Wendy.


    Wendy and Terence had already finished their meal. The two of them were standing outside, chatting casually. Stanley paused, surprised to see Wendy, and even more so to find her talking to Terence from NovaHealth


    How had these two ended up together?


    Jessica''s voice cut through the air, full of disbelief. "Why is Wendy with Dr. Binder from NovaHealth? Could it be.... Wendy is after him now?"


    Her words were harsh, and Stanley''s brow furrowed in response.


    Jessica continued, her voice growing more judgmental, "I remember he''s married, and Wendy''s been seeing


    Samuel, hasn''t she? Now she''s trying to hook up with Dr. Binder? She''s got no shame!"


    With that, Jessica marched forward, heading straight toward Wendy. "Hi, Wendy." Wendy turned slightly and saw Stanley and Jessica approaching. Chapter 47

 My Dad Please Come 470

    Wendy raised her delicate eyebrows. "Mr. Hawk, Jessica What a coincidence, running into you here"


    "I can imagine you didn''t want to run into us. You''re probably afraid we''ll find out about the nasty things you''re doing," Jessica shot back, her valce dripping with sarcasin


    As the boss of Noval Health, Wendy had a lot of influence. When Terence heard someone Insulting her, he Immediately stepped in. ¡°Ms. Jessica, why do you have to speak so rudely?"


    "Dr. Binder, why are you protecting her so much Does your wife know you''re having dinner with her?"


    Terence shot back, "1"


    Wendy waved her hand, signaling Terence to step back.


    Terence obediently moved aside.


    Wendy looked at Jessica with a smirk, amusement dancing her eyes. "It sounds like you''re implying something What are you trying to say? Are you using me of having an Improper rtionship with Dr. Binder?"


    Jessica let out a coldugh. ¡°Everyone knows that Novalealth is thergest publicly listed healthcarepany in the country, with a prestigious reputation. Dr. Binder, as the director of NovaHealth, must get a lot of attention. I can understand if you''re trying to use your charm to win him over."


    Terence could only stare at her, his face a mix of disbelief and annoyance.


    Jessica continued, her tone sharp, "But he''s a married man, Wendy. Where do you draw the line? Isn''t Mr. Samuel enough for you? Why are you out here trying to seduce someone else?"


    Wendy knew Jessica had misunderstood the situation, but she wasn''t surprised. She smiled, her lips curving into a teasing grin. "Some people are so filthy, they see dirt in everything."


    Jessica seethed, her hands clenched into fists. "You little..."


    At that moment, Stanley stepped forward, his voice cutting through the tension. "Enough!"


    Jessica shot him a pleading look. "Did you see that? Wendy really has no shame!"


    Stanley''s eyes shifted toward Wendy''s face. "You and Dr. Binder had dinner together?"


    Wendy nodded without hesitation. "Yes, so what? Is there somew that says I can''t have dinner with him?" Stanley felt a strange unease, as though there was something: Wendy and Terence were hiding from him. "What did you two talk about?"


    Terence immediately started to speak, but Wendy interrupted him, "Mr. Hawk, I''m Dr. Cen, a renowned doctor, and Terence is the director of NovaHealth. Of course, we were talking about medical topics." Terence nodded in agreement. "Exactly. I''ve long admired Dr. Cen''s work, and tonight, I invited her to dinner." Terence turned to Jessica with a smug smile. "I''d advise you not to get too upset, Ms. Jessica. Your heart condition has been worsening, and if Dr. Cen doesn''t intervene, no one else will be able to treat you. If I were you, I''d be doing everything I could to win her favor."


    The words hit Jessica like a p in the face, draining the color from her face in an instant.


    Wendy watched her carefully, her expression void of sympathy. She didn''t feel an ounce of pity.


    The Crone family dug their own graves. They didn''t deserve her sympathy. Chapter 470


    Jessica realized that, on her own, Wendy wouldn''t treat her so she had no choice but to rely on Stanley


    Sher


    could never lose Stanley.


    And with Stanley by her side, she could make sure Wendy would never be able to move past this


    A wicked smile curled on Jessica''s lips as she suddenly spoke. ¡°Stanley, let''s not stay here. Let''s go home


    With that, she slipped her arm around Stanley''s firm one, her voice dripping with pride. "Wendy, I have some good news for you. Tonight, I''m going to be staying at Stanley''s apartment.


    +20 BONUS

 My Dad Please Come 471

    Wendy''s heart skipped a beat. Tonight, Stanley was taking: Jessica home-did that mean the two of them would be spending the night together?


    Jessica shed a smug smile at Wendy, clearly enjoying the moment. "I think it''s time for us to head out. You and Dr. Binder can take your time chatting."


    She turned to Stanley, "Let''s go."


    Stanley gave Wendy a long, quiet nce. He didn''t say a word and led Jessica away.


    Terence watched the couple leave, a look of disbelief on his face. "How could Mr. Hawk be so blind? How could he choose someone like Jessica?"


    Wendy smiled but said nothing. Rtionships wereplicated-Jessica might be foolish, but Stanley clearly still loved her. She could only say it was true love.


    Terence spoke up again. "Boss, just imagine when Jessica finds out who you really are-when she learns that you''re the real boss of Novallealth, the head of thergest publicly listed healthcarepany in the country. I bet she''ll be speechless."


    Wendy could easily picture Jessica''s reaction at that moment-it would be priceless.


    "Let''s leave it for today. My true identity needs to stay under wraps for now."


    "Understood, boss."


    "I''m heading back now."


    "Safe travels."


    Wendy returned to Royale Residences, and as fate would have it, she ran into Stanley and Jessica once again. They had just arrived at the building as well.


    Jessica had an obvious spring in her step, a smug grin on her face. "Are you spending the night alone?"


    Wendy didn''t respond.


    "Well, I guess you should wish Stanley and me a wonderful night together," Jessica continued, her words dripping with insinuation.


    Her tone was deliberately provocative, meant to sting Wendy,


    Wendy wasn''t angry at all. She smiled, an amused glint in her eyes. "Oh, how funny. I spent the night in his apartmentst night."


    What?


    Jessica''s face instantly went pale, and she froze, her mouth slightly agape. "Y- You spent the night with Stanley?" Wendy nodded casually. "What, didn''t he tell you? I slept in his bedst night. If you''re ufortable with that, I suppose you shouldn''t sleep in it tonight."


    Jessica''s anger red. "Watch it!"


    Wendy smiled sweetly. "Oh, I almost forgot. Of course, you wouldn''t mind. After all, you''ve always liked picking up the leftovers after me. You enjoy using the things I''ve already had."


    Jessica''s fury bleder in an instant. Werby was always to sharp tegund, days maging to gather her


    Jessica shot a re at Stanley. "he''s being mean to me


    confidence, Stanley turned his gaze toward Wendy Her clear eyes moet s with an unding endenes, a calms that was both bold and defiant


    "Mr. Hawk, you should really get regr check-ups. Sleeping with different women every sight, you might candia something," she said, her tone casual but biting


    Stanley''s lips immediately curled into a displeased line


    Jessica''s temper red even more. She stormed forward, ring her hand to p Wendy across the face. "Wendy, how dare you insult Stanley! You''re gonna regret this!


    But her hand never made contact.


    Stanley''s hand shot out, gripping her wrist tightly and preventing the p


    Jessica stood frozen, staring at Stanley in shock "She''s humiliating you! How can you protect her? I need to teach her a lesson!"


    Stanley''s eyes were deep, unreadable. It was as if his thoughts were cloaked in ink, impossible to decipher. He held Jessica''s wrist firmly and said, "Forget it, Jessica Don''t hurt your hand."


    A bright smile immediately spread across Jessica''s face as she turned to Wendy. "Did you hear that? He''s worried I''d hurt my hand."


    Wendy shot Stanley a cool, almost dismissive nce before turning her attention to Jessica, a mocking smile tugging at her lips.


    "I don''t know if he''s worried about your hand, but Jessica, as a wornan, you really are a failure."

 y Dad Please Come 472

    Jessica froze, her confusion clear. "What do you mean by that?¡±


    Wendy smiled slyly, her voice soft but cutting. "You just can''t satisfy Mr. Hawk. He''s been restlesstely, and every time I even touch him, he gets worked up."


    What?


    Jessica gasped, her breath catching in shock.


    Wendy turned away, not bothering to say more. She opened her apartment door and walked inside.


    She shut the door behind her with a thud, leaving Jessica standing there, caught in the cold wind.


    Jessica turned to Stanley, frustration boiling over. "What exactly happened between you two?"


    Stanley wasn''t in the mood to discuss it. He opened the door to his apartment, his voice t. "Come in."


    Jessica stepped inside, her eyes wide with wonder. This was her first time at Stanley''s apartment, and the luxurious surroundings left her speechless once again.


    Stanley''s deep, cool voice broke the silence. "You wanted toe to my apartment, and now you''re here. Can I finally see the crystal pendant?"


    Stanley was fixated on the pendant.


    Jessica smiled seductively, clearly prepared. "Why the rush? Let me take a quick shower, and once I''m done, I''ll show it to you."


    With that, she disappeared into the room.


    Stanley stood in the living room, his patience wearing thin. But he wasn''t about to rush things. He wanted to keep an eye on everything he wouldn''t let anyone y games under his nose.


    "Ah!"


    A sudden scream came from the room.


    Stanley strode across the room, his long legs moving quickly. His hand grasped the door handle and pushed the door open. "What happened?"


    But Jessica hadn''t had an ident. She had just stepped out of the shower, now wearing nothing but Stanley''s white dress shirt.


    Since Jessica had been trained in dance from a young age, her curves were undeniable. The shirt,rge on her, only entuated her alluring figure.


    Stanley furrowed his brows. "You''re done with the shower? Then can you show me the crystal pendant now?" Jessica, barefoot on the expensive carpet, looked at Stanley''s striking, handsome face. "Is the crystal pendant all that matters to you? What about the person who owns it, huh? Don''t I look beautiful to you?"


    With a teasing smile, she unbuttoned the shirt. It slid off her smooth, pale skin and onto the carpet below.


    She stepped closer to Stanley, her small hand resting on his firm chest. "Stanley, Wendy said you''ve been feeling restlesstely. Is that true? Why haven''t youe to me?"


    Her soft body pressed against his, winding around him like a seductive little snake.


    "How did you do it with her?" she purred.


    Stanley gulped, feeling the heat rising in him.


    Jessica rose on her tiptoes, her lips brushing against his ear her breath warm and seed "te Wendy glow


    Stanley''s hand shot out, gripping her delicate wrist with a firm hold.


    Jessica winced in pain. "Oh, Stanley, you''re hurting me!


    She yed the part of a sweet, innocent woman, her voice dripping with a flirtatious tone


    Stanley''s eyes darkened. With a swift movement, he threw Jessica onto the soft bed.


    Her vision blurred as she was tossed, and Stanley''s knee pressed into the mattress as he dimbed over ber Jessica''s eyes sparkled with joy, her heart racing. She had waited for this day for so long


    Tonight, she would be Stanley''s woman


    It would be a done deal.


    Once they were together, even if the crystal pendant was exposed, she would already be Stanley''s


    Jessica quickly threw her arms around his neck. "Did you and Wendy sleep on this bedst night? Tonight, let me stay with you."

 My Dad Please Come 473

    Stanley looked down at the beautiful, tempting Jessica beneath him, his gaze softening as he slowly lowered his head.


    Meanwhile, Wendy had returned to her apartment. She indulged in a rxing hot bath before slipping into a soft nightgown. Just as she settled, the famir ping of a notification rang from her phone.


    Wendy picked it up to find a message from Jessica on WhatsApp. A voice message had been sent.


    Curious, Wendy opened it, and immediately Jessica''s voice filled the air, her seductive tone unmistakable.


    "Stanley, slow down... Ah... you''re hurting me..."


    Wendy''s delicate face hardened, her expression freezing as she processed the unexpected content. She hadn''t anticipated that Jessica would send her an audio recording of her moaning.


    It seemed that Jessica and Stanley were already doing the deed, and Jessica had taken the opportunity to send the recording.


    Without a change in her demeanor, Wendy set the phone down and went back to whatever she had been doing


    Time passed, and eventually, the doorbell rang.


    Someone was at the door.


    Who


    Who could it be?


    Wendy stood up and walked over to answer it, surprised to find Jessica standing there.


    "What are you doing here?" Wendy asked, eyeing her with curiosity.


    Jessica, still wearing Stanley''s white shirt, shed a smug grin. "Did you get the voice message I sent?"


    Wendy raised an eyebrow. "I did. Nice moaning."


    Jessica''s face faltered. She had expected Wendy to be more shaken, but her response was strangely indifferent. "Is there something else? If not, I''m closing the door," Wendy said, already turning as if to end the conversation. But Jessica seized the moment and shoved the door open, stepping into Wendy''s apartment without hesitation. Wendy sighed in disbelief. "Please leave. You''re not wee here. You''re trespassing."


    Jessica walked past her and into the living room, still in awe of how luxurious Wendy''s apartment was. She had been surprised by the extravagance of Stanley''s ce, but Wendy''s was just as opulent.


    "What gives you the right to live in such a nice ce?" Jessica asked, her jealousy clear in her voice.


    Wendy looked at her with a cold, measured gaze. "You could live here too, if you could afford it."


    Jessica''s face flushed with anger. "Hey!"


    Wendy, unfazed, calmly took control of the situation. "I''m going to say this one more time: Please leave. If you don''t, I''ll have to call the building security. I''m sure you don''t want them to kick you out again, do you?"


    Jessica remembered all too well thest time she, Trish, and Lilian were thrown out by the building''s security. It had been a humiliating experience.


    "You don''t have to ask me twice. I''m leaving." Jessica snapped.


    As she turned to go, something caught her eye on the cab in the living room.


    Her heart skipped a beat. Her eyes locked onto the object, and a glimmer of excitement flickered within her


    "Wendy, open the door for me quickly!" she called out.


    Wendy walked over to the door to unlock it.


    Jessica, with swift grace, darted toward the cab, snatching the object and slipping it into her pocket.


    Wendy, unaware, opened the door. "Goodbye."


    Jessica sauntered out of the apartment, and with a swift motion, Wendy mmed the door shut behind her.


    Though Jessica had been dismissed from the apartment, she wasn''t upset. On the contrary, she felt victorious. She strode confidently back to Stanley''s apartment.


    Stanley had just finished a cold shower, having only briefly pushed Jessica onto the bed before standing up. Nothing had happened between them.


    Jessica was upset he didn''t do anything. She faked the voice message to Wendy, fully intending to make Wendy believe that she had slept with Stanley.


    Stanley eyed her, his patience wearing thin. "We''ve wasted enough time today. It''s time for you to show me the crystal pendant."


    Jessica shed him a teasing smile.


    "You''re so eager to see it. Are you doubting something? Do you think I''m not the girl who saved you?"

 My Dad Please Come 474

    "Stanley, I''ve noticed something. You''ve really changed. You''ve started treating me so coldly. Why were you with Wendyst night?


    "I was so forward just now, and you pushed me away. You want to be with Wendy, but won''t even touch me. Am I really not as charming as she is?"


    Stanley''s handsome face was bathed in the soft, dim light, making it difficult to read his expression. "My patience. has limits. If you don''t show me the crystal pendant soon, II-


    "Look at this!"


    Jessica pulled out the crystal pendant.


    Stanley froze, recognizing it instantly. It was his-a unique family heirloom from the Hawk family, one of a kind.


    It was his crystal pendant.


    The girl who had saved him all those years ago... It was really Jessica!


    Jessica looked at Stanley, her voice tinged with hurt. "I''ve kept this pendant all this time. It breaks my heart to see how you''ve changed. How could you doubt me? Did Wendy say something? Did she tell you she saved you?


    "She''s really scheming. Back then, I felt sorry for her and let her stay with us. When I mentioned saving you to my mother, she must''ve overheard. She must''ve lied, saying she was the one who saved you.


    "If it weren''t for this pendant proving my innocence, would you have been fooled by her? You doubt me just because of a few words she said? That was enough to make you question everything we''ve been through all these years?"


    The girl who had saved him was Jessica.


    Seeing the crystal pendant, Stanley couldn''t quite ce the emotions swirling inside him. He felt a deep sense of disappointment, of loss.


    He realized now that, deep down, he had hoped the girl who saved him had been Wendy.


    His heart had already drifted toward Wendy.


    And in doing so, he had hurt Jessica.


    Jessica shoved the pendant into his hands, her eyes red with emotion. "Let''s break up."


    Stanley blinked in surprise. "Jessica..."


    "I''ve loved you so much, but you''ve let me down too many times. From now on, we''re done! My life is no longer tied to yours. Go be with Wendy. I''ll pretend I never saved you."


    With that, Jessica quickly changed into her clothes and stored out.


    Stanley stood there, watching her disappear down the hallway, his mind racing. He rushed after her, determined to exin.


    He caught up with her on the stairs, grabbing her arm. "Jessica, listen to me."


    Jessica covered her ears. "I don''t want to hear it! I don''t want to hear anything Stanley, you''ve really broken my heart! You''ve forgotten all the promises you made."


    Stanley felt torn. He reached out and gently grabbed her shoulder, his voice full of regret. "I''m sorry."


    Jessica looked up at him, her voice shaky. "Do you still want to be with me?"


    He thought about the promises he had made to her, the vows of loyalty and care. Jessica was his girl.


    Stanley nodded. "Yes."


    #


    Tears welled up in Jessica''s eyes as relief flooded over her. She threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly." I knew you still loved me."


    Stanley''s expression was conflicted, his emotions a tangled mess.


    Jessica whispered, her voice pleading, ¡°But you can''t keep wavering between me and Wendy. You have to choose, If you don''t, all three of us will get hurt. Now, you''ve made your choice. You picked me. You won''t change your mind, will you?"


    Stanley was silent for a few seconds before he nodded firmly. "I won''t." "Good," she said, her voice full of hope. "Then we''ll be together forever." Stanley knew, in that moment, that he couldn''t keep this love triangle going any longer. He couldn''t be distracted by Wendy anymore. Jessica was the one he should protect and cherish.


    He reached out, his embrace slow but firm, as he held Jessica close.


    This time, he had made his choice.

 My Dad Please Come 475

    Stanley had chosen Jessica.


    At that moment, the sound of the apartment door opening hoed through the hallway, and Wendy appeared at


    the entrance.


    The noise from the argument between Stanley and Jessicad been so loud that Wendy had heard it. She hade to see what was going on, and the moment she opened the door, she saw Stanley and Jessica locked in a tight embrace.


    Wendy froze for a second.


    Stanley, hearing the noise, pulled away from Jessica and turned to face Wendy.


    Their eyes met.


    Stanley felt a pang ip his chest. For some reason, letting go of Wendy at this moment hurt more than he expected.


    Jessica smirked, her lips curling up in a triumphant smile. Then she let out a soft, exaggerated "OW,


    Stanley immediately looked at her. "What''s wrong?"


    Jessica looked at him with a feigned weakness, her voice soft. "My leg''s gone numb. I can''t walk."


    She extended her hand toward him. "Carry me."


    Stanley didn''t hesitate. He easily lifted Jessica into his arms


    He carried her into the apartment, all the while feeling Wendy''s gaze on him..


    As they passed Wendy, Jessica shot her a smug look, as if to tell her she had been utterly defeated.


    Then, Stanley closed the apartment door behind him.


    As their figures disappeared from view, Wendy remained standing in the hallway, her expression cold and unreadable. There was no trace of emotion on her face. She and Stanley were over.


    Wendy touched her t stomach absentmindedly, then turned and walked back into the apartment.


    Inside, Stanley gently ced Jessica on the bed.


    Jessica looked up at him and said, "Now that you''ve chosen to be with me, you can''t just leave me like this. My heart condition''s getting worse, and Wendy demanded we give up the person who killed her father. We have to do something about it. You need to make Wendy treat me.


    The biggest challenge now was how to get Wendy to treat Jessica''s heart condition.


    Since Stanley had chosen Jessica, it meant he was now firmly on the Crone family''s side.


    If Wendy was truly against them, then she and Stanley were now enemies.


    Stanley didn''t hesitate this time. He nodded and said, "Don''t worry, I''ll take care of it. Wendy has to save you, even if she doesn''t want to."


    Jessica''s eyes sparkled with joy. She had always known that sticking close to Stanley would pay off. No matter how skilled Wendy was as Dr. Cen, Stanley had enough power to deal with her.


    Jessica threw her arms around Stanley, burying her face in his chest. "You''re so good to me. Tonight, I''ll make sure to repay you."


    Chai 475


    Stanley turned his head, avolding her lips.


    Jessica froze, surprised. "You''ve already chosen me, why are you pulling away? Don''t you want me


    Stanley gently removed her hands from his face. "Jessica, we''re not married yet. I want to save the best for our wedding night."


    Jessica''s eyes lit up with excitement. "y! Once you help the get better, let''s get married. I''ll have your ch -two, three, maybe even a whole ser team!"


    Stanley smiled affectionately. "Get some rest. I''m going to me study to look over some documents"


    "Okay,¡± Jessica replied cheerfully.


    As Stanley left, Jessica sat back on the bed, feeling a sense of triumph. She had been lucky enough toe up with the idea of going to Wendy and stealing the crystal pendant.


    Now, she had solidified the fact that she was indeed the one who had saved Stanley''s life all those years ago


    As long as she held onto that, Stanley would never ignore her.

 My Dad Please Come 476

    At that moment, a soft and melodious ringtone sounded. A all wasing in.


    It was from Lilian.


    Jessica pressed the button to answer the call, and Lilian''s anxious voice immediately came through. "Jessica, how are things going with Mr. Hawk?" Jessica smiled slightly. "Don''t worry, Mom. I''ve taken care of everything."


    Lilian''s voice filled with excitement. "Really?"


    "Yes," Jessica replied confidently. "Tell Dad and Grandma to rx. No matter how much Wendy pressures him, Stanley will protect us. He''ll make sure Wendy treats my heart condition, and he''ll cut ties with herpletely!"


    Lilian was ecstatic. That''s amazing! If Mr. Hawk breaks ties with Wendy, this is going to be quite the spectacle. You''re incredible!"


    Jessica smiled, her lips curving into a pleased grin.


    3. 3.


    Three days had passed. As soon as the morning light broke, Wendy headed straight for Jerry''s grave.


    She had given the Crone family three days to act. Today, it was time to punish the murderer.


    Wendy stood in front of Jerry''s gravestone, where a photo of him smiling gently was attached, his expression warm and full of kindness.


    She reached out and touched the photo, her voice soft and steady.


    "Dad, the Crone family will be here soon. I won''t let a single one of these murderers escape."


    Just then, her phone rang, the familiar melodic tone echoing through the air.


    Wendy nced at the screen and saw it was Samuel calling


    She answered quickly.


    "Have you reached the cemetery?" Samuel''s voice came through.


    "Yeah, I''m here," Wendy replied.


    "Good, I''ll be there shortly."


    "I can handle things on my own. You don''t have toe."


    "No way." Samuel''s voice took on a protective tone. "You''re pregnant now. I have


    to help you deal with the Crone family. I''ve got your back."


    Wendy felt warmth spread through her heart. Though she had been abandoned as a child, she had found so much love since then.


    "Where are you now?"


    "I''m almost there. I- 11


    Suddenly, Samuel''s voice cut off mid-sentence, followed by a sharp, jarring noise.


    Wendy''s heart skipped a beat. She gripped her phone tightly. "Samuel? Are you okay? Samuel!"


    She heard two beeps, and then the call dropped, leaving only the sound of a busy signal.


    Wendy frowned. What had just happened?


    A sudden unease settled in her chest. Samuel never behaved like this. Could something have happened to him?


    But that didn''t seem likely. Given Samuel''s position and status, very few people would dare harm him.


    She tried calling him again, but this time, a cold, mechanical female voice responded, "Sorry, the number you have dialed is out of service. Please try againter."


    Why would Samuel''s phone be off?


    Wendy''s suspicion deepened.


    Just then, a few luxury cars rolled up, and Edith led the second branch members- Jessica, Lilian, and Harry, along with the third branch members-Trish, Archer, and Natalie. The entire Crone family had arrived.


    Wendy couldn''t help but sneer.


    Her father had passed away for so many years. Had any of the Crone family members evere to pay their respects to him?


    No.


    Now that the entire family showed up at her father''s grave today, she had to admit it was quite a spectacle.


    She pocketed her phone, trying to push thoughts of Samuel aside for the moment. The Crone family was here now. Edith, leading the group, walked over with a cool smile.


    "Hello, Wendy." She looked at Jerry''s gravestone. "Since we''re here, we''d like to offer our respects."

 My Dad Please Come 477

    Edith said the Crone family members wanted to offer their respects at Jerry''s


    grave.


    Wendy didn''t stop them. She watched as Edith led the group, bowing their heads in reverence for a minute.


    "Hey, Jerry. It''s me, Mom," Edith said softly.


    Harry and Archer joined in. "Hey, Jerry. We''vee to visit."


    Once they were done, Edith turned to Wendy, her voice dripping with false sincerity. ¡°We''re still family. Although Jerry was adopted, he called me ''Mom''. We shouldn''t fight within the family. Now, standing at Jerry''s grave, can''t we bury the hatchet and make peace?"


    Wendy sneered, her cold gaze locking onto Edith. "Oh, that''s right. My father called you ''Mom'', but what kind of mother would poison her own child? You killed Dad, and now, here, at his grave, you still have the nerve to ask me to make peace with you?"


    Her eyes slowly moved over Harry, Lilian, Archer, and Natalie, one by one.


    "Let me ask you all something. If I weren''t Dr. Cen, would any of you havee to pay respects to my father?"


    The truth was clear. These members of the Crone family hadn''t had a sudden change of heart, nor had they developed any newfound sense of morality. The only reason they were here was because of her status as Dr. Cen.


    These people were devoid of conscience. They only knew how to bully the weak. Wendy knew they wouldn''t stop until she made them.


    Harry spoke up, his tone trying to be soothing. "Why do you have to be so aggressive? Jerry really raised a wonderful daughter. You''re not just a genius from Harfield, but you''re also the remarkable Dr. Cen. But there''s no need to point your weapons at your own family."


    Archer added, "Exactly! You can''t be so heartless. After all, you''re a Crone, too." They were trying to manipte her, using herst name against her.


    Wendy''sugh was bitter. "I remember very well that you all cut ties with me long ago. If it weren''t for Dad, I would have changed myst name. The Crone name disgusts me!"


    Edith''s face turned pale with fury. "How dare you!"


    At that moment, Jessica stepped forward, her voice tight with anger. "We''ve already treated you with courtesy. We''re trying to make peace, but you still refuse to show any gratitude."


    Wendy shot back, her tone ice-cold. "Make peace? That''s never going to happen."


    Trish''s voice took on a more threatening edge. "Well, if that''s the case, then we''ll have no choice but to be enemies."


    Wendy''s eyes narrowed as she red at them all. "Don''t forget. Jessica has a heart condition. She''s waiting for me to save her. I have the patience to let you criminals face justice one by one, but if you make Jessica wait any longer, she''ll be dead!!


    Jessicaughed coldly. "Are you really so confident? What if I told you that I have a way to make you treat my heart condition? Would you believe me?"


    Wendy raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? And what might that be? I''m all ears."


    Lilian smiled. ¡°Actually, neither Jessica nor we hold that power. It''s someone much more powerful behind us."


    Wendy''s brow furrowed slightly, sensing something more.


    Lilian continued, her voice dropping. "You''ve probably guessed it already. It''s Mr. Hawk."


    As soon as the words left her mouth, a sleek Rolls-Royce glided to a stop. Zayn respectfully opened the rear door, and Stanley''s tall, imposing figure emerged, his elegant and cold demeanor drawing everyone''s attention.


    Stanley had arrived.


    Jessica eagerly stepped forward. "Hey, Stanley."


    Stanley''s piercing gaze fell on Wendy''s face, his voice low andmanding. "You no longer get to decide whether you want to treat Jessica''s heart condition. It''s something you must do."


    Wendy''s clear, sharp eyes met his.


    "What do you mean by that?"


    Today''s Bonus Of

 My Dad Please Come 478

    Suddenly, Stanley changed the subject.


    "Have you gotten in touch with Samuel?"


    At the mention of Samuel, Wendy''s heart skipped a beat.


    Stanley stood there in a custom-made ck suit, exuding an air of distinguished elegance. His gaze was unyielding, cold and indifferent. He was looking down at Wendy, his eyes devoid of any warmth-only the sharpness and authority of someone who held power.


    He had already chosen Jessica, and now, to him, Wendy was nothing more than a stranger.


    In his eyes, there was no trace of affection-only the steely resolve of a person who had made up his mind.


    Stanley parted his lips slightly. "You failed to get through to Samuel, huh? No, more precisely, when you were talking to him, his call suddenly cut off, didn''t it?"


    Wendy immediately began to piece things together, her shock evident as she looked at Stanley. "Did you do something to him?"


    Stanley''s expression remained impassive. "You can try calling him again. See if you can get through."


    Without wasting a second, Wendy pulled out her phone and dialed Samuel''s number once more.


    But all she heard was the busy tone-no one answered.


    He never cut off contact like this. It should''ve urred to her earlier-given Samuel''s position and standing, no one would dare harm him. Except Stanley.


    Hovendale was Stanley''s territory, and if he wanted to do something to Samuel, it would be easy for him.


    Wendy stared at Stanley in shock. "What did you do to Samuel? Where is he now?"


    Jessica, with a smug smile, wrapped her arm around Stanley''s. "Haven''t you seen Stanley''s methods before? If you don''t listen, Mr. Samuel will get a firsthand experience of them!"


    Wendy''s voice trembled with anger. "What are you nning to do?"


    Stanley''s expression remained calm, his tone cold and businesslike. "I only have one request-treat Jessica''s heart condition. Once she''s better, Samuel will be fine too."


    Jessica added with a cruel smile, "In other words, if anything happens to me, Mr. Samuel will be buried alongside me. And Wendy, you should remember it''ll be your fault. He is innocent, after all."


    Edithughed mockingly. "We''ve already tried to make peace with you, but you''re as stubborn as ever. Did you think we had no one behind us? Mr. Hawk is our greatest ally!"


    "Wendy, you''d better start treating Jessica''s illness now. Her life is precious. If something happens to her, everyone around you will have to pay the price," Lilian chimed in.


    Wendy looked at the Crone family members, their ugly faces showing their true nature. They were only so bold because they had Stanley backing them.


    But she was most hurt by Stanley''s actions.


    Her hands were icy, and her heart felt frozen as she turned her gaze toward him.


    "You must already know who killed my father. It was these people-my father''s so- called mother, his brothers,


    and his wife. They conspired to kill him! They''re all murderers! Now, you''re standing with them? Are you really going to defend these killers?"


    Wendy pointed at Jerry''s gravestone, her voice quivering with a mixture of sorrow and fury.


    "You may have been a bit of a jerk before, but at least I believed you were still reasonable. Now, standing before my father''s grave, you''re going to side with them?"


    Stanley''s long fingers, resting by his side, curled ever so slightly. He knew. He had already figured out that it was the Crone family who had killed Jerry..


    Now, as he met Wendy''s cold, disappointed gaze, something flickered in his eyes.


    At that moment, Jessica tightened her grip on his arm, her voice dripping with sweetness. "Stanley, you''re not going to waver now, are you?"

 My Dad Please Come 479

    Stanley nodded.


    Yes, he would not waver anymore.


    He had to save Jessica, no matter what.


    He turned his gaze toward Wendy. "Just agree to treat Jessica''s heart condition. I don''t want to force you."


    Wendy''s heart sankpletely. Stanley really was standing with Jessica and those murderers.


    She scoffed bitterly. "Let''s see if you have the power to make me!"


    "You talk a big game," Edith sneered. "Sure, you''re the wonder doctor, but you can''t take on someone like Mr. Hawk! He''s a major yer in the business world. With just a snap of his fingers, he could make you fall from grace.


    11


    "Wendy, we''ve given you a way out. Now it''s time to take it. No good cane from us all tearing each other


    apart. I''m only advising you because I genuinely want what''s best for you," Lilian added.


    Jessica cut in, "Do it for Mr. Samuel. You can''t let him lose his life because of you!"


    Wendy''s cold stare locked onto Jessica. "I''ll figure out his situation. You all should worry about yourselves. I won''t give up on getting my dad''s murderer. Everyone who yed a part in his death will end up behind bars!"


    Edith scowled. "Hey!"


    Before they could say anything else, Wendy turned and walked away.


    Stanley watched her retreating figure and quickly followed after her. He reached out and grabbed Wendy''s arm, pulling her to a stop.


    "We need to talk."


    Wendy halted, yanking her arm out of his grasp with force. She gave him a cold, mocking smile. "I don''t think we have anything left to talk about."


    Stanley''s lips tightened. "I can''t just ignore Jessica. Don''t make this difficult for me."


    Wendy raised an eyebrow. "I should be apuding your great love for Jessica. But what if I choose to make things difficult for you?"


    Stanley fell silent for a few seconds before responding, his voice low, "Samuel is just the beginning. If you force me, everyone around you will be at risk


    So, he was willing to target the people she cared about just to get to her?


    Wendy didn''t hesitate. With a sharp p, her hand struck Stanley across the face. The force of the blow made his handsome face turn sideways.


    She stared at him, disappointment in her eyes. "I have truly misjudged you."


    Just then, Jessica rushed over. "Stanley! Are you okay?"


    Jessica looked at Wendy in shock, her voice full of usation. "Are you out of your mind? How dare you p Stanley! What''s wrong with you?"


    Wendy shot Jessica a cold nce before turning to leave.


    "Don''t struggle anymore, Wendy. It''s pointless!" Jessica called out behind her. "I heard you have a surgery scheduled at NovaHealth. The moment Stanley gives the word, your surgery will be canceled. Even if you''re Dr. Cen, Stanley can easily pull you down from your pedestal."


    Wendy turned to face Jessica. ¡°Since you all are so capable, then go ahead. Let''s see if I''m scared of you."


    Jessica''s face twisted with fury. "You little..."


    Wendy turned away again, but after taking a few steps, she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her lower abdomen. Her stomach ached badly.


    Stanley immediately noticed Wendy''s difort. His long legs quickly closed the distance between them." What''s wrong?"


    Wendy pressed a hand to her abdomen, beads of sweat forming on her forehead.


    "Is your stomach hurting? Let me take you to the hospital right now!" Stanley insisted.


    "No, don''t!"


    At that moment, Jessica rushed over, wrapping her arm around Stanley''s and stopping him.


    "You''re my boyfriend now, and Wendy''s our enemy. I won''t let you take her to the hospital, not even if she''s dying!"

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    Stanley furrowed his handsome brows.


    Jessica, feeling smug and proud, looked at Wendy with a twisted grin. "Are you really in pain? Then why don''t you beg me? If you do, maybe I''ll let Stanley take you to the hospital."


    Wendy gritted her teeth, enduring the pain, and shot Jessica a cold nce. "We''ll see who ends up begging whom."


    With those words, Wendy turned and walked away


    Wendy returned to her apartment and immediately dialed Ernest, her other senior''s, number. "Hey, Ernest. Stanley kidnapped Samuel. You need to send someone to rescue him right away."


    Ernestughed when he heard the news. "Well, this is a first. Someone dared to kidnap Samuel? Have you fallen out with Stanley?"


    Wendy, still feeling a dull pain in her abdomen, her small face pale, replied, "Don''t mention that man to me again. I''ll just pretend I never knew him. I must have been blind to have ever loved him!"


    Ernest''s voice softened. "Don''t worry. I''ll take care of Samuel''s situation. But I can tell something''s off in your voice. Are you feeling unwell?"!


    Hearing his promise, Wendy felt a little better. If something happened to Samuel because of her, she would me herself for the rest of her life.


    "I''m fine. I just need some rest."


    "Alright, then get some rest. Take care."


    They hung up, but Wendy still felt a slight ache in her abdomen. Stanley had made her so angry today, she feared it had disturbed her pregnancy.


    She needed to make some medicine to protect her pregnancy, but she was missing two ingredients.


    Wendy immediately called her assistant. "Please bring me two ingredients: Lideran and Cerrosbi."


    Meanwhile, Stanley had gone to work, and Jessica arrived at Royale Residences. She was nning to find Wendy.


    She wanted to unt in front of Wendy and pressure thetter into treating her heart disease sooner.


    As she reached the elevator, Wendy''s assistant hurried over "Please hold the door."


    Jessica didn''t recognize Wendy''s assistant, and as the elevator doors opened, both of them entered.


    Inside the elevator, Wendy''s assistant took out her phone and made a call. "Dr. Cen, I''ve arrived and am now in the elevator."


    Jessica''s''ears perked up, and she took a second look at Wendy''s assistant.


    So, this was Wendy''s assistant. What could she be calling her for?


    "Yes, I have the two ingredients you asked for, Lideran and Cerrosbi."


    Lideran and Cerrosbi?


    What did Wendy need those two herbs for?


    Jessica wasn''t a doctor, so she didn''t know the purpose of these two medicinal herbs. However, the fact that Wendy had requested them struck her as odd.


    The elevator soon arrived at the desired floor. Wendy''s assistant stepped out, but Jessica remained inside. She decided not to look for Wendy anymore. Instead, she needed to figure out what those two herbs were for.


    If they were something that could be used against Wendy, she could hold onto that leverage.


    Jessica pulled out her phone and dialed a number belonging to the Crone family''s private doctor.


    The call was answered. "Hello, Dr. Kinsman. I have a question I''d like to ask." "Please, ask away"


    "I''d like to know what Lideran and Cerrosbi are used for."

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    "Do you mean Lideran and Cerrosbi together?" the private doctor asked Jessica.


    "Yes,"


    "Are you pregnant?"


    Pregnant?


    The words hit Jessica like a brick, freezing her in ce. She gripped the phone tightly, her voice shaky as she asked, ¡°Dr. Kinsman, what are you talking about?" "Both Lideran and Cerrosbi are herbs that prevent miscarriage."


    Prevent miscarriage?


    Wendy was using those? Was she pregnant?


    Jessica''s mind went nk. She had never even considered the possibility of Wendy being pregnant. She knew Wendy and Stanley had slept together, but she was certain he wasn''t fond of children. He didn''t seem like the kind of person who would let something like this happen-not with the heir to the Hawk family at stake.


    But... Wendy was pregnant.


    Jessica staggered back a few steps, barely catching herself against the wall as she tried to steady her breathing. Was the child Stanley''s?


    Wait, no... It could also be Samuel''s.


    But a woman''s intuition is often sharp, and Jessica had a gut feeling that the child was Stanley''s.


    What was she supposed to do now?


    The panic hit her hard.


    Jessica rushed back to her house as quickly as she could.


    Lilian immediately noticed her paleplexion and sat beside her, concern


    flooding her voice. "Are you okay? Your hands are freezing!"


    Lilian took Jessica''s hands, only to feel the utterck of warmth.


    "Mom... I have bad news."


    "What''s going on? Didn''t you make up with Mr. Hawk? He''s already made his choice, hasn''t he?"


    Jessica gripped Lilian''s hands even more tightly. "Wendy''s pregnant... She''s pregnant with Stanley''s child!"


    Lilian''s face went pale, her voice rising in shock. "What? Wendy''s pregnant? Are you sure? How could Wendy be pregnant with Mr. Hawk''s child?"


    Lilian couldn''t believe it.


    "I''m very sure Wendy''s pregnant. What am I supposed to do? If Stanley finds out, will he keep the baby? Even though Stanley doesn''t like kids, this is his first one! He''s going to be a father!"


    Stanley was going to be a father.


    Lilian''s expression turned serious. She knew just how important a first child was to a man. Even if Stanley didn''t want the child, his feelings for Wendy would likely change,


    Sometimes, a man''s guilt could turn into something else entirely. A smart woman could hold onto that guilt and use it for a lifetime.


    Lilian quickly steadied herself before assuring Jessica, ¡°Calin down. Don''t panic."


    "How can I stay calm? I just stole the crystal pendant from Wendy to keep Stanley at bay, and now she''s pregnant. I don''t want to lose everything I have-I can''t lose him!"


    Lilian grabbed Jessica''s shoulders firmly. "Does anyone else know about her pregnancy?"


    Jessica shook her head. "I don''t think she''s told anyone."


    Lilian''s eyes lit up with a n. ¡°Don''t worry. The child in Wendy''s belly is Samuel''s!"


    "Do you believe in a woman''s intuition? That child in Wendy''s belly... I''m sure it''s Stanley''s!"


    "No, the child in Wendy''s belly is Samuel''s."


    Jessica blinked in confusion.


    Lilian smirked and suddenly grinned. "It doesn''t matter whose child is inside Wendy. As long as Mr. Hawk believes the child is Samuel''s, doesn''t that solve everything?"


    Jessica''s eyes widened in realization, and a light seemed to shine in them. "Mom, you''re brilliant!"

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    Lilian''s eyes sparkled with a cunning gleam as she said to Jessica, "You should tell Mr. Hawk about Wendy''s pregnancy. We can use this as an opportunity to get rid of the child-through his own hands."


    The frown that had clouded Jessica''s face vanished instantly. She now


    understood exactly what Lilian meant, and she couldn''t help but give her mother a


    thumbs up.


    Lilian''s voice lowered, serious again. ¡°But before you go to him, you need to prepare something. You have to make sure that everyone believes the child is Sam¨²el''s."


    Jessica nodded eagerly. "I understand. I''ll handle it right now."


    At Hawk Group, Stanley had returned to his office. He was seated at his desk, pen in hand, reviewing some documents.


    Just then, Zayn''s voice broke the silence. "Mr. Hawk, Ms. Wendy hasn''t agreed to perform the heart surgery for Ms. Jessica yet. What should we do next?"


    Stanley paused, his pen frozen mid-air.


    Zayn hesitated before speaking again, "Are we really going to take action against Ms. Wendy? After we dealt with Mr. Samuel, Ms. Wendy''s disappointment with you is...noticeable."


    Stanley''s face turned cold, his expression sharpening into something as hard and unyielding as ice. He had no choice in the matter-he had to stand by Jessica.


    The image of Wendy''s small, delicate face shed in his mind-her beauty and stubbornness.


    He really wished Wendy wouldn''t make this harder for him.


    Just then, a soft knock echoed from the door.


    "Stanley." Jessica''s voice rang out from the other side.


    "Come in," Stanley replied, his voice steady.


    Jessica opened the door and stepped inside, a hint of nervousness in her demeanor. "I hope I''m not interrupting anything."


    Stanley nced down at the papers in his hands. "I''m busy today. I don''t have time to spend with you."


    Jessica gave a small, teasing smile. "I don''t want to disturb you, but there''s something important I need to talk to you about."


    "Can it wait until tomorrow?" Stanley asked, his voice sounding like he wanted to push it off.


    "It''s about Wendy," she said softly.


    Stanley''s sharp gaze lifted from the papers to meet her eyes. "What about her?"


    "Don''t misunderstand," Jessica said, her voice low and serious. "Wendy hasn''t gotten into any trouble. I identally discovered something about her, and after thinking it over, I felt like I needed to tell you."


    Stanley studied her with intense focus. ¡°What is it?"


    "Stanley, prepare yourself. This is a Huge secret-Wendy is pregnant."


    The sound of Stanley''s pen ttering to the floor was loud in the otherwise quiet room. He shot to his feet, his face a mask of shock. "What did you just say? Say it again!"


    Jessica''s voice was firm. "I saw her secretly getting medicinal herbs for miscarriage prevention. I had someone check it out-she''s pregnant."


    So, Wendy was really pregnant.


    Stanley had suspected it once before, but after a visit to NovaHealth for a checkup, he had been told she wasn''t.


    It turns out, she had been lying to him.


    She was pregnant.


    Stanley''s mind raced. "Why did Wendy hide this from me? The child is mine!"


    He thought back to the times he had been with Wendy, the moments when they hadn''t used protection. There were a couple of times when he had relied on the pull-out method, but that was never foolproof.


    Wendy had managed to get pregnant with his child.


    His emotions churned. He was overwhelmed. He wasn''t ready to be a father.


    Jessica watched him closely and, after a pause, spoke again, her voice oddly calm, "I think you''ve misunderstood. The child in Wendy''s belly isn''t yours."


    "What?"


    Stanley''s body froze, his mind racing to catch up with what she was saying.


    "You and Wendy are divorced now, and you''ve been apart for a long time," Jessica pressed on. "Wendy has a boyfriend now, Samuel. So, the child in her stomach-it''s not yours. It''s Samuel''s."

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    Stanley stared at Jessica, shaking his head, "No way! The child can''t be Samuel''s! The child is mine!"


    Jessica''s hands were tightly clenched at her sides, and she felt like she might crush her teeth from clenching them so hard.


    Why was Stanley reacting like this? Why was he so sure the child was his?


    ¡°Stanley,¡± Jessica said, her voice a mix of frustration and disbelief, ¡°why are you reacting like this? I thought you didn''t like children. Do you really want Wendy''s child to be yours? Is that what this is about? Do you want Wendy to keep the baby?"


    Stanley''s eyes, normally cool and sharp, now flickered with something darker. He couldn''t exin it, but deep down, he just knew that Wendy''s child was like his.


    He wanted the child to be his.


    Jessica pulled something out of her bag and held it up. "This is her pregnancy report. It clearly shows the date- she''s two weeks and three days pregnant. Do the math. Does this child line up with your timeline?"


    Stanley nced at the pregnancy report in Jessica''s hand, then reached out to take it from her.


    The report had Wendy''s name written on it-this was definitely her pregnancy report. The dates confirmed it: Wendy was two weeks and three days pregnant.


    Two weeks... It was clear now. This child wasn''t his.


    Thest time he had been with Wendy was over a month ago, and the previous time was two months before. During the past month, Wendy had been with Samuel.


    Now, it all made sense. This child was Samuel''s.


    Wendy had gotten pregnant by Samuel.


    Stanley''s anger surged. No wonder Wendy had tried to deceive him when he took her to NovaHealth for an exam. She wasn''t pregnant then because the child wasn''t his at all


    He had been overthinking all along.


    Stanley ripped the pregnancy report to shreds with one swift motion. The pieces scattered through the air, drifting like confetti.


    His chest heaved with rage as he stood there, his body tense and his face dark with fury.


    Jessica reached out and wrapped her arms around him. "Now that Wendy''s with Samuel, it''s natural she''d be carrying his child. No wonder she got so upset when we kidnapped Samuel. After all, he''s the father of her baby."


    Stanley pressed his lips into a thin, cold line, not responding.


    Jessica continued, "Well, it''s not our problem anymore. This child belongs to Wendy and someone else. We don''t need to involve ourselves with it."


    But before she could finish, Stanley pushed her away.


    He grabbed his ck suit jacket and strode out of the room.


    Jessica stood frozen, stunned by his sudden departure. She quickly called after


    him, "Stanley, where are you going? Didn''t you say you were busy?"


    "I''m going to find Wendy," Stanley said without looking back.


    His tall figure quickly disappeared from Jessica''s sight.


    Stanley was going to find Wendy!


    Jessica''s frustration boiled over, and she stomped her foot in anger. Why was Stanley still chasing after Wendy? Did he still care about her?


    But the more she thought about it, the more a wicked sense of satisfaction filled her. She wanted Wendy and Stanley to remain in this misunderstanding, forever keeping them apart!


    Wendy was still at her apartment in the Royale Residences when her assistant dropped off the Lideran and Cerrosbi, then quickly left.


    Alone, Wendy forced herself to drink the medicine meant to help stabilize her pregnancy. The taste was bitter, but she endured it.


    Her emotions had been running too hightely, and now it felt like her pregnancy was bing unstable.


    Just then, the doorbell rang with a sharp "ding-dong" that cut through the silence.


    Who could it be?


    Wendy walked over and opened the door.


    Standing outside was Stanley-tall, poised, and as striking as ever.


    She really didn''t want to see him right now. Not even a word. Without hesitation, Wendy reached out to shut the door in his face.


    But before it could close, Stanley raised his hand and pressed firmly against the door.


    "Let me in!"


    Today''s Bonus Offer

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    Wendy crossed her arms and red at him. "This is my house, and you are not wee here!"


    Stanley didn''t give her a chance to refuse. With a firm push of his hand, he forced the door open and stepped inside, his long legs carrying him effortlessly across the threshold.


    Wendy furrowed her brow, feeling a sharp irritation rise within her. Stanley and Jessica truly were a perfect match -both of them seemed to think they could barge into other people''s homes without a second thought.


    "Please leave immediately, or I''ll call security!" Wendy snapped, her voice firm with authority.


    Stanley turned his gaze toward her, his eyes narrowing. "Have you been hiding something from me?"


    Wendy was taken aback. "What do you mean?"


    Stanley''s eyes drifted downward, locking onto her t stomach.


    He was looking at her belly.


    Wendy immediately raised a protective hand to shield her abdomen. "What are you looking at?"


    Her stance was defensive, as if she feared he might harm the child inside her.


    Stanley''s chest tightened, and for a moment, he felt a sting in his eyes. It seemed she thought he would hurt her and Samuel''s baby, and had been guarding herself from him all along.


    "So, that night at NovaHealth, you did something to cover it up, didn''t you?"


    Wendy''s heart sank. She knew Stanley had figured it out.


    The moment Stanley had said he didn''t like children and that she shouldn''t bring him any trouble, Wendy had decided not to tell him. She hadn''t nned on letting him know.


    Yet she knew, deep down, that sooner orter, the truth woulde out.


    And now, it hade far too quickly. She had been caught off guard.


    "Why are you so quiet, huh?" Stanley''s voice was sharp, impatient. "You''re usually so quick-witted. Tell me: Are you pregnant? I want to hear you say it yourself!"


    Wendy''s clear, steady eyes met Stanley''s gaze without hesitation. She answered calmly, "Yes, I''m pregnant." Stanley smirked, the corners of his lips curving into a cold, bitter smile. It was unclear whether he wasughing at her or himself.


    Wendy wasn''t sure what to make of his expression. "This is my personal business. It has nothing to do with you. Please, don''t hurt my baby."


    Her words struck Stanley like a sharp needle, piercing him deep inside. She didn''t have to say all these-she could have kept them to herself-but she chose to make him feel this pain.


    Was that her intent, all along? To hurt him?


    Stanley''s anger red, and with each step, he closed the distance between them:


    His towering presence cast a dark shadow over Wendy, and she instinctively stepped back. Something about his expression tonight made her uneasy; she couldn''t quite read his thoughts.


    "Why are you backing away? What are you afraid of?" His voice was low, filled with tension.


    Wendy continued to retreat, but soon, the wall pressed against her back, leaving her with no more room to move.


    Her brow furrowed, and she said firmly, "This is my house. Please leave now!"


    Stanley moved closer, his hand reaching out to grip her shoulder. His coldughter echoed in the room. "I''m asking you again: What are you afraid of? Do you think I might hurt you, or hurt the baby? Is that how little you think of me?"


    "Yes!" Wendy replied, her voice filled with conviction.


    Stanley froze, taken aback by her blunt response.


    Wendy looked him straight in the eye, each word deliberate and filled with emotion.


    "From the moment you sided with Jessica, you became someone with no moral boundaries. You even took Samuel. Let me make this clear: If anything happens to him, I will never forgive you."


    Her deration, tied to Samuel, hit Stanley harder than she could have imagined.


    "Is Samuel really that important to you?" he asked, his voice dripping with scorn. Wendy nodded without hesitation. "Yes."


    Stanley''s expression twisted into a mocking smile. "Of course. How could I forget? You''re carrying his baby. He must mean a lot to you now."

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    Wendy froze, her eyes locking with Stanley''s.


    "What did you say? Who''s the baby''s father?"


    425 BOAR


    Stanley smirked, his voice dripping with mockery. "Do I really need to tell you who the baby''s father is? You should already know better than anyone. It''s Samuel!"


    Wendy''s heart skipped a beat. Though she hadn''t wanted Stanley to find out about the baby, now that he had, she didn''t want him to wrongly use the child of being anyone else''s.


    "Stanley, listen carefully," she said, her voice unwavering. This child is not Samuel''s. It''s yours!"


    She spoke those words with conviction.


    Stanley paused for a moment, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he slowly began tough.


    "Why are youughing?" she demanded, her frustration rising. ¡°I''m not joking. This baby really is yours. I-"


    "Enough!" Stanley cut her off, his voice sharp as he reached out and firmly gripped her delicate chin. "How dare you say this child is mine when it''s obviously Samuel''s? What do you take me for? Do you think I''m an idiot, or are you lying to me because you feel sorry for me?"


    "-"


    "Listen carefully. I couldn''t care less about the child in your belly. I don''t care whose it is!"


    Wendy felt like ice had suddenly settled in her chest. The words she had been meaning to say were stuck in her throat.


    What was left to say? If he didn''t care, then there was no point in trying to reason with him.


    With a sudden surge of defiance, she pushed her palm against his chest. "If that''s the case, then let go of me and leave."


    Stanley looked at her cold, distant expression, and something inside him snapped. He couldn''t stand the way she was acting-so detached. She had looked at him like that earlier at the cemetery, and it had been almost unbearable.


    "Is Samuel really that important to you?"


    "Yes!" Wendy answered without hesitation, her voice loud and firm. "No matter how many times you ask, Samuel will always be more important to me than you!"


    She had said it-Samuel was more important to her than he was.


    Stanley let out a bitterugh, his tongue pressing against the inside of his cheek. "I see. Well, now he''s in my hands. Don''t you think it''s time you did something for him?"


    "What do you mean?"


    Stanley''s voice dropped low, a smirk ying at his lips. "For starters, you could beg me to let him go."


    "Beg you? Will you let him go if I do?"


    "Who knows? At least you can try," Stanley replied with a shrug, his voice dripping with sarcasm.


    Wendy stared at him, her expression hardening. "Fine. I''m begging you. Please, let Samuel go."


    Stanleyughed cruelly. "Wendy, I''ve never seen someone Beg so half-heartedly. You''re being so insincere. Do you really need me to teach you how to beg? You were so good at it with me before. Or did you forget?"


    Wendy''s eyes narrowed, her pupils shrinking slightly. She pushed him away with all her strength. "Stop dreaming. I won''t beg you like that!"


    Stanley reached out and lightly tapped her cheek, his fingers lingering there for a moment.


    "Now you''re pretending? Acting all innocent? You insisted on using condoms when you were with me. But when it came to Samuel, you let him do whatever he wanted without protection. Double standards, huh?"


    Wendy was done arguing with him. "Get out of my house now!"


    Without another word, Stanley leaned down and kissed her hard on the lips.


    Wendy was frozen by the force of the kiss. She couldn''t believe it. Even at a time like this, he still had the nerve to kiss her.


    Had he kissed Jessica Hadn''t she satisfied himst night?


    Wendy struggled, trying to break free, but Stanley''s body was like a wall,


    unmovable, pressing against her, not giving her an inch of space.


    Desperate, Wendy opened her mouth and bit down on his lip.


    Stanley, seizing the opportunity, pushed deeper, forcefully iming her mouth.


    Soon, the metallic taste of blood lingered between them.


    Finally, Stanley pulled back from her lips, his arm snaking around her waist as he guided her toward the sofa.

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    Stanley''s arm was locked around her waist, pressing painfully against her stomach. Wendy, already feeling difort, immediately pushed against him.


    "Let go of me! You''re hurting my stomach!"


    At her words, Stanley stiffened for a moment before moving his arm up, no longer touching her stomach. He roughly shoved her down into the soft cushions of the couch.


    Wendy tried to get up, but Stanley pressed his weight on top of her, his hands reaching for the cor of her shirt before tearing it open.


    The fabric ripped with a harsh sound, and Wendy felt a chill against her exposed shoulder. She gasped in shock.


    In an instant, Stanley leaned down, his face buried in her neck as he began kissing her. "Why can Samuel do what he wants and I can''t, huh? Why are you doing this to me?"


    Wendy felt like she should be the one asking him that question. Why was he doing this to her?


    He could be with Jessica, but she couldn''t be with Samuel? What kind of logic was that?


    Who did he think he was, standing by Jessica''s side while barging into her home to assault her like this?


    What did he think of her?


    Wendy fought to break free, her voice rising in desperation. "Let go of me! Don''t touch me! Let me go!"


    Stanley continued tearing at her clothes while undoing the buckle on his belt. "I want you! You want to save Samuel, don''t you? You can lessen his pain if you sleep with me!"


    He forced her legs apart.


    Wendy''s face reddened with humiliation and pain. Her stomach ached terribly.


    "It hurts... You''re hurting me! Stanley, don''t make me regret ever loving you!" Those words froze Stanley''s body, and his chaotic movements came to an abrupt halt.


    He looked down at Wendy, who was crying, tears streaming down her face. Her small, delicate face was blotched with tears, her clothes in disarray, her hair tangled. She looked like a fragile flower, broken and soaked in sorrow.


    Stanley himself felt a wave of confusion. He had lost control earlier, but now, his sanity slowly began to return.


    Wherr had he sunk so low as to force a woman into sleeping with him?


    He opened his lips to speak, but his voice came out hoarse, unsure of what to say.


    Stanley raised his hand, as if to gently wipe the tears from her face.


    Smack!


    Wendy pped his hand away with a force that surprised him. "Don''t touch me!" Stanley''s hand froze in midair. After a few moments, he slowly let go of Wendy, standing up. Without a word, he turned and walked out of the room.


    Stanley was gone.


    The sound of the apartment door closing echoed in the silence. Wendy''s body, which had been tense, finally


    rxed. The wave of sorrow and frustration she had been holding back crashed over her, and she curled into herself, crying quietly.


    Stanley was truly a monster.


    She swore to herself-she would never love him again.


    Wendy ced her small hand gently on her t stomach.


    "Darling, that man just now is your dad."


    She whispered to the baby, "Let''s not keep him, okay?"


    Stanley stepped out of Wendy''s apartment, his back leaning against the cold wall.


    He closed his eyes, feeling defeated.


    Wendy hadpletely thrown his emotions into chaos.


    He didn''t know what to do with her anymore.


    Meanwhile, Jessica was hiding


    in thre.


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    corner, having followed Stanley home. She watched as Stanley emerged from


    the apartment, his eyes red, clearly having had a falling out with Wendy.


    A smug smile curled on Jessica''s lips.


    Anyone who stood in her way wouldn''t end up well. She would push them all aside.


    She felt that Wendy''s pregnancy was both a blessing and a curse. She was just getting started!

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    Wendy was furious, and her stomach started to ache once again.


    She gave herself a quick injection, hoping it would case the pain, and decided to lie down and rest.


    Just then, a soft ringtone sounded. Someone was calling.


    It was Cecelia.


    Wendy quickly answered the phone. "Hello?"


    Cecelia''s voice immediately came through, filled with pani "Wendy, something''s happened here."


    Wendy''s heart skipped a beat. "What''s going on?"


    "I just got home from work, but suddenly a group of people barged into my house.


    I was so scared I had to hide in my room."


    "What? Who are these people? Did you call the police?"


    "I already did, but they''re looking everywhere for me. They keep saying that anyone who offends Mr. Hawk won''t have a good ending."


    Stanley?


    "1


    Wendy gripped the phone so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Stanley had just gone after Samuel, and now he was targeting her best friend?


    Stanley knew how much she cared for the people around her, yet he was pushing her like this.


    "What happened between you and Mr. Hawk? These people keep saying Hovendale is Mr. Hawk''s territory, and that we should just do what he says..."


    Wendy quickly responded, "I''ming over right now-


    Before Wendy could finish her sentence, Cecelia let out a shrill scream. "Ahh!!"


    Wendy''s face turned pale. She tightened her grip on the phone and shouted, "Are you okay? Cecelia!"


    The phone line filled with loud noises, and then the call was abruptly cut off.


    Wendy''s heart sank. Something had definitely happened to Cecelia.


    She jumped to her feet, threw on some clothes, and rushed to the door.


    Reaching Stanley''s apartment, she rang the doorbell repeatedly, the sound echoing through the hallway.


    The door opened quickly.


    Wendy''s hand tightened into a fist. "Stanley, do you even have any boundaries? If you hurt Cecelia, I swear-


    "Wendy!" Jessica interrupted, cutting her off.


    Wendy froze, confused. It wasn''t Stanley who had opened the door-it was Jessica.


    Jessica, still standing in the doorway, shed a mocking smile. "He''s in the shower. What do


    you


    want?"


    The way Jessica mentioned Stanley was loaded with innuendo, sending a clear message to Wendy.


    ºÐ


    Wendy''s eyes


    narrowed. "I want to see him."


    "Well, just because you want to see him doesn''t mean you can. Stanley is the CEO of Hawk Group. A lot of people want to see him. What makes you think you deserve to meet him?"


    As Jessica spoke, she took a moment to size Wendy up with a sly nce. "Did something happen to your best friend?"


    Wendy''s face tightened. "You know about this?"


    "Of course I know," Jessica said with a smile. "Stanley already warned you. If you don''t treat my heart condition, he''ll take the next step. Everyone you care about will pay the price."


    Wendy''s hands clenched into fists, her frustration boiling over.


    Jessica took a step closer, her grin widening. "Look at you, losing to me again. You can''t win against me."


    Wendy felt the weight of her defeat. She no longer had any Hope for Stanley. With a cold nce at Jessica, she turned and walked away.


    As Wendy''s figure disappeared from sight, Jessica chuckled She pulled out her phone and dialed Lilian''s number. "Hey, Mom. Everything is going ording to n. Let''s move on to the next step."


    Lilian''s voice came through the line. "Sure. Don''t worry, Jessica. I''ll make sure they take care of that baby inside Wendy. You''ll be able to rest easy soon."


    "Thanks, Mom."


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 488

    *


    Jessica hung up the phone, and just then, Stanley''s deep, smooth voice echoed from behind her.


    "Why are you standing at the door?"


    Stanley stepped out of the study, holding a file, with Zayn following close behind him.


    Jessica immediately put on a smile. "Oh, nothing. I thought heard something. Don''t let me keep you from work."


    Stanley shot her a suspicious look.


    Jessica''s heart skipped a beat. She feared Stanley might pick up on something. After all, with his sharp instincts, it would be easy for him to spot any funny business.


    At that moment, Zayn stepped forward with another document. "Mr. Hawk, this contract still has some issues."


    Stanley finally pulled his gaze away from Jessica. "Let''s talk in the study."


    Stanley and Zayn turned to head back into the study to handle the urgent paperwork.


    Jessica''s tension finally eased. She smiled slyly, knowing she didn''t have to do anything else for now. All she had to do was wait for the good news.


    Tonight, Wendy''s baby would be taken care of, and no one could threaten her anymore.


    Wendy was driving toward Cecelia''s apartment when she received a call from Halsey. "Hey, I''ve been trying to call Cecelia, but I can''t reach her."


    Halsey didn''t know yet that something had happened to Cecelia.


    "Halsey, listen to me-Cecelia''s in trouble. She''s been taken!" Wendy''s voice was frantic.


    "What?" Halsey gasped. "Who took her?"


    "Stanley!"


    Halsey let out a sharp breath. "Mr. Hawk? What did he take Cecelia for?"


    "He''s trying to force me to treat Jessica. Now, he''spletely on her side, and there''s no limit to what he''ll do. He''s crossed every line."


    Halsey was left speechless, the shock evident in her silence.


    "Anyway, I''m telling you this so you can be careful. I''m afraid he''s going toe after you next!"


    Halsey faltered. "Actually, Mr. Hawk and I-"


    "I can''t talk right now. I''m at Cecelia''s ce." Wendy hung up abruptly and jumped out of the car, rushing into the building.


    Wendy had stayed at Cecelia''s apartment for a while, so she had a key. She unlocked the door and stepped inside. The apartment was inplete disarray, as if a struggle had taken ce. It was eerily silent, and no one was there.


    Cecelia? Cecelia!" Wendy called out, her voice echoing in the quiet space.


    There was no answer.


    3


    Wendy pushed open another door, but the room was empty too.


    Just then, her ears picked up a faint sound.


    She quickly pushed open the bathroom door and gasped when she saw Cecelia.


    Cecelia was being held by a man in ck, his hand mped tightly over her mouth.


    Wendy froze for a moment, then immediately rushed forward. "Who are you? Let her go!"


    When Cecelia saw Wendy approaching, she quickly shook her head, silently warning her not toe any closer. But Wendy couldn''t leave Cecelia behind. In a desperate move, Cecelia bit down hard on the man''s hand. The man hissed in pain, loosening his grip on her mouth.


    "Run, Wendy! They''re after you! Watch out behind you!" Cecelia screamed. Wendy spun around just in time to see another man in ck standing behind her.


    He swung a club at her, and before she could react, the blunt force mmed into the back of her neck.


    A sharp pain shot through her, and her vision quickly faded to ck.


    Wendy copsed to the floor, unconscious. In her fading awareness, she heard Cecelia''s desperate cries.


    "Wendy! Who are you people? Where are you taking her? Wendy!"


    (

 My Dad Please Come 489

    Wendy groggily regained consciousness, her eyes fluttering open. A harsh white light immediately pierced her vision, making it nearly impossible to see.


    As a doctor, her first instinct told her exactly where she was She was on an operating table.


    Lying on the cold, sterile surface, she could feel the presence of several doctors in white coats surrounding her.


    The sound of bottles being twisted open'' echoed in the room


    The doctors were opening small vials of medicine, preparingrge syringes to inject the contents.


    One of the doctors spoke, his tone clinical and detached, "Administer the anesthetic immediately, then begin the abortion procedure."


    Abortion procedure?


    The moment Wendy was attacked at Cecelia''s ce, she knew these people were after her-and specifically, after the baby inside her.


    She tried to move, but her body felt heavy and weak. The blow to the back of her neck had been excruciating, leaving her with no strength to fight back.


    One of the nurses asked, "Where''s the patient''s family? She''s about to undergo an abortion. Shouldn''t a family member be here with her?"


    The doctor replied coolly, "You didn''t know? The patient''s husband is Mr. Hawk, but he won''t being. He called earlier and gave the order for the procedure. We are to terminate the pregnancy immediately."


    Another doctor, looking at Wendy pitifully, muttered, "Of all the people, you had to cross Mr. Hawk and Ms. Jessica. Everyone knows how much he dotes on her. You should''ve stayed clear of her. Everything here was arranged by Mr. Hawk. He sent people to your best friend''s ce to lure you in. Now you''re here, strapped to the operating table for this."


    Wendyy there, feeling as though she had been cast into a bottomless abyss. Stanley-how could you be so ruthless?


    She knew Stanley would do anything for Jessica, but this...


    This was a whole new level. Every time she thought she understood the depths of his actions, he proved her wrong.


    If she could, she would have preferred never having met him.


    Her hand instinctively moved to her t stomach. This was her baby.


    She couldn''t let them hurt her baby.


    She wouldn''t let them!


    One of the doctors moved closer, his voice cold and professional. "Alright, let''s administer the anesthetic. Mr. Hawk is waiting for our report."


    The doctor slowly approached her with the long needle, the sharp tip aimed at her


    arm.


    With every ounce of strength, Wendy screamed inside her head.


    "No, don''t hurt my baby."


    Summoning every bit of energy, she managed to move. With a burst of


    desperation, she scrambled off the table, bolting toward the door.


    She couldn''t let them hurt her child. If she could just get to that door, she could scream for help.


    She was so close. Just a little further.


    She grasped the door handle, pulling it with all her might.


    But just as she was about to escape, the doctor from behind rushed over and grabbed her. Wendy''s fingers slipped off the door handle as she was violently pulled back.


    "Let me go! Don''t hurt my baby!" she cried, struggling with everyst bit of strength she had left.


    But it was no use. The two doctors overpowered her once more, lifting her back onto the cold operating table.


    "We don''t want to do this. We''re just following Mr. Hawk''s orders," one of the doctors said, his grip tightening." Mr. Hawk''s the one who wants your baby gone. me him, not us."


    "Please, stop this! Letine go!" Wendy begged, her voice breaking.


    Tears welled up in her wide, pale eyes; hot, salty drops slipping down her cheeks.


    Why?! Why was he doing this?


    At this moment, she hated him with every fiber of her being.


    Meanwhile, at Royale Residences...


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 490

    Stanley sat in his study, surrounded by paperwork, but it wasn''t long before he snapped the file shut.


    Zayn, standing nearby, noticed the change. "Mr. Hawk, what''s wrong?"


    Stanley furrowed his brow, the intensity of his gaze forming a sharp line.


    "I don''t know what''s happening, but I feel...tight in my chest," he admitted, his voice edged with difort.


    Stanley was known for his tireless work ethic, but today was different. He couldn''t focus. His mind refused to concentrate on the documents in front of him.


    The tightness in his chest wasn''t just physical. It felt like something else, something unsettling, was weighing on him.


    He ced a hand over his heart, feeling a dull ache in the center of his chest. "World you like me to call a doctor?" Zayn asked, his concern evident.


    Stanley shook his head. "No need," he replied curtly.


    He paused for a moment, his expression darkening. "What''s Wendy doing right now?"


    Zayn hesitated for a moment before responding, "She lives just across from you. I can go knock on her door if you''d like."


    Stanley remained silent for a moment, his eyes distant, then he said nothing, as if lost in thought.


    Just then, there was a knock on the door, followed by Jessica''s voice from the other side. "Hey, I made you a cup of coffee."


    It was Jessica.


    "Come in," Stanley called out.


    Jessica entered, holding a cup of coffee in her hands. She ced it carefully beside him. "You''ve been working for a long time. Drink this coffee; I made it for you."


    Stanley felt drained. He lifted the cup to his lips, took a sip, but quickly furrowed his brow in displeasure.


    "What''s wrong?" Jessica asked, noticing his reaction.


    Zayn, who had been with Stanley for many years, immediately picked up on the situation. "Mr. Hawk, is it the coffee? Does it not sit well with you?"


    It was true-the coffee just didn''t taste right.


    Before the divorce, it had always been Wendy who prepared his coffee. Wendy had taken such care with every little detail of his life, and her presence was deeply woven into his daily routine.


    Stanley ced the cup back down, his fingers lingering on its edge.


    Jessica''s face tightened with a hint of frustration. She couldn''t even make coffee as well as Wendy?


    Zayn''s voice broke through the silence. "Should I go get Ms. Wendy?"


    Jessica''s heart fell. Stanley wanted to see Wendy?


    No! That couldn''t happen.


    This was the most crucial inoment in their n. She couldn''t afford for Stanley to figure things out.


    Jessica quickly moved to his side, her voice soft and coaxing


    "Do you want to see Wendy? Don''t you remember? You had such a falling-out with her. She''s carrying Samuel''s child now and sees you as her enemy. Why do you want to see her? She won''t wee you."


    Stanley''s mind shed to the cold words Wendy had thrown at him in her apartment, not to forget the fact that she was pregnant with Samuel''s child. His lips pressed into a cold, thin line.


    Jessica stepped closer, her voice low and soothing. "We should stay far from Wendy. We don''t need to be involved with her anymore. Once she cures my heart condition, we''ll get married."


    As she spoke, Jessica ced her hand on Stanley''s temple, massaging it gently. "You must be exhausted. Let me give you a massage. Zayn, it''s gettingte. You can go now.


    She subtly dismissed Zayn.


    Zayn, though reluctant, sighed quietly and turned to leave.


    With Zayn gone, Jessica allowed herself a small, triumphant smile. Wendy was


    lying on the operating table now- alone, with no one to help her.


    Jessica felt that Wendy deserved what wasing for crossing her.


    Just as she was savoring her victory, Stanley''s deep, maic voice broke the silence. "Zayn, wait."


    Stanley''s words stopped Zayn in his tracks.

 My Dad Please Come 491

    Zayn turned around and saw Stanley standing behind him.


    "Mr. Hawk, is there anything else you need?" Zayn asked.


    Stanley still felt uneasy, an unsettling feeling lingering in his chest. It was as if something bad was about to happen.


    He pressed his lips together and said quietly, "Go check on Wendy and-"


    Before Stanley could finish his sentence, Jessica suddenly let out a sharp cry of pain..


    Stanley immediately stood up. "Jessica, what''s wrong?"


    "My heart... It hurts," Jessica gasped.


    Without warning, her body went limp, and she copsed into Stanley''s arms.


    Zayn quickly stepped forward. "Mr. Hawk..."


    But Jessica, still clinging to Stanley, lifted her hand and wrapped it around his neck.


    "My heart really hurts... Please, take me to the hospital," she pleaded, her voice strained with pain.


    She pressed her hand to her chest, her breathing in shallow gasps. "It hurts here... I can''t breathe... Please, Stanley, hurry."


    Stanley''s expression shifted, his face hardening with concern. Without a second thought, he scooped Jessica up in his arms. "Okay, I''ll take you to the hospital right now."


    He quickly made his way out, carrying her in his arms.


    Halsey had already arrived at Cecelia''s apartment. She reached for the door to knock, but to her surprise, the door opened by itself.


    Breathing heavily from running, Halsey stepped inside, calling out, "Wendy? Cecelia? Where are you?"


    The apartment was eerily silent, and the ce was a mess but there was no sign of either Wendy or Cecelia.


    Halsey''s anxiety grew. Wendy had arrived before her, but now both of them were gone.


    Panic rose in her chest as she pushed open a bedroom door. It didn''t take long to spot Cecelia, lying unconscious on the floor.


    Without wasting a moment, Halsey rushed over and gently lifted Cecelia. "Wake up, Cecelia! What happened?"


    Cecelia''s eyes fluttered open. "Please... Save Wendy..."


    "What happened to her?" Halsey asked, her voice trembling.


    "They took her... They''re going after the baby..." Cecelia muttered weakly.


    Halsey''s heart sank. "What? Who took her? Where did they take her?"


    Cecelia''s eyes closed again, and she slipped back into unconsciousness.


    Halsey''s mind raced. In a panic, she pulled out her phone and dialed Stanley''s number.


    The phone rang, and she waited anxiously. Even before anyone picked up, she shouted into the phone. "Stanley! Pick up! Something''s happened to Wendy! The baby-Wendy''s baby is in danger! Stanley, please pick up!"


    After several more rings, a cold, mechanical voice rang out ''Sorry, the number you have dialed is currently unavable. Please try againter."


    Stanley wasn''t answering.


    Halsey''s frustration grew, nearly boiling over. How could Stanley not pick up when Wendy and her baby were in danger?


    She immediately dialed again, her voice shaking with urgency. "Stanley, the baby''s yours! If something happens to Wendy or the baby, you''ll regret it for the rest of your life! Pick up! What are you doing?!"


    But once again, there was no answer. The same cold, mechanical voice came through the line. "Sorry, the number you have dialed is currently unavable. Please try againter."


    Despair settled over Halsey. She realized that relying on Stanley right now was futile. With a heavy heart, she quickly dialed her father''s number.


    It didn''t take long for Cyril to pick up. "Bebe?"


    "Dad, you need to send someone now. Something''s happened to Wendy!" Halsey cried, barely able to control her panic.


    "What? What happened to Dr. Cen?" Cyril''s voice was full of rm.


    "I don''t know, but you need toe now! Wendy''s pregnant, and we can''t let anything happen to her or the baby!


    Halsey pleaded, nearly choking on her words.

 My Dad Please Come 492

    Just then, Cyril''s phone was snatched away by someone, and Glinda''s voice came through.


    "Bebe, what did you just say? Wendy''s pregnant?¡±


    Glinda was with Cyril, and she had overheard Halsey''s frantic phone call.


    Halsey had promised Wendy not to tell anyone about the pregnancy, but now, with the situation so critical, she couldn''t afford to worry about that. All she cared about was Wendy and the baby being safe.


    "Yes, Mrs. Glinda. Wendy''s pregnant. She''s carrying Stanley''s child. It''s your first great-grandchild," Halsey exined quickly, her voice trembling.


    Glinda''s emotions were a mix of shock, joy, and fear. "How could you not tell me Wendy''s pregnant? Calm down, Bebe. Your father and I wille over right away. Have you contacted Stanley? He''s the father, after all."


    "I can''t reach Stanley. His phone keeps going unanswered, Halsey said, her voice


    full of worry.


    Glinda mmed her cane against the floor in frustration. "That good-for-nothing! He''s a father now, and he doesn''t even care about his woman and child? Wait until I get my hands on him!"


    The phone call ended abruptly. There was no time for further conversation. People from both the Hawk and Lincoln families were already on their way.


    But Halsey felt her body shake with anxiety. She couldn''t shake the feeling that they were running out of time. Wendy had been taken over half an hour ago. Suddenly, Halsey thought of someone. She pulled out her phone and dialed the number.


    The phone rang, and soon a low, cold voice answered. "Hello."


    Halsey gripped her phone, her voice shaking as she cried, "Dwight, please,e help me!"


    There was a brief silence on the other end before Dwight asked, his voice steady, "Where are you?"


    Halsey quickly gave him the address. Dwight replied, "I''m nearby. I''ll be there soon."


    After hanging up, Halsey immediately called for an ambnce to take Cecelia to the hospital.


    No sooner had she finished the call than the apartment door swung open. A tall, cool figure walked in, carrying the chill of the outside air with him.


    "What happened?" Dwight asked, his voice calm but urgent


    Halsey looked up and saw Dwight arriving.


    He was holding his ck coat, and his sharp features,bined with his buzz cut, made him look strikingly handsome. Halsey hadn''t expected him to arrive so quickly.


    "My good friend, Wendy, is in trouble. She was taken...and she''s pregnant."


    Dwight''s eyes scanned the room, noting the signs of a struggle.


    "If those people were after her baby, then she''s probably at a hospital right now. The legitimate, top-tier hospitals in Hovendale won''t take on such cases, so they wouldn''t go there. They''d head for the shady ones. There are only three hospitals like that in Hovendale that I know of."


    Dwight''s calm analysis of the situation immediately soothed Halsey, who had been overwhelmed with panic just moments before. She nodded quickly. "Yeah, you''re right. I should''ve thought of that earlier. Now we can narrow


    it down."


    If the entire town of Hovendale were involved in looking for Wendy, they wouldn''t make it in time. Now, the search was narrowed down to just three hospitals.


    Dwight crouched down and picked up a broken half of a stick from the floor. The stick had a few letters engraved on it.


    Standing up with the stick in hand, Dwight said, "Let''s go. I have a pretty good idea of where your friend is right now. We might still make it if we hurry."


    Halsey''s eyes lit up with hope. "Really? That''s great! Let''s go now!"


    The ambnce arrived, and Cecelia was carefully lifted onto it. Halsey followed Dwight as they went downstairs. Outside, a motorcycle was waiting.


    Dwight handed her a helmet. "Hop on."

 My Dad Please Come 493

    Halsey looked at the motorcycle.


    Thinking she was unsure, Dwight exined, "The motorcycle is faster. No traffic to deal with."


    Halsey shed him a yful smile. "This bike is so cool! I''ve never ridden one before."


    Dwight had assumed that someone like Halsey, used to luxury cars, wouldn''t be interested in a motorcycle, but it seemed he had been wrong.


    He quickly put on his helmet, then urged her, "Hurry up and get on."


    Halsey swiftly ced the helmet on her head. Time was critical now; they had to save Wendy.


    "Ready?" Dwight asked.


    She nodded, and Dwight effortlessly swung his long legs over the bike, tossing his ck jacket to her. "Put this on. It''s cold on a bike."


    Halsey felt a warmth spread in her chest as she caught the jacket and slipped it on. She climbed onto the back of the motorcycle, settling herself behind Dwight..


    Dwight twisted the throttle, and the bike roared to life, speeding off with a rush.


    It was Halsey''s first time on a motorcycle, and she gripped Dwight''s waist tightly with both hands, her body pressed against him like a small ko.


    "How did you figure out which hospital they went to?" she asked, her curiosity evident as she leaned in close behind him.


    Dwight responded, his voice calm, "I saw the club they used. It was made in Cruisnd. The kidnappers were probably hired by someone with a lot of money. Of the three shady hospitals in Hovendale, the most powerful one is likely their first choice."


    Halsey''s admiration for Dwight grew with every word. It seemed like there was nothing he couldn''t figure out.


    She grinned. "You''re amazing."


    She clung to him, still in awe of his sharp mind. Dwight''s lips curled up slightly in a half-smile.


    But then, as he felt her body press even closer to his, he became aware of just how tightly she was holding on, especially with her soft curves pressing against him. It almost felt like she was molding herself into him.


    Trying to stayposed, Dwight subtly shifted forward in an attempt to put some distance between them.


    However, the moment he moved, Halsey stuck to him even more, her grip tightening. She felt safer this way.


    "Don''t move, Dwight. I want to stay close to you, or I''ll be scared," she murmured.


    Dwight remained still, not wanting to argue.


    As the night worean, the modified motorcycle weaved through the bustling city streets, the young man and woman on it bing the most eye-catching sight in the crowd.


    Soon, the motorcycle pulled up in front of a hospital. Dwight dismounted and said, "Let''s


    go."


    Halsey took off her helmet and, eager to get off the bike, tried to climb down. But the motorcycle was too high for her. She spread her arms wide. "Help me down!"


    +26 BONUS


    Dwight gave her a quick look before reaching up to support er under the arms, lifting her down gently.


    With his eyes on the ground, he muttered, "Let''s hurry inside."


    "Okay," Halsey responded, her voice eager.


    She quickly ran alongside Dwight, her small hand reaching for his. Her delicate fingers wrapped around his, and Dwight paused for a moment, surprised by the warmth and firmness of her grip. He instinctively wanted to pull


    away.


    But Halsey''s hand tightened, refusing to let go.


    Dwight gave up, focusing on finding Wendy as quickly as possible.


    When they reached the door to the operating room, Dwight noticed a few tough- looking men dressed in ck standing guard.


    The men stood alert and immediately saw Dwight, rising to their feet.


    "Who are you?" one of them demanded.


    Halsey''s eyes lit up with recognition. "We''re in the right ce. These must be the ones who kidnapped Wendy! She''s definitely inside the operating room,"


    One of the men in ck sneered. "This isn''t any of your business. Get out of here, and maybe we''ll let you live."

 My Dad Please Come 494

    Dwight''s face remained emotionless. "What if I insist on getting involved?"


    One of the men in ck charged toward him. "You''re asking for trouble!"


    Dwight quickly released Halsey''s hand, his voice sharp. "Stay in the corner and don''t move!"


    Halsey knew she couldn''t be of any help. All she could do was pray for Cyril and Glinda to arrive soon. She nodded. "Okay. Be careful!"


    As the man in ck lunged at Dwight, he kicked out with one long leg, sending the man crashing to the floor.


    The other-four men saw Dwight''s impressive skill, exchanging nces before charging at him with snarls of aggression.


    Halsey stood off to the side, watching Dwight effortlessly handle the five attackers. His lean, cool figure moved fluidly among them, never faltering for a moment.


    Dwight''s fighting skills were exceptional. His muscles, hidden beneath his clothes, were coiled with power, and every punch he threw caused the veins in his arms to bulge. His sharp features, along with his buzzed haircut, gave off the kind of energy that could make anyone lose theirposure.


    One by one, the ck-d men were knocked to the ground. Soon, only one remained.


    Halsey''s gaze shifted to the closed operating room door. She couldn''t wait any longer. Without a second thought, she ran forward and shoved the door open.


    Inside, Wendyy unconscious on the cold operating table. The doctor, dressed in a white coat, held a long syringe, preparing to inject her with anesthesia.


    Halsey''s heart skipped a beat. She quickly rushed toward the doctor, mming into him.


    The doctor hadn''t expected anyone to barge in. He stumbled backward, crashing into the wall. The syringe slipped from his hand, ttering to the floor.


    Halsey''s eyes welled with tears as she looked at Wendy. "Wendy, it''s me. I''m here!"


    She grabbed Wendy''s cold hand, her voice trembling with emotion.


    Wendy''s consciousness was slipping away, but she clung to the moment when Halsey arrived. She quickly squeezed Halsey''s hand, whispering, "Halsey, thank god you''re here. You have to save my baby!"


    Halsey nodded, her voice full of conviction. "Don''t worry. Your baby will be fine. You''ll be fine. I promise!"


    Suddenly, Wendy gasped. "Halsey!"


    Halsey turned, her eyes widening in rm. The doctor had crept up behind her, a syringe in hand, aiming to inject


    her.


    Just as the needle was about to pierce her skin, arge hand shot out, grabbing the doctor''s wrist and stopping him cold.


    Halsey nced to the side and saw Dwight.


    He had finished with the men outside and rushed in to join them.


    Still catching his breath from the fight, Dwight''s broad chest rose and fell. His eyes were filled with a cold, dangerous fury.


    {


    The doctor, his voice trembling with fear, stammered, "Who who are you? Do you know who we work for? It''s Mr. Hawk! Hovendale is his territory. If you cross him, you''re as good as dead!"


    Dwight didn''t flinch. He twisted the doctor''s wrist with a single motion, snapping it and sending the syringe ttering to the floor.


    Dwight stepped in front of Halsey and Wendy, his towering figure casting a cold shadow over the room as he stared down at the people who dared to threaten them.


    The doctor and the remaining ck-d men clutched their injuries, their voices full of menace.


    "You''ve made a huge mistake. Mr. Hawk will never let this go. You''re finished!" Just then, a cold voice rang out from behind. "Are you sure about that? Anyone who harms my granddaughter-inw or my great-grandchild deserves to die!"


    A group of ck-d bodyguards rushed in, standing respectfully at attention. Glinda and Cyril had arrived.

 My Dad Please Come 495

    Glinda and Cyril had finally arrived!


    Halsey was ovee with emotion, tears streaming down her face. She was utterly terrified. If they had been even a secondter, the child in Wendy''s womb would have been lost. The thought of it still sent chills down Halsey''s spine, making her legs feel weak with fear.


    "Mrs. Glinda! Dad!"


    Glinda immediately rushed into the operating room. Seeing Wendy, she took her hand, her voice thick with emotion.


    "Wendy, it''s me! I''m here!"


    Wendy''s face was as pale as a sheet, drained of all color. She had been holding on by sheer willpower, but when she saw Glinda, her entire body seemed to rx. Her white tear-streaked eyes closed, and she whispered through her cracked lips, "Grandma."


    Glinda tightened her grip on Wendy''s cold hand. "It''s okay, it''s okay. Don''t be afraid. I''ll make sure no one hurts you or my first great-grandchild!"


    Wendy nodded faintly before closing her eyes, falling into a deep sleep.


    Cyril checked Wendy''s pulse. After a few moments, he let out a sigh of relief. "Thank God. Dr. Cen and the baby are both safe.¡±


    Glinda''s eyes turned steely as she looked at the unconscious ck-d thugs and the doctor on the floor. In a low,manding voice, she ordered, "Take them all into custody. I want to know who''s behind this. If they don''t speak, then they''ll have no need to speak again."


    Having led the Hawk family for so many years, Glinda had long since retired from the public eye, her demeanor now much gentler. But when she was serious, she acted with fierce power. The thugs and the doctor shivered in fear.


    "W-We were just following orders..." one of the men stammered.


    Before he could say more, they were dragged away. There would be plenty of time for them to speakter.


    Wendy was transferred to a VIP room and settled in to rest. She was utterly exhausted, her sleep peaceful and undisturbed.


    Glinda sat beside her, keeping watch. It wasn''t long before Zayn hurried into the room, looking frantie.


    "Mrs. Glinda," he said, breathless.


    Glinda looked up, her eyes sharp. "Where the hell is Stanley? Wendy''s lying here, and you''re the only one who showed up!"


    Zayn wiped the sweat off his brow, clearly nervous. "Mrs. Glinda, Mr. Hawk... He''s..."


    Halsey spoke up, her voice full of frustration. "Mrs. Glinda, I don''t know where Stanley is. I tried calling him a hundred times, but not once did he pick up. He wasn''t around when Wendy and the baby were in danger. This is thest straw! He''s gone too far!".


    Glinda''s eyes narrowed as she turned to Zayn. "Cat got your tongue? I asked you where Stanley is!"


    Zayn knew there was no way out, and deciding it was better to tell the truth than to lie, he confessed. "Mr. Hawk... He''s with Ms. Jessica."


    Glinda shot to her feet, her face contorted with disbelief. "What did you say? Stanley''s with Jessica?"


    "Yes, Mrs. Glinda," Zayn confirmed. "Ms. Jessica suddenlyined of chest pain, and Mr. Hawk rushed her to the hospital. And by coincidence, they''re at this very hospital."


    Halsey was furious. "No wonder he didn''t pick up his phone! He was with Jessica!"


    Glinda, shaking with rage, clenched her fists. "That unseemly brat-I can''t believe he''s still with that Jessica! I''m going to find him right now!"


    Glinda stormed out of the room.


    Meanwhile, in the VIP room, Jessica had been clinging to Stanley, refusing to let him leave. "Stanley, stay here with me tonight."


    Lilian, who had just arrived, exchanged a brief nce with Jessica. They figured from the timing that Wendy had lost her baby, but for safety''s sake, they still needed to keep Stanley around a little longer.

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    "Mr. Hawk, Jessica gets really clingy when her heart acts up. Just stay with her, okay?" Lilian said.


    Stanley pressed his lips together. He had been feeling a growing sense of unease since they entered the hospital. The feeling was bing harder to shake.


    He reached for his phone, only to find his pocket empty. It suddenly hit him-he had forgotten to bring his phone when he rushed Jessica to the hospital.


    He hadn''t even brought it with him.


    Stanley looked at Jessica, his voice soft. "Your mom can keep youpany. I still have some paperwork to finish, but I''lle back first thing in the morning."


    "No!" Jessica immediately flung herself at him, wrapping her arms around his waist. "I don''t want my mom with me. I want you, Stanley! Stay with me!"


    Stanley raised his hand, about to gently push her


    away.


    At that moment, a cold voice rang out from the door. "You brat!"


    Stanley turned to see Glinda standing in the doorway. He froze, shocked to see his grandmother here.


    "Grandma, what are you doing here?"


    Jessica and Lilian both blinked in surprise. "Mrs. Glinda?"


    Glinda stood at the door, fury boiling inside her as she watched Stanley and Jessica in such an intimate embrace. Without a word, she stormed in, raising her cane and swinging it down at Stanley.


    "So, this is where you''ve been-hanging out with this shameless vixen!"


    Stanley didn''t move, letting the cane strike him hard.


    Glinda swung it again, and then a third time. Both Jessica and Lilian were frozen, wide-eyed in shock.


    Zayn rushed into the room, grabbing Glinda''s arm. "Mrs. Glinda, please, calm down!"


    Stanley looked at Glinda. "Grandma, what''s going on? What did I do wrong?"


    Glinda seethed, "What did you do wrong? Do I really have to spell it out for you? You-"


    Jessica cut in, her voice shaky. "Mrs. Glinda, please, calm down! Don''t hit Stanley. He''s your grandson!"


    Glinda fixed Jessica with a hard stare. "Who are you to interrupt while I''m talking to my grandson? How rude!"


    Jessica tried to speak up again. "I¡ª"


    Glinda snapped, "I was just nning to give my grandson a piece of my mind, but now you''ve decided to throw yourself into the fire. Fine, I''ll teach you a lesson about politeness!"


    With that, Glinda raised her cane once more, this time striking Jessica.


    The blownded with a sharp crack, and Jessica screamed in pain. "Ah! Mrs. Glinda, why are you hitting me? Please, stop!"


    But Glinda didn''t listen. She swung the cane again, her words cutting through the air as she spoke.


    "You little wench! Wendy''s your sister, yet you seduced her husband! That''s your first mistake! You im your


    heart hurts all the time, cinging to Stanley, but you''re still live. You keep lying through your teeth-that''s the second! Your whole family''s vicious, and you repeatedly hurt Wendy¡ªthat''s the third! Today, I''ll make sure you pay for everything!"


    Jessica''s face turned pale with pain. "Ah! It hurts so much! Please, stop! Stanley, help!"


    Stanley stepped forward, but before he could reach her, Zayn yanked him back. "Mr. Hawk, focus on yourself right now. You''re not in any position to help anyone!"


    Stanley stood there, stunned, unable to speak.


    Lilian, seeing her daughter in pain, rushed forward, pulling Jessica into her arms. "Mrs. Glinda, what on earth are you doing? Stop this right now!"

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    Glinda snapped at Lilianm "And you how dare you even talk to me! You seduced yourte husband''s brother and plotted against your own daughter! Jessica and you sure have a lot inmon. Today, I''ll deal with both of you!" Glinda''s cane struck Lilian with a sharp thud.


    Lilian and Jessica were battered relentlessly, each blow like a thunderstorm. Both of them cried in pain, unable to hold back their tears.


    Pers


    Halsey, standing nearby, watched the scene unfold, almost ready to apud.


    Truly, Glinda was something else she knew exactly how to handle things with violence.


    Glinda, exhausted from the outburst, finally paused and turned to Stanley, "Do you realize what you''ve done?" Stanley, his voice cool, replied, "Grandma, if you want to hit me, just say so. No need to make up excuses."


    Glinda was left speechless.


    Halsey, watching Stanley, pressed him, "Do you know what happened to Wendy?"


    Wendy?


    Stanley''s tall, strong frame tensed in an instant. "What could happen to her? We saw her today, and she seemed fine."


    She was fine, indeed.


    She yelled at him and scolded him, full of life and energy.


    How could she be in trouble right after he left?


    Glinda''s words cut through the air like a knife. ¡°She''s in the hospital!"


    Stanley''s voice immediately changed, his tone tightening. "She''s in the hospital? Which ward? What happened to her?"


    Glinda''s eyes were filled with disbelief as she spoke, "She''s pregnant. Did you know that?"


    The word "pregnant" hit Stanley like a punch to the gut. His hands, which had been hanging at his sides, slowly clenched into fists.


    "I know," he muttered quietly.


    "You knew she was pregnant and you''re still here with this shameless Jessica?" Glinda''s voice rose in disbelief. Do you even have a conscience? Wendy''s a pregnant woman now. She''s not alone anymore-there''s a baby inside her. She needs someone to care for her!!!


    11


    She couldn''t believe Stanley could be so indifferent.


    Stanley''s lips curled into a cold line. "She needs someone to care for her? Let her find someone else to do it."


    Glinda''s finger trembled as she pointed at him. "What are you talking about? The child inside Wendy is yours! Is this how you''re going to be as a father?",


    Stanley met her gaze with a quiet intensity. "Did she tell you the child was mine?" "She''s unconscious right now. She hasn''t said anything to me, but that''s not the point. What is wrong with you? You think the baby inside Wendy isn''t yours? Who else could the father be?" Glinda snapped.


    Stanley fell silent, his expression unreadable.


    Halsey, sensing the underlying tension, asked sharply, "Are you saying you don''t think the baby is yours?"


    Glinda gasped, her eyes wide with shock. "Is that what you think? Do you really suspect that Wendy isn''t carrying your child?"


    Stanley looked down, his eyes dark and distant, saying nothing.


    Suddenly, the sharp sound of a p echoed through the room.


    Glinda had raised her hand and struck Stanley across the face, the force of it turning his face to the side.


    The room fell into an oppressive silence.


    Lilian and Jessica exchanged uneasy nces, both of them full of thoughts they didn''t dare voice.


    Zayn, terrified, didn''t make a sound. The rtionship between Glinda and Stanley was always close, and this was the first time he''d ever seen her so angry at him.


    Glinda continued to yell, pointing at Stanley. "You ungrateful brat! How could you even think that? The child in Wendy''s belly is yours!"


    Stanley slowly turned his face back to its original position, his expression colder than before. He had always been a model of grace andposure, well- educated and well-mannered.


    He was confident the child in Wendy''s womb wasn''t his, but he didn''t say so earlier.


    Today''s Bonus Offer

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    Stanley lifted his gaze to Glinda, his voice uncertain. "Grandma..."


    Halsey turned to Stanley, her expression sharp. "Stanley, has someone been feeding you lies? Was it her?"


    She pointed at Jessica.


    Jessica, looking guilty, stammered, "I-"


    Halsey quickly connected the dots. "I knew it! Jessica must''ve said something to


    you, making you think the child inside Wendy isn''t yours, right?¡±


    Glinda opened her mouth to speak, but Halsey pulled her aside urgently. "Mrs. Glinda, let''s go."


    "But..." Glinda hesitated.


    "Just trust me. Let''s go!" Halsey insisted, pulling her toward the door.


    As they reached the doorway, Halsey turned to Stanley, her voice cold. "Someone kidnapped Wendy. They took her into surgery, trying to forcefully terminate her pregnancy!"


    Stanley froze, shock running through him. "What did you just say?"


    Halsey gave a bitterugh. "We don''t know who exactly wanted to end her pregnancy, but..."


    She gave Jessica and Lilian a pointed nce. "We''ve already caught the people behind it. We''ll find out soon who wanted to harm Wendy and her baby."


    With that, Halsey tugged Glinda out of the room.


    Stanley turned to Zayn, his voice tense. "Is what they said true?"


    Zayn nodded, his face grim. "It''s true, Mr. Hawk. Ms. Wendy went through something horrifying tonight. Someone kidnapped her and took her to surgery, trying to force an abortion. Mrs. Glinda and Mr. Cyril both had to step in. If they''d been even a secondter, Ms. Wendy and her baby would''ve been in serious danger."


    Stanley took a step forward, his concern deepening. "How is she now? Is she hurt?"


    Zayn looked uneasy. "I don''t know, Mr. Hawk. When I arrived, Mrs. Glinda had me thrown out of the room. If you''re worried about Ms. Wendy, maybe you should go check on her-"


    Before Zayn could finish his sentence, Stanley had already taken long strides toward the door.


    Jessica called out immediately, her voice sharp. "Stanley, don''t go! Are you going to see Wendy? Didn''t you promise me you''d cut ties with her? You can''t go!"


    But this time, Jessica''s words fell t. Stanley didn''t even nce back as he marched out of the room.


    Zayn followed silently.


    "Stanley!" Jessica''s voice cracked with frustration as she clenched her fists in anger.


    Lilian, her face troubled, whispered, "This is bad. It looks like they didn''t manage to terminate Wendy''s pregnancy after all. No wonder when I called those kidnappers and doctors earlier, no one picked up."


    Jessica''s mind raced, already guessing what had happened. She had been toote, and Wendy had been saved.


    The baby inside Wendy was still alive


    "Why? Why didn''t they manage to end the pregnancy? That child is like a ticking time bomb. If Stanley finds out the truth... What are we going to do? It feels like the truth is slipping out of our hands!"


    Jessica gripped Lilian''s hand, her voice trembling with fear


    "Mom, what should we do now? What if those kidnappers and doctors betray us? Glinda and Professor Lincoln have gotten involved, and Stanley''s gone to see Wendy. If they find out we were behind this, I swear, Glinda will tear us apart!"


    Jessica winced, still feeling a sharp pain in her body. She was terrified of Glinda. The pain from Glinda''s cane still stung her, and she was truly scared of what the woman might do.

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    Lilian''s expression was grim, but she squeezed Jessica''s hand reassuringly. ¡°Don''t be scared. Trust me, the kidnappers and the doctor won''t betray us.¡±


    Stanley arrived at Wendy''s VIP ward, his heart pounding. He reached for the door, eager to see her, but Halsey blocked his path before he could enter.


    She stood firmly in front of him. "You can''t go in!"


    Stanley frowned, frustration rising. "Move. I need to see her."


    Halsey''s gaze was stern. "What''s the point of seeing her now? You weren''t there when she needed you most. So why bother now? Im sure she doesn''t want to see you either."


    Stanley pressed his lips together in silence.


    Halsey''s voice softened, but her words were sharp. "I really don''t know what kind of spell Jessica has cast on you. Why are you always on her side? You''ve hurt Wendy so badly this time."


    Stanley''s voice cracked with emotion. "Bebe, you don''t understand."


    "True, I don''t understand," Halsey replied. "But how am I supposed to understand when you never tell me anything? Just answer me this-do you really love Jessica that much?".


    She wanted a true answer from him, something she could believe. She couldn''t fathom Stanley beingpletely indifferent to Wendy.


    Stanley''s hands clenched into fists by his sides. "It''s not just about love between us. Jessica is my responsibility." "Responsibility? What do you mean?" Halsey''s confusion deepened.


    Stanley didn''t want to exin. "Bebe, please, just let me in."


    "No," Halsey responded firmly. "If you don''t exin everything to me, I''m not


    letting you through. You''ll never see Wendy again, not while I''m here."


    Stanley''s eyes darkened as he hesitated. ¡°Jessica once saved my life." "What?"


    Halsey froze, disbelief shing across her face. Jessica? The same woman who abandoned Stanley when he became a vegetable, who had walked away without a second thought-she saved him? That was Impossible.


    Halsey furrowed her brow in suspicion. "Jessica saved you? When? Where?"


    Stanley paused, taking a deep breath before answering. "Many years ago, I was seriously injured. I got lost in a forest, and Jessica found me. She took me to a cave and cared for me. I promised her then that I would take her with me, that I would never leave her. So, Jessica is my responsibility. I can''t just ignore her. As for Wendy..."


    Stanley''s gaze drifted toward the closed door of the hospital room. There was no longer a future between Wendy and him. Not as long as Jessica was in the picture.


    But after hearing that Wendy had been kidnapped and hurt, he couldn''t help but feel a pang of concern for her.


    Even when he knew that the child inside Wendy wasn''t his, he still cared about her a lot.


    Halsey stood in stunned silence, trying to process his words. Honestly, she didn''t believe him. Not for a second.


    She couldn''t imagine Jess ca ever saving someone, let alone Stanley. There had to be something more to this story.


    The person in the middle of a situation is often too close to see the truth, while an outsider can see it clearly. Stanley couldn''t see the full picture, but Halsey sensed that something wasn''t right.


    She decided that once Wendy woke up, she would tell her everything. Wendy was smart. She would figure out what really happened.


    Halsey stepped aside reluctantly. "Fine, you can go in and see her now. But keep your voice down. Don''t wake her. She''s very weak right now."


    "Thank you," Stanley mattered, his voice full of gratitude.


    He ced his hand on the door handle and pushed the door open, stepping into the room.


    As Stanley entered, he saw Wendy lying on the hospital bed.


    Her small, pale face looked almost lifeless, her long, delicate eyshes resting softly against her cheeks. She was asleep, but it was a deep, exhausted sleep.


    Glinda had been sitting beside Wendy the whole time. The moment she saw Stanley enter, she red daggers at


    him.


    "Who let you in here?" she snarled.

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    Stanley stood there, silent, feeling like a rat in the street-everyone was out to get


    him now.


    Nobody wanted him around.


    "Grandma, I just want to see Wendy," he said softly.


    Glinda sighed, her patience worn thin. "Fine. Just one look.


    Stanley sat down at the edge of the bed, his gaze fixed on Wendy''s delicate face. Without thinking, he reached out to touch her.


    Glinda swatted his hand away with a sharp-smack, ring at him. "I only said you could look, not touch!"


    Stanley fell silent, withdrawing his hand. ¡°What did the doctor say? How''s the baby? Is it alright?"


    Glinda shot him a sharp look. "Thanks for your concern. Wendy and the baby are both fine."


    Stanley pressed his lips together, absorbing the information in silence..


    Glinda''s voice softened, but her words were pointed. "Wendy''s pregnant now. Don''t you want to be a father?" The room fell quiet, her words barely a whisper as she asked him under the soft glow of the lights.


    Stanley hesitated, his expression unreadable. "I never thought about it."


    Glinda''s smile grew. "Well, now''s a good time to think about it. Imagine Wendy having a son or a daughter, someone who looks like you or her, someone who''ll call you ''Dad'', begging for you to carry him or her. How adorable would that be?"


    She even caught herself smiling at the thought, imagining holding her great- grandchild atst.


    Stanley raised an eyebrow, ncing at her. "Do you still think the baby inside Wendy is mine? Do you actually think you''re about to get a great-grandchild?"


    Glinda blinked, a little taken aback.


    "I''ve already told you," Stanley said with quiet frustration, ''that baby isn''t mine. You need to wake up."


    He was saying it for her own good. The higher the hopes, the bigger the disappointment would be when the truth


    came out.


    Glinda, speechless, extended her arm and smacked the back of his head. "How did our family end up with someone like you?"


    Stanley rubbed the back of his head, trying to avoid a smile. "If you hit me again, I''m gonna hve to start hitting you back."


    Glinda was beyond irritated now. "Get out! I shouldn''t have let you stay! Get out, now!"


    Two secondster, Stanley found himself standing outside the hospital room.


    Thud!


    Glinda mmed the door shut behind him.


    Stanley sighed, his frustration growing.


    Halsey, leaning against the wall, chuckled. "That was quick Did Grandma throw you out?"


    Stanley gave her a nk look. "Where are the kidnappers and the doctor? Have they said anything about who''s behind all this?"


    Just then, Cyril walked over, his face grim.


    "Stanley," Cyril greeted.


    Stanley nodded. "Uncle Cyril."


    Cyril exhaled sharply. "We''ve got the kidnappers and the doctor, but their mouths


    are sealed. They''re not giving up the one who''s pulling the strings."


    At that moment, Glinda stepped out of the room. They were all determined to figure out who the mastermind behind all this was.


    Glinda turned to Stanley, her expression serious. ¡°Let me ask you something: If we catch the person behind this, will you let them go?"


    Stanley furrowed his brows. "Of course not."


    Glinda''s gaze sharpened. "Then let me ask you another question: What if that person is Jessica?"


    "Jessica?" Stanley stared at her, disbelief shing in his eyes. "You''re telling me Jessica is the one behind this?"


    Glinda and Halsey exchanged a look, their suspicion clear.


    "That''s right," Glinda said. "We suspect Jessica is the mastermind. She sent people to kidnap Wendy, trying to get rid of the baby she''s carrying."


    Halsey added, "Stanley, if Jessica is behind all this, will you protect her?"

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    Stanley furrowed his brow, shaking his head in denial. "It can''t be Jessica."


    Glinda snorted, clearly unconvinced. "Do you trust her that much?"


    "It''s not about trusting her," Stanley replied quickly, his voice firm. "It''s that she wouldn''t have a reason to do something like that. The child Wendy is carrying is Samuels, and Jessica doesn''t have a beef with Samuel. Why would she go through all this trouble to get rid of Samuel''s child? Doesn''t that logic seem off to you?"


    Glinda''s eyes sharpened, and she smirked. "Yes, it''s true that Jessica wouldn''t have any reason to harm Samuel''s child-unless, of course, the child Wendy''s carrying isn''t actually Samuel''s, right?"


    Stanley froze, his mind catching up with hier words. He looked at Glinda and Halsey, confusion growing in his eyes.


    "What exactly are you trying to say?"


    Both Glinda and Halsey were well aware of Stanley''s misunderstanding regarding the child Wendy was carrying. He had always believed it wasn''t his.


    Now, they decided it was time for him to uncover the truth for himself.


    "We''re not saying anything," Glinda responded, her tone smooth and knowing. "The truth speaks for itself. Talk to the kidnappers and the doctor. Ask them who''s pulling the strings behind all this. If it turns out Jessica is the one behind it, you''ll need to reconsider who the father of Wendy''s child really is."


    With that, Glinda and Halsey walked into the ward.


    Stanley stood frozen outside, a sharp pang of realization hitting him. He was smart enough to understand that both Glinda and Halsey had been subtly hinting that the child was his.


    But how could that be possible?


    He had seen the pregnancy report, and the timing didn''t add up.


    Cyril nced at Stanley. "You''re a smart guy. How did you let your emotions blind your logic?"


    Stanley didn''t respond. Instead, his voice hardened as he muttered, "I''m going to find out who''s really behind this.


    11


    Stanley entered the small, dimly lit room where the kidnappers and the doctor were tied up, crouching on the ground. The moment they saw Stanley, fear shed in their eyes.


    Everyone knew Stanley, the wealthiest man in Hovendale. His reputation was unmatched.


    Zayn pulled over a chair for Stanley. He sat, his gaze icy as he looked down at the prisoners.


    "So, who''s the mastermind behind all this? I hear none of you are willing to speak."


    The kidnappers and the doctor remained silent.


    Zayn handed over several man envelopes and Stanley took one. He casually opened it, pulling out the first file inside.


    "Gus Robson, from Sunridge. You have an eight-year-old daughter who just started first grade, right?"


    Gus'' emotions red, his voice rising in panic. "M-Mr. Hawk, what are you going to do? My daughter is just a kid -don''t involve her! Please, don''t hurt her!"


    2


    Stanley opened another envelope, this time pulling out a document about Cary Kinsman.


    "Dr. Cary Kinsman, a medical doctor with a PhD. Former chief physician at a top-tier hospital. But you''ve been epting bribes on the side, performing shady surgeries. this gets out, your career''s over!"


    Cary trembled; without hesitation, he groveled, begging, "Mr. Hawk, please forgive me! I made a terrible mistake. I never meant to cross you-I swear, I wouldn''t have done if I knew you''d be involved. I''d never have the guts to go against you!"


    Stanley''s cold, unreadable gaze swept across the room, his eyes scanning each of their faces. He gave a thin, almost imperceptible smile-one that could barely be called a smirk.


    "I have all your files right here-all your weaknesses, too. m not here to be a charity. If you''re willing tomit a crime, you need to face the consequences. I''m giving you one chance. Whoever tells me who''s behind this first will be spared."


    Stanley''s voice darkened as he added, "Remember, you only get one chance. Only one of you will walk out of here free."

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    The kidnappers and Cary exchanged nces. Theirposure finally cracked.


    "Mr. Hawk, I''ll talk!" Cary was the first to speak.


    Stanley''s lips curled into a faint smile. "Good. Then speak. Who sent you? Who ordered all of this?"


    Cary swallowed hard. ¡°Mr. Hawk, someone offered arge sum of money to buy the baby in Wendy''s womb. That person is-


    But before he could finish the name, Cary suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood.


    Stanley''s expression changed instantly, "Someone! Get in here!"


    A medical team rushed into the room to check on him.


    Before they could finish, the rest of the kidnappers began to spit up blood as well, copsing to the floor one by


    one.


    One of the doctors stood up, his face grave. ¡°Mr. Hawk, it''s no use. They''ve been poisoned. None of them will be able to speak."


    Stanley''s sharp, chiseled features darkened with cold fury.


    Zayn leaned in and muttered, "Mr. Hawk, looks like the person behind all this made their move ahead of time. Once the job was done, they didn''t see any reason to keep these people alive. Whoever''s behind this is cruel."


    Stanley hadn''t expected the mastermind to be bold enough to pull this under his


    nose.


    Now that all the leads were gone, there was no one left to question.


    He stood up and walked out of the room.


    Glinda and Halsey were waiting for him.


    "Did you find anything? Who''s behind it all?" Glinda asked


    Stanley shook his head.


    Zayn stepped forward and quickly exined everything that had happened inside.


    Glinda mmed her cane against the floor and let out a sharp huff. "Her methods are vicious. I really underestimated her!"


    Halsey gritted his teeth. "Now there''s no way to trace anything back. It''s infuriating!"


    They had been so close to getting answers. And now, the trail had gonepletely cold.


    Just then, Cyril walked over. "Dr. Cen is awake!"


    Glinda''s and Halsey''s eyes lit up. "Wendy''s awake? That''s wonderful! Let''s go see her!"


    The two of them hurried off toward the hospital room.


    Stanley stood frozen for a moment. Wendy was awake?


    Then he turned and quickly followed behind them.


    Inside the ward, Wendy was already sitting up in bed. Glinda and Halsey stood at her sides, one on the left, one on the right.


    26 BONUS


    "Wendy, thank goodness! You''re finally awake. You''ve really scared us," Glinda said with teary relief, Wendy saw their worried faces and managed to lift the corners of her pale lips. "I''m okay. Oh, is Cece..." Halsey quickly reached out and held her hand. "Don''t worry Wendy. She''s right next door. I checked in on her. She''s fine. The doctors said she had only inhaled some kind of sleeping gas. She''ll wake up by tomorrow morning." Relief flooded Wendy''s face. What she feared most was having dragged her friend into danger.


    She ced a gentle hand over her still-t belly. She had checked her pulse earlier-thankfully, the baby was safe


    too.


    They hade through it all without disaster.


    Glinda''s tone turned slightly ster


    Wendy met Glinda''s eyes.


    "Why didn''t you tell me you were pregnant? I had to hear it from someone else.


    She knew how much Glinda had longed for a great-grandchild, but given how tense things were between her and Stanley, telling the truth would''ve only made things more difficult.


    "I''m sorry, Grandma..." Wendy said quietly.


    "Silly girl," Glinda murmured, gently touching Wendy''s stomach. "I should be the one thanking you. You''re carrying the next generation of the Hawk family." 1


    Just then, Halsey noticed the tall figure standing in the doorway. "Mr. Hawk, why are you just standing out there?"


    Wendy looked up and saw him-Stanley-his tall frame still and silent by the door.


    He was looking right at her.


    Their eyes met, and neither one looked away.


    Today''s Bonus Offer

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    Stanley stood at the door with lils eyes fixed on Wendy, his body tense as though he wanted to step inside.


    But Wendy, not wanting to face him, quickly averted her gaze.


    Stanley froze in ce.


    Just then, Lilian''s voice rang out from the hallway. "Mr. Hawk, Jessica''s heart is acting up again! She wants to see you. You should go to her quickly."


    Lilian hade to find Stanley again to tell her about Jessica''s re-up.


    Glinda and Halsey both heard Lilian''s voice. Glinda let out a cold snort. "She''s asked to see you again. Why don''t you go to her?"


    Halsey muttered, Jessica''s alwaysining about hear pains. She''s been doing it for years, and yet she''s still alive and kicking. It''s a miracle."


    Stanley remained standing tall in the doorway, his eyes still on Wendy.


    Wendy stayed silent as Halsey poured a ss of warm water. She took it, her eyes lowered as she drank slowly. Her delicate profile glowed in the soft light, almost ethereal.


    Lilian''s voice rang out once more, urgent this time. "Mr. Hawk, did you hear me? Jessica''s still waiting for you!"


    Stanley nced at Wendy onest time, then turned and left.


    Stanley had really gone to see Jessica.


    Glinda was speechless. "He actually went! Well, I hope he neveres back!"


    Wendy gently took Glinda''s hand. "It''s okay. Don''t be upset. You need to take care of yourself."


    Glinda sighed. "I should''ve made sure to send Jessica abroad when I had the chance. If it weren''t for her, you and Stanley wouldn''t be going through all this."


    Wendy''s lips curled into a faint smile. "It''s not that simple. Love can''t be avoided. Mr. Hawk loves Jessica, and no matter where she goes, his heart will follow. Even you sent her away, he would have just gone with her."


    if


    "I really don''t get it. How could he fall for someone like her?" Glinda wondered.


    Just then, Halsey spoke up. "Wendy, did you know that Jessica once saved Mr. Hawk?"


    "What? Would she even do such a thing?" Glinda looked stunned.


    Wendy shook her head. "I didn''t know."


    Halsey sat down beside her on the bed. "He told me today, right outside the door. He said the reason he''s always been so kind to Jessica is that she once saved his life, and he feels indebted to her."


    Wendy furrowed her brow. Jessica saved Stanley''s life?


    She had always thought she was the one who saved Stanley had Jessica done the same?


    How many times had Stanley gotten injured?


    Wendy''s thoughts raced. "When and where did she save him?"


    "He said it happened years ago. He was severely injured and wandered into a forest. That was when Jessica found


    him, took him to a cave, and saved his life. He said he promised her that day he would take her home and never leave her "


    As Halsey finished speaking, Wendy''s eyes went wide with shock. Jessica had saved Stanley In a cave?


    How could that be?


    Wendy was the one who had saved Stanley in that cave all those years ago!


    Their story was hers, not Jessica''s!


    "Wendy, are you okay?" Glinda asked, concern in her voice


    Wendy snapped out of her daze. "Halsey, did he really tell you that?"


    Halsey nodded. "Yeah, he told me himself right outside this room. I''m sure of it.


    He said that his rtionship with Jessica wasn''t as simple as love or not love. He


    said Jessica was his responsibility and he couldn''t abandon her."


    Suddenly, Wendy let out a softugh. But as sheughed, her eyes, so pale and clear, filled with tears. Within moments,rge drops began to fall.

 My Dad Please Come 504

    Wendy, why are you crying? You''re


    pulled out a tissue and dabbed at you shouldnt be upsetting yourself like this." Glinda quickly


    tears.


    Wendy couldn''t help butugh bitterly. She finally understood it all made sense now. Jessica had been impersonating her all along!


    9


    For all this time, Jessica had taken her ce, pretending to be the one who had saved Stanley.


    Stanley had always believed Jessica saved him in that cave all those years ago.


    Wendy reached up to touch her neck, but there was nothing there. The crystal pendant Stanley had given her was gone.


    That pendant had been the token of their bond when he saved her in the cave.


    She hadn''t worn it for a while, but she remembered clearly that she had left it in her apartment.


    "Wendy, what''s going on? Don''t scare me like this," Halsey said.


    The shock hit Wendy hard, but she quickly steadied herself. "I''m fine. Jessica is a fraud!"


    Halsey looked at Wendy in confusion. "What do you mean?


    Wendy straightened up. "Jessica didn''t save Mr. Hawk in that cave. I did!"


    Halsey jumped to her feet, her voice filled with disbelief. "Are you saying she stole your identity? That''s a low move. What a shameless liar!"


    Glinda pped her thighs in frustration. "I knew it! How could she possibly have saved Stanley? Someone like her, so selfish, would have run the moment danger appeared! Stanley''s been a fool all these years, thinking it was her."


    Halsey clenched her fists. "We have to expose that liar now!"


    Wendy nodded firmly. "I have the crystal pendant-Mr. Hawk gave it to me. It''s proof of who I am. It''s in my apartment right now. I need to go get it. Once he sees it, he''ll understand."


    Halsey hesitated, looking concerned. "Why don''t you rest for a while? Once you feel better, we''ll go back and get it.


    Wendy shook her head.


    She couldn''t believe Jessica had been pretending to be her all this time. Now that she knew the truth, she couldn''t wait for another second. She had to expose Jessica!


    "I''m fine. I''m a doctor, and I know my body. The baby''s fine. I need to go now."


    Glinda sighed. ¡°Alright, I''ll have the driver bring the car around. It''s better to deal with Jessica sooner rather thanter."


    Half an hourter, Wendy arrived back at Royale Residences. She needed to get the crystal pendant.


    But as she searched, she couldn''t find it.


    Halsey asked, "Are you sure you left the pendant here?"


    Wendy was certain. "I put it right here, I don''t misce things. I know It was here. But now, it''s gone."


    She searched again, but still no pendant.


    The crystal pendant was crucial. How could it have just disappeared?


    Glinda eyed Wendy with suspicion. "Do you think someone might have taken it?¡±


    Wendy froze. Suddenly, she remembered-Jessica had been in her apartment just a few days ago.


    At the time, Jessica had been standing right here close to where the pendant was.


    Since Jessica had been impersonating her, she must have known about the pendant. Could Jessica have taken it?


    Wendy couldn''t help butugh in frustration. Not only had jessica stolen her identity, but that woman had also stolen her crystal pendant. Jessica truly was audacious-she had no shame!


    Halsey asked, "Did you find the pendant?"


    Wendy stood up, her eyes cold with contempt. "We can stop looking. Jessica took


    it."


    Today''s Bonus Offer

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    "Jessica took the crystal pendant?"


    "That thief! She''ll stop at nothing!"


    Glinda and Halsey fumed, their voices dripping with anger.


    Wendy gave a small, mocking smile. "Does she really think she''ll be safe once she takes the crystal pendant? The truth will alwayse out, no matter how hard you try to hide it. Let''s go back to the hospital."


    "Alright."


    In the hospital room, Jessica sat with Lilian, holding her mother''s hand tightly. She asked anxiously, "Mom, did you tell Stanley toe?"


    Lilian nodded. "I did. He''s talking to Zayn outside. He''ll be in soon."


    Jessica sighed in relief. "Looks like Stanley still cares about me. Of course, as long as I''m still the one who saved him, he won''t abandon me."


    She nced at Lilian, a question in her eyes. "Have the kidnappers and the doctor been dealt with?"


    Lilian smiled slightly. "Don''t worry. It''s all taken care of. I had them drugged before they even started their task. Even if they''re caught, they won''t be able to speak. No one will ever know we were behind it all-there''s no evidence."


    Lilian had learned from past mistakes; this time, she had spent a small fortune to ensure everything was clean. But Jessica still seemed troubled. "Even with everything going so smoothly, Wendy still managed to escape, and she didn''t lose the baby. I see Glinda''s here, too. I''m afraid Stanley will find out the truth-that the baby is his."


    Lilian''s expression darkened. "Jessica, calm down. Don''t lose your focus. As long as you have his heart, everything will be fine."


    Jessica nodded. "I understand, Mom."


    Just then, Stanley walked into the room.


    Jessica immediately put on a weak, fragile expression. "Where did you go earlier? Did you go see Wendy?"


    Stanley sat on the edge of the bed, lips pressed together in silence.


    Jessica pouted. "My heart is bothering me. Please, don''t run off again. Stay with me. I can''t be away


    With that, she wrapped her arms around Stanley''s strong waist, pressing herself against him.


    Stanley paused for a moment, his mind filled with the image of Wendy''s fragile, radiant face.


    from you."


    He had promised Jessica that he would always choose her, that he would be loyal to her-but he couldn''t control his heart.


    He reached out, trying to push Jessica away gently. "If you''re not feeling well, you should lie down."


    "No, I want a hug," Jessica whined, clinging to him, not letting go.


    Suddenly, Lilian''s voice broke through. "Wendy? What are you doing here?"


    Stanley turned his head, his eyes widening as he saw Wendy standing by the door, Wendy was here,


    He froze.


    Lilian quickly stepped forward, feigning concern. "I heard you were kidnapped and taken into surgery. I''ve been so worried about you. Are you okay?".


    Halsey''s voice was cold and biting. "You two really are something, each of you a better actress than the other. Wendy doesn''t need your fake sympathy!"


    Lilian red at Halsey, her irritation clear. "Watch it!"


    Lilian couldn''t stand Halsey. If it weren''t for her, Wendy wouldn''t have escaped so easily.


    But Halsey was a darling of the Lincoln family, and Lilian couldn''t do anything about it. The feeling of helpless hatred gnawed at her.


    Lilian suddenly smiled, her tone sweet but mocking. "Wendy, are you here to see Jessica? Mr. Hawk is sitting with her right now. You can see for yourself."


    Wendy''s clear, sharp eyes locked onto Stanley, who sat on the bed, with Jessica clinging to him tightly.

 My Dad Please Come 506

    Stanley tried to gently push Jessica away, but she held on tightly. She tilted her head back, offering Wendy a bright, triumphant smile as shey in his arms.


    It was both a taunt and a disy of her smug satisfaction..


    Wendy''s expression remained neutral, giving nothing away


    Jessica continued to look at Wendy, a yful edge in her voice. "Did youe to see me?"


    Wendy didn''t respond. Instead, her gaze shifted to Stanley. Mr. Hawk, I need to talk to you."


    Stanley hadn''t expected Wendy to approach him so directly He started to rise from the bed.


    But Jessica clung to him, not letting him go. "Stanley, don''t leave me! My heart''s still bothering me..." Halsey, growing impatient, snapped, "Enough with the theatrics!"


    Still, Jessica wouldn''t let go of Stanley. "Please, you promised you''d stay with me. I don''t want you to leave." Stanley frowned, clearly frustrated. "Let go. I''ll be back in a minute."


    "No," she whined. "I won''t let you leave."


    Jessica threw a defiant look in Wendy''s direction.


    Wendy''s eyes, sharp and clear, met hers with an icy calmness. She gazed down


    at Jessica with an expression that held a trace of mockery.


    So this was all she had, huh?


    The swapped identity, the stolen crystal pendant-Wendy had seen through all her tricks.


    Wendy looked at Jessica as one might look at an insignificant distraction, then turned to Stanley with a cold smile "I''ll be waiting for you outside."


    With that, Wendy turned and walked out.


    Halsey looked at Stanley, her tone urgent. "You''d better go after her. She has something important to say, and if you don''t listen, you''ll regret it for the rest of your life!"


    Halsey followed Wendy out.


    Stanley''s eyes locked onto Jessica, his voice stern. "Jessica, let go."


    His words were firm, bordering on amand.


    Though reluctant, Jessica released her hold. Stanley stood up, walking toward the door with long, purposeful strides.


    Lilian, watching Stanley leave, frowned. "What could Wendy possibly want to talk to Mr. Hawk about?"


    Jessica, not even a hint of doubt in her eyes, responded, "What could she possibly say? She doesn''t know about me taking her ce, and there''s no proof that I''m behind any of this. She''s just shamelessly holding onto Stanley, trying to make him waver!"


    She clenched her fists in frustration, her voice dripping with jealousy.


    "Wendy, why won''t you just disappear?"


    Chemter 506


    Wendy had returned to her VIP ward, and soon after, Stanley arrived.


    Glinda and Halsey, sensing the tension, left the room to give them some space. Stanley entered to find Wendy standing by the window, her long, dark hair flowing softly around her shoulders. The pale light caught the strands, giving her an almost ethereal glow.


    She wore a hospital gown, but over it, she had draped a while coat, giving her a fragile, delicate appearance. Stanley stepped forward, for a moment, the room was silent, the air thick with unspoken words.


    Stanley broke the quiet. "You wanted to talk?"


    Wendy slowly turned to face him, her beautiful, clear eyes locking onto his. "Yes. I have a question for you."


    Stanley raised an eyebrow. "What''s that?"


    Wendy''s gaze held steady. "I want to know about you and Jessica."


    Stanley hesitated, caught off guard. He knew Wendy well-she wasn''t the type to gossip, and she had never asked him about his rtionship with Jessica before. He replied cautiously, "What do you want to know?"


    Wendy met his gaze without hesitation. "I heard that Jessica saved you once. Is that true?"


    Stanley''s tall frame tensed. "Did Halsey tell you that?"


    Wendy nodded. "Yes, she did. I heard that years ago, when you were injured, Jessica saved you in a cave."


    Today''s Bonus Offer

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    At the mention of those past events, Stanley''s usually sharp features softened.


    "Yes, it was many years ago. I was severely injured and wandered into a forest. It was Jessica who saved me. If it weren''t for her, I wouldn''t be here today. She''s the one who gave me a second chance at life."


    Wendy couldn''t help butugh, a bitter chuckle escaping her lips. She couldn''t even put her feelings into words, only feeling a deep ache in her chest; a mixture of sharp pain and a strange, tingling sensation.


    She had always thought he had forgotten.


    She had always believed he had forgotten her.


    In reality, he had never forgotten.


    He still remembered her.


    All these years, he had kept her in his heart.


    To know that the love had been reciprocated-it was such a beautiful thing, even if he had mistaken the person.


    Wendy tilted her head back, her small face gazing up at him "Do you remember the words you said in that cave?" Stanley nodded. "I told her I would take her with me, that I would give her a home. I promised I would never leave her."


    He looked at Wendy, his gaze intense.


    "All these years, I''ve kept my promise. I found Jessica and brought her into my life. I''ve watched her grow up by my side. Sometimes, it feels like I''ve nurtured her like a precious flower, showering her with all the love and indulgence I could offer."


    Stanley reached out and gently ced his hand on Wendy''s shoulder.


    "Do you understand now? I don''t want to be your enemy. I don''t want to stand against you. But I can''t leave Jessica. She may be willful or scheming; she may not be perfect, but she''s my girl."


    Stanley said Jessica was his girl.


    Wendy''s pale eyelids reddened, her eyes welling with tears that shimmered like mist. She looked at him through a


    haze of tears.


    All these years, he had done so much.


    He had never abandoned her. He had kept her close, watching her grow.


    Wendy''s heart softened. All the resentment and frustration from the past faded away. The truth was, he had already brought her back home.


    Unfortunately, he had brought home the wrong person.


    In the end, it was toote.


    She and Stanley had missed out on each other for so many years.


    Stanley watched as tears welled up in Wendy''s eyes,rge droplets falling freely down her cheeks.


    He was stunned. He didn''t know why she was crying. What could have made her so upset?


    Stanley raised his hand and gently wiped away her tears, hi voice hoarse as he muttered, "Wendy, I''m sorry, I already have Jessica.


    He already had Jessica,


    Wendy, through the blur of tears, managed to curve her lip into a faint smile. She didn''t say a word but simply replied, "Alright. I''ll treat Jessica''s heart condition."


    Stanley was taken aback. He knew how resolute Wendy had been before, and he hadn''t expected her to suddenly agree.


    "Why" Stanley began, unsure of how to react.


    Wendy didn''t give him a chance to finish. She continued, "Where''s Samuel? I want to talk to him. I want to hear his voice and make sure he''s safe."


    Hearing Samuel''s name seemed to extinguish the warmth Stanley was feeling. He almost forgot that he and Wendy were over-that she was with Samuel now, and carrying his child.


    Stanley slowly released his grip on Wendy. "He''s safe. I''ll call him now."


    Stanley pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed the number. "Put Samuel on the line."


    Before long, Samuel''s voice came through the phone, yful and sharp. "Hello, Mr. Hawk. When are you going to let me out of here?"


    Stanley remained silent, handing the phone to Wendy.


    Wendy quickly took it from him. "Samuel, it''s me!"


    Samuel''s voice was filled with surprise and happiness. "Wendy!"

 My Dad Please Come 508

    "Are you okay, Samuel? Have you been eating well? Is anyone bothering you?" Wendy asked.


    Stanley watched Wendy as she spoke, her face filled with genuine concern for Samuel. The worry and care were unmistakable, no trace of it being forced.


    Stanley turned away, unwilling to look or listen.


    "I''m fine. Don''t worry." Samuel''s voice came through the phone, light and teasing. "Mr. Hawk has been treating me really well since he brought me here. I think I''ve even gained a little weight."


    Wendy knew Samuel was just trying tofort her. A small smile tugged at her lips. "Hang in there. I''ve agreed to perform the surgery on Jessica. Once it''s done, you''ll be free."


    There was a pause on the other end. Samuel didn''t ask why-he always supported whatever decision Wendy made. "Alright. Don''t worry about me. I''m doing just fine."


    Wendy held the phone, her eyes lost in the view of the twinkling city lights outside the window. "After the surgery, let''s get out of Hovendale. I don''t want to stay here anymore."


    When Stanley heard her words, his proud figure stiffened, his body rigid. Wendy wanted to leave.


    Why the sudden change of heart? You refused to go with me befo


    Samel spoke.


    Wendy gazed at her reflection in the window, her voice soft. "Because I''ll have dealt with the things that had to be dealt with. It''s time for me to go."


    "Alright," Samuel replied. "I''ll take you with me by then."


    Wendy hung up the phone and handed it back to Stanley. "Thanks."


    Stanley took the phone from her.


    Wendyid out her terms, her voice steady. "I''ll perform the surgery on Jessica, but before that, you have to release Samuel. I need to see him before I go through with it."


    Stanley nodded. "Okay."


    Wendy stood up, her words clear. "You can go now. I''ve said everything I needed to say."


    Stanley didn''t move. He stood there, looking at Wendy. "Are you really leaving?"


    Wendy didn''t raise her eyes. "Yes."


    Stanley''s voice grew softer. "Where will you go?"


    Wendy turned her gaze toward him, but her eyes were cold. That''s none of your business."


    Stanley''s long fingers curled into a fist, tightly gripping the phone.


    Wendy lifted her eyes to meet his. "Is there something else you want to say?"


    Stanley opened his mouth to speak, but seeing Wendy''s guarded stance, the memory of their current situation, and the presence of Jessica, the words died in his throat. He said nothing.


    Stanley turned and walked away.


    As he left, Halsey stepped into the room. "Did you tell Mr. Hawk the truth? Did you tell him you''re the one who saved him all those years ago? Do you think he''ll believe it?


    Wendy smiled faintly. "No."


    Halsey was taken aback. "Why not, Wendy? Why not tell him?"


    26 BONUS


    "It''s not the right time," Wendy exined, her voice calm. Right now, the crystal pendant is with Jessica. If I reveal everything too soon, it could alert her. I''ve already agreed to perform her surgery.".


    Halsey''s gaze sharpened. "Do you have a n already?"


    Wendy''s eyes hardened, her voice filled with intent. "When saved Stanley all those years ago, there was a witness. I''ve already sent someone to find him. On the day perform Jessica''s heart surgery, that witness will be there. I''ll expose Jessica''s lie."


    Halsey grinned. "That''s perfect! She''s been pretending to be you all these years, stealing the love and care that should have been yours. It''s time for her to pay the price for everything she''s taken."


    Wendy''s gaze turned cold, a sharp glint in her eyes. "Do you know how to destroy someone? It''s simple. You raise them to the peak, make them believe they have everything, then you drop them hard, send them crashing to the bottom. When that happens, they''ll break. And that''s the cost Jessica will pay for impersonating me."


    Today''s Bonus Offer

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    Halsey was thrilled. She knew Wendy had a way of dealing with Jessica, the Impostor.


    Just thinking about how Jessica had been pretending to be Wendy and throwing her weight around infuriated Halsey. The day Wendy exposed Jessica for who she really was would be nothing short of spectacr.


    But...


    Halsey looked at Wendy, a serious expression crossing her face. "What about Mr. Hawk? What are you nning to do with him?"


    Stanley still had no idea that the girl who had saved him all those years ago was actually Wendy. How would he react when he found out? What would Wendy do when that day came?


    Wendy''s voice was soft as she answered, "I''m been exhausting."


    She wanted to leave


    Loving Stanley all these years h


    She had never really belonged here, but because Stanley was here, she had stayed. Now, she was ready to go.


    "But for all these years, he''s beenpletely deceived by Jessica. He''s been blind to the truth, but he''s also a victim. He doesn''t know it''s you," Halsey said, trying to defend Stanley. She still hoped Wendy and Stanley could work things out.


    Wendy, however, wasn''t interested in continuing this conversation. "Let''s not talk about this anymore."


    Halsey sighed and gave in. "Alright. You should get some rest. Go lie down."


    Wendyy down on the bed, closing her eyes.


    Back in Jessica''s hospital room, Stanley had returned.


    Jessica immediately asked, "What did Wendy say to you?"


    Stanley didn''t respond.


    ¡°Did she badmouth me again? Did she try to seduce you? She''s no good. You need to stay far away from her!" Jessica said, her voice quick and defensive.


    Lilian chimed in, "Yes, Wendy''s so vindictive and maniptive. She knows how to y people. Don''t let her sweet appearance fool you.''


    Stanleyzily lifted his eyes, his cold gaze sweeping over both of them, and said, "Wendy has agreed to perform the heart surgery."


    What?


    Both Jessica and Lilian jumped, their faces lighting up with excitement. "Really? She agreed to do the surgery?"


    Stanley nodded. "Yes."


    Lilian''s face brightened. "That''s wonderful! You''re going to be saved, Jessica! Wendy finally agreed to help."


    Jessica smiled, relieved. "I''m going to be healthy again! I''ll finally be rid of this heart disease."


    Stanley nced at both of them. "A moment ago, you two were badmouthing her."


    Jessica froze, remembering how she and Lin had criticized Wendy just minutes before. She gave a nervousugh, trying to exin, "Stanley ¡ª


    Stanley cut her off, uninterested. "Rest up. I''m leaving for now."


    Without waiting for a response, Stanley turned and walked away.


    "Don''t go!" Jessica called after him, desperation in her voice. "You promised you''d stay with me. Stanley? Stanley!


    But this time, her pleas were in vain. Stanley''s figure quickly disappeared from sight.


    Stanley was gone.


    Jessica''s face fell in disappointment. "Mom, what''s wrong with Stanley? Why is he being so cold to me?"


    Lilian, on the other hand, was full of excitement. "Mr. Hawk loves you. Don''t doubt that. It''s thanks to him putting pressure on Wendy that she finally agreed to the surgery."


    Jessica''s mood shifted, her joy returning. "Yes, he loves me. My heart disease will be gone, and then I won''t have to be controlled by anyone anymore!"


    Lilian grinned, her eyes sparkling.


    "Exactly! He promised you that once you''re healthy, he''d marry you. And then, you''ll have children and live the life of Mrs. Hawk-luxury and wealth beyond imagination!


    Ch

 My Dad Please Come 510

    apter 510


    Jessica and Lilian were already daydreaming about the future.


    Jessica''s smile could light up the room.


    "This is amazing! I can''t wait for Wendy to perform my surgery," she said, her voice full of excitement.


    Stanley stood alone in the corridor, not leaving right away. Instead, he lingered, standing there in silence.


    The light in the hospital corridor was dim, casting a soft glow on his broad shoulders, enveloping him in a faint shadow..


    Just then, Zayn approached. "Mr. Hawk, are we heading back to thepany tonight or to Royale Residences?" Stanley barely moved, his lips curling slightly. "You head back first."


    "Alright, Mr. Hawk," Zayn responded, then turned and left


    Stanley walked over to the window. His mind echoed with the memory of Wendy and Samuel''s phone call. Wendy had said she didn''t want to stay in Hovendale anymore. She was leaving, and Samuel would take her away.


    She was carrying Samuel''s child. They would be happy together, wouldn''t they?


    On the other hand, he had Jessica. She was his responsibility, and in the future, he would marry her.


    It seemed like the right thing. A clean break, each of them moving on to separate lives. It was for the best.


    It really was for the best.


    Stanley told himself, with all his strength and reason, that this was the best arrangement for both him and Wendy.


    Yet, his heart ached. Deep inside, it felt like something was slowly slipping away.


    No matter how hard he tried, that thing kept drifting further from him.


    The loss was unbearable.


    Yet, there was nothing he could do about it.


    Once Wendy had fallen asleep, Halsey quietly slipped out of the room. As she walked down the corridor, she spotted Dwight.


    He hadn''t left yet. Dressed in all ck, he sat on the bench, his sharp, cool features barely softened by the dim lighting.


    Halsey rushed up to him. "Dwight, thanks so much! If it weren''t for you, we wouldn''t have been able to save Wendy in time."


    Dwight stood up, his expression neutral, as cold as always. Is everything taken care of?"


    Halsey nodded. "Yeah."


    "Okay. I''ll see you around," Dwight said, turning to walk away.


    Halsey quickly followed him. As she caught up, she noticed his hand hanging by his side. She bit her lip and, without thinking, reached out and gently took his hand.


    Her soft delicate hand slipped into his, and for a moment, wight hesitated. He turned to look at her. Het small oval face was tilted up, her eyes filled with a bright, dazzling smile, lighting up the dull corridor,


    She smiled at him.


    Dwight tried to pull his hand away, but Halsey anticipated is move. She gripped his hand tightly. "I''m heading home too. Can you give me a tide?"


    Dwight opened his mouth, about to say something, but Halsey quickly added, "It''s reallyte, and it''s dangerous for a girl like me to be out alone. You wouldn''t want me to be in danger, would you?"


    He fell silent.


    His silence was his consent. Halsey felt a rustrof happiness "Have you ever had other girls ride on your bike?"


    She wanted to know if she was the only one who had ever been on his bike.


    Dwight nodded. "Yeah."


    11


    Halsey blinked, her disappointment obvious.


    So, he had taken other girls on his bike?


    Her voice dropped, her disappointment turning to a small pang in her chest. "Who was it?"


    Dwight nced at her. "Which one are you talking about? It''s not just one."


    Halsey frowned. "Dwight!"


    Her hand balled into a fist, and she yfully punched his arm.


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    Halsey was sure Dwight understood what she meant. And yet, he had the nerve to proudly admit he had taken more than one girl on his bike!


    Dwight didn''t move, and Halsey''s fistnded directly on his chest.


    It was solid.


    Halsey winced, feeling the pain in her hand. She quickly pulled it back, annoyed. "Are you made of stone or something? Your muscles are so hard. My hand hurts now."


    Dwight looked at her delicate hand, noting the slight redness on her fingers.


    He gave a small shirk. "Why did you hit me?"


    Halsey shot him a re, still fuming. "What do you think?


    "I don''t know," Dwight replied.


    Halsey raised an eyebrow. "ying dumb, huh? Tell me: who are the girls you''ve taken on your bike?"


    Dwight looked at her, his expression unreadable. "My mom and my sister."


    Halsey''s breath caught, and her face, usually pale, immediately turned bright red. She had thought he meant other girls, but instead, it was his mother and Madeline.


    Halsey was at a loss for words.


    Dwight watched her stunned expression, and a hint of amusement flickered in his eyes. He couldn''t help but


    chuckle


    Halsey stomped her foot. "What are youughing at? Are you making fun of me?"


    "I wasn''tughing," Dwight said, a smirk still on his face.


    Halsey stood on tiptoe, her soft body pressing toward him. She raised both hands and grabbed the corners of his lips. "I saw you! You wereughing at me!"


    As she lunged toward him, Dwight stepped back, his back hitting the wall, essentially cornered by her.


    Now, her small hands were on his face, and her big, doe-like eyes were locked onto him with an innocent, almost childlike look.


    Dwight turned his gaze away.


    That was when Halsey noticed the injury on his neck. "What happened here?" she asked, her voice soft with


    concern.


    Dwight was wearing a T-shirt, and the wound was near his corbone. If you didn''t look closely, you wouldn''t notice it.


    Halsey gently moved his cor aside, revealing a red, raw cut.


    She leaned in closer, her breath warm and gentle, brushing against his injury. Dwight didn''t feel pain, but the spot tingled, and he instinctively tried to push her away.


    "It''s nothing. Just a small injury."


    Halsey knew the wound hade from when he had fought with the kidnappers, but he hadn''t mentioned it.


    Chapto 511


    When Wendy had been in trouble, Dwight had rushed over her call and had quietly stayed at the hospital afterward, waiting for everything to settle.


    A warmth spread through Halsey''s chest as she stood on tiptoe and pressed a soft kiss to his wound.


    Dwight stiffened.


    The injury was just below his defined corbone. Halsey kissed it gently.


    Dwight ced his hand on her forehead and pushed her back gently. "What are you doing?"


    She looked up at him, standing even higher on her toes, and kissed his soft lips. Dwight froze.


    26 BONUS


    Seeing that he wasn''t pulling away, Halsey wrapped both of her small hands around his neck, deepening the kiss.


    Dwight''s body stiffened, but the warmth and softness of her lips slowly began to pull him in. This wasn''t the first time they had kissed, and Halsey, with shy yet bold moves, traced the outline of his lips, teasing him and making the kiss deeper.


    Dwight''s throat tightened, and just then, Halsey parted his lips, daring to slide her tongue inside.


    Dwight felt it again, that overwhelming feeling, like thest time when he had been drugged with aphrodisiac incense. It was an intense, uncontroble urge, like watching a forbidden movie in secret.


    At his age, curiosity was growing. He was at that point where his blood was


    rushing, and his body responded in ways he couldn''t ignore.


    Dwight wanted to push Halsey away, but his hands wouldn''t cooperate. His eyes


    fluttered shut, and slowly, he began to respond to her kiss.

 My Dad Please Come 512

    hapter 512


    Halsey''s legs wobbled, and although her arms were still wrapped around Dwight''s neck, her delicate body went soft against his chest.


    Dwight''s arms tightened around her slender waist. He lifted her and pressed her gently against him,


    Halsey''s face turned bright red as she pushed him away.


    Their lips parted, and Dwight looked at her, her lips glistening from the kiss. In a low voice, he asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Halsey''s big, watery eyes flickered nervously, and she quickly nced at his pants. "You''re pressing against me." Dwight froze, unsure of what to say.


    Halsey, to her surprise, noticed a faint blush spreading across his face. She never expected someone as stoic and cold as him to blush


    She smiled mischievously. "Are you blushing?"


    "I''m not," he replied quickly, trying to hide his embarrassment.


    "You''re definitely blushing!" she teased, reaching out as if to touch his cheek.


    Dwight moved back slightly. "Stop messing around."


    Halsey leaned in close to his ear, her voice dropping to a soft whisper. "Do you want me to help you likest time?


    11


    Dwight''s mind immediately shed back to thest time-they were in his room, on his bed, and she had insisted on watching the video with him. Then...


    Now she was asking him if he wanted her help again?


    He almost wanted to refuse, but then he looked into her eyes. Thoserge, beautiful eyes that glistened with innocence and mischief. Before he could respond, she had already pressed herself closer.


    "Halsey..." he said her name softly.


    She felt a wave of shyness, but she was determined. Standing on tiptoe, she kissed him, teasing, "Yeah?"


    Her small hands wandered down his chest.


    Halsey liked seeing him like this-seeing the usually cold and serious Dwight, now looking disheveled, his eyes red-rimmed as he gasped for breath, his will nearly broken by her touch.


    She controlled him, and it was exhrating.


    Only she had seen this side of him. Every time it happened, she felt a thrill of warmth inside.


    She was in love with Dwight.


    "Do you have feelings for me?" Halsey asked softly.


    They were standing in a dimly lit hallway, with no one around. Dwight held her


    close, his handsome face buried in her long hair.


    She was asking Dwight whether he had feelings for her.


    His breath was uneven, and after a long pause, he murmur soft hum.


    Halsey pressed on, "Is that a yes or a no?"


    Dwight was growing frustrated with the teasing, the sound of her voice driving him wild. He couldn''t take it anymore. Without another word, he lowered his head and kissed her fiercely, cutting off her chatter.


    Outside, Cyril had finished his business and was now looking for Halsey. After searching around, he couldn''t find her.


    "Bebe? Bebe?"


    There was no response.


    Cyril turned to his subordinate. "Have you seen Halsey?"


    His subordinate shook his head. "No, sir."


    Cyril furrowed his brow in confusion. Where had Halsey gone off to?


    "Bebe? Bebe?" he called again, but still, there was no answer.


    Growing worried, Cyril decided to send his men out in different directions to search.


    Just then, Halsey''s voice rang out from behind him. "I''m here, Dad."


    Cyril turned around to find Dwight and Halsey walking toward him.


    Dwight had returned to his usual cold demeanor, looking as stoic and emotionless


    as ever, though there was still a hint of redness around his eyes.


    Halsey, too, had not fully recovered from the flush on her face. Her beautiful almond-shaped eyes still held a hint of nervousness.


    Cyril frowned. "Where have you been?"


    Halsey, feeling guilty, stammered, ¡°I¡ªI was just talking with Dwight for a bit."


    Cyril''s gaze shifted to Dwight. "Hey, Dwight."


    Today''s Bonus Offer


    +2151

 My Dad Please Come 513

    Dwight looked at Cyril and called out, "Hello, Professor Lincoln."


    Cyril was a professor, and Dwight was one of his students. They knew each other.


    Cyril gave a small nod and then extended his hand toward inlsey, "Let''s go home."


    Halsey nced at Dwight. She had nned on having him take her home, but now that her father was here, she had no choice but to go with him.


    Halsey walked over to Cyril''s side.


    Cyril looked at Dwight and said kindly, "It''ste. Why don''t youe with us? I''II give you a ride."


    Dwight politely declined. "Thanks, Professor Lincoln, but can head home on my own."


    Cyril nodded. "Alright. Be careful on the road. If you need anything, don''t hesitate to call me."


    With that, Cyril turned to leave, taking Halsey with him.


    Halsey turned her head and waved a small goodbye to Dwight, reluctant to part ways.


    Dwight stood there, watching them as they left.


    Inside the luxury car, Halsey sat beside Cyril as the driver navigated the road ahead. Cyril broke the silence. "What exactly is your rtionship with Dwight? Are you two dating?"


    Halsey blushed but answered confidently, "I have feelings for him."


    Cyril frowned. "That''s nonsense! You two aren''t a good match."


    Halsey froze for a moment. ¡°Do you have something against Dwight? I get it now- you''re judging him based on your own biases!"


    Cyril sighed. "I''m not judging Dwight''s background. The boy is very talented. He was the top schr back in the day. I personally invited him to study at vendale University. I treasure talent-how could I judge him based on where hees from?"


    Halsey knew her father well enough to understand that he wasn''t the type to judge people in that way. "Then why are you stopping me from being with him?"


    Cyril didn''t answer directly, instead asking, "Do you know what his father did for a living?"


    Halsey was taken aback. "I''ve heard that he was a drug dealer, but I don''t believe it."


    "Has Dwight never told you about this?" Cyril asked.


    "No, he hasn''t."


    Cyril was aware of Dwight''s family situation. He was extremely protective of talented individuals, and he genuinely liked Dwight.


    "I''m not trying to stop you from being with Dwight. I just think you should ask him if


    he really wants to be with you," Cyril continued.


    The fact that Dwight hadn''t told Halsey about his father meant that he wasn''t ready to be with her.


    Halsey blinked, her heart racing.


    "O-Of course he wants to be with me..."


    4


    Halsey was an honest girl, but even she felt uncertain as she said it. She had no idea if Dwight really wanted to be with her.


    Earlier, when she had asked Dwight if he had feelings for her, he hadn''t given her a straight answer.


    In truth, she was still in the phase of pursuing Dwight. Though they had shared some intimate moments, it seemed like Dwight hadn''tmitted to calling it a rtionship.


    Still, she believed he was into her.


    Her lips were still a little numb from the kiss-he had kissed her so deeply earlier,


    and at the end, he had even bitten her gently.


    She could still feel the lingering heat in her palms.


    Cyril nced at her, his expression softening.


    "Bebe, you''re all grown up now. You''re at the age for dating, and I won''t stop you.


    But you need to consider Dwight''s feelings, too.


    "I''m not looking down on his background. On the contrary, I really like him. I''ve heard that he''s working multiple jobs right now, working in ces like construction sites and bars, where things can get pretty rough.


    "Here''s an idea-I''ll pay for him to tutor you. Later, I''ll have him manage Lincoln Enterprise, and he can even be the CEO."

 My Dad Please Come 514

    Halsey was stunned, her eyes wide with shock as she stared at Cyril.


    "Are you serious?"


    Cyril smiled lightly. "Of course I am. But like I said, you need to ask him if he''s willing. Maybe he doesn''t want to be your tutor, or maybe he doesn''t want to manage thepany."


    Halsey frowned, confused. ¡°What are you really trying to say?"


    Cyril sighed softly. "Maybe Dwight''s path in life is one of constant risk-always on the edge, unable to settle down. He might not be able to offer you the kind of stable future you''re looking for."


    Cyril had personally recruited Dwight years ago, but once Dwight entered college, he began skipping sses. Cyril didn''t want such a promising young man to waste his potential, so he had tried reaching out to him privately several times.


    With his connections and resources, Cyril could have


    was smart; he could easily make a name for himself Pe Dwight enter academia or the business world. Dwight


    Yet, Dwight had refused every time. That was when Cyril realized Dwight had chosen a different life for himself. Meanwhile, Halsey was the Lincoln family''s beloved daughter, their jewel. She had been pampered her entire life. She and Dwight simply weren''t a good match.


    Halsey couldn''t understand what Cyril was trying to say. "Dad, just don''t stop me from being with Dwight. I''m serious about him."


    Cyril sighed deeply, falling silent. "What about Gilbert?"


    Halsey''s face hardened. "Why are you bringing up that guy? He''s not into me. He''s still all over Sienna!"


    Cyril chuckled lightly but didn''t respond. Perhaps Gilbert hadn''t liked Halsey before, but who was to say that hadn''t changed?


    Halsey linked her arm through Cyril''s.


    "I know you''re just looking out for me, but I have my own path to follow. Right now,


    I have feelings for Dwight, and I just want to be with him."


    Cyril reached out and gently tapped her on the head. "Let''s wait until Dwight decides he wants to be with you."


    Halsey paused, her face falling as she realized the truth. They were over here talking about it, but they had no idea how Dwight felt.


    Halsey pulled out her phone and opened WhatsApp, quickly typing a message. [Did you get home yet?]


    At that moment, Dwight was already on the road, riding his motorcycle. When his phone buzzed, he pulled it out and saw Halsey''s message.


    She sent another one. [Don''t go too fast, okay? Be safe.]


    Dwight smirked slightly but didn''t respond.


    Ding!


    Another message from Halsey popped up.


    [Are you into me?


    -13 BONU


    [If you don''t reply, I''ll just take it as a yes!


    Let''s be together.


    [I want to be your girlfriend.]


    Halsey sent several messages, her bold and passionate confession pouring out. She wanted to be with him.


    But Dwight didn''t respond to any of them. As he maneuvered his motorcycle through the neon-lit streets, he looked up at the luxurious car ahead.


    He knew Cyril and Halsey were in that car-the license te belonged to the Lincoln family.


    Dwight had been following them since he left the hospital, railing behind all the way. He knew Halsey was just ahead.


    She asked him if he was into her-of course he was. How could he not be?


    She was bright, innocent, and passionate. Even though he had resisted her closeness, she had shone into his life like a warm little sun.


    His mother and sister both adored her.


    What was there not to love about a beautiful, charming youngdy from a rich family?


    Still, he didn''t know what he could offer her in return.


    He felt like...he didn''t deserve her.


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 515

    Halsey sat in the luxurious car, growing more frustrated with each passing minute. She had sent multiple texts to Dwight, but not a single one had been answered.


    Why wasn''t he responding?


    Halsey felt a knot of unease in her stomach.


    Cyril, observing her, chuckled lightly. "He still hasti''t replied, huh?"


    Halsey shot him a re. "You''re just enjoying watching me suffer, aren''t you?"


    Cyrilughed openly, not holding back. "I''ve told you before-you can''t control Dwight. But someone like Gilbert Cyrilughed openly, not holding back. "I''ve -if you figure out how to control him, you could have him wrapped around your finger for life."


    Cyril was offering his usual brand of philosophy.


    Halsey frowned. "I don''t have feelings for Gilbert. What would I want to control him for? Don''t underestimate me


    -just watch, I''ll definitely win Dwight''s heart!"


    Cyril only gave a light chuckle and spoke no more.


    The day of the surgery soon arrived.


    Jessica''s heart condition had always been a worry for the Crones, so it was no surprise that all of them were present that day.


    Edith, Harry, Lilian, Archer, Natalie, and Trish had alle to support Jessica. On the other hand, Wendy had agreed to perform the surgery, which was seen as a decisive victory for the Crone family. Edith, of course, wasn''t going to let this opportunity slip by.


    Looking at Jessica, Edith smiled. "Today''s the big day. We are all here to cheer you on."


    Jessica loved the feeling of being the center of attention. It felt so good, like being surrounded by adoration. She smiled sweetly. "Thank you, Grandma.¡±


    Trish, grinning, added, "Mr. Hawk is so in love with you. He''s already cut ties with Wendy. After the surgery, you should marry him."


    Edith chimed in, "That''s right! Soon, you''ll be Mrs. Hawk."


    Jessica beamed with joy. She had imagined marrying Stanley countless times in her mind. Once her heart was healed, her life would truly begin.


    At that moment, Edith nced around. "Where''s Wendy? Why hasn''t she arrived yet?"


    Lilian reassured her. "Don''t worry. Samuel is still in Mr. Hawk''s hands. Wendy will definitelye."


    A soft, melodious voice interrupted. "Are you looking for me?"


    Everyone looked up, and there stood Wendy


    Wendy had spent two days recovering, and she looked much better now. Today, she wore a clean whiteb coat, her long ck hair tied neatly in a low ponytail. She appeared calm, collected, and pristine.


    Wendy had arrived.


    4


    Edith smiled at her. "We offered you a way out, begging you to do the surgery for Jessica, but you refused. And now, here you are, agreeing to perform the surgery after all"


    Trish joined in. "Yeah! We told you we have Mr. Hawk on our side. Mr. Hawk loves Jessica, and going against him won''t end well for you. Now look at you- caving in, defeated."


    Edith and Trish had nned these words for a while. They'' been waiting for the chance to mock Wendy.


    Now that Wendy was here, they finally got the chance.


    Jessica, in her hospital gown, radiated with excitement. Her face was flushed, and she looked confident, as if on top of the world.


    "I hope you''ll perform my heart surgery well. But I''m not too worried-Stanley will protect me!"


    Halsey and Cecelia were there to apany Wendy. Cecelia rolled her eyes at Jessica. "Some people are just naturally obnoxious."


    Halsey sneered, "Don''t get too cocky, Jessica. Let''s see who ends upughingst!"


    What did she mean?


    Jessica turned to look at Wendy, only to find Wendy''s clear, piercing gaze locked onto hers.


    It was calm andposed, almost as if she were looking down on Jessica from a great height, seeing through everything with quiet confidence.

 My Dad Please Come 516

    hapter 516


    Halsey and Cece, standing next to Wendy, looked at Jessica with the same sharp, calcting expression, as if to say, "Enjoy your moment now, but just wait! Your time wille."


    Jessica frowned Immediately.


    Why did she feel like something was off about Wendy today


    Something didn''t feel right. Wendy was acting very strangely.


    It wasn''t until now that jessica realized how odd it was that Wendy had suddenly agreed to perform her heart surgery. Something was amiss.


    Could Wendy have discovered something?


    However, Jessica quickly pushed the thought aside.


    No, it couldn''t be. If Wendy had found out anything, she would have told Stanley. And yet, Wendy''s side had been eerily quiet.


    Jessica tried to calm herself down, deciding she was probably just overthinking. Soon, she would be undergoing her surgery, and her beautiful new life would begin.


    At that moment, Trish spoke up.


    "Mr. Hawk."


    Jessica turned around and saw Stanley, his tall, handsome figure standing there. Stanley had arrived.


    She walked toward him, a smile spreading across her face as she linked her arm with his. ¡°Stanley, you''re here!" Stanley nced at her briefly, but his eyes quickly moved to Wendy''s face.


    Wendy met his gaze. "Mr. Hawk, today is the day of our deal. As we agreed, I need to see Samuel before the surgery. Where is he?"


    Jessica immediately chuckled. "You two seem to have a great rtionship. You talk about him all the time."


    With a yful smile, she turned to Stanley. "I''m sure Wendy misses Mr. Samuel a lot. Why don''t you let hime out?"


    Cecelia, clearly irritated, shot a re at Jessica. She couldn''t stand how Jessica was trying so hard to get attention.


    Stanley looked at Wendy and said calmly, "I always keep my word."


    He raised a hand slightly. Zayn appeared at once, bringing Samuel with him. Wendy''s eyes lit up at the sight of him. "Samuel!"


    Samuel, dressed in a a warm maple-colored coat, looked handsome and well- groomed. He radiated vigor, and as soon as he saw Wendy, he spread his arms wide. "Hey, Wendy."


    Wendy eagerly ran to him, and Samuel embraced her tightly.


    "Are you okay? Did he mistreat you?" she asked with concern.


    Samuel smiled warmly. "Nah. Mr. Hawk has been a gracious host. He has treated me very well these past few days.


    Wendy smiled softly. "That''s good to hear."


    Stanley watched the scene of Wendy and Samuel embracing and an


    overwhelming sense of irritation surged through him. His hands, hanging at his sides, clenched into fists.


    Samuel, still holding Wendy''s shoulders, stepped toward Stanley. "Thanks for your hospitality these past few days. If you evere to Florias, I''ll be sure to return the favor."


    The two men stood facing each other, their eyes locked in a tense, electric stare.


    Stanley''s face remained asposed as ever, his expression a mask of indifference. He said softly, "I''m afraid you


    won''t have that chance."


    Jessica, eager to move things along, interjected, "Wendy, you''ve seen Mr. Samuel. ording to our agreement, you can perform my surgery now."


    Wendy''s lips curledinto a small, knowing smile. "Of course Mr. Hawk has kept his promise, so I''ll keep mine. Let''s go. It''s time for the surgery."


    Finally, it was time!


    Jessica''s eyes sparkled with excitement. She had reached this moment, and Wendy would be the one to help restore her health.


    Edith grasped Jessica''s hand gently. "We''ll all be waiting for you out here, waiting for you to return healthy."


    Today''s Bonus Offe

 My Dad Please Come 517

    Lilian and Harry were both visibly excited.


    "Yes, we''ll be waiting for you outside!" they said.


    Jessica nodded. "Alright."


    Stanley turned his gaze to Wendy. "I''m entrusting Jessica to you. I hope you won''t fry anything underhanded."


    Truth be told, Stanley was still caught off guard by Wendy''s sudden willingness to perform the surgery. Her change of heart was drastic, and it made him uneasy.


    Cecelia immediately spoke up, her tone sharp. "Mr. Hawk, what are you implying? Are you threatening Wendy because of Jessica?"


    Halsey, equally displeased, added, "You''ll regret thister."


    Stanley furrowed his brow, forming a sharp, displeased expression. He ignored Halsey and Cecelia, focusing instead on Wendy.


    Wendy, unfazed, responded coolly. "Don''t worry, Mr. Hawk Jessica, let''s go. Time for the surgery."


    Jessica, feeling reassured by Stanley''s presence, smiled brightly and waved at him. "I''m going in now. With you around, Wendy won''t dare to do anything to me!"


    With Stanley backing her, Jessica felt fearless, as if nothing could go wrong.


    Wendy and Jessica reached the door to the operating room when a voice suddenly called out, "Wendy?"


    Wendy turned around, and her eyes lit up as the person she was waiting for finally appeared-Finnley Houle, a country doctor.


    Finnley walked toward them, his expression warm. "Wendy, is it really you? You''ve grown so much!"


    Years ago, when Wendy was sent to the countryside, Finnley had been one of the few people who treated her kindly. Wendy felt immense gratitude toward him.


    "Finnley, it''s been so long! How have you been?" Wendy said pleasantly.


    "I''m doing well. I heard you''re a doctor now. That''s such great news! You''ve always had a knack for medicine when you were younger, and I knew you''d do amazing things. Looks like I wasn''t wrong about you. Haha!" Finnley chuckled.


    Jessica eyed Finnley up and down. Seeing that he was from the countryside, she couldn''t hide her disdain and impatience. "Wendy, enough chit-chat! It''s time for the surgery."


    Finnley nced at Jessica, not recognizing her at all. He then looked over at Stanley, his expression shifting to one of surprise.


    "It''s you?"


    Stanley paused, his brow furrowing in thought. Finnley seemed familiar, but he couldn''t ce him. "Do we know each other?"


    Finnley nodded, grinning. "We do! Don''t you remember? Years ago, when you were badly injured and ended up in the forest, a little girl brought you to a cave. The next morning, she came to find me, and I gave you some medicine."


    Stanley''s eyes widened as the memory resurfaced. He remembered that night, huddling for warmth with a young


    girl in the cave. The next morning, groggy and confused, he saw the girl bring a country doctor in, who then gave him a shot.


    Stanley''s voice softened with realization. "I remember now You saved my life that day, and I never had a chance to thank you properly."


    Finnley waved his hand dismissively. "No need to thank me The one who really saved you was that girl. I just did what I could. You were badly hurt, and if it weren''t for her, you''d have been dead long ago. You should be thanking her."


    Stanley turned to Jessica, a small smile tugging at his lips. Yes, that girl was Jessica. I found herter on."


    Finnley stared at Jessica in shock, his eyes wide. "What? Are you saying she was the one who saved you?"


    Stanley met Finnley''s gaze evenly. "Am I wrong?"


    Of course he was he was dead wrong!


    Jessica''s face drained of color, her expression turning as pale as a ghost. She hadn''t expected the country doctor to be the same one Wendy had sent for all those years ago.


    The doctor was a key witness. He knew exactly who had truly saved Stanley''s life.


    Jessica''s heart sank to the pit of her stomach. Why was he here now, of all times? She was about to undergo surgery-why was he showing up now?


    Desperately trying to regain control of her emotions, Jessica forced a smile.


    "Stanley, I''m starting to feel a little difort. Let''s not talk anymore. Let''s just get the surgery over with."

 My Dad Please Come 518

    Jessica, feeling the pressure of the moment, began to urge Stanley.


    At that point, Halsey sneered, "What''s the rush? Mr. Finnley is an old acquaintance of yours, right? Didn''t you get him to help rescue Mr. Hawk all those years ago?"


    Cecelia gasped in realization. "Wait a second, Jessica! Why does it seem like you don''t recognize Mr. Finnley?"


    Stanley immediately sensed something was off. Just moments ago, Jessica had shown nothing but disdain for Finnley, treating him like aplete stranger. [


    Stanley fixed his gaze on Jessica. "You don''t recognize Finnley?"


    Panic shed across Jessica''s face. "I was just so young back then. I-1 didn''t remember at first. But now I do. He''s Finnley. Stanley, I''m really not feeling well. Let''s get on with the surgery."


    Lilian, too, had noticed something wasn''t right. She hadn''t expected such a turn of events at such a crucial time. She quickly interjected, "Mr. Hawk, we should proceed with the surgery first. They can catch up afterward." Edith also urged, "Yes, Mr. Hawk. The surgery is critical to Jessica''s heart. We should focus on that." Just then, Wendy''s voice, clear and sharp, broke through. "Jessica, are you still pretending at this point?" Halsey smirked. "Your attempts to cover up the truth are pathetic."


    Stanley turned to Wendy, his patience wearing thin. "What exactly are you trying to say?"


    Cecelia chimed in. "We''re not trying to say anything. We''re just telling you the truth."


    Stanley''s brow furrowed. "What truth?"


    Finnley stepped forward, his eyes locking onto Stanley. "How can you im that Jessica is your savior?"


    Stanley''s mind clicked, and he stiffened. His lips pressed into a cold line. ¡°Isn''t she?"


    Finnley pped his thigh, exasperated. ¡°No, she isn''t! She''s not the one who saved your life! She''s not the girl from back then!"


    The words hit Stanley like a punch to the gut.


    Jessica wasn''t his lifesaver.


    Jessica wasn''t the girl from the cave.


    Although Stanley had already suspected something, Finnley''s words struck him with a force that left him frozen.


    His mind went nk, and for a moment, he forgot how to think.


    Stanley stared at Jessica in shock, and her face started to blur, twisting into the image of the girl he had met all those years ago.


    The Crone family was panicking, and Jessica was on edge, too.


    For so long, Jessica had been the Crone family''s trump card, the one who had saved Stanley''s life. Now, that card had been turned over, revealing a truth they weren''t ready for.


    Jessica clutched Stanley''s sleeve. "No, don''t listen to them! Finnley''s just confused, and he''s made a mistake! I''m the one who saved you! Don''t you remember the crystal pendant?"


    Crystal pendant?


    Stanley''s mind raced. Yes, Jessica had given him that pendant. But if she wasn''t the girl from that day, then where had the pendante from?


    Stanley pushed Jessica away and took a couple of steps back his voice tense. "Don''t touch me! I''m very confused right now."


    He turned to Finnley. "Finnley, could you have mistaken her for someone else?


    She has the crystal pendant. She''s the girl from back then."


    Jessica nodded vigorously. "Yes, it''s me! It''s really me!"


    Halsey sneered. ¡°Mr. Hawk, I think you need to see something. It''ll answer all your questions."


    Stanley turned to Halsey, who then pulled out her phone and yed a video.


    In the video, Jessica was shown entering Wendy''s living room. When Wendy


    wasn''t paying attention, Jessica stealthily took the crystal pendant.


    Jessica gasped in horror as she watched the video unfold. She couldn''t believe Wendy had installed surveince cameras at her house!


    Her act of theft had been caught on tape.


    Today''s Bonus Offer

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    Jessica reacted quickly, rushing toward Halsey.


    "Enough! Turn it off! Don''t y it anymore!"


    She pped Halsey''s phone from thetter''s hand, sending it crashing to the floor.


    Lilian moved to pick up the phone, but someone was quicker. Stanley reached down and grabbed it first.


    Seeing that, Jessica screamed, "Stanley, don''t look at it! Don''t look at the phone!"


    The Crones were in a panic. Lilian urgently said, "Mr. Hawk please throw that phone away! Everything in it is a lie. You can''t believe it!"


    Edith added, ¡°Have you forgotten today''s main goal? We''re here to treat Jessica''s heart! Let''s start the surgery!" The Crones were growing more restless.


    Stanley''s cold, piercing eyes swept over them, silencing their movements. He parted his thin lips and ordered, Get them all under control. I don''t want to see them moving around anymore!"


    Zayn nodded. ¡°Right away, Mr. Hawk."


    ff


    With a wave of his hand, a group of ck-suited bodyguards stepped forward and immediately restrained Jessica, Edith, and the others.


    Stanley, still holding the phone, opened the surveince footage again.


    Jessica''s once-flushed face had drained of all color. Her eyes were filled with panic and desperation, but as the bodyguards held her down, she could only cry, "Stanley, no! Don''t look!"


    The video yed, and Stanley zoomed in. He watched as Jessica, in Wendy''s apartment, took the crystal pendant.


    It was his crystal pendant. There was no mistaking it.


    Stanley stood frozen in shock. He had never imagined that Jessica had stolen it.


    But why would she steal it? It was the pendant he had given to her.


    Cecelia said, ¡°Mr. Hawk, do you see now? Jessica stole the crystal pendant!" Stanley raised his eyes to Jessica. "Why did you steal it?"


    He didn''t understand. He really didn''t understand.


    His mind was in turmoil.


    For years, he had believed that the girl from that time was Jessica, but now, as the truth slowly came to light, everything he had held onto for so long seemed to be crumbling.


    Halsey nced at Stanley. "Can''t you see? Jessica never had the crystal pendant because she''s not the girl who saved you all those years ago. The girl from that time is someone else!"


    Stanley looked at Halsey, his voice sharp with disbelief. "Who is she? Who''s the girl who saved me?"


    Halsey smiled faintly. "Why ask me? You''re smart; I''m sure you''ve figured it out already."


    It didn''t take much guessing because the surveince video was the best proof. Jessica had stolen the crystal pendant from Wendy.


    26 BONUS


    It had always been with Wendy!


    Stanley''s narrow eyes turned red as disbelief washed over him. He turned to Wendy, his gaze full of shock.


    Wendy, dressed in a whiteb coat, stood there calmly and collected, herposure strikingly different from his shock. She was cool and distant.


    Stanley''s eyes fixed on her delicate face, and with long strides, he made his way toward her. Stopping right in front of Wendy, his voice was hoarse as he asked, "Is it you?"


    Wendy remained silent.


    Stanley struggled to regain his voice. Finally, he asked, "Wendy, is it you? Has the crystal pendant been with you all along? Were you the one who saved the all those years ago?"


    Finnley stepped forward, confirming, "Yes, Wendy''s the girl who saved you back then!"

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    Halsey shook his head in disbelief. "Mr. Hawk, you''ve made such a terrible mistake! Wendy''s the girl from back then. How could you mistake Jessica for Wendy?"


    Cecelia added, "Yes! You and Wendy missed each other. And in the process, you caused her so much pain, all while beingpletely unaware of it."


    The girl from that time was Wendy.


    It had never been Jessica, but Wendy!


    Stanley''s long fingers suddenly clenched into a fist. How could this be? The girl from that time was Wendy.


    He had been looking in the wrong direction. All these years, he had been pampering the wrong person.


    Wendy looked at Stanley and said slowly, "Yes, it was me."


    Stanley froze, his tall frame suddenly stiffening.


    Wendy''s pale eyes slowly filled with tears, her voice thick with emotion.


    "I was the girl who saved you in that cave. Where did you go after that? Do you know how long I waited for you? I waited for you for so, so long. You promised me you would take me away. You said you''d give me a home, you said you''d never leave me. I kept your promises in my heart all these years."


    Stanley was speechless, the words caught in his throat. In front of him, Wendy''s delicate face finally merged with the girl from the cave in his memories.


    He still remembered the promises he had made to her back then.


    Wendy''s eyes, red from crying, shimmered with tears.


    "I waited for you, but you never came, so I went looking for you.


    ¡°I followed your footsteps, traveled long distances, and passed through many cities. I saw your photo in a window in Harfield. I then learned your name. I learned everything about you.


    "Then, I heard you were in aa. The Crones wanted me to marry you in Jessica''s ce, so I came. Stanley, I''ve crossed mountains and rivers just to be by your side."


    Back then, Stanley hadn''t been able to take Wendy with him, so Wendy went to find him.


    It had taken over ten years.


    Wendy walked a long, long way, and finally, she was here, by his side.


    Stanley listened in disbelief, unable to process what he was hearing. He had never brought her home.


    He had left her alone, stranded.


    While he had kept Jessica by his side, he had left Wendy alone in the world.


    She hade to him, but he hadn''t even recognized her.


    2


    4


    Stanley''s heart felt as though it had been pierced by a sharp de, twisting mercilessly. It caused an unbearable pain, one that consumed him entirely.


    Stanley stepped forward, reaching out to grip Wendy''s shoulder. "Wendy, I''m so sorry... I didn''t know it was you..."


    Chapter 540.


    Wendy looked at Stanley, a small smile forming on her lips lespite the tears. "I used to resent you, and I hated you. I resented you for forgetting me. I hated you for being so cold."


    Stanley''s eyes went red, and he tightly gripped Wendy''s shoulders, shaking his head desperately. "No, I never forgot you... Wendy, I made a mistake. I mistook Jessica for you."


    Jessica watched in despair as Stanley and Wendy finally learned the truth. The worst thing she had feared had


    What now? What should she do now?


    Edith, Lilian, Harry, and Trish all stood there, their faces drained of color. They hade full of pride, thinking that Jessica''s heart surgery would mark a fresh start.


    Now, it seemed that the surgery wasn''t the beginning of something new, but the start of their descent into an abyss.


    Stanley and Wendy had finally reunited. No matter how hard they tried to stop it, fate had already decided their paths.


    Stanley and Wendy had finally found their way back to each other.


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    Chapter 521 Chapter 521


    +25 BONOS


    Halsey stood there, eyeing the Crones, whose faces had turned ashen.


    She pointed sharply at Jessica. "Mr. Hawk, Jessica is nothing but a liar!"


    Cecelia quickly added, "That''s right! The only thing you should be focusing on right now is dealing with her!"


    Stanley slowly released his grip on Wendy and turned, fixing his bloodshot eyes on Jessica.


    Jessica''s face drained of color. "Stanley, I-listen to me...''


    11


    Stanley''s gaze was cold and sharp as he red at her.


    "Alright, I''ll give you one chance. Answer me: Why did you pretend to be Wendy? Why did


    you steal her crystal pendant? Why have you been lying to me all this time? You only get one chance to exin yourself. If you don''t do it well, I''ll make sure the entire Crone family pays the price!"


    The members of the Crone family turned ghostly pale.


    Edith''s legs buckled beneath her, and she nearly copsed to the ground. She couldn''t let the family crumble. She simply couldn''t!


    Jessica rushed forward, grabbing Stanley''s sleeve. "I''m sorry. I was wrong... I did pretend to be Wendy, but I did it because I love you! I love you so much! That''s why I"


    Before she could finish, Stanley shoved her away with force. "Your love for me has nothing to do with this!"


    "Argh!" Jessica lost her bnce and fell to the ground.


    Lilian and Harry rushed to her side. "Jessica! Are you alright?"


    Stanley looked down at Jessica with disgust.


    "If you hadn''t stolen Wendy''s identity all these years, do you really think I would have kept you by my side? I always thought you were Wendy. It''s because of you that I missed out on so many years with her. You made me and Wendy pass each other by time and time again. Jessica, you disgust me!"


    Tears streamed down Jessica''s face.


    "Please don''t be angry! I didn''t mean to hurt you. I just... I love you so much-"


    Halsey cut in sharply, "Jessica, the only person you love is yourself! Four years ago, when Mr. Hawk fell into aa, you were desperate to get away from him. But now that he''s awake, you


    +25 BONOS


    Cecelia sneered, "If Wendy hadn''t uncovered the truth, we''d be kept in the dark. You would have lived your life pretending to be her, abusing her identity for your own gain. You''re the most evil person I''ve ever had the misfortune to know!"


    Jessica crawled toward Stanley, reaching out to him. "Stanley, it''s not like that! Please, let me exin..."


    Stanley''s expression remained cold, his eyes full of red fury. "Enough! I already gave you a chance to exin, and you botched it. I don''t want to hear another word from you!"


    It was as if Jessica had been thrown into an abyss. Her chest tightened painfully, and she felt a sharp, unbearable ache in her heart.


    Gripping her chest, Jessica gasped. "Stanley, my heart... It hurts..."


    Lilian immediately spoke up. "Mr. Hawk, the doctors said Jessica can''t be under stress! It''s bad for her condition!"


    Harry quickly added, "Mr. Hawk, we need to perform the surgery now! Everything else can wait until after."


    Stanley looked at the three of them, a cruel smile curling on his lips. "At a time like this, you''re still talking about surgery? Let me make this clear-there will be no surgery!"


    No surgery!


    It felt like a death sentence for Jessica.


    Jessica looked up at Stanley, her eyes pleading.


    "No, you can''t do this to me! I need the surgery! My heart really hurts... I''m in so


    much pain!"

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    This time, Jessica wasn''t pretending. Her heart really was hurting, andrge beads of cold sweat rolled down her forehead.


    But this time, Stanley didn''t even look at her. She felt like the boy who cried wolf,pletely abandoned and discarded.


    Wendy stepped forward, looking down at Jessica with a cold, disdainful expression. "Stop dreaming. There was never going to be any surgery.''


    Jessica quickly processed what she had just heard. "I get it now! This is all part of your n. You knew all along I was impersonating you. You pretended to agree to the surgery, but you brought Finnley in to expose me, didn''t you?"


    Wendy''s lips curled into a cruel smile. "I see you''re notpletely stupid. Yes, today was all part of my scheme. I wanted to reveal your true face, to expose the truth of what happened all those years ago.''


    Jessica''s eyes widened. "You''re really heartless! You''re still a Crone! Why would you do this to me?"


    Wendy let out a shortugh, filled with venom. "Heartless? I''m a Crone? Now you''re all about family, huh? What about everything you''ve done to me? Only you can hurt me, but I can''t fight back?"


    Edith rushed forward, tears in her eyes. "Wendy, please, I''m your grandmother¡ª"


    "Enough," Wendy cut her off sharply. "I don''t need a grandmother like you. You should stick to being Jessica''s grandmother!"


    With a cold nce, Wendy turned her sharp, clear eyes toward the members of the Crone family, sweeping over their faces one by one.


    "I''ve told you before: I want the people who killed my dad to turn themselves in and spend the rest of their lives in prison repenting. Otherwise, I will never stop."


    Her wordsnded with a heavy thud, draining all color from the faces of the Crone family.


    Just then, Samuel stepped forward, his voice soft yet firm. "Don''t forget, you''re pregnant. Don''t get all worked up. Let me take you to get some rest.¡±


    Wendy nodded, her expression still tense. "Okay."


    She turned and followed Samuel as they walked away.


    Halsey and Cecelia looked at Stanley.


    +25 BONOS


    "Well, you can decide how to deal with them."


    A chill ran through Jessica''s heart. "Stanley, I know I was wrong! Please, don''t be so heartless. I beg you!"


    Stanley red at her with disgust. "I never want to see you again. Take her away!"


    Two bodyguards in ck immediately stepped forward and seized Jessica.


    Lilian and Harry panicked. "Mr. Hawk, don''t take Jessica! Her condition has worsened. She can''t handle this!"


    Stanley coldly lifted his lip in a sneer. "Her heart condition has nothing to do with me. If she dies, it''s her punishment for impersonating Wendy."


    "S-Stanley..." Jessica whispered, her voice barely audible.


    Stanley''s voice was sharp and final. "Take her away!"


    As Jessica was dragged away, the pain in her chest intensified. A deep sense of dread filled her, the fear of death hanging over her like a shadow."


    She knew Stanley wouldn''t care if she lived or died now. Desperate, she turned pleading eyes toward Lilian and Harry. "Mom, Dad, please help me! My heart really hurts. I don''t want to die! Please, do something-ugh!"


    Before she could say more, her mouth was covered by the rough hand of a ck- d bodyguard. She was dragged away, stumbling as she went.


    Lilian and Harry tried to rush forward to help, but the bodyguards blocked their way. They could do nothing but watch helplessly as Jessica was dragged off.


    "Jessica! Jessica!" they cried.


    Stanley looked coldly at the remaining members of the Crone family. "And as for you all..."


    Edith immediately stepped forward, her voice trembling.


    ¡°Mr. Hawk, Jessica''s actions have nothing to do with us! Don''t take your anger out on us. We don''t want to go down with her!"

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    Lilian and Harry looked at Edith in disbelief.


    "Mom, how could you abandon Jessica at a time like this? Aren''t we family?"


    Trish, clearly agitated, spoke up quickly, not wanting to be dragged into Jessica''s downfall.


    "What do you mean by that? Jessica stole Wendy''s identity! All these years, she''s been reaping the rewards from Mr. Hawk, while you all enjoyed the benefits without sharing them with us. Now that she''s been exposed, why should we sacrifice ourselves for her?"


    Archer and Natalie quickly chimed in, "Yes, Trish is right! We won''t be going down with her! Mr. Hawk, if you have a problem, it''s with Jessica, not us."


    Lilian felt a surge of anger rise in her chest, almost to the point of nausea. "You''re all unbelievable!"


    Halsey and Cecelia watched the scene unfold, secretly pleased by the chaos. It was satisfying to see these people tear each other apart.


    Years ago, Lilian had abandoned Wendy, leaving her alone in the countryside. Now, it seemed, Lilian was finally experiencing what it felt like to be cast aside.


    Halsey sneered, "This is karma. You reap


    you sow!"


    Cecelia added, "Mr. Hawk, these people are responsible for killing Wendy''s father. If it weren''t for your support for them, Wendy would''ve already taken matters into her own hands. Now, you''ve seen their true colors. It''s time to make them pay!"


    Edith, desperate, pleaded, "Please, Mr. Hawk, have mercy on us! Don''t do this!" Stanley''s expression remained cold and unreadable as he looked at them.


    "You''ve all lied to me. Now, I''ll settle old scores along with new ones. Whoever killed Wendy''s father, you will go to his grave three days from now and repent. That''s your only chance. Don''t forc¨º me to take further action."


    With that, Stanley turned and walked away.


    Halsey and Cecelia gave onest mockingugh.


    "You all deserved it!"


    They, too, turned and left.


    Edith''s legs gave way, and she copsed onto the ground. She pped her thigh in frustration.


    +25 BONOS


    "It''s over, it''s all over! I thought today was supposed to be the day the Crone family rises, but instead, we''ve fallen straight into the abyss. Now that Mr. Hawk knows the truth, we have no more leverage. What do we do now?"


    Trish panicked, her voice rising. "Grandma, you have to think of something! We don''t want to die with Jessica. Why should we pay the price for her?"


    Lilian''s face was ashen. She clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms, but she didn''t feel the pain.


    Wendy... This was all Wendy''s fault!


    Everything that had happened was part of Wendy''s scheme. The surgery was a lie-sending them to hell was the real n.


    Why hadn''t Wendy died in the countryside all those years ago?


    Lilian''s expression darkened, and she hissed, "Enough! Stop arguing! Even without Jessica, we were still the ones who killed Jerry. Wendy won''t spare us. Her goal is to wipe out our whole family!"


    Edith and Trish fell silent. After all, their feud with Wendy was beyond repair. They were all in the same boat as Jessica-their fate depended on each other.


    Edith looked up at Lilian, her face weary. "So, what should we do now? Jessica is still in Stanley''s hands. She has a heart condition. She can''t wait much longer."


    Lilian thought for a moment before turning to Harry. "Honey, what do you think we should do?"


    Harry said nothing, his gaze


    unreadable.


    Lilian''s voice trembled with emotion.


    "Honey, when Jessica said she was having heart problems, I saw the cold sweat on her forehead. She can''t wait any longer. Are you just going to watch her die? You know you can save her!"

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    Trish, confused, asked, "Uncle Harry can save Jessica? She''s in Mr. Hawk''s hands, and with Wendy involved, what can you possibly do to save her?"


    Harry remained silent, not uttering a word.


    Trish stepped forward, urgency in her voice. "If you have a way to get us out of this, tell us! What are you waiting for?"


    After a long moment of silence, Harry turned and walked away without a word.


    Lilian quickly followed, calling out, "Honey!"


    Trish wanted to follow as well, but was stopped by Edith. "Don''t go after him.


    Trish paused, surprised. "Why?" She looked at Edith, then at Archer and Natalie. "You all seem to know something. Are you hiding something from me?"


    Archer spoke up, his tone serious. "Trish, stop asking. This involves Jessica''s true identity."


    Trish''s eyes widened. "Identity? What do you mean? Isn''t Jessica Uncle Harry and Aunt Lilian''s daughter?"


    Natalie took Trish''s hand, urging her gently. "Enough questions. The truth is, Jessica''s trump card is gone. Her fate is uncertain now. Everything depends on Harry''s choice. If he makes the right one, then the Crone family might finally rise."


    Trish shook her head, clearly confused. "I don''t understand."


    Edith stood up, her voice calm but filled with confidence. "You don''t need to understand. Just know that the Crone family cannot be destroyed. This time, we might actually make it through this trial and ascend."


    Trish stared at her, stunned.


    Meanwhile, Harry and Lilian had reached the hallway. Lilian grabbed Harry''s arm, her voice trembling with worry.


    "Honey, where are you going? Jessica is in Stanley''s hands¡ªher life or death hangs in the bnce. Aren''t you worried?"


    "How could I not be worried? No one is more worried than I am," Harry replied, his voice t.


    "Just saying you''re worried isn''t enough!" Lilian said urgently. "You need to take action, find a way to save her."


    +25 BONOS


    Harry looked at her, his expression unreadable. "How do you want me to save her?"


    "Call someone from the Capital and have Jessica''s real fathere. Once he arrives, all of this will be solved."


    Harry fell silent again, his thoughts a whirlwind.


    Lilian, her anxiety mounting, insisted, "I know Jessica''s birth mother doesn''t want her to return to the Capital and meet her real father. I know you promised her that. But back then, her mother didn''t expect this to happen. Do you think that if she were still alive, she would let her daughter die? Do you think she would just watch her daughter perish?"


    Harry answered quietly, "Of course not: She had only one child. Jessica was her only flesh and blood."


    "Exactly! If she were still here, she would have contacted Jessica''s real father to save her. Honey, if something happens to Jessica, how will you exin it to her real mother?"


    Harry''s expression grew moreplicated. He didn''t want to break the promise he had made all those years ago. He had raised Jessica in Hovendale, honoring his word.


    But now, everything had changed. Jessica was in danger.


    He couldn''t just sit by and do nothing.


    If Jessica''s mother were still alive, she would make the same choice he was about to make.


    Determined, Harry pulled out his phone. "Fine. I''ll call him. He''s been looking for Jessica all these years, after all!"

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    +2


    5 BONOS Chapter 525


    When Harry made the call, Lilian couldn''t help but smile. A satisfied grin spread across her face.


    Her daughter was finally on the brink of soaring to new heights!


    As Lilian walked out of the room, Edith, Trish, Archer, and Natalie all watched her closely, their eyes filled with anticipation.


    Edith asked, "Has Harry made his decision?"


    Lilian nodded. "Yes. He''s making the call right now."


    Edith, ovee with excitement, mmed her cane on the floor. "Good! That''s great!"


    Trish, still trying to grasp the situation, asked, "Grandma, who is Uncle Harry calling?"


    "You don''t need to ask for the details. Just know that someone important from the Capital ising to Hovendale. We need to prepare ourselves to wee this man!"


    Trish looked at Edith and Lilian, both of them beaming with excitement, their eyes shining. Though Trish had no idea who this important person from the Capital was, she couldn''t help but feel a rising sense of tension.


    She had a feeling that this individual from the Capital could change the fate of the entire Crone family.


    Even Stanley and Wendy seemed insignificant inparison.


    "So, we don''t need to save Jessica?" Trish asked.


    Lilian smiled. "No need to worry. The man from the Capital will handle it. We don''t need to do anything."


    When Wendy and Samuel returned to her apartment, Samuel said, "No wonder you came to Hovendale to find Mr. Hawk. I didn''t know you two had a history together. Too bad he made a huge mistake. All these years, he kept Jessica by his side, thinking she had saved his life."


    Halsey and Cecelia had followed her back.


    Cecelia snarled, "I think Mr. Hawk ispletely blind to what''s been happening. You were married to him for so long, but his heart was always with Jessica. He''s done so much harm to you. You shouldn''t forgive him so easily!"


    Halsey nodded. "Yeah! You were strapped to the operating table. You and your baby almost


    didn''t survive! Mr. Hawk really messed up."


    Though Stanley was her cousin, she wouldn''t stand by him in this situation.


    Just then, the doorbell rang, breaking the tension.


    Ding-dong!


    The doorbell kept ringing, the one outside urgently pressing the button.


    "Who is it? I''ll get the door," Halsey said as she walked over to open it. Standing in the doorway was a tall, distinguished figure-Stanley. Stanley had arrived.


    Halsey blinked, slightly taken aback. "Mr. Hawk, what are you doing here?" Stanley peered inside. "Where''s Wendy? I need to see her!''


    He tried to step inside.


    +25 BONOS


    However, Halsey blocked the door. "What do you want with her? You should be with Jessica. She''s having heart issues and needs your constant care!"


    Stanley immediately recognized the sarcasm in Halsey''s tone, but he knew it was well deserved. After all, he hadmitted a grave error.


    Now, he only wanted to see Wendy. He had a lot to say to her.


    "I need to see Wendy. Move aside and let me in!"


    Halsey stood firm. "This is Wendy''s house. If you want to see her, you''ll need to ask if she''s willing to meet with you."


    Stanley clenched his fists at his sides. "Fine, go ask her. I want to see her." "Alright. Wait here."


    Halsey shut the door and walked back into the living room.


    "Wendy, Mr. Hawk''s here. He says he wants to see you."

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    Cecelia let out a coldugh. "Hah! Stanley was never around much. Now he''s


    suddenly rushing over, desperate to see her.


    However, she was always respectful of Wendy.


    "Wendy, this is your decision. Do you want to see him?"


    Wendy ced her hand gently on her stomach, her gaze distant. "We''ve already resolved our past. There''s nothing left to say between us. I don''t want to see him. Tell him to leave."


    Halsey nodded. "Got it."


    She walked over to the door and opened it again. Looking at Stanley, she said, "Please go. Wendy doesn''t want to see you."


    Stanley''s voice was rough, almost pleading. "Did you tell her that I have


    something to say?"


    "I did," Halsey replied, "but she said you''ve resolved the past, and there''s nothing more to discuss. It''s over."


    Over?


    Stanley shook his head, his frustration evident. "It''s not over between us! Let me in. I need to talk to her myself."


    "She''s pregnant. She needs to rest, and she doesn''t want to see you. You need to respect that."


    With that, Halsey shut the door firmly.


    She walked back into the living room. "I''ve told Mr. Hawk what you said.¡±


    Wendy nodded. "Thanks."


    Just then, Wendy''s phone rang. It was a video call from Glinda. Wendy had always considered Glinda as her grandmother, so she quickly epted the call.


    The kind, familiar face of Glinda appeared on the screen. "Wendy! Did you rest well today? Is the baby behaving?"


    Wendy smiled. "Yes. The baby''s still a little peanut, but it''s been very good."


    ¡°That''s wonderful. Wendy, look at what I''ve prepared! These are shoes, clothes, and socks for the baby."


    When Glinda had gotten home, she had immediately gone shopping for baby supplies-tiny clothes, little shoes and socks, all of them adorable.


    +25 BONOS


    Glinda continued, "Since we don''t know if you''re having a boy or a girl, I bought everything in all kinds of colors-pink, yellow, blue. I couldn''t stop myself. But it doesn''t matter the gender. I''ll love it all the same.


    "I also had gold and silver jewelry made for the baby, and I''m even nning to build a little yground to wee my great-grandchild."


    Glinda hadn''t wasted any time, preparing everything she could think of.


    Wendy felt a warmth in her heart. She had always seen Glinda as a true grandmother, and Glinda loved her and the child.


    But her rtionship with Stanley...


    "Grandma, it''s still very early. You should focus more on your health; you don''t need to prepare all of this."


    Glinda chuckled softly. "It''s fine. Anyway, I know you haven''t forgiven Stanley yet, and that''s okay. Although I''m Stanley''s grandmother, you don''t need to worry. You can kick him to the curb. Just keep me around. That''s all I ask."


    Wendy couldn''t help butugh. Glinda truly understood her struggle and didn''t want to make things harder for her.


    Glinda was such a good grandmother.


    Wendy made up her mind. No matter what happened with Stanley, it wouldn''t affect the bond between her baby and Glinda.


    She smiled warmly. "I know, Grandma. Please rest, and don''t worry about me. I''ll take care of myself and the baby."


    Glinda nodded. "Okay."


    The video call ended. As Wendy was about to put down her phone, it rang again.


    A soothing ringtone filled the room.


    She looked at the screen.


    The caller ID shed a name-Stanley.


    Stanley was calling her.

 My Dad Please Come 527

    Why was Stanley calling?


    Wendy thought for a moment, then pressed the button to answer the phone.


    "Hello, Mr. Hawk.


    Stanley''s voice came through immediately, deep and gravelly. "Wendy, why won''t you see me? I really need to talk to you. I just want to see you for a moment!"


    Wendy''s voice trembled slightly as she responded, "We''ve already cleared up the misunderstandings at the hospital. We''ve said everything there is to say. There''s nothing left between us."


    Stanley paused for a few seconds, his voice softer now. "Can we meet? I-"


    "No!" Wendy cut him off, refusing to give him any chance to continue.


    Stanley was silent for a moment.


    Wendy didn''t hesitate. "It''s gettingte. I''m going to rest now.


    With that, she ended the call.


    From across the room, Halsey said, "Wendy, if you don''t want to see him, that''s fine. But you should know that Jessica is now in his hands, and he''s given the Crone family a three-day deadline. Once that''s up, we''ll know who the real murderer is. We won''t let the one who killed your father get away."


    Cecelia nodded. "That''s right. The Crone family is disgusting! They deserve the harshest punishment. Wendy, they''ll pay for everything you''ve been through, and then some.''


    Samuel stood up, his tone firm. "Have you made up your mind? Once everything with the Crone family is over, you''ll leave Hovendale with me?"


    Wendy looked at Samuel and nodded. "Yes, I''ve made up my mind. Once this is over, we''ll leave together."


    Samuel smiled. "Good. When Grandpa and the others hear you''reing back, they''ll be thrilled!"


    Cecelia added, "You should rest, Wendy. We''ll head back for now."


    "Okay,"


    Halsey and Cecelia left the apartment, and as they did, they ran into Stanley standing outside.


    +25 BONOS


    Stanley looked at them. "Wendy still won''t see me?"


    "No, she won''t," Halsey replied coldly, "and she already said that once the situation with the Crone family is settled, she''ll leave with Mr. Samuel."


    Stanley''s eyes reddened. A few days ago, in the hospital room, he had overheard Wendy telling Samuel that she was leaving Hovendale-that she would leave with Samuel.


    And now, her decision hadn''t changed.


    Back then, Wendy had already known he had mistaken Jessica for the girl who saved him, but she hadn''t given him a chance to fix his mistake.


    Wendy returned to her room. After drinking a ss of warm milk before bed, she stood by the window and looked out.


    Suddenly, she saw Stanley''s tall, elegant figure standing below her apartment building.


    Stanley was standing right beneath her window, though she had no idea for how long. He stood there silently, as if waiting, perhaps hoping to catch a glimpse of her.


    As if sensing her presence, he slowly raised his gaze and met her eyes.


    For a moment, their gazes locked, lingering in the air between them.


    Wendy quickly turned away and pulled the curtains shut. She no longer wanted anything to do


    with him.


    Just then, her phone buzzed with a new text.


    It was from Stanley. [I saw you earlier, and I know you saw me too. Am I right?] Wendy didn''t reply.


    Stanley continued to send another text. [I have so much to say to you. If you don''t want to see me, I''ll keep standing here until you''re ready to talk.]


    Wendy stared at the messages for a few seconds in silence. Then, she typed two words and sent them.


    [Come up.]


    Two minutester, the doorbell rang.


    Wendy walked over and opened the door. There, standing in front of her, was Stanley.


    He had rushed up as quickly as he could, his face filled with excitement.


    "I''m so d you''ve agreed to see me. I knew you wouldn''t shut me out forever." Today''s Bonus Offer


    +25 BONOS

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    Wendy stepped aside, opening the door.


    "Come in," she said quietly.


    +25 BONOS


    Stanley walked in. They stood there in the living room, the weight of the moment hanging between them.


    Wendy broke the silence, her voice cool. "Mr. Hawk, is there something you need?"


    The formal title hung in the air, creating an invisible barrier and keeping him at a distance.


    Stanley took a step closer. "Wendy, please don''t be so cold to me. All these years, I never knew it was you. I''ve been searching for you."


    Wendy nodded slowly. "I know. I know everything."


    Stanley reached out and gently ced his hands on her shoulders. "Please, give me another chance. We''ve lost so many years, but I don''t want to lose you again."


    Wendy pushed him away, her voice firm.


    "It''s toote! I''ve given you so many chances. I gave you a chance when we were getting divorced, when Jessica and I were both kidnapped. Even when I was on the operating table for a miscarriage, I prayed you''d show up in time. But every time I needed you, you pushed me away. This happened again and again, and eventually, I got used to living without you. I don''t need you anymore."


    Stanley felt as though his heart had been gripped by an iron hand, squeezing so tightly that he could barely breathe. "Wendy, I''m sorry. I''m so sorry..."


    The apology felt like an ocean of words reduced to just that one phrase.


    "Wendy, I promised you once that I would take you away, give you a home. But I broke that promise. I left you all alone in the countryside, letting you be alone for so long.


    "When I was in aa, you came to me, but I didn''t even recognize you. I hurt you over and over for Jessica''s sake, and I disappointed you... I know all of this."


    Stanley''s eyes turned red, the sheen of unshed tears reflecting in his gaze.


    "Just thinking about everything you went through while I wasn''t around... it hurts so much. I feel so guilty, and I hate myself for it. I can''t forgive myself. It''s my fault. All of it... It''s my fault."


    Wendy trembled, her lips pressed tight, but she remained silent.


    +25 BONOS


    "But Wendy, I... I just mistook someone for you. All these years, I thought Jessica was you. It wasn''t intentional, I swear. Can''t you stop ming everything on me?


    "We''ve already lost so many years. We don''t get to live forever, and I don''t want to miss out on any more time with you. Please, give me another chance. I swear I''ll cherish you this time. We can be together, build a home, and never be apart again. Please, Wendy."


    Stanley stepped forward, pulling her into a tight embrace.


    He held her so fiercely, his face buried in her long hair, as though he wanted to press her into every part of him, never letting her go.


    He didn''t want to be apart from her anymore.


    This embrace hade toote-many years toote.


    Tears fell from Wendy''s eyes. Stanley was the man she had always loved, and her heart ached for him. She had loved him so much, and this embrace... He had no idea how much she had longed for it.


    She also knew it wasn''t all his fault. After all, he had never forgotten her all these years. He had given all his care and affection to Jessica, and that was something he had once promised


    her.


    But...


    Wendy let a sad smile curve her lips through her tears. "Stanley, it''s toote. Everything is toote."

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    Wendy said it was toote.


    She told Stanley that everything was toote.


    Stanley shook his head. "No, it''s not toote! If you just give me one more chance, everything can still be fixed."


    Wendy pushed him away gently, wiping the tears from her face. "I think you''ve said everything you needed to. It''s time for you to leave now."


    "No, Wendy, I-"


    Wendy ced her hand on her t stomach, her voice steady but tired. "It''ste. I''m tired, I want to rest. Please, just leave."


    Stanley''s gaze dropped, slowlynding on Wendy''s abdomen. His voice softened as he said, Are you worried about the baby? I know it''s not mine, but I''ll treat him like my own. I''ll love you, and I''ll love this child."


    Wendy stood silently, not knowing how to respond.


    Stanley still thought the child wasn''t his.


    11


    Yet, she didn''t feel the need to exin. Once she dealt with the Crone family, she would leave. There was no need to try and exin things to Stanley.


    "Please leave now."


    Seeing the cold distance in her eyes, Stanley''s voice dropped to a hushed tone. "Okay, Wendy. It''ste. You should rest. I''lle back tomorrow."


    And with that, he left.


    Outside of Wendy''s apartment, he stood still for a moment. He didn''t want to go anywhere. All he wanted was to stay here, by her side.


    They had missed so much time together, and now all he wanted was to make up for all the lost moments. He didn''t dare leave; he was afraid that if he turned around, Wendy might just vanish from his life again.


    It had taken them years to reconnect, and he wasn''t about to let her slip away again.


    At that moment, his phone rang, the sound of a familiar ringtone breaking the silence. It was Zayn calling.


    Stanley answered the call, Zayn''s voiceing through immediately.


    "Mr. Hawk, Ms. Jessica has been insisting on seeing you."


    Jessica wanted to see him.


    +25 BONOS


    Hearing her name again, Stanley''s eyes turned cold with disdain. He didn''t want


    to see her, but he knew he had no choice. Some things needed to be settled between them.


    It was time to settle the score.


    "Alright. I''ll be there soon."


    Zayn opened the door to a dark room. "Ms. Jessica is locked


    Stanley strode in with long, purposeful steps.


    up inside."


    The room was pitch-ck, and Jessica was curled up in the corner, her hair a mess. When she saw Stanley, she immediately tried to stand, her voice trembling with excitement.


    "Stanley, you''re here. I knew you woulde. After the years we''ve been together, I knew you wouldn''t be so heartless!"


    Jessica tried to rush toward him, but two bodyguards in ck grabbed her, holding her back.


    Zayn brought over a chair. Stanley sat down, his gaze fixed on Jessica from above. "What do you want to say to me?"


    Jessica took a deep breath, her voice desperate. "I admit I pretended to be Wendy. But you''re so incredible, and you always stand out in a crowd. I fell in love with you the moment I saw you. I just wanted to be Wendy; I wanted to be loved by you!"


    Stanley''s lips curled into a cold, almost mocking smile. "You talk about the years we''ve been together. Those were the years I should''ve spent with Wendy. My feelings have always been reserved for her, and you pretended to be her. Even though Wendy and I missed all those years, you''ve always been nothing but her recement. You were just a shadow of her!"


    Jessica was nothing more than a substitute for Wendy.

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    Stanley believed Jessica was nothing more than Wendy''s shadow.


    The truth was, Jessica had known this all along-but she refused to believe it.


    "I''m the real pride of the Crone family. Wendy''s just some country girl! She can''tpare to me!" she yelled.


    Stanley''s eyes turned icy cold. "Who gave you the right to insult her?"


    One of the bodyguards stepped forward, delivering a sharp p to Jessica''s face.


    Smack!


    Jessica''s head jerked to the side from the force.


    But the p didn''t end there. The bodyguard''s hand came down again and again, each strike hard and unforgiving,nding across Jessica''s face. In no time, both of her cheeks were swollen and bruised, and blood was beginning to trickle from the corner of her mouth.


    it hurts!" Jessica begged, unable to hold back.


    d his hand, signaling the bodyguards to stop. They stepped back, returning to


    ons.


    Jessica''s legs gave out beneath her, and she crumpled to the ground.


    Raised in pamperedfort all her life, Jessica had never experienced anything like this. Her ears rang from the blows, and her teeth felt loose in her mouth.


    Stanley''s gaze was as cold as ice as he looked at her. "I never want to hear you insulting Wendy again. This is just a warning!"


    Jessica looked up at him, seeing him rxed in his ck suit, casually sitting in his chair. His presence exuded a cold, ruthless authority that made her shiver deep inside.


    The look in his eyes was chilling, sending a wave of fear through her. She couldn''t help but tremble.


    Jessica crawled toward him, reaching for his legs. She gripped them tightly, desperation in her voice. "Please, don''t do this to me! I don''t want to lose you! Do


    you know how scared I am of. losing you?"


    Stanley sneered, his voice cutting through the air like ice, "Congrattions. You''ve already lost me.''


    Jessica shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. "No, please don''t!"


    +25 BONOS


    At that moment, she felt a sharp pain in her chest. She pressed her hand against


    her heart, her face going pale from the intensity of the pain.


    "Stanley, my heart... It hurts so much! Please, call a doctor. Take me to the


    hospital. I don''t want to die. I''m still so young. I can''t die!"


    Stanley looked at her, his expression unreadable. "Your heart hurts, huh? Is this your medicine?"


    In his hand, he held a bottle of pills.


    Jessica''s eyes widened with hope, and she reached out eagerly. "Please, give me the pills! It hurts so badly!"


    Stanley casually tossed the bottle over his shoulder to Zayn. "Well, you''re not getting the medicine. You''ve beenining about your heart all this time, so just let it hurt. Maybe you''ll die slowly from it."


    Without another word, Stanley stood up to leave.


    Jessica immediately grabbed his pant leg. "No, don''t go! Please, give me the medicine! Just give it to me!"


    Stanley didn''t look back. His voice was cold, his words final.


    "From the moment you pretended to be Wendy and got involved with me, you should''ve known the consequences. Letting you die slowly from this pain is the least I can do for you. You have no idea what Wendy and I have missed out on all these years."


    Tears streamed down Jessica''s face as she realized she was trapped in her own personal hell, with Stanley now the one holding her fate in his hands.


    "Please, forgive me! I didn''t mean it. It''s all my fault. I''m so sorry!"


    Stanley''s voice was sharp as he answered, "If apologies meant anything, we wouldn''t need the police, would we? Jessica, you''re reaping what you''ve sown."


    "No!" she cried out. "My parents will save me! They''lle for me!"


    Stanleyughed coldly. "Don''t get your hopes up. I''m going to make sure the whole Crone family pays for this. None of you will escape!"

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    Chapter 531 Chapter 531


    +25 BONOS


    Stanley said Jessica was just reaping what she sowed, but she didn''t think that


    was true.


    Stanley didn''t want to spare Jessica another nce. He extended his long legs and walked away from her.


    He was leaving.


    But Jessica couldn''t let him leave. She copsed to the ground and started screaming.


    "Stanley, don''t go! Why are you doing this to me? Ever since you married Wendy, I''ve seen you change. You''ve fallen for her a long time ago, haven''t you? Now that you know Wendy was the girl from back then, you can''t wait to throw me aside. You can''t do this to me!"


    No matter how much Jessica shouted, Stanley didn''t turn back. She could no longer earn even a second of his attention.


    Zayn looked down at Jessica, who was still lying on the floor. "Ms. Jessica, Mr. Hawk is right. You''re reaping what you sowed."


    Jessica looked up at Zayn. She knew that Zayn had long sided with Wendy. He had always liked Wendy.


    Gripping her fist in frustration, she spat, "Why? Why does everyone love Wendy? What is it about her that makes me so inferior?"


    Zayn replied coldly, "I don''t think you should ask what youckpared to her. The truth is, you don''t have a single thing thatpares to her."


    Jessica dug her nails into her palm, her pride stinging from the sharp insult. Zayn turned and left.


    Everyone was gone now. Jessica was left alone in the dark room. Her face was still burning from the p, blood staining her lips. Her body ached from the blows of the bodyguards, and she felt as if her whole body was falling apart.


    She curled up in a corner. Stanley, who had once cherished her like no other, had now kicked her to the curb, and she couldn''t ept it.


    Jessica was terrified now. She had no idea what her parents or Edith were doing, but she was confident they woulde for her. They would save her!


    The three-day deadline was quickly approaching. This was the second three-day period for the Crone family, and today, they would have to confess their crimes at Jerry''s grave.


    +25 BONOS


    Samuel, Halsey, and Cecelia had arrived early at Wendy''s apartment. "Wendy, are you ready? We can head to the cemetery now."


    Wendy nodded. "I''m ready. Let''s go."


    Halsey opened the apartment door and immediately spotted a tall, handsome figure outside. Stanley had been waiting for them.


    Stanley had been there for a while, waiting by the door.


    "Mr. Hawk, what brings you here?" Samuel greeted him.


    &


    Stanley''s gazended on Wendy''s delicate face. "I''m going to the cemetery too. I''ll drive you


    there."


    Samuel raised an eyebrow. "That''s not necessary. I have a car. Wendy can ride with me.


    Stanley''s eyes didn''t shift from Wendy, his stance unwavering. "Wendy, Jessica is in my hands, and I have some business to settle with the Crone family. You''ll ride with me."


    Wendy thought for a moment before saying, ¡°Samuel, I''ll ride with Mr. Hawk."


    Samuel shrugged, a small smile forming as he looked at Stanley. "Alright, Mr. Hawk. You win."


    Halsey nodded. "Then I''ll ride with Wendy in Mr. Hawk''s car."


    Cecelia agreed. "Okay, I''ll take Mr. Samuel''s car. Let''s not waste any more time- let''s get to the cemetery."


    Wendy nodded. "Let''s go."


    The two luxury cars headed toward the cemetery. Stanley sat behind the wheel,


    hisrge hand gripping the steering wheel as Wendy and Halsey sat in the back.


    "Mr. Hawk, how''s Jessica doing these days?" Halsey asked.


    Stanley''s lips curled into a thin, cold smile, his voice distant. "She''s been locked in a dark room. By now, she''s probably falling apart."

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    Being locked away in a dark room, cut off from the outside world-the confusion and anxiety could break people.


    Stanley knew how to torment someone.


    Halsey curled his lips into a smirk. "Jessica deserves this. She had stolen Wendy''s identity and lived in luxury for years. These three days are just her getting back what she deserves!"


    Wendy''s eyes were cold as ice. Right now, all she wanted was to avenge her father.


    Just then, Wendy turned to look out the window. She was surprised to see that many of the roads were blocked off.


    "Why are they closing these roads?" she asked, puzzled.


    Halsey was equally confused. ¡°This is one of the main roads in Hovendale. I''ve never seen it closed off before. What''s going on here?"


    Stanley nced out the window, his brows knitting into a frown. "I''m not sure what''s going on either."


    Halsey looked at him, astonished. "Mr. Hawk, you''re the richest man in


    Hovendale. How can you not know about the road closures here? This is the first time I''ve seen anything like it."


    Stanley himself found it strange. He pulled out his phone. "I''ll make a call to find out.


    Stanley dialed Zayn''s number.


    Zayn''s respectful voice came through immediately. "Hello, Mr. Hawk."


    "Why are so many roads closed off in Hovendale today?" Stanley asked.


    "1


    "I noticed the same thing. It''s not just the roads-I''ve also heard the airport has


    been closed off," Zayn replied.


    Stanley pursed his lips. "Why?"


    "I''ve heard that a big figure from the Capital is arriving in Hovendale today."


    A big figure from the Capital?


    Stanley''s expression remained unreadable, his face asposed as ever. "Where are the Crone family members now?"


    "They''re already at the cemetery, waiting for you."


    +25 BONOS


    The Crone family had all arrived. Their eagerness was unusual, even suspicious.


    "Got it," Stanley said, ending the call.


    Halsey raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Hawk, do you know which big figure from the Capital ising to Hovendale? This is so sudden. We hadn''t heard any rumors about it before."


    Stanley furrowed his brow. "There are only a handful of people in the Capital capable of causing this much disruption ining to Hovendale."


    Wendy''s clear, sharp gaze met Stanley''s face. "Who do you think it is?"


    Stanley''s voice was calm as he replied, "I''m not sure."


    Halsey added, "Whoever it is, it''s irrelevant to us. Our priority today is to round up the Crone family and make them pay for their crimes."


    Wendy felt a growing sense of unease. She couldn''t pinpoint the source of her fear, but she had a strong feeling that today wouldn''t go smoothly. She feared something unexpected was about to happen.


    Wendy lifted her gaze and met Stanley''s eyes in the rearview mirror.


    He was watching her.


    Their eyes silently locked. Stanley''s voice was steady as he reassured her, "Don''t worry. I''ve got everything under control."


    Soon, the luxury cars pulled into the cemetery. Wendy stepped out, only to find that it had started to rain.


    A light drizzle fell from the sky, striking her face as the cold winter air made the rain feel even sharper, colder.


    Just then, a ck umbre appeared above her head. Wendy looked up to find Stanley holding the umbre, sheltering her from the rain.


    The soft rain pitter-pattered against the umbre, the droplets sshing onto the muddy ground below.


    Stanley, tall and imposing, stood beside her. "Everyone''s here. Let''s go."


    Wendy looked up and saw that Edith, Harry, Lilian, Trish, Archer, and Natalie were all present.


    Every single member of the Crone family was there.

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    Stanley held the umbre over Wendy and Halsey as they walked toward the gathering.


    Harry immediately stepped forward, his face filled with concern. "Mr. Hawk, where''s Jessica? She''s been locked away for three days now. How is she doing?"


    Lilian''s voice trembled slightly as she approached. "You''ve been close to Jessica before. Please, don''t be too heartless with her."


    Halsey snorted dismissively. "You really love twisting the narrative, don''t you? You''re ming Mr. Hawk and Wendy for being heartless, but what about Jessica''s actions? If she hadn''t stolen Wendy''s identity, would she even be in this mess? You''re ignoring all the crimes she''smitted. How convenient!"


    Lilian''s face flushed with anger. "Watch it!"


    Harry turned his gaze to Wendy. "Wendy, can you let me see Jessica? Just for a moment?"


    Wendy looked at Harry. She hadn''t interacted much with him, as his attention had always been focused on Jessica. Still, Wendy knew he was a good father.


    But sometimes, indulging a child could have terrible


    ences. The situation with Jessica


    was a direct result of Harry''s leniency, and he couldn''t escape responsibility for that.


    Wendy turned her eyes toward Stanley. "Why don''t you bring Jessica out so they can see her?"


    Stanley gave a simple wave of his hand, and Zayn, along with some men, brought Jessica


    forward.


    Samuel and Cecelia arrived soon after.


    Jessica''s eyes brightened when she saw them. "Mom, Dad, you''re finally here!"


    Harry and Lilian looked at her with intense emotion. If it weren''t for the bodyguards blocking their way, they would have rushed to her, pulling her into their arms.


    Lilian''s heart ached as she looked at Jessica. The p marks on Jessica''s face were still fresh, her hair and her clothes a mess. She had been a morous ballet star, the favored one of Stanley''s heart, yet she looked extremely disheveled right


    now.


    Lilian''s eyes welled up with tears. "Jessica, you''ve been through so much! Don''t be scared. We''re here. We''ll protect you; we won''t let anything happen to you."


    Jessica, held firmly by the bodyguards, struggled but couldn''t move. She looked at them desperately. "Mom, Dad, please save me! I can''t go back to that dark room. I won''t be able to stand it!"


    +25 BONOS


    Harry''s voice was urgent. "Don''t worry. You won''t go back there. I promise!"


    Wendy''sugh was cold. "Whether Jessica goes back to that dark room isn''t up to you. You''ve got one chance to save her, and that''s by confessing and facing thew. Whoever killed my father back then-I''m here to make them pay for it!"


    Edith stepped forward, her voice sharp. "Wendy, do you really want to take things this far?"


    Trish added, "Yeah, you''ve already gotten everything you wanted. You''re Dr. Cen, and you''re the one Mr. Hawk has been searching for. You''ve got it all. What more do you want?"


    Wendy''s eyes were cold as she looked at the Crone family members. Even now, at this critical moment, they had no remorse. She couldn''t understand how they could be so unshaken by their actions.


    She felt there was no point in arguing with them anymore.


    "We need to differentiate between right and wrong. A murderer must pay with their


    life. You''d better turn yourselves in and face thew now."


    Edith scoffed, her tone dripping with disdain. "And if we don''t turn ourselves in, what will you do about it?"


    Halsey smirked. "You want to do this the hard way, huh?"


    Stanley''s cold, dark eyes swept over each of their faces. His voice was calm but full of menace." What Wendy said is my stance. This is your only chance to confess. Otherwise, the Crone family will be erased from Hovendale. I''ll make sure there''s not even a trace of you left."


    Edith''s face turned pale. Stanley was the richest man in Hovendale, with the power to control everything here. In his presence, the Crone family waspletely powerless. He could crush them as easily as squashing an ant. Today''s Bonus Offer

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    +25 BONOS


    Edith looked at Stanley.


    "Mr. Hawk, we really didn''t want to be your enemy. Unfortunately, you won''t be able to touch Jessica or any of us today. We''ll all leave here safely, without a scratch!"


    Edith''s words were firm, and she seemed certain that the Crone family would leave unscathed.


    Halsey sneered, "Mrs. Edith, you really are full of yourself. With both Mr. Hawk and Wendy here, do you actually think your family can safely escape this situation?"


    Cecelia added, "That''s right! You used to treat Mr. Hawk as your greatest ally, but now that he''s no longer on your side, how dare you still act so arrogant!"


    Edith chuckled coldly. "If you don''t believe me, feel free to try and make a move."


    Wendy studied the Crone family members, her sharp gaze betraying the smallest hint of uncertainty. She knew them all too well, and Edith''s attitude now seemed like she had another


    card up her sleeve.


    Stanley, observing them closely, raised his hand. "Take them all down!"


    At hismand, Stanley''s bodyguards moved in swiftly, aiming to seize Edith.


    In a panic, Edith looked toward Harry. "Harry, hasn''t that important person arrived yet?"


    Important person?


    Wendy''s eyes narrowed slightly. Was the "important person" someone the Crone family had invited from the Capital?


    Harry nced at his watch. "He should be here soon."


    Lilian turned to Wendy with a smile. "Wendy, you''ve thought of everything, haven''t you? But I''m sure you never predicted that we still had our trump card!"


    Wendy frowned. "Trump card?"


    Lilian didn''t respond, but just then, the roar of engines cut through the quiet rain. A series of sleek, extended luxury cars sped down the road,ing to a slow stop.


    The rain had softened into a mist, and as the cars came to a halt, ck-suited bodyguards emerged, lining up on either side.


    A butler, holding an umbre, stood outside one of the cars and respectfully said, "Mr. Larson, we''ve arrived."


    The back door of the car opened, and a tall,posed figure stepped out.


    +25 BONOS


    The man was in his mid-forties, dressed in a custom-made ck coat. His face was strikingly handsome, with sharp, defined features. The years had only added


    to hismanding presence, giving him an aura that felt almost imperial.


    Stanley''s voice was low, almost a whisper. "Horace?"


    Samuel stepped forward, joining Wendy by her side. His voice was filled with astonishment.


    "No way! It''s the world''s richest man, the big shot from the Capital, Horace Larson! No wonder they closed the airport and blocked the roads today. Why would someone like hime to Hovendale?"


    Wendy''s clear gaze locked onto Horace. She had heard of this legendary figure, but this was the first time she was seeing him in person.


    Horace had faded from the public eye years ago, bing a mysterious figure no magazine or media outlet could catch.


    What was he doing here in Hovendale?


    The butler held the ck umbre high, and Horace stepped forward, his stride confident and steady as he made his way toward the group.


    He raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping over everyone.


    Edith was overjoyed. "Mr. Larson, you''ve finally arrived! Wee to Hovendale! We are honored by your presence."


    Harry stepped forward. "It''s good to see you. I''m the one who called you."


    Horace turned his gaze to Harry. "Where is my daughter?"


    His questionnded like a stone thrown into a calmke, sending ripples through the air.

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    Horace''s voice was calm but filled with a sense of urgency as he asked about his daughter.


    The reason Horace had been out of the public eye for so many years was no longer a secret. Everyone knew now that he had been tirelessly searching for his long-lost daughter.


    For years, no one had found any trace of her.


    And now, Horace had appeared here, asking the Crone family where his daughter


    was.


    Halsey was struck with shock. "Oh my god! Could his daughter be here with us?"


    Cecelia also couldn''t believe it. "The daughter of the world''s richest man is here, among us?"


    Harry looked at Horace with a calm expression. "Mr. Larson, your daughter is right here."


    Horace''s eyes widened as he asked, "Where?"


    Harry pointed, directing Horace''s gaze toward Jessica. "Jessica is your biological daughter."


    Suddenly, all eyes were on Jessica. She froze,pletely unaware of what was happening. No one had told her about this.


    Horace slowly turned his head, his gaze locking onto her.


    Thump! Thump!


    Jessica could feel her he


    art pounding in her chest, her pulse racing. Everything around her seemed to blur.


    What was happening? Was she really the daughter of the world''s richest man? It was mindblowing.


    At that moment, the two bodyguards who had been holding her back suddenly copsed to the ground as Horace''s men swiftly moved to take them out.


    Jessica stood there, stunned, still unable to process the situation. She turned to Harry in confusion. "Dad, what''s going on?"


    Harry stepped closer.


    "Jessica, I''ve been hiding something from you. You''re not my biological daughter. I brought you back from the Capital years ago. You''re the biological daughter of Horace Larson, the world''s richest man."


    What?


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    Jessica''s breath caught in her throat as she struggled toprehend Harry''s words.


    Lilian stepped forward, her voice filled with excitement. "What are you waiting for? This man right here is your real father!"


    Jessica turned to Horace, and he returned her gaze. Their eyes locked, and for a brief moment, time seemed to stand still.


    Horace turned to Harry. "Do you have any proof?"


    Harry nodded. "Yes."


    He pulled out a delicate hairpin.


    It was a diamond hairpin, clearly valuable beyond measure.


    As Horace''s eyes fell on the hairpin, a ripple of emotion passed through his usually calm expression.


    "This hairpin was left to Jessica by her mother when she was born," Harry continued. "I''ve carried it all these years. Her mother said that when this hairpin was presented, you would know the truth about Jessica''s heritage."


    Horace reached out, carefully taking the hairpin from Harry.


    The cool metal of the pin contrasted with the warmth of his fingers as he held it, treating it like a rare, priceless treasure.


    Jessica still couldn''t quite believe it. "A-Am I really...?"


    Edith''s voice rang out with joy. "Yes, Jessica! You''re the daughter of the world''s richest man!"


    Lilian smiled warmly. "You were once a lost princess. And now, your real father hase to find you."


    It was as though a new door had opened for Jessica, a glimmer of hope at the darkest moment of her life. She had never, in her wildest dreams, imagined having such a powerful background.


    The world''s richest man, Horace, was her real father.


    Haha... Hahaha!


    Jessica felt augh bubble up inside her, a mixture of disbelief and joy. She was overwhelmed, happier than she had ever been in her life.


    Horace stepped toward her, his arms outstretched.


    "Come here. Give your old man a hug."


    +25 BONOS

 My Dad Please Come 536

    hapter 536


    Without hesitation, Jessica walked over and embraced Horace. "Dad, what took you so long? Why did you onlye now?"


    Horace held her tightly, gently patting her back. "I''m sorry. I''ve spent all these years looking for you. I''ve traveled to many countries, visited many cities, always searching for you."


    Jessica smiled, her heart filled with joy. "It''s okay. I never want to be apart from you again. I want to be with you forever!"


    Horace ran his hand through Jessica''s hair, his voice full of tenderness. "I''ll take good care of you."


    As the father and daughter shared this emotional moment, Wendy furrowed her brow. She hadn''t expected Jessica''s true heritage to be revealed now.


    Jessica was actually the beloved daughter of the world''s wealthiest man!


    Who could have predicted this?


    Once Horace and Jessica pulled


    Wendy with a defiant smile. "Dad, Jessica linked her arm with his. She turned toward


    go home."


    Horace nodded, his voice warm. "Alright. Let''s go."


    He was about to leave with her, but then a clear, melodic voice stopped him. "Wait!"


    Horace paused, slowly turning to face the source of the voice. His gaze fell on Wendy.


    For a brief moment, Horace was taken aback by Wendy''s delicate features. There was something about her face that stirred an unfamiliar feeling in him, though he couldn''t quite ce it.


    Jessica smirked, enjoying the moment. "Wendy, I found my dad, and he''s the richest man in the world. You should be happy for me.¡±


    She couldn''t help but want tough out loud. With her powerful father by her side, she was confident nobody would dare to harm her now.


    Not Wendy, not Stanley.


    Wendy''s clear eyes locked onto Horace''s face.


    "Mr. Larson, I have a score to settle with your daughter, Jessica. Until this matter is resolved, I cannot allow her to leave."


    Immediately, Jessica pouted, her voice dripping with sweetness. "Dad, this is Wendy, She


    +25 BONOS


    keeps bullying me. Look at all these bruises and the p mark on my face-she did all of this! She''s so malicious."


    Horace''s eyes turned cold as he surveyed Jessica''s injuries. His gaze then fixed on Wendy with a chilling intensity.


    "You''ve hurt Jessica, and now you''re openly challenging me, huh?"


    His lips curled into a slight smile.


    "Jessica is my daughter. How dare youy a hand on her!"


    Wendy took a step forward, but Stanley, with his tall andmanding presence, stepped in front of her, blocking her path.


    Stanley addressed Horace calmly, "Uncle Horace."


    Horace nodded in acknowledgment. "Hello, Stanley. I didn''t realize how much you''ve grown. Just the other day, I spoke with your father. He mentioned that. Capital soon."


    should return to the


    The Hawk family was deeply rooted in the Capital and was close friends with the


    Larson family. Both were part of the city''s four major families.


    Stanley responded, "I won''t be returning to the Capital for now."


    Horace nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Your father also brought up our


    family''s marriage alliance. He mentioned it to me just


    recently."


    "Marriage alliance?" Halsey asked, puzzled.


    Horace turned his gaze back to Stanley. "Our families have arranged a marriage alliance long ago. If one family had a son and the other a daughter, they would eventually marry. These years, I''ve been unable to find Jessica, so we put it on hold. Now that she''s found, it''s time for us to revisit our arrangement."


    The Hawk and Larson families had a marriage pact. Jessica was the daughter of the Larson family, and Stanley, being the sole heir of the Hawk family, was bound by this arrangement.

 My Dad Please Come 537

    hapter 537


    +25 BONOS


    This was the first time Wendy had heard about the marriage agreement. She looked at Stanley in shock, realizing that the bond between him and Jessica had started the moment they were


    born.


    Halsey had known about the arrangement, but the world''s richest man''s beloved daughter had been missing for twenty years. For all these years, no one had any trace of her. Everyone assumed the heiress was probably dead.


    She never imagined that Jessica was the missing daughter of the richest man.


    Cecelia couldn''t help but sigh. Today, they had the chance to bring Jessica and the members of the Crone family to justice. Yet Jessica''s sudden, astonishing background had thrown everything into chaos.


    Stanley pressed his lips together, his voice cold and detached as he spoke.


    "Uncle Horace, that engagement was arranged by you and my father. But now, in this day and age, marriage is a matter of personal choice. So the engagement between our families doesn''t count."


    Horace''s expression didn''t change. He was calm, no anger or joy showing on his face. He simply smiled. "Are you saying you don''t want to marry my daughter?"


    Stanley nced briefly at Jessica, who was standing beside Horace. "That''s right. I will never marry her!"


    Jessica''s hands clenched into fists at her sides as she red at Wendy with hatred in her eyes.


    She didn''t hate Stanley-she hated Wendy.


    If it weren''t for Wendy, none of this would have happened!


    Horace studied Wendy quietly. "If you don''t want to marry my daughter, who do you want to marry instead? That woman behind you?"


    Stanley stood tall, blocking Wendy from view. He wanted to speak, but Wendy stepped forward, her voice calm yet firm.


    "Mr. Larson," she said, "we''re not discussing the marriage agreement between your families right now, but the crimes Jessica hasmitted."


    Horace''s gaze shifted to Wendy. She was the same age as Jessica and looked very young, the kind of age where most girls wouldn''t dare meet his gaze.


    But Wendy''s clear eyes locked onto his, fearless and confident. It was something different.


    +25 BONOS


    For some reason, Horace couldn''t shake the feeling that there was something unusual about Wendy.


    This feeling had been there from the very first moment they met.


    Horace looked at Wendy, his voice steady. "Even though you know who her father is?"


    Wendy met his gaze. "Yes. Even though she''s your daughter, it doesn''t mean she can do whatever she wants."


    She took a step forward. "Mr. Larson, you haven''t seen your daughter in years. Let me give you a proper introduction to her. Jessica is arrogant, maniptive, deceitful, and willing to do anything to gain wealth and power. She has no conscience, and she has no problem stepping over others to get what she wants."


    Horace frowned, turning his gaze to Jessica.


    Jessica''s face paled as she immediately defended herself. "Dad, don''t listen to this nonsense from Wendy!"


    Edith quickly added, "That''s right, Mr. Larson! Wendy and Jessica have always had a feud. She''s just ndering her!"


    Wendy scoffed. "And look at the entire Crone family. They''re just like Jessica, using others to climb to the top, killing people to achieve their agenda."


    Wendy''s eyes shifted to Jerry''s tombstone. His smiling face was engraved on it, his gentle expression forever imprinted in her memory.


    "They killed my father. The ones who take a life must pay with their own. I won''t let any of them off the hook-including your daughter, Jessica!"


    Horace didn''t speak, but the aura around him shifted. Without saying a word, his grew heavy, a silent threat that made the air feel thick and oppressive.


    presence


    Lilian quickly spoke up, trying to defuse the situation. "Mr. Larson, don''t listen to Wendy''s nonsense! She''s clearly biased against us!"


    Halsey stepped in, her voice sharp.


    "At this point, you still want to argue? Mr. Larson, you''ve just found your daughter. Maybe you


    should take a closer look at her character."


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 538

    Seeing that the situation was escting, Lilian immediately grabbed Harry''s arm.


    Harry stepped forward, his voice low. "Mr. Larson, Jessica has been away from you for many years. We can talk about itter."


    Horace''s expression softened as he looked at Jessica. "Let''s home."


    Jessica smiled, her voice light. "Okay."


    Horace led Jessica away.


    Wendy took a step forward, "You can''t leave-"


    go


    But Stanley reached out, his hand gently holding Wendy''s slender arm as he shook his head at


    her.


    Samuel moved closer. "Wendy, I know you''re angry and frustrated, but Jessica is the daughter of the richest man in the world. You can''t act recklessly."


    Cecelia and Halsey both stepped up, frustration evident on their faces. "Damn it! Once again, Jessica slipped away!"


    Ahead, Jessica had reached the side of the long, luxury business car. The butler respectfully opened the rear door for her. "Wee back, Ms. Larson."


    The bodyguards, standing in the light rain, bowed in unison. "Wee back, Ms. Larson!"


    The presence of the heiress was undeniable,manding respect and authority.


    Jessica gave a smirk, her lips curling into a taunting smile as she turned and nced at Wendy.


    It was a sneer, a challenge.


    She was mocking Wendy. Despite all the effort Wendy had put in, she still couldn''t do anything about her.


    And she was daring Wendy to try taking her down now.


    Wendy''s gaze turned cold, her eyes hardening with an icy resolve. She wanted to move forward.


    But Stanley''s long fingers tightened around her arm. "Wendy!"


    Wendy was forced to stay in ce.


    Jessica got into the car, and Edith, along with the others, followed suit. The luxury car pulled


    +25 BONOS


    away.


    As they drove off, Edith lowered the car window, and her eyes met Wendy''s. Along with Harry, Lilian, Trish, Archer, and Natalie, they all looked at Wendy with smug smiles of victory before the car disappeared from view.


    Wendy''s eyes welled with anger, her frustration boiling over.


    Halsey was furious. "Damn it! The Crone family has escaped twice now. Just look


    at how arrogant they are. How could those killers still have the nerve to act this way!"


    Cecelia added, "Ugh, I''m about to explode! These people are shameless!"


    &


    Wendy''s anger burned like fire, but she couldn''t deny the bitter truth-Jessica was the daughter of the richest man.


    Wendy yanked her arm out of Stanley''s grasp and turned toward Jerry''s tombstone.


    Looking at Jerry''s photo, frozen in time with his gentle smile, she clenched her fist tightly. " Dad, I''m sorry. I''m useless! But don''t worry. No matter who Jessica''s father is or what tricks she pulls, I''ll avenge you. I promise!"


    In the photo, Jerry''s kind eyes stared back at her, forever unable to offer any response.


    Stanley stepped up to Wendy''s side. "Let''s head back."


    Suddenly, Wendy felt everything go ck, her body swaying as if she were about to copse.


    Stanley''s face turned pale. ¡°Wendy!"


    He quickly reached out, catching her and pulling her into his arms.


    Samuel, Halsey, and Cecelia hurried to her side. "Wendy! Are you okay?"


    Stanley swiftly carried her. "We''re going back now!"


    When Wendy opened her eyes again, she found herself back in her apartment, lying on the soft bed.


    "You''re up."


    She turned her head and saw Stanley, who had been sitting by her side the entire time.


    He tightly held her cold, delicate hand, his face filled with concern. "Please don''t pass out like that again. You scared me."

 My Dad Please Come 539

    Stanley told Wendy that her passing out had scared him.


    Before meeting Wendy, the word "scared" had never existed in Stanley''s vocabry.


    After meeting her, everything had changed. When he saw Wendy copse in front of Jerry''s grave, he felt as if he couldn''t breathe.


    Wendy looked weak, still in the early stages of her pregnancy. With everything she had been through, her emotions were all over the ce.


    "I''m fine. I''m a doctor, I know my body well. I''m okay," she said, pulling her small hand out of his grasp.


    But Stanley quickly took her hand again, holding it gently in his. "Please, let me stay with you.


    11


    Wendy looked at him, her voice cold. "No need. Please leave. First of all, we''re already divorced, and there''s no connection between us anymore. Secondly, you''re engaged to Jessica. I know howplicated the business world can be, especially in wealthy families. You should fulfill your engagement."


    "No, I won''t marry Jessica..." Stanley said, his voice firm.


    "Whether you marry Jessica or not doesn''t concern me," Wendy replied, her tone detached.


    Stanley''s eyes were filled withplex emotions.


    At that moment, the door opened, and Halsey and Cecelia entered.


    "Wendy, you''re awake!"


    Seeing the others had arrived, Stanley had no choice but to let Wendy go.


    Halsey helped Wendy sit up while Cecelia brought over a bowl of chicken soup. "Your body needs nourishment. You should drink this while it''s hot."


    Cecelia began to feed Wendy the soup.


    Samuel walked in as well, his gaze fixed on Wendy. "What do you n to do about the Crone family?"


    Wendy remained silent.


    Samuel continued, "Horace is the world''s richest man. He''s a legend, the creator of an empire. Now that he''s reconnected with Jessica, you can''t touch her."


    +25 BONOS


    Stanley looked at Wendy with concern. "You''re pregnant now, so you can''t act rashly. Horace is a very powerful man, and he has many tricks up his sleeve. After being separated from Jessica for so many years, he will surely want to make up for all the lost fatherly love."


    Hearing all that, Halsey, frustration in her voice, asked, "So, are we just supposed to watch as Jessica bes an heiress overnight and live a life of luxury?"


    Cecelia added, "I can''t believe she''s the daughter of the richest man! How did she get to be so lucky?"


    Wendy ate the soup in silence. Her hatred simmered inside her. She was so close, just one step away from avenging her father.


    "I want to sleep for a while," she said softly.


    "Alright, we won''t keep you," Halsey said gently.


    Wendyy down, closing her eyes as sleep overtook her.


    Stanley, Samuel, Halsey, and Cecelia left the room and headed into the living


    room.


    Halsey looked at Stanley. "Mr. Hawk, I didn''t expect you to still have ties to Jessica. You two were engaged as children, right? Does that mean she''s technically your fianc¨¦e?"


    Stanley gave Halsey a quick nce. "You all stay with Wendy. I''ll be leaving now." Stanley left.


    Back in his apartment, Stanley was greeted by Zayn, who quietly reported, "Mr. Hawk, your family called."


    Stanley already knew. His phone had rung earlier while he was with Wendy, and it had been a call from his family in the Capital.


    However, he had ignored it.


    Then his phone rang again, the familiar melodic ringtone signaling another call. It was from the Hawk family again.


    This time, it was his mother.


    Stanley pressed the button to answer. "Hello, Mom."


    Ang Hawk''s voice came through the line. "I heard Horace went to Hovendale. Did you meet him?"

 My Dad Please Come 540

    +25 BONOS


    Ang continued, "I heard Horace found his long-lost daughter. We have a marriage agreement with the Larson family. His daughter is your fianc¨¦e. Have you met your fianc¨¦e yet?"


    Stanley stood tall by the floor-to-ceiling windows, his figure bathed in the dim light. "Mom, that engagement was something you and the Larson family arranged. I won''t recognize this agreement."


    "What do you mean by that?" Ang''s voice rose in pitch.


    "I won''t marry Uncle Horace''s daughter."


    "What?!" Ang''s voice suddenly shot up. "Are you saying you want to break off the engagement?"


    Stanley remained silent.


    Ang''s voice grew sharper. "Our families have been allies for generations! The bond between our two families is best preserved through marriage. That''s the most stable way to continue the legacy. As the heir of the Hawk family, don''t tell me you don''t understand that!"


    Stanley''s sharp features remained unchanged as he stood still, not saying a word.


    11


    "Is there some other woman involved?" Ang''s voice lowered with a tone of warning.'' Those women you''re involved with, you can have fun with them, but remember, that''s all they ou can have fun with them, but remember, that''s all they are-temporary distractions. Do you understand? Before, Horace hadn''t found his daughter. Now that he has, you need to get rid of all those other women to make room for the heiress of the world''s richest family!"


    Ang didn''t give Stanley a chance to respond.


    "Stanley, I can turn a blind eye to the women around you, but don''t cross the line. If you do, I''ll step in."


    With that, Ang hung up the phone abruptly.


    Zayn stepped forward, his tone low. "Mr. Hawk, you know how Mrs. Ang operates. If she finds out about Ms. Wendy, things can getplicated."


    Stanley''s gaze turned cold and deep, like a dark, frozenke. No one could tell what he was thinking at that moment.


    "I understand. You can leave now."


    "Alright, Mr. Hawk."


    Zayn left.


    +25 BONOS


    Meanwhile, the Crone family''s estate was lit up with lights and decorations, celebrating Horace''s arrival.


    In the living room, Horace satfortably on the sofa, and Edith personally brought over a cup of tea. "Mr. Larson, please have some tea."


    Jessica sat beside Horace, holding his arm with both hands. She felt an overwhelming affection for him, and couldn''t help but wonder why no one had ever told her about her true background before. 1


    Jessica even began to resent Harry and Lilian. Why had she lived in the small Crone family''s estate when she should have been living in the Capital? After all, she was the daughter of the wealthiest man!


    Her eyes shining, Jessica looked up at Horace. "Dad, why did it take you so long to find me?"


    Horace gently patted her head. "I''ve been looking for you all these years, but I couldn''t find


    you.''


    "What about my mom? Why didn''t shee to find me?"


    At the mention of her mother, Horace hesitated.


    Harry quickly spoke up. "Jessica, your mother passed away. She left this world after giving birth to you."


    Her mother was gone?


    For Jessica, it didn''t matter much. What was important was that she had her wealthy father


    now.


    Jessica clung to Horace. "If my mom''s no longer around, that means you have to love me twice as much from now on!"


    Horace nodded. ¡°I will. I came here to take you back to the Capital."


    Back to the Capital?


    Jessica''s heart raced with excitement.


    Horace smiled. "You''re the daughter of the Larson family. You''ve been living out here for all these years, but it''s time for you toe back. I''ll throw you a grand wee party when we return, and the entire Capital will know you''vee home!"

 My Dad Please Come 541

    Horace wanted to announce to the world that his daughter was back.


    Jessica felt her heart flutter with excitement. It all seemed so unreal, as if she were dreaming.


    This was amazing! Absolutely amazing!


    Jessica nodded eagerly. "Yeah, I''d love to go back to the Capital with you! I want to go home!"


    At that moment, Edith spoke up. ¡°Mr. Larson, are you really taking Jessica back so soon? All these years, she''s been with us at the Crone family. I''ve treated her like my precious gem and given her everything she''s asked. Isn''t that right, Jessica?"


    Edith cast a nce at Jessica, one that was now full of politeness. It was no longer the sharp look she once gave. She was clearly trying to win Jessica''s favor


    now.


    Jessica couldn''t help but smile. In the past, she had to go out of her way to please Edith, but now, things had. changed. Edith was the one seeking her approval.


    Jessica knew exactly what Edith was hinting at. The Crone family had raised her, and now they were hoping for something in return from Horace.


    Jessica was more than willing to give a little favor. After all, she was the daughter of the world''s richest man.


    She turned to Horace. "Yeah, Dad. The Crone family raised me. They''re like family to me."


    Edith nodded. "That''s right, Mr. Larson! Jessica is a remarkable child, and we''ve invested a lot in raising her."


    Horace turned his gaze to Edith. "Mrs. Edith, if you want something, just say it."


    Edith beamed. "Mr. Larson, as you know, that young woman you met that day, Wendy, has a grudge against our family. She wants to harm us. We have one simple request: Just tell her that she can''t touch us as long as you''re around."


    In Horace''s mind, Wendy''s delicate, palm-sized face shed before his eyes. After a few moments of silence, he replied, "Sure."


    The Crone family erupted in joy. Horace''s words were like a royal decree-no one would darey a finger on the Crone family from this moment on.


    Edith smiled widely. "Thank you, Mr. Larson!"


    Horace turned to Edith again. "That girl''s name is Wendy?"


    Edith paused, surprised that Horace would ask about Wendy.


    Jessica''s heart fell. She didn''t understand why Horace would bring up Wendy.


    She couldn''t allow anyone to take away her father''s attention.


    Edith nodded. "Yes, her name is Wendy."


    Horace raised an eyebrow. "Who is her mother?"


    Lilian hesitated for a moment, not quite sure what Horace was thinking. She stepped forward and answered, "Mr. Larson, Wendy''s my daughter."


    Horace studied Lilian for a moment, his gaze sharp. "She''s your daughter? But I don''t see any resemnce between the two of you."


    Lilian was taken aback. "Uh..."


    At that moment, Jessica clung to Horace''s arm, pouting. "Dad, why are you asking about Wendy? We just reunited, and now you''re asking about someone else! It makes me upset."


    She pretended to be angry.


    Horace immediately tried to soothe her. "I''m sorry, darling I was just asking. If it bothers you, I won''t ask again."


    Lilian spoke up gently. "Mr. Larson, Jessica hasn''t been with you all these years, so it makes sense that she''s sensitive. Please make sure to love her even more.


    ore."


    Horace took out a card and handed it to Jessica. "This is for you."


    Jessica nced at the card. It was a ck, gold-embossed card-limited edition, global ess, and unlimited spending.


    Horace smiled. "We''ll leave for the Capital soon, but before we go, take this card and enjoy yourself for a while." Jessica eagerly took the card, a huge smile on her face. "Thanks, Dad! You''re the best dad ever!"


    TA

 My Dad Please Come 542

    Horace gazed at Jessica with tender affection


    Harry looked on with a warm grin, White Lilian, standing quietly nearby, allowed a small, satisfied smile to y on her lips.


    All her careful plotting had not been in vain!


    Later that evening, Jessica returned to her room. It wasn''t long before Lilian followed her in.


    "Jessica," she called softly.


    Jessica''s tone was cold and distant. "What do you want?"


    "I just wanted to see you before you leave with Mr. Larson for the Capital. I''m going to miss you so much."


    Lilian''s reluctance to part with Jessica was real, but Jessica had no desire to be around her.


    "I''m fine. You can go now," Jessica replied, dismissing het.


    "Jessica-"Lilian reached out to take Jessica''s hand.


    But Jessica quickly yanked her hand away. ¡°What are you doing? Why are you being so annoying?"


    Lilian was taken aback. "How could you speak to me like that? I''m your mother!" "Mother?" Jessica sneered. "You''re not my mother. My real mother is dead. You''re my foster mom at most."


    Lilian froze. She had gone to great lengths to swap Jessica with Wendy, sessfully making Jessica the heiress of the fortune. But she never expected that, once Jessica adopted the identity, Jessica would reject her as a mother.


    Over the years, Lilian hadvished all her love on Jessica. Jessica had been her hope, her future.


    "Jessica, you''re my daughter. I love you..." Lilian said, her voice trembling


    Jessica didn''t want to hear it. "You love me, but what have you really given me? Now, I''m the richest heiress in the world. My real dad will love me and give me everything I want. I don''t need your love anymore! Just go."


    Lilian panicked. "Are you saying you no longer want me as your mother?"


    Jessica crossed her arms, unyielding. "I''ll say it again: You''re not my mother to begin with. I don''t want my dad to misunderstand, so from now on, I''ll just call you Mrs. Crone!"


    What? Jessica was actually calling her Mrs. Crone?


    Lilian was stunned. She grabbed Jessica''s hand. "Listen to me..."


    "Enough! You''re really getting on my nerves. I know the Crone family raised me, but my dad has already promised to help you, so don''t be so greedy. Now leave!"


    Without another word, Jessica shoved Lilian out of the room, then mmed the door shut behind I. thud.


    Lilian, left standing outside, was speechless.


    with a loud


    Her face turned pale. She had never imagined that her own daughter would reject her like this, especially after everything she had done to secure Jessica''s position. Now, Jessica had thrown her out of the room.


    Lilian had so much more she wanted to say to Jessica. After all, Jessica wasn''t truly Horace''s biological daughter, and she feared Jessica migli slip up.


    But Jessica was already lost in the fantasy of being the richest heiress in the world,pletely uninterested in hearing anything Lilian had to say.


    "Jessica! Open the door! I need to talk to you!" Lilian called out.


    At that moment, Harry walked over, looking displeased. "lian, what are you doing?


    It''ste. What could you possibly need to say to Jessica? You''re disturbing Her rest!"


    Lilian couldn''t find the words. She was too afraid Harry would notice something was off.


    Harry looked at the closed door to Jessica''s room and sighed.


    "Jessica has reunited with her real father and is going back to the Capital. Even though I broke my promise to her mother, I can rest easy knowing she''ll be with her father.


    "Protecting Jessica is my life''s mission!"

 My Dad Please Come 543

    Lilian looked at Harry, a coldugh curling in her heart.


    In truth, Lilian felt both love and hatred for Harry.


    She loved him.


    Lilian was a beautiful woman who had always longed for romance. Coming from a poor family, she had met the wealthy businessman, Jerry. Even though she didn''t love him, she married him to enjoy the life of a rich wife.


    Jerry adored her, always indulging her every whim, yet she remained unsatisfied.


    That was, until sheid eyes on Harry, a student returning home.


    Harry was a rare find in those days-a university graduate and he was also a romantic intellectual. He fit perfectly into everything Lilian had ever dreamed of. It was love at first sight for her, and she soon fell deeply in love with him.


    s, Harry didn''t love her.


    Harry only saw her as a free maid, someone to take care of things because Jessica liked her. He had married her simply to provide Jessica with apetent stepmother.


    Harry had only ever loved one woman in his life. He was devoted to her, madly so, spending his entire life protecting the woman''s daughter.


    Lilian knew this well.


    Her heart simmered with jealousy. Years ago, she had conceived a bold n-she had swapped Wendy with Jessica. (1


    Now, as she watched Harry, Lilian couldn''t help but sneer inwardly. She had done it. She had gotten her revenge on everyone. If the day ever came when Harry learned that he had been guarding the wrong person, the expression on his face would be priceless.


    And, to top it all off, she had made her own daughter the heiress to the world''s fortune. Lilian felt a twisted sense of pride. (1)


    Yet now, it seemed that she was beginning to taste the bitter fruits of her actions. Jessica no longer recognized her as a mother.


    At that moment, Harry looked at Lilian.


    "Why aren''t you saying anything?"


    His sharp gaze swept over Lilian, a hint of suspicion in his eyes.


    "Something seems off. Are you hiding something from me?""


    Lilian''s heart fell. "No, you''re just overthinking things."


    ing


    "I hope I''m just imagining things," Harry said, his voice low. "But you''d better not be thinking of a foolish. Mr. Larson is here, and he''s taking Jessica back to the Capital. Don''t do anything that might cause problems."


    Lilianughed bitterly to herself, but on the surface, she nodded obediently. "I know. I haven''t done anything. Now, let''s go back to our room. Mr. Larson gave Jessica a card today, and I''ll be going shopping with her tomorrow.


    Harry nodded. "Alright."


    The next day, Jessica, along with Lilian and Trish, arrived at the grand shopping mall. Today, Jessica was going to indulge herself in a shopping spree.


    She entered the luxury goods counter and pointed with a finger. "This bag, that one, and this one... I''ll take them all. Wrap them up for me."


    The sales associates'' eyes lit up. "Of course, Ms. Crone."


    Jessica shed a smile. "From now on, don''t call me Ms. Crone anymore."


    The sales associates looked at each other, confused. "Why not?"


    Trish chimed in, "Because Jessica is changing herst name to Larson."


    "Larson?" The sales associate paused, thinking for a moment. "Larson is a prestigiousst name. I heard the world''s richest person is a Larson."


    "That''s right," another sales associate chimed in. "I''ve also heard that the daughter of this world''s richest man was lost and that he''s been searching for her all these years."


    "Some people are born into wealth. Sounds like this might be the lost heiress we''ve been hearing about."


    The sales associates were quite tuned into the world of high society, so they had heard rumors about Horace. Now, they were excited.


    Jessica beamed with pride. "Well, I am the lost heiress of the world''s richest man!" The sales associates gasped in shock. "Really? You''re the heiress?"

 My Dad Please Come 544

    Lilian smiled smugly. "Of course it''s real! Mr. Larson is at the Crone family''s estate. He''s taking Jessica back to the Capital soon."


    Jessica handed over the ck, gold-embossed card that Horace had given her.


    "Here, swipe this," she said to the sales associate.


    The associate took the card, her eyes widening as she noticed the embossed gold letters on the back-Larson.


    The associates'' eyes lit up. "Wow, this is Mr. Larson''s card! She really is the daughter of the richest man!"


    "I can''t believe the daughter of the world''s richest man is here shopping with us! I''m definitely taking a picture for my social media. This is something I''ll be proud of for the rest of my life."


    Jessica basked in their ttery, relishing every word. She had always been fond of vanity, and now, she was enjoying the attention andpliments.


    Suddenly, Trish spoke up. "Wendy, what are you doing here?"


    Jessica turned around and saw Wendy standing by the door.


    Wendy hade with Halsey, and her clear, piercing eyes were fixed on Jessica''s face.


    Seeing Wendy only made Jessica feel more triumphant. She grinned.


    "Fancy meeting you here! My dad gave me a cardst night, and now I''m out shopping. Since we''ve known each other for so long and now I''m the daughter of the richest man, let me know if there''s anything you like here. I''ll buy it for you.¡±


    Trish chuckled. "Oh, Jessica! You''re still as generous as ever."


    Jessica grinned. "Of course. I think of it as charity."


    Lilian scolded her yfully. "Why do you have to say it like that? Wendy might feel bad hearing that! After all, you''re the daughter of the world''s richest man."


    She turned to Wendy.


    "Well, you can''t decide your fate. Look at you-you''ve worked hard your whole life, a genius from Harfield, Dr. Cen. But what does it matter? Jessica is the daughter of the world''s richest man. Whether you''re a genius from Harfield or Dr. Cen, you still have to work for money. It''s all about luck, you see. That''s just the way life is.".


    Lilian''s tone was biting, her words clearly aimed at Wendy.


    Halsey was furious, but the fact remained that Jessica was indeed the daughter of the richest man. "Jessica, your background saved your life. Otherwise, you wouldn''t be standing here talking."


    11


    Jessica nodded. "Exactly! With my dad around, no one can touch me."


    Trish added, "By the way, Wendy. Last night, Mr. Larson promised my Grandma that as long as he''s around, no o happen!" one can touch the Crone family. So, if you''re thinking about avenging your father, that''s not go


    Halsey clenched her fists in frustration.tle"


    At that moment, Wendy interrupted her. "Halsey."


    Halsey fell silent.


    Wendy stepped forward, her gaze now fixed firmly on Lilian. "How did my father really die?"


    Lilian looked at Wendy with an air of confidence, a cruel smile curling her lips.


    "You want to know? If you really want the truth, I can tell you."


    She took a step closer, her voice dropping to a whisper as she leaned in.


    "Jerry was poisoned. At the time, Edith, Harry, Archer, Natalie, and I were all there. We were the ones who killed him."


    Wendy''s pale fingers curled into fists, trembling with rage as the truth hit her like a physical blow.


    "He struggled so much. We had to put a lot of effort into holding him down. Then Edith arrived, and suddenly, your father stopped struggling. She personally forced the poison into his mouth."


    Lilian''s voice dropped to a mocking tone.


    "Jerry really loved you. When he died, his eyes never closed. He kept calling, ''Wendy, Wendy...'' He kept calling for you!"

 My Dad Please Come 545

    The sound of a sharp crack echoed through the air.


    Wendy clenched her fist so tightly that her fingernail broke digging into her palm.


    Her clear, almond-shaped eyes turned bloodshot, a mixture of shock, rage, sorrow, and a sudden ache swirling in her chest. It was as if her heart had been ripped apart, the pain overwhelming her.


    She had suspected for a long time that Jerry had been killed by these people, but hearing the truth hit her like a crushing weight. It was too much to bear.


    The Crone family, the people Jerry had grown up with, were the ones who had killed him.


    They were his wife, his two brothers, his sister-inw, and Edith. Though Jerry had been adopted, he had always considered Edith is real mother.


    And then, when Edith arrived, her father stopped struggling.


    It was Edith who had personally poured the poison into his mouth.


    How much pain and despair must he have felt in his final moments?


    He had called out for Wendy, over and over...


    Tears suddenly shimmered in Wendy''s reddened eyes. She couldn''t imagine what Jerry had been thinking in hisst moments. She had never gotten to see him before he passed.


    Wendy''s slender fingers trembled, andrge, heavy tears fell from her eyes, sshing onto the floor.


    Lilian watched Wendy''s suffering with a sense of satisfaction, a twisted delight. This was the child of that woman, the one Harry had devoted his life to protecting. Seeing Wendy in pain, feeling her helplessness-it gave Lilian a sense of aplishment, a deep satisfaction.


    Lilian smiled cruelly. "Wendy, I''m not afraid to tell you all this now. Because even if


    I do, what can you do about it, huh?"


    Wendy took a step back, only to be caught by Halsey, who held her steady.


    Halsey''s voice was filled with concern. "Are you okay?"


    Wendy shook her head. "I''m fine."


    Halsey red at Lilian, fury burning in her eyes. "You animal! You''re all monsters! Karma will get you!"


    Lilian scoffed. "Karma? We''ve lived just fine all these years! In fact, the Crone family is thriving. But you, Wendy, you were abandoned in the countryside, and Jessica impersonated you, pretending to have saved Stanley. Now, she''s the daughter of the richest man. What''s this nonsense about ''karma''? It''s all just a lie to fool people!"


    Halsey fell silent, unable to find the words. She had never met anyone as cruel and malicious as Lilian.


    Wendy shut her eyes briefly, wiping away the tears in them. When she opened them again, her gaze was cold, and she looked at Lilian with a mocking smile.


    "You will get what''sing to you... It''s just not the right time yet. All of you who killed my father not one of you will get away with this."


    Jessica stepped forward, her voice dripping with arrogance. ¡°Enough! Stop


    wasting your breath. With my dad around, do you really think you can do anything to us?"


    Before Wendy could respond, a deep voice rang out. "Jessica what''s going on here?"


    Wendy turned around, and her eyesnded on Horace


    A group of bodyguards in ck suits parted the way as Horace, dressed in a ck overcoat, walked toward them His butler followed closely behind. The sight of the richest man in the world caused a stir, and even the shoppers in the mall couldn''t help but turn their heads.


    Jessica rushed up to him with a beaming smile, immediately linking her arm through his "Dad Why are you here?


    11


    Horace smiled at his daughter with affection. "I just came to check on you." Jessica grinned. ''H''m fine. Don''t worry about me, Dad."


    34


    The sales associates crowded around, their excitement palpable. "Is that Mr. Larson, the world''s richest man?"


    "Wow, he''s so charming!"


    The associates were practically swooning, their eyes full of admiration.


    Horace, at just over forty, was in the prime of his life. With wealth, power, and


    status at their peak, he was the epitome of attraction, especially to young women, who found him an irresistible temptation

 My Dad Please Come 546

    Horace looked at Jessica with a soft, affectionate gaze before turning his eyes toward Wendy.


    It was the second time he had encountered Wendy.


    Wendy, her eyes still red from crying, met his gaze. Her once-clear eyes, now brighter after the tears, locked with his.


    Just then, Trish spoke up, "Mr. Larson, you came at just the right time! Wendy was bullying Jessica again."


    Jessica, ever the understanding one, stepped in, "Dad, it''s okay. I''m your


    daughter now, and Wendy must be feeling jealous and upset. Let her get it out of her system."


    Horace''s gaze hattened as he looked at Wendy. "I don''t know what has caused such a deep hatred between you and my daughter, and frankly, I don''t need to know. But one thing''s for sure: I hope you won''t bully Jessica anymore."


    It was a warning from Horace to Wendy.


    Wendy looked at him coolly. "Mr. Larson, maybe you should focus more on Jessica''s heart condition. If not, I''m afraid you might find yourselves parting ways before you even really get to know each other."


    At the mention of her heart, Jessica immediately grimaced in difort. "Dad, my chest hurts. Right now, only. Wendy can perform the heart surgery for me."


    Horace turned back to Wendy, his expression steely. "What do you want in exchange for helping my daughter? Name your price."


    Wendy took a step forward. "You''re a powerful man, right? You''ve vowed to protect Jessica and the whole Crone family. Now, why don''t you figure out how to treat Jessica''s heart disease yourself?"


    With that, Wendy turned and walked away.


    Horace was taken aback by her response, a smile creeping up his face despite his frustration. Everyone around him feared him, even Jessica, who respected him deeply. But Wendy-Wendy had never seemed scared of him.


    That girl... She sure had guts!


    Horace reached out and grabbed Wendy''s arm firmly.


    She halted and looked up at him, unflinching. ¡°Mr. Larson, please let go."


    Horace raised an eyebrow. "I''m afraid I can''t do that. Since you can treat my daughter''s heart, I''m going to have to ask you toe with me now."


    Horace intended to take Wendy with him.


    Just then, a familiar, smooth voice interrupted. "Uncle Horace, I''m afraid you can''t take Wendy with you." Wendy looked up, and there stood Stanley. He was dressed in a sharp ck suit, standing tall and dignified.


    Halsey''s eyes lit up with relief. Stanley had arrived.


    She hurried over to him, speaking in a low voice. "Stanley, Mr. Larson wants to take Wendy to tre you can''t let him! She''s pregnant right now."


    essica, but


    Jessica, ever the one to desire what she couldn''t have, couldn''t help but feel a stir in her chest as she saw Stanley. Stanley..."


    "1


    *25 BORUS


    But Stanley didn''t even acknowledge her. His steps were steady as he walked straight to Wendy, and with a firm hand, he grabbed her other arm.


    He turned his gaze to Horace. "Mr. Larson, let go.


    Now, Horace and Stanley were on either side of Wendy, each holding onto her.


    Horace was amused by the situation. "Stanley, technically, I''m your future father- inw. What''s going on here? Are you seriously going to fight me for her?"


    Stanley shot a nce at Wendy. "Uncle Horace, you''ve got it wrong. I''m not fighting you for her. You''re the one fighting me. Wendy is my woman."


    Stanley made it clear: Wendy was his.


    Wendy''s clear eyesmet Stanley''s handsome, regal face.


    Horace frowned slightly, confusion creeping into his expression. "Stanley, you say Wendy is your woman, but what does that make my daughter, Jessica? After all, you and Jessica have a marriage agreement."

 My Dad Please Come 547

    Stanley looked at Horace and said firmly, "Uncle Horace, I''ll say this again I will never marry Jessica. The woman I love is Wendy!"


    Jessica''s face crumpled with hurt and frustration. "Stanley!


    Stanley yanked Wendy away from Horace''s grasp, pulling her back to him.


    Wendy''s delicate form tumbled into Stanley''s warm embrace. Stanley immediately wrapped his strong arm around her slender waist, his voice low as he asked, "Are you okay?"


    Wendy nodded. "I''m fine."


    Stanley''s voice rumbled. "Let''s go."


    "Okay."


    Wendy tried to walk on her own, but Stanley effortlessly swept her off her feet and cradled her in his arms.


    Wendy''s breath caught in surprise, but Stanley said softly, "Hold onto my neck."


    Wendy wrapped her arms around his neck, and Stanley carried her away, leaving Horace and Jessica behind.


    Halsey turned to Jessica, sticking out her tongue and making a yful face. "Well, what does it matter if you''re the daughter of the richest man? You can''t even keep your fianc¨¦!"


    Jessica seethed, her face flushed with anger. "How dare you!"


    ¡°Hold on, Jessica," Halsey interrupted, holding up a hand. "Don''t be mad. Remember, you have a heart condition. If you get too upset, Wendy won''t treat you."


    Jessica was speechless, her emotions swirling.


    Halsey giggled and darted off before Jessica could respond. "Mr. Hawk, wait for me!"


    Jessica, already upset from the earlier events, was now seething with fury. She grabbed Horace''s arm. "Dad, look at Wendy! She refuses to treat my heart condition. What am I supposed to do?"


    Horace looked at her with a calm expression. "Once we get back to the Capital, I''l arrange for the best doctors to examine you. I''ll find the top medical professionals from around the world to treat your heart. There are many excellent doctors out there, not just Wendy. I promise, I''ll make sure you get better."


    Hearing her father''s words, Jessica felt a sense of relief. With Horace''s status and resources, she knew he could hire someone as skilled as Wendy, if not better.


    That way, she wouldn''t have to depend on Wendy.


    Lilian, standing nearby, beamed with happiness. "That''s wonderful, Mr. Larson! Jessica has hope for recovery."


    "But, Dad," Jessica interrupted, a worried look on her face. What about Stanley and me?"


    Horace looked at his daughter with a thoughtful expression


    "I can tell Stanley doesn''t have feelings for you. He''s very much in love with Wendy. You can''t force love you. Marriage is a serious matter, one that impacts your entire life. It''s better to let go of Stanle, suitable match for you. There are plenty of other young heirs in the Capital. You can take your pick."


    Jessica''s eyes narrowed. "Are any of them as remarkable as Stanley?"


    eone to


    Il find a


    Horace shook his head. "No one is. Stanley is not only the most outstanding heir of the Hawk family''s generation, but he''s also one of the most promising young businessmen today. Right now, he''s still young, but give him ten years, and his achievements will rival my own."


    Jessica knew deep down that Horace was right. She had met many men, but none of them couldpare to Stanley. Not only was he a powerful figure in the business world, but his maturity, refinement, and character were beyond reproach.


    "Dad, I don''t want anyone else! I only want Stanley!" Jessica''s voice was firm, filled with determination.


    Horace sighed. "Jessica."


    Jessica clung to Horace''s arm, her tone sweet but pleading. ''If you truly want me to be happy, help me get Stanley! We already have a marriage agreement. Stanley was always meant to be mine!"


    Jessica would never give Stanley up to Wendy. Though she could win the title of the richest daughter, she wouldn''t settle for losing but on being Mrs. Hawk.


    She couldn''t allow herself to be less than Wendy, especially when Stanley''s time in the business world came. She would not be beneath Wendy!


    Lilian added, "Mr. Larson, you may not know this, but Jessica and Mr. Hawk have known each other for many years. Jessica really loves him, deeply and profoundly. No one could ever rece him."

 My Dad Please Come 548

    Horace looked into Jessica''s determined eyes and sighed, finally relenting.


    "Alright. If this is what you want, then I''ll support it too. Don''t worry-Stanley will marry you."


    "Really? But I don''t think he wants to marry me right now,


    Horace gave her a reassuring look. "Our families'' agreement isn''t something Stanley can decide on his own. The Hawk family will never allow him to marry anyone else. The position of Mrs. Hawk is yours."


    Jessica''s eyes lit up with excitement. "That''s awesome! Thanks, Dad!"


    Lilian, sensing an opportunity, added, "Mr. Larson, it''s clear that Mr. Hawk is really fond of Wendy. Just to be safe, I think we should do something about that."


    Horace paused for moment, thinking. "I''ll call Stanley''s mother, Ang. If she finds out about Wendy..."


    He didn''t finish his sentence, but both Jessica and Lilian understood.


    If Ang learned about Wendy and realized that she was standing in the way of the marriage between the Hawk and Larson families, Ang would make sure Wendy disappeared from this world.


    Jessica and Lilian exchanged a look, and both smiled.


    Jessica eagerly urged, "Dad, please go ahead and call Mrs. Ang now."


    Horace took out his phone. "Alright, I''ll call her right now."


    Stanley gently ced Wendy into his Rolls-Royce Phantom, with Halsey following closely behind.


    Wendy looked at Stanley, concern in her eyes. "Mr. Hawk, you shouldn''t let things getplicated with Mr. Larson because of me."


    Stanley looked at her, his voice firm. "I will never marry Jessica."


    Wendy didn''t reply.


    Just then, the phone rang, its melody filling the car. Stanley looked at the screen. It was a call from Ang.


    He nced at the caller ID, then chose not to answer.


    Wendy saw the caller ID and asked, "Is that your mother calling?"


    Stanley nodded. "Yes."


    "Then why aren''t you answering it?"


    Stanley met her gaze.


    Wendy''s eyes were clear, holding a soft understanding. "It''s okay. You should go


    ahead and take the call."


    She knew exactly what was going on.


    Stanley got out of the car and answered the phone.


    Halsey looked out the window, watching Stanley. "Wendy, have you heard of


    Stanley''s mother, Mrs. Ang?¡±


    Wendy shook her head. "No."


    Halsey lowered her voice and spoke with an air of secrecy.


    "Mrs. Anges from a prestigious family. Back then, she married Mr. Hawk''s father in a high-profile union, but he had a woman he could never forget. The day Mrs. Ang went intobor with Mr. Hawk, this woman called, and Mr. Hawk''s father left Mrs. Ang to find her. Mrs. Ang was devastated. During childbirth, she bled heavily and almost didn''t make it. Though she gave birth to Stanley, she was left severely weakened, and her legs were permanently crippled."


    Wendy was stunned by the story. She hadn''t known about Stanley''s family history. Halsey continued, her voice almost sympathetic.


    "In her prime years, Mrs. Ang ended up in a wheelchair. She remained there for years. Her personality became increasingly withdrawn. All her hopes were pinned on Mr. Hawk. She raised him with strict discipline, pushing him to excel.


    "Mr. Hawk has turned out to be just what she wanted. He listens to everything she says.''


    Wendy nodded slowly, understanding the situation more clearly now. She turned her gaze to the window, where Stanley was now speaking into the phone.


    Ang''s voice came through immediately, sharp and clear.


    "I just got a call from Horace. He told me you''re with someone named Wendy."

 My Dad Please Come 549

    When Stanley heard Ang mention Wendy, his heart tightened.


    "Mom."


    Ang''s voice was sharp andmanding. "I''ve already told you before: I can turn a blind eye to the women around you, but don''t let your heart get involved. Now, Horace himself called, saying you''re willing to give up on his daughter for Wendy. Is that true?"


    Stanley didn''t hesitate to admit it. "Yes, it''s true. Wendy is the woman I love. I won''t marry anyone else."


    "You''re an idiot!" Ang''s voice grew even more enraged. I can see that you''repletely bewitched by this Wendy! The marriage agreement between the Hawk and Larson families must be honored. Now that Horace has found his daughter, you need to prepare and marry her as soon as possible."


    Stanley furrowed his brows, a deep frown forming. "Mom-"


    "I''ve already arranged for a private jet. I''ll be in Hovendale tomorrow."


    With that, there was a sharp "click" as Ang ended the call.


    Ang wasing.


    Stanley stood outside for a moment, lost in thought, before getting into the luxury car and starting the engine. I''ll take you home."


    Wendy nodded. "Alright."


    Halsey spoke up from the front seat. "Mr. Hawk, what did Mrs. Ang say when she called?"


    Stanley nced up through the rearview mirror, meeting Wendy''s clear, searching gaze. They held eye contact for a moment before he spoke. "She''sing to Hovendale tomorrow."


    He didn''t borate on why.


    Halsey, clearly surprised, eximed, "She''sing to Hovendale? After all these years of sitting in a wheelchair, keeping to herself, she''s actuallying to Hovendale?"


    Halsey paused before turning to Stanley. "You''ve been here for a long time now. Shouldn''t you be heading back to the Capital?"


    Stanley pressed his lips together, not offering a response.


    Wendy sat quietly in the back seat, saying nothing. Half an hourter, the Rolls- Royce Phantom pulled up in front of Royale Residences.


    Stanley opened the back door, and Wendy stepped out of the car.


    Stanley hesitated for a moment, his gaze lingering on Wendy. "Wendy, I-"


    Wendy interrupted, her voice calm but firm. "Mr. Hawk, I don''t know what you want to say, but I''ll say it again: We''re divorced, and we don''t have any ties anymore. So you don''t need to worry about me. Just do what you need to do. I don''t want to get caught between the Hawk and Larson families. Do you understand?"


    Stanley had so much he wanted to say, but Wendy''s words stopped him. He stood there, speechless.


    At that moment, Samuel approached. "Hey, Wendy."


    Wendy walked toward Samuel.


    Samuel put his arm around Wendy''s shoulder, asking, "Are you tired?"


    Wendy shook her head. "I''m fine."


    Stanley''s eyes narrowed as he watched Samuel''s arm around Wendy. His hand, resting at his side, slowly turned


    into a fist.


    Wendy rxed, resting her head on Samuel''s chest. "Let''s just go home."


    Samuel nced at Stanley. "Mr. Hawk, thanks for bringing Wendy home. See you around."


    With that, Samuel took Wendy''s hand and they walked away.


    Stanley stood frozen in ce, his eyes still on the back of Wendy and Samuel as they walked off.


    Despite everything, despite all his efforts to get back to her Wendy was no longer his.


    Halsey, standing beside Stanley, sighed. "You saw that, right? You''ve really hurt Wendy. She''s with someone else now."


    Wendy, walking with Samuel, could feel Stanley''s eyes on her even as their distance widened.

 My Dad Please Come 550

    Samuel shed a knowing smile.


    "Wendy, what''s going on with you today? Are you trying to put on a show for Mr. Hawk?"


    Wendy slowly lifted her head from Samuel''s chest, looking at him with a resigned smile. "You really read me like a book, huh?"


    "So, what''s this little act between you two all about?"


    "Jessica is Mr. Larson''s daughter. The Hawk and Larson families have a marriage agreement. Stanley is supposed to marry Jessica, and his mother, Mrs. Ang, ising to Hovendale tomorrow. I guess she''s here to push Stanley and Jessica together."


    Samuel raised an eyebrow. "So, you''re trying to make Mr. Hawk give up on you by getting close to me?"


    "Stanley and I are done. He doesn''t need to be troubled by me, and I don''t want to be dragged into this."


    Samuel nodded thoughtfully. "I hope you really feel that way."


    "Of course I do."


    As she said this, Wendy gently ced her hand on her abdomen and softly caressed it.


    Samuel''s gaze lingered on Wendy''s belly. "So, you''re not nning to tell him about the baby? He''s been thinking that it''s my kid, not his. I''m sure when he saw us together earlier, he probably thought we were a happy little family."


    Wendy''s longshes fluttered as she looked down. "He doesn''t need to know. It''s better this way."


    Samuel''s lips curled into a slight grin. "You used to want to tell him about the child, especially since he has the right to know. The baby deserves to know who its father is. But now, I see that you''re more determined. You don''t want to tell him. You''re afraid that he might feel torn because of the baby, aren''t you? Deep down, you still care about him a lot."


    Wendy looked up, shaking her head. "I don''t-"


    Samuel reached up and ruffled Wendy''s hair affectionately. ''Alright, Wendy, no need to exin. Whether you want to admit it or not, you know the truth yourself." Wendy was silent.


    "Well, what are you nning next? Now that Jessica is the Larson family''s heiress, it''s thrown all your ns off course. And your belly is already starting to show."


    Wendy thought for a moment. It was true that no one had expected Jessica to be the richest heiress in the world. Right now, she couldn''t do anything to Jessica.


    And with her pregnancy, things were getting unstable. She needed to focus on taking care of herself and the baby


    first.


    "Let''s pack up and head back to Florias. I''m going to have the baby, and I''ll deal with my vendetta w family and Jessicater."


    he Crone


    Samuel felt a wave of relief. He had been worried that Wendy''s anger and hatred would cloud her judgment, but she had made the most rational decision. Right now, the baby muste first.


    He nodded. "Alright. Jessica''s heading back to the Capital, and I''m guessing Mr. Hawk will be returning there as


    well."


    Wendy gently stroked her stomach, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "That''s fine, I''ll go to the Capital to find themter."


    The next day...


    Ang arrived in Hovendale as nned, She had flown in on a private jet, With Barbara pushing her wheelchair, Ang entered the airport lobby.


    Stanley was there to greet her. He stepped forward. "Hello, Mom."


    Ang sat in her wheelchair, impably dressed, exuding the elegance of a distinguisheddy from a prestigious family. Her hair was neatly styled, and the pearls in her cars glimmered, hinting at the beauty she had in her youth.


    However, the unfortunate marriage and her life''s hardships had left deep marks on her face. Ang''s expression was somber and harsh, her eyes shadowed with a severity that made her look much older than her years. Chapter 651

 My Dad Please Come 551

    Ang looked at Stanley. "Stanley, why are you here alone? Where''s Jessica?"


    Ang was asking about Jessica.


    Just then, Jessica happily ran over. "Mrs. Ang, hello! I''m here!"


    Jessica had known that Ang would being to Hovendale today, so she had arrived early.


    Jessica was wless in appearance, as stunning as a red rose. Standing next to Stanley, they looked like a perfect couple.


    Ang looked at Jessica, clearly pleased. "You''re Jessica, Horace''s daughter, right? You''re as beautiful as they say.


    Jessica took Ang''s hand and said shyly, "Mrs. Ang, you''re too kind."


    Ang patted Jessica''s hand. "Our families are bound by an engagement. Tell me: Do you love Stanley?"


    Jessica immediately looked up at Stanley. Seeing his handsome, noble face, she felt a flutter in her chest. She bit her lip and said, "Of course I love Stanley, Mrs. Ang."


    "That''s good," Ang said with a smile. "Once you''re back in the Capital, our families will arrange the wedding quickly so you two can get married."


    Jessica nodded happily. "Alright, I have no objections."


    Yet Stanley remained expressionless, his tone indifferent as he dered, "Mom, I won''t marry Jessica."


    Jessica froze.


    "This marriage is not a joke. No one else can marry you except Jessica. She is the daughter-inw I''ve chosen," Ang said firmly.


    She then turned to Jessica. "Don''t worry. I''ll back you up. If Stanley bullies you, just tell me."


    Jessica''s heart soared. When she thought there was no chance with Stanley, Ang had be her strongest ally. Stanley was a good son, and with Ang''s support, Jessica believed she would soon be Mrs. Hawk.


    Wendy would remain in her ce as the defeated one.


    Jessica nodded. "I will."


    At that moment, Horace walked over. "Ang."


    Ang looked at him. "Congrattions on finding your daughter, who''s also my future daughter-inw."


    Horace smiled. "I''ve reserved a private dining room. We should have a meal together."


    Ang nodded. "Sounds good."


    The two families arrived at the luxurious private dining room of a six-star hotel. Horace and Ang together, while Stanley and Jessica sat side by side.


    Ang asked Horace, "When do you n to return to the Capital?"


    Horace replied, ¡°In the next couple of days.¡±


    Ang turned to Stanley. "Stanley, Horace and Jessica are heading back to the Capital. You shoulde with me too."


    Stanley pressed his lips together. "I can''t leave just yet."


    Ang said, "You can leave the matters here to your subordinates. We need you at the Capital-"


    Stanley stood up. "There''s something at thepany I need to handle. I''ll go to the office first."


    Without another word, Stanley walked out. As he left, Ang''s expression soured. Jessica looked a bit upset. "Mrs. Ang, it seems like Stanley doesn''t like me..." "No, that''s not it," Ang reassured her.


    "You might not know this," Jessica said, ¡°but Stanley has fallen for a woman named Wendy. She''s seeing another man and is even pregnant with his child, but Stanley is obsessed with her."


    "What?!"


    Ang''s face went pale with shock, and she almost jumped. She had heard of a woman named Wendy, but didn''t know that said woman was carrying someone else''s child.


    "This woman has such a messy personal life! How could Stanley possibly be interested in her?"

 My Dad Please Come 552

    "Mrs. Ang, please don''t me Stanley. It''s all that Wendy''s fault-she knows exactly how to seduce men. Now, Stanley doesn''t even want to marry me because of her," Jessica went on.


    Ang turned to Horace. "I''m really sorry about this."


    Horace raised an eyebrow. "Our families have a marriage engagement. But if Stanley doesn''t want to marry Jessica, we wouldn''t force him. Still, Jessica loves Stanley with all her heart. As a father, I only want my daughter to be happy and find joy in her life."


    Horace surveyed Jessica with affection. As a father, he would do anything for her, even if it meant reaching for the


    stars.


    Ang nodded. "understand. Don''t worry, the engagement won''t be broken. I''ll go and meet Wendy."


    Wendy had just returned to her apartment at Royale Residences. She had already nned to leave for Florias, so she was in the process of wrapping up her affairs.


    Just then, she heard the doorbell ring.


    Who could it be?


    Wendy walked over to the door and opened it. Standing outside were a group of bodyguards dressed in ck and Ang''s personal maid, Barbara.


    Barbara looked at Wendy. "Are you Ms. Wendy Crone?"


    Wendy nodded. "Yes, I am. Who are you?"


    "Ms. Wendy, hello," Barbara replied. "Mrs. Ang is in Hovendale today, and she''d like to meet with you."


    Wendy nced at the bodyguards behind Barbara. "I''m guessing she didn''t leave me much choice, did she?"


    Barbara smiled. "Seems like you''re a clever one. I heard you''re pregnant. Please, juste with me."


    Wendy wasn''t exactly surprised. She had known this meeting would happen, and so nodded. "Alright, I''ll go meet her."


    At that moment, Halsey walked in. "Where are you going? Who are these people?"


    "It''s okay," Wendy reassured Halsey. "Stanley''s mother wants to see me. I''ll be back soon."


    "This way, please," Barbara interjected.


    With that, Wendy followed Barbara out of the apartment.


    "Wendy!" Halsey tried to stop her but failed. She immediately pulled out her phone and dialed Stanley.


    Stanley, sitting in his office at Hawk Group, was reviewing some documents. The moment he saw Halsey''s name


    on the screen of his phone, he answered immediately.


    "Stanley, something''s wrong! Wendy''s in trouble!" Halsey cried.


    Stanley paused, his pen frozen in midair. ¡°What happened?


    "She''s been taken!"


    $25 BORUS


    "Who took her?"


    "You should be asking your mother! She took Wendy!"


    Stanley furrowed his brows deeply. His mother had taken Wendy.


    "Got it. I''ll go get her back right now." Hanging up, he turned to Zayn. "Find out where my mother and Wendy are right now!"


    Zayn nodded. "Got it, sir. I''ll handle it immediately."


    Wendy was brought to a hotel room. Barbara opened the door, and when Wendy walked in, she saw Ang sitting in a wheelchair.


    Ang looked up at Wendy, sizing Wendy up with a superior and dismissive gaze, her expression filled with disdain and displeasure. "So, you must be Wendy."

 My Dad Please Come 553

    Wendy stood calmly in front of Ang, nodding slightly. "That''s right."


    Ang pulled out a check and handed it to her. "This is for you. Whatever amount you want to leave my son, just fill it in."


    Wendy shook her head. "I don''t want it."


    Ang scoffed.


    "I''m sure you''ve heard about the engagement between the Hawk and Larson families. My son is meant to marry Jessica, the daughter of the Larson family. Only Jessica is worthy of him.


    "The interests of the wealthy areplicated. This is the path Stanley should take, and it''s the right one.


    "I''ve also heard you''re with another man now, and that you''re carrying his child. Given that, are you still nning to juggle two rtionships? As long as I''m around, you will never step foot into the Hawk family''s door! So forget about that idea.


    "If you''re smart, you''ll take the check I''m offering and leave far, far away."


    Wendy looked at Ang. On the way here, she had expected Ang to be harsh with her, but the words weren''t as biting as she had imagined.


    Wendy found it hard to dislike Ang, perhaps because she had heard of Ang''s story. She saw no reason to make life harder for another woman.


    Wendy nced at Ang and gave her a small, faint smile. "You''ve misunderstood. I don''t want the check because Stanley and I are over."


    Over?


    Ang froze.


    Ang had seen her share of mistresses, especially the one who had hurt her deeply-the one her husband had always cherished. That woman had been a master at maniption, ruthless and calcting. It was why Ang despised all mistresses.


    However, Wendy wasn''t like the others Ang had encountered.


    Ang took a moment to recover.


    "Then what do you want? I want you topletely leave my son."


    "I don''t want anything. I''ll leave Stanley, so you can rest easy."


    11


    Ang wasn''t reassured at all. The more Wendy refused, the more unsettled she became. "Then why-"


    Wendy interrupted her. "When I was with Stanley, I didn''t want his money, his power, or his status. I married him when he was in a vegetative state."


    Ang stiffened.">


    1. e. Because


    know the


    "I''m not trying to get credit for that," Wendy continued. "I just don''t want you to misundersta once you do, it will create a rift between you and Stanley. I understand your deep love for him,plicated and difficult path of a wealthy family. I lost my father, so I understand the value of family."


    Wendy had lost Jerry; thus, she didn''t want Ang to lose her son.


    3


    In this world, besides romantic love, there was also family.


    Stanley was a filial son, so Wendy didn''t want to make him choose between love and family. He was the child Ang had given everything for. In the years since losing her husband, Stanley had been Ang''s only hope. Wendy didn''t want to let Ang lose her son, too.


    Ang stood frozen and stared at Wendy. 1


    Wendy, dressed in a white coat, her long ck hair cascading over her shoulders, looked pure and ethereal. Her small face, untouched by makeup, glowed softly in the light, almost otherworldly.


    She looked at Ang calmly and added gently, "As I wasing here, I calcted the time. I''ve been married to Stanley for exactly four years. For the first three years, he was bedridden, a vegetable. At that time, all I wanted was to help him recover.


    "After he got better, we had to adjust to each other, stumbling along. Now that I think back, I realize there haven''t been many happy moments between us.


    "So, like I said, there''s no need for the check. I''ll leave him." Chapter 554

 My Dad Please Come 554

    Ang was momentarily at a loss for words. She had considered what actions


    she might need to take if Wendy didn''t agree; yet the Wendy before her, so calm andposed, caught herpletely off guard.


    "Alright. I hope everything you''ve said is true. The engagement between the Hawk and Larson families must happen." Ang paused for a moment, her tone shifting slightly. "My husband has a son outside of our marriage, and because of that, Stanley must marry Horace''s daughter"


    Stanley had a half-brother, a fact that had never been openly discussed-yet Ang had shared this with Wendy.


    Wendy nodded quietly. "I understand. I''ll leave now. Perhaps we''ll meet again someday."


    With that, Wendy turned and walked away. Her slender figure quickly disappeared.


    Barbara stepped forward and whispered, "Mrs. Ang, I didn''t expect this conversation to go so smoothly. Ms. Wendy is nothing like I imagined. When I went to Royale Residences to bring her here, she was so calm and poised. Her presence could light up a room."


    Barbara had worked for Ang since young and had stayed by her side through the years.


    Ang watched the direction Wendy had gone, lost in thought. "She''s not what I expected, either."


    At that moment, the door opened. A tall, steady figure emerged from the room.


    Ang turned around to find that it was Horace.


    Horace had arrived earlier and had been in the room, hearing everything that Wendy and Ang had discussed.


    Horace looked in the direction Wendy had gone. "She''s gone?"


    Ang nodded. "Yes, she''s left."


    "She really isn''t your average girl," Horace said thoughtfully. "Stanley has great taste."


    "I suppose they''re just not meant to be," Ang murmured


    Horace said nothing more.


    Wendy walked down the stairs.


    Just then, a sleek Rolls-Royce Phantom sped into view and came to a stop. The car door swung open, revealing Stanley''s handsome and regal figure. Stanley had arrived.


    He hurried toward Wendy, his face filled with concern. "What are you doing here? Did my mom give you a hard time? Did she say anything harsh to you?"


    Wendy shook her head. "No. Your mom is just looking out for you. She offered me a check to leave you, but I turned it down."


    Stanley''s eyes lit up, and he ced a hand on Wendy''s shoulder. "That''s great! I knew you wouldn''t leave me. Let''s


    11


    "Mr. Hawk, you''re mistaken," Wendy interrupted. "I didn''t take the check because


    we never started over. I don''t have any right to take it."


    Stanley froze.


    Wendy coolly pushed his hand off her shoulder. "Tomorrow, Samuel and I are leaving Hovendale, I won''t being back."


    "What?" Stanley was stunned. "You''re leaving tomorrow?


    Wendy nodded. ¡°Yes. My pregnancy is progressing, and I need to focus on bringing the child into this world. Don''te after me. I just want to live a peaceful life with Samuel and the baby."


    Without waiting for a response, Wendy turned and walked away.


    Stanley reached out, grabbing her from behind before pulling her into his arms.


    He buried his face in her long hair, his voice hoarse. "I don''t believe you. Please don''t go,


    He held her tightly as though trying to embed her into his very bones.


    "We''ve only just learned the truth about each other. Are we really going to


    separate now? Don''t you remember? We promised we''d always be together."


    Ch

 My Dad Please Come 555

    apt


    Wendy lowered her slender, graceful eyshes. "Of course remember. You''re the one who forgot"


    Stacey froze


    Wendy pushed him away and turned her back on him. "When I wanted to be with you, you didn''t want me. Now that I don''t want to be with you anymore, you''re still clinging to me. Is this your version of love? I don''t love you anymore.


    Once again, Wendy told Stanley she didn''t love him anymore.


    The corners of Stanley''s eyes turned red, his voice desperate. "That can''t be true. I don''t believe that you really don''t love me anymore!"


    Wendy looked at fm, and enunciated each word slowly, "Ifyou didn''t understand what I said earlier, I''ll say it again-I don''t love you anythore. I''ve fallen in love with someone else."


    Stanley clenched his fists, the veins on his hands bulging, "Is it Samuel?"


    "Yes, it''s Samuel He treats me well, and I''m carrying his child now. We''re done, Stanley. You''ve been bothering me like this, and it''s making me ufortable."


    Wendy-


    "The Hawks and Larsons have an engagement, and your mom came to see me. You can''t even handle the business between the two families properly. Do you want me to be dragged into this mess of yours? I''m carrying Samuel''s child. Do you want my baby to be born without a father?"


    Stanley choked on his words; he tried to say something, but the overwhelming sense of helplessness made him feel too weak to argue.


    "I''ve saved you before-not just that time in the cave, but also when you were in aa. I''m the one who cured you. I''m not asking for any repayment now. All I want is for you to stay far away from me and not bring me any more trouble. If you truly loved me, then let me go. Let me find happiness."


    If Wendy hadn''t said anything, Stanley would have never let go of her hand.


    Now that she had said all this, how could he beg her to stay?


    Stanley could only keep clenching his fists, the sudden pain in his chest making it hard for him to breathe.


    "This is thest time we''ll ever talk. Don''te looking for me again. I don''t want Samuel to misunderstand. Don''t disturb my life. Let''s just end it here," Wendy said firmly.


    With that, she turned and walked away.


    "Wendy..."


    Stanley took a couple of steps forward, but just then, Samuel''s car arrived.


    Samuel reached out and pulled Wendy into his arms. "Are you okay? I heard Mrs. Ang came looking for you."


    His eyes were filled with concern.


    Wendy shook her head. "I''m fine. She didn''t hurt me."


    Samuel sighed in relief. "Good. Let''s go home."


    He shot a nce at Stanley, then took Wendy and left.


    Stanley stood frozen in the same spot, alone. In that moment, he felt like an abandoned child, realizing he had lost Wendy.


    He had lost her.


    A luxury car was parked by the side of the road, its back window slowly rolling down to reveal Horace''s deep, handsome face.


    Horace had been watching all along. He had seen everything-the moment Wendy broke up with Stanley.


    "Mr. Larson," the butler in the front seat said quietly, "I''ve had someone look into it."


    Horace nodded. "Go ahead."


    The butler continued, "Ms. Wendy did save Stanley''s life when they were young, but... Ms. Jessica took credit for that. Later, when anley had his ident and became a vegetable... Ms. Jessica ran off and went abroad. Ms. Wendy married Stanley in her ce and became Mrs. Hawk

 My Dad Please Come 556

    Horace''s sharply defined features were cast in shadow, making it hard to see his expression day or the to light.


    The butler went on softly, "Sir, Ms. Jessica has lived among themon folk all these years the only the she may have picked up a few, um, ws in her character, ce she returns to the Capital, I''m on the gow into someone better with your guidance,"


    After reuniting with Jessica, Horace had ordered a full investigation into her past. He drearyen everything les had done. E


    Still, she was his biological daughter-his own flesh and blood.


    Horace nced in the direction Wendy had gone. "Let''s go


    Stanley returned to the office, but he didn''t do any work. Instead, he opened a bottle of vintage wine and began drinking-ss after ss.


    Right now, he needed the burn of alcohol more than anything, just to numb the pain inside.


    Zayn stood nearby and said gently, "Mr. Hawk, maybe you should ease up on the wine. It''s not good for your health.¡±


    Stanley held the ss in his hand and gave a bitter smile.


    "After I recovered from mya, Wendy made me stick to a strict diet. No smoking, no drinking


    "Back then, no matter where I was-at the office or on business trips-I''d get a text from her every day. It became a part of my life, but I never once replied.


    "After our divorce, she vanished from my world all at once. Sometimes I''d find myself staring at my phone, waiting...hoping for one of her messages. I realized I missed them.


    "It always felt like I was the one in control between us, but now I see... She was the one giving, and I was the one taking. When she finally left, those little things I took for granted disappeared, and it felt like I lost...half my soul."


    Zayn''s heart ached. He had always liked Wendy and the way she matched with Stanley.


    "Mr. Hawk, it''s okay. Things will get better. Ms. Wendy is just hurt right now. She might stille back to you, Zayn said softly, trying tofort Stanley.


    Stanley drained the wine in his ss, his face etched with pain. "No. She won''t. I know she won''te back. She has Samuel now, and they have a baby. What do I have to offer her?"


    "Mr. Hawk-


    "Zayn," Stanley cut in quietly, "Leave me. I want to be alone for a while."


    Zayn nodded. "Yes, sir."


    Once Zayn left, the office fell into silence. Stanley sat there,pletely alone. Wendy''s absence had out. Without her, there was no home left for him-only emptiness.


    "Wendy... Don''t go..." he murmured, slumping forward on the desk.


    wed him


    The next morning, when Zayn came in, Stanley was still samped over the desk. The air reeked of alcohol


    Zayn rushed forward and called softly, "Mr. Hawk, it''s time to wake up.


    Stanley opened his eyes slowly and sat up, looking, worn and defeated "What is it?"


    Zayn lowered his voice, "We just received word. Ms. Wendy is leaving Hovendale today."


    Stanley froze, "What?!"


    He had known she would leave eventually-but not this soon! Was she leaving already? Zayn continued, "She''s already on her way to the airport with Mr. Samuel." Wendy was heading to the airport with Samuel. She was leaving


    Stanley''s eyes widened; in the next moment, he jumped to his feet and ran out the door.


    He didn''t want Wendy to go.

 My Dad Please Come 557

    Wendy and Samuel had already arrived at the airport terminal. Cecelia and Halsey were there to see her off.


    Cecelia looked at Wendy with reluctance. "Is this really goodbye?"


    Wendy nodded. "It''s just for a while. I wille back."


    Cecelia reached out and gently touched Wendy''s stomach. Okay. You should focus on the baby. I''m still waiting to be its godmother."


    Halsey embraced Wendy. "Are you really just going to leave like this? Mr. Hawk doesn''t even know you''re leaving He doesn''t know this baby is his. Shouldn''t we wait for hit"


    Even though Halsey had always supported Wendy, Stanley was still her cousin. She couldn''t shake the feeling that this wasn''t the way things should end between Stanley and Wendy.


    Wendy smiled faintly. "Our rtionship has run its course. You can''t force love."


    "Alright, then," Halsey said, pulling Wendy into a tight hug. "Take care."


    Watching the three women struggle to part, Samuelughed softly. "Alright, now. With travel so easy these days, you''ll be able to see each other again in just a few hours. Don''t make it sound like this is a permanent goodbye. Wendy, it''s time for us to go."


    Wendy pulled away from Halsey and Cecelia. "I''ll see you soon."


    "Bye, Wendy." Halsey and Cecelia waved, reluctant to let go


    Samuel grabbed the suitcase and turned, guiding Wendy away.


    Though this city held many painful memories for her, Wendy couldn''t help but feel a deep sense of reluctance as she left.


    This city held the best four years of her life. It was where she and Stanley had made all their memories together.


    Just then, the phone rang. Wendy pulled it out of her bag and saw who was calling.


    Stanley-he was calling her.


    Wendy stared at the caller ID for a moment, but didn''t answer.


    "If you want to answer it, go ahead," Samuel said.


    Wendy shook her head. "It''s fine. I have nothing left to say to him. Let''s go."


    With that, she hung up the phone and followed Samuel toward the gate.


    Suddenly, a group of well-trained bodyguards in ck appeared out of nowhere, surrounding Wendy and Samuel.


    Samuel immediately stepped in front of Wendy, protecting her.


    Wendy looked up, and saw Horace''s butler walking toward them.


    The butler stopped in front of Wendy. "Ms. Wendy, I''m sorry, but you cannot leave Hovendale."


    Horace had sent people to stop her from leaving?


    Wendy frowned, confused. "Why can''t I leave Hovendale? What''s going on?"


    "After Ms. Jessica ran into you at the department store, she went back and fell ill,¡± the butler replied calmly,"


    She''s been unconscious ever since, and they suspect she''s been poisoned."


    What?


    Wendy''s eyes widened in surprise. Jessica had been poisoned?


    Her lips curled into a small smile. "And Mr. Larson thinks I poisoned her?"


    The butler, a trusted servant of Horace, said without hesitation, "I don''t know if you''re the one who poisoned her, Ms. Wendy, but Mr. Larson would like you to go to the Crone family''s estate to get rid of Ms. Jessica''s poison. You can only leave when she''s safe and well."


    Wendy had never imagined that Horace and Jessica would stop her from leaving Hovendale.


    What kind of twisted fate was this?


    Samuel stepped infront of Wendy, a cold smile on his lips. "Your boss truly is domineering. What if Wendy refuses to go and insists on leaving Hovendale?"


    The butler smiled. "Mr. Larson won''t let Ms. Wendy leave Hovendale. If she tries to board a ne, it won''t take off. Unless, of course, Ms. Wendy can sprout wings and fly herself." (1

 My Dad Please Come 558

    Samuel was furious. "Watch it!"


    At that moment, Wendy grabbed Samuel''s arm and gently shook her head. "It''s fine. I''ll just drop by for a bit."


    Samuel lowered his voice, warning her, "Jessica is definitely doing this on purpose. If you go, it''ll be like walking right into a trap."


    Wendy nced at the butler. "I trust Mr. Larson''s character. He will make sure I can leave safely."


    Samuel still disagreed. "But-"


    "I just want to see what kind of poison has afflicted Jessica Wendy cut him short.


    Looking into Wendy''s calm, determined eyes, Samuel had no choice but to relent. "Just be careful."


    Wendy nodded. "I will."


    The butler spoke up. "Ms. Wendy, this way, please."


    Wendy followed the butler as she left.


    Halsey and Cecelia tried to move forward, but they were blocked by the ck-


    d bodyguards. Both women looked at Wendy with concern. "Wendy!"


    Wendy gave them a reassuring smile. "Don''t worry. I''ll be fine."


    Wendy climbed into the luxury car and disappeared from their view.


    Cecelia was anxious. "What is Jessica up to now?"


    Halsey frowned. "She''s been more insufferable since she reunited with her dad. She thinks she can do whatever she wants because of his wealth. I don''t get it. How does someone like her get so lucky? How could someone like her be the daughter of the world''s richest man?"


    Cecelia and Halsey were both frustrated and confused.


    Just then, a Rolls-Royce Phantom sped toward them. Stanley had arrived.


    He quickly got out of the car and rushed over. "Where''s Wendy? Has she left?" Halsey looked at Stanley. "You''re toote."


    "What?"


    Stanley looked inside, realizing that Wendy was already gone. He had missed her once again.


    "Wendy..."


    "She hasn''t left. She was taken to the Crone family''s estate by Mr. Larson."


    Stanley froze. He turned to Halsey, frustrated. "Can''t you just tell me everything at once?"


    He had thought Wendy had already left.


    "The Hawk and Larson families have a marriage engagement, so Mr. Larson and Jessica are both targeting Wendy. She might be in danger at the Crone family''s estate," Cecelia exined.


    Stanley clenched his fists. "I''ll go look for her now."


    With that, he jumped into the car and sped toward the Crone family''s estate.


    Wendy was brought to the Crone family''s estate, where Lilian stood up, her emotions boiling over. "What did you do to Jessica? What kind of poison did you give her?"


    Wendy met Lilian''s gaze calmly. "How do you know I poisoned her?"


    "Who else could it be? After Jessica talked to you at the store, she came back feeling unwell, and the doctor said she was poisoned!"


    Edith pointed an using finger at Wendy. "How could you do this? You tried to kill Jessica by poisoning her? You''re heartless!


    Wendy''s lips curved into a faint smile. Her gaze passed over Edith and Lilian''s faces


    "So, you know poisoning someone is heartless?" she said coolly. "I thought you weren''t aware. When you two teamed up to poison my father all those years ago, wasn''t that evil? What right do you have to stand here and criticize others?"


    Edith''s face turned pale with anger. "Wendy, who do you think you''re talking to?!"


    Lilian''s eyes glinted coldly. "You''ve gone too far this time!"


    Without warning, she raised her hand and flung it toward Wendy''s face.

 My Dad Please Come 559

    Lin raised her hand, ready to deliver a sharp p to Wendy''s face.


    But her hand never made contact. Arge hand shot out and grabbed her wrist, stopping her in her tracks.


    Lilian looked up, surprised to see Horace standing before Wendy, blocking the p.


    Her expression fell. She hadn''t expected Horace to protect Wendy.


    From what she knew, Horace and Wendy weren''t particrly close. Now that Jessica was Horace''s daughter- lying unconscious in bed-Lilian had assumed he would side with his flesh and blood.


    She couldn''t understand why he would defend Wendy.


    Lilian''s frustratio grew. "Mr. Larson, Wendy poisoned Jessica, and she''s still unconscious. I just want to teach her a lesson!"


    Edith quickly chimed in. "Yes, Mr. Larson! Wendy poisoned Jessica. If it hadn''t been discovered in time, Jessica''s life would have been in danger. Wendy deserves to be punished!"


    Wendy looked at Horace, standing in front of her. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and his presence was somanding that it almostpletely shielded her. His strength, both physical and in demeanor, gave Wendy a sense of safety.


    Suddenly, she thought of Jerry. His shoulders had been as wide and strong as Horace''s.


    But he had been gone for many years.


    As Wendy got lost in her thoughts, Horace coldly released Lilian''s wrist, and she staggered back a few steps.


    Both Lilian and Edith were at a loss.


    "Are you not going to punish Wendy?"


    Horace didn''t even nce at them. Instead, he turned to Wendy. "Did you poison Jessica?"


    Wendy was taken aback.


    She hadn''t expected Horace to ask her directly. She had assumed that he would act just like the rest of the Crones and immediately use her, but he didn''t. Instead, he asked her.


    It was almostughable. The Crone family, who were supposed to be her


    rtives, were so quick to judge her. Yet Horace, someone who wasn''t even part of her family, treated her better.


    Wendy met Horace''s gaze and shook her head. "I didn''t."


    Horace didn''t respond right away.


    Wendy continued, ¡°Are you doubting my medical skills? I''m Dr. Cen, the wonder doctor. If I poisoned Jessica, do you think she''d still be alive?"


    Edith hesitated. "What..."


    Wendy looked at them with calm conviction. "Jessica has made my life miserable. If I had poisoned her, I wouldn''t have left her half-dead. If I wanted her gone, I''d have made sure she was dead, not let her linger like that. And I certainly wouldn''t have stuck around like an idiot so you could catch me."


    The truth was, Wendy wouldn''t have used such a simple method anyway. Killing Jessica outright would have been too easy. She wasn''t worth that quick end.


    +26 BONUS


    Lilian had witnessed Wendy''s sharp tongue before, but this time it impressed her even more. "You''re just making excuses! Mr. Larson, don''t believe her lies."


    Edith quickly added, "Yes, don''t be fooled by Wendy''s swee words. Jessica is your daughter. You must stand up for her!"


    Wendy studied Horace, trying to read his response.


    Horace gave her a brief nce before turning his eyes to Edith and Lilian. ¡°Isn''t Wendy one of your own? Why are you so cruel to her but so invested in my daughter, Jessica? Are you sure she''s not your daughter?"


    Horace''s question hit like a bolt of lightning.


    Lilian and Edith went stiff, caught off guard.


    Horace''s gaze now fixed firmly on Lilian. His eyes seemed to pierce through her as he examined her from above. Wendy isn''t your biological daughter, is she?"


    Lilian''s face drained of color. She didn''t know if Horace suspected something, but she immediately defended herself.


    "Wendy''s my real daughter!"

 My Dad Please Come 560

    hapter 560


    Horace''s voice cut through the tension. "Is this how you treat your own daughter?"


    Lilian froze, caught off guard. ¡°I¡ªI...¡±


    She wanted to exin herself, but with the weight of the world''s wealthiest man''smanding presence pressing down on her, she didn''t dare speak freely. The more she said, the more she might let slip the truth.


    Edith quickly jumped in. "Wendy''s father isn''t my biological son. I adopted him. Over the years, Jessica has been close to Lilian, and Lilian has naturallye to treat Jessica as her own."


    She offered the exnation calmly.


    Horace didn''t respond immediately. His gaze shifted to Wendy. "I''ll trust you for now."


    Wendy nodded. "Thanks."


    "However, I need you to cure Jessica."


    Wendy raised an eyebrow. "You just said you trust me. Since I didn''t poison Jessica, why should I cure her?"


    "Mr. Larson gave you a way out!" Lilian snapped. "You''d better take it!"


    "Don''t be so ungrateful. No one has ever dared speak to Mr. Larson like that," Edith added.


    Wendy didn''t even nce at them. She simply looked at Horace. "I''m not


    obligated to cure Jessica. Are you asking me a favor?"


    Horace watched Wendy, impressed by her calm and clever demeanor. He couldn''t


    help but smile-this girl was certainly interesting.


    No one had ever dared speak to him this way before.


    Horace nodded. "Yes, I''m asking for a favor. Please, cure my daughter."


    Lilian''s eyes burned with hatred as she red at Wendy. She wanted nothing more than to see Wendy suffer, but Horace was indulging her. Was this the power of blood rtions?


    Blood is thicker than water. After all, Wendy was Horace''s true daughter. She was the real heiress, not Jessica.


    Wendy tilted her head, her voice cool. "Is this really how you ask for a favor?"


    Horace smirked. "What do you need me to do?"


    Wendy thought for a moment. "I don''t know yet, but I need you to promise me one thing. Once I''ve decided, I''ll tell you."


    Both Edith''s and Lilian''s faces changed. Was Wendy demanding that Horace make a promise? What could it be? Lilian quickly intervened, "Mr. Larson, don''t agree to her request! What if it''s something unreasonable? Will you really go along with it?"


    Edith added, ¡°That''s right! Your word isw, Don''t make promises to Wendy."


    Wendy raised an eyebrow. "If you don''t want to agree, then forget it. I won''t force anyone. I''ll leave now."


    Wendy turned to walk away.


    However, Horace stepped in front of her. "Fine, I agree."


    He actually agreed.


    Edith and Lilian were seething. "Mr. Larson!"


    Wendy smiled, her eyes shining with triumph. "That''s great.¡±


    Horace couldn''t help but feel his mood lift as he saw the gleam in Wendy''s eyes. She was like a clever little fox.


    "So, you can save my daughter now, right?"


    Wendy nodded. "Yes. Lead the way, Mr. Larson."


    Horace led Wendy into Jessica''s room. Jessicay motionless on the bed, her


    face pale, her lips dark-clear signs of poisoning.


    Wendy looked at her and confirmed, "She''s been poisoned.


    Lilian, with a sneer, retorted, "You don''t say! Mr. Larson had already called in the


    best doctors, but none of them could cure her."


    Horace turned to Wendy, his voice heavy with urgency. "Can you cure her?" Chapter 561

 My Dad Please Come 561

    +25 BOHUS


    Wendy nodded. "Yes, I can cure Jessica."


    Horace''s face lit up with relief. "That''s great!"


    "However..." Wendy turned to face him. "I need something to make the antidote."


    "What do you need? I''ll have it arranged immediately."


    Wendy smiled faintly. "I need the blood of Jessica''s immediate family."


    Blood from a close family member?


    Lilian''s expression shifted, her face nching.


    Horace quickly said, "I''m Jessica''s father. Use my blood!"


    "No!" Lilian shouted suddenly, panic rising in her voice. "You can''t use Mr. Larson''s blood!"


    Wendy''s gaze fixed on Lilian, her eyes sharp. "Why can''t I? Don''t you want to save Jessica?"


    Wendy''s calm, calcting look made Lilian realize she had overstepped. She couldn''t allow Horace''s blood to be used-if it was, Jessica''s true parentage would be exposed.


    Lilian hurriedly tried to redirect. "Mr. Larson, your health is too precious. You can''t offer your blood. Wendy, I question your medical expertise. Why do you insist on using Mr. Larson''s blood? Are you trying to harm him or Jessica?"


    Wendy sighed, her patience clearly thinning. "This is the only way to save Jessica. If you don''t trust me, then I''ll leave."


    Horace stepped in, his voice firm but calm. "No, I trust you. Use my blood."


    "No, Mr. Larson! It can''t be your blood! Wendy, use mine!"


    Wendy turned to Lilian, her tone almost mocking. "Your blood won''t do any good. Jessica''s not your daughter. I need the blood of her immediate family."


    Lilian''s gaze flickered, and she fell silent, unable to refute Wendy''s words.


    Horace''s expression remained resolute. "Use my blood."


    Wendy nodded. "Alright, Mr. Larson. Please roll up your sleeve. I''ll fetch the syringe."


    She stood up, but suddenly, a wave of dizziness hit her. Her legs buckled, and she began to slide to the floor.


    "Wendy!"


    Horace acted quickly, reaching out to catch her, his arms strong around her delicate waist. He looked at her with


    concern.


    "Are you alright?"


    Wendy, feeling the strain of the past few days catching up to her, shook her head. "I''m fine."


    Just then, a low, soothing voice echoed from the doorway. "Wendy! Wendy, where are you?"


    Stanley had arrived.


    The butler rushed to stop him. "Mr. Hawk, you can''t go in!


    "What have you done to Wendy? Move aside!" Stanley shoved past the butler, his tall frame storming into the room. "Wendy!"


    He froze as soon as he saw the scene. Horace was holding Wendy in his arms, the two of them far too close forfort.


    Stanley''s eyes narrowed, his heart racing with a mixture of anger and confusion. He had prepared for many possibilities-given Jessica''s rtion to Horace, he feared that Horace would harm Wendy. But now, to see Horace holding her, it stunned him.


    Stanley stalked forward, his long legs covering the distance quickly. "What are you doing?"


    His fingers, long and strong, reached out to grab Wendy''s delicate arm, trying to pull her away from Horace.


    But Horace''s grip on Wendy''s other arm was just as tight. Both men were holding onto her, each unwilling to let


    1. go.


    Stanley''s gaze shot up to meet Horace''s, fury burning in his eyes. "Uncle Horace, let go of her!"


    Horace''s lips quirked up in amusement. "What if I don''t?"


    Stanley''s frustration boiled over, his voice shaking with anger. "What are you doing? Wendy is the same age as Jessica!"


    Horace found it all rather amusing. "I know they''re the same age. So what?"

 My Dad Please Come 562

    "So, don''t you think it''s...shameless, the way you''re holding onto Wendy like that?"


    For the first time in his life, Horace was used of being "hameless". He didn''t know how to respond.


    "Mr. Hawk, please mind your words," the butler spoke up softly. "Mr. Larson has always treated you with courtesy; you must also show respect to your elders."


    Lilian stood frozen, her eyes wide in disbelief. In her life, she never thought she''d see the world''s wealthiest man, Horace, and the rising business star, Stanley, both holding onto the same woman.


    The two of them were on the verge of a physical fight over Wendy.


    Lilian realized whht was going on. Stanley must have misunderstood he thought Horace had feelings for Wendy. In truth, the age difference between Wendy and Jessica was no issue at all. Men of Horace''s status and wealth could have women like Wendy and Jessica throwing themselves at him.


    Yet, Horace was Wendy''s father.


    Lilian felt like her world had been turned upside down.


    Wendy, who had been caught in the middle, felt even dizzier. Did these two men ever stop to consider her feelings?


    She struggled and said, "Let go of me!"


    Stanley red at Horace, "Uncle Horace, did you hear that? Wendy asked you to let go."


    Horace responded calmly, "I think she wants you to let go."


    Stanley snapped, "What-"


    Wendy, her voice firm, cut them off, "Let go, both of you!"


    Reluctantly, Stanley nced at Horace. "She''s telling us both to let go. I''ll count to three, and then we''ll let go."


    Horace didn''t argue and simply agreed.


    Stanley began, "One, two, three..."


    At the same moment, Stanley and Horace both released Wendy.


    Wendy wavered, her legs giving way beneath her.


    Stanley was quick to step forward, catching her in his arms. "Wendy, what''s wrong?"


    "I''m dizzy," Wendy murmured.


    Without hesitation, Stanley lifted Wendy in his arms and said, "I''ll take you somewhere to rest."


    Stanley carried her out of the room.


    Horace, watching from behind, called out, "Wendy can''t leave."


    The butler immediately responded, "Mr. Hawk, please let Ms. Wendy rest in this room."


    Stanley carried Wendy into the room, gentlyying her down on the soft bed. "Let me get you some water."


    He poured a ss of water for her.


    After resting for a moment, Wendy said, "Thanks. I''m fine. It''s just the dizziness from being pregnant."


    Stanley studied her with a concerned look. "What''s your rtionship with Mr. Larson?"


    Wendy looked up at Stanley, confused. "What do you mean?


    "I saw him holding you earlier," Stanley replied, his voice dripping with jealousy.


    Wendy was taken aback. "What are you thinking? I was just lizzy, and he helped me out for a moment!"


    Wendy genuinely didn''t understand why Stanley was jumping to conclusions.


    Stanley, however, was feeling the pressure. Wendy was surrounded by men-one after another-and who knew what kind of intentions Horace might have had?


    Stanley couldn''t help but voice his doubts. "He helped you out for a moment? I don''t know him as a kind man. He''s cold and distant with everyone!"


    Stanley was familiar with Horace. Even though Horace hadn''t interacted much with Wendy, Stanley could sense that something was different. Horace treated Wendy in a way that felt unique.


    Before Wendy could respond, a warm voice came from the door.


    "I''m standing right here. Were you talking badly about me?''


    Horace had followed them into the room and stood in the doorway.


    Stanley shot him a re, his expression full of hostility. He looked at Horace the way one would eye a rival.

 My Dad Please Come 563

    Horace was left speechless.


    Wendy was also at a loss. How had she never noticed before that Stanley had such a jealous streak?


    She turned to Stanley, "You should remember that Mr. Larson is your future father-inw. You''re not even married yet, and you''re already making enemies with him. Do you still want to marry her daughter or not?"


    Stanley shook his head. "I don''t want to marry her"


    Wendy smiled slightly. "I hope you can still say that after everything."


    Stanley opened his mouth to respond, but Wendy had already gotten out of bed. "Mr. Larson, I''ll draw your blood now."


    Horace stepped into the room. "Alright."


    The butler brought in the medical kit. Horace sat in a chair, rolling up his sleeve. Wendy took out the syringe and began drawing his blood.


    "What are you drawing blood for?" Stanley asked.


    "Jessica has been poisoned," Wendy answered. "We need the blood of a close family member to make the antidote. Since Mr. Larson is Jessica''s father, only his blood will do."


    Stanley furrowed his brow. "How did Jessica suddenly get poisoned?"


    Wendy sighed. "I don''t know."


    "I''ll have people investigate it," Horace said calmly.


    Outside the door, Lilian had been eavesdropping. When she saw Wendy drawing Horace''s blood, she began to panic.


    What should she do?


    Now that they had used Horace''s blood, things would soon be exposed. If Jessica''s true identity were revealed, the consequences would be disastrous!


    Just then, Harry walked up. "What are you doing here?"


    Lilian jumped in surprise. "I wasn''t doing anything!"


    Harry eyed her suspiciously. "I saw you sneaking around, standing at the door."


    He nced inside the room. "Wendy is just drawing Mr. Larson''s blood to help Jessica. What''s so interesting about that?"


    Lilian shook her head. "I just don''t trust Wendy. I''m afraid she might do something to harm Jessica, so I was standing here watching."


    Harry gave a warning nce. "Well, it''s good that you''re concerned. Right now, saving Jessica i Don''t cause any more trouble."


    With that, Harry left.


    priority.


    Lilian watched Wendy inside, her mind racing. She was determined to secretly switch Horace''s blood with her own.


    She was Jessica''s biological mother. Only by using her blood would Jessica''s true identity remain hidden.


    Tonight, she would act.


    After Wendy finished drawing Horace''s blood, she began preparing the antidote.


    She decided to stay at the Crone family''s estate for the time being.


    With both Horace and Stanley there, the Crone family members were still somewhat polite to her.


    While Wendy worked on the antidote in the room, her phone rang. It was Halsey calling.


    Wendy stood up and walked out into the hallway to answer the call. "Hey, Halsey."


    "Wendy, how''s everything going? Has anyone been giving you a hard time?"


    Wendy replied from the hallway, "I''m fine. No one''s bothering me here." "That''s a relief!"


    "I need you to do me a favor," Wendy suddenly said.


    "Of course. What is it?"


    "There''s a red flower herb in my apartment. Could you bring it over? I''m tied up right now and can''t leave."


    "Sure. I''ll take care of it."


    "Thanks, Halsey."


    Wendy hung up the phone. She was about to return to her work on the antidote when a maid came up to her. "Ms. Crone, we''ve prepared some chicken soup for you in the kitchen. It''s ready. Would you like to go down and have some?"


    Wendy shook her head. "No, thank you.''


    11


    She tried to walk past, but the maid immediately stepped in front of her.


    Wendy raised an eyebrow. "Why are you blocking me?"


    The maid''s eyes started to shift nervously. "I-"

 My Dad Please Come 564

    Just then, Stanley appeared from behind. "Wendy."


    Wendy turned around.


    "You''re pregnant and haven''t eaten anything yet. Please, go have the chicken soup," he said gently.


    Wendy was about to refuse, but Stanley took her hand in his Without giving her a chance to protest, he led her


    away.


    The maid watched Wendy leave, letting out a huge sigh of relief. She turned around, only to see Lilian standing


    there.


    "Mrs. Crone, I''ve done what you asked. Ms. Wendy and Mr. Hawk have gone downstairs."


    Lilian nodded. "Good work. But remember, don''t let anyone find out about today''s events, or you know what will happen."


    The maid immediately grew anxious. "I understand."


    Lilian rxed a little and quickly entered the room.


    On the counter, Lilian spotted a syringe filled with blood. It was the blood Wendy had drawn from Horace


    This was perfect!


    Lilian immediately took out a syringe of her own blood from her pocket. Without hesitation, she swapped her blood with Horace''s.


    With everything in ce, she felt a wave of relief. Jessica''s identity would remain safe.


    A smile tugged at Lilian''s lips as she prepared to leave.


    However, her steps faltered when she saw someone in the doorway-Harry.


    Harry had walked in.


    Lilian hadn''t expected him to be there, and her face instantly changed. "H-Honey, what are you doing here?"


    Harry fixed her with a cold gaze. "That''s what I should be asking you. This is where Wendy''s making the antidote. What are you doing in here?"


    Lilian had thought she had ounted for everyone after she sent everyone else away. She hadn''t predicted Harry''s


    presence.


    Caught red-handed, Lilian panicked. "I-I was just here to supervise Wendy. I''m worried she might harm Jessica!" Harry''s eyes narrowed as he stared at her. "Really? I''ve noticed something was off with you for a while now. I''ve been following you and saw everything you did just now."


    What?!


    Lilian''s heart sank, and she stared at Harry in shock. "What did you see?"


    Harry stepped closer and picked up the syringe. "This blood-it''s yours. You swapped your blood for Mr. Larson''s.


    11


    Lilian realized it was over. Harry had seen everything.


    Her mind went nk, her body frozen in shock.


    Harry''s voice was icy. "Why would you swap Mr. Larson''s blood? He''s Jessica''s biological father. Only a close family member''s blood can save her. By switching it out, does that mean...you''re Jessica''s immediate family? Are you Jessica''s biological mother?"


    Lilian''s fear was palpable, her voice shaky. "No, honey, please let me exin..."


    Harry gripped the syringe tightly. "Exin what? Are you hiding something from me?"


    Suddenly, it all clicked for Harry.


    "I''ve been wondering for a while. Wendy is supposed to be your biological daughter, but you''ve been so cold and distant with her cruel, in fact. You treat Jessica as if she were your own, and everyone says you''re the perfect lovestruck fool. But now I know-it''s not what it seemed. Lilian, is Jessica your real daughter? Did you swap Wendy and Jessica


    Over the years, Harry had noticed Lilian''s coldness toward Wendy. He had


    suspected something wasn''t right, though he hadn''t pressed the issue.


    But now, seeing Lilian switch the blood, all the past doubts and questions suddenly made sense.


    Harry stared at Lilian in disbelief.


    "Did you really pull a switcheroo? Jessica is your real daughter, isn''t she? That means Wendy is Mr. Larson''s daughter, the true heiress!"

 My Dad Please Come 565

    Lilian''s world came crumbling down.


    Harry had figured it out! Her schemes had been discovered!


    Lilian fumbled to dig herself out of this mess.


    She took a step forward, panic written all over her face. "Honey, is not like that. You''re wrong. Wendy is my biological daughter, and Jessica is Mr. Larson''s daughter!"


    Harry''s eyes churned with storm of emotions. He reached out, pointing at Lilian. "Do you know what my mission in life is? My mission is to protect the true heiress. That''s why I''ve never wanted children of my own. You know how important the real heiress is to me!"


    "I know, honey. Please don''t get upset. Jessica is the one!" Lilian reached out, trying to grab Harry''s arm.


    "Don''t touch me!"


    Harry shook her off with one forceful motion. Lilian lost her bnce and stumbled backward, crashing into the wall. Harry''s voice rose, full of emotion. "I''m going to have a DNA test done right now. I''ll tell Mr. Larson and Wendy. Once Mr. Larson, Jessica, and Wendy do their DNA tests, the truth wille out!¡±


    Harry was determined to tell Horace and Wendy. He was going to do a DNA test.


    Lilian shook her head in terror, her hands and feet freezing. She felt as though she had been pushed into a dark abyss.


    Everything had been going so well today. She had swapped the blood, and she was so close to seeding.


    But then Harry showed up.


    She never expected Harry would be the first to discover her secret.


    "Honey, please don''t go. Don''t tell Mr. Larson. Please, I beg you!"


    With a desperate cry, Lilian groveled in front of Harry.


    "Please," she pleaded, "you''ll destroy Jessica! She''s called you Dad for all these years. Don''t you love her at all?"


    Harry clenched his fists. "I''ve only ever considered the true heiress my daughter. If Jessica''s an impostor, then she doesn''t deserve my love! I''m going to tell Mr. Larson and Wendy right now I''m going!"


    He turned to leave.


    His emotions were overwhelming. Protecting the heiress was his life''s mission, and he thought he had done it well.


    For years, he had treated Jessica like a princess, holding her close to his heart.


    But now he was discovering that Wendy might be the real heiress, and it felt like the ground had been pulled out from under him. What had he been doing all these years? How could he face Wendy''s mother now?


    Harry needed to know the truth, and he was determined to find it.


    Lilian sprang to her feet, her voice sharp. "Harry, stop! If you want the truth, then I''ll give it to you!"


    Harry halted, turning to face her. "What''s the truth?"


    In that moment, Lilian didn''t need to hide anymore. The jealousy and resentment


    she had bottled up for years exploded. "Yes, Jessica is my biological daughter,


    and Wendy is the real heiress. I swapped them all those years ago!"


    Harry stared at her in disbelief. "Why would you do that?"


    46


    "Because I wanted revenge-revenge on you, and on that woman tarry, I truly love you. To be with you, I even poisoned Jerry. But you''ve always loved that woman. Your secretary, your mistress-they all remind you of her. You made me waste my love on you, and it hurt so much!


    "I knew Wendy was your obsession. So I swapped her and Jessica, and made you treat my daughter like your life. Do you have


    any idea how happy I''ve been seeing you adore my daughter all these years, Harry? I loved seeing you kept in the dark, watching you spin in circles. No one can ever make a fool of me!"

 My Dad Please Come 566

    Harry rushed forward, grabbing Lilian by the neck with a vice-like grip. "You''re so evil!"


    Lilian''s breath was cut off in an instant. The suffocating pain caused her face to turn red, but she justughed hysterically. "I banished the girl you''ve treated like your life''s purpose in the countryside when she was young. She''s endured so much hardship. You''ve failed your mission! The true heiress should be my daughter, Jessica! She''s the real heiress!"


    Harry red at Lilian in disgust, his fury boiling over. At that moment, he wanted nothing more than to strangle her. "You sted wench, you''ve ruined me! I''m going to kill you right now!!


    His grip tightened, and Lilian felt herself slipping toward the edge of consciousness.


    Yet, she couldn''t die.


    She refused to give on.


    With shaking hands, Lilian groped around and found an ashtray. She grabbed it and swung it with all her might, smashing it against Harry''s head.


    Blood sttered everywhere.


    A stream of blood trickled down Harry''s face, and his grip loosened. His body copsed to the ground.


    Harry fell.


    Lilian clutched at her neck, gasping for air. The feeling of having escaped death left her trembling with fear.


    She looked down at Harry, lying in a pool of blood. "Honey? Honey?"


    But Harry had already passed out.


    "Honey, I really love you, but you''ve betrayed me! Now, Jessica is my everything. I won''t let anyone stand in my daughter''s way, not even you. So this...this is on you!"


    Just then, footsteps echoed from outside. Stanley and Wendy had returned.


    Lilian froze. They were here!


    What should she do now?


    Outside, Stanley and Wendy had alreadye upstairs. Wendy had just been forced to drink a bowl of chicken soup and was hurrying back to prepare the antidote.


    "Mr. Hawk, you can go now. You don''t have to stay here with me," Wendy said.


    Stanley looked at her with concern. "Wendy, I need to stay here with you. I''ll only be at ease if I''m right here."


    Just then, Horace walked over. "Hello, there."


    Wendy turned to Horace. "Mr. Larson."


    "How''s the antidoteing along?" Horace asked.


    "I''m still working on it-"


    Before Wendy could finish, a sudden scream echoed from inside. "Ah!"


    Wendy immediately stood up. "What''s happening?"


    "Let''s go see," Horace said.


    Wendy, Stanley, and Horace rushed into the room. They quickly found Harry lying motionless on the floor.


    Lilian was kneeling, tears streaming down her face. "Honey! What happened? Please wake up!"


    Stanley stepped forward. "What happened to Mr. Crone?"


    Lilian sobbed. "I don''t know what happened! When I came in, he was already


    lying here. It seems like he hit his head on the table."


    Wendy immediately moved closer. "I''ll check his pulse."


    But Lilian stopped her. "No need. The doctor''s on his way!"


    At that moment, a doctor ina white coat rushed in. ¡°Quick, hurry and get Mr. Crone out of here! I''ll take over the resuscitation."


    The servants lifted Harry''s body, and Lilian quickly followed them out of the room.


    Before leaving, she turned to Wendy. "Hurry and make the antidote for Jessica. I need to take care of my husband!"

 My Dad Please Come 567

    Lilian and the doctors quickly left with Harry.


    Wendy furrowed her brows. Why were Lilian and Harry here? Was to supervise her while she prepared the antidote for Jessica?


    Wendy knew that Harry had always treated Jessica like his precious jewel, so that exnation made sense.


    Still, there was something off about Lilian. Wendy couldn''t shake the feeling that Lilian was hiding something from her.


    Horace turned his attention to Wendy. "Are you alright?


    Wendy shook her head. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, everything in her vision went ck. Stanley''s tall frame appeared, blocking her viewpletely.


    Stanley looked at Horace. "She''s fine."


    Horace said nothing.


    Wendy remained silent as well. She sat down on the chair. "You two can leave now. I need to prepare the antidote."


    Stanley looked at Horace. "Uncle Horace, Wendy asked you to leave."


    "She seems to be asking you to leave as well," Horace said.


    Stanley nodded. "Alright. Let''s go together."


    "Sure."


    Horace led the way, and Stanley followed, closing the door behind them.


    Wendy sat back in the chair and picked up the vial of blood she had taken from Horace earlier. She began preparing the antidote.


    Edith had already gone to bed, but at the sound ofmotion, she quickly jumped.


    "What''s going on?" she asked the maid.


    The maid, visibly panicked, replied, "Madam, Mr. Harry had a fall and is now unconscious in the hospital."


    Edith was stunned. "What? Get the car ready. I''m going to the hospital right now!"


    Edith had two sons in her life-Harry and Archer-but Harry was the one she loved the most. Hearing that Harry was in trouble, she immediately rushed to the hospital.


    Half an hourter, she arrived at the hospital. She ran into the room, only to find Harry lying unconscious in the bed.


    "Harry? What happened to you? We were just talking at dinner, and you were fine! How did this happen?"


    Lilian stood by the bed, looking coldly at the unconscious Harry. Then, she squeezed out a few tears, choking on her words." Harry hit his head, and his brain was severely injured. The doctors say he may never wake up."


    Edith was shocked, her body frozen in disbelief as she stared at Lilian. "What did you say? Never wake up? What does that mean?


    11


    Lilian sobbed, her voice full of sorrow. "It means... Harry might end up a vegetable."


    What?!


    Edith almost copsed, her world shattering. This was her most beloved son-how could he end up like this?


    "Don''t get too upset. I¡ª¡±


    Lilian tried tofort Edith.


    However, Edith pped Lilian across the face.


    Smack!


    Lilian''s head jerked to the side from the force of the p; a brighted handprint quickly appeared on her right cheek.


    Edith pointed at Lilian, fury in her voice.


    "Is this how you take care of my son? How did he end up with a head injury?


    Sit


    "Let me tell you something-with my son''s status, he should never have married you! If Jessica hadn''t preferred you when she was little and asked for you to be her mother, Harry would never have married you, and I would never have agreed to this marriage!"

 My Dad Please Come 568

    "You''ve taken good care of Jessica over the years and kept yourself in check. I''ve barely tolerated you, but now... After what happened to Harry, I truly believe this is all your fault!"


    Edithunched into a harsh tirade, rebuking Lilian without mercy.


    Lilian''s face turned pale. So, Edith finally spoke her mind-she looked down on Lilian!


    Lilian''s blood boiled with frustration. She hated Harry, hated Edith hated everyone who had ever wronged her!


    She had once loved Harry desperately, obsessed with him to the point of scheming her way into the Crone family. Yet after all these years, she had never truly belonged to the Crone family. The painful truth was, they all looked down on her.


    4


    Lilian turned her face away, tears welling up as she choked out, "I''m sorry I failed to take care of Harry. It''s all my fault. But don''t worry. No matter what happens to him, I''ll stay by his side."


    Edith snapped back, "That''s the least you can do! Jessica is the daughter of the richest man. You''re not even her real mother. Without the Crone family, you''re nothing!"


    With that, Edith turned and stormed off.


    As Edith walked away, Lilian slowly rose to her feet. She wiped the tears from her face with a nk expression.


    She cast a cold nce at Harry, who was lying unconscious in the bed. It didn''t matter now. Harry was a vegetable, and from now on, she would be the one calling the shots.


    As for Edith, that old woman... Lilian would deal with her soon enough.


    The Crones would never suspect that Jessica was her real daughter. They still had no idea how she had them wrapped around her finger.


    She had the Crone family in the palm of her hand!


    Thinking this, Lilian let out a satisfiedugh.


    Edith stepped out of the hospital room, the maid following behind her. "Madam, now that you''ve seen Mr. Harry, should we head back now?"


    Edith''s anger red. "Have they found a famous doctor to treat my son? I refuse to believe he''s going to end up a vegetable!"


    The maid said softly, "Mrs. Lilian has already found a renowned doctor for Mr. Harry, but his brain injury is too severe. The doctors say...there''s a high chance he may never wake up."


    "I don''t believe it!" Edith mmed her cane on the floor, her emotions running high. "Those are quacks! They don''t know what they''re doing! They couldn''t save my son. He''s not going to be a vegetable! As long as there''s even the slightest chance, I will do whatever it takes to wake him up!"


    The maid hesitated for a moment, then spoke up. "Why don''t we try asking Ms. Wendy for help?"


    Edith paused, confused. "Wendy?"


    The maid nodded. "Don''t you remember? She''s the wonder doctor. Dr. Cen. If we ask her to treat Mr. Harry, I''m sure he''ll wake up.¡±


    Edith''s eyes lit up. She was right-there was still Wendy. She could save her son.


    "But we''re on bad terms with Wendy right now. She probably won''t help us."


    "For Mr. Harry''s sake, why not go to her and ask? You can at least try."


    Edith made up her mind. Yes, she had to go to Wendy. Wendy was


    Still, something felt off. How had Harry fallen so suddenly? And o too sudden.


    Edith was determined to get to the bottom of it and uncover the tr


    clear.


    "Get the car ready. We''re going home. I''m going to-find Wendy no


    "Alright, madam."


    Edith made up her mind. Yes, she had to go to Wendy. Wendy was her son''s only chance.


    Still, something felt off. How had Harry fallen so did he hit his head? It felt too coincidental-


    suddenly? And of W


    Edith was determined to get to the bottom of it and unco.


    clear.


    "Get the car ready. We''re going home. I''m going to find Wendy now," Edith ordered.


    "Alright, madam."

 My Dad Please Come 569

    Wendy sat in her room, preparing the antidote. She pulled out her phone and texted Halsey.


    [Have you arrived at Royale Residences yet?]


    Ding!


    Halsey replied almost immediately. [I''m on my way. I''ll be there soon.]


    Wendy typed back, [No need to rush. You don''t have to bring the herbs tonight.] Halsey seemed confused. [I thought you were in a rush.]


    Wendy leaned back in her chair. She had been eager for the herbs, but after what happened with Harry, she had changed her mind. Now, she wasn''t in any rush at all.


    [I changed my mind. You don''t have to get to me by tonight.]


    [Got it.]


    By now, Halsey had arrived at the Royale Residences parking lot. After receiving


    Wendy''s call, she had driven over as quickly as she could.


    She slipped her phone into her bag, about to head inside.


    Just then, a loud honk echoed. A sleek Porsche sports car zoomed by.


    Halsey turned her head, and the car window rolled down. She saw two familiar faces-it was Gilbert and Sienna.


    Gilbert was driving, and Sienna sat in the passenger seat. The two of them looked at Halsey, and Gilbert smirked. "What are you doing here?"


    Before Halsey could respond, Sienna wrapped her arm around Gilbert''s and said in a sugary tone, "Gilbert took me out for a drive. We''ve been having so much fun today!"


    Halsey nearly rolled her eyes. Was Sienna trying to show off their rtionship to her?


    It was almostughable. She and Gilbert had broken up so long ago, but it seemed like Sienna still saw her as some kind of


    Halsey smiled, her lips curling into a confident smirk. "Gilbert, we''re not together anymore, and I don''t think we''re that close now. So, next time you see me, just pretend you didn''t. Okay?"


    Gilbert''s face darkened. "How dare you!"


    Halsey then turned to Sienna. "And as for you, maybe get out of your own head. No one''s trying to steal your boyfriend. I''ve got a boyfriend of my own now!"


    Without waiting for Sienna''s reaction, Halsey turned around and walked off, heading into Royale Residences to get the herbs.


    Sienna was fuming. "Did you hear how she spoke to me? She''s so harsh!"


    Gilbert stared in the direction Halsey had disappeared, his thoughts clearly elsewhere.


    Halsey wasn''t like this before. Back when they were together, she would always smile whenever she saw him. She that birthmark, but when she smiled, her eyes would light up, and they were so beautiful.


    used to have


    ich still held that sparkle, she had be even more beautiful, more


    Now, her birthmark was gone. And aside from her eyes, lively.


    At times, he found himself captivated by her without even realizing it.


    Seeing Gilbert stare after Halsey, Sienna felt a surge of jealousy. She knew that even though she and Gilbert had been spending time together recently, he often seemed distracted, like his mind was elsewhere.


    "She said she has a boyfriend now. Who do you think it is? Is it Dwight?"


    Gilbert''s expression darkened. He knew Halsey had been hanging out with Dwighttely, but Dwight was so arrogant, so cool. Gilbert wasn''t sure if Halsey had actually managed to win him over


    "Don''t talk about Dwight. I don''t want to hear his name!" he snarled.


    Sienna pouted, but then she grinned mischievously. "Alright, let''s not ruin our fun.


    We''re out for a drive, so let''s not talk about unhappy things.''


    She slowly ced her hand on Gilbert''s chest, her fingers lightly tracing his skin, a flirtatious glint in her eyes.


    "Where are we going tonight? The hotel, maybe?"


    Gilbert had already slept with Sienna. They made a striking couple young,


    attractive, and full of energy. They clicked perfectly in bed, and Gilbert knew exactly how to make Sienna feel pleasure like never before.

 My Dad Please Come 570

    Looking at Gilbert''s handsome face, Sienna felt a wave of satisfaction. The Greenwood family was one of the wealthiest families in town; Gilbert was not only good-looking, but also rich and very killed in bed. Sienna couldn''t help but feel weak in the knees just thinking about it.


    Gilbert didn''t say anything.


    Sienna unbuckled her seatbelt. Without warning, she swung herself over from the passenger seat and straddled Gilbert''sp. With a yful smile, she said, "Why aren''t you talking? Or do you want to do this right here in the car?"


    She cupped his jaw and kissed him deeply.


    It had been a week since Gilbert had been with Sienna. His youthful energy was easy to ignite, and he quickly responded to her advances.


    He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer as their kiss deepened. Sienna''s hands slid down his chest...


    Suddenly, Gilbert grabbed her wrist, stopping her.


    The moment was interrupted, and Sienna froze. "What''s wrong?"


    Gilbert''s handsome face twisted in frustration. "I''m not in the mood tonight."


    Sienna''s expression faltered. His body was clearly responding, but he didn''t want to go any further.


    She wondered if it was because of Halsey. Every time Halsey was around, Gilbert seemed to lose interest.


    Sienna shrugged off her shoulder strap, exposing her curves. With a sultry smile, she teased, "Look at me. I want you..."


    But Gilbert remained unmoved. At first, he had enjoyed the flirtation with Sienna. The early stages of their rtionship had been exciting, full of tension.


    But once they were officially together, things had be stale quickly. He didn''t know if it was because he had gotten bored, but after being with Sienna, he couldn''t help but feel something was missing.


    Now, all he could think about was Halsey. Even as Sienna tried to seduce him, Halsey''s face kept shing through his mind. Gilbert pushed Sienna''s strap back into ce. "Stop it. I''m not in the mood today. Get off."


    Realizing that Gilbert truly wasn''t interested, Sienna reluctantly climbed off him.


    Gilbert opened the car door and stepped out, needing a moment to clear his head. He lit a cigarette as he leaned against the car.


    His phone rang.


    Gilbert answered the call. "How''s the investigation into Dwight going?"


    "We''ve learned that he recently joined a gang. He''s been mixing with some dangerous people."


    Dwight had joined a gang?


    Gilbert smirked, a cynicalugh escaping him. There was no way Halsey would ever get involved with someone like Dwight.


    At that moment, Halsey emerged from the building, carrying a small bag with the herbs inside. She was about to head home.


    As soon as Gilbert saw her, he flicked the half-smoked cigarette onto the ground and stamped it out, quickly walking over to her. "Hey."


    Halsey nced at him, her voice cold. "What is it now? Why are you still here?" Her tone was distant, detached.


    Gilbert frowned, a familiar ache in his chest. He missed the old H you talking to me like that?"


    "I don''t want to talk to you at all," Halsey said tly. "Please moy She tried to walk away.


    But Gilbert reached out, grabbing her delicate wrist, stopping het Halsey paused, trying to shake his hand off. "Let go of me! Don''t Gilbert, with a slight sneer, retorted, "Why can''t I touch you?" Halsey looked up and immediately noticed the visible hickey on C Halsey''s eyes narrowed in disgust. "You''re disgusting!"


    00


    Chapter 570.


    Gilbert frowned, a familiar ache in his chest. He missed the old Halsey, the one who used to smile when she saw him. "Why are you talking to me like that?"


    "I don''t want to talk to you at all," Halsey said tly. "Please move I need to go home."


    She tried to walk away.


    But Gilbert reached out, grabbing her delicate wrist, stopping her. Don''t go. I need to talk to you!"


    Galea, with a slight sneer, retorted, "Why can''t I


    Halsey paused, trying to shake his hand off. "Let go of me! Don''t touch me!"


    Halsey looked up and immediately noticed the visible hickey on Gilbert''s neck, a mark Sienna had left earlier.


    Halsey''s eyes narrowed in disgust. "You''re disgusting!"

 My Dad Please Come 571

    Gilbert couldn''t believe what Halsey said, and his anger red. ¡°Halsey!"


    Halsey let out a coldugh. "Are you mad? What''s there to be mad about? It''s normal for you to make out with Sienna because you''re a couple. But since you keep harassing me, of course, I have to call you out!"


    They had broken up; they were supposed to go their separate ways but Gilbert kept showing up. Now, he was gripping her wrist, still sporting the mark on his neck from Sienna''s earlier. The physical contact made Halsey feel physically ufortable.


    She tried to pull away. "Can you let go?"


    Gilbert gritted his teeth. "No!"


    At that moment, Sienna got out of the sports car. She shot Halsey venomous look. "What do you think you''re doing? Gilbert is my boyfriend now, and here you are, clinging to him. You really have no shame!"


    Halsey was speechless. She turned to Sienna. "You should see an eye doctor. Look closely-who''s really holding on to whom?"


    Halsey raised her hand.


    Only then did Sienna realize that it was Gilbert who was holding on to Halsey, not the other way around. Her face fell. Just a moment ago, Gilbert had seemed distant in the car, but now, here he was, tangled up with Halsey.


    Halsey nced at Gilbert. "Your girlfriend''s here. Let go of me. You don''t want her to misunderstand, do you?"


    Gilbert didn''t even nce at Sienna. His eyes were fixed on Halsey''s radiant face. "Are you still with Dwight?"


    "Yes!" Halsey answered without hesitation. ¡°I''m with Dwight now He''s my boyfriend."


    Boyfriend?


    The words stung Gilbert like a p. He scoffed. "Don''t you know about his background? What could you possibly see in him?"


    Halsey''s bright eyes darkened, and she looked at him coldly. "Stop looking down on people. What''s wrong with Dwight? I never saw anything wrong with his background. He''s exceptional, and I love him!"


    Gilbert seethed with anger. "Exceptional? Do you even know what Dwight is doing right now?"


    Halsey raised an eyebrow. "What are you trying to say? Last time you dragged me to the construction site where he worked, it didn''t help. All it showed me was Dwight''s sense of responsibility. He works hard for a living-he doesn''t steal, doesn''t cheat. The way he works to earn his money is the most attractive thing about him."


    Gilbert fell silent.


    At that moment, Sienna stepped forward, wrapping her arm around Gilbert''s. "I think Halsey is serious about Dwight. You two have broken up, so just leave her alone!"


    Gilbert swung his arm, throwing Sienna off him. "Get lost!"


    Sienna didn''t expect him to push her away. She lost her bnce, stumbling backward. Her high heel twisted, and she crashed to the ground.


    "Ah!" Sienna screamed. "Gilbert, I''m hurt!"


    Gilbert didn''t even look at her. His furious gaze remained on Halsey. "Dwight doesn''t steal or cheat? Ha! You''ve romanticized him. He''s not the saint you think he is!"


    "Let go of me! And don''t talk nonsense about Dwight!" Halsey yanked her arm free from Gilbert''s grip,


    She had no desire to talk to him anymore and turned to leave.


    But Gilbert stepped forward again, grabbing her delicate arm. "Come with me!"


    Gilbert yanked Halsey toward his sports car.


    Halsey frowned. "What do you want from me? How many times d


    "Shut up!" Gilbert snapped, pulling open the passenger door and Chapter 571


    Gilbert yanked Halsey toward his sports car.


    Halsey frowned. "What do you want from me? How many times do have to tell


    you to leave me alone? Let go!"


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Gilbert snapped, pulling open the passenger door and forcibly shoving Halsey inside.

 My Dad Please Come 572

    Halsey wanted to get out of the car.


    Gilbert braced his hand against the roof. "I''m taking you to see Dwight. Don''t you want to see him?"


    Halsey froze for a moment.


    Gilbert shut the passenger door and moved to the driver''s side. He pressed the gas, and the sleek Porsche roared to life, speeding off with a thrilling sound. Meanwhile, Sienna, still sitting on the ground, waspletely ignored. She felt invisible.


    "Gilbert! Where are you going? How could you leave me here? I''m your girlfriend!" Sienna''s frustration grew to the point of madness.


    Half an hourter, the shiny Porsche came to a stop outside a casino. Halsey got out of the car and asked, "What are we doing here?"


    Gilbert smiled. "Do you know what this ce is?"


    Halsey nodded. "Yeah, I know. This is a casino. It''s not exactly a good ce, and I don''t want to go inside."


    Gilbert''s eyes glinted. "You don''t want to go inside? But your boyfriend is in there!"


    What?


    Halsey gasped, shocked. She stared at Gilbert, her voice rising. "What are you talking about? Dwight can''t possibly be in there!" Gilbert chuckled. "Halsey, I''ve told you before-you don''t really know Dwight. Now, I''ll take you in so you can see for yourself what kind of person he really is!"


    Without giving her a chance to protest, Gilbert pulled her inside.


    The ce was smoky and chaotic, filled with all kinds of people, sitting around gambling tables, their faces flushed with


    excitement.


    Halsey was ufortable. A pampered heiress, she was used to a sheltered life and had never been in a ce like this.


    "Are you lying to me? Dwight couldn''t be here. I want to leave."


    She turned to go, but Gilbert grabbed her arm. "Look up. See who''s ahead!"


    Halsey lifted her gaze and saw Dwight.


    Dwight was wearing a ck outfit, justing out of a room. He held a cigarette between his fingers and was taking a slow drag. His sharp features and short- cropped hair gave him an air of wildness.


    Behind him, a few of hisckeys were speaking to him. "Dwight, we''ve got a guy here who hasn''t paid his debts."


    Several of Dwight''s men shoved a middle-aged man to the ground. The man was groveling at Dwight''s feet.


    "Please! I swear I''m not refusing to pay. I''m just out of money. My wife''s in the hospital with a serious illness, and I had to take my kids'' school fees to gamble... I''m broke now, please."


    Dwight walked over to the man, his eyes cold and unfeeling. He took another drag of his cigarette, squatted down, and casually blew smoke right in the man''s face.


    "If you really need the money, you''ll find a way. Like, for example, selling your house," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. The man''s face went pale. "No, I can''t do that! That''s the house my parents lived in. If I sell it, I''ll kill them!" Chapter 572


    Dwight exhaled another puff of smoke. "So now you''re broke, and you''re forcing me into a corner. If you don''t pay your debt, there will be consequences."


    The man shook his head desperately. "Please, no! I''m begging you Spare me!" Dwight stood up and nced at his men.


    One of theckeys took a knife and pressed it against the man''s hand. With a swift motion, he brought the knife down.


    "Ah!"


    The scream pierced through the air, making Halsey flinch. The sound was so sharp, it seemed to echo in her ears. Halsey watched as blood sttered onto Dwight''s face. He wiped it off indifferently with the back of his hand.


    This side of Dwight, the coldness, the ruthless power-he felt like apletely different person to Halsey. The man she had once known was suddenly a stranger.

 My Dad Please Come 573

    Halsey stood frozen in ce. She had never seen this side of Dwiply before.


    Gilbertughed. "Halsey, do you see it now? Is this still the Dwight you thought you knew? Now he''s in a casino, mixing with the wrong crowd. He''s living in apletely different world from yours. He''s not worthy of you."


    Halsey turned to Gilbert, finally understanding why he had brough her here. It seemed he already knew Dwight would be here.


    "No matter what Dwight is like, it''s not for you to judge. You don''t have the right to say anything about him!"


    Gilbert raised an eyebrow. Even now, you''re defending him? Did he put some kind of spell on you?"


    "That''s none of your business! I don''t want to stay here. I''m going home," Halsey said as she turned to leave.


    But Gilbert blocked her path. ¡°He''s right up ahead. Aren''t you going to at least say hi to him?"


    "There''s no need. Move out of any way!"


    Halsey didn''t understand why Dwight was here, but she could feel that he didn''t want to see her here. So, she decided to quietly


    leave.


    Gilbert wasn''t going to let her have it her way. He grabbed her arm firmly. "Come on. I''m taking you to say hello."


    "No, let go of me! Don''t touch me!"


    Halsey struggled to break free, but Gilbert''s grip was too strong. She couldn''t shake him off.


    At that moment, Halsey sensed a cold, piercing gaze on her face. She looked up, and her eyes met Dwight''s sharp, emotionless


    stare.


    Dwight had already seen her with Gilbert.


    The two locked eyes, and Halsey froze.


    Gilbert was looking at Dwight, too. A sly smile appeared on his lips, and he pulled Halsey closer, wrapping his arm around her shoulder, pulling her into his embrace. "Been a while."


    Halsey, feeling trapped, shoved Gilbert away. She wanted nothing more than to p him across the face.


    Dwight, followed by his group of men in ck, walked over. The men recognized Gilbert right away. "Gilbert! What brings you here?"


    The ck-d men turned to Halsey. "Is this your girlfriend?"


    Halsey quickly snapped, "No!"


    Gilbert, however, answered, "Yes!"


    They spoke in unison, both their voices ringing out.


    The men in ck grinned. "Ah, so this is Gilbert''s girlfriend. Looks like he brought his girlfriend to y with us tonight."


    Halsey red fiercely at Gilbert. She couldn''t understand what was going on.


    Wasn''t he in love with Sienna? He''d gone through all that trouble to be with her, even cheating on Halsey to stay together.


    Halsey nced at Dwight, calling out, "Dwight!


    The ck-d men froze before turning to Dwight. "You know Gilbert''s girlfriend?"


    Halsey started to exin, "I''m not-"


    Before she could finish, she heard Dwight''s cold voice. "We don''t know each other."


    Halsey froze, shocked. Dwight had said he didn''t know her..


    A hurt feeling rushed through her. His cold, indifferent attitude stng more than she expected. Dwight nced at Halsey briefly, then said, "I''ve got things to dom heading over there."


    With that, he turned and walked away.


    He was gone.


    Halsey remained motionless, stunned.


    The ck-d men watched Gilbert with a kind of respectful attention. "He''s always been cold."


    "I noticed," Gilbert casually replied.


    "He''s one of those people who doesn''t say much but gets things done. He''s fast, efficient, and highly capable. Our boss really likes him. In the future, this casino will be in Dwight''s hands."

 My Dad Please Come 574

    Gilbertughed. "Well, sounds like he''s really in it. Once you''re in this line of work, it''s hard to get out."


    The men in ck responded, "Hey, working for our big boss is a promising career. Dwight doesn''t want to leave, believe me."


    Gilbert had heard what he wanted to hear. He waved his hand dismissively, "Alright, you guys can go now. We''ll check the ce out ourselves."


    "Sure. If you need anything, just let us know."


    "Alright."


    The ck-d men left.


    Gilbert turned his attention back to Halsey. "Do you know who the big boss of this casino is? I heard he''s a drug lord. And Dwight''s getting involved with him."


    Halsey''s eyes widened in shock. The big boss was a drug lord?


    Did Dwight know this?


    Halsey knew that Dwight was incredibly capable. He had plenty of ways to make money, so why would he choose this path?


    Gilbert smiled. "Do you see it now? He''s already tangled up in this. His path is nothing like yours. You should just cut ties with him now. There''s no future for you two."


    Halsey clenched her fists. "You should stop wasting your time on me and go find Sienna. Don''t worry about Dwight and me. We''ll handle our own business!"


    "Hey, don''t be ungrateful. I''m just trying to look out for you."


    "Look out for me?" Halsey suddenly let out augh. "I still remember how much you hated me back then, and how you on me with Sienna. Now you''ve done aplete 180. What happened?"


    Gilbert froze, unsure how to respond.


    Halsey narrowed her eyes, her bright, beautiful gaze full of suspicion. "Have you developed feelings for me?"


    What?


    The words hit Gilbert like a punch, and he quickly denied it. "Are you out of your mind? How could I ever fall for you?"


    "Well, that''s for the best. You''d better not fall for me, or I''ll lose all respect for you."


    With that, Halsey turned and walked away, heading straight for Dwight.


    "Halsey!"


    Gilbert stood frozen; he watched her walk off, his fists clenched tightly at his sides.


    cheated/


    Halsey was on a mission to find Dwight, but the ce was huge, and she had never been here before. After wandering around a few times, she almost got lost.


    She had to find Dwight, there were so many things she needed to ask him, so much she needed to say.


    As she turned a corner down a hallway, she spotted him standing ahead. She started to walk toward him.


    Just then, a bright, youthful figure appeared. A girl dressed in a ck tank top and ck shorts, her figure bold and attractive, ran up to Dwight with a beaming smile. "Dwight!"


    Halsey stopped dead in her tracks. When had Dwight gotten involved with this girl?


    The girl grinned at Dwight. "Let''s head out carly today and have some fun."


    Dwight nced at her. With his handsome face bathed in the dim light, his expression was hard to read, but his voice was calm as he responded, "I still have work to do."


    00


    The girlughed. ¡°I already talked to my dad. He said you can leave early today. Your only task is to spend some time with me."


    Halsey stood frozen.


    The girl was the boss''s daughter, Rachel Field.


    Dwight shook his head. "Go enjoy yourself. I''ve got things to take care of."


    He turned, as if to walk away.


    But Rachel quickly reached out and hugged his muscr arm. "Hey, just hang out with me for a little while..."


    Dwight stopped; his eyes caught sight of Halsey, who had been looking for him.

 My Dad Please Come 575

    Halsey stood still, locking eyes with Dwight.


    Dwight froze, his body tensing.


    Rachel, following Dwight''s gaze, spotted Halsey and asked, "Who is she?"


    Dwight didn''t answer.


    Without saying a word, Halsey turned and walked away. She wanted to leave, feeling suffocated by the atmosphere around her. She didn''t belong here.


    In her rush to leave, she collided with a middle-aged


    Halsey quickly apologized. "I''m so sorry!"


    The man grumbled, "Sorry doesn''t fix anything. Damn it, I lost a lot of money today, and now I run into you-just my luck..."


    When the man saw Halsey''s face, he stopped in his tracks. He was taken aback by her delicate, youthful appearance.


    He eyed her up and down. "I didn''t expect you to be so young.''


    Halsey, fresh from school, was dressed in a white sweater and a pleated skirt, with a white down jacket over it. Her long ck hair was tied up in a high ponytail. The pure, schoolgirl vibe she radiated feltpletely out of ce in this setting, making her stand out even more.


    The man''s lecherous gaze made Halsey ufortable. She frowned. "I already apologized."


    She tried to push past him.


    But the man stepped into her path. "Where are you going? Why don''t we have some fun together, huh?"


    Halsey''s voice hardened. "Move. Don''t block my way. I want to go home!"


    The manughed. "Whose home are you going to? You cane to my ce. I can give you a home."


    Finding him repulsive, Halsey turned to leave.


    But the man grabbed her slender arm, yanking her back. "Come on, don''t go. Stay and y with me."


    "Let go of me! If you don''t, I''ll scream for help


    "You can scream all you want. The more you scream, the more funt''ll have," he sneered.


    He tried to pull Halsey into his embrace.


    Just as she was about to call for help, arge hand suddenly shot out and grabbed the man''s wrist, yanking it away from her.


    "How dare you mess with my business!"


    The man cursed, but when he looked up, he saw Dwight.


    The middle-aged man hesitated. "H-Hey, Dwight."


    Dwight''s sharp, handsome features were now cold and unforgiving. "What are you doing?"


    The man chuckled awkwardly. "I was just having little fun with this youngdy." Dwight''s expression remained unreadable, his cold aura radiating. "She said no. Didn''t you hear her?"


    The man stammered, "L-Let me go, okay? I''m not messing with her anymore."


    With a swift motion, Dwight twisted the man''s wrist, and a loud snap echoed through the air.


    "Ah!" the man screamed in agony.


    Dwight flicked his hand, sending the man crashing into the wall.


    "How dare you do this to me!" The man''s face twisted with rage. You think you''re something just because the boss values you and the boss''s daughter is into you? You''re nothing but apdog! You live a life of danger, and you''ll end up dead in a ditch sooner than you think."


    Halsey stood off to the side, her fingers curling slightly in anger.


    Dwight''s face remained emotionless. "Well, I don''t know how or when I''m gonna die, but I know how you''re meeting your end. Boys!"


    Two men in ck rushed forward. "Yes?"


    Dwight gave a coldmand. "Take him away."

 My Dad Please Come 576

    "Yes, sir."


    The two men in ck quickly hauled the middle-aged man away.


    Halsey nced at Dwight before turning to walk off.


    Dwight lengthened his strides, following closely behind her.


    Halsey quickened her pace, hoping to lose him in the crowd. However, Dwight''s long legs kept him right on her heels.


    "Stop following me!" she snapped.


    She burst out of the casino and into the open air, but in her rush, she twisted her ankle and copsed to the ground.


    Halsey mentally cured herself. It seemed like everything was going wrong today- she couldn''t catch a break.


    Sitting on the ground, she heard a low, smooth voice from above. "Are you okay?"


    Looking up, she saw Dwight standing over her. She was sitting on the pavement while Dwight stood tall, forcing her to tilt her head back to look at him.


    He extended a hand toward her. "Here."


    He was offering to help her up.


    Halsey didn''t want his help, so she tried to get up on her own.


    But she couldn''t.


    Before she could try again, Dwight grabbed her slender arm and, as easily as if she were a child, lifted her from the ground.


    Halsey just stared at him. She had been angry just a moment ago, but she now realized he was surprisingly strong.


    Dwight looked at her. "Don''te back here. It''s not a ce for you. Let me get you a cab so you can go home."


    He stood by the curb and gged down a cab. The cab pulled over, and he opened the back door. "Get in."


    Halsey stood still, not moving. "Don''t you have anything you want to say to me?"


    Dwight shrugged. "What is there to say?"


    Halsey shot back, "What do you think?"


    Dwight parted his lips slightly. "I don''t have anything to say. I''m busy right now.


    Don''te looking for me again. Go home."


    With that, Dwight turned to walk away.


    But he didn''t get far. A soft little hand reached out and grabbed his sleeve.


    Dwight''s steps halted. He stood still for a few seconds, not turning around, clearly wanting to leave.


    But the hand held tightly onto his sleeve, stopping him from walking away.


    He cleared his throat. "Let go."


    Halsey shook her head. "I don''t want to."


    Dwight turned around. "Do you have something to say to me?"


    Halsey stared at him. "Why are you here? Do you even know what this ce is


    for? You''re so smart, you could make money doing anything. Why did you choose this path?"


    Her eyes were filled with confusion and disappointment. She just couldn''t understand why he had chosen this life. She needed


    an answer.


    Dwight looked at her and remained silent.


    Halsey continued, "I don''t like this ce. Come away with me. You want to make money, right? I''m not good at studying; I''ll pay you to be my tutor. How about it?"


    Dwight gently pulled her hand away. "Thanks, but no, thanks."


    He turned to leave.


    But just as he did, Halsey suddenly threw herself at him, wrapping her arms tightly around his back.


    Dwight''s body stiffened, his muscles locking up from the unexpected contact. Halsey clung to him, her voice full of determination.


    "My dad agreed we can be together. He even said that if we stay together, he''ll let you manage our family business. I know you don''t like that idea, so I''ll invest in you. I''ll help you start your ownpany. Right now, the inte and e-merce are booming, and with your brains, you can make it huge. This is the path you should be on."


    Today''s Bonus Offer

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    Dwight was silent for a moment before gently pulling Halsey''s hand away, He turned to face her, his eyes cold. "Are you trying to give me a handout out of pity?"


    Halsey shook her head, her voice trembling, "No, I''m not! That''s not what I meant. I just believe in your abilities and talent, and


    I want to-


    Dwight smirked, his lips curling mockingly. "You want to? Look at you, saying all these things. These are your ideas, you phara. You''re trying to force them on me."


    Halsey shook her head, eyes wide. "I swear, I''m not


    "Stop making excuses," he cut her off, his tone harsh. "You want to control me. But I get it. You''re a rich girl, and you''ve never seen me as your equal. You want to take charge of my life."


    Halsey''s pale eyes reddened, tears welling up as she stared at him, burt. "I told you, I''m not doing that. Is this really how you see me?"


    All she had ever wanted was to care for him, to help him. She didn''t want him stuck in a ce like this when he could be on a bigger stage.


    But he wouldn''t listen. He was using her wrongly.


    Did he really think she was that selfish?


    Dwight watched as the tears shimmered in Halsey''s eyes, sparkling in the dim light. Her face looked so fragile, so pitiful. His hands at his sides slowly clenched into fists.


    "You need to leave. We''re from different worlds. You''ve got Gilbert, right? I hear he''s turned his life around. You could be with him. Even if not with him, you''ve got plenty of better options than ne."


    Halsey''s shoulders trembled as the first tear fell, and then they came crashing down one after another. "Why do you always push me away? Aren''t we supposed to be together? If something''s wrong, we can talk about it."


    "Together?" Dwight scoffed. "Who said we were together?"


    Halsey blinked in disbelief. "But... What about everything that happened before?" Dwight shrugged, his eyes scanning her with a look of disdain. "It was just a fling." Halsey froze. "A fling?"


    "Yeah, what did you think? I never forced you into anything. You came to me first. You''re a rich, pretty girl. You came to me, and it didn''t cost me anything. Why not have a little fun?"


    Halsey gasped, her breath catching in her throat. "Is that really how you see me?¡± "How else do you think I see you?"


    The tears in Halsey''s eyes felt like a broken dam, pouring out in torrents.


    So, that was how he saw her. She was just someone who came to him without any cost.


    In that moment, Dwight stepped closer, his tall figure looming over her. He reached out to wipe away a tear from her cheek his smile cruel. "What are you here for today? Did you miss me?"


    With a swift motion, Halsey pped his hand away, her tear-filled eyes locking onto his. "I hate you!"


    Dwight froze, his body rigid.


    Just then, Gilbert rushed up to them. "Are you bullying Halsey?"


    Gilbert grabised Dwight by the cor and punched him squarely w


    Dwight didn''t even flinch, and blood tackled from the corner his movements wild and untamed.


    Halsey jumped back in shock. She hadn''t expected oilbert to shov


    She quiddy grabbed him. "Enough! Stop!"


    Gilbert pointed at Dwight, his voice full of anger. "She loves you now? Your family''s a mess, and now you''re just some pig hanging Halsey!"


    Today''s Bones Offer

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    "Shut up, Gilbert!" Halsey snapped.


    Gilbert shrugged her off and charged at Dwight, alming another punch.


    But this time, he missed. Dwight swiftly grabbed his iing fist and shoved him hard. Gilbert lost his bnce and stumbled backward, finally falling to the ground with a thud.


    Halsey immediately stepped in front of Gilbert, her voice firm. "That''s enough!" Dwight stared at her coldly "That punch just now was me returning the favor."


    If Dwight hadn''t let him, Gilbert never would have gotten close to him. Halsey froze.


    "Take him and get out of here," Dwight said, his tone dismissive. I don''t want to see either of you again."


    Without another word, he turned and started to walk


    "Dwight!" Halsey called after him.


    He paused, just for a moment.


    away.


    At that instant, Rachel hurried over and linked her arm with Dwight''s. "What are you doing out here?"


    She nced at Halsey and Gilbert, her eyebrows raised. "Do you know them?"


    Dwight''s lips curled into a slight smirk. "I don''t."


    Rachel beamed. ¡°Okay. Let''s go inside. Dad was looking for you. He even asked about you when he couldn''t find you earlier."


    Dwight nodded. "Alright."


    He walked off with Rachel, leaving Halsey standing there.


    He was leaving with another girl.


    Halsey stood frozen, her vision blurred with tears as she watched Dwight disappear from her sight.


    Gilbert slowly stood up and shook his head. "See that? That''s the guy you''re in love with. He''s broken your heart; he''s not a good person. Forget about him."


    Halsey turned to Gilbert, her voice quiet but firm. "If he isn''t a good person, does that make you one?"


    Gilbert hesitated. "I..."


    Without another word, Halsey turned and walked away.


    Gilbert grabbed her arm. "It''ste, and I can''t let you be out alone at this hour. It''s not safe. Get in the car. I''ll take you home."


    "I don''t need your help," Halsey said, trying to pull away from him


    But Gilbert didn''t listen. He practically shoved her into his sports car and sped off.


    Meanwhile, Dwight had turned back around. He watched the car disappear into the distance, his expression unreadable.


    He had said those things on purpose today. From the moment he stepped into that ce, he knew there was no future for him and Halsey.


    She was like a delicate rose, a warm, untouched gem. Pure, unspoiled.


    But he was different.


    There was no point in starting something that was bound to end. He had to force himself to push her away. Rachel walked over, watching Dwight with curiosity. "You''re in love with that girl, aren''t you?"


    Dwight''s gaze was distant. "I''m not."


    Rachel frowned. "You''re lying. I can see it in your eyes. You have feelings for her, don''t you?"


    Dwight tried to sidestep her, ready to leave.


    "Wait," Rachel called out. "Since you''ve broken up with her, why don''t we be together? I have feelings for you."


    Dwight nced at her briefly, his tone cold. "Don''t waste your tin on me. I won''t ever develop feelings for you."


    With that, he turned and walked away.


    "Dwight!"


    Rachel stomped her foot in frustration. She had fallen for him the moment sheid eyes on him, and she wasn''t going to give up.


    Back at home, Halsey locked herself under the covers, crying for what felt like hours.


    Just the thought of the things Dwight had said made her heart ache


    By the next day, she had a fever.

 My Dad Please Come 579

    Cyril held out some fever medicine to Halsey. "You should take them."


    Halseyy weakly in bed, her voice soft. "I don''t want to take then


    Cyril gave her a questioning look. "What''s wrong? Did Dwight reject you?"


    Halsey shot her father a re. Of course he''d bring that up now, right when she was already feeling miserable.


    Cyril chuckled. "What did I tell you? You can''t win over Dwight. Let it go. Forget about him."


    Halsey stayed silent, staring at the ceiling.


    Cyril continued, "There are plenty of great guys out there. I know so many talented young men. I''ll introduce you to a few. They say the best way to get over


    a rtionship is to dive into a new one, right?"


    Halsey hugged the nket tighter, not responding.


    Cyril ced the medicine on the nightstand. "Take the meds. I''ll leave you alone."


    With that, he walked out.


    Halsey sat up and swallowed the pills, theny back down, closing her eyes.


    She figured she should listen to Cyril and forget Dwight.


    After all, he had never truly cared for her. He had said so many cruel things to her, and now there was a new girl in his life.


    But every time she closed her eyes, Dwight''s handsome face shed in her mind, refusing to leave.


    She really wanted to forget him, but she just couldn''t.


    With a sigh, Halsey picked up her phone and opened up her WhatsApp.


    She sent a message to Dwight. [I''m running a fever.]


    Meanwhile, Dwight was meeting with the big boss, Jenson Field-Rachel''s father. Jenson was well-connected in the underground world. He was rotund, yet his eyes sparkled with sharpness.


    Dwight handed over the week''s financial reports to Jenson, who looked them over, clearly pleased. He grinned and said, "I knew I didn''t make a mistake trusting you. You''ve done in one week what it takes us half a year to achieve. You''ve got ambition and guts!"


    Rachel, holding onto her father''s arm, chimed in, "Dad, Dwight''s been working so hard. Why don''t you reward him and give him a day off?"


    Jenson smiled fondly at his daughter. "Are you hoping he''ll spend the day with you?"


    "What are you talking about, Dad..." Rachel blushed, ncing at Dwight.


    Dwight''s face remained stoic, giving nothing away.


    Jenson stepped forward and ced a hand on Dwight''s shoulder. "Dwight, my daughter''s feelings for you are clear, and I have a great deal of respect for you. I don''t have a son, but if you marry my daughter, we''ll be family. What''s mine will be yours."


    Dwight looked at Rachel briefly before replying, ¡°Mr. Field, I''m afraid I''m not good enough for your daughter."


    Rachel stomped her foot. "Dwight, are you rejecting me? Dad, I don''t care. I''m in love with Dwight!"


    Jenson reached out, patting Dwight''s shoulder again. "My daughter is into you, and I''m sure you''ll fall for her too. If you marry her, you''ll be my sessor. Let me tell you something-I have connections with some important people, and I''ll introduce you to them."


    Dwight had already guessed who those "important people" were. The big yer behind it all was none other than the notorious drug lord, Phantom.


    The only reason Dwight was even here was that he nned to use enson as a stepping stone to meet Phantom.


    Phantom was the man who had killed his father.


    Now, Jenson wanted to introduce him to Phantom, but only If Dwi lit agreed to marry Rachel.


    Dwight didn''t care for Rachel, but it seemed like he had no choice the matter.


    Jenson looked at him expectantly. "Take some time to think it over. Let me know if you want to marry my daughter."


    Today''s Bonus Offer

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    apter 580


    Rachel took a step toward Dwight. "1-"


    However, Jenson stopped her. He grabbed his daughter by the arm "Let''s go."


    Rachel had no choice but to follow her father out of the room.


    Dwight stood there for a moment, alone, before leaving the casino and stepping out onto the street.


    Ding!


    His phone chimed. He nced down at his phone and saw Halsey''s text.


    [I''m running a fever.]


    With one hand in his pocket, Dwight didn''t respond.


    Then, another notification followed. Halsey had sent another text


    [My head hurts. Can youe check on me?


    [I don''t believe those words were your true feelings. There must be some reason why you said that to me.


    [If youe now, I''ll forgive you. We can still be happy together.]


    Dwight''s phone kept buzzing as Halsey sent more and more messages.


    He could almost picture the look on her face-perhaps a bit spoiled, a little troubled, but also strangely endearing.


    Dwight continued walking down the street, phone in hand. He couldn''t go to her. Every bit of rational thought screamed at him


    not to.


    He had nothing, yet he had met the girl he wanted to protect for the rest of his life. How ironic that felt.


    Dwight was nning to head home when his phone chimed again. Halsey had sent another message.


    He opened it.


    [I miss you.]


    Halsey missed him.


    Dwight stopped in his tracks. For a few moments, he stood frozen before turning around and sprinting in the opposite direction of the life he had nned.


    Half an hourter, Dwight arrived at the front gate of the Lincoln family''s mansion. The lights inside were still on, casting a warm, inviting glow.


    He stood there for a moment, watching, his hands hanging by his sides, slowly clenching into fists, then rxing, then clenching again.


    After a fierce internal struggle, Dwight took a step forward.


    Inside, Halsey had locked herself in her room. She was holding her phone,


    waiting for Dwight''s response.


    But he hadn''t replied.


    Halsey''s lips puffed out in disappointment.


    What was Dwight doing right now? Had she bothered him?


    Chapter 580.


    After all, he was probably working, and he seemed to be busy.


    Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.


    "Who is it?" Halsey asked.


    Outside, Isabel''s voice called back, "It''s me, Isabel."


    "What''s going on?"


    "Someone is here to see you. He''s waiting outside."


    Someone? Was it Dwight?


    Halsey, who had been lying in bed feeling sick, suddenly jumped up, her energy restored in an instant. She threw off the covers, jumped out of bed, and rushed to open the door. "Who is it? Where is he?"


    Isabel hurried to stop her. "He''s still waiting outside... Wait, slow down. You might trip!"


    Before Isabel could finish, Halsey had already raced out of the room, speeding down the stairs, eager to open the door.


    She was overjoyed. She knew Dwight wouldn''t ignore her. He hade for her!


    With a wide smile, Halsey pulled open the front door.


    "Dwight!" she called out cheerfully.


    But her smile instantly froze, her whole body going still. The person standing outside wasn''t Dwight. It was Gilbert.


    Gilbert hade to see her.

 My Dad Please Come 581

    The happiness Halsey had felt moments ago was now reced with deep disappointinent. She never imagined that it would be Gilbert standing at her door!


    Isabel hurried over, draping a coat over Halsey''s shoulders. "Wear his. You''ll catch a chill."


    Halsey looked at Isabel with a questioning expression. "This is the man who came to see me?"


    Isabel nodded. "Yes, Mr. Gilbert came to visit. I was about to tell you when you rushed downstairs."


    Halsey asked, "No one else ame looking for me?"


    Isabel shook her head. "No, Ms. Lincoln. Who else would you expect?"


    Did Dwight not conte?


    Gilbert, standing there, eyed Halsey with a smirk. "Were you expecting Dwight?" Halsey''s lips pressed into a thin line. "Yes. Why are you here?"


    Gilbert''s expression darkened. "I heard you were sick with a fever, so I came to check on you."


    "I''m not dead. Thanks for your concern," Halsey replied coldly, reaching to shut the door.


    But Gilbert quickly blocked it with his foot. "Hey, what''s this? I heard you were ill, so I came to see you, but it seems like you don''t want to see me."


    Halsey looked him in the eye. "Take out the word ''seem''. I don''t want to see you."


    Gilbert''s temper red. "You''re so ungrateful!"


    "Sienna''s your girlfriend now. How many times do I need to remind you? If you''re a decent ex, you should know to stay away from my life. Don''t bother me again."


    Gilbert took a few long strides toward Halsey, narrowing his gaze as he studied her. She stood there in a pink silk nightgown, her long ck hair cascading down, her bright eyes sparkling with a mix of sweetness and beauty. She looked soft, delicate, and incredibly alluring.


    Halsey wasn''t wearing any makeup, unlike Sienna, who always seerned heavily made up. At first, Sienna''s beauty had been striking, but now it felt artificial, too much of the "beauty" created by cosmetics.


    The difference between natural and manufactured beauty was unmistakable.


    Gilbert moved closer, and Halsey instinctively took two steps back. "What are you doing? Why are you suddenly so close?"


    He stared at her intensely. "I need to talk to you."


    "About what?"


    Gilbert''s face looked strained. "I broke up with Sienna."


    What?


    Halsey''s heart skipped a beat. Gilbert and Sienna hadn''t been together for long, and they''d already broken up?


    Gilbert had indeed ended things with Sienna, but she had been unable to ept it and hadn''t agreed to the breakup.


    After hearing that Halsey had fallen ill, Gilbert rushed over.


    Halsey blinked, her voice t. "Okay, so you broke up with Sienna. What does that have to do with me? You don''t need to report this to me."


    Gilbert clenched his fists, his frustration evident. "Halsey, is this a game to you? ying hard to get?"


    Halsey froze, confusion crossing her face. "What do you mean?"


    "I know you''ve always liked me, but back then, I didn''t feel the same, 1 ignored you and went after Sienna instead. So, you turned to Dwight, right? You don''t really love him; you''re just using him to make me jealous, aren''t you?" Halsey stared at Gilbert in shock, her eyes wide. What was he even alking about?


    "You''re clever-I''ll give you that. Congrattions. Your little trick worked. You''ve got my attention now. Even though I''m with Sienna, all I can think about is you. I keep remembering the time we spent together, and I''vee to realize how much joy you brought me. I missed the way things were."


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    Gilbert took another step forward, his eyes fixed intensely on Halsy.


    "I don''t love Sienna anymore. I''m in love with you."


    He said he had stopped loving Sienna and was in love with Halsey now.


    Halsey''s mind went nk. She hadn''t expected Gilbert''s change to be so dramatic. The man who had once ignored her and even cheated on her was now iming he had turned over a new leaf and was in love with her.


    Gilbert reached out and pulled Halsey into an embrace. tter soft, delicate frame filled his senses with the sweet, light scent of a young woman.


    Gilbert held her tightly, his voice low and insistent. "Let''s be together."


    Meanwhile, Dwight was standing outside, ready to go in and find Halsey. But then, a sleek sports car pulled up-Gilbert had arrived.


    He watched as Gilbert knocked on the door, and Halsey answered.


    Now, Dwight stood on the other side, watching as Gilbert tightly embraced Halsey.


    His hands, hanging by his sides, clenched into fists. The sound of his knuckles cracking echoed in the silence.


    He felt a sharp sting in his chest at the sight.


    But then, his fists slowly rxed. Wasn''t this what he had wanted? Didn''t he want to push Halsey away? Well, now his wish had been granted.


    Dwight turned and left without a word.


    Halsey, still in Gilbert''s arms, pushed him away forcefully. "Are you out of your mind?"


    Gilbert stumbled backward, almost losing his bnce, and crashed into the door.


    Halsey stood with a cold expression, her gaze cutting through him like ice. "How did I never realize you were this full of yourself? Let me make it clear: your breakup with Sienna has nothing to do with me. I won''t be with you."


    Gilbert blinked in surprise. "Why?"


    Halsey crossed her arms, her tone unwavering. "Don''t you already know the reason? Let me tell you again: Gilbert, I don''t love


    you anymore."


    Gilbert shook his head in disbelief. "No, I don''t believe it."


    "Haven''t you heard me? I admit I had feelings for you before, but that was the kind of affection a girl has for an older brother. Back then, I didn''t even know what


    it was like to truly love someone romantically-until I met Dwight."


    Halsey''s eyes softened as she spoke, her heart unmistakably in her words.


    "My attention began to shift toward Dwight. When he''s here, I think of him; when he''s not, I miss him. I''ve never felt this way about anyone else. He''s the first person I''ve ever truly loved."


    Gilbert couldn''t ept it. He had always believed Halsey loved him "No, you''re lying! You don''t really love Dwight. You''re just using him to make me jealous!"


    "Gilbert," Halsey said firmly. "You should get checked out by a doctor if you''re delusional. I''m not using Dwight to provoke you. He''s the person I love!"


    Without another word, Halsey stepped forward and shoved Gilbert but the door. Gilbert stood there, stunned, his voice rising in frustration. "Halsey, I don''t believe this! ying hard to get too many times will


    backfire! I''ve broken up with Sienna, and I''ve fallen for you. What hore do you want?"


    Halsey''s eyes narrowed. "I just want you to disappear from my life just want you to leave my home!"


    With a final m, she shut the front door with a resounding bang


    Gilbert, left standing on the other side, was left in stunned silence


    No... He couldn''t believe it. He couldn''t ept that Halsey didn''t have feelings for him anymore.


    What did Dwight have that he didn''t? Why would Halsey choose Dwight?


    He was unwilling to let go.


    Ǭ

 My Dad Please Come 583

    Halsey couldn''t wait any longer for Dwight. She decided to take matters into her own hands.


    If Dwight wasn''t looking for her, she would go and find him herself


    She made her way to the casino and approached one of the attendants. "HI, is Dwight here?"


    The young man grinned. "Another pretty girl looking for Dwight? Sorry, sweetheart, but he''s not around today."


    Halsey frowned. "Where did he go?"


    The attendant leaned in with a smirk. "He''s out at the bar with the boss''s daughter, having some fun."


    The boss''s daughter?


    Was he talking abouRachel, the curvy, stunningly attractive woman?


    Dwight was at the bar with Rachel?


    Seeing the disappointment on Halsey''s face, the attendant couldn''t help but tease her. "Are you into Dwight? Don''t bother, sweetheart. He already has a girlfriend."


    Halsey froze. "What do you mean? Dwight has a girlfriend?"


    "Yeah, Ms. Field and Dwight are officially together now. We all know about it."


    Halsey felt like the floor had just dropped beneath her. Dwight was dating Rachel?


    No wonder he hadn''te to find her he was already in a rtionship!


    So what was she to him?


    Without wasting another second, Halsey rushed to the bar. She had to find Dwight.


    When she entered, her eyes quicklynded on him in one of the plush VIP booths. Dwight was wearing a white shirt today, and it clung to his well-toned body, entuating his muscr frame. His sharp, buzzed hairstyle and confident posture made him stand out even in a crowded room.


    Halsey could spot him easily, even in a sea of people.


    She would usually see him in ck clothes, so this was the first time she had seen him in white. And he looked stunning in it.


    The bar wasn''t crowded, as it had been rented out by Dwight for the night. He sat on the couch, with Rachel beside him. A group of people from the street scene surrounded them, chatting andughing.


    "Here, have a smoke."


    Someone offered Dwight a cigarette.


    But Rachel immediately stopped them. "Don''t offer him a cigarette."


    "Why not, Ms. Field?"


    Rachel nced at Dwight shyly. "Because we''re about to get married, and once we do, we''ll be having a baby. He can''t smoke- we need to get ready for a baby!"


    The group burst intoughter.


    "So you''re about to tie the knot, huh? Congrattions!"


    "We''ll be there for the wedding! Cheers!"


    Rachel smiled at Dwight, her eyes sparkling. He lounged backzily on the couch, his arm around her, pulling her closer to him.


    The crowd around them cheered.


    Halsey stood off to the side, watching the scene unfold. She felt as hough her heart had shattered. The things the attendant had said earlier about Dwight and Rachel dating had seemed unbelievable, but now, seeing it with her own eyes, she couldn''t deny it.


    He had never held her the way he was holding Rachel. It was always she who made the move.


    In the booth, someoneughed. "Dwight, if you can''t smoke, how bout we all have a drink instead?"


    "Ms. Field, is it okay if Dwight has a drink with us? Let''s make it a past! You two can have a ceremonial drink together!"


    The group cheered them on


    Rachel raised an eyebrow. "Sure, a ceremonial drink sounds fine.


    Someone poured afcohol into two sses. Dwight picked one up, and Rachel grabbed the other. Their arms intertwined as they prepared to drink.


    With a flirtatious smile, Rachel gazed deeply at Dwight. "After we drink this, I''ll be yours, Dwight."


    ¡°Ms. Field, you aren''t even married yet. How can you say you''re his?¡± someone teased.


    Rachel''s love for Dwight was evident in her every move, and she responded boldly, ¡°I don''t care. Once I drink this, I''ll belong to Dwight!"


    Dwight looked at Rachel, his expression softening. "Okay." Today''s Bonus Offer

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    Rachel curled her lips into a smile, and the two of them drank the ceremonial toast together.


    The crowd erupted in cheers, whistling and chanting, "Time for the honeymoon!"


    Watching this scene, Halsey felt as though a needle was piercing her heart. The pain was almost unbearable.


    Dwight drank a toast with Rachel. And now, he was going to marry her.


    He was going to marry another woman.


    Why was he doing this to her?


    At that moment, someone called out, "Someone bring us more drinks! We''re out of booze!"


    "Coming right up!" server rushed over with a bottle of alcohol.


    Halsey stopped the server. "Give me the bottle. I''ll take it there."


    The server was confused. "What do you mean?"


    Halsey pulled a thick wad of cash from her pocket and slipped it into the server''s hand. "This is what I mean."


    The server immediately understood, his face lighting up with a grin. "Alright, I got you."


    Halsey took the bottle, put on a mask, and headed toward the VIP booth.


    Someone directed the server, "ce the drinks here."


    Halsey nodded. "Okay."


    She set the drinks down on the coffee table.


    At that moment, the young man''s gaze fell on Halsey. He looked her up and down. Though she was wearing a mask, her exposed face was wless, her eyesrge and sparkling, and her high ponytail gave her an innocent, fresh look. She was like a ma, drawing everyone''s attention.


    The young man said, "I didn''t know this bar has such a beautiful waitress. How old are you?"


    The entire group in the booth turned their attention to Halsey.


    "Wait a minute. Howe we didn''t see this gorgeous girl when we came in?"


    "Are you a waitress? Come on and have a drink with us."


    The men in the VIP booth looked at Halsey with lustful eyes.


    Dwight, with his stunning features, kept his gaze lowered, seemingly uninterested


    in the situation. It was as if he didn''t care about any of it.


    However, Rachel noticed Halsey right away. Beautiful women had a way of sensing each other. Rachel suddenly felt like she had seen Halsey somewhere before.


    She tilted her head, studying Halsey. "I feel like I''ve seen you before. Do we know each other?"


    Halsey shook her head and nced at Dwight, who was sitting beside Rachel.


    At that moment, Rachel wrapped her arm around Dwight''s muscr one, pouting yfully. "Dwight, doesn''t this waitress look a bit familiar? I swear I''ve seen her before."


    Dwight looked up and nced at Halsey.


    His gaze had beenzy and indifferent before, but when he saw Halsey, his hand, which had been holding his drink, suddenly


    Chapter 584.


    froze.


    Halsey met his eyes, and she knew instantly that he had recognized her.


    "Do you know her?" Rachel asked again, pressing for an answer.


    Halsey held her breath, wanting to hear what Dwight would say.


    Would he admit to knowing her, or deny it?


    Dwight pursed his lips and gave her a cold, displeased look. "Nah, you''ve mistaken her for someone else. We don''t know her." Halsey trembled slightly. He really was heartless, lying right to her face and pretending not to know her.


    He was with Rachel now, clearly eager to cut ties with her.


    Just then, someone ached out and grabbed Halsey''s wrist firmly ''Sweetheart,e over here and drink with us."

 My Dad Please Come 585

    Halsey looked at the young man and tried to pull her delicate wrist out of his grip. "I''m just a waitress, here to serve drinks. I don''t drink with customers. Let go of me!"


    However, he didn''t let go. In fact, the more she struggled, the more it seemed to amuse him. ¡°Come on, aren''t you here to make money? Have a drink with me, and I''ll pay you."


    Halsey shook her head. "I don''t want your money!"


    With a snap of his fingers, the young man''s assistant immediately walked in, carrying a box. He opened it, revealing stacks of bills. Then, he picked up a stack and waved it in front of her.


    "Here''s a thousand. Have a ss with me."


    Halsey''s voice remained firm. "I don''t want it!"


    He grinned. "Alright, then. How about five thousand? Five thousand if you drink just one ss with me."


    "I said I don''t want it!" Halsey repeated, her tone resolute.


    Theo, the rich young man, chuckled. "ying hard to get, huh? Well, you''ve certainly caught my attention now!"


    Around them, the othersughed and egged him on. "There are plenty of girls who would kill for the chance to drink with Theo. I suggest you take this chance- don''t miss it!"


    "Seems like Theo really likes this girl. Haven''t seen him this interested in anyone before!"


    Rachel, sitting on the couch, watched the scene unfold. She turned to Dwight. "Looks like Theo''s about to make a new friend, huh?"


    Dwight lounged on the sofa, swirling his wine ss, the bright red liquid swaying as he stared coldly at Theo Pena and Halsey.


    "Why are you so quiet?" Rachel asked, her tone suddenly concerned.


    She could feel the shift in Dwight''s mood. Usually, he was hard to read-he kept his emotions well hidden. Even though he had agreed to date her, there were times when Rachel felt like she couldn''t understand him. He was always so cold and indifferent.


    But now, as he watched Theo and Halsey, his demeanor had taken a sharp, icy turn. The atmosphere around him seemed to drop, heavy and tense.


    Rachel''s gaze shifted back to Halsey. Who was she?


    Theoughed. ¡°This whole box of cash is yours. Come on. Let''s have that drink now."


    This time, Theo didn''t give Halsey a chance to refuse. He yanked her toward him, and she found herself abruptly sitting on hisp.


    Halsey froze, her body stiffening. She hated being touched by strangers, especially in such a forceful way.


    She tried to push him off. "Let go of me! Don''t touch me!"


    "Why do you always wear that mask? Take it off and let me see your face."


    Halsey''s eyes, wide and bright, were visible above the mask. Anyone who saw them would be captivated, longing to see what her full face looked like.


    ¡°Theo, go ahead, take off her mask. Maybe her face isn''t as pretty as you think, and you''ll be disappointed!"


    "That''s impossible! Look at her figure, her aura, her eyes. Her face must be just as beautiful."


    "Right, trust Theo''s judgment. The girls he''s interested in are always perfect!"


    The crowd around them jeered, egging Theo on.


    Theo reached out, intending to pull off Halsey''s mask.


    Halsey quickly blocked his hand. "Don''t look at my face!"


    "Why not?"


    "Because... Only my boyfriend can see my face! If you look, he''ll get mad!"


    "Boyfriend?" Theo blinked, taken aback. "You have a boyfriend?"


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 586

    Halsey trembled, her thoughts racing. She knew Dwight had been watching her.


    She wanted to test him, to see if he woulde to her rescue.


    She wanted to see if he really cared about her at all.


    If he didn''t, then she''d finally give up.


    "Yes," she said, her voice shaking slightly, "I have a boyfriend."


    Theo raised an eyebrow. "Who''s your boyfriend?"


    "That''s none of your business. Just know that he''s taller and better looking than you. We''re very much in love!"


    Laughter erupted around them.


    "Looks like she''s already taken.''


    "Yeah, Theo, you''ve struck out this time."


    Theo sneered. "Are you lying to me? Where is this boyfriend of yours? If he really cares so much, why would he let you work at a ce like this? It sounds like he doesn''t care about you at all."


    He took a drink from his ss, holding it out toward Halsey.


    "Come on. Drink with me. If you really have a boyfriend, he''ll show up soon enough.''


    He leaned toward her, attempting to pour the drink into her mouth


    Halsey quickly pulled away, trying to push him off. "Let go of me! Don''t touch me! I don''t want to drink!"


    The drink sshed out of Theo''s ss, soaking Halsey''s clothes and leaving her looking a bit disheveled.


    The people around themughed even louder. "Seems like you were lying about having a boyfriend. See? He hasn''t shown up yet!"


    "Just be with Theo. Life with him will be sweet and full of perks!"


    Halsey''s heart sank. It seemed to her that Dwight was really not going to help her.


    Rachel smirked, watching Dwight. "This is supposed to be our show tonight, but it looks like Theo and that waitress are putting on a better performance than we


    are."


    She casually draped her arm around Dwight''s, leaning into him. "Don''t you think so?"


    Dwight, his fingers gripping the ss, took a long sip, the sharp alcohol sliding down his throat. He ced the ss down with a loud clink, and the noise seemed to silence the room, even halting Theo''s actions.


    Theo, confused, turned to Dwight. "Something wrong? Did we disturb you?"


    Rachel''s eyes widened in surprise. "Everything okay?"


    But Dwight didn''t look at her. His cold gaze remained fixed on Theo. "Take your hand off her."


    Theo blinked, not understanding. "What do you mean?"


    Without warning, Dwight stood up and strode toward Theo, his aura growing dark and intense, like a predator closing in on its prey. He grabbed Theo''s wrist and twisted it violently.


    With a sharp snap, Theo''s wrist broke. The wine ss fell from his hand, rolling onto the carpet.


    Dwight released Theo and turned to Halsey. He grabbed her arm with surprising gentleness, pulling her upright from Theo''sp.


    "Come with me," Dwight said his voice firm.


    He led Halsey away.


    "Wait, what just happened? Why is Dwight taking that waitress with him?"


    "Who is she to him?"


    "Ms. Field, what''s going on with Dwight?"


    Rachel stood frozen, her eyes wide as she watched Dwight pull Halsey away. A sudden realization hit her. No wonder the waitress looked so familiar it was because she knew her.


    That waitress was Halsey.

 My Dad Please Come 587

    Rachel clenched her fist, her eyes burning with jealousy. Even though Dwight was engaged to her, she knew deep down that Halsey still had a ce in his heart.


    It was a woman''s intuition, something she couldn''t ignore.


    Now that Halsey hade back into the picture, Rachel felt an overwhelming sense of danger. She was really into Dwight and didn''t want to lose him.


    "Ms. Field, what''s going on here?"


    Rachel snapped, her mood sour. "Everyone, get out!"


    The group quickly scattered, sensing the tension in the air.


    Just then, Jenson arrived. He looked at Rachel with concern. "What''s wrong? Who upset you?"


    Rachel threw her arms around her father. "Dad..."


    Jenson nced around, taking in the scene. "Where''s Dwight? I thought he was with you. Why are you here alone?"


    Rachel hesitated, unwilling to speak ill of Dwight. "He went to the bathroom. I... I''m really scared of losing him. I want to marry him as soon as possible!"


    Jenson raised an eyebrow. "Why are you in such a hurry to get married?"


    "I just want to marry him," she said, her voice full of longing. "But it seems like he isn''t in a rush to marry me. You need toe up with a way to make him marry me quickly."


    With a yful grin, she added, "You have high hopes for Dwight, right? You always say he''s like a son to you. After I get married, you can hand over your business to Dwight. Then I''ll have some kids, and you can retire and help take care of the grandkids!"


    Jenson burst intoughter. "Haha, you''re really growing up fast. Alright, I''lle up with a n for you."


    "What''s the n?"


    Jenson smiled mysteriously. "Of course, it''s to make you spend the night together so that Dwight will have to marry you."


    Rachel''s face flushed. "Dad!"


    "Are you saying you don''t want to?"


    "No, I do!" she eximed, her voice firm.


    Rachel figured that once she slept with Dwight, he would marry her. By then, Halsey would no longer be a threat.


    Dwight pulled Halsey, her delicate wrist firmly in his grip, and dragged her down the hallway. His strides were long, and Halsey stumbled behind him, struggling. "Let go of me!"


    He halted abruptly, turning to push her roughly against the wall. He yanked off her mask, revealing her small, heart-shaped


    face.


    "Who told you toe here?" he demanded.


    Halsey red at him. "What''s it to you? I can go wherever I want. Do I need to check in with you?"


    Dwight''s anger red, his voice tight. "Do you know where you are? You shouldn''t be here. Go back to your ow...orld!"


    "If you cane here, why can''t I? I''m here now, whether you like it or not!"


    Halsey shot back, her lips curling into a smile as she met his eyes. "Didn''t you say you didn''t know me? Then why did you save me? Why do you care?"


    knowing with heart


    low and displeased "I''m telling you spain You should be b


    Dwight stared at her. "Halery, there''s no future for me."


    With that, he turned to leave


    But Halsey was faster. She reached up, wrapping her arts around neck, pulling his tall frame dotsrad het: Dreight was caught off guard as he came face to face with her.


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 My Dad Please Come 588

    Halsey looked at Dwight intently. "I know you have feelings for me You love me!"


    Her words weren''t a question; they were a certainty.


    Dwight froze, caught off guard.


    "You can''t deny it, because I already know the answer. Denying it would be an excuse. We love each other!"


    With that, Halsey raised her head and pressed her lips this.


    Dwight stiffened for a moment, surprised by her boldness. He tried to push her away. "Halsey..."


    But it was useless. Halsey held on tight to his neck, her grip firm as she pulled him closer, deepening the kiss. Her soft lips and eager kiss tangled frith his, holding him in ce.


    Dwight, still inexperienced when it came to matters of love, was overwhelmed by the sensation. The feeling surged through him, starting at his waist and radiating through his limbs, making his body flush with warmth.


    The intoxicating sensation coursed through him, and his vision blurred with desire.


    Halsey kissed him deeply, tasting the strong, fiery alcohol on his lips. The taste was wild and untamed, a force that left her breathless.


    Still, Dwight managed to push her away. "What are you doing?"


    Halsey''s lips were glistening with the kiss; she leaned in closer, her voice trembling slightly as she asked, "Have you kissed Rachel?"


    She was asking about Rachel.


    Dwight didn''t answer. He tried to pull her hands off his neck, but Halsey stood on tiptoe and bit down on his lip, stopping him.


    He frowned, his voice low and strained. "Don''t bite me. People are gonna find out."


    He didn''t want anyone to notice.


    Halsey released his lip and instead sank her teeth into his neck. Her sharp little teeth pressed into his skin, sending a jolt of pain through him.


    Dwight wrapped his arms around her slender waist, his other hand tangling in her soft hair. She smelled so sweet, her body soft


    and delicate.


    "Are you done biting me?" Dwight asked in a low, almost tender voice.


    Halsey pulled back from his neck. "If you ever hurt me again, I''ll bite you even harder. I know how to bite, you know!"


    Dwight gave a faint smile, his lips curling. "There''s no future for us. I''m already with Rachel."


    Halsey stared at him. "So what happens to me now?"


    Dwight swallowed, his throat tight. "You-"


    Halsey leaned in again and kissed his lips lightly. ¡°I just have one question for you. Do you really want me to go?"


    Dwight''s eyes darkened, his thoughts tangled. He was torn, uncertain of how to answer. "I-"


    "Dwight," she interrupted, her voice softer. "If you let me go this time, I''ll be with someone else. Can you hear that?"


    He couldn''t bear it. How could he possibly let her go?


    But...


    Halsey wrapped her arms around him again. "Everything you said before, I didn''t believe it. I don''t believe you''d fall for someone else. There must be a reason you''re with Rachel. Can you tell me? I''m not afraid of difficulties. As long as we''re together, we can face them and solve everything."


    Dwight''s heart softened instantly. Despite all the cold and harsh words he had spoken to her before, she didn''t believe them.


    She believed in him with all her heart.


    But could he tell her the truth?

 My Dad Please Come 589

    In the end, Dwight decided he couldn''t tell Halsey the froth


    sn, I steeled himsell and pushed her away. "I''ve said this before there''s no future for us. You need to go home now."


    Halsey opened her main argue, ¡°#¡±


    "Halsey," Dwight cut in, his tone sharper, calling her name with alorce that left no room for doubt, "don''t mess things up for me. Go home"


    He told her not to mess thugs up.


    If he had said anything else, maybe Halsey wouldn''t have walked away-but he told her not to mess things up for him.


    With a resigned sigh, Halsey loosened her grip on him and turned to leave,


    After taking a few steps, she nced back at Dwight, her eyes lingering on him for a moment. She waved a small hand.


    "Bye dwight. If anythinges up, remember to call me. I''ll always be waiting for your call."


    Her delicate figure disappeared from his sight.


    Dwight stood there, watching her retreating form. She was so obedient, so gentle-for a moment, he felt an ache in his chest. He really didn''t want her to leave,


    s, he had his own things to deal with.


    Just then, the sound of a phone ringing cut through the air. It was a call from Rachel.


    Dwight answered without hesitation, and Rachel''s voice immediately filled his ear. "Where are you? My dad''s here, and he''s looking for you. You need toe back right now!"


    Jenson was looking for him.


    Dwight hung up the phone, slid it into his pocket, and started heading back.


    Rachel was already waiting for him as he walked in. "There you are! Where''s the waitress? Why did you take her away? What''s going on between you two?"


    Dwight looked at Rachel, his expression neutral. ¡°I-¡±


    "Shh," Rachel cut him off, cing a finger to his lips. "You don''t need to exin anything. I just want you to be mine. And I haven''t said a word to my dad about it."


    Dwight fell silent as he walked alongside Rachel, approaching Jenson.


    "Dwight! It looks like you had a lot of fun with Rachel today," Jenson said with a smile.


    Rachelughed, "Yeah, maybe you should give him more time off so he can spend it with me."


    Jenson chuckled. "Look at that! My daughter''s alreadypletely taken with you, haha."


    Jenson raised two sses of wine, one for each of them. "Here. Let''s have a drink."


    Dwight epted the ss and clinked it with Jenson''s before downing it in one go.


    Watching Dwight drink so easily, Rachel couldn''t help but feel delighted. She knew exactly what was in that drink it had beenced with something. Tonight, Dwight was going to be hers.


    Dwight set his ss down. "Let''s go back."


    Jenson nodded. "Alright, let''s head out."


    The three of them left the bar. Outside, two luxury cars were parked, and several men in ck suits stood by the curb.


    One of the men opened the back door. "Ms. Field, Dwight, please get in."


    As Dwight moved to enter the car, he suddenly felt something wasn''t right. A rush


    of heat coursed through his body, leaving him dry-mouthed and uneasy.


    Dwight had been around enough to recognize what was happening-he had been drugged.


    He turned to Jenson. "Mr. Field, was there something in that drink?"


    Dwight had already figuredit out-the drink was the problem.


    Jenson didn''t seem surprised. He had expected Dwight to catch on quickly. With a grin, he replied, "Don''t worry. That drink was just to help set the mood for you and Rachel. There are no side effects."


    "Set the mood? What exactly do you mean?" Dwight asked, his voiceced with suspicion.


    Jenson gave him a yful p on the shoulder. "Don''t y dumb! Tonight, I''m entrusting my precious daughter to you." Dwight''s gaze shifted to Rachel, who was standing nearby, her cheeks flushed and her eyes full of warmth. Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 590

    Dwight pressed his lips together, gently removing Jenson''s hand from his shoulder. "I should go home."


    He made a move to turn and leave.


    Rachel froze for a moment, then, she suddenly called out, "Dwight"


    Jenson stepped forward, concern in his voice, "You''ve already beet drugged. Why are you trying to leave? I''ll have someone take you and my daughter to the hotel,¡±


    Dwight shook his head. "Ne, I''m good."


    Rachel''s face paled at the rejection. She was stunning, with a body to match, and had admirers lining up. Yet, despite all that, she had fallen for Dwight, a guy with nothing to his name.


    She had been so forward and made her intentions clear every step of the way. She couldn''t understand why he would refuse her. Wasn''t she the one with something to lose?


    Jenson looked at Dwight, confused. "What''s going on? Rachel''s your girlfriend, and you''re engaged. You''re just having a little head start tonight. Why are you making such a big deal about it?"


    His gaze turned suspicious as he looked Dwight up and down.


    Are you not serious about my daughter? Have you been lying to me?"


    "Dad, Dwight''s not like that. He''s very good to me!" Rachel quickly defended Dwight.


    31


    Dwight nced at Rachel and then took her hand in his. "Mr. Field it''s not what you think."


    "That''s good to hear," Jenson said, his tone lightening. "Dwight, Ireally value you. I consider you like a son already. Let me tell you something-just a few days from now, some important people from up top will being to Hovendale. No one knows their exact whereabouts, but since I''m sharing this with you, you should know how much I trust you. If you and Rachel take things to the next level, I''ll take you to meet them."


    A sudden thrill raced through Dwight''s chest. He had waited so long for this moment. He was finally going to meet that person!


    But the price for this meeting was clear-he had to spend the night with Rachel. Jenson opened the back door of the car. "Get in."


    He had already made it clear-it was Dwight''s choice whether to get in the car or not.


    Dwight could feel the heat building in his body, waves of it rushing through him. The effects of the drug were strong. He paused for a moment, and then, with a resigned sigh, he got into the car with Rachel.


    Rachel smiled, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes.


    "That''s the spirit," Jenson said with a satisfied grin. "From now on, we''re family."


    He then turned to the driver. "Take Rachel and my future son-inw to the hotel." The driver nodded, bowing slightly. "Don''t worry, Mr. Field. I''ll make sure they get there safely."


    With a click, Jenson shut the door, and the luxury car sped off.


    Soon, Dwight and Rachel arrived at a six-star hotel''s presidential suite. Several men in ck stood guard outside the door- Jenson''s people, of course.


    One of the men opened the door with a respectful nod. ¡°Please, go in and rest. We''ll be outside keeping watch. No one will bother you tonight."


    Rachel''s cheeks were flushed with anticipation as she entered the room with Dwight, then closed the door behind them.

 My Dad Please Come 591

    Dwight tried to pull Rachel''s hands away, but she tightened her grip around him.


    "We''re already in a hotel room. Are you really going to push me away now? Don''t you want me?"


    His body felt like it was on fire, waves of heat crashing through him, each pulse like thousands of ants crawling under his skin. It was unbearable.


    But the way Rachel''s body pressed against his, her soft hands wandering, seemed to ease some of the difort and offered a strange sense of relief.


    "I''m really into you, Dwight. Tonight, I''ll make sure you feel good, Let''s be together," Rachel said, her breath soft and inviting as she teased him.


    Dwight turned to face her, his eyes meeting Rachel''s beauty. She was stunning, her beauty undeniable. The girls who had always been around him were all beautiful, too; none of them were unattractive.


    Rachel''s hand caressed his chiseled face. "Dwight..."


    He didn''t push her hand away. Instead, he picked her up effortlessly and carried her toward the bed.


    Rachel was tossed gently onto the soft mattress. She looped her arms around his neck, pulling him into the bed with her. "Let me help you with your clothes."


    She began undoing the buttons on his shirt.


    Suddenly, Dwight stopped her. His eyes were bloodshot as he looked at her. "I need to


    "Let''s shower together!" she insisted.


    "No, I''ll go first."


    ashower first."


    Rachel rolled over, pinning Dwight down on the bed. Boldly, she straddled him, her gaze full of desire. "Don''t go. I don''t want you to leave me now."


    His throat bobbed with the strain, and he reached up, pulling her closer to him. Now, their faces were inches apart.


    Rachel''s heart raced as she felt the heat between them. She had never been this close to Dwight before. His wild, rugged good looks made her pulse quicken. She lowered her head, aiming to kiss him.


    Unfortunately, she never got the chance. Before her lips could meet his, she felt a sharp pain at the back of her neck. Dwight had struck her there.


    Her vision blurred, and she copsed onto the bed, unconscious.


    Dwight sat up; his body was still burning with desire, but his mind was still intact. When Rachel had been sitting on him just moments ago, the image of Halsey''s small, oval face had shed through his mind. She had sat in a simr way on him before.


    At that moment, he longed for her.


    Outside, Jenson''s men were on guard, making it impossible for Dwight to leave. He couldn''t afford to confront Jenson-not yet. Dwight slid off the bed and walked toward the bathroom. He slowly unbuttoned his shirt and let it fall to the floor before turning on the shower. The cold water pelted his body, but it didn''t bring him the relief he desperately needed.


    Instead, the sensation of the cold water only seemed to worsen the storm inside him. It was like being trapped in a struggle between ice and fire; his body ached with the intensity of both extremes.


    He couldn''t take it anymore.


    Dwight grabbed his phone, scrolling until he found Halsey''s number. He hesitated


    for a moment; then, driven by impulse, he dialed her number.


    At that very moment, Halsey was at home. She saw her phone screen light up with Dwight''s name, and her heart skipped a beat.


    Dwight was calling her.


    Earlier at the bar, she had said she would wait for his call, and now here it was.


    People like Dwight didn''t often take the first step, so this meant a lot to her.


    She eagerly answered the call. "Hello?"


    There was no reply on the other end, but Halsey could hear his heavy breathing. It was rough and erratic.


    Halsey gripped her phone tightly. "Dwight? Are you there? Why aren''t you saying anything?"


    Dwight stood under the cold stream of water, his mind flooded with the sound of Halsey''s sweet, melodic voice. It hit his ears like a gentle birdcall, making the veins in his eyes redden even more.


    He let out a hoarse grunt.


    He was there.


    "What''s going on? It sound weird over there. What are you doing? Halsey asked, her voice full of concern.


    Dwight closed his eyes wearily, one hand still clutching the phone, the other reaching down. "Halsey..." he murmured her name in a gravelly tone.


    "I''m here. Where are you? Why won''t you answer my questions?"


    "You''re not with Rachel, are you? I don''t want you with her, and I definitely don''t want you two sleeping together! Do you hear me?"


    Dwight remained silent. Halsey continued speaking, unaware of his troubled state.


    "Do you miss me?" she suddenly asked, her voice soft and hopeful. Dwight paused.


    "If you miss me,e see me. I''m at home. Tonight, my dad and Isabel aren''t here. It''s just me," she added, the invitation clear


    in her voice.


    Dwight didn''t respond.


    "I''m hanging up now."


    Hearing two beeps, Dwight realized Halsey had hung up.


    He was filled with a restless urgency and couldn''t shake Halsey from his mind. He wanted to be with her.


    Turning off the shower, he quickly dressed. Rachel was still unconscious in the bed, and the guards outside meant he couldn''t leave through the front. His only option was the window.


    They were on the fourth floor. Dwight opened the window and tied a sheet into a rope. Without hesitation, he climbed out and dropped down.


    Once he hit the ground, the cool night air filled his lungs. Dwight ran, his long legs carrying him swiftly, the fresh freedom of the outdoors fueling his desperate pace.


    Meanwhile, Halsey sat in the quiet of her vi, still thinking about Dwight''s strange behavior earlier. His voice had sounded off.


    She was curious what was wrong with him, but when she asked, he didn''t want to answer. She wondered whether she should call again.


    But before she could decide, the doorbell rang.


    Someone was at the door.


    Halsey got up and walked to the door; she opened it to reveal Dwight standing


    there, looking slightly out of breath. He had run all the way here.


    "You really came to find me?" she said, her voice a mix of surprise and joy. "Come


    in."


    She pulled him inside and shut the door behind him.


    As she stepped back, Halsey noticed the scratches


    Dwight hadn''t even noticed the scrape,


    on his arm. "I


    from his hurried d


    Without a word, he reached for Halsey''s waist, pulling h


    His lips found hers in a forceful kiss. His passion was overwhelm almost made her


    slip.


    But Dwight held her tightly, pressing her soft body against his. F that seemed to burn from him.


    Pushing against his broad chest, she tried to break the kiss. "Wh


    His gaze was fiery, and his voice low and intense. "Halsey, I wan


    Today''s Bonus Offer


    ¤ß¤Ê

 My Dad Please Come 592

    As she stepped back, Halsey noticed the scratches


    Dwight hadn''t even noticed the scrape,


    on his arm. "I


    from his hurried d


    Without a word, he reached for Halsey''s waist, pulling h


    His lips found hers in a forceful kiss. His passion was overwhelm almost made her slip.


    But Dwight held her tightly, pressing her soft body against his. F that seemed to burn from him.


    Pushing against his broad chest, she tried to break the kiss. "Wh


    His gaze was fiery, and his voice low and intense. "Halsey, I wan


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    As she stepped back, Halsey noticed the scratches on his arm. "How did you get hurt?"


    Dwight hadn''t even noticed the scrape, likely from his hurried descent there was no time to worry about it now.


    Without a word, he reached for Halsey''s slender waist, pulling het into his arms. His lips found hers in a forceful kiss. His passion was overwhelming, and Hals almost made her slip.


    legs wavered as the intensity of his kiss


    But Dwight held her tightly, pressing her soft body against his. Halsey felt the heat of his skin, the unmistakable surge of desire that seemed to burn from him.


    Pushing against his broad chest, she tried to break the kiss. "What''s wrong with you?"


    His gaze was fiery, and his voice low and intense. "Halsey, I want you."


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    ¤ß¤Ê


    As she stepped back, Halsey noticed the scratches on his arm. "How did you get hurt?"


    Dwight hadn''t even noticed the scrape, likely from his hurried descent there was no time to worry about it now.


    Without a word, he reached for Halsey''s slender waist, pulling het into his arms. His lips found hers in a forceful kiss. His passion was overwhelming, and Hals almost made her slip.


    legs wavered as the intensity of his kiss


    But Dwight held her tightly, pressing her soft body against his. Halsey felt the heat of his skin, the unmistakable surge of desire that seemed to burn from him.


    Pushing against his broad chest, she tried to break the kiss. "What''s wrong with you?"


    His gaze was fiery, and his voice low and intense. "Halsey, I want you." Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 593

    Halsey looked at Dwight, her eyes filled with concern.


    "No, something''s not right with you."


    She ced her hand on his chest. "You''re burning up! You feel like a furnace."


    Dwight''s eyes glowed with a faint red me, but he was trying to keep himself under control. He shouldn''t havee to see Halsey tonight, but he couldn''t stop himself.,


    "I got drugged," he muttered hoarsely.


    "What?" Halsey''s voice shook, her eyes widening in surprise. "Again?"


    She used the word "again" because this wasn''t the first time Dwight had fallen victim to something like this.


    "Who drugged you? Was it Rachel''s father?" Halsey asked, guessing.


    Dwight gave a quiet grunt of confirmation.


    "What''s he trying to do to you? Does he want you to sleep with Rachel?" Halsey''s voice was a mix of worry and disbelief.


    Dwight didn''t respond, just looked at her silently.


    Halsey shook her head and let out a softugh, though there was a hint of irritation in her gaze. "Look at you! You''ve got too many admirers-rich women and youngdies who can''t get enough of you. They''ll stop at nothing to have you, even going so far as to drug you."


    Without warning, Dwight leaned in and kissed Halsey, cutting off her words.


    Halsey''s heart fluttered. She instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, returning his kiss.


    Now that Dwight was with the one he truly loved, his blood was racing. Every part of him was on fire, his body aching with


    desire.


    Halsey had just showered, and the scent of her skin was intoxicating. Dwight buried his hot face in the crook of her neck, inhaling deeply.


    Halsey''s eyes shimmered with warmth. "What are we going to do now?"


    Dwight cleared his throat. "I need to take a cold shower."


    "Okay. Come to my room."


    Halsey led Dwight upstairs to her bedroom.


    It was a princess-style room, all soft pinks and delicate details, with the sweet scent of youth in the air.


    "My bathroom is over here. Go ahead and shower," she said, gesturing to the bathroom.


    "Alright," Dwight replied and went inside.


    The sound of water rushing filled the air. Halsey stepped out for a moment to grab him a clean shirt, trousers, and a towel.


    She returned to the door and knocked lightly. "I brought you some clothes and a towel. Can you open


    There was no answer.


    Halsey knocked again, this time more insistently. "Are you there? Dwight!"


    Still, there was no response.


    the door?"


    A wave of unease washed over her. He had been so hot earlier-clearly, the drug had taken effect. She worried that something


    might have happened to him while he was in the shower.


    "Dwight, what''s going on? Open the door!" she called, gripping the doorknob.


    Just as she reached for it, the door suddenly swung open. Halsey, caught off guard, stumbled forward. She fell right into Dwight''s arms.


    Startled, she looked up at him. "Are you okay?"


    Dwight''s body was damp, the cold water dripping from his sharp features, tracing down his face in a way that was oddly captivating.


    He shook his head. "I''m fine."


    Halsey let out a relieved sigh. "If you''re okay, why didn''t you say anything earlier?


    I thought something had happened to you. You really scared me!"


    She ced a hand over her chest, trying to steady her racing heart.


    But then, Dwight suddenly pushed her back against the wall.


    Halsey froze, realizing something was off. Dwight had just gotten out of the shower, and she found herself staring at him,pletely exposed.


    "Ah!" she yelped in surprise, immediately covering her face with both hands.


    Dwight chuckled, his eyes full of amusement. "Now you''re shy? I thought you weren''t the type to be embarrassed."

 My Dad Please Come 594

    Halsey couldn''t understand what he was saying.


    She was a girl, after all!


    Halsey clenched her fist and punched Dwight in the chest. "You''re awful!"


    Dwight grabbed her tiny fist and, without warning, leaned down to kiss her.


    Halsey was left breathless from the kiss, her head spinping. "Did the shower not work?"


    pinplug.


    Dwight''s eyes burned with intensity as he gazed at her, like a predator eyeing its prey. "I want you. Can I have you?"


    His words left her stunned.


    Halsey''s cheeks flushed bright red; she bit her lip, nodding slightly, ¡°Okay."


    Dwight leaned in to kiss her again.


    However, Halsey stopped him.


    He looked at her in confusion. "What''s wrong?"


    Halsey hesitated for a moment. "Can we do it on the bed? I''m a little nervous... This is my first time."


    She admitted it was her first time.


    Without saying another word, Dwight picked her up in his arms and carried her over to her soft, inviting bed.


    Feeling her tension, Dwight gently took her hand and interlocked their fingers. "If it''s too much, just tell me. I don''t have much experience either. This is my first time, too."


    His confession made Halsey''s eyes brighten. She leaned in and kissed him.


    Time seemed to blur. At some point, Halsey was curled up in bed, her forehead glistening with a soft sheen of sweat, her face flushed with color, like rose petals in full bloom.


    Dwighty behind her, his handsome face buried in her hair, his fingers gently brushing through it,pletely captivated by


    her.


    "Want to take a shower?" he asked softly.


    Halsey turned to face him, her eyes sparkling with a gentle sheen. "Carry me." Dwight nodded. "Okay."


    He got out of bed, noticing the evidence of their shared moment on the sheets. He had taken her first.


    Dwight scooped her up again, and Halsey, her face hidden behind her hands in embarrassment, let him carry her into the


    bathroom.


    Warm water cascaded down from above, and Dwight gathered her long hair into a ponytail, carefully washing her.


    Suddenly, Halsey''s eyes widened as a thought struck her. She called out his name. "Dwight?"


    Dwight''s voice was low, his tone hushed. "What is it?"


    "Did you not use protection?" she asked, concern creeping into her voice.


    Dwight realized his oversight. Both of them were new to this; Halsey certainly didn''t have any birth control products, and he hadn''t thought about it.


    He gently embraced her. "I''m sorry. Ipletely forgot."


    Halsey nodded, her voice soft. "I''ll go to the pharmacy tomorrow and get a pill."


    Dwight looked at her, her innocent, pale face soft in his arms. He leaned in to kiss her, his lips full of apology. "Next time, I''ll be more careful."


    Halsey shot him a yful re. "Is there going to be a next time?


    Dwight pulled her closer to him. "Don''t you want there to be a next time?" Halsey sshed him with water,ughing. ¡°You''re such a troublemaker!" Theyughed and yed for a while, but then Dwight suddenly pressed her against the wall.


    Halsey, caught off guard, asked with a teasing tone, "What are you doing?" Dwight''s eyes never left hers. "I want more."


    Halsey knew exactly what he meant, but she decided to ask anyway. "I have one question for you first."


    "What''s that?"


    "Do you have feelings for me? Do you love me?"


    This question was important to her.


    Dwight leaned in and kissed her gently. "I do. I love you, Halsey."


    He said it seriously, his voice deep and sincere.


    Halsey smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. "I love you too, Dwight!"


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 595

    Halsey woke up to the sound of movement beside her. She could feel Dwight getting out of bed, so she groggily opened her eyes.


    The two of them had made love from the bed to the bathroom, and then to the couchst night. They had exhausted each other; now, every time Halsey moved, a sharp, fiery pain shot through her body, as if she were about to fall apart.


    "Are you leaving?"


    Halsey had been sleeping on Dwight''s chest, and he had kept holding her all night. Even though he tried his best to be gentle, the moment he moved, she


    woke up.


    Dwight looked at her softly. "I have to go."


    "What time is it?"


    "You can sleep a little more. It''s only 4:00 AM."


    Halsey wrapped her arms around him, snuggling closer like a little kitten. "Then why are you leaving already? Stay with me a little finger"


    Dwight had to return to the hotel. He couldn''t be there when Rachel woke up, and he had things to take care of.


    But now, with Halsey clinging to him, acting all sweet and cute, Dwight realized he couldn''t resist.


    Hey back down, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Okay, I''ll stay with you a little longer. Sleep now."


    Halsey kissed his handsome face with enthusiasm before quickly drifting back into a deep sleep, too tired to keep her eyes open.


    Dwight couldn''t sleep. He simply held her, lying there for what felt like an eternity. The sensation fromst night still lingered deep within him. Every time he thought about it, a sweet, tingling feeling ran through his body. The intimacy they shared was so intense, it seemed to settle in his bones.


    Butst night had been impulsive. Now that he had taken her, he had imed this beautiful, pure flower for himself.


    Dwight gazed at Halsey''s soft, oval face, unable to stop himself. He leaned down and kissed her-first her face, then her soft red lips. He buried his face in her long, silky hair, kissing her there too.


    He had been holding back his feelings before, but now that they were released, he realized just how much he truly loved her. He wanted to be with her forever.


    Dwight pulled her into his embrace with a bit too much force. She was delicate, and immediately, her brow furrowed slightly as she let out a soft murmur. "Ow..."


    Dwight quickly loosened his hold, not daring to be too rough with her again.


    Once Halsey had drifted back into sleep, Dwight carefully slipped out of bed. He dressed quickly, kissed Halsey once more, and


    left the room.


    Back in his hotel room, Rachel was still deeply asleep.


    Dwight gently ced Rachel on the bed before lying down beside her, his mind full of Halsey as he closed his eyes.


    At 7:00 AM, Rachel''stirred. She shifted slightly, realizing she was lying in Dwight''s


    arms.


    Dwight sat up. "You''re awake?"


    Rachel sat up as well, trying to recall the events of the previous night. She


    remembered sitting on Dwight''sp, but after that, everything was a blur.


    "Did we...did we sleep togetherst night?" she asked hesitantly.


    Dwight stood up, his tone distant and cold. "Last night, you and your father drugged me to get this result. Now, we''ve done it, and you got what you wanted."


    Rachel realized what had happened.


    She got out of bed and hugged Dwight. "Are you mad? Are you angry that my father drugged you?"


    Dwight pushed her away gently, "


    "But I think you are. I''m so sorry. I


    like you, and I was afraid you''d reject me, so I did something desperate."


    Dwight looked at her seriously. "Rachel, I already agreed to date you. You didn''t have to do all that."

 My Dad Please Come 596

    "But I feel like your heart isn''t really with me!" Rachel said, wrapping her arms around Dwight once more. "But now, it''s different. We''re finally together. We''re never going to be apart!"


    Dwight''s expression remained cold as he held Rachel, not saying a word.


    As Dwight and Rachel stepped out of the room, Jenson arrived, "How did things go with Dwightst night?"


    Rachel smiled brightly and nodded. "Dwight is part of our family now."


    Jensonughed heartily. "Great! Dwight, we''re family now. I''ve already spoken to that important person. He''s on his way here."


    heing?"


    Dwight narrowed his eyes. ""


    "Yes, he''sing to attend your and Rachel''s wedding."


    "Wedding?"


    "That''s right. I spoke with him, and he will be attending your wedding. I''ve already made arrangements, and you two will be married in three days!"


    Married in three days?


    Dwight pursed his lips. Jenson was a crafty old fox.


    Yesterday, Jenson had pushed Dwight and Rachel into bed together. Today, he was notifying Dwight about a wedding in just three days.


    Dwight had originally nned to dy things, but now, with the wedding looming and the arrival of the important person, he realized there was no room to refuse.


    Rachel looked at Dwight. "Don''t you want to marry me?"


    Now, both Jenson and Rachel were looking at him expectantly.


    Dwight paused for a moment before replying, "Of course I do. I was just thinking that three days is a bit too rushed. Don''t you need time to get your custom wedding dress?"


    Rachel''s face lit up with a radiant smile.


    "You don''t need to worry about that! I''ve already ordered the dress. Dad, for these next few days, you''ll need to give Dwight some time off. He''s going to help me pick out the most beautiful things because I want to be the most beautiful bride in the world."


    Jenson chuckled. "No problem. You two go ahead and shop."


    Rachel smiled, clearly pleased.


    Halsey took a long time to recover her strength: By the time she woke up, Dwight was already gone, and she knew he had left.


    Where did he go?


    Halsey picked up her phone, intending to send Dwight a message, but then hesitated, not wanting to disturb him while he was working. She put the phone down.


    Just then, her phone rang, and someone was calling her.


    Halsey pressed the button to answer, and Madeline''s voice came through immediately. "Halsey?"


    Halsey tightened her grip on the phone. "Maddy, is that you?"


    Chapter on


    Madeline suddenly broke down in tears. "Yeah. I tried calling Dwight, but I couldn''t


    get through. My mom copsed and was rushed to the hospital!"


    Madeline sonded like a child, she waspletely panicked, sobbing uncontrobly.


    Halsey immediately jumped to her feet. "Don''t cry. I''ming to the hospital right now!"


    Halsey rushed to the hospital as fast as she could. By the time she arrived, Anthony had already arranged for Tina to be ced in


    a VIP room.


    At the door, she spotted Anthony, who called out to her Ms. Halsey"


    "Dr. Willis, how did Mrs. Gamer suddenly copse?"


    Anthony lowered his voice. "Ms. Halsey, you need to be prepared Mrs. Garner doesn''t have much time left. She won''t make it through the next two days."


    What?!


    Halsey gasped, her breath catching in her throat.


    Just then, Madeline''s cries could be heard from the room.


    "My mom won''tst two days? Halsey, what is he talking about?"


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 My Dad Please Come 597

    Anthony''s words had reached Madeline''s ears, and she hadn''t known about this until now. She waspletely overwhelmed by


    the news.


    Halsey stepped forward, trying to calm her down. "Maddy, don''t panic. Actually,


    your mom''s health has been a concern for some time now."


    There had been a time when Tina had asked Halsey not to tell Dwight or Madeline, especially since Madeline was about to take her final exams. It was a critical time for her.''


    Madeline''s tears came crashing down. This was a devastating blow to her. She sobbed, choking on her words. "Why is this happening? She''s been fine for so long. I don''t believe it! I can''t ept it! How can she not make it through two more days?"


    Halsey wrapped her arms around Made frail frame, holding her tightly. "Don''t cry. Don''t be sad. Your mom didn''t want to


    tell you because she didn''t want to see you in pain."


    "Dwight and I lost our dad a long time ago. All these years, Mom raised us. Even though she''s blind, she took such good care of us. My ssmates used to say I came from a single-parent family, that I had no dad. But I never felt like I was missing anything, because I had my loving brother and my caring mom. But now... Now, my mom is going to leave me..."


    Madeline broke downpletely.


    In the face of such heartbreak, there was nothing Halsey could say to console Madeline. All Halsey could do was hold her tightly and pat her back gently, offering herpany andfort.


    Anthony said softly, "Ms. Halsey, we''ve used the best medicine avable for the patient. Just try to spend more time with her for these next couple of days."


    With that, Anthony left the room.


    Madeline managed to stop crying. She didn''t want to let Tina hear her tears. She told herself she had to be strong.


    "Thank you, Halsey. Every time something happens at home, you''re always there for us."


    Halsey squeezed Madeline''s small hand. She knew that the Garner siblings were strong at their core, and that hardship would only help them grow faster.


    "Hasn''t Dwighte yet?"


    Madeline shook her head. "I''ve been trying to call him, but I can''t get through. He''s been so busytely, barelying home at all.¡±


    Madeline didn''t know what Dwight was up to.


    Halsey, of course, wouldn''t tell her. "Let''s go inside and see your mom."


    They walked into the hospital room, and therey Tina on the bed. Her body was clean and neat, but her face was pale.


    "Mom, Halsey''s here."


    Halsey stepped forward and took Tina''s hand. "Mrs. Garner, I''m here to see you."


    Tina gave a faint, weak smile. "Halsey. I knew I heard your voice outside. Thanks foring."


    Halsey''s eyes, already red from tears, welled up again as she nodded. "Of course, Mrs. Garner. Don''t worry about anything. Just focus on getting better. I''ve taken care of things at the hospital, and I''m going to bring Maddy to stay at my ce. She has her exams in a few days."


    Madeline spoke up. "It''s in five days."


    Halsey nodded, reassuring her. "Yes, Maddy has her exams in five days. I''ll make sure everything goes smoothly for her. The best school, Oakwood High, is right near my house. Maddy will stay with me, and I''ll take care of her like she''s my own little


    sister."


    Tina was deeply touched, her heart full of gratitude. There was no Halsey already understood them.


    Halsey made sure that Tina had nothing to worry about.


    Tina squeezed Halsey''s hand tightly. "Thank you. Meeting you has

 My Dad Please Come 598

    Tears welled up in Halsey''s eyes as they fell down her cheeks. She pressed her face gently against Tina''s hand.


    "Mrs. Garner, I''m so d to have met you, Maddy, and Dwight, too" she sobbed.


    Tina''s eyes softened. "I haven''t seen him in days."


    As she spoke, Tina suddenly broke into a fit of coughing, a harsh, deep sound that ended with her spitting out a mouthful of blood.


    "Mrs. Garner!"


    "Mom!!


    Halsey and Madeline rushed to her side.


    "I''m going to get the doctor right now!" Halsey said, rmed.


    Tina grabbed Halsey''s arm, stopping her. "No, don''t go. I know my body. My time is near. It''s over for me."


    Madeline''s face crumpled as she sobbed, copsing next to Tina. ¡°Mom!" Halsey''s vision blurred with tears. "Do you want to see Dwight onest time?"


    Tina nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes."


    Halsey stood quickly. "I''ll go get him right now. You have to hang on. I''ll bring him back!"


    She hurried out of the hospital, pulling her phone from her bag to dial Dwight''s number. s, the line was dead. He had turned off his phone.


    Where could Dwight be?


    Halsey quickly dialed Cyril. "Dad, can you find out where Dwight is? It''s urgent!"


    Cyril''s voice was calm but swift. "I''ll handle it. Give me a moment."


    Not long after, Cyril''s response came. "He''s at the mall, shopping with a woman."


    What?


    That woman had to be Rachel.


    Dwight was at the mall with Rachel?


    Halsey didn''t waste another second. She rushed straight to the mall.


    At the mall, Dwight was standing off to the side while Rachel, apanied by a sales associate, was browsing through clothes. Dwight couldn''t shake the uneasy feeling in his chest, like something was wrong.


    He pulled his phone from his pocket and nced at the screen:


    At that moment, Rachel approached him. "Put your phone away! Didn''t you


    promise me? You''re supposed to be fully focused on me for the next few days. No phones, no distractions."


    Rachel had insisted Dwight turn off his phone, making sure his attention waspletely on her.


    The powerful person they were waiting for was on the way, and Dwight had to make sure nothing went wrong. He had to go along with Rachel''s wishes.


    He gave a soft, reassuring smile. "Alright, I''ll do as you say."


    The sales associate returned with a dress and addressed Rachel, "This dress is perfect for you! Please try it on."


    "Okay." Rachel turned to Dwight. "Wait for me here."


    Rachel followed the associate to the fitting room.


    Dwight stood, watching the door.


    Just then, a soft voice called out from behind him. "Dwight."


    He turned to see Halsey, looking exhausted but determined, running toward him.


    Dwight''s tall frame froze for a second as he nced at the closed fitting room door, then quickly moved to meet Halsey. "What are you doing here?"


    Halsey grabbed his hand urgently. "You need toe with me! Now!" "Where are we going?"


    Halsey''s face was grim as she met his eyes. "It''s your mom."


    What?


    Dwight''s heart seemed to stop. He stared at Halsey, a few moments passing before the shock wore off. Then, he grabbed her hand and they rushed out of the mall.


    They arrived at the hospital in no time. Dwight hurried into the room, and Madeline''s tearful voice greeted him.


    "Dwight, you''re back!"


    He walked to the bed, where Tinay weakly. His legs gave way, and he dropped to his knees beside her. "Mom!"


    Tina weakly extended her hand. Dwight grabbed it instantly, his voice trembling. "Mom, what happened? You were fine just a little while ago."


    Tina managed a faint, loving smile. "Dwight, don''t be sad. I''m going to be with your father now."

 My Dad Please Come 599

    Dwight''s eyes were red and swollen. He had hardly been hometely, as he didn''t want ''Tina or Madeline to know what he had been up to. He also didn''t want the outside world to know about his family. He was trying to protect them.


    But today, Tina had suddenly fallen ill.


    "Why didn''t you tell me when you were sick?"


    Tina smiled softly. "I didn''t suffer much. Halsey took good care ofe, and the doctors gave me the best medicine. Dwight, t didn''t want to be a burden to you. I just want you to live a happy, want, too. Do you understand?"


    Tina didn''t want Dwight to follow the same path Herman


    ceful life. If your father were still here, that''s what he would


    take, so she had been trying to persuade him all along


    Dwight took her hand, his voice full of emotion. "Don''t worry. This time, things will be different."


    Tina''s tears welled up and slid down her cheek. "My babies..."


    Halsey and Madeline stepped forward, each of them taking one of ina''s hands.


    Tina brought their hands together. "I''m leaving now. Don''t be sad I''m going to be with your father. He''s been alone all these years, and I''ve been here with you. He must miss me terribly."


    Tears began to fall from Halsey''s eyes, her sobs echoing in the room.


    "Dwight, I''m leaving Maddy in your care. She''s your sister. You have to take good care of her. And Halsey... Halsey is such a good girl. You''re lucky to have her. You need to cherish her."


    Dwight''s voice cracked as he fought to hold back his tears. "I know"


    Tina smiled weakly. "I''ve been happy in my life. When I was young I had your father, and then I had you two. Life isn''t perfect, but the small blessings make it worth it. Now, it''s time for me to


    With that, Tina slowly closed her eyes, her face peaceful as she passed away.


    There were many things Tina hadn''t been able to say-the regrets about her husband, the worry of not being able to see her children grow up-but there was no time left.


    She had gone quietly, leaving behind a world of unsaid words.


    Dwight and Madeline cried in grief, "Mom!"


    Tina was gone.


    Halsey found Dwight standing alone in the dimly lit hallway. His tall, strong frame was leaning against the wall. Without his coat, he was only wearing a ck sweater.


    At that moment, his youthful, muscr body looked strangely fragile. He kept his head lowered, lost in deep silence, as the shadows seemed to engulf him.


    Halsey walked toward him. "I''ve already arranged for Mrs. Garner''s funeral. If you need to take care of anything, you can go. I''ll stay here and take care of Maddy."


    Dwight slowly stood up, his eyes red and bloodshot. He had to leave. He had to go back.


    Rachel must be looking for him by now.


    At this moment, he couldn''t even be by his mother''s side.


    If it weren''t for Halsey, he might not have been able to see Tina for thest time.


    The weight of life''s responsibilities had pressed down on him from a young age, leaving him with no choice,


    The more he thought about it, the more he hated it. He wanted revenge. Dwight looked at Halsey. "Halsey, thank you. Thank you for everything


    There was so much he wanted to say, but he didn''t know where to begin. All he could do was express his gratitude. He was thankful that Halsey hade into his life when he needed her the most, standing by his side during his darkest moments. Halsey stepped forward and hugged Dwight. She pressed her face to his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. "You don''t need to thank me. If you need to cry, then cry. I know that you''re hurting, that you''re in so much pain.''

 My Dad Please Come 600

    Dwight''s eyes were bloodshot. Despite the soft,forting words from Halsey, the hot tears continued to fall, one after another, as if they were unstoppable.


    He reached out and pulled Halsey into a tight embrace, his body shaking with silent sobs. His voice broke as he choked out, "f don''t have a mother anymore. I''m an orphan now."


    Halsey held him just as tightly, her arms wrapping around him.


    This was the first time Dwight had shown his vulnerability so openly to someone else. This was the first time he had cried in front of another person.


    Halsey nodded, her voice steady but full ofpassion. "I know. But you still have Maddy, and you still have me. I''ll be with you, always."


    She stood on her tiptoes, gently cupping Dwight''s face in her hands before pressing a soft kiss to his forehead.


    A kiss on the forehead¡ªan act that held the highest form of tenderness and care.


    Dwight pulled her close again, holding her in his arms, needing thefort she offered.


    Dwight had to go back. It was unavoidable. The hospital had taken care of Tina''s arrangements, and Halsey, along with Madeline, had brought Tina''s ashes back home.


    Halsey ced Tina''s urn and photo in a cupboard while Madeline stood in front of it, staring at the photo.


    "Maddy," Halsey said, her voice firm yet gentle, "we''ll keep vigil here tonight. Tomorrow, you''lle home with me and stay at my ce."


    Madeline hesitated, her voice small. "No, I want to stay here."


    "No," Halsey replied, her tone unyielding. "It''s not safe for you to stay here alone. You have toe with me. This isn''t up for discussion. Please, just do as I say."


    Madeline nodded reluctantly. "Okay."


    Halsey reached out and ruffled Madeline''s hair.


    "My house has plenty of rooms. My dad and my maid, Isabel, are both wonderful people. They''ll love you, so there''s no need to be scared. It''s alreadyte, and you still have school tomorrow. The midterms areing up. Go to bed, okay? I''ll stay here and keep watch."


    Madeline shook her head, her voice soft but firm. "I want to stay and keep watch for Mom."


    Halsey didn''t argue. Instead, she grabbed a nket andy it down on the floor. "Alright. We''ll stay here together."


    "Okay."


    The two of them squeezed under the same nket, and the warmth quickly spread between them. Madeline pulled out her study materials and began reviewing them. She was determined to stay strong and brave, to live the way Tina had hoped she would.


    Halsey smiled softly, turning up the light a little.


    An hourter, Madeline had fallen asleep, her book still in her arms. Halsey carefully took it from her hands and tucked the nket around her.


    As she gazed at Tina''s photo, memories flooded back of when they had all been together-Dwight, Tina, Madeline, and herself -sitting around the table, eating andughing.


    Now, there was one less person at the table.


    A deep sadness filled Halsey''s chest Her eyes slowly closed, fatigue finally taking over.


    Suddenly, the door creaked open with a soft creak, and Halsey jolted awake. "Who''s there?"


    She saw a tall, familiar figure standing in the doorway-Dwight hade back. He had returned in the cold, quiet hours of the night.


    Halsey''s heart leaped with surprise and relief. "You''re back."


    Dwight stood in front of the urn and dedicated a prayer for Tina, then crouched down beside Halsey. As he entered the room, he caught sight of Halsey and Madeline''s small figures. Now, these were the two most important worner in his life now.


    Being here, with them, made his heart finally feel at peace.


    Dwight looked at Halsey. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying, with dark circles underneath-she had stayed up all night keeping vigil.


    He reached out and gently pinched her cheek.


    "I''m back. Go to sleep now."

 My Dad Please Come 601

    Halsey nced at Dwight with curious eyes. "Are you not leaving night?"


    Dwight had just managed to calm Rachel down and sneak back home. He still had to leave, but only in the morning. There was a bit of time left.


    "Go back to sleep," Dwight said softly. "I''ll leave after you''re asleep."


    Halsey moved aside, patting the space beside her. "Thene lie next to me. It''s warm in here."


    Dwight climbed into bed, lying beside Halsey.


    Her soft, delicate body pressed against his, her small head resting on his arm while her wide, dark eyes gazed up at him.


    A wave of warmth washed over Dwight. He pulled Halsey into his embrace, holding her close.


    As they settled together, Dwight nced at Madeline, who was sleeping soundly in the other part of the bed. She had been fast asleep since the night began.


    "When did Maddy fall asleep?" Dwight asked quietly.


    "She went to sleep around 10:00 PM. Before that, she was cramming for her exams. Her midterms start tomorrow, three days of testing. I''ll take her to the exam hall in the morning, so don''t worry about it.¡±


    Halsey spoke calmly, reassuring him that everything was under control.


    A small smile tugged at the corners of Dwight''s lips. The scene before him felt like something out of the past-his parents'' time. Herman used to handle the outside world, while Tina took care of everything at home. Herman was always busy, so Tina made sure the house was in order.


    But Halsey wasn''t obligated to do this for Dwight.


    He couldn''t step away from his circumstances right now, but Halsey had always been there for him.


    Dwight looked at her, his voice low. "Halsey, I¡ª"


    Halsey ced her hand gently over his lips.


    "Shh, I''ve heard enough thanks already. Don''t say anything more. Everything I do


    for you is because I want to. And besides, Maddy is so smart. I''m sure in ten


    years, she''ll be sessful, and I''ll get to share in that sess. It''s an investment, really."


    Halsey''s eyes sparkled as she smiled.


    Dwight tightened his arms around her, pulling her closer. He leaned down and kissed the top of her head, his voice soft. "You''re right."


    At that moment, Halsey tugged at his shirt, like a little puppy sniffing at him.


    "What''s wrong?" Dwight asked, a smile tugging at his lips.


    "Hmm..." Halsey sniffed again. "Dwight, you smell like...perfume. A woman''s perfume!"


    Halsey''s sense of smell was sharp, especially when it came to scents left by other


    women on a man.


    A jolt of panic hit Dwight. He had been with Rachel all day; of course, he must have picked up her perfume. Halsey didn''t know about his ns to marry Rachel


    yet.


    She tilted her head up to look at him, her voice yful but firm. "Spill it, Dwight! Whose perfume is that?"


    Dwight hesitated and was about to tell her about the wedding. "Actually-"


    Halsey interrupted him. "It''s Rachel''s, isn''t it? I knew you''ve been with her!"


    She pouted, her lips red and slightly putty. "I don''t know why you I''ve heard people say that you''le about to marry her. I won''t allow


    still with her, bet 1 dart wat you tw understan


    Dwight froze, his words caught in his throat. "If I were to marry Pashe #1


    "I''d leave you!" Halsey cut him off, her voice sharp.


    Dwight stiffened. He was about to speak, but he couldn''t. He could''t bring himself


    to say it. He was for the fut H?litary might actually walk away from him.


    With that powerful figure looming on the horizon and is future uncertain, he had no promises to offer ber

 My Dad Please Come 602

    212


    Dwight knew he was being selfish. He couldn''t offer Halsey anything; and yet, he held her tightly in his arms, afraid of losing her more than anything.


    Halsey raised her arms and wrapped them around his neck. "You''re mine! Do you hear me?"


    She said he was hers!


    It was a possessive im, one that came from the depths of her heart.


    Dwight cupped the back of her head and pulled her into a kiss, their lips meeting


    in a brief, tender press. It was a soft kiss, one that ended almost as soon as it began.


    Halsey settled back against him, content and trusting.


    "Go to sleep," Dwight whispered.


    Halsey, feeling her eyelids grow heavy, closed her eyes and soon drifted into sleep. When she woke up, Dwight was already gone.


    The first day of Madeline''s midterms had begun, and Halsey took her to the exam hall. The exams went smoothly; when Madeline went back home to calcte her estimated score, it came out nearly perfect.


    Back in the day, Dwight had been the top science student in the state during his SATS. Madeline was so much like her older brother; Halsey did not doubt that Madeline would follow in his footsteps. She was confident in Madeline''s future.


    The next day, Halsey dropped Madeline off for her exams again. As she sat waiting outside, a sleek, shiny sports car pulled up. A man stepped out-Gilbert. Gilbert walked over to Halsey with a mischievous grin. "What are you still doing here?"


    Halsey didn''t want to engage with him. "I''m waiting for Maddy. This is an exam center, so please keep it down and leave. You''re not allowed to be here."


    Despite her cold reception, Gilbert didn''t get angry. Instead, he smirked.


    "You''re being so nice to Dwight''s sister. Do you think that''s a good thing? You want to know what Dwight''s doing right now? You''re just a big, naive moron," he taunted.


    This wasn''t the first time Gilbert hade to stir up trouble.


    Halsey had grown immune to his provocations. She didn''t even look up. "What are you going on about now? He''s at the casino, right? Fine, I get it. You can stop now."


    Gilbert sneered. "He''s not at the casino. Do you want to know where he is and what he''s doing right now?"


    Halsey nced at him, her voice sharp. "No matter what you have to say, I don''t want to hear it. Please leave now."


    Gilbert stared at her. "You really don''t want to know? Well, I''ll tell you anyway. Today is a big day for Dwight!"


    A big day?


    Halsey furrowed her brows. "What do you mean, a big day?"


    "Today, Dwight is marrying Rachel!"


    What?


    The news hit Halsey like a bombshell. She sprang to her feet, disbelief flooding her. "No, you''re lying! He could never marry Rachel. I know you''re just making this up. I won''t believe you!"


    Halsey turned, determined to leave.


    But Gilbert blocked her path. "They''re getting married today. If you don''t believe


    me, I''ll take you there and you''ll see for yourself."


    Halsey stepped back. "No! I don''t want to go!"


    "Halsey..." Gilbert''s voice was insistent.


    "Enough! Don''t say another word! I don''t want to hear any of it!" Halsey shouted, pressing her hands to her ears.


    Gilbertughed mockingly. "Look at you-so weak and scared. You''re afraid, aren''t you? You''re afraid that they''re really getting married!"


    With that, Gilbert grabbed Halsey''s slender arm, pulling her toward him. "Running


    away won''t help. The more you''re afraid, the more I want you to see it with your own eyes. Come with me!"


    ¤¢¤Ê

 My Dad Please Come 603

    Gilbert forcibly dragged Halsey with him, taking her to arge hotel.


    Halsey struggled to break free. "Let go of me! I don''t care where you''re taking me, I won''t go!"


    Gilbert sneered, "What are you really afraid of?"


    .


    Halsey looked at him, her voice steady. "I''m not afraid. I trust Dwight. When you choose someone, you believe in them, not doubt them. I believe he won''t marry someone else."


    "You''re so naive," Gilbert mocked. "He''s using your trust against you, taking advantage of your unconditional eptance and your simplicity to deceive you. He''s ying both sides he''s just a scumbag toying with women''s feelings!"


    "Shut up!" Halsey snapped. "Don''t you dare insult my boyfriend! He''s mine, and no one has the right to disgrace him!"


    "He''s yours?" Gilbert''s eyes narrowed as he studied Halsey from head to toe. "What exactly does that mean? Have you slept together already?"


    Halsey shot him a sharp re, "That''s none of your business! Stay out of it!"


    She tried to pull away.


    But Gilbert''s grip on her wrist was like a vice. His eyes reddened as he demanded, "Have you slept with him? Tell me!"


    His emotions were running high now, his eyes intense and demanding as he sought the truth.


    Halsey met his gaze calmly. "Yes, we''ve slept together. Happy?"


    Gilbert''s hand, which had been hanging at his side, suddenly clenched into a fist. ¡°You aren''t even married yet! What you''re doing is self-destructive!"


    Halseyughed bitterly. "Hah! What year are we in? Why do you still believe in these outdated ideas? Dwight''s my boyfriend. What''s wrong with two people in love sleeping together?"


    Gilbert stammered. "Wh-what-"


    "Besides, what right do you have to judge me? You and Sienna aren''t married either, but you''ve slept together, too. If I''m being self-destructive, then what about you?"


    Her sharp words left Gilbert speechless.


    Yes, he had slept with Sienna, but he regretted it. Now, knowing that Halsey and Dwight had taken that step, jealousy surged inside him. The urge to erase Dwight from his life was almost overwhelming.


    "Let go of me! I want to go home!" Halsey pulled away, trying to break free.


    But Gilbert didn''t relent. He dragged her forward, ignoring her protests.


    "What are you doing? You''re hurting me!" Halsey cried.


    Gilbert yanked her toward a grand hall. "Open your eyes and look for yourself! Dwight is in there!"


    Halsey lifted her gaze and froze. She saw Dwight''s tall, striking figure across the hall, standing cold and aloof.


    The grand wedding ceremony was in full swing, with guests mingling and chatting. Dwight was dressed in a sharp ck suit, looking incredibly handsome as he stood next to Rachel, who wore a pure white wedding dress. They were deep in conversation with several business owners, led by Jenson.


    One of the businessmen smiled and congratted Jenson. "Today''s a big day for your daughter and son-inw. Congrattions!"


    "We''ve heard you found a great son-inw. After seeing Dwight, it''s clear he''s exceptional. He and Ms. Field are a perfect


    match!"


    "You''ll have it easy now. Your son-inw will help you manage everything. We''re all a little envious."


    Rachel looked at Dwight with a sweet, loving smile, and Dwight met her gaze with a soft, affectionate look.


    ¤á¤¯


    2 y

 My Dad Please Come 604

    Halsey froze in ce,pletely stunned. She couldn''t believe what she was seeing. Dwight was really marrying Rachel!


    How could this be?


    Gilbert sneered. "Do you believe me now? This is Dwight and Rachel''s wedding!"


    Halsey shook her head in disbelief, stepping back a little.


    Inside, the host walked up to the stage. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend the wedding of Mr. Garner and Ms. Field. Now, I dere the wedding officially begun. Please wee the bride and groom."


    -arm with


    The lights inside dimmed quickly, and the soft notes of "Wedding March" echoed through the hall. Rachel, arm-in-a Dwight, walked slowly down the red carpet. Together, they reached the altar.


    The pastor looked at them. "Ms. Field, do you take Mr. Garner as your husband, to love and cherish him, in wealth or poverty, in sickness or health, as long as you both shall live?"


    Rachel blushed and replied, "I do."


    The pastor turned to Dwight. "Mr. Garner, do you take Ms. Field as your wife, to love and cherish her, in wealth or poverty, in sickness or health, as long as you both shall live?"


    Halsey heard the sound of her heart breaking, like a knife stabbing deep into her chest. She never would''ve imagined that Dwight would really bring Rachel to the wedding altar.


    He was really marrying Rachel.


    Gilbertughed coldly. "Do you see that? Are you convinced now? You''ve been taking care of Dwight''s mother and sister, and he''s marrying another woman. He''s been lying to you. He''s a liar!"


    Was Dwight a liar? Was he really marrying Rachel?


    Halsey still couldn''t bring herself to believe it. She reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. She was going to call Dwight.


    Gilbert scoffed. "Why can''t you just let go? Why are you still holding on?"


    ¡°This is between me and him. It''s none of your business!" she snapped.


    Gilbert clenched his fist, feeling a sharp sting. For the first time, he realized that Halsey truly didn''t love him anymore. She was in love with Dwight.


    She really, really loved Dwight.


    Halsey quickly dialed Dwight''s number.


    Inside, Dwight hadn''t even spoken yet when his phone suddenly rang from his pocket. Pulling it out, he saw that it was Halsey calling.


    Halsey was calling him.


    Rachel looked at him. "We''re getting married right now. Don''t answer it."


    Dwight nced at the phone in his hand.


    Rachel, noticing his hesitation, asked, "Who''s calling you?"


    Dwight didn''t answer the question. Instead, he pressed the button to ept the call.


    Halsey stood at the door, watching as Dwight picked up the phone. She gripped her phone tightly and immediately asked, "Hey,


    where are you right now?"


    Her heart was pounding. She prayed, desperately hoping Dwight wouldn''t lie to her. She prayed that he would be honest with


    hier.


    No matter what Dwight was doing, no matter his reasons, he had to tell her.


    She shouldn''t have to stand outside like a fool. Wasn''t love supposed to be about mutual honesty?


    Hearing Halsey''s question, Dwight pressed his lips together. He hadn''t expected her to call during the wedding.


    What was he supposed to say?


    He stayed silent for a few seconds, then replied, "I''m busy right now. Is there something you need?"

 My Dad Please Come 605

    Dwight chose to lie.


    Halsey''s tears suddenly fell, her heart sinking with disappointment. How could he lie to her, even now?


    Why?


    She choked back her sobs.


    Dwight could hear her cries clearly, and his heart tightened. "What''s wrong? Are you crying? Did something happen?"


    All the guests were watching Dwight and Rachel, the center of attention for the wedding. But now, standing in front of the pastor, Dwight had abruptly stopped to answer a phone call. The guests began to whisper amongst themselves.


    Rachel stepped forward and tugged at his sleeve, whispering urgently, "Everyone''s watching. Whatever it is, you can call back after the wedding."


    Outside, Halsey stood at the door, her voice shaky. "What are you busy with? Are you busy getting married to Rachel?" Dwight''s pupils contracted, and he let out a sharp breath. "You know? Who told you?"


    "I''m standing right outside the door!"


    What?


    Dwight looked up, and saw Halsey standing by the door. She stared at him through tearful eyes, and they locked eyes from across the room.


    In that moment, time seemed to stand still.


    Dwight had never imagined he''d see Halsey at his wedding. He had been keeping the truth from her, not wanting her to know until after today. He thought once the ceremony was over, everything would be settled.


    But now, Halsey was here.


    Halsey''s voice trembled. "Why are you marrying her? I don''t believe you''re really marrying her! If you just give me one reason, I''ll believe you."


    Dwight stammered, "I-I..."


    At that moment, Jenson stood up from the crowd, clearly annoyed. "Dwight, hurry up and finish the wedding."


    Just then, a man in ck hurried over. "Mr. Field, the big shot is here!"


    The big shot had arrived!


    Jenson looked at Dwight. "The man we''ve been waiting for is here. Finish the ceremony quickly and don''t keep him waiting. I''ll take you to him."


    Dwight gripped his phone tightly. He couldn''t tell Halsey that the situation was dangerous-he needed to get her to leave.


    "You need to go home."


    "What about you?" Halsey''s voice cracked between sobs. "Can''t youe with me? I don''t want you marrying Rachel. I don''t want you marrying anyone else! What am I supposed to do if you marry her?"


    Dwight''s heart ached. In that moment, he wished he could grow wings and fly to Halsey, hold her, andfort her.


    If he took that step, neither of them would walk away unscathed. He had been patient and biding his time for so long, all for this day.


    Yet, he couldn''t.


    7


    Dwight''s voice dropped low. "Please stop crying. After I''m done here, I''lle find you, okay?


    "No! I need you toe home with me! This is yourst chance. If you don''te with me now, F


    This was her final ultimatum.


    That night, she had told him if he married someone else, she would walk way.


    Halsey loved with everything she had, pure and fierce; but if he ket lying to her, hiding things from her, and being with another woman, she couldn''t be with him anymore.


    Dwight furrowed his brows "I''m sorry, but I can''t leave with you right now."


    With that, he ended the call.


    Rachel, who had been watching quietly, finally sighed in relief. She had known it was Halsey calling and had feared that he would leave, but he didn''t:

 My Dad Please Come 606

    Rachel''s lips curved into a victorious smile.


    Dwight and Rachel stood once more in front of the pastor.


    The pastor turned to Dwight and asked, "Mr. Garner, do you take Ms. Field to be yourwfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in poverty or wealth, in sickness and health, for as long as you both shall live?"


    Dwight looked at the pastor and replied, "I do."


    The words echoed in Halsey''s ears, each syble ringing like a bell Her entire body felt numb, for a moment, the world around her seemed to fade away.


    Gilbert''s voice broke through the haze. "See? Dwight is marrying Rachel. He never loved you. It was all just you living in your fantasy! You were the only one fooling yourself, always giving and getting nothing in return."


    Tears fell in a steady stream down Halsey''s face as the pastor inside continued, "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may exchange rings."


    A flower girl brought forward a pair of diamond rings. Rachel carefully slid the ring onto Dwight''s finger. Dwight, in turn, ced the ring on Rachel''s finger.


    Jenson led the apuse, and everyone cheered.


    "Wishing the newlyweds a lifetime of happiness!"


    "God bless this marriage!"


    Rachel felt like this was the happiest moment of her life. She reached out, wrapping her arms around Dwight


    Halsey stood outside, watching as Dwight and Rachel embraced. Her heart shattered into pieces. Slowly, she turned and walked away, leaving the scene behind.


    She left.


    Gilbert followed her closely. "Are you finally giving up? Dwight''s married now. You need to stop clinging to him. He''s not yours anymore! I admit that I slept with Sienna, but I''ve turned over a new leaf. Now that you and Dwight are over, let''s be together. I''ll treat you well."


    Halsey''s vision blurred; before she knew it, she copsed.


    Gilbert quickly rushed to catch her, cradling her in his arms. "Halsey! Are you okay?"


    Meanwhile, Dwight and Rachel exited the ceremony.


    Jenson grinned. "Dwight, you''re my son-inw now. I hope you take good care of Rachel."


    Dwight, holding back the ache in his chest, nodded. "Of course, Mr. Field."


    Rachel chuckled. "We''re married now! You shouldn''t be calling him Mr. Field." Dwight, following her cue, changed his address. "Jenson."


    Jenson nodded, satisfied. "This is great."


    Dwight, trying to push past the difort, asked, "Can we go meet the big shot now?"


    Jenson gave a firm nod. "Of course. We''re family now. Let me take you."


    He led Dwight into a hidden little cabin, then knocked firmly on the door. "Phantom, it''s me."


    Phantom.


    When Dwight heard that familiar name, his blood started to boil with excitement.


    The door creaked open with a soft groan. Two men in ck, each holding a gun, stepped out. "Hey, Mr. Field. And this must be your son-inw."


    Jenson nodded. "Yes, this is Dwight. I''m bringing him to meet Phantom."


    "Phantom is inside, but as usual, you know the rules-we need to search you first." "No problem."


    The men in ck began frisking Jenson. Finding nothing, they moved on to Dwight. He raised his hands, letting them check


    him over.


    "You''re clean. Go on in."


    "Thanks."


    With the guards standing watch outside, Jenson led Dwight into the cabin.


    Inside, a few more men in ck stood around, armed and ready.


    Phantom sat in a chair; a deep scar cut across his face, giving him an almost menacing appearance.

 My Dad Please Come 607

    Jenson bowed respectfully to Phantom. "Hello, Phantom. It''s good to see you. This is the son-inw I mentioned before, Dwight."


    Dwight looked calmly at Phantom, his expression unreadable as he greeted, "Hello, Phantom."


    Phantom''s gaze was cold, his eyes sizing up Dwight from head to toe. "So you''re Jenson''s son-inw?"


    Dwight nodded. "Yes, I am."


    Phantom continued to study Dwight for a moment, then suddenly said, "I swear I''ve seen you somewhere before. Have we met?


    Jenson chuckled. "You''re joking, right? Dwight couldn''t possibly have met someone like you! Maybe he just looks like someone you know."


    Phantom paused for a moment, his eyes narrowing. "You look a lot like a narcotics officer I met before."


    Mentioning the narcotics officer made Jenson''s face instantly change. "You mean the one that worked undercover?"


    "Yes, that man. Back then, when he came under mymand, I saw something in him right away. He was good at what he did, sharp-eyed, and even saved my life. I liked him, treated him like a brother...but he deceived me!"


    As Phantom spoke, his eyes darkened with a murderous glint.


    "He came after me with a purpose. He wanted me dead. I still can''t believe I couldn''t tell he was an undercover agent. Because of him, I suffered so many losses and almost died. See this scar on my face? He did this."


    Phantom smirked proudly, his expression twisted with satisfaction.


    "But in the end, he lost. That day, I had ten children from a nearby elementary school kidnapped, and sure enough, he showed up to save them. I had him burned alive so that he would lose his title as a narcotics officer. I wanted him to forever be known as a drug dealer, to be ridiculed by everyone. I wanted him to watch as those he once saved turned on him. Since he valued justice and wanted to be a hero so desperately, I turned him into a pitiful joke."


    As Phantom''s words hit Dwight''s ears, he stiffened and clenched his fists at his sides.


    Phantom was talking about his father.


    Herman had been an undercover narcotics officer, but everyone had called him a drug dealer. After Herman''s death, the worldbeled Dwight as the son of a drug dealer. His whole family was spat on by society.


    Yet, they had never lost faith.


    Now, standing before Phantom, Dwight was ready. He hade for vengeance.


    Jenson, of course, knew of the man Phantom was speaking of-the one whose actions had set their business back decades. He was a thorn in Phantom''s side, something that still hurt Phantom deeply.


    Jenson smiled, trying to ease the tension. "Alright, no need to be angry. That man is dead."


    Phantom looked at Dwight again, his eyes roaming over Dwight. "Well, you look a lot like him."


    Dwight''s expression remained neutral, and he replied coolly, "How so?"


    "Your eyes!" Phantom''s voice sharpened. "Your eyes are just like his-so determined!"


    Dwight tugged slightly at the corner of his mouth. "But I''m not him.¡±


    Jensonughed, trying to change the mood. "That''s right. Dwight is my son-in-w. I hold him in high regard, and I n to hand over all my business to him."


    Phantom opened his mouth to respond, but just then, the sound of sirens interrupted him.


    The two men in ck standing guard outside rushed in, panic evident in their faces. "The police are here!"


    "What?!" Phantom jumped to his feet, his expression darkening. How did they find


    me? No one knows my whereabouts. Who leaked my location?"


    His eyes immediately fell on Jenson and Dwight.


    "It was you two!"

 My Dad Please Come 608

    My Dad Please Come 608


    Jenson immediately shook his head in an attempt to show his loyalty. "No, it''s not me! I''ve followed you for years-how could I be working with the police?"


    "Well, if it''s not you, then it must be you!" Phantom shot a finger at Dwight.


    Dwight stood still, his gaze cold and resolute as he locked eyes wil Phantom. Without a word, he reached behind his head, pulling out a hidden tracker and listening device.


    tran


    "That''s right. It was me. Everything you just said was transmitted directly to the police. Thebel of drug dealer on my father''s name-it''s time to take that off. The one thing he never got the chance to say, I''m here to tell the world for him: he was a narcotics officer!"


    Jenson was stunned. "Y-Your father was..."


    Phantom''s face darkened. "I knew it-your eyes...they were just like his! You''re his son!"


    "Yes," Dwight replied, his voice steady. "He was my father."


    Jenson''s eyes widened in realization. "So you were lying to me all along! You didn''t want to marry my daughter you were just using me to get close to Phantom!"


    The pieces finally fell into ce for Jenson. All of this had been part of Dwight''s n.


    At that moment, a swarm of police cars screeched to a halt outside. Arge group of uniformed officers, guns drawn, surrounded the area. Leading them was the veteran cop, Lovell Davis.


    "Phantom, Jenson, you''re surrounded!" Lovell shouted through a loudspeaker. "Surrender now, or you will face thew!"


    One of the ck-d thugs rushed inside, panic written all over his face. "Phantom, what do we do? We''re surrounded!"


    Phantom''s gaze turned cold as he red at Dwight. "Kid, I never imagined I''d fall into your hands. I will never surrender! Come on, boys. Let''s get out of here!"


    The fight erupted in full force.


    Lovell found Dwight and grabbed his arm, pulling him toward the exit. "Kid, we need to move, now! It''s too dangerous here."


    Dwight nced in Phantom''s direction. Phantom, along with a few of his men, had cut a bloody path through the officers with


    heavy weapons.


    Dwight''s face remained steely as he said, "I''m not leaving. My father let him slip away once. This time, I won''t let him get away.


    "Your father and I wererades. I couldn''t do anything for him back then, but now, I''m here to protect you. Come with me- let''s get you out of here!"


    Lovell urged Dwight to leave, but he suddenly broke free, running straight toward Phantom and blocking Phantom''s path. You''re not going anywhere!"


    Phantom''s eyes narrowed, full of menace. "Prepare to die!"


    The two collided in a fierce battle. Dwight was skilled, but Phantom wasn''t easy to take down either. The two fought fiercely, neither willing to back down.


    With Phantom distracted, several of his men were quickly subdued-Jenson included.


    "Phantom, it''s over! They''ve got us!" Jenson copsed to the ground, his voice filled with despair.


    At that moment, Dwight lunged forward, ready to pin Phantom down.


    Phantom''s eyes shed coldly; he quickly pulled out a knife, striking with deadly precision and catching Dwight off guard. The


    sound of the de slicing through flesh echoed as Dwight was stabbed in the abdomen.


    Just then, Lovell grabbed Phantom with a vice grip. "You''re not getting away this time!"


    Cold handcuffs snapped shut around Phantom''s wrists. He was finally caught. Lovell turned to Dwight, concern in his voice. "You''ve avenged your father and cleared his name, but you''re hurt. Let me take you to the hospital."


    But Dwight pushed Lovell away, his expression firm. ¡°I''m fine. I need to go find someone."


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 My Dad Please Come 609

    Lovell nced at the blood seeping from Dwight''s waist and shook his head firmly. "You''ve been stabbed, and you''re losing a lot of blood. You''re not going anywheree with me to the hospital, now!"


    "I''m not going! I have to find someone!"


    Without another word, Dwight took off rumning.


    "Dwight!" Lovell called after him, but all he could do was sigh helplessly.


    That brat was too stubborn for his own good! Once he made up his ind, nothing could stop him.


    Dwight''s first stop was the exam center. He couldn''t stop worrying about Madeline. She was taking her exams, and with the misunderstanding between him and Halsey, he was afraid no one would be there for her.


    But when he got there, it was already over. The three-day exam hade to an end.


    A teacher at the gate noticed Dwight. "Hey, there. Are you looking for someone?" "Excuse me, is the exam finished?"


    "Yes. The students have already been picked up by their parents and guardians."


    What about Madeline?


    Just then, two students recognized him. "Hi, Dwight!"


    They were Madeline''s ssmates. Dwight had visited her school before, and


    since he was good-looking, many of her ssmates remembered him.


    Dwight walked over to them. "Hi. Have you seen Maddy?"


    "Yeah, we did. Someone already picked her up."


    Dwight''s heart tightened. "Who?"


    "A really pretty girl with fair skin. I heard Maddy call her Halsey."


    "Yeah, Halsey was with Maddy all three days of the exam. Just a little while ago, I saw Maddy get into a luxury car with her. Maddy''s totally safe, so don''t worry."


    So Halsey had taken Madeline home.


    Even though she had walked away from the wedding, even though she had said she would leave him, even though they had grown distant-she still picked Madeline up. Her care for his sister hadn''t changed one bit.


    Dwight felt a wave of warmth flood his chest. "Thank you. I have to go."


    He gged down a cab and headed straight for the Lincoln family''s estate.


    Half an hourter, the cab pulled up in front of the vi. Dwight stepped out and approached the gate.


    Through the iron bars, he quickly spotted them. Halsey and Madeline were standing on thewn, with Cyril by their side.


    Halsey had her arm around Madeline''s shoulders. "So? The exams are over. How do you feel?"


    Cyril chuckled. "Well, except for the essay section in thenguage exam, which is hard to judge, I''d say Maddy will probably be the top scorer in the state."


    A smile tugged at Halsey''s lips, her eyes glowing with pride. She gently ruffled Madeline''s hair. "You did amazing, Maddy."


    Then, she looked at Cyril. "Dad, didn''t you always say you wanted mother daughter? Why don''t you make Maddy your goddaughter? That way, I''d have a sister, and you''d have another daughter."


    Madeline quickly spoke up, "No, it''s okay. I''m already grateful just to stay at your house. I don''t want to cause you more trouble. When I start high school, I can live on campus. I''ve already figured it out-if I enter mathpetitions, I can win prize money to pay for school. I can support myself."


    Madeline knew that,ing from a background like hers, being part of the Lincoln family was already reaching too far. She didn''t want to be a burden.


    Halsey smiled warmly. "I know you''re capable of supporting yourself. But having a sister to spoil you and a godfather to back you up, and a home.... Isn''t that even better?"


    Cyrilughed.


    "Yes. Even if Bebe hadn''t said anything, I was already nning to make you my goddaughter. I really value talent. If I could keep your brother around, then I could definitely keep you, too. In a few days, I''ll host a celebration to make it official¡ª you''ll be announced as part of the Lincoln family!"

 My Dad Please Come 610

    Madeline''s pale eyes were suddenly filled with tears. After Tina passed away, she


    had never imagined that she would have a home again.


    And now, she had a sister and a father.


    It was something she never dared to dream of.


    "Halsey..."


    Halsey gently wiped the tears from Madeline''s cheeks. From now on, I''m your sister. Wee to our family. I''ll protect you, and when you grow up and do well, you''ll protect me too, right? We''re a family now."


    Madeline nodded through her tears. "Yeah, a family!"


    Dwight stood outside the gate, watching the scene unfold. His eyes reddened-he didn''t expect Halsey to officially bring his sister into the Lincoln family.


    Two maids walked by, quietly discussing. "Maddy is really lucky! She''s met Ms. Halsey and is now part of the Lincoln family. It''s like she''s turned her fate around." "For a young girl, having the Lincoln family as a backing is the best thing in life." "From now on, we can''t call her Maddy anymore. We''ll call her Ms. Madeline."


    The maids walked away.


    Dwight''s eyes were filled with tears. His gaze lingered on Halsey, the young woman who had suddenly entered his life, bringing with her a sense of change and unexpected hope.


    Taking out his phone, Dwight dialed Halsey''s number.


    He needed to call her.


    There were so many things he wanted to say.


    About Herman, about Rachel, about everything he had kept locked away inside him. All the words he hadn''t been able to speak before he needed to tell her now.


    He was ready to bare everything, to let her see the depths of his soul.


    He needed to tell her that it was over.


    That from now on, he was hers and hers alone.


    And more than that, he needed to tell her he loved her so, so much.


    Inside, Halsey was talking with Madeline when the soft ring of her phone interrupted. It was Dwight calling.


    Her heart skipped a beat. Dwight was calling her.


    The memories from his wedding to Rachel shed through her mind-his refusal, her plea for him to leave with her, but he hadn''t. Now, he was calling her again?


    She had given him a chance, but he hadn''t valued it.


    With a trembling hand, Halsey pressed the red button and rejected the call.


    But it wasn''t long before her phone rang again. Dwight was calling once more. Madeline nced at Halsey. "Why aren''t you picking up the phone? Who''s calling? Is it Dwight? I haven''t seen him in so long. He''s been so busy these past few days."


    When Halsey heard Madeline''s words, her heart softened. Even though she had no words left for Dwight, he was still Madeline''s brother. As a brother, he had the right to know how his sister was doing.


    Reluctantly, Halsey pressed the button to answer the call. Dwight''s deep, maic voice instantly filled her ears. "Hey, Halsey."


    He said her name.


    Halsey''s heart was full of hatred for him-she despised him deeply But the moment she heard his voice again, her heart softened despite herself.


    "Maddy is with me. I''ll take good care of her. Is there anything else you need?"


    "I need to talk to you."


    "I don''t want to listen."


    "Come out. I''m standing right outside your door."

 My Dad Please Come 611

    Halsey froze in surprise.


    Dwight was standing right outside her door? Why had hee here?


    "You need to leave. You''re married now. You have a wife. I don''t want to get tangled up with a married man. That''s my bottom line."


    "The wedding isn''t what you think it is."


    Halsey''s heart skipped. What did he mean by that? If it wasn''t how she thought, then what exactly was it?


    "Please, give me a chance to exin myself. Give us another shot, okay?" Dwight pleaded softly.


    Halsey''s pale fingers gripped her phone tightly. To be honest, she felt a stir inside. Was there more to his marriage with Rachel than she knew? She still couldn''t understand why Dwight had suddenly married Rachel.


    Halsey still had deep feelings for Dwight, but she couldn''t deny the confusion in her heart. She pulled the phone closer and said, "Alright, fine. I''lle out right now."


    She hung up and walked toward the door.


    Outside, Dwight''s face lit up with hope. Once Halsey came out, he could exin everything to her. Things would be alright again.


    Just then, a ck van came speeding toward him. Two imposing bodyguards in ck suits jumped out and grabbed Dwight.


    Dwight red at them. "What do you want?"


    "Your life!"


    Dwight struggled, but as soon as he moved, a sharp pain shot through his side, and blood began to seep from his wound.


    The bodyguards didn''t hesitate-they pulled him into the van.


    Through the window, Dwight saw Halsey just as she stepped outside. His heart raced, and he banged on the ss. "Halsey! Halsey!"


    Suddenly, a stabbing pain hit his chest. Looking down, he saw that a sharp de had pierced through his heart.


    Blood trickled from the corner of Dwight''s mouth as he looked out at Halsey, gasping for breath.


    "Halsey... Halsey..."


    "Drive!" one of the bodyguards barked.


    The driver mmed the gas pedal, and the van sped off, leaving Halsey standing there, still unaware of what had just happened.


    Halsey stepped outside, but didn''t see Dwight anywhere.


    Where had he gone? Wasn''t he supposed to be right outside?


    Just then, a familiar voice rang out from behind her. "Hey, Halsey.


    Halsey turned around and saw Gilbert-not Dwight, but Gilbert,


    Disappointment shed in her eyes. "Why are you here?"


    "I''m here for you, of course. Are you expecting someone else?" Gilbert asked with a yful grin.


    Halsey looked around once more but still didn''t see Dwight''s tall, familiar figure. It seemed like he hadn''te at all.


    Was he ying some sort of game with her? Was this all just a joke to him?


    Chapter an


    How could he treat her like this?


    Gilbert stepped forward and took her hand gently. "Were you wait Tot a man who''s already taken?"


    "I don''t," Halsey replied quietly.


    "Halsey, it''s over between you and Dwight. But I''m serious about softened with sincerity as he confessed his feelings.


    Halsey pulled her hand away from Gilbert''s grip. "Howahany time feelings for you anymore."


    With that, she turned and walked away.


    Gilbert stood frozen, his fists slowly clenching.


    Since Halsey still loved Dwight,


    he was determined to make Dwigh


    The ck van stopped at a cliffside. The bodyguards stepped out,


    hopter All


    How could be treat her like thi


    Gilbert stepped forward and took her hand gently. Were you waiting for twight? He''s married now t you still have feelings for a man who''s already taken?"


    "I don''t." Halsey replied quietly.


    "Halsey, it''s over between you and Dwight. But I''m serious about you. Give me a chance. Let''s be together" Gilbert''s softened with sincerity as he confessed his feelings.


    Halsey pulled her hand away from Gilbert''s grip. "Howmany times do I have to tell you? I won''t be with you. I don''t have feelings for you anymore."


    With that, she turned and walked away.


    Gilbert stood frozen, his fists slowly clenching.


    Since Halsey still loved Dwight, he was determined to make Dwight disappear from this world...for good.


    The ck van stopped at a cliffside. The bodyguards stepped out, and Gilbert slowly approached.

 My Dad Please Come 612

    "We''ve brought Dwight here as you asked."


    Gilbert walked over to the van. Inside, Dwighty slumped in the seat, his body drenched in blood.


    The wound in his abdomen had been bleeding relentlessly, and now his heart had been pierced as well. Blood soaked through his clothes, staining them dark.


    Dwight''s face was as pale as a ghost, his eyes zed over. When he saw Gilbert, he whispered weakly, "It''s you?"


    "That''s right, it''s me," Gilbert sneered. "Don''t me the for this. You brought it on yourself. Just take a good look at who you are. You don''t deserve Halsey. She''s mine and mine alone!"


    Dwight managed a bitter smile. "Halsey...won''t...love you."


    Gilbert''s eyes turned cold. "She only loves you because of your looks. If you became some hideous monster, do you think she''d still care about you?",


    At that moment, one of the bodyguards stepped forward and handed Gilbert a small bottle of acid. "Be careful. This acid can''t touch your skin."


    Gilbert took the bottle and unscrewed the cap. Without hesitation, he poured the acid directly on Dwight''s face.


    "Argh!" Dwight screamed in agony as the acid burned into his skin turning his face into a grotesque mess of blood and flesh,


    Gilbert felt a rush of satisfaction.


    Back in school, Dwight hadpeted with him for the title of the campus heartthrob. Now, Dwight was trying to steal Halsey from him. Who was this lowborn man to think he could rival him? It wasughable!


    "Wipe your hands," the bodyguard said to Gilbert, offering a handkerchief.


    Gilbert took it casually and wiped his hands. He nced at Dwight grinning. "Just rx and die. Don''t worry, Halsey will forget about you. Soon, she''ll be with me. I''ll take good care of her and love her the way you never could."


    Dwight red at Gilbert with bloodshot eyes. He tried to crawl toward Gilbert, his body wracked with pain.


    But he was too weak, his movements slow and sluggish.


    Gilbert turned to the bodyguards. "Push the car off the cliff. I want himpletely gone, got it?"


    The bodyguards nodded. "You can count on us."


    They started the van, closed the doors, and sped toward the cliff. With a loud crash, the van plunged over the edge.


    Gilbert tossed the handkerchief to the ground. Finally, Dwight was dead. He was certain that soon enough, Halsey woulde to ept him


    Back in her room, Halsey was reading when suddenly, a sharp pain pierced her chest.


    It felt as though someone were using a knife to carve out her heart. She felt like she was losing something crucial, something she couldn''t live without. The pain of loss hit her all at once, overwhelming her.


    Madeline noticed something was wrong and rushed over in rm. What''s wrong?"


    Halsey pressed her hand to her chest, struggling to speak. "I don''t know what''s happening to me... It hurts here, right in my heart."


    "Your heart hurts? #ll go get a doctor!" Madeline moved to leave the room.


    Halsey grabbed Madeline''s arm, stopping her. "No, don''t go! Don get a doctor."


    Madeline looked at her in shock. "Why..."


    Halsey frowned, confused. "What''s wrong?"


    Madeline looked at her in concern. "Why are you crying?"


    Had she been crying?


    Halsey touched her eyes and felt the wetness. Tears had already blurred her vision, and they kept falling uncontrobly.

 My Dad Please Come 613

    Meanwhile, Wendy was still in the Crone family''s estate, working in the antidote, when the door opened.


    The mald walked in. "Mrs. Edith wants to see you."


    Edith was looking for her?


    Wendy didn''t even look up, her tone indifferent. "I''m not going."


    The maid hesitated, clearly taken aback. "Why not? You''ve gotten bold. Mrs. Edith specifically asked for you, and you''re refusing? This is disrespectful!"


    Wendy scoffed. The fact that even a maid here dared to speak to he like this was enough to show how much the Crone family looked down on her.


    "You need to understand something. I was invited here to work on the antidote. You all brought me here, not the other way around. If she wants something, she cane to me herself. I''m not going to her."


    "Very well!"


    Seeing Wendy''s arrogant attitude, the maid could only leave, fuming.


    The maid hurried to Edith''s room. As soon as she entered, the olddy rushed over. "Where''s Wendy?"


    "I invited her, but she refused toe."


    Edith frowned. "Why?"


    "She was so arrogant! She said that if you needed something, you should go to her. She wouldn''te to you."


    Edith stiffened, a wave of shock running through her. "What now?"


    Edith''s face darkened. What could she do now? Her beloved son was lying in a hospital bed, dered a vegetable by the doctors. She had to get Wendy to help save Harry.


    "Fine! I''ll go find Wendy."


    Edith went straight to Wendy''s room.


    "Hello, Wendy."


    Wendy nced at Edith and smirked. "What brings you here?"


    Edith opened her mouth to speak, but Wendy interrupted her. "Let me guess. Your precious son is in the hospital, and it''s probably pretty bad. Since you''vee to me now, I''m guessing you want me to treat him."


    Edith stared at Wendy, her eyes caught by the intelligent gleam in Wendy''s clear eyes. It sparkled brightly, almost blinding.


    In that moment, Edith understood why men like Stanley were so drawn to Wendy. She was incredibly sharp. Edith nodded. "Harry hasn''t woken up, and the doctors say he''ll never wake up. He''s going to be a vegetable."


    Wendy''s longshes fluttered slightly. She had been prepared to treat Harry before, but Lilian had stopped her. Even if she couldn''t help him then, seeing him covered in blood made it clear that his injuries were severe.


    Edith stepped closer to Wendy with desperate eyes, clinging to Wendy like a lifeline. "You''re the great Dr. Cen! You can save Harry, right? You can wake him up."


    Wendy smirked. "Yes, I can save him."


    Edith''s face lit up, and she grabbed Wendy''s hand. "Great! Let''s go to the hospital now! Please, save my son!"


    But Wendy pulled her arm away from Edith''s grasp and added coldly, "I can save him, but why should I?"


    **


    Edith froze. "What-


    "I need a reason to save someone. I have no ties to Harry. Why should I help him?" Wendy asked, her voice dripping with


    amusement.


    Edith quickly tried to reason with her. "Harry is your uncle! If Jerry were still alive, he would want you to save him!"


    At the mention of her father, Wendy''s gaze turned icy.


    She hadn''t expected Edith to still be ying the family card. Did Edith honestly think she would forget how Jerry had died, and who had murdered him?

 My Dad Please Come 614

    Wendy tightened her pale fingers slightly, then rxed.


    "Okay, I''ll save Harry.",


    Edith was overjoyed. Just moments ago, she thought Wendy wouldn''t agree to help-but to her surprise, Wendy had said yes.


    "Great! I''ll have the car ready. Let''s go to the hospital right now!"


    Wendy didn''t really want to save Harry, but she knew she had to.


    There was something suspicious about Harry''s situation. She couldn''t shake the feeling that there was a hidden secret between Harry and Lilian, something that someone was desperate to bury forever.


    Only by waking Harry up could she uncover that secret.


    The Crone family was filled with hidden agendas, and she had to uncover the truth about each and every one of them.


    Wendy and Edith soon arrived at the hospital. Lilian had been staying in the room with Harry, maintaining the image of a devoted wife and mother, never leaving his side.


    When she saw Wendy and Edith enter, she froze. "What are you doing here?"


    Edith spoke up. "I asked her toe."


    Lilian turned to Edith. "Why would you do that?"


    Edith looked down at Harry lying in bed. "I asked her to treat Harry."


    What?!


    Lilian''s eyes widened in shock, and she blurted out, "No, you can''t!"


    "Why can''t I?" Wendy shot back, her tone calm but firm.


    Lilian was speechless. "I..."


    Wendy took a step forward, her smile sweet but her words sharp. "I heard Harry fell and became a vegetable. As his wife, don''t you want him to wake up? I''m Dr. Cen, the wonder doctor. Mrs. Edith asked me to treat your husband, yet here you are, trying to stop me. That''s strange, don''t you think?"


    Wendy studied Lilian with a look of suspicion.


    Lilian stood frozen, unable to speak.


    Edith turned her gaze toward Lilian with a newfound wariness. "She''s right. What are you up to? Don''t you want Harry to wake up? Or is there something you''re hiding from me?"


    Lilian was seething with frustration, her blood boiling. Why was Wendy always here, ruining everything?


    She put on a sad expression and said, "How could you say that? I''ve been nothing but devoted to Harry. How could you doubt me?


    Edith had never questioned Lilian''s devotion before, mainly because everyone knew Lilian waspletely absorbed in her love for Harry.


    don''t trust her. Think


    elp Harry? What if she


    Lilian continued, her voice growing more emotional, "I stopped Wendy from treating Harry beca about it: Wendy has a deep grudge against us. She wants us all dead. How could she possibly want. ''takes advantage of treating Harry to harm him? What would we do, then? I''d rather take care of Harry for the rest of my life than risk him suffering because of her."


    Lilian''s words were convincing and seemed reasonable, causing ith to waver.


    Wendy watched Lilian; the more she listened, the more suspicious she grew. "Well, you should either hire someone you trust, or trust the one you hired. If you don''t trust me, then I''ll leave."


    As Wendy turned around and started to walk away, Lilian''s lips curled into a smirk.


    But just then, Edith spoke up. "Wendy, stay!"


    Lilian froze.


    Wendy paused and turned to face Edith..


    Edith''s voice was firm, her decision clear. "Harry is already a vegetable. No one else can save him but you. I have to trust you because I need Harry to wake up. Please, treat him!"

 My Dad Please Come 615

    Edith remained firm in her d¨¦cision, insisting that Wendy treat Harry.


    Lilian''s face Stiffened. "Mom, have you really thought this through? You can''t entrust Harry to Wendy. What if


    Wendy shed a sly smile, cutting Lilian off. "Why are you so scared of me treating him? If you keep blocking me, I might start to suspect you''re hiding some dark secret."


    Edith''s gaze hardened as she turned back to Lilian. "I''ve made up my mind. Step aside!"


    Edith had spoken. It was clear-Lilian had to step back


    Lilian''s heart sank as she stood there, helpless. She could argue all she wanted, but if she said anything more, Edith would only be more suspicious, and she''d expose herself.


    With a resigned sigh, Lilian stepped aside.


    Wendy approached the bed where Harryy. Her only memory of him was that he had always been a devoted father, someone who seemed to revolve his entire life around his daughter, Jessica.


    Now, hey here, pale and lifeless, with no sign of the vitality he once had.


    Wendy reached out and gently ced her fingers on Harry''s wrist, starting the diagnosis.


    Edith, anxious, asked, "How is it? Is Harry going to make it?"


    Wendy nodded. "He can be saved."


    Lilian''s heart fell as panic shed in her eyes. Could Wendy possibly save Harry? "Please, hurry up and do it," Edith urged.


    Wendy pulled out an acupuncture needle and slowly inserted it into Harry''s head.


    Harry, who had been motionless, suddenly began to convulse in pain. His hands twitched, and his entire body wracked with difort.


    "Harry!" Edith cried in rm.


    Lilian''s heart raced, and she could barely contain her fear. "What are you doing to Harry? Look at him-he''s in pain! Stop now!"


    But Wendy didn''t stop. She reached for another needle and drove it into Harry''s head again.


    This time, Harry''s response was even more violent. He suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood.


    Ssh!


    Warm blood sttered across Edith and Lilian''s faces.


    "Ah!" Edith screamed in terror.


    Harry, having expelled the blood, lost all consciousness. His face turned as pale


    as a sheet, and the heart monitor let out a sharp beep, signaling a tline.


    Lilian''s voice shook. "His heart stopped!"


    What?


    Edith rushed forward, cing her fingers under Harry''s nose. There was no breath.


    "He''s gone..." Edith murmured, almost in disbelief.


    0


    Lilian, too, checked for any sign of a pulse. There was nothing. Her eyes glinted briefly with joy. Wendy hadn''t saved Harry-she


    had killed him instead.


    It couldn''t have worked out better for Lilian!


    She nced at Harry onest time, the man she had loved for so long but had never been fully hers. Once, her love had burned hot; now, her hatred ran just as deep. Death was the perfect ending


    With a quick breath, she said to Wendy, "You killed my husband! You''re a murderer!"


    Edith stared at Wendy in shock. "You said you could save him. You''ve killed my son! Why would you do this? He''s my son!"


    Lilian couldn''t hold back her glee.


    "Don''t you get it? Wendy never intended to save Harry!'' She did this on purpose! She wanted revenge for Jerry''s death, and she took Harry''s life to do it. We need to call the police and put her behind bars!"


    At that moment, she could hardly contain her excitement.


    This unexpected turn of events felt like a double victory-she had rid herself of both Harry and Wendy in one fell swoop!

 Chapter 616

    Though Lilian was silentlyughing in her heart, she shouted, "Someone, help!"


    Wendy lifted her gaze, her clear eyes locking onto Lilian''s face. She smirked.


    "What''s so funny? You''ve killed my husband, and you still have the nerve to smile!" Lilian snapped. She felt uneasy about Wendy''s grin-it seemed strange. Wendy looked at Lilian, her voice calm. "Are you really so sure Harry is dead?" Lilian froze. "What do you ean? He isn''t breathing. Of course, he''s dead."


    Wendy simply said, "Then why don''t you check again, to see if he''s still breathing?"


    Lilian, doubtful, ced her fingers on Harry''s nostrils. It was cold, and there was definitely no breath.


    Just as she was about to pull her hand away, preparing to snap at Wendy for ying games, Harry suddenly opened his eyes.


    Lilianscreamed in terror, "Ah!"


    In a split second, Harry reached out and grabbed her wrist.


    A man who had been dead only moments ago suddenly came to life, gripping her.


    Her heart racing, Lilian recoiled in shock and mmed backward onto the floor. "Ah! It''s a ghost!"


    Edith rushed forward, ecstatic. "Harry! You''re alive!"


    Lilian looked up, her eyes wide with disbelief. Harry was breathing heavily, drawing in a deep breath, then exhaling slowly. The heart monitor beeped steadily, showing his heartbeat was normal again.


    Harry was alive. He had regained his breath and his pulse.


    Lilian could hardly believe it. Just moments ago, she had confirmed his death. She had checked for breath, felt for his heartbeat. How could the dead suddenlye back to life? It was like a miracle!


    Edith gazed at Wendy in awe. "Is Harry truly alright now?"


    Wendy stood up slowly, her voice steady. "Yes, he is."


    Lilian stood up as well, her voice shaky. "What did you do to him?"


    Wendy smiled, a hint of mystery in her eyes. "I treated him, but my method involves killing him to bring him back You wouldn''t understand."


    "You''re truly a miracle worker... You really are Dr. Cen!" Edith marveled.


    Wendy had done it-she had revived Harry, and he was now awake


    Lilian stood frozen in ce, her face a mask of panic. What should she do? What now?


    Edith looked down at Harry, her eyes full of hope. "Can you speak?


    Though Harry had woken up, his movements were still sluggish. He opened his mouth as if to speak, but then turned his head sharply, ring at Lilian with a fierce, burning gaze, His eyes were filled with rage-he looked like he wanted to devour her whole.


    Lilian, her heart racing with fear, took a cautious step back.


    Edith, sensing something was off, asked, ¡°Why are you looking at Lilian like that?"


    Harry''s hands clenched into tight fists. His eyes, red with fury, never left Lilian. If he weren''t so weak, he would probably be lunging at her, choking the life out of


    her.


    The Intense anger and hatred in Harry''s gaze raised rms in Edit''s mind. "What''s wrong? Did she do something to hurt you? Please, tell me!"


    Lilian''s heart sank. Edith was beginning to suspect her.


    If Harry spoke up, Jessica''s secret would be exposed, and their time would be up.

 Chapter 617

    Harry opened his mouth, as if trying to speak.


    Yet, all that came out were mumbled words that no one could make sense of.


    "Why can''t Harry speak yet?" Edith turned to Wendy, her voice trembling with worry.


    Lilian, who had been on edge, felt her nerves rx just a lile. She had been so afraid that Harry might suddenly speak and expose everything, but it seemed that he couldn''t talk yet.


    Without wasting a moment she rushed forward and grabbed Harry''s hand.


    "Honey, what''s wrong? Do you have something to say to me? I''m here. You can tell me."


    Wendy looked down at Harry, her gaze serious. "I''ve already used needle therapy to wake him up, but he can''t speak yet. He''ll need some time to recover."


    Edith could only offer words offort. "Harry, don''t get too worked up. You''ll get better slowly, I''m sure."


    Harry continued to stare at Lilian, his eyes bloodshot with anger, but no words came from his lips.


    Just then, the maid hurried into the room. "Mrs. Edith, good news!


    Edith looked up. "What is it?"


    The maid sounded excited. "Ms. Jessica is awake!"


    What? Jessica was awake?


    Lilian''s face lit up with joy. "Really? She woke up? That''s wonderful!"


    Edith, too, felt a wave of relief. After all, Jessica was the daughter of the world''s richest man. Her health was crucial for the


    Crone family''s wealth and status. "Quick, get the car ready! I need to go see Jessica right away!"


    Wendy furrowed her brows. She hadn''t yet made the antidote, and now Jessica had woken up on her own.


    It was quite intriguing


    In the bedroom, Jessica had already regained consciousness. She sat up in bed, looking a bit pale but otherwise alert.


    Horace, ever concerned, was by her side. "Are you feeling okay?"


    Jessica''s face was pale, but her spirits were high. Now that she was the daughter of the richest man, she was in a position of power. She curled up to Horace and pouted. "Dad, I''m still a little dizzy,"


    "Should I call a doctor?"


    "No. As long as you''re here with me, that''s enough."


    At that moment, Wendy, Edith, and Lilian returned.


    Lilian, eager and relieved, eximed, "Jessica, you''re awake? How did you get poisoned? You scared me to death!"


    "It''s great that you''re awake," Edith added, her voice filled with relief. "You''re Mr. Larson''s precious daughter. If something happened to you, how would we exin it to him?"


    Jessica shed a proud smile, her lips curling upward with a mixture of arrogance and satisfaction.


    Wendy watched her, noticing that Jessica seemed to have recovered from the poison.


    "Dad, someone poisoned me!" Jessica dered.


    Edith and Lilian were both startled. "Who would dare to harm the daughter of the richest man? How bold!"


    Horace quickly soothed her. "Who poisoned you?"


    Jessica pointed directly at Wendy. "It was Wendy!"


    Wendy didn''t show any surprise. She had expected Jessica to use her.


    Everyone''s eyes turned toward Wendy.


    Lilian was the first to leap to her feet. "So you did poison Jessica! Mr. Larson, I told you before that she was the one behind it. You didn''t believe me. NowJessica is awake and has identified Wendy as the culprit. Surely you believe me now, right?"


    Horace furrowed his brows, but remained silent.


    Wendy stepped forward, her gaze unwavering as she looked at Jessica. "Do you have any evidence I did what you said?"


    "I talked to you that day, and shortly after, I got poisoned. It had to be you!"


    Jessica replied confidently.


    Wendy raised an eyebrow.


    "So, let me get this straight," she said, her tone calm yet sharp. "You have no


    evidence, just a guess? You need evidence in a court ofw. If you keep using me without proof, I might just have to sue you for defamation."

 Chapter 618

    Jessica''s voice trembled with anger. "Watch it!"


    Wendy eyed Jessica suspiciously, her gaze sharp. "Also, I haven''t even made the antidote yet, so how did you wake up on your own?"


    Jessica''s eyes flickered, betraying a moment of guilt.


    Wendy turned her gaze toward Horace. "If I had poisoned you, I would''ve made sure you stayed unconscious, but you woke up on your own. Mr. Larson, something''s definitely off about this poisoning. You should really look into it more carefully."


    Horace studied Jessica intently, his eyes deep and unreadable.


    Jessica''s heart skipped a beat under his stare. She couldn''t shake the feeling that Horace had seen right through her. Quickly, she feigned dizziness. "Dad, I feel dizzy."


    "You should rest," Horace said softly. He tucked the nkets around her, then turned to lead everyone out of the room. Once they were in the corridor, Horace stopped and faced Wendy. "What do you think about the situation with Jessica''s poisoning?"


    Wendy nced at him, her tone measured. "I suspect she poisoned herself." Horace''s lips tightened into a thin line.


    "I believe she tried to poison herself in an attempt to frame me," Wendy continued, "but things didn''t go as nned, and now she''s awake before she should have been."


    Horace remained silent, his face as still as stone.


    Wendy''s clear, piercing eyes met his. "Honestly, she doesn''t resemble you at all, Mr. Larson. She''s too dumb, and I don''t see any of your intelligence in her. And as for Mrs. Larson-what kind of person is she? Is shecking in intelligence? Does Jessica take after her?"


    Mentioning Brittany Brewer caused a subtle but noticeable shift in Horace''s demeanor. His handsome features tightened, a coldness creeping into his gaze.


    "No, she''s not dumb. Quite the opposite-she''s very clever."


    Wendy raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. Jessica hadn''t inherited her smarts from her parents, after all.


    "I trust you on this. I''ll question Jessica properly," Horace finally said, his voice resolute.


    Wendy nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Larson."


    With that, she turned and left.


    Back in the room, Jessica was sitting on the bed, a cold expression on her face.


    Lilian sat beside her, holding her hand gently. "Are you okay?"


    Jessica scoffed, shaking off Lilian''s hand. "Don''t touch me!"


    Lilian stiffened, her heart sinking. "What''s going on?"


    Jessica red at her. "Look at what you''ve done! We agreed I''d poison myself, and you''d use that to frame Wendy. We were


    supposed to have my dad get rid of her, but you failed and even made me wake up early! All our efforts are ruined!"


    It had all been part of Jessica and Lilian''s n. Jessica had poisoned herself to frame Wendy.


    They couldn''t just let Wendy, pregnant with Stanley''s child, leave the country. She was a major threat, and the child in her belly was an even bigger ticking time bomb. They had risked everything to set her up.


    Listen to me. I''ve done everything I can, but Mr. Larson doesn''t believe me. He only trusts Wendy. Both he and Mr. Hawk are taking her side!" Lilian''s voice was full of frustration.


    Jessica''s face darkened. It was one thing that her fianc¨¦ sided with Wendy, but even her father, who was supposed to be on her side, was supporting that wench.


    How could this be? What kind of hold did Wendy have over them?


    "Why did you give me the antidote and make me wake up carly?" Jessica demanded.


    Lilian''s expression darkened. "Because something has happened with Harry!"

 Chapter 619

    Jessica furrowed her brow, her mind racing. "What do you mean? What happened to Harry?"


    Lilian lowered her voice, clearly anxious. "He''s uncovered the truth about your identity. He "


    Before Lilian could finish, Jessica interrupted her, her voice sharp. Truth about my identity? What other truth is there? My identity is clear-I''m the daughter of the richest man! I''m Horace Larson''s one and only daughter!"


    Jessica still had no idea about her real identity.


    Lilian hadn''t nned on tening Jessica, but now that Harry had regained consciousness, there was no choice. She had to prepare Jessica for the worst.


    "Jessica, I have to tell you something important. You''re not Mr. Larson''s biological daughter."


    What?!


    Jessica''s face went pale, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Who says I''m not? What are you talking about? Have you lost your mind?!


    Lilian met Jessica''s gaze, steady but sorrowful. "The truth is, you''re the daughter I had with Jerry. I switched you with Wendy when you were a baby,"


    Jessica gasped, her breath caught in her throat. "You switched me with Wendy? You and Jerry are my real parents? Then what about Wendy? Does that mean... Wendy is..."


    Lilian nodded solemnly. "Yes. She is Mr. Larson''s real daughter, the true heiress to the Larson family."


    Wendy was Horace''s biological daughter, the true heiress to the Larson family!


    The words hit Jessica like a thunderp, her vision narrowed, and her thoughts scattered. Her mind went nk, unable to process what she had just heard.


    She understood each word, but when put together, they made no strise,


    "No, this can''t be! You''re lying!" Jessica''s voice cracked with panic "I get it now- Wendy''s your real daughter. You''ve been trying to rece me with her as the heiress to the Larson fortune! You''re nothing but a liar!"


    Lilian tried to embrace Jessica


    "No, it''s not like that. Listen to me-everything I''m telling you is the truth. You have to ept this-"


    "I don''t want to hear it! You''re a liar! Wendy''s the daughter you had with jerry, and I''m the real heiress to the Larson fortune! That has to be the truth!" Jessica screamed, mping her hands over her ears.


    She refused to hear another word from Lilian.


    The ground seemed to have been ripped out from under her. For so long, she had been lost in the delusion that she was the rightful heiress to the Larson family. Now, Lilian had shattered that dream into pieces.


    How could that lowlife Wendy be the true heiress?


    Jessica was sure she was the true heiress!


    Lilian''s voice was urgent as she tried to force Jessica to face the harsh reality.


    is time?


    "You have to face the truth. Think about it-if Wendy were my real daughter, would


    I have treated her like that You''re my real daughter. I''ve used Wendy as a stepping stone to make sure you stay at the top. You need to calm down now,rry knows the truth. He''s in the hospital, and he could reveal the secret of your identity at any moment. If that happens, both of us will be doomed


    Lillian''s words struck Jessica like a cold ssh of water. It made her heart freeze, but at the same time, it snapped her out of the


    fog. She had to ept the truth.


    She was a fake-Wendy was the true Larson heiress.


    Jessica could never let Wendy and Horace reunite as father and daughter, or let Wendy live the life of the true heiress.


    She was adamant about stopping that from happening!


    Jessica''s eyes burned with fury as she looked at Lilian. "What should we do now? Why did Harry wake up? Why isn''t he dead already?"

 Chapter 620

    Jessica was incredibly selfish.


    Over the years, Harry had devoted himself entirely to her, treating her like his own flesh and blood, cherishing and indulging her. Yet, she felt nothing for him. Any obstacle in her path, any stone that stood in her way, she wanted to kick it aside with all her might.


    "Harry was initially a vegetable,pletely unresponsive. But Edith had Wendy perform needle therapy on him, and now he''s awake. We need to find a way to stop your secret from being exposed!" Lilian said.


    Jessica''s eyes harrowed, turning cold and calcting. "We should make Wendy disappear."


    Lilian blinked in surprise.


    "Wendy is the source of all this trouble. Once she''s gone, everything she has will be mine!" Jessica dered.


    Right now, all she wanted was for Wendy to be dead.


    Lilian modded, her eyes filled with malice. "She should have died a long time ago. We left her in the countryside as a child, but she somehow survived. Well, now it''s time for her to disappear for good!"


    Jessica looked at Lilian, her voice sharp. "I''m leaving this to you. You take care of Wendy."


    Lilian froze. "You want me to do it myself?"


    "Who else can we trust? With Horace and Stanley around, it''s too risky. If anything slips out, it''ll all be exposed. It has to be you. Mom, you''re my real mother. You love me, and you''d do anything for me, wouldn''t you?"


    Before, Jessica had refused to call Lilian "Mom" and had been disgusted by thetter. Now she was gripping Lilian''s hand tightly, her eyes pleading.


    Lilian softened. After all, Jessica was her true daughter. "Okay, I''ll take care of it."


    Jessica''s face lit up, and she threw her arms around Lilian in a tight embrace. "Thanks, Mom! I knew you loved me. You''re the best!"


    Lilian wrapped her arms around Jessica in return. "Silly girl, I''ll do anything for you."


    Jessica''s smile faded, reced by a cold, calcting expression.


    Wendy, Harry, and Lilian had to die.


    At that moment, Jessica had already started thinking about how to eliminate Lilian.


    Lilian knew her secret. As long as Lilian couldn''t talk anymore, her identity would stay hidden.


    Wendy entered Harry''s hospital room once again. He was sitting in a wheelchair, his limbs useless, unable to speak-a shell of the man he once was. A caregiver was attending to him.


    Wendy looked at the caregiver. "You can go now. I''ll take over."


    "Alright," the caregiver said and left.


    Wendy turned back to Harry. "I''m going to perform needle therapy on you."


    She pulled out a needle from her bag.


    At that moment, Harry weakly reached out and grabbed Wendy''s sleeve.


    Wendy turned, startled. "What''s wrong?"


    Harry opened his mouth, struggling to speak.


    "Do you want to say something?" she asked softly.


    Harry nodded vigorously.


    Wendy leaned closer. "What do you want to tell me?"


    He nodded again, even more intensely.


    "Is it about Jessica?" she asked, watching his reaction.


    Harry''s eyes lit up with urgency, and he nodded even harder.


    Wendy had been feeling suspicious of Jessica and Lilian. It seemed as though Harry knew everything.


    She opened her palm, offering a way for him tomunicate. "You can''t speak right now, but you can write. Don''t rush. Just write what you need to say on my hand."


    Harry reached out, his fingers trembling, clumsy and stiff. But he focused, carefully writing each word on Wendy''s palm.


    ¡°Jessica...is...a...liar..." Wendy read aloud, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Her face froze in shock.


    Why would Harry say Jessica was a liar?

 Chapter 621

    Wendy was stunned. She had always known how much Harry loved Jessica- perhaps more than anyone else.


    But now, Harry''s attitude hadpletely shifted, turning 180 degrees, and he was calling Jessica a liar.


    What had Jessica lied about?


    Wendy looked at Harry, her confusion deepening. "Jessica a liar? What exactly did she lie about?"


    Harry nodded, his excitement growing. Then, he carefully began to write on Wendy''s palm. "She..is...not..."


    Not what? What was Jessica not?


    Harry was about to write the word "Ms. Larsun", intending to exin that Jessica wasn''t Horace''s daughter. But just then, there was a sudden sound-the door to the room swung open, and someone stepped inside.


    Wendy looked up to see Jessica and Lilian walking into the room.


    Jessica pushed forward and shoved Wendy aside. "What do you think you''re doing? Why are you so close to my dad? Are you trying to harm him?"


    Wendy stood up, her brows furrowing as she met Jessica''s gaze. "Why are you so worked up?"


    Jessica red at Wendy before turning her attention to Harry, who was still sitting in his wheelchair. She grasped his hand tightly. "Dad, I heard you fell and ended up in the hospital. I was so worried about you! That''s why I rushed over to see you."


    Harry looked at Jessica with cold, disgusted eyes. He tried to pull his hand away from her, but she wouldn''t let go.


    "You must be worried sick," Jessica insisted, "but I''m fine now. The poison in my body has been cured, and I''m better than ever.


    Lilian moved closer, offering her support. "Darling, Jessica is so worried about you. She''s so devoted. Don''t worry. You''ll get better soon."


    Jessica turned to Wendy. "What are you still standing there for? Get out! My dad doesn''t want you here. I''m the one he needs!"


    Harry opened his mouth, trying desperately to speak, but no sound came out.


    Lilian stepped in front of Wendy, blocking her view of Harry''s face.


    Wendy gave a small smile and shrugged. "Fine, I''ll leave."


    She gathered up her needles.


    At that moment, Jessica nced at Lilian, giving her a silent signal Wendy''s back was turned, and this was the perfect opportunity to strike.


    Lilian''s eyes burned with hatred as she red at Wendy''s back. She couldn''t wait to make Wendy disappear. Once Wendy was gone, nothing would stand in the way of her and Jessica.


    Something glinted as a sharp knife appeared in Lilian''s hand, its de reflecting the light in the room.


    There was no one else around in the room-it was the perfect moment.


    Lilian held the knife and moved closer to Wendy, step by step.


    Wendy was still focused on packing away her needles, unaware of the danger approaching. She noticed Lilian''s dark expression as she slowly neared.


    Harry saw everything from his wheelchair. His eyes widened in panic, his entire body filled with terror.


    Lilian was now right behind Wendy, and with one swift motion, she plunged the knife toward her.


    The sickening sound of the de slicing into flesh echoed


    The rooms, followed by a prag of Biond


    Wendy spun around at the noise. To her shock, Harry had somehow risen from his fivechate at was standing in front of he protecting her.


    Lilian''s knife had plunged deep into his body, and blood poured from the wound


    Wendy''s eyes went wide. She immediately rushed to support Harry her voice filled with fory


    "Lilian, are you insane?!"


    Lilian froze, shocked. She had never imagined that, at the critical moment, Harry would summon the strength to rise from his wheelchair and shield Wendy.


    The warmth of Harry''s blood soaked her hands, and for a moment, everything seemed to freeze


    This was the man she had loved for so long, yet she had just stabbed him with her own hands.

 Chapter 622

    Harry copsed, and Wendy quickly pressed her hands over his wond.


    "Hang in there," she said urgently. "I''ll treat you right away!"


    She couldn''t believe what had just happened. Never in her wildest thoughts did she expect Harry would throw himself in front of her like that, taking the knife meant for her.


    Harry gave a small shake of his head. He already knew-it was toote. He was at the end of the road. His eyes, full of guilt and regret, locked on Wendy. There was so much he wanted to say, but all he could manage was a strained, broken


    whisper.


    "I''m...sorry..."


    As the words left his lips, his hand dropped limply to the side, and he closed his eyes.


    Wendy clutched him. "Don''t give up! I can save you! Just hold on a little longer..."


    Lilian crouched beside them and ced her fingers beneath Harry''s nose. There was no breath.


    Harry was gone.


    He had died, and it was by her hand.


    Wendy looked up at Lilian, her voice trembling with shock and disbelief. "Why would you do this? You tried to kill me? I''m your daughter-your own flesh and blood!"


    She was stunned. Long had she epted that Lilian favored Jessica and barely tolerated her, but this... This was something else. Lilian had actually raised a knife against her. Lilian wasn''t just cruel-she was willing to kill her.


    If Harry hadn''t stepped in, Wendy knew she would be the one lying there, dead.


    Jessica didn''t shed a single tear for Harry. She wasn''t even sad. All she could think about was recing him with Horace. She was furious Harry had stepped in to protect Wendy. They were so close to ending Wendy!


    "It''s not over yet, Mom!" Jessica urged in a low hiss. "You killed the wrong one. Hurry up and finish Wendy off! This is your chance-we might not get another!"


    Fueled by hatred, Lilian snatched the bloodstained knife and rose to her feet. She stared at Wendy, venom in her eyes. "I''ve never liked you. I want you gone. You don''t deserve to live!"


    With that, she lunged, driving the de toward Wendy with all her strength.


    Before the knife could reach her, Wendy struck; swiftly and without warning, she jabbed a needle into a pressure point on


    Lilian''s wrist.


    Lilian''s hand went numb. The knife slipped from her fingers and ttered onto the carpet.


    Wendy stared Lilian down, her voice ice-cold. "You really are out of your mind. You just murdered someone. You''ll spend the rest of your life behind bars."


    "What are you doing, Mom?" Jessica screamed from the side. "Pick up the knife! Kill her now! We''re so close-just one more step!"


    Unwilling to give up, Lilian bent down and scrambled for the knife again, ready to strike one more time.


    Just then, the door burst open with a loud crash, Atall, broad figure stormed into the room.


    It was Stanley.


    Panic shed in Jessica''s eyes. It was toote-he hade.


    Stanley''s fierce gaze locked onto Lilian. "What do you think you''re doing?!"


    * 622


    Without hesitation, he charged forward and kicked Lilian hard. She flew backward, mmed into the wall, and spat out a mouthful of blood


    Stanley rushed to Wendy''s side, his eyes filled with concern. "Wendy, I''m sorry I''mte. Are you alright? Did they hurt you?"


    Wendy shook her head. "I''m okay...but Harry took the knife for me. He''s not breathing anymore."


    Stanley quickly checked under Harry''s nose. There was nothing. No breath.


    Just then, Wendy''s expression changed. She clutched her stomach and gasped. "It hurts..."

 Chapter 623

    Stanley immediately scooped Wendy up into his arms. "Someone, get a doctor!"


    With urgency, he rushed out, carrying Wendy in his arms.


    Lilian stood frozen, her gaze locked on Harry''s lifeless body, surrounded by blood. Her hands trembled uncontrobly, and tears began to spill down her face.


    "Harry! Why did you take that knife for Wendy? I didn''t want you dead! I''ve given you my youth, my entire life, and yet you betrayed me! Please, don''t me me. Don''t hate me for this..."


    Jessica panicked. "Pull yourself together! Wendy''s still alive! Our n failed."


    Lilian turned to her daughter, her voice shaky. "Harry was your father, too. He raised you all these years, treating you like royalty. Don''t you feel any sadness? Any grief?"


    Jessica nced at Harry''s body on the floor, her face cold and filled with bitterness. "Why should I be upset? If he hadn''t stepped in, Wendy would''ve been dead. He ruined everything for me! He didn''t love me enough!"


    Lilian''s face tightened. "How-"


    Before Lilian could say more, the door to the hospital room mmed open, and Edith rushed in with several people behind her. When she saw Harry lying in a pool of blood, she screamed.


    "Harry! What happened? Wake up, please! You''re scaring me!" Edith shook Harry violently, but there was no response. His body had already lost all signs of life.


    She looked up, fury burning in her eyes as she red at Lilian. "What happened? Did you...kill my son?"


    Lilian stepped back, trying to deny everything. "I-I didn''t..."


    At that moment, Horace entered with a group of people, his expression dark. "What''s going on here?"


    Jessica immediately rushed to his side. ¡°Dad, I''m so scared!"


    Horace turned his sharp gaze to Jessica. "Who killed him? You were here. What did you see?"


    Edith turned to Jessica as well. "Yes, you need to tell us what happened! My son, my dear Harry... He was getting better! I thought he would make it, but now...he''s gone. Who killed him?"


    Jessica''s eyes turned to Lilian, and she pointed directly at thetter "It''s her! She''s the killer!"


    Lilian froze, her face going pale as disbelief overtook her. "What...


    Her own daughter was using her of murder. Jessica, her own flesh and blood, had just pointed the finger at her,


    Jessica took a step back, now hiding behind Horace, her voice shaking with fear. "Dad, I''m scared! I saw it with my own eyes. It was Lilian-she killed him with the knife!"


    Edith lunged forward, grabbing Lilian by the hair. "You! You killed my son! I''ll make you pay for this!"


    p!


    Edith''s hand struck Lilian''s face with a loud crack, followed by another p.


    Lilian felt the sting of the blows, her face burning with pain. Edith''s nails had left deep scratches across her skin. She looked at Jessica, her voice desperate. "I''m your mother! I-"


    But Jessica was done. Now, she saw Lilian as nothing more than a discarded pawn.


    Fearing what Lilian might say, Jessica immediately cut her off. "You may have raised me, but you''re a murderer. I can''t stand by you anymore! Wendy and I saw youe at him with the knife, and it has your fingerprints on it. We have the weapon and


    witnesses. You can''t deny it!"


    Jessica''s words were a cold reminder that there was no escape for lian now. All the evidence pointed directly to her.


    Edith, consumed by hatred, grabbed a fistful of Lilian''s hair and yanked her head back.


    "You witch! You took my son''s life! I should never have allowed you to marry him. I''m going to make you pay for this. I''ll kill you myself if I have to!"

 Chapter 624

    Edith pinned Lilian to the ground, relentlessly punching and kicking her.


    Lilian, battered and bruised, cried out in pain, her voice trembling ''Stop, please! It hurts so much... Please, just stop!" Horace''s cold voice cut through the chaos. "Take her away."


    Several bodyguards in ck entered and swiftly restrained Lin, ragging her


    away.


    Edith copsed beside Harry, sobbing uncontrobly. "Harry! Hary, how could you go before me? I can''t do this anymore..."


    The Crone family began making arrangements for Harry''s funeral Jessica, filled with anxiety, couldn''t shake the fear that Lilian might say something, especially now that she was under Horace''s control.


    Jessica went to find Horace, who was in his study, speaking with the butler.


    She quickly hid just outside the door, straining to hear their conversation. She caught Horace asking the butler, "Has Lilian said anything?"


    The butler lowered his voice, replying, ¡°She''s tight-lipped; she won''t say a word. But we did find her fingerprints on the knife. The evidence is clear-she''s guilty of murder."


    The butler paused and then looked at Horace. "Do you think there''s something more?"


    Horace''s lips tightened as he pondered. "I''m not sure yet. But I feel like Lilian is hiding something, and it has something to do with Jessica."


    The butler''s eyes widened. "Ms. Jessica?"


    Horace stood up, his tall frame moving toward the window. "Don''t you think Jessica is acting a bit strange? We all know how she got poisoned-it was her own doing. If I''m right, she was trying to frame Wendy."


    The butler looked at Horace, his face thoughtful. ¡°Mr. Larson, I''ve been with you for many years, and I have to say, Ms. Jessica''s behavior has been questionable. I''ve had the chance to interact with Ms. Wendy, and she''s much more straightforward and intelligent."


    Horace smiled faintly, thinking of Wendy. "Stanley''s judgment never fails."


    Outside the door, Jessica''s anger red as she dug her nails deep into her palm. She had noticed Horace''s growing favor for Wendy.


    Now, Horace was questioning her character and doubting her intentions.


    She had fought so hard to earn the title of the richest man''s daughter, yet Wendy seemed to effortlessly take everything from her. What gave Wendy the right?


    Horace''s voice broke through her thoughts. "Find a way to get Lilian to talk. I want to know everything."


    The butler nodded. "Understood."


    Jessica''s heart burned with a mix of fury, fear, and desperation. She couldn''t


    afford to lose her position as the richest man''s daughter. Now, only Lilian knew the truth.


    It seemed that Lilian couldn''t be allowed to live,


    With that thought, Jessica turned and walked away.


    Lilian had been locked in a small, dark room for what felt like an eternity. She was battered and bruised, but she hadn''t said a word. If she spoke, she knew there would be no escape. She hoped that by staying silent, she could turn things around.


    Suddenly, the door creaked open, and footsteps echoed in the quiet room.


    Lilian didn''t look up. She curled into a corner, whispering, "Don''t ask me anything. I won''t say a word."


    The person remained silent.


    Lilian hesitated before looking up. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw Jessica standing there.


    A wave of relief washed over her.


    "Jessica, you came! I knew you would! You''re here to save me, arent you? After


    all, I''m your mom. I knew you wouldn''t just leave me here!"

 Chapter 625

    Chapter 625 Chapter 625


    Lilian held Jessica''s hand tightly, her eyes filled with hope. Right now, Jessica was her only hope. She truly believed that Jessica would save her.


    Jessica looked at Lilian and said softly, "Mom."


    Lilian immediately wrapped her arms around Jessica. "Yes darling?"


    Jessica didn''t pull away. She let her mother hold her, but there was a hint of worry in her voice as she said, "Horace is starting to doubt my background."


    "What?" Lilian stiffened, her heart skipping a beat. "Why would he doubt your background?"


    "Because I went to him to plead for you. I wanted him to let you go, but he thinks you''ve killed someone, so he won''t release you. I groveled and begged him, but he said you''re just my foster mom, not my real mom. That was when he started to question where I really came from."


    Jessica''s voice cracked with frustration and a bit of guilt.


    Lilian was deeply moved. "I can''t believe you did that for me. I thought you''d forgotten about me."


    "Of course not! Back in the hospital, when I said you killed Dad, it was because I had no choice-it was just a temporary measure. I could never abandon you or stop trying to save you. But now, I''ve failed to get you out, and Horace is also starting to suspect who I really am. Mom, what should I do?


    "If I lose the identity of the richest man''s daughter, then the Crone and Larson families will turn their backs on me. I''ll be left with nothing. All my life, I''ve been better than Wendy. She''ll step all over me and bully me. I can''t live like that!


    "Mom, you''re my real mother. You''ll help me, won''t you? You''re the only one I can count on now."


    Tears began to stream down Jessica''s face, falling quickly and silently as she sobbed in despair. With her voice barely audible, she looked incredibly vulnerable.


    Lilian''s heart broke at the sight. "No, don''t cry. I''ll figure something out."


    "But what can you do? Horace is determined to make you talk, and he''s already starting to suspect us! Unless..."


    "Unless what?" Lilian asked, her voice trembling.


    "Unless you disappear from this world."


    "What?"


    Disappear from the world?


    Lilian stumbled back, her face pale with shock as she stared at Jessica,pletely baffled by what she was hearing.


    Jessica stepped closer, her expression cold. "This is the only way. You have to take everything on yourself and end it all. That''s the only way to save me."


    Lilian couldn''t believe what she was hearing. "You came here today to ask me to end my life? You didn''t actually plead for me, did you? You were lying to me! Your tears-they''re all fake!"


    Had she already figured it out? Jessica had initially nned to manipte Lilian, tricking thetter into willingly ending her own life. But now, the act was falling apart.


    Without hesitation, Jessica wiped away her tears with a nk expression and revealed the truth.


    "That''s right. I never begged for you."


    "How could you do this to me?" Lilian''s voice was filled with disbelief and pain. Chapter 625


    "Why not? How could I possibly beg for you? Horace is already beginning to doubt me. Do you want me to be exposed, too? You''re the one who made me the richest man''s daughter. You let all of this happen. Now that I''m at the top, I don''t want to fall. Is that so wrong?¡± Jessica''s tone was firm, filled with justification. Lilian''s face turned ashen, realization dawning on her.


    Everything was her own doing. She was the one who had pushed Jessica into this position.


    "You''ve always taught me to climb higher, to step on people like Wendy and everyone else beneath me. Isn''t that what you''ve been teaching me my whole life? I''ve gotten used to being cared for, being spoiled. I don''t want to lose that! You''re my real mother, and now you''ve been convicted of murder. You can''t escape it. Shouldn''t you do onest thing to protect your daughter? "Jessica sneered.


    Jessica gripped Lilian''s shoulders tightly. "Mom, please, help met you just ta

 Chapter 626

    Jessica gripped Lilian''s shoulders tightly. "Mom, please, help met you just take all the me, you can save me! You can protect


    Lilian looked at Jessica, her heart heavy with years of regret. She had spent her whole life paving the way for Jessica, cing all her hopes on thetter. She had taught Jessica to climb to the top, o matter the cost-including stealing the identity Stanley''s lifesaver and the title of the richest inan''s daughter. She had silently allowed it all to happen.


    But now, it all came back to haunt her. She was reaping the consequences of her choices.


    It was her own selfishness, her own actions, that had shaped Jessica into who she was today.


    And now, Lilian was about to be betrayed by her flesh and blood.


    "But I''m your mother... How can you be so heartless...?"


    Jessica dropped to her knees in front of Lilian and grabbed the hem of Lilian''s pants.


    "Mon, I have no choice! I have to make you disappear. If you love me, you''ll help me. Please, I''m begging you."


    Lilian looked at Jessica with a heart full of pain and betrayal. A bitter, self-mockingugh escaped her lips.


    It was over.


    This was her fate, after all.


    The moment Harry died, she should''ve known her destiny. The mystery of Jessica''s birth had to be buried with blood.


    Lilian closed her eyes.


    Wendy had returned from the hospital. Her baby was healthy, but she had been in shock and needed to stabilize her emotions for the baby''s sake.


    Harry had died protecting her, and something didn''t sit right. She couldn''t shake the feeling that everything was connected, that there was more to the story.


    She turned to Edith. "Where''s Lilian?"


    Edith''s eyes were swollen from crying. "Don''t mention that witch! She killed my son-I want her to pay with her life!"


    At that moment, Horace walked in. "Hello, Wendy."


    Wendy looked at him, her eyes hard. "Lilian tried to kill me, and Harry took the knife for me."


    Horace nodded, his face somber. "I know."


    "Do you also know Jessica is an aplice?"


    Horace''s brows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"


    "She came into the ward with Lilian. Lilian tried to stab me, but Jessica is just as guilty!" Wendy''s voice was sharp, filled with


    usation.


    Horace''s face hardened. "Jessica''s my daughter."


    Stanley, standing by Wendy''s side, spoke up. "Even if Jessica''s your daughter,


    you can''t ignore or condone her actions. In fact, it''s because she''s your daughter that you should be the one to hold her ountable."


    Horace fell silent, his gaze distant.


    Wendy pressed on. "Where''s Lilian? I want to see her."


    "I locked her in a room," Horace replied calmly. "I''ll take you to her."


    Wendy nodded, her mind racing with questions. She had to ask Lin about Harry-something about all of this didn''t make


    sense.


    Wendy, Stanley, and Horace made their way to the small room. A ck-suited guard opened the door.


    "Lilian''s been inside," Horace said,


    "Alright," Wendy said, her voice tight with determination.


    They entered together, andshe called out, "Lilian, I want to ask you about Harry..."


    Her words stopped dead in their tracks. Lilian was lying in a pool of blood.


    Wendy''s heart skipped a beat. She rushed forward, quickly feeling for a pulse. There was nothing. No heartbeat.


    Lilian had killed herself, smashing her head against the wall, leaving a trail of blood.


    Stanley and Horace stood frozen for a moment, shocked. They stepped forward, their voices low with disbelief.


    "She''s not breathing anymore. She''s gone."


    Lilian''s death took everything with her-every secret, every answer.

 Chapter 627

    Wendy turned to Horace, her gaze sharp. "Why did Lilian suddenly die? Why did she just crash into a wall like that? Horace looked troubled. "I''m not sure, either."


    Wendy stared at the lifeless form of Lilian, her heart heavy with mixed emotions. Though Lilian had never shown her any maternal love and had caused her pain time and time again, Wendy had never once wished for Lilian''s death.


    Her pale eyes began to redden, tears slowly gathering at the corners before they spilled down her cheeks, heavy and uncontroble.


    At that moment, the sound of the butler''s voice reached them from outside. "Mr. Larson, something''s wrong!"


    Horace immediately turned to the butler. "What happened?"


    "Ms. Jessica is gone!"


    What? Jessica was missing?


    Horace rushed out of the room, running straight into Jessica''s. The room was eerily empty. There was no sign of her anywhere.


    "Jessica! Jessica!" Horace called out desperately, his eyes frantic as he turned to the butler. "When did she disappear?"


    "Just a while ago, the maid was bringing Ms. Jessica some chicken soup when she noticed she was gone. No one saw when she left, but I think she''s been gone for a while."


    Horace''s face hardened with urgency. "Get people to search immediately! We need to find her, no matter what! Search all of Hovendale if we have to!"


    The butler nodded, his face serious. "Yes, sir."


    Horace dashed off; but just then, Wendy walked up to him, her expression unreadable. "Mr. Larson, I need to talk to you."


    "What is it?".


    "Mr. Larson, don''t you find it strange? Harry and Lilian are dead, and now Jessica''s gone."


    Horace''s face darkened. "I need to find her now. We can talkter."


    Without another word, he ran off.


    Wendy furrowed her brow, her mind racing with thoughts.


    Stanley walked up beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Why would Jessica just disappear like that? Where do you think she went?"


    Wendy gazed in the direction Horace had gone, her voice calm but filled with quiet certainty. "Don''t worry. She''ll be fine. She won''t let anything happen to herself."


    Stanley nodded thoughtfully.


    Wendy continued, "Let''s follow him and see what''s going on."


    Horace and his team were relentless in their search for Jessica. Soon enough, they had news.


    The butler appeared again, breathless. "We''ve found Ms. Jessica. She''s on the overpass."


    Take me there, now!" Horace ordered immediately.


    Within moments, several luxury cars sped toward the overpass, and Horace hurried out of the car. His eyes quickly found Jessica.


    She was sitting on the edge of the overpass, the vast ocean below her. One wrong move, and she would fall. Horace rushed forward, his voiceced with concern. "Why are you sitting there alone? Come back. It''s dangerous!" Jessica looked up at him, her eyes filled with pain. "Don''te any closer!"


    Horace froze in his tracks. "Okay, I won''te any closer, but can youe over to me?"


    Jessica''s eyes welled up with tears, her voice breaking as se choked on her words. "Dad, do you not love me?"


    Horace shook his head, his voice soft but firm. "How could you think that? Of course, I love you,"


    "But I don''t feel your love. I feel like you care more about Wendy!" f


    "I..." Horace opened his mouth but couldn''t find the right words.


    "You know I can''t stand Wendy. She took Stanley, the man I love. But you''re always so close to her. You''re my dad! Why don''t you favor me? Why do you side with my enemy?"


    Horace was silent. The truth was, he was indeed fond of Wendy. He admired her intelligence, herposure, and her openness. He knew the situation well- Wendy and Jessica were rivals, both in love with the same man.


    Now, with Jessica using him, guilt filled Horace''s chest. "I''m sorry... I shouldn''t have acted this way."


    "I''ll tell you the truth. I actually poisoned myself to frame Wendy!" Jessica confessed, her voice raw.


    "Jessica..."


    "Do you know why I did it? It''s because I was jealous that Stanley gave his love to Wendy. And I''m even more jealous that you''ve started getting close to her!"

 Chapter 628

    Chapter 628 Chapter 628


    "I''ve had heart problems since I was young," Jessica sobbed, her voice thick with emotion. "I''ve always been iplete. I finally found you, Dad, but you don''t love me. I had to use despicable means to try and earn your affection."


    Tears streamed down her face, each one a silent testament to her pain..


    Horace''s gaze wasplex as he looked at Jessica. "You don''t have to do that. It''s all my fault. I''ve neglected your feelings..."


    "We''ve been apart for so many years. When I thought we''d finally be together again, I hoped you would treat me well, that you would love me unconditionally and spoil me...but I was wrong. My mom is long gone, and now, I just want to go find her. I want to tell her that you don''t love me."


    The mention of Brittany struck Horace like a knife to the heart. His expression softened; the harshness melted away from his eyes, reced by something tender. He stepped closer to Jessica, his voice quiet and filled with regret.


    ¡°Jessica, I''m so sorry. It''s all my fault. Please, give me one more chance. I''ll change. I''ll take you back to the Capital. Whatever you want, I''ll make it happen."


    Jessica''s voice wavered with emotion. "Really? If you''re lying to me, I''ll jump off this bridge right now!"


    Her body swayed dangerously, as if she might slip into the ocean below at any second.


    Horace''s heart skipped a beat, fear gripping him tightly. "I would never lie to you! I promise. From now on, I''ll keep my distance from Wendy. I won''t do anything you don''t like. Now, can youe back to me?"


    Jessica hesitated, her gaze still filled with doubt; but then, with a soft nod, she slowly climbed down from the bridge. Horace immediately stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her. "Please, don''t do this again. You scared me." Jessica returned the hug, her voice muffled against his chest. "If you really love me, I won''t do anything foolish anymore." "I promise. I''ll take you back to the Capital. We''ll have a big party to announce your return," Horace said, his voice warm with


    assurance.


    "Okay," Jessica whispered.


    Just then, Wendy and Stanley arrived. Wendy stepped out of the car and immediately saw Horace and Jessica in a tender embrace. The scene froze her in her tracks.


    Jessica, noticing Wendy''s arrival, turned toward her with a slow, deliberate smile.


    It was a smile full of triumph-taunting, self- assured, and a clear deration of her victory.


    Wendy stood frozen in ce.


    Stanley took Wendy''s hand, feeling the icy coldness of her fingers. After all,


    Jessica is Mr. Larson''s biological daughter. He''s been searching for her all these years, so..."


    Wendy nodded slightly, her face showing she understood. "I want to go back now."


    "I''ll take you," Stanley offered, concern in his eyes.


    "No need. I''ll go back by myself," Wendy replied quietly.


    "But-"


    Stanley tried to insist, but his phone suddenly rang. It was Ang.


    "I''m guessing that''s your mother calling. Don''t worry about me. I walk home," Wendy said with a faint smile before turning to leave.


    A sleek luxury car sped toward them, and Samuel stepped out. "Hey, Wendy."


    Wendy walked up to him, then gave Stanley onest nce. "Bye, Stanley."


    She climbed into Samuel''s car; the vehicle sped off, disappearing into the night, leaving Stanley standing there, staring at the empty road.


    Stanley pressed the button to answer his mother''s call. "Hello, Mom"


    "Stanley, we should return to the Capital. Mr. Larson is taking Jessica back there, too," Ang said firmly.


    "I''m noting back. I''m staying here to be with Wendy," Stanley replied, his voice resolute.


    "Be with Wendy? But she''s eaving."


    "What?" Stanley''s heart dropped.


    He looked up, his eyes scanning the empty street. Wendy''s figure waspletely


    gone, swallowed by the vast night.


    Wendy...had left.


    Stanley had been toote to realize it-Wendy was saying goodbye to him.


    And now, she had left.

 Chapter 629

    Three yearster, in Florias...


    Inside a vast and elegant vi, Wendyy quietly on her bed. Her longshes rested softly against her cheeks, and her delicate face glowed faintly with a soft pink hue that made her look like a dollso beautiful it made you want to reach out and touch her


    Golden curtains trailed down to the floor. The warm sunlight filtered through the windows, bathing the room in a gentle, golden light.


    Just then, the door creaked open with a soft creak, and a tiny bundle of energy burst into the room. A little girl scrambled up onto the bed and pressed her chilbby cheeks against Wendy''s face, nting a loud kiss on her skin.


    Her sweet, childish voice rang out, "Ding dong, ding dong! Be''s wake-up kiss service is now online! Mommy, it''s time to get up!"


    Be Hawkesley was now three years old. Wendy had returned to orias three years ago and given birth to her daughter.


    She was wearing a pink princess dress, looking like she had stepped straight out of a fairytale. Her features were delicate and adorable, and her big, sparkling eyes seemed to hold all the light in the world. She was a perfect blend of her parents'' best traits. Wendy slowly opened her eyes. For the past three years, she had been living as a mother. And to her, the happiest part of every day was opening her eyes and seeing Be first thing in the morning.


    She reached out and pulled Be into her arms. "I performed a surgeryst night, and it went prettyte, so I overslept today." Be blinked her big eyes and nodded. "I know! That''s why I yed by myself this morning, so you could sleep a little more. But Daddy Sam came. He''s here to see you..."


    Wendy felt her heart swell with warmth. Be truly was her little angel.


    Samuel came? He didn''t usually visit unless there was something important.


    Wendy sat up. "Okay, I''ll go see him." She held Be''s hand as they walked out of the room.


    In the living room, Samuel stood waiting. "Did I wake you up?"


    Wendy smiled faintly. "Is something wrong?"


    Samuel looked at her seriously. "I went to the Capital a few days ago. Aren''t you curious about what''s been happening there these past three years?"


    Wendy lowered her gaze to Be. The little girl looked up at her with wide, curious eyes.


    Wendy gently patted her daughter''s soft hair. "Be, go y for a little while on your own, okay?"


    "Okay!" Be chirped and skipped off.


    Wendy stepped closer to Samuel. "I don''t want to know."


    These past three years, Wendy had poured all her time into raising Be and working. Her life had been full and peaceful.


    Samuel tilted his head and gave her a knowing smile.


    "Are you sure? Three years ago, Jessica went back to the Capital with Mr. Larson. Don''t you want to know what''s going on with her? And Stanley returned to the Capital, too. The Hawk and Larson families have a marriage agreement. Don''t you want to know what happened between Stanley and Jessica?"


    Wendy looked at him calmly. "What are you trying to say?"


    "I heard they''re getting married soon."


    The names of those from her past made hershes tremble slightly


    Wendy


    had thought she could stay calm, that time had settled all the old emotions. But in truth, something still stirred deep


    inside her.


    Stanley.


    It had been three full years since she and Stanley had parted ways,


    And now, he was marrying Jessica?


    It wasn''t surprising. The Hawk and Larson families had a longstanding marriage arrangement. Jessica was the daughter of the richest man, so it was only natural that they ended up together.


    Rather, what was surprising was the fact that they had waited this long to finally make it official.


    "When are you nning to go to the Capital? Don''t tell me you''re not going," Samuel asked.


    Wendy arched one brow with a small smirk. "Why wouldn''t I? Of course I''ll go to the Capital." Jessica was there, and there were still a lot of things Wendy needed to settle with her.


    "So, when exactly are you going?"

 Chapter 630

    "I haven''t decided yet," Wendy muttered.


    Samuel pulled out a golden-embossed invitation.


    "Don''t wait any longer. You should leave tomorrow. The Capital is hosting the Zenith G soon, and they''ve invited the top 100 from the Forbes Billionaires list. Everyone there will be powerful and influential. This is your invitation."


    Wendy took the elegant, gold-embossed invitation and opened it inside, it disyed the name "Jolin".


    "The CEO of NovaHealth, the world''srgest pharmaceutical conglomerate, Jolin, will be attending the Zenith G. The news has already spread, and your presence there will be the highlight of the event. This is the perfect opportunity to head to the Capital."


    Jolin was Wendy''s alias and the powerful owner behind NovaHealth


    Wendy didn''t refuse, but her gaze shifted to Be, who was sitting with a nanny and busy drawing "But if I go to the Capital, what about Be? She''s never been apart from me for this long. She''s very clingy."


    Wendy was clearly worried about her daughter.


    Samuel raised an eyebrow. "Aren''t you bringing her with you?"


    Wendy shook her head. "I''m not."


    "Why not? Are you worried about Be meeting her father?"


    Wendy stared out into the distance.


    "Stanley and I are done. Now, he''s marrying the daughter of the richest man. I don''t want Be to meet Stanley yet, even though I know it''s unfair to her. She has the right to know who her father is...but I''m being selfish. I don''t want her caught up in the politics between the Hawk and Larson families. I just want her to be healthy and happy, always."


    Samuel nodded, respecting Wendy''s decision. Be was Wendy''s daughter, the child she had fought so hard to bring into the world. Wendy had every right to make that choice.


    "You go to the Capital. I''ll take care of Be."


    "Really?"


    "Of course. Why? Don''t you trust me?" With that, Samuel called, "Be,e here."


    Be immediately ran over, her little hands and feet a blur. She jumped into Samuel''s arms. "Daddy Sam, why did you call for me?"


    Samuel kissed her on the cheek. "Your mommy has to go on a business trip for a few days. Will you stay with me and y while she''s gone?"


    Be looked up at Wendy. "Mommy, are you going far away?"


    Wendy nodded. "Yes, I am."


    "Then can I go with you? I want to be with you."


    Be wanted to go with Wendy to the Capital.


    Wendy smiled softly. "I''m going there for work, so I won''t have time to take you. I''ll only be gone for a few days, but I''ll be back really soon. You stay and have fun with Daddy Sam, okay? I''ll video chat with you every day."


    Be nodded. "Okay..."


    "Good girl."


    The next day, Wendy finished packing her bags. Samuel and Be took her to the airport.


    "Don''t worry," Samuel said. "Go ahead and take care of what you need to."


    Be waved. "Bye, Mommy..."


    Wendy kissed Be goodbye before boarding the private ne heading to the Capital.


    Samuel held Be close. "Let''s go home."


    Be spotted a vendor selling chocte-coated strawberries. "Daddy Sam, can you buy me some chocte-coated strawberries?"


    Samuel gently ced Be on a seat in the terminal. "Sure. Stay right here. I''ll be back with them."


    As Samuel went off to buy the treats, Be sat waiting obediently.


    Just then, a tall and handsome figure appeared in the airport lobby-it was Stanley.

 Chapter 631

    Stanley hade to Florias.


    After three years, his handsome features seemed even more defined, as though they had been sculpted. His perfectly tailored suit hugged his strong frame, outlining his lean waist.


    He moved across the lobby with a steady, purposeful stride, hismanding presence exuding power and authority, causing people to nce back at him as he passed by..


    Zayn followed behind him, speaking softly, "Mr. Hawly, we''ve checked. There''s no sign of Ms. Wendy here. She''s not in Florias." Stanley approached therge floor- to-ceiling windows and stared out, his gaze distant. "In the past three years, I''ve traveled to many cities and searched many ces, all to find Wendy. But it''s as if she vanished from this world. No matter how hard I try, I can''t find her."


    Three years ago, Wendy had left in Samuel''s luxury car and hadn''t returned since.


    For these three years, Stanley had been looking for her.


    Now, he was in Florias, but still, there was no trace of Wendy.


    It was as though she had disappeared without a trace.


    "Mr. Hawk, the private jet is ready," Zayn said. "We should board. The Zenith G


    in the Capital is tomorrow, and you need to attend. We should head back to the Capital."


    Stanley nodded. "Okay."


    Since there was no news of Wendy here, he would have to go back.


    Just then, the soft chime of a phone rang. Stanley pulled his phone from his pocket and saw that it was Ang calling.


    He answered the call. "Hello, Mom."


    Meanwhile, Be was sitting in the lobby, ying with a crystal ball. It was a gift from Wendy for her birthday, and she loved it


    dearly.


    Suddenly, the ball slipped from her hands and rolled across the floor.


    "Ah, my crystal ball..."


    Be scrambled after it.


    The ball continued rolling, and soon it came to a stop right at Stanley''s feet.


    Stanley was still on the phone when Ang''s voice came through, "You shoulde back soon. Jessica is here with me. You two should set a wedding date by now."


    At the mention of "Jessica", Stanley furrowed his brows.


    He began to turn around when his footnded on the crystal ball.


    "My crystal ball..." A soft, childlike voice came from beside him. "Sir, you stepped on my crystal ball..."


    Stanley looked down and saw Be''s delicate face staring up at him.


    Be was only three, small enough to reach just up to his calves. She was


    dressed in a cute princess dress and little round-toed shoes-a tiny, soft bundle of sweetness.


    Stanley froze. In that moment, something inside him softened. Where had this little bundle of joye from? She was simply


    adorable.


    "Sir, my crystal ball..."


    Stanley quickly lifted his foot. "Sorry, I didn''t mean to."


    Though Stanley hadn''t meant to, the crystal ball had been crushed under his step.


    "My crystal ball... You broke my crystal ball..." Be picked up the Broken toy, her tiny lips trembling. Big tears rolled down her cheeks.


    Stanley panicked. He crouched quickly and tried tofort her. "Hey, now. Don''t cry, little one. I really didn''t mean to. I''m so sorry. Can you forgive me?"


    It was the first time Stanley had seen such a small child cry. His heart ached as he watched her tears fall. And it was because of


    him.


    Be was incredibly upset. "This crystal ball was a gift from Mommy. It''s my favorite toy, and now it''s broken... Wah..."

 Chapter 632

    Stanley quickly wiped Be''s tears away. "Hey, little one, how about this? I''ll buy you a new one, okay?"


    Be shook her head, sniffling. ¡°I don''t want a new one... I only want the one Morniny gave me."


    It was the first time Stanley had tried tofort a child, and he was clearly flustered. "Alright. Where''s your Mommy? I''ll go find her right now."


    Be''s voice trembled as she replied, "She''s not here..."


    Stanley, unsure what else to do, bent down and gently picked Bep. "Let''s go find your parents."


    Be, tiny and light as a feather, rested in his arms as he held her securely. She looked up at him, her tears slowly drying as she realized how high she was being lifted. She couldn''t help but marvel at how handsome this man was. He held her higher than Samuel ever did.


    "If your Mommy''s not here, where''s your Daddy? You didn''te out here by yourself, did you?"


    Be miled softly, her voice full of innocence. "I didn''te out by myself..."


    Just then, Be heard a familiar voice.


    Samuel, having bought some chocte-coated strawberries, returned and noticed Be wasn''t in her seat. He began searching the area. "Be... Be...!"


    Be immediately spoke up. "My daddy''s looking for me!"


    Stanley gently set her down, and Be waved her little hand. "Goodbye, Mr. Handsome."


    Stanley smiled. "Next time we meet, I''ll make sure to buy you a new crystal ball."


    "Okay," Be responded cheerfully as she ran off.


    Stanley watched Be''s small figure scamper over to Samuel.


    "Daddy Sam..." she called out.


    Stanley''s eyes narrowed as he saw Samuel''s back. "Samuel...?"


    For three years, Stanley had been searching for Samuel, but he too seemed to


    have vanished from the earth. Now, he was here at the airport?


    Stanley''s legs moved quickly as he stepped forward.


    Just then, Zayn approached. "Mr. Hawk, the private jet is ready."


    Stanley froze for a moment. By the time he turned around, Samuel and Be had disappeared.


    Stanley looked around the vast airport, but there was no sign of the familiar figures. Had he imagined it? Was that really Samuel?


    Zayn nudged him again, his voice firm. "Mr. Hawk, it''s time to board."


    Stanley reluctantly turned away. "Let''s go."


    He followed Zayn as they left.


    Meanwhile, Samuel had taken Be to the side, away from the crowd. He waited


    until Stanley had left before he finally let Be down.


    Samuel had recognized Stanley the moment he saw thetter. He hadn''t


    expected to run into Stanley here.


    "Daddy Sam, why were you hiding? Were you hiding from Mr. Handsome?" Be asked curiously.


    Samuel nced at her, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Be


    Be pointed to the broken crystal ball in her hands. "My crystal b broke It."


    Samuel couldn''t help but feel a sense of wonder. For the past three the Capital, she hadn''t wanted Stanley to know Be existed.


    But fate had a funny way of working, and somehow, Be and Stati "Do you like that Mr. Handsome you met?"


    Be nodded enthusiastically. "I like him. He''s so tall and handsom Chapter 632


    Samuel nced at her, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Be, how do you know that man?"


    Be pointed to the broken crystal ball in her hands. "My crystal ball rolled over to him, and he identally stepped on it and broke it.¡±


    Samuel couldn''t help but feel a sense of wonder. For the past three years, Wendy had been avoiding Stanley. Even on this trip to the Capital, she hadn''t wanted Stanley to know Be existed.


    But fate had a funny way of working, and somehow, Be and Stanley had


    crossed paths. Father and daughter had met.


    "Do you like that Mr. Handsome you met?"


    Be nodded enthusiastically. "I like him. He''s so tall and handsome. He lifted me


    so high..."

 Chapter 633

    Samuel picked up Be, holding her gently in his arms. "So you like Mr. Handsome, Ih?"


    Be nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, I do... He''s so tall and handsome. Can you introduce him to Mommy, so he can be my daddy?"


    Samuel couldn''t help but smile. Be was such a sweet little girl, always thinking about Wendy. The first thing she thought of when she saw a handsome man was introducing him to Wendy.


    "Let''s go home."


    "Okay!" Be replied with a bright smile.


    Samuel carried Be back to their vi.


    That evening, Wendy called for a video chat.


    Be excitedly answered the call. "Mommy..."


    Wendy, now in the Capital and staying in a presidential suite at a six-star hotel, smiled as she saw Be''s lovely face appear on the screen. The fatigue from her travels seemed to fade as she gazed at her daughter.


    "Have you missed me?"


    "I missed you so much, Mommy... I miss you a lot."


    "I miss you too, Be."


    "Today, I saw a handsome man at the airport. I want to introduce him to you to be your husband..."


    Wendy froze for a moment, not expecting her daughter to say something like that. It seemed her little one was already ying matchmaker for her.


    "Who is this handsome man?"


    Just then, Samuel walked into the room, holding Be in his arms. "The handsome man she''s talking about, you know him too." Wendy raised an eyebrow. "Who is it?"


    "Stanley."


    What?


    Wendy''s long, delicate fingers suddenly trembled. Be and Stanley had met? How could Stanley possibly be in Florias?


    Samuel continued, "Stanley came to Florias, but he took a flight back to the Capital. You were just ahead of him, so you didn''t see him. Be ran into him at the airport. She really liked him."


    Wendy was in shock. She had never imagined that Stanley and Be would meet at the airport. "Did he recognize Be?"


    Samuel shook his head. "No, don''t worry."


    Wendy sighed with relief. She hadn''t wanted Stanley to recognize Be: Though, even if he did, it wouldn''t have been a huge issue since he always thought Be was her and Samuel''s child.


    At that moment, Be spoke up again in her sweet, innocent voice. ''Mommy, do you know Mr. Handsome? I want him to be my daddy..."


    Wendy could only stare, speechless.


    No matter what Be asked, Wendy always agreed. But this request, she just couldn''t say yes to.


    She never imagined that the genes were this strong. Be had never met Stanley before, yet the first time she saw him, she was


    drawn to him.


    "The world of grown-ups can be veryplicated. Mr. Handsome night already


    be married, and we can''t just go around pairing people up."


    Be looked a bit disappointed, but she nodded obediently. "Okay, then." "Wendy, get some rest now," Samuel said, then he and Wendy ended the call. Be looked up at Samuel. ¡°Daddy Sam, does Mommy know Mr. Handsome?" Samuel patted Be''s little head gently, knowing how much she longed for a father. "Would you like to go to the Capital? Your mommy''s there now. How about I take you with me to visit her?"


    Be''s eyes immediately lit up. "Really? I want to go!"


    "Alright, we''ll leave right now."


    Samuel made up his mind. He was going to take Be to the Capital


    He hadn''t discussed this with Wendy because he knew she would disagree, but


    for once, he decided to take matters into his own hands. He had to take Be to the Capital.


    The Capital.


    Stanley had already disembarked from the ne and was riding in a Rolls-Royce business car when his phone rang.


    It was another call from Ang.

 Chapter 634

    Stanley pressed the button to answer the call. "Itello, Mom."


    "You''re back in the Capital, right? Why don''t youe over to the family estate for dinner? I''d love to have you here."


    Stanley couldn''t refuse that request, of course. ¡°Sure."


    Soon, the Rolls-Royce business car pulled up to the Hawk mily estate''s expansivewn. Stanley stepped out and walked into the house.


    Ang was sitting on the s, apanied by someone else-Jessica.


    In the three years since theyst met, Jessica had only grown more stunning. As the daughter of the richest man in the world, she had been living a life of luxury and sess.


    Ang beamed as she saw Stanley. "Stanley, you''re back!"


    Jessica also brightened up immediately. She stood and hurried over to Stanley with a smile. "Hey, Stanley!"


    Stanley hadn''t expected to see Jessica here. He pursed his lips and with a cool and distant expression, asked, "What are you doing here?"


    "Jessica knew you wereing back today, so she''s been waiting for you. Look at how thoughtful your fianc¨¦e is! I hope you two can get married soon so I can hold my grandchild," Ang quickly exined.


    Jessica gazed at Stanley with affection, her eyes full of longing as she said softly, "I can''t wait to marry him soon."


    Ang, with a pleased smile, added, "I''ve already had someone pick out a few good dates for the wedding. Why don''t you take a look?"


    "No need to look," Stanley immediately replied. "I''m not marrying Jessica."


    The words hung in the air, and both Ang and Jessica froze.


    2


    Stanley turned his attention back to Jessica. "It''s important to know your ce. You know I don''t have feelings for you, and I''m not going to marry you. Stop throwing yourself at me¡ªit''ll just make me despise you even more."


    With that, Stanley turned and began climbing the stairs.


    Jessica''s face turned pale. The life of luxury as the richest man''s daughter had always kept her above others, but now, there was only one person who could treat her so coldly-Stanley.


    She called out after him, her voice trembling, "Is Wendy the reason you won''t marry me?"


    At the mention of "Wendy", Stanley paused mid-step.


    Jessica pressed on, "You''ve been looking for her all this time, haven''t you? You just came back from a trip. You were looking for her again, weren''t you?"


    Stanley didn''t turn around, but his voice was steady as he answered, "Yes."


    Jessica''s hands, hanging by her sides, immediately clenched into fists.


    Three years had passed, and she thought she had won.


    When Wendy had disappeared without a trace three years ago, Jessica believed


    she had won, but Stanley had never let go of Wendy.


    Even though Wendy wasn''t there anymore, she was still the insurmountable barrier between Stanley a


    sica.


    Wendy hadn''t even done anything, yet it always felt like Jessica kept losing.


    The bitterness swelled in Jessica''s chest. She just couldn''t ept


    Ang, sitting in her wheelchair, was clearly irritated. "You''ve really lost your mind! Wendy''s long gone, left with another man. And here you are, stuck waiting for her like a fool. You should appreciate what''s in front of you-Jessica is the one who deserves


    you."


    Stanley still didn''t look back. After a brief silence, he spoke again, is voice firm.


    "The only person I''ve ever loved is Wendy. I loved her then, I love her now, and I''l love her forever."


    With that, he strode upstairs, his tall,manding figure quickly disappearing into his study.


    Ang clenched her hands in frustration. "Stanley is so stubborn! What''s so great about Wendy?"


    She turned tofort Jessica, cing a hand on her shoulder.


    "Don''t worry, Jessica. Wendy won''t being back. Stanley wille around. You''re the only one I''ve chosen to be my daughter-inw."

 Chapter 635

    Jessica, of course, wasn''t going to give up on Stanley.


    Since he returned to the Capital and took the reins of Hawk Group over the past three years, he had be the most powerful figure in the city. His rise in the business world was unstoppable. Countless high-society women in the Capital had their eyes on him, each hoping to win his heart.


    How could Jessica possibly let Stanley slip through her fingers?


    With a determined smile, she looked at Ang. "I love Stanley with all my heart. I''ll wait


    for him toe around."


    Ang ced aforting hand on Jessica''s. "You''ll make a great daughter-in-w."


    Jessica''s smile deepened.


    Stanley entered his study and sat down to review some files. As he flipped through the pages, a face suddenly appeared in his mind¡ªa delicate, perfectly sculpted little face.


    It was Be.


    He found himself thinking about that child again.


    In the past, he hadn''t cared for children much, but ever since meeting Be, he couldn''t get


    her out of his mind.


    She must be three now, right?


    When Wendy left three years ago, she had been pregnant. Did she give birth? Was it a boy or a girl?


    For the past three years, Stanley had thought about Wendy every single day. When his longing became unbearable, his mind would wander to so many questions-was she with


    Samuel now? Were they living happily together as a family of three?


    Every time he thought about it, his heart would ache with intense pain. He had lost his girl.


    Just then, a knock echoed through the door, and Zayn''s voice followed. "Mr. Hawk?"


    Stanley snapped out of his thoughts. "Come in."


    +25 Bonus


    Zayn entered the study, carrying a folder. He ced it on the desk in front of Stanley. "This is the guest list for tomorrow''s Zenith G. Please take a look."


    Stanley had returned to the Capital from Florias specifically to attend the Zenith G.


    He picked up the list and immediately noticed a name: Jolin.


    "Jolin? Who is she? I''ve never heard of her before," Stanley muttered, furrowing his brow.


    "Mr. Hawk, I''ve had our people look into it," Zayn replied. "Jolin is the head of thergest pharmaceutical conglomerate, the one behind NovaHealth."


    What?


    Stanley froze. The one behind NovaHealth was Jolin?


    Years ago, in Stoneridge, Stanley had met this elusive figure. He could still remember the image of her in the dim light-elegant, graceful, and undeniably beautiful.


    He never expected her name to be Jolin, and he certainly hadn''t expected her to be at the Zenith G tomorrow.


    "Jolin''s attendance at the Zenith G has caused quite a stir. Everyone is eager to catch a glimpse of this female tycoon," Zayn added.


    Stanley could understand why. Jolin had made it to the Forbes Billionaires list, bing a true powerhouse in the business world.


    Stanley closed the folder and nodded. "I understand. I''ll be there tomorrow."


    +25 Bonus


    Zayn hesitated before continuing, "We still haven''t found any trace of Ms. Wendy


    in Florias. I suspect she''s deliberately erased her tracks. She doesn''t want you to find her.


    Should we continue the search?"


    Stanley had been searching for Wendy for three years now. It felt like searching for a needle in a haystack-endless, aimless searching and waiting. Should he keep going?


    "Yes," Stanley replied firmly. ¡°Keep looking. I will find her."


    Zayn nodded. "Understood."


    Stanley leaned back in his chair, his thoughts drifting back to Wendy''s delicate, heart-shaped face.


    "Wendy, where are you...?"


    The next day...


    Stanley was preparing to head to the Zenith G when Ang and Jessica arrived at his


    office.


    Ang spoke first. "You''re going to the Zenith G, right? Why don''t you take Jessica with you?"


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 Chapter 636

    The Zenith G this time was a gathering of the elite, a ce where the most powerful and


    influential people woulde together.


    Jessica thrived in these high-society environments. She loved the spotlight, the wealth,


    and the games of power. Of course, she wanted to go, and she wanted to go with Stanley.


    Stanley refused. "I''m not taking you."


    "What..."


    Jessica had anticipated this response-she was prepared for it. "The Larson family has


    been invited to the Zenith G as well. My father doesn''t attend such events, so I want to go. Can I at least ride in your car?"


    "No," Stanley said firmly.


    Jessica''s face stiffened for a moment.


    Without sparing her another nce, Stanley turned and walked away.


    Though Jessica was disappointed, she quicklyposed herself. "Mrs. Hawk, since Stanley


    doesn''t want to take me, I''ll have the driver drop me off."


    Ang nodded. "Alright. Once you''re at the Zenith G, you''ll still have the chance to be around Stanley. Go enjoy yourself."


    "Okay, thanks."


    Half an hourter, Jessica arrived at the Zenith G with Sienna.


    Three years ago, Sienna had moved to the Capital. Now, she had broken up with Gilbert, who had given her an exorbitant amount. She was single again.


    Today, she was tagging along with Jessica to the G. With so many powerful figures attending, all Sienna had to do was find a man to secure her future.


    Sienna linked arms with Jessica. "This Zenith G is so extravagant!"


    Jessica smiled. "Yes, I''ll take you in and show you what it''s all about."


    +25 Bonus


    At that moment, a Rolls-Royce luxury sedan sped up to the entrance. Stanley, apanied by Zayn, stepped out of the car.


    Jessica smiled. "Stanley, you''re here!"


    Stanley nced at Jessica, his expression indifferent. Of course, it was no surprise to see her again-she always seemed to turn up wherever he was.


    He had no intention of engaging with her, so he started walking toward the entrance.


    But then, another luxury car arrived. The back door opened, and a graceful, stunning figure stepped out.


    It was Wendy.


    It was as if their hearts were in sync-Stanley turned, his eyes widening as he saw Wendy.


    His pupils dted in shock. "Wendy?!"


    "Wendy? Where?"


    Jessica and Sienna turned around as well.


    Wendy was surrounded by several staff members the moment she stepped out of


    the car. They greeted her warmly. "Ms. Jolin, please follow us."


    The staff ushered Wendy away, so Stanley only saw her back as she quickly disappeared


    from view.


    Jessica and Sienna hadn''t seen anything.


    "Wendy? Where''s Wendy?" Jessica asked, her confusion clear.


    "I didn''t see her. She isn''t here," Sienna replied. "Stanley, are you sure you''re not


    mistaken?"


    Stanley rushed outside, his eyes scanning the area. No, he wasn''t mistaken.


    That had been Wendy.


    After three long years, Wendy was back.


    Stanley started running, chasing after her.


    "Stanley!" Jessica stomped her foot in frustration.


    +25 Bonus


    Stanley didn''t slow down. Yet when he reached the spot where he hadst seen Wendy, it was empty-she had already vanished into the crowd.


    Stanley looked around frantically. "Wendy? Wendy!"


    His voice echoed as he called her name.


    Wendy, who had reached the second floor, paused in her tracks. She had heard Stanley''s voice calling for her. Standing by the ornate railing, she looked down, spotting Stanley below, desperately searching for her.


    There he was, standing amidst the crowd, his eyes filled with anxious determination.


    Wendy''s long, slender fingers trembled slightly.


    Three years... It had been so long.

 Chapter 638

    Stanley looked at Wendy and said, ¡°Let me take you inside."


    He was eager to escort Wendy to the Zenith G.


    Wendy''s lips curled into a faint smile. "Thanks, but I can get in on my own."


    "You can get in?" Jessica scoffed. "Stop lying! This event is for the wealthy elite. What makes you think you can enter?"


    Both Jessica and Sienna were skeptical that Wendy could gain entry, and honestly, Stanley wasn''t sure either. Even so, he had the means to bring her in.


    Wendy reached into her bag and pulled out an invitation. "Here''s my invitation." Wendy had an invitation?


    Jessica and Sienna stood frozen, stunned. "How did you get an invitation? Did you make it onto the Forbes Rich List?"


    Sienna quickly shot down the idea. "No way! I''ve never seen your name on the Forbes list. Besides, there are only a few women on that list. The biggest buzz around this Zenith G is about Jolin, the female tycoon from the pharmaceutical industry. I haven''t heard a thing about you."


    Sienna''s doubts weren''t without merit. After all, Wendy''s name wasn''t on the rich list.


    Wendy''s expression didn''t change. She merely smiled faintly. "So, you know Jolin will be attending this Zenith G, too.¡±


    "Of course we do," Jessica responded, still looking down on Wendy. "Jolin is the biggest female tycoon in the medical group. Since you''re the wonder doctor, you must know her. I bet you work for her, don''t you?"


    Wendy''s assistant couldn''t hold back any longer, and rolled her eyes at Jessica and Sienna a few times. "You lot-"


    Before the assistant could say more, Wendy gently stopped her with a wave.


    +25 Bonus


    There was no need to argue right now. It would be more satisfying to let them be proven


    wrong soon enough.


    Stanley looked at Wendy, his gaze sincere. "Jolin will be at the Zenith G. Come with me. I have a lot I want to talk to you about."


    Wendy politely declined. "I appreciate the offer, but I''ll be attending the Zenith G on my own. I''ll see you inside."


    With that, she turned and walked away.


    "Wait, Wendy!" Stanley called after her.


    Jessica and Sienna moved forward, and Jessica said, "I''m curious to see what kind of game Wendy''s ying."


    Sienna added, "This is the Zenith G, full of high society. If Wendy dares to cause trouble,


    they''ll throw her out for sure!"


    Jessica nced at Stanley. "Don''t waste your time with her, Stanley. She''s not worth it. Let''s go and enjoy the Zenith G."


    Stanley didn''t even acknowledge Jessica. He walked straight in, Zayn following closely


    behind him.


    Jessica''s face darkened, irritated by being ignored.


    Sienna tried tofort her. "Come on, Jessica. Let''s just go in. You''re the daughter of the richest man now. You can easily overshadow Wendy. Since she insists on attending, it''ll give you the perfect chance to humiliate her."


    Jessica''s eyes lit up. Of course! She was now the daughter of the wealthiest family in the city. If Wendy wanted to attend the G, it would only serve to embarrass herself.


    If Wendy wanted to be humiliated, then Jessica would happily oblige.


    "Let''s go inside."


    "Alright."


    +25 Bonus


    The Zenith G was truly a gathering of the city''s elite. The guests were all figures who appeared on business news and finance magazines. Stanley, dressed in a hand-tailored ck suit, stood under the dazzling lights. He was engaged in quiet conversation with a few prominent CEOS.


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 Chapter 639

    Stanley was like a ma, effortlessly drawing the gaze of every young socialite in the room. Every single person did a double-take at him.


    Jessica watched Stanley under the spotlight, captivated. How could she not be in love with this man? He was at the pinnacle of sess now, and she could only imagine how many women had dreamed of him.


    She was determined to make him hers.


    With a flutter in her chest, Jessica continued gazing at Stanley.


    Meanwhile, Sienna was already on the hunt for her target. She wanted a tall, rich, and


    handsome man totch on to.


    In the past three years, the real estate industry had exploded, and Gilbert''s worth had


    skyrocketed along with it. He had be the hotshot heir of the real estate world. Sienna


    hadn''t nned on breaking up with him, but now that his attention was focused solely on Halsey, she had no choice but to take a hefty breakup settlement and move on.


    "Sienna, which guy catches your eye? I can introduce you," Jessica said.


    Sienna blushed slightly.


    Just then, a tall, handsome man walked over and looked at Sienna. "Hey, beautiful. Can I get your number?"


    A tall, rich guy had just asked for Sienna''s number.


    Sienna''s cheeks turned pink as she pulled out her phone. "Sure."


    After they exchanged numbers, the man said, "Alright, I''ll text you. If you''re free


    sometime, maybe I can buy you a drink."


    He walked away, and Jessica teasingly nudged Sienna. "See, you''re just too charming.


    Another guy falling at your feet."


    Sienna beamed. "I should thank you for bringing me here."


    "We''re best friends. Don''t mention it," Jessica replied with a smile.


    +25 Bonus


    In the past three years, both Jessica and Sienna had been thriving. They came from good


    families, were beautiful, and were both self-centered and vain-just the type of girls who


    tended to do well in life.


    Jessica led Sienna to Stanley''s side. "Hey, Stanley."


    The CEOs around Stanley immediately greeted her. "Ms. Larson, it''s a pleasure to meet


    you."


    When Jessica returned to the Capital, she had officially changed her name to Jessica Larson.


    Jessica smiled, her lips curling into a confident grin. "Hello."


    "Ms. Larson, is your father not attending the Zenith G today?" one of the CEOs asked.


    Jessica nodded.


    "That''s right. My father hasn''t attended events in years, but he wanted me toe and see it for myself." She looked at Stanley with soft, meaningful eyes. "And my fianc¨¦, Stanley, is here too. We came together."


    Jessica publicly announced her rtionship with Stanley.


    There were so many women in the room eyeing Stanley, and Jessica was iming her


    territory.


    The truth was,


    the alliance between the Hawk and Larson families wasn''t exactly a secret anymore. The wealthy families often arranged marriages to strengthen their power, and everyone had already caught wind of it.


    The CEOs immediately chimed in, "We heard that your wedding is approaching. When can we expect an invitation?"


    "You make such a perfect pair. Truly a match made in heaven."


    +25 Bonus


    "The alliance between the Hawk and Larson families is unbeatable. They have no rivals left


    now."


    Jessica basked in thepliments. She loved the feeling of being admired and praised.


    Stanley, however, looked cold and displeased. He opened his mouth as if to speak.


    But before he could say anything, Sienna interjected, "Hmm, where''s the legendary Jolin? She still hasn''t shown up?"


    At the mention of Jolin''s name, the room buzzed with excitement.


    ¡°Jolin, the female tycoon, is something else. Her worth rivals Mr. Hawk''s¡ª she''s a real powerhouse!"


    "Have you met Jolin?"


    "No, she''s extremely private and mysterious. No one has ever seen her."


    Jessica, who harbored some animosity towards Jolin, smirked.


    "For someone to achieve so much, Jolin must be quite old by now." SURPERISE GIFT: 3850 bonus free for you,activity time is limited!

 Chapter 640

    Sienna nodded. "Usually, female tycoons are in their forties or fifties. They have a lot of life


    experience."


    Stanley pressed his lips together. "Jolin is a young woman."


    What? Jolin was a young woman?


    Sienna looked at Stanley in surprise. "You''ve met Jolin?"


    "Yes, you''ve actually met Jolin? You simply must tell us what she''s like!" someone else


    chimed in.


    Stanley''s face was unreadable. "I''ve only seen her from behind. She''s very young."


    Jessica felt a knot tighten in her chest. Stanley had met Jolin? When had that happened?


    They were all the same-seductive women who wanted to steal Stanley away.


    At that moment, amotion erupted nearby. Someone eximed, "Look! Who''s that stunning woman?"


    Stanley looked up, and there she was-Wendy.


    Wendy had arrived, dressed in a sleek ck halter fishtail gown. Her hair was tied up, and the thin straps of her dress revealed her smooth, fair shoulders and beautiful corbones.


    The gown hugged her tiny waist perfectly, and her stunning hourss figure swayed with each step.


    The moment she entered, she caused a stir. Everyone''s gaze immediately shifted to Wendy.


    "Wow, she''s gorgeous!"


    "She''s like a goddess descending to Earth-her graceful aura is unmatched."


    "I''d call her the best-dressed of the night."


    +25 Bonus


    As everyone around them showered Wendy with praise, Jessica and Sienna froze. Just moments ago, before Wendy entered, all eyes had been on them. Now, Wendy had stolen the spotlight. They felt like invisible shadows.


    Wendy! Why was it always Wendy?


    Stanley''s gaze lingered on Wendy as he took her in. Over the past three years, Wendy hadn''t changed that much, but somehow, she seemed to have transformed. She had fully


    blossomed into her beauty. What was once delicate was now utterly captivating.


    Wendy walked further into the room, and Jessica quickly called out, ¡°Wendy, you made it!"


    The curious CEOs looked at Jessica. "Ms. Larson, you know this youngdy?" Jessica put on an air of arrogance. "Of course I know her. Her name''s Wendy. She grew up


    in the countryside."


    Sienna quickly added, "Wendy has some medical skills, but she''s not on the Forbes


    Billionaires list. I''m not sure what kind of trick she pulled to get into the Zenith G."


    Wendy nced at Jessica and Sienna, offering them a polite smile but saying nothing.


    Jessica spoke up again, her tone icy. "Wendy, this is not a ce for people like you. Please


    leave right now."


    Sienna joined in. "Exactly! The Zenith G is reserved for those on the Forbes list. You don''t belong here, and you''re bringing down the level of the event. You should leave


    immediately."


    Jessica and Sienna tried to force Wendy out. If they could get Wendy kicked out of the Zenith G, she would be made a fool in front of everyone.


    Stanley''s lips tightened, and he moved over to Wendy''s side. "As long as I''m here, I don''t think anyone will be kicking Wendy out."


    He turned to Wendy with a reassuring smile. "Don''t worry. I''ll protect you."


    +25 Bonus


    Wendy nced at Stanley, her expression calm. "Mr. Hawk, I don''t need your protection. No one can make me leave."


    Jessica sneered. "You really are full of yourself. I''m calling the person in charge to have you thrown out."


    With that, she raised her voice. "I want to speak to the person in charge!"


    Momentster, a representative from the event hurried over. "Ms. Larson, how can I help you?" 2


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 Chapter 641

    Jessica looked at the event representative and asked, "Excuse me, but didn''t the organizers specifically invite only the wealthy elite from the Forbes list to attend the Zenith G?"


    The event representative nodded. "That''s correct."


    "Then, if someone isn''t on the Forbes list, does that mean they''ve snuck in?"


    The representative confirmed, "Anyone attending the Zenith G this time is definitely from the Forbes list. There''s no one here who doesn''t belong. If anyone is found sneaking in, we''ll have them escorted out immediately."


    Sienna smiled, satisfied with the response. "This is a high-profile event. If


    someone snuck in, it would lower the prestige of the G. Whoever it is should be kicked out right away."


    Jessica shed a sly smile. "Well, there''s someone here who definitely doesn''t belong!"


    "Who?" someone asked.


    Jessica pointed directly at Wendy. "It''s her!"


    Wendy raised an eyebrow, clearly unfazed by the attention. She simply smiled but didn''t respond.


    The noise from Jessica''s usation had caused quite a stir. The wealthy elite gathered around, now watching the drama unfold.


    This was exactly what Jessica and Sienna had hoped for. They wanted to humiliate Wendy in front of everyone and have her thrown out in disgrace. They would make sure tough at Wendy for the rest of her life.


    "Ms. Larson, are you saying that Ms. Wendy doesn''t belong here?" someone asked.


    "Her name isn''t on the Forbes list," another noted.


    "Could she really have snuck in?"


    +25 Bonus


    "I''ve seen many women trying to climb the socialdder, dressing up to look like socialites


    and attending events like this to catch the eye of influential men. Is that what Ms. Wendy is doing?"


    "Wow, talk about bad luck-Ms. Larson caught her in the act!"


    Everyone around began gossiping about Wendy, their whispers loud enough for her to hear.


    Jessica stood tall as she looked at Wendy with disdain. "Well, now that I''ve caught you red-handed, are you going to leave on your own, or should I have someone throw you out?"


    Stanley''s expression hardened; he stepped closer to Wendy, his tall figure towering over


    her. "She came with me. No one is going to touch her."


    Jessica shot back, "She''s just here to try to get close to you! Don''t let her fool you."


    Wendy''s lips curled into a smile.


    "Well, Jessica. I can''t deny you''ve caught me at a good moment to try to make me look bad,


    but you might be disappointed. I''m not leaving tonight, because..."


    Wendy straightened her back, walking confidently into the dazzling lights. Her clear eyes


    swept across the room before she spoke, her voice ringing with confidence.


    ¡°Because I don''t need to attach myself to a wealthy family. I don''t need to cling to the powerful. I am wealthy and powerful myself."


    Wendy stood in the center of the room,manding attention, her words echoing in the silence. Her delicate voice was like a bell, clear and strong, each word leaving an impact.


    Stanley watched her, mesmerized. Tonight, Wendy looked like a glowing jewel, radiant and captivating, impossible to look away from.


    As he stared at her, a sudden thought crossed his mind. Wendy seemed to remind him of someone from his past-the same graceful, poised figure he had


    once seen.


    Stanley narrowed his eyes, a thought dawning on him. Could Wendy be her?


    +25 Bonus


    ¡°Hahaha!¡± Jessica let out a loudugh, her tone dripping with mockery. "You really have a lot of nerve, don''t you? You im to be wealthy and powerful? Who do


    you think you are, saying something so ridiculous in this kind of setting?"


    Sienna joined in, smirking. ¡°You''re not even on the Forbes list. You''re really trying too hard. I honestly feel sorry for you!"


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 Chapter 642

    Wendy looked at Jessica and Sienna, a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "Who said my name isn''t on the Forbes list?"


    "It''s not," Jessica shot back. "I''ve looked through it from start to finish, and there''s no Wendy anywhere!"


    Both Jessica and Sienna were confident in their im. After all, the name Wendy was impossible to miss. If she had been on the list, they would have known by


    now.


    Wendy''s smile grew. "Of course my name isn''t on the Forbes list. I go by another name."


    "What do you mean?" Jessica frowned, confused.


    Sienna snorted, unimpressed. "Stop making up stories. Just leave already! You''re


    embarrassing yourself."


    Wendy tilted her head. "Embarrassing? You might want to check again."


    At that moment, the event representative stepped forward and stood beside Wendy. "Ms. Wendy is the guest of honor at this Zenith G. She is the center of attention. As the representative of the organizers, we will not allow anyone to mistreat her."


    As the representative spoke, a group of bodyguards in ck suits emerged, standing protectively behind Wendy.


    Jessica and Sienna''s faces turned pale. They exchanged a shocked look, then turned back to the representative.


    "Wendy''s a guest of honor? The center of attention? Are you sure you''re not mistaken?"


    The representative shook his head. "It''s not a mistake. You two simply don''t know who Ms. Wendy really is."


    "Who is she?" Jessica asked, still not understanding.


    +25 Bonus


    The representative raised his voice, making sure everyone could hear. "Ms. Wendy is none other than Jolin, the powerful businesswoman behind thergest pharmaceutical group!"


    Wendy was Jolin?


    Jessica and Sienna gasped in disbelief; they stared at the representative and then at Wendy, unable to process what was being said.


    Jessica was the first to speak. "Wendy is Jolin? That''s impossible!"


    Sienna, still stunned, added, "Jolin is known for being low-key and mysterious!


    No one has ever seen her face! How could Wendy be Jolin?"


    Wendy''s lips curled into a sly smile as she slowly pulled out her name tag. The small pin she held in her hand was shaped like a needle, and she attached it to her ck dress.


    Jessica and Sienna stared in shock. The golden-embossed letters on the name tag read-


    Jolin.


    that moment, Wendy''s assistant stepped forward, clearly fed up with Jessica and Sienna''s behavior. She raised her voice, loud enough for everyone to hear. "This is our boss, Jolin! How could you two be so blind?"


    The room erupted in whispers and gasps.


    "Oh, my! She''s Jolin!" someone eximed.


    "We came here to see Jolin in person. We wanted to know what she looked like. I had no idea she was this stunning!"


    "Ms. Larson just said Jolin snuck in. Looks like she just got schooled."


    Jessica and Sienna stumbled backward, as if struck by lightning. They couldn''t believe their


    eyes. Wendy was the elusive business magnate, Jolin.


    Three years ago, they had worked hard to defeat Wendy and force her into hiding. Now, she was back, more powerful and dazzling than ever.


    How could this be happening? Why was this happening?


    +25 Bonus


    Stanley stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Wendy. He had been watching her closely, and now, he realized that his instincts had been right. Wendy was indeed the Jolin he had


    encountered years ago.


    She was Jolin.


    Stanley''s mind raced as he took in the sight of her.


    Wendy was full of surprises. How could she be so extraordinary, so captivating? She had


    always held his attention, never allowing him to look away.


    He realized now that their connection had been fated long ago.


    Support


    Share

 Chapter 643

    Stanley had met Wendy years ago.


    Jessica couldn''t believe it, and she refused to ept it. She raised her voice, "No, this can''t be real! You''re lying, right?"


    Wendy looked at Jessica with amusement. "Ms. Larson, you''re now the daughter of the richest man in the world, so maybe it''s time you paid attention to your manners and conduct. Don''t you think you''ve be a little bitter with how you''re acting right now?"


    Jessica froze in ce.


    The people around them began whispering, their eyes now fixed on Jessica.


    "Do you think Ms. Larson has some kind of grudge against Jolin? She looks like she can''t stand seeing anyone else


    seed."


    "Ms. Larson''s just lucky to be born the daughter of the richest man. Jolin is the true talent, a woman with an aura that can''t be matched. Ms. Larson can''t evenpare."


    "Not only does Ms. Larsonck Jolin''s ability, but she''s also nowhere near as beautiful. The difference is jarring. I can understand why she''s going crazy-she''s jealous."


    "Ms. Larson shouldn''t act like this. She should broaden her mind. Otherwise, she''ll just seem petty. After all, she represents the Larson family. She shouldn''t bring shame to her family!"


    The crowd continued to point and whisper about Jessica, making her face turn red with embarrassment.


    Sienna, fuming with anger, snapped, "Why didn''t you just tell us you were Jolin? You''ve long nned to humiliate us, haven''t you? You''re so vindictive!"


    Wendy shook her head, a little speechless. She turned to Sienna. ¡°You humiliated yourself. You gave me the opportunity; if I didn''t do something, wouldn''t that disappoint you? And Sienna, I don''t think you''re actually qualified to be at the Zenith G. You just tagged along with Jessica!"


    Sienna stiffened, realizing Wendy was right. She had only gotten in because of Jessica.


    Just then, the event representative stepped forward. ¡°Ms. Sienna, only those with qualifications are allowed to attend the Zenith G. Please leave immediately."


    The representative swiftly had Sienna escorted out.


    Sienna couldn''t believe it. Not only was Wendy not kicked out, but now she was the one being thrown out!


    As Sienna turned around, she caught sight of the handsome wealthy man she had exchanged numbers with earlier. He looked at her now, scanning her up and down with a trace of disdain. The man who had once seemed interested in her now looked at her with contempt.


    Sienna clenched her fists. "Wendy, you''d better watch out!"


    Wendy smiled at the event representative. "It seems Ms. Sienna doesn''t want to leave on her own. Please, do escort her."


    "Of course, Ms. Jolin."


    With a single wave from the representative, two bodyguards in ck suits stepped forward, one on each side of Sienna, and firmly held her in ce. Chapter 643


    "Pleasee with us, Ms. Sienna."


    The bodyguards forced Sienna toward the exit.


    Sienna struggled to breathe, feeling the weight of the moment. The Zenith G was a prestigious event, filled with the powerful and influential-and here she was, being publicly kicked out. How could she ever face anyone again?


    Desperate, she looked at Stanley and Jessica. "Stanley, Jessica! Help me, please!"


    Stanley remained silent. Jessica, already in a precarious situation, said nothing. Soon, Sienna was escorted out of the venue.


    The event representative turned to Wendy with an apologetic expression. "Ms. Jolin, we''re sorry for this unfortunate incident."


    Wendy smiled. "It''s fine. It''s just a minor disruption."


    The representative nodded. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, the Zenith G continues." Many people gathered around Wendy, eager to meet her. "Ms. Jolin, it''s truly an honor to meet you in person! We''ve heard so much about you, and it''s a privilege to finally make your acquaintance."


    Wendy nodded politely in return.


    At that moment, Stanley walked up to Wendy, his gaze focused on her. "I never expected you to be Jolin."


    Wendy raised a yful eyebrow. "I told you I didn''t need your help. I can handle things on my own."

 Chapter 644

    Stanley''s lips curled into a slight simile. Wendy could handle herself just fine-she didn''t need to rely on any man. She was the embodiment of wealth and power herself.


    He extended his hand toward her. "Nice to meet you officially, Jolin."


    Wendy shook his hand gracefully. "Likewise."


    As they shook hands under the dazzling lights, Jessica stood watching, her teeth grinding in fury. Right now, Wendy was the center of attention. Stanley and everyone else were gathered around her, while Jessica was left in the background, ignored like she didn''t even exist.


    Why was it that whenever Wendy appeared, she always became the backdrop, the supporting role?


    It had been three years. She had be the daughter of the richest man, but still, nothing had changed.


    Jessica hated Wendy to her guts.


    As the Zenith G came to an end, Stanley turned to Wendy "Where are you staying? Can I give you a ride home?" Stanley wanted to talk to her.


    Wendy politely declined. "I have a driver. You don''t have to drive me."


    She then nced at Jessica, a hint of suggestion in her voice. "Your fianc¨¦e is here. You should stay with her." Stanley furrowed his brows. He opened his mouth, wanting to exin his rtionship with Jessica-but before he could say anything, a phone rang and interrupted him.


    Wendy took out her phone and saw it was Samuel calling.


    "I need to take this call," she said, walking off with the phone in hand.


    Stanley saw the caller ID, noticing Samuel''s name. He stared in the direction


    Wendy had walked off in, wondering if she had been with Samuel all these years.


    Wendy found a quiet spot and answered the call. "Hello, Samuel."


    "Hey. Where are you right now?" Samuel''s voice was warm and familiar.


    "I''m at the Zenith G."


    "Okay. I''m bringing Be to see you right now."


    Wendy tightened her grip on the phone, a bit surprised. "Be? You brought her to the Capital?"


    "Yeah. She really missed you, so I decided to bring her here without telling you first."


    Wendy stayed silent for a moment. She didn''t want Being to the Capital, and now she had plenty of reasons to suspect Samuel had nned this.


    Just then, Be''s little voice came through the phone. "Mommy..."


    Hearing her daughter''s sweet, innocent voice made Wendy smile ever so softly. "Hey, Be."


    "Mommy, Daddy Sam and I came to the Capital to find you. Are you mad at me?"


    Wendy''s voice softened. "Of course not. I''m so happy you''re here. I missed you so much."


    "You''re not mad? That''s good! Daddy Sam and I areing to find you now!" "Okay, sweetie. I''ll be waiting for you."


    Wendy sent Samuel the address, and soon he would be bringing Be to meet her.


    Meanwhile, her assistant approached her. "Ms. Jolin, is Ms. Being soon?"


    Wendy nodded. "Yes. I''m heading back to my room now. Have Bee straight to my room when she arrives."


    The assistant nodded. "Got it."


    Stanley was still at the party, waiting for Wendy to return. But no matter how long


    he waited, she didn''te back.


    He knew she wasn''ting back.


    With a frustrated sigh, Stanley stood up, ready to leave. He was going to find Wendy.


    But just then, Jessica appeared and blocked his path. "Where are you going? Are you going to find Wendy?" Stanley looked at her, a little impatient. "Since you already know, why are you asking?"


    Jessica blocked his way, her voice sharp with frustration. "I won''t let you go find her! She came back to try to seduce you. She wants to steal you away from me."

 Chapter 645

    Stanley looked at Jessica.


    "Is that really what you think?" He gave a bitterugh, shaking his head. "How I wish you were right."


    Jessica stood there, stunned, her voice caught in her throat. "What..."


    "Jessica," Stanley said, his tone firm, "Wendy doesn''t need to steal me away. I''ve always belonged to her. I won''t marry you, so don''t waste your time."


    With that, Stanley turned and walked away.


    The sting of his words hit Jessica like a physical blow. Why? What was it about her that made her so inferior to Wendy?


    Stanley left the Zenith G, his expression unreadable as he turned to Zayn. "Where did Wendy go?"


    Zayn nced up at him, a slight bow of his head. "She went back to her room." Stanley nodded. "I''ll go find her."


    At that very moment, Samuel arrived with Be, searching for Wendy. Samuel pinched Be''s soft cheek, a yful smile on his face. "Do you miss your mommy?"


    Be nodded enthusiastically. "Yes!"


    "Well, soon we''ll get to see her," Samuel said, grinning.


    Just then, Samuel spotted Stanley up ahead.


    Be saw him too, her eyes lighting up. "Daddy Sam, it''s Mr. Handsome!"


    Stanley, tall and elegant, moved down the hallway with an effortless grace, his presence glowing. He was the kind of person you couldn''t ignore, no matter how hard you tried.


    Samuel couldn''t help but think that it was fate-how they had met in Florias, and now, here they were again.


    "Can you put me down? I want to say hi to Mr. Handsome," Be asked eagerly. "Alright, go ahead," Samuel said, smiling.


    He gently set Be down, and she immediately ran toward Stanley, calling out in her sweet, childish voice, "Mr. Handsome..."


    The sound of Be''s voice stopped Stanley in his tracks. It was so familiar, almost like he''d heard it before. Turning to the side, he saw Be running toward him, her tiny figure bouncing with excitement.


    It was the little girl!


    Stanley''s heart warmed with surprise; he opened his arms, catching her in a big embrace as she reached him. "It''s you! You''re here in the Capital, too!"


    Be giggled, her face lighting up with joy. "Yes, Mr. Handsome! I came to the Capital to find my mommy..."


    Her mommy?


    He figured a kid this beautiful must have an incredibly stunning mother.


    Stanley felt a fondness for Be that he had never experienced before. This was the first time he had genuinely liked a child, and their connection felt fated. From Florias to the Capital, it seemed like they were meant to meet.


    He gently ruffled Be''s hair. "Remember the crystal ball identally broke? How about I get you a new one to make up for it?"


    Stanley remembered how he had identally stepped on her precious crystal ball, and he wanted to make it right.


    Be''s eyes brightened as she nodded eagerly. "Sure! My mommy lives here. You cane with me, and I''ll show you where to buy the crystal ball.¡±


    What Be really wanted, though, was for Stanley to meet Wendy. She hoped he might even be her daddy. Stanley paused, a little surprised. He hade to find Wendy, but meeting the girl''s mother first wouldn''t be a problem. He could find Wendy afterward.


    "Alright. Do you know what room your mommy is in?" he asked gently.


    Benodded. "She''s in Room 808."


    Room 808?


    Stanley nced at the room numbers around them. "Room 808 is right here. Let me take you there."


    He picked Be up effortlessly, her small body fittingfortably in his strong


    arms.


    As he started walking, Be looked at him, her innocent voice breaking the


    silence. "Mr. Handsome, are you married?"


    Stanley smiled softly, his lips curling. "Not yet."


    Really?


    Be''s eyes sparkled with excitement. That was great news.


    But then Stanley added, ¡°But... I''m in love with someone."

 Chapter 646

    Be was shocked to hear Stanley admit he already had someone he loved.


    "What is she like?" Be asked, her curiosity evident.


    Stanley smiled softly. "She''s beautiful, smart, talented, and has this special aura about her. She''s an amazing person, truly radiant."


    Wow.


    Be grinned, her eyes lighting up. "That sounds like my mommy. She''s just like that, too."


    To Be, Wendy was extremely radiant, like a precious diamond.


    Stanley chuckled. In the eyes of children, their mother is always the best. He could understand that.


    To him, there would never be anyone more radiant than Wendy.


    "Are you together with the one you love?" Be asked innocently.


    Stanley shook his head. "Not yet. I haven''t won her over."


    Be nodded thoughtfully, clearly processing the information.


    By this point, they had reached the door of Room 808. Stanley looked at Be and said, "This is it." He then pressed the doorbell.


    Inside the room, Wendy was waiting for Be''s return. She heard the doorbell ring and stood up, ready to greet her daughter.


    The assistant started to move toward the door, but Wendy stopped her. "No need. I''ll open it. Be will want to see me first."


    Wendy walked to the door.


    Outside, Stanley looked at Be. "What''s your name?"


    Be beamed at him. "Mr. Handsome, my name''s Be Hawkesley. You can just call me Be."


    Be Hawkesley?


    What a lovely name.


    Stanley smiled. "And what is your mommy''s name?"


    Be answered proudly, "My mommy''s name is Wendy."


    The words hit Stanley like a sudden shockwave, his tall figure freezing in ce.


    His dark eyes contracted in disbelief, and he looked at Be with confusion. "What did you say your mommy''s name was?"


    "What''s wrong? Her name is Wendy. It''s spelled W-E-N-D-Y. Oh, at work, people call her Jolin."


    Stanley froze. Be''s mother....was Wendy?


    Just then, the door clicked open, and Wendy''s soft, melodic voice reached them. "Be, you''re here?"


    Be waved joyfully. "Mommy, look! I brought Mr. Handsome with me!"


    Mr. Handsome?


    Wendy turned to look at Stanley, and Stanley met her gaze. Their eyes locked, and the world seemed to pause.


    Wendy''s face went stiff.


    She nced at Stanley, then at Be. Now, Stanley was holding Be in his arms, both of them standing at her door.


    How could this be?


    Stanley stared at Wendy, his mind racing. He had to ept the truth now-Be''s mother was Wendy. When Wendy left three years ago, she was pregnant. The timeline matched perfectly. Wendy had given birth to Be. Wendy looked at Stanley, still stunned. "Mr. Hawk, what are you doing here?"


    Without a word, she swiftly took Be from Stanley''s arms.


    Stanley struggled to snap out of his shock. "Be''s your daughter?"


    Wendy nodded slowly. "Yes."


    Be looked up at them, her innocent voice cutting through the tension. ¡°Mommy,


    do you know Mr. Handsome?" Wendy turned to Be. "Be, is this the Mr. Handsome you told me about?"


    Be nodded, grinning. "Yes!"


    This was probably the bond of blood. Whether Wendy wanted to ept it or not, Be had met Stanley. She called him Mr. Handsome, to boot.


    Stanley turned to Wendy, his voice hoarse with realization. "Is Be your daughter with Samuel?"

 Chapter 647

    Stanley asked Wendy if Be was the daughter she had with Samuel.


    Wendy flinched, as though the words had physically struck her. She wanted to speak, but before she could, Samuel appeared in the doorway.


    "Hey."


    Stanley turned and saw Samuel standing there.


    Ra


    Be, with a sweet smile, called out, "Daddy Sam!"


    She called Samuel "Daddy".


    Stanley''s heart sank. He couldn''t help but feel a sting of self-mockery. He had no idea why he had asked that question in the first ce,


    He knew, of course, that three years ago, Wendy had been pregnant with


    Samuel''s child. Be was undoubtedly their daughter, yet he had still asked, as if hoping for a different answer.


    What was he expecting?


    Samuel stepped forward, extending his arms. "Come here. Let me hold you so your mommy can rest."


    "Okay."


    Be eagerly went to Samuel, who lifted her in his arms and turned his attention to Stanley. "Mr. Hawk, it''s been a long time."


    Stanley managed a tight smile. "A long time, indeed."


    "What a small world," Samuel continued, ncing at Wendy and Be. "First Wendy, now Be-both of them ran into you."


    Stanley''s eyes burned with an unexpected pain as he watched the scene unfold- the picture-perfect family. His hands, which hung at his sides, clenched into fists.


    "Since we ran into each other, how about joining us for dinner tonight?" Samuel invited warmly.


    Stanley shook his head. "No, I have things to handle at thepany. I''ll be leaving."


    "Next time, then. Be, say goodbye to Mr. Handsome."


    Be waved her small hand. "Bye, Mr. Handsome."


    Stanley turned and walked away.


    Once Stanley left, Wendy spoke up. "Let''s go inside."


    Wendy, Samuel, and Be went into the room, and Samuel gently set Be down.


    Wendy looked at Samuel, a quiet question in her eyes. "Did you do that on purpose?"


    Samuel smiled. "Do what on purpose?"


    Wendy raised an eyebrow. "You were intentionally teasing Stanley earlier, weren''t you?"


    Samuel didn''t answer immediately. Instead, he asked, "Are you upset?"


    Wendy shook her head. "No."


    "I was trying to get under Stanley''s skin," Samuel admitted with a chuckle. "After all, he didn''t cherish you or Be three years ago, and now he''s still tangled up with Jessica. It''s a fitting punishment for him."


    Wendy smiled slightly, thinking back to Stanley''s self-deprecating and mncholic expression earlier. He deserved to be taught a lesson.


    At that moment, Be ran up to Wendy. "Mommy, what do you think of Mr. Handsome? I want him to be your husband..."


    Be was set on making Stanley her daddy.


    Wendy smiled gently. The world of adults was so much moreplicated, and children could never truly understand. So, she decided to change the topic.


    "Are you hungry? I had people make your favorite dishes. Let''s have dinner."


    Be''s attention immediately shifted. She nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, I''m hungry!"


    Stanley returned to the Hawk family''s estate. As soon as he entered the living room, he spotted Ang, who had been waiting for him in her wheelchair.


    "What happened at the Zenith G today? Jessica called me earlier toin. She said Wendy showed up there, too. She said you werepletely taken with Wendy and left her all alone."


    The news about Wendy had already reached Ang''s ears. She still remembered Wendy clearly.


    Stanley wasn''t surprised. He knew Jessica would be quick to report back. It was something she had done obsessively over the past three years.


    "Yes, I ran into Wendy at the Zenith G today," he said.


    "Why would shee to the Capital? She must havee for you. You can''t keep getting tangled up with her," Ang said sharply.

 Chapter 648

    "Mom," Stanley interrupted Ang before she could say more. "Didn''t Jessica tell you? Wendy is Jolin."


    What?


    Ang froze for a moment.


    Of course, Ang had heard of Jolin. In their circle, Jolin''s name was famous- everyone knew her. Ang hadn''t expected Wendy to be Jolin.


    "So, Wendy wasn''t here for me. She was invited to the Zenith G. We just happened to run into each other. She has never been the type to rely on a man. Over the past three years, she''s only gotten stronger and more independent," Stanley exined.


    Ang didn''t actually dislike Wendy. Over the past few years, when she thought of Wendy, she remembered those clear, intelligent eyes. Now, she learned that Wendy was none other than the renowned Jolin. It was hard to believe


    -Wendy had be even more stunning, standing confidently by Stanley''s side.


    Ang looked at Stanley. As his mother, how could she not feel for him? A woman as brilliant as Wendy was someone no man could resist.


    s, Stanley couldn''t be with her.


    "Stanley-"


    "Mom, I know what you''re going to say," Stanley cut in. "Wendy and I can never be together. I met her daughter today."


    Ang paused, her heart sinking.


    Stanley smiled faintly. "Her daughter is beautiful, sweet, and soft, just like her. The girl is her and Samuel''s daughter. They''re a happy family now. I''ve missed my chance."


    With that, Stanley walked upstairs, leaving Ang standing in the hallway, feeling the weight of his words.


    Stanley entered his room, the lights off, leaving the space inplete darkness. He walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows, his tall frame standing still in the shadowed room. He pulled out a cigarette, flicked the lighter, and lit it with a soft click before taking a long drag, the smoke curling up around him.


    In his mind, images of Wendy, Samuel, and Be-together as a family-kept reying. It was a picture of happiness, and it felt like a knife twisting deep in his heart, making him ache with a pain that seemed endless.


    That happiness should''ve been his.


    Yet, he lost it.


    He had spent three long years searching for Wendy, and now that he had found her, it felt like a death sentence.


    A bitter smile tugged at the corner of his lips.


    Meanwhile, Wendy was at the hotel with Be. She had nned to fly back to Florias soon, but she got a call from Halsey.


    Halsey''s voice was full of excitement. "So, you''re in the Capital? That''s fantastic! I''m here too. Let''s meet up! Bring Be along-I''ve got so many gifts for her!"


    Halsey was the darling of the Lincoln family, whose roots were in the Capital. She had moved to the Capital a year ago because Dwight''s sister, Madeline, had started at Stanfern University.


    Over the past three years, Madeline had be incredibly aplished. In her sophomore year of high school, she won a mathpetition at the state level andter brought home a first-ce prize from an international contest. By the end of that year, she had already entered Stanfern University.


    Halsey had taken Madeline under her wing, treating her like a sister. When Madeline came to Stanfern, Halsey and her parents had also moved to the Capital, making it easier to look after her, even though Madeline had since be quite independent.


    It had been a while since Wendy had seen an old friend, and she was genuinely happy.


    "Alright, I''ll bring Be and head over now."


    *

 Chapter 649

    Wendy and Be arrived at the restaurant, and it wasn''t long before Halsey showed up.


    After three years, Halsey hadn''t changed much. Her long, dark hair cascaded smoothly over her shoulders, framing her soft, oval face, which still looked youthful and radiant. She exuded the effortless charm of a well- bred youngdy from a prestigious family.


    With a bright smile, Halsey rushed over to greet them. "Wendy! Be! It''s been too long!"


    Wendy and Halsey shared a warm, tight hug.


    Be, still a bit babyish in her speech, giggled. "Wow, Halsey, you look even prettier than thest time I saw you!"


    Halsey crouched down, beaming, and kissed Be on the cheek. "You cheeky little one! Gosh, I wish I could have a daughter like you!"


    Be grinned. ¡°It''s okay. People might even think you''re my sister!"


    Halsey chuckled. "You''re such a sweet talker! Look at what got you!"


    She gently ced a diamond bracelet on Be''s wrist.


    Wendy raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at her lips. "This looks expensive. Be''s still so young-there''s no need to buy her such extravagant gifts."


    Halseyughed softly. "Only the best for Be. You should know I designed this bracelet myself."


    Over the past three years, Halsey had be a well-known designer and even started her own studio. She was in her prime.


    Be''s eyes widened. "Wow, this bracelet is so beautiful! I love it! Thank you, Halsey!" She kissed Halsey''s cheek in return.


    Halsey adored how sweet and charming Be was. The little girl''s high emotional intelligence made her even more endearing. Halsey lifted Be into her arms with a joyfulugh.


    "I''ve already reserved our table. Let''s go eat."


    Wendy nodded. "Sounds good."


    They all sat down, and Wendy smiled at Halsey. "Looks like you''ve been doing well these past three years. That makes me feel better."


    Three years ago, Halsey had gone through a sudden breakup with Dwight. After that, he had disappeared without a trace. Wendy had been worried that Halsey wouldn''t recover from it.


    Halsey raised an eyebrow, her smile yful. "You''ve really underestimated me. Do you think a woman can''t live without a man? If anything, we should be living our best lives so we never give men a reason to underestimate us!"


    Both Wendy and Halsey had been thriving these past years, no longer mere shadows of their former selves.


    Wendy''s lips curved into a confident smile. "That''s right. Here''s to strong women."


    They clinked sses, their eyes gleaming.


    Wendy tilted her head. "By the way, where''s Maddy? You should''ve brought her along too."


    Wendy liked Madeline very much.


    At the mention of Madeline, Halsey''s eyes sparkled with pride. "I wanted to bring her, but she''s now part of the national research team. She''s working on a ssified rocketunch project and onlyes home once every two weeks."


    Wendy''s eyes widened in admiration. ¡°She''s working on rockets? She''s so impressive. Of course, her sess wouldn''t have been possible without you." Madeline was naturally gifted, but Halsey had been there for her, guiding her through the years. And with her bing an adopted member of the Lincoln family, it made a world of difference.


    "She''s like my own sister. I''m so proud of her," Halsey said, her voice full of affection.


    Wendy looked at Halsey thoughtfully. "Has Dwight note back even once in the past three years?"


    At the mention of Dwight''s name, Halsey hesitated for a moment. Her longshes fluttered slightly, and she lifted her head. "No."


    "That''s strange," Wendy murmured. "After all, Maddy is Dwight''s sister. Surely he should visit her at least once."

 Chapter 650

    Halsey shook her head.


    "Three years ago, he called me and told me to go out, but I didn''t even see him. After that, I never saw him again." She gave a self-deprecating smile. "He got married three years ago, and I never saw Rachel again either. Maybe they moved somewhere else to settle down."


    Wendy looked at Halsey with concern. "Are you alright?"


    Halsey pulled at the corner of her lips. "I''m fine. Dwight and I are over long ago. I won''t cry over him anymore."


    Wendy nodded. "That''s good. Let''s cat."


    At that moment, two more people walked into the restaurant-it was none other than Jessica and Sienna.


    Both Jessica and Sienna had been humiliated at the Zenith G, and now they had arranged to meet for a meal.


    Sienna, visibly angry, grumbled, "It''s all Wendy''s fault! Now, everyone in the socialite circle isughing at us. A few of the rich second-generation men I was in contact with have all ignored me. They even blocked me."


    Sienna had been ying the field, maintaining ambiguous rtionships with several wealthy men. Her list of prospects was quite full.


    Jessica''s face was dark. "Don''t worry. We''lle up with a n to deal with Wendy."


    At that moment, Sienna froze in her tracks. "Look! It''s Wendy and Halsey!" Jessica turned her head and saw them too, along with Wendy''s daughter, Be.


    Jessica''s pupils contracted. "Is that Wendy''s daughter? She''s grown up."


    Wendy had disappeared for three years, and this was the first time she had appeared with Be, so Jessica and Sienna were both shocked.


    "That''s definitely her daughter," Sienna replied. "She''s as beautiful as Wendy, just another sneaky witch!"


    Jessica''s heart sank. "Wendy brought her daughter to the Capital? That girl is Stanley''s kid. Do you think he''ll recognize her?"


    Stanley still didn''t know that Be was his biological daughter, but both Jessica and Sienna were well aware.


    Sienna quickly reassured her, "There''s been no news from Stanley. It seems like he still doesn''t kr. his."


    ne kid is


    "The truth wille out. Sooner orter, Stanley will find out that she''s his daughter!" Jessica''s eyes darkened as she stared at Be. "That girl must go!"


    Sienna grinned. "Then we''ll find a way to get rid of her!"


    Her gaze thennded on Halsey. A surge of jealousy filled her eyes. Over the past three years, Halsey had only gotten more sessful, bing the center of attention wherever she went.


    After breaking up with Gilbert three years ago, Sienna had been unable to find anyone better than him. She knew that Gilbert''s heart had always remained with Halsey. Over the past three years, he had been pursuing Halsey, but she had never epted him.


    Three years ago, Halsey was no match for Sienna. Now, she had be a rival Sienna couldn''t outdo. Sienna couldn''t swallow the bitterness in her heart.


    She clenched her fist. She needed to find someone to ruin Halsey''s face.


    Sienna would make Halsey the ugly, despised woman she once was. At that point, Gilbert would never look at her again.


    Wendy, Halsey, and Be were still eating. At that moment Halsey stood up. "I''II be right back. I''m going to the restroom."


    Wendy nodded. ¡°Okay."


    Halsey took her phone and made her way toward thedies room.


    As she walked down the hallway, two men in ck suddenly appeared. They approached Halsey with malicious intent and grabbed her arm roughly. Chapter 651

 Chapter 651

    Halsey froze for a moment, her eyes narrowing suspiciously as she stared at the two men dressed in ck. "What do you want? Let me go!"


    The two men tightened their grip on her, their expressions dark and grim. "You''re out of luck. Someone''s paid good money for us to ruin your face."


    What?


    Halsey''s eyes widened in shock. She hadn''t expected that someone would actually hire killers to go after her!


    "Who sent you? Why do they want to hurt me?" she demanded.


    One of the men sneered, "You don''t need to know that. All you need to understand is that your pretty face won''t stay intact today."


    Halsey tried to push them away and run, but the strength difference between her and the men was overwhelming. They held her tightly, leaving her no chance to escape.


    Panicking, she shouted at the top of her lungs, "Help! Somebody, please help me!"


    One of the men immediately mped a hand over her mouth, muttering, "Damn, this littledy fights hard! Hurry up-we''re gonna mess up that face of hers good!"


    While one man held Halsey down, the other pulled out a knife that gleamed coldly in the dark.


    Halsey''s heart hammered wildly in her chest. She watched in terror as the de slowly edged closer to her face. Soon, that knife would carve a bloody mark right across her skin.


    In moments of crisis, people can summon incredible strength. Without hesitation, Halsey kicked the man holding the knife straight in the groin.


    Caught off guard, he let out a sharp yelp and stumbled backward several steps.


    The other man was still restraining Halsey, but she bit down hard on his hand. With a cry of pain, he loosened his grip, giving her a chance to break free. Taking full advantage of the moment, Halsey sprinted away as fast as she could. The two men''s faces darkened with fury as they red in the direction she fled. ¡°Damn, she''s fierce! Hurry up and catch her! Today, we''re gonna carve a few good scratches on. her a lesson!"


    ace and teach


    They took off after her.


    Halsey ran with all her might, her breath ragged as the men stayed close behind, shouting, "Stop! Don''t run!"


    Frightened, her face drained of color. She screamed desperately, "Help! Somebody, please!"


    But there was no one around-no one to save her.


    What could she do? There seemed to be no way out.


    Her heart plummeted into a pit of despair.


    Suddenly, a figure appeared right in front of her. She couldn''t stop in time and crashed straight into the person''s


    chest.


    "Sorry..." she whispered, looking up.


    Her eyes froze in surprise.


    The stranger''s face was hidden behind a ck mask-no features visible at all.


    Behind them, the two men had caught up and snarled, "Don''t run! You''re trapped now!"


    One raised his knife and lunged toward Halsey''s face, his attack brutal and merciless.


    "Ah!" Halsey screamed.


    She covered her face with her hands-but the pain she expected never came.


    When she pulled her hands away, she saw the masked man lift his leg and deliver


    a powerful kick to the attacker''s abdomen. The force sent the attacker flying several feet, crashing against the wall with a heavy thud.


    The other attacker red at the masked figure and shouted, "Who the hell are you? You''d better not get involved unless you want to die!"


    Halsey stared at the masked man. He wore a dark hoodie, with the hood pulled over his head and a mask that concealed his facepletely.


    But his tall, fit frame was striking. Even from the side, his sharp, defined features looked handsome.


    Some people just had that kind of natural, undeniable charm.


    Suddenly, Halsey felt a flicker of recognition. She wondered if she had seen this masked man somewhere before.

 Chapter 652

    Lost in thought, Halsey barely registered the two men in ck pulling knives from their waists. Without hesitation, they lunged toward the masked man, their des shing dangerously in the air.


    The entire time, the masked man said nothing. He met their attack head-on with swift, fluid movements, radiating a fierce, almost terrifying energy that pulsed through his every strike.


    In no time, both men copsed to the ground, defeated.


    Just then, Wendy appeated, rushing over with Be in tow. Halsey, what happened?"


    "It''s okay. I''m fine," Halsey replied, still shaken.


    She nced back at the masked man. After dispatching the attackers, he was already turning to leave.


    "Wait-who are you?" Halsey called out quickly.


    The man paused mid-step, but didn''t look back.


    Watching his tall, straight figure retreat, she asked again, "Who are you? Do we know each other?"


    Still no answer.


    "Thank you for saving me..." she went on softly.


    Without a word, the masked man disappeared into the crowd, leaving only a cold shadow behind.


    Wendy had already dialed the police. She stepped closer to Halsey and asked, "Do you know who that was?"


    Halsey shook her head. "I have no idea."


    Be looked at Halsey with concern. "I''m d you''re okay."


    Halsey reached down to gently ruffle Be''s hair.


    "Someone will deal with this," Wendy said firmly. "Those two men came to kill you-we''ll find out who hired them. Let''s head back for now."


    But Halsey stopped in her tracks. "I have some things to take care of. You can head back first."


    Wendy grabbed her arm. "Where are you going? Are you going after that man?¡± Halsey stayed silent.


    "That guy who saved you... He looks a lot like Dwight," Wendy said.


    Without another word, Halsey took off running.


    Be tugged at Wendy''s sleeve. "Mommy, what''s wrong with Halsey? She seems so upset."


    Wendy knew Dwight. That man from earlier did look a little like him.


    Halsey had said she was over it, that she and Dwight were in the past. But the moment she saw someone who even slightly resembled him, she ran off.


    These past three years, Halsey hadn''t truly let go of Dwight at all.


    Wendy knew that Be was too young to understand things like these. She carried Be and replied, "She''s going


    to find her friend."


    Be''s eyes sparkled. "Does she really like that friend of hers?"


    Wendy smiled softly. "Yes, she does."


    Meanwhile, hidden in the shadows, Sienna clenched her fists tightly, infuriated.


    Those two men in ck-she had paid them to ruin Halsey''s beautiful, delicate face.


    She had almost seeded-just one step away from victory, until that masked man suddenly appeared and saved Halsey, ruining everything.


    Sienna was beyond angry.


    Halsey burst out of the restaurant and onto the busy street.


    People flowed around her like a rushing river as she pushed through the crowd, scanning every face for that familiar figure.


    She couldn''t help but wonder whether the man earlier was truly Dwight.


    But in the sea of strangers, the face she sought was nowhere to be found.


    She wove through the crowd, calling out loudly, "Dwight? Dwight!"


    No answer.


    Then, across the street, she spotted him-the familiar silhouette. Without hesitation, she darted across the road. But just then, a sharp honk pierced the air.


    A car came speeding toward her, heading straight for her in a blur.

 Chapter 653

    Halsey stood frozen in ce as the car came barreling toward her.


    At thest possible moment, a strong arm shot out, wrapping around her slender waist and yanking her into a warm, solid embrace.


    The car whizzed past, just missing her by inches.


    Still shaken, Halsey looked up at the man holding her.


    It was him.


    The masked man she had been searching for finally stepped into her sight. He had appeared.


    Halsey whispered, "It''s you."


    The man released her gently and said with a low, calm voice, "You were looking for me?"


    She nodded. "Yes, I was looking for you."


    "Next time, watch where you''re going," he replied coolly. Without another word, he turned and started to walk


    away.


    Halsey hurried to follow. "Who are you? We''ve met before, haven''t we?"


    "I don''t know you," he said inly.


    She didn''t believe him for a second. "You don''t know me? Then why did you save me? Twice today-you saved me from those men in ck and then again just now on the street."


    His voice was emotionless. "It was nothing. Just doing the right thing when I saw trouble."


    "I don''t buy it! We know each other. You''re someone I know."


    "Are you talking about someone you love?" he asked quietly.


    The person she loved?


    The question stopped Halsey cold for a moment. Her voice trembled slightly as she said, "He''s someone I used to love."


    The man was silent for a few seconds before responding, "I see."


    He sounded almost disappointed.


    Halsey kept pace beside him. "Why do you always wear that mask? Are you trying to hide your face from me?"


    He shrugged. ¡°I''m not hiding from you on purpose. I''m ugly; I''m just afraid it''ll scare people."


    What?


    He was so ugly that he might scare people?


    No way!


    Dwight had been the school heartthrob-many wealthy girls had thrown themselves at him, desperate to date him. He was incredibly handsome. Halsey didn''t believe a word.


    "Don''t say that. I won''t believe it unless you take off the mask so I can see for myself. Then I''ll know if you''re really who I think you are.


    He kept walking. "Go home. Stop following me."


    Halsey stepped directly in front of him, blocking his path. Her beautiful almond- shaped eyes stared stubbornly into his. "I''m not going back unless you show me your face


    He stopped walking and looked at her bright face. "I really am not the person you think I am."


    "Then show me your face."


    "Do you really want to see it?"


    "Yes."


    "Fine. I''ll show you."


    He agreed


    Halsey''s eyes lit up. She took two steps closer, then slowly reached out to pull the ck mask from his face.


    She was certain he was Dwight. She trusted her sixth sense


    The mask came off, revealing a face covered in scars. Not the sharp, handsome features of Dwight-this face was ruined, ugly, and frightening.


    Halsey''s eyes widened in shock. She quickly pulled back, stepping away to put some distance between them.


    The man saw her reaction and quietly pulled the mask back over his face, hiding it once more. "Got a good look? Am I the person you knew?"


    Halsey shook her head. "No, I''m sorry. I was mistaken."


    "It''s okay. You should go home now."


    Halsey nodded. "Thank you for everything today."


    "You''re wee."


    With that, he turned and walked away.

 Chapter 654

    Halsey stood frozen for a moment, then slowly turned and walked away. She and the masked man drifted apart, heading in opposite directions until they


    disappeared from each other''s sight.


    Back at home, Madeline came running out. "Halsey, you''re back!"


    Slightly surprised, Halsey smiled and pulled Madeline into a warm hug. "What are you doing home today?" Madeline beamed. "We got a day off from the team, so I came back."


    "That''s great. I''ll have Isabel make some of your favorite dishes-you''re still growing, after all."


    "I saw you through the window, walking with your head down. You seemed bothered. Didn''t you go out with Wendy today? Did something happen?"


    Three years had passed since they hadst seen each other. Madeline had grown from a middle school girl into a graceful eighteen-year-old. As a brilliant young researcher, she could tell something was wrong with Halsey''s mood./1


    Halsey forced a small smile. ¡°I saw Dwight today...''


    Madeline''s eyes widened in shock. "Really, Halsey? Where is he? He''s been gone for three whole years-I haven''t seen him at all!"


    "Actually, I didn''t actually see him. I only saw someone who looked a lot like him. I got the wrong person.''


    11


    The light in Madeline''s eyes faded quickly. After their mother passed away, Dwight was the only family she had left; but he suddenly vanished, and no one could find him.


    "Where do you think Dwight went? Why hasn''t hee back to us in all these years?" Tears welled up and spilled down Madeline''s cheeks.


    Halsey wrapped her arms around Madeline. "I don''t know where he is, or why he never came back to find us."


    Dwight had disappeared from the world, never to return.


    Did he know there were people out there who missed him desperately?


    Outside the vi, a tall figure wearing a ck mask stood quietly. He was the same man who had saved Halsey twice today-Dwight.


    Dwight didn''t reveal himself to Halsey. His face had changed beyond recognition, and she couldn''t even identify him.


    Three years ago, he had fallen off a cliff with his car and was rescued by vigers nearby. He had suffered severe injuries and spent a long time recovering. Though he survived, his face was permanently disfigured..


    Over the years, he often heard news about Madeline-how she won state-level awards, went abroad to win prizes, got into Stanfern University in the Capital, and was now working on rocket research. She was doing even better than he ever did. Of course, that was because Madeline was luckier. She had Halsey by her side.


    For three years, Halsey had raised his sister, doing what he as an older brother, should have done.


    Dwight stood silently outside the vi. Inside, the lights shone bright and warm. There, within those walls, were


    the two most important women in his life-the warmth he had dreamed of his whole life.


    But that warmth was now too far out of reach.


    He was no longer Dwight.


    Sometimes, when he looked in the mirror and saw his disfigured face, he couldn''t even remember what he had once looked like.


    Today, when Halsey pulled off his mask, the fear and shock in her eyes were abundantly clear. He was no longer the man she had loved.


    So be it.


    Dwight decided not to reveal himself so they could say goodbye to the past and find their happiness without him.

 Chapter 655

    After Halsey had left, Wendy held Be''s hand and prepared to leave as well. "Back to the hotel."


    Be nodded quietly. "Okay, Mommy."


    "We''re going back to Florias tomorrow. Is there anything else you want to do here


    in the Capital before we leave?"


    "Are we really leaving so soon?"


    "Yes, sweetie."


    "But I still want to hang out with Mr. Handsome."


    Wendy''s delicateshes fluttered in surprise. She hadn''t expected Be to still be thinking about Stanley, still wanting to spend time with him.


    "Mr. Handsome is really busy right now. Let''s not bother him, okay? I''ll hang out with you instead."


    Before Be could reply, Jessica''s voice cut through the air.


    "Wendy, fancy seeing you here!"


    Wendy looked up and saw Jessica approaching.


    Jessica smiled as she came closer. "Are you here for dinner with your daughter? What a coincidence-Stanley and I are meeting here for dinner too. Mrs. Ang will be joining us soon to discuss our wedding. You know Stanley and I are getting married, right?"


    Wendy''s eyes settled on Jessica''s face. She lifted the corner of her mouth in a faint smile. "I didn''t know before, but I do now. So, what are you trying to say?"


    Jessica''s voice sharpened, "I just want to say that Stanley is my fianc¨¦ now. You wouldn''t try to steal someone else''s fianc¨¦, would you?"


    A low, maic voice suddenly chimed in.


    "What are you two talking about?"


    Wendy looked up to see Stanley''s tall, handsome figure standing nearby.


    Jessica immediately stepped forward, looping her arm around his. "Hey, Stanley!" Stanley nced at Wendy.


    Wendy''s expression remained calm, and she gave a simple nod. "Hello, Mr. Hawk."


    Stanley pulled his arm free and looked over at Be. "Hi, Be."


    Be''s face lit up, and she ran toward him. "Mr. Handsome carry me!"


    She wanted Stanley to carry her.


    Wendy tried to stop her daughter. "No, Be. Don''t bother him."


    "That''s right, Be. Where''s your daddy? You should let your daddy hold you," Jessica quickly added. She nced


    at Stanley again. "Be has a father. You don''t need to carry her."


    Stanley''s heart twisted painfully. Yes, Samuel was Be''s father. What right did he have to hold her?


    Be''s bright eyes remained on him, arms stretched wide. Mr. Handsome, please carry me..."


    Stanley''s lips curved into a faint smile, and he reached out to scoop Be into his embrace. No matter whose daughter she was, he simply couldn''t say no to this cute kid


    Jessica''s face darkened, but she forced herself to keep her anger in check. "If you like kids that much, then let''s have some after we get married. You can have as many as you want."


    However, Stanley didn''t respond.


    Wendy stepped forward. "Okay, Be. Mr. Handsome has carried you. Let''s go back now. He''s busy, and we shouldn''t keep him."


    Stanley could tell Wendy didn''t like how much contact he had with Be. Was she


    worried he might do something to her daughter?


    Be looked up at Stanley. "Mommy and I are leaving tomorrow."


    Wendy was leaving tomorrow?


    Jessica''s eyes sparkled with delight.


    Stanley paused, then looked at Wendy. "You''re leaving tomorrow?"


    Wendy nodded. "Yes. I did what I came to do, so there''s no reason to stay." Stanley watched her. She had just arrived, and now, she was leaving already. But what reason did he have to stop her? She had a daughter and Samuel now. How could he possibly disturb her happiness?


    Jessica grinned happily and turned to Stanley. "Your mom will be here soon. Let''s go to the private room."

 Chapter 656

    Wendy picked up Be in her arms. "Let''s go."


    Be waved her small hand at Stanley. "Goodbye, Mr. Handsome."


    "Goodbye," Stanley replied softly.


    With that, Wendy carried Be away. Stanley stood rooted to the spot, watching as the mother and daughter disappeared from view.


    Just then, Ang rolled up in her wheelchair. "What are you two standing around for?"


    Jessica stepped forward and took the wheelchair handles from the maid with a polite smile. ¡°We were waiting for you here."


    "Let''s go into the private room," Ang said. She, Jessica, and Stanley settled into the private room together. Ang looked at Jessica. "When is your fathering back"


    "He''s on a business trip. He''ll be back in a couple of days. He said he hopes Stanley and I will get married soon," Jessica answered. 1


    Ang nodded. "I''ve already picked out several dates. Stanley, take a look and choose one for your wedding with Jessica."


    A maid ced a document next to Stanley''s hand. It listed several dates.


    Stanley nced at it briefly, then said firmly, ¡°I''m not marrying Jessica. I''ve said it many times-already." (1)


    The words hit hard. Both Ang and Jessica froze.


    Jessica looked hurt. Her voice trembled as she said, "Mrs. Ang, are you seeing this? I''ve loved Stanley so deeply. I''ve waited for him for three whole years. No matter how cold he is, he should''ve been moved by now, but he keeps treating me this way. It hurts."


    Jessica was clever-these past three years, she had tightly held onto Ang because she knew how devoted Stanley was to his mother.


    Ang quicklyforted her.


    "Don''t be sad. In influential families, marriages are usually decided by the parents. Stanley, you must pick one of these dates to marry Jessica today!"


    Ang''s voice was firm andmanding.


    Nevertheless, Stanley''s expression remained nk. "I''m not getting married. Anyone who wants to get married, go ahead."


    "How dare you!" Ang was furious. "Stanley, you''ve always been such a dutiful son all these years. Why are you rebelling on this? The union between the Hawk and Larson families is absolutely necessary!"


    I''ll agree to anything else-but not this."


    "I''m asking you one more time: Are you refusing to get married?"


    Stanley nodded without hesitation. "I''m not getting married."


    Ang''s rage boiled over; she grabbed the teacup beside her and hurled it at Stanley.


    Stanley didn''t dodge. The cup smashed against his forehead and blood immediately started to trickle down. ''Ah!" Jessica jumped quickly. "You''re bleeding! Someone, hurry and bring a first aid kit!"


    Jessica rushed to Stanley''s side, reaching out to tend to his wound-but he coldly pushed her hand away. Jessica froze. ¡°Can''t I even touch you?"


    Ang watched this scene, her voice full of anger. "Look at how much Jessica loves you! She treats you like treasure. Why won''t you marry her?"


    ¡°If she loves me, that''s hier business," Stanley replied coolly. "If I had to marry every woman who loved me, can you imagine how many daughters-inw you''d end up with?"


    His retort rendered Ang speechless.

 Chapter 657

    At that moment, Stanley stood up. "I don''t see the point in staying for dinner. I''m heading to the office."


    Without another word, he strode away.


    "Stanley? Stanley!" Ang called after him.


    Jessica''s eyes darkened as she watched Stanley leave. Over these past three years, she had hit more dead ends with him than she could count. But the more out of reach he seemed, the harder she wanted him.


    Now that she was the richest heiress in the world, she believed she could have him.


    Jessica moved closer to Ang. "Look at Stanley!"


    Ang was furious. "Stanley shouldn''t have treated you like that. Don''t worry, I''ll make sure to discipline him properly when we get home.


    "Please don''t punish Stanley anymore. I''ll feel heartbroken if he gets hurt."


    "You''re way too kind to him."


    "Honestly, it''s not his fault. The real problem is Wendy. She came back to the Capital again, stirring things up with Stanley. Everyone knows the Hawk and Larson families are meant to be united by marriage, yet she chose toe back the exact moment Stanley and I nned to get engaged. She''s so calcting!"


    Ang frowned deeply. "Yeah, she has some nasty intentions."


    "Not just that. Remember how she got pregnant three years ago? Now, she''s back with her daughter. Samuel is her daughter''s father, but she still clung to Stanley, wanting him to carry her. Like mother, like daughter- they''re trying to wrap Stanley around their fingers!"


    "What? Is that true?" Ang was shocked. "Wendy''s daughter asked Stanley to carry her?"


    Jessica nodded. "I saw it with my own eyes."


    Ang was furious. "The Hawk family has always been a pure bloodline, passed down from generation to generation. I''ve been hoping Stanley and you would marry soon and give me a strong, healthy grandson. But now, Wendy''s daughter dares to cling to Stanley like that? What do they want, to make him a stepdad? They can forget about that!"


    Jessica''s lips curved into a quiet, satisfied smile. She knew she had nted a thorn in Ang''s heart, and Ang now hated Wendy''s daughter.


    This was just the first step of her n. She still had to find a way to get rid of Be. Only if Be disappeared could her true background be buried forever. 2


    "You know I''m serious about Stanley. I''m willing to wait for him to change his mind, no matter how long it takes "Ang patted Jessica''s hand reassuringly. "I know. Don''t worry, I''ll always stand by your side."


    "Thank you, Mrs. Ang."


    Ang emerged, and the maid went behind her wheelchair to push her. "Has Stanley left?"


    The maid nodded. "Yes. I saw him walking away with blood trickling down his forehead. Did you argue with him again?"


    Ang sighed. "He really is so stubborn."


    "M Hawk has always been a dutiful son. You can''t stay mad at him forever. You just need to talk to him."


    How could Ang just talk it out? She knew Stanley''s heart belonged to Wendy.


    Just then, a soft, childlike voice rang out. "Madam..."


    Ang looked up and saw little Be standing there-a tiny bundle of sweetness and charm.


    Be gazed at Ang''s wheelchair. "Why are you sitting in that chair?"


    Ang smiled warmly, instantly taken by the child. "Sweetie, this isn''t a chair-it''s a wheelchair."


    "Why can''t you walk by yourself? Why do you need a wheelchair?"


    The maid opened her mouth to say something. "Mrs. Ang-

 Chapter 658

    "My legs can''t support me anymore, so I have to use a wheelchair," Ang said softly.


    Be looked a little confused, but nodded as if she understood. "Are you sick? It''s okay. Everything will get better. I''ll give you a lollipop..."


    She pulled out a brightly colored lollipop and held it out to Ang.


    Ang froze. No one had ever given her a lollipop before.


    In her younger days, she was trained by her wealthy family in refined manners and raised to marry well and focus on family duties. No one ever handed her a sugary treat like that. She had never touched something so full of artificial colors and chemicals.


    Ang stiffened, unsure of how to react.


    Be gently ced the lollipop in her hand. "Here, try it. It''s really sweet!"


    As Ang saw the joy blossoming on Be''s face, her lips finally curved into a soft smile.


    Just then, Wendy approached.


    "Be."


    Ang looked up and saw Wendy. Her body tensed. "Wendy? Is this your daughter?"


    Wendy hadn''t expected Be to run over to Ang so quickly while she was on a phone call.


    It had been three years since Wendyst saw Ang. Thest time they met was during their difficult


    conversation.


    Wendy had never truly disliked Ang. As a woman herself, Wendy saw no point in making things harder for another woman. She couldpletely understand Ang''s point of view.


    Wendy took Be''s small hand in hers and introduced herself with calm confidence. "Yes, this is my daughter, Be."


    Ang studied Wendy carefully. She still resembled the woman Ang


    remembered-elegant, sharp, and intelligent. Now, with her delicate, perfect little daughter by her side, she seemed even more radiant.


    "I heard you''re the famous Jolin," Ang said.


    Wendy smiled faintly. "You heard right."


    Ang chuckled softly. "I genuinely admire you. You''re a remarkable woman."


    Wendy raised an eyebrow. "I think we don''t need to beat around the bush. You don''t have to tter me. If you have something to say, just say it."


    Ang appreciated Wendy''s straightforwardness. After all, smart people often respected each other. "You''vee so far, and you''ve given birth to such a beautiful daughter. So why do you still cling to the past, trying to hold on to a man who was never truly yours?"


    Wendy''s eyes sharpened. "Do you mean Stanley?"


    "That''s right,¡± Ang said firmly. "You must''ve heard about the alliance between the Hawk and Larson families. It''s only a matter of time before Stanley marries Jessica. I don''t want you to confuse my son. I want him and Jessica to marry soon."


    1/7/3


    Chupter 668


    Wendy  Ang''s gaze with honesty and calm. "Well, I left Stanley on my own three years ago. After all this time, I have no intention of going back to him. I don''t know what people have told you, but nothing ever happened between us. I never reached out to him. If he marries Jessica, I truly wish them well."


    Ang studied Wendy''s clear eyes and nodded. "That''s for the best."


    "I''ll be leaving the Capital tomorrow."


    Wendy was leaving?


    Ang looked at Wendy carefully. Was she really leaving?


    Wendy stepped forward and handed Ang a small bottle. actually wanted to look


    for you. I made something for you."


    Ang took the bottle and opened it. Inside were tiny, colorful candies.


    She frowned. "What is this?"

 Chapter 659

    Wendy looked Ang in the eye. "I made this medicine for you. Te one pill every day, and your legs will slowly regain feeling Eventually, you''ll be able to stand again."


    Ang was stunned. "What did you say?"


    She never expected Wendy to prepare medicine for her. She had even imagined her legs could ever support her again.


    The maid standing behind them was equally shocked. ¡°Ms. Wendy are you serious? Can Mrs. Ang stand again? She''s seen the best doctors and has been in a wheelchair for over twenty years Everyone said there was no hope-that she would be confined to a wheelchair for life."


    Wendy smiled slightly. "Being stuck in a wheelchair for life is the worst-case scenario. No side effects can be worse than that. So trust me and take this medicine. If you''re worried, feel free to have specialist Inspect the ingredients, just in case someone tries to use this as a trap against me."


    Ang was silent for a long time, unable to fully process it. The fact that Wendy had made medicine for her was too shocking to grasp


    Then Be, with her innocent, childlike smile, chimed in, "Mommy is the wonder doctor, Dr. Cen. If she says you can stand, then you''ll stand for sure."


    Ang looked at Wendy. "I-"


    "Your legs were paralyzed during childbirth," Wendy said quietly. I examined you three years ago, The only thing missing was one ingredient. I''ve found it and made the pills. Consider this a small favor from me. No need to thank me."


    Ang was still overwhelmed, unsure of what to say.


    Wendy bent down and scooped up Be in her arms. "I have to go now. Goodbye."


    Carrying Be, Wendy left.


    Be waved her little hand. "Bye..."


    Wendy and Be disappeared from sight.


    The maid was nearly in tears, ovee with excitement.


    "This is amazing! Ms. Wendy actually gave you medicine-she''s the wonder doctor, Dr. Cen! I heard she can even treat terminal illnesses. You should take


    one pill right now. I believe you''ll be able stand again soon."


    The maid poured out a pill and handed it to Ang, who swallowed it.


    "How do you feel?"


    Ang felt a warm wave spread through her chest after swallowing the pill, slowly flowing down to her numb legs.


    Her legs, numb all these years, suddenly felt warmth.


    She gasped.


    "I think...my legs are feeling something."


    "Really? That''s wonderful! Take one pill every day, and soon you''ll be standing again."


    Tears filled Ang''s eyes. She had never dared to dream she would stand again. She had long epted she was paralyzed.


    "I''m not just praising Ms. Wendy because she gave you medicine," the maid added. "She''s truly different from Ms. Larson and all those other high-society daughters. There''s a reason Mr. Hawk can''t stop thinking about her."


    Ang stared in Wendy''s direction, but said nothing.


    She soon returned to the family estate and called Stanley''s number but Zayn? answered.


    "Hello, Mrs. Ang, Mr. Hawk is currently in a meeting. I can help you pass a message if you''d like."


    "I don''t have anything urgent. I just wanted to ask if he''ll befg home tonight,¡± Ang replied.


    "He''ll be workingte at the office tonight, so he won''t being home."


    "And what about the injury on his forehead? Has it been treated?"


    Ang still loved her son deeply. Her heart ached as she thought about how she had hurt him.

 Chapter 660

    "Dn''t worry," Zayn replied "Mi. Hawk''s forehead injury has already been treated >>>


    Ang breathed a sigh of relief. "That''s good to treat


    She went to sleep after hanging up. The next morning, the maid opened the small bottle and handed a pill to Ang, ada swallowed it.


    The maid asked, "How are you feeling today?"


    Ang felt warmth spreading through her legs, growing stronger and more distinct. She tried to move them.


    Her legs actually moved!


    The maid was stunned. "You can move your legs?"


    Ang was more excited than anyone. For the first time, she felt in control of her


    legs Trying again, she ced beth feet firmly on the ground.


    "Oh my god! You really can move your legs! Let me help you stand The maid hurriedly reached out to support Ang


    Slowly, Ang stood up from the wheelchair. "You can let go."


    The maid released her, and Ang stood steadily on her own. "You''re standing! This is incredible! You''re actually sta


    Ang looked at her legs in disbelief. She had really managed to stand.


    But then, she sank back down into the wheelchair. Although she could stand today, she couldn''t hold it for long. After over twenty years of paralysis, she needed time to recover slowly.


    Still, the fact remained-she could stand again.


    Her legs were healing!


    "Mrs. Ang, this is amazing! The medicine Ms. Wendy gave you is truly powerful!"


    Ang''s expression lit up with emotion. "Is Wendy leaving today?


    The maid nodded. "Yes, she said she would leave today."


    Ang nodded. "She''s probably at the airport by now. She healed me and helped me stand again. I have to thank her in persoIL Quick, take me to the airport. I want to see her!"


    Ang was determined to meet Wendy and express her gratitude.


    "Alright. I''ll have a car ready immediately."


    And so, Ang set off toward the airport with the maid.


    At that moment, Wendy and Be had already arrived at the airport, preparing to leave the Capital and return to Florias.


    "Mommy, I actually wish we could stay here a couple more days,¡± Be said softly.


    Wendy gently tousled Be''s hair. She knew Be''s fondness for Stanley was due to her natural longing for her father-a bo of blood.


    s, Wendy felt this was something she could never give Be.


    "I''ll bring you back here again someday, okay?"


    Be nodded obediently. "Okay."


    Wendy nced at her watch, boarding time was approaching, but miel hadn''t shown up. He was supposed to fly back with them on the private ne. Where was he?


    Wendy set Be down on a chair. "Sit here for a moment. I''m going to call Daddy Sam."


    Be nodded happily. "Okay."


    Wendy stepped aside and pulled out her phone, dialing Samuel''s number.


    The call connected quickly, and Samuel''s voice came through. "Hey, Wendy."


    "Where are you? We agreed to fly back to Florias today. You''rete


    "I had a bit of trouble here," he said.


    What kind of trouble?


    Wendy''s heart skipped a beat, her voice tightening with concern. What''s wrong? What happened?"


    Focused on the call, Wendy turned her back. Suddenly, two men dressed in ck appeared in the airport lobby. Wearing baseball caps pulled low, they headed straight toward Be.


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 Chapter 661

    Be sat quietly in the chair whille patiently waiting for Wendy, a llipop clutched tightly in her small hand.


    Suddenly, two men dressed in ck appeared out of nowhere. One of them quickly covered Be''s mouth with his hand and scooped her up without warning.


    Be''s eyes widened in terror. She wanted to scream and call out for Wendy, but with her mouth covered, not a single sound escaped.


    The lollipop slipped from her hand with a soft thud and fell to the floor.


    The two men carried Be away swiftly.


    Meanwhile, Wendy was still on the phone with Samuel. "What happened?"


    "I got rear-ended on the way to the airport. It was a minor ident, but I might be a littlete," Samuel exined.


    Wendy''s tense heart finally eased. So it was just a fender-bender she had feared something worse.


    "You''re okay, and that''s what matters. I''ll hold the ne for you. Take care of things ande straight here."


    "Got it."


    They hung up. Wendy turned back to Be. "Be, Daddy Sam-"


    But her words caught in her throat. The chair where Be had been sitting was empty.


    Wendy''s pupils shrank with panic. "Be? Be!"


    She called out loudly, scanning the airport desperately-but there was no sign of her little girl anywhere.


    Where had Be gone?


    Then Wendy noticed the lollipop on the floor. She snatched it up quickly. It was Be''s.


    She had a sick feeling in her stomach-Be had been taken!


    Outside, the two men in ck forced Be into


    waiting ck van. They tried to shove her inside.


    But Be was sharp and quick. She bit on one man''s hand, hard.


    "Argh!" he yelped in pain.


    Seizing the chance, Be dropped to the ground and sprinted away as fast as she could.


    "That kid''s smart! Get her!"


    The two men gave chase.


    Be ran, shouting at the top of her lungs, "Help! Mommy, help!"


    At that moment, a luxury car pulled up. A maid stepped out, pushing Ang''s wheelchair.


    Ang caught the desperate, childlike cries and looked up sharply. "Be?"


    Be saw Ang too, and ran straight into her arms. "Bad guys are trying to take me! Help me!"


    Ang wrapped Be tightly in a protective embrace. She red fiercely at the two men chasing them. "Who are you? How dare


    you kidnap a little girl in broad daylight! This is illegal!"


    The men''s faces twisted into grim sneers as they approached.


    26 BONUS


    "Olddy, I suggest you mind your own business unless you want to get yourself killed."


    Theanaid immediately stepped in front of Ang and Be. ¡°Wat it! Do you even know who she is? If youy a finger on her, you''ll regret it for the rest of your lives!"


    Before she could finish, one of the men struck her hard on the back of her neck. Her eyes rolled back, and she copsed to the ground instantly.


    Ang was horrified. "How dare you hit her! I''m calling the cops! Who sent you?" The men sneered, "Shut up! If you want to live, hand over the kid!


    Be curled up tightly in Ang''s arms, trembling with fear. "You have to save me! I don''t want to go with them!"


    Ang soothed her gently. "I won''t let them take you."


    The two men stepped forward and grabbed hold of Be. "Come liere, little brat!"

 Chapter 662

    4:


    Be was yanked away, the two men in ck gripping her tightly they strode off with determined steps.


    "Help mel" Be cried desperately, her voice trembling.


    Ang nted her hands firmly on the wheelchair''s armrests.


    "Let go of her!" she shouted.


    Suddenly, with a surge of strength, Ang rose from the wheelchair. She dashed toward the men, reaching out to snatch Be back.


    Be''s wide, beautiful eyes grew evenrger, filled with shock and hope as she stared at Ang. "You can stand! And you''re walking!"


    Ang froze for a moment. In the heat of the moment, she had actually stood up. Her legs were healing. She was bing whole again-like a normal petson.


    The two men snarled, "You''re asking for it! We''ll take you too!"


    They grabbed Ang roughly and, along with Be, shoved them both into a ck van. The vehicle roared away into the distance.


    Just then, Wendy burst out of the airport terminal. "Be? Be, where are you?"


    Her eyes caught the figure of a maid lying on the floor. Wendy recognized her instantly-it was one of Ang''s attendants. Without hesitation, Wendy rushed over and performed simple needle therapy on her.


    The maid''s eyes fluttered open.


    "Mrs. Ang!" Seeing Wendy, she paused. "Ms. Wendy? What are you doing here?"


    Wendy''s voice was urgent. "I brought Be to the airport, but someone took her!" "I saw your daughter just now," the maid said weakly.


    "What? Where is she?"


    The maid struggled to exin.


    "Mrs. Ang took the medicine you gave her and was able to stand this morning. She came to the airport to thank you, but when we arrived, two men in ck were chasing your daughter. They knocked me out, and now both Mrs. Ang and Miss Be are gone. I''m sure those men took them!"


    Wendy''s heart dropped like a stone. Both Be and Ang had been kidnapped? Who were these people? And why did they target Be?


    The maid urged Wendy, "You have to call Mr. Hawk! He''ll bring Miss Be and Mrs. Ang back safely!"


    Call Stanley?


    This city was Stanley''s territory. There was no one better to turn to now-if she didn''t, both Be and Ang could be in grave danger.


    Wendy pulled out her phone and dialed Stanley''s number without hesitation.


    At Hawk Group headquarters, Stanley sat in the CEO''s office, reviewing documents. His handsome face was dark and stormy, a clear warning that visitors were not wee.


    Zayn stood nearby, watching nervously. Since Stanley had returned from the restaurant with his forehead bandaged, his mood


    *


    had been as gloomy as ever. The wholepany field its breath, ald to even speak


    Stanley signed his name with a steady hand, then pressed his lips together and asked, "What time is it?


    "It''s already 10:00 AM. Ms. Wendy''s private ne was scheduled to leave at 9:30 AM. By now, she and Miss Be should be on their way back to Florias."


    Zayn had worked with Stanley for years and knew exactly what was on his mind. Wendy was leaving today, taking Be with her.


    That was why Stanley''s mood was heavier than ever. He didn''t want her to go, but he had no reason to stand in the way of her happiness.


    Stanley pressed his lips into a tight, cold line as he thought about Wendy leaving.


    At that moment, a gentle ringtone broke the tense silence-someone was calling. Today''s Bonus Offer

 Chapter 663

    Stanley nced at the screen-it was an unknown number,


    Zayn leaned in, curious. "I haven''t seen this number before. Who calling you?"


    Stanley frowned, uncertain. He picked up the phone and pressed the button to answer. Soon, a clear, familiar voies came through.


    "Hi, Mr. Hawk. It''s me, Wendy."


    Wendy?


    Stanley froze. Never in his wildest dreams had he expected Wendy to call him. She had changed her number long ago, years ago


    -three years, to be exact.


    He thought she was already on a ne far away, yet here she was, calling him. The surprise filled him with a rush of hope.


    He gripped the phone tightly, voice trembling with excitement. "Have you left?"


    "I nned to leave, but something happened. Someone took Be and Mrs. Ang!"


    Taken?


    Stanley sprang to his feet, his voice sharp and fierce. "What did you say? Who took them?"


    Wendy recounted everything that had happened at the airport. Without hesitation, Stanley said, "Wait for me there. I''ming now!"


    Zayn nced at Stanley. "Are Miss Be and Mrs. Ang in danger?"


    Stanley''s eyes darkened like storm clouds. "I can''t believe someone actually kidnapped my people on my turf. I''ll find them and teach them a lesson!"


    At the airport, Wendy and the maid waited anxiously for Stanley. Soon, he arrived, his tall, handsome figure cutting through the cold wind. The sharp chill seemed to follow him like an invisible force.


    "Wendy!" he called out.


    Wendy stood quickly, relief flooding her face. "You came! You have to save Be and Mrs. Ang."


    Stanley looked into her eyes, seeing the fear and panic there. "Just leave it to me.''


    Zayn stepped forward. "I''ve already sent someone to check the airport surveince.''


    Stanley nodded. "Did they find the footage? The whole airport should be covered."


    Zayn''s face tightened. "I did check, but all the cameras around the airport malfunctioned today. The footage is gone."


    Wendy frowned, disbelief washing over her. The cameras breaking down at such a critical moment? That couldn''t be a


    coincidence.


    She looked at Stanley. "There''s no way this was idental. I think someone tampered with the surveince."


    Stanley''s expression hardened. "This is the central airport in the Capital. It''s no small feat to hack these cameras. This wasn''t an ident-someone nned this. They meant to kidnap Be."


    Wendy nodded grimly. ¡°Exactly! Those men came for Be. Mrs. Ang was caught because she tried to protect her. But I can''t imagine who would want to take Be."


    Stanley''s eyes locked on Wendy. "Have you made enemies? Anyone you might''ve upset?"


    Wendy shook her head. "I just arrived in the Capital. I haven''t offended anyone here"


    Stanley''s gare sharpened. "What about Samuel?"


    Wendy blinked, confused by the sudden question.


    Stanley exined, "Samuel is Be''s father. If he made an enemy hey might''ve targeted Be to get to him."


    Wendy remained silent for a moment.


    She shook her head again. "No, that''s impossible."


    ***$


    Stanley paused for a few seconds, then said with cold certainty, "is is the Capital. My mother was taken too. With her


    involved, they wouldn''t act recklessly. They''d reach out to us first. We just need to wait."


    Wendy''s voice trembled. "Wait? What if they never reach out? Be''s only three years old-she''s still a baby! She''s never been away from me before. I''m worried about her!"

 Chapter 664

    Stanley reached out and gently ced his hand on Wendy''s shoulder, "I know..."


    But Wendy pulled away, her voice sharp. "You have no idea! I don''t think you''re really trying to help me!"


    Stanley frowned deeply. "Why do you doubt me like this? Is it just because Be isn''t my daughter? You seriously think too little of me. I wouldn''t just stand by and watch Be stiffer because she not my blood. I care about her a lot."


    Wendy felt overwhelmed by worry. Bepped, and as he mother, she couldn''t help but panic.


    Stanley was right. How could she doubt him? Atter all, Ang had been taken,


    too.


    Now, all they could do was wait, though every second felt like torture.


    "I''m sorry. I was just too anxious."


    Stanley shook his head gently. "It''s okay."


    At that moment, Stanley looked up and saw a familiar figure-Samuel had arrived.


    "This is the Capital," Stanley said firmly. "I''m the only one who can help you here. I promise I''ll get Be and my mother back. For now, you need toe with me."


    "Come with you? Where?" Wendy asked, uncertain.


    "To my vi."


    Wendy''s body stiffened. "I don''t want to go."


    Stanley smirked. "Why? Are you afraid I''m going to eat you?"


    Wendy shook her head quickly. "No way. With your status, your countless admirers, and your rich fianc¨¦e, you wouldn''t look


    twice at someone like me."


    She didn''t want to go to Stanley''s vi. They were adults-there had to be some boundaries.


    Stanley could tell she was trying to avoid any closer connection. "Then we''ll go to my office."


    His office?


    This time, Stanley didn''t give her a chance to refuse. "Nothing will happen in the office. Come on. Don''t waste time arguing. Right now, the priority is rescuing Be and my mother."


    Wendy finally gave in. "Okay, I''ll do as you say."


    Stanley led Wendy away. Before leaving, he nced at Samuel, who was


    searching for Wendy-but Samuel was destined toe up empty-handed, because Stanley had taken her with him.


    Wendy followed Stanley to the CEO''s office. It was her first time there. The decor was still cool-toned and minimalist-his signature style.


    Soon, Wendy''s eyes fell on a crystal pendant resting on his desk.


    That crystal pendant was the one he had given her years ago in that cave. Now, ity quietly on his desk-proof t three years, Stanley often gazed at it while thinking about her.


    Wendy reached out to it slowly, her pale fingers brushing the pendant''s smooth surface. Stanley''s voice suddenly came behind her, calm and steady. "Want something to drink?"


    Wendy immediately pulled her hand back, about to turn around. ¡°I


    over these


    As she turned, she bumped right into Stanley''s chest. She hadn''t


    She stumbled forward, falling into his warm embrace.


    "Sorry," she whispered.


    Wendy quickly stepped back; suddenly, her foot caught on somet backward. "Ah!" she cried.


    A strong arm shot out and wrapped around her slender waist, pull


    Wendy looked up and met Stanley''s handsome, steady gaze.


    Today''s Bonus Offer


    chester Be


    As she ruined, she bumped right into Stanley''s chest. She hadn''t realized he was


    to close, standing just behind her


    Shestumbled forward, falling into his warm embrace.


    "Sorry," she whispered.


    Wendy quickly stepped back, suddenly, her foot caught on something, and she lost her bnce. She fell again, this time


    backward


    "Ah!" she cried.


    A strong arm shot out and wrapped around her slender waist, pulling her back


    with firm strength into a safe embrace.


    Wendy looked up and met Stanley''s handsome, steady gaze.


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 Chapter 665

    Staley''s handsome face suddenly filled Wendy''s vision, close enough to fill her whole world.


    He held her gently by the soft curve of her waist, his voice low and concerned. "Are you okay?"


    It had been three long years since they had been apart. His clean, fresh scent wrapped around her again. Falling into his warm embrace made her head spin.


    She quickly snapped back to reality. Raising her hand and pressing it firmly against his strong chest, she tried to push him away. "I''m fine. Thanks."


    Stanley didn''t loosen his hold. Instead, he pulled her closer, his grip tightening around her waist. "What were you just thinking about?"


    Wendy blinked, startled. "I wasn''t thinking about anything


    "Liar" he teased. "I know you were thinking about me."


    He called her out on her lie.


    Their bodies were pressed tightly together now-his solid strength against her delicate softness-and the air between them grew charged, heavy with tension. Wendy tried to pull back. "Please let go of me."


    "What if I don''t?"


    He refused to release her.


    Regret flickered in Wendy''s mind. She shouldn''t havee to his office.


    She struggled, her clear eyes shing with cold anger. ¡°Have some respect. If you don''t let go, I won''t be so polite anymore."


    Like a slippery snake, she twisted and turned in his arms. Stanley felt the tempting curves of her body, and after three years of restraint, his body stirred, suddenly restless and fiery.


    A small, amused smile curved his lips. "And what exactly do you n to do?"


    Wendy red up at him. "Are you trying to take advantage of me? My daughter''s been kidnapped, and you bring me here to your office¡ªare you plotting something?"


    Stanley tightened one arm around her waist and, with the other, gently lifted her chin.


    "Do you even know what it means to take advantage of someone? If I wanted to, I wouldn''t have brought you to my office. I''d take you straight to my bed. Then, I''d make a deal, something like ''If you sleep with me, I'' your daughter.""


    Wendy''s eyes narrowed sharply; before she could think twice, she pped him across the face.


    She hadn''t hit him hard, but the sound of her palm striking his handsome cheek was undeniably crisp.


    Stanley''s expression darkened. "I can''t believe you hit me.


    Wendy stared back defiantly. "You deserved it."


    Stanley''s voice dropped low, a warning in his tone. "You asked for this."


    cue


    Without another word, he bent down and captured her lips na fierce kiss.


    Wendy''s mind exploded like thunder, and she couldn''t process what was going


    on.


    What was he doing? He was kissing her, forcing himself on her!


    His lips pressed hard against hers, crushing and iming. He traced the delicate curve of her mouth as if memorizing every line, his hunger barely restrained, like a starving wolf ready to devour her whole.


    His kiss was demanding and powerful.


    For three years, Wendy had been single, never close to another man. After giving birth, she had felt her body change, growing more mature and confident.


    Stanley had everything-money, looks, status-and he was an expert kisser. Memories of their past shed through her mind, sweet moments long buried. Her knees went weak.


    One kiss from him, and her defenses crumbled as her body melted like soft water. She tried to pull away. "What-mmmph!"


    But before she could finish, Stanley pried open her lips, breaking through her resistance.


    Wendy was truly powerless now. Her hands, which had been resting against his chest, curled slowly, clutching the cor of his suit jacket.


    "No... Oh!"


    Wendy shivered, her voice trembling as she gasped softly. Stanley''s hand slid beneath her blouse, tracing the soft skin of her waist.

 Chapter 666

    A skiver ran down Stanley''s spine.


    Wendy was like a poppy flower-once he touched her, he couldn''t help but crave more. That irresistible, overwhelming craving sent his blood racing, making it almost impossible to control himself.


    He buried his handsome face in her long hair, his voice husky as he murmured, "What did you want to say?"


    Stanley was breathing hard.


    Wendy''s longshes fluttered nervously. Her delicate, lovely face flushed a deep, intoxicating shade of red. "Let go of me!"


    He kissed her hair softly. "But your body isn''t saying the same thing. Your body''s a lot more honest than you are."


    Wendy felt like everything was slipping out of her control. She tried to push Stanley away. "Stanley!"


    Without warning, he bit down gently on her pale earlobe. "Haven''t you slept with Samuel?"


    Wendy''s pupils shrank, and she wanted nothing more than to cover his mouth. "He can''t satisfy you in bed, huh? Because I''m pretty sure you haven''t been properly satisfied," Stanley pressed


    1. on.


    What a lunatic!


    Wendy red at him. "Please show some respect!"


    Just then, a clear, melodic ringtone cut through the tension-her phone was ringing.


    "My phone''s ringing! Let go of me!"


    Wendy pulled out her phone. The screen lit up with Samuel''s name.


    Samuel had been searching the airport for a long time; unable to find Wendy or


    Be, he called to check in.


    Wendy answered quickly. "Hey."


    Samuel''s concerned voice came through immediately. "Where are you? I''m


    already at the airport. Why can''t I find you or Be?"


    He still didn''t know what had happened to Be and Ang


    Wendy wanted to tell him, "Be-"


    But her words were cut off as Stanley kissed her again, silencing herpletely.


    Wendy''s eyes widened in shock. What the hell was Stanley doing? She was on the phone with Sa...el, for crying out loud!


    "Hello? Wendy, what''s going on? Are you okay?" Samuel''s voice was tense with worry.


    Stanley kept kissing Wendy, then snatched the phone from her hand and pressed it to his ear. "Hello, Mr. Samuel."


    Samuel stammered, "Mr. Hawk? Is Wendy with you right now?"


    Wendy tried to snatch the phone back. "Give me back my phone!"


    1/31


    But Stanley raised his hand high, keeping it out of her reach. Even standing on tiptoe, she couldn''t grab it.


    "Yes, she''s with me, and she''s fine."


    Samuel''s worried tone immediately softened. ¡°What are you doing? I''m not sure you heard, but Wendy and I have been married for three years now!" (2)


    Samuel imed they were married.


    Wendy said nothing-she knew Samuel was only trying to make Stanley jealous by saying that.


    Stanley paused. He had suspected they were married, considering how old Be was. Even so, hearing it from Samuel''s own mouth still hit him hard.


    "Wendy''s my wife, and Be''s my daughter," Samuel continued. "I don''t quite understand what you''re doing. Are you trying to steal someone else''s wife and daughter? Be a homewrecker?" 1


    Homewrecker? 1


    Wendy thought Samuel was getting more and more ridiculous by the second.


    Stanley looked down at Wendy''s small, delicate face.


    "I''m not giving her back to you," he said slowly. "If you want tobel me as a homewrecker, so be it!"


    Today''s Bonus Offer


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 Chapter 667

    Wendy sat speechless, staring at Stanley in shock. She couldn''t believe what she had just heard he actually "imed he was going to be a homewrecker!


    A man like Stanley, with his status and influence, had no shortage of women. Yet here he was, willing to step down from his pedestal just to be a third wheel.


    On the other end of the line, Samuel was clearly stunned as well. He was at a loss for words.


    "Anyway, I''m busy. Bye.


    Without waiting for a response, Stanley hung up the phone. He turned to Wendy, who was still staring at him in disbelief. A crooked smile yed on his lips.


    "Why are you looking at me like that?"


    Wendy shivered, her longshes fluttering. "You shouldn''t have said those things to Samuel. It''s only going to cause misunderstandings."


    Stanley reached out and gently cupped Wendy''s delicate chin. "Every word I said is true. Why shouldn''t I say it? Or are you worried my words will cause trouble for you? Make it hard for you to exin to Samuel when you''re back?


    Wendy hesitated. "Both, actually."


    Stanley grinned. "There''s a way to solve both those problems at once."


    "What is it?"


    "Divorce Samuel and marry me."


    Wendy looked at him quietly for a moment. "You should probably think about your rtionship with Jessica. The marriage alliance between the Hawk and Larson families is inevitable."


    Stanley opened his mouth to speak, but she cut him off.


    "Mr. Hawk, Be and Mrs. Ang are still missing. Even though you''ve sent people to look for them, I don''t want to talk about anything else right now. I just want them toe back safely. Can we agree on that?"


    Stanley nodded. "Fine. Once Be and my mom return, we''ll talk about this again."


    Be and Ang were locked away in a small, dark room by the men in ck. Terrified, Be whimpered, "Where are we? I''m so scared. I want Mommy..." Ang pulled Be close. "It''s okay, Be. This is the Capital. My son wille soon to rescue us."


    Be''s voice was soft and full of hope. "Really? Mr. Handsome will save us?"


    Ang nodded firmly. "Of course he will! So don''t be scared-I''m right here with you."


    Be''s confidence grew. "My Mommy wille to save us, too. She''s really amazing."


    Ang looked down at her legs, now fully healed, and felt a deep gratitude toward Wendy.


    She hadn''t treated Wendy kindly-every time they met, she would tell Wendy to stay away from her son. Yet, Wendy hadn''t held a grudge and instead healed her legs. Ang agreed that Wendy was truly a remarkable woman.


    Ang smiled gently. "Yes, your mom really is amazing."


    ¡°Mr. Handsome is wonderful, too. I want him and Mommy to get married. They''re perfect for each other."


    Ang blinked in surprise. "Isn''t your mom already married? I heard she married Samuel."


    Be shook her head. "No, she''s been single for the past three years. She lives with me. I want Mr. Handsome to be my daddy..."


    Ang was stunned. So Wendy was still single-she didn''t marry Samuel.


    Why?


    Their daughter was already so old. Why hadn''t they gotten married?


    Confusion filled Ang''s eyes. She could only wait until she was free to tell Stanley and have him investigate.


    At that moment, a luxury car pulled up outside, and a familiar figure stepped out-it was Jessica.


    The men in ck were all her hires. With her current power, disrupting the Capital airport''s surveince and taking Be away was no longer a difficult task.


    Chapt

 Chapter 668

    The men in ck quickly came forward, bowing respectfully. "Ms. Larson."


    Jessica''s eyes locked onto them as she cut straight to the point. "Have you gotten the girl like I asked?"


    "Yes, Ms. Larson," one replied.


    Her eyes lit up with satisfaction. Finally, she had taken the legitimate child Wendy had given birth to! As soon as Be was taken care of, her true identity would remain a secret forever. With that weight off her shoulders, she could finally breathe easy.


    "Take me to see her. Now!"


    "Right this way."


    The men in ck led Jessica to a small, dark room. The door had a tiny window, and through it, she spotted Ang cradling Be in her arms. The grandmother and granddaughter were huddled together in the corner.


    Jessica froze. She wasn''t sure if her eyes were ying tricks on her, so she looked again. She then realized she wasn''t mistaken-Ang was really there!


    What was going on? Why was Ang here?


    Jessica turned to the men in ck. "Why is there someone else inside?"


    "Well, something happened. When we went to capture the girl today, we unexpectedly ran into this old hag. She tried to save the girl, so we had no choice but to bring her along."


    Goddamnit!


    Jessica felt as if she had been struck by lightning. Never had she imagined such aplication-her future mother-inw had been taken as well.


    Ang tried to rescue Be? When did she start caring so much for the little girl?


    A deep sense of danger washed over Jessica, but more than anything, she felt fear.


    She snapped at the men in ck, "Are you crazy? How could you take her too? Do you even know who she is?!"


    "She''s just some olddy in a wheelchair," one of them sneered.


    Ang had kept to herself all these years. It wasn''t surprising these men didn''t recognize her.


    Jessica was speechless with anger. "She''s no ordinary old woman-she''s Ang Hawk!"


    "What?" The man froze. "That olddy is Mrs. Ang?"


    "Yes! Now, do you realize the mess you''ve gotten us into? Stanley definitely knows his mother is missing and that she vanished with Be. I wanted you to bring the girl here quietly, but now you''ve dragged Stanley into this! What are we going to do?"


    The men in ck looked panicked. Everyone had heard about Stanley''s ruthlessness, and this was his territory.


    "We had no idea she was Ang Hawk! She kept struggling and we were afraid of being exposed, so we had no choice but to take her. You have to think of something-if Mr. Hawk finds us, none of us will survive!" one of them warned Jessica.


    They were all in the same boat now. No one could escape.


    Jessica nodded grimly. "I''m trying to figure something out, but what choice do we have? Stanley has probablyid a trap all around us. The moment we move, we''ll be caught


    Besides, this was Ang. Hurting her was thest thing Jessica wanted.


    "Ms. Larson, what do we do now?"


    "Lock them up for now. Don''t touch them until I find a way


    "Alright."


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 Chapter 669

    Jessica sank onto the sofa, her mind racing as she tried to think clearly.


    What would be her next move?


    Ang was missing-Stanley must already know. Right now, he was most likely with Wendy, and the two of them were probably plotting together against her.


    Jessica''s frustration boiled over. She couldn''t afford to lose such a golden opportunity. Wendy had to disappear- no matter what it took.


    She pulled out her phone and typed a message to Wendy.


    At that moment, Wendy sat in the CEO''s office at Hawk Group. Her phone buzzed with a notification. She nced at the screen-it was a message from an unknown number.


    [If you want your daughter to stay alive, go somewhere isted and answer my call. Remember, if anyone else finds out, your daughter dies on the spot.]


    A cold shiver ran down Wendy''s spine. The kidnappers had reached out.


    She was more worried they wouldn''t make a move. Now that they had, there would be a way to find a weakness


    The phone number was generated through a virtualwork. She could tell the kidnappers were extremely


    cautious.


    Stanley, sitting in his office chair, heard the text alert and looked up at Wendy. "Your phone''s buzzing. Who''s texting you?"


    She remembered the kidnappers'' warning: No one else could know.


    Wendy picked up her phone. "It''s from Halsey."


    Stanley nodded.


    Just then, Zayn stepped in quietly. "The search teams still haven''t found any trace of Miss Be or Mrs. Ang. But the good news is the kidnappers seem to be


    holding steady-they haven''t made a move. So for now, they are safe."


    Stanley agreed silently. He pulled out a map. "Keep searching these areas."


    Watching Stanley and Zayn pore over the ns, Wendy stood and quietly slipped out of the room.


    She moved to a corner, and then her phone rang again.


    Without hesitation, Wendy answered. ¡°Hello? Who is this? Are my daughter and Mrs. Ang with you? Why have you taken them?"


    A distorted mechanical voice came through, altered beyond recognition. "Yes. They are in my hands."


    Wendy gripped the phone tightly. "Where is my daughter? want to hear her voice."


    "Sure."


    Soon, a soft, childlike voice came through the line. "Mommy..."


    Wendy''s voice cracked with relief. "Be! Are you okay?"


    "I''m fine now. Mrs. Ang is here with me.


    Wendy forced herself to stay strong. "Don''t be scared. I''lle for you two soon. Just hang in there, okay?"


    "Okay."


    Then Ang''s voice echoed on the line. "Wendy!"


    "Mrs. Ang, I-"


    Wendy''s words were cut short by the mechanical voice. "Time''s up. You''ve said enough."


    Some of Wendy''s tension eased-at least Be and Ang were safe for now. "What do you want?"


    The distorted voice answered coldly, "If you want to save your daughter, you''ll do exactly as I say."


    Wendy steeled herself. "I''m listening."


    "Right now, go to the private winery. There''s a wild party going on there."


    The kidnappers wanted her to attend a party.


    "I can go," Wendy sneered, "but you have to guarantee their safety."


    "Don''t worry. As long as you obey, they''lle back unharmed. If you don''t, they''ll pay the price. And remember


    ¨C no one else can know about this! If you tell anyone, the consequences are on you."

 Chapter 670

    Two beeps rang out as the line went dead.


    Wendy gripped her phone tightly. What secrets could this private winery be hiding? For Be and Ang''s sake, she had no choice but to go.


    Stanley could never find out about this.


    Back in Stanley''s office, Wendy said, "Halsey wants to see me. I''ll head out for a while."


    Stanley didn''t suspect a thing. "Alright. I''ll keep an eye on things here. You be careful."


    Wendy nodded. "I will." 1


    Half an hourter, Wendy arrived at the private winery. A maid approached her. "Are you Ms. Wendy?"


    Wendy nodded. "Yes, that''s me.


    "1


    "Everyone at the party is required to change clothes. We''ve prepared an outfit for


    you over here. Please change."


    Wendy took the clothes. "Okay."


    She went into the dressing room and opened the garment. It was a ck slip dress with spaghetti straps, the back mostly bare-bold, sexy, and striking..


    She had no choice but to put it on.


    The ck dress clung to Wendy''s graceful figure, showing off her elegant


    corbones and smooth shoulders. Half her lower back was exposed, slender and soft, tempting anyone to pull her into an embrace.


    Wendy stepped out and walked into the chaotic party. The room was filled with men, all wildly dancing to the pounding music, as if high on some drug.


    The moment she appeared, all eyes snapped to her.


    The men closed in, surrounding her. "So you''re the pretty girl sent to us?"


    Wendy''s expression remained cool and distant. "What do you mean?"


    They eagerly sized her up, grinning. "Someone called us tonight, said they were sending over a pretty girl to reward us-something to enjoy."


    Wendy''s brow furrowed. Now she understood the kidnappers'' real n-they wanted her to serve these men.


    "Wow, sweetheart. Your skin''s so smooth, it almost glows.


    "Look at that figure! Bet the guys are gonna wear you out tonight."


    "I can''t help myself. I''ve got to touch this pretty girl''s face.


    One sleazy man reached out first, trying to grab Wendy''s cheek. But she acted quickly-she caught his wrist and twisted it hard.


    A sharp crack echoed, followed by his pained scream. "Hey, let go! That hurts!"


    Wendy sneered. "I''m going to ask you some questions. You answer honestly." Chapter 670


    "Go ahead."


    "Who called you?"


    "No idea. We have a crazy party here every 15th of the month. Some unknown number called out of nowhere, saying they''d send us a beauty."


    Wendy''s eyes gleamed coldly. The kidnappers had covered their tracks well. "Show me that phone number."


    "Okay, okay!"


    The man pulled out his phone and showed her the caller ID


    It was a fake, virtual number. That meant there was no useful information to be gained from these guys.


    At that moment, Wendy''s phone rang.


    With a sharp motion, she shook off the sleazy man. He stumbled back a few steps, caught by the men behind him. They hadn''t expected this delicate-looking beauty to have such strength. Though they lusted after Wendy''s looks, no one dared make a move now.


    Wendy shot them a fierce, warning re, then pulled out her phone. Today''s Bonus Offer


    28

 Chapter 671

    It was another fake number.


    These virtual numbers could multiply by the minute, each led to a different IP address-impossible to trace.


    The mastermind was calling her.


    Wendy pressed the button and answered, "Hello?"


    A cold, mechanical voice responded, "Are you there yet?"


    Wendy tightened her grip on the phone. "I''m here."


    "Have you seen the men I prepared for you tonight? You''d better behave and take good care of them!"


    Wendy let out a dryugh."I''ve been behaving, alright-I''m serving them right now."


    "You te lying! You haven''t served any of them. You''re resisting!"


    Wendy''s eyes shed sharply as she scanned the vast private winery with clear, cutting intent. "You''re here, aren''t you?"


    She had said that on purpose, baiting the mastermind. Sure enough, it worked. The mastermind was here somewhere, hiding in a shadowed corner, watching everything unfold.


    However, the ce was too big. Wendy''s gaze swept across the room, but she didn''t spot anyone suspicious.


    The mastermind on the other end quickly realized this and hissed, "You tricked me!"


    Wendy curled the corner of her lips into a cold smile. "Do we know each other?"


    There was a pause on the line.


    Wendy pressed on, her voice, sharp and relentless. "We do know each other, don''t we? We''re enemies, and you''re after me and my daughter. I think I know who you are. You''re Jessica, aren''t you?"


    One question after another rolled off Wendy''s tongue, piercing and relentless, leaving no room for hesitation.


    Upstairs on the second floor, Jessica looked down over the grand hall, watching everything unfold. She was me one who had summoned Wendy here and arranged all these men. She wanted to see Wendy broken, beaten down, and destroyed.


    But Wendy was too smart-she had entered the trap and turned the tables.


    Now, Wendy''s question hung in the air. "You''re Jessica, aren''t you?"


    It hit Jessica like a bucket of cold water. She gasped sharply she had been exposed.


    "No, you''re wrong! I''m not Jessica," she denied.


    Wendy raised a brow, a sly smile curling her lips. "Is that so? You didn''t ask who Jessica is. You just t-out denied it. That only proves you are Jessica."


    Jessica was silent.


    Wendy tightened her hold on the phone.


    "I''ve suspected you for a long time. You''re the only one who''d dare moye against me and Be in the Capital. I just


    didn''t expect you to be this reckless-kidnapping people openly at the Capital airport, even taking Mrs. Ang away. Though I guess that part was an ident, huh?


    Have you thought about how this ends? You''ve always wanted to marry Stanley. Once Mrs. Ang finds out you''re behind this, do you really think she''d ept you as her daughter-inw? You''re chasing after something that will never be yours."


    Jessica''s face darkened, struck deep. She snapped, "Shut up!"


    Wendy smiled wider. Now, she was certain that Jessica was behind Be and Ang''s kidnapping.


    Jessicaposed herself quickly. "Don''t try to change the subject! Your daughter and Mrs. Ang are in my hands right now. You''d better take care of these men, or your daughter''s life is at risk!"


    Wendy shook her head. "Keep dreaming. I''m not serving any of these men."


    "Oh, really?" Jessica''s voice dropped-then suddenly, Be''s innocent cry came through the line.


    "Ahhh!"


    Lay

 Chapter 672

    B''s piercing scream sent a jolt of panic through Wendy''s chest.


    "What are you doing to her?" she demanded.


    Be''s voice trembled with terror. "Let me go! Don''t touch me! Mrs. Ang, help!"


    Ang''s frantic shouts followed. "Where are you taking her? She''s just a child! Are you even human?"


    "Mommy... I''m scared... Save me...!" Be sobbed, her cries wrenching at Wendy''s heart.


    Wendy''s blood ran cold. "Stop this! Don''t you dare hurt my daughter!"


    Jessica''s mockingughter rang out. "I warned you! Obey, or your daughter suffers. Right now, she''s being taken somewhere... Oh, she''s terrified of rats, isn''t she? Imagine her locked in a dark room, surrounded by them. How long before she loses her mind?"


    Wendy''s voice cracked. "No! Leave her alone!"


    "I could call it off...but only if you cooperate." Jessica''s tone turned icy. "Entertain those men. Properly!"


    Wendy''s gaze flickered to the circle of leering faces surrounding her.


    "Strip." Jessica''smand was razor-sharp. "A body like yours is wasted if no one admires it."


    Wendy''s fingers curled into fists, her nails biting into her palms.


    "Tick-tock, Wendy!" Jessica''s smirk was audible. "Her fate is in your hands. Three...two..."


    The countdown hammered in Wendy''s skull. Gritting her teeth, she surrendered. "Fine. I''ll do it. Just don''t touch my daughter."


    Upstairs, Jessica''s crimson lips twisted in triumph.


    The men erupted in crude excitement.


    "That''s more like it, sweetheart! Off with the dress-let''s have some fun!"


    "Don''t worry. We''ll be gentle..."


    "Hurry up! I can''t wait to see what''s underneath!"


    Their vulgar jeers coiled around Wendy like poison. With icy resolve, she reached


    for the thin strap of her ck dress, letting it slip off one shoulder.


    The dress was all she wore.


    The men howled, pounding the tables. "Take it off! Take it off!"


    Jessica watched gleefully. This was the seductive woman who had ensnared Stanley and Samuel. Tonight, she would be reduced to a cheap spectacle.


    Phone in hand, Jessica began recording.


    This footage would ruin Wendy. The brilliant Dr. Cen, the untouchable Jolin, would be exposed as a tramp. Her reputation would shatter.


    "Let the show begin," Jessica muttered.


    As Wendy''s fingers moved to the second strap.....


    Crash!


    The doors exploded inward. Cold night air rushed in, carrying with it a towering, ck-d figure.


    Stanley.


    His presence was a thunderp. Behind him, an army of bodyguards swarmed the room, seizing control.


    Stanley''s gaze, sharp as a de, swept over the crowd. "Arrest everyst one of them!"


    "On it!"


    As chaos erupted, Stanley shrugged off his coat and draped it over Wendy''s bare shoulders.

 Chapter 673

    Upstairs, Jessica stared in shock at the unfolding scene.


    She hadn''t expected Stanley to show up. She had warned Wendy a thousand times not to tell anyone else about this -how had Stanley found out?


    Stanley looked at Wendy with concern. "Are you okay?""


    Wendy shook her head. "I''m fine. You came just in time."


    She picked up her phone and sneered, "You must be wondering why Stanley showed up. I called him."


    Jessica froze. What?!


    Wendy continued, "When we talked on the phone, you kept warning me not to tell anyone else. You meant Stanley, right? You didn''t want him to know. Well, I told him anyway. That way, I turned the tables and took control."


    Jessica was speechless. Wendy, doing what she had warned her not to do, had managed to ruin her ns.


    She felt frustrated. Every time she tangled with Wendy, it seemed she lost.


    Wendy''s clear eyes scanned the private winery. "Stanley''s men have already surrounded this ce. You''d better pray you don''t get caught."


    As Wendy hung up the phone, Jessica went into full panic mode upstairs. The winery was nowpletely surrounded by Stanley''s men. Tonight, Wendy had simply yed along with the n, setting a trap for her.


    Jessica realized it was over, and she had to find a way out. With that thought, she disappeared.


    Downstairs, Stanley reached out and buttoned Wendy''s ck coat.


    "The mastermind is somewhere inside this winery. We have to catch her tonight," Wendy said.


    Stanley nodded. "Got it."


    Wendy gave a small sigh of relief. "But here''s the good news-Be and Mrs.


    Ang are both safe. The mastermind is too busy watching her own back to harm them. They''re her bargaining chips her insurance. She wouldn''t dare move against them."


    Stanley''s gaze hardened. "The winery is surrounded. My men are searching thoroughly. We''ll catch her for sure."


    At that moment, one of the sleazy men they had caught recognized Stanley and pleaded, "M-Mr. Hawk, please spare us we didn''t do anything!"


    Stanley stepped forward and, with a single powerful kick, struck the man square in the chest. The man flew backward, coughing up blood.


    Stanley''s voice was cold and sharp. "You darey eyes on my woman? You''re begging for death."


    The man gasped, "Sh-she''s your woman? We had no idea!


    Stanley pulled Wendy close, wrapping an arm around her slender waist. "You all


    "Enough, Mr. Hawk," Wendy interrupted. "Teaching them a lesson is enough. We need to focus on catching the mastermind tonight."


    The sleazy men dropped to their knees, bowing and thanking them profusely. "Thank you, thank you! We swear we''ll change."


    Stanley kicked one again. "You''re lucky tonight. Now get out of my sight-I don''t want to see any of you!"


    The men were dragged away. They had been caught in a group scandal, and Stanley was ready to throw them all in jail. They would have to suffer before they learned their lesson.


    Stanley tightened his hold on Wendy. "If you hadn''t stopped me, I swear I''d have gouged out their eyes."


    Wendy blinked in surprise and looked up at him. "Why? What did they ever do to you?"


    Before she left the office, she and Stanley had already nned this-a coordinated effort to flush out the thief from both inside and outside.

 Chapter 674

    But now Stanley seemed to harbor a deep grudge against those sleazy men, even though Wendy hadn''t actually lost anything. Everything was still under her control.


    Stanley looked down at Wendy''s delicate, almost doll-like face and said quietly, "I''ve never seen you wear such a sexy dress before. I can''t let them see you like that and get away with it!"


    Wendy was speechless. Of all things, his focus was on her dress.


    She shot him a sharp nce. "You''re no different from those guys, full of dirty thoughts."


    Stanley grinned. "I''m a man myself. I''m the only one who should see you looking so beautiful!"


    When he walked in earlier, he had seen her standing there in that long dress, surrounded by those men. At that moment, he had seriously wanted to make them all disappear.


    Wendy gave him another pointed look, as if telling him to save Be and Ang first.


    Just then, Zayn came over. "Mr. Hawk, Ms. Wendy."


    Wendy''s voice tightened with anxiety. "How is it? Did you catch the mastermind?" Zayn shook his head. "We''ve searched every corner of this private winery, inside and out, but we didn''t find any suspicious person."


    Wendy clenched her fists. ¡°She got away again!¡±


    Though disappointed, Wendy had expected this. Jessica had boldly shown up at this private winery; that meant she definitely had a backup n and an escape route.


    Jessica had slipped away once more. 2


    Stanley said to Wendy, "Let''s head back."


    Wendy nodded. "Okay."


    Back at the office, night had already fallen. Stanley asked, "You''re saying this thief is Jessica?"


    Wendy nodded firmly. "I''m absolutely sure it''s Jessica, but I don''t have any proof." Stanley frowned, but said nothing.


    Wendy stood up. "Don''t you believe me? I have no evidence, so it''s normal if you don''t trust me. Jessica is your fianc¨¦e-if I were you, I''d believe her too."


    With that, she turned and started to leave.


    But Stanley reached out and grabbed her slender, fair wrist, stopping her. "Are you angry?"


    Wendy shook her head. "I''m not angry. Why would I be? It''s only natural for you to believe your fianc¨¦e. I have no reason to be upset.¡±


    Stanley knew she was angry, and smiled faintly. "I haven''t said a word-it''s alling from you. I believe you. I believe it was Jessica."


    She believed him?


    Wendy looked up at him. ¡°You really believe me?"


    Stanley nodded. "I do. After everything today, she fled in panic. She definitely won''t dare touch Be or my mom. It''ste now-we should rest and think of our next move tomorrow."


    Stanley and Wendy had been running on high alert all day. Now that night had fallen, it was time to rest.


    Wendy knew that since Jessica had failed tonight, she wouldn''t make any rash moves.


    After all, both she and Stanley had already figured out Jessica was behind it. Wendy nodded. "Alright, I''ll head back and rest."


    She turned to leave again.


    But Stanley pulled her back. "Where are you going?"


    "I thought you said we should rest first. I''m staying at Halsey''s tonight."


    "You''re not going anywhere. Sleep here tonight."


    Sleep here?


    Stanley had his own private lounge, but Wendy didn''t want to sleep there.


    "I think I should go," Wendy said quietly.


    "What if there''s news about Be or my mom in the middle of the nigh

 Chapter 675

    Wendy''s footsteps froze, and she stopped in her tracks.


    Stanley was too clever-he knew exactly how to press her soft spots and weaknesses.


    He said seriously, "I believe it was Jessica. But if she calls tonight and I can''t reach you, wouldn''t that dy rescuing Be and my mom?"


    Wendy paused, realizing he had a point. Right now, the most important thing was to save Be and Ang.


    However, she hesitated. "If we both stay in your lounge tonight, it might not look good if word gets out. If your fianc¨¦e finds out, she could misunderstand."


    Fianc¨¦e?


    A cold glint shed in Stanley''s eyes. If Jessica dared to harm Be or Ang, he wouldn''t let her get away with it so easily.


    Stanley stepped closer, his tall, handsome figure looming over Wendy. "Do you want to do something with me tonight?"


    His strong silhouette cast a shadow in front of her. Wendy shivered slightly and looked at him in surprise. "Do something with you? You''re talking nonsense. If you''re delusional, you should see a doctor about that."


    Watching her quick-witted retort, Stanley smiled thinly. "Since you don''t want to do anything with me, nothing will happen tonight. Even if others find out, what could they say?"


    Wendy said nothing.


    Stanley continued, "Don''t worry. You''ll sleep in the bed, and I''ll take the couch. It''ll be safe."


    Since he put it that way, Wendy had no reason to refuse. She nodded. "Okay." Stanley led Wendy into his lounge.


    It was spacious and decorated entirely in cool tones-the style he always favored. Wendy nced around, but didn''t see any women''s toiletries. There was only a set of men''s grooming items.


    She looked up at him. "You don''t have any women''s toiletries here?"


    Stanley shook his head. "No. I''ve been single for the past three years. I don''t have any wo at my vi."


    He had been living like a monk all this time, pure and disciplined.


    ''s toiletries here or


    Wendy was a little surprised. At his age, with all the temptations around him, Stanley had managed to stay single for three years?


    Stanley pulled out his phone and called Zayn. "Send a set of women''s toiletries over."


    After hanging up, he looked at Wendy. "You go ahead and take a shower. I''ll bring you the toiletries as soon as they arrive."


    Wendy nodded. "Okay."


    She was still wearing Stanley''s ck coat. She reached up and unbuttoned it, slipping it off to reveal the ck slip dress underneath. Because she was turned away from Stanley, he caught sight of her bare back.


    Her pale, wless skin was exposed, the curve dipping deeply inward, framed by slender shoulder des like delicate porcin vases. Below, her shapely hips rose gracefully. Wendy''s figure had matured in the past three years, bing more alluring and refined.


    Stanley''s gaze lingered on her body, and he was unable to look away for a long time.


    Wendy moved toward the bathroom, but suddenly, her foot slipped. She gasped as she began to fall backward.


    "Careful!"


    Stanley immediately reached out, catching her.


    Wendy tumbled into his arms. His hand wrapped gently around her soft waist,


    feeling the smooth, tender skin beneath his fingertips. His Adam''s apple bobbed as he swallowed.


    Still startled, Wendy said, "I slipped. Thanks for catching me.''

 Chapter 676

    Wendy tried to stand up.


    Just then, Stanley took a few steps back while still holding her, pressing her soft waist firmly against the bathroom sink. He had her trapped between the counter and his arrns.


    Wendy trembled, her voice shaky. "What are you doing? Let me go!"


    She pressed both hands against his broad chest, trying to push him away.


    Stanley held her tightly, pressing her against him. Their bodies were flushed, separated only by thin fabric. His voice was low and rough. "Don''t move."


    Wendy froze instantly, sensing the change in his body. Her small, delicate face flushed bright red. "What are you doing?!"


    "I didn''t do anything!" Stanley replied. "I''m a normal man, and I''ve been celibate for three years. Seeing you looking this beautiful, of course I''m going to have a reaction!"


    Wendy''s cheeks burned even more. She struggled nervously "Let me go!"


    "Well, if you move again, I might just do something."


    She had no choice but to stay still.


    Stanley reached up and cupped her small chin, lowering his head to press a quick kiss on her lips.


    "Mmmph!" Wendy pushed him away immediately. "We agreed to keep things civil. If you keep this up, I''m not staying here tonight!"


    Hearing her threat, Stanley finally let her go. "Alright, I won''t touch you. Go take your shower."


    Wendy jumped back a few steps, keeping a safe distance.


    Just then, there was a knock on the door. Outside, Zayn''s voice called out, "Mr. Hawk, I have the women''s toiletries."


    Stanley opened the door and took the bag from Zayn. "You can leave now."


    "Okay."


    Stanley closed the door, then handed the bag to Wendy. "Here you go.¡±


    Wendy took the bag. "Thanks."


    She opened it to find a brand-new set of women''s products everything included. She pulled out a piece of sleepwear, but her expression quickly changed.


    "Why did you have them buy this kind of pajamas?"


    Stanley looked at her, confused. "What do you mean?"


    Annoyed, Wendy tossed the sleepwear back at him. "See for yourself!"


    Stanley caught the piece easily. It was a revealing lingerie set-just tiny pieces ofce and straps, barely covering anything.


    Stanley was speechless.


    He looked up at Wendy. "You''ve got the wrong idea! This definitely wasn''t what I intended. Zayn must have misunderstood me and gone off to get this. It has nothing to do with me."


    Wendy''s face turned red with anger. "He''s your subordinate! With a boss like you, it''s no wonder he''s like that!" Stanley was at a loss for words. This time, he really was innocent.


    Looking at Wendy''s furious little face, he smirked. "If that''s what you think, I guess I''ll have to go along with it. Tonight, you''re wearing that lingerie for me."


    He stepped closer. "Do you want to change yourself, or should I help you?"


    Wendy''s clear eyes narrowed in shock. She hadn''t expected him to be so shameless. She snapped, "You''re disgusting!"


    Without another word, she rushed into the bathroom and locked the door behind her.


    "Heh." Stanley chuckled softly to himself.

 Chapter 677

    The sound of running water echoed from the bathroom-Wendy was already showering.


    Stanley stood by the window and slid it open, letting a cool breeze drift inside, easing the heat that clung to his body.


    Just thinking about Wendy''s graceful, mature figure stirred a fire deep inside him.


    Memories from three years ago, when they were tangled in a desperate embrace, flooded his mind, making it impossible to hold back his feelings.


    He missed Wendy so badly, more than he thought he would


    Soon, the water stopped flowing. Stanley closed the window just as the door opened, and Wendy stepped out.


    Since she couldn''t wear that lingerie, Wendy had rummaged through the bathroom cab and pulled out one of Stanley''s white dress shirts.


    The oversized shirt draped loosely over her petite, graceful frame. Her legs, bare and slender, stretched out beneath the shirt. Her feet slipped into simple white slippers. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back, fresh from the shower.


    She looked like a ripe, luscious fruit-tempting and impossible to resist.


    Noticing Stanley''s gaze fixed on her, Wendy shot him a sharp look. "What are you staring at? Keep looking, and I''ll gouge your eyes out!"


    Stanley''s lips curved into a sly smile. "Why so fierce?"


    Wendy huffed. "You know why! I''m sleeping on the couch tonight."


    The lounge had both a bed and a sofa. The sofa was soft and wide-definitelyfortable enough to sleep on.


    Wendy walked over and flopped down. "You take the bed."


    Stanley came closer. "No, you sleep in the bed. I''ll take the couch."


    Wendy shook her head. "This is your ce. I appreciate you letting me stay here tonight, but I insist you sleep in your bed."


    Stanley chuckled. "Do you really think a gentleman like me would let a woman sleep on the couch?"


    Before she could react, Stanley scooped her up, carrying her horizontally in his


    arms.


    Wendy kicked, her legs swinging back and forth in the air. "Put me down!" Stanley set her gently on the bed. "Stop fighting. You''re sleeping in the bed." Wendy hesitated. "But-


    "If you say one more word," he warned, "we''ll both sleep in the bed."


    They would both sleep in the bed? Was he saying he wanted to share it with her?


    Wendy immediatelyy down, yanked the nket over herself, and said, "Then I''ll make myselffortable. Enjoy the couch."


    Stanley reached out and pinched her cheek before turning and heading into the bathroom.


    Wendyy on the bed, soon hearing the steady rush of water again-he was finally showering.


    She regretted her decision to sleep here tonight. Who would have thought that after three years, they would end up under the same roof again?


    Just then, her phone buzzed with notifications from a chat group. It was the "Pretty Girl Squad" chat group shared with Halsey and Cecelia.


    Cecelia asked, [Wendy, are you back home already?]


    she


    Neither Cecelia nor Halsey knew about Be being taken. Wendy didn''t n to


    tell them, as she didn''t want them


    to worry.


    Wendy replied, [I''m still in the Capital.]


    Halsey wrote, [What? You''re still here? Why didn''t youe visit me?]


    Wendy answered honestly, [I''ve got some things to deal with.]


    Halsey pressed, [What things?]


    Wendy admitted, [I''m at Mr. Hawk''s ce right now.]


    Cecelia''s curiosity was immediately piqued. [Wait, you''re with Mr. Hawk again? So


    are you two having some sexy time tonight?]

 Chapter 678

    Wendy stayed silent. She couldn''t understand what kind of wild imagination Cecelia had in her head, always "jumping to those kinds of conclusions.


    Wendy snapped back, [Nothing is going on between him and me!]


    Meanwhile, Stanley was standing under the shower, the sound of the WhatsApp notifications reaching his ears. Wendy was texting someone.


    He took a cold shower, the icy water sshing over his firm muscles, bouncing off his skin, but it did nothing to cool the fire burning inside him. Every time he thought about Wendy lying on his bed, his mind drifted to forbidden ces.


    Stanley closed his eyes wearily, his handsome gaze darkening as his hand slowly slid downward.


    He called out softly, "Wendy!"


    Outside, Wendy heard his voice and answered, "Yeah?"


    "What are you doing?" Stanley asked.


    Wendy replied, "Nothing much, just chatting with some friends."


    Stanley pressed on, "Male friends?"


    Wendy shot back, "Whether they''re male or female friends is my private business. I won''t be telling you!"


    Stanley chuckled, his voice low and husky. ¡°I''ve seen plenty of your private parts already."


    Wendy''s anger red, her words sharp and deliberate. "Stanley!"


    Hearing her call his name in that clear, teasing voice made Stanley''s desire surge to its peak as his mind went nk.


    Wendy, outside, was still unaware of what


    Was b


    The "Pretty Girl Squad" chat group buzzed again.


    Cecelia teased, [Wendy, you''ve been single these past three years. Don''t you have any needs? Can you really stay soposed around Mr. Hawk?]


    Wendy said nothing.


    Cecelia pressed on, [Come on. We''re best friends. Tell me what you really think.]


    A flush spread over Wendy''s cheeks, creeping all the way down to her earlobes. She had no desire, and she certainly didn''t want to do anything with Stanley.


    Just then, she heard the bathroom door opening. Stanley had finished his shower and stepped out.


    Wendy nced up. Stanley wore a loose ck silk robe, the belt tied casually, revealing half of his sculpte chest and strong, long legs.


    Wendy had never denied it-Stanley was undeniably a rare specimen of male beauty. A man who could hold Jessica''s love for so many years had to have some serious charm.


    Stanley wiped the water droplets from his short hair with a towel and looked at Wendy. "What are you staring at?"


    Wendy blushed but answered, "Oh, I wasn''t looking at you.


    Stanley was in a good mood. "Really?"


    Wendy''s phone buzzed again. In the chat group, Cecelia had grown impatient with text messages and sent a few voice messages.


    Wendy yed them, and Cecelia''s voice filled the room instantly.


    "Wendy, don''t be shy. You haven''t had any sex in three years. I''m sure you''re feeling some desire. Mr. Hawk is handsome, fit, rich, and good-looking. Just pin him onto the bed and have a magical night with him! You won''t regret it." 1 Wendy was speechless. She hadn''t expected Cecelia to say all that. Flustered, she sat up quickly, reaching to stop ying the voice messages.


    But Cecelia''s voice echoed through the quiet night like it was sted through a megaphone, crystal clear and impossible to ignore.


    Wendy nced at Stanley, only to see him lift those sharp eyes to meet hers.


    She closed her eyes tightly, too embarrassed to look back, silently cursing Cecelia and her nonsense.

 Chapter 679

    Stanley dropped the towel in his hand, stretched out his long legs, and moved to the edge of the bed. He looked down at Wendy with amanding gaze.


    "Is what Cecelia said true?"!


    Wendy opened her eyes immediately. "No! Everything she said is a lie!"


    "Liar," Stanley muttered under his breath.


    Deep down, he believed Cecelia.


    He reached out and gently gripped Wendy''s chin, forcing her to look up. "So you haven''t had sex for three years?"


    He couldn''t understand why. Wasn''t she married to Samuel? How could she have no sex life?


    When he first heard Cecelia''s words, he was shocked. But after that shock came a rush of joy. He never imagined Wendy had been in the same situation as him these past three years.


    "I told you, she was just messing around. Don''t take it seriously," Wendy said.


    Stanley pressed on, "Stop pretending. How could your best friend lie? Why hasn''t Samuel touched you in three years?"


    Wendy hesitated. "I-"


    Stanley cut her off. "Have you been thinking about me all this time?" Wendy fell silent.


    Dammit.


    She knew Stanley heard everything and took it seriously. Cecelia had just called him handsome and rich, and now he was full of himself-even though those were facts.


    Wendy pped Stanley''s hand away. "I''m saying it again: Cecelia was joking. We always tease each other like this.


    Stanley looked down at her, his voice low and firm. "Do you want me?"


    What?


    Stanley grabbed her small hand, cing it on his sculpted chest. Then he slid it under his robe, letting it rest on the ridges of his toned abs.


    "Is this what you want?"


    Wendy had been single all these years. Stanley''s sudden seduction made her palm feel the sharp edges of his muscle, full of masculine power and beauty. Heat flushed her face, turning her cheeks bright red.


    She tried to pull her hand back. "What are you doing? You''d better back off!"


    But Stanley held her hand firmly, not letting go. He smirked slightly, pulling her hand lower. "Do you really not want this?"


    Wendy''s clear eyes narrowed as if shocked by an electric shock. She yanked her hand free. "Y-You''re sick!"


    Stanley dropped to one knee on the bed, trapping her beneath him. "Do you feel it? I want you so badly. I already took care of it while I was in the shower, but now I still want you!"


    Wendy''s slender frame trembled as she stared at him in disbelief. Just now, in the shower...


    No wonder he had called her name earlier and talked to her he was secretly pleasuring himself.


    Wendy twisted and tried to crawl away, wanting to get away from him.


    thes


    Stanley grabbed her slim ankle, pulling her back beneath him. "You''re so naughty!"


    He bent down and kissed her.


    Wendy struggled fiercely, but couldn''t break free from his hold. Her teeth parted under his forceful kiss as he boldly pressed forward, dominating her territory with relentless intensity.


    Having had no real intimacy for three years, Wendy''s defenses crumbled instantly. "Stanley...don''t...mmm...''


    Stanley felt her soft body copse beneath him. Even earlier, when he kissed her, she had gone limp. Her body wanted him just as much as he wanted her.


    Stanley''s hand reached to pull off her shirt, but Wendy fought back immediately. "Stanley!"

 Chapter 680

    Stanley''s frantic kissesnded all over Wendy''s face and tangled in her hair.


    "Stop struggling. Look at yourself-you''re clearly resisting and inviting me at the same time!"


    "I''m not!" Wendy protested.


    "Be good. Don''t fight me anymore. Let me have you."


    He ripped open her shirts pinning her pale wrists firmly to the bed as he took possession of her with a forceful grip.


    Wendy frowned deeply. She opened her mouth and bit down hard on Stanley''s shoulder.


    He was such a bastard!


    Stanley flinched, the pain sharp and real, spreading through his body. That ache filled him, mingling with an intense pleasure that made his scalp tingle.


    Tears welled up at the corners of Wendy''s eyes. She hadn''t expected to end up back in Stanley''s arms like this. Her heart said no, but her body had clearly surrendered.


    Stanley''s lips brushed over her face, kissing away her tears. He cupped her small face gently. "Why are you crying?


    11


    Through blurry tears, Wendy looked up at him. "You''re a bastard!"


    Stanley kissed her softly. "Yeah, I am. Please stop crying.


    ¡°?


    Angrily, Wendy snapped, "I''m married to Samuel. I''m his wife. Why are you doing this?"


    When Stanley heard Samuel''s name, his eyes burned with jealousy. "Does he know you''ve been cheating on him? He''s been your husband for three years, but he hasn''t touched you once. So I''ll do what he hasn''t been doing, because I''ve always been thinking of you."


    He actually said those words out loud.


    Wendy bit his shoulder again.


    Her sharp little teeth pierced his skin, sinking deep, drawing blood, Stanley gritted his teeth against the pain, narrow eyes zing blood red. He bent down and kissed her hard.


    "Do you know how much I want you? Every night, I think of you until I can''t sleep. For three years, countless women have tried to seduce me, but I never cared for any of them. Just one look at you, and I lose control.


    hi


    "Knowing you married Samuel and spent these years tangled with him


    somewhere I couldn''t see drove me craz with jealousy. But it turns out he never even touched you.


    "Wendy, let me have you. Tonight, you belong to me."


    Stanley grasped her small hand, his long fingers weaving through hers in a tight, unbreakable grip.


    He had held back for far too long, enduring it painfully. Tonight, she waspletely his. He was going to leave


    mark on her.


    He was going to make Wendy his woman once again.


    Wendy could only submit, her soft voice breaking as she sp


    The next morning, Wendy felt utterly exhausted. Her body weren''t for the worry about Be and Ang''s safety, she She moved slightly, and realized she was lying in a warm e Stanley hadn''t woken up yet, still holding her close as he


    His chest and back were marked with many scratches-brig


    Just thinking about how fierce and demanding he had been enough. She still hated him a little.


    33


    Wendy could only submit, her soft voice breaking as she spat out, "You''re such a bastard!"


    The next morning, Wendy felt utterly exhausted. Her body felt like it had fallen apart-no longer her own. If it weren''t for the worry about Be and Ang''s safety, she would''ve stayed in bed all day.


    She moved slightly, and realized she was lying in a warm embrace-Stanley''s.


    Stanley hadn''t woken up yet, still holding her close as he slept.


    His chest and back were marked with many scratches-bright, tender red lines she had leftst night.


    Just thinking about how fierce and demanding he had been made her feel like she hadn''t scratched him hard enough. She still hated him a little.

 Chapter 681

    Wendy shifted, trying to get up.


    But the moment she moved, Stanley stirred awake. He wrapped his arms around her. "You''re awake?"


    Wendy buried her face in his chest and said nothing.


    Stanley''s eyes were still heavy with sleep, his usual cold and distant demeanor softened into somethingzy and almost sensual. He reached out and pinched her cheek gently. "What''s wrong? Are you mad at me? Giving me the silent treatment?"


    Of course, Wendy was angry. Last night, he had forced himself on her. She didn''t want to deal with him right now. Stanley smiled, nting a kiss on her forehead. "You''re adorable even when you''re mad."


    Wendy twisted her fingers into his muscles, giving him a sharp pinch.


    Stanley rolled over, pinning her beneath him. "Didn''t have enoughst night? Then let''s keep going."


    Wendy trembled. Last night, he had drained every bit of her strength, and now he wanted more?


    She refused firmly. "No! It''s daytime now. There''s still no news from Jessica. I''m really worried about Be and Mrs. Ang."


    Stanley understood her concern and softened his voice. "No news might actually be good news. Jessica''s probably wrecking her brain right now, trying to think of a way out.


    Wendy nodded. "Let''s get up.''


    "Alright."


    Stanley and Wendy got out of bed just as Zayn walked in. "Mr. Hawk."


    Zayn was here to report on work.


    Wendy nced at Stanley, then quietly slipped


    Out of the CEO''s office and left.


    Halsey sent her a message. [I just heard Mr. Larson came back to the country today.]


    Horace had been away for a while, but today he returned.


    Wendy''s eyes lit up. [Has he arrived?]


    Halsey replied, [He''s justnded. If you hurry, you can still catch him at the airport.]


    That was perfect.


    Wendy got into her car and headed straight to the airport.


    s simple


    This time, she came alone. She didn''t want Stanley with her. After all, Jessica was Stanley''s fianc¨¦e, and the alliance between the Hawk and Larson families was tangled withplex family interests that were as they appeared.


    Wendy didn''t want Be caught in the middle of the family drama, and she didn''t want Stanley stuck between


    them either.


    Right now, she just wanted to see Horace.


    Soon, Wendy arrived at the airport. She made a beeline for the main hall, where she spotted Horace.


    She hadn''t seen him in three years. Horace hadn''t changed much-today, he wore a ck coat, his handsome, chiseled features standing out sharply. His calm, powerful presence made those around him step back respectfully, even as they stole nces, almost revering him.


    This was the charisma of a business emperor.


    Behind Horace, his butler and assistant followed closely as he walked forward.


    Wendy stepped up and sfood right in front of him. ¡°Hello, Mr. Larson. It''s been a long time."


    Horace stopped. His assistant quickly stepped forward. "Maam, please move aside. If you need to see Mr. Larson, you need an appointment."


    Wendy looked at Horace directly. "I''m Wendy Crone. Don''t you remember me?" Horace raised a hand. "Step back."


    His assistant obediently retreated behind him.


    Horace met Wendy''s gaze. Of course, he remembered her. Those clear, sharp eyes were just as bright and intelligent as they had been three years ago, impossible to forget.


    He smiled faintly. "Hello, Ms. Crone. It''s been three years.


    Wendy arched her elegant brows. "I''m d you still remember me."


    Horace nodded. "I''ve heard a bit about youtely, something about you attending


    the Zenith G in the Capital. You''re Jolin, right?"

 Chapter 682

    My Dad Please Come 682My Dad Please Come 682


    "Yes, I''m Jolin," Wendy admitted with confidence.


    Horace admired her-such a young woman holding her own in the business world was truly rare.


    "What can I do for you?" he asked.


    Wendy curved her lips into a subtle smile. "I just arrived in the Capital and wanted to visit your house."


    She wanted to go with Horace to the Larson family''s estate.


    Horace paused, then chuckled. "You want to visit my house"


    "That''s right. I heard your residence is quite grand. I thought it would be good to see it for myself."


    Horace didn''t know what to make of Wendy''s true intentions, but he nodded in agreement. "Sure. I''ll give you a ride."


    Wendy hadn''t expected it to go so smoothly. "Thanks, Mr. Larson."


    Jessica was already at the Larson family''s estate. Last night she had tried to set a trap for Wendy at a private


    winery, only to fail miserably¡ªshe almost got caught herself and barely escaped.


    She had been up all night worrying. By morning, she was already awake, knowing her father was back in the country today.


    While Horace had been abroad, she had run wild, shielded by her status as the richest man''s daughter. But with him home, she dared not be reckless.


    Jessica paced anxiously in the living room, waiting for Horace to return. Suddenly, her phone rang. It was one of the men in ck.


    "Who told you to call me?" she answered sharply. "Didn''t I sayst night not to make any rash moves? Wait for my orders! Unless I reach out first, don''t contact me!"


    Jessica was terrified these people might slip up and expose her.


    The man on the other end said, "I know we shouldn''t call you. We agreed this would be a one-off job, but Mrs. Ang and the girl are still in our hands, and things outside are heating up. Maybe you need to pay more."


    They were raising the price now.


    Jessica sighed, lowering her voice. "I know. I''ll pay extra, as long as you keep them safe."


    "We want the money now. We can''t wait."


    Growing impatient, Jessica hissed, "My dad''sing home soon. After I deal with him, I''ll send the money. And let me warn you again: My father must never find out about this!"


    "Ms. Larson- 11


    Before they could say more, a maid''s voice called out, "Ms. Larson, Mr. Larson is back!"


    Horace was home.


    Jessica quickly said, "That''s it! I''m hanging up."


    She ended the call and stered a smile on her face to greet him.


    The vi''s grand doors swung open, and Horace entered with his butler and assistant.


    Jessica rushed forward happily. "Dad, you''re finally back! You were gone so long.


    I missed you so much."


    Horace smiled, gently ruffling her hair. "I missed you, too.


    Jessica reached out to link her arm with his.


    Then Wendy''s clear, melodious voice rang out, "Hi, Ms. Larson."


    Jessica stiffened and looked up, surprised to see Wendy standing behind Horace.


    Wendy had actuallye to the Larson family''s home!


    Jessica''s face paled, disbelief shing in her eyes. "What are you doing here? This is my home! Why have youe?


    Wendy''s lips curled into a knowing smile. "Of course, I''m here to see you."

 Chapter 683

    Jessica couldn''t believe it. She never imagined Wendy would have the nerve to show up at the Larson family''s "estate, home of the richest man.


    Jessica snapped, "We''re not on friendly enough terms for you to just drop by my house. You''re not wee here. You should go!"


    She was already starting to kick her out..


    Wendy lifted her brows, but made no move to leave. Since she hade to the Larson family''s estate, she had no intention of walking out so easily.


    She nced at Horace before saying, "But Mr. Larson himself allowed me toe. Mr. Larson, I don''t suppose you''d go back on your word and kick me out now, would you?"


    Wendy trusted Horace''s character. A man like him would never do something so petty as to send her away.


    Sure enough, Horace looked at Jessica and said, "Since it''s Wendy''s first time in the Capital, let her stay. I brought her here straight from the airport."


    Jessica''s eyes widened. "Dad!"


    Horacemanded the maid, "Bring the tea."


    He walked into the living room, his tone making it clear that his decision was final.


    Jessica red angrily at Wendy. "You''re shameless, showing up at my house like this!"


    Wendy stepped closer to Jessica.


    "You''re the daughter of the richest man now. I''ve heard you''ve been making waves here in the Capital these past few years, and I wanted to see for myself."


    Jessica sneered, "I''m guessing that''s not really why you came to the Larson family."


    Wendy countered, "Oh? Then what do you think my reason is?"


    Jessica said nothing.


    Wendy lowered her voice. "I''m guessing you heard that my daughter Be and Mrs. Ang were kidnapped."


    "What difference does it make whether I know or not? I didn''t have anything to do with it! You''re not seriously using me, are you? Let me tell you-if you make baseless ims, I''ll have mywyers sue you for defamation! "Jessica replied sharply.


    A cold light shed in Wendy''s clear, sharp eyes. "I didn''t say you did it. Why are you so worked up?"


    Jessica scoffed and turned away. "Dad, I''m going back to my room."


    Horace nodded. "Alright."


    Wendy settled herself on the sofa in the living room.


    Horace looked at her. "Why did youe here with me?"


    "My daughter, Be, and Mrs. Ang have been taken," Wendy said.


    Horace frowned deeply. "Taken by whom?"


    The Hawk and Larson families have long-standing ties. You''de to Mrs. Ang''s rescue for the sake of that rtionship, wouldn''t you?" Wendy replied.


    Horace nodded. "Of course. What''s your point?"


    Wendy looked him straight in the eye. "I suspect Jessica is behind all of this."


    Horace shook his head. "That''s impossible! Jessica would never kidnap Ang."


    Of course, Jessica wouldn''t-Ang''s disappearance was an ident, not something Jessica had nned.


    Wendy smiled faintly. "Here''s what I want. You don''t have to do anything else, just one favor."


    "What''s that?".


    "Don''t let Jessica leave. Keep her here."


    Horace was silent for a moment.


    "This is actually the only way to prove your daughter''s innocence. I''m in your house right now. If your daughter isn''t responsible, I''ll apologize to her in person. How does that sound?" Wendy continued.


    Looking into Wendy''s clear, sharp, and sincere eyes, Horace nodded. "Alright. I''ll do as you say."


    Wendy smiled. "Thank you."


    Though she didn''t like Jessica, Horace was truly a good man.


    Just then, a soft voice sounded.


    "Horace, you''re back?"


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 Chapter 684

    Wendy turned her head and saw a woman dressed in a flowing gown. Her name


    was Ida Olsen, a ssic beauty in her forties with soft, delicate, well-maintained


    features.


    Wendy had never seen a woman close to Horace before. She had heard that


    Horace and his original wife, Brittany, had divorced some years back.


    Wendy looked at Ida and asked, "Mr. Larson, who is she? How should I address


    her?"


    Horace nced at Ida and said, "Just call her Ms. Olsen. That''s what everyone


    here calls her. Ida, this is Ms. Crone.


    When Horace said "Ms. Olsen", Wendy caught a flicker of disappointment sh


    across Ida''s eyes. However, it vanished almost immediately.


    Ida smiled politely. "Hi, Ms. Crone."


    Wendy responded with a nod, "Hi, Ms. Olsen."


    Ida turned to Horace and asked, "Why have you been abroad so long this time?"


    Horace pressed his lips together. "I finally found Jessica''s mother."


    What?!


    Wendy was stunned. She hadn''t been sure whether Jessica''s mother was still


    alive, but now, Horace had confirmed she was, and that he had found her.


    Ida''s face went pale. "So, she''s still alive?"


    "She is," Horace replied. "She''s just been in a deepa all these years, but now


    she''s awake. I''ve told her everything about Jessica. She''ll be returning to the


    country soon to see her."


    Ida''s expression twisted into somethingplicated, but then she quickly said,


    "Back then, Brittany misunderstood our rtionship. When shees back, you


    should exin everything properly. Maybe you two can rekindle what you had."


    Horace''s voice turned cold.


    "She wanted the divorce, and she left. There''s no future for us."


    With that, he turned around and walked away.


    Ida smiled faintly to herself. "Ms. Crone, I''ve already arranged a room for you. If


    you need anything, just ask."


    Wendy looked at Ida, noticing how she carried herself like thedy of the house.


    She had heard that Ida was Horace''s first love-the one who got away. Later,


    Horace married Brittany in a marriage alliance. When Brittany discovered Horace


    was still tangled with Ida behind her back, she pushed through the divorce without


    a second thought.


    Ida was the biggest winner in all of it.


    But Ida hadn''tpletely won, because even after all these years since Brittany


    left, she was still just "Ms. Olsen ". Horace had never married her.


    Wendy nodded. "Alright. Thank you, Ms. Olsen."


    Wendy


    settled into the Larson family''s estate. She had to keep an eye on Jessica.


    The one who should be the most worried wasn''t her it was Jessica.


    Be and Ang were still in Jessica''s hands, and the people working for her who


    hadn''t seen her would definitely start to get anxious. That kind of anxiety could


    easily lead to mistakes and exposure.


    Jessica stayed locked away in her room when her kidnappers called again. "Hi,


    Ms. Larson."


    Jessica''s heart raced. She lowered her voice sharply. "Why are you calling again?


    I already told you, I''ll call when it''s time. Stop calling me! My dad''s at home now-if


    he overhears, we''re all doomed!"


    It wasn''t just Horace-Wendy was here, too. Jessica was living in constant fear.


    One of the men in ck on the other end assured her, "Don''t worry. This call is


    untraceable. As long as you''re careful, nothing will go wrong."


    "But-


    "You were supposed toe today! Why didn''t you? You stood us up!"

 Chapter 685

    Chapter 685 Chapter 685


    Jessica was frazzled. "I''m not standing you up! My dad came back, and something came up here."


    "Well, how do we know if you''re telling the truth? You promised to pay us more, but you haven''t given us money, and you don''t even show up! What else are we supposed to think?",


    "I''ll give you more money, but not right now," Jessica tried to exin. "Enough, stop yelling at me! It''ste, and my dad should be asleep. I''ming over right now."


    "Alright. We hope you really show up this time."


    "How are they doing?" Jessica asked.


    "They''re fine. We wouldn''t dare make a move without your orders."


    Jessica was actually furious. If those people hadn''t taken Ang, she wouldn''t be


    in so much trouble. Be would''ve been easy to take care of.


    She hung up and stood up, quietly stepping out of her room. The huge mansion was silent; everyone was presumably asleep. She crept down the stairs, carefully opened the front door, and tried to leave.


    The moment the door swung open, a group of men in ck was standing guard outside. "Ms. Larson."


    Jessica jumped, startled. "Why are you here?"


    "We''re guarding the gate. You''re not allowed to go out."


    What?


    Jessica was shocked. "Why can''t I go out?"


    If she didn''t go out, the kidnappers would start to panic. She had to get out tonight, no matter what!


    The men in ck said firmly, "Sorry, but you have to stay inside the mansion."


    "How dare you!" Jessica snapped loudly. "Don''t you know who I am? I''m the heiress of the Larson family, daughter of the richest man! If you don''t do as I say, I''ll have my dad fire every singlest one of you and give you a serious lesson!"


    The men in ck lowered their heads, bowing. "Sorry. This is Mr. Larson''s order- you''re not allowed to leave."


    What? It was her father''smand? Why?


    Jessica didn''t believe it. "No way! My dad would never do that. Step aside-I''m going out!"


    At that moment, a low, maic voice echoed from upstairs. "Jessica, I ordered them to keep you from going out.


    11


    Jessica looked up. On the intricately carved balcony of the second floor, she saw Horace standing tall and proud.


    Jessica stamped her foot in anger. "Why are you restricting my freedom? I want to head out!"


    Before Horace could reply, a clear, gentle voice rang out.


    It''s sote already. Where exactly are you heading?"


    Jessica froze. She saw Wendy standing beside Horace, her clear eyes looking down on her from above.


    Jessica clenched her fists quickly. "It''s you again! Did you tell my dad to restrict my freedom and keep me from going out?"


    Wendy nodded. "Yes, I did."


    Jessica was furious beyond words. Even though she was now the richest man''s daughter, her father''s heart was still with Wendy. Whatever Wendy said, Horace agreed to.


    Seeing them standing side by side like that made Jessica so angry that she felt sick.


    The past three years, she had lived her life on her own terms-but once Wendy showed up, her good days were shattered.


    "Dad, how can you side with an outsider like Wendy against me? I''m your daughter!"


    Horace looked at Jessica calmly. "It''s sote. Where exactly do you want to go? If you tell me, I''ll go with you."


    Jessica froze.


    Wendy smiled at her.


    "Mr. Larson cares about you-a lot. He''s worried about you going out alone at


    night. You should just tell him where you want to go so he can apany you. Honestly, I''m curious too. Who could you possibly be rushing to see at this hour?"


    1


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 Chapter 686

    Jessica was speechless. Wendy''s smooth, sly words had pushed her right to the edge.


    Horace looked at Jessica, urging, "Say something, Jessica."


    What could Jessica say? If she kept silent, Horace might start to suspect her for real.


    Finally, she said, "I made ns with Sienna. We wanted to go dancing at a bar. I just want to go out and have some fun."


    "No!" Horace snapped. "It''s toote to be out. You need to get to bed early."


    "Dad, I-"


    "Your mom wille back to see you in a few days."


    What?


    Jessica''s eyes widened in shock. "Mom''sing back? But I thought she was dead."


    "She''s not dead," Horace said firmly. "She''sing back to see you."


    Jessica was speechless again. She had always believed Brittany was gone for good. But now, somehow, she was


    still alive.


    If Brittany returned, wouldn''t her secret be exposed?


    Wendy was Brittany''s real daughter. The connection between mother and daughter was far stronger than between father and daughter. Now, Wendy was staying at the Larson family''s estate. Wouldn''t her true identity slip out?


    Wendy nced at Jessica. "Your mother''sing back. Why don''t I see even a hint of joy on your face?"


    Jessica didn''t know how to reply. She hated Wendy more than anything.


    "I was abandoned in Hovendale when I was a baby," Jessica spat bitterly at Horace. "I me both you and Mom!"


    Without another word, she turned and walked inside.


    Wendy curled her lips into a knowing smile.


    Jessica was clever. Those words would only stir up more guilt in Horace''s heart, making him even more protective and eager to make up to his daughter.


    Horace nced in the direction Jessica had disappeared, then looked back at Wendy. "You seem to really make yourself at home. You even came into my study."


    Wendy quickly apologized, "Sorry. I did knock, but the door was open. I happened to see you and Jessica talking, so I just came in. My apologies."


    Looking at Wendy''s clear, delicate face, Horace found he couldn''t bring himself to be angry. No one who worked for him was as bold as Wendy.


    They both stepped into the study.


    That was when Wendy noticed a painting hanging on the wall-a portrait of a stunning woman. It was Brittany.


    It was Wendy''s first time seeing Brittany''s image. In the painting, Brittany wore a vibrant red dress, radiant and


    striking like a blooming rose.


    Wendy seemed drawn to it. She slowly stepped closer, reaching out as if to touch the canvas.


    But Horace''s voice stopped her, firm and sharp. "Don''t touch that."


    Her hand froze mid-air, awkwardly pulling back. "Sorry."


    She hadn''t meant to-there was something maic about the painting, pulling


    her closer, making it impossible to resist.


    "Is this Ms. Brewer?" Wendy asked quietly.


    Horace nodded.


    "Did you paint this yourself?"


    Horace didn''t answer, but his silence was answer enough. Wendy suddenly chuckled, sounding almost mischievous.


    Horace raised an eyebrow. "What are youughing at?" She lifted her finely shaped brows. "I''mughing at you." "Me? Why?"


    ¡°I''mughing because when Ms. Brewer was around, you were tangled up in a messy love affair with your first love. After you lost her, you painted a portrait of her so it''d remind you of her. You probably think you''re so romantic."

 Chapter 687

    Horace red at Wendy, his brow tightening with displeasure. "You''d better watch


    it!"


    Everyone knew Brittany was a thorn deeply lodged in Horace''s heart-no one


    dared to touch that subject.


    But Wendy not only dared to touch it, she openly mocked him right here. This girl


    was truly bold.


    Wendy met his gaze calmly. "Which part of what I said was wrong?"


    Horace paused, then said firmly, "Nothing ever happened between Ida and me."


    Wendy tilted her head, unfazed. "If nothing happened, then why did Ms. Brewer


    misunderstand?"


    Horace paused before answering, "She was just petty and jealous."


    Wendy''s eyes glinted with a sharp edge. "You''re funny, Mr. Larson. When things


    went wrong, you said it was because she was petty and jealous. If there were no


    other women around you, how could she be jealous? In other words, knowing


    how jealous she is, why did you still keep other women close to you?"


    Horace was left speechless.


    Before, Brittany''s drama had given him headaches. Now, with Wendy here, her


    quick tongue left himpletely defenseless.


    "What happens between me and my wife is a private affair. It''s none of your


    business. I suggest you watch your words."


    Wendy lowered her head slightly. "Sorry. I won''t say any more. I''ll be leaving now."


    She started to walk out, but then paused, turning back.


    "Oh, one more thing, Mr. Larson. I think I should correct you. Ms. Brewer is your


    ex-wife now. So it''s not your private affair anymore, is it?"


    Horace red daggers at her, silently ordering her to leave


    Suddenly, a voice called from outside the room. "Stanley, you can''t just barge into


    Horace''s study!"


    Stanley''s deep, smooth voice replied, "Where''s Wendy? I heard she came here.


    Is she really in Mr. Larson''s study?


    11


    Ida answered nervously, "I-"


    "Ms. Olsen, please step aside! I''m here for Wendy."


    "This is Horace''s study. How about you wait outside? I''ll go in and tell him you''re


    here."


    "No need."


    With a soft creak, the study door swung open, revealing Stanley''s tall, handsome


    figure in the doorway.


    Horace lifted his eyes to meet Stanley''s, his brows drawing together sharply.


    Stanley strode in confidently and stopped beside Wendy. "Wendy, why did you


    leave without telling me? And why are you here in Mr. Larson''s study?"


    Wendy hadn''t expected Stanley to catch up so fast. "I''m just visiting Mr. Larson''s


    home."


    13


    Stanley''s lips pressed into a thin line, displeased. "Okay, but why are you in his


    study? What''s your rtionship with Mr. Larson?"


    "Horace''s mood, already sour, darkened further. Stanley was looking at him like


    he had just caught him in the act.


    "What are you implying?" Horace growled. "Do you really think something''s going


    on between us? I''m old enough to be her father."


    Stanley nced at Horace sharply. "How would I know what''s going on in your


    head? These days, older men seem to like younger women."


    Horace was left speechless-it was as bad an insult as any


    "Both of you, get out!" Horace barked.


    He gave the order for Wendy and Stanley to leave.


    Ida stepped forward. "Ms. Crone, Stanley, please leave, or you''ll make him


    angrier."


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 Chapter 688

    Stanley took hold of Wendy''s hand. "Let''s go."


    He started leading her out, but Wendy quickly pulled her hand free from his grasp. "You should go. I''m doing fine here, I n to stay for a few days."


    Stanley looked at her, confused. "Stay here? You''re not even rted to Mr. Larson! Why do you want to stay at his house?"


    He had already noticed that Horace treated Wendy differently. For instance, no one else was allowed in Horace''s study, but Wendy had somehow managed to be in there. Horace seemned unusually lenient toward her.


    Wendy smiled faintly. "He''s a good person. You don''t have to doubt his character."


    "Good person? I think you''re being a little biased!"


    Wendy didn''t know why she felt so warmly toward Horace it was like a closeness born from family ties, something instinctive.


    "I''m here to save Be and Mrs. Ang.''


    "How do you n to do that?"


    "Jessica is under house arrest. I''m sure she won''tst long without slipping up.¡±


    Stanley frowned. "Why are you acting on your own? You didn''t even tell me you wereing here."


    Wendy''s clear eyes fixed on Stanley''s handsome face. "Since you and Jessica are engaged, I don''t want Be or me to get caught up in the arranged marriage between your families. Do you understand what I mean?"


    Stanley nodded firmly. "I''m not going to marry Jessica. Once Be and my mom are safe, I''ll call off the engagement. Our parents made this pact when we were kids-I have no intention of honoring it."


    "You''re not going to marry the Larson family''s heiress?"


    Stanley crossed his heart, "I swear right now, if I ever marry the Larson family''s heiress, then I-"


    Wendy quickly grabbed his hand to stop him. "Don''t swear like this. What if you end up wanting to marry her?"


    There was no "what if". Stanley was sure of it.


    Wendy continued, "Ms. Brewer will be back in a couple of days."


    Stanley''s handsome features tightened at the news. Brittany was reallying back.


    "Jessica is her only biological daughter. Ms. Brewer loves her daughter dearly. When she''s back, she''ll definitely pressure you. Then you must marry Jessica.¡±


    Stanley said nothing. "Right now, the priority is rescuing Be and my mom. When Ms. Brewer gets back, I''ll make things clear with her." 1


    Jessica tossed and turned in her room, unable to sleep. She knew that if she stood the kidnappers up again, they would lose patience. If the truth about her kidnapping Be and Ang came out, the consequences would be disastrous.


    1.3


    She got up and nced outside. It was already past midnight-everyone was asleep. She figured no one would notice if she jumped from the upper floor and slipped out quietly.


    At this point, Jessica had no choice but to take a risk. She had to meet those men in ck.


    She had made up her mind-neither Be nor Ang could be left alive. Keeping them around was only a ticking time bomb. It was better to get rid of the threat


    now.


    Using bedsheets, she fashioned a rope and tied it to the window, then carefully climbed down.


    Not a single sound escaped her lips-she was terrified of alerting her father, Wendy, or the ck-d guards.


    Soon, shended safely on the ground.


    She had seeded. 3

 Chapter 689

    Jessica was overjoyed. She had finally managed to escape.


    She nced around cautiously. Everything was quietpletely still. No one knew she had slipped away from the Larson family''s estate under the cover of night. Now, she could move about freely and carry out whatever ns she had, without anyone suspecting a thing.


    A cold, bitter smile curled on her lips. She was going to turn all the trouble Wendy had caused her over the past few days into punishment for Be.


    Without another word, she immed and walked away.


    Jessic soon arrived at the kidnappers'' hideout.


    The man in ck opened the door to let her in. "About time you showed up!"


    Smack


    Without hesitation, Jessica pped him hard across the face. "How dare you talk to me with that attitude on the phone? Is that how you treat your boss?"


    The man clutched his cheek and forced a sheepish smile. "Sorry. We were just worried you wouldn''te. We''re all on the same side now. Please calm down, and let''s take care of those two hot potatoes."


    Even the kidnappers knew it was only a matter of time before this dragged on too long. They didn''t want to keep Be and Ang any longer than necessary.


    Jessica asked, "Are they still locked up in the room?"


    "Yes, we didn''t let them out at all."


    Jessica picked up a mask and slipped it over her face. Then she changed into all ck, disguising herselfpletely. "Let''s go see them."


    "Alright."


    The man in ck pushed open the door to the small, dark room, and Jessica stepped inside.


    Inside, Ang and Be were already asleep. But at the sound of the door, they woke instantly. Ang immediately wrapped her arms protectively around Be and red at Jessica.


    "Who are you? Are you the one behind our kidnapping?"


    Jessica''s voice came out distorted through a voice changer, cold andmanding as she looked down at them. "You''re right. I


    am."


    Ang''s voice trembled with anger. "What did Be and I ever do to you? Why would you kidnap us? Don''t you know that''s against thew?"


    Jessica sneered, "You''re sure talkative for someone who''s been kidnapped."


    Ang stood her ground. "Do you even know who I am? I''m Ang Hawk! If you hurt me, you''re in big trouble."


    Be and Ang had been held captive for days. Their hair was messy and unkempt, but their spirits were surprisingly intact.


    Jessica hesitated for a moment-she really didn''t want to hurt Ang.


    Then Be, in a childish voice, yelled, "You''re a bad person! You''d better let us go! My mommy wille and save us soon!"


    The mention of Wendy infuriated Jessica. "You little brat, how dare you talk to me like that!" She turned to the kidnappers."


    Bring her to me. I''ll deal with her first!"


    The men in ck immediately moved to grab Be.


    But Ang threw herself in front of Be.


    "What are you doing? Stop!" Ang snarled.


    Jessica stared at Ang in shock. Ang was standing up-her legs were healed!


    "You can walk now?" Jessica asked, disbelief flooding her voice.


    "Wendy healed me. She''s a wonder doctor, and she''s Be''s mother. So I suggest you think twice before you act," Ang warned.


    What? Wendy had actually healed Ang''s legs?


    Ang''s legs had been paralyzed for years, and famous doctors had dered it hopeless. Yet, Wendy had somehow healed them.


    Over the past three years, Jessica had worked hard to win Ang''s favor, finally convincing thetter to side with her. But now, hearing Ang defend and voice her admiration for Wendy, Jessica felt her heart sink deep into the pit of despair.

 Chapter 690

    leuca could feel Ang''s fondness for Wendy soaring through the root. Her fury


    boiled over, her face darkening as she ground


    ¤á


    She barked at the kidnappers, "What are you doing? Can''t even catch a little


    brat?"


    The men in ck immediately lunged toward Be


    Be screamed in terror, "Leave me alone! Mrs. Ang, help me!"


    Ang fought back fiercely shielding Be behind her. She stared at Jessica and


    demanded, "Who exactly are you? You know me, don''t you?"


    Jessica froze


    Ang eyed her suspiciously, scanning her from head to toe. "You know I''ve


    always been in a wheelchair. Otherwise, you wouldn''t have asked about my leg,


    You''re someone I know, right? You look like a woman."


    Having been the matriarch of the Hawk family for years, Ang wis sharp and


    perceptive, her gaze cutting straight through Jessica


    Jessica felt a pang of guilt. 11 Ang recognized her, things would get


    "Mince the old hag''s so protecthe of the beat, get rid of them bothe


    The two men in ck nodded as agreement. "Got it."


    jessica cast a cold, final nce at Ang and Betta. "You''ll find out who I am


    once you''re dead."


    She snorted and farmond away


    Suddenly, Ang let out a sharp cry. "A"


    jessica halted mid-step and spun around. Ang shoved the mand ck aside


    and lunged forward, ripping the mask from jessica''s face


    jessica bell a chill sweep over her face. The next moment, the callided with


    Ang''s wide, terrified eyes.


    Ang stared, stacked and hamned "jessace 7"


    Ang had seen her face under the mask


    jessica stood trones, her mind exploding with shock-Ang had becognized her.


    Oh, mal


    Be also saw jessica''s face, and immediately shouted, "it''s you! know you!


    You''re that awful woman!


    Jessica tried to snatch the mask from Ang''s hands.


    "Gave me the mask!" At the same time, she covered her face with ser hands.


    "Don''t look at me!"


    Ang took a step back, disbelief written all over her face. "How could I be you?


    You actually sent people to kidnap Be and


    Jessica panicked "Mrs Ang, listen to me! I never wanted to kidnap you. I only


    wanted to take Be. Why did you get ir Don''t you realize you''ve ruined may


    entre n?"


    "What n? You want to hurt Be? Are you crazy? Be''s a living person! You''re


    breaking thew!"


    "Wendy went against the first Jessica stapped, "It''s either me or her!"


    Ang shot back, "Weady hasn''t been in the Capital for three years! She''s never


    man''s daughter. I''m even on your side, trying to get Stanley to marry you. What


    more do you want? How could you do something like this?"


    Jessica stared at Ang. "You''re fond of Wendy now, aren''t you?"


    Ang hesitated. "I-


    "Look at you! You keep speaking for Wendy. Every single one of you is siding with


    her!"


    "It''s not that we''re siding with Wendy. She just isn''t like you, acting crazy and


    obsessed-


    IF

 Chapter 691

    Jessica cut Ang off sharply. "So what you''re saying is I''m not as good as her!"


    Ang hesitated. "L..."


    jessica clenched her fists tightly at her sides. "Every one of you thinks the same way-Wendy''s the wonder doctor, Dr. Cen! She''s Jolin, so talented and perfect! And me? I''m nothing. That''s why you all side with her and don''t like me!"


    Ang recoiled, startled by the fierce bitterness and jealousy twisting Jessica''s face. Her expression had warped into something frightening.


    Be shrank behind Ang, trembling. "I''m scared..."


    Ang wrapped her arms around Be protectively, then gave Jessica a strange, almost unfamiliar look. "How could you think like that? It''s not because you''re not as talented as Wendy that we don''t like you. But your jealousy has poisoned your heart, and doing something so illegal and cruel... You''ve truly disappointed me."


    Jessica''s eyes were bloodshot as she stared coldly at Ang. "I don''t need your approval anymore, because you won''t be leaving here alive.


    Ang gasped. "You''d actually kill me?"


    Jessica lifted her hand with a sharp motion. "Take them all down!"


    The men in ck immediately grabbed Ang and Be.


    Be burst into tears, sobbing, "Let me go! Let her go! Mommy will be here soon! She''ll save us...


    Ang hurried tofort her. "Be, don''t be scared! Jessica, remember who I am. If you do harm me, Stanley will never let you off!"


    Jessica''s expression darkened. "Don''t worry. Stanley will never find out about this. Just wait. Once I marry him and be your daughter-inw, I''ll make sure we visit your grave every year."


    Ang''s voice trembled with disbelief. "You''ve truly lost it!"


    Jessica had no use for Ang or Be anymore. She ordered coldly "Deal with them. I never want to see them again!" "Right away."


    The kidnappers drew their sharp knives, closing in slowly on Ang and Be. "Jessica, you can''t do this! You''ve really gone mad!" Ang shouted.


    A cruel smile curved Jessica''s blood-red lips. Anyone who stood in her way deserved to die. What she wanted, she would have, no matter the cost.


    Suddenly, the door to the room was kicked open with a loud bang. A cold gust of wind rushed in.


    Jessica spun around, stunned, as a group of well-trained men in ck burst inside, swiftly overpowering the kidnappers. With a tter, the knives dropped from their hands.


    Jessica''s face paled, shock gripping her. "Who are you? How did you get here? Stop! Stop right now!"


    She struggled to catch her breath. This ce was supposed to be secret! This n was wless. Who were these people? How did they find this ce?


    Then a clear, graceful voice rang out, "Hi, Ms. Larson."


    Jessica''s heart skipped. That voice... It was Wendy!


    The next instant, Wendy''s elegant, ethereal figure appeared before them. Chapter 651


    Wendy was here!


    Belle''s eyes lit up, joy flooding her face. "Mommy, you''re here!! Wendy rushed forward, wrapping Be in a fierce hug and nti


    Wendy was here!


    Be''s eyes lit up, joy flooding her face. "Mommy, you''re here! You''vee to save us I knew you would!".


    Wendy rushed forward, wrapping Be in a fierce hug and nting a kiss on her cheek. "Yes, I''m here. Are you okay?"


    6161

 Chapter 692

    Be nted a gentle kiss on Wendy''s cheek. "I''m okay, but there just one little thing..."


    Wendy''s face immediately filled with concern. "What is it?"


    With a bright smile, Be replied, "It''s just that I missed you so much... When I didn''t see you before I slept, I cried " Wendy''s lips curved into a warm smile. She scooped Be into a tight embrace. "I missed you so much, too.."


    Ang looked up at Wendy, relief washing over her. "Your came."


    Wendy stood tall. "Are you alright?"


    Ang shook her head slowly. "I''m fine."


    Suddenly, Jessica''s voice cut through sharply. "How did you find this ce? Did you follow me?"


    Wendy''s clear eyes locked onto Jessica''s face. "Congrattions. You guessed right-I did follow you. I knew if we kept you in, you''d find a way to sneak out. I''d been waiting patiently."


    Jessica clenched her teeth and fists in frustration. She had been outyed by Wendy. She had lost.


    "Is there anything you want to say for yourself?" Wendy asked calmly.


    Jessica hesitated. "I-"


    Just then, Stanley stepped in, his gaze fixed on Jessica. "I never thought you could be this ruthless-kidnapping Be and my mother! If you can kidnap and kill today, what will you be capable of tomorrow?"


    Jessica''s face turned pale. She lunged forward, grabbing Stanley''s sleeve. "Listen to me, Stanley! I only meant to kidnap Wendy''s daughter. I never wanted to hurt your mom-


    Ang cut her off coldly, "Don''t try to weasel out! You were about to kill me to cover your tracks. I haven''t forgotten."


    Jessica''s voice trembled. "Stanley, I love you so much... I didn''t want to lose you; that''s why I did this."


    Stanley shoved Jessica away, his eyes icy with disdain. "Save those words for the judge."


    What?


    Jessica stared at him in disbelief. "You''re going to turn me in? I''m the Larson family''s heiress, the richest man''s daughter! You wouldn''t dare do this to me!"


    A low, maic voice chimed in. "He wouldn''t dare, but I would."


    Jessica turned to see Horace stepping in, d in a long ck coat. Shock rippled through her. "Dad? What are you doing here? Wendy, is this your doing?"


    Wendy nodded. "Yep. I brought Mr. Larson here."


    Jessica''s voice trembled. "Why would you do this? Why bring my father here?"


    Wendy looked directly at Horace. "Mr. Larson, now that the truth is clear-your daughter kidnapped Be and Mrs. Ang, and even tried to kill them. What do you n to do about this?"


    Jessica rushed forward, clutching Horace''s arm. ¡°Dad, I''m your daughter! You can''t abandon me!"


    Smack!


    Horace''s hand struck Jessica across the face. Her head snapped to the side, a burning sting spreading across her cheek. Her mind


    went nk.


    After a few seconds, she slowly turned back toward him, stunned.


    "I can''t believe you hit me!"


    Horace''s gaze was icy. "Don''t you think you deserve it?"

 Chapter 693

    Horace looked at Jessica, his disappointment barely hidden, "You deserve to be punished. How could you do something like this?


    He had always known Jessica was a bit headstrong and cunning, but when Wendy told him she had hired thugs to kidnap people, he refused to believe it. He simply couldn''t ept that his daughter could be so cruel at her core.


    As the head of a wealthy family, Horace was proud of his lineage. Jessica''s mother, Brittany, came from a prestigious background as well. With such strong bloodlines, how could they have made someone like Jessica?


    His disappointment was deep and painful.


    Yet Jessica showed no sign of understanding her mistake. Instead, she looked wronged.


    "Dad, how could you hit me in front of others? You''re just embarrassing me in front of Wendy! I''m your daughter! Why do you always side with outsiders?"


    With that, Jessica turned and tried to storm out-but a bodyguard in ck blocked her way.


    From behind, Wendy''s voice was firm. "Did I say you could leave?"


    Stanley''s voice was cold. "You kidnapped Be and my mother. The evidence is all there. Do you really think you can from this?"


    Jessica nced between Wendy and Stanley, both clearly determined not to let


    her go.


    walk away


    She then looked at Ang, whose gaze had turned icy-it was clear that Ang no longer held any warmth or favor toward her.


    Right now, the only person she could cling to was Horace.


    Looking straight at her father, Jessica pleaded, "Dad, I''m your only daughter! You''re not going to just let them take me away, are you?"


    Yet, Horace said nothing.


    Desperation crept into Jessica''s voice. "You have to protect me! This will ruin my life!"


    Horace''s eyes shifted to Wendy and Stanley. "I have to take Jessica back with me."


    Despite everything, Horace was still protecting his daughter. No matter how disappointed he was, he couldn''t abandon her.


    Wendy showed no surprise. She already knew Horace would stand by Jessica. He was a good father who loved his daughter deeply. 1


    She said firmly, "If you let her get away with this, it''ll only encourage her to push boundaries again and again. You don''t know what she might do next. If you truly love her, you have to teach her to be a person of good character"


    Horace paused-he agreed with Wendy''s words. "From now on, I will keep a tighter rein on her. Her mother ising back soon, and I can''t let you take her away now. I promise you, once Jessica''s mother has met her, I''ll do right by you."


    Stanley looked at Wendy. "I''ll follow whatever you decide."


    Wendy nodded at Horace. "Alright, I trust you. I''ll be waiting for that day."


    For now, she agreed to let things go.


    Jessica breathed easier; a small, proud smile crept across her face. As long as she held the title of richest man''s daughter, she was certain that she would be untouchable.


    Horace called out to his men, "Clean this ce up. Jessica,e with me." The father and daughter left together.


    7


    Wendy scooped Be into her arms. "Let''s go home now.''


    Ang looked at Wendy gratefully. "Thank you for healing my leg


    Stanley, still unaware that Ang''s leg had healed, was shocked.


    Ang smiled. "Wendy healed them."


    Stanley''s eyes lit up as he looked at Wendy. "Thank you." Chapter 694

 Chapter 694

    With a warm smille, Wendy said to Ang and Stanley, "No need to be so formal-it was nothing, really. Just a small favor."


    "Mommy, Mrs. Ang protected me! Let''s go visit their house and y," Be pleaded, her voice soft and childlike.


    Wendy thought for a moment. For now, she wasn''t nning to leave the Capital- she needed to wait for Horace to make good on his promise.


    Besides, Brittany wasing back soon, and Wendy was curious to meet her.


    She turned to Ang. "I''ll ke you up on that invitation."


    Stanley extended his arms. "Be,e here-let me carry you."


    However, Wendy declined firmly. "It''s okay, Mr. Hawk. I''ll carry my daughter.''


    Be blinked her big, sparkling eyes; she first nced at Wendy, then at Stanley. "But Mommy, I want Mr. Handsome to hold me."


    Wendy was speechless. After three years of raising her little girl, she hadn''t expected this sudden betrayal.


    Stanley scooped Be up effortlessly.


    Be grinned and exined, "Mommy, I''m getting bigger and heavier now. I don''t want your arms to get tired, so I want Mr. Handsome to hold me. I love you, Mommy."


    Wendy was left utterly disarmed by her daughter''s high emotional intelligence.


    Ang smiled at the charming Be. "Alright. Let''s go."


    Horace brought Jessica back to the house. In the living room,


    he stared hard at her.


    "Do you understand what you did wrong?"


    "Why do you always favor Wendy?" Jessica snapped back. "It''s because you all side with her that I had to send people to kidnap her daughter! For the past three years, while she was away, I have been behaving well! This is all Wendy''s fault- she shouldn''t even exist!"


    Horace''s anger red. "Whether it was three years ago or now, you me everything on Wendy! Have you ever once reflected on your own mistakes?"


    Jessica''s voice was cold. "I''m not wrong!"


    "How could you be so stubborn..." Horace growled.


    Jessica''s tone suddenly turned desperate. ¡°If you don''t love me anymore, I''d rather be dead!"


    Horace was furious. "You pulled that suicide act three years ago. Don''t you ever get tired of the same tricks? Can''t youe up with something new?"


    On the way home, Jessica had already nned it out-cry, cause a scene, and threaten to kill herself-just like three years ago. She was sure it would make Horace bend to her will again.


    But Horace saw right through her, and she froze.


    Just then, Ida hurried in. "Horace, why are you arguing with Jessica? She''s your only daughter. No matter what she''s done wrong, just talk to her calmly. Don''t scold her!"


    She gentlyforted Jessica. "Your father loves you so much. He''s only harsh because he cares."


    Over the past three years, Ida had been very kind and indulgent toward Jessica. Jessica knew all too well that Ida was trying to win her favor-if Ida got close to Jessica, she might get to marry Horace.


    Horace and Jessica remained locked in tension.


    Then, a clear ringtone echoed through the room-Horace''s phone was ringing. He pulled it out, and the screen shed with the name ¡°Brittany¡°.


    Brittany was calling.


    Horace answered quickly. Brittany''s voice came through, calm and firm. "Hey, I''m back in the country."


    She had returned earlier than nned.


    "Where''s my daughter?" Brittany continued. "I want to see her now. Arrange for us to meet."

 Chapter 695

    Horace gripped his phone tightly. "Jessica''s with me. I''ll reserve a private room


    at Vista Dining for noon. You can meet her there.


    He made the arrangements.


    Brittany agreed without hesitation. "Alright, see you at noon."


    At that moment, a young male voice came through Brittany''s side of the call. "Brit, where are we going now?"


    Brit...?


    Horace furrowed his brow, his patience thinning. "Brittany-"


    Before he could say more, the call ended abruptly with a dial tone.


    It was clear that Brittany didn''t want to say a word to Horace beyond what was necessary; her daughter was all she cared about. Horace was left speechless.


    Ida, noticing the storm brewing on Horace''s face, already knew the call was from Brittany. No one else in the world could shake his mood like Brittany could.


    She stepped forward. "Was that Brittany on the phone?"


    Jessica''s heart skipped a beat. "Dad... Was that Mom?"


    Horace nodded. "Yes. She''s back in the country. I''ve arranged for you two to meet at Vista Dining at noon.


    Brittany had returned sooner than expected. Jessica was scared of Brittany''s arrival, but then she reconsidered-maybe this was


    an opportunity. Horace had never realized she was a fraud, so she figured


    Brittany wouldn''t either. With another mother to care for her, Jessica believed her life would only get easier and morefortable.


    "Now that Mom''s back, I''m going toin to her about how badly you''re treating me at noon!"


    Horace pressed his lips tightly.


    "Don''t say nonsense like that in front of your mother. She has a fierce personality. She''s the only child of the Brewer family, and now she''s at the helm. She manages all their enterprises."


    Jessica''s eyes lit up with surprise. She hadn''t expected Brittany to be so capable, to be the head of the Brewer family.


    The Brewer family''s businesses stretched worldwide, especially in jewelry, fashion, and entertainment. Brittany had been blessed with a natural talent for business and was cherished by her parents since she was little.


    Later, the Larson and Brewer families merged through marriage when Brittany married into the Larson family. It was a powerful alliance.


    Jessica''s heart soared. She believed everything Brittany owned was hers, too. After all, she was the only daughter of both the Larson and Brewer families.


    She looked at Horace and pouted. "Now that you favor Wendy, I''m moving out to live with Mom. At least she''ll treat me better than you have. I don''t want to stay here anymore!"


    "Jessica!" Horace snapped.


    Ida was eager for Jessica to leave as soon as possible. She dreamed of sitting on Brittany''s throne one day and nned to give Horace a child of their own.


    "Horace, stop arguing with Jessica," Ida said firmly. "She''s been through a lottely. Let her rest and freshen up before you meet Brittany at noon."


    Horace looked Jessica in the eye. "You kidnapped Be and Ang How do you n to fix tliis mess?"


    Jessica avoided the topicpletely. "You''re going to take care of for me, right?" "This is your mess. You have to deal with it yourself."


    "If you won''t help me clean this up, I''ll go to Mom. She loves me more! Anyway, I don''t want to talk about this anymore. I''m tired. I''m going upstairs to sleep."


    Without another word, Jessica strode upstairs.


    Horace was left speechless with frustration. He truly didn''t understand how he had ended up with a daughter like Jessica-one who made mistakes but showed no remorse, no reflection, no responsibility, and yet actedpletely self- righteous.


    He had no idea how to talk sense into her anymore.


    **

 Chapter 696

    Now that Brittany was back, Horace felt his head spinning with frustration.


    "What''s wrong? Are you having another headache? Sit still. I''ll give you a head massage," Ida said softly, her voice gentle.


    Horace often suffered from headaches, so she had learned some massage techniques to help him.


    Horace shook his head. "I have to meet Brittany at noon. I''m going back to my study now."


    With that, he went upstairs.


    Ida watched his retreating figure, her heart swirling with jealousy and resentment.


    Years ago, when the Larson and Brewer families united through marriage, Horace, heir to a great fortune, had met Brittany, a bright, bold woman with a fiery spirit. Though he kept his cool on the surface, he was undeniably drawn to her.


    For all those years that Brittany had been gone, Horace never stopped searching for her and their daughter.


    Not for a single moment had he given up.


    And Ida-who had stayed by Horace''s side all these years-had gained nothing.


    She couldn''t ept that.


    Now that Brittany had returned, their battle was beginning once again.


    Years ago, Ida had beaten Brittany once. Now, she was determined to win a second time.


    Wendy brought Be to the Hawk family''s estate. Ang and Be took warm baths and changed into fresh clothes afterward. Wendy checked Ang''s pulse carefully. "Your legs are healing. If you keep exercising, you''ll be able to walk normally again." Ang''s face lit up with happiness. "Thank you, Wendy."


    Wendy''s lips curved into a subtle smile. "No, thank you for protecting Be. I truly appreciate it."


    Stanley watched the improving rtionship between Wendy and his mother, a faint smile ying on his lips. Just then, Zayn came over and whispered something in Stanley''s ear.


    Stanley turned to Wendy. "Jessica''s mother, Brittany, is back."


    Ang blinked in surprise. ¡°Brittany is back?"


    Wendy asked Ang, "Were you close with her?"


    Ang nodded. "Of course. We were best friends. We were pregnant at the same time, and we promised each other that our children would get married. Stanley and Jessica''s engagement came from that."


    So that was the origin of the Hawk and Larson families'' alliance.


    "Why did she leave back then? Why did she give Jessica to Harry to raise in Hovendale?" Wendy asked.


    Ang''s expression darkened. "It was all because of Ida Olsen! After Brittany married Horace, their marriage seemed harmonious, but Ida-Horace''s first love- never left his side. Later, Brittany was suddenly poisoned on the day she was about to give birth."


    Wendy''s eyes widened. "Poisoned?"


    "Exactly. She was poisoned. She fought with all her strength to give birth to her daughter. To keep her safe, Brittany entrusted the baby to her student, Harry, asking him to take her away from the Capital to grow up in peace. Brittany fell into aa from the poisoning and childbirth. I was also giving birth at the time, and only after Stanley was born did I learn about her


    disappearance. She vanished for more than twenty years, but I always believed she was alive. Now, she''s finally back."


    So that was what had really happened. Someone had tried to kill Brittany and her unborn child. She had fought to survive, sending her daughter away first before disappearing.


    Wendy turned to Stanley. "Where is Ms. Brewer meeting Jessica?"


    "Mr. Larson arranged for them to meet at Vista Dining," Stanley answered.


    Wendy smiled, a spark of curiosity in her eyes. "I want to go there to meet her myself."

 Chapter 697

    Stanley nced at Wendy with curiosity. "What''s got you so interested in her?"


    Wendy''s mind shed back to the day she saw Brittany''s portrait in Horace''s study. For some reason, she felt a strong pull toward Brittany, a desire to meet thetter in person.


    A faint smile curved Wendy''s lips. "She''s a legend in her own right so I want to meet her."


    Ang nodded. "Alright, let''s go to Vista Dining and meet her."


    Just then, Be called out, "Mommy, let''s paint together."


    "Okay,e on," Wendy replied warmly. "I''ll take you to paint."


    Wendy then took Be with her to paint.


    Stanley moved closer to Ang and lowered his voice. "Mom, I''m not going to marry Jessica. She kidnapped you and Be, and caused all this trouble... You wouldn''t make me marry her, would you?"


    Disappointment flickered in Ang''s eyes as she recalled Jessica.


    "I never imagined she could do something like this. I''m really disappointed in her. But the engagement between you and Jessica was arranged by Brittany and me years ago. If we want to call it off, we have to ask Brittany''s opinion first." 2


    Ang still couldn''t understand how her best friend could have a daughter with such a terrible character.


    But since Brittany was her closest friend, and given how long she had been missing, both families would have to sit down and talk face to face if they wanted to end the engagement.


    Stanley nced at Wendy and Be not far away. "I''m going to marry only Wendy in my life. She healed your legs-she''s done you a big favor. I hope you''ll stop making things hard for her."


    "Don''t be ridiculous!" Ang replied with a smile. "When have I ever made things hard for Wendy? As a fellow woman, I respect her talent and character. Our paths are just different. I have my reasons to treat her the way I did."


    Stanley nodded; he knew his mother was a wise and thoughtful woman. Everyone saw things from their point of view, and that shaped their choices.


    "Now that Brittany is back, everything depends on how she feels about it. But I admit-I do like Wendy very much, and I''m grateful she healed my legs," Ang said. 1


    Stanley''s eyes brightened. It seemed Wendy had already won his mother''s approval.


    "We''ve been apart for three years. I don''t want to be apart from her ever again. Even though she''s still with Samuel for now, that''s not a problem."


    Ang paused, suddenly remembering something Be had said. "Actually, Wendy and Samuel aren''t married."


    "What?" Stanley froze, shocked. "They aren''t married? How could that be? Wendy told me they were!"


    "She lied to you. Be told me herself-Wendy isn''t married. Be''s only three years old, and kids don''t lie."


    Stanley was stunned. He had always thought Wendy and Samuel were married- he couldn''t imagine otherwise. After all, their daughter was already this big; surely they''d have given Be a proper family.


    "Sounds like there''s more to this. I''ll have someone investigate this right away," he said.


    Ang nodded. "Yes, I''ve always felt like Wendy was hiding something from us. You need to find out the truth."


    Horace arrived at Vista Dining with Jessica. Jessica was dressed beautifully in a flowing gown, her hair curledzily-a stunning


    beauty determined to leave a good impression on Brittany.


    The restaurant owner came personally to greet them. "Mr. and Ms Larson, wee to Vista Dining."


    Horace, dressed in a sleek ck coat, looked solemn and handsome. "Please show us to the private room."

 Chapter 698

    "Mr. Larson, I''ve reserved our finest private room, the Executive ning Suite, just for you and Ms. Larson. Right this way, please."


    The restaurant owner led Horace and Jessica toward the exclusive room with practiced hospitality.


    Jessica felt a tangle of nerves, excitement, and a little fear. "Has Mom arrived yet?"


    Horace''s expression remained unreadable. "We''ll find out once we go in."


    "Mr. and Ms. Larson, here the Executive Dining Suite. Pleasee in."


    The owner opened the door to the private room, and Jessica stepped inside. "Mom!"


    But the room was empty-Brittany hadn''t arrived yet.


    Horace said, ¡°It''s not noon yet. Have a seat and wait."


    Jessica nodded. "Okay."


    Just then, a soft, melodic ringtone sounded from Horace''s phone he was receiving a call.


    "I''m stepping out to take this call."


    "Alright."


    Horace left, while Jessica kept adjusting her long gown. After a moment, she stood up and went to the restroom to check if her lipstick was smudged.


    Soon, a striking and radiant figure appeared ahead-Brittany had arrived.


    Her luxury car had stopped outside the restaurant. Brittany hadn''t waited for her assistants; she came in on her own, eager to see her daughter.


    Today, Brittany wore a vivid red dress. Her lips were a deep crimson, her ck hair glossy and flowing, like a fierce rose in full bloom, thorny and proud. Time had left no trace on her-though she was in her forties, she looked no older than a woman in her twenties. As she walked through the room, all eyes were drawn to her.


    Brittany hurried forward, but just then, Jessica turned a corner, and the two collided head-on.


    "I''m sorry." Brittany quickly apologized. "I didn''t mean to-"


    Jessica snapped immediately, "Watch where you''re going! Look, you just dirtied my dress!"


    Brittany was about to apologize again, but the harshness in Jessica''s tone made her smirk slightly. "Since we bumped into each other, it''s half your fault and half mine, okay?"


    Jessica red at her. "What kind of attitude is that? Do you even know how much this dress costs? You''ve ruined it! I swear, I''m going to make you pay for this!"


    Brittany raised an eyebrow. "You''ve got quite the ego."


    "You probably don''t even know who I am. Let me tell you-I''m a big shot. Here in the Capital, I walk like I own the ce. You messed up my dress, so you''d better grovel and apologize!"


    Brittany chuckled coldly. "I''ve been away from the Capital for years. Guess that''s why I haven''t heard of you. You want me to grovel and apologize? You''re the first person who''s ever asked that."


    Jessica scrutinized Brittany from head to toe. "I''ve never seen you in the Capital''s social circles. Where did you evene from? That dress is expensive, but I bet you didn''t buy it yourself. Some man probably gifted it to you. I''m guessing you''re one of those mistresses who cling to wealthy men."


    18


    Jessica knew all the high-profiledies in the Capital''s elite society but Brittany was aplete stranger. Plus, Brittany''s stunning appearance and the fact that she looked about Jessica''s are led jessica to assume that she was just a kept


    woman.


    Brittanyughed with disbelief. "First day back in the Capital, and run into a real gem! No one has ever dared to call me a mistress. Do you even know who I am?¡±


    Jessica smirked. "Enlighten me."

 Chapter 699

    Brittany began, ¡°I am


    But Jessica cut her off impatiently. "I don''t care who you are. I have zero interest.


    Now that you''ve ruined my dress, I want you to grovel and apologize!"


    Brittany raised an eyebrow. "And what if I don''t?"


    Jessica''s eyes shed dangerously. "Then don''t me me for being rude. Security!"


    Two ck-d bodyguards appeared immediately. "Yes?"


    Jessica pointed at Brittany. "Grab her! Make her grovel and apologize to me!"


    "Got it!" the bodyguards answered, closing in on Brittany.


    Brittany sneered coldly, "Think carefully-if youy a hand on me you''ll regret it."


    Jessica smirked, her voice sharp. "Are you threatening me? Once you find out who I am, you''ll be so scared your knees will go weak!"


    Brittany scoffed. "Big talk."


    "Stop standing there! Grab her!" Jessica barked,


    The guards moved forward to grab Brittany.


    Suddenly, a clear voice cut through the tension. Why, Ms. Larson, unting your status again, I see?"


    Jessica looked up to see the one person she least wanted to face-Wendy. Wendy had arrived.


    Jessica frowned. "What are you doing here?"


    Wendy stepped closer, a sly smile ying on her lips. "I came here for lunch. Didn''t expect to spot you making a scene from afar. Who are you telling off this time?"


    Jessica replied coldly, "I''m teaching her to watch where she''s going. What, do you want to butt in?"


    Wendy smirked. "And what if I do?"


    Brittany nced at Wendy. Compared to Jessica''s sharp and bullying attitude,


    Wendy''s graceful, unruffled beauty was refreshing.


    Brittany took the initiative to greet her. "Hello."


    Wendy looked at Brittany. "Hello..."


    Her voice faltered the moment she saw Brittany''s face.


    Wendy had seen Brittany''s portrait, painted more than twenty years ago. Brittany looked exactly the same now as she did then.


    Wendy gasped. "It''s you!"


    Brittany smiled faintly. "You know me?"


    Wendy tried to speak. "I-"


    But Jessica cut in harshly, "You actually know her? Figures! Birds of a feather flock together. You''re both mistresses who hang around rich men. Meanwhile, my friends are all the Capital''s finestdies and daughters of noble families.¡±


    Wendy stared at Jessica in shock. "What did you say she is?"


    Jessica shrugged. "Did I say something wrong? I don''t even know her. All that designer clothing-she''s clearly someone''s sugar baby!"


    Wendy fell silent for a moment, then burst intoughter. "If you knew who she really is, you''d probably break down crying!" "Why would I cry? Wait, why am I wasting my time on you two? Since you want to meddle, Wendy, you can grovel with her!" At that moment, a deep, maic voice interrupted. "What''s going on here?"


    Jessica looked up and saw Horace. His sudden arrival gave her a surge of confidence; she immediately rushed to his side and linked her arm through his.


    ¡°Dad, you''re just in time. These two women have been bullying me. Make sure they get what they deserve! Especially this one she ran into me and ruined my dress. I want her to grovel and apologize!"


    Brittany''s face changed dramatically. She stepped forward, disbelief written all over her. "Dad?"


    Jessica lifted her chin arrogantly, like a proud peacock. ¡°Now you know who I am, huh? I''m the precious daughter of the Larson family and the richest heiress, Jessica! Scared now? Haha!"

 Chapter 700

    Brittany froze in ce.


    At that moment, Horace yanked his arm free from Jessica''s grip and scolded sharply, "What do you think you''re doing?"


    Jessica blinked, caught off guard. "Why are you being so harsh with me?"


    Horace nced at Brittany. "Do you even know who she really is?"


    "She''s just some sugar baby..." Jessica sneered.


    Horace snapped, "Enough! Shut up!"


    Jessica flinched, surprised. "What did I do? Why are you yelling at me?"


    Horace''s voice dropped low and steady. "She''s your mother, Brittany."


    Those words exploded right beside Jessica''s ear. She gasped sharply, her breath catching "What did you say? She''s my mother?"


    Jessica stared at Brittany, disbelief written all over her face.


    Brittany returned the look, just as stunned. This reunion between mother and


    daughter was far beyond anyone''s expectations.


    Horace turned to Brittany. "This is our daughter, Jessica."


    Without hesitation, Jessica stepped forward and hurriedly apologized, "Mom, I''m


    so sorry! I didn''t recognize you! I''m your daughter, Jessica."


    Brittany''s eyes darkened with disappointment as she looked at Jessica.


    Wendy smirked at Jessica. "Now you''re calling her Mom, but just a moment ago, you were calling her a mistress, a sugar baby."


    "Shut up!" Jessica shot Wendy a fierce re.


    She truly despised Wendy. Why did Wendy have to be everywhere?


    Brittany''s gaze shifted back to Jessica, skepticism flickering. "Are you really my daughter?"


    Jessica''s heart sank. Her carefully prepared reunion had turned into an embarrassment, and she had clearly made a terrible, impression. Now, Brittany was beginning to doubt her.


    Thinking quickly, Jessica pulled out her best card.


    "Yes, I''m your daughter. We''ve been apart for so many years, and Harry raised me. He told me you loved me so much, but I never really felt that mother''s love. When Dad said you wereing back to see me, I was so happy. I finally have a mom. I. wouldn''t have to envy other kids anymore."


    Brittany''s eyes softened instantly. Over the years, both she and Horace had carried a heavy guilt over Jessica.


    Brittany stepped forward and took Jessica''s hand. "I only sent you to Hovendale because I had no choice back then. From now on, I''ll stay with you, and we''ll never be apart again."


    Jessica immediately threw herself forward, wrapping Brittany in a tight embrace. "That''s wonderful, Mom. I love you."


    As Jessica hugged her, Brittany caught the sharp scent of perfume, overpowering and unnatural.


    She frowned. Why did she feel no warmth toward this daughter? She found it very strange.


    Just then, Horace came over. "Alright, let''s put this little scene behind us for now. I''ve booked a private room. Let''s go there and talk.¡±


    Brittany nodded. "Okay."


    Suddenly, Brittany remembered Wendy and looked over at her. "Yungdy, what''s your name?"


    Wendy smiled warmly. "Hello, Mrs. Larson. I''m Wendy Crone."


    She extended her hand.


    Brittany couldn''t help but smile back. She reached out and shook Wendy''s hand. "Hi, Wendy. I''m not Mrs. Larson. My name is Brittany Brewer."


    Wendy thought for a moment, then amended her words. "Hello, Ms. Brewer."

 Chapter 701

    Brittany couldn''t help but smile. She really adored Wendy''s sharp mind and clear insight.


    "I''m back in town today to see my daughter, Jessica. Since we ran to each other, why don''t you join us for dinner?"


    Jessica couldn''t believe what she was hearing.


    What? Brittany was actually inviting Wendy to join their family reunion dinner!


    She immediately shot out, "No way!"


    Wendy quickly responded, "I''m in!"


    Both of them spoke at the same time.


    Jessica frowned. "How can you be so thick-skinned? You came to our house as a guestst time, and now you want to eat with us? Did you even ask me if you were wee?"


    Wendy just loved seeing Jessica get flustered but powerless.


    "Mr. Larson allowed me to visit your housest time. Now, Ms. Brewer has invited me to dinner. Why would I need to ask you if I''m wee? Are you questioning your father and mother?"


    Jessica, hit with a verbal blow, bit her gums hard in frustration.


    At that moment, Brittany stepped in. "Enough, Jessica. I invited Wendy. Stop arguing."


    Since Brittany said so, Jessica didn''t dare say anything else. "Okay, Mom. Whatever you say."


    The four of them arrived at the Executive Dining Suite. Wendy sat quietly, focused entirely on eating and listening in on the


    gossip.


    Brittany nced at Jessica. "What kind of work are you doing now?


    Jessica replied, "I''m a ballet dancer, but I don''t want to dance anymore. I want to join Brewer Enterprise. Is that okay?"


    Wendy sneered inwardly. Jessica was so eager to get into Brewer Enterprise.


    "You want to work at Brewer Enterprise?" Brittany asked.


    "I do! You''re the CEO, and I''ve heard so much about you. Everyone says you''re a powerful businesswoman. I want to join Brewer Enterprise and learn from you. Someday, I want to be independent and strong like you," Jessica said sweetly.


    Brittany didn''t really want Jessica to join Brewer Enterprise. She had always kept personal and professional matters separate. Jessica had no experience in business management and couldn''t simply get in.


    But since Jessica had asked so directly, Brittany didn''t refuse her outright. "Alright. Come to thepany tomorrow. I''ll arrange a position for you."


    Jessica smiled brightly. "Thanks, Mom!"


    Brittany then looked at Horace. "Come with me for a moment."


    She called Horace aside. She had something to discuss with him.


    Horace stepped out. Brittany was already waiting in the corridor ahead, her back turned to him. She stood with her arms behind her back.


    Horace''s gaze fell on her silhouette.


    Today, Brittany wore a red gown that hugged her figure perfectly, outlining her slim waist. The skirt red around her perky


    bottom, showing off her wless body.


    Horace let out a cold chuckle. It wasn''t surprising that Jessica didn recognize Brittany. She hadn''t changed at all-she looked exactly as she had when she was younger, a temptress. She didn''t even look like she had given birth.


    Horace approached from behind and said, "You wanted to talk to me?"


    Brittany turned to face him. "Is Jessica really our daughter?"


    Horace paused. "What do you mean?"


    "For some reason, I always feel like there''s something off about Jessica. Did you ever do a DNA test?" Brittany said.


    Horace shook his head. "No."


    Brittany said, "You should find time to get a DNA test done. I want to see the results."


    Horace looked at Brittany.


    ¡°I found Jessica in Hovendale. She was raised carefully by Harry. Isn''t that the guy who''d always had feelings for you? How could there be a mistake?"


    Brittany stared at Horace. The man in his forties stood in the dim light, his features sharp and handsome. His every move


    carried the weight of money, status, and life experience. The man she had


    married, once the most wanted bachelor in the Capital, had grown into a


    formidable business tycoon.


    ¥­¥ó


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 Chapter 702

    Brittany curled her lips into a sly smile. "Do I hear a hint of jealous?"


    Horace stared at her bright, confident grin. "Where was I wrong? Back then, you gave birth, handed our daughter away, and disappeared for twenty years without a word. If I hadn''te looking for you, would you have ever nned oning back?"


    Brittany scoffed bitterly. Ida had poisoned her back then, and that woman had been staying by Horace''s side. That was why their daughter could never stay in the Capital.


    When Brittany gave birth, it was a near-death experience. Someone quietly took her away after that. She had been unconscious from the poisoning for years, only waking up recently.


    "Well, the past is the past," Brittany replied. "There''s nothing more to talk about now. Let me know when you have the DNA test results. I have things to do, so I''m leaving."


    She turned sharply to walk away.


    Fury red in Horace. He reached out and grabbed Brittany''s arm, pushing her hard against the wall. His tall, imposing frame trapped her in ce. "What''s with your attitude? You left with Jessica all those years without a single exnation. How dare you act so arrogantly!"


    Brittany looked up at him coolly. "Why are you so worked up? Do you need a woman to help you blow off steam?"


    She lifted her leg; the sharp, slender heel of her stiletto slid slowly up his ck trousers. Her red dress had a high slit, and as she raised her leg, a sh of pale, wless skin peeked out, looking utterly seductive.


    Horace''s hand shot up to press on her shoulder. His eyes flickered with anger and a dangerous glint. "We''re out in public. What are you doing, teasing me?"


    Brittany loved watching him act so seriously. "I thought this was what you wanted when you pushed me against the wall. Or did I misunderstand?"


    Her hand moved to his chest. Underneath his ck coat, he wore a matching business vest over a white shirt. Brittany slipped her hand inside, tracing downward over the fabric.


    His six-pack abs were clearly defined.


    She couldn''t help but admire his muscr physique and sculpted features. Her beautiful eyes sparkled with amusement. "You''re over forty now, but your body''s still so well kept. It''s just like when you were younger."


    She poked at his abs with a delicate fingertip,ughing softly.


    "Wow, you''re strong." (1


    Horace''s gaze darkened. His Adam''s apple bobbed as he leaned down to kiss her lips.


    But he missed. Brittany turned her head sharply away.


    Horace stiffened, his voice low and rough. "Are you ying with me?"


    Brittany pulled her hand back. "Have you forgotten our rtionship? We''re divorced. Even if you''re aroused, don''t take it out on me."


    Horace sneered, "Divorced? If I remember correctly, we never actually filed for a divorce. Get your facts straight-you''re still Mrs. Larson!"


    Brittany raised her chin defiantly. "So what? It''s just a piece of paper. We''ve been separated for over twenty years. Tomorrow, I''ll have mywyer file for divorce, and that certificate will be in my hands before you know it."

 Chapter 703

    Horace looked at Brittany while reaching out to grasp her chin gently.


    "Separated for over twenty years? That sounds less like a statement and more like youining about feeling lonely and empty. Tonight, I''ll make sure to satisfy you properly."


    Brittany was silent for a moment-then, a smack rang out. She raised her hand and pped Horace''s palm away.


    "Why don''t you go find your first love? After all these years I''ve been gone, have you two been sleeping in the bed we once shared?"


    Horace''s eyes darkened with cold fury. "How many times do I have to say this? Nothing ever happened between Ida and me!"


    Brittany raised an eyebrow. "Really? You haven''t slept with her in all these years?" Horace snapped, "Don''t go assuming things with your filthy mind!"


    Wait. So he really hadn''t been with Ida?


    "Does that mean you''ve been upying yourself with other women all this time? Did you hire secretaries or keep some college student on the side?" Brittany pressed on, her tone yful but sharp.


    "Brittany!" Horace growled.


    "Why so serious?" Brittany smiled. "What did I say that hit a nerve? Or are you trying to say you haven''t been with a single woman in twenty years? I won''t buy it!"


    Horace''s gaze locked on her parted red lips, and without warning, he leaned down and kissed her.


    "Mmph!" Brittany''s eyes widened, and she immediately pushed him away.


    Horace caught both her wrists and pinned them against the wall, his kiss turning possessive and demanding as he pried open her lips and took overpletely.


    Brittany flushed deeply. Neither of them was young anymore, but she hadn''t expected Horace to still kiss her like this.


    "Let go of me!" she demanded.


    Brittany bit the corner of Horace''s mouth hard.


    A sharp hiss escaped him. Horace winced in pain, wiping his lip and noticing blood. He was about to speak when a voice/ interrupted.


    "Horace."


    Brittany looked up-Ida had arrived.


    Without hesitation, Brittany shoved Horace away, and he took a step back.


    Ida approached and immediately noticed the blood on Horace''s lip, concern shing across her face. "Why are you bleeding?"


    Then she nced at Brittany with a soft, almost fragile expression. "Brittany, it''s so good to have you back. You''ve misunderstood me and Horace. We''re just close friends, He only kept me around all these years because he felt sorry for me. If I''m the reason you''re fighting, I can move out right now and never see him again!"


    Brittany gave Ida a cold, sharp look. She knew Id? was nothing but a maniptive and scheming burned badly by Ida before.


    1. an. After all, she had been


    "No, thanks. I''m no longer interested in knowing what kind of rtionship you have with Horace. He''s just a man I no longer want. You can keep him."


    Horace''s face darkened. "Brittany!"


    Brittany stepped closer to Ida and whispered with a smile, "I''ve been gone for over twenty years, and I hear you still haven''t be Mrs. Larson. It''s a little disappointing."


    Alda''s fragile facade nearly cracked. The words hit a painful spot deep inside.


    Brittany pressed on, "You should work harder. You''re not exactly young anymore. You''re over forty, right? Honestly, I almost feel sorry for you. Maybe it was eptable to be the other woman and sneak after someone else''s husband at twenty, but at forty? That''s just a little too old for that game."


    Ida''s expression darkened instantly as her fists clenched tightly.


    Brittany certainly hit a nerve.


    Brittany nced at Horace onest time. ¡°Bye, Mr. Larson."


    With that, she turned and walked away.


    Ida quickly collected herself and moved beside Horace.


    "Haven''t you exined things clearly to Brittany yet? She can say whatever she


    wants about me. I just don''t want you two to fight because of me."

 Chapter 704

    Horace watched Brittany''s retreating figure, noticing the way she swayed her hips with a teasing grace that was impossible to ignore. The sight was maddening enough to make himugh bitterly.


    Ida raised her hand as if to wipe the corner of Horace''s mouth. "Are you alright?"


    But before her hand could reach him, Horace stepped back sharply "I''m going home first."


    With that, he turned and left.


    Ida''s hand froze midair. Alene now, she dropped all pretenses. Herexpression twisted into one of bitter resentment and cold malice.


    She hated Brittany.


    Ida was the daughter of the Larson family''s driver. Years ago, her father had died saving Horace''s father, and her mother died soon after.


    Because Horace felt indebted to Ida, he had always looked after her and they had practically grown up together.


    Ida had loved Horace deeply, believing she would one day marry him and be Mrs. Larson.


    But then the Larson and Brewer families suddenly arranged an alliance through marriage, and Horace married Brittany instead.


    Ida had tried to convince herself that Brittany was just a pawn in a grand alliance, doomed to a lonely life, but nothing could have been further from the truth.


    Brittany was a temptress. From the moment she married Horace, she clung to him like a snake.


    Two years into their marriage, Ida had once stood outside Horace''s study. The door wasn''t fully closed, and she had peeked inside.


    Horace sat behind his desk, surrounded by stacks of paperwork, but Brittany was perched on hisp, her camisole slipping off one shoulder, revealing her smooth skin.


    Horace''s voice was husky. "I still have a lot of work tonight."


    "Don''t work tonight, honey. I want you..." Brittany cooed, wrapping herself around him.


    Horace held her close. "Okay. Let''s go to the bedroom."


    But Brittany shook her head stubbornly. "I want to do it right here in your study. Don''t you like it?"


    Horace tilted his head, kissing her deeply, letting her hands roam inside his expensive shirt, teasing and bold.


    Brittany, breathing heavily, said, "I heard there''s a really beautiful new secretary at yourpany."


    "Who?"


    "You know who I''m talking about. That secretary who looks at you with stars in her eyes."


    Horace chuckled. "I honestly don''t know who you mean."


    "Really? If you don''t know her, then I''ll tell your assistant to transfer her."


    "Do as you wish."


    Brittany softened, pouring in a yful tone. "You must think I''m being a little jealous. But with you being handsome and rich, I have to keep an eye on you, or else you''ll be handing out favors to other women."


    Horace''s hand slipped beneath her skirt, his eyes darkening. "You can''t seem to keep your hands off of me; you wring me dry every day. I have nothing to offer others."


    Brittany kissed him gently. "Let''s have a baby."


    "Why the sudden urge?" Horace asked, surprised.


    "Don''t you want to have a baby with me?"


    "I do."


    Ida had been standing just outside the door, jealousy burning in her eyes as she watched. Brittany, perched on Horace''sp, still wearing high heels, looked utterly seductive and reckless as her thin heels brushed lightly against his ck trousers. Who could resist a sight like that?


    Horace was young and passionate then.


    Brittany was beautiful, clever, and capable, as she had been raised to shine as the daughter of the wealthy Brewer family. Facing a man, she knew exactly how to take the lead. By choosing to marry Horace, she had made it clear she wanted everything from him.


    In those early years of marriage, Horace was utterly captivated.


    Soon after, Brittany became pregnant.


    Ida had hoped that she might have a chance, but Brittany only held on tighter. Once again, Ida had stood outside the door, peeking in.


    Horace sat on the couch while Brittany knelt before him, tending to him with unwavering devotion.


    No man could ever say no to a woman like that.

 Chapter 705

    Jda hated Brittany with a deep, burning fury.


    Brittany had stolen the life that should have been hers. Horace and the title of Mrs. Larson were supposed to be hers!


    Meanwhile, Horace returned to the Executive Dining Suite.


    Jessica looked up at him, curious. "Where did Mom go?"


    "She had something to take care of, so she left," Horace replied calmly.


    "What? She left?" Jessica pouted, her lips trembling with a hint of childish sulking. "Why didn''t she tell me she was leaving?"


    Horace studied Jessica closely. Before, he hadn''t suspected anything was off with Jessica, but after hearing Brittany''s insinuations, doubt had crept into his mind about Jessica''s true parentage.


    He realized he should have gotten a DNA test done from the start. 1


    But Horace kept his expression carefully neutral. He wouldn''t let Jessica see anything on his face. If Jessica were truly his daughter, he couldn''t let her find out they were doubting her. And if she weren''t, that was even more reason to keep it a secret.


    He had to remain calm.


    Horace said gently to Jessica, "Have you eaten your fill? If you have we''ll head home."


    Jessica nodded, satisfied that she had already achieved what she wanted. Tomorrow, she would officially start at Brewer Enterprise.


    She nced at Wendy, who had been quietly eating in the corner of the private room since she arrived, keeping a low profile.


    "Are you done eating? We''re heading home now. You''re not nning toe with us, are you?"


    Wendy set down her utensils. "Thank you for your hospitality. I''m done with my meal. You should go ahead. I''m heading home,


    too."


    Jessica shot Wendy a sharp look before turning to Horace. "Let''s go home."


    Horace looked toward Wendy. "Bye."


    "Alright. Goodbye."


    Horace took Jessica''s hand and left. Within half an hour, they were back at the Larson family''s vi, stepping into the spacious living room.


    "I''m going upstairs," Jessica said to Horace.


    "Jessica!" Horace suddenly called out.


    "Yeah?"


    Horace reached up and lightly ruffled her hair. "Nothing. Go on upstairs."


    Jessica headed upstairs.


    Just then, Horace''s butler appeared quietly behind him.


    "Mr. Larson."


    PARCENS


    Horace raised his hand to reveal a single strand of long hair resting in his palm. The butler passed him a vacuum-sealed stic bag, and he carefully ced the hair inside.


    "Take this and get a DNA test done," he instructed.


    "Yes, sir."


    "Make it urgent. I want the results by tomorrow."


    "Understood."


    The next morning, Jessica woke in her bed, feeling upbeat. Brittany''s return had gone smoothly, and her mood was light.


    Today was her first day working at Brewer Enterprise. She was eager to see what Brittany would entrust to her. Brewer Enterprise managed many brands, and Jessica hoped Brittany would hand over thepany''s top-tier luxury jewelry line for her to manage-preferably today.


    She put on carefully applied makeup and a flowing dress, then headed downstairs.


    Ida stood in the living room. "Morning. Come have breakfast. The chef prepared your favorites."


    Over the past three years, Ida had treated Jessica kindly. Before, Jessica would usually respond with a pleasant face, but today was different.


    Jessica shot Ida a cold nce. ¡°I''m not eating. I''m going to Mom''spany now. You can stop wasting your time trying to win me over. I don''t like you, and we''re not close. I don''t want Mom to misunderstand."


    Ida stiffened. "What''s gotten into you?"


    Jessica''s lips curved into a small, sharp smile. "Ms. Olsen, don''t pretend anymore. You just want to marry my dad and be Mrs. Larson. Now that my mom is back, I''m on her side."


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 Chapter 706

    Ida smiled softly. "I''m d you and your mom have a good rtionship. I''m happy


    for you."


    Jessica snorted, clearly unimpressed. "You sure know how to put on a show."


    She nced around the room, then asked, "Where''s Dad?"


    Ida didn''t look at Jessica. Instead, she slowly took a seat at the dining table, picked up her utensils with an elegant grace, and began to eat breakfast.


    "He left early this morning she said casually.


    Jessica immediately sensed something was off. For one thing, she hadn''t even sat at the table, but Ida had sat down and gotten started with her breakfast.


    Ida had always been eager to cater to Jessica''s every whim-she never dared to behave like this.


    "Where did he go?"


    Ida took a slow sip of her milk and replied without much interest, up holding what looked like a medical report."


    don''t really know. But early this morning, his butler showed


    A medical report?


    Jessica''s heart tightened, her nerves prickling as she asked, "What kind of report? Dad never mentioned anything like that before."


    Ida smiled knowingly. "I''m not sure about the exact details, but let me think... Could it be a DNA paternity test?"


    A DNA paternity test?


    Oh, no.


    Jessica''s eyes widened in shock, her breath catching in her throat. He had a DNA test done? When?"


    "Why are you getting so worked up? Even if Horace did the DNA test on you, there''s no reason to panic. You''re his biological daughter. The results should reflect the truth."


    Jessica''s face drained of color, turning ghostly pale. She had never expected Horace to secretly arrange a DNA test behind her


    back.


    Her mind raced back tost night.


    Last night, Horace had ruffled her hair, and she had felt a sharp tingle on her scalp. She figured he must have taken a strand of her hair then.


    Ida looked Jessica over, her gaze sharp and calcting. "Isn''t it strange? As soon as Brittany returned, Horace went and got a DNA test done. Could it be that she doubts your identity?"


    "But don''t worry," she added with a sly smile, "You''re their real daughter. Unless you''re some kind of impostor, there''s nothing to be afraid of."


    Jessica stared at Ida. Although Ida smiled, it was like the smile of a venomous snake. She seemed to have seen right through Jessica without outright saying it. The kind of cold calction that sent a chill down Jessica''s spine.


    Suddenly, fear crept up inside her. It appeared Horace had gone to see Brittany. The DNA resuinust be back, and he was going to show them to Brittany.


    Jessica was sure she was done for if her true identity was exposed.


    No! She had to get to Brewer Enterprise-now.


    Without hesitation, Jessica bolted out the door.


    Horace arrived at Brewer Enterprise, apanied by his butler. The front desk receptionist immediately stood up to greet him.


    "Mr. Larson, hello."


    Horace frowned. The receptionist was a young, handsome man.


    "Are you here to see Ms. Brewer? Please follow me."


    As Horace stepped inside, his expression darkened further. He realized Brewer Enterprise wasn''t just staffed by attractive men at the front desk-every employee inside was a striking young man


    They were all tall and lean, with defined abs.


    He knew this was Brewer Enterprise, but if someone didn''t know any better, they might think they had stumbled into some upscale club filled with gigolos.

 Chapter 707

    The handsome receptionist opened the door to the CEO''s office, and Horace stepped inside. Brittany sat confidently in the


    ecutive chait, reviewing documents with a pen in hand.


    "Ms. Brewer, Mr. Larson is here," the receptionist announced.


    Without looking up, Brittany signed her name at the bottom of the papers with a quick flourish. "Please have a seat for a moment. I need to handle this document."


    Horace''s eyes lingered on Brittany. Today, she wore a crisp, white silk blouse paired with a sleek ck pencil skirt that hugged her curves. Her tousled curts were casually pinned up, revealing a graceful, slender neckline and a striking profile. She was stunning, impossible to look away from.


    The front desk attendant turned back to Horace. "Would you like something to drink?"


    "No, thank you. You may leave," Horace replied.


    "Alright," the young man said before slipping away.


    Only then did Horace feel the room grow a little quieter.


    Brittany snapped the folder shut and looked up at him. "You''re early. Do you already have the paternity test results?"


    Horace pressed his thin lips together. "If the test results weren''t out, am I not allowed toe see you?"


    Brittany raised an eyebrow. "What''s with the tone? Who pissed you off this early?"


    Horace was speaking the truth. Since Brittany''s return, their conversations revolved only around their daughter. Beyond that, it seemed she had nothing else to say to him.


    He sneered softly, "You must be in a good mood all the time, surrounded by all those men. That''s quite a feeling, isn''t it?"


    Brittany blinked, then asked, "Are you referring to my employees?


    "This is the first time I''ve ever seen a team made up entirely of men. You''ve really opened my eyes."


    Brittany''s red lips curved into a faint smile.


    "It''s true my team consists entirely of handsome men-each at least six feet tall, with abs, good looks, top university degrees, and real skills. Those are the strict requirements for working with me, I don''t have any female subordinates."


    Frost settled over Horace''s handsome features. "Are you hiring employees or picking a husband? Since when does job performance have anything to do with gender?"


    "What''s wrong with having a preference? I just like looking at handsome men. This is mypany, and I can do what I want. Now I understand why guys love looking at beautiful women and keep hiring young, pretty secretaries. Being able to see a bunch of good-looking guys every day feels amazing. I went from questioning men to understanding and bing like them!"


    Horace was speechless. Hisrge hands clenched into fists at his sides. "I didn''t hire a female secretary! All the people around me are men!"


    The butler standing behind Horace chuckled nervously. "Mrs. Larson, it''s true that Mr. Larson has been surrounded only by men all these years."


    Brittany smirked. "You think I shouldn''t surround myself with men just because you don''t have women working around you?" She turned to the butler. "By the way, I''m not Mrs. Larson anymore. Get used to calling me Ms. Brewer." The butler quickly corrected himself, "Got it, Ms. Brewer."


    "No, don''t change it-call her Mrs. Larson!"


    "No, call me Ms. Brewer!"


    "Brittany, don''t forget that we''re not divorced yet. You''re still Mrs Larson!"


    The butler silently prayed for help, wishing he wouldn''t be harmed in the fight between this couple.


    Brittany rolled her eyes at Horace and dropped the pointless argument. She cut straight to the point. "So, are the test results in or not?"

 Chapter 708

    Horace finallyposed himself and said calmly, "Yes, the results are in.¡±


    He reached out his hand, and the butler handled him the sealed paternity report.


    Brittany sprang to her feet, her eyes fixed anxiously on the sealed envelope. "Is Jessica really our daughter?"


    She didn''t have a good impression of Jessica. People always said mothers and daughters shared a special bond; Brittany loved her daughter deeply, but she never saw any warmth or closeness from Jessica.


    It felt strange.


    She seriously doubted Jessica was truly their biological child.


    "The DNA report just came back. I know how anxious you are about it; I didn''t even get a chance to look at it before bringing it right here," Horace said. (1)


    When it came to their daughter, Horace knew Brittany well. Brittany had nearly died giving birth to her, so there was no way they would take their child''s identity lightly.


    "Then stop talking and open the report!" Brittany urged. "I want to see the results."


    Horace nodded. "Alright."


    He began to break the seal on the report.


    At that moment, a familiar voice sounded outside the door. "Where''s Ms. Brewer?


    I need to see her."


    It was Jessica-she had arrived.


    The receptionist blocked her path. "Do you have an appointment?


    "Appointment? Do you know who I am? I''m the daughter of the richest man, your CEO''s daughter! Do I really need an appointment to see my mother? Step aside! I''m going in right now." Jessica screeched.


    Still the receptionist stood firm. "So you''re Ms. Larson. Hello. But Ms. Brewer and Mr. Larson are inside discussing important matters, and don''t want to be disturbed. Please wait here for a moment. I''ll inform them you''re here."


    Jessica stood just outside, her nerves taut as she heard the receptionist say that Horace was inside.


    So, her father was really here.


    What were they doing in there? Were they looking over the DNA test results? Was her true identity about to be exposed?


    Jessica couldn''t bear to imagine the nightmare that would unfold if her secret came out.


    This was Horace, the legendary business titan, and Brittany, the CEO of Brewer Enterprise.


    Jessica was determined to stop them from knowing the truth.


    Most importantly, she could never let Wendy reim her identity. Horace and


    Brittany could never find out that Wendy was their real daughter.


    Jessica tried to push her way inside. "No need to inform anyone! I''m going in to see my parents."


    "Ms. Larson, you can''t just barge in."


    As the standoff continued outside, Horace said to Brittany, "Jessica''s here!"


    Brittany didn''t look up from the DNA report but urged, "Ignore her for now. Open it now. I need to know if she''s our daughter. I


    need to see the results!"


    "Alright."


    Horace tore open the sealed envelope and pulled out the DNA test


    Brittany''s eyes narrowed as she scanned the page.


    Suddenly, with a loud bang, the office door was


    pushed open. Jessi


    She was Ms. Larson, after all-the receptionist dared not truly blo


    Jessica called out, "Dad! Mom!"


    The receptionist apologized. "I''m so sorry. Ms. Larson insisted on


    Brittany didn''t even nce at Jessica.


    She was frozen, staring at the DNA report that proved beyond a sha daughter. 2 Chapter 708


    Horace tore open the sealed envelope and pulled out the DNA test results.


    Brittany''s eyes narrowed as she scanned the page.


    Suddenly, with a loud bang, the office door was pushed open. Jessica had forced her way inside.


    She was Ms. Larson, after all-the receptionist dared not truly block her, so she seeded in barging in.


    Jessica called out, "Dad! Mom!"


    The receptionist apologized. "I''m so sorry. Ms. Larson insisted oning in."


    Brittany didn''t even nce at Jessica.


    She was frozen, staring at the DNA report that proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jessica was indeed their biological daughter. 25

 Chapter 709

    The DNA paternity report confirmed that Jessica was indeed Horace and Brittany''s biological daughter.


    Brittany was stunned. Deep down, she had already convinced herself that Jessica wasn''t her child, an instinct every mother knew all too well.


    But now, with the DNA test right before her eyes that showed Jessica as her daughter, she had no choice but to ept the facts and trust the science.


    Jessica looked at Horace and Brittany. "What are you doing?"


    Horace quickly put the DNA report away. Since Jessica was their daughter, they couldn''t let her know they had been testing her DNA. "Your mother and I were just going over some documents."


    Jessica nodded, then stepped forward to link her arm with Brittany''s, acting yful. "Mom, your receptionist stopped me froming in. Do I really need an appointment just to see you?"


    Brittany nced at her receptionist. "Next time Jessicaes, just let her in."


    "Alright, Ms. Brewer," the receptionist replied.


    Jessica smiled, satisfied. "Mom, you haven''t forgotten what we talked about yesterday, right? Now that I''ve joined thepany, where will you put me?" Brittany answered, "You can start by interning in the marketing department." What? Marketing internship? Working as a regr employee?


    Jessica felt a sharp sting of disappointment. She had hoped Brittany would hand her the reins to their top luxury jewelry brand and groom her into the new CEO.


    "You want me to work in marketing? I don''t want to!"


    "Then where do you want to go?"


    "I want to run the jewelry brand under Brewer Enterprise."


    Brittany exchanged a nce with Horace, who furrowed his brows "That jewelry brand is worth billions, and you have no experience in jewelry at all. She can''t just hand it over to you."


    Brittany added, "You have to be grounded. You''re my daughter, and one day, everything I have will be yours. But right now, you''re not ready. You have to start at the bottom. If you work hard, you''ll rise quickly."


    Jessica''s anger red. She pulled her arm free from Brittany''s grasp. "I don''t want to work in marketing!"


    Brittany stood her ground. "This isn''t a game. I can''t risk the futures of so many employees or the fate of the jewelry brand in your hands."


    "You don''t care about me at all! Hmph!" Jessica spun on her heel and ran off. Brittany tried to call after her. "Jessica!"


    But then everything went dark for Brittany, and she copsed to the floor.


    Horace reacted instantly, his arm reaching out to catch her waist and pull her gently into his arms. "Brittany? What''s wrong?"


    Brittany''s face was pale as paper. Leaning weakly against Horace, she whispered, "My head hurts."


    Horace asked, "Is the toxin in your body still affecting you?"


    She nodded faintly.


    Without hesitation, Horace lifted her in his arms and carried her to the private lounge. Heid Brittany carefully on the bed. Her whole body trembled, chilled by a sudden cold.


    Horace immediately turned on the air conditioner, quickly switching it to heat. He grabbed a nket and covered her. "Feeling better?"


    Brittany was shivering, but Horace''s body radiated a strong, healthy warmth. She reached out and wrapped her arms around him. ¡°Hold me.¡±


    Horace hesitated, theny down on the bed beside her.


    Brittany instinctively curled into his embrace, her hands wandering restlessly under his shirt.


    He gently held her hands down. "Hey, behaye yourself."

 Chapter 710

    Brittany teased, "I can''t! Haven''t I touched every inch of you? And now, you''re pretending to be some innocent young man?"


    Horace went silent.


    Soon, the buttons on his shirt were undone, one by one, revealing half of his toned chest.


    Brittany''s hand slid over his firm, warm muscles as she clung to him like a seductive snake wrapping around its prey.


    Horace cleared his throat but let her hold on.


    The heat from his body cased some of Brittany''s tension, though her face remained pale. "What about Jessica..."


    "Don''t worry," Horace reassured her. "My people are already following her. Nothing will happen.¡±


    "It''s good that she wants to join mypany, but her ambition is way too much. She expects to call the shots from day one. I


    still need to talk to her."


    Educating Jessica was quickly bing the biggest headache for both Horace and Brittany.


    "I understand," Horace replied.


    Suddenly, Brittany lifted her head and looked at him sharply. "You''re getting aroused!"


    His eyes darkened as he gazed down at Brittany''s stunning face. Without hesitation, he bent down and kissed her.


    But Brittany turned away.


    Horace flipped over and pinned her beneath him.


    Brittany raised her hand to push him off. "What are you doing?"


    "I''m already aroused," Horace said. "What do you think I want?"


    Without warning, Brittany slipped her hand into his pants pocket, feeling around.


    "Brittany!" Horace eximed. He felt she was treating him like he wasn''t a man.


    She pulled out his phone from his pocket. "Since you''re turned on I''ll help you call Ida over."


    She was going to call Ida.


    Horace frowned. "Stop goofing around. I already told you, nothing is going on between Ida and me."


    Brittany ignored him and stared at his phone. "What''s your lock screen password? Is it still my birthday?"


    She entered her birthday, and sure enough, the phone unlocked.


    She raised an eyebrow. "You haven''t changed your password in all these years?"


    His phone still used the password she had set, and he hadn''t bothered to change


    it.


    Brittany found Ida''s number and was about to dial, but Horace grabbed her wrist and pressed her hand down onto the bed.


    "Isn''t it your job as Mrs. Larson to satisfy my needs?"


    "I already had thewyer draw up the divorce papers. I''m not Mrs. Larson


    anymore-mmph!"


    Horace leaned down and kissed her again.


    Brittany struggled fiercely. "Let me go!"


    But Horace didn''t relent. His lips moved to her neck, and his hand slipped beneath her silk white blouse.


    She wanted warmth and held him close, touching him freely. Did she think he was just a tool? Did she not realize how dangerous this was?


    Her blouse hade undone, sliding open. Horace''s hand was partially covered by the fabric, the rest of his wrist and his luxury watch exposed, a visual of a steady and self-controlled man.


    Brittany''s previously pale face flushed with color. She pushed his hand away. "Do you think you''re still a teenager? It''s broad daylight! What do you think you''re doing? Aren''t you even a little embarrassed?"


    His voice turned hoarse. "Haven''t we always done this, anytime, anywhere?"


    Of course, she hadn''t forgotten their marriage days. Though it was a union between powerful families, they were well matched in every way, especially in bed.


    To be honest, Horace had lived up to every fantasy about high-society marriages.


    After all, he was the man Brittany had chosen. She had handpicked him for this alliance.

 Chapter 711

    Brittany looked up at Horace suddenly and wrapped her arms around his neck.


    "I''m not feeling well. Please just let me go."


    "1


    Horace knew she was messing with him. He really wanted to put her in her ce right then and there then he recalled how weak she had seemed earlier, to the point of fainting, and held himself back.


    "Are you doing this on purpose?" he growled.


    She blinked at him with innocent eyes. "Doing what?"


    Doing this-teasing him, toying with him.


    Brittany tried to pull her hands away, but Horace grabbed hold of her fingers and tugged them downward.


    She struggled immediately. "What are you doing?"


    "I want you to help me," he said.


    "No!" she refused.


    "Did I give you the right to refuse?"


    Horace captured her lips in a kiss.


    Jessica stormed back into the vi, fuming. Still seething from the cold reception she had received at Brittany''s, she raised her hand and smashed the vase on the coffee table to the floor.


    With a loud crash, the vase shattered into pieces.


    A maid hurried over. "Ms. Larson, what''s wrong?"


    Jessica snapped, "Get out! I don''t want to talk to anyone!"


    The maid froze, holding her breath.


    Just then, Ida appeared, her voice gentle as she spoke to the maid. "It''s alright. You can go now. Someone wille clean this upter."


    "Okay." The maid nodded gratefully before leaving.


    Ida settled on the sofa opposite Jessica, casually smiling. "You went to see your mother, right? Why are you back, looking so angry? Oh, wait. Now I remember. Brittany isn''t really your mother"


    That morning, Jessica had bossed Ida around. Now, all that arrogance had vanished from her, reced by a wary fear. Jessica stood and sat down beside Ida, sping her hand and smiling ingratiatingly. "Ms. Olsen, thank you for today." Ida replied, "For what?"


    "If you hadn''t tampered with the paternity test, my true identity would''ve been exposed."


    That DNA report was fake-carefully manipted by Ida ahead of time. 3 Ida gave Jessica a measured look.


    "When Horace first brought you back from Hovendale, I didn''t suspect you. But the moment I saw him order that DNA test, I knew you were a fraud. You''re not Horace and Brittany''s child. You''re an impostor. Even I was suspicious, so I was sure Horace and Brittany were too. They sensed you weren''t their daughter, so I tricked them to save you. Without me, your good life would have been over."


    Jessica finally grasped just how deep Ida''s schemes ran. Ida had seen through her origins long ago, biding her time, controlling the situation from behind the scenes. She waspletely at Ida''s mercy.


    Thank you. You saved me!"


    Ida sneered, pulling her hand free. "And how do you n to repay the?"


    Jessica had known all along that Ida''s help came with strings attached. "What do you want from me?"


    "I hold all the leverage now. Whatever I ask, you''ll do. Brittany is my enemy. I want you to help me take her down. More than that, I want you to help me im my ce as Mrs. Larson."


    Jessica realized she and Ida were in the same boat. She nodded.


    "Alright, I''ll do as you say."


    Ida smiled, satisfied atst.


    Meanwhile, Horace and Brittany were still in the lounge. Horace had grabbed a warm towel to wipe Brittany''s hands, but she was so annoyed she flung the towel right onto his face.

 Chapter 712

    Horace didn''t pull away. He just let her vent her frustration.


    Hey back down on the bed and wrapped Brittany gently in his arms. "Do you remember Wendy?" Brittany nodded. "Yes, I remember."


    ¡°She has amazing medical skills. She''s the wonder doctor, Dr. Cen. She even cured Ang''s legs."


    Brittany smiled brightly. "Really? That''s fantastic! I never expected her to be that skilled. For some reason, whenever I see that young woman, I feel this urge to get close to her-but I don''t feel the same with Jessica."


    In truth, Horace felt the same way. However, the DNA test confirmed Jessica was their biological daughter.


    Horace studied the fatigue in Brittany''s pale eyes. "I''ll call Wendy and ask her toe take a look at you."


    Brittany hesitated. "Do you think she''lle? I''ve only met her once."


    Horace shrugged. "Let me make the call and see."


    He picked up his phone.


    Brittany looked up at him. "You really seem to care about me, although I''m your ex-wife."


    Horace tightened his arm around her. "For thest time, we''re not divorced. You''re not my ex-wife-you''re Mrs. Larson!" Brittany rolled her eyes.


    Horace dialed Wendy''s number. The call connected quickly, and Wendy''s voice came through. "Hello, Mr. Larson."


    "Wendy, I need a favor."


    "Sure. You''ve helped me before, so I''ll help anyway I can."


    "Brittany''s having some health issues. I want to ask if you coulde by and check on her."


    Without hesitation, Wendy replied, "Of course. Where are you two? I''lle find you."


    "We''re at Brewer Enterprise," Horace answered. "I''ll have my assistant pick you up."


    "No need. I''lle on my own. See you soon."


    After the call ended, Brittany''s face lit up. "Is Wendy reallying over?"


    Horace nodded. "Yes."


    Brittany tried to sit up. "Then I should get up."


    Horace held her firmly. "Just stay here. She''ll check on you when she gets here."


    Reluctantly, Brittanyy back down. "Alright, I''ll stay here. But you should get off the bed."


    Horace brushed her hand, noting how her skin had warmed up. He shot her a sideways nce. "A minute ago, you wanted me to hold you tight-and now, you want to kick me off? You''re so cold."


    Brittany raised an eyebrow. "You called me Mrs. Larson when you grabbed my hand, and now you''re back to calling me Brittany. Who''s the cold one here?"


    Horace was speechless. He wasn''t about to get up, though, and still held her close. "Let me hold you a bit longer. Wendy isn''t here yet."


    "By the time she gets here, it''ll be toote. You don''t want her to walk in and see us in bed, do you?"


    "So what if she does? What''s wrong with us sharing a bed?"


    Just then, a male voice


    from came


    outside.


    "Ms.


    Crone,


    pleasee in.


    Mr.


    Larson


    and Ms.


    Brewer


    the are both in


    office."


    Wendy smiled softly. "Okay, thanks. But I don''t see them."


    "Then they must be in the lounge. You can go check there."


    "Alright."


    As Wendy opened the door to the lounge, Brittany panicked-Horace was still lying


    on her bed. Without hesitation, she lifted her foot and kicked him offthe bed. 2

 Chapter 713

    Horace tumbled off the bed andnded hard on the floor with a loud thud.


    Wendy had just stepped into the room and caught the entire scene. The legendary titan of the business world, Horace, had actually been kicked off the bed by Brittany.


    "PIT!"


    She couldn''t help it-a chuckle burst out of her.


    Horace climbed to his feet, brushed himself off, and shot Brittany a sharp look before turning to Wendy. "What are youughing at?"


    "Sorry, I wasn''t trying tough...but I really can''t hold it in. Haha


    Horace''s lips twitched as he wondered when she''d be doneughing. She''d be rude if this went off any longer.


    Brittany turned to Wendy and offered a polite smile. "Ms. Crone, thanks foring all this way."


    Wendy stepped inside, clearly at ease. She liked Brittany from the moment they met. "Ms. Brewer, I felt an instant connection with you. If you don''t mind, you can just call me Wendy like Mr. Larson does."


    Brittany''s lips curved into a small smile. "Alright, Wendy."


    "Give me your hand, so I can take your pulse."


    Brittany offered her wrist, and Wendy ced her fingers against it. Almost


    immediately, her brows drew together in a frown.


    Horace noticed and tensed. Thest thing he wanted to see was Wendy frowning. "What is it? Is something wrong?"


    Wendy looked up. "Has Ms. Brewer ever been poisoned before?"


    Horace nodded. "Yes, she has."


    Brittany added, "It happened when I was pregnant with Jessica. I fell into aa the day she was born, and only just woke up not long ago. The doctors couldn''t figure out what kind of poison it was."


    Wendy''s expression turned serious. "Ms. Brewer, you were cursed What you have is called the Coldost Curse."


    "The Coldost Curse?" Both Horace and Brittany echoed in stunned unison.


    Wendy nodded. "Yes. It''s one of the darkest, most sinister curses known. It''s buried deep in your body, like a parasite. Have you found out who did this to you?"


    Brittany turned sharply toward Horace. "Do we even have to ask? Of course, it was your childhood sweetheart, Ida!"


    Horace frowned. "That''s impossible. Ida and I grew up together. She doesn''t know anything about curses, let alone one as dangerous as a curse from Coldost!"


    Brittany''s voice dripped with sarcasm. "Oh, right! In your eyes, Ida is the purest, kindest soul in the whole world, and I''m the viin who stole the title of Mrs. Larson. Well, fine. She can have it back now!"


    Horace''s face darkened. "You''re being ridiculous again!"


    "Enough!" Wendy quickly stepped in. "Please, don''t fight!"


    Wendy had pieced it together. Horace and Brittany had fallen apart because of Ida.


    Lifting her brows slightly, Wendy said to Brittany, "I can lift the Coldost Curse from your body."


    Brittany''s eyes lit up. "Really?"


    Horace was just as hopeful. "Can you really cure her?"


    Wendy gave a small, confident smile. ¡°This curse is powerful and twisted. I can


    save Ms. Brewer, but there''s only one way."


    "What is it? Tell us!" Horace urged anxiously.


    Wendy looked directly at him. "To save Ms. Brewer, I''ll need your cardiogen,


    which is technically an essence taken from your heart."


    Cardiogen?


    Brittany blinked. "To save me, you need Horace''s cardiogen?"


    Wendy nodded solemnly.


    "Yes-but once it''s taken, Mr. Larson won''t survive. The Coldost Curse is designed


    to be fatal. If you want to defy fate, there''s only one path: a life for a life. Mr.


    Larson, are you willing to trade your life for hers?"


    Brittany felt her breath catch. She never imagined could live.


    "No!" she cried out.


    "Yes!" Horace said at the exact same moment.


    saving her woulde at the cost of a life, and that only one of them


    Their voices ovepped, one refusing and the other resolute.


    Brittany stared at him in disbelief, but Horace''s eyes were unwavering.


    He said firmly, "Go ahead and take my cardiogen. I''m willing to trade my life for hers."

 Chapter 714

    Brittany gasped sharply, her breath catching.


    "Horace, are you crazy? If you give your cardiogen, you''re as good as dead! I don''t want you trading your life for mine. You don''t have to do this, and I don''t want to owe you that much!"


    Horace didn''t look at Brittany. His gaze was fixed on Wendy. "Let''s get started."


    Brittany grabbed his arm tightly. "No, I don''t want you to do this! Do you hear me? Wendy, don''t listen to him. I won''t agree!" Wendy watched the tense pair and let out a sinall, knowing smile.


    "Mr. Larson, there''s no rush to cure Ms. Brewer. I can give her an injection to temporarily suppress the poison inside her. But since you''ve decided to make this sacrifice, you probably have many things to settle. After all, you have a vast business empire and a huge inheritance to manage. How about this-why don''t you go home and put your affairs in order first, thene back when you''re ready for the treatment?"


    Wendy was giving Horace time to get his affairs in order, to prepare his will.


    Horace was silent for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. I''ll take care of everything, then you cane for my cardiogen." Wendy nodded back. "That works."


    Horace looked at Brittany. "Get some rest. I''m going home for a bit¡±


    "Wait-"


    But he was already striding away. It was clear that he had made up his mind, and there was no room for argument. Brittany quickly turned to Wendy, her voice urgent. "Thank you for offering to help, but I don''t want to trade his life for mine!" Wendy gave her a yful wink.


    "I was lying earlier. Taking his cardiogen won''t actually kill him."


    "What?" Brittany blinked, stunned. "Why would you lie?"


    "Because I wanted to see how he truly felt about you," Wendy said softly. "You''ve always thought that he loved Ms. Olsen, right? But when I mentioned the treatment that required a sacrifice, he agreed without hesitation. What does that tell you?"


    Brittany was speechless for a moment. "Maybe he said it in the heat of the moment. He and Ida have an unbreakable bond. She''s the one he loves."


    She would rather believe that Horace was only speaking on impulse than ept that he truly loved her. That showed how deep her wounds ran.


    Wendy reached out and took Brittany''s hand. "Since we have this chance, why not use it to test how sincere Mr. Larson really is?


    ""


    Brittany looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"


    A bright, clever sparkle glimmered in Wendy''s eyes. "You said he agreed to save you on impulse and didn''t mean it, right? Well, now we''ll see if he''ll really go through with trading his life to save you. That way, we can know his true feelings."


    She gave Brittany''s hand a gentle squeeze.


    "There are all kinds of tricks and mysteries in this world, but that''s okay. We''ll use this moment to uncover everyone''s true faces. Right now, Mr. Larson''s at home preparing his will. Imagine how Ida will react when she finds out that he''s willing to sacrifice his life for you. Do you think she''ll break down?"


    Brittany''s hand felt cold at first, but warmth flowed from Wendy''s grasp, soothing her like a gentle fire


    In that moment, she realized she had developed genuine affection


    Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around Wendy.


    "How can you be so wonderful? Sometimes, I feel like you''re an an Chapter 715

 Chapter 715

    Brittany and Ida had been locked in a bitter struggle for years, and her


    rtionship with Horace had retained frozen in a tense stalemate, yielding no progress.


    But as soon as Wendy appeared, her subtle strategy immediately shifted the bnce, unraveling all the tangled ties between


    everyone.


    With her gentle grace and sharp intellect, Wendy truly felt like a little angel, someone impossible not to love.


    Brittany looked at Wendy. "We''ve only met once, but you''ve helped me like this. Why? Why are you helping me?"


    Wendy smiled softly. "Even though we''ve only met once, I like you very much, so of course, I''m happy to help you. But I should warn you there''s some personal history between me and your daughter, Jessica. If she sees us together, she''s likely to react very strongly."


    Brittany thought about how different Jessica and Wendy were.


    Jessica was spoiled and headstrong, always demanding top luxury brands, which often frustrated Brittany to no end. Yet Wendy not only treated her illness, but also came up with ns to help her


    Jessica was Brittany''s biological daughter, but she couldn''t hold a candle to Wendy.


    In her heart, Brittany even found herself wishing Wendy were her daughter instead.


    "You''re my lifesaver! As long as I''m around, I promise Jessica won''t get away with throwing tantrums or bullying you."


    Hearing this, Wendy rxed. "Let''s wait and see how this drama unfolds."


    The real show was about to begin.


    Horace returned to the vi, and Ida immediately stepped forward. "You''re back."


    Jessica came up as well. "Dad, you''re home!"


    Horace looked at Jessica. "Why did you run off today? Do you know that your mom nearly copsed after you disappeared?"


    Jessica didn''t like Brittany one bit. Rather, she actually hated Brittany.


    "I don''t think she cares about me or feels sorry for me! It really hurts. I grew up without a mother. I thought when she came back, she''d be good to me, but she''s only let me down."


    She pinched her arm hard enough to draw two small tears.


    Ida immediatelyforted her, "Hey, don''t cry. It''s okay. You still have me. I''ll be good to you."


    Jessica hugged Ida tightly. "Dad, I want Ms. Olsen to be my mom.)


    "What..." Ida nced shyly and hopefully at Horace,


    Horace''s handsome face darkened, and he scolded sharply, "That''s nonsense! Jessica, you only have one mother-Brittany. I don''t want to hear that kind of talk again!"


    Jessica and Ida both stiffened.


    Ida''s face went pale. "Jessica was just saying that. Don''t take it seriously..."


    She shot Jessica a warning nce.


    Jessica immediately spoke again.


    "Dad, I really want Ms. Olsen to be my mom! She''s been by your side all these years. You know she''s already in her early forties;


    she''s spent the best years of her life supporting you. Aren''t you going to give her the status she deserves? My mom sent me away back then and then selfishly left, abandoning both of us. Only Mselsen has never left. You have to marry her, so the three of us can be a family!"


    Without warning, Horace raised his hand and pped Jessica across the face with a loud smack.


    Jessica''s head jerked to the side, leaving her stunned and speechless.


    She had made so many mistakes before, but Horace had never dare toy a finger on her.


    Yet now, he had just struck her.

 Chapter 716

    Ida was stunned. "Horace, how could you hit Jessica? She''s your daughter!"


    Jessica clutched her sore cheek, her voice frembling. "I can''t believe you hit me! Why would you do that?**


    Horace''s face turned ashen, his eyes cold and sharp as he stared at fessica.


    "I think I''ve spoiled you way too much. Now, you''re even criticizing your mother? Brittany''s your biological mother. She almost died giving birth to you! You''re so selfish you only ever think about yourself. Just because your mother didn''t give you what you wanted, you want to swap her out? Don''t you understand what family means?"


    This was the first time Horace had ever lost his temper in such a manner.


    Both Jessica and Ida froze in shock. No one dared to make a sound


    Jessica''s tears finally broke through. "Dad-"


    "Don''t call me Dad! I''m so disappointed in you!" Horace snarled, then stormed upstairs and locked himself in the study.


    Soon after, his butler arrived and went up to the study as well.


    Jessica, feeling panic rising, grabbed Ida''s hand. "I''ve said everything you told me to say, but why did Dad react like that? I don''t think he ever nned to marry you!"


    Ida didn''t need Jessica to spell it out, as she already knew the truth. If Horace had wanted to marry her, he wouldn''t have waited all these years.


    She couldn''t believe Horace was defending Brittany so fiercely. Could he be truly in love with Brittany?


    Ida brewed a fresh cup of coffee and approached the study door. She raised her hand and gently knocked. "It''s me."


    A momentter, Horace''s voice came from inside. "Come in."


    She pushed the door open.


    Horace was sitting in his office chair, his butler standing nearby respectfully.


    Ida stepped inside and set the coffee down on the desk. "I''ve alreadyforted Jessica a bit. After all, she''s your biological daughter. You shouldn''t stay angry at her for long-¡±


    Horace cut her off. "Ida, is there someone you want to marry?"


    Ida stiffened.


    He looked at her steadily.


    "Your father died because of mine, so I promised you that as long as you didn''t want to leave, this would always be your home, and you could stay here forever. Over the years, I introduced you to many influential young men, but none of them caught your eye, and you let precious time slip away."


    "I know what you''re trying to say," Ida quickly replied. "Jessica misunderstood you. The truth is, you''ve taken me in all these years as an orphan and cared for me. I''m grateful."


    "l''allowed you to stay before, but now you have to move out," Horace said.


    Ida froze. "What are you saying? Do you want to kick me out?"


    "I''ve transferred one of my vis into your name," Horace said calmly. "And I''ve left you some money, enough to livefortably for the rest of your life."


    Ida was confused. Then, she nced down and saw a document on Horace''s desk it was a will.


    A will?


    Those two words stabbed sharply at her heart.


    She took a step forward. "Why are you making a will?"


    Horace''s voice was steady but grim. "I''ve found a way to save Brittany. She has something called the Coldost Curse. Now, I''m going to use my own life to save hers-a life for a life."

 Chapter 717

    Ida froze in ce, her body stiffening as if struck by lightning. She stared at Horace in disbelief.


    "What?! You found a way to save Brittany, but it requires trading your life for hers?"


    Horace nodded. "Yes, that''s right."


    **


    Ida''s breath caught in her throat. She took a step forward, clearly shaken. "Are you really going to give up your life to save her?"


    "I am. I didn''t want to keep this from you," he said calmly. "Your father once did a great favor for the Larson family. I owe it to him to make sure you''re taken care of before anything happens. It the least I can do to repay that debt."


    A debt of gratitude... Was that all their rtionship had ever meant to him? Was that truly the only tie between them a favor repaid, and nothing more?


    Ida looked at Horace, her voice trembling with emotion. "This is madness! You''re still so young, you''ve built an empire and reached the very top of the business world! How can you throw all that away just to save Brittany? I can''t let you do this. There has to be another way!"


    To Ida, Brittany''s life was worth nothing. How could Horace be so willing to sacrifice himself for her?


    No. Absolutely not!


    "This decision is final," Horace said, his voice calm but firm. "You don''t have to talk me out of it."


    "Horace!"


    "If there''s nothing else, I''d like you to leave now."


    Ida knew Horace well enough to understand-once he had made up his mind, no one could change it.


    She nced at the will lying on his desk. "How are you nning to divide your estate? Jessica''s your only daughter. Are you nning to leave everything to her?"


    Right now, Jessica was her only leverage. Ida wanted to know exactly how valuable that card was.


    If Horace was willing to leave all his wealth to Jessica, then that was something she could ept.


    She waited, anticipation building in her chest.


    But Horace pressed his lips into a tight line. "I''m not leaving my fortune to Jessica."


    Ida was stunned. "Why not? She''s your daughter, the only legitimate heiress!"


    "You''re mistaken. My legal heir is my wife. Brittany and I are still married. She is still Mrs. Larson."


    Ida''s face drained of color. "So...you''re leaving everything...to Brittany?"


    Horace nodded.


    "Yes, Brittany will inherit everything. Jessica is spoiled and reckless. She even disrespects her mother when things don''t go her way. I can''t trust her with my estate. If she gets it all, she''ll have no reason to treat Brittany with respect. That''s why Brittany will inherit it. If Jessica learns to honor her mother in the future, Brittany will take care of her."


    When Ida heard that, she clenched her hands tightly into fists at her sides. Her nails dug into her palms, but she even feel the pain.


    Horace was giving everything to Brittany.


    He was worried that Jessica would mistreat Brittany if she inherited it herself.


    Everything... Everything was for Brittany.


    All he thought about was Brittany.


    Ida was burning with rage, but she couldn''t let it show. She drew in a deep


    breath, calming her emotions. "Well, it''s your estate.


    you to " You have every right to decide what happens to it. I''ll leave


    Horace nodded. "Alright."


    As soon as Ida stepped out of the study, her expression darkened like a gathering storm.


    She had been the one who put the curse on Brittany. It was the Colost Curse-the coldest and most wicked of all curses. Back then, she had used it to defeat Brittany.


    For years now, she had held the upper hand. She had always been the one in control.


    Even with Brittany back in the country, Ida had never once felt fear

 Chapter 718

    My Dad Please Come 718


    But now, Horace actually found a way to save Brittany, though it came at a terrifying price of his own life. This unexpected movepletely blindsided Ida, flipping the situation from her favor to one where she had tio control.


    She absolutely could not let Horace save Brittany. Horace belonged to her!


    If Horace sacrificed himself to save Brittany and then left all his fortune to her, Ida would be left with nothing


    All these years of careful scheming, all the youth she had wasted on Horace-all would have been for naught! Could a vi and some money ever make up for that?


    Ida looked down on such things.


    What she wanted was Horace himself, the title of Mrs. Larson, and everyst dor of his fortune.


    She was convinced that all of it should go to her, and her alone.


    Ida stepped into Jessica''s room, where Jessica was trying on custom gowns she had just received. The past three years as the daughter of the richest man had left her spending recklessly.


    Since Wendy had arrived in the Capital, life hadn''t been easy for Jessica. Shopping was the only thing that brought her any joy. Ida''s sudden entrance startled Jessica, who quickly covered herself "Why didn''t you knock? I''m changing!"


    Ida''s face darkened. "Hurry up and get dressed. Your good days areing to an end."


    What did she mean?


    Jessica slipped on her dress and looked at Ida. "What are you talking about? What happened?"


    "Horace is already making his will," Ida said tly.


    "What? Why would Dad be making a will if he''s perfectly fine?"


    Jessica was still clueless, utterly shocked by the news.


    "He''s found a way to save Brittany, but it requires a life for a life," Ida continued. "He ns to give his own to save hers, which is why he''s making the will."


    What?


    Jessica''s face went pale. She didn''t want Brittany to live; rather, she wished Brittany would just drop dead already.


    "And do you know what''s in his will?" Ida asked.


    Jessica''s heart skipped a beat, her eyes lighting up.


    She was Horace''s only biological daughter. Was she about to inherit everything?


    She almostughed out loud. If that was the case, then Horace might as well die!


    Ida looked at Jessica, already seeing through all her thoughts, and sneered. "Don''t get your hopes up. Your name isn''t mentioned in his will at all."


    Jessica froze. "Why? Aren''t I his daughter?"


    Ida smiled cruelly.


    "Horace and Brittany aren''t divorced. Brittany is still his legal wife and the primary heir. He ns to leave everything to Brittany. As for you, he said that if you can manage to win Brittany''s favor someday, maybe she will share something with you. But from what I see, she isn''t close to you at all. Winning her over would be virtually impossible. That means you''ll get nothing."


    She emphasized thest sentence.


    Those words exploded in Jessica''s ears like thunder on a clear day. She never expected that after pretending to be the richest man''s daughter, she would be left with absolutely nothing.


    Desperately, Jessica grabbed Ida''s hand. "You have to help me! Please think of something! I can''t be left with nothing. Everything my dad has belongs to me-no, to me and you!"


    Ida smiled. "I do have a n. Just do exactly as I say.".


    Jessica''s eyes sparkled with hope. "What n? Tell me!"

 Chapter 719

    Ida pulled out a small packet of medicinal powder and handed it to Jessica. "Take this."


    Jessica took it cautiously. "What is it?"


    Ida''s lips curled into a sly smile. ¡°It''s aphrodisiac powder. Tonight you''re going to make a cup of coffee for Horace and slip this into it. He will only be relieved after he gets intimate with a woman Tonight, I''m going to be Horace''s woman."


    Ida had already prepared her body carefully. If she and Horace slept together tonight, she would get pregnant and bear a child.


    Once she got pregnant, she would hold all the cards again and defeat Brittany for good.


    Jessica looked at Ida in surprise. "Did you buy this aphrodisiac powder? Are you sure it''ll work?"


    Ida answered confidently, "I made it myself. It''s absolutely effective."


    Jessica''s eyes widened. "You know medicine, too?"


    "Yes. Enough questions. Just do as I say. There''s still time. If Horace trades his life for Brittany''s, we''re both finished. You don''t want to lose everything and go back to nothing, do you?"


    Jessica shook her head hard. Of course, she didn''t want that.


    She had grown used to living as the richest man''s daughter, to this life of endless luxury. She refused to fall from heaven into hell.


    Now, her fate depended on Ida. She had no choice but to do as she was told.


    "Alright. I''ll make the coffee right now!"


    "Good. Go."


    Jessica carefully brewed the coffee herself, stirred the aphrodisiac powder into the cup, and then knocked on the study door.


    "Dad, it''s me."


    "Come in," Horace called.


    Jessica pushed open the door and stepped inside. She set the coffee down on his desk. "I made this coffee for you."


    Horace looked at her. "Do you realize what you did wrong?"


    Of course not!


    "I do. I shouldn''t have been so difficult or stubborn. I shouldn''t have upset Mom or spoken badly about her. I''m sorry."


    She added with a pitiful tone, "I didn''t grow up with you and Mom around. I''ve always felt insecure. I''d ask you for things because I needed to know you loved me. I really need your love, both yours and mom''s, because I love you both so much."


    Hearing this, Horace''s heart softened. After all, Jessica was his and Brittany''s only daughter. He was nning to exchange his life for Brittany''s, but he still hoped Jessica could change for the better afterward.


    "I''m d you understand your mistakes. Your mom and I love you''


    Jessica slid the coffee closer to Horace. "Try the coffee. I made it myself." "Okay."


    Horace picked up the cup and took a sip.


    Jessica eagerly asked, "How is it?"


    Horace nodded. "It''s good."


    "Drink the rest, please."


    Horace finished the entire cup.


    Jessica smiled with satisfaction. "Okay. I''m heading back downstairs. I''ll get out of your hair."


    Horace nodded. "Alright."


    Jessica left the study and saw Ida waiting in the hallway. She gave a an "OK" hand sign.


    Ida was not surprised.


    Horace wouldn''t suspect a thing if Jessica were the one who slipped the powder into his coffee. Soon, the aphrodisiac powder would take effect.


    Ida smiled to herself and went back to her room.


    She took off her clothes and prepared a milk and rose petal bath. Though she was


    in her forties, she had never borne any children and had taken good care of


    herself, so her skin still glowed with youthful radiance.

 Dad Please Come 720

    Ida had a soft, delicate face that was strikingly beautiful.


    She was brimming with confidence. Tonight, she was sure she would win Horace over.


    Horace was workingte in his study. Now that he had decided to give his life for Brittany, there was a mountain of work demanding his attention.


    Soon, a sudden heat flushed through his body. He reached up and tagged at the buttons of his shirt, yet the warmth wouldn''t subside.


    He stood and retreated to his bedroom, where he took a cold shower.


    Instead of cooling him down, the cold water only seemed to fan the fire burning inside him. The heat grew stronger and more relentless.


    Dressed in ck silk pajamas, Horace sat on the edge of his bed and reached for his phone, intending to call his assistant.


    Just then, the edge of the nket on the bed shifted, and Ida slipped out from under the covers. She was fresh from her bath, her cheeks flushed pink. Her eyes glimmered with tender longing as she looked at Horace.


    "Horace..." she called out softly.


    Suddenly, a surge of heat coursed through Horace. His Adam''s apple bobbed as he demanded in a low, rough voice, "What are you doing here?"


    Ida smiled gently. "I''ve been waiting for you."


    Horace frowned. "Stop this nonsense! Get off my bed right now!"


    He tried to rise and leave.


    But Ida was quicker. She lunged forward, wrapping her arms tightly around him from behind. Her curvy body pressed against


    his, warm and inviting.


    "Hey, don''t go. Do you really want me to leave?" she whispered, her breath warm against his ear,ced with seduction.


    Horace''s eyes darkened, flickering with a fiery red glow. He had been alone all these years, but he was still a healthy, normal man. The medicine coursing through his veins raged against him, steadily breaking down thest walls of his


    reason.


    Ida knew the effect of the powder well. She sensed Horace''s resistance and let her hands roam teasingly over his strong muscles through the thin silk of his pajamas.


    Leaning close to his ear, she breathed softly, her voice dripping with temptation. "You must be burning up right now. I know you''re struggling to hold back, but you don''t have to fight so hard. I''m here. I''ve always been here."


    Horace reached out and pushed her away, shoving her down onto the bed. "Do you know what you''re doing? We can''t do this!"


    He tried to leave again.


    But Ida caught him by the neck just in time. "Why not? I love you- you know that, don''t you? Aren''t you feeling it too? I want to give myself to you. I want to be your woman!"


    Horace fought desperately to suppress his desire. Sweat beaded at his forehead as veins throbbed across his tense body.


    Ida''s face beneath him slowly shifted, morphing into Brittany''s stunning one.


    His throat bobbed as he croaked hoarsely, "Brittany..."


    He was calling out Brittany''s name.


    Meanwhile, downstairs, Jessica satfortably on the living room sofa, sipping coffee at her leisure.


    She knew Horace and Ida were locked away in that room, about to do the deed. All she had to do was wait quietly. Once Horace and Ida crossed that line, she would have won.


    Suddenly, the maid''s voice interrupted her thoughts. "Mrs. Larson you''re back?"


    Mrs. Larson?


    Jessica paused mid-sip and looked up.


    Brittany had arrived.


    But Brittany wasn''t alone; Wendy was with her.


    The two hade together.

 Chapter 721

    Jessica''s expression darkened. She hadn''t expected Brittany and Wendy to show up at such a critical moment. These two were definitely not part of the n.


    She rose quickly, forcing a smile. "Mom? What are you doing here?


    Brittany''s gaze swept over her. "I came to check on you."


    Jessica''s lips curved, though her eyes remained cold. "I''m okay. You didn''t have to check on me." Her tone sharpened slightly." And why did you bring her?"


    Wendy blinked innocently. "Hi, Jessica."


    Jessica looped her arm through Brittany''s, her grip just a little too tight. "You know that Wendy and I don''t get along. She''s always treated me horribly. I can''t stand her!"


    Brittany sighed. "She already exined everything to me. She''s a nice girl. Maybe there were misunderstandings before, but I expect you two to get along from now on. Can you do that?"


    Jessica stiffened as disgust coiled in her chest.


    Was Brittany taking Wendy''s side? Of course she did. They were rted, after all.


    "But I''m your daughter," Jessica said, voice trembling with wounded pride. "Why won''t you ever stand up for me?"


    Brittany''s patience wore thin. "I know you''re my daughter, but I care about Wendy, too. Is it so hard to be civil?"


    Jessica fell silent, fists clenched.


    Wendy smirked, relishing Jessica''s frustration. Her eyes flicked around the room. "Where''s Mr. Larson?"


    Jessica''s stomach dropped.


    Brittany frowned. "Yes, Jessica. Your father was supposed to be home. Where is he?"


    A slow, calcted smile spread across Jessica''s face. "He''s in his room. Did you need him for something? I can take you to him."


    Brittany nodded. "Sure. Lead the way."


    Jessica gestured sweetly. "Follow me."


    The trio climbed the stairs, stopping outside Horace''s door.


    Jessica lowered her voice to a whisper. "He might be resting. Let''s be quiet and give him a nice surprise."


    Brittany agreed.


    Jessica turned the knob and pushed the door open, then gasped dramatically. "Mom, Dad''s...!"


    Brittany tensed. "What''s wrong?"


    Wendy leaned in. "Is Mr. Larson alright?"


    Jessica stepped aside, her face the picture of feigned shock. "I-I can''t exin. You should see for yourselves."


    Brittany and Wendy peered inside and froze.


    There, on the bed, Horace pinned Ida beneath him. Both were in sleepwear, their movements intimate, heated. The air practically hummed with tension.


    Horace was drugged into a haze, but Ida was fully aware. She sensed the


    intrusion instantly. Turning her head, she saw Brittany at the door.


    She was here. Perfect timing!


    After shing Brittany a smile, Ida arched into Horace, her voice


    She pressed a kiss to his cheek.


    Horace groaned, his fingers tangling in the fabric of her nightgow smooth skin and


    thecy edge of her lingerie.


    Ida let out a breathy moan. "Easy, tiger..."


    Brittany stood rigid, her face draining of color.


    Then, without a word, she turned on her heel and walked away.


    She was here. Perfect timing!


    After shing Brittany a smile, Ida arched into Horace, her voice aultry purr. ¡°I know you want me. Don''t hold back. I''m yours."''


    She pressed a kiss to his cheek.


    Horace groaned, his fingers tangling in the fabric of her nightgow. With a rough


    tug, the delicate straps snapped, exposing smooth skin and thecy edge of her lingerie.


    Ida let out a breathy moan. "Easy, tiger..."


    Brittany stood rigid, her face draining of color.


    Then, without a word, she turned on her heel and walked away.

 Chapter 722

    Jessica hurried after Brittany. "Mom, I had no idea Dad and Ms. Olen were doing such things in the room! I''m sorry... I never should have let you see something like that!"


    Brittany''s hands and feet felt ice-cold. She looked at Jessica, trying to steady herself. "It''s not your fault, Jessica. Honestly, it''s nothing new. Ida''s been living here for years. They''ve probably been doing that for a long time."


    Brittany had suspected that Horace and Ida had slept together before, but seeing it with her own eyes hit her much harder than she expected.


    "Mom..."


    "I''m going back first," Brittany said firmly.


    She just wanted to get out of there as fast as possible. The whole ce made her feel sick.


    Jessica watched Brittany''s reaction and smiled faintly.


    Brittany and Wendy showing up tonight was unexpected, but it was a lucky surprise. This was perfect!


    Wendy was still standing by the door, her eyebrows arching sharply as she looked at Horace and Ida inside. Without hesitation, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.


    "Mr. Larson!"


    Jessica, standing ahead, heard Wendy''s voice and froze. She turned sharply to see Wendy storming into Horace''s bedroom.


    Was Wendy crazy?


    Jessica rushed forward. "What are you doing? This is the Larson family''s home! You came without an invitation, and I can let that go, but breaking into the master''s bedroom? Get out of here right now!"


    Jessica tried to push Wendy out.


    But Wendy took quick steps forward and reached the bedside, calling again, "Mr. Larson!"


    Ida, lying on the bed, looked on silently, wondering whether Wendy was out of her mind.


    Horace, still drugged, hadn''t heard Wendy''s first call. But the second time she shouted, standing right by the bed, he finally looked up and saw Wendy''s clear, delicate face. It was like a bucket of cold water dumped over him.


    Horace suddenly regained some rity. "What are you doing here?


    Wendy nced down at Ida beneath him. "Do you know what you''re doing?"


    Only then did Horace realize the woman under him wasn''t Brittany-it was Ida. He leapt off the bed. "What are you doing in my bed?"


    "I-I..." Ida stuttered.


    Both Jessica''s and Ida''s faces drained of color. Neither of them had expected Wendy to break in and ruin everything like this. Wendy had caught thempletely off guard.


    Jessica stepped forward. "That''s enough! Get out, now! You''re not wee here!"


    Horace looked at Wendy. "Let me exin. Ida and I¡ª¡±


    Wendy ignored Jessica and Ida, focusing solely on Horace. "You don''t owe me any exnation. The one you really need to exin yourself to is your wife."


    Horace''s expression shifted as he nced toward the doorway. "Brittany''s here?"


    Wendy rodded. "Yes. She came with me and saw everything standing outside the door. She already left."


    What?!


    Horace''s face fell.


    Wendy pressed on, "If you go now, you might still catch up with her!"


    With that warning, Horace didn''t hesitate and sprinted out the door.


    "Horace!"


    "Dad!"


    Ida and Jessica stood there, stunned.


    They never expected that the one who called Horace off the bed wasn''t Brittany, but Wendy.


    Why did Wendy never y by the rules?

 Chapter 723

    Jessica''s voice trembled with anger as she red daggers at Wendy


    "What do you think you''re doing?! This is the Larson family''s private affair! What right do you have to stick your nose in?"


    Ida slid off the bed, her carefully crafted n unraveling before her eyes. Everything had been going so smoothly, but Wendy had thrown a wrench into it all.


    Ida dropped her fragile act and fixed Wendy with a cold, hard stare "Ms. Crone, you truly have a knack for meddling in things that don''t concern you."


    Wendy''s clear eyes locked onto Ida''s face,


    Larson, except maybe him."


    Ida''s expression faltered.


    get why you''re angry. Anyone could tell you''re interested in Mr.


    "But if you don''t mind me being blunt," Wendy continued, "Mr. Larson hasn''t divorced Ms. Brewer yet. You openly climbing into a married man''s bed-aren''t you basically ying the role of the other woman? Do you really enjoy being a homewrecker?"


    Ida stiffened like a statue. She had once won against the legitimate wife, but against Wendy''s sharp tongue, she found herself losing ground. She seethed, "How dare you..."


    Wendy''s gaze shifted to Jessica''s


    "You''re really strange. I unde


    why Ms. Olsen''s upset, but why are you angry? Ms. Brewer is your mother. Do you want your


    father to cheat on her with someone else?"


    She looked between the two of them, suspicion creeping into her eyes.


    "Is it possible that you knew Ms. Olsen was trying to sleep with your dad, and deliberately brought your mom here to see it? Only a demented person would do that, right?"


    Jessica was speechless. She was stunned not only by Wendy''s sharp words, but also by thetter''s unnerving insight.


    Wendy was starting to suspect them now.


    Jessica hurriedly spoke, "Stop making up nonsense! I had no idea what my dad and Ms. Olsen were doing. I''m angry because you''re always hanging around my parents. I''m their daughter, not you! What are you trying to do? Steal my parents away from me?"


    Wendy looked at Jessica calmly. "You said they''re your parents, so why are you so insecure, so afraid I''ll take them from you? If you''re really worried about that, then do your part as a daughter and pay more attention to your parents."


    With that, Wendy turned on her heel and left.


    Absolutely unbelievable!


    Jessica reached out and mmed the bedsidemp onto the floor.


    Wendy was downright infuriating.


    "What now? My dad ran after Brittany!"


    Ida''s face darkened. "You don''t have to remind me! This is all Wendy''s fault. Without her, my n would''ve worked!"


    "What should we do now?"


    "I''ll think of another way."


    Brittany shut herself inside her vi, locking the door behind her. Her mind wouldn''t stop reying the scene of Horace and Ida


    tangled together on the bed.


    More than twenty years had passed. She had thought she had moved on, that it no longer mattered.


    However, she realized she couldn''t let go.


    Her eyes felt like they had been stabbed, and her heart pierced just as sharply.


    Horace, that rotten man! She must''ve lost her mind to agree to marry him back then.


    Suddenly, the maid''s voice from outside caught her attention. "Mr Larson? What are you doing here?"


    Horace had followed her.


    Soon, a knock sounded on the door, and Horace''s low voice came through. "Brittany!"


    Brittany froze, surprised he hade.


    What was he doing here? Wasn''t he supposed to be tangled up with Ida in bed?

 Chapter 724

    Horace knocked on the door. "Brittany, it''s me. Open up, please. I feed to talk to you."


    Brittany sat on the bed, pretending not to hear him.


    "I know you''re in there. Open the door now! I''m counting to three if you don''t open it, I''m kicking it down!"


    The maid outside hurriedly said, "You can''t just kick the door, Mr. Larson. Let''s talk this out calmly!"


    Horace was already counting. "One...two..."


    Brittany stood up and opened the door.


    Outside, she saw Horace''s tall, imposing figure. He looked rushed wearing a ck silk pajama top under a long ck coat. On his feet were dark navy slippers, and he looked worn out from the day.


    Brittany stared at him. "What are you doing here? You''re not wee. Go back to Ida."


    Horace frowned. "Please, listen to me. Nothing happened between us-"


    "How many times have you said that? If nothing happened, then what did I just see? I caught you two in bed together! Don''t deny it now. If you cheated, own up to it. Don''t make me lose respect for you!"


    She started to shut the door.


    But Horace put his hand firmly against the door, forcing it to stay open.


    "Let go!"


    Brittany tried to close the door, but she didn''t have the strength to overpower him. Horace stood his ground, stubborn and unyielding.


    "What are you trying to do?"


    Horace looked at her and sneered. "You''re right. I should be honest. If I did it, I wouldn''t deny it. But nothing happened, I swear


    Brittany opened her mouth to argue..


    But Horace didn''t give her a chance to speak. "Are you really that clueless? I chased after you. If something had happened with Ida, do you think I''d be here so quickly?"


    Suddenly, Brittany sized him up from head to toe. "Are you getting rusty?"


    Horace narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?¡±


    "You and Ida already finished? Hah, I guess you''re getting old."


    Horace was speechless. He shoved the door open, strode inside, and then suddenly scooped Brittany up in his arms.


    Brittany''s whole body stiffened in midair as she struggled. "What are you doing? Let me go!"


    Horace carried her to the bed in a few quick steps and threw her down onto it.


    Brittany scrambled to get away, but Horace saw through her n immediately. He grabbed her ankle and yanked her back.


    Kneeling on one knee beside her, he looked down at her with amanding gaze. "Don''t you know if I still have it in me?"


    Brittany''s eyes widened at the dangerous spark in his eyes. "I don''t know..."


    "Then I''m going to make sure you do."


    Horace leaned down and kissed her.


    173


    Brittany''s pupils shrank as she kicked and iled, desperate to push him off.


    Let me go! You''re filthy! You had your fun with Ida, and now you''re on top of me. I don''t want to catch anything! Let go right now!"


    Horace pinned both of her struggling hands to the bed. "I''ll say it again: Nothing happened with Ida. You''re the only one I want to be with."

 Chapter 725

    What was Horace talking about?


    Brittany jabbed him hard. "Get away! You want to be with me, but I don''t!


    Horace asked, "Are you sure you don''t?"


    "I''m sure," she replied firmly.


    She definitely didn''t. Just thinking about him tangled up with Ida in bed made her stomach turn.


    Horace was relentless. "Well, you''re going to have to put up with


    He bent down and kissed her fiercely.


    Brittany struggled with all her strength. Just then, a maid''s voice came from outside the door. "Ms. Crone, hello"


    Wendy was here.


    Brittany shoved Horace off of her immediately. "Wendy''s here!"


    Horace had no choice but to release her and sat down on the edge of the bed.


    At that moment, there was a knock on the door, and Wendy''s clear voice came through.


    "Mr. Larson, Ms. Brewer."


    Brittany quickly got up. She straightened her rumpled clothes and fixed her hair, then went to open the door. "Hey, Wendy."


    Wendy stood at the doorway. "Hi, Ms. Brewer. Where is Mr. Larson? Is he alright?"


    Brittany stepped aside. "He''s inside."


    Wendy walked in and approached Horace. "Are you feeling okay?"


    Horace shook his head. "I feel a burning heat all over my body. This kind of restlessness just isn''t normal."


    "Hold out your hand."


    Horace extended his hand.


    Wendy took his pulse, her brows knitting tightly within moments. ''You''ve been drugged."


    What?!


    Brittany''s eyes widened. "What kind of drug is it?"


    "Aphrodisiac powder."


    Aphrodisiac powder?


    Brittany froze.


    Wendy continued, "I noticed Mr. Larson wasn''t himself when he was at the Larson family''s estate. Now, I''m certain that he''s been poisoned with an aphrodisiac. That was why that scene with Ida happened."


    So that was what happened?


    Horace looked up at Brittany. "See? Nothing happened between me and Ida. I just felt this unbearable heat, like I lost control. Wendy can vouch for me."


    Brittany felt a bit relieved, but snorted, "You were drugged and out of control, fine. But then why was Ida in your bed? You say you think of her as a sister, but what about her? After all, she climbed into your bed while you were drugged."


    Horace pressed his thin lips together. Indeed, Ida had climbed onto his bed.


    Brittany turned to Wendy and said, "You need to clear the aphrodisiac out of his system."


    Wendy looked at Brittany. "I''m afraid I can''t."


    What?


    Brittany was stunned. To her, Wendy was the miracle doctor who could do anything-yet, Wendy couldn''t cure this?


    "I can''t help him, but there''s one person who can."


    "Who?"


    "You."


    Brittany froze then she caught the heated gaze Horace was giving her and instantly understood what Wendy meant.


    Horace, who had been drugged with the aphrodisiac powder, just needed to be with someone. Brittany was the one who could save him.


    "I''m not doing it!" Brittany refused outright.


    Wendy raised a brow. She had already seen iting, as both Horace and Brittany were proud people. That was exactly why Ida had gotten the upper hand all those years ago.


    "If you don''t want to save him, then there are only two options. One, you find another woman for him. Two, you watch as his blood vessels burst, and he dies.


    The choice is yours. I''ll leave you two to it."


    With that, Wendy turned and left.


    Brittany called after her, "Wait!"

 Chapter 726

    However, Wendy quickly disappeared from sight.


    Horace looked at Brittany. "So, what now?"


    Brittany replied, "I''ll find you a woman."


    Horace stood up. "We''re not even divorced yet, and you want your husband to sleep with another woman?"


    Brittany met his gaze. "You must think this is the greatest day of your life."


    Horace was speechless.


    He gritted his teeth in frustration. "Fine, help me find one."


    Brittany asked, "What kind do you like?"


    Horace smirked. "Someone like you."


    "And what am I like?"


    "What do you think? Do I really need to say it? Someone bold, passionate, who


    likes to climb on me every day and ask me to give it to her!"


    Brittany paused before saying, "Okay, I''ll get you a woman, the best and most expensive kind."


    "Thank you!" he growled.


    Brittany made the call. "Send a woman here."


    After hanging up, she looked at Horace. "Wait here. She''ll be here in five minutes."


    Horace nodded. "Alright. You can leave now."


    Brittany blinked. "Why should I leave?"


    "I''m going to do it in your room, on your bed. You don''t mind, right?"


    What was he talking about?


    Brittany grabbed a pillow and swung it at Horace.


    "Are you crazy? This is my room, my bed! Why the hell would I let you get it on with another woman here?"


    Horace sneered. "You''ve already called her over. Now, be a good sport and give up your room and bed. Otherwise, how else will everyone see how generous you are?"


    What a lunatic!


    Brittany started shooing him. "Get out now! You''re not wee in my room!"


    Horace scoffed. "What are you talking about? We''re still married, so your room is technically my room. How can you kic! of my own room?"


    Brittanyughed in frustration and reached to pull at Horace.


    But he grabbed her arm and yanked her hard, pulling her into his arms and settling her on hisp.


    Brittany struggled. "What are you doing?"


    Horace cupped her chin and lowered his head, kissing her hard.


    out


    His kiss was fierce, full of dominant, masculine force. The more Brittany resisted,


    the more forcefully he imed her. Buttons


    on her shirt came undone, and his hand slipped inside.


    Brittany''s body went limp. "Horace, stop!"


    Horace whispered, "But with a body like yours in front of me, how could I stop?¡± Brittany was speechless.


    Just then, a knock sounded on the door. Outside came a clear female voice. "Ms. Brewer, I''m here,"


    The woman Brittany called had arrived.


    Her clothes now disheveled, Brittany shouted, "Wait a minute!"


    She pushed Horace away. "The woman I called is here. Let go.


    of me!"


    Horace''s eyes were bloodshot as he stared at her. "Do you really want me to sleep with another woman?"


    ¡°I-


    "Think carefully before you answer. This is thest time I''m asking. If you really want me to be with someone else, I''ll leave with her."


    Brittany looked at Horace''s handsome face, stayed silent for a few seconds, then said quietly, "Go ahead."


    The warmth around Horace dropped to freezing in an instant. He pushed Brittany away, stood up, and strode out.


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 Chapter 727

    Brittany found herself conflicted.


    Was Horace leaving? Just like that?


    Horace walked over to the door and reached out to open it.


    Standing outside was a young, stunning woman. When she saw Horace, she hesitated for a moment, then her cheeks flushed. "H -Hi, Mr. Larson."


    Horace looked at her. "You now me?"


    "Of course, I know you. Who in the whole Capital doesn''t? But you probably don''t know me."


    This woman had been sent by Brittany. Naturally, she knew her role was to serve the man.


    She figured any man connected to Brittany was certainly no ordinary guy. At the very least, he had to be wealthy or powerful


    The woman had arrived eager and ready, but when she saw Horace she waspletely stunned. She felt like she had just won the jackpot. How could she have imagined that the man she would be serving tonight was none other than Horace Larson?


    Horace caught the look of desire and anticipation in her eyes, and curled his lips into a cold smirk. "Then let''s get started right here."


    Right here?


    The woman nced at Brittany, who was still in the room. "Maybe this isn''t the best ce. Ms. Brewer is still here."


    Horace sneered. "That''s fine. She called for you, so I''m sure she won''t mind us starting right here."


    Brittany''s hands and feet went cold. She had known Horace wouldn''t let her off so easily. Sure enough, he nned to sleep with this woman right in her room, or even in front of her.


    Horace looked at the woman. "You only get one chance. If you''re not willing to do it, you can leave now, and I''ll find someone


    else."


    The woman immediately replied, "No, I''ll do it. Let''s start."


    She stepped forward and stood in front of Horace, cautiously raising her hands. "I''ll help you with your clothes."


    Horace didn''t refuse.


    Brittany watched as the woman''s hands reached for the belt of Horace''s robe, beginning to pull it loose.


    Unable to bear the scene, Brittany turned on her heel and walked out.


    "Mr. Larson, Ms. Brewer has left."


    Horace''s eyes darkened as he stared after Brittany''s retreating figure.


    Outside the vi, Brittany climbed into her luxury car. Tonight, she had handed


    over her room and her vi to Horace to let him be with another woman. She was ready to drive away.


    But she didn''t know where she was going.


    Her heart felt bitter and aching. Even now, she had to admit that she still loved Horace.


    After more than twenty years, she hadn''t forgotten him. She couldn''t ept the thought of him being with someone else.


    Yet, the past he shared with Ida was like a sharp thorn in her heart. As long as Ida existed, there was no chance for her to reconcile with him.


    Brittany''s eyes burned with heat, and soon tears began to fall.


    She was crying.


    She was crying again for Horace.


    Suddenly, the car door was flung open, and a deep, rough voice sounded above her. "What are you crying for?" Brittany froze, quickly looking up. She saw Horace standing outside the car, looking down at her from above.


    Her mind went nk, a buzzing emptiness filling her head. She stared at Horace


    in shock, unable to understand how he was here. Wasn''t he supposed to be with that woman?


    "Why are you here


    "What do you expect? Were you hoping I''d actually do something with her?"


    Brittany was stunned: "Don''t you want to be with her?"

 Chapter 728

    Horace looked at the tears glistening on Brittany''s face.


    ¡°You¡¯re already crying this hard before anything happened between me and that


    woman. What if something actually did happen? You¡¯d probably cry yourself to


    death.¡±


    Brittany shot back quickly, ¡°You really think too much of yourself. Who said I¡¯m


    crying for you? Let go! I¡¯m closing the door!¡±


    She wiped the tears from her cheeks and tried to shut the car door


    But it wouldn¡¯t close. Horace grabbed her wrist and pulled her out of the car, then


    pushed her into the backseat.


    ¡°What are you doing? Let me go! I want to get out!¡±


    Horace climbed into the backseat after her, shut the car door, and pulled Brittany


    down so she was sitting on hisp. ¡°Why the fuss?¡±


    Brittany struggled, trying to slide off his legs. ¡°What are you doing? We¡¯re in the


    car!¡±


    Horace lowered his head and kissed her. ¡°Haven¡¯t we done this in the car before?


    Didn¡¯t you like it?¡±


    Brittany was speechless.


    She bit the corner of his lip, causing a sharp sting.


    Horace¡¯s lip bled, and he cupped her beautiful face gently. ¡°I¡¯ve been drugged.


    Aren¡¯t you going to help me? If you don¡¯t, I really might die.¡±


    Brittany hesitated.


    ¡°You¡¯re really cruel. I¡¯d trade my life to save you from the curse, but you won¡¯t


    even sleep with me to save


    me?¡±


    Guilt flooded Brittany. ¡°That¡¯s different¡­¡±


    Horace released her. ¡°If you¡¯re really that heartless, then just watch me die.¡±


    He slumped back against the seat, defeated.


    After hearing that, how could Brittany just walk away?


    She lifted her hand and hooked it around his neck. ¡°You¡¯re doing this on purpose,


    aren¡¯t you? ying hard to


    Horace met her gaze. ¡°So, are you willing to save me?¡±


    get?¡±


    Brittany nodded. ¡°If you¡¯d save me, then of course I¡¯d be willing to save you, too.¡±


    Horace smirked. ¡°Then you should make the first move.¡±


    Brittany blinked.


    He actually wanted her to take the lead.


    She red at him.


    Horace reached for her cor and tore her shirt open. ¡°Why the re? Aren¡¯t you


    the one who likes to be in control?¡±


    Desperate to shut Horace up, Brittany took the initiative and kissed him.


    Wendy sat on the sofa in the living room as the maid brought her a cup of tea.


    ¡°Ms. Crone, you¡¯re incredible! Mr. and Mrs. Larson have been at odds for


    decades, and neither one would back down. But since you came, they actually


    ended up together!¡±.


    Wendy took a sip of tea and smiled gently. ¡°Honestly, I was just testing the waters


    to see if they still had feelings for each other. Well, the test worked. They do still


    love each other. That makes things a lot casier.¡±


    The maid couldn¡¯t help but give Wendy a thumbs-up.


    Just then, the woman Brittany had brought in came down the stairs, lier face pale


    and drained.


    Wendy looked at her. ¡°You¡¯re not needed tonight. Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll get the money


    Ms. Brewer promised. You can leave now.¡±


    The woman didn¡¯t care about the money¡ªwhat she wanted was Horace.


    But Horace had suddenly left her behind and gone after Brittany.


    He never had any real intentions with her. Everything earlier was just for show,


    meant to be seen by Brittany.


    Though reluctant, the woman left.


    Soon, she saw the luxury car parked on thewn, the vehicle visibly rocking back


    and forth.


    She covered her mouth and ran away, heartbroken.

 Chapter 729

    The next morning, Brittany woke up and moved slightly, feeling as if she had been run over by a truck. Every muscle ached, and she felt like she


    might fall apart at any moment.


    Scenes from the chaotic night before rushed through her mind, flihing her cheeks a deep shade of red.


    She looked up and saw Horace''s handsome face right above her. She was still curled up in his arms.


    Brittany reached out and gently touched his cheek. He was just as striking as ever, so handsome that it made her heart flutter.


    Sometimes, she thought it seemed unfair how life treated men and women differently. Men only grew more captivating with ag, while women didn''t have that luxury..


    As Brittany admired him, her hand was suddenly caught in lils. Horace''s sleepy eyes opened slowly.


    "Haven''t had enoughst night?" he teased.


    Brittany red at him. "Geez, Horace. Act your age!"


    Horace looked down at her in his arms. Afterst night, her cheeks were flushed with life, her eyes bright and lively, like a rose in full bloom.


    He kissed her lightly and smiled. "Well, you said nothing about my agest night. I remember you enjoying yourself a lot."


    Brittany froze before muttering, "It''s gettingte. Time to get up.


    Horace didn''t want to move. He pulled her closer. "How about relivingst night for a bit longer?"


    Brittany couldn''t help but admire his stamina, considering his age. "You should pace yourself. You''re acting like a starving wolf who finally got his meal."


    "Well, it''s been a while,¡± Horace replied. ¡°I''ve been starving for over twenty years."


    Brittany shivered and looked at him. "You haven''t been with any other woman all these years?"


    Horace shook his head. "No."


    "Liar! What about Ida?"


    "Even when I was druggedst night, I came crawling to you. Do you really think I''d have anything with her?"


    Deep down, Brittany felt touched. She hadn''t expected Horace to have stayed so faithful all these years, though part of her still


    found it hard to believe.


    She was about to say more when a buzzing sound interrupted them


    Horace''s phone rang.


    "Your phone''s ringing. You should answer it."


    Horace had no choice but to let her go. He reached for the phone on the bedside table. The caller ID read "Jessica".


    He answered. "Hey, Jessica."


    Jessica''s anxious voice came through. "Dad, where are you? You need toe back right away! Something happened to Ms. Olsen!"


    "What happened to Ida? Hang in there. I''ming back now."


    He hung up, threw off the covers, and got out of bed to start dressing.


    Brittany sat up, having overheard the call. She looked at Horace. "Ida''s in trouble?"


    "Yes, I have to go back now."


    The warmth Brittany had felt just moments ago disappeared. "The go. Do you


    want me to arrange a ne for you?"


    Horace hesitated, then looked back at her. "Don''t get the wrong idea..."


    Ida''s father had died because of Horace''s father. That made Ida a responsibility


    he couldn''t dodge, and he really didn''t want Brittany to misunderstand.


    Brittany put on her clothes. "Enough. You don''t need to exin. Just go."


    Horace frowned. Every time Ida was mentioned, the tension between him and Brittany grew icy cold.


    Brittany said nothing else. They both finished dressing and went downstairs.


    Wendy was standing in the living room, watching them. "Good morning."


    Brittany grabbed Wendy''s hand. "Good morning, Wendy."


    Wendy looked toward Horace. "Mr. Larson, where are you headed?


    Horace''s brow furrowed. "Ida''s in trouble. I have to go back."


    Wendy had already sensed the subtle changes between Brittany and Horace. At first, she wasn''t sure what had happened, but now she knew.

 Chapter 730

    The path of love has always been narrow, meant for two people only. There was no room for a third to step in. Wendy nodded.


    Just then, the front gate of the vi swung open. Brittany''s assistant walked in-he was a good-looking young man


    Wendy arched her brows. "Ms. Brewer, someone''s here."


    Brittany nced at her assistant. "Morning, Will."


    Will stepped forward immediately. "Morning, Brit. Here''s the outf you''re supposed to wear today. I brought it over."


    Brit?


    Horace instantly locked eyes on the handsome young man, Will Conner. He had heard someone calling Brittany "Brit" on the phone before, and he hadn''t forgotten.


    Herpany was full of handsqme men, which was one thing-but now her assistant was a good-looking guy calling her "Brit


    Horace''s expression darkened instantly.


    Brittany reached out and took the bag. "Thanks for bringing this."


    "No problem." Will smiled sweetly.


    Horace turned to Brittany. "Who is this guy?"


    Brittany looked back at Horace. "This is my personal assistant, Will."


    Horace narrowed his eyes. "Why is your personal assistant a guy?


    His usatory tone annoyed Brittany. "What are you doing? What''s wrong with me hiring Will? He''s still a college student. His dad passed away, and he has a younger sister in school. The weight of his family falls on his shoulders, and that''s why he''s working for me part-time!"


    Horace sneered, "I didn''t realize you were so kind and generous.''


    At that moment, Will stepped forward nervously. "Pops, please don''t argue with Brit."


    Pops?


    Horace''s face turned an even darker shade. His voice sharp, he demanded, "What did you just call me?!"


    Will scrambled back behind Brittany. "He''s scary..."


    Horace took a deep breath as he cursed Will in his heart. He wanted to step forward, but Brittany blocked him.


    "What are you doing? Don''t go too far!"


    Will pleaded, ¡°Brit, don''t argue with this old man because of me. It''s all my fault!" Horace growled, "You''d better shut up!"


    If Will didn''t, Horace was ready to toss him out.


    Brittany met Horace''s re. "He''s my guy. I expect you to show some respect."


    "He''s your guy? What''s going on between you two? You just can''t help yourself, huh?"


    Brittany frowned. ¡°Nothing''s going on between us. I''m not like you, keeping your first love around."


    Horace''s face twisted in anger. "What..."


    Brittany turned to Will. "Let''s go."


    Without another word, she took Will and left.


    Horace wanted to follow, but Wendy stepped in front of him.


    "Please wait."


    Horace scowled at lier. "Why are you stopping me?"


    Wendy smiled, lips curved in a subtle smirk. ¡°I''m not stopping you her freedom. I don''t think you have the right to interfere."


    Horace shot back, "But I''m her husband! I don''t want to see any of Wendy raised


    a brow, her eyes sparkling with amusement.


    "Then what about how you''ve been living with your first love all th about that?"


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    Horace''s face twisted in anger. "What..."


    Brittany turned to Will. "Let''s go."


    Without another word, she took Will and left.


    Horace wanted to follow, but Wendy stepped in front of him.


    "Please wait."


    Horace scowled at her. "Why are you stopping me?"


    Wendy smiled, lips curved in a subtle smirk. "I''m not stopping you Whether Ms. Brewer hires a male or female assistant, that''s her freedom. I don''t think you have the right to interfere."


    Horace shot back, "But I''m her husband! I don''t want to see any other men around her."


    Wendy raised a brow, her eyes sparkling with amusement.


    "Then what about how you''ve been living with your first love all this time? Have


    you ever thought about how Ms. Brewer feels about that?"


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    4

 Chapter 731

    Horace stiffened. "Nothing happened¡ª"


    Wendy cut him off quickly. "Nothing happened between you and Ms. Olsen. Is that what you wanted to say? You say it so often that it just rolls off your tongue, and I''ve memorized it, too."


    Horace fell silent.


    Wendy arched a graceful brow. "Nothing happened between Ms. Brewer and her assistant, either. But since you''re so bothered by it, maybe it''s fair to say that her feelings about you and Ms. Olse aren''t hard to understand, either."


    Horace had no response.


    Wendy went on, "I''ve looked into it. I know that Ms. Olsen''s parents'' death has something to do with the Larson family."


    Horace looked at Wendy and chuckled. "You actually investigated the?"


    Wendy smiled slightly. "I know you''ve been trying to make things right with Ms. Olsen, but there are many ways to do that. You could try a different approach."


    Horace was silent for a few seconds. "I understand."


    Then, he left..


    Wendy followed quickly. "Wait, let me go back with you!"


    Horace drove back to the Larson family''s estate and parked his luxury car on thewn.


    Jessica and Ida were already waiting for him in the living room and had seen his arrival. As soon as Horace walked in, they were ready to put on a show.


    Ida stood up immediately. "I know I can''t stay here any longer. I''m leaving now!"


    Jessica grabbed Ida''s arm. "Don''t go! You have nowhere else to turn. Your parents died because of the Larson family. My dad said that this is your home. Please don''t leave!"


    Ida squeezed out two tears, her voice trembling with sadness. "Please don''t stop me. There''s no ce for me here anymore. Staying would only make me a joke!"


    Horace strode into the room. "What''s going on here?"


    Jessica rushed to his side. "Dad, Ms. Olsen wants to leave!"


    Horace turned to Ida. "What''s wrong?"


    Ida looked up with a pitiful expression. "Just let me go... I just can''t stay here anymore."


    Jessica frowned. "Dad, Ms. Olsen hasn''t married all these years, and she''s still a virgin, Last night, she was in your bed, and you left her alone. What kind of reputation does that leave her with? Besides, I don''t think Mom can ept her. She can''t stav or leave. I feel so sorry for her!"


    Tears streamed down Ida''s face as she sobbed, "It''s just my bad luck. My parents died early, and I became an orphan. I don''t me anyone..."


    Horace frowned deeply as he took in the sc¨¨ne, then said, "If you want to leave, then leave."


    What?


    Jessica froze, and Ida''s crying stopped.


    Both of them stared at Horace in shock.


    They had hoped this drama would make Horace change his mind and beg Ida to stay. After all, her parents had died because of the Larson family, and Horace had spent years trying to make amends. He had promised to take care of her for life. He said the Larson family was her home.


    A man like Horace always kept his word, and they never thought he would change his mind.


    Yet, he had just told Ida to leave.


    Ida looked at Horace in disbelief. "What did you say...? You want me to go?"


    Herace''s expression was calm. "I''m not the one telling you to leave. You said you wanted to leave yourself."


    Ida stammered, "I-I..." She wanted to scream that she didn''t really mean that!


    Horace replied, "I did say this is your home, but if you feel staying here only causes you trouble, then go. I''ve already transferred


    Everything''s arranged. You can move in there whenever you want." the ownership of a vi to your name.

 Chapter 732

    Ida''s heart sank as she looked at Horace. "Do you really want me to leave?"


    Horace said calmly, "You''ve been living here all these years. At first, I didn''t see it as a problem, but Brittany has always been bothered by it. We''ve been separated for years, and I don''t want to keep fighting over this. After thinking it over, I decided it''s best if you move out."


    Ida was stunned, "So you''re pushing me out for Brittany''s sake! From the beginning, she''s all you ever cared about, right?" Horace didn''t hesitate. "She''s my wife. Of course, my heart belongs to her."


    It It like a bucket of cold water had been dumped over Ida. At first Horace''s decision to send her away felt like a stab in her heart. Hearing him say his heart belonged to Brittany was a second insult.


    Horace was bing someone she barely recognized.


    Jessica grew anxious. Now that she and Ida were in the same boat, she refused to watch Ida be cast aside. "Are you really gonna push Ms. Olsen out? She-"


    Before Jessica could finish, Wendy''s clear voice cut through the tension. "You''ve gotten it wrong, Jessica. Mr. Larson isn''t pushing Ms. Olsen out. She''s the one who wants to leave."


    Jessica looked up, seeing Wendy stride into the room with that usual boldness.


    Wendy again!


    Whenever she appeared, trouble wasn''t far behind.


    Wendy stepped forward, smiling at Jessica and Ida. "Ms. Olsen, you said you wanted to leave just now. What''s going on now? Changed your mind? Don''t want to go anymore?"


    Ida tried to speak. "I-"


    Wendy raised a perfectly shaped brow, cutting Ida off before she could get a word out. "If you don''t want to leave, just say so. It''s okay. We won''tugh at you."


    Ida was speechless. She felt like she was about to have a heart attack. Wendy...!


    Now she finally understood why Horace had changed so much, and why he was bing a stranger to her-it was all because Wendy was around.


    Ida wanted nothing more than to make Wendy disappear. At this moment, her hatred for Wendy surpassed even her resentment toward Brittany.


    There was no way she was going to let Wendy get away with this!


    "Why do you always meddle in our family business?" Jessica snapped.


    Wendy smiled slyly. "You can''t stand me, huh? But your mom and dad love me, so you can''t get rid of me even if you want to."


    Jessica was furious. "You little..."


    Wendy shifted her tone suddenly as she addressed Ida. "You really can''t leave right now."


    Ida narrowed her eyes. "What are you trying to do?"


    "Mr. Larson was drugged with aphrodisiac powder. Shouldn''t we sit down and figure out who slipped it to him?"


    Jessica and Ida both paled.


    Wendy''s clear eyes fixed on them. "Last night, only Mr. Larson an it has to be one of you."


    She looked at Jessica. "You''re Mr. Larson''s daughter. Surely, you would just make you the worst daughter of the year."


    She then turned to Ida, "And you, with your pitiful, innocent act-


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    Wendy''s clear eyes fixed on them. "Last night, only Mr. Larson and you two were


    in this house. He wouldn''t poison himself. So it has to be one of you."


    She looked at Jessica. "You''re Mr. Larson''s daughter. Surely, you wouldn''t drug your father with an aphrodisiac, right? That would just make you the worst daughter of the year."


    She then turned to Ida, "And you, with your pitiful, innocent act-ould you be the one who drugged Mr. Larson?"


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 Chapter 733

    ared at the two women. "Last night, I was drugged with aphrodisiac powder. What exactly happened?"


    He then turned his gaze to Jessica. "I remember now. You made in that cup of coffeest night. After drinking it, I felt something was wrong with my body. You put aphrodisiac powder in my coffee, didn''t you?"


    Jessica''s face went pale. "..."


    Wendy shifted her attention to Ida. "Ms. Olsen, Mr. Larson went to take a shower after being drugged. When he came out, he found you lying on the bed. So, you and Jessica were working together, right?"


    Before Jessica or Ida could respond, Wendy turned sharply back to Horace.


    "I''m sure they plotted this together. Jessica drugged your coffee, and Ms. Olsen was waiting on the bed. They staged the whole thing perfectly."


    Horace''s gaze darkened with fury as he red at both of them. "Tell me what really happened!"


    Jessica hesitated, then stammered, "Y-You''re right. I drugged youst night." "Why would you do that?"


    Wendy pressed, "You drugged Mr. Larson so Ms. Olsen could get in his bed, right? But why? Ms. Brewer is your real mother. Why betray her?"


    Jessica shot a re at Wendy. "Enough. Shut up!"


    No sooner had Jessica spoken than Horace raised his hand and struck her hard across the face. The sharp, heavy p echoed through the room as her head jerked sideways from the blow.


    She clutched her stinging cheek, staring at Horace in shock. "How could you hit me again? This is the second time!"


    Horace''s anger boiled over. "You remember this is the second time I''ve hit you, but you seem to have forgotten why! Brittany is your biological mother. Why would you do something like this?"


    Jessica opened her mouth to reply, but before she could, Ida stepped between them.


    "If anyone''s to me for this, me me. I-"


    Ida tried to take the me as a shield, but Wendy cut her off sharply. "Why would you drug Mr. Larson? I thought you had no improper feelings for him. After all these years by his side, were you just waiting for a chance to sleep with him, to rece Ms. Brewer as Mrs. Larson? Are you in love with Mr. Larson?"


    One question after another hit Ida like a volley of arrows, draining the color from her face.


    She wanted to be angry, but dared not speak. Instead, she shot Wendy a fierce re.


    Wendy''s lips curled into a sly smile. She had seen all kinds of fake innocence before. She wasn''t fooled by Ida''s act.


    Brittany came from a respected family and was a true socialite, so it made sense that she couldn''t outy Ida''s underhanded tricks.


    But Wendy could take on anyone.


    Horace then fixed his eyes on Ida. "Do you really have feelings for me? But years ago, you said you only saw me as a brother, and I''ve only ever thought of you as a sister. I''m married to Brittany, and she''s the real Mrs. Larson."


    At this moment, Ida decided toy her cards on the table. "Yes, I have feelings for you. I love you!"


    Horace, stunned, looked at Ida in disbelief-he never realized she had feelings for him.


    "I love you! Do you know why I haven''t gotten married all these years? Because I was waiting for you. I spent the best years of my youth on you. Brittany''s your wife, but she doesn''t cherish you want you. I love you!" Ida dered boldly.

 Chapter 734

    hapter 734


    Horace furrowed his brows sharply and said to Ida, "You need to let go of this idea. I''ve always just seen you as a sister."


    "You love Brittany, don''t you?"


    Horace nodded firmly. "Yes, I love her."


    Ida took a few steps back, her voice heavy with bitterness. "Don''t me Jessica for this. I begged her to drug you. I wanted to secure a chance for myself, even if it meant throwing myself into the fire. If you want to punish someone, punish me."


    Wendy smirked.


    Ida truly lived up to her reputation as the previous winner in the love triangle between her, Horace, and Brittany. By saying that, she had helped Jessica because she knew Horace wouldn''t punish her.


    Horace looked at Ida with a tired expression. "Forget it. Just go. Move out of here."


    Ida''s disappointment was palpable. "Okay. I''m leaving."


    Without another word, she turned and walked away.


    Jessica called after her, "No, don''t go! Dad, are you really going to be this cold to Ms. Olsen?"


    Horace''s voice turned cold and sharp. "You''d better behave. Brittany''s your mother. Have you imagined how devastated she''d be if she found out you drugged me?"


    Jessica looked frightened. "I-"


    "Enough! I don''t want to hear another word from you. Go to your room and think about what you''ve done!"


    Jessica shot Wendy a re, then reluctantly went upstairs to her room.


    Wendy smiled with satisfaction. Both Jessica and Ida had lost this round.


    As Ida walked out of the Larson family''s estate, a luxury car pulled up, and Brittany stepped out.


    Ida studied Brittany; she wore a silk gown that hugged her figure perfectly, her curves beautifully defined. She looked radiant- clearly a woman who had been well cared for by a man.


    As Brittany got out of the car, she immediately spotted Ida. Truthfully, she hade over just to stir the pot, curious to see what trouble Ida had caused.


    With a mocking smile, Brittany called out, "Why are you out here? thought you''d be inside, crying, yelling, or even threatening to hurt yourself."


    Ida was speechless. She had already done all three, but Wendy had ruined her performance.


    She cursed inwardly, thinking the mother and daughter were equally annoying. Ida fought back with a bitter question. "Was Horace with youst night?" Brittany''s lips curved into a victorious smirk. "Yes, we stayed up all night."


    She stepped forward, sneering. "You''re terrible at this. You climbed into his bed, but you couldn''t keep him. He still came to me!


    Ida clenched her fists. "Do you really think you''ve won?"


    Brittanyughed lightly. "Well, our war isn''t over yet, but you lost the battlest night. Thanks for the aphrodisiac powder, by the way. Horace and I had a wonderful time! Oh, and he told me that he hasn''t had any other woman by his side all these years and only wants me."


    Ida bit her nails so hard that it drew blood, but she didn''t feel the pain. The truth was, the one she had really lost to wasn''t Brittany-it was Horace.


    She had lost to him, to his love for Brittany.


    She couldn''t understand what Brittany had that she didn''t.


    Brittany stood tall and proud. "Horace and I are legally married. You''re trying to steal a married man, and you''re destined to lose.


    "1


    Ida stepped up close, a cold smile ying on her lips. "This isn''t over. We''ll see who wins and who loses in the end."


    Ch

 Chapter 735

    Horace furrowed his brows sharply and said to Ida, "You need to let go of this


    idea. I''ve always just seen you as a sister."


    "You love Brittany, don''t you?"


    Horace nodded firmly. "Yes, I love her."


    Ida took a few steps back, her voice heavy with bitterness. "Don''t me Jessica


    for this. I begged her to drug you. I wanted to secure a chance for myself, even if


    it meant throwing myself into the fire. If you want to punish someone, punish me."


    Wendy smirked.


    Ida truly lived up to her reputation as the previous winner in the love triangle


    between her, Horace, and Brittany. By saying that, she had helped Jessica


    because she knew Horace wouldn''t punish her.


    Horace looked at Ida with a tired expression. "Forget it. Just go. Move out of


    here."


    Ida''s disappointment was palpable. "Okay. I''m leaving."


    Without another word, she turned and walked away.


    Jessica called after her, "No, don''t go! Dad, are you really going to be this cold to


    Ms. Olsen?"


    Horace''s voice turned cold and sharp. "You''d better behave. Brittany''s your


    mother. Have you imagined how devastated she''d be if she found out you


    drugged me?"


    Jessica looked frightened. "I-"


    "Enough! I don''t want to hear another word from you. Go to your room and think


    about what you''ve done!"


    Jessica shot Wendy a re, then reluctantly went upstairs to her room.


    Wendy smiled with satisfaction. Both Jessica and Ida had lost this round.


    As Ida walked out of the Larson family''s estate, a luxury car pulled up, and


    Brittany stepped out.


    Ida studied Brittany, she wore a silk gown that hugged her figure perfectly, her


    curves beautifully defined. She looked radiant-clearly a woman who had been


    well cared for by a man.


    As Brittany got out of the car, she immediately spotted Ida. Truthfully, she had


    With a mocking smile, Brittany called out, "Why are you out here? thought you''d


    be inside, crying, yelling, or even threatening to hurt yourself."


    Ida was speechless. She had already done all three, but Wendy had ruined her


    performance.


    She cursed inwardly, thinking the mother and daughter were equally annoying.


    Ida fought back with a bitter question. "Was Horace with youst night?"


    Brittany''s lips curved into a victorious smirk. "Yes, we stayed up all night."


    She stepped forward, sneering. "You''re terrible at this. You climbed into his bed,


    but you couldn''t keep him. He still came to me!


    Ida clenched her fists. "Do you really think you''ve won?"


    Brittanyughed lightly. "Well, our war isn''t over yet, but you lost the battlest


    night. Thanks for the aphrodisiac powder, by the way. Horace and I had a


    wonderful time! Oh, and he told me that he hasn''t had any other woman by his


    side all these years and only wants me."


    Ida bit her nails so hard that it drew blood, but she didn''t feel the pain. The truth


    was, the one she had really lost to wasn''t Brittany-it was Horace.


    She had lost to him, to his love for Brittany.


    She couldn''t understand what Brittany had that she didn''t.


    Brittany stood tall and proud. "Horace and I are legally married. You''re trying to


    steal a married man, and you''re destined to lose.


    1


    Ida stepped up close, a cold smile ying on her lips. "This isn''t over. We''ll see


    who wins and who loses in the end."


    Ida then walked away.


    Brittany watched her go, then turned and stepped back into the mansion.


    Jessica caught sight of Brittany and immediately forced a smile that looked even


    more painful than crying. "Mom, you''re here."


    Horace was deeply disappointed in Jessica, but he didn''t want to hurt Brittany''s


    feelings, so he kept silent about Jessica drugging him with the aphrodisiac


    powder.


    Wendy, of course, tad no intention of stirring things up with Brittany either. After


    all, Brittany''s health was too fragile for any more emotional stress.


    "Hello, Ms. Brewer," she said gently.


    Brittany looked at Horace with curiosity. "I just saw Ida earlier. Why did she


    leave?"


    Wendy smiled faintly. "Mr. Larson asked her to leave."


    Brittany blinked, disbelief written all over her face. "Really? You kicked Ida out?


    That''s impossible! You''ve always let her stay here. You''d rather kick me out than


    send her away!"


    Brittany genuinely couldn''t believe it. Ida had stuck by Horace''s side all these


    years with his silent approval. How could he suddenly change his mind and kick


    her out?


    Wendy chuckled and chimed in, "Mr. Larson has finally realized his mistake. He


    knows you''ve been bothered by her presence, so he made her move out. Isn''t


    that right, Mr. Larson?"


    Wendy took Horace''s arm and gently steered him toward Brittany.


    Both of them were proud. They actually loved each other, yet neither was willing


    to lower their guard.


    Horace looked at Brittany. "That''s right. I told Ida to move out. I hadn''t considered


    your feelings before, but I will from now on. I''ll keep my distance from her."


    Brittany stared at him in surprise. "You''d better mean that! Don''t let a phone call


    from her change your again."


    "I won''t change my mind!" Horace snapped back. "What about you?"


    Brittany was confused. "Me? What about me?"


    Horace pressed his thin lips together. "What about your assistant, your male


    receptionist, and those other male employees?" Brittany frowned. "You''re so petty.


    Nothing''s happening between me and them!"


    "I just don''t like them. What if you reced them with women?"


    "No way!" Brittany refused outright.


    Horace scowled. "What..."


    Wendy smiled knowingly. "Mr. Larson, Ms. Brewer is the CEO of Brewer


    Enterprise. Whether she surrounds herself with men or women is her choice. If


    you want her to rece the men with women, you''ll have to give a good reason.


    Are you saying you''re jealous?"


    Wendy asked if he was jealous.


    Brittany looked at Horace, the proud and unyielding king. Could he really be


    jealous?


    Horace met Brittany''s beautiful gaze, and after a few seconds, he admitted, "Yes.


    I''m jealous. Is that enough of a reason?"


    He actually admitted that he was jealous.


    Brittany smiled, her lips a sly curve.


    Horace grabbed her waist and pulled her firmly into his arms. He cupped her jaw,


    and squeezed gently. "What are you smiling about, hmm?"


    Brittany tilted her face up, her eyes shining bright as she looked back at him. "You


    get jealous? Are we in middle school or something?"


    Horace sneered, "Look at you! You''re clearly enjoying this. You must feel proud


    that I''m jealous."


    Brittany didn''t hide it. "Of course I''m proud that you''re jealous because of me."


    "Don''t get too cocky. You''d better rece those men around you son, or I''ll go


    from jealous to angry," Horace warned quietly.


    Brittany felt a warm sweetness flood her chest. She nodded. "Alright, I''ll change


    them."


    Horace''s lips curled into a smile. "That''s more like it."


    Wendy could already feel the sweetness between the two, a kind of warmth that


    came after an iceberg melts. With a grin, she teased, "Should I just stay out of the


    way? I feel like all the love in the air is suffocating me!"


    ---

 Chapter 736

    hapter 736


    Brittanyughed softly before saying to Wendy, "Don''t make fun of us!"


    Jessica, standing off to the side, feltpletely ignored. The warmth between Horace, Brittany, and Wendy was obvious. They appeared to be the perfect family, while she was just an intruder who didn''t belong.


    "Mom, Dad, I''m going upstairs," Jessica announced; she turned away without waiting for a response.


    Brittany wanted to call after her, but Horace caught her arm and held her back.


    "Let her leave if she wants


    He figured it was better to leave Jessica out in the cold for a while, just in case she tried to pull something even more outrageous.


    Wendy quickly shifted the conversation. "Mr. Larson, the aphrodisiac powder your ingested isn''t just any aphrodisiac-it''s from


    Coldost."


    Horace froze. "What? The aphrodisiac powder is from Coldost?"


    "That''s right. Ms. Brewer is under a curse from Coldost, and now you''ve been hit with an aphrodisiac powder from Coldost. That means the person poisoning Ms. Brewer must be right under your nose."


    Horace furrowed his brows tightly. He had been given the aphrodisiac powder while at home, intended to make him sleep with Ida-logically, the culprit should be either Ida or Jessica.


    He looked at Wendy seriously. "We need to find this person now.''


    Wendy arched a brow. "There''s no rush. The one who should be nervous is the perpetrator. She''s bound to make her next move soon. The more she does, the more mistakes she''ll make. We just have to wait and watch, then we''ll catch her in the act."


    Horace and Brittany nodded in agreement.


    "Okay. We''ll follow your lead."


    Wendy smiled. "Anyway, I should get going. I''ve been staying here for days, and Be misses me. Time to spend some time with my daughter."


    "Alright. I''ll have the driver send you home."


    "No need. I''m driving myself. I''ll see you again soon."


    Wendy soon disappeared from view.


    Horace wrapped his arm around Brittany''s waist. "Wendy''s gone. Why are you still staring after her? What''s on your mind?"


    Brittany grinned. "Are you jealous of Wendy?"


    He pinched her cheek yfully. "You like her that much, huh?"


    She nodded. "Yes, I really like her. Sometimes I even wonder... Why isn''t she my daughter?"


    Brittany''s affection for Wendy was like a mother''s love for her child.


    Horace felt the same way. Wendy was brilliant, loyal, and had given everything to help them. Who wouldn''t adore her?


    s, Jessica was their daughter. Thinking that way felt unfair to Jessica.


    Horace didn''t say anything more. Instead, he scooped Brittany up in his arms.


    Startled, Brittany gasped, "What are you doing?"


    He carried her up the stairs without answering. "What do you think?" Chapter 736


    Brittanyughed softly before saying to Wendy, "Don''t make fun of us!"


    Jessica, standing off to the side, feltpletely ignored. The warmth between Horace, Brittany, and Wendy appeared to be the perfect family, while she was just an intruder who didn''t belong.


    was obvious. They


    1


    "Mom, Dad, I''m going upstairs," Jessica announced; she turned away without waiting for a response.


    Brittany wanted to call after her, but Horace caught her arm and held her back.


    "Let her leave if she wants


    He figured it was better to leave Jessica out in the cold for a while, just in case she tried to pull something even more outrageous.


    Wendy quickly shifted the conversation. "Mr. Larson, the aphrodisiac powder you ingested isn''t just any aphrodisiac-it''s from Coldost."


    Horace froze. "What? The aphrodisiac powder is from Coldost?"


    "That''s right. Ms. Brewer is under a curse from Coldost, and now you''ve been hit with an aphrodisiac powder from Coldost. That means the person poisoning Ms. Brewer must be right under your nose."


    Horace furrowed his brows tightly. He had been given the aphrodisiac powder while at home, intended to make him sleep with Ida-logically, the culprit should be either Ida or Jessica. 1


    He looked at Wendy seriously. "We need to find this person now."


    Wendy arched a brow. "There''s no rush. The one who should be nervous is the perpetrator. She''s bound to make her next move soon. The more she does, the more mistakes she''ll make. We just have to wait and watch, then we''ll catch her in the act."


    Horace and Brittany nodded in agreement.


    "Okay. We''ll follow your lead."


    Wendy smiled. "Anyway, I should get going. I''ve been staying here for days, and


    Be misses me. Time to spend some time with my daughter."


    "Alright. I''ll have the driver send you home."


    "No need. I''m driving myself. I''ll see you again soon."


    Wendy soon disappeared from view.


    Horace wrapped his arm around Brittany''s waist. ¡°Wendy''s gone. Why are you still staring after her? What''s on your mind?"


    Brittany grinned. "Are you jealous of Wendy?"


    He pinched her cheek yfully. "You like her that much, huh?"


    She nodded. "Yes, I really like her. Sometimes I even wonder... Why isn''t she my daughter?"


    Brittany''s affection for Wendy was like a mother''s love for her child.


    Horace felt the same way. Wendy was brilliant, loyal, and had given everything to help them. Who wouldn''t adore her?


    s, Jessica was their daughter. Thinking that way felt unfair to Jessica.


    Horace didn''t say anything more. Instead, he scooped Brittany up in his arms.


    Startled, Brittany gasped, "What are you doing?"


    He carried her up the stairs without answering. "What do you think?"


    She caught the wild desire burning in his eyes and punched him lightly in the chest. "You''re not a young man anymore! Are you sure your body can take it?"


    He bent down and kissed her deeply. "Seeing you makes me lose control. I''m going to make up for all the years I missed."


    Brittany''s cheeks flushed red. "It''s bright out right now!"


    Horace smirked. "If you like Wendy so much, maybe we should have another daughter-one just like her."


    Brittany stared at him, speechless.


    How had she never realized Horace was such a shameless man? Athis age, he was still talking about having kids!


    er 737


    Brittanyughed softly before saying to Wendy, "Don''t make fun of us!"


    Jessica, standing off to the side, feltpletely ignored. The warmth between Horace, Brittany, and Wendy was obvious. They appeared to be the perfect family, while she was just an intruder who didn''t belong.


    "Mom, Dad, I''m going upstairs," Jessica announced; she turned away without waiting for a response.


    Brittany wanted to call after her, but Horace caught her arm and held her back.


    "Let her leave if she wants


    He figured it was better to leave Jessica out in the cold for a while, just in case she tried to pull something even more outrageous.


    Wendy quickly shifted the conversation. "Mr. Larson, the aphrodisiac powder your ingested isn''t just any aphrodisiac-it''s from


    Coldost."


    Horace froze. "What? The aphrodisiac powder is from Coldost?"


    "That''s right. Ms. Brewer is under a curse from Coldost, and now you''ve been hit with an aphrodisiac powder from Coldost. That means the person poisoning Ms. Brewer must be right under your nose."


    Horace furrowed his brows tightly. He had been given the aphrodisiac powder while at home, intended to make him sleep with Ida-logically, the culprit should be either Ida or Jessica.


    He looked at Wendy seriously. "We need to find this person now.''


    Wendy arched a brow. "There''s no rush. The one who should be nervous is the perpetrator. She''s bound to make her next move soon. The more she does, the more mistakes she''ll make. We just have to wait and watch, then we''ll catch her in the act."


    Horace and Brittany nodded in agreement.


    "Okay. We''ll follow your lead."


    Wendy smiled. ¡°Anyway, I should get going. I''ve been staying here for days, and


    Be misses me. Time to spend some time with my daughter."


    "Alright. I''ll have the driver send you home."


    "No need. I''m driving myself. I''ll see you again soon."


    Wendy soon disappeared from view.


    Horace wrapped his arm around Brittany''s waist. ¡°Wendy''s gone. Why are you still


    staring after her? What''s on your mind?"


    Brittany grinned. "Are you jealous of Wendy?"


    He pinched her cheek yfully. "You like her that much, huh?"


    She nodded. "Yes, I really like her. Sometimes I even wonder... Why isn''t she my


    daughter?"


    Brittany''s affection for Wendy was like a mother''s love for her child.


    Horace felt the same way. Wendy was brilliant, loyal, and had given everything to


    help them. Who wouldn''t adore her?


    s, Jessica was their daughter. Thinking that way felt unfair to Jessica.


    Horace didn''t say anything more. Instead, he scooped Brittany up in his arms.


    Startled, Brittany gasped, "What are you doing?"


    He carried her up the stairs without answering. "What do you think?"

 Chapter 737

    Meanwhile, Jessica slipped into her room and pulled out her phone. She dialed Ida''s number without hesitation.


    She had to figure out a n with Ida, or Wendy would take over her familypletely.


    The call connected quickly.


    Ida''s voice came through, low and sharp. "Hello?"


    "Ms. Olsen, what do we do now? Just so you know, Brittany was hete earlier, all cozy with my dad. If you don''t act soon, they might actually make a baby"


    Jessica said it just to needle Ida, knowing full well how much it would get under her skin.


    Just as expected, Ida''s tone darkened with anger. "Before Wendy showed up, everything was fine. But since she''s shown up, things have slipped out of my control. Right now, our focus has to be on taking Wendy down first. Once she''s gone, Horace wille back to us."


    That hit a nerve for Jessica. "You''re right! Wendy''s our target now!


    Ida snorted coldly. "Don''t worry. I''ve already found a way to deal with her."


    Jessica smiled while holding the phone. "I''m counting on you."


    At the Hawk family''s old estate...


    Stanley was in his study when a knock sounded on the door.


    "Mr. Hawk," came Zayn''s voice.


    "Come in," Stanley said.


    Zayn stepped inside. "Sir, we''ve uncovered the truth about Ms. Wendy and Mr. Samuel."


    Ang had told Stanley before that Wendy and Samuel were never really married. Stanley had sent people to investigate, and


    now they had an update.


    "Spill it," Stanley urged.


    "After a thorough investigation, we''ve confirmed that Ms. Wendy is still single. She and Mr. Samuel have never officially tied


    the knot."


    Wendy and Samuel had never gotten married?


    Wendy was actually still single!


    Stanley shot up from his chair, stunned. He couldn''t believe that Wendy had lied to him.


    Why would she lie? Why hadn''t she married Samuel in these past three years?


    "They already have Be, and she''s three! Why hasn''t Wendy given Be aplete family?" Stanley''s voice was thick with doubt. Then, a thought crossed his mind. "Could it be that Be isn''t Samuel''s daughter?"


    Almost immediately, he rejected the idea.


    "That''s impossible! Be is Samuel''s daughter."


    Stanley no longer dared to hope. The bigger the hope, the greater the disappointment.


    Zayn suggested, "You can just do a simple DNA test to find out whether Miss Be is your biological daughter."


    Right! Only a DNA test could solve this mystery.


    Without hesitation, Stanley left the study and headed downstairs.


    In the living room, Ang was drawing with Be, who was busy sketching a family of three.


    "Who are you drawing?" Ang asked.


    Be replied innocently, "It''s me, Mommy, and Mr. Handsome!"


    Angughed softly. "Why didn''t you draw your daddy?"


    Be''s eyes sparkled. "I want Mr. Handsome to be my daddy, so that he, Mommy, and me can always be a family of three."


    Stanley watched Be, his heart melting at the sight of the little pink-cheeked bundle. Be liked him a lot, and he felt the same about her, so much so that he wanted to be her father.


    Even if she wasn''t his biological daughter, he was willing to be her father all the same.


    1

 Chapter 738

    Chapter 738 Chapter 738


    Stanley wanted nothing more than to pull Wendy and Be close, bolding them both tenderly against his chest.


    With the possibility that Be might be his daughter, a thrilling wave of excitement rushed through him, making his heart race.


    Stanley stepped forward. "Be..."


    Be turned toward him and immediately threw herself into his arms. "Mr. Handsome!"


    Stanley kissed her gently on the forehead. "Come give me a big hu"


    He wrapped Be in his strong arms, then quietly plucked a single strand of her hair.


    Be giggled happily.


    Just then, Wendy came back into the room. "Be..."


    Be''s eyes lit up. "Mommy, you''re back!"


    "What have you been up to at home?" Wendy asked softly.


    Ang quickly picked up Be''s drawing. "She drew this. She wants Stanley to be


    her daddy, and she says she wants the three of you to stay together forever."


    Wendy stared at the picture, momentarily stunned. Then, she looked up at Stanley.


    Stanley smiled gently. "Be, I''d love to be your daddy, but that''s something you''ll have to ask your mommy about. What do you say, Wendy? Should I be Be''s daddy?"


    Be nced at Wendy eagerly. "Mommy, I want Mr. Handsome to be my daddy. Can he?"


    Wendy hesitated before saying, "That''s aplicated issue. Let''s not talk about this now, okay?"


    "But-" Be started to protest.


    Ang cut in with augh. "Let''s eat first. Wendy, why don''t you wash up first?"


    "Okay," Wendy agreed, heading to the sink.


    Ang took Be from Stanley''s arms and looked at him with a smirk. "Looks like you''ve got a long way to go if you want to win your wife back. Good luck."


    Stanley didn''t say anything. He stared at the single strand of Be''s hair in his hand. If Be was truly his daughter, then Wendy belonged to him as well.


    At that moment, Zayn approached. "Mr. Hawk."


    Stanley handed the hair to him. "Get the test done and make sure it''s airtight. I don''t want anyone tampering with... I want the results by tonight."


    "Understood," Zayn said with a nod before leaving the room.


    Wendy was washing her hands in the bathroom. After turning off the faucet, she spun around and suddenly found herself wrapped in a broad, warm embrace.


    It was Stanley. He hade up behind her without making a sound


    Wendy trembled. "What are you doing standing behind me like that? You startled me!"


    She tried to pull away. When she moved left, Stanley moved left. When she moved right, Stanley moved right.


    His tall, strong frame blocked every path she tried to take.


    Her clear eyes locked onto Stanley''s handsome face. "You''re blocking my way."


    Stanley leaned closer, cing both hands firmly on the sink to trap her in his arms. He smiled and said, "Yep. What are you gonna do about it?" Wendy was silent.


    She raised her hands and pressed them against his chest, trying to push him away. "Please move."


    Stanley didn''t budge. Instead, he lowered his head closer to her beautiful face and whispered with a mischievous grin, "Kiss me, and I''ll let you go." What? Kiss him?


    Wendyughed at his boldness and refused immediately. "No!"


    Stanley caught her small chin between his fingers. "You don''t want to, but I do." Then he bent down and kissed her soft, rosy lips.


    "Mmph!"

 Chapter 739

    Wendy trembled as she raised her hands to press against his broad, muscr chest once more, trying to push him away.


    But Stanley pinned her gently yet firmly against the sink, trapping her slender frame in his arms. He kissed her with fierce intensity, refusing to let go.


    Wendy bit down hard on the corner of his mouth.


    A sharp hiss escaped Stanley as pain shed across his face. He finally loosened his grip and wiped his lip with the back of his hand, where a bit of blood was already showing.


    Instead of getting angry, Stanley smiled, a teasing curl tugging at his lips as he looked at Wendy. "You bit me, huh? Still as fiery as ever."


    Wendy furrowed her brows. "What''s gotten into you? Has something happened?"


    She could already tell he was acting strangely tonight-overly excited, full of possessiveness.


    Of course, Stanley wouldn''t admit that he had secretly done a DNA test. He was just waiting for the results, and the thought that Be might really be his daughter had him buzzing with excitement.


    He couldn''t wait to hold Wendy close.


    "Can''t I kiss you or hold you? There''s still more I want to do with you."


    Quickly, Wendy covered his mouth with her hand. "Please watch what you say. I''m married to Samuel."


    Stanley stared at her in disbelief. Even now, she was still lying to him.


    Clearly, she was hiding a lot.


    He bent down and kissed her hard again.


    Wendy struggled, muffling a sound. "Let go!"


    Suddenly, the bathroom door swung open.


    Be''s small figure appeared as she called out in a childish voice, Mommy...''


    The next moment, she caught sight of Stanley pressing his lips against Wendy''s. She let out a surprised, "Uh-oh," before covering her eyes with her hands.


    "You two are kissing!"


    Wendy shoved Stanley away and stepped toward Be. "Be, listen to me But Ang appeared at that moment, scooping Be up. "Let''s leave Mr. Handsome and your mommy alone. I''ll take you out to y."


    She smiled at Stanley. "Please continue. I''ll close the door behind me."


    Ang carried Be away and thoughtfully shut the door behind them. Wendy stood frozen.


    Stanleyughed softly behind her.


    Wendy spun around and shot him a re. "You''ve got the nerve tough? This is all your fault! How am I supposed to face


    anyone now?"


    Stanley reached out to pull her into his arms. "You''re my woman, and what we''re doing is normal. It doesn''t matter that my mom and Be saw us."


    hapter 738


    But Wendy refused his embrace, ring once more batore operating the dade aut tagging out


    Stanley''s mond lifted, and he followed her


    Just then, Zayn appeared. "Mr. Hawk"


    Stanley stopped. Wendy was already walking tits the dung round unting nata and that the re


    Stanley looked at Zayn expectantly. "Is the DNA Test report ready?


    Zayn nodded.


    He handed the DNA report over to Stanley


    Stanley took it carefully in his hands and asked, "Be d


    "She-"Zayn started to speak


    But Stanley cut him off. "Forget it. Don''t say a word. I''ll see for mysel


    He was tense, more so than ever before. A man used to facing anything with


    calm, Stanley now gripped the D was his lifeline.


    Could Be really be his biological daughter?

 Chapter 740

    "The DNA test results are right here. Just open it and you''ll see," Zayn reported.


    Stanley took a deep breath. "Alright."


    He broke the seal on the envelope and pulled out the DNA report.


    His pupils constricted the moment he saw the results. The report confirmed it- Be was his biological daughter.


    Zayn said, "The DNA results show you are indeed Miss Be''s father. Congrattions!"


    Be was truly his daughter.


    Stanley could hardly believe it. He had never dared to hope Be was actually his. All this time, he had assumed Be was Samuel''s child, but that wasn''t the case.


    He nced toward the dining room, where little Be sat beside Wendy, a soft, warm bundle.


    Now, he realized they both belonged to him. They were his family. Everything he had ever dreamed of was right in front of him.


    But... What exactly was the rtionship between Wendy and Samuel?


    Suddenly, a question he had overlooked came crashing back. What was the real connection between Wendy and Samuel?


    He had to confront Samuel and get some answers.


    Stanley strode quickly toward the door.


    Inside the dining room, Be caught sight of him and called out in a small, sweet voice, "Mr. Handsome..."


    Stanley didn''t hear her, and kept on walking.


    Ang looked puzzled. "Where''s Stanley rushing off to? He hasn''t even eaten."


    Wendy''s eyes followed Stanley''s retreating figure. What was going on with him today? He seemed off.


    "Let''s go ahead and eat," Ang said. "He''s probably headed to thepany." Wendy nodded. "Okay."


    Samuel was in his apartment when the doorbell rang. He walked over and opened the door. "Who is it?"


    Standing there was Stanley, tall and imposing.


    Samuel paused, then smirked. "Mr. Hawk, what a surprise! What brings you here?"


    Stanley met his gaze coolly. "Be is my daughter. Why did you tell people she''s yours?"


    Samuel''s expression flickered with surprise. "You found out?"


    "Yes. Wendy told me."


    "She actually told you Be''s yours?"


    In truth, Samuel felt a spark of happiness. He knew that for three years, Wendy had never forgotten Stanley, which was why he had insisted on bringing Be to the Capital.


    Stanley''s voice was steady. "Yes. She told me Be''s mine, and she told me about your rtionship."


    Samuel looked at him. "She did?"


    Stanley grabbed Samuel by the cor. "Why did you say you were Wendy''s boyfriend? Why im Be as your daughter? You kept me away from them for three years! Do you have any idea how angry that makes me?"


    Samuel sneered. "Maybe you should take a moment to reflect on yourself. You were the one who hurt Wendy first. As her senior, I''m just giving you a lesson." Stanley was stunned.


    So Samuel was Wendy''s senior, her fellow mentee.-


    He had always thought Samuel and Wendy were dating, but hearing Samuel say that he wasn''t her boyfriend but simply her senior changed everything


    "You''re Wendy''s senior?"


    "Yes. Didn''t you say she told you about us?¡± Samuel quickly caught on. ¡°I see what''s going on. She never said anything. You tricked me!"


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 Chapter 741

    Samuel had already figured out that Stanley was trying to trick hin


    In fact, the moment Stanley saw the DNA test, he suspected there was nothing


    between Wendy and Samuel.


    Now, learning that Samuel was


    actually Wendy''s senior, Stanley was truly shocked.


    "So, you''re just her senior!"


    Stanleyughed; a Bright, almost crazed happiness in his voice.


    Samuel''s anger red. Without hesitation, he punched Stanley squarely in the face.


    Stanley didn''t dodge. The punchnded hard, and he was mmed against the wall. Wiping the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand, Startley saw blood. Samuel grabbed him by the cor. "How dare youugh after everything?"


    Despite the punch, Stanley felt a strange joy. "I thought you were Wendy''s husband! She''s mine. She''s always been mine, from the very beginning!"


    Just thinking about it filled Stanley y with happiness. He and Wendy had a child together. Wendy belonged only to him


    That feeling of something lost and now found surged through his chest like a powerful wave of joy. He was beyond happy.


    Today, he had everything.


    Samuel looked at him steadily.


    "That''s right. I''m just Wendy''s senior, and Be''s your biological daughter. You should be thanking Wendy, she''s the one who gave you all of this! Do you know how many high-quality men have been circling her these past three years, trying to win her over? But she never showed any interest in any of them. I know she never forgot you."


    Stanley''s heart softened.


    So, just like him, Wendy hadn''t forgotten him all these years.


    They still loved each other.


    "But you don''t deserve her!" Samuel went on. "Have you forgotten how much you hurt her before? Now you''re engaged to the Larson family''s richest daughter, hoping to form a powerful alliance through marriage. You''re supposed to marry Jessica. You can''t even handle the mess around you, and you think you deserve Wendy?"


    Samuel had never liked Stanley. Now, he spat out his anger.


    Stanley wanted to exin that the engagement between the Hawk and Larson families wasn''t his choice, that he could fix it.


    "I''m never marrying the Larson family''s daughter. That engagement is off."


    Samuel released him. No matter how much he disliked Stanley, he knew Wendy loved him, and he wanted her to


    happy.


    "You don''t need to report to me on what you do. Now that you know Be is your daughter, all you have to do is take responsibility for Wendy and Be. Now, please leave."


    Stanley stepped back and walked toward the door.


    At the threshold, he turned to Samuel. "Thank you."


    With that, he left.


    Outside the apartment, he climbed into a luxury car. Zayn, sitting


    the driver''s seat, asked, "Where are we heading?"


    "To the Larson family''s estate."


    Curious, Zayn asked, "Why there?"


    "I''m going to break off the engagement."


    Horace and Brittanyy tangled in bed, clothes scattered all over the floor.


    Brittany, resting in Horace''s arms, suddenly remembered something. "Isn''t this the


    bed you and Ida were in? I don''t want to stay here. It feels dirty."


    She tried to get up, but Horace held her down, keeping her still.


    "Don''t worry. I knew you would mind, so I already had that bed thrown out. This one''s brand new, and I bought it to suit your taste."

 Chapter 742

    "Suit my taste? Have you been nning to lure me onto your bed all along?" Brittany teased Horace with a mischievous grin. Horace looked at her flushed, radiant face and smiled darkly. "You''re my wife, and what we''re doing is part of the deal." Brittany was speechless.


    Horace had kicked Ida out, and that moved Brittany deeply. She knew Horace was a man who valued loyalty and emotion. By driving Ida away, he was trying to reconcile with her, constantly stepping backward to make room for their


    rtionship.


    She figured she needed to change and draw closer to him, too.


    Marriage required work. Neither of them was getting any younger and there was no reason to waste any more time.


    Horace bent down and kissed her cheek.


    Brittany quickly pushed him away. "What are you doing?"


    "What do you think I''m doing? Let''s do it again."


    Brittany sighed. "Seriously, you should take it easy."


    Horace flipped over and pinned her beneath him. "Again!"


    Just as they were caught up in their yful struggle, there was a sharp knock at


    the door, followed by the maid''s voice calling


    out, "Mr. and Mrs. Larson..."


    Brittany immediately pushed Horace aside. "She''s calling us!"


    Interrupted, Horace frowned before yelling, "What is it?"


    "There''s a visitor!"


    Horace wasn''t in the mood to see anyone. "Tell whoever it is that I''m not home. Have him make an appointment."


    With that, Horace kissed Brittany again.


    Brittany bit his lip sharply.


    Horace winced, eyes shing red. "You''re being naughty, huh? You''re gonna regret it!"


    "Stop it! Ah!"


    Outside, the maid continued, "Mr. Larson, you really need toe out. Mr. Hawk is here!"


    Stanley was here!


    Brittany pushed Horace again. "Stanley''s here!"


    Just then, Stanley''s voice came from outside the door. "Where''s Mr. Larson? I want to see him right now! Is Mr. Larson in that room? I''ming in!"


    The maid quickly stopped him. "No, you can''t just barge in!"


    Brittany panicked. If Stanley walked in and saw them like this, how could she face him in the future?


    "Get up, now!" Brittany urged.


    Reluctantly, Horace got up and sat on the edge of the bed, but suddenly his back twitched sharply.


    "What''s wrong?" Brittany asked, concerned.


    "I just tweaked my back," he groaned, rubbing the sore spot.


    Brittany let out a quietugh.


    Horace scowled. "What''s so funny?"


    "I told you to take it easy, but you wouldn''t listen! Now your back''s out of whack. You''re not a young man anymore."


    "Are you doubting me? I''m-" Horace wanted to prove himself.


    But Stanley was practically pounding on the door now. "Mr. Larson, I know you''re in there! I have important business with you!"


    Horace had no choice but to stand and get dressed. He opened the door to find Stanley standing outside, looking sharp and confident.


    Horace pressed his lips into a thin line, clearly annoyed. "What do you want?" Brittany stepped out behind him. "Hello, Mr. Hawk."


    Stanley nced between them, surprised to find the two of them in the same room. "Have I interrupted something?"


    Brittany shook her head quickly. "Not at all. We were just talking"


    Horace rolled his eyes at Stanley, cutting her off. "You young people have nomon sense at all!"


    Brittany looked away, caught off guard.


    Stanley fell silent, not knowing how to respond.


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 Chapter 743

    Stanley paused for a moment, feeling a flicker of guilt. He hadn''te to be a


    victim of a public disy of affection.


    Horace had reunited with his wife. Meanwhile, Stanley had been separated from


    Wendy for three years and hadn''t managed to get her into bed.


    "I came to talk to you about something important," Stanley said, his tone serious.


    "What is it?" Brittany asked.


    Just then, Jessica appeared She had been inside her room, but when she heard


    Stanley''s voice, she rushed out immediately.


    "Stanley, you came at the perfect time! Now that my mom''s back, let''s talk about


    our wedding. When are you going to marry me? "Jessica smiled brightly, looping


    her arm through Stanley''s.


    Brittany looked at Stanley thoughtfully. "You and Jessica were engaged since you


    were young. You''re not getting any younger, and it''s time to settle down.


    Tomorrow, your mother and I will pick a date for you two to get married."


    Horace watched Stanley quietly, saying nothing.


    Stanley''s cold gazended on Jessica''s face. "Let go."


    The words caught Jessica off guard.


    Stanley pulled his arm free and warned sharply, "Don''t touch me again."


    Jessica was speechless.


    Brittany, unaware of the tangled feelings between the younger generation, looked


    at Stanley in confusion. "Why are you treating Jessica like this?"


    "I''m here to officially call off the engagement," Stanley said firmly.


    Call off the engagement?


    Brittany''s eyes widened. "You want to break off your engagement with Jessica?"


    Jessica''s face drained of color. She had known this day woulde, and it had


    arrived sooner than she expected.


    Stanley was formally ending their engagement!


    She began to plead. "This engagement between our families has been around


    since we were kids. Everyone in the Capital knows about this marriage alliance!


    You should cut it out, and just go through with the wedding..."


    "Are you deaf? I''m not marrying you. I''m breaking off the engagement!"


    Horace''s expression instantly hardened. After all, Jessica was his daughter.


    "You''d better think carefully, Stanley. This is a serious matter. Are you really calling


    off the engagement with my daughter?"


    Stanley nodded resolutely. "Yes, I am. I''m sure of it."


    "No!" Jessica shook her head desperately. "I don''t want to call it off! Mom, Dad,


    please help me! I want to marry Stanley!"


    She clung to Brittany, tears streaming down her face.


    "Mom, everyone in the Capital knows I''m supposed to marry him! the calls off the


    engagement, how can I go on with my life? I might as well just die!"


    Jessica suddenly turned and mmed her forehead against the wall


    Brittany''s eyes snapped wide open, and she grabbed Jessica''s arm firmly. "What


    are you doing? Don''t be stupid!"


    "Please, you have to help me!" Jessica sobbed.


    Brittany was stunned. "I...''


    Horace looked at Stanley with cold intensity. "Jessica''s our only daughter. Look


    what you''ve turned her into. Do you really want to call it off?"


    However, Stanley met Horace''s gaze without flinching.


    "Marriage should be based on mutual consent. I don''t love Ms. Larson, so


    naturally, I won''t marry her."


    Jessica broke downpletely, crying, "Dad, you need to do something!


    Stanley''s dead set against me!"


    Horace''s eyes darkened as he addressed Stanley, "If you truly call off this


    engagement today, you won''t have another chance to change your mind. And I


    swear, I will never let you marry my daughter."


    Stanley''s voice was firm and unwavering.


    "Don''t worry, Mr. Larson. There will never be a day when I want to marry your


    daughter."

 Chapter 744

    After saying his piece, Stanley turned on his heel and walked away


    "Mr. Hawk..." Brittany called after him.


    But Horace interrupted, "Stanley!"


    Stanley stopped in his tracks and looked back. "Anything else you want to say?"


    Horace''s voice was firm. "Since you don''t want to marry my daughter, I won''t force it. However, when our families made that engagement, a formal contract was in ce. Bring that contract here and tear it up-then this engagement will be officially breken."


    Stanley nodded. "Fine."


    And with that, he walked off once more.


    "Stanley!" Jessica gasped, overwhelmed. "Mom, Dad, what am I supposed to do now? Stanley doesn''t want me anymore!" Brittany turned to Horace, confused. "What''s going on? Doesn''t Mr. Hawk love Jessica?"


    Horace shook his head slowly. "No, he doesn''t."


    "If he doesn''t love Jessica, then who does he love? From the way he acted, it seemed like he''s in love with someone."


    "I''ll tell you who he''s in love with," Jessica said quickly. "He''s in love with Wendy!"


    What?


    Stanley was in love with Wendy?


    Brittany froze.


    Horace nodded again. "Yes, Stanley''s in love with Wendy. They were already in love back when they were in Hovendale."


    Brittany hadn''t expected Wendy''s name, but thinking about it, Wendy was smart and graceful; she was hard not to love. Though this revtion caught Brittany off guard, it made sense in a way.


    "Mom, you have to help me! I want to marry Stanley. I must marry him!" Jessica begged.


    Brittany softened. "But he''s in love with Wendy, and I know Wendy well. She''s a wonderful girl, and she deserves to be loved by Stanley. Since they care for each other, we should support them and call off your engagement."


    Jessica was shocked. "What are you talking about? Stanley wants to break our engagement, and if you won''t stand by me, fine. But how could you side with Wendy, an outsider?"


    "Wendy-"


    "Wendy, Wendy! It''s always Wendy with you! Have you forgotten who''s your real daughter? Wendy''s nothing but a seductress! She tricked Stanley into bed!"


    "Jessica!" Brittany''s face went icy, and she sharply cut thetter off.


    Jessica froze. Since Brittany returned, Brittany had never looked at her with such cold eyes.


    Brittany stared at Jessica, her voice hard. "How can you say such things about Wendy? Where is your dignity? You shouldn''t just say words that nder one''s reputation so easily."


    Horace stepped beside Brittany. "She''s right, Jessica. You went too far just now. Wendy isn''t that kind of person."


    Jessica looked at the two standing united, and all hope drained from her heart. Blood was thicker than water-both of them favored Wendy over her.


    She was an outsider.


    "What am I supposed to do now? Stanley wants to call off the engagement! Am I just supposed to ept that humiliation?" Jessica yelled.


    "You just can''t force love," Horace said gently. "I see it clearly now Stanley doesn''t have feelings for you, so we should call it off. There are plenty of talented young men in the Capital. I''ll find someone better, someone who truly loves you."


    "That''s right," Brittany added softly. "Listen to your father and let go of Stanley. Holding onto someone who doesn''t love you will only bring you heartbreak."


    Both Horace and Brittany were encouraging her to give up. They had epted the broken engagement.


    Jessica couldn''t ept it.


    "No! I won''t! How could there possibly be a second Stanley in the whole Capital?


    I''m going to marry him! No one else is good enough for me! Hmph!"


    With that, Jessica turned and stormed off.


    "Jessica!"

 Chapter 745

    Brittany nced at Horace. "Why is Jessica so stubborn? It''s clear that Mr. Hawk doesn''t love her. You can''t force a marriage like


    Horace knew Jessica well. Across the entire Capital, no one could match Stanley. Jessica wanted to marry the most powerful man around, and she wasn''t about to


    give up.


    At first, because Jessica was his daughter, Horace had hoped Stanley would marry her. But three years had passed, and Stanley''s heart had never wayered from Wendy.


    Horace sighed deeply. "I''ll find a time to talk with her."


    Brittany nodded. "Alright. Let''s head back to our room. You twisted your back. I''ll help you put some medicine on it."


    After dinner, Wendy and Be went back to their room, then Wendy bathed Be.


    Be giggled. "Mommy, Mr. Handsome didn''te back after he left today. Is he really busy?"


    Wendy wasn''t sure what Stanley had been up to. "He probably went to thepany. He has a big business, and he has a lot to


    manage."


    Be pouted. "Then he must be really tired."


    Wendy reached out and gently tapped Be''s tiny nose. "Do you only care about Mr. Handsome? What about me? I''m getting jealous."


    "I love you the most..." Be nted a big kiss right on Wendy''s cheek.


    Soon, Wendy wrapped the freshly bathed Be in a soft towel and set her on the bed. "Go and read your storybook for a little while. I''m going to take a bath."


    Be nodded. "Okay."


    Wendy stepped into the bathroom.


    Be opened her storybook just as the bedroom door swung open. Stanley''s tall, strong figure appeared in the doorway. Be''s eyes lit up. "Mr. Handsome, you''re back!"


    Stanley went straight to the room, which was bathed in a soft, warm yellow glow. Be, freshly washed, wore a pale yellow nightgown. She looked like a little bundle of sweetness and softness, smiling up at him so tenderly.


    At that moment, all the exhaustion Stanley had carried from the day melted away. His whole body rxed.


    This was his daughter.


    No wonder the moment he saw Be, he fell for her.


    This was the daughter Wendy had given him.


    Stanley stepped forward and scooped Be into his arms. "What are you doing?"


    "Mommy just gave me a bath, and I''m reading a storybook."


    Stanley heard the gentle rush of water from the bathroom. Wendy was still bathing.


    Stanley smiled softly. "Do you want to head out for some fun?" "Shouldn''t we tell Mommy? She''ll worry if she can''t see me."


    "le keep it a secret for now. If she can''t find you, she''ll call me.


    "Okay."


    Stanley carried Be away.


    When Wendy stepped out of the bathroom, Be wasn''t there. She called out, puzzled, "Be? Be?"


    Be would never wander off. She always stayed quietly on the bed Where had she gone?


    Wendy dropped the towel and hurried out. "Be? Where are you? Please say something! I''ll worry if I can''t see you! Be!"


    At that moment, the maid approached. "Ms. Crone, Mr. Hawk took Miss Be out."


    What?


    Stanley was back?


    And he had taken Be?


    Why did he suddenly take Be like that?


    Wendy felt something was off about Stanley today. He left without exnation, then returned and took Be with him.


    Quickly, Wendy pulled out her phone, found Stanley''s number, and dialed.


    The call connected almost immediately. Stanley''s low, smooth voice came through.


    "Hello."

 Chapter 746

    "Stanley, what are you doing? Why did you take Be away?"


    "Come to my office at thepany. I''ll be waiting for you there."


    "I..." Wendy wanted to refuse.


    It was alreadyte, and thest time she went to his office, things almost got out


    of hand.


    Now Stanley was asking her toe to his office again at night-there was no way


    she was going!


    Stanley didn''t give her a chance to refuse. "Be is here. If you don''te


    tonight, you won''t get to see her!"


    What?


    Wendy''s face changed. "Stanley, what do you mean by that? What do you mean, I


    won''t see Be? She''s my daughter! What are you trying to do?"


    "Is Be only your daughter?" Stanley asked, his voice calm but sharp.


    ? Wendy froze for a moment, suddenly realizing something. She gripped her


    phone tightly. "What exactly are you implying?"


    "You tell me. Are you feeling guilty?"


    "I''m not feeling guilty! What do you mean?"


    "Is Be only your daughter? Who is Be''s father?"


    "What-"


    "I''m waiting for you in my office."


    Stanley clearly didn''t want to talk anymore and hung up immediately.


    Wendy was speechless. Even though she didn''t want to go to Stanley''s office, she


    had no choice. She could tell Stanley must have found out the truth about Be''s


    father.


    She quickly dressed and headed straight to Hawk Group.


    Half an hourter, Wendy arrived at the CEO''s office. She pushed open the door


    and demanded, "Where''s Be?"


    Stanley sat in his chair, waiting. "You''re here."


    "Where''s Be? I want to see her!"


    Stanley grabbed the remote and pulled back the curtains in the lounge area.


    Through therge floor-to-ceilin windows, Wendy saw Be curled up on the big


    bed, already fast asleep.


    Wendy''s anxious heart finally settled, but a flicker of jealousy stirred inside her.


    She hadn''t expected Be to fall asleep so peacefully with Stanley.


    Be clearly liked Stanley-Wendy could see it.


    Stanley stood and walked over to her. "She''s fine. She''s already asleep."


    "I want to go in and take her with me."


    "No," Stanley refused firmly.


    Wendy stared at him. "Be''s my daughter! Don''t I have the right to take my


    daughter with me?"


    Stanley''s lips curved into a faint smile. "Let me ask you again-is Be just your


    daughter?"


    "Do you know something?"


    Stanley pulled out the DNA paternity test report and tossed it to her "See for


    yourself."


    Wendy opened the report and felt her heart sink. So Stanley had already done the


    test.


    "It''s true. Be is your biological daughter," she confessed.


    Stanley stepped closer. "Then why didn''t you tell me before? Why did you lie? I''m


    Be''s father. I have the right to know!" "Jessica''s been by your side all along. I


    didn''t want Be to be a burden to you," Wendy replied.


    At that, Stanley couldn''t say anything.


    "I''m taking Be with me!" Wendy said.


    "No. She''s my daughter, too. I want her!" Stanley argued.


    Wendy''s body trembled. Shocked, she stared at Stanley. "What do you mean?


    Are you trying to fight me for Be? Are you demanding custody?"


    Today''s Bonus Offer

 Chapter 747

    Stanley nodded firmly. "Yes, I want Be. I want full custody."


    A surge of anger red up inside Wendy. Without thinking, she raised her hand, ready to p Stanley''s handsome face. Before she couldnd the p, Stanley grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his arms. "Trying to hit me?"


    Wendy snapped back, "Why do you think you have the right to fight me over Be? I gave birth to her and raised her! You haven''t done a single thing!"


    Stanley lifted her effortlessly and took a few strides before setting her down on his office desk. With both hands nted firmly on he surface, he trapped her in his embrace.


    "Who said I haven''t contributed? If I hadn''t, where would Be havee from? You stole my genes to have this child!"


    Wendy was left speechless. There was no denying it-Be was made from his genes.


    Back then, Cecelia and Halsey had joked that his genes were so good, having a baby with him was definitely a win.


    But Wendy wasn''t about to admit any of that. Not now. She was still too furious. "I don''t want to talk about this!"


    "Then what do you want to talk about? The fact is, Be is my daughter. If we take this to court, do you really think you can beat me? The judge will definitely award custody to me!"


    Wendy''s heart sank. There was indeed a gap between her and Stanley. The judge would always side with whoever seemed better equipped to care for the child.


    Her clear eyes locked on Stanley''s sharp features, and with no other choice, she softened her tone. "Please don''t fight me for Be. She''s my life, a piece of me. If you take her away, what am I supposed to do? For the sake of what we once had, please just let me keep her."


    Stanley studied her softened expression with a sly glint in his eyes. A slow smile curved his lips. "Are you begging me now?"


    Wendy nodded quickly. "Yes. Stanley-I mean, Mr. Hawk-I''m begging you."


    Stanley chuckled. "Is that how you beg? I''m not seeing much sincerity here."


    Wendy bit her tongue, cursing him and his whole family quietly in her mind-except for Be and Ang, of course. Outwardly, she put on her best pitiful face.


    "You''re the most handsome, amazing, and capable man I''ve ever seen. No wonder so many women have fallen for you."


    Stanley raised his brow andughed softly. "Since I''m so amazing and so many women are into me, what about you? Are you


    into me?"


    "O-Of course, I..."


    Wendy realized quickly that whatever she said, she was trapped in a hole she had dug for herself.


    "Let''s just cut to the chase. What exactly do you want?" Her softened expression vanished as her face turned cold again. "If you insist on taking this custody battle to court, then so be it. I''ll fight you to the end. I''m not necessarily going to lose." Reality hit hard.


    Stanley reached out and gently cupped Wendy''s delicate jaw. "Marry me." Marry me.


    Those words exploded in Wendy''s ears. Stanley was asking her to marry him.


    "Let''s get married and give Be aplete family, I''ve been abs father. Marry me."


    Wendy stared at him. "The Hawk and Larson families already hav


    "I already broke off the engagement today. I told Mr. and Mrs. La


    Wendy snorted. "Is that so? Jessica is the richest man''s daughter. change your mind and want to marry the heiress after all? How w


    ¡°Let''s get married and give Be aplete family. I''ve been absent from her life


    all these years, and I believe Be longs for a father. Marry me."


    Wendy stared at him. "The Hawk and Larson families already have an engagement. You''re supposed to marry Jessica!"


    "I already broke off the engagement today. I told Mr. and Mrs. Larson that I would never marry their daughter."


    Wendy snorted. "Is that so? Jessica is the richest man''s daughter. You talk like


    you''re certain now, but what if someday you change your mind and want to marry the heiress after all? How will you exin that?"

 My Dad Please Come 748

    ¡°There will never be that day. I will never marry Mr. Larson¡¯s daughter,¡± Stanley responded without hesitation.


    Wendy shot back, ¡°And I will never marry you.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± Stanley asked.


    Wendy opened her mouth to reply, but Stanley cut her off before she could speak. ¡°I know a lot has happened between us, but you¡¯ve always been the one I¡¯ve loved. I¡¯ve never strayed from that path. Just give me one more chance, and let¡¯s start over, okay?¡±


    <b>¡°</b>¡­¡± Wendy began.


    Before she could finish, Stanley gently grasped her delicate jaw and pressed his lips to hers.


    His kiss silenced everything she wanted to say.


    ¡°Mmmph!¡± Wendy pushed Stanley, trying to shove him away. ¡°Stop! Let me go!¡±


    But Stanley didn¡¯t budge. ¡°I¡¯m not letting go. Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t love me anymore. I know Samuel is just your senior.¡±


    Wendy¡¯s body shivered. She hadn¡¯t expected him to know that.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been with no one else all these years, and neither have you. You still love me, and I love you.¡±


    Her heart softened a bit, but she still said, ¡°I don¡¯t love you!¡±


    ¡°You say that, but your body¡¯s more honest.¡±


    Stanley kissed her fiercely, drinking in her sweetness, then parted her lips with a passionate intensity that rocked her whole


    world.


    Wendy hated herself for it. She wanted to resist Stanley, but her body refused to deny him.


    She still remembered their moments from three years ago with vivid rity¨Ctheir perfect harmony, how they would exhaust each other again and again, soaring to cloud nine.


    She pushed him away. ¡°Don¡¯t!¡±


    Stanley kissed the delicate curve of her ear, then slipped his hand under her jacket, pulling it open to reveal the thin strap of her dress beneath.


    His voice was husky as he teased, ¡°Your body¡¯s giving in already. Don¡¯t lie to me and push me away.¡±


    Wendy felt her cheeks flush as if on fire. Suddenly<b>, </b>she gave in to a new thought. If she couldn¡¯t avoid tonig enjoy it.


    She knew better than anyone that Stanley was an exceptional lover


    Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his lips back, taking the lead.


    ? might as well


    Stanley froze for a moment, thenughter sparkled in his eyes. He felt her soft, fragrant lips press against his, inviting him to dance with her. She even gave him a deep<b>, </b>eager suck.


    Stanley swallowed hard, his eyes burning like they held embers. <b>He </b>pulled Wendy close, grinning.


    ¡°You little enchantress. You¡¯re sucking the soul right out of me!¡±


    Wendy broke the kiss and trailed her lips down to his throat, smiling softly with a hint of seduction. ¡°You seem pretty excited right now.¡±


    Stanley wanted nothing more than to pull her into his bones and never let go.


    Wendy pushed him down into the sleek ck leather office chair. Boldly, she straddled him, settling herself right in hisp.


    Stanley kissed her lips again. ¡°You like it this way?¡±


    Wendy grabbed his cor and pulled him closer. ¡°Yeah. Tonight, I want you.¡±


    Stanley¡¯s lips curled into a sly smile. ¡°What am I to you? Just a tool<b>¡± </b>


    Wendy grinned back. ¡°You¡¯re whatever you think you are.¡±


    Stanley¡¯s gaze buried into her. ¡°Have you missed me thesest three years? Especially on those lonely nights, did you think of me?¡±


    There was a dangerous heat in his eyes, like he could melt her with a single look. Stanley was a bad man, especially in moments like this.


    ¡°I did,¡± Wendy whispered.


    Stanley pressed closer. ¡°What did you think about?¡±


    She kissed his handsome face, clinging to him like a little temptress, her breath soft and teasing at his ear.


    ¡°I thought about eating you up.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 749

    Chapter <b>749 </b>


    Stanley swallowed hard as he realized his little enchantress was back.


    <b>He </b>gripped Wendy¡¯s soft waist firmly. ¡°Such a big appetite, huh? Are you sure you can handle it all?¡±


    Wendy looked at Stanley, the most handsome and powerful man in the entire Capital, somanding and utterly confident. She raised her arms to wrap around his neck and smiled.


    ¡°Only one way to find out.¡±


    Time slipped away, and eventually Stanley carried Wendy to the bed. Her whole body felt like it hade apart at the seams- she waspletely drained, without an ounce of strength left.


    Be slept soundly beneath the covers. Her tiny face, delicate and rosy, looked like a ripe red apple, tempting enough to bite. Wendy leaned down and kissed her daughter gently.


    Just then, Stanley, freshly showered, climbed into bed beside Wendy and wrapped his arms around her.


    Wendy gave him a sidelong nce. ¡°You can¡¯t sleep here. Sleep on the floor or something.¡±


    Stanley pinched her cheek yfully. ¡°Wow, you¡¯re kicking me away after sleeping with me? You were all over me just now!¡±


    Wendy¡¯s eyes shed as she shot him a re. ¡°Get off the bed!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere. Tonight, I¡¯m holding my wife and daughter, and we¡¯ll all sleep together.¡±


    Be curled up on the inside, Wendy in the middle, and Stanley on the outside.


    Looking at the mother and daughter, he felt like his heart was finally full. God only knew how long he had waited for this


    moment.


    ¡°Who¡¯s your wife? Don¡¯t call me that!¡± Wendy snapped.


    Stanley grinned. ¡°You are my wife!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re shameless! Let go of me!¡±


    ¡°No way!¡±


    Stanley flipped over and pinned Wendy beneath him.


    She saw the fiery spark dancing in his eyes. His stamina was off the charts. They had already moved from the fee to the sofa to the shower, and yet here he was, ready to go again!


    Wendy shut her eyes tightly. ¡°I¡¯m sleepy. I want to rest.¡±


    Stanley bent down to kiss her lips. ¡°Okay, then get some sleep.¡±


    He reached out to pull at her nightgown.


    Quickly, Wendy caught his restless hand. ¡°Be¡¯s here! Control yourself!¡±


    ¡°No worries. She¡¯s fast asleep. She won¡¯t know what we¡¯re up to!¡±


    Wendy wanted to smack some sense into this shameless man. ¡°Stanley!¡±


    He kissed her pale ear softly. ¡°Don¡¯t yell. You¡¯ll wake her up.¡±


    Wendy was left speechless<b>. </b>


    The next morning, Wendy was woken by noise.


    <b>She </b>blinked away her sleep and saw Be sitting on the bed, her big, bright eyes like dark grapes fixed on her and Stanley.


    The little girl pped happily. ¡°Wow, Mommy, you¡¯re sleeping together with Mr. Handsome!¡±


    Wendy was nestled in Stanley¡¯s arms. He had just woken up, still holding her gently around the waist.


    Caught by Be¡¯s fimocent gaze, Wendy¡¯s face flushed deep red with embarrassment. She tried to get up.


    ¡°Be¡­¡±


    However, Stanley held her tighter and smiled. ¡°Be, you need to change what you call me. You can¡¯t call me Mr. Handsome anymore, because I¡¯m your daddy now.¡±


    Be¡¯s eyes lit up with joy. ¡°You¡¯re my daddy? Mommy, is that true?¡±


    Wendy didn¡¯t want to hide it from Be<b>, </b>so she nodded. ¡°Yes, Be He¡¯s your daddy.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great! I have a daddy now! Mr. Handsome is my Daddy! From now on, we¡¯ll always be together¨CDaddy, Mommy<b>, </b>and me!¡±


    Stanley scooped up Be and kissed her lovingly. ¡°That¡¯s right. Today, your mommy and I are going to get married officially. From now on, the three of us will never be separated again!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 750

    Wendy looked at Stanley. ¡°We¡¯re getting married today?¡±


    Stanley sat up. ¡°Yes. Last night, you almost drained me dry. Aren¡¯t you going to take responsibility for that?<b>¡± </b>


    <b>What</b>? She drained him dry?


    No way! He was the one¡­acting like some wild beast!


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to get married!¡± Wendy spat¨Cshe had never seriously thought about marrying Stanley <b>again</b>.


    <b>Just </b>then, Be wrapped her arms around Wendy¡¯s neck. ¡°Mommy why won¡¯t you marry Daddy?¡±


    Wendy felt a pang of guilt. For the past three years, Be had longed for a father and aplete family. Wendy felt she had let


    Be down.


    ¡°Be, I-¡±


    ¡°Oh, I get it! Daddy must have done something wrong to make you upset, so that¡¯s why you won¡¯t marry Daddy. Daddy, this is all your fault!¡±


    Wendy couldn¡¯t help but smile. Be really was her little protector, and loved her very much.


    Stanley gazed at Wendy with deep emotion. ¡°Yes, Be, it¡¯s my fault. I made a lot of mistakes before, and made your mommy sad. But now, I want your mommy to give me one more chance. Be, you keep an eye on me¡ªif I mess up again<b>, </b>your mommy can leave me anytime!¡±


    Be looked at Wendy with shining eyes. ¡°Mommy, since Daddy made mistakes, we shouldn¡¯t just let <b>it </b>slide. So please give Daddy one more chance and let him make it right, okay?¡±


    Wendyughed softly. That little rascal was so clever!


    Looking into her daughter¡¯s bright eyes, Wendy didn¡¯t know what to say.


    Stanley squeezed her small hand. ¡°Stop running from your feelings. I know you love me¨CI love you too. We¡¯ve already wasted three years. Let¡¯s start fresh this time. Be my Mrs. Hawk, and I¡¯ll love you and take care <b>of </b>you properly.¡±


    Wendy¡¯s heart softened.


    Even if she didn¡¯t want to admit it, her heart told her she still loved Stanley.


    This was the man she had loved for so many years, and she still loved him.


    And now<b>, </b>they had Be. Maybe getting married wasn¡¯t such a bad dea.


    She opened her mouth to speak, but then came a knock at the door


    Zayn¡¯s voice called from outside, ¡°Mr. Hawk, Mrs. Ang has arrived!¡±


    Ang was here!


    Wendy remembered how Ang had insisted that Stanley marry Jessica<b>, </b>the richest daughter in town. After all, the Hawk and Larson families had been longtime allies, and Ang and Brittany were best friends.


    Would Ang agree to Stanley marrying Wendy?


    Stanley seemed to sense what Wendy was thinking, and held her hand tightly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll talk to my mom. She likes you and Be a lot. She¡¯ll <b>say </b>yes for sure.¡±


    Be loved Ang too, and she beamed. ¡°Mrs. Ang is here! I want to see her!¡±


    Be jumped down from the bed and bounced out of the room.


    Ang was waiting <b>inside </b><b>the </b>CEO¡¯s <b>office</b>. Soon, the lounge door opened<b>, </b>and Be came running out.


    Mrs. Ang!¡±


    Ang quickly <b>crouched </b>down and scooped Be into her arms. <b>¡°</b>Be, what are you doing here? I was so worried when <b>you </b>went missing that I couldn¡¯t sleep<b>, </b>and I came looking for you right <b>away</b><b>!</b>¡±


    Be smiled brightly. ¡°Daddy brought me here.¡±


    Ang froze. ¡°Daddy?¡±


    Be nodded. ¡°Yeah, Mr. Handsome is my Daddy!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 751

    <b>Chapter </b><b>751 </b>


    Ang froze, her <b>face </b>filled with shock.


    <b>Wait</b>¨Cwho did Be say her daddy was?


    Ang thought she must have misheard.


    ¡°Be, did you just say who your daddy is?¡±


    Be¡¯s voice was sweet and innocent. ¡°Mr. Handsome is my daddy And you¡¯re my grandma¡­¡±


    Ang was stunned.


    Just then, Stanley and Wendy stepped out.


    ¡°Mom, you heard right. Be is my biological daughter,¡± Stanley said.


    ¡°What? What¡¯s going on here?¡± Ang eximed.


    Stanley pulled out a DNA paternity test report. ¡°Take a look.¡±


    Ang took the paper and flipped it open. Seeing the results, she confirmed that Be really was Stanley¡¯s daughter


    Now she understood why she cared so much for Be. Be was her real granddaughter! The Hawk family legacy would Continue!


    ¡°Mom, a lot happened between Wendy and me,¡± Stanley said. ¡°Back then, I hurt her deeply. Actually, Samuel isn¡¯t Wendy¡¯s boyfriend¨Che¡¯s just her senior.


    ¡°I know there¡¯s an engagement between the Hawk and Larson families. But yesterday<b>, </b>I went to the Larson family¡¯s residence and officially called it off. I will never marry Mr. Larson¡¯s daughter. I want to marry Wendy.


    ¡°Be is my daughter. I want to give her aplete family. From now on<b>, </b>I will love Wendy and Be with all my heart. I hope you can support me!¡±


    Ang held the DNA report tightly, feeling a surge of emotion. ¡°What are you talking about? Do you think I would try to break you and Wendy apart? Of course, I support your marriage!¡±


    Stanley looked surprised. ¡°Isn¡¯t Mrs. Larson your close friend? I know you want our families to be even closer.¡±


    Angughed and patted her thigh. ¡°You really underestimate me! I know Brittany¡¯s character well. As long as she knows you don¡¯t love Jessica, she won¡¯t force you to marry her.¡±


    She stepped forward and took Wendy¡¯s hand. ¡°So Be is Stanley¡¯s daughter.¡±


    Wendy nodded. ¡°She is. I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t tell you about Be¡¯s background sooner.¡±


    Ang shook her head. ¡°You don¡¯t need to apologize. I¡¯m the one who should be sorry. Three years ago, I was too harsh when I separated you and Stanley. I regret that.¡±


    Wendy smiled softly. ¡°Like I said before, everyone has their reasons to do anything. You did nothing wrong.¡±


    Tears welled up in Ang¡¯s eyes as she nodded.


    ¡°At first, <b>I </b>wanted Stanley to marry Jessica. She¡¯s Brittany¡¯s only daughter, and there¡¯s been an engagement between Hawk and Larson families before they were even born. But as I got to know <b>Jessica</b><b>, </b><b>I </b>saw how selfish and spoiled <b>she </b><b>was</b>. But <b>you</b>, you¡¯re smart and graceful. I¡¯ve changed my mind. Now, I truly hope you¡¯ll be my daughter¨Cinw.¡±


    Wendy¡¯s eyes showed surprise. She hadn¡¯t expected Ang to be on her side.


    ¡°Thank you for giving birth to Be. We love her so much. Please give Stanley a chance. <b>I¡¯ve </b>seen how much he loves you these past few years. Marry him. I¡¯ll help you with Be. You two can be happy and do whatever you want.¡±


    <b>Ang¡¯s </b><b>words </b><b>deeply </b>moved Stanley. ¡°You¡¯ve changed!¡±


    Ang <b>teased</b><b>, </b>¡°Do you think I¡¯m just a stubborn, bitter old woman<b>? </b><b>I </b>have an eye for what¡¯s right and wrong<b>, </b><b>too</b>.<b>¡± </b>


    Be quickly gave Ang a big thumbs¨Cup. ¡°Grandma, you¡¯re awesome<b>.</b>¡°.

 My Dad Please Come 752

    <b>Chapter </b><b>752 </b>


    Ang smiled warmly. She took Stanley¡¯s hand and gently ced together with Wendy¡¯s. ¡°Wendy, for Be¡¯s sake, just give Stanley one more chance¡ªbut if he ever hurts you again, I won¡¯t let it slide.¡±


    ¡°Now I¡¯m starting to wonder whether I¡¯m really your son,¡± Stanley sulked.


    Wendy smiled softly..


    Stanley looked at Wendy, his voice full of hope. ¡°Marry me, Wendy<b>¡± </b>


    Wendy¡¯s heart finally softenedpletely. There was no need to live stuck in the past. They must seize the moment.


    Finally, she nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Stanley immediately pulled her into a tight embrace and spun her around a few times. ¡°That¡¯s great! We¡¯re getting married- and you¡¯ll be mine!¡±


    Be pped her hands happily. ¡°Congrattions, Mommy, Daddy!¡±


    Ang¡¯s smile grew even brighter.


    Stanley and Wendy had decided to get their marriage license today. Since it was a weekday, the courthouse was open.


    Stanley called Wendy, who was busy in her studio when she answered.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t forget what today is, did you?¡± Stanley asked.


    Wendy nodded. ¡°Of course not. Today¡¯s the day we get our marriage license.¡±


    Now that she had decided to remarry Stanley, she was ready to meet him halfway and build their little family together.


    Stanley nced at the time. ¡°I¡¯lle pick you up now.¡±


    Wendy shook her head. ¡°No need. I¡¯m close to the courthouse. I¡¯ll drive myself there. Let¡¯s meet in front of the courthouse.¡±


    Stanley agreed. ¡°Okay.¡±


    After they hung up, Zayn walked in. ¡°Mr. Hawk, there¡¯s an urgent document that needs your signature.¡±


    Stanley smiled, his excitement clear. ¡°Cancel everything on my schedule. I¡¯m getting married today!¡±


    Zayn quickly closed the file. ¡°Congrattions, Mr. Hawk! You and Ms. Wendy are finally tying the knot!¡±


    Stanley raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow, his eyes shining with joy. ¡°You still call her Ms. Wendy? You should change that.¡±


    Zayn didn¡¯t miss a beat. ¡°Mrs. Hawk!¡±


    Stanley stood up. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    He grabbed his car keys, ready to leave.


    But just then<b>, </b>someone walked in¨CJessica. 1


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± she demanded.


    Stanley frowned; he didn¡¯t want to see Jessica, especially on a big day when he and Wendy were about to me things official. Do you need something?¡±


    Zayn quietly stepped out of the room.


    Jessica looked at Stanley with a mix of frustration and hurt. ¡°We¡¯ve known each other for so many years. Why are you being so


    ¡±


    cold to me? I don¡¯t believe you never loved me.¡±


    Stanley¡¯s voice was cold. ¡°I only stayed with you because you pretended to be Wendy. I never loved you. The person I¡¯ve always loved is Wendy.¡±


    Jessica¡¯s hands clenched tightly at her sides, anger and pain twisting inside her. Why was he so heartless?


    Stanley¡¯s gaze hardened. ¡°Actually, you came at the tight time. There¡¯s something I need to tell you¡±


    Jessica narrowed her eyes. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Wendy and I are getting married.¡±


    What?!


    Jessica was stunned, as if struck by lightning. ¡°She agreed to marry you?¡±


    ¡°Yes. She gave me another chance. We¡¯re starting over.¡±


    Jessica never expected that after everything she did, Wendy and Stanley would still end up together.


    ¡°Soon, Wendy will be my wife. Don¡¯te looking for me again. I don¡¯t want to see you, and I definitely don¡¯t want my wife to misunderstand anything,¡± Stanley said coldly. 1

 My Dad Please Come 753

    <b>Chapter </b><b>753 </b>


    Jessica stared at Stanley<b>, </b>her voice trembling with disbelief. ¡°Stanley, are you really going to kick me to the curb?¡±


    Stanley¡¯s tone was sharp and Inal. ¡°Just leave. If you still have any shame left<b>, </b>don¡¯t bother me anymore.¡±


    Without hesitation, he pushed Jessica away without an ounce of <b>mercy</b>.


    +25 <b>BONUS </b>


    <b>Jessica </b>felt utterly hopeless. No matter how hard she tried, Stanley¡¯s heart belonged to Wendy now<b>, </b>and there was no turning <b>back</b>.


    <b>¡°</b>I¡¯m going to meet Wendy We¡¯re getting married today!¡±


    Stanley gripped his car keys and started to walk out.


    Suddenly, Jessica lunged forward and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. ¡°Wait!¡±


    Stanley froze for a moment, then quickly pushed her off. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡±


    Jessica lost her bnce and fell awkwardly to the ground, utterly embarrassed.


    Stanley straightened his cor with a cold expression. <b>¡°</b>Don¡¯te to Hawk Group ever again.¡±


    With that, he walked away.


    Jessica sat on the floor, her eyes icy and venomous as she watched $tanley leave. Just then, her phone buzzed¨Cit was a call from Ida.


    Pressing the button, Jessica answered, ¡°Hello, Ms. Olsen.¡±


    Ida¡¯s voice was calm. ¡°So? Did you manage to nt the Heartchain Curse on Stanley?¡±


    Jessica curled her lips into a confident smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s already done.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good. Once the curse is nted, Stanley will feel unbearable pain whenever he¡¯s near any other woman. He¡¯ll only feel better if he¡¯s close to you. You¡¯ll be his remedy from now on, and he won¡¯t be able to abandon you again.¡±


    Jessica felt a surge of satisfaction. The moment she grabbed Stanley¡¯s neck earlier, she had silently nted the curse without him noticing.


    Now, it would be impossible for him to meet with Wendy and get married.


    ¡°Where did you even learn the Heartchain Curse?¡±


    Ida chuckled. ¡°Now that we¡¯re in this together, I¡¯ll tell you. When I was young, I met a mentor from Coldost. She¡¯s a curse master from there, and I trained under her until I mastered every curse technique she knew.¡±


    Jessica felt a thrill of happiness. The stronger Ida was, the more it worked to her advantage.


    ¡°As long as we work together, there¡¯s no way the Larson family <b>or </b>the Hawk family can stand in our way!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I believe it<b>, </b>too.¡±


    After hanging up, Jessica rose from the floor, no longer afraid. The real show was about to begin.


    Stanley left Hawk Group and climbed into his luxury car. Just then, his phone rang with a call from Wendy


    He answered immediately. ¡°Hey. Where are you now?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m already at the courthouse,¡± Wendy replied.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be there soon, Mrs. Hawk.¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>753 </b>


    <b>Wendy </b><b>smiled </b><b>softly</b><b>. </b><b>¡°</b>Okay, <b>I¡¯ll </b>wait <b>for </b>you.¡±


    <b>Stanley¡¯s </b>heart was full <b>of </b><b>joy</b><b>, </b>and beneath it, a flicker of nervousness. After all, he was finally remarrying Wendy<b>, </b><b>and </b>he <b>worried </b>something might go wrong along the way.


    <b>Luckily</b><b>, </b>everything went smoothly. Wendy was already waiting for him outside the courthouse.


    Stanley was about to start the car when suddenly a sharp pain stabbed <b>at </b>his neck, followed quickly by a pounding headache.


    It <b>felt </b>like his head was about to explode.


    He pressed his hand to his temple, bewildered.


    What was happening? The pain was overwhelming!


    Stanley reached for his phone to call Wendy.


    But as soon as he saw her name on the screen, a fresh wave of stabbing pain hit him. He clutched his head<b>, </b>crying out in pain.


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    Meanwhile, Wendy stood inside the courthouse. Since Stanley said he¡¯d be there soon<b>, </b>she took a number<b>¨C</b>18. There were several couples ahead of her in line.


    Wendy waited patiently, when suddenly her phone rang.


    Halsey was calling.

 My Dad Please Come 754

    Wendy answered the call, and Halsey¡¯s cheerful voice came through. ¡°Are you still in the Capital? Let¡¯s hang <b>out</b><b>!</b>¡±


    <b>¡°I </b>don¡¯t have time today. I¡¯m at the courthouse.¡±


    There was a pause on the other end, then Halsey gasped. ¡°The courthouse?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Wendy said quietly. ¡°Stanley and I are getting our marriage license.¡±


    What?!


    +25 <b>BONUS </b>


    Halsey practically exploded with excitement. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me you were marrying Stanley again? You¡¯ll be my cousin¨C<b>in- </bw now! This is amazing. I always knew you and Stanley belonged together!¡±


    Wendy smiled softly. ¡°Let¡¯s get together another day.¡±


    After Wendy hung up, the courthouse staff called out, ¡°Number 18 Number 18, pleasee forward to register!<b>¡± </b>


    Wendy nced down at the number slip in her hand¨Cnumber 18. It was her turn to marry Stanley.


    She looked outside but saw no sign of Stanley¡¯s tall, strong figure.


    He said he was on his way, so why wasn¡¯t he here yet?


    ¡°Number 18! Is number 18 here?¡±


    Wendy stepped forward quickly. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m number 18.¡±


    The clerk frowned. ¡°Why are you alone? Where¡¯s your fianc¨¦?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, he got held up. You can let the couple behind me go first.¡±


    The clerk raised an eyebrow. ¡°Getting a marriage license is a big deal in life. How could he bete for something like this?¡±


    Wendy felt a chill run through her. She didn¡¯t know why Stanley waste, either.


    ¡°He¡¯s probably busy with work. It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll wait for him.¡±


    The clerk nodded. ¡°Alright. Take a seat. Number 19, pleasee forward.¡±


    Wendy stepped outside the courthouse and dialed Stanley¡¯s number. The phone rang again and again, but no one answered.


    He wasn¡¯t picking up!


    She called a few more times, still no answer. What on earth was he doing?


    Suddenly, a notification popped up regarding messages in their WhatsApp group.


    Cecelia asked in the group, [Wendy, are you really remarrying Mr. Hawk?]


    Halsey replied, [Yes, she¡¯s at the courthouse now. She must have already gotten the license with Stanley!]


    Cecelia grumbled about Stanley. [That guy sure is lucky to have Wendy willing to give him another chance. But this is thest time¨Cif he messes it up again, he won¡¯t be so lucky next time!]


    Halsey added firmly, [Of course. If Stanley lets Wendy down again, I¡¯ll be the first to disapprove.<b>] </b>


    Cecelia continued. [<b>Hey</b><b>, </b>why isn¡¯t Wendy replying?]


    Halsey replied, [She¡¯s probably with Stanley now. Let¡¯s not disturb the newlyweds today.]


    Cecelia relented. [Alright. Wendy, congrattions on getting hitched!]


    <b>Chapter </b><b>754 </b>


    <b>Halsey </b>chimed <b>in</b><b>, </b><b>[</b><b>Wishing </b><b>you </b>both happiness!<b>) </b>


    Wendy read the messages<b>, </b>but didn¡¯t reply. She didn¡¯t know what to say since Stanley still hadn¡¯t shown up.


    Back inside the courthouse<b>, </b>Wendy sat down, determined. Since she had promised to marry him, she would wait here <b>until </b>he


    arrived.


    Hours passed¨Cone hour, two, three, four¡­


    Finally<b>, </b><b>a </b>staff member approached her gently.


    <b>¡°</b>Is your fianc¨¦ showing up? We¡¯re about to close for the day.¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>755 </b>

 My Dad Please Come 755

    <b>Chapter 755 </b>


    They were closing already<b>? </b>


    Wendy stood up, her legs stift from waiting all day at the courthouse for Stanley. People hade and gone around her, but there was still no sign of him.


    She looked at the clerk. ¡°Can I make one more phone call?¡±


    The clerk nodded kindly. ¡°You¡¯ve waited all day. We¡¯ll stay a little longer with you. If he really wants to marry you, he¡¯ll show up. But if he doesn¡¯t, then maybe it¡¯s time to stop waiting.¡±


    Wendy¡¯s voice trembled as she said, ¡°Okay.¡±


    She pulled out her phone and dialed Stanley¡¯s number again.


    The ringing echoed several times, but still no answer. A robotic female voice came through, ¡°Sorry, the number you have dialed cannot be reached at the moment. Please try againter.¡±


    Stanley still wasn¡¯t picking up.


    The clerk asked, ¡°Is heing?¡±


    Wendy shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡±


    Another staff member walked over. ¡°Well, we have to close now<b>. </b><b>The </b>courthouse is locking up.¡±


    Wendy nodded. ¡°Alright, thank you all. I¡¯ll leave now.¡±


    She stepped outside.


    From behind her, she overheard two employees whispering.


    ¡°The poor woman¡¯s been waiting all day! Honestly, the moment her fianc¨¦ waste, I already figured he wouldn¡¯t show. Who¡¯d ever bete to get their marriage license?¡±


    ¡°Exactly! If he¡¯ste for something this important, it means he doesn¡¯t really care about her or want to marry her. She should seriously rethink this marriage.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s so pretty. Her fianc¨¦ sure doesn¡¯t know how lucky he is.¡±


    The two staff members quietly defended Wendy.


    Outside, the cold wind brushed against Wendy¡¯s face, sending a chill through her. Just when she had been ready to leave the past behind and start fresh with Stanley, he doused her hopes with a bucket of icy water, extinguishing every bit of warmth she felt inside.


    Suddenly, a cheerful ringtone sounded. Someone was calling her.


    Could it be Stanley?


    Wendy quickly grabbed her phone, but it wasn¡¯t him. It was Halsey


    She felt a pang of disappointment but answered anyway. ¡°Hey.¡±


    ¡°Hey! Did you get your license? Congrattions!¡±


    ¡°We haven¡¯t gotten the license yet.¡±


    Halsey paused. ¡°You haven¡¯t? Why not? Where are you? I¡¯ming to find you!¡±


    Stanley was still inside his luxury car when a sharp pain shot through his head, like it was about to explode. Soon, everything


    <b>went </b><b>ck</b><b>. </b>


    When he opened his eyes again, darkness had fallen outside.


    He sat up slowly, his face pale. He had no idea what was wrong with his body, or why he suddenly had this pounding headache.


    But right now<b>, </b>none of that mattered. Today was supposed to be the big day when he and Wendy got their marriage license. But now<b>, </b><b>it </b>was already night. The whole day was gone.


    Where was Wendy now? Was she still waiting for him at the courthouse?


    Stanley started the engine and sped off<b>, </b>his car weaving quickly through the streets toward the courthouse.


    Half an hourter, he arrived and hurried out of the car. ¡°Wendy? Wendy!¡±


    There was no sign of her outside.


    The courthouse doors were locked tight. Stanley pounded


    Soon<b>, </b><b>a </b>staff member appeared and looked at him.


    ¡°Hello. What are you doing here?¡±


    on them. ¡°<b>Is </b><b>anyone </b>in there? Please, someone!¡±


    Pler 756

 My Dad Please Come 756

    <b>Chapter </b><b>756 </b>


    +25 <b>BONUS </b>


    Stanley¡¯s voice was urgent. ¡°You¡¯ve already closed for <b>the </b>day? <b>I </b>had an appointment with my fianc¨¦e to get our marriage license today<b>!! </b>


    The clerk nodded. ¡°We closed a while ago. Is your fianc¨¦e a fair skinned, pretty youngdy?¡±


    The staff remembered Wendy well.


    Stanley nodded. ¡°That¡¯s her! She¡¯s my fianc¨¦e.¡±


    The clerk gave him a stern ok. ¡°Well, you really deserve a scolding! Your fianc¨¦e waited for you all day inside the courthouse, and you never showed up. Getting your marriage license is a big deal. How could you just leave her hanging like that?¡±


    Waited for him all day¡­?


    Stanley¡¯s worry deepened. ¡°I got held up with something today.¡±


    ¡°We closed, and your fianc¨¦e left. You¡¯ll have to go find her yourself.¡± ¡°Alright. Thank you.¡±


    Stanley dashed outside, then turned and jumped into his luxury car


    He grabbed his phone. His missed calls list was full¨Cdozens of calls from Wendy, all unanswered.


    He wanted to p himself. How could he have made Wendy wait an entire day? How could he miss the chance to get their marriage license? How could he ignore all those calls from her?


    Without hesitation, Stanley called Wendy back.


    The ringing tone echoed endlessly, but no one answered.


    ¡°Wendy, please pick up¡­ Come on, pick up!¡±


    Still nothing.


    Wendy didn¡¯t answer.


    A cold weight settled in Stanley¡¯s chest. He had fought so hard for this chance, and now he had missed it.


    He tried calling again, but suddenly a sharp<b>, </b>unbearable pain exploded in his head.


    At that moment, Jessica appeared<b>, </b>stepping close beside him. ¡°Hey, Stanley.¡±


    He looked at her, startled. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Jessica smiled slightly. ¡°I¡¯m here to find you. Wherever you are, that¡¯s where I¡¯ll be.¡±


    ¡°Go away!¡±


    Stanley tried to push her aside, but the headache hit him again<b>, </b>stronger than before.


    Jessica didn¡¯t expect the Heartchain Curse from Ida to be this brutal¨Cit was worse than poison. She quickly reached out to steady him, her voice full of concern. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you down with something?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me. Stay away!¡±


    He struggled to push her away, but then, as if by magic, the stabbing pain began to ease the moment Jessica w <ol><li>ar. </li></ol>


    Jessica studied Stanley carefully. ¡°You look pale¨Cyou must be sick Let me take you to the hospital.¡±


    Stanley shoved her away. ¡°I don¡¯t need your help! I have to find Wendy!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b>756


    <b>He </b><b>took </b>a <b>few </b>steps forward<b>, </b>but the headache crashed down on hi again.


    <b>Whenever </b>he thought about finding Wendy, the pain surged.


    But as long as Jessica stayed by his side, the pain would fade.


    Jessica¡¯s <b>lips </b>curled into a determined smile. ¡°You have to take care of yourself. Stop trying to find Wendy. I¡¯ll take you <b>to </b><b>the </b>hospital.¡±


    Stanley¡¯s eyes glistened with tears. ¡°No! I have to find her!¡±


    He had to exin everything to Wendy. She inust be heartbroken since he didn¡¯t show up at the courthouse. He couldn¡¯t let her <ol><li>be. </li></ol>


    He had to find her!


    Fighting through the stabbing pain, Stanley took firm steps forward, but the headache quickly returned, fiercer than ever.


    His head felt like it was about to explode.


    His vision darkened, and with a heavy thud, he copsed to the ground. 4

 My Dad Please Come 757

    Chapter <b>757 </b>


    Wendy and Halsey arranged to meet at a fancy restaurant. They sattogether in a luxurious private room, and Halsey handed Wendy the menu.


    ¡°You waited at the courthouse all day¨Cyou must be starving. Go ahead and order whatever you want.¡±


    Wendy didn¡¯t hesitate. She flipped through the menu and picked out a few dishes.


    <b>¡°</b>What exactly happened today? Why didn¡¯t Stanley show up at the courthouse?¡± Halsey asked.


    Wendy shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I called him, but he never answered.¡±


    With a sharp p, Halsey pounded the table. ¡°This is ridiculous! Stanley stood you up? <b>I¡¯ll </b>call him right now to find out what¡¯s going on!¡±


    She immediately pulled out her phone and dialed Stanley¡¯s number. The ringing tone sounded clearly, but no one picked up


    Halsey sighed in frustration. ¡°Why won¡¯t he answer? What the hell is he doing today?¡±


    Just then<b>, </b>the waiter brought their food, and Wendy quietly began to eat.


    Halsey said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry! I¡¯ll make sure Stanley gives you an exnation.¡±


    Wendy was still puzzled by Stanley¡¯s behavior. He was the one who wanted to get married, but he didn¡¯t show up. Even if he was busy, he could have at least answered the phone or sent a message.


    Halsey studied Wendy¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯m not trying to defend Stanley, but this isn¡¯t like him. Maybe something happened to him.¡±


    Wendy froze for a moment, the utensils in her hand halting mid¨Cair.


    Something happened to Stanley¡­?


    After waiting all day at the courthouse, feeling disappointed and down<b>, </b>the idea suddenly seemed possible.


    Stanley was the kind of man who would talk to her if he changed his mind about getting married. This wasn¡¯t his usual way of doing things<b>. </b>


    Wendy looked at Halsey. ¡°Besides, his phone has been unreachable all day. That almost never happens.¡±


    She pulled out her phone. ¡°I¡¯m going to call the Hawk family¡¯s old residence and check with Mrs. Ang and Be to see if he¡¯s home.¡±


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Good idea.¡±


    Wendy dialed the number.


    Ang and Be were ying in the living room of the old family home. Be was bubbling with joy. ¡°Grandma<b>, </b>Daddy and Mommy should be married by now, right?¡±


    Ang smiled affectionately and kissed Be on the forehead. ¡°Yes, they¡¯re definitely married by now. From today onward, the three of you will always be together.¡±


    Be, with a childlike innocence<b>, </b>corrected her, ¡°Not three¨Cfour, actually.¡±


    Ang blinked in surprise. ¡°Four? Does that mean your mommy is expecting another baby?¡±


    Be covered her mouth to hide a giggle. ¡°No, she isn¡¯t pregnant. mean the four of us includes you<b>, </b>Mrs. Ang!¡±


    Ang was genuinely stunned. She hadn¡¯t expected Be to mean <b>her</b>.


    Be hugged Ang tightly. ¡°Grandma, you<b>, </b>me, Daddy, and Mommy¡ªwe¡¯re a family of four and we¡¯ll never be apart. When I grow up, I¡¯ll take good care of you.¡±


    Ang¡¯s heart melted <b>at </b>Be¡¯s warmth. <b>Her </b>life had been lonely one failed marriage was enough to ruin her world. That unhappy engagement had marked the start of her painful journey. Her patience had been shaped by solitude; she was used <b>to </b>being alone<b>. </b>


    But now<b>, </b><b>as </b>she was held in Be¡¯s small arms, hearing such heartfelt words about love and care, tears quickly blurred her eyes.


    Healing wasn¡¯t so hard after all. She had found love.


    Ang hugged Be tightly. ¡°I love you very, very much too¡­¡±

 My Dad Please Come 758

    Chapter <b>758 </b>


    As Ang and Be shared a tender moment, the phone suddenly ang in the living room.


    Ang quickly let go of Be. ¡°Be, the phone¡¯s ringing. I have to take this.¡±


    Be¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement. ¡°Do you think it¡¯s Daddy or Mommy calling?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s find out.¡±


    Ang picked up the call, and almost immediately, Wendy¡¯s voice came through. ¡°Mrs. Ang, it¡¯s me.¡±


    ¡°Wendy! Have you and Stanley gotten your marriage certificate yet? If you have, you should start calling me Ang!¡± Ang said happily.


    There was a pause.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t gotten the certificate yet,¡± Wendy replied.


    ¡°What?¡± Ang was stunned. ¡°Why haven¡¯t you two gone through with it? Didn¡¯t you say you were getting married today?¡±


    Wendy¡¯s voice dropped. ¡°Stanley didn¡¯t show up.¡±


    Ang¡¯s voice tightened with anger. ¡°That boy<b>¡­ </b>Is he out of his mind? Why wouldn¡¯t he go?¡±


    ¡°I tried calling him, but I couldn¡¯t get through. Has hee home?¡±


    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t seen him.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s really strange. I can¡¯t reach him, either. Do you think something happened to him?¡±


    Ang¡¯s tone grew serious and alert. ¡°He¡¯s been set on marrying you. He wouldn¡¯t just bail without a good reason. Maybe something did happen. Don¡¯t panic. I¡¯ll have someone check into it right away and get back to you.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Wendy said quietly.


    Without hesitation, Ang called for the butler. ¡°Go find out what Stanley is doing and where he is right now!¡±


    The butler nodded. ¡°Right away.¡±


    Five minutester, he returned, rushing in. ¡°I have bad news! Mr. Hawk has had an ident!¡±


    Ang jumped to her feet. ¡°What happened?¡±


    Be¡¯s small voice trembled. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Daddy?¡±


    The butler answered, ¡°I¡¯ve just confirmed that he¡¯s been admitted to the hospital.¡±


    What?!


    Meanwhile, Wendy and Halsey remained in the private dining room. Halsey asked, ¡°Did Aunt Ang send someone to check?¡±


    Wendy nodded. ¡°Yes. I believe she¡¯ll call back soon.¡±


    No sooner had she finished speaking than her phone rang¨Cit was Ang.


    Wendy immediately answered. ¡°Hi, have you found out where Stanley is?¡±


    ¡°Something happened to Stanley¨Che¡¯s in the hospital!¡±


    What?


    Wendy sprang up. Why would Stanley be in the hospital?


    Halsey stood up too, concern shing in her eyes. ¡°How did he end up in the hospital? What happened?¡±


    ¡°Mrs. Ang, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m heading to the hospital right now to see what¡¯s going on.¡± Wendy ended the call and looked at Halsey. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but let¡¯s reschedule. Stanley¡¯s in the hospital, and I have to get there.¡±


    Halsey grabbed her bag immediately. ¡°I¡¯ming with you.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Wendy and Halsey rushed to the hospital as fast as they could. In the corridor, Wendy approached a nurse. ¡°Excuse me, can you tell me which room Stanley Hawk is in?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Hawk? He¡¯s in the VIP ward, Ward 405,¡± the nurse replied.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Wendy dashed toward Ward 405, Halsey close behind. ¡°Wendy, try not to worry. I think he¡¯ll be okay.¡±


    Wendy reached the door of Ward 405 and pushed it open. ¡°Stanley..¡±


    The next moment, Wendy¡¯s voice caught in her throat.


    Standing inside the room was Jessica.

 My Dad Please Come 759

    Chapter <b>759 </b>


    Wendy froze at the doorway,pletely unprepared for the sight before her.


    Jessica was sitting on the edge of the hospital bed. Stanley, dressed in his patient gown,y there still unconscious. Jessica reached out, gently caressing Stanley¡¯s handsome face, her gaze lingering with a strange, intimate warmth.


    Halsey¡¯s voice broke the silence. ¡°Jessica, what are you doing here<b>¡± </b>


    Jessica turned and saw Wendy and Halsey standing at the door.


    She stood up immediately and walked over to Wendy, curling her lips into a sly smile.


    ¡°What a surprise to see you here! Today¡¯s supposed to be the day Stanley and you get married, but he¡¯s been with me all along. You must have been waiting at the courthouse the whole day, huh? Honestly, I kind of feel sorry for you.¡±


    Halsey opened her mouth to speak, but Wendy stopped her with a nce. Wendy fixed Jessica with a cold stare. ¡°You¡¯ve been with Stanley the whole day?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jessica said with <b>a </b>casual shrug. ¡°We¡¯ve known each other for years. He¡¯s always had a ce for me in his heart. You¡¯re not jealous, are you?¡±


    Now, Wendy understood Brittany¡¯s feelings perfectly. Love and engagement¨Cthose were narrow spaces that could only hold two people. Any third party would stand out like a sore thumb, especially when that third party was a sworn enemy.


    Wendy let out a coldugh. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not jealous.¡±


    With that, she turned away without a hint of emotion and left the room.


    Halsey¡¯s eyes zed with anger as she red at Jessica.


    ¡°You really are everywhere, aren¡¯t you? You can¡¯t be happy unless you¡¯re interfering in someone else¡¯s rtionship. You¡¯re a shameless homewrecker!¡±


    After throwing the insult, Halsey stormed off.


    Jessica¡¯s face flushed with fury. ¡°What did you just call me?¡±


    But Wendy and Halsey were already gone, leaving Jessica to simmer in her anger alone.


    Wendy¡¯s expression had been so calm<b>, </b>so unreadablepletely unlike what Jessica had expected. She had thought Wendy would break down, get jealous, maybe evensh out like a furious woman. But Wendy¡¯s reaction was mild, like she didn¡¯t care, and that made Jessica even more furious.


    Just then<b>, </b>Stanley stirred and opened his eyes.


    Jessica quickly turned back to him. ¡°Stanley, you¡¯re awake!¡±


    Stanley looked pale as he scanned the room and then sat up slowly<b>. </b>¡°How did I end up in the hospital?¡±


    Jessica answered, ¡°You fainted outside. I brought you here.¡±


    Suddenly, the pounding headache Stanley had been feeling came rushing back. But with Jessica there, somehow the pain du..


    Wendy¡­!


    Stanley pushed the covers aside and swung his legs over the bed. ¡°I have to find Wendy!¡±


    He was going to look for Wendy again.


    But Jessica wasn¡¯t worried. She smiled softly. ¡°She already came by earlier.¡±


    What?


    ¡°She cante by? Where is she now?¡°.


    ¡°She saw me here in the room and left. I think she wasn¡¯t very happy.¡±


    <b>Stanley </b>knew Wendy must have misunderstood. Even if she hadn¡¯t any woman left waiting at the courthouse and then seeing her fianc¨¦ with another woman would definitely be upset.


    He had to find Wendy and exin everything!


    <b>¡°</b>I¡¯m going to find her.¡±


    Stanley hurried out of the room and into the corridor, but suddenly <b>a </b>sharp pain struck him, and his head throbbed again fiercely.


    He leaned against the wall, gasping for breath.


    Jessica hurried <b>after </b>him. ¡°Are you okay? You should rest¨Cyou have to take care <b>of </b>yourself.¡±


    Stanley¡¯s keen senses picked up on the strange feeling in his body. His deep eyes sharpened<b>, </b>locking onto Jessica¡¯s face.


    Jessica shifted ufortably. ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡±


    Stanley shook his head. ¡°No reason.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 760

    <b>Chapter </b><b>760 </b>


    After saying that, Stanley turned and went back to his hospital room.


    Jessica followed closely behind. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to go after Wendy?¡±


    Stanley definitely nned to, but not right now. He already felt something was seriously wrong with his body. First, he needed to figure out what was going on.


    Back in the room, Stanley called the doctor over.


    The doctor stood respectfully at the bedside. ¡°Mr. Hawk.¡±


    Stanley looked at him and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with me? Why do keep getting these splitting headaches? It feels like my head is about to explode.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve run all the tests. ording to the results, your body is perfectly healthy. There are no signs of any problems,¡± the doctor replied.


    No problems at all?


    Then why did his head hurt so badly?


    The doctor passed him the test results. ¡°Please take a look. This is your brain CT scan¨Cit¡¯s perfectly fine.¡±


    Stanley¡¯s confusion deepened. He had a crushing headache, but the tests showed nothing wrong.


    ¡°Maybe you¡¯ve been pushing yourself too hardtely. You should get some rest. I¡¯ll stay by your side,¡± Jessica spoke up gently.


    Stanley nced at her. ¡°You¡¯ll stay by my side?¡±


    Jessica nodded confidently. ¡°Yes. Wendy carries bad energy. Every time you chase after her, you end up with a pounding headache and feeling faint. But I¡¯m different. I¡¯m your good luck charm. As long as I¡¯m with you, everything will be fine.¡±


    Stanley thought about it. Every time he thought about Wendy or got near her, the headaches came crashing down.


    But whenever Jessica was around, the pain vanished.


    He studied Jessica quietly, saying nothing.


    Deep down, however, Jessica was still a little afraid of Stanley. Seeing him stare at her like that, she felt uneasy and rubbed her face nervously. ¡°Is there something on my face?¡±


    Stanley¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°Why did youe to see me today? It seems like every time I get into trouble, you show up right on time. Isn¡¯t that a little too coincidental?¡±


    Jessica¡¯s lips pulled into a smile. ¡°That¡¯s because I love you. No matter where you go, I want to follow. I want to be by you forever.¡±


    Suddenly, Stanley reached out and grabbed Jessica¡¯s arm, yanking it hard.


    <b>le </b>


    Caught off guard, she stumbled forward and crashed one knee awkwardly against the hospital bed. She winced and looked up at him with fear. ¡°What are you doing? You¡¯re hurting me!¡±


    Stanley¡¯s gaze darkened. ¡°Did you do something to me? Did you tamper with me somehow?¡±


    Had he figured it out?


    Jessica panicked, but forced herself to stay calm. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about! How could I possibly mess with you? I


    never even had the chance!¡±


    Stanley looked deep into Jessica¡¯s eyes, his expression unreadable, as if hiding some secret thought.


    Just then, the hospital room door opened. Angel came in with B


    Ang¡¯s eyes quicklynded on Jessica, and she frowned. ¡°What


    Jessica stood up. ¡°Mrs. Ang, hello.¡±


    At that moment, Be ran over and threw herself into Stanley¡¯s a sudden? Are you feeling sick? I¡¯m so worried about you¡­¡±


    Seeing his daughter, Stanley¡¯s lips curled into a gentle smile. He


    ¡°I¡¯m fine! I¡¯ll be okay. I still have to watch you grow up healthy an


    Just then, the hospital room door opened. Ang came in with Be<b>, </b>her voice tense. ¡°Stanley, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Ang¡¯s eyes quicklynded on Jessica, and she frowned. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Jessica stood up. ¡°Mrs. Ang<b>, </b>hello.¡±


    At that moment, Be ran over and threw herself into Stanley¡¯s arms. ¡°Daddy, what¡¯s wrong? Why are you in the hospital all of a sudden? Are you feeling sick? I¡¯m so worried about you¡­¡±


    Seeing his daughter, Stanley¡¯s lips curled into a gentle smile. He kissed Be on the forehead.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine! I¡¯ll be okay. I still have to watch you grow up healthy and happy.¡®

 My Dad Please Come 761

    Be nodded softly. ¡°Then you have to get better really soon, Daddy<b>.</b>¡±


    <b>Jessica¡¯s </b>expression darkened as she looked at Be. Now that Be had acknowledged her bond with Stanley, the thought <b>of </b><b>this </b>little obstacle standing between her and Stanley gave her a headache.


    But <b>Jessica </b>figured once she had Stanley firmly in her grasp, she had her own ways to handle this nuisance.


    Ang nced at Jessica. ¡°It¡¯s good you¡¯re here today. There¡¯s something I need to tell you.¡±


    Jessica slipped her arm through Ang¡¯s and said sweetly, ¡°I¡¯m sorry aboutst time. My mother scolded me when she came back, and I¡¯ve learned my lesson. I promise I won¡¯t do anything that extreme again. Honestly, I did what I did because I love Stanley so much. My mom is close friends with you, and she said marrying me to Stanley would put her mind at ease. Our families would be even closer.¡±


    Jessica was smart¨Cshe knew exactly how to y the emotional card<b>, </b>using Ang¡¯s friendship with Brittany to try to shut Ang down.


    But Ang stepped back, gently pushing Jessica away. ¡°The engagement between the Hawk and Larson families is off.<b>¡± </b>


    Jessica stiffened. ¡°What¡­¡±


    Ang¡¯s voice was firm. ¡°You heard it yourself¨CBe is the daughter Wendy had with Stanley. Stanley loves Wendy. They¡¯ve already registered their marriage today. In my heart, Wendy is my daughter¨Cin¨C<bw</b>.¡±


    She continued, ¡°As for your mother, I¡¯ll speak to her personally. I¡¯m sure Brittany won¡¯t force a loveless marriage.¡±


    Jessica¡¯s anger boiled over, and she could feel her teeth grinding. Ang hadpletely taken Wendy¡¯s side.


    Wendy had won over everyone!


    ¡°But Mrs. Ang,¡± Jessica protested, ¡°Stanley and Wendy didn¡¯t actually register their marriage today!¡±


    What?


    Ang paused, surprised, and turned to Stanley. ¡°Didn¡¯t you and Wendy go to the courthouse to register your marriage today?¡±


    Stanley pressed his thin lips together. ¡°I suddenly felt unwell and didn¡¯t make it there.¡±


    Ang frowned. ¡°What a strange coincidence that you got sick just as you and Wendy were about to register your marriage.¡±


    Yes, truly a strange coincidence!


    Stanley let out a coldugh, wondering the same thing himself.


    Be¡¯s small voice piped up. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Daddy. You just need to rest and get better. Then, you can go to the courthouse with Mommy and get married.¡±


    Stanley kissed Be on the forehead. ¡°You¡¯re such a sweetheart.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay here and take care of you,¡± Ang said.


    Stanley shook his head. ¡°No need. You should take Be back home. My secretary is already on the way.¡±


    Ang nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Jessica jumped in eagerly, ¡°Mrs. Ang<b>, </b>I¡¯ll stay here and take care of Stanley!¡±


    ¡°No. You have to <b>leave </b>with me,¡± Ang insisted, pulling Jessica along.


    Jessica froze. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving! Why do you want me to go?¡±


    ¡°If you stay here and Wendy sees you, she¡¯ll definitely misunderstand. I don¡¯t want you to make Wendy unhappy.¡±


    <b>Jessica </b><b>was </b>speechless<b>. </b>She was furious; Ang Had never treated Her this well before<b>. </b>This was pure favoritism!


    <b>Jessica </b>looked at Stanley. ¡°You want me to stay and take care of you, right?¡±


    Stanley paused for a few seconds<b>, </b>then said, ¡°Mom<b>, </b>you take Be and leave. Let Jessica stay.¡±


    Ang was stunned. ¡°What¡­¡±


    She wanted to argue, but when she caught Be¡¯s big, round eyes looking up at her<b>, </b>she swallowed her words.


    C

 My Dad Please Come 762

    hapter 762


    Chapter <b>762 </b>


    Be was still very young and didn¡¯t understand theplicated world of adults. Ang didn¡¯t want to say these things in front of the child.


    ¡°Be, your daddy needs to rest properly now. Come on<b>, </b>I¡¯ll take you home,<b>¡± </b>she said.


    Be kissed Stanley softly. ¡°Daddy<b>, </b>I¡¯m leaving now. Make sure to rest early<b>, </b>okay?¡±


    Stanley hugged Be again. ¡°I¡¯m going to miss you.¡±


    With that, Ang took Be away.


    Now<b>, </b>the hospital room was left with just Stanley and Jessica.


    Jessica sat down beside the bed. ¡°I¡¯m really d you let me stay.¡±


    This felt like a promising start.


    Stanley looked at Jessica. ¡°I don¡¯t know why, but I feel better when you¡¯re with me.¡±


    Jessica smiled. ¡°That¡¯s because you love me. There¡¯s still a ce for me in your heart. You were just blinded by Wendy.¡±


    Stanley raised an eyebrow. ¡°Is that so?¡±


    Jessica nodded confidently. ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    Stanley said, ¡°Then stay here with me.¡±


    Jessica¡¯s heart soared. Finally<b>, </b>she could be close to Stanley.


    Just then, Zayn rushed in. ¡°Mr. Hawk, are you okay?¡±


    Stanley nced at Jessica. ¡°Go get me a ss of water.¡±


    Jessica brightened. ¡°Sure. It¡¯s a little cold in here, so I¡¯ll go get some warm water.¡±


    She left the room.


    Zayn looked puzzled. ¡°Mr. Hawk, why did you let Ms. Jessica stay here? If Mrs. Hawk finds out, she¡¯ll be furious!¡±


    Stanley knew Wendy was already upset, but he wasn¡¯t able to see her now because of his condition. He couldn¡¯t drag her into danger as well. He had to figure out what was wrong with himself first.


    ¡°Starting now, have someone follow Jessica around the clock. See who she meets with,¡± Stanley instructed.


    Zayn blinked. ¡°Are you suspecting something?¡±


    Stanley was silent for a moment. ¡°I think she has something to do with my condition.¡±


    ¡°What? She would dare to do such a thing? Why not catch her red¨Chanded, then?¡±


    ¡°Whenever I get close to Wendy, my head feels like it¡¯s being cracked open,¡± Stanley exined, ¡°but when Jessica¡¯s around, I feel better. Knowing Jessica as I do, she¡¯s not that capable. I think there¡¯s someone behind the scenes. I want to find out who that person is.¡±


    Zayn nodded in understanding. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll have someone keep a close eye on Ms. Jessica.¡±


    ¡°Even the cleverest criminal will be careless. We¡¯ll just wait <b>for </b>Jessica to slip up.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    ¡°By the way, where¡¯s Wendy now?¡± Stanley asked.


    <b>¡°</b><b>She¡¯s </b><b>with </b>Ms. <b>Halsey</b><b>. </b><b>She¡¯s </b><b>safe</b><b>.</b>¡±


    Knowing Wendy <b>was </b>with <b>Halsey</b><b>, </b>Stanley finally felt some relief. Once he handled this situation<b>, </b>he would exin everything to Wendy properly. 1


    <b>Just </b><b>then</b><b>, </b><b>Jessica </b>returned. ¡°I got you warm water.¡±


    She poured <b>a </b>cup of water and handed it to him.


    Stanley reached out and took it. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Jessica smiled gently. Then a soft<b>, </b>melodic ringtone sounded. She pulled out her phone and saw it was Ida calling.


    She nced at Stanley. ¡°I¡¯m going to take this call.¡±


    Stanley nodded. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    Jessica stepped outside and pressed the button to answer. ¡°Hello<b>, </b><b>Ms. </b>Olsen.¡±


    Ida asked, ¡°Any progress with Stanley?¡±


    2


    ¡°I actually angered Wendy so much that she walked off!¡± Jessica said. ¡°They didn¡¯t register their marriage. Stanley also let me stay here with him.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s with Ms. Halsey. She¡¯s safe.¡±


    Knowing Wendy was with Halsey, Stanley finally felt some relief. Once he handled this situation, he would exin everything to Wendy properly. 1


    Just then, Jessica returned. ¡°I got you warm water.¡±


    She poured a cup of water and handed it to him.


    Stanley reached out and took it. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Jessica smiled gently. Then a soft, melodic ringtone sounded. She pulled out her phone and saw it was Ida calling


    She nced at Stanley. ¡°I¡¯m going to take this call.¡±


    Stanley nodded. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    Jessica stepped outside and pressed the button to answer. ¡°Hello<b>, </b>Ms. Olsen.¡±


    Ida asked, ¡°Any progress with Stanley?¡±


    <i>¡± </i>


    ¡°I actually angered Wendy so much that she walked off!¡± Jessica said. ¡°They didn¡¯t register their marriage. Stanley also let me stay here with him.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 763

    Chapter <b>763 </b>


    Jessica reported all her findings from the day to Ida.


    Ida nodded with satisfaction. ¡°Good. Now that you have this Hearhain Curse, Stanley won¡¯t be able to leave you.¡±


    Jessica smiled, feeling hopeful but nervous. ¡°About the Heartchain Curse, there¡¯s no chance it¡¯ll suddenly stop working, right? I finally have a chance to stay close to Stanley, and I¡¯m really scared of losing him.¡±


    Idaughed softly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s a powerful curse. Stanley won¡¯t get better unless he¡¯s with you forever.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Thank you so much.¡±


    ¡°No need to thank me. Ourmon enemies now are Wendy and Brittany. I won¡¯t let either of them off the hook!¡±


    In the hospital room, Zayn approached Stanley quietly. ¡°Mr. Hawk, Jessica just stepped out to take a <b>call</b>. I overheard a bit¨Cshe was talking to someone named Ms. Olsen.¡±


    Ms. Olsen?


    Ida?


    Could Ida really be the mastermind behind this?


    Stanley pressed his lips together<b>, </b>uncertain. He knew who Ida was an orphan who had grown up alongside Horace. Did she really have that much power?


    Could Ida be hiding some secret?


    ¡°Mr. Hawk, what should we do now?¡±


    ¡°I suspect Jessica and Ida are working together<b>, </b>but I don¡¯t know their exact n yet. It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll test Jessica and find out.¡±


    ¡°How do you n to do that?¡±


    Stanley smirked. ¡°By turning them against each other.¡±


    Watching Stanley¡¯s confident expression<b>, </b>Zayn felt nervous for Jessica. For her to y tricks on Stanley himself was pretty/ reckless<b>. </b>


    Just then<b>, </b>the hospital room door opened and Jessica walked in. <b>¡°</b>I¡¯m back.¡±


    Stanley looked at her. ¡°Are you done with the call? Who was it?¡±


    Jessica already had an excuse ready. She smiled. ¡°It was my mom.


    Stanley smiled back. ¡°What did Mrs. Larson say?¡±


    ¡°She asked how things are going between us. The Hawk and Larson families have been close for generations, and our moms are best friends. Of course, she hopes I¡¯ll marry you soon,¡± Jessica replied.


    Jessica looked at Stanley with hopeful eyes.


    Stanley didn¡¯t answer directly but said with a grin, ¡°Thanks for staying by my side. How about this¨CI¡¯m free tomorrow, <b>so </b><b>I¡¯ll </b>take you out to dinner.<b>¡± </b>


    <b>Jessica¡¯s </b>eyes lit up. ¡°Really? I can¡¯t wait!¡±


    Stanley nodded<b>. </b><b>¡°</b><b>I¡¯ll </b>see you tomorrow.¡±


    <b>Jessica </b>returned to the Larson family home. Horace and Brittany saw her, and Brittany stepped forward, concerned. ¡°Where have you been?¡±


    ¡°I went to see Stanley. I¡¯ve been spending time with him.¡±


    Brittany froze for a moment. ¡°What? You¡¯ve been with Stanley? Thest time he came to the Larson family, he made things very clear. Your dad and I want you to find someone who truly loves youand can make you happy. You should give up on him.¡±


    Jessica cut her off before she could say more. ¡°Stanley asked me out to dinner tomorrow.¡±


    Brittany blinked in surprise. ¡°He asked you to dinner? What exactly does he want?¡±


    Horace furrowed his brow. ¡°Why would Stanley ask you out?¡±


    Jessica smiled proudly.


    It didn¡¯t matter if Horace and Brittany didn¡¯t support her¨Cshe had Ida on her side, and with that, she could get Stanley.


    ¡°His heart has always been with me. If he¡¯s asking me to dinner, it means he wants to be with me!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 764

    ¡°But¡­¡±


    Horace and Brittany weren¡¯t sure about this.


    ¡°I¡¯m tired,¡± Jessica interrupted. ¡°I¡¯m going back to my room to rest. I need to get a good night¡¯s sleep so I can have a proper date with Stanley tomorrow.¡±


    With that, Jessica headed back to her room.


    Brittany frowned deeply. ¡°What exactly is Stanley ying at? He just came to break off the engagement, and now he¡¯s tangled up with Jessica again. What is he trying to do?¡±


    Horace clenched his jaw. ¡°I¡¯m calling him.¡±


    He pulled out his phone and dialed Stanley¡¯s number.


    The phone rang with a clear, melodious tone before Stanley¡¯s low, smooth voice came through.


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Larson.¡±


    Horace¡¯s voice was cold. ¡°Stanley, what game are you ying?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what you mean.¡±


    ¡°Jessica just came home and said you asked her out to dinner tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°You came over to call off the engagement, saying you wanted to be with Wendy. We respected that. But now, you¡¯re tangled up with Jessica again. You¡¯re going back and forth between two women. What are you trying to do? Do you think this is fair to Wendy?¡± Horace said.


    Brittany¡¯s voice was sharp with disapproval. ¡°Wendy is a good woman. If you care about her, then be with her wholeheartedly. Don¡¯t keep stirring things up with Jessica. This kind of behavior hurts all three of you.¡±


    Stanley listened silently to their usations before replying, ¡°Mr. Larson, do you really know what kind of person Ida is?¡±


    Horace was taken aback. ¡°Why are you bringing Ida into this?¡±


    Stanley answered calmly, ¡°This isn¡¯t something I can exin in a few words. Just know I have my reasons for what I¡¯m doing. Come over tomorrow, and you¡¯ll understand the truth.¡±


    With that, Stanley ended the call.


    Brittany looked at Horace. ¡°What does he mean by that?¡±


    Horace shook his head. ¡°We¡¯ll find out tomorrow.¡±


    Jessica slept soundly and woke up early to get ready. It had been a long time since she and Stanley had gone out on a date, and she wanted to look dazzling enough to outshine Wendy.


    She slipped into a custom¨Cmade dress and twirled in front of the mirror, pleased with how she looked. Then, she grabbed her phone and dialed Stanley¡¯s number.


    The phone rang over and over, but no one answered.


    Stanley wasn¡¯t picking up.


    Why wouldn¡¯t Stanley answer? Had he changed his mind?


    Panic crept in, and Jessica¡¯s nerves shot through the roof. <b>She </b>refused to believe he would back out. Frantically, she called again and again.


    Just as she was about to give up<b>, </b>the call finally connected. Stanley¡¯s casual voice floated through the receiver. ¡°Hey.¡±


    Hearing his voice calmed her instantly. ¡°<b>I </b>called you so many times. Why didn¡¯t you answer? You scared me!¡±


    Stanley smiled faintly. ¡°What are you worried about?¡±


    ¡°We agreed to have dinner together today. I was afraid you¡¯d stand me up.¡±


    ¡°How could I? I remember we¡¯re having dinner today.¡±


    ¡°Thene pick me up now. I¡¯m all ready.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still caught in a meeting. You should head over by yourself first.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 765

    Chapter <b>765 </b>


    Stanley told Jessica to head to the restaurant by herself first.


    Jessica froze for a moment. She had wanted Stanley toe pick her up¨Cthat was part of the whole romantic ritual of a date.


    ¡°Can¡¯t youe get me? 1-¡±


    But Stanley cut her off. ¡°I¡¯ve already had someone reserve a t¨¢blem in an important meeting, so go there and wait for me. Be good.¡±


    He ended with the words ¡°be good¡°,manding and dominant.


    Jessica, who had a soft spot for strong personalities, felt a shiver run down her spine. Without hesitation, she agreed. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll head over first. Make sure you get there early!¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Jessica left, having the driver take her to the restaurant.


    Q


    A waiter greeted her warmly. ¡°Ms. Larson, wee. Your table is ready. Please follow me to the VIP section.¡±


    The waiter led Jessica to a VIP seat by the window, where the view outside was stunning. Jessica smiled with satisfaction.


    ¡°Ms. Larson, would you like something to drink?¡±


    ¡°Start me off with a cup of coffee. I¡¯ll order more when Mr. Hawk arrives.¡±


    ¡°Very well. I wish you two a wonderful date,¡± the waiter said sweetly.


    Jessica felt delighted. When the coffee arrived, she lifted the cup gracefully and began to sip.


    Just then, a familiar voice called out.


    ¡°Jessica?¡±


    It was Halsey. She had alsoe to the restaurant and spotted Jessica.


    Jessica looked up and smiled. ¡°Ms. Halsey! What a coincidence¨Cseems like we keep running into each other everywhere.¡±


    Halsey was there with Madeline, but Madeline hadn¡¯t arrived yet, so Halsey came in alone.


    Yesterday, Stanley had promised Wendy they would go to the courthouse to get married, but he stood her up. Wendy then caught Stanley and Jessica together in the hospital room. Later, Halsey took Wendy home.


    This morning, Wendy was busy at the hospital<b>, </b>so Halsey brought Madeline out for a meal.


    Halsey snapped, ¡°You make it sound like I wanted to run into you. People like you, who steal someone else¡¯s identity and maliciously interfere in other people¡¯s rtionships, disgust me. You¡¯re scorned by society. If I were you, I¡¯d hide and never show my face again!¡±


    Halsey¡¯s sharp tongue was just like Wendy¡¯s, and it infuriated Jessica.


    In retaliation, Jessica sneered, ¡°It¡¯s not my fault Wendy can¡¯t keep her own man. Let me tell you the truth¡ªI¡¯m here because Stanley invited me to dinner.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Halsey frowned. ¡°Stanley asked you out?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. You heard me! Stanley wants to go on a date with me¡±


    Halsey¡¯s anger boiled over. In her mind<b>, </b>she cursed Stanley countless times for how he treated Wendy. Why was he doing this to her?


    ¡°You¡¯re a big, fat liar! I don¡¯t believe Stanley would ever ask you out. You¡¯re trying to trick <b>me</b><b>, </b>but I won¡¯t fall for it!¡±


    Seeing Halsey¡¯s fierce disbelief<b>, </b>Jessica only grew more smug. ¡°Well, I¡¯m not lying. If you don¡¯t believe me,e sit across from me and see for yourself when Stanley shows up and proves you wrong.¡±


    *Deep down, Halsey refused to believe Stanley could be such a fickle man. She epted the challenge without hesitation. ¡°Fine!


    Today, we¡¯ll see who ends up eating their words.¡±


    Halsey took the table directly across from Jessica, her eyes locked on thetter.


    Jessica¡¯s red lips curved into a confident smile. She couldn¡¯t wait to see Halsey get utterly humiliated!

 My Dad Please Come 766

    Chapter <b>766 </b>


    Halsey pulled out her phone and sent a WhatsApp message to Wendy. [Wendy, are you there?]


    Wendy had just returned to Halsey¡¯s house after performing surgery at the hospital, and she was there to pick up her bag.


    Her phone buzzed with the iing WhatsApp message from Halsey.


    Wendy replied, [I¡¯m at your ce. What¡¯s up?]


    [Huge news<b>, </b>urgent news! I just saw Jessica at the restaurant!]


    The name ¡°Jessica¡± made Wendy¡¯s delicate fingers tremble slightly. Her mind immediately shed to Stanley.


    Before Wendy could respond, another message came through. [I¡¯m at the restaurant, and Jessica says Stanley invited her here for dinner!]


    What?


    Wendy froze. Stanley invited Jessica out for dinner?


    Yesterday, he had promised to go to the courthouse with her to get married; today, he was dining out with Jessica. What on earth was going on?


    Halsey continued, [What do you think Stanley¡¯s up to? If he really is having dinner with Jessica today, I¡¯m done with him! I don¡¯t want a douchebag cousin like that.]


    Wendy could sense Halsey¡¯s fury, but kept her calm. [Go ahead and eat first.]


    She put down her phone, her mind swirling with Stanley¡¯s handsome face. Honestly, she didn¡¯t understand what he was trying to do either.


    Suddenly, the doorbell rang with a clear ¡°ding¨Cdong¡°.


    Who could it be at this hour?


    Wendy got up and walked over to open the door.


    At the restaurant, Jessica had already finished three cups of coffee.


    A waiter approached her. ¡°Ms. Larson, would you like another cup <b>of </b>coffee?¡±


    Jessica¡¯s expression had darkened. She had been waiting here for a whole hour, but Stanley still hadn¡¯t shown up. There wasn¡¯t a trace of him anywhere.


    The waiter suggested, ¡°Maybe you should call Mr. Hawk and <b>see </b>if he¡¯sing.¡±


    A coldugh came from across the table. Halsey, who had been waiting with Jessica for an hour, also hadn¡¯t seen Stanley.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say Stanley invited you here? Then why hasn¡¯t hee? You¡¯ve been waiting for an hour already.¡±


    Jessica¡¯s face turned ashen. At first, she was sure Stanley woulde, and she was ready to watch Halsey get proven wrong.


    But now, Stanley hadn¡¯t appeared, and the dynamic between Jessica and Halsey was shifting.


    Halsey had been waiting to see Jessica humiliated and to prove her wrong.


    It was infuriating.


    Jessica¡¯s mood soured. She red at the waiter<b>. </b><b>¡°</b>What do you mean? You think Mr. <b>Hawk </b><b>isn¡¯t </bing?¡±


    The waiter wiped cold sweat from his forehead. ¡°N¨CNo, that¡¯s not what I meant.¡±


    Jessica¡¯s nerves were on edge. ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me! It¡¯s exactly what you meant!¡±


    ¡°Cut it out, Jessica!¡± Halseyughed, cutting her off. ¡°Don¡¯t make things hard for the waiter. He wasn¡¯t implying anything. Why don¡¯t you call Stanley yourself and see if he¡¯sing?¡±


    Jessica clenched her teeth. Stanley had invited herst night. Now that he had been influenced by the Heartchain Curse, he couldn¡¯t be away from her. There was no way he wouldn¡¯te.


    ¡°Fine,¡± she said sharply. ¡°Just you wait! I¡¯m calling him right now to make hime here!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>767 </b>

 My Dad Please Come 767

    <b>Chapter </b><b>767 </b>


    Halsey curled her lips into a sly smile. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be right here watching. Go ahead and call him already!¡±


    It was clear she was ready for some entertainment.


    Jessica was confident. She couldn¡¯t believe that Stanley would suddenly bail on her, especially when he was under the Heartchain Curse.


    She pulled out her phone and dialed Stanley¡¯s number, her eyes locked on Halsey with a victorious glint. ¡°Keep your eyes peeled. I¡¯m gonna prove you wrong in a minute!¡±


    The phone rang, over and over, yet no one answered.


    Soon, a cold, mechanical female voice came through the line. ¡°Sorry, the number you have dialed cannot be reached at the moment. Please try againter.¡±


    Stanley wasn¡¯t picking up.


    Why wasn¡¯t he answering?


    Panic flickered in Jessica¡¯s eyes as she quickly redialed his number, again and again<b>, </b>but each call went unanswered.


    Slowly, her heart sank into an abyss of despair.


    Stanley wasn¡¯t picking up!


    Last night, he had promised to meet her here for dinner, but now, there was no sign of him. ¡¤


    What the hell was he doing?


    Just then, a softugh escaped from across the table.


    Halsey had been watching Jessica¡¯s face closely; now that it had turned pale and cold, she knew exactly what was happening.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Why hasn¡¯t Stanley shown up yet? You said you were calling him. What did he say? Is he on his way?¡± Halsey teased, her tone merciless and unrelenting.


    Looking at the smile spreading across Halsey¡¯s face<b>, </b>Jessica dug her nails into her palm<b>, </b>but she couldn¡¯t feel the pain.


    ¡°Why so quiet? You¡¯re dressed so pretty today. I¡¯m guessing it¡¯s all for Stanley. Oh¡­ Stanley¡¯s noting, is he? Oh<b>, </b>no¡­ He stood you up and isn¡¯t even answering your calls! This time, he really went too far. Hahaha!¡±


    Halsey burst intoughter.


    She loved seeing Jessica squirm. Deep down<b>, </b>she trusted Stanley¡¯s character. She couldn¡¯t believe he¡¯d be two¨Ctiming, though she still didn¡¯t understand why he was tangled up with Jessica again.


    However, Jessica refused to give up. She kept calling Stanley¨Cbut no matter how many times she tried, the calls went unanswered.


    Disappointment settled heavily on her. She knew Stanley wasn¡¯t going to answer, but she couldn¡¯t make sense of what stunt he <b>was </b>pulling.


    At that moment, Halsey pulled out her phone. ¡°Since he¡¯s not answering your calls, I¡¯ll try calling him. Let¡¯s see if he picks up for me.¡±


    <b>Jessica¡¯s </b><b>face </b>darkened. ¡°Fine! Let¡¯s see if he answers you.¡±


    Halsey dialed the number, and <b>once </b>again, the ringtone sounded clearly, but no one answered. Stanley ignored Halsey¡¯s <b>call</b>, too.


    This time, a soft chuckle came from Jessica.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t pick up your call either, huh? That exins it. He must e busy. He¡¯s probably in a meeting<b>, </b><b>so </b>he can¡¯t answer his phone. Since he asked me on a date today, I¡¯m sure he¡¯sing!¡±


    *Halsey¡¯s lips curved into a teasing smirk. ¡°I admire your confidence. I think the real reason he isn¡¯t answering us is because he¡¯s


    with someone important.¡±


    ¡°Someone important? Who do you mean?¡°.


    ¡°Stop pretending you don¡¯t know who I¡¯m talking about. Fine, I¡¯ll spell it out for you. That important person is Wendy. I bet Stanley¡¯s with her right now!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 768

    Stanley was with Wendy?


    Jessica¡¯s face flickered for a moment before she quickly shook her head. ¡°You¡¯re wrong! Stanley would never be with Wendy!¡± ¡°What makes you <b>so </b>sure?¡±


    Well, Stanley was under the Heartchain Curse! Every time he got near Wendy, he¡¯d be wracked with a pounding headache.


    Of course, Jessica never told Halsey about the curse. Instead, she just smiled confidently and said, ¡°<b>I¡¯ll </b>bet you anything Stanley¡¯s not with Wendy.¡±


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s bet. If Stanley isn¡¯t with Wendy, I¡¯ll have <b>to </b>call you Your Highness<b>¡®</b><b>.</b>¡±


    ¡°Okay, if Stanley is with Wendy, I¡¯ll call you ¡®Your Highness¡®.¡±


    The two made their bet: Whoever lost would address the winner as ¡®Your Highness.¡±


    Halsey grabbed her phone again. ¡°It¡¯s time to find out the truth. <b>I¡¯m </b>calling Wendy right now.¡±


    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll be sitting right here waiting. You¡¯d better be ready to call me ¡®Your Highness¡®!¡±


    Halsey dialed Wendy¡¯s number. The phone rang twice before being answered, and Wendy¡¯s clear voice came through.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    ¡°Hey, guess who I¡¯m with? Jessica! Stanley invited her to dinner today, but he never showed up. Now Jessica and I made a bet, and I bet that Stanley¡¯s with you. So, is he there with you?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ Ah!¡± Wendy suddenly gasped.


    Halsey jumped to her feet, clutching the phone tightly. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    She heard Wendy¡¯s voice in the background, panicked and strained ¡°Stanley, what are you doing? Let me go¡­¡±


    Halsey¡¯s eyes lit up; Stanley really had gone to Wendy, and they were together right now.


    ¡°You¡¯re with Stanley, aren¡¯t you-¡±


    Before she could finish, the line went dead with two quick beeps, then the busy signal.


    Jessica stood up, staring at Halsey in shock. ¡°What did you just say? Stanley¡¯s really with Wendy?¡±


    Halsey smirked. ¡°Yup. You heard it yourself. They¡¯re together right now.¡±


    Jessica felt like she had been pushed off a cliff. She couldn¡¯t understand why Stanley had stood her up only to be with Wendy instead.


    What she couldn¡¯t understand even more was how Stanley¨Cnow under the Heartchain Curse¨Ccould still be with Wendy. It was unbelievable!


    She knew how powerful the Heartchain Curse from Coldost was. She just couldn¡¯t believe it had no control over Stanley.


    Halsey stepped closer. ¡°Remember our bet? You lost. Now it¡¯s time to call me ¡®Your Highness¡®.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t!¡± Jessica snapped, her emotions boiling over. ¡°No way! I don¡¯t believe Stanley is with Wendy. You¡¯re just trying to trick


    me!¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t believe it until you see it yourself, huh? If you don¡¯t trust me, I¡¯ll take you there,¡± Halsey taunted.


    ¡°Take me there?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Seeing is believing. Once you see them together with your own eyes, we¡¯ll see what you have to say then.¡±


    Jessica clenched her fists. She really didn¡¯t believe it.


    ¡°Fine! Let¡¯s go now. I won¡¯t take your word for it. I need to see it myself!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 769

    <b>Chapter </b><b>769 </b>


    ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s go right now!¡±


    Jessica stood up, following Halsey as they headed out together.


    Wendy was inside her vi when she opened the front door to find a tall, handsome figure standing there¨Cit was Stanley.


    Why was he here? Wasn¡¯t he supposed to be having dinner with Jessica?


    He hadn¡¯t gone to the courthouse to get their marriage license twoys ago. During hadn¡¯t looked for her, or even offered an exnation.


    the past two days, he hadn¡¯t contacted her,


    No matter how much Wendy trusted Stanley¡¯s character, she couldn¡¯t help but feel some resentment. She didn¡¯t want to see him


    now<b>. </b>


    Wendy reached out, intending to close the door and


    ut Stanley out.


    But Stanley pressed his hand firmly against the door<b>, </b>stopping it from closing. He looked at Wendy and pleaded, ¡°Please don¡¯t close the door.¡±


    Wendy¡¯s clear eyes met his handsome face. ¡°Mr. Hawk,


    What are you doing here?¡±


    Stanley smiled faintly. ¡°You¡¯re back to calling me Mr. Hawk? That sounds so distant. We¡¯re supposed to get married.¡±


    The nerve of him to bring that up!


    Wendy stared at him. ¡°Yes, we were, but you never showed up, remember?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Please let me exin.¡±


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯m giving you a chance now. Fire away.¡±


    ¡°Please let me in. I¡¯ll exin everything once I¡¯m inside.¡±


    Wendy hesitated for a moment, then opened the door and let Stanley in.


    They moved to the living room, where Stanley reached out and gently took hold of Wendy¡¯s arm. ¡°Are you angry at me?¡±


    Her expression was cold. ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±


    Stanley raised an eyebrow. ¡°But you look angry. You waited for me all day at the courthouse, didn¡¯t you? And I didn¡¯t show up. That¡¯s why you¡¯re angry.¡±


    Inside, Stanley felt pleased. Wendy being angry at him meant she still cared, that she loved him deeply.


    Despite all the years and hardships, their hearts had never truly drifted apart.


    Wendy looked at Stanley. ¡°Do you find this funny? Do you enjoy toying with


    me like this?¡±


    Stanley shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m not ying games. I had my reasons for not going to the courthouse that day.¡®


    ¡°What reasons? Tell me.¡±


    Stanley paused, unsure how to exin<b>, </b>as he still hadn¡¯t figured out the full truth himself.


    His silence only made Wendy angrier. ¡°If you have nothing to say, then you can leave now.¡±


    She began gathering her things.


    That was when Stanley noticed something on the table. He quickly picked it up.


    ¡°<b>What¡¯s </b>this<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>He looked closely¨Cit was two ne tickets. ¡°You¡¯re nning to leave?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°<b>Yes</b><b>. </b>I¡¯m taking Be with me<b>.</b>¡±


    If he didn¡¯t want to get the license and marry her, then she had no reason to stay. Letting him in earlier was her giving him <b>a </b>chance<b>, </b>and giving herself a chance for them to be together.


    Yet, he said nothing. So now, she was leaving the Capital with Be


    Stanley¡¯s voice grew firm. ¡°You can¡¯t take Be away. I won¡¯t allow it!¡±


    Wendy smiled bitterly. ¡°Be reasonable. Why can¡¯t Be and I leave Now, please leave. I heard you had dinner ns with Ms. Larson. You shouldn¡¯t keep her waiting.¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>770 </b>

 My Dad Please Come 770

    <b>Chapter </b><b>770 </b>


    <b>Chapter </b>770


    Wendy turned to leave, but just then, her phone rang. It was Halsey calling.


    Wendy answered¨Cshe barely spoke two words before Stanley snatched the phone from her hatid.


    ¡°What are you doing? Please give me back my phone!¡±


    Stanley pressed a firm hand onto Wendy¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m not going to let you take Be away. Do you hear me?¡±


    Wendy pulled back, her voice steady. ¡°You have no right to decide where I go! Be and I are free.¡±


    Stanley wasn¡¯t about to let Wendy leave with Be, not after he almost lost them once. He refused to lose them again.


    He wanted to say more, but a sudden, searing pain exploded in his head, sharp and unbearable. His face went pale. Even though he had taken painkillers beforeing, the stabbing ache was far worse than he expected.


    Wendy pushed Stanley away, gently but firmly. ¡°If you won¡¯t leave then I will.¡±


    She tucked the two ne tickets into her bag, slung it over her shoulder, and started walking out.


    ¡°No, don¡¯t go!¡±


    Stanley rushed forward and wrapped his arms tightly around her from behind.


    The closer he got, the worse the pounding in his head became, tearing through him. But he didn¡¯t want to let go. He buried his handsome face deep in her long hair, rubbing against it with a desperate affection.


    Despite the pain, he felt a twisted kind of joy.


    ¡°Please let go of me!¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t! Don¡¯t take Be away from me¨CI can¡¯t lose you!¡±


    A


    Suddenly, Stanley pushed Wendy down onto the sofa and leaned over her<b>, </b>cupping her face with both hands as he kissed her fiercely.


    ¡°Mmm!¡±


    Wendy immediately raised her hands to press against his strong chest. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me. Let go!¡±


    But Stanley kissed her with all his strength, as if trying to swallow the sweetness of her mouth like a violent storm, hoping it would dull his pain.


    At that moment, a luxury car pulled up outside the vi. Halsey stepped out, followed by Jessica.


    Halsey smiled. ¡°We¡¯re here. Stanley and Wendy are inside.¡±


    Jessica looked at the vi. ¡°I don¡¯t believe they¡¯re together! Let¡¯s go in and see for ourselves.¡±


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll open the door.¡±


    Halsey entered the code and swung the door open. The two women walked inside together.


    Soon<b>, </b>they spotted Stanley and Wendy. Stanley was pinning Wendy down on the sofa, kissing her passionately. The scene w intense, almost intoxicating.


    Halsey quickly covered her eyes. ¡°They just can¡¯t keep their hands off each other, can they?¡±


    Jessica froze, disbelief flooding her face. She couldn¡¯t believe what she was seeing¨CStanley was really with Wendy, and they were entangled in <b>a </b>passionate embrace.


    How? How could this be? Hadn¡¯t Stanley been under the Heartchain Curse? He wasn¡¯t supposed to touch Wendy!


    Halsey nced at <b>Jessica</b><b>. </b>¡°See? <b>They¡¯re </b>together.¡±


    <b>Jessica¡¯s </b>heart plummeted. She stepped forward. ¡°Stanley, what are you doing with Wendy?¡±


    Hearing Jessica¡¯s voice, Wendy shuddered<b>, </b>and she pushed Stanley away swiftly. ¡°Let go of me!¡±


    This time, Stanley didn¡¯t resist and released her.


    Wendy sat up, but Stanley immediately reached out and pulled herback into his arms.


    He looked up at Jessica. ¡°Can¡¯t you see what <i>f </i>


    doing?¡±

 My Dad Please Come 771

    ***<b>+</b><b>25 </b><b>BONUS </b>


    <b>Jessica </b>stared at Stanley<b>, </b><b>her </b>voice trembling. ¡°W Why are <b>you </b>with her again?<b>¡± </b>


    Stanley pulled Wendy closer with <b>a </b>smile. ¡°I¡¯ve always been with Wendy. We¡¯re actually nning to get married.<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°But¡­ Didn¡¯t you ask me out to dinner?¡±


    Stanley raised a sharp brow. ¡°Oh, that. I was just saying it offhand even forgot about it myself. You took it seriously? Did you wait at the restaurant all day?¡±


    Jessica¡¯s face drained of color<b>; </b>she hadn¡¯t expected Stanley to say something like that. It was clear that he was toying with her, purposely humiliating her.


    A stifledugh escaped Halsey. She nced at Jessica and said, ¡°Now you¡¯ve seen it with your own eyes and heard it yourself. Stanley doesn¡¯t have feelings for you. Wendy¡¯s always been the one he loves.¡±


    Jessica looked at Stanley, her voice barely steady. ¡°Is that true?<b>¡± </b>


    Stanley¡¯s head throbbed painfully. His hand tightened quietly on Wendy¡¯s delicate shoulder as he gathered all his strength to fight the sharp pain. He couldn¡¯t let it show on his face, especially not to Jessica.


    He kept his expression calm. ¡°Why ask when you already know? You know the one I¡¯ve always loved is Wendy.¡±


    Wendy looked up at Stanley.


    Jessica¡¯s limbs went cold; her whole body felt numb. ¡°But¡­ Don¡¯t you feel unwell when you¡¯re with Wendy?¡±


    Stanley¡¯s eyes shed with a cold sharpness. ¡°What do you


    mean?


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    Jessica suddenly realized she was about to slip up. She couldn¡¯t say anything about the Heartchain Curse.


    Yet, Stanley didn¡¯t seem affected at all.


    Had the Heartchain Curse lost its power?


    Jessica decided she needed to find Ida right away. Without another word, she turned and walked away.


    Just then, Halsey called after her, ¡°Wait!¡±


    Jessica stopped, turning sharply. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget our bet. It¡¯s clear you lost. You owe me something. You need to call me ¡®Your Highness¡®!¡±


    Jessica¡¯s hands clenched into fists at her sides. She refused to say it


    ¡°Don¡¯t think you can get out of this! I recorded our whole bet. If <b>you </b>try to back out, I¡¯ll release it. Then all the socialites in the Capital willugh at you,¡± Halsey went on.


    Jessica couldn¡¯t believe Halsey actually recorded it. She had thought about denying it, and hadn¡¯t expected Halsey to be so prepared.


    ¡°Are you going to lose face in front of the socialites, or will you call me ¡®Your Highness¡®? Your choice.¡±


    Jessica squeezed her fists tighter, then reluctantly muttered, ¡°Your Highness.¡±


    Halsey grinned. ¡°What was that? I didn¡¯t hear you! You must be too hungry from waiting all day at that restaurant to <b>say </b>it properly.¡± 1


    Jessica, furious, raised her voice this time. ¡°Your Highness!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s better!¡± Halsey replied quickly.


    <b>Jessica </b><b>snorted </b><b>and </b><b>turned </b><b>on </b>hier heel, <b>storming </b>off. Halsey ma <b>Stanley </b>watched <b>Jessica </b><b>leave</b>, then pulled his hand away from <b>V </b><b>Stanley </b>lowered his gaze to meet Wendy¡¯s clear, concerned eyes


    His face was pale. ¡°I¡­¡±


    Just then, Halsey came over. She noticed his pained expression.


    <b>Jessica </b><b>snorted </b><b>and </b>turned on her lieel, <b>storming </b><b>off</b>. Halsey made face af lier retreating back.


    <b>Stanley </b><b>watched </b><b>Jessica </b>leave, then pulled his hand away from Wendy¡¯s shoulder. However<b>, </b>Wendy <b>grabbed </b>his <b>hand </b>firmly.


    <b>Stanley </b>lowered his gaze to meet Wendy¡¯s clear, concerned eyes<b>. </b>She asked softly<b>, </b>¡°What¡¯s wrong<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    His face <b>was </b>pale. ¡°I¡­¡±


    Just then, Halsey came over. She noticed his pained expression. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you feeling unwell<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>

 My Dad Please Come 772

    Without hesitation, Wendy pressed her fingers against Stanley¡¯s wrist and checked his pulse.


    Stanley tried to pull his hand away, but she held firm. ¡°Don¡¯t move<b>¡± </b>


    Almost immediately, Wendy furrowed her brows, concern flickering across her face.


    Halsey noticed and asked, ¡°Why are you frowning? What¡¯s wrong with Stanley?¡±


    Thest thing any patient would want is for the doctor to look worried.


    Wendy nced at Stanley. ¡°Tell me what¡¯s going on with you?¡±


    Stanley confessed, ¡°I don¡¯t even know what¡¯s wrong, but I¡¯m certain it¡¯s all because of you.¡±


    ¡°Because of Wendy? What do you mean?¡± Halsey asked, confused.


    Stanley looked down, his voice low. ¡°When I¡¯m not near you<b>, </b>I feel normal. But as soon as I get close, my head feels like it¡¯s splitting apart. Remember that day we were supposed to go to the courthouse to get married? I didn¡¯t skip on purpose. I suddenly got this terrible headache, and then I cked out. By the time I woke up and rushed over to find you, you were already gone.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°What? So that¡¯s what happened! Wendy, what¡¯s wrong with Stanley?¡±


    Wendy¡¯s expression grew serious. ¡°I think he¡¯s been cursed by the Heartchain Curse.¡±


    ¡°The Heartchain Curse?¡±


    ¡°Exactly. It¡¯s a witchcraft curse from Coldost. That¡¯s why Stanley can¡¯t be near me.¡±


    ¡°Coldost witchcraft? How could Stanley have fallen victim to a curse by a Coldost witch? Who would do something like that to him?¡±


    Wendy looked Stanley in the eye. ¡°You¡¯ve already got a suspect, haven¡¯t you?¡±


    Stanley gave a slight nod. ¡°You guessed it?¡±


    Wendy¡¯s lips curled into a knowing smile. ¡°You deliberately asked Jessica out for dinner, only to stand her up and make sure she saw us together. You gave her hope and disappointed her so that she¡¯d feel terrible. She¡¯s your suspect<b>, </b>isn¡¯t she?¡±


    ¡®Stanley raised an eyebrow. Wendy was sharp¨Cshe had it all figured out.


    Smart people didn¡¯t need many words to get things across. Wendy understood himpletely.


    She immediately pulled out a silver needle. ¡°I¡¯m going to give you a quick needle treatment to ease the pain.¡±


    Carefully, Wendy inserted the needle into Stanley¡¯s temple. ¡°Feeling any better now?¡±


    Her soft hand rested gently on his head. Looking into her tender, caring eyes, Stanley melted into her embrace, burying his handsome face in the softness of her hair.


    ¡°As long as you¡¯re here, the pain¡¯s gone.¡±


    Wendy hesitated for a moment. She knew exactly how agonizing the Heartchain Curse could be. She wrapped her arms around him tightly. ¡°You¡¯re such an idiot.¡±


    ¡°I know you waited at the courthouse all day for me. I¡¯m sorry¨CI really am,¡± Stanley said quietly.


    Wendy smiled softly. ¡°You could have told me.¡±


    ¡°The headache came on so suddenly and violently. I was scared you¡¯d get dragged into danger<b>, </b>so I didn¡¯t want to risk telling you.¡±


    <b>¡°</b><b>I¡¯m </b>stronger than you think. No matter what happens, you have to tell me right away. Whatever challengese our way<b>, </b>we <b>should </b>face them together.¡±


    Stanley nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Please<b>, </b>save the lovey¨Cdovey forter,¡± Halsey interjected<b>, </b>sounding impatient. ¡°There¡¯s no doubt about it¨CJessica¡¯s behind this. But how could she possibly have ess to witchcraft from Coldost<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Wendy and Stanley stepped apart.


    Stanley pressed his lips together. ¡°She must have someone working behind the scenes.¡±


    ¡°Who do you think it is?¡±


    Stanley and Wendy exchanged a look.


    ¡°We¡¯ll find out when we get there.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 773

    <b>Chapter </b>773


    <b>Chapter </b>773


    Halsey looked puzzled. ¡°Get where? Where exactly are we going?¡±


    Stanley and Wendy rose to their feet.


    Wendy¡¯s lips curled into a small smile. ¡°Juste with us, and you¡¯ll understand.¡±


    Stanley took Wendy¡¯s hand in his as they headed out, and Halsey hurried to keep up. ¡°Wait for me!¡±


    Jessica raced to the Saville Vi¨CIda¡¯s new home since she moved out of the Larson family¡¯s estate. The vi had been a gift from Horace, situated in a famous, wealthy neighborhood where every inch ofnd was priceless.


    Jessica pressed the doorbell repeatedly, her urgency making the chime ring over and over.


    Soon, a majd hurried to open the door. ¡°Coming<b>, </bing! Why the rush¡­ Ms. Larson!¡±


    When the maid recognized Jessica, her expression turned respectful.


    Jessica strode inside without hesitation. ¡°Where¡¯s Ms. Olsen?¡±


    There was no sign of Ida in the living room. ¡°Is she upstairs? I¡¯ll check.¡±


    The maid quickly stepped in front of Jessica. ¡°Ms. Olsen is taking a milk bath upstairs, and we¡¯ve prepared lobster bisque for her. She doesn¡¯t want to be disturbed right now, so


    Jessica¡¯s eyes sharpened. ¡°So what? Am I not allowed upstairs?¡±


    The maid lowered her head, unable to reply.


    Jessica¡¯s frustration boiled over.


    Here she was, on fire with urgency, while Ida was upstairs indulging in beauty treatments and enjoying life.


    Horace truly spoiled Ida¨Cat least materially. After leaving the Larson family¡¯s estate, Ida moved into this luxurious vi,plete with maids to cater to her every need. She was living morefortably than anyone else.


    Jessica said firmly, ¡°I have something very important to discuss with her. I¡¯m going upstairs!¡±


    Without waiting for permission, she marched up the stairs and stopped at the door to Ida¡¯s room.


    The maids trailed behind nervously, pleading, ¡°Ms. Olsen hates being disturbed during her treatments. Maybe you could wait a moment and just give her a heads¨Cup first?¡±


    ¡°No way! I can¡¯t wait. I need to see her right now!¡±


    Jessica was desperate. She had just been knocked down by Stanley, Wendy, and Halsey, while Ida was treated like a queen. She found itughable¨CIda actually thought she was a big shot just because she was living in an expensive vi.


    Jessica¡¯s hand gripped the doorknob, and she pushed the door open without hesitation.


    Inside, Ida had just finished her bath and was wearing a silky slip dress, carefully applying essential oils to her skin.


    Ida was serious about her beauty routine. At her age, if she didn¡¯t keep it up, she¡¯d lose out to the younger women. She certainly wasn¡¯t about to lose to Brittany. After all, Horace was hers.


    When she heard the door open, Ida looked up sharply, displeasure shing in her eyes. ¡°Who gave you permission toe in¡­ Jessica?!¡±


    Ida¡¯s gaze locked on Jessica, standing in the doorway.


    <b>Chapter </b>773


    Jessica wasn¡¯t ready to have a full¨Con fight yet. ¡°Ms. Olsen<b>.</b>¡±


    The maid trembled as she spoke, ¡°Ms. Olsen, <b>I¡¯m </b>sorry. Ms. Larson said she needed to see you. I couldn¡¯t stop her.¡± Jessica stepped inside fully. ¡°I have something to discuss with you


    <b>Ida </b>draped a robe over her shoulders and nced at Jessica coldly. I¡¯m in the middle of a treatment. Don¡¯t barge in next <b>time</b>. <b>This </b><b>is </b>your warning.¡±


    Jessica smiled coldly to herself. She knew Ida was doing all this beauty work for Horace, but she was about to lose Stanley.


    Jessica took a step forward. ¡°That Heartchain Curse of yours¨Cis <b>it </b>useless now?¡±


    Ida paused, confused. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Jessica pressed on, <b>¡°</b>I mean<b>, </b>has the Heartchain Curse lost its power<b>? </b>You said once Stanley was cursed, he wouldn¡¯t be able to get close to Wendy. But today, Stanley was with Wendy again. He hasn¡¯t fallen for me. The Heartchain Curse doesn¡¯t work on Stanley!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 774

    <b>Chapter </b>774


    <b>That </b>was impossible!


    <b>Ida </b>would never doubt her witchcraft. After all, she had used witchcraft thest time to win against Brittany. How could her Heartchain Curse possibly fall on Stanley?


    <b>Ida </b>said to Jessica, ¡°You must be mistaken. Once the Heartchain Curse is cast, it doesn¡¯t just disappear like that. It can¡¯t lose its power so easily.¡±


    Jessica wasn¡¯t convinced. ¡°But it did! Stanley was with Wendy aga!¡±


    Ida¡¯s mind raced, trying to figure out where things had gone wrong. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed several figures standing by the door.


    Stanley, Wendy, and Halsey were there.


    It wasn¡¯t just them¨CHorace and Brittany had arrived as well.


    Everyone was here.


    Suddenly<b>, </b>it all clicked. This was Stanley¡¯s setup. He had brought everyone here, hoping to catch her red¨Chanded.


    However, Ida was determined not to be exposed.


    Horace still didn¡¯t know about her Coldost witchcraft.


    Ida turned to Jessica. ¡°You don¡¯t look well. Why don¡¯t you go home and rest? We can talk another time, okay?¡±


    She shot Jessica a subtle look, hoping Jessica would understand the hint.


    But Jessica didn¡¯t get it. She was facing away from the door, so she couldn¡¯t see the people gathered there. Besides<b>, </b>she was frantic and couldn¡¯t wait even a second.


    4


    Ida¡¯s dismissive words made Jessica furious, and she grabbed Ida¡¯s hand. ¡°What do you mean? I don¡¯t want to wait untilter! We¡¯re talking now! Why did the Heartchain Curse fail on Stanley?¡±


    Ida was dumbfounded. She hadn¡¯t expected Jessica to be such a liability,pletely ignoring her silent warning. Now with those people watching at the door, she was about to be exposed.


    So Ida said, ¡°I know you love Mr. Hawk, but feelings can¡¯t be forced


    Jessica quickly cut her off. ¡°What are you talking about? You tried to help me get Stanley! You put the Heartchain Curse on him!¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡± Ida snapped, cutting her off sharply. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m talking about the Heartchain Curse-¡±


    ¡°What Heartchain Curse? I don¡¯t understand what you mean!¡±


    Ida took a couple of steps forward, shifting her position to try to <b>get </b>Jessica facing the door<b>, so </b>she could see the people standing


    there.


    But Jessica was so focused on Ida that she didn¡¯t notice them at all


    ¡°Why are you pretending not to know? You practice Coldost witchcraft! You put the Heartchain Curse on Stanley, and years ago, you put <b>a </b>curse on Brittany, which caused her to almost die in childbirth¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up! Just shut up!¡± Ida shouted fiercely.


    Jessica froze<b>, </b>startled by the intensity of Ida¡¯s outburst.


    Then, with a loud bang, the door swung open forcefully.


    Horace¡¯s cold<b>, </b>stern voice cut through the tension. ¡°Why are you


    <b>Jessica </b>turned and saw the group standing by the door. She stood


    Horace¡¯s cold, stern voice cut through the tension. ¡°Why are you stopping her? Let her speak. Let her exin everything!¡±


    Jessica turned and saw the group standing by the door. She stood there, frozen solid. 1


    <b>X </b>

 My Dad Please Come 775

    <b>Jessica </b>spun around and saw Horace, Brittany<b>, </b>Stanley<b>, </b>Wendy, and Halsey standing by the door. Her eyes Instantly <b>narrowed</b><b>, </b>then <b>widened </b>in shock, freezing her in ce.


    Jessica gasped. ¡°How did you all get here?¡±


    Stanley stepped inside, a cold smirk tugging at his lips. ¡°We followed you here.¡±


    At that moment, a maid hurried in, too scared to even look up. ¡°Sorry, Ms. Olsen and Ms. Larson. Mr. Larson and Mr. Hawk are here. <b>I </b>didn¡¯t dare tell you.¡±


    After all, Jessica and Ida depended on Horace for everything. This was the Larson family¡¯s property, and all the maids answered to Horace, the true owner.


    Jessica¡¯s anger boiled over as she red at Stanley. ¡°Why did you follow me here?¡±


    Ida was speechless, amazed by Jessica¡¯s stupidity. There was no need to ask anymore. Stanley had definitely nned this whole thing, aiming to catch them both red¨Chanded.


    Wendy stepped forward, a sly smile curling her red <b>lips</b>. ¡°You don¡¯t get it, do you?¡±


    Jessica hesitated, then sucked in a shocked breath. ¡°The Heartchain Curse<b>¡­ </b>It was never lifted!¡±


    Stanley nodded. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°You still feel the pain when you¡¯re with Wendy.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°You already suspected me. You purposely invited me to dinner, giving me false hope, only to let me see you with Wendy. That way, I¡¯d be crushed and pushed into despair, which would make me doubt the Heartchain Curse. You knew I¡¯de looking for whoever cast that curse. So you brought my parents here with you to catch us in the act!¡±


    Stanley raised an eyebrow. ¡°I guess there¡¯s still hope for you.¡±


    Jessica staggered back several steps, still struggling to believe it. She and Ida had cast the Heartchain Curse on Stanley, thinking it would control him forever.


    ??


    But instead, Stanley flipped the entire situation on its head.


    Wendy¡¯s clear, sharp eyes fixed on Jessica as she snapped coldly, ¡°You¡¯re utterly heartless. You nted that Coldost witchcraft on Stanley just to get him. Do you even have a conscience? People like you are terrifying.¡±


    Halsey joined in angrily, ¡°I thought you were just selfish and scheming, but I didn¡¯t realize you¡¯re pure evil!¡±


    Jessica was at a loss for words. Her only hope now was to plead with Horace and Brittany. ¡°Dad! Mom!¡±


    Horace snapped angrily, ¡°Enough! Don¡¯t call us that! We wish we¡¯d never had a daughter like you!¡±


    Jessica recoiled a step, turning to Brittany for support.


    Brittany¡¯s gaze was icy as she stared at Jessica. ¡°So you knew all along Ida had cursed me back then?¡±


    Jessica shook her head quickly. ¡°I didn¡¯t know!¡±


    Wendy said sharply, ¡°You¡¯re lying! We all heard you just now! You knew Ms. Olsen cursed Ms. Brewer back then. She¡¯s your own mother, and yet you sided with the person who harmed her!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we heard every single word!¡± Halsey chimed in fiercely. ¡°Stop denying it!¡±


    Now, Horace, Brittany, Stanley, Wendy, and Halsey all looked at Jessica with cold<b>, </b>unforgiving eyes.


    <b>Chapter </b>775


    <b>With </b><b>nowhere </b><b>left </b><b>to </b>run, Jessica felt like she had been thrown into the abyss,

 My Dad Please Come 776

    Chapter <b>776 </b>


    <b>Horace </b><b>fixed </b><b>his </b>gaze on Ida. ¡°Don¡¯t you think you owe me an exnation for all this?<b>¡± </b>


    <b>Ida </b>knew the tide had turnedpletely. There was no point in arguing anymore.


    She looked at Horace calmly. ¡°What exactly do you want me to exin<b>?</b>¡±


    Her cool tone only fueled Horace¡¯s fury. He took two angry steps forward and grabbed her roughly by the throat.


    <b>¡°</b>I trusted you so much! Why would you do this? Brittany <b>is </b>my wife and you tried to hurt her. She almost died giving birth. All these years, I still protected you, thinking you were a simple, kind hearted woman!¡± he roared.


    Ida struggled for breath under Horace¡¯s grip, the anger zing in his handsome face looming over her. She sneered, <b>¡°</b>That kind -hearted version of me died long ago.¡±


    Horace¡¯s eyes reddened, his body temperature drasa


    chilling rage enveloped him. He looked terrifying.


    <b>¡°</b>What do you mean? Your father died because of my family. We supported you all these years, and I treated you like a sister. Wasn¡¯t that enough?¡±


    ¡°Of course it wasn¡¯t enough!¡± Ida spat. ¡°You gave me a vi<b>, </b>sure, but that¡¯s not what I want. What I¡¯ve ever wanted was you!¡±


    Horace blinked, stunned.


    ¡°We grew up together; we¡¯re childhood sweethearts. <i>If </i>


    fit:


    Weren¡¯t for Brittany, I would have married you. I should¡¯ve been Mrs.


    Larson!


    ¡°But you married Brittany. Do you know how much that hurt me? It hurt more than losing my life! Especially when I watched you and her after the wedding, so close<b>, </b>so in love. I couldn¡¯t stand watching you fall for her slowly. Why should Brittany take everything away from me? She¡¯s just a nuisance. If she disappeared, you¡¯d be mine! I want her dead!¡±


    The overwhelming jealousy and hatred twisted Ida¡¯s delicate face until it was almost unrecognizable. Horace took a step back. ¡°Ida, you¡¯ve changed. I don¡¯t even recognize you anymore.¡®


    ¡°I changed because of Brittany. Because of you!¡±


    She stared at Horace¡¯s handsome face as if mesmerized. Slowly, she reached out and touched his cheek.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t you understand? I love you. I love you more than Brittany ever could.¡±


    Her hand brushed closer, but Horace turned his head sharply, avoiding her touch. With one forceful motion<b>, </b>he pushed her away.


    Ida stumbled back several feet, copsing to the floor in a mess.


    Horace looked down on her, cold and resolute.


    ¡°Listen carefully. I¡¯ve never had feelings for you¨Cnot in the past, not now, not ever. The only thing I regret is being blind enough not to see your true colors. I¡¯ve already repaid whatever my family owes yours. From now on<b>, </b>I have nothing to do with you. If you ever hurt my wife or anyone close to me again, I swear I will never forgive you!¡±


    Horace¡¯s hatred was so deep it shook the room. He never imagined he had been nurturing a threat all along. The one who harmed Brittany all these years had been right under his nose, and he had been protecting her.


    Ida¡¯s face turned pale as death. She knew she had lost Horace forever. He would never be hers in this life.


    Chapter <b>57 </b>


    Cha

 My Dad Please Come 777

    pter 777


    <b>Ida </b>red at Brittany with pure hatred.


    ¡°Are you happy now? You stole Horace from me! You took my ce as Mrs. Larson! Everything you have now should¡¯ve belonged to me!¡±


    Brittany sneered coldly. <b>¡°</b>You¡¯ve really lost your mind. You¡¯ve been coveting my husband all along, and you even used Coldost witchcraft to hurt me. You brought this on yourself!¡±


    Ida slowly stood up. ¡°So what if I brought it on myself? Your own ughter doesn¡¯t even like you. She¡¯d rather be with me!<b>¡± </b>


    She turned her gaze toward Jessica. ¡°Do you want Brittany to be your mom?<b>¡± </b>


    Jessica knew this <b>was </b>the moment she had to choose.


    She walked over to Ida¡¯s side. ¡°No, I don¡¯t.¡±


    Brittany¡¯s heart shattered. Jessica was her and Horace¡¯s child, but Jessica kept crossing her boundaries, breaking her heart over and over.


    Jessica hadn¡¯t grown up with Brittany and Horace these past years<b>. </b>Brittany saw it as her failure, as if she had let her daughter


    down.


    Now, watching Jessica step toward the schemin


    Jessica snapped, ¡°Shut up!¡±


    Ida, Brittany desperately tried to call her back. <b>¡°</b>Jessica<b>!</b>¡±


    Brittany was stunned. Horace reached out and pulled her into his arms.


    ¡°You¡¯re my biological parents, but you don¡¯t love me. You never give me what I want. Ms. Olsen has always been there for me. Now, I want to be with her. Remember this¨Cif anything happens to me, it¡¯s your fault. You never did your duty as parents. You pushed me to this,¡± Jessica said firmly.


    ¡°Jessica!¡± Brittany¡¯s face went pale.


    Seeing Brittany¡¯s reaction<b>, </b>Ida felt a rush of satisfaction. This was exactly what she wanted¨Cto see Brittany suffer. At the very least, Jessica was the perfect weapon against Brittany.


    Ida looked at Jessica. ¡°Who do you want to be your mother?¡±


    Jessica answered without hesitation, ¡°I want you to be my mom.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Ida said, smiling with triumph. ¡°Then call me Mom right now.¡±


    Brittany tried to stop her. ¡°Jessica!¡±


    Horace looked at Jessica seriously. ¡°You¡¯d better think this through. If you hurt your mother like this<b>¡­ </b>There¡¯s no going back.¡± Yet Jessica stared at Ida resolutely and called out, ¡°Mom!¡±


    Jessica called Ida her mother.


    Brittany felt the strength drain from her body. She nearly copsed to the floor.


    Horace tightened his arms around her. He could feel her trembling her body ice cold. He pressed his warmth against her skin, trying to give her heat, trying to give her strength.


    Wendy stared at Jessica. ¡°How could you turn your back on your mother?¡±


    ¡°You make me sick!¡± Halsey spat.


    But Jessica didn¡¯t care. She believed her only chance at survival was with Ida now. She had nned all of this carefully<b>¨C</b>she


    <b>Chapter </b>777


    <b>wasn¡¯t </b>ready <b>to </b><b>lose </b>everything<b>. </b>


    Idaughed triumphantly<b>. </b>¡°Brittany<b>, </b>you¡¯ve lost your daughter. You <b>got </b>what you deserved.¡±


    Wendy shot a fierce look at Ida. ¡°You¡¯re the mastermind behind all this! Twenty years ago, you tried to harm Ms. Brewer. Now, you want to hurt Stanley. You¡¯re the worst of all. How did you learn Coldost witchcraft?¡±


    Ida smirked. ¡°Years ago, I ran into a Coldost witchcraft master. She saw potential in me, so she took me as her apprentice and taught me everything.¡®


    ¡±


    Wendy¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°Just like I thought. Hurry and break the curse now!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 778

    Stanley signaled with a sharp wave of his hand, a squad of ck¨Cd bodyguards streamed in, swiftly surrounding Ida and


    Jessica.


    Stanley¡¯s voice was cold and resolute. ¡°We¡¯ve got you now. There no way out. If you don¡¯t break the curse today, you won¡¯t live to see another day!¡±


    Horace¡¯s gaze hardened as he stared down at Ida. ¡°Your time is up. Undo the curse right now!¡±


    But Ida showed no fear at all as she addressed Wendy, ¡°You¡¯re the wonder doctor, Dr. Cen, right? Don¡¯t you realize that if I die, the curse inside Stanley will never be resolved? So really, you¡¯re the ones who should fear what happens to me. You should pray that I live to a hundred!¡±


    Wendy¡¯s brow furrowed tightly.


    Halsey snapped angrily, ¡°Cut the crap! Get her!¡±


    The ck¨Cd bodyguards advanced to seize Ida.


    Jessica tensed up, nerves tightening.


    But Ida remained calm, almost serene, as if nothing could touch her. When the bodyguards approached, she didn¡¯t flinch. Instead, a strange, crooked smile curled at her lips. She softly whispered a few incantations under her breath.


    Suddenly, Stanley¡¯s head was gripped by a fierce pain. Sweat poured down his forehead in heavy beads. With a loud thud, he copsed to his knees.


    Wendy¡¯s face drained of color. ¡°Stanley!¡±


    Halsey and the others rushed over, voices filled with rm.


    ¡°Stanley!¡±


    ¡°Mr. Hawk!¡±


    Wendy pressed her fingers to his pulse. His heartbeat was wildly erratic. Coldost witchcraft was so vicious and overwhelming, even she couldn¡¯t counter it quickly.


    ¡°Stanley, what¡¯s happening?¡± Horace and Brittany stared anxiously at Stanley.


    Stanley clutched his head, wincing in agony. ¡°My head¡­ It hurts so bad¡­¡±


    ¡°Hold on! The pain will pass soon!¡± Wendy swiftly pulled out silver needles and jabbed them into key pressure points on Stanley¡¯s head.


    Stanley¡¯s eyes darkened, and he copsed forward.


    Wendy caught him, cradling him gently in her arms. He slipped into unconsciousness.


    With no immediate cure, Wendy had no choice but to let Stanley rest in this briefa.


    Horace looked up at Ida with a sharp re. ¡°How could you practice such wicked witchcraft? Aren¡¯t you afraid it will backfire on you?¡±


    Ida only smiled defiantly. ¡°Now that you¡¯ve seen just how powerful this curse is, let¡¯s see who dares to touch me!¡±


    Horace and Wendy exchanged a nce. Wendy slowly shook her head.


    Horace raised his hand. ¡°Everyone, stand down.¡±


    The ck¨Cd guards stepped back.


    Horace fixed Ida with a cold stare. ¡°Enough games. What do you really want?¡±


    Ida¡¯s lips curved into a sly smile. ¡°Jessica is my daughter now. She loves Mr. Hawk, so I want him to marry my daughter and be my son¨Cinw.¡±


    Halsey growled, ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it!¡±


    Ida shrugged, unfazed. ¡°This isn¡¯t a request. It¡¯s an order. I picked date. In two weeks, I expect Mr. Hawk toe and marry my daughter. Otherwise, he can prepare to drop dead on the spot. hope you¡¯ll make the wise choice.¡±


    With that, Ida nced at Jessica. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Jessica replied, following Ida as they walked away.


    Brittany called out, ¡°Jessica!¡±


    Ida stopped beside Brittany, her smile cold and triumphant. ¡°Brittany, even though I didn¡¯t marry Horace<b>, </b>thank you for giving me a daughter with him. Soon<b>, </b>I¡¯ll have a fine son¨Cinw too. After all these years fighting, you were always destined to lose.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 779

    Brittany¡¯s voice was sharp with anger. ¡°I¡¯ll make you pay!¡±


    A coldugh escaped Ida¡¯s lips. She chuckled twice, then said, ¡°Jessica, let¡¯s go.¡±


    Ida led Jessica away, striding confidently without a care..


    ¡°Jessica!¡± Brittany called after them desperately.


    As she watched Jessica follow Ida, Brittany clutched her chest, pain flickering across her face.


    Horace quickly pulled her into his arms, his voice trembling. ¡°Britony! Brittany!¡±


    Wendy stepped forward immediately. ¡°Help) Ms. Brewer onto the bed. I need to examine her.¡±


    Both Stanley and Brittany had copsed, with Stanley slipping into unconsciousness after being stabbed with the needle.


    As Wendy checked Brittany¡¯s pulse, Horace¡¯s co deepened. ¡± the curse in Brittany ring up again<b>?</b>¡±


    Ida had cast a curse on Brittany that was different from the Heartchain Curse affecting Stanley, so Wendy still had the means to


    treat Brittany.


    Brittany¡¯s face was pale as paper, but she tried to soothe him. <b>¡°</b>I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Horace grasped her hand tightly. ¡°It¡¯s my fault. I never expected Ida to be what she is. I kept her close, and it hurt you. AH these years, I didn¡¯t know the truth and let you suffer. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Horace¡¯s apology was sincere.


    For years, Brittany had held a mixture of anger and resentment toward Horace for standing by Ida and letting her get away with so much. Yet, she also understood he had been deceived.


    Now, as she saw Horace trulye to the truth and openly apologize, the bitterness inside her began to melt away.


    Brittany shot him a teasing look. ¡°Forget it. Let¡¯s not bring up the past. Just promise me there won¡¯t be another Ida.¡±


    Horace nodded solemnly. ¡°You have my word.¡±


    A small smile curved Brittany¡¯s lips.


    Watching the two of them reconcile, Wendy felt a genuine warmth. ¡°Mr. Larson, you have to learn from this. A woman¡¯s intuition is usually right. If Ms. Brewer says no to a woman, you must trust her and never keep that woman around.¡±


    Horace nodded. ¡°I understand.¡±


    Then he added, ¡°Brittany¡¯s condition keeps rpsing. Last time<b>, </b>you mentioned using my cardiogen to save her. I¡¯ll do it. Come take my cardiogen now.¡±


    Wendy¡¯s lips twitched into a knowing smile. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re ready? If I take your cardiogen, you¡¯ll die.¡±


    Horace met her gaze firmly. ¡°I¡¯ve already made my will.¡±


    He pulled out the document he had prepared and handed it to Brittany. ¡°Here, take a look.¡±


    Brittany took the papers, flipping through Horace¡¯s will.


    He had left all his property to her.


    They said a man would put his money where his heart was, and this was especially true in Horace¡¯s case. He was a man whose wealth rivaled nations, and here he was, entrusting it all to her.


    Brittany blinked in surprise. ¡°You¡¯re giving me everything?¡±


    173


    Horace nodded. ¡°You¡¯re my wife. Of course, everything I have belongs to you. I considered leaving some to Jessica, but she¡¯s disappointed me too much. I worry she might turn against you if she gets the money.¡±


    Brittany¡¯s clear eyes grew moist<b>, </b><b>a </b>soft shine spreading over them Horace had thought of everything for her. His love and care that had endured through the years made it extra rare and precious


    Wendy smiled at Horace. ¡°<b>It </b>seems you¡¯re truly ready.¡±


    Horace nodded firmly. ¡°Yes, I am. Take my cardiogen.¡±


    Chapter <b>780 </b>

 My Dad Please Come 780

    Chapter <b>780 </b>


    ¡°Alright.¡± Wendy immediately pulled out a sharp, pointed knife. Im going to do it now!¡±


    Horace nodded calmly. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    He closed his eyes.


    Wendy raised the de, the cold, sharp tip aimed straight at Horace¡¯s heart.


    ¡°Stop!¡±


    At that moment, Brittany bolted off the bed and lunged forward, stopping Wendy. She threw herself into Horace¡¯s arms, holding him tightly.


    Horace opened his eyes slowly, his dark gaze settling on Brittany. What¡¯s wrong?<i>¡± </i>


    She shook her head fiercely. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to die!¡±


    Horace looked at her gently. ¡°I¡¯d do anything to save you.¡®


    Brittany¡¯s voice trembled. ¡°Why are you so good to me? Back then, our families arranged this marriage for status. I know you never had feelings for me.¡±


    Horace cupped her face in his hands. ¡°Yes, it was an arranged marriage between our families. When we got married, I wasn¡¯t interested in you. I felt like it didn¡¯t matter who I married.¡±


    As an heir of a powerful family, marriage was simply a tool for consolidating power. Anyone would have done.


    Brittany lowered her eyes, a wave of sadness washing over her. She had always known Horace didn¡¯t have feelings for her.


    Slowly, she began to pull away.


    But Horace continued, his voice soft and steady.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t interested in you at first because we barely knew each other. But over the years after we married, you slowly found your way into my heart. You kepting after me, whether I wanted it or not¨Cyou clung to me, stuck by my side. I couldn¡¯t resist anymore. I started falling, and soon, you¡¯re all I want, all I¡¯m thinking about. Brittany¡­ I¡¯ve loved you for a long, long time.


    11


    Brittany froze. He actually loved her?


    Horace¡¯s eyes softened with emotion as he gazed at her.


    ¡°During all those years you disappeared, do you know how long I searched for you? I spent every day, every hour, every second looking for you and our daughter. I imagined countless times how it would be when we met again. Honestly, I¡¯ve wanted to ask you¡­ How could you be so cruel, taking our daughter away and leaving me? I missed you both so much.¡±


    Horace was a quiet, reserved man who had never confessed to any woman before. This was the first time heid his hidden heart bare, revealing years of longing and pain.


    His heart was full of love for Brittany. He had loved her for many<b>, </b>many years.


    Tears blurred Brittany¡¯s vision, and soon heavy drops spilled down her cheeks. She had resented Horace and med him, all because she believed he didn¡¯t love her.


    She envied Ida. She envied how Horace treated her so well.


    But now she realized¡­ He had loved her all along.


    Horace gently wiped away her tears. ¡°Don¡¯t cry.¡±


    Brittany reached up, wrapped her arms around his neck, and on tiptoe, pressed her lips softly to his.


    A


    Horace was taken aback.


    She smiled through her tears. ¡°I love you, too.¡±


    His expression shifted.


    Brittany¡¯s lips curved in the glow of her tears.


    ¡°I¡¯m the heiress of the Brewer family. Even though our marriage was arranged, my parents always told me that someday, I would marry the man I loved. The day I received your photo, I knew right away that I wanted you. I told my parents I wouldn¡¯t marry anyone else. I said that if I was going to marry someone, it had to be you. That was how the alliance between the Larson and Brewer families came to be. On the day we met for the arranged marriage, I wore a red dress on purpose. I wanted to catch your eye. I wanted you to fall for me, for you to love me the way I love you.¡± I

 My Dad Please Come 781

    Brittany looked up at Horace, her eyes shining with emotion. ¡°I love you.¡±


    Without hesitation, Horace reached out and pulled her tightly into his arms. It was as if he wanted to hold her so close that she became a part of him, woven into his very bones.


    It turned out she loved him, too.


    They loved each other.


    A surge of joy swelled in Horace¡¯s chest. He wasn¡¯t sure he could believe it. ¡°Say it again. Say you love me again.¡±


    Tears of happiness streamed down Brittany¡¯s face as she cried out, ¡®I love you! I loved you before, I love you now, and I will love you forever¡ªalways!¡±


    She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips against his once more.


    Horace felt her softness, her warmth, and he returned the kiss with all the love he held inside.


    Nearby, Wendy pped her hands joyfully. ¡°Congrattions, you two!¡±


    When Horace and Brittany finally pulled apart, they turned toward Wendy. ¡°Thank you, Wendy.¡±


    Wendy lifted one elegant brow. ¡°Don¡¯t tter me. Honestly, I didn¡¯t do much.¡±


    Horace held Brittany closer. ¡°Don¡¯t be modest. I know you¡¯ve been quietly bringing us together, exposing Ida¡¯s schemes. Without you, Brittany and I might never have been honest with each other and revealed our true feelings.¡±


    Brittany¡¯s gratitude shone in her eyes as she looked at Wendy. ¡°Thank you for everything you¡¯ve done for us.¡±


    Brittany adored Wendy. Whenever she thought of that troublesome Jessica, she secretly wished Wendy were her own daughter. Wendy¡¯s lips curled into a gentle smile. ¡°Ms. Brewer, now let me help you treat the curse inside you.¡±


    Horace was quick to reply, ¡°Use my cardiogen!¡±


    Wendyughed softly. ¡°That¡¯s not necessary.¡±


    Horace froze, puzzled. ¡°Not necessary? Does that mean my cardiogen won¡¯t work?¡±


    Wendy smiled knowingly. ¡°Actually, I lied. I don¡¯t actually need your cardiogen to cure Ms. Brewer. I just wanted to test your feelings for her, to help you two reconcile.¡±


    Horace nced at Brittany, who nodded in agreement.


    He smiled warmly. ¡°Are you confident you can cure Brittany?¡±


    Wendy nodded firmly. ¡°Absolutely. Ms. Brewer, please lie down and let me begin the treatment.¡±


    Brittanyy back as Wendy took out her silver needles and started the needle therapy.


    The treatmentsted two full hours, as Wendy carefully worked through every pressure point on Brittany¡¯s body. Slowly, the pale, drawn look faded from Brittany¡¯s face, reced by a healthy glow.


    When Wendy withdrew thest needle, Horace stepped forward anxiously. ¡°Is it done?¡±


    Wendy nodded. ¡°Yes. Ms. Brewer, I¡¯ve cleared the curse from your body. You¡¯re healthy now.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful!¡± Horace breathed, relief flooding him. ¡°Thank you, Wendy.¡±


    Brittany looked at Wendy with deep gratitude. ¡°I can¡¯t thank you enough.¡±


    ¡°No need to thank me. I¡¯m <b>a </b>doctor¨Cit¡¯s my duty to save lives and heal the sick¡­¡±


    But before she could finish, Wendy¡¯s eyes suddenly rolled back and she copsed.


    ¡°Wendy!¡±


    Horace reacted instantly, catching her before she hit the floor. ¡°Wendy! What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Brittany jumped down from the bed. ¡°Quick, get her lying down!¡±


    Horace carefullyid Wendy on the bed. A doctor rushed in and began examining her.


    ¡°Doctor, what happened to Wendy? Why did she just pass out like that?¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t worry. Ms. Wendy fainted from exhaustion. She just needs to rest<b>, </b>and she¡¯ll wake up soon.


    +25 <b>BONUS </b>


    C

 My Dad Please Come 782

    hapter 782


    Horace and Brittany finally rxed a little. ¡°Alright. Thank you, doctor.¡±


    The doctor left, and the two of them sat quietly on the bed, watching Wendy, who had copsed from exhaustion.


    Brittany reached out and gently touched Wendy¡¯s delicate face. ¡°She spent two hours giving me needle therapy just now. She wore herself out for me. We barely know each other, but she¡¯s been so kind. I don¡¯t even know how to repay her.¡±


    Horace tried to reassure her. ¡°She¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why, but I feel a strange closeness to Wendy. It¡¯s like I want to spend all my time with her,¡± Brittany said softly.


    Horace nodded. Honestly, he felt the same way.


    Brittany¡¯s thoughts drifted to Jessica. ¡°Jessica is now under Ida¡¯s influence. That woman is using her against us. Watching Jessica so lost and caught on the wrong path just breaks my heart. If only she were more like Wendy.¡±


    In truth, Horace knew about Jessica¡¯s true nature and cunning even earlier than Brittany did. But as Jessica was their only daughter, he still held onto hope for her and refused to give up.


    This time, though, Jessica had crossed a line. She was clearly in league with Ida.


    Horace knew Brittany was the most heartbroken of all. After all, she had nearly died giving birth to Jessica.


    He put an arm around Brittany¡¯s shoulders, gently patting her. ¡°It¡¯ll be okay.¡±


    Brittany looked at Wendy thoughtfully. ¡°Let¡¯s make Wendy our goddaughter.¡±


    Horace blinked. ¡°Our goddaughter?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I really like her. I heard she has no parents. We can be her parents now and take good care of her.¡±


    Horace nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Just then, Wendy¡¯s long, delicate eyshes fluttered, and slowly she opened her eyes.


    Brittany smiled with relief. ¡°You¡¯re awake!¡±


    Wendy sat up. ¡°Did I pass out?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Brittany replied. ¡°You scared me half to death!¡±


    Wendy smiled gently. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I know my body well. I¡¯m just a little tired.¡±


    She had to hold on. She had already healed Brittany, and now she had to find a way to save Stanley.


    Stanley was still waiting for her help.


    Brittany held Wendy¡¯s small hand. ¡°There¡¯s something we want to ask you, though we don¡¯t know if you¡¯ll agree.¡±


    Wendy looked at her calmly. ¡°Just say what¡¯s on your mind.¡°/


    Brittany hesitated, then asked, ¡°Are you an orphan?¡±


    At the mention of this, Wendy¡¯s clear, bright eyes dimmed slightly ¡°Yes. My father died when I was very young, and I don¡¯t have a mother.¡±


    Wendy had always been sharp and graceful, calm and elegant, but whenever she spoke of her parents, a quiet sadness wrapped around her fragile frame. Both Horace and Brittany felt their hearts ache.


    Brittany quickly said, ¡°How about we be your parents?¡±


    Wendy was startled. ¡°Be my parents? What do you mean?¡±


    Brittany and Horace exchanged a nce, then said, ¡°We want to make you our goddaughter.¡±


    Wendy blinked in surprise¨Cshe hadn¡¯t expected that Horace and Brittany wanted to be her godparents.


    ¡°Do you not want this? We like you very much. If you be our goddaughter, we promise to love you just like our own child.¡±


    T

 My Dad Please Come 783

    Wendy was deeply touched. She hadn¡¯t expected Horace and Brittany to want to make her their goddaughter.


    In truth, she really liked them both. Watching how they doted on Jessica, she had always felt a pang of envy. Not having loving parents was a lifelong ache for her.


    And now, Horace and Brittany wanted to fill that emptiness.


    Wendy¡¯s pale eyes glistened with tears. ¡°I would love that! I want to be your daughter!¡±


    Horace and Brittany exchanged a nce, their faces lighting up with joy.


    Brittany pulled Wendy into a warm embrace. ¡°That¡¯s wonderful! From now on, you¡¯re our daughter.¡±


    Wendy nodded quickly. ¡°I wasn¡¯t silent earlier because I didn¡¯t want to. I just couldn¡¯t believe it. I¡¯m really so happy to be your daughter!¡±


    Horace chuckled. ¡°Wendy, you can¡¯t keep calling us Mr. Larson and Ms. Brewer anymore. You have to change that.¡±


    Brittany smiled gently. ¡°Yes, Wendy, you should call us Mom and Dad now.¡±


    Wendy looked at them both, tears shimmering like tiny jewels as they spilled down her cheeks. ¡°Mom, Dad!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re such a good girl!¡±


    All three of themughed softly together.


    Horace¡¯s voice grew excited. ¡°Now that you¡¯re officially our daughter, we have to celebrate it properly. I¡¯ll organize a big party


    and invite all the elite families. We¡¯ll announce to everyone that you¡¯re our daughter!¡±


    Brittany nodded enthusiastically. ¡°We want the whole world to know you¡¯re our daughter!¡±


    Wendy hesitated. She wasn¡¯t really fond of these big events. ¡°I¡­¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve made up our minds. Just do as we say.¡±


    Seeing how determined Horace and Brittany were, Wendy finally agreed. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Then she remembered Stanley. ¡°What about Stanley?¡±


    Horace¡¯s face darkened. ¡°He¡¯s still unconscious. Only Ida can break the Heartchain Curse inside him.¡±


    The Heartchain Curse trapped inside Stanley was proving to be extremely troublesome.


    Wendy pushed back the covers and climbed out of bed. ¡°I need to see him.¡±


    She walked into the room next door. Stanleyy pale and motionless on the bed, his handsome face ghostly white.


    Wendy reached out and gently touched his cheek<b>, </b>pain tightening her heart.


    Suddenly, Stanley stirred, slowly opening his eyes. He was awake,


    Wendy¡¯s face brightened. ¡°Hey.¡±


    Stanley sat up, rubbing his eyes. ¡°How long have I been asleep?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been out for hours. I was so worried,¡± Wendy replied.


    Looking at Wendy¡¯s delicate, youthful face, Stanley reached out and pinched her soft cheek lightly. ¡°So now you care about me? You¡¯re not going to leave me with Be again, are you?¡±


    Wendy wrapped her arms around Stanley¡¯s strong waist and pressed her cheek against his chest. Listening to his steady, powerful heartbeat, she felt safe.


    S


    She rubbed softly against him and whispered, ¡°I want you to be okay.¡±


    Right now, she was soft and gentle, like a little kitten, and it melted Stanley¡¯s heart. He pulled her close. ¡°Silly, I¡¯m fine now. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Wendy lifted her face, her bright, glistening eyes fixed on him.


    Stanley was drawn in. He lowered his head and kissed her.


    Wendy didn¡¯t pull away; she waited quietly for his kiss.


    But just then, Stanley¡¯s head throbbed with a sharp pain. He clutched his temples.


    Wendy¡¯s expression shifted. ¡°Is the Heartchain Curse acting up again?¡±


    Stanley winced but tried not to worry her. ¡°No, I¡¯m okay¡­¡±


    Wendy stood up quickly. ¡°Every time I¡¯m near you, you have a headache. So I have to stay far away. That¡¯s the only way you¡¯ll be alright. I¡¯m leaving now.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 784

    Even though Wendy was deeply worried about Stanley and wanted to stay by his side, she knew the hard to leave. If she stayed. all it would do was cause him more pain.


    Without looking back, Wendy turned and walked away.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go!¡±


    Stanley threw back the covers and climbed out of bed, wrapping his arms fightly around her from behind


    He buried his handsome face in Wendy¡¯s long hair, his voice rough and strained ¡°Please don¡¯t get Don¡¯t leave me, okay?¡± Wendy felt his pain as clearly as her own. ¡°You have to let go. If you don¡¯t, your pain will get worse


    But Stanley refused to let go. Instead, he held her even tighter. ¡°I don¡¯t mind the pain. Just don¡¯t leave me


    Suddenly, a sharp wave of agony crashed over him. His vision went ck, and his tall, strong frame copsed again. Wendy caught him just in time. ¡°Stanley!¡±


    When Stanley woke again, it was night. Horace and Brittany were by his bedside.


    ¡°Hey, Stanley.¡±


    Their eyes were full of concern as they gently helped him sit up.


    Stanley nced around but didn¡¯t see Wendy. ¡°Where¡¯s Wendy? Where did she go?¡±


    Horace hesitated. ¡°She¡­¡±


    ¡°Is she leaving with Be? No, I have to find her!¡± Stanley threw back the covers and got out of bed.


    Brittany quickly stepped in. ¡°No, she hasn¡¯t left! She¡¯s in the room right next door.¡±


    Stanley¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Really? You¡¯re not lying to me?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not lying. She¡¯s very worried about you, but she can¡¯te near you right now. If she does, your Heartchain Curse will re up. So she has to stay in the room beside you.¡±


    Horace and Brittany felt heavy guilt. The Heartchain Curse was a curse cast on Stanley by Ida and Jessica together. They bore an undeniable responsibility for it.


    But Stanley wasn¡¯t convinced. ¡°No, I¡¯m going to find her!¡±


    ¡°Stanley!¡±


    Meanwhile, Wendy sat in the next room. After treating Stanley with acupuncture, she hade out, but despite her worry, <b>the </b>dared not get close to him anymore. She had to keep her distance.


    Had he woken up now?


    Was he feeling better?


    Did he still hurt?


    Her mind filled with worry. Then, outside the door, she heard Horace and Brittany¡¯s voices.


    ¡°Stanley, you¡¯re still weak. You need to rest in bed.¡±


    ¡°I want to see Wendy!¡±


    Wendy¡¯s heart jumped. She heard Stanley¡¯s voice and realized he was looking for her.


    At that moment, a soft knocking sounded on the door. Stanley¡¯s low, hoarse voice rang out, ¡°Wendy? Are you there?¡± Wendy¡¯s chest tightened. She hurried to the door and ced her small hand on the doorknob, ready to open it.


    But then she remembered the Heartchain Curse inside him.


    To open that door was to poison him slowly.


    She couldn¡¯t open it.


    Wendy pulled her hand back. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m here.¡±


    Now, one stood outside the door and one inside. They spoke through the barrier between them.


    When Stanley heard Wendy¡¯s voice, his restless heart finally settled. He curled his thin lips into a faint smile. ¡°When I didn¡¯t see you just now, I thought you had left. I thought you took Be and left me behind.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 785

    Wendy¡¯s lips curved into a gentle smile. ¡°I¡¯m still here.¡±


    Stanley¡¯s voice was tinged with worry. ¡°But will you leave? When can¡¯t see you, I get scared you might take Be and abandon


    me.¡±


    Wendy said nothing


    Stanley pressed on, his voice raw with emotion.


    ¡°I know you want to stay away from me right now. You don¡¯t want me to suffer the pain of the Heartchain Curse. But more than the pain of the curse, I¡¯m afraid of losing you and Be. No matter what troublese our way, we¡¯ll face them together. Please don¡¯t give up on me. Don¡¯t leave me again. We¡¯ve wasted three years¨CI don¡¯t want to lose you and Be for another three years, or even longer.¡±


    Hearing his heartfelt confession, Wendy lifted her hand and ced it against the door. She longed to see him, but for his own sake, they could only speak through the door.


    Her red lips lifted in a soft smile. ¡°I promise that I won¡¯t leave you.¡±


    No matter what impossible challengesy ahead, as long as they faced them side by side, there was no doubt they could ovee anything.


    Stanley¡¯s thin lips curled into a faint smile. ¡°That¡¯s all I want to hear.¡±


    Outside the door, Horace and Brittany watched their connection with warmth.


    Horace stepped forward. ¡°We share responsibility for this Heartchain Curse. Wendy is our goddaughter now. Don¡¯t worry¨Cwe¡¯ll help both of you.¡±


    Stanley blinked, surprised to learn that Horace and Brittany had taken Wendy in as their goddaughter. ¡°What? Wendy¡¯s your¡­¡°, Brittany chuckled. ¡°We like Wendy a lot, so we made her our goddaughter. We¡¯re even nning a big party to announce her status. From now on, we¡¯ll take good care of her.¡±


    Stanley smiled, feeling a deep happiness. He knew Horace and Brittany would be great parents to Wendy. To have two more people who loved her was something he fully weed.


    Horace patted Stanley on the shoulder. ¡°I never thought that after all this time, you¡¯d still end up as my son¨Cinw.¡±


    Horace suddenly remembered something. ¡°But didn¡¯t you once say you¡¯d never marry a daughter from the Larson family-¡®


    ¡°Stop!¡± Stanley quickly cut him off, finally understanding how he had shot himself in the foot. ¡°I¡¯m d to be your son¨Cinw.


    Stanley had just called himself Horace and Brittany¡¯s son¨Cinw.


    Inside the room, Wendyughed quietly to herself. If it weren¡¯t for the Heartchain Curse, she and Stanley would have been


    married by now.


    Horace grinned. ¡°You¡¯re getting a little ahead of yourself. You¡¯ll be our son¨Cinw once you¡¯ve officially registered your marriage with Wendy.¡±


    Brittany nodded in agreement. ¡°Wendy calls the shots. You¡¯ll have to get through her first.¡±


    The mood was light and easy, but suddenly Stanley¡¯s face went pale. A sharp pain started pounding in his head again.


    ¡°Stanley!¡± Horace caught him to keep him steady.


    Inside, Wendy sensed his distress and anxiously called out, ¡°Stanley, are you okay?¡±


    Stanley shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Chapter 785.


    Wendy thought for a moment. ¡°You can¡¯t just keep taking the pain We have to turn the tables and take control.¡±


    Horace asked, ¡°Have youe up with a n?¡±


    Brittany smiled. ¡°You¡¯ve always been smart and full of ideas. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve figured something out.¡±


    Wendy replied, ¡°I have an idea.¡±


    Stanley called out outside the door, ¡°What¡¯s your n?¡±


    She paused, then asked quietly, ¡°Will you do as I say?¡±


    ¡°Of course I will.¡±


    Wendy took a deep breath. ¡°You should marry Jessica.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 786

    What?!


    Outside the door, Stanley, Horace, and Brittany all froze at the same moment.


    Jessica and Ida had left. Though the secret of Ida¡¯s Coldost witchcraft had been exposed, they hadn¡¯t lost.


    Jessica¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. ¡°Do you really think Stanley will marry me?¡±


    Ida took a calm sip of her tea. ¡°Of course he will. Just get ready to be a bride. Only I can break the Heartchain Curse inside him.¡±


    Jessica linked her arm with Ida¡¯s. ¡°You¡¯re the only one who¡¯s truly good to me.¡±


    Ida smiled. ¡°Now that you¡¯re my daughter, of course I¡¯ll take care of you.¡±


    Jessica said sweetly, ¡°Thanks, Mom!¡±


    In Jessica¡¯s world, she would call anyone who treated her well or was useful to her ¡°Mom¡°.


    Just then, a maid hurried in. ¡°We received a delivery.¡±


    Ida looked up. ¡°What is it?¡±


    The maid pulled out a gilded invitation. ¡°It¡¯s an invitation.¡±


    Ida took it in her hand. ¡°To what?¡±


    She unfolded the gold¨Cembossed card. Jessica leaned in to see it, and their expressions instantly darkened.


    The maid trembled as she said, ¡°I heard that Mr. and Mrs. Larson have taken Ms. Wendy in as their goddaughter. The Larsons are throwing a grand party to celebrate. They¡¯re inviting all the elite families in the Capital. They sent this invitation, asking¡­ asking you to attend.¡±


    What?


    Jessica shot to her feet, furious. ¡°What the hell?! They actually took Wendy in as their goddaughter?¡±


    Ida¡¯s face grew cold. She thought she had won the battle by having Jessica call her ¡°Mom¡°, but she hadn¡¯t expected Horace and Brittany to take Wendy in as their goddaughter so quickly.


    The fact was, Wendy was Horace and Brittany¡¯s true daughter.


    Ida turned to Jessica.


    ¡°I¡¯ve known for a while that Horace and Brittany like Wendy a lot. Even though they think you¡¯re their daughter, their hearts have already shifted toward Wendy. Now that they¡¯ve made her their goddaughter, what if something goes wrong? Once they realize Wendy is their real daughter, you¡¯ll mean nothing to them!


    Jessica¡¯s heart sank deep.


    She just couldn¡¯t understand why¨Cshe had schemed so had to be Horace and Brittany¡¯s daughter. She had done everything to stop Wendy from iming her true heritage.


    But no matter how hard she tried, Wendy had stepped right into the Larson family.


    If Wendy¡¯s identity came to light, Jessica would lose all value.


    She sank back down. ¡°That will never happen! We did a DNA test. They won¡¯t suspect anything for now.


    Ida nodded. ¡°Looks like we have to act fast. Since they invited us, we¡¯ll go.¡±


    Jessica agreed. ¡°Even if Wendy bes the Larson family¡¯s goddaughter, it doesn¡¯t mean she can be with Stanley. We will <b>still </b>win this round!¡±


    The two shared a nce and a wicked smile.


    On the day of the party, the entire Larson estate was aze with light. The elite of the Capital had all arrived¨Cwealthy, powerful, and influential. Tonight was the true arena of fame and fortune.

 My Dad Please Come 787

    My Dad Please Co


    <b>Chapter </b><b>787 </b>


    Wendy sat quietly in the makeup room. The artist was gently brushing colors onto her wless skin, which was so smooth and delicate it seemed almost translucent. No matter how the makeup was applied<b>, </b><b>if </b>only enhanced her natural beauty.


    Ang arrived with Be, who beamed as she rushed into Wendy¡¯s arms<b>. </b>¡°Mommy, you look so beautiful today! I mean<b>, </b>you¡¯re beautiful every single day¡­¡±


    Be¡¯s sweet words made Wendy¡¯s heart melt. She bent down and kissed Be¡¯s rosy cheek. ¡°I missed you so much!¡±


    Ang stepped closer with a warm smile. ¡°Congrattions, Wendy.¡±


    Wendy smiled back softly. ¡°I¡¯ve been so busytely. Thank you for taking care of Be.¡±


    Ang¡¯s eyes sparkled with affection as she looked at Be. ¡°Sheny very own granddaughter, the bloodline of the Hawk family. It¡¯s my job as her grandma to care for her. I love spending time with Be.¡±


    Be giggled happily.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe Horace and Brittany have officially made you their goddaughter. Who would have thought the ties between the Hawk and Larson families would be so unbreakable! I¡¯m truly happy for you.¡±


    Ang¡¯s joy was genuine, and it filled Wendy with warmth. She lifted her lips in a small<b>, </b>grateful smile.


    Outside, in the grand hall bathed in sparkling lights, Horace and Brittany stood side by side. Today, Horace wore <b>a </b>custom- tailored ck suit, his demeanor both handsome andposed. Brittany was stunning in a flowing gown, elegant and radiant. They looked like a perfect match.


    A few executives gathered around them, showeringpliments. Mr. and Mrs. Larson<b>, </b>congrattions on gaining yet another daughter.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve heard so much about Ms. Crone. She¡¯s really lucky to have you as her godparents!¡±


    Brittany smiled knowingly. ¡°Wendy is now our precious daughter. No one is allowed to mistreat her.¡±


    ¡°Of course not. We¡¯re lucky just to be friends with her.¡±


    ¡°When she has some free time, we hope she¡¯ll join us for a drink.¡±


    This party clearly showed how deeply the Larson family valued Wendy as their goddaughter. In this world of wealth and influence, everyone was eager to secure a good rtionship with Wendy.


    Halsey arrived as well. As Wendy¡¯s close friend, she wouldn¡¯t miss this important day for anything.


    She brought Madeline along. The past three years had turned Madeline into a gorgeous young woman, her appearance cool and captivating. The Garner family¡¯s genes were exceptional¨Cher brother, Dwight<b>, </b>was the school heartthrob, and Madeline was the campus beauty.


    Halsey smiled. ¡°Maddy, it¡¯s been a long time since you saw Wendy, hasn¡¯t it?¡±


    Madeline nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°She keeps mentioning you. We¡¯ll make sure you two get chance to catch up.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good.¡±


    At that moment, a stir ran through the crowd. Someone whispered ¡°Look, Ms. Larson is here!¡±


    Jessica had arrived.


    Halsey turned to see Jessica enter with Ida by her side.


    Though Wendy was the star of this party, Jessica drew plenty of attention as well. After all, she was the true heiress of the Larson


    <b>family</b>. <b>With </b>Wendy now recognized, the rivalry and gossip between these two heiresses were enough to keep the whole room buzzing.


    This party was<b>, </b>in truth, a showdown between two leadingdies.


    As Jessica appeared<b>, </b>every <b>gaze </b>shifted instantly to her.


    Dressed to impress<b>, </b>Jessica wore a sleek, form¨Cfitting gown that perfectly traced her curvy silhouette. Her luscious curls cascadedzily over her shoulders<b>, </b>capturing every eye in the room


    <b>Ida</b><b>, </b>elegant and well¨Cmaintained, wore a graceful gown that highlighted her gentle beauty.


    Together<b>, </b>theymanded the spotlight as they made their entrance<b>. </b>


    One of the executives standing beside Horace nodded knowingly


    ¡°It seems Ms. Larson has arrived.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 788

    <b>Horace </b>and Brittany stepped forward, their expressions <b>full </b>of frustration toward their daughter¨Cas if she just wasn¡¯t living up <b>to </b>their <b>hopes</b>.


    ¡°Hello<b>, </b><b>Jessica</b><b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>Jessica </b>shot them a re, clearly annoyed. ¡°Shut up!¡±


    The atmosphere froze instantly.


    Halsey stepped in smoothly. ¡°Ms. Larson, today¡¯s supposed to be happy day. Maybe you should try to keep your temper in check.¡±


    Jessica snorted in reply.


    ¡°What¡¯s so happy about today? Is it because my parents are officially making Wendy their goddaughter? Now there¡¯s someone else fighting for their love?¡±


    Her eyes locked onto Horace and Brittany¡¯s faces.


    ¡°Do you even see me as your daughter? Where do I fit now that you¡¯ve taken Wendy in as a goddaughter?¡±


    The otherpany leaders nearby started whispering among themselves.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Is Ms. Larson upset about Mr. and Mrs. Larson naming Ms. Wendy their goddaughter?¡±


    ¡°Looks like she came here just to cause trouble.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s definitely not here to celebrate¨Cshe¡¯s already making a scene.¡±


    Jessica wasn¡¯t here to y along. When Horace and Brittany handed her the gilded invitation<b>, </b>she took it¡ªbut she was clearly here to disrupt things.


    Ida watched Jessica¡¯s reaction with satisfaction and pretended to offer advice. ¡°Just let it go. They¡¯re free to take in a goddaughter.¡±


    ¡°Why should I let it go? I¡¯m their real daughter, the only rightful heiress! Mom, Dad, I don¡¯t agree with you naming Wendy your goddaughter today. I won¡¯t allow it!¡±


    Jessica¡¯s refusal was loud and clear.


    Gasps echoed through the room.


    Horace frowned deeply. ¡°The decision¡¯s been made. This isn¡¯t something we needed to discuss with you.¡±


    Brittany added, ¡°Yes, disagreeing won¡¯t change anything. Honestly<b>, </b>you should learn from Wendy. Look at all the mistakes you¡¯ve madetely and the people you¡¯ve hurt!¡±


    Jessica¡¯s face darkened. ¡°I said no, but you¡¯re still going with your n?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Horace and Brittany answered in unison, ¡°Wendy is our daughter now.¡± <ul><li></li></ul>


    Jessica¡¯s hands clenched into tight fists at her sides. Horace and Brittany were humiliating her in front of everyone¨Cher own parents made her feel more like a stranger than a daughter.


    Halsey smiled slyly. ¡°You should know that kind people are well loved, while wicked ones don¡¯t have many supporters. I suggest that instead of causing a scene here, you spend some time improving yourself. Maybe figure out how to be a good daughter and a person of character.¡±


    Jessica hated Halsey. Her sharp tongue reminded her too much of Wendy.


    Jessica stared at her parents again. ¡°You have to make a choice today.¡±


    Chapter <b>788 </b>


    <b>¡°</b><b>What </b><b>choice</b><b>?</b><b>¡± </b><b>Horace </b>asked.


    <b>Jessica </b><b>raised </b><b>her </b>voice. ¡°<b>I </b><b>despise </b>Wendy! I¡¯ve made it clear I don¡¯t want her to be your goddaughter. Now, you have to choose between me and Wendy. Are you picking me as your daughter or her<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Horace and Brittany¡¯s <b>faces </b>darkened.


    <b>Jessica </b>pressed on fiercely, ¡°<b>If </b>you pick Wendy, then you lose me, your real daughter, for good! The choice is yours<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>Now </b><b>Jessica </b>was forcing Horace and Brittany to choose.


    People nearby started whispering.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t expect <b>Ms. </b>Larson to cause trouble at this party.¡±


    ¡°They have to choose between the real daughter and the goddaughter. How will Mr. and Mrs. Larson decide?<b>¡± </b>

 My Dad Please Come 789

    <b>Chapter </b><b>789 </b>


    Ida <b>put </b><b>on </b>a show <b>of </b>concern.


    <b>¡°</b>Horace, Wendy is just an outsider, while Jessica is your one and only real daughter. You need to think this through carefully. <b>Don¡¯t </b>break <b>Jessica¡¯s </b>heart for an outsider¨Cyou¡¯ll lose your true daughter if you do.¡±


    ¡°After all the mistakes you¡¯ve made<b>, </b>you still show no sign of regret! Instead, you push others into a corner. Is there a line?¡± Halsey snapped.


    Jessica curled her lips into a cold smile. ¡°No matter what I¡¯ve done I¡¯m still the Larson family¡¯s true heiress! Nothing can change that.¡±


    Halsey <b>was </b><b>left </b>speechless. ¡°You little¡­¡±


    Brittany nced at Halsey and shook her head. ¡°Let it go.¡±


    Halsey snorted in frustration.


    Jessica turned back to her parents. ¡°So? Have you made up your minds? Who do you choose, Wendy or me?¡±


    Just then<b>, </b>someone murmured, ¡°Look, Ms. Wendy ising downstairs.¡±


    All eyes shifted upward as the center of attention, Wendy<b>, </b>made her descent.


    Tonight, Wendy wore a flowing white satin gown that hugged her curves perfectly. The dress showcased her delicate corbones, while her long hair was swept up, revealing her graceful, swan¨Clike neck. She moved like an angel descended from the heavens, every step as if she walked on clouds.


    ¡°Wow, she looks stunning!¡±


    ¡°Yes, like a fairy untouched by the world.¡±


    ¡°No wonder Mr. and Mrs. Larson made her their goddaughter. She¡¯s beautiful, wealthy, and talented. Who wouldn¡¯t be drawn to her?¡±


    ¡°The moment she appeared, Ms. Larson instantly seemed dull inparison.¡±


    ¡°Over the years, Ms. Larson¡¯s been living the high life¨Cbuying every fancy dress and every designer piece, sipping tea with socialites. But next to Ms. Wendy, she looks ordinary.¡±


    Tonight, both Wendy and Jessica were in the spotlight, and people couldn¡¯t help butpare them.


    Hearing the whispers, Jessica felt like she¡¯d been hit by a thousand sharp arrows. Everyone thought she paled byparison.


    Jessica was beautiful, with a face and figure that turned heads. Before Wendy came along, she was the star¨Cbut Wendy¡¯s arrival. stole every bit of attention, turning her from a rose in the center of the garden into a mere twig.


    She wasn¡¯t willing to ept it.


    She hated Wendy!


    Halsey smiled with satisfaction. ¡°Herees Wendy!¡±


    Wendy stepped gracefully down the staircase and into the shimmering glow of the room¡¯s center.


    Horace and Brittany moved beside her.


    Brittany said, ¡°You look absolutely breathtaking tonight.¡±


    Horace nodded approvingly. ¡°Like a princess.¡±


    Wendy¡¯s bare face was enhanced with a delicate touch of makeup that only highlighted her natural, almost otherworldly beauty.


    <b>She </b>curved her <b>lips </b>in a soft smile. ¡°Thank you, Mom and Dad.¡®


    Wendy had already started calling them ¡°Mom¡± and ¡°Dad<b>¡°</b>.


    <b>Jessica </b>clenched her fists in anger. ¡°Aren¡¯t you calling them that alt too soon?¡±


    Wendy lifted her head, her clear, bright eyes settling on Jessica and Ida. ¡°Ms. Larson, Ms. Olsen<b>, </b>you¡¯re here. Wee.¡±


    Ida smiled. ¡°I knew you were special since the moment I met you. Look at you now¨Cyou¡¯ve gotten into the Larson family all by yourself.¡±


    Ida¡¯s tone was dripping with sarcasm.


    But Wendy wasn¡¯t fazed at all.


    She raised a delicate brow and replied, ¡°If getting into the Larson family is a skill, you¡¯re definitely a master at it¨Cafter all, you¡¯ve been clinging to the Larson family for over twenty years.¡®


    ¡±


    Chapter <b>790 </b>

 My Dad Please Come 790

    <b>Chapter </b><b>790 </b>


    Ida¡¯s smile shattered in an instant. ¡°What did you say?!¡±


    Halsey stepped forward confidently. <b>¡°</b><b>With </b>Wendy¡¯s talent and strength, she doesn¡¯t need to cling to anyone. The Larson family <b>is </b>just a bonus to her sess<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>Ida¡¯s </b>face darkened.


    Horace said firmly, <b>¡°</b>Wendy is now part of the Larson family. If anyone dares to provoke her or show disrespect, <b>I¡¯ll </b>have them kicked out immediately.¡±


    His words were clearly meant for Ida, with no regard for their past


    Ida clenched her fists at her sides and nced at Jessica.


    Jessica stepped toward her parents without hesitation. ¡°It¡¯s time you made your choice.¡±


    Wendy asked calmly, ¡°Choice? What choice?¡±


    Jessica smirked proudly. ¡°Haven¡¯t you heard? I asked my parents <b>to </b>choose between you and me, and they still haven¡¯t decided.¡±


    Wendy nodded. ¡°I see.¡±


    Jessica¡¯s voice took on a sharper edge<b>. </b>¡°I know you¡¯ve done a lot for my parents, and they¡¯re taking you in to repay that¨Cbut I¡¯m their biological daughter. You¡¯re not going to ask them to give me up, are you?¡±


    Wendy looked at Horace and Brittany. She was truly fond of them, but she knew that Jessica was their blood, and blood is thicker


    than water.


    She didn¡¯t want to put Horace and Brittany in a tough spot.


    With a gentle smile, Wendy said, ¡°Mom, Dad, I know Jessica is your biological daughter, and your only child. It¡¯s alright. We can even cancel tonight¡¯s party. It won¡¯t affect our rtionship.¡±


    Wendy¡¯s understanding nature annoyed Halsey deeply. She grabbed Wendy¡¯s arm and whispered sharply, ¡°Why are you stepping aside for Jessica? She¡¯s done nothing but cause trouble, yet she hides behind her status as the Larson family¡¯s heiress! If this keeps up, there¡¯s nothing she won¡¯t do.¡±


    Wendy gave Halsey a calming look before turning to Horace and Brittany. ¡°Mom<b>, </b>Dad, I¡ª¡±


    Horace cut her off. ¡°You don¡¯t need to say anything. We¡¯ve already made our choice.¡±


    Brittany and Horace exchanged a nce. ¡°Yes, we¡¯ve made our decision.¡±


    Jessica¡¯s eyes sparkled with anticipation. ¡°What¡¯s your choice? Who do you pick?¡±


    At that moment, the butler approached. ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Larson, we have brought the Aetheris Crown.¡±


    The Aetheris Crown was a masterpiece handcrafted from countless precious diamonds and gemstones<b>, </b>priceless beyond measure. It was a tiara fit for a princess.


    Horace nodded. ¡°Bring it out.¡±


    Soon, <b>a </b>ck¨Cd bodyguard appeared, holding an exquisite box<b>. </b>Inside rested the Aetheris Crown.


    Gasps filled the room.


    The crown gleamed brilliantly under the dazzling lights, its radiance so intense it took everyone¡¯s breath away.


    ¡°The Aetheris Crown is stunning!¡±


    ¡°This is the crown Mr. Larson bought from a royal auction for the Larson family¡¯s heiress. Tonight, it will grace the head of the


    <b>Chapter </b>790


    family¡¯s <b>heiress</b><b>.</b>¡±


    But now there are two heiresses¨CMs. Crone and Ms. Larson. We will wear the Aetheris Crown?<b>¡± </b>


    The ck¨Cd bodyguard presented the crown before Horace and Brittany.


    Jessica¡¯s eyes shone brightly. Since she was the Larson family¡¯s heiress<b>, </b>she was confident that the crown belonged <b>to </b>her.


    Wendy couldn¡¯t possiblypete with her!

 My Dad Please Come 791

    <b>Chapter </b>791


    Jessica looked straight at Horace and Brittany. ¡°I really love this Aheris Crown. Now<b>, </b>put it on me.¡±


    She was practically bouncing with excitement, eager to wear the crown.


    Brittany picked up the Aetheris Crown. ¡°Tonight, we will personally ce this crown <b>on </b>the head of the Larson family¡¯s true heiress.¡±


    Jessica couldn¡¯t hide her impatience. ¡°Hurry and put it on me!¡±


    She couldn¡¯t wait any longer.


    Brittany walked over to Jessica and stopped right in front of her.


    Jessica¡¯s eyes sparkled. Brittany was here.


    A murmur ran through the crowd. ¡°Mrs. Larson is about to crown Ms. Larson with the Aetheris Crown!¡±


    ¡°Of course. Ms. Larson is her biological daughter!¡±


    ¡°How could a goddaughterpare to their own blood?¡±


    Jessica strutted like a proud peacock, locking her gaze on Brittany.


    ¡°Hurry up and put it on me!¡±


    She bent down, waiting expectantly.


    Yet, Brittany didn¡¯t move.


    ¡°Jessica,¡± Brittany said slowly, ¡°this Aetheris Crown isn¡¯t for you.¡±


    What?


    Jessica froze. ¡°What are you talking about? If it¡¯s not for me, then who is it for?¡±


    Brittany looked her in the eye. ¡°This crown is meant for Wendy.¡±


    Jessica¡¯s heart sank. ¡°What¡­¡±


    Brittany held Jessica¡¯s gaze firmly. ¡°Jessica, you¡¯re our daughter<b>, </b>but we can¡¯t keep turning a blind eye to your mistakes. You asked us to choose between you and Wendy. We have made our decision.¡±


    Jessica¡¯s stomach twisted with dread. ¡°Who did you choose?¡±


    Horace¡¯s voice was low and steady. ¡°We choose Wendy.¡±


    Horace and Brittany had chosen Wendy.


    Gasps erupted among the crowd.


    Jessica¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°I¡¯m your one and only biological daughter, but you¡¯re choosing Wendy, an outsider?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s no longer an outsider. She is our daughter now,¡± Brittany said calmly.


    Without another word, Brittany walked toward Wendy. ¡°The party will go on as nned¨Cunless you don¡¯t want us to be your parents anymore.¡±


    Wendy was deeply moved. When Jessica forced Horace and Brittany to choose, she had already braced herself to be cast aside. She knew her ce¨Cshe knew she couldn¡¯tpete with Jessica, their biological daughter.


    Never had she expected Horace and Brittany to choose her.


    <b>There </b>is nothing in this world <b>more </b>precious than being chosen wholeheartedly by someone else.


    <b>Tears </b>welled up in Wendy¡¯s eyes. ¡°Of course, I want you to be my parents.¡±


    Horace smiled gently. ¡°This crown belongs only to you. Now, wear it.¡±


    Wendy nodded softly. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Brittany lifted the dazzling crown and ced it carefully on Wendy¡¯s head.


    Tonight, Wendy had her hair elegantly pinned up, revealing her gorgeous, delicate face. Now, crowned with the radiant Aetheris Crown<b>, </b>she shone like a star, so bright that she was impossible to look at directly.


    Horace and Brittany stood firmly on either side of Wendy<b>, </b>their voices ringing out loud and clear.


    ¡°We now dere Wendy the true heiress of the Larson family. From this moment on, anyone who opposes her opposes all of us!


    ¡°1


    The crowd exploded in reaction. ¡°I can¡¯t believe this! Mr. and Mrs. Larson actually chose Ms. Wendy<b>!</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°It seems she has truly won their favor.¡±


    Brittany turned to the crowd and asked, ¡°Have I made myself clear<b>¡± </b>


    The crowd responded in unison, ¡°Yes!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 792

    <b>Chapter </b><b>792 </b>


    Jessica felt like she had been publicly pped in the face by none other than Horace and Brittany.


    Now, countless eyes were on her, whispering and pointing fingers. Some watched with amusement, others with disdain, and a few even with pity. It was a messy mix of emotions.


    She had once stood at the pinnacle, shining with the glow of being the Larson family¡¯s heiress. But now, she had fallen straight from that peak.


    That halo shattered.


    How did ite to this?


    Her heart burned with bitter resentment.


    Just then, someone shouted, ¡°Look! Mr. Hawk is here!¡±


    Stanley had arrived.


    Jessica lifted her head to see the crowd parting<b>, </b>clearing a path for him. Stanley¡¯s tall<b>, </bmanding figure slowly came into view.


    Tonight, Stanley was dressed in a custom¨Ctailored ck suit, sharp and striking. He strode forward with steady, confident steps, exuding a powerful, almost royal presence.


    Jessica gazed at him,pletely captivated. He was the man she loved, the one she truly adored.


    Ida whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We haven¡¯t lost yet. Stanley is our secret weapon! If you can¡¯t be the Larson family¡¯s heiress, you


    can still be Mrs. Hawk.¡±


    Jessica smiled, suddenly hopeful. Of course! She could still marry into the Hawk family and be ady of status.


    Stanley approached, and Horace and Brittany greeted him. ¡°Stanley<b>, </b>you made it.¡±


    Stanley nodded, then his eyesnded on Wendy. A sh of surprise crossed his gaze. Wendy looked stunning tonight, absolutely


    mesmerizing.


    Halsey teased, ¡°Jeez, your eyes are practically glued to her!¡±


    Under Stanley¡¯s intense gaze, Wendy curved her lips into a small, knowing smile.


    ¡°Mr. Hawk, you came just in time!¡± Ida interjected. ¡°The Hawk and Larson families have a long¨Cstanding engagement, and Jessica is your fianc¨¦e. Have you given any more thought to marrying her?¡±


    Halsey scoffed, ¡°Forget it. Stanley would never marry Jessica!¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s not your call!¡± Jessica snapped back.


    Ida turned to Stanley. ¡°Have you made your decision?¡±


    Stanley remained silent.


    Ida pursed her lips and quietly muttered an incantation.


    A sharp hiss escaped into the air.


    Suddenly, Stanley¡¯s head throbbed with unbearable pain. His face turned deathly pale.


    ¡°Stanley!¡± Horace stepped forward and steadied him.


    Wendy wanted to move closer to help, but she held herself back. She couldn¡¯t.


    Jessica looked at Stanley with a cold smile. ¡°Why put yourself through this? That pounding headache must be terrible. Just agree


    to the marriage, and you¡¯ll be free. Wendy¡¯s the source of your pain You need to stay away from her!¡±


    Halsey clenched her fists, furious, itching to p Jessica.


    But Wendy stopped her with a look. She turned to Stanley and said, ¡®Marry her.¡±


    Wendy was asking Stanley to marry Jessica.


    Stanley lifted his head, eyes searching Wendy¡¯s. ¡°Do you really want me to marry Jessica?¡±


    Wendy nodded. ¡°Yes<b>, </b>I¡¯m telling you to marry her. Do it. It¡¯s over between us.


    Halsey opened her mouth to argue, but the thought of the Heartchain Curse within Stanley silenced her.


    It was a deadlock. For Stanley¡¯s own survival, he had no choice but to marry Jessica.


    Ida pressed on, her tone sharp and threatening. ¡°Have you made up your mind? Our patience won¡¯tst forever. If we can¡¯t have what we want, then no one else will. We¡¯ll destroy it ourselves!¡±


    Jessica looked at Stanley with adoration shining in her eyes. ¡°I really love you<b>, </b>Stanley! I want to marry you.¡±


    Stanley nced once at Wendy, then fixed his gaze on Jessica¡¯s face. He nodded.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll marry you.¡±


    X

 My Dad Please Come 793

    Chapter <b>793 </b>


    Stanley agreed to marry Jessica.


    Horace and Brittany stepped forward in shock. ¡°Stanley!¡±


    Halsey¡¯s face darkened as well.


    Meanwhile, Jessica curled her lips into a knowing smile. She exchanged a nce with Ida, and they both grinned.


    Mission aplished!


    Jessica¡¯s wish hade true. Even though she had fallen out with the Larson family, she was soon to be Mrs. Hawk. To her, a woman¡¯s worth wasn¡¯t about what she did but whom she married, With the Heartchain Curse controlling Stanley, she couldfortably im the throne of Mrs. Hawk for life.


    She slipped her arm through Stanley¡¯s and smiled sweetly. ¡°I¡¯m so d you changed your mind. Let¡¯s get married as soon as possible. Bing your wife has always been my dream.¡±


    Stanley nced at Jessica<b>, </b>but said nothing.


    Ida looked at Horace, Brittany, and Wendy¡¯s defeated expressions, and felt a rush of satisfaction. Tormenting them, making sure they had no peace¨Cthat was her goal.


    ¡°Congrattions, you two,¡± Ida said to Jessica and Stanley with a smile.


    Just then, Ang arrived with Be. ¡°Stanley, are you really going to marry Jessica?¡±


    Be ran over to Wendy¡¯s side. ¡°Mommy¡­¡±


    Wendy picked up her daughter and kissed her on the cheek. ¡°Be¡­¡±


    Jessica looked at Ang. ¡°Mrs. Ang, you¡¯ll soon be my mother¨Cinw.<i>¡± </i>


    Ang frowned and nced at Stanley. ¡°Marriage is a serious matter. You need to think this through carefully.¡±


    Stanley pressed his lips together. ¡°I¡¯m marrying Jessica.¡±


    His tone left no room for argument.


    Ida smiled. ¡°Ang, let¡¯s pick a date. I think the fifteenth of this month would be perfect. We¡¯ll hold a grand wedding so Mr. Hawk and Jessica can tie the knot.¡±


    She turned to Horace and Brittany. ¡°Horace, Brittany, you both muste to bless the happy couple.¡±


    ¡°Your blessing would mean the world to me,¡± Jessica said to Wendy with a smile.


    Wendy¡¯s expression remained cool and distant. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll definitely be at the wedding.¡±


    Be, in her toddler voice, called out, ¡°Daddy¡­¡±


    At only three years old, Be couldn¡¯t understand the grown¨Cup conversations happening around her.


    Stanley stepped forward and kissed Be on the forehead. Listen to Mommy, okay?¡±


    Be nodded. ¡°Okay¡­¡±


    Jessica beamed. ¡°Be is absolutely adorable! I really like her. From now on<b>, </b>I¡¯ll treat Be like my own.¡±


    Wendy held Be tightly. ¡°Thanks, but I¡¯m Be¡¯s mother. You don¡¯t need to worry about that.¡±


    Jessica wasn¡¯t bothered. ¡°Sure. After Stanley and I marry, we¡¯ll have our own children anyway. Stanley, you don¡¯t have a son yet. I¡¯ll give you one someday.¡±


    <b>She </b>said it loud enough for Wendy to hear.


    At that moment, people around them started offering congrattions.


    ¡°Congrattions to Mr. Hawk and Ms. Larson! They¡¯ve been engaged since childhood. It¡¯s wonderful they¡¯re finally getting married soon.¡±


    ¡°Fate works in mysterious ways. Mr. Hawk and Ms. Larson truly are made for each other.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll all be at your wedding. Can¡¯t wait to celebrate the union of the century!¡±


    ¡°We have two things to celebrate today¨CMs. Wendy bing the Larson family¡¯s heiress, and Mr. Hawk marrying Ms. Larson. Congrattions!¡±


    Jessica looked at Stanley with pure happiness, then threw a challenging nce toward Wendy.


    Stanley¡¯s refined, handsome face remained calm and unreadable.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving,¡± he said quietly.

 My Dad Please Come 794

    Stanley turned and walked away.


    ¡°Bye.¡± Jessica waved goodbye to Wendy before hurrying after him ¡®Stanley, waif up!¡±


    Ida turned to Horace, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll see you around.¡±


    Then, she followed after them.


    Be looked up at Wendy, her voice small and confused. ¡°Mommy, why did Daddy go off with that baddy? I don¡¯t like her. She¡¯s mean to you¡­¡±


    Wendy nced toward where Stanley and Jessica had disappeared, then smiled gently. ¡°Grown¨Cup things areplicated. Just remember that your Daddy and I love you, and will always be with you.¡±


    Be nodded happily. ¡°Okay!¡±


    Brittany looked at Wendy with concern. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    She was worried about Wendy¡¯s mood.


    Wendy shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Halsey scowled. ¡°Jessica really knows how to stir the pot. Saying she¡¯ll have Stanley¡¯s son? Like that¡¯s something she could control!¡±


    Suddenly, Wendy frowned and bent over, vomiting.


    She hadn¡¯t eaten much that day, so there wasn¡¯t much toe up, but the queasy feeling was overwhelming.


    Horace and Brittany grew anxious. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you feeling sick?¡±


    ¡°Did you eat something bad?¡± Ang asked.


    Wendy lifted her hand to her wrist, feeling her pulse. A faint shiver passed through her slender fingers.


    Halsey¡¯s voice was urgent. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Wendy said quietly, ¡°I¡¯m pregnant.¡± 3


    Hearing that Wendy was pregnant, Horace, Brittany, Ang, and Halsey didn¡¯t hesitate. They rushed her to the hospital for


    tests.


    Even though Wendy was a doctor, she still needed professional prenatal care.


    Soon, the doctor came out. Everyone crowded around.


    ¡°How is Wendy?¡±


    ¡°Congrattions,¡± the doctor said, ¡°Ms. Crone is definitely pregnant. And she¡¯s expecting twins!¡±


    Wendy was having twins.


    Ang gasped. ¡°Twins? Oh, my! Wendy¡¯s having twins! We¡¯ve never had twins in our family before. Wendy¡¯s such a blessing!¡±


    Wendy came out of the exam room.


    Brittany caught her, beaming. ¡°You¡¯re having twins!¡±


    Wendy wasn¡¯t surprised. When she took her pulse earlier, she already sensed it.


    She hadn¡¯t used birth control the time she was with Stanley<b>, </b>and hadn¡¯t taken any medication afterward. She never expected to get pregnant again, let alone with twins.


    Even Wendy hadn¡¯t anticipated that. 1


    ¡°Carrying twins is tough,¡± Ang said. ¡°You need to rest. I¡¯m going to call Stanley. He¡¯ll be so happy to hear the news!¡±


    Ang reached for her phone to call.


    But Wendy stopped her. ¡°Don¡¯t call him.¡±


    Ang hesitated. ¡°He will want to know. If he knows you¡¯re pregnant, he definitely won¡¯t marry Jessica.¡±


    Wendy¡¯s expression was firm. ¡°That¡¯s why <b>I </b>can¡¯t tell him. For his sake, he can¡¯t know about the pregnancy.¡± Stanley was trapped by the Heartchain Curse. He would die if he came back.


    Halsey frowned. ¡°But that¡¯s not fair to you!¡±


    Wendy rested her hand on her belly, feeling the new life growing there¨Ctwo little angels on the way.


    ¡°I¡¯ll handle things with Stanley in my own time. For now, you all stay out of it. I¡¯ll tell him when the moment is right.¡±


    X

 My Dad Please Come 795

    Since Wendy had made her decision clear, everyone naturally respected it.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Wendy left the hospital. Halsey, apanied by Madeline, came over to say goodbye. ¡°I¡¯ll take Maddy home first. We¡¯ll catch up again soon.¡±


    Wendy nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Madeline waved. ¡°Bye, Wendy.¡±


    Wendy smiled gently. ¡°Bye.¡±


    Halsey and Madeline headed home together. As they walked, Halsey asked, ¡°Maddy, after seeing what Wendy is going through, how do you feel about it?¡±


    Madeline thought for a moment. ¡°Her love life sure has been rocky Is love always like this?¡±


    She had never been in a rtionship herself, and was curious.


    Halsey thought back to her own time with Dwight. Love was a mix of sweetness and heartbreak,ughter and tears. Still, she didn¡¯t want to scare Madeline or make her afraid of love.


    With a soft smile, Halsey said, ¡°It really depends on the person, but I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll find someone who truly understands and loves you<b>, </b>someone to walk beside you through life¡¯s ups and downs.¡±


    Madeline smiled faintly, clearly uninterested. ¡°Nah, I think I¡¯m more suited for science<b>. </b>Research is more my thing.¡±


    Halsey chuckled. Madeline was the perfect example of a science¨Cminded girl; she was more interested in numbers and experiments than in matters of the heart.


    Grabbing Madeline¡¯s hand, Halsey said, ¡°You¡¯re grown up now. You should enjoy your youth a little. Come on<b>, </b>I¡¯m going to show you a good time.¡±


    Madeline raised an eyebrow. ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    Halsey gave her a mysterious smile. ¡°You¡¯ll see when we get there!


    Half an hourter, Halsey dragged Madeline to the entrance of a bar.


    Madeline blinked in surprise. ¡°You brought me to a bar?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Halsey said with a grin. ¡°You¡¯ve never been to a bar before, right? Tonight, I¡¯m taking you to experience it firsthand. Let¡¯s go have a drink.¡±


    Halsey led Madeline inside.


    Over the past three years, Halsey had truly treated Madeline like her own little sister. She had been deeply involved in Madeline¡¯s studies and work. Now that Madeline was older, Halsey had started worrying about Madeline¡¯s love life<b>, </b>too.


    The two of them settled at the bar. Tonight, the ce was buzzing with energy. Heavy metal music sted through the speakers, and the dance floor was alive with wild, swirling bodies.


    ¡°What do you want to drink?¡± Halsey asked.


    ¡°Fruit juice,¡± Madeline replied.


    Halseyughed. ¡°No juice in a bar. How about a blue cocktail instead?¡±


    Soon, two blue cocktails arrived. Both of them rxed, sipping their drinks.


    Suddenly<b>, </b><b>a </bmotion stirred nearby.


    Someone whispered, ¡°Hey, look at that VIP booth! <b>It¡¯s </b>all booked tonight. I heard <b>it¡¯s </b>Gilbert Greenwood¡¯s birthday, and some rich kids are throwing him a party.¡±


    ¡°Not just rich kids¨Cthere¡¯s a bunch of bunny girls, too. They¡¯re all stunning inte models, here to celebrate Gilbert¡¯s birthday.<b>¡± </b>


    Halsey hadn¡¯t expected to run into Gilbert at the bar. The Greenwood family¡¯s influence had surged in thest three years, and wherever Gilbert went, he was followed by crowds of admirers.


    She nced up toward the VIP section, and sure enough, the whole area was reserved. ck¨Cd bodyguards stood at the entrance<b>, </b>blocking anyone without clearance.


    Halsey soon spotted Gilbert.


    Gilbert was no longer just the high school heartthrob; he was now the true heir apparent. Tonight, he wore a ck shirt and matching pants, seated in the main spot on the sofa. Around him gathered prominent young figures from the Capital, all there to celebrate his birthday.


    Soon, a group of bunny girls appeared. They wore revealing outfits, each sporting a pair of bunny ears on their heads.


    Young and beautiful, their eyes sparkled as they looked at Gilbert with unmistakable admiration.

 My Dad Please Come 796

    <b>Chapter </b><b>796 </b>


    The wealthy heirs around Gilbertughed, teasing him, ¡°Gilbert, ose bunny girls can¡¯t take their eyes off you! Looks like your charm is really something!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got the money and the looks, so no wonder they¡¯re all drooling over you. Haha!¡±


    The crowd cheered, egging the girls on.


    Gilbert held a wine ss, recliningzily against the back of the sofa while swirling the red wine inside. With a yful grin, he said, ¡°What are you waiting for? Get up and dance.¡±


    The rich kids responded, ¡°Yeah, show us your best moves! Let Gilbert see who¡¯s got the smoothest moves and the most flexible


    body!¡±


    ¡°The one who dances best might even take home a big prize tonight. Gilbert might just bring you back with him, haha.¡±


    The bunny girls blushed, murmuring, ¡°Okay.¡±


    They began to sway and twist, all of them models and inte celebrities skilled at dancing. Their young, supple bodies moved like a ribbon swaying in the air. Coupled with the raucous cheers <b>of </b>the rich kids, they became the most dazzling sight in the


    entire bar.


    Everyone around Halsey was stunned¨Cthis was the kind of extravagant, decadent lifestyle of the wealthy elite.


    Halsey nced away quickly. She had no connection to Gilbert anymore.


    She picked up her cocktail. ¡°Come on, Maddy, cheers.¡±


    Madeline clinked sses with her and took a sip.


    ¡°How¡¯s it taste?¡± Halsey asked.


    Madeline wrinkled her nose. ¡°Tingly, spicy, and sweet. It¡¯s exciting.¡±


    Halseyughed. ¡°Exciting is what it¡¯s all about! Here, let¡¯s drink again.¡±


    Just then, a familiar figure appeared¨Cit was Sienna.


    Sienna spotted Halsey right away. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Halsey hated two people the most¨CJessica and Sienna. Tonight<b>, </b>fate had thrown them together again. ¡°I¡¯m here to have fun. What about you?¡±


    She sized Sienna up. Tonight, Sienna was wearing a super short<b>, </b>tight ck mini dress. With her youthful face and impressive figure, she probably had every man in the room drooling.


    Halsey smirked. ¡°You look hot tonight. Which rich heir caught your eye this time?¡±


    Sienna and Jessica shared the same life motto: A woman must marry well. Since breaking up with Gilbert three years ago, Sienna had been circting among wealthy heirs, trying to find a good match.


    Sienna curled her lips in a sly smile. ¡°That¡¯s none of your business. Unlike you, always dragging Madeline around and wasting your best years on someone else.¡±


    For the past three years, Halsey had been focused on Madeline, unlike Jessica and Sienna, who lived for themselves and their youth.


    Halsey immediately stepped in front of Madeline. ¡°She¡¯s my sister. She¡¯s a top student and a scientist. I¡¯m proud to have a sister like her.¡±


    Sienna sneered. ¡°At the end of the day, isn¡¯t she just Dwight¡¯s little sister?¡±


    When Halsey heard Dwight¡¯s name, her expression flickered.


    Sienna mocked her, ¡°Dwight dumped you long ago. He left you behind, and here you are, raising his sister like she¡¯s your own What¡¯s next? Trying to be her second mother? Well, let¡¯s see if Dwight¡¯s into something like that!¡±


    a line no one was allowed to cross.


    Halsey¡¯s eyes darkened. Dwight was her soft spot, and Madeline even more so ¡°Who are you to judge my life? And judging by your looks tonight, you¡¯re here to try and seduce Gilbert, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    <b>x </b>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>797 </b>


    <b>Chapter 797 </b>

 My Dad Please Come 797

    <b>Chapter 797 </b>


    Sienna¡¯s expression shifted instantly.


    Halsey gave her a sharp once¨Cover.


    ¡°Gilbert dumped you three years ago<b>, </b>but you¡¯ve never stopped thinking about him. I guess that makes sense. With Gilbert¡¯s rise <b>these </b>past few years, who else couldpare? But he doesn¡¯t want you anymore. You¡¯re all dressed up today to try and seduce him, right? Those inte¨Cfamous bunny girls around him must have you feeling pretty threatened.¡±


    Sienna¡¯s face darkenedpletely. She hadn¡¯t expected Halsey to know all that.


    Halsey sneered, ¡°I¡¯m not the one stirring up trouble, so you¡¯d better nofe after me. I don¡¯t care about your petty drama<b>. </b>If you want to make a fool of me, I¡¯ll make a fool out of you first.¡±


    Sienna <b>was </b>furious. She had always resented Halsey. After all, Halsey was born into a good family, better looking, and, most importantly, the one Gilbert truly liked the most, despite all his flings over the past three years.


    Gilbert had never stopped thinking about Halsey.


    Sienna¡¯s jealousy ran deep.


    Clenching her fists, Sienna snapped, ¡°Don¡¯t get too cocky! Gilbert and I will get back together.¡±


    Halsey shrugged. ¡°Pfft! I¡¯m not your mom. If you two get back together, it¡¯s none of my business<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Sienna was speechless. Frustrated that she could never win their verbal battles, she stomped her foot and stormed off.


    Halsey settled back into her seat, tilting her head to take a slow sip of her cocktail.


    She drank too fast, and a sharp sting burned at the back of her throat, spicy and harsh. That burning sensation quickly spread deep into her chest.


    Halsey reached for her ss again, but Madeline¡¯s hand gently stopped her.


    ¡°Halsey,¡± Madeline said softly<b>, </b>concern in her eyes. ¡°Are you thinking about Dwight?¡±


    Halsey said nothing.


    Madeline¡¯s face fell. ¡°Three years ago, Dwight married someone else and then disappeared. It¡¯s been three whole years, and he still hasn¡¯te back.¡±


    There was a trace of sadness in her voice.


    Halsey shook off the mood. ¡°Maddy<b>, </b>no sad talks tonight. Come on Let¡¯s dance<b>.</b>¡±


    She took Madeline¡¯s hand and pulled her onto the crowded dance floor.


    Madeline had never been here before and looked unsure. ¡°I can¡¯t dance.¡±


    Halsey smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll teach you.¡±


    With quick, fluid movements, Halsey began a lively dance, her arms and legs moving with energy and grace.


    Meanwhile, Sienna was boiling with anger, but she hadn¡¯t forgotten her real goal tonight¨CGilbert.


    Halsey was right; Gilbert had skyrocketed these past three years. No one else was a better catch.


    He was handsome, fun¨Cloving, and wild in bed. She just couldn¡¯t let go.


    She had heard many bunny girls hade <b>to </b>celebrate Gilbert¡¯s birthday tonight, so sitting still was out of the question. She had to make the first move and get back together with him.


    Smoothing her dress, Sienna made her way toward the exclusive VIP booths.


    <b>Chapter </b><b>797 </b>


    <b>But </b>a ck¨C<b>d </b><b>bodyguard </b><b>quickly </b>stepped in front of her. <b>¡°</b><b>Sorry </b><b>you </b><b>can¡¯t </b>enter. Mr. Greenwood has reserved <b>this </b>whole ce <b>tonight</b><b>. </b><b>No </b><b>outsiders </b>allowed.¡±


    know <b>Gilbert</b>,¡± Sienna said firmly. <b>¡°</b><b>I¡¯m </b>his ex. Let me through.


    ¡°Do you have an invitation?¡± the guard asked.


    Sienna <b>hesitated</b>. ¡°No.¡±


    The guard shook his head. ¡°Then I¡¯m sorry, but you¡¯re not getting. There are too many people trying to <b>sneak </b>in <b>to </b>celebrate Mr. Greenwood¡¯s birthday tonight. We¡¯ve already turned away several people like you. You need to leave.¡±


    Sienna¡¯s anger red.


    She looked up toward Gilbert inside¨Che was lounging on the sofa ss of red wine in hand, watching the bunny girls dance in front of him.


    6

 My Dad Please Come 798

    Abold bunny <b>girl </b>spim around twice in the air, thennded right in front of Gilbert and plopped down on his thigh without hesitation.


    Gilbert wrapped <b>his </b>arm around her, shing <b>a </b>devil¨Cmay¨Ccare gri. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Tired from dancing? Come sit on <b>my </bp for a bit.¡±


    <b>Wild</b>, reckless<b>, </b>and irresistible, Gilbert had a way with women that made them melt.


    The bunny girl blushed deeply, ¡°You¡¯re such a tease.¡±


    The wealthy kids around them burst outughing. ¡°Oh, Gilbert, you¡¯re such a tease! Just how much of a tease are you? We have no idea!¡±


    The bunny girl¡¯s eyes were glued to Gilbert¡¯s handsome face, as if she couldn¡¯t look away.


    Sienna¡¯s blood boiled watching this. That was her man, after all.


    She immediately called out loud, ¡°Gilbert!¡±


    Gilbert heard her voice andzily looked up.


    Sienna curled her lips into a <b>sly </b>smile. ¡°It¡¯s me.


    Gilbert raised a hand. ¡°Let her in.¡±


    The ck¨Cd bodyguard stepped aside.


    Sienna held her head high. ¡°See? I told you I¡¯m his ex. I¡¯m nothing like those other girls.<b>¡± </b>


    She strode up to Gilbert.


    Gilbert raised an eyebrow. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    The rich kidsughed. ¡°Sienna? Are you here to celebrate Gilbert¡¯s birthday, too?¡±


    Sienna nced at the bunny girl in Gilbert¡¯sp. ¡°Do you really have to hold her while talking to me?¡±


    Laughter broke out.


    The rich kids teased, ¡°Guess Gilbert¡¯s ex is pissed!¡±


    ¡°Nah, I think she¡¯s jealous.¡±


    ¡°Gilbert, I can¡¯t believe your ex showed up. This party just got interesting.¡±


    Gilbert nced at Sienna, then back at the bunny girl. ¡°She wants you to get up.¡±


    The bunny girl clung to Gilbert¡¯s neck, pouting in a sweet, yful way. ¡°But I don¡¯t wanna get up¡­¡±


    She had fought hard to sit on hisp, and there was no way she was giving up her spot.


    Gilbert looked at Sienna with a wicked grin. ¡°You saw that right? She doesn¡¯t want to move. What should we do? Maybe you two should fight it out.¡±


    The rich kidsughed even harder.


    ¡°Gilbert, you¡¯re terrible, making your ex and your new girl fight!¡±


    What can I do? There¡¯s only one of me. There¡¯s not enough to go around.¡±


    Gilbert¡¯s wild, mischievous attitude had both Sienna and the bunny girl itching for a showdown.


    <b>Chapter </b>798


    <b>¡°</b><b>Sienna</b><b>, </b><b>why </b>don¡¯t you take on this bunny <b>girl</b><b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>¡°</b>Yeah, <b>we¡¯re </b>rooting for <b>you</b>! You¡¯ll win for sure.¡±


    Sienna red at the bunny girl. ¡°How do you have such thick skin Why do you have to sit on someone else¡¯sp<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    The bunny girl shot back without missing a beat, <b>¡°</b>I¡¯m not sitting on yourp<b>, </b>I¡¯m on Gilbert¡¯s. As long as he doesn¡¯t make me get up, why should I give up my seat? Just because you¡¯re his ex?¡±


    <b>She </b>emphasized the words ¡°his ex¡± with a sharp <b>edge</b>.


    Sienna was furious. She had finally met a worthy opponent.


    These bunny girls were clever¨Cjust like her, they were all after the same kind of men: rich, powerful, and handsome. They had seen every kind of trick, including the dramatic figlits over rich hers. They weren¡¯t scared of anything


    Sienna snapped, ¡°Get up right now! I need to talk to him.¡±


    The bunny girl smirked. ¡°Go ahead and talk. I¡¯m not getting up. I want to hear what you have to say while sitting on Gilbert¡¯sp!


    Sienna¡¯s face twisted with rage. Furious, she reached out and grabbed a handful of the bunny girl¡¯s hair.

 My Dad Please Come 799

    Chapter <b>799 </b>


    <b>Get </b><b>off </b><b>him</b><b>!</b><b>¡± </b>Sienna yelled<b>, </b>yanking liard on the bunny girl¡¯s long hair and dragging her roughly off Gilbert¡¯sp


    ¡°Ah<b>!</b><b>¡± </b>the bunny girl screamed before crashing to the floor.


    But the bunny girl wasn¡¯t one to back down easily. She red up at Sienna, fury zing in her eyes. <b>¡°</b>How dare you hit me! You think <b>I¡¯m </b>a pushover, huh?<b>¡± </b>


    She sprang to her feet and lunged back, her long nails raking a bleeding scratch across Sienna¡¯s cheek.


    ¡°Ah, my face! You tramp! How dare you ruin my face! I¡¯ll make you regret this!<b>¡± </b>


    Sienna and the bunny girl quickly tumbled into a full¨Con fight, knocking over drinks on the coffee table as sses spilled everywhere.


    ¡°Hahaha!¡±


    The rich kids stood up, eager for the show.


    ¡°Gilbert, these two gorgeous women are really fighting over you!¡±


    ¡°Gilbert¡¯s got too much charm that two beauties are battling it out just for him!¡±


    ¡°Who are you betting on? I¡¯m going with Sienna!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m on the bunny girl!¡±


    ¡°Come on! Use some strength! This is amazing!!


    They all cheered and jeered<b>, </bpletely entertained.


    Gilbert watchedzily while curling the corner of his lips. Honestly he found it dull.


    Then his gaze shifted to the dance floor. There, amidst the crowd, a graceful figure caught his eye¡ªit was Halsey.


    Halsey was dancing with Madeline, moving with the kind of fluid elegance that only someone trained in dance could have. Her every step was like silver grass swaying in the breeze<b>, </b>radiant and captivating. The men around the dance floor were mesmerized, all eyes fixed on her.


    Halsey had be the center of attention.


    Gilbert suddenly stood up.


    A rich kid nearby asked, ¡°Gilbert, what¡¯s up?¡±


    Without a word, Gilbert strode off.


    ¡°Hey, where are you going? It¡¯s your birthday! Don¡¯t leave! Come back!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Sienna and the bunny girl are still fighting over you! Aren¡¯t you curious who¡¯s winning?¡±


    Gilbert shot them a cold look. ¡°Get lost.¡±


    The rich kid let go with a disgruntled sigh.


    Gilbert marched straight to the dance floor.


    Watching his retreating figure, the others whispered, ¡°What¡¯s gotten into him? Why¡¯s he suddenly so serious?¡±


    ¡°No clue. Poor Sienna and the bunny girl are still at it, but he just walked away. They look like clowns.¡±


    Gilbert didn¡¯t nce back as he made his way toward Halsey.


    +25 <b>BONUS </b>


    <b>Back </b><b>when </b><b>he </b>was younger<b>, </b>he had been fascinated by Stenna. But fter they had slept together<b>, </b><b>he </b>realized she was just <b>shallow </b>and ordinary<b>, </b><b>no </b>better than those desperate bunny girls wing <b>for </b>rich men<b>. </b>They all feeked of cheap vulgarity, and he had grown tired of it.


    <b>Now</b>, watching Halsey on the dance floor, lit by the soft glow of the lights, her delicate oval face shining with an otherworldly <b>radiance</b><b>, </b>he was utterly mesmerized. She had the refined glow of a high¨Csociety heiress, raised with care and privilege<b>, </b>exuding <b>quiet </b>nobility.


    <b>For </b>the past three years, Halsey had kept a low profile. Aside from spending time with Madeline, she had opened her fashion studio, bing an aplished designer in her own right.


    It was only after growing up that Gilbert truly appreciated Halsey¡¯s worth. A top¨Ctier societydy was in a league far above the likes <b>of </b>Sienna and those ordinary<b>, </b>vulgar girls.


    Since Halsey had stopped paying attention to him<b>, </b>the harder he tried to forget, the more she lingered in his heart as the one that got away.


    Now<b>, </b>as Halsey danced with passion and grace, Gilbert¡¯s eyes swept over her body.


    That instinctive attraction stirred deep inside him.


    The dance floor was crowded, but Gilbert pushed his way through the throng, parting the sea of people until he stood right beside her.


    <b>Chapter </b>800


    <b>Chapter </b><b>800 </b>

 My Dad Please Come 800

    <b>Chapter </b><b>800 </b>


    Halsey was dancing happily with Madeline when Gilbert suddenly reached out and grabbed her arm.


    ¡°<b>Halsey</b>!¡±


    Her joy snapped away. She turned to face him, surprise shing across her features.


    ¡°Gilbert?¡± She tried to pull her arm free. ¡°Let go of me!¡±


    Gilbert¡¯s voice was sharp. ¡°Who told you toe dance here?¡±


    <b>¡°</b>What¡¯s it to you?¡± Halsey shot back. She didn¡¯t want any contact with him. With a strong tug, she jerked her arm free from his


    grasp.


    Gilbert sneered. ¡°You love to dance,


    Come on. I¡¯ll dance with you.¡±


    Watching Halsey flirt and spin in front of all those men made Gilbert¡¯s blood boil. She paraded herself for them, but for three whole years, no matter how hard he tried to find her, she ignored himpletely.


    Halsey gave him a cold nce. ¡°Who said I wanted to


    She grabbed Madeline¡¯s hand. ¡°Maddy, <b>let¡¯s </b>go.¡±


    ance with you?¡±


    The sight of Gilbert hadpletely killed her mood. She just wanted to get <b>away </b>with Madeline.


    But Gilbert¡¯s hand shot out, gripping her soft waist<b>, </b>pulling her close into his arms.


    Halsey bumped against him, startled. She looked up sharply. ¡°Are you crazy? Don¡¯t touch me with your filthy hands! Let <b>go</b>!¡±


    Gilbert¡¯s hand rested on her waist, soft and delicate. Despite her protest, he didn¡¯t loosen his grip. Instead, he held her tighter. If you love dancing so much, why stop the moment you see me? Come on, dance with me.¡±


    Gilbert wrapped his arms around her, ready to pull her into a dance


    Halsey couldn¡¯t understand why Gilbert had suddenly shown up here. Wasn¡¯t he supposed to be celebrating his birthday surrounded by a crowd? Weren¡¯t those bunny girls and Sienna enough for him?


    She pushed him hard. ¡°Let go! Don¡¯t touch me!¡±


    Nearby, a burly man spoke up, unable to stand the scene. ¡°Why are you forcing yourself on this youngdy?¡±


    Gilbert turned, eyes cold as ice. ¡°Mind your own business!¡±


    The man, recognizing Gilbert¡¯s wealth and status, took a cautious step back.


    Seizing the chance<b>, </b>Halsey shoved Gilbert away. ¡°You¡¯re insane!¡±


    She grabbed Madeline¡¯s hand again. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Gilbert strode after them. ¡°Stop! Why do you always run when you see me?¡±


    ¡°I have nothing to say to you. Now stay out of my way!¡±


    Halsey¡¯s icy tone ignited a fiery rage inside Gilbert. At his position and power, only Halsey dared to show him such disdain.


    Without hesitation, he reached down and hoisted Halsey onto his shoulder, then started walking.


    Halsey gasped in shock, swinging her fists and pounding him. ¡°Are you crazy? Put me down!¡±


    Madeline hurried after them. ¡°Let her go!¡±


    Gilbert ignored her, striding forward with Halsey carried firmly on his shoulder.


    <b>Chapter </b>800


    <b>Halsey¡¯s </b><b>soft </b>stomach pressed ufortably against his shoulder. They had left the dance floor and were now walking <b>down </b>the corridor. She had no idea where he was taking her. The difference in their strength left her powerless to resist, and a flicker of fear crept in.


    ¡°Let me go! You¡¯re hurting me!¡± Halsey softened her voice. ¡°My stomach hurts. Please put me down, it really hurts<b>!</b><b>¡± </b>


    Hearing her pleas, Gilbert finally set her down.

 My Dad Please Come 801

    <b>Chapter </b><b>801 </b>


    Halsey¡¯s feet <b>hit </b>the ground<b>, </b>and she took off running.


    Gilbertughed bitterly he had expected her move. Quick as liglining, he grabbed her art and shoved her against the wall.


    Holding her shoulder firmly, he demanded, ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡±


    ¡°<b>I </b>should be the one asking you¨Cwhat exactly do you want?¡± Halsey shot back. ¡°We ended things three years <b>ago</b>. No, we never even started. Why can¡¯t you just let me go?¡±


    Gilbert looked at her. ¡°I don¡¯t want this to end. Just give me one more chance. Let¡¯s be together.¡±


    ¡°Dream on,¡± Halsey hissed. ¡°I¡¯m never getting back with you.


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°Why do you think?¡±


    ¡±


    ¡°Are you hung up on that past with Sienna? Yeah, I¡¯ve slept with her. <b>It¡¯s </b>not like you¡¯re still a virgin! You¡¯ve been with Dwight, so why do you look down on me?¡±


    Gilbert¡¯s jealousy for Dwight burned hot¨Che knew Halsey had given her first time to Dwight. He knew better than anyone how much she loved Dwight three years ago.


    Halsey red at Gilbert. ¡°Enough!


    t you dare bring him up.¡®


    ¡°1


    ¡°Why not? What¡¯s so great about him? Wake up! Three years have passed. Dwight never came back. He¡¯s married to some other woman by now¨Cmaybe even has kids. You¡¯re stupid¨Ceven after all this time, you¡¯re still holding onto his sister<b>!</b>¡±


    ¡°Maddy¡¯s my sister! Don¡¯t you dare disrespect her!¡±


    ¡°Why do you protect her so much, huh? Do you still love him?¡±


    Gilbert¡¯s jealousy was out of control. Just hearing Dwight¡¯s name set him off.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter whether I love him or not. The truth is, you don¡¯t evenpare to him,¡± Halsey said.


    Gilbert¡¯s eyes reddened. ¡°How do I notpare? I¡¯m gonna show you I¡¯m better than him!¡±


    He leaned in to kiss her lips.


    Panicked, Halsey quickly dodged. ¡°Let me go! Don¡¯t touch me!¡±


    In desperation, she bent her knee sharply into his groin. Gilbert doubled over in pain, ready to react¨Cbut suddenly, a wooden stick hit the back of his head.


    Gilbert released Halsey and turned around to see Madeline standing there.


    Madeline dropped the stick and grabbed Halsey. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine! Let¡¯s get out of here!¡± Halsey grabbed Madeline¡¯s hand and ran.


    Gilbert, furious and humiliated, shouted, ¡°Halsey, you¡¯ve crossed a line! These past three years, I¡¯ve spoiled you way too much! Get them!¡±


    At hismand, a group of ck¨Cd bodyguards rushed over.


    ¡°Chase them down! Tonight, I want Halsey in my bed!¡±


    The bodyguards answered, ¡°Got it!¡±


    Halsey pulled Madeline out of the bar as the guards closed in behind them.


    <b>Chapter </b><b>801 </b>


    <b>¡°</b><b>Stop</b><b>! </b>Don¡¯t run!¡±


    They reached the main street.


    Halsey waved at passing cabs and yelled desperately, ¡°Stop! Please


    Yet, none of the cabs slowed down.


    Madeline nced back¨CGilbert was close. ¡°Halsey, he¡¯sing.


    Halsey kept trying. ¡°Please, stop!¡±


    s, no cab dared to pull over.


    Gilbert soon caught up.


    ¡°Get back here!¡±


    ¡°Stop! Don¡¯t rum!¡±


    They reached the main street.


    Halsey waved at passing cabs and yelled desperately, ¡°Stop! Please stop!¡±


    Yet, none of the cabs slowed down.


    Madeline nced back¨CGilbert was close. ¡°Halsey, he¡¯sing. What do we do?¡±


    Halsey kept trying. ¡°Please, stop!¡±


    s, no cab dared to pull over.


    Gilbert soon caught up.

 My Dad Please Come 802

    Chapter <b>802 </b>


    Halsey was starting to lose hope.


    <b>Was </b>Gilbert really going to catch her tonight?


    Just then, <b>a </b>cab sped up and mmed to a stop right beside Halsey and Madeline. The driver rolled down the window, his deep voicemanding. ¡°Get in.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s eyes lit up. She reached out and opened the back door. ¡°Maddy<b>, </b>get in!¡±


    Madeline slipped into the back seat, while Halsey opened the front passenger door and climbed in.


    ¡°Drive!¡±


    The cab took off.


    Gilbert and his men arrived, shouting, ¡°Stop!¡±


    But it was toote. The cab roared away.


    Frustrated, Gilbert put his hands on his hips. ¡°Damn it! I¡¯m gonna get that stupid cab driver who just ruined my ns! Bring me my car keys!¡±


    ¡°Here you go,¡± one of his ck¨Cd bodyguards said, handing over a set.


    Gilbert jumped into his Ferrari and mmed the gas pedal. Tonight, he was determined to bring Halsey back.


    Inside the cab, Halsey nced at the driver. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Then, she froze. She recognized him¨Cit was the scar¨Cfaced man she had met before.


    He was dressed all in ck, wearing a ck baseball cap pulled low and a ck mask covering most of his face. Only his cold, sharp eyes were visible.


    Those eyes, sharp and unforgettable, looked almost exactly like Dwight¡¯s.


    Halsey blinked, surprised to see him again. Was he a cab driver?


    Suddenly, Gilbert¡¯s Ferrari roared up behind them.


    Madeline tensed. ¡°He¡¯s catching up!¡±


    Halsey looked in the rearview mirror¨Csure enough, Gilbert was closing in. This lunatic just wouldn¡¯t give up!


    ¡°Drive faster! Lose that car behind us!¡± Halsey urged.


    The man nced coolly at the Ferrari behind, then mmed the gas.


    Gilbert ground his teeth and hit the elerator. There was no way <b>a </b>cab could outrun a Ferrari!


    Gilbert¡¯s driving skills were top¨Cnotch, and he quickly pulled up alongside the cab. Sliding down his window, he shouted arrogantly, ¡°Stop the car! Do you know who I am? How dare you take my woman!¡±


    Halsey panicked, worried the driver would stop. ¡°Don¡¯t stop! I¡¯ll pay you extra!¡±


    The driver showed no expression. He simply said, ¡°Hold tight,¡± before hitting the gas.


    Gilbert¡¯s face darkened. He jerked the wheel and rammed the cab, trying to force it off the road.


    But the driver didn¡¯t back down. He floored it, the cab scraping the guardrail, sparks flying as it spun out.


    Halsey, in the front seat, was thrown to the side andnded against the man.


    ¡°Ah<b>!</b><b>¡± </b>she <b>cried</b><b>, </b>her <b>face </b>pressed against his leg.


    <b>As </b>she tried to pull away<b>, </b>she felt the cars m into each other again, tearing through the street.


    <b>Halsey </b>was again thrashed from the force, and soon found her face pressed against something that was growing increasingly hot<b>, </b><b>like </b>moltenva.

 My Dad Please Come 803

    Chapter <b>803 </b>


    What¡­?


    When Halsey realized where her face was buried, her cheeks instantly flushed bright red. She sat back down with a whoosh before turning to the man and shooting him a re.


    ¡°Pervert!¡±


    The man in the driver¡¯s seat wore a mask, his face hidden, but his exposed eyes¨Ccold and clear¨Cflickered with a hint of amusement. ¡°Why are you calling me that? I didn¡¯t do anything.¡±


    He lookedpletely innocent.


    Halsey¡¯s face burned even redder, like a perfectly cooked slirtmp. ¡°You say you didn¡¯t do anything, but you¡¯re-


    ¡°I¡¯m what?¡± The man nced at herzily.


    <i>fr </i>


    Halsey was at a loss for words. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to say it.


    Just then, Gilbert floored the elerator and came chasing after them. He truly hadn¡¯t expected that his driving skills wouldn¡¯t be enough to catch a cab driver. He was driving a Ferrari, for pity¡¯s sake!


    Gilbert rolled down his window and shouted, ¡°Stop the car! Stop right now! Do you know who I am? How dare you mess with me! I¡¯ll make you disappear from the Capital!¡±


    Seeing the persistent Gilbert again, Halsey felt a headacheing on. ¡°Don¡¯t stop!¡±


    The man in the driver¡¯s seat smirked. ¡°You just called me a pervert a moment ago. I thought you didn¡¯t want to ride with me anymore.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t call you that anymore!¡± Halsey immediately backed down Now that Madeline and she were in his car, it was better to y it safe. ¡°Please, just drive and lose him!¡±


    The amusement in the man¡¯s eyes deepened.


    Gilbert was furious. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m talking to you! Are you listening? You¡¯re whispering like I¡¯m invisible! Can you not see me?¡± Seeing the cab driver chatting with Halsey, Gilbert was boiling mad. He couldn¡¯t believe he waspletely ignored.


    The man showed no expression. ¡°My god, it¡¯s so noisy.¡±


    He turned the steering wheel sharply, and the cab swerved into an alley.


    Gilbert cursed under his breath and quickly turned the wheel; but just then<b>, </b>a big truck came charging at him from the opposite direction<b>, </b>almost crashing into his car.


    The truck driver honked aggressively. Gilbert mmed on the brakes, and the Ferrari stopped just in time.


    That was way too close<b>! </b>


    Cold sweat broke out all over Gilbert. He looked up and saw that the alley was pitch dark and silent¨Cthe cab had vanished<b>. </b>


    Damn it!


    Gilbert¡¯s wealth had surged in recent years. Everyone around him was eager to curry favor with him¨Che had never been bested


    before.


    Now that he had lost to a cab driver, rage boiled inside him.


    At that moment, the truck driver rolled down his window and shouted, ¡°Do you know how to drive? Are you trying to get killed? If you are, don¡¯t drag me into it!¡±


    Gilbert nced at the truck driver with a cold, sharp re.


    The truck driver flinched, intimidated by the look.


    ¡°Get lost!<b>¡± </b>Gilbert barked.


    The truck driver had no choice but to back off and drive away.


    Gilbert sat alone in his car<b>, </b>staring in the direction where <b>the </b>cab ad disappeared. It was the first time he had encountered someone in the Capital who dared to oppose him.


    He was determined to find the driver and make him disappear.


    Gilbert took out his phone and dialed a subordinate.


    ¡°What are your orders, sir?¡± the subordinate asked respectfully.


    ¡°Find out who the cab driver is. Do it now!¡± Gilbert ordered.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Greenwood.¡±


    Five minutester, Gilbert¡¯s phone rang. It was his subordinate calling back.


    Gilbert answered quickly. ¡°Found anything?¡±


    ¡°Sorry<b>, </b>sir, but we couldn¡¯t find any information on that driver.¡±


    N


    Gilbert was stunned. ¡°What? How could you not find him? You can¡¯t even track down a cab driver? Have I hired a bunch of morons?!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 804

    Chapter <b>804 </b>


    Gilbert¡¯s subordinate stammered nervously, ¡°W¨CWe¡¯ve done everything we can, but the cabpany has no record of this driver. His information ispletely nk.¡±


    Gilbert couldn¡¯t believe he wasn¡¯t even able to track down a single driver on his territory. He snarled, ¡°You¡¯re useless!¡±


    Then, he hung up.


    His mind shed back to Halsey¡¯s beautiful face and the graceful way she moved on the dance floor earlier. The memory stirred a restless heat inside him. The more out of reach she was<b>, </b>the more he felt himself burning.


    Halsey had already set his blood racing.


    Gilbert pulled out his phone and dialed another number. Soon the call connected, and his mother Yvette came through.


    ¡°Hello, Gilbert.¡±


    ¡°Mom, arrange a dinner with the Lincoln family tomorrow. Since the Lincoln and Greenwood families have an engagement agreement, we should sit down and discuss my marriage to Halsey¡±


    ¡°But it seems the Lincoln family doesn¡¯t intend to let Halsey marry you.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m going to marry her! I¡¯ll only marry Halsey!¡±


    As Gilbert was the only son of the Greenwood family, Yvette cared deeply for him and quickly softened.


    ¡°Alright. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll reach out to the Lincoln family. Our families have been close for years<b>, </b><b>so </b>I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll want to keep up appearances. We¡¯ll get everyone together for a proper talk tomorrow.¡±


    Gilbert felt a little better and hung up.


    At that moment, a woman in heels approached. She was the bunny girl who had danced up against Gilbert¡¯s leg earlier. Now, her face was bruised. She and Sienna had had a rough fight, but there was no clear winner. Both of them were just hurt.


    By the time their scuffle ended, Gilbert was gone, chasing after Halsey.


    The bunny girl¡¯s eyes lit up. She was surprised to see him here. Stepping forward, she called out, ¡°Gilbert¡­¡±


    He looked up coldly. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    His face was indifferent. He clearly didn¡¯t remember her.


    The bunny girl froze for a moment, then forced a smile. ¡°It¡¯s me<b>. </b>I danced for your birthday tonight.¡±


    Gilbert nodded. ¡°Sure.¡±


    Her eyes sparkled. ¡°Do you remember me now?¡±


    He shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Can you-¡±


    Before she could say more, Gilbert mmed on the gas, and the Ferrari roared away.


    The bunny girl was left coughing in a cloud of exhaust. The fight had been for nothing.


    The cab pulled up at the Lincoln family¡¯s vi. Halsey and Madeline stepped out.


    Halsey asked Maddy with concern, ¡°Are you okay? Were you scared<b>?</b>¡±


    Madeline shook her head. ¡°No. I¡¯m okay.¡±


    Halsey nced at the man in the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°Thanks for tonight How much do I owe you?¡±


    She reached to pull out her wallet<b>, </b>but then realized she hadn¡¯t brought her purse.


    The man looked at her. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you can¡¯t pay me. I took you all around the Capital tonight.¡±


    ¡°I have money. I live here, so there¡¯s no way I¡¯m broke. I just didn bring my wallet. How about this¨Clet me get your number. I¡¯ll transfer the money to you,¡± Halsey suggested.


    The man thought for a moment and then gave her his number. <b>¡°</b>Transfer the money to me. I¡¯ll see you around.¡±


    The man was about to drive off when Madeline ran up and called out to him.


    ¡°Dwight!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 805

    Chapter <b>805 </b>


    Halsey froze for a moment when she heard Madeline calling the man ¡°Dwight¡°.


    She knew Madeline was mistaking this man for her brother. A few days ago, when Halsey first saw him, she had almost made


    the same mistake.


    Quickly, Halsey said, ¡°He¡¯s not Dwight.¡±


    ¡°Yes, he is! I couldn¡¯t be wrong! He¡¯s definitely Dwight! Dwight¡­!


    Madeline hadn¡¯t seen Dwight in three years. He was the only blood rtive she had left in this world, and she was sure she wouldn¡¯t mistake him for anyone else¨Cshe was convinced this man was her brother.


    ¡°Calm down, Maddy. He really isn¡¯t your brother,¡± Halsey sald gen ly.


    The man in the driver¡¯s seat looked at Madeline with a cold, calm voice. ¡°You¡¯ve got the wrong person. I¡¯m not your brother¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you! Take off your mask! I want to see your face!<b>¡± </b>Madeline cried; she insisted on seeing his face.


    ¡°Maddy!¡± Halsey tried to stop her.


    But the man said, ¡°Fine.¡±


    He lifted the mask from his face, revealing a disfigured visage.


    Madeline¡¯s eyes widened in shock, and she sucked in a sharp breath. ¡°Your face¡­¡±


    The man pulled the mask back up. ¡°Do you still think I¡¯m your brother?¡±


    Madeline hesitated. ¡°I¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got things to do. Bye.¡±


    He hit the gas, and the cab sped away.


    Madeline took a step forward. ¡°Dwight!¡±


    Halsey held Madeline tightly. ¡°I know how much you want to believe that, but he really isn¡¯t Dwight.¡±


    Tears rolled down Madeline¡¯s cheeks. ¡°Where the hell is Dwight? Why hasn¡¯t hee back for three years? Has he forgotten


    about us?¡±


    Halsey¡¯s eyes grew red as the pain deep inside her stirred. She was hurting even more than Madeline.


    Madeline continued, ¡°I miss him so much! Why did he just disappear? Where could he possibly be?¡±


    All Halsey could do was hold Madeline tighter.


    Madeline was crushed.


    She was leaving for the research base the next day, so Halsey took her inside so she could shower and get some rest. Standing by the window, Halsey looked out over the city lights¨Cbeautiful but distant. The man she was searching for was gone.


    Dwight had been missing for three years.


    Suddenly, Halsey thought of the cab driver. Was he really just a driver? Those cold, clear eyes of his¨Cthey truly did resemble Dwight¡¯s.


    On a whim<b>, </b>Halsey pulled out her phone and found the cab driver¡¯s WhatsApp ount. His picture was just a ck square¨Cquiet and mysterious.


    She checked his status updates, but they were empty too.


    What had happened to his face? What kind of person was he? Halsey didn¡¯t know why she was so drawn to this cab driver.


    She transferred <b>70 </b>dors to him. [Thanks for tonight.]


    Ding!


    A reply came through. [You¡¯re wee.]


    The reply was brief and distant.


    Halsey couldn¡¯t help but smile at herself.


    Pocketing her phone, she left Madeline¡¯s room and headed to the living room.


    At that moment, Patricia Mallin appeared. ¡°Halsey.¡±


    Patricia was Halsey¡¯s mother. Despite being from the Lincoln family, Halsey took her mother¡¯sst name.


    Patricia was young and fashionable. She and Cyril had a strong rtionship, and Halsey was their precious only daughter.


    Patricia asked, ¡°Is Maddy already asleep?¡±


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Yeah. She just went to bed.¡±


    Patricia nodded back. ¡°I need to tell you something. The Greenwoods just called. They wanted to meet and sit down with us to discuss your engagement with Gilbert.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 806

    Chapter <b>806 </b>


    Halsey felt a strong aversion toward Gilbert. After finally shaking im off tonight, he was back again with a dermand for a family meeting.


    ¡°Mom, I don¡¯t want to see him! Sure, we were engaged, but he betrayed me by cheating with Sienna. He was the one who called off the engagement, so I think that makes the agreement null android. I¡¯m never marrying him!¡±


    ¡°Halsey, your father and I are definitely on your side. We believe you should marry a man with good character. Gilbert never truly cared for you¡ªhe only used you to connect with our family. We haven¡¯t forgotten that.


    ¡°But the Greenwoods have grown powerful in recent years. Our families have long¨Cstanding ties and intertwined interests that aren¡¯t easy to break. Just now, they called, pleading for us <b>to </b>give them a chance and meet with thern. I couldn¡¯t say no. Why don¡¯t we meet with them tomorrow? We can end this engagement properly, face to face,<b>¡± </b>Patricia suggested.


    As the Lincoln family¡¯s heiress<b>, </b>Halsey knew that with privilege came responsibility. She couldn¡¯t afford <i>to </i>tear their families


    apart.


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Fine. We¡¯ll meet tomorrow. I¡¯ll make things <b>clear </b>with Gilbert.¡±


    ¡°Great.¡±


    The next day, Halsey returned home after dropping Madeline off at the research base.


    Patricia led her to Vista Dining. This was where the Lincolns and Greenwoods had agreed to meet.


    Halsey and Patricia stepped into the luxurious private room, where Yvette and Gilbert were already waiting.


    Yvette stood up, greeting warmly, ¡°Mrs. Lincoln, Halsey. It¡¯s good to see you.¡±


    Gilbert¡¯s eyes locked on Halsey. Today, she wore a Chanel dress<b>, </b>her long hair flowing freely, exuding a pure and gentle charm that turned heads everywhere.


    There was a light in Gilbert¡¯s eyes. After chasing Halsey for so long without sess, here she was now, appearing obediently before him.


    He believed that soon enough, she would be in his bed.


    He curled his lips into a smirk. ¡°You look nice.¡±


    Halsey nced at him coldly, then looked away.


    ¡®Gilbert wasn¡¯t angry at all. The more Halsey resisted, the more he liked it. Once they were married, he¡¯d settle the score with her in bed.


    His feelings for Halsey were a confusing mix of love and hate¨Ca maddening, unbearable kind of obsession.


    ¡°Please,¡± Patricia said, ¡°take a seat.¡±


    The four of them took their seats.


    Patricia looked at Yvette. ¡°We¡¯re here to discuss the marriage between Halsey and Gilbert, but I recall that Gilbert called off the engagement three years ago. So, that agreement is no longer valid.


    Patricia got straight to the point.


    Yvette smiled immediately. ¡°Three years <b>ago</b>, Gilbert was young and immature. That cancetion didn¡¯t count. Our families go way back, and this alliance is the best way to secure our interests for the future. Don¡¯t you agree?¡±


    Patricia didn¡¯t respond to that. ¡°That may be true, but a marriage is a serious matter. Ultimately, it¡¯s the children¡¯s wishes that matter. I respect their opinions.¡±


    <b>Halsey </b>turned to Gilbert. ¡°Do you want to marry me?¡±


    Gilbert hesitated, ¡°I-¡±


    <b>Halsey </b>cut him off before he could say more. ¡°I once thought about marrying <b>you</b>, but you cheated <b>on </b>me with Sienna and ended our engagement. So, I will never marry you.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 807

    Chapter <b>807 </b>


    Since Gilbert insisted on having a family meeting to discuss their marriage, Halsey decided to make it clear to everyone she was never going to marry him.


    Yvette felt uneasy about the situation. She nced at her son. ¡°What¡­¡±


    Gilbert looked at Halsey. He wasn¡¯t surprised by what she said, since he had expected her rejection all along.


    ¡°I made a mistake. I was reckless and immature, but I¡¯vee to understand my heart. I¡¯ve loved you for a long time. Please, give me another chance. This time, I promise I¡¯ll cherish and love you properly.¡±


    Halseyughed coldly inside. His apology was pointless. So what if he realized his true feelings now? She didn¡¯t owe him anything, and whatever they had in the past was long gone.


    Halsey replied, ¡°Gilbert, we-


    Before she could finish, Patricia¡¯s phone rang. She pulled it out and saw the caller ID. ¡°<b>It¡¯s </b>your dad.¡±


    Lately, Cyrikhad been incredibly busy. He was a respected man in academia, but the vast Lincoln Enterprise needed his leadership. Though Cyril disliked business, it was his responsibility.


    Besides, Cyril only had one daughter, Halsey. She was a fashion designer and had no interest in the family business.


    ¡°Answer it, Mom.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Patricia answered the call. After hearing the news, she stood up in shock. ¡°What did you say?¡±


    Halsey stood up too. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Your dad has been admitted to the hospital!¡±


    Halsey¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°Howe? We have to go see him right away!¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Patricia nced at Yvette. ¡°We¡¯ll have to leave now.¡±


    Yvette nodded. ¡°Of course.¡±


    Halsey followed Patricia out. Just then, Gilbert¡¯s voice rang out from behind. ¡°Halsey.¡±


    She stopped and turned around.


    Gilbert stepped forward, a smirk on his lips. <b>¡°</b>If you need anything, you know where to find me.¡±


    Halsey frowned. ¡°Thanks for the offer, but I don¡¯t need any help from you.¡±


    ¡°Never say never. What if you do end up needing me? I¡¯ll be waiting.¡±


    Halsey didn¡¯t understand what Gilbert was trying to say. Her mind was on her father, and she didn¡¯t want to waste time with Gilbert. ¡°Mom, let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Halsey left with Patricia, while Gilbert watched her go with a determined smile.


    ¡°Halsey, you¡¯lle to me.¡±


    Halsey and Patricia rushed to the hospital as fast as they could. Inside the room, they found Cyril lying in bed. He was wearing a hospital gown<b>, </b>a thick bandage wrapped tightly around his forehead that had faint traces of blood seeping through.


    <b>Patricia </b>hurried over. <b>¡°</b>Honey, what happened? How did you get <b>hurt</b><b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>Halsey¡¯s </b>worry showed on her <b>face</b>. ¡°Dad, what happened to you?


    Cyril tried to soothe them. ¡°Why are you both here? I told the secretary not to tell you.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>You¡¯re in the hospital! Why don¡¯t you want us to know?¡± Patricia colded.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want you to worry.¡±


    Halsey pressed, ¡°Dad, tell us exactly what happened.¡±


    Cyril¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°Something¡¯s wrong with Lincoln Enterprise.¡±


    ¡°What? We were doing fine! What went wrong?¡±

 My Dad Please Come 808

    <b>Chapter </b><b>808 </b>


    <b>Cyril </b>began to <b>exin</b>.


    ¡°A few <b>days </b>ago, Lincoln Enterprise started a joint project with a multinationalpany<b>. </b>The work was underway when <b>one </b><b>of </b><b>the </b>workers suddenly fell at <b>the </b>site and was hospitalized<b>. </b>He seriously injured one leg. I sent people from thepany <b>to </b>offer condolences andpensation<b>, </b>but the worker¡¯s family outright refused to meet with us.


    ¡°The worker then made a big scene about it, which has seriously damaged ourpany¡¯s reputation. In the past few <b>days</b>, our <b>stock </b>price has plummeted, and the multinationalpany is already thinking about cutting ties. <b>If </b>they do, all our funds <b>will </b>be frozen<b>, </b>and once the cash flow dries up, Lincoln Enterprise will be bankrupt.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s heart pounded. She had no idea Lincoln Enterprise was already on the brink of disaster.


    ¡°I¡¯ve visited the worker¡¯s family several times, trying to talk it out. We were ready to meet their demands no matter what. But in


    and the eldest one hit me in the the past few days, I couldn¡¯t even get a meeting. Today<b>, </b>the workers six sons confronted me, head with a brick!¡± Cyril went on.


    Patricia was furious to hear it.


    ¡°How could they be so unreasonable? Our construction sites meet all safety standards. Every worker <b>is </b>fully insured and protected. Now that something has happened, they refuse to talk and are deliberately stirring up trouble, damaging <b>our </b>reputation. They even attacked you! It sounds like we¡¯re dealing with a bunch of thugs.¡±


    Cyril nodded grimly. ¡°Yes, that whole family seems dodgy. They¡¯re covered in tattoos. I¡¯m guessing they¡¯re mixed <b>up </b>in the underworld.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s spirits sank to the lowest point. She was sure this wasn¡¯t just a simple ident. Someone was deliberately setting a trap to drag Cyril and Lincoln Enterprise through the mud.


    Trouble at such a critical stage of their cooperation with a multinationalpany, as well as encountering thugs¨Cit couldn¡¯t be <b>a </b>coincidence. It had to be a setup.


    ¡°I think someone¡¯s pulling the strings,¡± Halsey said, voicing what she had been suspecting.


    Cyril nodded. ¡°I¡¯m thinking the same thing. Someone¡¯s making a serious move against our family.¡±


    Patricia froze. ¡°Who could it be? We¡¯re a known family in the Capital. Who could be so bold as to attack us? I don¡¯t think any ordinary person could pull off such a carefully nned scheme.¡±


    She was right. There were only a handful of people in the Capital capable of something like this.


    Halsey already had one person in mind. ¡°I need to step out for a moment.¡±


    She left the hospital room and pulled out her phone, and dialed a number. After a gentle ring, the call was answered with calm, deliberate ease.


    A familiar voice echoed through the line. ¡°Didn¡¯t expect you to call <b>so </b>soon.¡±


    Halsey clenched her phone tightly.


    Gilbert.


    She knew it was he behind all of this.


    ¡°Are you the one pulling the strings? Why would you do something like this?¡± she demanded angrily.


    Gilbertughed. ¡°It¡¯splicated. I can¡¯t exin it all right now. Why don¡¯t <b>you </be see me?¡±


    Halsey narrowed her eyes. ¡°Where do you want to meet?¡±


    ¡°The Littuane Hotel. Come to the Presidential Suite.¡±


    Gilbert had already booked the Presidential Suite and expected he Halsey really didn¡¯t want to see the shaineless man. ¡°I¡¯m not goir ¡°Suit yourself. If you don¡¯te, just wait for Lincoln Enterprise Halsey gritted her teeth. ¡°Damn it! I¡¯m on my way now!¡±


    Gilbert had already booked the Presidential Suite and expected he


    Halsey really didn¡¯t want to see the shameless man. ¡°I¡¯m not goin


    ¡°Suit yourself. If you don¡¯te, just wait for Lincoln Enterprise


    Halsey gritted her teeth. ¡°Damn it! I¡¯m on my way now!¡±


    +25 BONL


    Gilbert had already booked the Presidential Suite and expected her toe to his hotel room. It was obvious what he wanted.


    Halsey really didn¡¯t want to see the shameless man. ¡°I¡¯m not going.¡±


    ¡°Suit yourself. If you don¡¯te, just wait for Lincoln Enterprise to go under.¡±


    Halsey gritted her teeth. ¡°Damn it! I¡¯m on my way now!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 809

    <b>Chapter </b><b>809 </b>


    +25 <b>BONUS </b>


    Gilbert chuckled. ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll be waiting. Littuane Hotel, Presidential Suite. Make sure you don¡¯t get the wrong <b>room</b>.¡± <b>Halsey </b>ended the call without another word.


    Gilbert was already waiting in the Presidential Suite at the Littuane Hotel. He had been there long before Halsey called. He knew she woulde.


    As the only daughter of the Lincoln family, Halsey had been spoiled and cherished since childhood. Whatever she wanted, her parents were more than willing to give her. Raised like a flower in greenhouse, she was also deeply devoted and loyal. She would never abandon her parents or Lincoln Enterprise.


    No one in this world gets to live solely for themselves. Everyone has their responsibilities.


    Gilbert poured himself a small ss of red wine: He wasn¡¯t in a rush to drink it. He swirled the wine gently, watching its rich color ripple inside the ss.


    Soon, a soft chime rang out. It was the doorbell.


    Someone had arrived. It must be Halsey.


    Gilbert smiled. She hade faster than he expected.


    He raised the wine ss and drank it all down in one gulp, then stood and walked to open the door.


    The door swung open, and Halsey stood there, her crystal¨Cclear eyes zing with anger.


    Gilbert smirked. ¡°You¡¯re quicker than I thought.¡±


    Halsey shot him a re. ¡°Step aside!¡±


    Gilbert moved, and Halsey stepped inside without hesitation.


    He raised an eyebrow in amusement and closed the door behind her<b>. </b>


    Standing in the room, Halsey stared him down.


    Gilbert grinned. ¡°You came right in, huh? Don¡¯t you worry that I might do something to you? After all, it¡¯s just the two of us here. That can be dangerous.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s voice was steady. ¡°Since I agreed toe, I¡¯m not scared. So tell me¨Cdid you mess with Lincoln Enterprise?¡±


    Gilbert loved how straightforward Halsey was¨Cno airs, no pretending. She went straight to the point.


    He stepped closer and nodded. ¡°Yeah, it was me. That worker works for me.¡±


    Halsey said nothing.


    Gilbert went on, ¡°I know Lincoln Enterprise is working with a multinationalpany. This deal will lock up all their liquid assets, so it¡¯s critical. Not a single mistake can happen.


    ¡°At such an important moment, I couldn¡¯t just stand by. So I found a worker and paid him a huge sum to fall and break his leg on purpose. Then I told him to stir up trouble, damage Lincoln Enterprise¡¯s reputation, and make the multinationalpany want to cut ties. Even your father getting hurt today¨Cthat was me.¡±


    Gilbert confessed everything. It matched exactly what Halsey had suspected.


    She wasn¡¯t surprised, but furious. ¡°Our families have been close for generations. My dad practically watched you grow up! How


    you do this to us? Don¡¯t you have any conscience?¡±


    could


    Gilbert stepped forward and stopped right in front of her. ¡°I never wanted to hurt your dad or your family. You left me no choice.


    <b>Chapter </b><b>809 </b>


    <b>¡°</b><b>How </b><b>did </b><b>I </b>leave you no choice?¡±


    <b>¡°</b><b>For </b>three years, you ignored me and treated me like I was invisible<b>. </b>You knew I wanted to marry you<b>, </b>but you refused, <b>no </b>matter what. So I had to find a way to make you say yes.¡®


    <b>Smack</b><b>! </b>


    Halsey raised her hand and pped Gilbert hard across the face.


    <b>Chapter </b><b>810 </b>

 My Dad Please Come 810

    <b>Chapter </b>810


    Gilbert¡¯s handsome face was turned sharply from the p.


    Halsey clenched her fist, her voice shaking with anger.


    +25 <b>BONUS </b>


    ¡°I used to think you were just a yboy, a shallow and unreliable man. But what you did this time showed me your true colors. You¡¯ll stop at nothing to get what you want, and you¡¯re willing to stop so low. You have no bottom line, no morals. Do you really think I¡¯d marry someone like you?¡±


    Gilbert slowly turned hisce back to hers. Surprisingly, he wasn¡¯t angry at all. Instead, he smiled and said, ¡°It¡¯s not up to you whether you many me or not. It¡¯s up to me.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>What exactly are you trying to do?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Payne from the multinationalpany has already arrived in the Capital. He¡¯s a friend of mine. If you refuse <i>to </i>marry me, I¡¯ll ask him to cut off cooperation with Lincoln Enterprise. Once that partnership ends, Lincoln Enterprise¡¯s entire cash flow will copse, and your family¡¯s century¨Cold legacy will fall apart all because of you.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s whole body trembled with rage. She hadn¡¯t expected Gilbert to have everything nned out so thoroughly. The fact that he was friends with William Payne from the multinationalpany made it all the more terrifying.


    ¡°We can¡¯t afford to lose this deal with Mr. Payne. Do you really have to be


    Gilbert reached out and gently cupped Halsey¡¯s delicate face.


    <b>so </b>ruthless?¡±


    ¡°But you get to decide whether it gets ugly. It might look like I¡¯m in control, but the real power has always been in your hands.¡± He slowly brought his thumb to rest on her soft<b>, </b>red lips.


    ¡°Do you know how much I¡¯ve loved you? For three years, I¡¯ve thought about you every day. I was once blinded by Sienna, but now I¡¯ve changed. Give me a chance¨Clet¡¯s get married.¡±


    ¡°What if I say no?¡± Halsey asked quietly.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have the right to say no,¡± Gilbert said firmly.


    At first, he gently stroked her lips, their softness and scent intoxicating him. But he couldn¡¯t hold back¨Chis touch grew heavier, pressing harder.


    Desire red in his eyes. Without warning, he pushed Halsey, sending her sprawling onto therge bed.


    Gilbert leaned over her. ¡°Halsey, be mine tonight. I want you so badly.¡±


    He moved in to kiss her.


    But she turned her head, dodging him.


    He tried again, but whenever <b>he </b>got close<b>, </b>Halsey would swiftly move in the opposite direction.


    Frustrated, Gilbert grabbed her face. ¡°Why won¡¯t you just be with me? Is it because you still haven¡¯t forgotten Dwight?¡±


    Though Dwight had disappeared three years ago, he still lingered between Gilbert and Halsey like a shadow.


    Halsey looked him in the eyes. ¡°So what if I am? He¡¯s better than <b>you</b>, anyway.¡±


    Her reply struck a nerve deep in Gilbert¡¯s pride. <b>His </b>eyes reddened with frustration. ¡°Better than me? How do you know? Let¡¯s test out that theory now.¡±


    He kissed down her neck.


    Halsey shoved him away. ¡°No need to try. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s loads better than you in bed.¡±


    <b>Chapter </b>810


    ¡ú¡ú¡ú +25 <b>BONUS </b>


    Gilbert sinirked as he tugged at the cor of his shirt. ¡°You¡¯ve never even been with me. How do you know I¡¯m not <b>better</b><b>?</b><b>¡± </b>Sienna had bragged more than once about Gilbert¡¯s <b>skills </b>he was wild, skilled, and irresistible.


    Halsey grabbed his cor and pulled him down, her voice low and clear. ¡°Dwight¡¯s wilder in bed. He¡¯s more skillful, more caring. He¡¯s <b>the </b>only man Lever want to sleep with.¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>811 </b>

 My Dad Please Come 811

    +25 <b>BONUS </b>


    <b>No </b><b>man </b><b>could </b>stand being challenged like that; especially Gilbert<b>, </b>who had always been deeply bothered by Dwight¡¯s shadow <b>hanging </b>over him.


    Gilbert sneered coldly at <b>Halsey</b>, <b>¡°</b>I¡¯m going to make you pay tonight!<b>¡± </b>


    He reached out to grab her cor, his fingers aiming to tear at her clothes.


    But in that moment, Halsey pulled out a ca Gilbert¡¯s eyes.


    of pepper spray she had been hiding at her waist and sprayed it straight into


    Gilbert hadn¡¯t expected her toe armed. The ¡°Argh!¡±


    liquid burned fiercely, and he howled in pain.


    Seizing the chance, Halsey shoved him away. ¡°You think I came here unprepared? I bought this pepper spray especially for you!¡±


    Thest time Gilbert had almost crossed the line with her, it was only because of the cab driver¡¯s timely arrival that she wasn¡¯t taken. Since then, she had always carried the spray.


    Gilbert stood, ring at her with furious eyes. ¡°My patience is running thin! Are you really refusing to marry me? I suggest you think carefully¨Cif you don¡¯t, Lincoln Enterprise will be finished!¡±


    Halsey met his gaze with icy calm. ¡°If my parents knew I was marrying you just to save Lincoln Enterprise and sacrifice my happiness for thepany¡¯s peace<b>, </b>they¡¯d me me<b>, </b>too.¡±


    Gilbertughed bitterly. ¡°Fine! Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you<b>. </b>I¡¯m going to find Mr. Payne now. Just you wait!¡±


    With that, Gilbert mmed the door behind him.


    Halsey watched his retreating figure, her brow furrowed. Did Gilbert really think she would break down and give in? No way.


    She would find her own way to save Lincoln Enterprise.


    Pulling out her phone, she called Cyril¡¯s assistant, Riley ir. The call connected quickly.


    ¡°Hello, Ms. Halsey,¡± Riley answered respectfully.


    ¡°Can you find out where Mr. Payne is right now? I need to see him


    Even though Gilbert had the upper hand by being friends with William, Halsey had to try¨Cshe couldn¡¯t let the partnership with Lincoln Enterprise fall apart.


    Soon, Riley responded, ¡°Mr. Payne is at a private club ying golf today.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s perfect. Send me the address. I¡¯m heading there now.¡±


    ¡°Sure thing.¡±


    Riley quickly sent the location. Halsey left the hotel and went straight to the private club.


    Half an hourter, Halsey arrived at the club, ready to find William.


    However, the receptionist stopped her. ¡°Hi<b>, </b>there. Have you made a reservation?¡±


    Halsey paused. ¡°You need to make a reservation to enter?¡±


    Yes. This is a private, high¨Cend club. Only the wealthy and influential get in¨Cand only with a reservation.¡±


    Her heart sank. ¡°I want to see Mr. Payne. Could you let him know I¡¯m here? Maybe he¡¯ll agree to <b>see </b>me.


    The receptionist nodded politely. ¡°Mr. Payne is here<b>, </b>but <b>he¡¯s </b>ying golf with close friends and isn¡¯t seeing anyone else today. You could try calling him yourself.¡±


    ¡°Halsey didn¡¯t have William¡¯s number.


    Still, she had to see him today. If he ended the Cation with Lincoln Enterprise, it would all be toote.


    ¡°Could you please make an exception? I have something


    <i>Cry </i>important to discuss with Mr. Payne,¡± Halsey pleaded.

 My Dad Please Come 812

    Chapter 81.


    Chapter Bia


    <b>The </b><b>receptionist </b><b>gave </b>Halsey <b>an </b>apologetic smile, ¡°I¡¯m <b>sorry</b><b>, </b>but our private club has strict rules. We have to follow protocol<b>, </b>so please don¡¯t inake it difficult for us.¡®


    hist then<b>, </b><b>a </b>familiar voice rang out. ¡°Hey, Halsey.¡±


    Halsey turned and saw Gilbert. He had changed into a casual golf polo and had arrived in his sleek Ferrari.


    Gilbert looked at her with a smirk. ¡°Are you here to see Mr. Payne? What a coincidence. He invited me to y golf. But it looks like you can¡¯t get in. How about you beg me? Maybe I¡¯ll be generol and let you inside.¡±


    Halsey shot him a sharp re. ¡°Don¡¯t get cocky.¡±


    Gilbert¡¯s lips curved into a smug smile. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m cocky alright. It¡¯ll only get worse. Just wait and see.¡±


    His words were a clear threat.


    At that moment, William¡¯s assistant appeared. ¡°Hello, Mr. Greenwood. Pleasee in. Mr. Payne is waiting.¡±


    Gilbert grinned. ¡°Great, I¡¯m heading in now.¡± He stepped up beside Halsey. ¡°See? I¡¯m going in. Why don¡¯t you ask me nicely?¡± Halsey snapped, ¡°Get lost!¡±


    Gilbertughed. ¡°One day, you¡¯lle crawling to me<b>. </b>I¡¯m looking forward to it.¡±


    With that, he walked inside.


    Halsey was left standing outside, furious and helpless. She had no way to see William. What was she going to do?


    She pulled out her phone, ready to call Riley and ask for help.


    Inside, Gilbert found William. ¡°Mr. Payne, good to see you.¡®


    They shook hands firmly.


    William smiled. ¡°Mr. Greenwood, it¡¯s been a while.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s been a long time since I left the country.¡±


    Gilbert nced toward the entrance, where Halsey stood outside. The more she resisted, the more he wanted to conquer her.


    ¡°Shall we y some golf?¡± Gilbert asked. He nned to y a couple of rounds, then bring up Lincoln Enterprise.


    But William waved him off. ¡°There¡¯s no rush. I¡¯m still waiting for someone.¡±


    Gilbert blinked in surprise. ¡°You have someone else joining us today?¡±


    William chuckled. ¡°Yes, a close friend of mine.¡±


    Gilbert was just a regr friend of William¡¯s<b>, </b>but this person was apparently a close friend, and that piqued Gilbert¡¯s curiosity.


    ¡°Who¡¯s this close friend of yours? Do I know him?¡±


    ¡°His name is Shaun Lane,¡± William answered. ¡°He¡¯s the founder of GM Tech.¡±


    GM Tech?


    Gilbert had definitely heard of GM Tech. Though thepany had only been around for three years, its growth had been explosive¨Cunstoppable, even. It went public in Crimselton two years ago, and its market value had doubled repeatedly, making it one of the hottest names in business today.


    The founder was notoriously low¨Cprofile and mysterious. No one had seen his face, and only his name was known: Shaun Lane.


    Chapter 81.


    Chapter Bia


    +25 <b>BONUS </b>


    <b>The </b><b>receptionist </b><b>gave </b>Halsey <b>an </b>apologetic smile, ¡°I¡¯m <b>sorry</b><b>, </b>but our private club has strict rules. We have to follow protocol<b>, </b>so please don¡¯t inake it difficult for us.¡®


    hist then<b>, </b><b>a </b>familiar voice rang out. ¡°Hey, Halsey.¡±


    Halsey turned and saw Gilbert. He had changed into a casual golf polo and had arrived in his sleek Ferrari.


    Gilbert looked at her with a smirk. ¡°Are you here to see Mr. Payne? What a coincidence. He invited me to y golf. But it looks like you can¡¯t get in. How about you beg me? Maybe I¡¯ll be generol and let you inside.¡±


    Halsey shot him a sharp re. ¡°Don¡¯t get cocky.¡±


    Gilbert¡¯s lips curved into a smug smile. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m cocky alright. It¡¯ll only get worse. Just wait and see.¡±


    His words were a clear threat.


    At that moment, William¡¯s assistant appeared. ¡°Hello, Mr. Greenwood. Pleasee in. Mr. Payne is waiting.¡±


    Gilbert grinned. ¡°Great, I¡¯m heading in now.¡± He stepped up beside Halsey. ¡°See? I¡¯m going in. Why don¡¯t you ask me nicely?¡± Halsey snapped, ¡°Get lost!¡±


    Gilbertughed. ¡°One day, you¡¯lle crawling to me<b>. </b>I¡¯m looking forward to it.¡±


    With that, he walked inside.


    Halsey was left standing outside, furious and helpless. She had no way to see William. What was she going to do?


    She pulled out her phone, ready to call Riley and ask for help.


    Inside, Gilbert found William. ¡°Mr. Payne, good to see you.¡®


    They shook hands firmly.


    William smiled. ¡°Mr. Greenwood, it¡¯s been a while.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s been a long time since I left the country.¡±


    Gilbert nced toward the entrance, where Halsey stood outside. The more she resisted, the more he wanted to conquer her.


    ¡°Shall we y some golf?¡± Gilbert asked. He nned to y a couple of rounds, then bring up Lincoln Enterprise.


    But William waved him off. ¡°There¡¯s no rush. I¡¯m still waiting for someone.¡±


    Gilbert blinked in surprise. ¡°You have someone else joining us today?¡±


    William chuckled. ¡°Yes, a close friend of mine.¡±


    Gilbert was just a regr friend of William¡¯s<b>, </b>but this person was apparently a close friend, and that piqued Gilbert¡¯s curiosity.


    ¡°Who¡¯s this close friend of yours? Do I know him?¡±


    ¡°His name is Shaun Lane,¡± William answered. ¡°He¡¯s the founder of GM Tech.¡±


    GM Tech?


    Gilbert had definitely heard of GM Tech. Though thepany had only been around for three years, its growth had been explosive¨Cunstoppable, even. It went public in Crimselton two years ago, and its market value had doubled repeatedly, making it one of the hottest names in business today.


    The founder was notoriously low¨Cprofile and mysterious. No one had seen his face, and only his name was known: Shaun Lane.


    Gilbert repeated the name silently. He had never met the man, but was surprised to learn thetter was William¡¯s close friend,


    <b>¡°</b><b>I </b>met Mr. Lane abroad. I ran into some trouble<b>, </b>and he helped me out. Mr.


    Plus, <b>he¡¯s </b>got a real knack for business, so we became fast friends, invine is skilled and resourceful; I admire him a lot.


    William then nced at his watch.


    ¡°He should be here any minute now.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 813

    Shaun was arriving<b>? </b>


    Gilbert <b>raised </b><b>an </b>eyebrow, culous to finally see who this Sham really was.


    Meanwhile, Halsey was still in the lobby of the private club, talking on the phone with Riley.


    <b>¡°</b>Lincoln Enterprise has been hit with a lot of negative presstely Riley exined. ¡°Mr. Payne refuses to meet with us. And since he¡¯s ying here at the private club today, there¡¯s no way he¡¯ll see us.¡±


    <b>¡°</b><b>Is </b>there really no way to get in touch with Mr. Payne?¡± Halsey asked.


    <b>¡°</b>I can¡¯t think of anything right now.¡±


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll keep trying to figure something out.¡±


    After hanging up, Halsey furrowed her brow, determined. She had to meet William today, no matter what..


    Just then, with a soft roar of an engine, a luxury car pulled up to the club¡¯s entrance. The security guards immediately stepped forward to greet the arrival.


    Who was it?


    The two receptionists nearby whispered eagerly.


    ¡°Who is it? Why themotion?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know? It¡¯s Shaun Lane from GM Tech!¡±


    ¡°No way! Mr. Lane, the mysterious, low¨Cprofile rising star of the business world?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I checked backstage earlier. Today, Mr. Payne<b>, </b>Mr. Lane, and Mr. Greenwood are all here to y golf. Mr. Payne and Mr. Greenwood are already inside, just waiting on Mr. Lane.¡±


    Shaun Lane?


    Halsey wasn¡¯t involved in the business world, but she had heard <b>the </b>socialites around her talk about this new business sensation. To them, he was the dream guy.


    She never expected to run into this legendary man here.


    A ck¨Cd security guard opened the rear door of the car, and a tall<b>, </b>noble figure stepped out, immediately capturing everyone¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Wow!¡±


    The two receptionists gasped, eyes sparkling with admiration.


    ¡°He¡¯s so tall! Look at those legs!¡±


    ¡°Great figure, broad shoulders, slim back¡­ He¡¯s like an international model!¡±


    ¡°But¡­ Why does he have a mask on his face?¡±


    Halsey stared at Shaun<b>, </b>her clear, bright eyes pausing for a moment.


    Him¡­?


    It was the same man she had two brief encounters with before.


    But wasn¡¯t he a cab driver?


    Now he was the business magnate, Shaun Lane?


    Chapter


    <b>Shaun </b><b>stood </b><b>before </b><b>her </b><b>today </b>in a perfectly tailored ck sult. His broad shoulders and narrow waist <b>made </b>him <b>a </b><b>natural </b>for the <b>clothes</b>, <b>a </b><b>striking </b>figure whose mere presence drew <b>every </b><b>eye </b>in the <b>room</b>.


    <b>¡°He </b><b>wore </b>a delicate ck mask with intricate cutouts, hiding his face. Only a pair of cold, clear eyes peeked out, calm and unreadable, adding an air of mysterious chill that only heightened <b>his </b>aura as a rising, star.


    Halsey¡¯s gaze lingered on him. He looked incredible in a suit¨Chands down, the best she had ever seen on a man.


    Dwight never wore suits. He looked great in shirts, just like Shaun


    Lost in thought, Halsey barely noticed Shaun striding into the lobby with long, confident steps. The club manager and William¡¯s assistant were waiting.


    ¡°Mr. Lane, Mr. Payne has been expecting you. Please, this way.¡±


    Shaun nodded once. ¡°Alright.¡±


    He strode off.


    Halsey blinked, shaking herself back to reality. She wasn¡¯t sure why<b>, </b>but seeing Shaun always made her think of Dwight. There was something about Shaun that reminded her of him.


    Quickly, she stepped forward. ¡°Mr. Lane, hello.¡±


    Shaun stopped and turned to face her.


    Halsey¡¯s eyes shone bright with excitement. Seeing Shaun here made her feel hopeful, especially since she was still blocked from meeting William.


    ¡°Do you remember me? We¡¯ve met twice before. Last time, you were driving a cab and even helped me get rid <b>of </b>someone bothering me,¡± she said.


    Cht tha

 My Dad Please Come 814

    Haley hopist <b>Shaun </b>hadn¡¯t forgotten ber


    shaini <b>looked </b>at her and said <b>simply</b><b>, </b><b>¡°</b>Yes, I remember <b>you</b>.


    She let out a relieved breath. ¡°That¡¯s <b>great</b>! Let me properly introduce myself I¡¯m Halsey Mallin


    ¡°Hello<b>, </b>Ms. Mallin<b>,</b><b>¡± </b>Shaun replied, his voice low and cool<b>, </b>tmreadible.


    <b>Halsey </b>couldn¡¯t figure out what he was thinking. She had no che whether he would agree <b>if </b>she asked for a favor.


    This man was a mystery. He was a rising star in business, yet he still drove a cab. Why?


    Now, all she could do was try. As long as there was even a glimmer of hope, she wouldn¡¯t give up. She couldn¡¯t just stand by and watch Gilbert destroy her family.


    <b>¡°</b>Mr. Lane, the thing is¡­ I have a bit of an awkward request. I want to get in to see Mr. Payne. I heard you¡¯re good friends with him. Could you take me in with you?¡±


    Shaun didn¡¯t say yes or no right away. <b>¡°</b>Why do you want to see Mr. Payne?¡±


    ¡°To be honest, my family business, Lincoln Enterprise<b>, </b><b>is </b>in partnership with Mr. Payne¡¯spany. But we¡¯ve hit some trouble, and Mr. Payne wants to cut ties with us. I want to try to convince him otherwise. Can you help me out?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Shaun simply replied.


    Halsey almost jumped for joy. ¡°Thank you! Thank you for helping me get in to <b>see </b>Mr. Payne!<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°But I¡¯m good friends with him<b>, </b><b>so </b>once we¡¯re inside, I want you to keep quiet<b>,</b><b>¡± </b>Shaun added. <b>¡°</b><b>I¡¯ll </b>find the right moment to bring this up with him. Can you do that?¡±


    Halsey nodded quickly. ¡°I promise.¡±


    ¡°Come on in.¡±


    Shaun strode inside with purpose, and Halsey followed right behind.


    She knew there was always a way out of a tight spot. She felt like Shaun was a godsend in her life. No matter what happened, she was going to treat him to a proper thank¨Cyou dinner.


    Soon, they reached William. The moment William saw Shaun<b>, </b>his face lit up.


    ¡°Shaun, you finally made it!¡±


    He pulled Shaun into a big hug.


    Gilbert stood up, eyeing Shaun with curiosity. He didn¡¯t recognize the man at all.


    ¡°Mr. Lane, hello,¡± Gilbert greeted.


    William smiled. ¡°Shaun<b>, </b>let me introduce you¡ªthis is Gilbert Greenwood from Greenwood Corporation<b>.</b>¡±


    Shaun nodded to Gilbert. ¡°Mr. Greenwood, hello.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Lane<b>, </b>you¡¯re always so low¨Ckey and mysterious. This is the first time I¡¯ve met you in person. But why do you wear that mask, anyway?¡± Gilbert said.


    He was genuinely puzzled about Shaun¡¯s mask.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like people seeing my face<b>, </b>so I always wear the mask,¡± Shaun answered calmly.


    Everyone had their reasons for doing things.


    Chapter <b>814 </b>


    Gilbert <b>nodded</b><b>, </b>seemingly having understood. But then his gaze <bnded </b>on Halsey<b>, </b>who was standing <b>quietly </b>behind <b>Shaun</b>.


    <b>Gilbert </b>stiffened. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    He thought <b>she </b>was still barred from entering<b>, </b>but she was now here in the flesh. How did she get in?


    Gilbert¡¯s mood soured immediately. ¡°Who let you in? Security!¡±


    At <b>his </b>call, two ck¨Csuited security guards rushed over.


    <b>¡°</b><b>This </b><b>is </b>a private club. She came in without a reservation and just barged in here, trying to disrupt Mr. Payne¡¯s evening<b>. </b>Get her out of here¨Cnow!¡± Gilbert ordered.

 My Dad Please Come 815

    Chapter <b>815 </b>


    Halsey shot Gilbert a cold re. He really couldn¡¯t wait to kick her out.


    Quickly, she grabbed Shaun¡¯s sleeve, her voice dropping to a whisper. ¡°Mr. Lane, please protect me.¡±


    Shaun looked down at her small hand clutching the expensive ck fabric of his suit. The stark contrast between her pale fingers and the dark sleeve caught the eye.


    William turned to Shaun. ¡°Shaun, who¡¯s this?¡±


    Because Halsey was standing just behind Shaun, William naturally directed the question to him.


    Gilbert, too, had noticed that Halsey hade in with Shaun. ¡°Mr. Lane, do you know Halsey? What¡¯s your rtionship with her?¡±


    Shaun looked at Gilbert calmly. ¡°Why are you so worked up about her?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure you know,¡± Gilbert said firmly, ¡°but she¡¯s my fianc¨¦e.¡±


    Shaun nced toward Halsey. ¡°Is that true?¡±


    Halsey shook her head quickly. ¡°Things areplicated between us. But one thing¡¯s clear¨CI¡¯m not marrying him!¡±


    Shaun¡¯s face was hidden behind his mask, so his expression was unreadable. Then, unexpectedly, he reached out and wrapped his arm around Halsey¡¯s shoulder.


    She froze, while Gilbert¡¯s expression darkened.


    Shaun looked at William and said, ¡°This is my girlfriend, Halsey Mallin. I brought her here today to hang out.¡±


    William¡¯s face lit up with surprise and joy. ¡°You actually have a girlfriend now?¡±


    Halsey was stunned. She hadn¡¯t expected Shaun to call her his girlfriend.


    Shaun leaned in close to her ear, his voice low. ¡°I have to say it this way, or you¡¯ll get kicked out. Just pretend you¡¯re my girlfriend for now.¡±


    Halsey whispered back without hesitation, ¡°I have no problem ying along¨Cafter all<b>, </b>I¡¯m the one who stands to gain.¡±


    iming to be Shaun¡¯s girlfriend would make it easier for her to speak freely in front of William.


    She quickly looped her arm through Shaun¡¯s and smiled sweetly. <b>¡°</b>Mr. Payne, it¡¯s a pleasure to meet you. I¡¯m Mr. Lane¡­ I mean, Shaun¡¯s girlfriend. I¡¯m really d to finally meet you.¡±


    Williamughed heartily. ¡°The pleasure¡¯s mine, Ms. Mallin.¡±


    He looked over at the two ck¨Csuited security guards. ¡°You two can leave now. Ms. Mallin is my guest.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir<b>,</b>¡± the guards replied, retreating.


    Gilbert was stunned. He wondered if he was hearing things.


    Halsey was Shaun¡¯s girlfriend? When had that happened?


    He had no idea!


    <b>For </b>the past three years, Halsey¡¯s love life had been a nk te. She hadn¡¯t dated anyone. Plenty of men had pursued her, but she had turned them all down.


    Gilbert knew all this. So, he really had no clue when Halsey had suddenly be the girlfriend of the rising business star, Shaun. When had they even met?


    ¡°Mr. Lane, is Halsey really your girlfriend?¡±


    Shaun nodded. ¡°<b>Yes</b><b>, </b>that¡¯s right.¡±


    Gilbert¡¯s anger red. ¡°But she¡¯s my fianc¨¦e-¡±


    <b>¡°</b>I¡¯m not your <b>fianc¨¦e</b><b>!</b><b>¡± </b>Halsey cut him off sharply. ¡°Don¡¯t spout nonsense. I¡¯m Shaun¡¯s girlfriend now!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t believe you! I know what¡¯s going on! You¡¯re just pretending to be Mr. Lane¡¯s girlfriend, right?¡± Halsey¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Gilbert¡¯s eyes were too sharp¨Che had figured it out.


    ¡°Mr. Payne<b>, </b>they aren¡¯t really <b>a </b>couple. Don¡¯t be fooled by them!¡± Gilbertined loudly to William.


    ?? ??

 My Dad Please Come 816

    Chapter <b>816 </b>


    ¡°Mr. Payne, I really am Shaun¡¯s girlfriend. Don¡¯t listen to him,¡± Halsey quickly said. Gilbert sneered. ¡°If you¡¯re really his girlfriend, then prove it to me


    ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°<b>Kiss </b>him.¡±


    Gilbert was insane¨Che actually wanted her to kiss Shaun right there and then!


    Halsey nced at Shaun. His cold, clear eyes met hers. Their gazes locked, and she felt a flicker of awkwardness. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Afraid to kiss him? I knew it you¡¯re just pretending to be his girlfriend! Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know why you came here. Mr. Payne hates being lied to. If he finds out you¡¯re a fraud, he¡¯ll throw you out without hesitation!¡±


    ¡°Who said I¡¯m afraid?¡± Halsey shot back. ¡°Shaun¡¯s my boyfriend. Ill kiss him whenever I want.¡±


    With that, she rose onto her toes and leaned close to Shaun. In a low voice, she whispered, ¡°I don¡¯t have much choice. Can I kiss you?¡±


    Shaun caught the scent of her perfume and smiled. ¡°Sure. If we¡¯re acting, we might as well go all the way.¡±


    He agreed.


    Halsey had been worried he might refuse, but now that he did, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed a quick kiss to his lips. Shaun¡¯s lips were soft and cool; the touch felt surprisingly good, stirring memories of Dwight.


    Though three years had passed, Dwight had been Halsey¡¯s first man<b>, </b>the one who had taught her about love and passion between a man and a woman. She still remembered those intimate moments vividly.


    Her long eyshes fluttered, then she pulled away from Shaun¡¯s lips and stepped back.


    She raised an eyebrow at Gilbert. ¡°Happy?¡±


    Gilbert¡¯s hands clenched into fists at his sides. He had bet she wouldn¡¯t actually kiss Shaun, but she had, and it was on his own demand.


    He was so furious he felt sick. ¡°Mr. Payne-¡±


    William cut him off. ¡°Enough, Mr. Greenwood. Ms. Mallin is Shaun¡¯s girlfriend. I trust them both. Today, we¡¯re all here to y golf together, so let¡¯s not spoil the mood.¡±


    William had clearly taken their side.


    Gilbert looked at Halsey. She was linked arm¨Cin¨Carm with Shaun, giving him a teasing look. Gilbert was beyond frustrated.


    But William had spoken, and there was nothing more to say.


    ¡°Shall we get started with golf?¡± Shaun asked.


    ¡°Sounds good. Ms. Mallin, do you know how to y?¡±


    Halsey nodded quickly. ¡°I used to y with my dad sometimes, but I¡¯m not a big fan<b>, </b>so I¡¯m not very good.¡±


    Mr. Payne smiled. ¡°That¡¯s okay. Shaun¡¯s great at golf. He can teach you. How about a friendly game?¡±


    Shaun grinned. ¡°A game sounds good. But what if we win?¡±


    Williamughed. ¡°If you win, dinner¡¯s on me tonight.¡±


    Halsey thought it was perfect. Having dinner with William would give her plenty of time to exin the situation with Lincoln Enterprise.


    Halsey¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Deal. Shaun and I won¡¯t go easy <b>on </b><b>you</b><b>.</b>¡±


    Williamughed out loud. ¡°Sure. Bring it on!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 817

    +25 <b>BONUS </b>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>817 </b>


    Halsey, Shaun, Gilbert, and William teamed up for a round of golf Halsey paired with Shaun, while Gilbert naturally joined William. The match was set: best two out of three.


    Gilbert gripped his golf club confidently. As the heir of a wealthy family, he had yed golf since he was young and was known for his skill.


    With a smirk aimed at Halsey, Gilbert said, ¡°I¡¯m not going to go easy on you. Just watch how I beat you at golf!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t just talk big. We¡¯ll see who wins!¡± Halsey shot back.


    Gilbert¡¯s confidence didn¡¯t waver. ¡°You¡¯re about to find out.¡±


    He took his stance, lined up his shot with a casual ease, then swung smoothly. The golf ball soared andnded perfectly in the hole on the first try.


    William apuded. ¡°That was an impressive shot.¡±


    Golf had been Gilbert¡¯s game since childhood, so this was just a steady, practiced performance.


    He looked at Halsey with a triumphant grin. ¡°See that? That¡¯s one point for me. Now let¡¯s see what Mr. Lane can do.¡±


    Halsey knew Gilbert was good at golf¨Cno surprises there¨Cbut she wasn¡¯t sure about Shaun¡¯s skills.


    She nced nervously at Shaun. ¡°How good are you at golf?¡±


    Shaun¡¯s expression remained calm and unreadable. He looked at her briefly and asked, ¡°Are you nervous?¡±


    ¡°Of course. I¡¯m hoping you¡¯ll win.¡±


    a


    Shaun began to unbutton his ck suit jacket. His eyes caught hers<b>, </b>filled with a quiet amusement<b>. </b><b>¡°</b>Isn¡¯t Gilbert your fianc¨¦? Have you broken up with him?¡±


    Halsey didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°I ended things with him a long time ago.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Shaun said softly.


    Though it was just a short reply, the smile in his eyes grew a little wider.


    Halsey watched as Shaun slowly undid his buttons. His long, strong fingers moved deliberately over the expensive silver buttons, peeling off the ck jacket to reveal the crisp white shirt beneath.


    She felt a faint pang of familiarity¨Chis hands and the way he undressed reminded her of Dwight.


    Shaun¡¯s deep, smooth voice pulled her back. ¡°What are you staring at?¡±


    Embarrassed, Halsey shook her head. ¡°Nothing. Is this button stuck<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Shaun replied, ¡°Yeah. Maybe you could help me?¡±


    Halsey understood he wanted to be morefortable to y golf. She was genuinely grateful he w wasn¡¯t going to say no.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    Her slender, pale fingers touched the silver buttons and began to undo them.


    re<b>, </b>so she definitely


    Now standing very close, Halsey suddenly realized how intimate it felt helping a man undress. Her small face flushed bright red.


    Shaun noticed and smiled. ¡°You¡¯re blushing.¡±


    Halsey wished she could disappear into the ground. ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±


    Shaun teased<b>, </b>¡°You cheeky little liar.¡±


    This was something Dwight had said before, too.


    Caught off guard by thoughts of Dwight again, Halsey quickly pushed them aside and focused on helping Shaun with the buttons<b>. </b>


    ¡°All done.¡±


    ¡°Thanks<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Shaun slipped off the ck jacket and handed it to her. ¡°Hold this.


    Halsey reached out and took the jacket. It still held his warmth, and holding it close made her cheeks flush again. Carrying a man¡¯s jacket felt even more intimate than she expected.

 My Dad Please Come 818

    Chapter <b>818 </b>


    At that moment, Halsey felt a dark, heavy gaze fall squarely on her face. She looked up and met Gilbert¡¯s eyes.


    He had witnessed every subtle, teasing moment between her and Shaun just now, and he was furious. The contrast between the way she treated him and Shaun only red his anger even more.


    Halsey had been feeling a little awkward, but under Gilbert¡¯s sharp stare, she refused to back down. She shot him a defiant re. ¡°It¡¯s Shaun¡¯s turn to y now. He¡¯s not going to lose to you!¡±


    Gilbert smirked. ¡°<b>I¡¯ll </b>be watching closely.¡±


    Shaun took the golf club from Gilbert.


    Halsey cheered him on right where she stood. ¡°Go, Shaun!¡±


    Shaun nced at her, then focused on the hole ahead, club in hand. The next second, he swung, and the ball sailed smoothly right into the hole.


    Halsey was stunned. She hadn¡¯t expected Shaun to be this good. His movements were fluid and precise¨Cmore polished, even, than Gilbert¡¯s, who had been ying golf since he was a kid. And he looked absolutely cool doing it.


    Her excitement soared. ¡°We got one point! Shaun, you¡¯re amazing!¡±


    Shaun smiled back at her, a subtle curl of his lips.


    William pped. ¡°Your golf skills have definitely improved. Now, you two are tied.¡±


    At first, Gilbert hadn¡¯t seen Shaun as a threat. But now, things were different. The connection between Shaun and Halsey wasn¡¯t fake at all, and Shaun was boldly encroaching on all of Gilbert¡¯s territory.


    As a man, Gilbert felt a sharp sense of danger.


    He decided to dig deeper into Shaun¡¯s background once he got back. He needed to find out who this guy really was, and where he came from.


    ¡°Mr. Lane, since we¡¯re tied now, the next point is crucial. Let¡¯s leave it to Mr. Payne and Halsey.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    William stepped up with the golf club. He swung, but the ball missed the holepletely.


    ¡°You were close,¡± Shaun teased with a smile.


    William turned to Halsey. ¡°I might have missed, but honestly, I think Ms. Mallin¡¯s golf skills are even worse than mine. I¡¯m really curious to see how she does.¡±


    Now it was Halsey¡¯s turn. Even she felt the nerves creeping in.


    Shaun came over beside her. ¡°Nervous?¡±


    Halsey nodded honestly. ¡°If I¡¯d known this day woulde, I¡¯d have learned golf properly with my round for me, so I really don¡¯t want to lose this one.¡±


    Shaun studied her gentle face. ¡°Actually, golf is pretty simple. I can teach you.¡±


    ¡°Really? Thank you so much!¡±


    Halsey picked up the golf club. Shaun stepped behind her and wrapped his arms around her.


    <b>You </b>already won a


    The sudden closeness made Halsey freeze. Aside from Dwight, no other man had ever touched her like this. Holding her from behind, her delicate body settled into his embrace. Her whole body stiffened like a stone.


    Then, close to her ear, Shaun¡¯s deep, smooth voice came softly, ¡°What are you thinking? Focus on learning.¡±


    He gently reminded her to concentrate.


    Halsey straightened up immediately. ¡°Got it.¡±


    Shaun took her small hand in his and began teaching her.

 My Dad Please Come 819

    Shaun¡¯s low, smooth voice glided smoothly into Halsey¡¯s ear.


    ¡°When you y, keep your posture tall and steady. Aim straight ahead, gather strength in your arms, and swing with purpose. As long as you stay focused and head toward the goal you want, you¡¯ll seed.¡±


    His tone was gentle and patient, like a dedicated teacher guiding her through each step.


    Halsey¡¯s thoughts drifted to Dwight, and she said quietly, ¡°You keep reminding me of someone.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± Shaun asked.


    Halsey didn¡¯t answer.


    Shaun lowered his gaze, studying her. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you answering Is it your ex?¡±


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Do you still keep in touch?¡±


    She gave a bitter smile. ¡°We haven¡¯t talked in three years.¡±


    ¡°Why do you think of him now? Do you still have feelings for him?


    Shaun asked directly if she still had feelings for Dwight.


    Halsey looked up at Shaun. ¡°Thank you for the lesson. I think I¡¯ve got it.¡±


    She cut the conversation short, as she didn¡¯t want to go down that road anymore.


    Shaun released his hold on her and took a step back. ¡°Good luck.¡±


    Halsey held the golf club, quietly trying to absorb what he¡¯d taught her. Suddenly, she felt a dark, heavy gazending on her again. She looked up¨Cand it was Gilbert.


    Gilbert seemed like a voyeur<b>, </b>constantly spying on her and Shaun.


    Just moments ago, she had been helping Shaun with his jacket, and now he was holding her from behind, teaching her how to swing. Gilbert¡¯s face was ashen with rage.


    Halsey ignored him.


    William spoke up, ¡°Go ahead, Ms. Mallin. It¡¯s your turn.¡±


    Halsey smiled lightly. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll try my best.¡±


    She stood tall, lined up her shot, and aimed carefully at the hole. Following Shaun¡¯s advice, she gathered strength in her arms and swung with precision and power.


    Thud!


    The golf ballnded perfectly in the hole.


    Halsey jumped, thrilled. ¡°I won! I actually won!¡±


    She ran over to Shaun and wrapped him in a tight hug. ¡°Did you see that? I made the shot! We¡¯re up two to one¡ªwe won!¡±


    Her eyes sparkled with joy as she smiled brightly. Shaun looked at her with gentle warmth. ¡°You¡¯re amazing.¡± William chuckled. ¡°You won fair and square. Looks like I lost. Shaun, you sure know how to pick them.¡±


    He gave Shaun a thumbs¨Cup.


    +25 <b>BONUS </b>


    Realizing, she had just hugged Shaun on her own, Halsey quickly pulled away, a little embarrassed, and smiled shyly at <b>him</b>.


    Shaun returned her smile with tenderness.


    Just then, Gilbert approached. ¡°Looks like I underestimated you¨Cyou actually won.


    ¡±


    Halsey raised an eyebrow. ¡°Hard work pays off. I¡¯ve always believed that if you put in the effort, you¡¯ll see results.¡±


    Gilbert¡¯s expression darkened.


    ¡°Alright<b>, </b>since you won, as agreed, I¡¯ll treat you both to dinner,¡± William said.


    Halsey¡¯s heart leapt. Finally, the most exciting part was here! There was still a chance for Lincoln Enterprise.


    She was determined to save thepany.


    Shaun smirked. ¡°Looks like you¡¯ll be spending tonight.¡±


    ¡°No problem. We should freshen up first.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good.¡±


    Because Shaun and Halsey were a couple, they were assigned to share a room.


    Halsey nced around the room<b>, </b>feeling a bit embarrassed. ¡°Mr. Lane, are you sure we should freshen up in the same room?¡±

 My Dad Please Come 820

    Shaun nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Halsey hesitated. ¡°Maybe we should ask someone to book two rooms for us.¡±


    She started to step toward the door.


    But Shaun grabbed her arm and gently pushed her back until she was pressed against the wall.


    ¡°Wh¨Cwhat are you doing?¡± she asked, surprised.


    Shaun propped his hand against the wall, trapping her in his embrace. A yful smile curved his lips. ¡°Aren¡¯t we a couple? If you go out and have them book two rooms, and Wilm finds out, then our secret¡¯s out. Do you want to get kicked out?¡±


    Halsey shook her head quickly. ¡°I don¡¯t want to get


    ed out! But doesn¡¯t it feel weird for us to shower here?¡±


    Shaun grinned. ¡°What¡¯s weird about it? Do you want to¡­take a shower with me?¡±


    He emphasized thest few words, making Halsey¡¯s eyes widen in shock. ¡°Definitely not!¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to, then we¡¯ll take a shower separately. What¡¯s weird about that?¡± Shaun challenged.


    Halsey fell silent. He made a good point¨Cthere was no reason to feel awkward if they each showered by themselves.


    Shaun soon spoke again. ¡°William¡¯s waiting to take us to dinner, Who goes first¨Cyou or me?¡±


    ¡°You go first,¡± she answered.


    Shaun nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    He straightened up, released his hold on her, and turned to enter the bathroom.


    Once Shaun¡¯s masculine scent faded from the room, Halsey leaned back against the wall and took a deep breath.


    His scent was different from Dwight¡¯s. Dwight smelled warm, like sunlight on a summer afternoon. Shaun carried a cool, refined woody fragrance¨Cprobably some expensive cologne. After all, a struggling kid and a rising business star weren¡¯t the


    same person.


    Still, why did she always catch glimpses of Dwight¡¯s shadow in Shaun?


    In fact<b>, </b>she had long suspected¨Ccould Shaun actually be Dwight?


    The sound of running water flowed from inside the bathroom. Shaun was already showering, while Halsey sat down to review some fashion design sketches on her phone.


    Suddenly, a soft<b>, </b>melodic ringtone rang out.


    Halsey looked up and saw Shaun¡¯s slim ck phone buzzing on the bed.


    It was his private phone, and she felt it wasn¡¯t her ce to check. Still<b>, </b>the ringtone wouldn¡¯t stop, and she wasn¡¯t sure if it was something urgent.


    Shaun had helped her so much<b>, </b>so they were practically friends now.


    Halsey stood and picked up the phone, walking over to the bathroom door. She knocked gently.


    The water stopped flowing inside, and Shaun¡¯s low, calm voice came through. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Someone¡¯s been calling you nonstop. Maybe you should answer it could be important.¡±


    Shaun replied, ¡°Bring the phone in.¡±


    By now, he should be done showering and dressed.


    Halsey¡¯s small hand grasped the door handle, and she pushed the Bathroom door open.


    But the moment she saw Shaun inside, her bright, clear eyes snapped wide, and she gasped softly before turning away.


    ¡°Wh¨Cwhat¡­¡±

 My Dad Please Come 821

    Shaun stepped quietly behind her. ¡°Keep your voice down. The soundproofing here isn¡¯t great. If anyone hears, they might think we¡¯re doing something naughty.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s face flushed bright red. She had assumed he was fully dressed by now, but in reality, he was only halfway there.


    More precisely, he was wearing ck dress pants, but his upper body was bare.


    From her quick nce earlier, his skin was a healthy tan, his chest broad and strong, his shoulders wide, and his waist narrow. The defined six¨Cpack abs and perfect V¨Cline leading down into his pants stirred her imagination wildly, sending her mind spinning.


    The visual impact was overwhelming. After three years of being single, Halsey felt her head buzzing as if overloaded.


    Now, with Shaun standing just behind her, speaking in such a deep, maic voice, she felt her knees going weak.


    ¡°S¨CSorry,¡± Halsey stammered.


    ¡°Did you need something?¡± Shaun asked.


    She slowly turned to face him<b>, </b>eyes downcast, too shy to meet his gaze. ¡°Your phone.¡±


    Shaun took the phone and pressed the answer button. ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Lane, there¡¯s an urgent document that needs your signature at the office¡­¡±


    Halsey heard a woman¡¯s voice on the other end. She figured it was his secretary<b>, </b>reporting on work.


    Shaun switched the phone from his left hand to his right. ¡°Got it. Send the file to my phone; I¡¯ll handle itter.¡±


    Halsey watched as he swapped the phone from one hand to the other, then paused.


    Dwight had the exact same habit of switching hands when he took calls. Why did Shaun¡¯s mannerisms mirror Dwight¡¯s so perfectly?


    One¡¯s face could change, but habits ran deep¡ªalmost impossible to break.


    Halsey froze. She always saw Dwight¡¯s shadow in Shaun¡¯s every move. Could it be¡­?


    A bold thought suddenly sparked in her mind.


    Shaun hung up the phone. <b>He </b>noticed her staring and curled his lips into a small smile. ¡°What are you looking at?¡±


    ¡°What happened to your face?¡± Halsey blurted out.


    He hesitated. ¡°Why the sudden question?¡±


    ¡°Did you get hurt badly and ruin your face? What did you look like before?¡±


    Shaun was silent for a few seconds. Then he said, ¡°That¡¯s a personal matter. I don¡¯t owe you an answer. That question is a bit too


    forward.¡±


    Halsey knew she was crossing a line, Shaun¡¯s injuries were severe no one wanted to reopen those wounds.


    Still, she had to ask. ¡°Why won¡¯t you answer me? What did you look like before?¡± Her voice was urgent,


    Shaunughed softly. ¡°Why do you care so much about my private life? It¡¯s like you really think I¡¯m your boyfriend. Or are you hoping to be my girlfriend?¡±


    Her words caught in her throat. ¡°I¡­¡±


    ¡°Curiosity killed the cat. Some questions are better left unasked. I¡¯m going out now.¡±


    He turned to leave, but Halsey reached out and grabbed his arm.


    Shaun looked back. Halsey tilted her head, her eyes steady and determined.


    ¡°You just remind me so much of someone I know,,


    ¡°Who is it? You¡¯ve said that before, but when I ask who he is, you won¡¯t say,¡± Shaun replied.


    ¡°I want to know for sure whether you¡¯re him,¡± Halsey pressed.

 My Dad Please Come 822

    ¡°How do you n to do that?¡± Shaun asked.


    Halsey¡¯s eyes flicked down from his six¨Cpack abs to lower<b>; </b>she hesitated before blurting out, ¡°Could you take off your pants?¡±


    Shaun looked at her, his gaze suddenly darkening.


    Halsey wasn¡¯t even sure what she was saying as her heart pounded loudly in her chest.


    Was it the thrill of the daring possibility that Shaun might actually be Dwight, or the nerves from making such a bold request?


    ¡°The person I know¡­ He has a mole down there. I want to see it.¡±


    Shaun swallowed hard. ¡°What if I say no? I don¡¯t want to take them off.¡±


    No, she had to see. She needed to know!


    Halsey looked at him pleadingly. ¡°Please. Just a peek.¡±


    Shaun turned to walk away.


    But Halsey stepped in front of him, blocking his path. ¡°<b>If </b>you won¡¯t take them off, I¡¯ll help <b>you</b>!¡±


    Her handsnded on the expensive ck leather belt around his waist, gripping it firmly. ¡°Please don¡¯t hate me.¡±


    She began fumbling with the buckle.


    However, Halsey had never undone a man¡¯s belt before. Three years ago, Dwight didn¡¯t even like wearing belts. The cold<b>, </b>costly leather felt foreign and heavy in her trembling hands. She suddenly realized that even if he was Dwight, he wasn¡¯t the same


    man anymore.


    He had be a rising star in the business world.


    Was his refusal to admit who he was because he no longer loved her?


    Nervous and inexperienced, she struggled to undo the belt no matter how hard she tried.


    Shaun watched her clumsy attempts. ¡°Is that guy your boyfriend?¡±


    Halsey¡¯s slendershes fluttered.


    ¡°You know such private details about him. Have you slept with him?¡± Shaun pressed.


    Halsey¡¯s face burned hotter, the flush creeping all the way down to her pale earlobes. She tugged on the belt harder. Soon, her fingers brushed something solid and scorching¨Cso hot it made her shiver all over.


    Startled, she jerked her hand away and instinctively stepped back.


    But Shaun reached out, caught her face in his hand, and pulled her close. ¡°Why stop now?¡±


    Their faces were inches apart.


    Halsey looked into his eyes, which were just like Dwight¡¯s, and her knees began to weaken. ¡°Are you him? Please tell me. I really want to know.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s voice softened. ¡°Does it matter that much?¡±


    ¡°For me, it does<b>,</b>¡± she whispered. ¡°Dwight¡­ Is that you¨Cmmm!¡±


    Without warning, Shaun lowered his head and pressed his lips to <i>hers</i>.


    The sudden kiss made Halsey¡¯s eyes snap wide in shock. She had expected that.


    She raised her hands, pressing them against his chest, trying to push him away. ¡°Stop-¡±


    11


    But Shaun flipped her around, pressing her against the wall. His burning body pressed close from behind as he kissed her hair,


    her earlobe.


    ¡°The belt¡¯s in your hands, and you still can¡¯t undo it? What¨Chaven¡¯t you slept with your fianc¨¦ Gilbert in these three years?¡±


    Halsey¡¯s breath caught, her pale eyes misting with tears. ¡°Dwight Is that really you?¡±


    Shaun bit down gently on her earlobe. The sharp sting made her body tense, and she let out a soft cry.


    Her reaction stirred something in Shaun. His eyes darkened with emotion as he wrapped his arms around her slim waist, holding her close, his desire palpable.


    He whispered in her ear in a rough voice, ¡°Do you want me?¡±

 My Dad Please Come 823

    Halsey leaned against the wall, her hands wing at the surface. ¡°Who exactly do you mean?¡±


    Shaun kissed her carlobe softly. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Do you mean if I want Dwight¡­or Shaun?¡±


    Instead of answering, Shaun asked back, ¡°Who do you want it to be?¡±


    A sly smile tugged at Halsey¡¯s lips. Suddenly, she turned her head and pressed a kiss onto his lips.


    Shaun stiffened for a moment, caught off guard by her sudden boldness. After a brief pause, he cupped her face and kissed her deeply.


    They poured all their energy into that kiss¨CHalsey clinging tightly to him, Shaun losing himself in her sweetness.


    She twisted back around, her fingers sliding down along his sculpted abs. Shaun buried his face in her neck and took a breath.


    ¡°It¡¯s you,¡± Halsey said softly.


    Shaun kissed her long hair.


    Tears shimmered in Halsey¡¯s eyes. ¡°Honestly, I didn¡¯t even need to see that mole. I always knew it was you.¡±


    From the moment they first met, she had known it was him. She just hadn¡¯t dared to be certain.


    But now, there was no doubt. He was definitely him.


    The only question was what she should call him now¨CDwight, or Shaun?


    Shaun wrapped his arms around her waist before lifting her to sit on the bathroom counter. His eyes were dark with desire as he held her face, leaning in for another kiss.


    Halsey reached up and pulled off his mask.


    His disfigured face was suddenly exposed under the bright light. Shaun stiffened and straightened up, ready to leave.


    But Halsey grabbed his arm. ¡°What happened to your face?¡±


    Why did it look like that now? He used to be so handsome, but now his face was almost unrecognizable.


    Shaun nced at her, a small smirk ying on his lips. ¡°I know I¡¯m ugly. Are you scared?¡±


    Tears slipped down Halsey¡¯s cheeks. Without a word, she kissed him again. Though silent, the kiss held all her pain and tenderness.


    Shaun¡¯s breathing grew heavier. He reached to unbutton her clothes and asked in a husky voice, ¡°Do you want me? I want you.¡± Halsey answered with her actions, her hands going back to his belt tugging again.


    Shaun caught her hand. ¡°Here. Press this, then pull it open.¡°/


    With a click, the belt came undone.


    They began undressing each other, years of longing boiling over. After three years apart, they were desperate to merge into one.


    But then, a ringtone interrupted them. Shaun¡¯s phone was ringing again. Halsey nced at the caller ID¡ªWilliam.


    Her mind snapped back to reality. She hadn¡¯t forgotten the reason she was here tonight Lincoln Enterprise still needed saving.


    She nudged him. ¡°It¡¯s Mr. Payne.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s voice was hoarse. ¡°I¡¯ll answerter.<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°You should take it now.¡±


    ¡°Later.¡±


    ¡°Just take it now, please¡­¡±


    That soft<b>, </b>pleading ¡°please¡± from her made Shaun¡¯s whole body melt.


    She was just like the Halsey from three years ago¨Cthe girl who clung to him, who loved him fiercely¨Cthe radiant heiress who brought him endless joy.


    Shaun had no choice but to break the kiss, pick up the phone, and answer. ¡°Hello?¡±


    As he spoke, his eyes burned as he stared at her. Halsey bit her lip, her hands restless.


    Shaun struggled to steady his breathing.


    On the other end, William asked, ¡°Are you and Ms. Mallin ready? I¡¯ve booked the restaurant. When should we leave<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>

 My Dad Please Come 824

    Shaun¡¯s breathing was ragged and uneven.


    On the other end of the line, William sounded puzzled. ¡°Shaun? Why aren¡¯t you saying anything? What¡¯s going on? Why are you breathing so hard?¡±


    Shaun¡¯s eyes burned red. ¡°We¡¯ll be ready soon¡­¡±


    ¡°Ha! I see! I always thought you weren¡¯t the type to get involved with women. I was even surprised you got a girlfriend¡­¡±


    Shaun couldn¡¯t make out what William was saying after that. His senses narrowed to a sharp point, then suddenly a bright white light exploded in his vision like fireworks bursting in a storm.


    He copsed forward, resting his weight on Halsey¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Shaun?¡± William called out again.


    His voice hoarse and cracked, Shaun held the phone tightly. ¡°I¡¯ll call you back.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    After hanging up, Shaun began pressing gentle kisses across Halsey¡¯s face, tracing them down to her lips.


    She was his first woman, and the only one. The soft, sweet heiress from a wealthy family. He was a normal man, and after three years, he¡¯d grown¨Cboth in maturity and in body. Those three years apart had only made his body crave Halsey more fiercely. This kind of physical desire was uncontroble, almost dangerous.


    Halsey desired him, too. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his kiss.


    But knowing there was business to handle soon, Shaun reluctantly pulled away. ¡°We should get ready to meet William.¡±


    Halsey nodded. ¡°I have something to ask him.¡±


    ¡°If you need help, just tell me,¡± Shaun said.


    Halsey knew he was no longer the poor kid named Dwight. He was Shaun Lane now¨Cthe rising star of the business world.


    She understood how to be with Dwight, but wasn¡¯t sure yet how to be with Shaun.


    Halsey nodded again. ¡°Okay. I will.¡±


    They freshened up, then headed out to meet William at the restaurant.


    William had reserved a table at a Frontellian¨Cstyle restaurant. As the servers brought out the dishes, the atmosphere grewfortable enough for Halsey to speak up boldly.


    ¡°Mr. Payne, to be honest, I came here tonight because I have a favor to ask.¡±


    William looked at her carefully. ¡°You want to talk about Lincoln Enterprise, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Halsey blinked in surprise. ¡°You know?¡±


    He smiled. ¡°Of course. Shaun already told me. You¡¯re the heiress of Lincoln Enterprise, right?¡±


    Halsey nced over at Shaun, surprised he had already shared their situation with William.


    William continued, ¡°Lincoln Enterprise has been unstabletely, and its reputation has taken a hit. From a business standpoint, I should have ended our partnership.¡±


    Halsey quickly spoke up. ¡°Mr. Payne, please hear me out¡­¡±


    ¡°No need to worry, Ms. Mallin. Shaun told me everything. We¡¯re good friends, so I¡¯ll give Lincoln Enterprise a chance. I¡¯m not going to end our cooperation.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s eyes brightened. William wasn¡¯t going to cut ties?


    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful! Thank you so much<i>, </i>Mr. Payne.¡±


    ¡°But, Ms. Mallin, you have to settle the issues inside Lincoln Enterprise quickly. Otherwise, we¡¯ll suffer losses.¡±


    ¡°Of course. I promise we¡¯ll handle everything on our end as fast as possible. We¡¯ll definitely protect your interests.¡±


    William nodded. ¡°Good. Let¡¯s toast to our partnership.¡±


    He lifted his ss.


    Halsey picked up hers as well. ¡°Thank you so much!¡±


    William chuckled. ¡°The one you really need to thank is Shaun. I was wondering why he agreed to golf with me, and it turns out it was because of you.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 825

    What?


    Halsey froze for a moment<b>, </b>stunned.


    Shaun hade to y golf because of her?


    At a time when Lincoln Enterprise was on the brink of copse, its funding running dangerously low, he stood by her side.


    Her heart swelled with gratitude. Her clear, shimmering eyes glistened as she looked at Shaun. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    She meant it sincerely.


    Shaun met her gaze, a faint smile tugging at his lips. ¡°No problem


    The dinner ended on a warm and pleasant note. William left first<b>, </b>and Halsey and Shaun stepped out of the restaurant together.


    Halsey looked at Shaun. ¡°I really can¡¯t thank you enough this time. If it weren¡¯t for <b>you</b><b>, </b>Mr. Payne would have definitely cut ties with Lincoln Enterprise.¡±


    Shaun shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m d to help. Consider it a thank¨Cyou for helping raise Maddy all these years.¡±


    Mentioning Madeline brought a proud glow to Halsey¡¯s face. ¡°You know, she¡¯s done amazing these past three years. Honestly, I didn¡¯t do much for her¨Cshe did it all by herself. She just got into a research institute, so she onlyes home once every two weeks. When she¡¯s back, I¡¯ll make sure you two reconnect.¡±


    Shaun watched Halsey¡¯s happiness; he knew better than anyone that no matter how talented Madeline was, without family backing, she could run into a lot of danger. Over these years, the Lincoln family had been Madeline¡¯s strongest shield. Without them, she wouldn¡¯t be where she was today.


    Halsey smiled brightly. ¡°I have tons of photos of Maddy from the past three years. I¡¯ll bring them for you someday so you can see how much she¡¯s grown-¡±


    Before she could finish, Shaun reached out and pulled her into a tight embrace.


    Halsey froze.


    Shaun held her close, his voice low and earnest. ¡°Halsey, thank you<b>.</b>¡±


    Halsey smirked. ¡°That thank¨Cyou didn¡¯t sound very sincere.¡±


    Shaun loosened his hold. ¡°Then how do you want me to thank you?¡±


    He cupped her face gently and pressed a deep kiss to her lips.


    Halsey¡¯s legs went weak again as the same helpless<b>, </b>melting feeling she had felt earlier in the hotel bathroom swept over her. She wrapped her arms tightly around Shaun¡¯s neck to keep herself from sliding down.


    Shaun¡¯s eyes darkened. ¡°Do you have to go back tonight?¡±


    Caught in his kiss, Halsey was dizzy with desire. ¡°What?¡±


    Shaun whispered, ¡°If your parents are okay with it<b>, </be to my ce tonight.¡±


    He was inviting her to spend the night.


    Halsey blushed and stammered, ¡°G¨CGo to your ce? Why?¡±


    The words slipped out before she could stop herself. She wished she could bite her tongue off.


    Shaun chuckled softly. ¡°Why do you


    think?¡±


    Halsey¡¯s cheeks med red. ¡°I¡­¡±


    Just then<b>, </b>someone approached. ¡°Shaun.¡±


    Halsey quickly pulled away from Shaun. She looked up and saw a familiar face¨CWarren, Shaun¡¯s old buddy.


    In the past three years, Warren had started his own smallpany and was doing pretty well as a young boss.


    He was apanied by a girl named Chelsea Sutton, who was strikingly beautiful and clearly the refined type.


    Warren and Chelsea came over to Shaun.


    Chelsea tilted her head up and looked at Shaun.


    ¡°Done with your socializing? You should drink less. It¡¯s not good for your body.¡±


    Shaun nodded. ¡°Got it.¡±


    Warren nced at Halsey. ¡°Ms. Halsey?¡±


    Halsey smiled politely. ¡°Hey, Warren. It¡¯s been a while.¡±


    Warren grinned. ¡°Well, you¡¯re the heiress of the Lincoln family¨Cpeople like us don¡¯t get to see <b>you </b>much.¡±


    Halsey froze. She could already sense the cold edge of Warren¡¯s hostility toward her.

 My Dad Please Come 826

    Chapter <b>826 </b>


    Halsey remembered how, three years ago, Warren had liked her a lot. In fact<b>, </b>everyone around Dwight liked her.


    But now, three yearster, Warren was full of hostility toward her. And there was someone new¨CChelsea<b>, </b>someone Halsey had never met before.


    Chelsea seemed to care for Shaun deeply. It was clear she looked after his daily life.


    Halsey curled her fingers nervously<b>, </b>unsure of what to say.


    Warren nced at Shaun. ¡°Let¡¯s go. Didn¡¯t we agree to have fondue together tonight? Chelsea¡¯s already prepared all the ingredients. We¡¯re starving. We were just waiting for you to join us.<b>¡± </b>


    Chelsea looked over at Halsey. ¡°Ms. Halsey, do you want to join us?<b>¡± </b>


    Before Halsey could answer, Warren cut in, ¡°She probably doesn¡¯t have time. Let¡¯s go, Shaun.


    Warren pulled Shaun away.


    Shaun looked at Halsey. <b>¡°</b>I¡¯ll see you home first.¡±


    Halsey knew Warren didn¡¯t want her there. Since they were hungry and waiting for Shaun, she quickly waved her hand. ¡°It¡¯s okay, I have a driver. You guys go ahead.¡±


    Warren tugged Shaun. ¡°Let¡¯s go. Ms. Halsey doesn¡¯t need you to take care of her.¡±


    Shaun nodded and turned to Halsey. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll see you soon.¡±


    Halsey forced a small smile. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Shaun, Warren, and Chelsea got into a luxury car and drove off.


    Halsey stood there alone, watching the sleek car disappear into the distance.


    She realized that over these past three years, an enormous gap had grown between them.


    She had no idea what had happened to Dwight during that time<b>, </b>or what had happened to his face. She didn¡¯t know what had happened between him and the woman he married three years ago nor who Chelsea was.


    She felt like she was miles away from him.


    Halsey had imagined what their reunion might be like countless times. Maybe he would exin everything<b>, </b>or want to reconcile ¨Cbut he hadn¡¯t said a word.


    Just then, a familiar voice came from behind her. ¡°Shaun¡¯s already gone, Why are you still staring?¡±


    Halsey turned around to see Gilbert.


    He just wouldn¡¯t leave her alone.


    Halsey didn¡¯t want to engage him. ¡°Mr. Payne has already agreed not to end the partnership with Lincoln Enterprise. Your schemes won¡¯t work.¡±


    Gilbert sneered. ¡°You think you¡¯ve got Shaun wrapped around your finger? Let me tell you¨CChelsea<b>, </b>the woman earlier, is his girlfriend.¡±


    <b>He </b>had a girlfriend?


    Gilbert stepped closer. ¡°I heard she¡¯s been with Shaun for three years. They¡¯re <b>always </b><b>together</b><b>, </b>and their rtionship <b>is </b><b>rock </b>solid. You should just give up on him.¡±


    <b>Halsey¡¯s </b>heart sank into an endless pit.


    <b>1/3 </b>


    ww


    So all this time, someone else had been by his side.


    She had always believed that Dwight was waiting just like her. After all<b>, </b>she had only him.


    But three years ago, and even now, he had someone else.


    It turned out that the only one standing still and waiting was herself.


    Halsey¡¯s fair eyes grew red; a wave of helplessness washed over her, almost bringing tears to the surface.


    Gilbert looked at her and asked, ¡°Are you really that broken up?¡±


    Halsey lifted her gaze to him. ¡°You¡¯ve already sent people to investigate Shaun. Don¡¯t you know who he really is?¡±


    Gilbert clenched his fist.


    Of course, he knew exactly who Shaun was!


    He had his men dig into Shaun¡¯s background, and they came back with the truth: Shaun was actually Dwight!


    That Dwight sure was lucky. Years ago, Gilbert had someone throw acid on him and throw his car over a cliff<b>, </b>but he didn¡¯t die.


    And now he had returned, reborn as Shaun Lane.

 My Dad Please Come 827

    Halsey looked Gilbert squarely in the eye.


    ¡°Since you already know who Sham really is, why ask? Of course, m broken up because I love him!¡±


    Gilbert¡¯s face darkened. ¡°What¡­¡±


    Halsey shoved him hard and turned to walk away.


    Gilbert stayed rooted, his gaze heavy and cold as he watched the direction where Halsey and Shaun had disappeared.


    Three years ago, he had the power to tear them apart¨Cand three yearster, he wasn¡¯t about to let theme back together.


    The luxury car sped down the road. Shaun and Chelsea sat in the backseat while Warren drove.


    Warren asked Shaun with a grin, ¡°So, you told Ms. Halsey who you are?¡±


    Shaun shot a nce toward him. ¡°Don¡¯t be too bitter toward her anymore.¡±


    ¡°Why are you still defending her? Have you forgotten what she did to you three years ago? You risked your life to find her <i>after </ipleting your mission, but she betrayed you and got with Gilbert. They¡¯re even engaged! She just sees you as a stain on her life. She sent people to throw acid on your face and pushed your <b>car </b>off a cliff to kill you. Do you not remember how hard you had to fight to survive those three years?¡±


    Warren¡¯s voice was filled with anger and disbelief.


    Shaun pressed his lips together. ¡°I don¡¯t think she knew about what happened back then. I believe she wasn¡¯t the one who sent them.¡±


    ¡°Even if not her, it was her fianc¨¦ Gilbert who ordered it. None of them are good people! You survived a death sentence and came back reborn. Now¡¯s not the time to get caught up in the fight between Lincoln Enterprise and Greenwood Corporation, Why do you still get involved in her matters?¡±


    ¡°She helped me raise Maddy these past three years¡­¡± Shaun said quietly.


    ¡°Enough! You always have excuses. The truth is, you can¡¯t forget her! Now that you¡¯re a rising star in business and Lincoln Enterprise is shaky, she¡¯s clinging to you. You forget everything just because of a kiss. Wake up! She¡¯s just using you!¡±


    Shaun thought back to Halsey¡¯s warmth in the bathroom. He had to admit that she didn¡¯t need to do much to sweep him away.


    Warren¡¯s concern ran deep. Three years ago, he had found Dwight now Shaun¡ªat the bottom of a cliff, barely hanging on. Shaun¡¯s face was a bloody mess, his body covered in wounds. It was a miracle he had survived.


    Warren could never understand why Shaun wanted toe back and find Halsey.


    Through the rearview mirror, Warren nced at Shaun in the backseat.


    Dressed in an expensive ck suit, Shaun carried the air of a mature<b>, </b>wealthy business elite who was untouchable.


    But Dwight was part of Shaun¡¯s life, and Halsey had been the brightest part of Dwight¡¯s world.


    That delicate, refined heiress was like the most dazzling fireworks in Dwight¡¯s life. Forgetting her was simply impossible.


    Yet, Warren would never agree to Shaun being with Halsey again.


    Just then<b>, </b>Chelsea said softly, ¡°Shaun<b>, </b>I¡¯m a doctor, and I¡¯ve been taking care of your health these three years, so you have to follow my medical advice. The rest doesn¡¯t matter.¡±


    Chelsea had grown up with Shaun and Warren. She was talented, a skilled doctor.


    Three years ago, when Warren found Shaun badly injured and un into saving Shaun¡¯s life and had stayed by his side ever since.


    Warren liked Chelsea a lot. He could see how much she cared for


    So he smiled and said, ¡°Shaun, just forget about Ms. Halsey. She


    Chelsea blushed. ¡°Oh, Warren! Stop teasing me!¡±


    +35 BONUS


    Three years ago, when Warren found Shaun badly injured and unconscious, he brought him to Chelsea. She poured every effort into saving Shaun¡¯s life and had stayed by his side ever since.


    Warren liked Chelsea a lot. He could see how much she


    So he smiled and said, ¡°Shaun, just forget about Ms. Halso,


    Chelsea blushed. ¡°Oh, Warren! Stop teasing me!¡±


    She¡¯s not right for you. Maybe you should consider Chelsea.¡±


    +35 BONUS


    Chapter <b>828 </b>

 My Dad Please Come 828

    +35 BONUS


    Chapter <b>828 </b>


    At that moment, Shaun spoke up, his voice firm.


    ¡°Warren, don¡¯t joke about things like that.¡±


    Immediately, Chelsea stiffened.


    Shaum¡¯s tone grew sharper. ¡°I¡¯m grateful to Chelsea for taking care of me these past three years, but she¡¯s just a friend. I don¡¯t appreciate jokes like that.¡±


    The flush instantly drained from Chelsea¡¯s cheeks, leaving her pale Shaun had never given her any hope she knew he didn¡¯t feel the same way.


    But Chelsea wasn¡¯t ready to give up. A man like Shaun was too good to let slip away. How many couples in this world truly married for love?


    She was convinced that she was the one who best suited Shaun.


    Warren raised his hands in surrender. ¡°Okay, okay, no more jokes. I¡¯ll just focus on driving.¡±


    The car fell silent. Shaun pulled out his phone and opened WhatsApp.


    He wanted to send Halsey a message, but his fingers froze over the keyboard. He didn¡¯t know what to say.


    Halsey returned home.


    Cyril had already been discharged from the hospital, and he sat in the living room with Patricia.


    Seeing Halsey, he stood. ¡°Why were you out sote?¡±


    Halsey hurried over. ¡°Please sit down, Dad. I went to see Mr. Payne today, and he said he¡¯s not going to end our cooperation.¡± Patricia¡¯s face lit up. ¡°Really? That¡¯s wonderful! You went to see Mr. Payne alone?¡±


    Halsey answered, ¡°No. I ran into Mr. Lane. He helped me.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Lane? You mean the new business star, Shaun Lane?¡±


    Cyril had heard of Shaun¡¯s name. The business world was small, and someone like Shaun¨Cwho had taken hispany public in just three years¨Cwas rare. Most people had heard of him, one way or another<b>. </b>


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s him.¡±


    Cyril looked puzzled. ¡°But you didn¡¯t know Mr. Lane before this. Why would he help you?¡±


    Halsey didn¡¯t want to hide the truth from her parents. ¡°Actually¡­ Shaun is Dwight.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Cyril froze<b>. </b>


    Patricia¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Dwight? Isn¡¯t that the guy you dated three years ago?¡±


    Back then, when Halsey and Dwight were dating, Patricia was overseas. She had rushed home after hearing Halsey was in a rtionship, but Dwight disappeared, so Patricia never got to meet him.


    Halsey nodded again. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s him.¡±


    ¨Ü


    Cyril smiled knowingly. ¡°No wonder! I wondered where this new figure in the business world came from, and it turns out to be Dwight. I always knew he was special¨Che¡¯s a force to be reckoned with.¡±


    <b>+35 </b>BONUS


    Patricia¡¯s focus shifted to her daughter¡¯s feelings. She reached out and took Halsey¡¯s hand. ¡°Are you two together again?¡±


    Halsey¡¯s body tensed, then she shook her head. ¡°No.¡±


    Patricia pressed on. ¡°Why not? I know you¡¯ve never stopped thinking about him these past three years.¡±


    Halsey was silent for a moment before saying, ¡°He has a girlfriend now.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Patricia was stunned.


    Halsey stood up. ¡°I¡¯m tired. I¡¯m going upstairs to rest.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Patricia said softly.


    Halsey climbed the stairs and entered her room. She stepped into the bathroom to shower.


    After shedding her coat, she stood before the mirror above the sink and saw the red marks on her neck, all left by Shaun.


    Scenes of them tangled together in the shower shed through her mind. Slowly, she pressed her back against the wall and slid down until she sat on the floor.


    She still didn¡¯t understand where she had gone wrong.


    Three years ago, their rtionship ended abruptly.


    She had watched him marry someone else with her own eyes.


    And three yearster, without a single exnation<b>, </b>he had someone new.


    +35 BONUS

 My Dad Please Come 829

    Halsey felt like an idiot.


    In this rtionship, she was the only one who had been running toward him.


    She wanted so badly to ask him: Why? Why did he treat her like this?


    Halsey pulled out her phone and scrolled to Shaun¡¯s chat interface


    She typed out a message, pouring out all her questions.


    [Why did you disappear three years ago? What happened to the woman you married? Do you have a new girlfriend now? Is it Chelsea? If you have Chelsea, then why did you kiss me? Why did you do those things with me?]


    Her mind was full of unanswered questions.


    Meanwhile, Shaun had returned to his vi. He was in the bathroom, preparing for a shower.


    He held his phone, intending to message Halsey, when suddenly he noticed she was typing.


    His heart tightened. Was she about to send him a message? He waited, curious about what she might say.


    But the typing stopped and started again, over and over, until finally, no message came through.


    Frustrated, Shaun sent a simple WhatsApp.


    [Wanna chat?]


    Halsey was torn. She didn¡¯t know if she should ask anything, or from what position she could even start. So many questions crowded her mind, yet she couldn¡¯t bring herself to send a single one.


    Soon, her phone buzzed with his message.


    [Wanna chat?]


    It was so typically him¨Cdirect yet distant.


    Halsey curled her fingers nervously and sent back, [Thanks for today.]


    Shaun saw her message and smiled faintly. [Can¡¯t you say anything else?]


    Halsey didn¡¯t understand what he meant. Was he with Chelsea now? Or Warren? In the past, Warren had called her ¡°Halsey¡°, but now it was ¡°Ms. Halsey.¡±


    [Am I bothering you? You don¡¯t need to reply if you¡¯re busy.]


    Shaun caught the hint that she wanted to end the conversation. He chuckled softly and typed, [Going to sleep?]


    Halsey replied simply, [Yeah.]


    Shaun¡¯s fingers tapped on the keyboard, answering, [But I¡¯m not going to sleep yet.]


    He couldn¡¯t sleep.


    Halsey wasn¡¯t sure what he meant. If he were with Chelsea<b>, </b>he definitely wouldn¡¯t be going to bed so early.


    What were they doing together?


    Today, when they were in the bathroom, his body had been so restless and eager. She had thought he had been alone for three years, without intimacy.


    Apparently, she had been wrong.


    Halsey quietly exited WhatsApp and turned off her phone, not replying again.


    +35 BONUS


    Shaun stood before the bathroom sink, waiting for a reply that never came. He set the phone down and removed the ck, hollowed mask from his face, revealing the scars beneath.


    Would she still like this face?


    She used to love his face so much, but now it was ruined.


    Since the injury, he didn¡¯t care what anyone thought of him¡ªexcept her.


    When she saw his face the first time after it was scarred, fear had flickered in her eyes.


    Shaun stripped off his clothes and turned on the shower. The cold water couldn¡¯t wash away the fire inside him; his mind was flooded with images of Halsey¡¯s bold passion today.


    He couldn¡¯t sleep.


    Thinking of her kept him awake.


    Every night for three years, she was all he thought about.


    Shaun closed his eyes in defeat, his hand moving down.


    Did Halsey still love him?


    Cyril had been busy taking care of the worker situation. Meanwhile, Halsey was low and withdrawn<b>, </b>so Patricia took her out for


    dinner.


    The two of them arrived at a private restaurant.


    Patricia gently pinched Halsey¡¯s cheek. ¡°Smile a little. You have a beautiful smile. Don¡¯t walk around with a long face.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 830

    Halsey didn¡¯t want her parents to worry, so she forced a small smile. ¡°Okay, Mom.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s better. Come on. Let¡¯s grab something to eat.¡±


    Just then, someone approached. ¡°Halsey?¡±


    She looked up to see Calvin, the heir of the Johnson family, a longtime family friend.


    Calvin was the refined, gentle type. He greeted them politely, ¡°Mrs. Lincoln, Halsey. Fancy meeting you here! Are you here for lunch?¡±


    Patricia nodded. ¡°We are. Did youe with your parents?¡±


    Calvin pointed ahead. ¡°I came with my mom¨Cshe¡¯s just up front.¡±


    Patricia turned to Halsey, ¡°Why don¡¯t you chat with Calvin for a bit? I¡¯ll go say hi to Mrs. Johnson.¡±


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    After Patricia walked away, Calvin walked toward Halsey and looked at her with concern. ¡°You seem to have lost weight. Has something been bothering youtely?¡±


    Halsey shook her head. ¡°No. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve lost weight. I feel like I¡¯ve actually gained some.¡±


    Calvin smiled gently. ¡°Beauty itself doth of itself persuade the eyes of men without an orator.¡±


    This made Halsey genuinely smile. Calvin was the most learned in their social circle, now the youngest professor at an Ivy League school. His speech was always refined and poetic.


    ¡°Thanks for thepliment,¡± she said.


    Just then, Halsey noticed a bookshelf nearby. On it rested a book, one authored by Calvin himself.


    ¡°Is this your published book?¡±


    He nodded. ¡°Yes, but it¡¯s about archaeology. You might not be interested.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take a look anyway,¡± Halsey said.


    She reached up for the book.


    The shelf was a bit high, and despite standing on tiptoe, she couldn¡¯t quite reach it.


    Calvin stepped forward and retrieved the book for her. ¡°Here you go.¡±


    Halsey smiled. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Just then, she felt a sharp gaze on her face. Looking up toward the entrance of the private restaurant, she spotted a tall<b>, </b>striking figure.


    It was Shaun.


    He hade here, too.


    Shaun wore a ck shirt and matching ck pants, the ssic look <b>of </b>a powerful CEO. He was like a walking fashion statement, drawing attention wherever he went. The ck hollow mask covering part of his face made him appear mysterious and low- key, but impossible to ignore.


    Halsey had no idea when he arrived. Now he stood by the door, his cold, clear eyes fixed on her and Calvin.


    Her heart skipped a beat.


    +35 BONUS


    Just then, several executives approached Shaun. ¡°Mr. Lane, this way, please.¡±


    They surrounded him, guiding him forward.


    The hallway was narrow. As they moved closer, Calvin quickly grabbed Halsey¡¯s arm. ¡°Be careful. Don¡¯t get knocked over.¡±


    Halsey held the book to her chest and took a step back.


    Shaun and the executives reached them.


    One of the executives nced at Halsey and Calvin. ¡°Hello, Professor Johnson<b>, </b>Ms. Halsey.¡±


    Calvin greeted him, ¡°Hello, Mr. Rogers.¡±


    Shaun stopped and looked at Calvin. ¡°So young and already a professor?¡±


    Keh Rogers nodded. ¡°Yes, Professor Johnson is recognized as the most knowledgeable young professor in our circle. I think he looks quite good standing next to Ms. Halsey.¡±


    Halsey didn¡¯t want to greet Shaun. Last night, when she said ¡°Thank you¡°, it was in truth her way of saying goodbye.


    If he already had a new girlfriend, then it was over between them.

 My Dad Please Come 831

    Perhaps Halsey and Dwight¡¯s story had already ended three years ago.


    But fate had a strange way of working itself out- no matter where Halsey went, she seemed to run into him. She came here to eat, and there was Shaun, standing right in front of her.


    Hearing otherspliment how well she and Calvin looked together<b>, </b>Halsey offered a polite smile, saying nothing more.


    But Shaun saw her smile through a different lens. Sometimes silence was taken <b>as </b>consent, and with Halsey and Calvin both single, anything was possible.


    Calvin chuckled. ¡°Come on, Mr. Rogers. Don¡¯t tease me and Halsey I¡¯m fine with it, but Halsey might be shy.¡±


    At that, the other executives gave sly smiles.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t know you were so protective.¡±


    ¡°Professor Johnson, you seem very close with Ms. Halsey.¡±


    ¡°Alright, enough joking around,¡± one executive said. ¡°Are you two here for lunch?¡±


    Calvin nodded. ¡°Yes. Mrs. Lincoln and my mother are here, too.¡±


    He nced toward the front. Shaun looked up and saw a small group of elegantdies chatting andughing¨CHalsey¡¯s mother Patricia, Calvin¡¯s mother Samantha Johnson, and several wealthy socialites from the upper ss.


    Shaun quietly withdrew his gaze.


    Suddenly, one of the executives spoke up, ¡°By the way, Mr. Lane<b>, </b><b>I </b>saw you looking at Ms. Halsey when we came in. How do you know her?¡±


    Shaun turned his gaze to Halsey, ignoring the question. Instead, he asked her, ¡°Ms. Halsey, do we know each other?¡±


    He didn¡¯t answer the question directed at him; he threw it back to her instead.


    Halsey¡¯sshes fluttered before she answered the executive, ¡°Yes, we know each other. He once did me a favor, and I¡¯m very grateful.¡±


    She answered gracefully and clearly, yet at the same time, she kept them at a distance.


    Shaun¡¯s cold, clear eyes darkened slightly with a hint of chill.


    ¡°I see,¡± someone said. ¡°What a coincidence! Mr. Lane actually helped Ms. Halsey.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Shaun interjected.


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯re all here today to discuss a coboration with Mr. Lane. It¡¯s rare for him to honor us with his presence, so please excuse us.¡±


    The executives followed Shaun as he walked away.


    Calvin watched Shaun¡¯s tall, handsome figure retreat. ¡°So this is the rising star of the business world¨CShaun Lane, founder of GM Tech. He looks young, probably about our age.¡±


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s the same age as us.¡±


    ¡°Word is<b>, </b>this business tycoon built everything from scratch. Nowadays, people who make it on their own are truly rare. Young and talented men like him are a real find,¡± Calvin said, clearly admiring Shaun.


    Halsey watched Shaun¡¯s figure fade from sight. Three years ago<b>, </b>he was a poor kid. Now, he was a rising star. Those three years must have been incredibly tough.


    +35 BONUS


    Just then, Patricia called from ahead, ¡°Halsey,e on. Let¡¯s go in


    Halsey said goodbye to Calvin. ¡°I have to go now.¡±


    He nodded. ¡°Alright, see youter.¡±


    Halsey joined Patricia in the private dining room. Over the meal<b>, </b>Patricia asked cautiously<b>, </b>¡°What do you think of Calvin?¡±


    Halsey replied, ¡°He¡¯s really nice¨Cgentle, educated, and well¨Cmannered. He¡¯s a person of great character.¡±


    Patricia smiled. ¡°Perhaps you should consider dating him.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 832

    +35 BONUS


    Halsey nearly choked on her steak. ¡°Mom! What are you talking about? I don¡¯t think of Calvin that way!¡±


    Patricia shrugged. ¡°Well, you¡¯re not getting any younger. You couldn¡¯t forget Shaun before, but now he¡¯s moved on with his life. It¡¯s time for you to start fresh, too. You won¡¯t be young forever. I was just talking with Mrs. Johnson, and she gently brought up the idea of a match between our families. She really likes you, and your dad and I like Calvin a lot.¡±


    Calvin was the schrly one in their circle. He had good character and was well¨Cmannered, practically wless in every way. Patricia and Cyril held him in high regard.


    Halsey sighed. ¡°That¡¯s not on my mind right now.¡±


    ¡°Well, it should. Don¡¯t be stubborn and waste your youth. We just want you to find someone who loves you and gives you a home, ¡°Patricia said, her tone full of earnest concern.


    Not wanting to worry her parents, Halsey replied, ¡°I know. Just give me a little time.¡±


    Patricia ced a slice of food on Halsey¡¯s te. ¡°Eat up first. You¡¯ve lost weight these past few days.¡±


    Later, Halsey slipped into the restroom. She stood at the sink, sshing cold water on her face before stepping out. Her mood was heavy, and she just wanted to get back and rest.


    As she walked down the hallway, her phone buzzed. A text from Madeline lit up the screen.


    Seeing Madeline¡¯s name lifted Halsey¡¯s spirits.


    [I¡¯ming home in a couple of days.]


    Halsey smiled brightly. [Really? I¡¯ll have someone prepare your favorite dishes. Come home early.]


    She wanted to tell Madeline about Shaun, but hesitated. It didn¡¯t feel right to say it over text. So, she typed, [I have some good news for you when you get back.]


    Madeline replied, [Okay! I miss you.]


    Halsey¡¯s lips curved softly into a smile. She was so focused on typing that she didn¡¯t watch where she was going¨Cshe suddenly bumped right into someone, her forehead pressing against a firm, warm chest.


    She stepped back quickly. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry! I¡­¡±


    Her words caught in her throat when she realized who it was¨CShaun.


    Halsey froze.


    Shaun stood tall and lean in the hallway, his gaze fixed on her. ¡°What¡¯s this? Don¡¯t you recognize me anymore? Or are you just pretending not to know me?¡±


    Halsey blinked, snapping back to herself. ¡°Sorry. I wasn¡¯t looking where I was going.¡±


    He could tell she hadn¡¯t been paying attention. She had been busy typing, a happy smile lingering on her lips.


    Shaun¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile. ¡°I thought you had forgotten who I am.¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Halsey said quickly. ¡°You just helped me recently. I won¡¯t forget that.¡±


    Shaun watched her polite but distant demeanor<b>, </b>and said nothing


    Whenever he stayed silent, Halsey felt a pressure settle over her the kind of presence only someone powerful could radiate.


    She shifted ufortably. ¡°Anyway<b>, </b>I should get going.¡±


    With that, she turned on her heel and tried to brush past him.


    Suddenly, Shaun¡¯s fingers shot out and gripped her wrist, tuggin


    Her cheeks flushed bright red as she straightened up and tried to


    ¡°What are you doing? Let go of me!¡±


    +35 BONUS


    Suddenly, Shaun¡¯s fingers shot out and gripped her wrist, tugging sharply. Halsey lost her bnce and stumbled into his arms.


    Her cheeks flushed bright red as she straightened up and tried to pull her wrist free.


    ¡°What are you doing? Let go of me!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 833

    Shaim¡¯s dark eyes narrowed as he watched Halsey struggle. Then<b>, </b>uddenly, he asked, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Halsey¡¯sshes fluttered nervously. <b>¡°</b>What do you mean? I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    Shaun let out a coldugh, reaching out to grip her jaw. ¡°You weren¡¯t like this when you needed something from me. You were so eager that day. Do you need me to remind you how desperate you were?¡±


    The memories of their tangled moments in that private club shed in her mind. Her small, pretty face flushed a soft pink. ¡°Let go of me!¡±


    Shaun¡¯s sneer deepened. ¡°Now that the crisis is over and I¡¯ve lost my use to you, you¡¯re ready to kick me aside and go hunting for the next one?¡±


    Halsey stared at him in disbelief. ¡°What do you mean, next one? Can you please not be so crude?¡±


    ¡°Did I say something wrong? Isn¡¯t Calvin your new target?¡±


    Shaun¡¯s fingers tightened on her jaw, dragging her face closer to his.


    ¡°What exactly is your type? You don¡¯t care for rich yboys like Gilbert anymore. Now you prefer young professors with brains and ambition? You¡¯ve changed your taste so fast. I¡¯m guessing you¡¯ve had plenty of men around you these past three years.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s pupils contracted sharply. She hadn¡¯t expected him to say something so cruel. His words felt like needles, stabbing into her heart one by one.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough! Stop talking!¡± she snapped.


    Shaun fell silent.


    With a quick motion<b>, </b>Halsey pushed him away. ¡°My personal life is none <b>of </b>your business.<b>¡± </b>


    Without another word, she turned and walked away.


    Halsey wondered how ridiculous she must seem. Was that really what he thought of her? What kind of person did he think she was?


    Just then, Shaun hurried after her, grabbing her arm in one firm grip.


    Halsey halted. ¡°What do you want from me?¡±


    Shaun cupped her face in both hands and bent down to kiss her.


    ¡°Mmm!¡±


    His kiss came flooding over her like a tidal wave¨Cintense andmanding, filled with fierce reproach and possessiveness. Halsey¡¯s teeth parted involuntarily, tasting him. The rich and intoxicating scent of fine red wine he¡¯d been drinking overwhelmed her, pouring into her mouth and nose.


    Her legs suddenly went weak.


    She had always loved the way he smelled. When he was Dwight, his scent had been clean and warm, making her addicted. But Shaun smelled expensive, a blend of refined aftershave and the lingering haze of wine. It made her melt. Shaun kissed her deeply, pushing her into a nearby room.


    The room was dark<b>, </b><b>as </b>the lights were off. He shoved her down onto a soft, wide bed and leaned over to kiss her again.


    Halsey felt the world spin<b>, </b>her mind grasping for control. She raised her hands to push against his chest, struggling hard. ¡°What are you doing? Let go of me! Do you hear me? No! Stop!¡±


    When he heard her say ¡°No¡°<b>, </b>his eyes glistened red as he sneered, ¡°You¡¯ll ept other men but not me?¡±


    Halsey swung her hand, pping his face.


    Shaun wore a mask, but the p knocked it off onto the bed. The room was dark, but they were so close that Halsey could still see his face.


    Her eyes shone bright in the darkness, catlike and piercing. Shaun knew she was staring at him and raised a hand to cover her


    eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look.¡±


    Halsey pushed his hand away. ¡°Let me go! Don¡¯t touch me!¡±


    Shaun¡¯s chest rose and fell with heavy breaths. He bent down again and kissed her red lips, her soft, lovely face, the delicate curve of her neck¡­

 My Dad Please Come 834

    Halsey¡¯s skin was smooth and radiant, impossible to resist. Shaun alld one hand up her dress while the other tugged at his belt, his voice low and rough


    ¡°You wanted to thank me, right? Well, this is how I want it. What do you say?¡±


    Halsey struggled against him. ¡°No! I don¡¯t want this!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re unbelievable. Just once, and we¡¯re even,¡± Shaun sneered.


    Halsey felt like she was losing her mind. Shaun already had a girlfriend, so why was he still doing this to her<i>? </i>She didn¡¯t want to be with him like this.


    ¡°No! I said no! Can¡¯t you hear me? Let go! You¡¯re hurting me¡­ It hurts¡­ It really hurts¡­¡±


    Her cries of pain made Shaun¡¯s heart twist and tingle.


    He leaned down to kiss her, whispering, ¡°Be <i>quier </i>


    ¡±


    Halsey¡¯s hands dug into his arm, scratching through his suit fabric until they drew blood.


    Shaun buried his face in her neck. In the darkness, everything felt chaotic. He greedily breathed in the sweet<b>, </b>soft scent of her skin, kissing her earlobe.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t you been with a man the past few years? You¡¯re acting like the first time we did this¡­¡±


    She was driving him crazy, like the first time.


    Halsey dared not move. Any movement sent pain shooting through her. She clenched her fists and pounded him. ¡°Get off me! Please! Why are you doing this to me?¡±


    Shaun¡¯s voice was hoarse, ragged with longing. Since they parted at that private club, he hadn¡¯t stopped thinking about her. He had spent countless nights awake, unable to sleep.


    He had his assistant track her down and found out she was dining at this restaurant, so he came.


    What he saw tore at him¨Cherughing and chatting with Calvin<b>, </b>clearly on a date.


    Every night he suffered alone with his yearning, and here she was with another man. He couldn¡¯t stand it anymore.


    Why could she be with other men, but not him?


    He wanted her, too.


    He wanted her so badly.


    Shaun pressed down on her, his throat moving as he spoke. ¡°Are you going to <b>see </b>Calvin again? What did you just text him? Did he crack a joke? You looked so happy.¡±


    Halsey shook her head. ¡°I didn¡¯t! I didn¡¯t send him anything!¡±


    ¡°You liar,¡± Shaun growled softly, trying to pull up.


    Halsey wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him back. ¡°No. It really hurts¡­¡±


    Just then<b>, </b>a chime echoed in the quiet room. Halsey¡¯s phone, left on the bed, lit up with a new text.


    Shaun¡¯s eyes sharpened. ¡°Calvin sent you a message!¡±


    Halsey shook her head again. ¡°I told you, I didn¡¯t text him! I was texting Maddy.¡±


    Shaun looked up, catching sight of her glowing phone. The message was indeed from Madeline. Her words appeared on the


    screen.


    Chapter 834.


    <b>[</b>Love you!]


    Shaun froze.


    Halsey met his gaze. ¡°My mom and I came here for lunch today, and we ran into Calvin at the entrance. Everyone in this circle grew up together<b>, </b>so I just chatted with him a little. Then you came in. That¡¯s it. If there¡¯s anything else you want to know, <b>I¡¯ll </b>tell you.¡±


    So it wasn¡¯t what he had thought. He had misunderstood her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± Shaun whispered.


    Halsey pushed him away. ¡°Go away! Let me go!¡±


    Shaun bent down and kissed her red lips. Her exnation didn¡¯t cool the fire in his eyes; it only fanned the mes higher.


    He lowered his head again. ¡°Please¡­ I want you<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>

 My Dad Please Come 835

    Chapter <b>835 </b>


    Halsey spat, ¡°Well, I don¡¯t!¡±


    Shannughed in frustration, cupping her face and pulling her into a kiss. Before long, he tasted her tears.


    She was crying.


    Shaun stiffened, immediately letting go of her and sitting up.


    Though the pain had faded, Halsey still felt uneasy. She gathered her disheveled clothes around her. Her clothes were a mess, but his pants weren¡¯t even undone. He had only loosened his belt.


    After fixing herself, Halsey slipped off the bed and tried to leave.


    But a hand suddenly grabbed her wrist. Shaun held on tight, tilting his head back to look up at her. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m ugly?¡±


    Halsey hesitated, about to speak.


    But then, Shaun released her. ¡°I get it. You can go.¡±


    Get what?


    But Halsey didn¡¯t want to talk to him now. She opened the door and stepped out.


    She leaned against the corridor wall<b>, </b>taking a deep breath. Everything that had happened in the dark was so confusing¡­. Just then, the door opened and Shaun came out as well. He put on his mask, still looking noble and handsome.


    Without a word, Halsey turned and walked away.


    At that moment, an executive approached. ¡°Mr. Lane, you¡¯ve been out here a long time.¡±


    Shaun nced at Halsey¡¯s retreating figure and replied, ¡°Just stepped out for a smoke.¡±


    The executive spotted Halsey, too. ¡°Isn¡¯t that Ms. Halsey?¡±


    Shaun nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Oh, by the way, Mr. Lane, you¡¯re still single, right? There are plenty of daughters from wealthy families wanting to marry you. Someone asked me to find out the kind of woman you¡¯re into.¡±


    Halsey hadn¡¯t gone far. Naturally<b>, </b>she heard the question.


    Soon, Shaun answered in a low, maic voice, ¡°Ms. Halsey¡¯s my type.¡±


    Others had asked Dwight the same question before, and he had answered the same way: ¡°Ms. Halsey¡¯s my type.¡±


    Three years had passed, but his type never changed. He had a type sure, and it was Halsey.


    Halsey¡¯s heart stirred; she turned the corner, disappearing from sight.


    Back home, Halsey sank into arge bathtub, hoping to ease her tired, aching body.


    Ding!


    Her phone buzzed.


    She unlocked it to see a <b>text </b>from Shaun.


    [Still hurting?]


    <b>She </b>didn¡¯t reply.


    Ding!


    Another message from Shaun. [I lost control today. I¡¯m sorry for hurting you. I really am. I


    Still no reply.


    Shaun was already back at GM Tech. Standing by the floor¨Cto¨Cceiling windows in the CEO¡¯s office, he typed messages to Halsey on his phone.


    He knew she didn¡¯t want to see him now, and that she was ignoring him.


    Even so, Shaun sent another message. [Are you going to date Calvin?<b>] </b>


    No answer.


    Frustrated, Shaun gripped his phone, typing, [There¡¯s still a chance my face <b>can </b>be fixed. If I look like I used to again¡­ Would you still love me?]


    But then he deleted the words.


    Just then, a knock came at the door.


    ¡°Come in,¡± Shaun called.


    The office door opened; his assistant, Martin Neel, stepped inside.


    ¡°Mr. Lane, we arranged for the world¡¯s best stic surgeon<b>, </b>but he said there¡¯s probably no chance of fixing your face. The burn area is too severe, and three years have passed. The surgeon isn¡¯t confident and declined the job.¡±


    Another rejection.


    Shaun wasn¡¯t surprised anymore. He had seen many doctors, but every single one of them shook their head when they saw his damaged face.

 My Dad Please Come 836

    <b>Chapter </b><b>836 </b>


    <b>Shaun </b>had epted that he would never be the same as before.


    <b>Halsey </b>used to love him so much, but now, looking at his face, she probably didn¡¯t anymore. That must be why she didn¡¯t want <b>to </b><b>be </b>intimate with him.


    He could feel her resistance and refusal when they were in bed earlier.


    <b>Today</b>, he had lost control.


    ¡°Got it. You can leave.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Martin then left.


    Shaun stood alone in the office, staring at the chat interface. Halsey hadn¡¯t replied at all.


    A bitter smile curved his lips. Still, he wrote, [Goodnight.]


    Halsey rested for two days. Madeline wasing home today<b>, </b>so Halsey got up early, preparing all of her favorite things.


    Just then, Patricia rushed in. ¡°I have bad news!¡±


    Halsey startled. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°That troublesome worker was about to settle. He was nning to take the money and sign the agreement. This whole thing would be over once he signed the deal. But just now, your father called¨Che said the man suddenly disappeared! No one can find him.¡±


    What?


    Halsey¡¯s heart dropped to the pit of her stomach. ¡°What do you mean<b>, </b>disappeared? What if something happens to him? This whole thing will blow up even worse!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what your dad thinks. That worker is crucial, but now he¡¯s vanished.¡±


    It couldn¡¯t be a coincidence. Someone must have done something to him.


    Only one person came to Halsey¡¯s mind. No one else.


    She stepped aside and pulled out her phone, dialing a number.


    Soon, the call connected, and a familiar voice rang out. ¡°Hey, Halsey. What¡¯s up? Didn¡¯t expect you to have time to call me.¡±


    It was Gilbert.


    Halsey gripped the phone tightly. ¡°Did you send someone to take that worker? What did you do to him?¡±


    Gilbertughed, cold and cruel. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about! That worker¡¯s gone missing? What a problem. What if he¡¯s dead? Then Lincoln Enterprise won¡¯t be able to clear its name no matter what, and you¡¯ll be done for. Haha!¡±


    Hearing Gilbert¡¯s arrogantughter, rage boiled inside Halsey. ¡°You¡¯re despicable!¡±


    ¡°I heard the Lincoln family ns to have a marriage alliance with the Johnson family. You won¡¯t marry me, but you¡¯re willing to marry Calvin? Why? Let me tell you¨Cif I can¡¯t have you<b>, </b>no one else can! I¡¯ll destroy you with my own hands!¡± Gilbert raged like


    <b>a </b>madman.


    Halsey knew it was Gilbert who had done this. That worker was dogmed in his hands.


    ¡°You¡¯re insane!¡±


    <b>¡°</b><b>Haha</b><b>! </b><b>This </b>is yourst chance. <b>If </b>you agree to be with me<b>, </b>things <b>can </b>still be fixed.¡±


    Then<b>, </b><b>came </b>two <b>beeps</b>. Gilbert hung up.


    <b>Halsey¡¯s </b>hands and feet went cold. She had never imagined Gilbert would sink so low. Now what? If that worker died <b>because </b><b>of </b>Gilbert<b>, </b>everything would be over!


    She <b>had </b>to find that worker.


    <b>Halsey </b>looked at Patricia. ¡°Double the effort to find that worker! We can¡¯t let anything happen to him!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve searched everywhere. No luck.¡±


    What now?


    One person shed through her mind. He was the only one she could think of.


    ¡°I¡¯m heading out,<b>¡± </b>Halsey said before she ran out.


    <b>Chapter </b><b>837 </b>

 My Dad Please Come 837

    <b>Chapter </b><b>837 </b>


    <b>Halsey </b>soon arrived at the GM Tech building.


    It was her first time at Shaun¡¯spany. The towering skyscrapersoared into the clouds, impressive andmanding.


    Right now<b>, </b>the only person Halsey could think of was Shaun. He was the only one she wanted to lean on.


    She hurried inside the building. The receptionist looked up and asked, ¡°Hello, how can I help you?¡±


    Halsey replied, ¡°Hi<b>, </b>I¡¯m here to see Mr. Lane. <b>Is </b>he in?¡±


    The receptionist frowned. ¡°You¡¯re here for Mr. Lane? Do you have an appointment? He only meets with people who have scheduled in advance.¡±


    Halsey hesitated. ¡°I don¡¯t have an appointment.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but without an appointment, you can¡¯t see Mr. Lane.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s eyes darted anxiously. ¡°Then I¡¯ll just call him now.¡±


    She pulled out her phone and dialed Shaun¡¯s number. The ringtone echoed softly, again and again<b>, </b>but no one answered.


    What was going on? Why wasn¡¯t he picking up her calls?


    Determined, Halsey tried a few more times, but the result was the same. Shaun didn¡¯t answer.


    She silently prayed for Shaun to pick up the phone.


    With no luck on the calls, Halsey turned to the receptionist, hoping for help. ¡°I actually know Mr. Lane personally. I¡¯m his friend. He isn¡¯t answering his phone, so could you please let him know I¡¯m here? I¡¯m sure he¡¯d want to <b>see </b>me.¡±


    The receptionist shook her head firmly. ¡°Sorry, miss, but many people want to see Mr. Lane every day. We hear the same story from a lot of visitors¡ªso many that we¡¯re just tired of it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not lying! I really know him personally!¡±


    Just then, a familiar voice came from behind. ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±


    Halsey turned and saw someone she recognized¨CChelsea.


    Though Halsey had never spoken to Chelsea, women had a way <b>of </b>remembering each other without words. She recognized the woman who was close to Shaun right away.


    The receptionist¡¯s attitude instantly changed, now warm and ttering. ¡°Ms. Sutton<b>, </b>what a surprise! What brings you here?¡±


    Chelsea smiled. ¡°I¡¯m here to see Shaun.¡±


    The receptionist replied, ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll take you upstairs. Mr. Lane is in his office.¡±


    Chelsea nced at Halsey. ¡°Ms. Mallin, hello.¡±


    Halsey answered, ¡°Ms. Sutton, hello.¡±


    Chelsea stepped forward. ¡°Are you here to see Shaun?¡±


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Chelsea gave a faint, knowing smile. ¡°But I¡¯m not sure he wants to see you. Some things and some people are better left in the past. Shaun has moved on, with a new rtionship and a new life. I don¡¯t think he wants to be disturbed.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s hope was instantly doused. She had forgotten that Shaun already had someone else by his side. Chelsea asked quietly, ¡°Do you understand what I¡¯m trying to say?


    <b>Halsey </b>met her <b>gaze </b>steadily. ¡°I¡¯d prefer <b>if </b>you¡¯d stop beating around <b>the </b>bush. <b>It¡¯s </b>just the two of us here.¡±


    <b>Chelsea¡¯s </b>tone grew firm<b>. </b><b>¡°</b>You¡¯re straightforward<b>, </b><b>so </b><b>I¡¯ll </b>be direct <b>I¡¯ve </b>been by Shaun¡¯s side for the past three years<b>. </b>I don¡¯t <b>want </b>anyone interfering in our rtionship, <b>so </b>I hope you don¡¯t <be </b>looking for him again. Besides<b>, </b>I¡¯m sure Shaun doesn¡¯t <b>want </b><b>to </b>see you either. <b>You </b>should know your ce. No one likes someone who clings to their ex and causes trouble, right?¡±


    <b>Halsey¡¯s </b><b>face </b>drained <b>of </b>color.


    She looked at Chelsea and said quietly, ¡°Alright, <b>I </b>understand. I wish you and Mr. Lane will be happy together.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 838

    After saying that, Halsey turned and left.


    Watching Halsey go, Chelsea smiled


    herself.


    ¡°Ms. Sutton, shall we head upstairs? Mr. Lane is still in a meeting, the receptionist said.


    Chelsea waved her off. ¡°I¡¯ll go up on my own. By the way, Shaun¡¯s Been really busytely, so you shouldn¡¯t bother him with small matters¨Clike the woman who just came looking for him. No need to tell Shaun about that.¡±


    The receptionist nodded quickly. ¡°Got it, Ms. Sutton.¡±


    Chelsea pulled a new lipstick from her bag. ¡°I just bought this shade. I thought it would look good on you¨Cconsider <b>it </b>a gift.¡±


    The receptionist¡¯s eyes lit up as she gratefully epted it. ¡°Thank you! If you ever need anything, just let me know.<i>¡± </i>


    Chelsea smiled, lips curling slightly.


    Halsey returned to the Lincoln family¡¯s estate. Patricia caught her by the arm. ¡°Where did you go?¡±


    Halsey answered, ¡°I went to see Shaun.¡±


    ¡°What did he say?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t get to see him. He doesn¡¯t want to see me.¡±


    What?


    Patricia frowned, then said firmly, ¡°He¡¯s made his choice. I think it¡¯s time for you to forget about him. The Johnson family just called. Calvin heard about our problem and asked if you wanted some help.¡±


    At that moment, Calvin was extending an olive branch. If he was offering help, that meant he had some pull.


    However, epting his help would mean marrying him.


    Halsey shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t need Calvin¡¯s help. Isn¡¯t Dad still looking for the worker? I want to go with him.¡±


    Without waiting, Halsey dashed out.


    Patricia watched her daughter with a heavy heart. ¡°Why is she so stubborn?¡±


    Just then, the front gate opened, and Madeline came home.


    ¡°Mom<b>, </b>I¡¯m back¡­¡±


    Patricia stepped forward and embraced her warmly. ¡°Wee home! Are you hungry? Halsey made sure there¡¯s a whole spread of your favorite dishes. Come eat. Looks like you¡¯ve been working yourself thin at the research base.¡±


    Cyril and Patricia were Madeline¡¯s godparents. With only Halsey as their daughter, they doted on Madeline like she was their


    Own


    Madeline nced around. ¡°Where¡¯s Halsey?¡±


    ¡°She went out.¡±


    ¡°Where did she go?¡±


    Usually, whenever Madeline came home, Halsey would be there waiting for her, taking care of every little thing.


    Patricia hesitated, then said, ¡°There¡¯s something I¡¯m not sure if I should tell you.¡±


    ????? : 6,.5


    Madeline looked up earnestly. ¡°I¡¯m grown now. If it has something to do with me, you have to tell me.¡±


    Patricia gave in. ¡°Your brother¡¯s back.¡±


    Madeline froze, then her face lit up with joy. ¡°Really?! Dwight¡¯s back?¡±


    Patricia nodded. ¡°Yes. He¡¯s now Shaun Lane<b>, </b>the founder of GM Tech- have one more person to love and protect you.¡±


    Tears welled in Madeline¡¯s eyes. ¡°So my brother is back! Halsey must be


    Patricia hesitated. ¡°Well¡­ Halsey and your brother are done.¡±


    What?


    star in the business world. From now <b>on</b><b>, </b>you¡¯ll


    <b>Is </b>she going to meet him?<b>¡± </b>


    Madeline was shocked. ¡°But they love each other so much! How could they be done? right now!¡±


    Without another word, Madeline turned and ran off.


    I¡¯m going to find him and get the truth


    ¡°Slow down!¡± Patricia called after her. ¡°I¡¯ll have the driver take <b>you </b>so you don¡¯t get lost!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 839

    Madeline raced to the GM Tech headquarters as fast as she could, determined to see her brother right away.


    When she reached the lobby<b>, </b>the receptionist stopped her at the front desk.


    ¡°Hello, may I ask who you¡¯re here to see?¡± the receptionist asked, eyeing Madeline carefully.


    Madeline took a breath. ¡°I¡¯m here to see Shaun.¡±


    The receptionist gave Madeline a quick once¨Cover. Lately, so many women had beening to <b>see </b>their CEO.


    ¡°Do you have an appointment?¡±


    Madeline shook her head. ¡°No, but could you please let him know I¡¯m here? My name is Madeline, and Shaun is my brother.¡±


    ¡°What? You¡¯re Mr. Lane¡¯s sister?¡± The receptionist¡¯s eyes widened in surprise.


    ¡°Yes, I am. He¡¯ll want to see me. Please, just go and tell him now. It¡¯s urgent.¡±


    The receptionist smirked. ¡°What¡¯s up with people today? Just a little while ago, some woman imed to be Mr. Lane¡¯s close friend, and now you show up saying you¡¯re his sister. Should I start saying I¡¯m Mrs. Lane next?¡±


    Madeline¡¯s voice faltered. ¡°But I¡¯m not lying. Shaun really is my brother. Everything I¡¯m saying is true.¡±


    The receptionist waved her off impatiently. ¡°Look<b>, </b>no appointment means no meeting. You need to leave now.¡±


    Madeline bristled. ¡°Hey-¡±


    Before she could say more, Chelsea stepped forward. ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±


    The receptionist¡¯s attitude instantly flipped to eager and ttering ¡°Ms. Sutton<b>, </b>why are you down here?¡®


    ¡°Shaun¡¯s still in a meeting, and I didn¡¯t want to disturb him<b>, </b>so I came out for a walk,¡± Chelsea said casually. ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±


    The receptionist pointed at Madeline. ¡°Another woman wants to see Mr. Lane.¡®


    Chelsea looked at Madeline with a sharp, assessing gaze. She didn¡¯t know who this woman was, but every woman who came looking for Shaun triggered her suspicion and wariness. Even though Shaun hadn¡¯t had anyone by his side these past three years, there was never a shortage of women throwing themselves at him.


    ¡°You¡¯re here to see Shaun?¡± Chelsea asked, <b>voice </b>cool.


    Chelsea¡¯s stare made Madeline uneasy. She returned the look. ¡°Who are you? What¡¯s your rtionship with Shaun?¡± Chelsea smiled, but it wasn¡¯t warm. ¡°I think I should be asking you that. What¡¯s your connection to Shaun? Why are you here?¡± Madeline squared her shoulders. ¡°I¡¯m here because I need to talk to him. If he knew I was here, he¡¯d drop everything ande to me.¡±


    Chelsea smirked. ¡°You¡¯re pretty confident. Ms. Halsey


    was


    here not long ago, and she didn¡¯t seem nearly as sure of <b>herself</b>.¡±


    Madeline frowned. So Halsey had met this woman<b>, </b>too? Why had this woman been around Shaun all these years?


    Madeline didn¡¯t like Chelsea one bit.


    <b>¡°</b>I¡¯m not interested in talking to you. I want to see Shaun<b>,</b><b>¡± </b>Madeline said firmly.


    The receptionist quickly interjected, ¡°Who do you think you are, taking to Ms. Sutton like that? You¡¯ve got some nerve!¡±


    Madeline¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Actually, I¡¯d like to know who Ms. Sution <b>is </b>and why I can¡¯t speak to her like this. <b>Isn¡¯t </b>this <b>Shaun¡¯s </bpany?¡±


    The receptionist smiled knowingly. ¡°Mr. Lane is our boss<b>, </b>and Ms. Sutton here is second inmand.¡±


    What? 2


    +25 <b>BONUS </b>


    Madeline¡¯s heart skipped.


    She looked at Chelsea sharply. ¡°What¡¯s your rtionship with Shaun?¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s smile turned triumphant.


    ¡°I¡¯m very close to Shaun. Closer than any of you women could ever be. In the past three years, plenty of women have tried to win him over, but as long as I¡¯m around, none of you stand a chance! So do yourself a favor and leave before you embarrass yourself.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 840

    Chapter <b>840 </b>


    Madeline didn¡¯t understand why there was this woman suddenly so close to Shaun. She sneered coldly, ¡°What if I don¡¯t leave?¡±


    Chelsea smirked back, ¡°Then I¡¯ll have someone throw you out.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Madeline shot back.


    Chelsea¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Really. Security!¡± she barked loudly.


    A few security guards in ck suits quickly appeared, addressing Chelsea with respect. ¡°Yes, Ms. Sutton?¡±


    Madeline¡¯s gaze grew even colder. Clearly, this wholepany treated Chelsea with great deference. No wonder Halsey had ended things with Shaun¨Cif it were Madeline, she wouldn¡¯t stand for it either.


    Chelsea gave the order, ¡°This woman is causing trouble. Get her out of here!¡±


    ¡°Right away!¡±


    Two guards grabbed Madeline firmly<b>, </b>one on each side.


    Madeline struggled fiercely. ¡°Let go of me! Do you even know who <b>I </b>am?¡±


    Chelsea scoffed, ¡°You¡¯re just another woman trying to seduce Shaun. With me around, you won¡¯t get within a mile of him!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d better not get too cocky! Once you find out who I am, you won¡¯t be talking like that,¡± Madeline warned.


    Chelsea wasn¡¯t interested in arguing. She didn¡¯t want any beautiful womening near Shaun. With a wave of her hand, she ordered, ¡°Throw her out!¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    The guards dragged Madeline toward the exit despite her frantic resistance.


    ¡°Let me go! Don¡¯t touch me! You¡¯ll regret this!¡± she yelled.


    Just then, a voice called from the entrance. ¡°Stop!¡±


    Madeline looked up to see Warren stepping inside.


    Warren hadn¡¯t noticed Madeline yet; his eyesnded on Chelsea first, ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±


    Chelsea smiled sweetly. ¡°It¡¯s nothing


    Warren nodded approvingly. ¡°I honestly think you and Shaun are perfect for each other, I¡¯m rooting for you.¡±


    Chelsea blushed lightly. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best.¡®


    Madeline¡¯s heart sank. She hadn¡¯t expected Warren to side with Chelsea.


    The guards tightened their grip and urged, ¡°Move along.¡±


    Madeline turned toward Warren, calling out loudly, ¡°Warren<b>!</b>¡±


    Hearing that familiar voice, Warren paused mid¨C<b>step </b>toward the elevator and quickly turned to face her.


    Madeline met his <b>gaze</b>. ¡°Warren!¡±


    Warren stiffened but hurried over. ¡°Maddy!¡±


    He barely recognized her she had grown into a graceful young woman.


    Madeline nodded. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s me.¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s expression shifted slightly. ¡°Who <b>is </b>she?¡±


    Madeline shot back, ¡°Who do you think I am?¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s heart skipped. She had been hoping to win Warren over. Could this woman actually be someone he knew?


    Chelsea smiled nervously. ¡°Oh<b>, </b>so you¡¯re Warren¡¯s friend? Why <b>didn¡¯t </b>you say so earlier? If I¡¯d known, I wouldn¡¯t have had you thrown out.¡±


    Warren looked toward Chelsea. ¡°Don¡¯t you know who she is?¡±


    Chelsea shook her head. ¡°No, isn¡¯t she your friend?¡±


    Warren hesitated. ¡°No, she¡¯s¡ª¡±


    Before he could finish, a deep, calm voice interrupted. Shaun arrived with a few people, his presencemanding attention.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±


    Chelsea quickly put on a sweet smile. ¡°Hey, Shaun.¡±


    Madeline¡¯s eyes immediately welled up with tears as she looked at her brother.


    ¡°Shaun!¡± she called out softly.

 My Dad Please Come 841

    Shaun froze for a moment. ¡°Maddy!¡±


    Madeline took off running toward him.


    Without hesitation, Shaun reached out and pulled her into his arms.


    Tears streamed down Madeline¡¯s cheeks as she buried her face against his chest, choking on her sobs. <b>¡°</b>Is it really you? <b>I </b>recognized you that day¡­ I knew you were my brother! Why didn¡¯t you tell me who you were?¡±


    That day, Shaun had disguised himself as a cab driver. She had known it was him, but he had denied it.


    Shaun held her tighter, unsure if his scarred face would frighten her. Sometimes he wished the person he was back then¨Cthe one Halsey and Madeline remembered¨Ccould stay frozen in time. He really hoped they would never see his now ruined face.


    ¡°Where have you been all these years? Why didn¡¯t youe back? Halsey and I have missed you so much! Didn¡¯t you miss us at all?¡± Madeline sobbed uncontrobly.


    Shaun rocked her gently. ¡°I think about you both every day. I miss you more than you know.¡±


    Their parents were gone now. In this world, he only had Halsey and Madeline left.


    One was the woman he loved, the other his flesh and blood. Those were two people he could never let go of<b>, </b>no matter what.


    Chelsea stood frozen, her mind nk as if struck by lightning. She had never imagined Madeline was actually Shaun¡¯s sister.


    This was bad. She couldn¡¯t believe she had just offended Shaun¡¯s sister!


    Warren smiled warmly. ¡°Alright, Maddy<b>, </b>don¡¯t cry anymore. Today¡¯s a happy day. You finally reunited with Shaun!¡±


    Shaun reached up and wiped away Madeline¡¯s tears. ¡°Yeah, your eyes are gonna be puffy if you keep ying.¡±


    Madeline fought back the tears. ¡°I almost didn¡¯t


    get to see you today!¡±


    Shaun frowned. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Madeline nced over at the receptionist. ¡°She wouldn¡¯t let me see you! She¡¯s just a receptionist, but she has such a big attitude


    -she¡¯s too busy ttering people to actually work!¡°<i>e </i>


    The receptionist¡¯s legs went weak. Now that she knew Madeline was truly Shaun¡¯s sister, she realized she was finished. She had crossed the boss¡¯s sister!


    ¡°Mr. Lane<b>, </b>I can exin-¡±


    Shaun cut her off coldly. ¡°No need to exin. Security<b>, </b>get her out of here<b>, </b>now!¡±


    The ck¨Csuited security guards stepped


    to grab the receptionist.


    The woman looked toward Chelsea desperately. ¡°Ms. Sutton<b>, </b>help me! I was only doing what you told me! I¡¯m on your side!¡±


    Chelsea snapped at her, ¡°Shut up!¡±


    Shaun turned to Chelsea. ¡°What is she talking about?¡±


    Chelsea forced a smile. ¡°Please hear me out. I didn¡¯t know Maddy was your sister, so there was just a little misunderstanding between us.¡±


    Madeline sneered. ¡°A little misunderstanding? Then why did you have people throw me out?¡±


    Chelsea opened her mouth to exin, but Madeline interrupted.


    ¡°Shaun!¡± she said, looking straight at Shaun. ¡°<b>I </b>have a question what¡¯s your rtionship with Chelsea? Is she your girlfriend<b>? </b>


    2


    Shaun hesitated. ¡°She¡­¡±


    <b>¡°</b>If she¡¯s your girlfriend, then I¡¯ll never acknowledge you as my brother ever again!¡±


    ¡°Maddy, what¡¯s gotten into you?¡± Warren quickly interjected. ¡°There must be some kind of misunderstanding!¡±


    Madeline shook her head firmly. ¡°There isn¡¯t. I¡¯ll only acknowledge Halsey as my future sister¨Cinw.¡±


    Warren sneered, ¡°Do you know what Halsey did to Shaun three years ago? She was the one who abandoned him! These past years, Chelsea¡¯s been by his side¡­¡±


    936

 My Dad Please Come 842

    ¡°Enough!¡± Madeline snapped at Warren, her voice sharp and fierce.


    ¡°That¡¯s nonsense! Halsey would never abandon Shaun! Sure, Chelsea has been by his side these past three years, but Halsey has taken care of me all this time. When I lost my mom and my brother wasn¡¯t around, Halsey gave me a home.


    ¡°She took me from Hovendale to the Capital and enrolled me in school. She dropped me off and picked me up every day. For three years, she poured all her time and care into me. And not just that¨Cher parents have treated me like family, with nothing but kindness.


    ¡°Halsey isn¡¯t just my sister; she¡¯s my future sister¨Cinw. I respect and love her with all my heart, so I won¡¯t let any of you say a bad word about her!¡±


    Warren fell silent.


    It was true¨CHalsey had helped Madeline out a lot. Without her, Madeline wouldn¡¯t be who she was today.


    Shaun gently gripped Madeline¡¯s shoulders. ¡°You misunderstood. Chelsea and I are just friends.¡±


    Madeline looked at him, eyes searching. ¡°Really? You don¡¯t have feelings for Chelsea?¡±


    Shaun¡¯s answer was immediate, without hesitation. ¡°I don¡¯t. I only see her as a friend.¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s hands clenched into fists at her sides. She had known all along that Shaun didn¡¯t feel the same way about her. In all these years, he had never given her any hope. But she loved him anyway¨Chelplessly, hopelessly.


    Madeline pressed on. ¡°If you don¡¯t like her, then why do you let Halsey suffer because of her?¡±


    A shadow flickered in Shaun¡¯s eyes. It wasn¡¯t that he was causing Halsey pain¨Cshe was the one hurting him.


    ¡°I know you care deeply about Halsey, but she doesn¡¯t love me anymore. She won¡¯t be your future sister¨Cinw,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Who says she doesn¡¯t love you? She came looking for you today.¡±


    What?


    Shaun blinked in surprise. ¡°She did?¡±


    Madeline nodded. ¡°Yes, but she never got to meet you. Chelsea and that receptionist blocked her at the door and humiliated her.


    ¡±


    Shaun¡¯s face darkened. He stared at Chelsea. ¡°Is that true? Did Halseye by? Why didn¡¯t anyone tell me?¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s face paled. ¡°Halsey dide by, but you were in a meeting<b>, </b>so I didn¡¯t let her in.¡±


    ¡°Who says you get to decide whether I see Halsey or not?¡± Shaun¡¯s voice was icy.


    Chelsea saw the cold warning in his eyes and shrank back, fingers curling nervously.


    Shaun turned to his secretary. ¡°Where¡¯s my phone?¡±


    The secretary quickly handed it over. ¡°Here you go<b>, </b>sir.¡±


    Shaun unlocked it and saw several missed calls from Halsey. <b>He </b>had been in that meeting and his phone wasn¡¯t with him<b>, </b><b>so </b>he hadn¡¯t answered.


    At that moment, the secretary spoke up again. ¡°Mr. Lane, I heard Lincoln Enterprise is having some trouble. Ms. Mallin came looking for you, probably to ask for your help<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Madeline¡¯s voice grew urgent.


    ¡°When our family was struggling<b>, </b>Halsey and <b>her </b>parents never once turned their backs on us. Have <b>you </b>forgotten <b>the </b>kindness


    they


    showed in our darkest times? Now


    that she needs


    you, how


    <b>carr </b>


    there for you not be


    her?¡±

 My Dad Please Come 843

    Shaun had been stuck in meetings all day,pletely unaware that Halsey hade looking for him.


    His eyes darkened as he red at Chelsea. ¡°Did you know Lincoln Enterprise was in trouble and deliberately kept Halsey from seeing me?¡±


    Chelsea shook her head quickly. ¡°I had no idea¡­ I can exin¡­¡±


    Warren tried to speak up for Chelsea. ¡°I don¡¯t think Chelsea did it on purpose-¡±


    But Shaun cut him off without a word, and then stared straight at Chelsea. ¡°Don¡¯te to mypany again. I don¡¯t want to see you here, ever.¡°1


    With that, Shaun turned to his secretary. ¡°Find out where Halsey is right now. And get a car ready immediately. I¡¯m going after her.¡±


    The secretary nodded. ¡°Right away.¡±


    Without hesitation, Shaun sprinted out, determined to find Halsey.


    Chelsea froze where she stood, watching helplessly as Shaun chased after Halsey. His heart and mind belonged only to Halsey. And now, Shaun had just told Chelsea that she wasn¡¯t wee at thepany anymore¡ªit was like a harsh p in the face, leaving her with no dignity at all.


    Warren looked at Chelsea with sympathy. ¡°Don¡¯t worry¡­¡±


    Madeline frowned sharply at him. ¡°Stop defending her!¡±


    Warren looked conflicted. ¡°Chelsea really cares about Shaun. Everything she does is for his good.¡±


    ¡°For his good? Do you even know what my brother really wants?¡± Madeline argued.


    Warren paused. ¡°Well¡­¡±


    ¡°You know he loves Halsey, but you keep trying toe between them. How is that for his good? I know you consider him a good friend, but you should know that there¡¯s a line. I don¡¯t want you and my brother to fall out over Halsey.¡±


    With that, Madeline turned and left.


    Warren called after her, ¡°Maddy¡­¡±


    Chelsea was furious. She had never expected Shaun¡¯s sister to show up, and she had now offended thetter. Now, with Madeline¡¯s powerful intervention, the fragile harmony between Chelsea and Shaun was shattered; fixing it would be almost impossible.


    Why had ite to this?


    Chelsea had spent three years by Shaun¡¯s side. She didn¡¯t want to walk away now.


    She looked at Warren, desperation in her eyes. ¡°Halsey isn¡¯t right for Shaun. She hurt him once three years ago, and now she¡¯s going to do it again. You have to help me.¡±


    Warren met her <b>gaze</b><b>, </b>sighing. ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to help, but Shaun¡¯s heart truly belongs to <b>Halsey</b>. As his friend, I can¡¯t interfere too much. I don¡¯t want to lose our friendship because of this.<b>¡± </b>


    With that, Warren walked away.


    Chelsea stood frozen<b>, </b>unwilling to let Shaun go. She couldn¡¯t lose im¨Cnot like this!


    Outside, Halsey was searching relentlessly for the worker<b>, </b>scouring every ce without rest.


    One of her aides handed her a cup of water. ¡°Ms. Halsey, please have some water.¡±


    Halsey knew every second counted. That worker was far too important.


    Gilbert was pushing her to give in, but she refused to back down. The olive branch extended by the Johnson family wasn¡¯t an option, either. She had to find that worker on her own.


    But as time ticked away, there was still no sign.


    Suddenly, Halsey asked, ¡°Have you checked the worker¡¯s family home?¡±


    Her aide nodded. ¡°Yes, but no one¡¯s there.¡±


    Halsey thought it through. The worker definitely wasn¡¯t in Gilbert¡¯s hands, so he must have sent people to look for him as well.


    That meant the worker was hiding somewhere¨Calone, somewhere he hoped no one would find him.


    2

 My Dad Please Come 844

    By now, they had searched through more than half of the Capital<b>, </b>but there wasn¡¯t a single trace of the worker.


    Suddenly, a thought struck Halsey. ¡°I¡¯ve got it!¡±


    ¡°Do you know where he is?¡± one of her aides asked eagerly.


    With a burst of excitement, Halsey said, ¡°We need to hurry to this one ce¨CI¡¯m pretty sure he¡¯s hiding there<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Got it. Let¡¯s go now.¡±


    Halsey had been sitting down to catch her breath, but now she sprang to her feet, anxiety making her restless.


    Just as she turned to leave, she twisted her ankle badly and stumbled, falling forward.


    ¡°Ah!¡± she cried, bracing for a hard impact with the ground.


    But the pain she expected never came. Instead, a strong arm wrapped around her waist<b>, </b>steadying her and pulling her gently into a warm, broad embrace.


    Looking up, Halsey found Shaun¡¯s handsome face, partially hidden behind a mask.


    Shaun was here.


    He had just stepped out of his car when he saw her faltering and caught her just in time.


    Halsey hadn¡¯t expected him to show up. For a moment, her mind went nk before she quickly pushed herself upright. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Shaun¡¯s eyes held hers steadily. ¡°Did youe to thepany looking for me today?¡±


    She forced a small smile. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I had to talk to you about something, but not anymore. I¡¯m busy<b>, </b>so please excuse me.¡±


    She started to pull away.


    Shaun¡¯s gaze hardened as he reached out and grabbed her slender arm firmly. ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    Halsey tried to yank her arm free. ¡°It¡¯s none of your business! Please let go. I have things to take care of.¡±


    But Shaun didn¡¯t release her. Instead, he pulled her closer, a teasing smile curling at the corners of his mouth. ¡°You came looking for me at thepany today. Now I¡¯m here<b>, </b>but you won¡¯t tell me what you want. Do you think this is a game?¡± Her clear eyes met his. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have gone to yourpany. But don¡¯t worry¨CI won¡¯t do that again<b>¡± </b>


    Shaun tilted his head. ¡°Did Chelsea say something to you today?¡±


    Hearing the name ¡°Chelsea¡± made Halsey remember what Chelsea had said earlier.


    A slight smile tugged at her lips. ¡°She only said the truth,<b>¡± </b>


    Shaun pressed, ¡°What exactly did she say to you?¡±


    H¨¢lsey replied, ¡°Nothing much. Just that I shouldn¡¯te looking for you anymore, and that she¡¯s your girlfriend now. I really shouldn¡¯t disturb you two. I don¡¯t want her to misunderstand-¡±


    Shaun yanked her closer again<b>, </b>cutting her off with an amused smile. ¡°You want to know the truth about my rtionship <b>with </b>Chelsea?¡±


    Halsey blinked, surprised. ¡°What do you mean<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°If you want to know who Chelsea is to me, you could¡¯ve just asked me directly, and I would¡¯ve told you. Why listen to others?¡±


    But even if he said it, would it really be any different from hearing from Chelsea?


    Halsey struggled. ¡°Please let go. I don¡¯t want anyone to get the wrong idea¡­¡±


    Before she could finish, Shaun said firmly, ¡°Listen carefully. There¡¯s nothing between Chelsea and me. She¡¯s not my girlfriend.¡±


    X


    the

 My Dad Please Come 845

    the


    Shaun said Chelsea wasn¡¯t his girlfriend.


    Halsey froze, staring at him. ¡°That¡¯s impossible. She said she was


    Shaun smiled. ¡°Who do you believe¨Cme or her?¡±


    She shook her head, uncertain.


    Shaun¡¯s feelings were always hard to read¨Cshe had learned that lesson three years ago.


    ¡°If she isn¡¯t your girlfriend, then why has she been by your side all these years? Why should I believe you just because you say there¡¯s nothing between you two?¡±


    Shaunughed, a little bitter. He wrapped his arms around Halsey¡¯s soft waist, pulling her close. ¡°What do you really think of me? Do you think I¡¯m a liar? A guy who won¡¯t admit I¡¯m seeing someone?¡±


    Halsey pushed him away gently. ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about this right now. I have things to do. Please let me go!¡±


    All she wanted now was to save Lincoln Enterprise.


    Shaun didn¡¯t loosen his grip. Instead, he led her over to his luxury car. ¡°Get in.¡±


    Halsey hesitated. ¡°I told you, I have things to take care of-¡±


    ¡°Do you not want to find that worker?¡±


    Her slender eyshes fluttered. ¡°You knew?¡±


    Shaun nodded. ¡°Get in. I¡¯m taking you to find him.¡±


    He opened the passenger door and gently pushed her inside. Then, he slid into the driver¡¯s seat and reached or seatbelt.


    ¡°Do you know where that worker is?¡± Halsey asked.


    to buckle her


    ¡°Everyone¡¯s looking for him right now. They¡¯ve practically turned the entire Capital upside down. He¡¯s definitely hiding somewhere no one would think to look, the one ce nobody suspects¡­ The construction site where he fell,¡± Shaun said.


    Halsey blinked in surprise. She had thought of that ce, too.


    After the worker¡¯s fall, the site had been shut down temporarily. No one would expect he was hiding there.


    She hadn¡¯t expected Shaun to think the same.


    ¡°Hang tight.¡±


    Shaun hit the gas, speeding toward the construction site.


    Soon, the luxury car pulled up outside the sealed¨Coff site. Shaun opened the door, and Halsey stepped out.


    ¡°Let¡¯s check it out.¡±


    Shaun took her hand.


    She tried to pull away. ¡°Let go!¡±


    He tightened his grip on her hand, holding it firmly in his palm. ¡°Be good. Don¡¯t cause trouble.¡±


    Those simple,manding words melted Halsey¡¯s resistance instantly.


    Back when he was Dwight<b>, </b>she had always listened to him. Now, as Shaun, a rising business star, she found it even harder to say no. He had be more and moremanding.


    Shaun led Halsey inside.


    Looking at the man Shaun had grown into, she realized that besides powerful than any man she knew.


    ¡°Are you going to keep looking at me like that?¡±


    Maybe because her gaze was too intense, Shaun caught it and nd


    Heat rushed to Halsey¡¯s cheeks, and she quickly looked away. ¡°Who


    Shaun¡¯s lips curled into a smile.


    Halsey quickly gathered herself. Right now, the most important thi


    Ahead, she spotted a shadow sneaking around, and her eyes lit up.


    It was him!


    Shaun led Halsey inside.


    Looking at the man Shaun had grown into, she realized that besides his <b>face</b><b>, </b>he was in his prime¨Cyoung<b>, </b>wealthy, and more powerful than any man she knew.


    ¡°Are you going to keep looking at me like that?¡±


    Maybe because her gaze was too intense, Shaun caught it and nced at her.


    Heat rushed to Halsey¡¯s cheeks, and she quickly looked away. ¡°Who said I was looking at you? <b>You¡¯re </b>so full of yourself.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s lips curled into a smile.


    Halsey quickly gathered herself. Right now, the most important thing was to find that worker.


    Ahead, she spotted a shadow sneaking around, and her eyes lit up.


    It was him!

 My Dad Please Come 846

    Halsey opened her mouth to speak, but Shaun quickly covered it with his hand. ¡°Shh, don¡¯t scare him off yet.¡±


    She grew impatient. ¡°We found him. Now we have to bring him back!¡±


    +25 <b>BONUS </b>


    Shaun shook his head. ¡°Gilbert already bought him off. If we just take him back, who knows if he might stab us in the back? That could deal Lincoln Enterprise a fatal blow.¡±


    Halsey had to admit Shaun was right. Lincoln Enterprise¡¯s stock hal plummeted and was barely hanging on. They couldn¡¯t afford any more trouble.


    This worker was cunning, full of unknown risks.


    ¡°So what do we do now?¡±


    Shaun smirked. ¡°Are you asking for my advice?¡±


    ¡°I am.¡±


    Shaun leaned in. ¡°Then let me ask you something.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you get my texts?¡±


    Halsey paused. ¡°¡­I did.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°So you were ignoring me. Why didn¡¯t you reply?¡±


    ¡°Because I have nothing to say to you.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s expression darkened with anger. He wrapped his arms around her waist<b>, </b>pulling her close. ¡°I can deal with this worker for you.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s eyes brightened. ¡°Really?¡±


    The situation with the worker was delicate. Several powerful families were involved, but she trusted Shaun¡¯s ability. If he said he could fix it, it would get done.


    Shaun nodded. ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    Halsey hesitated. ¡°But what do you want? There has to be <b>a </b>catch.


    He leaned down<b>, </b>his voice low and warm against her ear. <b>¡°</b>I¡¯ll solve this for you¨Cif you spend one night with me.¡±


    He wanted her to spend a night with him.


    Halsey¡¯s heart skipped. ¡°Spend one night doing what?¡±


    ¡±


    Shaun¡¯s breath brushed her ear. ¡°What do you think? I¡¯m no gentleman. The two of us in a room¨Cwhat else could happen?¡±


    A flush crept up Halsey¡¯s cheeks. ¡°You¡¯re kicking me when I¡¯m down<b>!</b>¡±


    Shaun kissed her pale earlobe softly. ¡°That night, you didn¡¯t even let me¡­¡±


    Halsey immediately covered his mouth with her hand, silencing him.


    Shaun stared into her shining eyes. At this moment, she looked like a startled fawn<b>, </b>pure and beautiful. He telt his heart <b>skip </b>a


    few beats.


    <b>¡°</b><b>So</b><b>, </b>what do you say? I don¡¯t have all day. You have three seconds to decide. Three, <b>two</b>, one


    <b>He </b>was closing in<b>, </b>counting down.


    When he reached ¡°one¡°, Halsey blurted out, ¡°Fine!¡±


    She agreed.


    Shaun¡¯s lips curled into a thin smile. ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to it.¡±


    ¡°First help me deal with this!¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t handle this worker with normal methods.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Just watch and learn.¡±


    Shaun waved his hand, and a group of men in ck immediately appeared. They sprinted toward the worker.


    The worker had been sleeping here for days. Seeing the ck¨Cd guardsing, he took off running.


    ¡°Stop! Hold it right there!¡± the guards shouted behind him.


    Soon, they tackled him to the ground. The worker struggled. ¡°Let go of me! I¡¯m just a regr worker! What do you want?¡±


    One guard sneered, ¡°Mr. Greenwood sent us to end you!¡±


    ET IT NOW


    X

 My Dad Please Come 847

    Chapter <b>847 </b>


    The worker froze, his face draining of color. ¡°Mr. Greenwood? Gilbert Greenwood?¡±


    One of the men in ck nodded grimly. ¡°That¡¯s right. He sent us to end you. You¡¯re gonna die today.¡±


    Fear cracked the worker¡¯s voice. ¡°You must be mistaken! How could Mr. Greenwood want me dead? Call him again and ask. There¡¯s no way he wants to harm me!¡±


    ¡°Cut the nonsense,¡± one of the guards snapped.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling the truth,¡± the worker insisted. ¡°Just call Mr. Greenwood and ask. We¡¯re working together. Has he already forgotten?¡±


    A coldugh escaped the guardsman. ¡°He hasn¡¯t forgotten a thing He says you know too much. Only the dead won¡¯t talk. He also said that you¡¯re worth more dead than alive right now.¡±


    The worker¡¯s voice trembled. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you get it? Once you¡¯re dead, all the public bacsh will fall on Lincoln Enterprise, and they¡¯ll be crushed. Mr. Greenwood says your life is worthless anyway, so he¡¯s using you to take down Lincoln Enterprise. At least your death will serve a purpose.¡±


    One of the guards nced at another and gave a sharp nod. ¡°What are you waiting for? Get rid of him. Mr. Greenwood¡¯s waiting.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re on it!¡±


    Two men brought over a length of hemp rope and looped it around the worker¡¯s neck, pulling it tight.


    The worker was sharp. At first, he doubted the men sent by Gilbert He figured Gilbert wouldn¡¯t actually want him dead¨Cbut now, with the rope choking him, the suffocating pressure crashed down all at once. Panic overtook him.


    He scrambled to w at the rope.


    ¡°Let me go! Why is Mr. Greenwood doing this to me? We had an agreement! He told me to pretend to break a leg on the job so <b>I </b>could pin it on Lincoln Enterprise. He even got a few of my sons to stir up trouble. I did everything he asked! Now Lincoln Enterprise is drowning in bad press, just like he wanted. I did exactly as I was told. Why does he want me dead? He won¡¯t get away with this!¡±


    The guards exchanged a look, then suddenly loosened their grip.


    Seizing the moment, the worker jerked free and kicked one of the guards down<b>, </b>then he scrambled up and ran.


    He vanished from sight like a man fleeing for his life.


    The men in ck stood up and approached Shaun and Halsey. ¡°Mr. Lane, the worker got away. He was so scared that he even soiled himself.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s lips curled into a knowing smile. ¡°He¡¯s got nothing but hatred for Gilbert now.¡±


    He turned to Halsey. ¡°He¡¯ll contact your father soon and turn on Gilbert.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s eyes sparkled with surprise. She hadn¡¯t expected Shaun to have someone impersonate Gilbert¡¯s subordinates.


    Gilbert was sneaky and cunning, but he probably never saw this tricking from Shaun.


    Noticing Halsey¡¯s gaze, Shaun smiled and said, ¡°When dealing with these kinds of people, you have to use extreme measures. It¡¯s the art of fighting fire with fire.¡±


    Halsey nodded. ¡°You really are something.¡±


    At that moment<b>, </b>one of the ck¨Cd guards handed over a voice recorder. ¡°Mr. Lane, this is the recording from earlier.¡±


    Shaun took it and ced it in Halsey¡¯s hand. ¡°Keep this. Everything the worker said was recorded. It¡¯s proof enough to turn things around for Lincoln Enterprise.¡±


    Halsey clenched the recorder tightly.


    Shaun had everything covered.


    She knew she had made the right choiceing to him.

 My Dad Please Come 848

    Halsey thanked Shaun sincerely. ¡°Thank you. I wouldn¡¯t havee up with such a perfect n by myself.¡±


    Shaun looked at her with a yful smile. ¡°Do you really want to thank me?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°Of course.¡±


    Shaun took a step closer, standing right in front of her. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be waiting for your thank¨Cyou gift.¡±


    Her thank¨Cyou gift¡­


    Halsey¡¯s face flushed bright red in an instant.


    Shaun opened the passenger door. ¡°Get in. I¡¯ll drive you home.¡°.


    She slid into the car, and Shaun settled into the driver¡¯s seat. He pressed the gas and they sped off. Half an hourter, the luxury car pulled up outside the Lincoln family¡¯s vi.


    Halsey unbuckled her seatbelt. ¡°Thanks for the ride.¡±


    ¡°No problem. I¡¯ll be waiting for your call. Don¡¯t forget our agreement.¡±


    He was reminding her of her ¡°gift¡°.


    Halsey quickly got out and walked toward the house. She didn¡¯t look back, but she could feel Shaun¡¯s gaze lingering on her as he stayed behind.


    Once inside, Patricia and Madeline rushed to greet her.


    ¡°Halsey, you¡¯re finally back!¡±


    Halsey handed the voice recorder to Patricia. ¡°Mom<b>, </b>give this to Dad. He¡¯ll know what to do with it.¡±


    Patricia frowned. ¡°Where did you get this?¡±


    ¡°From Mr. Lane. He helped.¡±


    Patricia epted the recorder. ¡°Okay, I¡¯m going to find your father now.¡±


    With that, she left.


    Madeline nced at Halsey. ¡°You saw Shaun?¡±


    Halsey smiled. ¡°You already know Shaun¡¯s your brother?¡±


    Madeline nodded. ¡°Yeah. I even went to hispany looking for <b>him</b>, and I ran into that annoying Chelsea!¡±


    Halsey asked, ¡°Did she give you a hard time?¡±


    ¡°She did, but then Shaun showed up and bit her head off. He told her never to show up at hispa in! I also gave him a piece of my mind. He didn¡¯t know you went to look for him, and as soon as he found out, he left. He must¡¯ve gone looking for you then.¡±


    Halsey felt touched. It was a good thing Madeline had gone to find $haun. Otherwise, with Chelsea around, Shaun might never have known what was going on at Lincoln Enterprise.


    She reached out and hugged Madeline. ¡°I¡¯m so lucky to have you and Shaun. He saved Lincoln Enterprise from this crisis.¡±


    Madeline smiled warmly. ¡°That¡¯s his job! Don¡¯t worry. If he ever bullies you, I denounce him!¡±


    Halsey¡¯s lips curved up into a small smile. ¡°But you should know he and I can never go back to how things were.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°Because we¡¯ve both changed. I¡¯m not the Halsey I used to be, and your brother isn¡¯t Dwight anymore.¡±


    Madeline studied her thoughtfully. ¡°Everyone grows up. We¡¯re not the same people we once were. But as long as the love stays the same, that¡¯s all that matters. Shaun and you love each other, so you should be together.¡±


    Halsey wasn¡¯t sure what to say. Did Shaun still love her now? She didn¡¯t know.


    Within three days, everything about Lincoln Enterprise was perfectly resolved. The worker was sent to prison, Lincoln Enterprise¡¯s name was cleared, and its stock price soared.


    Cyril came home, beaming. ¡°Mr. Lane really saved us. Don¡¯t forget to thank him properly for us.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 849

    Patricia gently took Halsey¡¯s hand in hers.


    ¡°No matter what¡¯s happened between you and Mr. Lane, we will always remember the kindness he¡¯s shown us. How about this -you give him a call, see if he has some time. Your father and I want to invite him over for a meal to express our thanks.¡±


    Cyril nodded in agreement. ¡°Yes, we¡¯re nning to invite Mr. Lane out for dinner. Come to think of it<b>, </b>it¡¯s been years since Ist saw him.¡±


    Shaun used to be Cyril¡¯s student back when he was Dwight, and Cyril had always thought highly of him. Since Shaun had done a lot for the Lincoln family, this dinner was the least they could do.


    Madeline hadn¡¯t been to school for the past three days. Over these years, the Lincoln family¡¯s kindness had made her feel like one of them. With everything that had happened, she was determined to stay until the family got through this crisis before returning to the research base.


    ¡°No need to invite Shaun to dinner. He helped because it¡¯s what he should do. As long as our family gets through this safely, that¡¯s all that matters,¡± Madeline said happily.


    Patricia smiled. ¡°That won¡¯t do. Mr. Lane helped us out of kindness; it¡¯s not his job. We still need to show our appreciation.¡±


    Cyril added, ¡°Maddy, we took you in as our goddaughter because we like you. We never wanted to use you to make your brother repay us. Even though he¡¯s back now, I still think <b>of </b>you as our daughter.¡±


    Madeline nodded firmly. ¡°Okay!¡±


    Cyril turned to Halsey. ¡°What are you waiting for? Go ahead and call Mr. Lane!¡±


    He was urging her on.


    Halsey pulled out her phone. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll call him.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    She stood to the side and dialed Shaun¡¯s number.


    After one clear ring, the call connected. Shaun¡¯s deep, smooth voice came through. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    His tone was yful, warm¨Calmost like a gentle whisper right beside her ear.


    Halsey noticed how, over these three years, his voice had grown even more mature and maic¨Cthe kind that could make a girl¡¯s heart race.


    ¡°Mr. Lane, we¡¯ve resolved the issues at thepany, and my parents want to thank you. I was wondering <i>if </i>you¡¯re free. They want to invite you to dinner.¡±


    Shaun smiled in his voice. ¡°They¡¯re too kind. I was just doing what should.¡±


    ¡°They insist on having dinner with you.¡±


    ¡°Will you


    being as well?¡± he asked.


    Halsey¡¯s heart skipped a beat. What was he getting <b>at</b>?


    ¡°Of course I am. We all want to thank you.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s voice held a teasing edge. ¡°You sound so formal.


    <b>Halsey </bughed softly. ¡°What do you <b>say</b><b>, </b>then? But if you¡¯re too busy, it¡¯s fine¡­¡±


    ¡°<b>I </b>have time. How about tonight?¡±


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll tell my parents.¡±


    He replied, ¡°Okay. Is there anything else you want to say?¡±


    Her heart fluttered. ¡°What else?¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t forgotten our agreement, have you?¡±


    Halsey¡¯s cheeks flushed bright red. ¡°I haven¡¯t! It¡¯s just¡­ I¡¯m on my period.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s okay. I can wait until it¡¯s over.¡±


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯m hanging up now.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    She ended the call, holding her phone as her heart pounded wildly. It had been three years, but Shaun could still make her feel butterflies.

 My Dad Please Come 850

    Halsey didn¡¯t really know what other people felt when they were in love. But her feelings for Shaun burned hot and deep¨C unchanged from three years ago until now.


    Still, there was a three¨Cyear gap between them, and she had so many questions she wanted to ask him. Yet, she didn¡¯t even know where to begin.


    Halsey returned to the living room. ¡°He said he¡¯s free tonight.¡±


    Cyril¡¯s face brightened. ¡°That¡¯s great! I¡¯ll have the secretary book a ce.¡±


    Madeline tugged on Halsey¡¯s arm. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s pick out our dresses for tonight.¡±


    Patricia smiled happily. ¡°Go ahead and get ready. I even ordered some custom dresses for you just yesterday.¡±


    Patricia was stylish and doted on her daughters. She loved dressing them up, treating them like real little princesses. ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll be upstairs.¡±


    After going upstairs, Halsey and Madeline stepped into the room and opened the closet<b>, </b>which was filled with custom¨Cmade dresses.


    Madeline held up a dress,paring it to Halsey. ¡°What color do you want to wear? This one¡¯s pretty, and so is this one. I can¡¯t decide! It¡¯s all your fault¨Cyou look good in everything.¡±


    Halsey pinched Madeline¡¯s cheek gently. ¡°You and your sweet mouth.¡±


    ¡°Shaun¡¯sing tonight, so you have to look absolutely stunning. Make him totally crazy about you!¡±


    Dress up for him?


    Halsey blushed. ¡°But he and Chelsea¡­¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not into her at all. She¡¯s nowhere near as pretty as you. You¡¯re the only sister¨Cinw I¡¯ll ever want,¡± Madeline said with a happy smile.


    Halsey hugged Madeline<b>, </b>then picked out a ck slip dress.


    ¡°I¡¯ll wear this one.¡±


    ¡°Perfect! And then I¡¯ll do your makeup just right! I bet Shaun won¡¯t be able to take his eyes off you tonight!¡±


    Halsey didn¡¯t want to make such a big deal of it, but Madeline didn¡¯t take no for an answer. She pushed Halsey in front of the vanity and started working on her makeup.


    That evening, at the Monarch¨¦ Hotel, Shaun arrived at the luxurious private room. Cyril and Pa


    Cyril stood and looked Shaun over. ¡°Hey, Dwight¨Csorry, I should call you Mr. Lane now.¡±


    were already there.


    Shaun was dressed in a custom¨Cmade ck suit, looking mature and refined. The ck hollowed¨Cout mask on his face added a cool, mysterious air, whichplemented his status perfectly.


    Shaun smiled. ¡°Professor Lincoln, I will always be your student.¡±


    Cyril nodded approvingly. ¡°I knew you were no ordinary talent back then. You¡¯ve exceeded even my expectations. You make me hopeful about the new generation.¡±


    There was genuine admiration in Cyril¡¯s eyes for Shaun.


    ¡°You¡¯re too kind, Professor Lincoln,¡± Shaun replied modestly.


    +25 <b>BONUS </b>


    Patricia gestured to the seats. ¡°Mr. Lane, please have a seat.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s secretary pulled out a chair and Shaun sat down<b>, </b>scanning the room. He noticed Halsey and Madeline weren¡¯t there yet.


    ¡°Ms. Halsey and Maddy aren¡¯t here yet?¡±


    Patricia checked the time. ¡°Those two have been messing around in their room for a while. They asked us to go ahead without them. I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll be here soon.¡±


    No sooner had she spoken than the door swung open. Madeline came in, pulling Halsey behind her.


    ¡°Hey, Shaun. We¡¯re here!¡± Madeline called out happily.


    She nudged Halsey forward. ¡°Doesn¡¯t Halsey look beautiful tonight?¡±


    Shaun fixed his eyes on Halsey and didn¡¯t look away.


    Chapter <b>851 </b>

 My Dad Please Come 851

    Chapter <b>851 </b>


    Tonight, Halsey wore a ck satin slip dress that perfectly showed off her graceful, youthful figure. Her hair was styled in loose waves, giving her a rxed yet elegant look. On her delicate oval face, she wore light, refined makeup, adding a touch of feminine charm to her naturally soft beauty.


    Madeline gently nudged Halsey forward, making her blush a little. She nced at Shaun and said, ¡°Hey.¡±


    Shaun looked deeply at Halsey, stunned by this new, alluring side of her that he had never seen before. He couldn¡¯t take his eyes off her.


    Madeline burst outughing. ¡°She¡¯s talking to you! Shaun!¡±


    After being called a few times, Shaun finally snapped out of it and cleared his throat.


    Madeline teased, ¡°She looks so gorgeous tonight that you¡¯re totally stunned, huh?¡±


    Feeling Shaun¡¯s intense gaze, Halsey¡¯s cheeks flushed red.


    Patricia smiled warmly. ¡°Come on. Sit down.¡±


    Halsey and Madeline took their seats.


    Madeline looked at Shaun. ¡°You still haven¡¯t answered my question. Isn¡¯t Halsey beautiful?¡±


    Shaun nodded honestly as he looked at Halsey. She is.¡±


    Madeline giggled softly.


    Halsey felt her face burning.


    The waiter started bringing the food. Cyril nced at Shaun and asked, ¡°Do you have a partner?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I¡¯m single now,¡± Shaun replied. Then he added, ¡°Three years ago, <b>I </b>got badly injured in the face. Chelsea is a doctor<b>, </b><b>so </b>she¡¯s been by my side all this time. Our rtionship is strictly doctor and patient.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s heart skipped. Was he exining this to her?


    So, Chelsea was just his doctor!


    Patricia¡¯s eyes were fixed on Shaun¡¯s mask. ¡°What happened to your <b>face</b><b>?</b>¡±


    Madeline was curious too. ¡°Yeah, why do you always wear that mask? Your face¡­¡±


    Shaun paused before saying, ¡°I was hurt before, but it¡¯s better now!¡±


    He didn¡¯t want to talk more about his face, so Cyril changed the subject<b>, </b>steering the conversation toward business matters.


    ¡®Halsey looked at Shaun¡¯s face beneath the mask. Even if he didn¡¯t say it, she could tell he cared


    bout it.


    He used to be so handsome, but now his face waspletely ruined.


    When Shaun turned his head, his eyes met Halsey¡¯s. She was looking at him with a soft, pitying gaze, like she was watching a wounded little animal. Her eyes were gentle, full ofpassion.


    Shaun froze<b>, </b>feeling like a part of his heart sank.


    Catching his gaze<b>, </b>Halsey quickly looked away,


    Right then<b>, </b>her phone buzzed with a text.


    It was from Shaun.


    Halsey opened it. Shaun¡¯s message read, [Why are you staring at me like that?]


    2


    Her parents and Madeline were at the same table, but Shaun sent Her a text.


    Her face warmed. She wanted to reply, but then Cyril raised his ss.


    ¡°Mr. Lane, thank you for helping Lincoln Enterprise this time. This is for you.¡±


    Halsey quickly put away her phone and lifted her ss. She looked at Shaun. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Lane.¡±


    Shaun smiled faintly.


    The dinner went by quickly. Outside the hotel, Cyril said, ¡°Mr. Lane and I both had some drinks, so we can¡¯t drive. We¡¯ll have the secretary drive. Halsey, Maddy, you two can-


    ¡°I


    Madeline linked her arm with Halsey¡¯s. ¡°We¡¯ll take Shaun¡¯s car.¡±


    Patricia nodded. ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s all get in.¡±


    Shaun, Halsey, and Madeline walked over to the luxury car.


    Shaun handed the keys to Martin. ¡°You drive.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 852

    ¡°No problem, Mr. Lane,¡± Martin replied.


    <b>¡± </b>


    Madeline said to Shaun, ¡°I¡¯ll sit in the front passenger seat. You and Halsey can sit in the back.¡±


    She quickly hopped into the front, clearly trying to leave space in the back for the couple.


    ¡°1


    Halsey could tell exactly what Madeline was doing. At that moment, Shaun opened the back door like a gentleman Ladies first.


    Halsey slid into the backseat. Shaun got in right after her and shut the door. Soon, the luxury car was gliding smoothly down the road.


    Madeline turned her head and asked, ¡°Are you heading home or back to the office?¡±


    Shaun replied, ¡°I¡¯m going to the office. You two going home?¡±


    Madeline looked at Halsey. ¡°Are we heading home now?¡±


    Halsey could feel Shaun¡¯s eyes on her face. She quickly said, ¡°Yeah home.¡±


    Just then, the secretary driving made a sharp turn. Caught off guard, Halsey tipped to the side from the momentum.


    An arm shot out, strong and steady, wrapping around her slim waist and pulling her into a firm embrace. Shaun had caught her.


    She looked up and met his deep, intense gaze. Her heart started pounding.


    The car leveled out again, and Halsey quickly straightened up.


    As soon as they were no longer touching, the heat in her body seemed to cool down a little.


    Suddenly, Shaun said, ¡°Martin, didn¡¯t you say you needed to stop by the store?¡±


    Martin was confused. ¡°I don¡¯t think I-¡±


    He caught Shaun¡¯s nce in the rearview mirror. Shaun gave him a very clear signal with his eyes.


    Martin got it instantly and quickly changed his tune. ¡°Oh, right! Now I remember, I did want to grab a few things. There¡¯s a supermarket nearby. I¡¯ll pull over.¡±


    Martin stopped the car at the side of the road and got out.


    Madeline immediately opened the front door and stepped out too. I need to <b>get </b>something too. I¡¯ll go with him.¡±


    Halsey called after her, ¡°Hey<b>, </b>I¡¯ming too, Wait for me¨Cah!¡±


    She didn¡¯t even finish her sentence before a strong arm reached over and yanked her back by the waist


    She fell straight into Shaun¡¯s chest.


    Halsey started to struggle. ¡°Mr. Lane, what are you doing? Let me go!¡±


    Shaun let out a lowugh, lips curled. ¡°Maddy and Martin are going to get something. Why are you tagging along?¡±


    ¡°I¨CI need to buy something too¡­¡±


    ¡°Liar,¡± he said, pinching her chin and tilting her head up. ¡°You¡¯re avoiding me, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t lie. You¡¯re totally avoiding me.¡±


    Shaun gently held her <b>face</b><b>, </b>studying her delicate features. Under the glow of the city lights, she looked even more beautiful than


    ever. His lips curved into a smile.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go home tonight, okay?¡±


    He was asking her to stay.


    Halsey froze. ¡°Wh¨Cwhy?¡±


    ¡°Come with me to my office and stay with me tonight. It¡¯s time to hold up your end of the deal.¡±


    Halsey pressed her hands against his firm chest. ¡°I¨Cmmph!¡±


    Shaun leaned in and kissed her.


    Their lips met, and Halsey felt the kiss¨Cdeep, passionate, and full of feeling. His cool, elegant scent wrapped around herpletely, leaving her weak all over.


    28

 My Dad Please Come 853

    Halsey pressed her small hands against his chest and pushed him away. ¡°Stop it¡­¡±


    Sham kissed her cheek, then her soft hair. ¡°You look absolutely stunning tonight.¡±


    He was showering her with praise.


    Halsey¡¯s cheeks flushed. She and Madeline had spent a long time getting ready in the room, just for this moment to see him.


    ¡°Mr. Lane¡­¡±


    ¡°Call me by my name.¡±


    ¡°Shaun!¡±


    Shaun silenced her again with another kiss.


    Halsey felt him gently part her lips, and she could taste the dry, rich scent of alcohol on his breath. It was strong, but smooth and intoxicating.


    The luxury car was parked on the side of the road, and all the noise of the outside world felt far away. All she could hear <b>was </b>the sound of his kisses. Her face was burning red.


    His hands soon started to wander, reaching for the hem of her dress.


    Halsey quickly grabbed her skirt. ¡°No, stop!¡±


    She was trying to stop him, struggling slightly. In the process, her hand identally brushed against the mask on his face, and it fell off.


    She saw his face¨Cthe one that had been disfigured.


    Shaun froze for a second. ¡°Sorry.¡±


    He reached down quickly to grab the mask, trying to put it back on.


    But Halsey stopped him. She held his hand down, looking at him. ¡°Why are you apologizing? What are you sorry for?¡±


    Shaun¡¯s expression was hidden in the dim light, unreadable. ¡°My face¡­ It¡¯s ruined. I know I¡¯m ugly now. I¡¯m sorry if I scared you.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s heart clenched. She knew it bothered him. He used to be so incredibly handsome.


    She didn¡¯t respond, but sometimes silence says everything. Shaun gave a faint smile.


    ¡°This face probably won¡¯t ever heal. I¡¯ve seen a lot of doctors, but nothing¡¯s worked.¡±


    Then Halsey reached out. Her soft fingertips gently touched his face.


    Shaun caught her hand, trying to move it away.


    But she kept tracing the lines of his face. ¡°You were so good¨Clooking before. Back in school, all those rich girls lined up just your girlfriend.¡±


    Shaun said nothing.


    Halsey looked into his eyes. ¡°Now your face <b>is </b>like this, but there are still women who fall for you. You¡¯re just a natural at charming women, I guess.¡±


    Shaun tried to put the mask back on.


    But Halsey suddenly turned and straddled hisp, cupping his face in both hands. Her soft lipsnded on his scarred cheek.


    She started kissing his face.


    Shaun wentpletely still. He thought she would avoid looking at his face. But instead, she was kissing him.


    ¡°Do you even know what you¡¯re doing?¡±


    ¡°Of course <b>I </b>do. I¡¯m kissing you.¡±


    Halsey kissed his face again, then leaned in and kissed his lips.


    Shaun¡¯s blood ran hot, and all the desire he¡¯d been holding back surged through him, tightening every muscle in his body.


    In an instant, he took control, pulling her into a deep, fiery kiss.


    Halsey kissed him back with just as much heat. Soon, the strap of her dress slid off her shoulder, and Shaun¡¯s kisses moved lower.


    Halsey held onto his head, her fingers weaving into his short, neatly cut hair. She didn¡¯t know what she wanted¨Cwhether to pull him closer or push him away.


    Shaun¡¯s voice was rough and hoarse. ¡°Halsey.¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°Give yourself to me. I want you.¡±


    Shaun started lifting the hem of her dress.


    Just then, Halsey spotted Madeline and Martining out of the supermarket. She gasped and froze. ¡°No, stop! Maddy and Martin areing back! Stop now!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 854

    Shaun had no intention of stopping. The urge had gotten so strong it was nearly driving him crazy.


    But Halsey wasn¡¯t responding at all. She had already seen Madeline and Martin crossing the street toward the car. She quickly pushed Shaun away and sat upright.


    Just then, the door opened, and Madeline and Martin climbed back in.


    Madeline handed Halsey a bottle of water. ¡°Here, have some.¡±


    Halsey reached out and took it. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Madeline nced at her. ¡°Why¡¯s your face so red?¡±


    Halsey immediately covered her face with her hand. It felt like it was burning. She tried to brush it off. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s just the heat.¡±


    Martin picked up on the weird tension. Through the rearview mirror, he nced at his boss. Shaun had already put his mask back on.


    Martin cleared his throat. ¡°Mr. Lane, did Ie back too early?¡±


    Shaun rolled down the window and let the cool night breeze wash over him, trying to clear the heat from his body. He gave Martin a look. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    The answer was obvious.


    Martin groaned internally. He knew he hade back too early.


    Half an hourter, the luxury car pulled up in front of the Lincoln family¡¯s vi. Halsey and Madeline got out.


    Halsey said, ¡°Thank you for the ride. I¡¯m heading in.¡®


    Madeline waved to Shaun. ¡°Bye, Shaun!¡±


    Shaun looked at her. ¡°Maddy, why don¡¯t you move in and stay with me?¡±


    Madeline shook her head. ¡°No, I want to live with Halsey. We sleep together all the time.¡±


    Shaun frowned. ¡°You two share a bed?¡±


    Madeline nodded. ¡°Yep.¡±


    Back when Tina was still alive, the two of them used to share a bed in that warm little house. Now those days had passed, and the memories had be something sweet and nostalgic.


    ¡°But you¡¯re grown now,¡± Shaun said, ¡°you shouldn¡¯t be sharing a bed with Halsey anymore.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± Madeline asked, confused.


    Shaun replied, ¡°Because she¡¯s going to get married someday. She¡¯ll be sleeping with her husband.¡±


    Madeline wasn¡¯t sure what to make of that ridiculous answer.


    The blush on Halsey¡¯s cheeks still hadn¡¯t faded. When she saw the conversation heading into awkward territory, sh grabbed Madeline¡¯s hand. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s go inside.¡±


    Madeline waved again to Shaun. ¡°Bye!¡±


    Halsey led Madeline away.


    Shaun stood there, watching until they were out of sight.


    ¡°Mr. Lane, are we heading back to the office now?¡± Martin asked.


    kly


    Back inside <b>the </b>vi, Halsey ran a warm rose petal bath for herself. After the long soak washed away her fatigue, she changed into a nightgown and stepped into her bedroom.


    Her phone buzzed. A text hade in¨Cwho could it be?


    Halsey opened the app¨Cit was from Shaun.


    He wrote, [Come downstairs!]


    Just two words. Direct andmanding.


    Halsey¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She immediately walked over to the window and looked down. Sure enough, Shaun¡¯s car was still parked outside.


    It was alreadyte at night, yet he hadn¡¯t returned to the office. He had been waiting this whole time.


    She bit her lip and sent a message back, trying to sound calm.


    [What do you want?]


    His reply came instantly.


    [Stop pretending.]

 My Dad Please Come 855

    Shaun told Halsey to stop pretending.


    Halsey¡¯s cheeks turned pink. He was a grown man, parked outside her ce in the middle of the night, asking her toe down. It didn¡¯t take a genius to figure out what he had in mind.


    She wasn¡¯t some naive little girl. Three years ago, they had already slept together.


    Biting her lip, Halsey typed out a message. [I¡¯m tired. I¡¯m going to sleep now.)


    Inside the sleek luxury car, Shaun sat alone. His long fingers held his phone, eyes scanning her reply.


    She said she was tired.


    He smirked and let out a quietugh.


    [Are you trying to back out of your promise?]


    Halsey quickly climbed into bed and pulled the covers over herself. He was using her of backing out.


    She thought for a second and sent another message. [Sure, I said I¡¯d thank you properly, but I never said when!]


    After she sent the message, Shaun didn¡¯t reply.


    Lying in bed, Halsey closed her eyes and tried to fall asleep. But she kept tossing and turning<b>, </b>wide awake.


    She checked her phone again¨Cstill no message from Shaun.


    It was quiet.


    But something felt missing.


    Unable to resist, she got out of bed and walked over to the window. Looking down<b>, </b>she saw Shaun¡¯s luxury car still parked right


    there.


    She checked the time. It was already 11:00 PM.


    Was he seriously nning to stay out there all night?


    Shaun stayed in the car, not wanting to leave. Even if he went back to the office now, he wouldn¡¯t be able to focus on work, His thoughts were full of Halsey.


    But she didn¡¯t want toe down.


    Leaning back in his seat, Shaun rested his tall frame against the leather cushion and smirked faintly.


    Just then<b>, </b>someone tapped on his window.


    Shaun looked up and saw a curvy silhouette outside. A woman dressed in a skimpy, revealing outfit had tapped on his car


    window.


    He lowered the window a bit and looked at her. ¡°Can I help you?¡±


    A shy car like his screamed status, and the woman had clearly noticed him a while ago. A luxury car and a hand. alone thiste¨Cit was a tempting sight.


    The woman leaned forward slightly and spoke with a sweet, flirty voice. ¡°Hi, there. You out here by yourself tonight?¡±


    Shaun didn¡¯t respond.


    e man, all


    She tugged on her spaghetti strap, letting it slide a little to reveal more of her chest. ¡°I¡¯m alone too. Want to hit a bar together and grab a drink?¡±


    Shaun was just about to speak when a soft<b>, </b>calm voice cut through the night.


    ¡°<b>He¡¯s </b>not by himself.¡±


    Shaun turned and saw Halsey¨Cshe hade downstairs.


    The woman shot Halsey a re full of attitude. ¡°Who are you? I¡¯m talking to this gentleman. It¡¯s kinda rude for you to butt in.¡±


    Halsey looked her over. ¡°Sorry, but I know this man.¡±


    ¡°So what? Just because you know him doesn¡¯t mean you can stick your nose into his business.¡±


    Halsey hadn¡¯t expected women these days to be so bold. This one was exactly the same type as Sienna.


    Halsey gave a little smirk. ¡°Oh, I should be more specific. I¡¯m his wife.¡±


    Wife?


    The woman froze. ¡°Seriously? You¡¯re his wife?¡±


    ¡°Of course I am! Now, do me a favor and stay away from my husband. If I see you near him again, I¡¯ll expose you for trying to be a homewrecker,¡± Halsey snapped.

 My Dad Please Come 856

    <b>The </b>woman huffed, clearly annoyed<b>, </b>and stomped away in her high heels.


    Halsey let out a snort.


    Shaun looked at her and gave a low chuckle, his lips curling into a sinirk.


    The sound of hisughter drew Halsey¡¯s attention. Her bright, almond¨Cshaped eyesnded on his face, not looking too pleased. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡±


    Shaun looked back at her. ¡°I thought you said you weren¡¯ting down.¡±


    Halsey lifted her chin slightly. ¡°If I hadn¡¯te down, would you have gone off with that woman instead?¡±


    Shaun raised an eyebrow. ¡°I didn¡¯t say that.¡±


    Halsey shot him a re. ¡°Jerk.¡±


    She muttered the insult and turned to leave.


    But Shaun opened the car door, grabbed her slender wrist, and pulled her hard. Halsey stumbled andnded right on hisp.


    The car was spacious, but with both of them squeezed into the driver¡¯s seat, it felt a little tight. The sudden closeness made her cheeks turn red.


    She red at him again. ¡°Let go of me!¡±


    Shaun shut the door and held her on hisp. ¡°Are you angry? I didn¡¯t do anything or say anything, but you called me a jerk, and now you wanna leave?¡±


    Halsey huffed. ¡°Sure, you didn¡¯t do anything yet. But if I hadn¡¯te down, you¡¯d have gone to the bar with that woman and maybe even booked a hotel room with her after! Are you feeling that lonely tonight?¡±


    Shaun reached out and gently pinched her chin. ¡°I don¡¯t agree. I didn¡¯t even speak to that woman. But there¡¯s one thing you¡¯re right about¨CI am lonely. Want to keep mepany?¡±


    He actually admitted it.


    Halsey shot back, ¡°You¡¯re shameless!¡±


    Shaunughed. ¡°If being shameless gets me you, then sure. I¡¯m shameless.¡±


    Then he leaned in and kissed her.


    Halsey pressed her small hands against his broad shoulders. ¡°What are you doing? Let me go!¡±


    When she refused to let him kiss her lips, Shaun kissed her cheeks, then her hair. His voice turned husky. ¡°Why do you smell so damn good?¡±


    How could she not?


    She had just soaked in a rose petal bath and rubbed on essential oils from head to toe. At twenty¨Csomething, she was in her prime¨Ca pampered, delicate beauty, soft and fragrant like a freshly bloomed rose.


    Halsey pushed against him. ¡°Stop!¡±


    Shaun looked at her. ¡°You really want me to?¡±


    His gaze was intense¨Chot like moltenva, burning through her defenses.


    Halsey opened her mouth to say no, but the words caught in her throat. ¡°I-¡±


    Before she could finish, Shaun kissed her again.


    He kissed her hard, pressing against her soft <b>lips</b>. Halsey tried to push him away, but her hands curled up on his suit jacket.


    She shut her eyes and kissed him back.


    His lips were cool and firm, and she loved the way they felt. She really did enjoy kissing him.


    Neither knew who gave in first. Halsey wrapped her arms arounds neck, pulling him closer and softly responding to his kiss. Shaun felt his strong waist and core tighten, a rush of heat spreading through his body. He let out a low, muffled groan. Hearing that groan, Halsey quickly pulled away. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at him.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Did I hurt you?¡±


    Shaun took her soft little hand and guided it downward, his throat bobbing as he gulped. ¡°See for yourself. It hurts.¡±


    Halsey jerked her hand away in a sh before biting down hard on his Adam¡¯s apple.


    ¡°Ow,¡± he hissed.

 My Dad Please Come 857

    <b>Chapter </b>857


    Shaun winced in pain. The throat was a man¡¯s most sensitive spot, and her bite had hit it dead¨Con. He honestly felt like he might just lose it, right then and there.


    Halsey let


    go


    and looked at him. ¡°Did that hurt?¡±


    Aneat row of small bite marks was already visible on his neck¨Cher doing.


    Shaun¡¯s voice was hoarse. ¡°Yeah. It did.¡±


    ¡°Good. Then remember how that felt. Next time you try talking to some random woman again, I¡¯ll-¡±


    Shaun suddenly smiled. ¡°I s


    ¡°What are you talking about


    ¡°You¡¯re jealous.¡±


    He said she was jealous.


    what¡¯s going on.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s heart skipped, and she rushed to deny it. <b>¡°</b>I¡¯m not¡­¡±


    ¡°You totally are. Don¡¯t even try to deny it.¡±


    She had noeback. All st


    could do was re at him with her big, watery eyes.


    That look made Shaun¡¯s heart itch. He leaned down and kissed her.


    Their lips locked in a deep, breath¨Cstealing kiss. Halsey was wearing a champagne¨Ccolored satin nightdress, ready for bed before all this. She had thrown on a pale yellow cardigan when she came down.


    Now, the cardigan slid off her smooth shoulders as Shaun¡¯s kisses trailed down her neck.


    Halsey felt like she was melting. Barely clinging to what was left of her sanity, she whispered, ¡°We¡¯re still in the car¡­<b>¡± </b>


    Shaun¡¯s voice was low and raspy. ¡°Wannae back to my ce?


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait anymore. Let¡¯s just do it here. We¡¯ve never tried it in the car, have we?¡±


    Halsey¡¯s cheeks flushed red. No, they hadn¡¯t.


    But then something popped into her mind. ¡°We don¡¯t have that thing here.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    She mumbled, ¡°A condom¡­¡±


    Shaun kissed her again, his breath hot. ¡± not use one.¡±


    ¡°What if I get pregnant?¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll have the baby.¡±


    ¡°No way!¡± Halsey pushed him away firmly. ¡°We can¡¯t.¡±


    Shaun held her chin between his fingers. ¡°You don¡¯t want to have my baby?¡±


    How could she?


    Having a baby wasn¡¯t like getting a puppy. You couldn¡¯t just have one on a whim. A child needed a father and mother, a full family¨Cit shouldn¡¯t be something born out of <b>a </b>moment of passion.


    +25 <b>BONUS </b>


    With how things were between them right now, there was no way she could have a child.


    Halsey shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡±


    A flicker of disappointment passed through Shaun¡¯s eyes. He lowered his head and left a hickey on her neck.


    Halsey pushed at him. ¡°Go buy some condoms. Otherwise, you¡¯re not touching me tonight!¡±


    She was adamant about it.


    Shaun wasn¡¯t happy, but he respected her decision. ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s go now. Happy?¡±


    They headed to the supermarket together. Halsey looked around. Where¡¯s the family nning section?¡±


    Shaun pointed ahead. ¡°Right there. You go. I¡¯ll wait.¡±


    He was making her go.


    Halsey had never bought condoms before. She found it embarrassing.


    Shaun enjoyed seeing that flustered, bashful look on her face and loved teasing her. <b>¡°</b>Didn¡¯t you insist we use them? Go <i>on</i>, then. I¡¯m waiting.¡±


    Halsey sighed. ¡°Fine.¡±


    She walked over to the section like she was sneaking around. All she wanted was to grab the box and leave.


    But once she got there, she was stunned by how many different kinds there were-


    nk.


    A store assistant came up beside her. ¡°Hi, looking for condoms?¡±


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Do you know what kind you want? I can help you choose.¡±


    <b>-so </b>many <b>types</b><b>, </b>so many sizes. Her mind went

 My Dad Please Come 858

    Chapter <b>858 </b>


    Halsey wished the ground would just open up and swallow her whole. Why did the family nning section even need a sales assistant?


    And to make things worse, she had no idea what kind she was supposed to get.


    ¡°Uh¡­ Just something simple,¡± Halsey mumbled.


    The assistant picked up a box. ¡°Then how about the basic type?¡±


    Halsey reached out. ¡°Sure.¡±


    But instead of handing it over, the assistant kept going, ¡°What size does your partner use? We have small, medium,rge, and extrarge.¡±


    Halsey froze.


    Seriously? Did she have to ask something so embarrassing? ¡°I¨CI don¡¯t know¡­¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s your partner?¡±


    Halsey turned and pointed. ¡°Over there.¡±


    The assistant followed her gaze, and her eyes lit up. ¡°Wow. He¡¯s hot.¡±


    Shaun was standing under the bright store lights, dressed in a sleek ck suit. He looked tall and sharp, flipping through a book with a calm expression. His long legs and lean frame could¡¯ve easilynded him on the cover of a fashion magazine.


    Halsey nced at him, too.


    Yeah, he was hot. There was no denying it.


    Back when he was just a broke nobody named Dwight, girls from wealthy families still chased after him like crazy.


    He looked amazing in a suit¨Cclean, refined, and irresistible.


    The assistant giggled. ¡°I think he¡¯s probably an extrarge.¡±


    Halsey was speechless. She couldn¡¯t even tell. How could this woman know just by looking?


    The assistant handed her a small box. ¡°Is one enough?¡±


    Halsey bit her lower lip. ¡°Better grab a few more.¡±


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s make it three boxes.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Halsey took the three boxes and rushed back to Shaun¡¯s side. ¡°Got them.¡±


    Shaun looked down at her and gently pinched her cheek. ¡°Why¡¯s your face so red?¡±


    Halsey caught her reflection in one of the mirrors and nearly jumped. Her face was bright red, like a ripe tomato.


    ¡°Must be the heat,¡± she muttered. ¡°Let¡¯s go check out.¡±


    Shaunughed. ¡°What¡¯s the hurry?¡±


    Halsey couldn¡¯t believe he would ask that.


    She wanted to w that smirk off his face. He just loved teasing her!


    At the checkout, she quickly ced the three boxes on the counter ¡®We¡¯re ready.¡±


    Unlike Halsey¡¯s flustered state, Shaun was perfectly rxed. He slipped an arm around her waist and leaned down to whisper with a grin, ¡°Three boxes, huh?¡±


    Halsey immediately regretted it. She felt like she must¡¯ve had a stroke when she made that decisioni.


    Why three boxes? Why?


    Shaun chuckled. ¡°Let¡¯s try and use them all tonight.¡±


    She shot him a death re. How she wished she could just silence him right there and then!


    The cashier said, ¡°That¡¯ll be 20 bucks<b>.</b>¡±


    Shaun nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    After he paid, Shaun grabbed the bag in one hand and gently took Halsey¡¯s hand in the other as they left the store and walked back to the car.


    Halsey reached for the passenger door, but Shaun had already opened the back. ¡°Get in the back seat.¡±


    He wanted her in the back?


    With her head down, Halsey obediently climbed in.


    Shaun closed the door behind her, then returned to the driver¡¯s seat and pulled away from the store.


    Halsey didn¡¯t know where he was going, but it seemed like they were heading somewhere more and more remote. Finally, the car rolled to a stop. Shaun got out and walked around to the back seat.


    She could hear the pounding of her heartbeat, loud and fast.


    Even after three years, Shaun still made her heart race like crazy.

 My Dad Please Come 859

    A Shaun climbed into the back seat. Halsey opened her mouth to say something, but before she could, Shaun


    cupped her face in his hands and kissed her.


    She let out a soft sound and melted against him. Shaun wrapped his arms around her waist, lifted her onto hisp, and deepened the kiss.


    ¡°Where are we?¡± Halsey asked, breathless.


    Sensing her hesitation, Shaun said gently, ¡°The parking garage under mypany. Don¡¯t worry. Nobody everes here.¡±


    Halsey finally rxed. She wrapped her arms around his neck and reached up to touch his mask.


    Shaun tilted his head away. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°I want to take your mask off. Doesn¡¯t it get ufortable wearing it all the time?¡±


    Shaun said, ¡°What if you lose interest once you see my face?¡±


    Halsey raised an eyebrow. ¡°Only one way to find out.¡±


    She reached up and pulled the mask away, revealing his face underneath.


    Shaun muttered, ¡°Maybe I should put it back on.¡±


    ¡°Are you serious? You¡¯re doing all this with me and still hiding behind a mask? I want to see your face.¡±


    Halsey cupped his cheeks and kissed him.


    Shaun could feel her soft lips brushing gently over his skin, lingering near the scars on his face. His whole body tensed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t kiss my face.¡±


    Even he couldn¡¯t stand looking at it sometimes.


    But Halsey said, ¡°No. I want to kiss your face.¡±


    She clung to him tightly and kept kissing him, again and again.


    Shaun¡¯s eyes grew red at the corners. Her kisses were filled with tenderness and care, melting right through


    him.


    ¡°I want you. Right now!¡±


    Halsey didn¡¯t know how long had passed, but she felt like her whole body had fallen apart. She was covered in a light sheen of sweat, hair sticking to her cheeks and neck, flushed and breathless.


    Shaun pulled her into his arms. ¡°Tired?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°So tired¡­ I can¡¯t move.¡±


    Shaun gave her nose a loving kiss. ¡°I don¡¯t think you were the one doing the heavy lifting.¡±


    Halsey waspletely worn out, but Shaun looked like he still had energy to spare. His shirt was loose and wrinkled, but somehow, that just made him look even more dangerously attractive.


    She gave him a weak punch. ¡°You¡¯re the worst¡­¡±


    Shaun bent down and kissed her again.


    She could feel him getting worked up all over again. ¡°Give it a break, will you? How do you have this much stamina?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been celibate for three years. I¡¯m just making up for lost time!¡±


    Three years?


    Halsey looked up at him. ¡°What about the woman you were married to before<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Shaun answered calmly, ¡°I never actually married her.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Halsey¡¯sshes fluttered in shock. ¡°That can¡¯t <b>be</b>! I saw you get married.¡±


    Shaun began to exin the truth.


    ¡°My father was an undercover cop who got killed by a major drug lord. I got close to that woman because I needed to get close to that man and get revenge.


    ¡°Three years ago, being with her was the only way. I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t tell you any of this. I didn¡¯t want you getting caught up in it. That day, I saw you standing outside the wedding venue. But the drug lord was already there, so I had no choice but to go through with it.


    ¡°Right after you left, he showed up. I worked with the police, and we caught him. I finally got justice for my dad.¡±


    It was the first time Halsey had heard all this.


    So that painful breakup had a reason. The marriage was a lie, all for revenge.


    He had left her to protect her from danger.

 My Dad Please Come 860

    Halsey¡¯s pale eyes were tinged red. ¡°You could¡¯ve just told me.¡±


    Shaun looked at her beautiful face.


    ¡°Back then, you were a rich, elegant heiress, while I was just a broke nobody. I didn¡¯t deserve you. I couldn¡¯t drag you into something dangerous because of my problems.¡±


    Halsey buried her face against his neck. ¡°You¡¯re such an idiot.¡±


    Shaun held her tightly. ¡°It¡¯s all in the past now.¡±


    Halsey looked up at him. ¡°Then what happened to your face? And if that marriage was fake¡­ Why didn¡¯t youe find me thesest three years?¡±


    At the mention of his face, Shaun¡¯s eyes turned cold. ¡°You really don¡¯t know what happened to me?¡±


    Halsey froze. ¡°What do you mean? I don¡¯t understand.¡±


    Shaun pressed his lips together but didn¡¯t answer.


    Halsey grew anxious. ¡°Why won¡¯t you say anything? What happened to your face? What-¡±


    Just then, a soft ringtone broke through the air. Her phone started ringing. She nced down and saw the name on the screen¨CGilbert.


    Gilbert was calling her.


    Shaun saw it too. ¡°Gilbert¡¯s calling you.¡±


    Halsey picked up and answered. Gilbert¡¯s voice came through immediately.


    ¡°Where are you right now? I want to see you!¡± he demanded.


    Halsey frowned. ¡°Why are you calling me thiste at night¨Cmmph!¡±


    Shaun leaned in and kissed her before she could finish, silencing her.


    Halsey¡¯s eyes widened in shock. The next second, everything spun as Shaun lowered her onto the seat and leaned over her.


    She reached out to push him away. ¡°Stop¡­ I¡¯m on the phone with Gilbert¡­¡±


    Shaun just smirked. ¡°Then go ahead. Keep talking.¡±


    And he started kissing her again.


    The way he kissed made it impossible for her to say anything, and this time, he wasn¡¯t being gentle. It actually hurt.


    ¡°Take it easy¡­ You¡¯re hurting me¡­¡±


    Shaun moved to her ear and murmured, ¡°Does it hurt<i>? </i>Good. I want to leave my mark on you. I want you to belong to me.¡±


    Halsey felt a rush of sweetness in her chest. She already was his, always had been.


    On the other end of the line, Gilbert seemed to sense something was off. ¡°Halsey? Why aren¡¯t you saying anything? Are you listening? Who are you with right now?¡±


    Halsey, already fed up, snapped, ¡°Do I need to report who I¡¯m with to you?¡±


    Gilbert snarled, ¡°You are with Shaun, aren¡¯t you? What are you two doing right now? Are you sleeping together?¡±


    ¡°I-¡°Halsey started.


    But before she could finish, Shaun grabbed the phone from her hand. Holding it up, he said in a low voice,¡± Gilbert. It¡¯s me.¡±


    Gilbert stiffened. ¡°Shaun? So you are with Halsey!¡±


    Shaun¡¯s voice was calm. ¡°Why are you calling her? She¡¯s with me right now. Whatever you need can wait until tomorrow.¡±


    Then he hung up without another word and tossed the phone aside. Turning to Halsey, he started kissing her again. ¡°Are you two over?¡±


    Halsey blinked.


    Over?


    There had never been anything between them. What was he talking about?


    Shaun looked into her eyes, possessive and firm. ¡°We already slept together. You¡¯re not nning to just walk away from me, are you?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Halsey asked.


    Shaun chuckled, lips curving into azy smile. ¡°You slept with me, so don¡¯t even think about getting rid of me. Will you be my girlfriend?¡±

 My Dad Please Come 861

    Chapter <b>861 </b>


    Shaun asked Halsey to be his girlfriend.


    She was single, and he wasn¡¯t married either. Honestly, it made perfect sense for them <b>to </b>be together now.


    But there had still been that three¨Cyear gap between them.


    Halsey, blushing slightly, said softly, ¡°I¡¯ll have to think about it.¡±


    Shaun raised an eyebro girlfriend now.¡±


    Then, he kissed her.


    ¡°I¡¯m not giving you the option to think. I¡¯ve already decided¨Cyou¡¯re my


    Halsey felt a warm and sweet sensation in her heart. He was so overbearing, but in the best way.


    Shaun carried Halsey into the CEO¡¯s office and helped her take a shower. Then, being extra gentle, heid her down on the bed.


    She waspletely exhausted and fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.


    Shaun showered quickly, then got into bed beside her. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. After three years and six days, she was finally back in his arms.


    He kissed her forehead deeply and whispered, ¡°Goodnight.¡±


    When Halsey woke up, it was to the warm feeling of Shaun¡¯s arms around her. He was still asleep.


    As soon as she moved a little, Shaun opened his eyes. He pulled her in tighter, his voice still low and a little hoarse from sleep. ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡±


    Halsey shifted slightly. Her body was sore and tired all over. She lightly tapped him with her fist. ¡°I¡¯m so sore.¡±


    Shaun smiledzily. ¡°You need to work on your stamina.¡±


    Halsey rolled her eyes silently.


    Just then, there was a knock at the door. Martin¡¯s voice came from outside. ¡°Mr. Lane?¡±


    Halsey looked around and realized she was in his office lounge. She had no memory of how she got from the car to herest night.


    She whispered, ¡°Someone¡¯s knocking.¡±


    ¡°1


    Shaun kept his arms around her and called out, ¡°What is it?¡±


    Martin replied, ¡°Mr. Lane, should we postpone the 9:00 AM executive meeting? The senior staff are all waiting.¡±


    Halsey nced at the clock. It was already 8:50 AM.


    They had actually slept in until nearly 9:00 AM, right there in his office lounge!


    Outside were his assistants, his employees¡­ How was she supposed to walk out <b>of </b>this building?


    Halsey was speechless.


    Shaun said calmly, ¡°Push it back by half an hour.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    Martin left.


    Halsey quickly sat up. ¡°I need to get up. You should, too. You have a meeting.¡±


    Shaun sat up as well and slid up behind her. ¡°Are you rushing me off to my meeting because you¡¯re worried I won¡¯t be able to provide for you? Don¡¯t worry. I can afford as many of you as I want.¡±


    So this was what the new king of business sounded like straight¨Cup bold.


    Halsey turned to look at him. ¡°Who said I need you to provide for me?¡±


    Shaun grinned. ¡°Don¡¯t you want me to? Didn¡¯t you hear what I saidst night? We¡¯re together now!¡±


    He took her small hand and kissed it.


    Halsey quickly pulled her hand back. ¡°If you want to be my boyfriend, then you¡¯d better act like it.¡±


    Shaunughed. ¡°Of course! If you tell me to go east, I wouldn¡¯t dare go west. From now on, I¡¯ll do whatever you say!¡±


    Halsey smirked. ¡°That¡¯s more like it!¡±


    Shaun stood up too. ¡°I¡¯m off to my meeting. Stay here in my office. Someone will bring you breakfast soon. Let¡¯s have dinner together tonight.¡±


    He was already managing her whole day. Was this what being in a rtionship felt like?


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Shaun kissed her, then left the room.


    When he stepped into the office, Martin was already waiting.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. The meeting¡¯s ready to start.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 862

    Martin nced at Shaun and pointed to his neck. ¡°Mr. Lane, do you want to cover up that hickey?¡±


    Shaun looked in the mirror and saw the mark Halsey had left on his neckst night. He raised an eyebrow, clearly in a good mood.


    ¡°No need. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Shaun headed out with Martin. As they passed by, the employees greeted him respectfully.


    ¡°Good morning, Mr. Lane.¡±


    Shaun walked steadily toward the conference room. As soon as he passed, everyone started whispering.


    ¡°Did you guys see that hickey on Mr. Lane¡¯s neck? Someone actually gave him a hickey!¡±


    ¡°The meeting that was supposed to start at 9:00 AM got dyed. All the execs were waiting for him. Word is, he¡¯s hiding someone in his office. They just woke up together.¡±


    ¡°Wanna bet what happened in therest night?¡±


    ¡°Pfft, I think everyone knows exactly what happened.¡±


    The gossip spread like wildfire.


    Meanwhile, Halsey had just gotten up and stepped into the office. Martin had already arranged breakfast for her.


    ¡°Good morning, Ms. Mallin. Mr. Lane asked us to prepare this for you. Please enjoy,¡± Martin said politely.


    Halsey sat down. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Martin left, and Halsey immediately noticed employees peeking in through the ss, trying to catch a glimpse of her. Everyone was curious to see who the future Mrs. Lane might be.


    Halsey¡¯s cheeks turned red. She had no idea why Shaun brought her here to hispany.


    Now, the whole ce knew. It felt a little too public.


    She sat down and began eating breakfast, but just then, her phone rang. The soft chime of the ringtone echoed in the room.


    It was Gilbert again.


    Halsey picked up and answered, ¡°Gilbert, this is thest time I¡¯m picking up. After this, I¡¯m blocking you. You¡¯re seriously messing with my life.¡±


    Gilbert¡¯s voice was cold. ¡°You spent the whole night with Shaun, didn¡¯t you? You two slept together. You¡¯re disgusting!¡±


    Halsey gave a coldugh. ¡°Sleeping with Shaun makes me disgusting? Fine. Then let me be clear¨CI love him. I want to be with him. Is that what you wanted to hear?¡±


    Gilbert clenched his fists. ¡°You little¡­¡±


    Suddenly, his tone shifted. ¡°I want to see you.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not meeting you. I still haven¡¯t forgotten what you did to my family.¡±


    ¡°You really don¡¯t want to see me? Don¡¯t you want to know what happened to Shaun¡¯s face?¡±


    Halsey¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She had asked Shaun a few times about his face, but he had always avoided


    answering.


    Something about it didn¡¯t feel right.


    ¡°You know what happened to Shaun¡¯s face?¡± she asked,


    ¡°I do.¡±


    ¡°Then tell me!¡±


    ¡°I will. Let¡¯s talk face to face.¡±


    Gilbert wanted to meet in person to tell her.


    Halsey paused, then said, ¡°Send me the address. I¡¯ming now.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Shaun had just finished a one¨Chour meeting. As soon as it ended, he returned to his office and pushed open the door.


    ¡°Halsey-¡±


    He stopped short.


    The room was empty. Halsey was gone.


    Where had she gone?


    Shaun turned to Martin. ¡°Where did Halsey go?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Martin replied. ¡°I saw her take a call, and then she left.¡±


    X

 My Dad Please Come 863

    Halsey left after one phone call?


    Shaun frowned, his brow furrowed tightly. ¡°Do you know who called her?¡±


    Martin shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Got it. You can go.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Martin left the room.


    Shaun, tall and lean, stood in front of the floor¨Cto¨Cceiling windows. He fugged at his tie slightly. Halsey had promised to wait for him in his office, and they were supposed to have dinner together tonight. She agreed. And yet, she left.


    They had just gotten back togetherst night. Shaun didn¡¯t want to be apart from her again¨Cnot ever.


    He pulled out his phone, opened their chat, and started typing.


    Where did you go?]


    Before he could hit send, his phone rang.


    He answered, ¡°Hello, who¡¯s this?¡±


    A familiar voice came through. ¡°Mr. Lane, it¡¯s me.¡±


    It was Gilbert.


    Shaun¡¯s face didn¡¯t change. ¡°Gilbert. Why are you calling me?¡±


    Gilbert chuckled. ¡°Are you looking for Halsey right now?¡±


    Shaun¡¯s eyes darkened. ¡°Is she with you?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, she is. We¡¯re having lunch together.¡±


    Halsey went to lunch with Gilbert.


    Shaun let out a coldugh. ¡°I don¡¯t believe you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not lying. If you don¡¯t believe me, you¡¯re wee <b>to </be see for yourself.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s lips tightened into a cold, hard line. He didn¡¯t respond.


    Gilbert kept going, ¡°I know you and Halsey were togetherst night, but so what? You w


    one for three years. And during that time, she was with me. Sure, we¡¯re not getting along now, but that doesn¡¯t erase our past.¡±


    He added with a mocking tone, ¡°She¡¯s pretty wild in bed, isn¡¯t she? I bet you loved that, huh?¡±


    Shaun¡¯s whole body went ice cold. His voice turned sharp. ¡°What the hell are you trying to say?¡±


    ¡°Oh,e on! Don¡¯t y dumb. She was always fiery in bed with me. And when she moans, she sounds just


    like a little kitten, soft and sweet¡­¡±


    ¡°You shut your damn mouth!¡± Shaun¡¯s fist clenched tight, and his face darkened with rage.


    Gilbert justughed louder. ¡°Oh, did I hit a nerve? Don¡¯t get too worked up. I¡¯ve still got lunch to enjoy with Halsey, so I¡¯ll let you go.¡±


    Then Gilbert hung up.


    Shaun stood there gripping his phone, his chest rising and falling fast. He was furious.


    ¡°Martin!¡±


    Martin rushed in the second he heard his name. ¡°Mr. Lane, what happened?¡±


    He had worked with Shaun for three years, and this was the first time he had ever seen Shaun look this


    angry.


    ¡°Find them! I want to know exactly where Halsey and Gilbert are. Do it right now!¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll get right on it.¡±


    Martin quickly went to investigate.


    Shaun yanked open the top buttons of his shirt. He felt like he couldn¡¯t breathe. He had to see Halsey right


    now.


    He had to!


    Before long, Martin came back. ¡°I found them. I just sent the address to your phone.¡±


    Shaun grabbed his car keys and stormed out.


    At that moment, Halsey was sitting across from Gilbert in a romantic restaurant. They had a window¨Cside table with a clear view of the street.


    She looked him in the eye. ¡°So, what really happened to Shaun¡¯s face?¡±


    Gilbert gave her a sly smile. ¡°Rx. Let¡¯s eat first.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 864

    Gilbert picked up a piece of steak and calmly began cutting it into bite¨Csized pieces.


    ¡°We can talk afterward.¡±


    Halsey let out a coldugh. ¡°What exactly do you want from me? With your status now, you could have any woman you want. Why won¡¯t you stop bothering me? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re actually in love with me.¡±


    Gilbert paused mid¨Ccut and looked up at her. ¡°What if I told you I really am?¡±


    Halsey¡¯s tone sharpened. ¡°Do you even know what love is? You said you loved me, but you betrayed me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m done with Sienna,¡± Gilbert replied. ¡°Can¡¯t you let that go?¡±


    ¡°Once a cheater, always a cheater! You don¡¯t love me. You¡¯re just jealous that I¡¯m with Shaun. Let¡¯s be real¡ª guys like you can¡¯t stand being rejected. You can¡¯t ept that a woman doesn¡¯t want you. That possessiveness, that need to win¨Cit¡¯s not love. It¡¯s just your ego acting up!¡±


    Gilbert shot back, ¡°No! I really do love you!¡±


    ¡°Enough! Even if you did, do you even know what love is? Your idea of love is that if you can¡¯t have something, you destroy it. Your version of love is terrifying. I want nothing to do with it!¡±


    Gilbert¡¯s face turned red with anger. He stared at her.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. With my current power and status, I can get any woman I want. So why do you keep provoking me? I cheated, yeah¨Cbut don¡¯t act like you¡¯re clean. You slept with Shaun. You even gave him your first time!¡±


    Halsey cut him off. ¡°Shaun and I are in love. And even if we are together, what does it have to do with you? You and I never even truly started¨Cwe were over before anything began!¡±


    Gilbert narrowed his eyes at her. ¡°So you really want to piss me off?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to, but I also don¡¯t want to be here having lunch with you. Just tell me what happened to Shaun already.¡®¡±


    11


    ¡°Shaun, Shaun! Ever since you got here, all you¡¯ve talked about is Shaun! Do you love him that much?¡±


    Halsey nodded without hesitation. ¡°Yes. I love him.¡±


    Gilbert went silent.


    He was holding back his anger, but then he looked out the restaurant¡¯s floor¨Cto¨Cceiling window, and there was Shaun, pulling up in his luxury car.


    Gilbert¡¯s mood changed instantly. A smug smile tugged at his lips. ¡°You want to know about Shaun? Fine. I¡¯ll tell you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m listening.¡±


    Gilbert slowly cut a small piece of steak and raised it toward Halsey¡¯s lips. ¡°Open up.¡±


    Halsey frowned. ¡°What are you trying to do?¡±


    Gilbert smiled warmly. ¡°Open your mouth. If you eat this bite <b>of </b>steak I¡¯m offering you, I¡¯ll tell you everything.¡±


    Halsey froze.


    At that moment, Shaun arrived outside the restaurant. He parked quickly and walked in.


    A friendly waiter came up to him. ¡°Good afternoon, sir. Are you dining in? How many in your party?¡± Shaun didn¡¯t respond. He was already scanning the restaurant.


    His sharp, cold eyes swept across the space until theynded on two people sitting by the window.


    He saw Halsey and Gilbert.


    Gilbert was holding a piece of steak up to her mouth. Halsey hadn¡¯t taken a bite yet, but from the outside, it looked like something out of a romantic date¨Clike a couple feeding each other<b>, </bpletely lost in each other¡¯s world.


    <b>X </b>

 My Dad Please Come 865

    Shaun¡¯s hands clenched tightly into fists at his sides. Without a word, he stormed over to the table where Halsey and Gilbert were sitting.


    ¡°She¡¯s not eating that!¡± <b>he </b>said sharply.


    Hearing his voice, Halsey looked up in surprise. ¡°Shaun? What are you doing here?¡±


    Shaun reached out and grabbed her slender arm, pulling her up from her seat. ¡°You¡¯reing with me.¡±


    He was taking her away.


    Gilbert spoke up, ¡°Are you seriously just going to take her like that? She¡¯s having lunch with me today!¡±


    Shaun shot him a cold look. ¡°She¡¯s my girlfriend now. I¡¯m warning you¨Cif you try meeting her behind my back again<b>, </b>I¡¯ll make you regret it!¡±


    With that, Shaun took Halsey and walked off.


    Gilbert dropped his knife and fork on the table with a loud tter. He had purposely tried to provoke Shaun over the phone, yet Shaun still came to get Halsey.


    Clearly, his n to drive a wedge between them didn¡¯t work.


    Damn it.


    Just then, someone walked over. ¡°Hi, Mr. Greenwood.¡±


    Gilbert turned his head and saw Chelsea.


    He knew who she was. He had already had someone look into the woman who¡¯d been showing up around Shaun. Word was<b>, </b>she was a doctor.


    Gilbert narrowed his eyes. ¡°You know me? I don¡¯t recall


    Chelsea smiled. ¡°They say the enemy of my enemy is


    ¡°Shaun dumped you?¡±


    ¡°And you got dumped by Ms. Halsey too, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    us ever meeting.¡±


    my


    friend. So now, we¡¯ve officially met.¡±


    Gilbert¡¯s face darkened. ¡°You want to team up with me?¡±


    Chelsea nodded. ¡°That¡¯s right. You want to be with


    what we want.¡±


    <i>Ms. </i>Halsey, and I¡¯m in love with Shaun. If we work together, we both get


    Gilbert studied her for a moment. Chelsea clearly had some tricks up her sleeve¨Cafter all<b>, </b>she had managed to follow him here.


    Finally<b>, </b>he nodded. ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s work together.¡±


    Chelsea had no ns to give up on Shaun. She had been in love with him for years¨Cthere was no way she would just let Halsey swoop in and ruin everything she had worked for.


    Now that Warren had cut her off, her only real option was <b>to </b>team up with Gilbert. He was a strong ally.


    <b>Chelsea </b>smiled coolly. <b>¡°</b><b>I </b>look forward to working with you.¡±


    Shaun pushed Halsey into his luxury <b>car</b><b>, </b>buckled her in<b>, </b>then hit the <b>gas </b>and drove toward thepany.


    Halsey turned to look at him<b>. </b><b>He </b>hadn¡¯t said a <b>word </b>the whole way <b>With </b><b>the </b>mask <b>on</b><b>, </b><b>she </b><b>couldn¡¯t </b>see <b>his </b><b>face</b><b>, but </b>the <b>sharp </b><b>lines </b><b>of </b><b>his </b>jaw and tense posture made <b>it </b><b>obvious </b>that he was mad


    Halsey asked carefully, ¡°Are you angry?¡±


    Both of Shaun¡¯s hands gripped the steering wheel. ¡°Angry? No. <b>I¡¯m </b>in a fantastic mood right now.¡±


    Halsey blinked, unsure of what to say.


    Shaun added, ¡°Can¡¯t you tell that I¡¯m mad? Don¡¯t y dumb with me.¡±


    Halsey flinched slightly. ¡°Why are you mad? Is it because I met up with Gilbert-


    Shaun cut her off. ¡°Halsey, what are we now?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m your girlfriend.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. You¡¯re my girlfriend. So why are you sneaking off to see Gilbert? And letting him feed you like that? What¡¯s going on? Am I just your backup n?¡±


    Halsey quickly exined, ¡°Listen, I can exin!¡±


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯m listening. Go ahead and exin yourself.¡±


    ¡°I was in your office when Gilbert called me. He said he needed to talk in


    person¡­¡±


    ¡±

 My Dad Please Come 866

    ¡°What did he want to talk to you about?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I wanted to ask about your face. Gilbert said he knew what happened. He told me if I met with him, he¡¯d tell me.¡±


    Shaun paused and looked at Halsey. ¡°So you went to see him just to ask about my face?¡±


    ¡°Of course! What else did you think? That guy¡¯s a total creep! He suddenly cut a piece of steak and tried to feed it to me, saying he¡¯d only tell me if I ate it. I didn¡¯t, obviously!¡°.


    Seeing how much she disliked Gilbert made Shaun feel better. So that was what it was.


    But still¡­


    Shaun looked at her closely. ¡°You really don¡¯t know what happened to my face?¡°.


    Halsey shook her head. ¡°No. Why do you keep asking like I¡¯m supposed to know? Am I supposed to?¡±


    Shaun went quiet for a few seconds. It seemed like Halsey wasn¡¯t involved back then after all. Which meant Gilbert must¡¯ve been the one behind it.


    ¡°Can you tell me what actually happened to your face?¡±


    ¡°Three years ago, I got badly hurt when working with the police to catch the major drug lord. Even with the injuries, I tried to find you. But someone grabbed me, shoved me into a car, and threw acid on me<i>. </i>My face was destroyed. Then they drove the car off a cliff, with me still inside,¡± Shaun said. 1


    ¡°What?!¡±


    Halsey gasped, her eyes wide with shock.


    All that happened three years ago?


    He was attacked with acid, and then he fell off a cliff?


    She shook her head, stunned. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry! I didn¡¯t know any of that happened to you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Shaun said. ¡°It¡¯s all in the past now.¡±


    Halsey reached over and wrapped her arms around him. <b>¡°</b>I¡¯m sorry <i>y </i>


    You must¡¯ve hurt so bad back then.¡±


    She leaned in close, heart aching for him.


    must¡¯ve been in so much pain. And i still med you¡­


    Shaun felt like all the pain from those three years was melting away in her embrace.


    Halsey gently touched his face. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve already contacted Wendy. I believe she can help fix your face.¡±


    They had just pulled up outside thepany building. Shaun parked the car and looked at her.


    ¡°As long as youpletely cut ties with Gilbert, I¡¯ll let go of everything that happened before. Okay?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t really talk to Gilbert anymore, anyway,¡± Halsey said.


    Really? But she had spent the past three years with him.


    Just thinking about that filled Shaun with jealousy. He didn¡¯t want to share her with anyone. He wanted her to be his and <b>his </b>alone.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t like Gilbert. So don¡¯t answer his calls. Don¡¯t meet with him in private. Can you do that?¡± he said.


    <b>¡°</b>I..


    <b>+2 </b><b></b>


    Shaun ced his hands on her shoulders, <b>his </b><b>tone </b>serious. ¡°I¡¯m not trying to control you. I just don¡¯t like you being around him. And I won¡¯t meet any other women in private, either. We belong to each other. I mean it. Can you be just <b>as </b>serious about us, too?


    11


    Halsey¡¯sshes fluttered, and then she smiled, lips curving softly. She leaned in and kissed him.


    Shaun froze.


    When he looked down<b>, </b>all he saw were her sparkling eyes. She grinned and said, ¡°Listen to me. I¡¯m very serious about you, too.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s heartpletely melted. ¡°Okay. I hope you¡¯ll be good to me.¡±


    Then, he leaned down and kissed her.


    C

 My Dad Please Come 867

    hapter <b>867 </b>


    Looking at Halsey¡¯s sweet smile and those bright<b>, </b>shining eyes, Shaun felt that he would dly believe her even if she was lying to him.


    He leaned in and kissed her.


    Halsey wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him back with just as much warmth.


    By the time the kiss ended, her small, heart¨Cshaped face was flushed red. She looked up at him and said, ¡°<b>I </b>need to get back to my studio. I¡¯ve got a batch of new designs to finish today.¡±


    Shaun knew she was now a well¨Cknown fashion designer. He gently stroked her cheek. ¡°I don¡¯t want to drop you off. Just work on them here, in my office.¡±


    He wanted to stay close to her.


    It really felt like they were back in the honeymoon phase, and honestly, she didn¡¯t mind how clingy he was being.


    She hesitated. ¡°But¡­¡±


    Shaun didn¡¯t give her the chance to say no. He stepped out of the car and walked around to the passenger side. Then, he opened the door and bent down to lift her straight into his arms.


    Carrying her bridal¨Cstyle, he walked straight into the building.


    Halsey¡¯sshes fluttered as she squirmed in surprise. ¡°What are you doing? This is yourpany. So many people will see us! Put me down!¡±


    Shaun just said, ¡°Not a chance.¡±


    Still holding her tightly, Shaun walked through the front doors. As expected, the moment they entered, everyone turned to stare


    ¡°Mr. Lane!¡± someone called out, standing up in shock.


    The employees all looked stunned¨Cand thrilled. They couldn¡¯t believe what they were seeing. Their CEO was carrying a woman into thepany like it was no big deal.


    ¡°Oh my god! Who is that girl?! Mr. Lane just carried her in! I could die!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not even trying to keep it low¨Ckey. He¡¯s totally showing her off to the whole world!¡±


    ¡°This is so cute. I ship them so hard!¡±


    Halsey felt like the center of attention. Embarrassed, she quickly hid her face in Shaun¡¯s chest and clung tightly to his neck.


    She seriously didn¡¯t want to show her face.


    ¡°Mr. Lane!¡±


    More and more people turned to look.


    ¡°Mrs. Lane!¡± someone shouted.


    Others started calling her that too¨CMrs. Lane.


    Halsey smiled shyly. The one thing that was hardest to resist in this world is feeling like you were someone¡¯s favorite. Her heart


    felt full.


    Shaun carried her into his <b>office</b><b>, </b>where Martin had already set up a table full of delicious food. Shaun gently sat Halsey down in a chair and handed her a set of utensils.


    ¡°Go ahead, eat.¡±


    Halsey looked surprised. ¡°You asked someone to prepare all this?¡±


    Shaun nodded. ¡°Yeah<b>, </b>but maybe you¡¯re not hungry? After all, you just had lunch with Gilbert.¡±


    Halsey muttered under her breath, ¡°This petty man¡­¡±


    She then said aloud, ¡°I swear I didn¡¯t eat a single bite with Gilbert!


    Shaun¡¯s lips curved into a smirk. ¡°Alright, I believe you.¡±


    He picked up a shrimp and held it up to her lips. ¡°Here¨Copen up.¡±


    Halsey blinked. ¡°Why are you feeding me? I can eat by myself.¡±


    Shaun replied, ¡°I want to feed you. Gilbert tried to feed you at that fancy restaurant, didn¡¯t he?¡±


    Halsey groaned internally. Seriously?


    Still, she opened her mouth and took the shrimp. ¡°Mmm. It¡¯s really good.¡±


    Shaun smiled again.


    Then Halsey picked up a shrimp and held it out to him. ¡°Here¨Cyour turn. Open up!¡±


    Shaun raised his eyebrows.


    Halsey added, ¡°I didn¡¯t feed Gilbert. I¡¯m only feeding you.¡±


    That line made Shaun feel ridiculously pleased. His sharp eyebrows lifted, and he opened his mouth to eat the shrimp.


    ¡°Gilbert¡¯s nothing,¡± Halsey said. ¡°He doesn¡¯t evene close to you. To me, you¡¯re the best.¡±


    Shaun looked at her with softened eyes. He knew she was just trying to cheer him up, and it worked. He loved it when she did that. He loved it when he was the only one in her eyes and heart.

 My Dad Please Come 868

    After lunch, Shaun had to head off to another meeting. He was always busy.


    ¡°You should go,¡± Halsey told him. ¡°I¡¯ll stay here and work on my designs.¡±


    Shaun looked at her and said, ¡°I¡¯d better note back and find you gone again. You¡¯re not nning to sneak off, are you?¡± Halsey leaned in and gave him a quick kiss. ¡°Rx. I¡¯m staying right here. I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡±


    ¡°Promise me. I want to see you still here when I get back.¡±


    ¡°Promise.¡±


    Only after hearing her say that did Shaun finally leave.


    Halsey sat down and focused on her work. Not long after, someone walked into the office. She looked up with a smile.


    ¡°Why are you back already-¡±


    Her words stopped mid¨Csentence. It wasn¡¯t Shaun. It was Warren.


    ¡°Hey, Warren,¡± Halsey said, surprised.


    Warren stepped inside. ¡°Hey. Who else were you expecting? Shaun?¡±


    Halsey could feel the tension in his tone. He didn¡¯t like her, and she knew that. ¡°Shaun¡¯s in a meeting. Are you here to see him?


    ¡°No. I¡¯m here to see you.¡±


    ¡°Me?¡±


    Warren crossed his arms. ¡°Word¡¯s already gotten around that Shaun carried you into the office today. I knew it. After three years, he still ended up falling back into your hands. I really don¡¯t get it. What kind of spell did you put on him to make him so into you?¡±


    Halsey frowned. ¡°I remember we used to be friends. What happened? Why are you acting like this now?¡±


    Warren gave a dryugh. ¡°Friends? That¡¯s funny. Someone like me, being friends with a rich girl like you? Come on. You and Gilbert are from the same world. Shaun¡¯s just your side piece, right?¡±


    ¡°How could you say that? I love Shaun. I¡ª¡±


    ¡°You love him?¡± Warren cut her off, voice rising. ¡°Then why did you betray him? Why did you sleep with Gilbert?!¡±


    His words hit her hard. Her longshes trembled. ¡°What are you even talking about? When did I ever betray Shaun? When have <b>l </b>ever slept with Gilbert?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re seriously going to deny it?¡± Warren said sharply. ¡°You only came back because Shaun suddenly turned into some big shot in the business world! Don¡¯t act like you¡¯re all innocent. You¡¯re the most calcting one here.¡±


    Faced with his usations, Halsey feltpletely lost. ¡°I-¡±


    Just then, a deep, low voice cut in<b>, </b>cool and full of displeasure.


    ¡°Warren, what are you doing here?¡±


    Halsey looked up.


    Shaun was back. He stood tall in the doorway, his cold eyes fixed on Warren with clear irritation.


    ¡°I was just talking to Ms. Halsey,¡± Warren said.


    Shaun walked in and stood beside Halsey. ¡°Are you done? Let the past stay in the past.¡±


    ¡°But she doesn¡¯t really care about you-¡±


    Smack!


    Shaun mmed the folder he was holding down hard on the desk.


    ¡°If you really see me as your friend, then don¡¯t ever say things like


    Warren was furious. ¡°So you¡¯re just going to protect her no matter


    11


    He kicked over a trash can and stormed out.


    ¡°But she doesn¡¯t really care about you-


    Smack!


    Shaun mmed the folder he was holding down hard on the desk. His eyes sharpened as he stared straight at Warren.


    ¡°If you really see me as your friend, then don¡¯t ever say things like that again.¡±


    Warren was furious. ¡°So you¡¯re just going to protect her no matter what? We can¡¯t even say one word about her now? Fine. Got it.


    He kicked over a trash can and stormed out.

 My Dad Please Come 869

    Halsey reached out and grabbed Shaun¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Shaun shook his head. ¡°I should be the one asking you that. Did Warren say anything out of line? I honestly didn¡¯t know he and Chelsea were giving you a hard time. But don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t let anyone mess with you again.¡±


    Halsey felt a warm rush in her chest. Shaun was so caring, so protective.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t say much,¡± she replied. ¡°I just don¡¯t want to see you two fall out over me. I know he¡¯s someone who¡¯s always looked out for you. You guys have been friends for years.¡±


    Shaun gave a small smile and reassured her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Warren and I won¡¯t fall out over this. <b>I </b>just wanted him to understand that you¡¯re mine, and no one gets to cross that line.¡±


    Halsey was touched. Suddenly, she remembered something. ¡°By the way, Warren said something weird today. I couldn¡¯t even follow it. He said I betrayed you and that I slept with Gilbert. When have I ever-¡±


    Before she could finish, Shaun gently pressed her shoulder and said softly, ¡°It¡¯s fine. Don¡¯t listen to him. Even if you¡¯ve slept with Gilbert, that¡¯s in the past. I don¡¯t care, really.¡±


    ¡°But


    ¡±


    She hadn¡¯t slept with Gilbert at all.


    Halsey wanted to exin, but Shaun cut her off again. He reached over and gently ruffled her hair. ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about things that make us unhappy. As long as you¡¯re mine now, that¡¯s all that matters.¡±


    Halsey stood on her tiptoes and gave him a quick kiss. ¡°And I¡¯ll still be yours in the future, too.¡±


    Shaun lowered his head, about to kiss her back, but Halseyughed and dodged. ¡°Work first!¡±


    She sat back down and continued working on her designs.


    Shaun chuckled and returned to reviewing documents.


    Evening came quickly, and Martin stepped into the office. ¡°Mr. Lane, about tonight¡¯s-¡±


    Shaun cut him off. ¡°Cancel everything tonight. From now on<b>, </b>I¡¯m clocking out at 6:00 PM sharp.¡±


    Martin paused.


    The workaholic CEO had suddenly changed? This was a side of him no one recognized.


    ¡°Alright, Mr. Lane,¡± Martin replied and stepped out.


    Shaun got up and walked over to Halsey. ¡°Are you done? Let me take you to dinner.¡±


    Halsey stood up and smiled as she gathered her design drafts, ¡°I¡¯ve got dinner ns with Wendy tonight.¡±


    Shaun looked a bit disappointed. ¡°So you¡¯re not having dinner with me?¡±


    Halsey took his hand and smiled. ¡°Come on¨Cwe¡¯re going to dinner with Wendy together.¡±


    Shaun smiled. ¡°Are you introducing me to your best friend?¡±


    ¡°All my friends already know who you are,¡± she replied<b>, </bughing.


    Fair enough.


    Shaun felt genuinely happy.


    At the restaurant, Wendy had already arrived, and she brought Be with her.


    As soon as Halsey saw Be<b>, </b>she scooped her up and smothered her with kisses. ¡°Be, I missed you like crazy! Did you miss me?


    11


    Be nodded, her little voice sweet and soft. ¡°Of course I missed you! But Mommy said you haven¡¯t called in days. She said you¡¯re dating someone now, and I¡¯m getting a godfather!¡±


    Her sparkling eyes turned to Shaun. ¡°Is this handsome man my godfather?¡±


    Halsey smiled proudly. ¡°He is.¡±


    Be pped her tiny hands excitedly. ¡°Wow! He¡¯s so tall and handsome-


    Both Halsey and Shaunughed.


    -no wonder you picked him!¡±


    With her porcin doll face and charming littlepliments, Be was the kind of kid nobody could resist.

 My Dad Please Come 870

    Shaun gently patted Be¡¯s head. ¡°Thanks for thepliment, Be.¡±


    Wendy smiled. ¡°Let¡¯s all sit down.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    Wendy and Be sat on one side of the table, while Halsey and Shaun sat on the other. The waiter began serving the food. ¡°How are things going with Stanley?¡± Halsey asked.


    Wendy didn¡¯t want Halsey to worry. She knew Halsey and Shaun had just reunited, and their rtionship was still sweet and tender.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Things with Stanley will be sorted out soon,¡± she replied.


    Halsey nodded. ¡°That¡¯s good to hear.¡±


    Shaun added, ¡°Ms. Crone, if Mr. Hawk ever needs help with anything, feel free to let me know.¡±


    Wendy looked at Shaun. The young man who once had nothing had now be a rising star in the business world. He and Halsey a spoiled heiress raised with care¨Cmade a perfect match. A love between equals had always been the ideal kind, no exceptions.


    She was genuinely happy for them. Her eyes settled on Shaun¡¯s face. ¡°Was your face injured by acid?¡±


    Shaun nced at Halsey.


    Halsey smiled. ¡°I told Wendy about it. She¡¯s Dr. Cen, the wonder doctor. I wanted to ask her to help treat your face.¡±


    Wendy said, ¡°Mr. Lane, if you don¡¯t mind, would you take off your mask so I can examine the injury?¡±


    Halsey looked at Shaun with encouragement and hope. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to wear that mask for the rest of your life. Wendy can help you.¡±


    Shaun gave a slight smile to Wendy. ¡°My face is pretty bad. I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll scare you all¨Cespecially Be.¡±


    Be giggled sweetly. ¡°Only people with ugly hearts are really ugly, I¡¯m not scared at all!¡±


    Wendy said, ¡°I¡¯m a doctor. It¡¯d take a lot more than that to scare me.¡±


    Both Wendy and Be were warm, kind people. Shaun could feel it and it put him at ease. He slowly reached up and took off the


    mask.


    His face was finally revealed.


    Wendy¡¯s expression shifted. ¡°That¡¯s some serious injury.¡±


    Be¡¯s eyes turned red. ¡°It must¡¯ve hurt a lot.¡±


    Shaun smiled faintly. ¡°It¡¯s all in the past.¡±


    Halsey asked, ¡°Wendy, do you think there¡¯s a chance Shaun¡¯s face could recover?¡±


    If Wendy said it was serious, <b>then </b>it really <b>was</b>. Shaun had spent the past three years visiting the top doctors around the world, but none of them had given him any hope.


    Wendy said, <b>¡°</b><b>I </b>can help fix your face<b>.</b>¡±


    Shaun froze<b>. </b>¡°Really<b>?</b>¡±


    Halsey lit up. ¡°You can help Shaun?¡±


    Wendy nodded. ¡°<b>Yes</b><b>. </b><b>I </b>can perform reconstructive surgery for Mr. <b>Lane</b>, but I¡¯ll need a rare medicinal herb.¡±


    Halsey asked, ¡°What kind of herb?¡±


    Wendy replied, ¡°Snowpeak Bloom. It¡¯s extremely rare¨Cit only blooms once every 50 years. You¡¯ll need to find one.¡±


    Now that there was finally hope, Shaun nodded. ¡°Alright. That won¡¯t be a problem.¡±


    Halsey beamed. ¡°We¡¯ll do whatever it takes to get a Snowpeak Bloon.¡±


    Wendy nodded. ¡°Okay. That¡¯s good.¡®


    The four of them had dinner together. Before long, it was time to say goodbye.


    Halsey hugged Be. ¡°How abouting to stay with me tonight?¡±

 My Dad Please Come 871

    Be lit up. ¡°Really? can?¡±


    Halsey grinned. ¡°Of course you can Don¡¯t you want to sleep with me tonight?¡±


    Be nodded eagerly. ¡°I do!¡±


    Wendy chuckled. ¡°Halsey, wouldn¡¯t it be a bit inconvenient for Be to go home with you?¡±


    Halsey replied, ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all. Be used to sleep over with me all the time.¡±


    ¡°Well, that was then. Things are different now. You¡¯re with Mr. Lane. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s convenient for him,¡± Wendy


    said, ncing at Shaun


    Shaun smiled slightly. ¡°It¡¯s no problem. I like Be too.


    Be pped happily. ¡°Yay! I get to sleep with Halsey tonight!¡±


    Wendy didn¡¯t want to ruin her daughter¡¯s excitement. Sheughed. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll leave Be with you, Halsey


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Be, say goodbye to Mommy


    ¡°Bye, Mommy!¡±


    Wendy left, and Halsey carried Be to Shaun¡¯s luxury car. Shaun sat up front in the driver¡¯s seat, while Halsey and Be


    rode in the back.


    ¡°Where are we sleeping tonight?¡± Be asked.


    ¡°We¡¯re going back to my vi,¡± Halsey replied.


    Just then, Shaun spoke from the front. ¡°Let¡¯s go to my ce instead.


    Halsey looked up and met Shaun¡¯s eyes through the rearview mirror


    He was already watching her


    He was inviting her and Be to stay at his house.


    Halsey¡¯sshes fluttered ¡°I don¡¯t know if that¡¯s a good idea¡­ Be¡¯s here tonight. <i>I </i>need to stay with her


    Shaun said calmly, ¡°I like Be too. I want to stay with her.


    Be piped up. ¡°Then let¡¯s go to Shaun¡¯s house!¡±


    Ab was pait a little girl so she didn really understand To her, gomp to Halsey¡¯s o or Shaun¡¯s didn¡¯t make any


    difference


    Halsey¡¯s checks flushed pink, Gomg to Shaun¡¯s ce meant anything could happen


    Halsey carried Be into Shaun syi It was her first time there


    This was one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in the city. Shaun had been living here for the past three years


    Shaun brought out two pairs of slippers¨Conerge, one small for Halsey and Be. ¡°Here, wear these


    ¡°Okay


    They changed into the slippers. Halsey nced at him. ¡°Why do you have women¡¯s shoes here?¡±


    Shaun gave her a little smile. ¡°What¡¯s the real question you wanna ask?¡±


    ¡°Nothing Forget it.¡± Halsey turned to leave


    But Shaun grabbed her gently by the arm. ¡°I¡¯ve lived here alone for the past three years. I¡¯ve never brought any woman


    home. I asked Martin to prepare the slippers. If you don¡¯t believe me, ask him ¡±


    Halsey¡¯s mood lifted. ¡°I was just casually asking. You didn¡¯t need to exin¡±


    Shaun reached over and flicked her nose lightly ¡°So you¡¯re taking Be home after this? You really don¡¯t want to sleep


    with me?¡±


    Halsey¡¯s face turned bright red. ¡°Who wants to sleep with you? You¡¯re shameless!¡±


    Shaun grinned. ¡°Then I¡¯ll be shameless. As long as I have you.¡±


    Halsey burst intoughter


    ¡°Come on I¡¯ll take you two to the room,¡± Shaun said


    He led them into the master bedroom ¡°I had towels and clothes prepared. You two can shower first


    Halsey picked up Be. ¡°Come on I¡¯ll give you a bath


    Be nodded obediently ¡°Okay


    The two of them chatted and giggled as they showered Afterward, Halsey got Be dressed in a soft nightgown and


    tucked her into bed


    Just then, there was a knock at the door


    Shaun¡¯s voice came from outside. ¡°Can Ie in?¡±

 My Dad Please Come 872

    Chapter <b>872 </b>


    Since both Halsey and Be were girls, Shaum politely stepped out of the room after bringing them inside.


    Halsey adjusted Be¡¯s clothies and said, ¡°Come in.¡±


    Shaum walked back in.


    Be grinned. ¡°Is Shaun sleeping with us tonight?¡±


    Halsey shook her head. ¡°Of course not.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± Be asked.


    Halsey kissed her cheek. ¡°Because you¡¯re a girl, and girls shouldn¡¯t sleep with any man except their daddy. It¡¯s a private rule for us girls.¡±


    Be nodded, though not fully understanding. ¡°Mommy taught me that, too.¡±


    Halsey handed Shaun a storybook. ¡°I¡¯m going to shower. You read Be a story.¡±


    Shaun took the book. ¡°Got it.¡±


    As Halsey headed to the bathroom<b>, </b>she nced back. Be was tucked in bed, while Shaun lounged against the headboard, reading to her in his deep, smooth voice. He was surprisingly good at telling fairy tales.


    And he was so patient with kids.


    A small smile curved Halsey¡¯s lips before she disappeared into the shower. By the time she came out, Be was fast asleep.


    ¡°She¡¯s out?¡± Halsey whispered.


    Shaun set the book aside and pulled the nket over the little girl. Yeah<b>, </b>sound asleep.¡±


    Halsey towel¨Cdried her damp hair. ¡°Well, you can head to the guest room now.¡±


    Shaun grabbed her wrist and tugged her down onto hisp. ¡°Are you kicking me out?¡±


    ¡°Obviously<b>,</b><b>¡± </b>she said.


    ¡°Can I stay here tonight? <b>I¡¯ll </b>take the couch.¡±


    Halsey raised an eyebrow. ¡°You¡¯d rather sleep on the couch than a real bed?¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re here<b>.</b>¡±


    He kissed her.


    Halsey pressed a hand over his mouth. ¡°No. Be¡¯s right there.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s gaze burned into her. ¡°Then don¡¯t make a sound.¡±


    Before she could protest, his lips captured hers in a <b>deep</b>, dizzying <b>kiss </b>that left her breathless. Then, in one swift motion, he scooped her up into his arms.


    ¡°Where are we going?<b>¡± </b>she gasped.


    <b>¡°</b><b>I </b>still need a shower. Keep mepany.¡±


    <b>He </b>carried her into the bathroom<b>. </b>Halsey had already washed up, but Shaun pinned her against the wall, his mouth iming hers again.


    ¡°Shaun, no,¡± she protested weakly.

 My Dad Please Come 873

    Chapter <b>873 </b>


    Halsey¡¯s heart skipped a beat when he mentioned marriage.


    ¡°Who would I marry?¡± she asked without thinking.


    Sure enough, that earned her a yful punishment. Shaun leaned and bit her soft, rosy lips.


    ¡°Ow!¡± Halsey winced. ¡°That hurt!¡±


    Shaun looked at her, heat in his eyes. ¡°Good. Who do you wanna inrry?¡±


    ¡°Is there someone else besides me? I¡¯m asking whether you¡¯ve ever considered marrying me.¡±


    Marrying him.


    It all felt so sudden. They had only just made up. But then again, <b>if </b>not for what happened three years ago, maybe they would¡¯ve already been married by now.


    ¡°Do you want to marry me?¡± she asked him back.


    Shaun wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. ¡°Yes, I do. What about you?¡±


    What about her?


    Halsey could hear the pounding of her own heart¨Cit was beating <b>so </b>fast.


    Shaun straightened up.


    ¡°Marry me. I used to have nothing, but now I¡¯ve built a life. I can give you everything you deserve. I never dared to dream you¡¯d actually marry me back then, but now, I want this. I¡¯ve missed you every single day for the past three years. I couldn¡¯t even sleep. Do you know what it¡¯s like to long for someone that much? I¡¯ve never felt this way about anyone before. I love you so, so much.¡±


    He was confessing his love for her.


    With the warm steam surrounding them from the shower, his voice came low and hoarse, just above a whisper, because Be was still nearby. But that deep, raspy voice right in her earpletely broke down her defenses.


    He was pouring out three years of longing.


    He said he loved her very much.


    Halsey looked into his eyes. They were burning with emotion<b>, </b><b>so </b>intense it felt like she might melt.


    Shaun gently cupped her face in his hands. ¡°Will you marry me?¡±


    She could hear her heartbeat racing like crazy. Inside, she was screaming <b>yes</b>.


    Halsey nodded. ¡°I will!<b>¡± </b>


    She wanted to marry him. She wanted to be his wife.


    Shaun leaned down and kissed her, giving her a deep, passionate kiss as his answer.


    Halsey threw her arms around his neck and kissed him back just as eagerly. ¡°Once we get the Snowpeak Bloom, and your face is healed, let¡¯s get married.¡±


    Shaun nodded. ¡°Alright. My face will get better, and I¡¯ll look just like I used to¨Cthe way you loved.¡±


    Halsey wanted to tell him that she already loved him just the way he was now. His face didn¡¯t matter.


    When she looked at him, all she felt was more heartache<b>, </b>not disgust. But Shaun kissed her again before she could get the words out.


    Somewhere in the haze, she heard him whisper softly in her ear, ¡°let¡¯s have a baby.¡±


    Be was taken home by Wendy. Lately, Stanley had been going through a lot physically<b>, </b>so Wendy was constantly busy.


    Meanwhile, Shaun and Halsey set off for Lhassaria, beginning the search for the Snowpeak Bloom, a flower that only bloomed once every 50 years. It was the key to healing Shaun¡¯s face.


    They reached Lhassaria quickly and checked into a local guesthouse.


    The owner greeted them warmly. ¡°Are you two here on honeymoon?<b>¡± </b>


    Shaun and Halsey were so close these days, anyone looking at them would assume they were husband and wife.


    Halsey didn¡¯t correct him. After all, she and Shaun were about to get married soon.

 My Dad Please Come 874

    <b>Chapter </b><b>874 </b>


    Halsey replied to the owner, ¡°We¡¯re not here on vacation. We came looking for something.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>What are you looking for? Maybe I¡¯ve heard of it.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re searching for the Snowpeak Bloom.¡±


    ¡°You mean the flower that only blooms once every 50 years? Then you¡¯re in luck! Just yesterday, a guy named Mark went up the mountain and actually picked one.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Really? That¡¯s amazing! Do you have a way to contact this Mark? We want to buy the Snowpeak Bloom from him, whatever the price!¡±


    The owner smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve got his number. I¡¯ll call him for you right now.¡±


    He pulled out his phone and made the call.


    Halsey looked at Shaun with excitement. ¡°Did you hear that? We got here at the perfect time¨Cthere¡¯s a Snowpeak Bloom!¡±


    Shaun reached out and gently pinched her cheek. ¡°Look how happy you are.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m happy.¡±


    After finishing the call, the owner said to Halsey, <b>¡°</b>I told Mark you wanted to buy the Snowpeak Bloom at a high price. He¡¯ll be here this afternoon to meet with you.¡±


    That was fantastic!


    ¡°Thank you so much,¡± Halsey said with a bright smile. ¡°We¡¯ll wait for him.¡±


    She and Shaun went back to their room. Halsey said, ¡°<b>I </b>can¡¯t believe how lucky we are. No matter what price Mark asks, we¡¯re buying that Snowpeak Bloom.¡±


    Shaun nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Afternoon came quickly. Halsey and Shaun stood outside the guesthouse, waiting for Mark. Halsey was full of anticipation. But they waited, and waited¡ªbut Mark never showed.


    The owner looked puzzled. ¡°Huh, it¡¯s already the time we agreed on. Wonder why <b>he¡¯s </b>not here yet?¡±


    Halsey frowned. That flower was far too important. She couldn¡¯t afford for anything to go wrong.


    ¡°Could you try calling him again?¡± she asked the owner. ¡°Just to check in.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± The owner nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll do that right now.¡±


    He took out his phone and dialed. The call went through quickly. ¡°Mark, where are you? They¡¯ve been waiting for a while. They want to pay a high price for that Snowpeak Bloom you have. What? You¡¯re not selling it anymore?¡±


    Not selling it?


    Halsey¡¯s expression changed. She quickly stepped forward. ¡°Is it about the money? We¡¯ll pay whatever he wants¨Cjust have him name his price<b>!</b>¡±


    The owner ryed the message. ¡°Did you hear that, Mark? They¡¯re serious about buying it. You can name your price. What? You already sold it to someone else for a high price?¡±


    Halsey felt her heart sink. He sold it to someone else?


    ¡°Can you ask who he sold it to?¡± she said quickly. ¡°That flower is really important to us!¡±


    The owner said into the phone, ¡°Mark, who did you sell it to¨Chello? Hello?¡±


    The <b>call </b>ended with <b>a </b>beep. Mark had hung up.


    The owner looked <b>at </b>Halsey and Shaun. ¡°He hung up.¡±


    Halsey grew anxious. <b>¡°</b>Why¡¯d he hang up? Do you know where he lives? We¡¯ll <b>go </b>find him right now!¡±


    The owner pulled out an address. ¡°He lives nearby. You¡¯d better hurry.¡±


    Halsey grabbed the paper, took Shaun¡¯s hand, and said, ¡°Come on Let¡¯s go find him. We need to know who he sold that Snowpeak Bloom to. We have to get it <b>back</b><b>!</b>¡°,

 My Dad Please Come 875

    Chapter <b>875 </b>


    Shaun nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    He took Halsey to Mark¡¯s ce, but the door was locked and no one was around.


    Halsey knocked. ¡°Hello? Is anyone there?<b>¡± </b>


    Aneighbor from next door stepped out. ¡°Are you looking for Mark


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Yes, we are. Do you happen to know where he went?¡±


    The neighbor replied, ¡°He already moved out. He said he was leaving Lhassa.¡±


    What?!


    Halsey asked anxiously, ¡°Do you know where he moved to?¡±


    ¡°He said he made a lot of money<b>, </b>and he¡¯s noting back.¡±


    Made a lot of money?


    ¡°You¡¯re probably here to buy that Snowpeak Bloom from him, right? Someone else already bought it. Paid a huge sum for it. Mark took the cash and moved out.¡±


    Halsey felt her heart drop. Someone had already bought the Snowpeak Bloom from Mark. They were toote.


    They had thought their timing was perfect<b>, </b>arriving just as the rare flower bloomed. But someone else had beaten them to it.


    How could there be such a coincidence?


    A flicker of suspicion crept into Halsey¡¯s mind. Who bought the Snowpeak Bloom?


    Shaun asked, ¡°Do you know if there are any other Snowpeak Blooms avable around here?¡±


    The neighbor shook his head. ¡°That flower¡¯s really rare. It only blooms once every 50 years. There aren¡¯t any others on these mountains. Mark just got lucky and found one.¡±


    So that meant there were no others.


    The Snowpeak Bloom only bloomed once every 50 years. If they missed this one, who knew how long they¡¯d have to wait for the next?


    However, Shaun couldn¡¯t afford to wait.


    He held Halsey¡¯s hand. ¡°Why are your hands so cold?¡±


    ¡°We were just a little toote,¡± Halsey said softly.


    Shaun gave her a faint smile. ¡°Maybe I¡¯m just not meant to fix this face<b>. </b>I¡¯m fine with it. Are you?¡±


    Halsey wrapped her arms around him. ¡°Of course<b>, </b>I¡¯m fine with it, too.¡±


    <b>He </b>kissed the top of her head. ¡°Then let¡¯s forget it and go home.¡±


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    They returned to their room at the guesthouse, nning to stay the night and leave early in the morning.


    Shaun went to take a shower first. Halsey sat there, feeling low. She really wanted Shaun to heal his face.


    <b>He </b>used to be so good¨Clooking, but now, he had to wear that maskevery day. Even if he never said it out loud, she knew he cared.


    <b>She </b>couldn¡¯t help but wonder who bought the Snowpeak Bloom.


    Just then, her phone rang. The ringtone was soft and melodic.


    Halsey looked at the screen. It was a number she didn¡¯t recognize,


    She picked up. ¡°Hello? Who¡¯s this?¡±


    A teasing voice answered, ¡°Ms. Halsey. It¡¯s been a while.¡±


    Halsey recognized it immediately¨Cit was Chelsea.


    They hadn¡¯t spoken much before, but a woman¡¯s instinct was always sharp.


    ¡°Hello, Ms. Sutton.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Do you have a moment? Let¡¯s talk.¡±


    Halsey asked, ¡°You¡¯re in Lhassaria too?¡±


    Chelsea chuckled. ¡°I am. In fact<b>, </b>I¡¯m staying at the same guesthouse as you.¡±


    A slow smile spread across Halsey¡¯s face. ¡°You¡¯re the one who bought the Snowpeak Bloom, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    She had been wondering who had gotten to it first. It felt too deliberate. And the moment she heard Chelsea¡¯s voice<b>, </b>Halsey just


    knew¨Cit <b>was </b>her.

 My Dad Please Come 876

    He stripped off his shirt. ¡°Why no, babe?¡±


    Babe.


    <b>He </b>had never called her that before.


    Her knees nearly gave out ¡°No¡­ We don¡¯t have any¡­protection.¡±


    ¡°Ran outst night. We won¡¯t need it.¡®


    What?


    She had bought three boxes! How were they already gone? At the time, it had seemed like too much. Now<b>, </b>it clearly wasn¡¯t enough.


    And he wanted to go without?


    ¡°No,¡± she insisted. ¡°We can¡¯t! I could get pregnant.¡±


    Shaun studied her. ¡°Then have the baby. Be¡¯s adorable. You love kids, <b>so </b>let¡¯s have one. I¡¯d love that too.¡±


    Be had apparently boosted the national fertility rate¨Cnow Shaun wanted a child of their own.


    Halsey¡¯sshes fluttered. ¡°What do you mean, have a baby?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to have my baby?¡±


    ¡°I-¡±


    ¡°Have you ever thought about getting married?¡±


    The question hung in the air.


    <b>¡°</b>You¡¯re quite sharp. And you¡¯re right¨CI bought the Snowpeak Bloom. So now, the flower you¡¯re looking for is in my hands. What do you say? Interested in meeting up to talk?¡±


    Halsey let out a coldugh. ¡°Stay right there. I¡¯ming now.¡±


    She hung up the phone and nced toward the bathroom. Shaun was still in the shower.


    Halsey grabbed a pen and scribbled a quick note. (I¡¯m going out to get something to eat. I¡¯ll be back soon.]


    She left the note on the table and walked out of the room.


    Before long, Halsey spotted Chelsea waiting for her in the hallway. She stepped forward.


    ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve been following us. You seem to know exactly where we are.¡±


    Chelsea smirked. ¡°Of course. Otherwise, how could I have snatched the Snowpeak Bloom out from under you?¡±


    ¡°Where is it?¡±


    Chelsea pulled out a box and opened it. Inside was the pure white Showpeak Bloom.


    Halsey immediately reached out. ¡°Give it to me!¡±


    But Chelsea handed the box off to a bodyguard behind <b>her</b><b>, </b>who walked away with it.


    Chelsea smiled. ¡°You saw it, so you know I wasn¡¯t lying.¡±


    Halsey stared at her. ¡°Alright, just say it. What do you want? You took the flower just to make a deal with me, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Chelsea replied, ¡°You really are straightforward. Since you already know I¡¯m here to negotiate, why bother asking what I want? <b>You </b>should know exactly what I want¨CI want Shaun<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Halsey¡¯s heart clenched. Without hesitation, she snapped, ¡°Forget it<b>! </b>I¡¯m not giving him to you!¡±


    Chelsea didn¡¯t say a word.


    Halsey continued, ¡°Shaun is a person<b>, </b>not some object you can trade around. Don¡¯t you know that feelings can¡¯t be forced? Shaun isn¡¯t interested in you!¡±


    Chelsea clenched her fists. ¡°That¡¯s only because of you! For three years while you were gone, I was the one by his side. We were doing just fine. But the second you came back, all he could see was you. If you just step aside, <b>I </b>could finally be with him!¡±


    Halsey shook her head. ¡°No! Shaun is the man I love. I won¡¯t give him up to you.¡±


    Chelsea suddenlyughed. ¡°Then there¡¯s nothing more to talk about. I guess he¡¯ll just have to live the rest of his life with that


    face.¡±


    She turned to leave<b>. </b>


    But Halsey grabbed her arm. ¡°Wait!¡±


    Chelsea slowly turned around and looked Halsey in the eye. ¡°There¡¯s no deal unless you give Shaun to me. Then I¡¯ll give you the Snowpeak Bloom.¡±


    Halsey shook her head. No¨Cshe and Shaun were about to get married. She couldn¡¯t give him up to Chelsea.


    But if she didn¡¯t<b>, </b>then they¡¯d never get the Snowpeak Bloom¨Cand his face would never heal.


    Chelsea chuckled. ¡°You say you love Shaun. Is this what love looks like? That¡¯s pretty selfish of you. You¡¯re willing to let him live the rest of his life with that face just so you can keep him by your side<b>. </b>For the past three years, Shaun hasn¡¯t looked in a mirror


    <b>once</b>. Deep down, he can¡¯t ept what he sees. And now, when you finally have a way to help him, you¡¯d rather hold onto him than let him go.¡±


    Halsey snapped, ¡°<b>It¡¯s </b>not like that!¡±


    <b>¡°</b>Then let¡¯s make a trade,¡± Chelsea replied. ¡°I give you the Snowpeak Bloom to save him, and you give me Shaun.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 877

    Clupten Kyy


    Halsey pose a cold appli


    You keep saying your love shax is this what love looks like to you? You¡¯d using the Sveppah Bloom to threaten nee, irying to force me to break up with him. You really are something


    Chelsea smiled shyly ¡°Then let¡¯s see who loves hip more and is willing to sacrifice for him The one who loves him more is the one who loses


    Halsey¡¯s hands clenched into fists at her sides but she didn¡¯t say anything. She just shot! Chelsea a hard re, then turned and walked away.


    As Halsey left, someone stepped out from the shadows


    was Gilbert. He hade to Lhassaria with Chelsea-the two of them were alli¨¦s now


    Watching Halsey disappear down the hallway, Gilbert asked, Do you think she¡¯ll really break up with Shaun?¡±


    Chelsea tilted her head ¡°What do you think?¡±


    She will,¡± Gilbert replied. ¡°She¡¯s crazy about him- she always has been, even three years ago


    Chelsea nodded. ¡°Exactly. We both know how much she loves him. That¡¯s why she¡¯ll definitely


    do it.¡±


    Gilbert nced over at her. ¡°I have to say, I didn¡¯t think you had it in you


    ¡°If I didn¡¯t have any tricks up my sleeve, how could I have stayed by Shaun¡¯s side for three years? Halsey is no match for me So just sit tight -you¡¯ll have her soon enough


    Gilbert raised an eyebrow, clearly in a good mood ¡°Pleasure working with you


    Chelsea smiled. The pleasure¡¯s all mine


    Back in the Toom, Halsey returned just as Shaun stepped out of the shower, wearing a wh bathrobe. He was holding the note she had left


    Your pe back


    She nodded ¡°yeah¡±


    do you feel like eating I¡¯ll call and have something delivered¡±


    stovek


    Arafers walked one to thewindow and stood there, ting her lips into a falu sede Whateuse¡¯s Tips


    Shem came up behind her and wrapped his arms around ter


    What¡¯s on your mind:


    Through the ss, Halsey, woked at his reflection behind her. His short fan was stil damp, ning like look younger and more handsome However, his face was hidden behind a ck mask


    he moned in his You just showered: Why are you wearing the mask again? Wearing that Cevery day bus to be exhausting You don¡¯t need or around me


    She reached up, wearing to take it off for him.


    But Shaun stopped her ¡®I don¡¯t want to take it off


    Hrs eyshes trembled slightly. She knew how much he cared about his face. He was always afraid of scaring bei Deep down, he was sensitive


    gently held her shoulders and turned her to face him ¡°Now that we couldn¡¯t get the Snowpeak Binom, my face can¡¯t be healed. Is that why you¡¯re upset?¡±


    What was he thinking? Did he really believe her silence earlier was because of that?


    Halsey let out a belpless smile. ¡°How many times do I have to tell you¨CI don¡¯t care what your


    face looks hoo!!


    an smiled faintly. He knew-but deep down, he still wanted to be the version of


    tomsell that she loved the most


    Maybe missing out on the Snowpeak Bloomi was just fate. Maybe he was meant to live with


    Gde Lace forever


    have lowered his head and kissed her. ¡°I want you


    Halsey could see his longing. She wrapped her arms around his neck


    ward you fad se responded with just as much passion

 My Dad Please Come 878

    Bolest hung, dhe few of there purest into the bed shoe shipped ont Halpays hand posed over his toned anus les ¡°Well we don¡¯t have proter bear hote


    Stun kissed her ¡°Then let¡¯s not tise any


    Flusev added Okay


    Tonight, they would let go of everything and just enjoy it


    They were young and in love, and that night, they gave it then passion without holding back it was wild and unrestrained, and they did stop until the early hours of the morning


    Shaun heul Haley in his arms afterward She was covered in a fine sheen of sweat, and a few strands of hau clung to her delicate, heart-shaped face


    He reached out gently to brush the hair away from her forehead. ¡°Tired?¡±


    Halseyy curled against his chest, listening to the strong, steady bear of his heart


    That rhythm made her feel safe.


    With her eyes still closed, she murmured, ¡°So tired.


    She was too exhausted to even open her eyes


    Shaun kissed her forehead. ¡°How about we stay here for a few more days before heading back? It¡¯s our first time in Lhassaria. I could take you sightseeing


    Even though they had known each other for years, they had never really had time to enjoy a proper trip together


    Eyes still shut, Halsey mumbled, ¡°I¡¯m too tired. Maybe next time


    Shau chuckled ¡®Alright. Then we¡¯ll head back first thing tomorrow


    Halsey humined softly in response


    Let¡¯s get sarried when we go back,¡± Shaun suddenly said.


    Get thatneri


    He had mentioned it before, but she didn¡¯t think he¡¯d be this eager


    en, she felt a sudden coolness on her finger-Shaun had slipped something and her


    Pipe Linge


    Halsey opened her eyes. There it was, a diamond ring sharing on her slender, pale finger Fre


    WITH HEAT ?


    Her heart skipped a bei ¡°Where did thise from


    bought it, of course I¡¯ve had it for a while, I¡¯ve been waiting for the right mast to put t


    2 your finger


    Tears welled up in his eyes. so, he had already prepared the ring


    Shaun gazed at her, his voice full of emotion ¡°I should¡¯ve nned a grand proposal for you, bur Fouldn¡¯t wait I was scared that you¡¯d leave me so I could only put the ring on your baid so you won¡¯t run away. Let¡¯s get married


    Shaun didn¡¯t let her finish. He couldn¡¯t bear to hear her say no


    In a rush, he added. ¡°After we get married, you don¡¯t have to do anything. I¡¯ll cook, clean, deundry-I can take care of everything I can earn enough to support us. You¡¯ll still be the heiress that you are. But after we¡¯re married, you¡¯ll also be Mrs. Lane


    ¡°Will you marry me? I want to hear your answer.


    If this had happened before, she would¡¯ve said yes without a second thought


    She did want to marry him


    But now, the Snowpeak Bloom was in Chelsea¡¯s hands. And Chelsea had been right-whoever loved deeper would end up losing.


    Halsey looked at Shaun, and tears silently fell from her eyes. Through them, she whispered, Okay, I¡¯ll marry you


    She said yes.


    Shaun pulled they into his arms like he never wanted to let her go. ¡°We¡¯re getting married¡¯ As soon as we get back, we¡¯re tying the knot!¡±


    Halsey wrapped her arms around him


    She wanted to just pretend tonight was a perfect dream

 My Dad Please Come 879

    Tonight, Shaun was simply resistible


    This dream like night left too perfect to break


    Before they parted ways. Halsey figured they would have a beautiful memory to hold onto


    Shaun was over the moou Halsey would never krinw, that (marrying her had always been his dream He wanted nothing more than to make her his site


    Shaun gently cupped Halsry¡¯s small hands. ¡°I want to do it one more time


    Halsey bimked


    She was alreadypletely worn out, and he still wanted to go again? How did he have that


    much stamina?


    Save it for next time, okay? We¡¯ve got to pace ourselves. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m going anywhere


    Shaun grinned. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. There¡¯ll be a next time. But tonight, I still want you.


    He pulled the nket over both of them. Soon, the room filled with Halsey¡¯s breathless pleas and soft moans that would¡¯ve made anyone blush


    The next morning, Halsey woke up in Shaun¡¯s arms


    He was still asleep.


    She gazed at his peaceful face, then reached out to gently touch it. Sometime during the night, he had already put his mask back on


    Her fingers brushed over his sharp brows, then followed the contours of his handsome sculpted face Shipped that the next time they saw each other, he¡¯d be able to take off the


    show


    task and so his real are again


    Chelsea bad sue the one who loved more would be the loser But deep down, she knew¨Cshe was the nur why a lose


    And Halsey knew u, too, Chelsea had no chance of winning.


    Halsey could never Intly let go of Shaun, but she had to leave him


    She kissed at him onest time, her eyes full of reluctance, then quietly slipped out of his


    .bd gorout of bed to get dressed


    Alle packed up a pen and tobak tapad and begaacte wake


    There was a shred to say, but when it came time to write she found she duby¡¯s


    $upe star!


    a the end, she ends score one linge Then she set the pen, down, grabbed her bag, and got ready


    Before waking out, she bent down and ced a soft loss on shain¡¯s forehead. ¡°Goodbye


    201


    Best Then Halsey walked away


    Best inng After a woke up. He had been out cold from exhaustion afterst night


    e had already arranged for a private jet to fly them home today. Still half-asleep, he tumed wet and runnared. ¡°Halsey


    Re reached out, wanting to pull her close again


    Farms found wily empty space


    Hissleepmess vanished in an instant as his eyes flew open


    Hases was gone


    Shawn guddy sat up. ¡°Halsey?¡±


    No


    He jughed out of bed and opened the bathroom door ¡°Where are you?¡±


    There was no sign of her anywhere in the room


    ady, policise atid called her number


    Sugar anger and ever but no one picked up


    Wang Way


    Raped ugate, hour disis the a mechanical female voice cut coldly, ¡°The number you i


    Shaun hurried to get dresses, and that when he saw the home on the bedside table Tatey had let there


    the packs 11 pand saw heropa, elegant handwriting. Just one sungle me


    pontacted for a second, he thought he was seeing things

 My Dad Please Come 880

    How was that possible?


    Justst night, she had said yes to his proposal. They had agreed to get married as soon as they got back


    And now, she was breaking up with him?


    Why?


    Shaun quickly threw on some clothes and rushed downstairs The owner of the ir save hira and greeted him with a smile ¡°You¡¯re up! I saw your wife head out earlier


    Shaun asked, ¡°Do you know where she went?¡±


    ¡°She said she was going to the airport, that she¡¯d head back first


    Halsey had flown back to the Capital alone


    Shaun¡¯s lips pressed into a thin, cold line. She had broken up with him out of nowhere, and


    then left the country on her own.


    He wasted no time getting to the airport and caught the next flight back to the Capital


    At the Capital¡¯s airport, Martin was waiting ¡°Mr. Lane


    Shaun got into the back seat of the luxury car ¡°Did you find out where Halsey went?¡±


    Martin nodded. ¡°Yes. She went straight home after shended


    She was at home


    Take me to the Lincoln estate!¡± Shaun said


    Okay


    Half an hourter the car stopped outside the Lincoln family¡¯s vi. Shaun pulled out his phone and dialed Halsey¡¯s number again


    This time, she answered. ¡°Hello?¡±


    Sharm¡¯s lingers tightened around the phone, his knuckles turning white ¡°Come dovretairs


    montvide


    Halsey wil already back in her bedroom at the Lincoln estate. Standing by the floor-s


    Job

 My Dad Please Come 881

    Shawwred at the note, reading that one line over and over. He was taken Raisey id


    ASTLE TUM IT WAS over


    with hiphope to hand, she looked foods and saw Shams sleek, ck car parked on


    He hadrone after her


    And now, he was asking her to go down and meet him


    Halsey held Gre phone muste tightly. ¡°It¡¯s in


    good time for me toe down, dar. Lane It


    you have something to say, just say over the phone


    Mr Lane! Shaun gave a coldugh: ¡°Semy Mr Lane now/ That is funny you sure didn¡¯t call me thatst night! Guess you¡¯re one of those people who farget everything once the fan¡¯s


    Over


    Halsey was quiet for a beat just say what you need to say If you¡¯re done, Um hanging up


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare hang up on me!¡± Shaun¡¯s voice suddenly dropped, sharp and cold like ice


    Then get to the point


    Shaun asked, ¡°Why did you leave by yourself? I woke up and you were gone.¡±


    Halsey said nothing.


    ¡± can pretend none of this happened. I¡¯ve already started nning the wedding. Whatever dress or ceremony you want, I¡¯ll-


    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡±


    Halsey cut him off. She had to. If she let him keep talking, she was afraid she¡¯d give in


    ¡°Did you see the note I left on the nightstand?¡±


    Since he hadn¡¯t mentioned it, she had no choice but to bring it up herself


    I saw it. So what¡± Shaun said tly


    Halsey gripped the phone tightly ¡°Let¡¯s not waste time dancing around the truth I said everything I needed to say in that note


    I won¡¯t agree to this breakup!¡± Shaun snapped, cutting her off


    Halsey¡¯s heart trembled. The words she had prepared were suddenly stuck in her throat


    Did on hear me I¡¯m not breaking up with you!¡± Shaun practically shouted


    He wasn¡¯t going to let her RO


    ELPS Inches her phone rightly, she didn¡¯t want to break up with Shouvertes, but she


    erter save hits


    She didn¡¯t want him to Hve his whole life in the shadows


    she hoped that one day, he could finally step into the light and truly live


    As Dwight, he had lost his father when he was just a child. People whispered that he was the son of a drug dealer, and he grew up under the weight of thatbel, stuck in a world of judgment and pain. Then his mother died, and he fell off a cliff in an ident. His life had always been steeped in darkness


    Now he was Sham, and he had already reached toward the light he was just one step away.


    Halsey wanted him to live in that light


    Holding her phone with a heavy heart, Halsey forced herself to say, ¡°It¡¯s over between us. You¡¯ll have to deal with your problems now That¡¯s it. I¡¯m hanging up.


    She was about to end the call


    But Shaun shouted angrily, ¡°Come out here!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m noting,¡± she replied tly.


    ¡°If you want to break up,¡± Shaun snapped, ¡°then say it to my face! What¡¯s the point of doing this over the phone? I¡¯m right downstairs. Come down now!¡±


    ¡°I think I¡¯ve made myself clear. There¡¯s nothing more to talk about


    I¡¯m not leaving! I¡¯ll wait right here until youe down


    Do whatever you want


    Halsey hung up on him


    Still halding her phone, she stood by the window and looked down Shaun¡¯s car was still parked outside He hadn¡¯t left He was just standing there by the car, waiting


    He was really waiting for her


    Then a ball of lighting split across the sky, and rain started to fall. Heavy raindrops pounder down from above in a sudden, relentless storin


    Halsey looked again Shaun hadn¡¯t gone back to the car. He was still starting there in the pouring rais


    odi pren buske-1, but he didn¡¯t move been through the downtur, is fed the bas


    gerer forked right on her


    Halsey¡¯s heart aler


    That idier¡¯ Why wouldn¡¯t he just leave? Why was he standing in the rain?


    Downstates, Shaun never moved. He wasn¡¯t going to leave he had to wait until Halsey came Nown


    Justst night, everything had been perfect between them Then suddenly, she had left hi with note saying it was over. He wasn¡¯t going to ept that


    The rain kept falling, harder and colder, running down his jawline in icy streams.


    Then, all of a sudden, an umbre appeared above his head


    Shaun froze


    When he turned, he saw Halsey


    She hade down


    She hade


    Shaun¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°You came! I knew you¡¯de see me!¡±


    He reached out and grabbed her hand, but he was drenched, and the rain instantly soaked through the sleeve of her jacket.


    He let go quickly and tried to wipe the water off her arm, shing an apologetic smile. ¡°Sorry I¡¯m soaked. Come with me. I¡¯ll go shower, and we can


    Halsey looked at the way he handled her so carefully, and her chest tightened painfully. He didn¡¯t need to lower himself like this


    She met his eyes and interrupted him, ¡°I¡¯m here now. What exactly do you want to say


    ¡°You think i came down here to see you?¡± she cut him off coldly ¡°You¡¯re wrong I just didn¡¯t want to wake my parents I didn¡¯t want them to worry


    Her words were like knives, slicing straight into Shaun¡¯s chest


    He froze as he stared at her delicate face; pale in the rain. She looked even more beautiful now but the warmth that used to be there was gone

 My Dad Please Come 882

    Halses sured at him with cold, distant eyes, lookingpletely fed op


    Shapz, pressed fry lipste thin line. ¡°You can get upset, throw a tantrum if you want, bed don¡¯t over jake about breaking up. I will never break up with you


    Why are you so damn stubborn? Don¡¯t you understand what I¡¯m saying? It¡¯s over! Halsey


    barked


    Why? We were fine just yesterday! We were togetherst night. We even promised to get married as soon as we got back


    As he spoke, Shaun reached out and held her shoulders. ¡°I need a reason. Tell me why you¡¯re ending things. Did something happen? You can tell me


    Halsey cut him off. ¡°Yes! Something did happen!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°We couldn¡¯t find the Snowpeak Bloom. That means your face can¡¯t be fixed.


    Shaun froze. The air between them went dead silent. After a long pause, he finally asked, That¡¯s why you¡¯re breaking up with me?¡±


    Halsey gave him a cold smile, the corners of her red lips curled in mockery ¡°Deep down, you already know the answer So why bother asking? Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s pointless?¡±


    ¡°So just because we couldn¡¯t find the Snowpeak Bloom and my face won¡¯t heal, you want to leave me?¡± Shaun¡¯s voice was tight ¡°No I don¡¯t believe that You told me you didn¡¯t care what [looked like. You said


    ¡°That was all a lie!¡±


    Shaun stiffened


    Halsey reened-up and pulled the mask off his face


    Shaun goby Bfted his hands to cover himself, but Halsey took out a mirror and held it up Take a good lok at your face! Do you think it looks good?¡±


    Shaun hardly ever looked in mirrors. He couldn¡¯t bear to see what he had be But now. forced to face it, he saw t his face, unrecognizable and ruined


    Snow


    Halsey¡¯s voice was sharp ¡°Look how awful you look! I really thought your Faci would get better once we got the Snowpeak Bloom (believed that. Now that we can¡¯t get it dust don¡¯s have the courage to live the rest of my bite looking at you like this Every morning,


    ngoy eyes and sering your face it scares me


    savet 11kespite met fonter Twon¡¯t ever taked off-shourhoodie mid


    ¡°Sarugh. Those wing are you going to lie to yourself? You can¡¯t even ept how you do, so Bvchy are you forcing me to ept


    Cracks, began to spread through Shaun¡¯s eyes like shattering ss. That pain wrapped around fum, closing in tight


    He stared at her ¡°Is that really how you feel?


    Halsey¡¯s hear wisted, as it a de had been driven straight through and was now turning deeper and deeper. The pain was suffocating


    Still, she had to end this She had to drive him away.


    Halsey looked him straight in the eyes ¡°Yes. That¡¯s how I really feel. Just leave! I can¡¯t stand your face. It scares me. It makes me sick to my stomach!


    The words hit like a hammer. Shaun stumbled back a step,pletely shattered


    Halsey said coldly. ¡°It¡¯s over between us. Got it? Don¡¯te looking for me again. i don¡¯t ever


    want to see you


    She turned around and walked away


    Shaun stood in the rain, watching as she walked farther and farther until she disappeared from


    sight


    Then, everything went ck


    With a loud thud, he copsed in the middle of the downpour

 My Dad Please Come 883

    When Shaun woke up, he was already lying in a hospital bed. The strong smell of disinfectant filled the room, and there was an IV drip attached to his hand.


    He stirred slightly, his voice hoarse as he called out, ¡°Halsey¡­¡±


    Martin rushed over, clearly relieved. ¡°Mr. Lane, you¡¯re awake? Thank god! You scared me half to death! You passed out in the pouring rain. The doctor said your emotions were too intense, and your anger mixed with the cold got to you-that was why you copsed.¡±


    Shaun tried to sit up, but he quickly realized his whole body felt weak, and his head was spinning.


    Martin hurried to stop him. ¡°Are you trying to get up? The doctor said you need to rest and can¡¯t move around right now.¡±


    Shaun stared up at the ceiling. The images of his heartbreaking goodbye with Halsey in the rain kept shing in his mind, making it hard for him to breathe.


    ¡°I have to find Halsey¡­ I need to find her¡­¡± Shaun reached out, trying to pull the IV out of his


    arm.


    Martin panicked. ¡°Stop, you can¡¯t take that out! You really need to rest. You¡¯re not well enough to be walking around.¡±


    ¡°Get out of my way! I need to see Halsey!¡±


    Shaun was too worked up. Within moments, his vision went dark again, and he passed out


    once more.


    ¡°Mr. Lane!¡± Martin quickly called for help. ¡°Doctor! Doctor,e quick!¡±


    The doctor ran some tests, then turned to Martin and said, ¡°Mr. Lane is very weak right now. He can¡¯t handle any emotional stress. He needsplete rest.¡±


    ¡°I understand. Thanks, doctor.¡±


    After the doctor left, Martin sat beside Shaun¡¯s bed, watching him sleep. ¡°Mr. Lane, your healthes first. Please stop pushing yourself like this.¡±


    Even in his unconscious state, Shaun mumbled under his breath, ¡°Halsey¡­ We¡¯re not breaking up¡­ Halsey¡­ Halsey¡­¡±


    He kept calling her name.


    Martin sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll call Ms. Mallin right now.¡±


    He took out his phone and dialed Halsey¡¯s number.


    Halsey hadn¡¯t slept at all. She had tossed and turned all night, wide awake. When she looked out the window, Shaun¡¯s car was gone.


    He had left.


    She had said so many cruel, heartless things. She was sure he had been devastated and left. She figured he wouldn¡¯te back again.


    Halsey felt a hollow ache in her chest. She buried herself under the covers and cried alone until morning.


    Just then, there was a knock at her door. Patricia¡¯s voice came from outside.


    ¡°Are you still not up?¡±


    Halsey quickly replied, ¡°I¡¯m still in bed. I want to sleep in.¡±


    ¡°Well, at least eat something before going back to sleep.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry. I don¡¯t want to eat.¡±


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll leave breakfast for you. Eat it when you¡¯re up.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Halsey stayed under the covers. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying. She couldn¡¯t stop thinking about Shaun. What was he doing now?


    She picked up her phone and made a call-to Wendy.


    The phone rang once before it connected, and Wendy¡¯s voice came through. ¡°Hey, Halsey.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Wendy. Shaun has already found the Snowpeak Bloom. He should be contacting you soon. When he does, please make sure to help him heal his face.¡±


    Halsey needed to hear it directly from Wendy. She couldn¡¯t rest easy otherwise.


    Wendy chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll do everything I can. Next time you see him, he¡¯ll look just like he used to-that face that made your heart skip a beat.¡¯


    Halsey smiled, but the dull ache in her heart was hard to ignore.


    X

 My Dad Please Come 884

    Halsey reminded herself that Shaun no longer belonged to her. He probably didn¡¯t even want to see her again.


    ¡°Wendy, I know you¡¯re super busytely. I won¡¯t keep you.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    The call ended, and Halsey finally felt a little more at ease. Her biggest hope now was that Shaun would recover soon.


    Just then, her phone rang again with a soft, melodic tone.


    She picked up the call, and Martin¡¯s voice came through. ¡°Hello, Ms. Mallin? I¡¯m Martin, Mr. Lane¡¯s assistant.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Martin. Why are you calling me?¡±


    ¡°You need toe to the hospital. Mr. Lane was admitted.¡±


    What?


    Halsey sat bolt upright, clutching the phone tightly as her voice trembled with worry. ¡°Why? What happened to him?¡±


    ¡°He was out in the rain all night and copsed from the cold and overwhelming stress. He¡¯s in the hospital now.¡±


    So he didn¡¯t leavest night-he copsed.


    He was in the hospital now.


    Halsey¡¯s heart clenched.


    ¡°Will you pleasee see him?¡± Martin pleaded.


    Halsey was torn. Should she go?


    They had broken up justst night. Pushing him away had been the right thing to do; it was for his own good. Dragging things out would only hold him back.


    ¡°No¡­ I won¡¯t go. He¡¯s in the hospital, so I¡¯m sure there¡¯ll be doctors looking after him.¡±


    ¡°Are you really noting? Mr. Lane kept calling your name even while he was unconscious. He misses you a lot.¡±


    He was calling her name?


    hapter 884


    Halsey¡¯s eyes welled up. That idiot! What was she supposed to do with him?


    Martin pleaded again, ¡°Please juste over.¡±


    Tears rolled down her cheeks. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I won¡¯t go.¡±


    ¡°Why-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s better to rip the bandage off. He¡¯ll be okay.¡±


    The call ended with a busy tone.


    In the hospital room, Martin stared at his phone, puzzled by the sound of the call ending. Why wouldn¡¯t shee?


    He remembered when Shaun went to Lhassaria with her-they seemed so in love, so happy together. But now, it had all fallen apart.


    ¡°She¡¯s noting?¡±


    Shaun¡¯s hoarse voice broke the silence.


    Martin turned around and saw that Shaun was awake. He lit up with relief. ¡°You¡¯re awake.¡¯


    Shaun¡¯s face was as pale as paper, drained of all color. He looked at Martin and asked quietly, ¡± She doesn¡¯t want to see me, does she?¡±


    Martin hesitated, unsure of what to say. ¡°Ms. Mallin said she¡¯s tied up with something right now. She¡¯lle after she¡¯s done. She also told you to get some rest.¡±


    Shaun stared up at the ceiling from his hospital bed. He knew Martin was lying to make him feel better. Halsey just didn¡¯t want toe.


    She wouldn¡¯t even look at him now.


    Shaun had refused to ept the breakup. He had convinced himself she was just upset, that she didn¡¯t mean it.


    But now¡­ He had to face the truth. Halsey really didn¡¯t want him anymore.


    She had given up on him again.


    ¡°Heh.¡±


    Shaun let out a faint, bitter smile. Tears burned hot as they slipped silently down the sides of


    his face.


    Soon, he passed out again Wie for


    him.


    Martin never left his side. He couldn¡¯t understand how his boss had gotten so sick so suddenly, like the illness had hit him out of nowhere.


    1

 My Dad Please Come 885

    Just then, the doctor called out from outside, ¡°Mr. Neel,e here and pick up the test results.


    ¡°1


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ming.¡±


    Martin stepped out of the room. That left Shaun alone in the hospital room, still fast asleep in his bed.


    Suddenly, with a quiet creak, the door pushed open and someone walked in.


    It was Halsey.


    She hade.


    Halsey tiptoed softly over to the bed and looked down at Shaun, still unconscious.


    His face was pale, and he hadn¡¯t shaved in days. A shadow of stubble covered his jaw, making him look even more worn out.


    Back then, Dwight might¡¯ve been poor, but he had always looked sharp and full of life. Later, Shaun had be a rising star in the business world, admired by everyone.


    Halsey had never seen him like this-so weak, so fragile. He justy there,pletely still.


    She knew she shouldn¡¯t havee. In the end, she couldn¡¯t stay away. No one would know. She just wanted to see him, just once.


    Seeing him like this, her eyes turned red, and tears the size of pearls began falling down her cheeks.


    ¡°You idiot,¡± she whispered, barely audible.


    Halsey slowly reached out, her pale fingers gently brushing against his face. She silently prayed that he would get better soon. Seeing him like this broke her heart.


    Right then, Shaun suddenly opened his eyes and grabbed her hand.


    Halsey froze,pletely caught off guard. She hadn¡¯t expected him to wake up.


    Shaun looked at her, full of joy. ¡°You came to see me? I knew you would!¡±


    He pulled hard, and Halsey fell into his arms. He wrapped her tightly in a hug.


    ¡°I knew you couldn¡¯t be that heartless. I knew you still loved me and that you¡¯de. Let¡¯s not break up, okay? Let¡¯s go back to how we used to be.¡±


    He was too excited, holding her with all his strength like he wanted to melt her into him.


    But Halsey saw the blood backing up into the IV line in his hand and panicked. She struggled. ¡± Let go!¡±


    ¡°No, I won¡¯t! If I let go, you¡¯ll leave. I want to be with you!¡±


    With a heavy heart, Halsey shoved him away. ¡°Calm down! I didn¡¯te because I wanted to. Martin just kept calling me over and over!¡±


    ¡°What¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, now that I¡¯ve seen you¡¯re fine, I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    She turned and walked out.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go!¡±


    Shaun yanked out his IV and threw off the covers, getting out of bed. His body was still weak, but he staggered after her anyway.


    Halsey ran down the hallway, but Shaun caught up and grabbed her slender wrist. ¡°Halsey, please don¡¯t go!¡±


    ¡°Go back to your room! I already said everything I needed to that day. We¡¯re done!¡±


    Shaun shook his head. ¡°Halsey, I don¡¯t want to break up. Please give me another chance. I don¡¯t want to lose you. I love you so, so much.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s chest felt like it was being ripped apart, but she forced herself to keep a straight face. ¡°Let me make it clear-I don¡¯t love you anymore.¡± 1


    Shaun froze. ¡°What did you say?¡±


    ¡°If you didn¡¯t hear it the first time, then I¡¯ll say it again. I said I don¡¯t love you anymore!¡±


    She reached down and pried his fingers off her, one by one.


    Then she turned and walked away.


    ¡°Halsey!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 886

    Shaun called after Halsey from behind, but she didn¡¯t look back.


    Secondster, Shaun¡¯s vision went ck, and he copsed again. With a loud thud, he hit the ground.


    Halsey spun around when she heard the noise, her pupils contracting. ¡°Shaun!¡±


    She started to run toward him, but just then, a familiar figure appeared-it was Chelsea.


    Chelsea rushed over to Shaun¡¯s side. ¡°Shaun? Shaun!¡±


    Halsey froze mid-step, suddenly remembering the deal she had made with Chelsea.


    She would walk away from Shaun, and Chelsea would hand over the Snowpeak Bloom.


    ¡°Mr. Lane!¡± Martin came running over at that moment. ¡°Doctor! We need help here!¡±


    Martin and the medical team hurried over, scrambling to get Shaun off the floor and back into the hospital room.


    Chelsea walked up to Halsey. ¡°Hi. I¡¯ve been waiting for your good news. You and Shaun broke up, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Halsey nodded. ¡°We did.¡±


    Chelsea nodded with satisfaction. ¡°Good.¡±


    ¡°Can you hand over the Snowpeak Bloom now?¡±


    ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll give it to Shaun myself. You can go now. From here on out, Shaun¡¯s affairs have nothing to do with you.¡±


    Chelsea was clearly pushing Halsey to leave.


    ¡°Will you really love him well?¡± Halsey asked.


    Chelsea nodded. ¡°Of course I will! Go now. The next time you see Shaun, he¡¯ll be doing much better. And by then, you two will truly be over.¡±


    Shaun would get better-but they would be finished.


    Halsey slowly clenched her hands into fists at her sides. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Then, she turned and walked away. She forced herself to leave the hospital, fighting the pain


    in her chest.


    Halsey didn¡¯t go back to see Shaun again. Word was, Chelsea stayed by his side the entire time,


    and he was discharged a weekter.


    Later, Wendy called her. She said she had performed a six-hour facial surgery on Shaun, and the operation was aplete sess. After a month of recovery, his face would fully heal.


    Halsey heard all of this through other people. She didn¡¯t dare contact Shaun.


    Because it was truly over between them.


    Halsey told herself she was happy-Shaun was doing better. Everything had turned out alright.


    Despite that, she still couldn¡¯t stop the pain. Some nights, she would lie awake, wondering how he was doing now.


    The truth was, she was going crazy wanting to see him. Even if it was just from far away, just one nce.


    Patricia had started to notice the change in her mood. ¡°What¡¯s going on with youtely? You¡¯ve been so down.¡±


    Halsey didn¡¯t want to worry her parents, so she never said anything about her and Shaun. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯ve just been really tired from all the design work.¡±


    ¡°I had someone make chicken soup for you. You need to eat something nourishing. I¡¯ll go get you a bowl.¡±


    Patricia quickly came back from the kitchen with a bowl of chicken soup. She handed it to Halsey. ¡°Here, drink this while it¡¯s hot. Look how thin your little face is getting.¡±


    4


    Halsey reached for the bowl, but then suddenly frowned. She bent over and started throwing up. A wave of nausea rolled up from her stomach, and she clutched her chest, vomiting so hard her whole body trembled.


    She hadn¡¯t eaten anything, so all that came out was bitter bile-and tears.


    ¡°Are you okay? Why are you throwing up like this all of a sudden?¡± Patricia rubbed Halsey¡¯s


    back in rm.


    Then, all at once, Halsey remembered something important.


    She was a monthte on her period.


    Could it be¡­? Was she pregnant?

 My Dad Please Come 887

    The past month had been a blur for Halsey. Her mind was filled with thoughts of Shaun, and she hadn¡¯t even noticed she had missed her period.


    Her cycle was usually very regr, but this time it was already a monthte.


    She thought back to the few times she and Shaun had slept together-they hadn¡¯t used protection. He had always wanted to get married and have kids, and she loved children too. Deep down, both of them had been open to the idea.


    Could it be¡­? Was she pregnant?


    Halsey didn¡¯t dare tell Patricia. She didn¡¯t want to worry her parents.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t had much of an appetitetely. I guess I¡¯m just too tired. I don¡¯t really feel like eating meat right now.¡±


    Patricia gently patted her daughter¡¯s back. ¡°Then I¡¯ll go make you some vegetable stew.¡±


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Thanks, Mom.¡±


    Once Patricia went to the kitchen, Halsey quickly stood up and left the house. She walked to the small pharmacy nearby.


    The woman behind the counter looked up at her. ¡°Hi, what are you looking for?¡±


    Halsey replied, ¡°Can I get a pregnancy test, please?¡±


    The shopkeeper handed it to her. ¡°Two bucks.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    After paying, Halsey took the test home and locked herself in her room.


    She took the test.


    The result appeared quickly-two red lines.


    She was pregnant.


    She was carrying Shaun¡¯s child!


    This baby hade into the world from a ce of hope and love between her and Shaun. It should¡¯ve been a joyful thing.


    But now, they were no longer together.


    Halsey gently ced her hand on her belly. This would be her first time bing a mother.


    She could hardly believe there was already a little life growing inside of her.


    She didn¡¯t need to hesitate. She didn¡¯t need to think twice. She was keeping this baby!


    Shaun was handsome and smart, and both he and Madeline had been straight-A students. With genes like that, the baby would definitely take after him.


    All the sadness and weight that had been crushing Halsey¡¯s heart suddenly lifted. Because now ¡­she had a baby!


    She was going to be a mother even without needing to get married!


    Halsey¡¯s heart filled with joy. She ced her hand on her stomach and whispered, ¡°Baby, wee to this world. I¡¯m gonna love you so, so much.¡±


    Just then; her phone rang. It was Wendy calling.


    ¡°Hey, Halsey.¡±


    ¡°Are you free today? I want to buy you dinner.¡±


    ¡°Sure! Let¡¯s meet tonight at Harmony Bistro.¡±


    That evening, Halsey arrived at Harmony Bistro and saw Wendy waiting for her.


    ¡°Hey, Wendy. Where¡¯s Be?¡±


    ¡°Ang took her out tonight. Since I¡¯m pregnant with twins, Ang won¡¯t let me take care of her on my own.¡±


    Halsey reached out and touched Wendy¡¯s belly. ¡°I have something to tell you¡­ I¡¯m pregnant too!¡±


    Wendy lit


    up with excitement. ¡°You¡¯re pregnant? Does Mr. Lane know yet?¡±


    Halsey shook her head. ¡°Not yet. And he doesn¡¯t need to know. We¡¯ve already broken up.¡±


    ¡°The day I performed surgery on him, I could tell he was in a bad mood. I figured something happened between you two,¡± Wendy said knowingly.


    Halsey grabbed Wendy¡¯s hand. ¡°How¡¯s his face now? Is it all healed?¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t seen him yet?¡±


    Halsey shook her head. ¡°No.¡±


    Wendy gave a mysterious smile. ¡°Once you do, you¡¯ll see for yourself.¡±


    Halsey smiled softly. She was sure Shaun¡¯s face had recoveredpletely, just like before.

 My Dad Please Come 888

    Just then, Calvin walked over.


    ¡°Hi, Halsey. What a coincidence, running into you again.¡±


    Halsey really did think it was a strange coincidence-they¡¯d also bumped into each otherst time at a restaurant.


    She smiled. ¡°Hi, Calvin. Let me introduce you-this is my best friend, Wendy Crone.¡±


    Calvin nodded politely. ¡°Nice to meet you, Ms. Crone.¡±


    Wendy returned the greeting. ¡°Hi.¡±


    Halsey asked Calvin, ¡°Are you here for dinner too?¡±


    He nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Right then, Wendy tugged on Halsey¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Mr. Lane¡¯s here.¡±


    Shaun had arrived.


    Halsey¡¯s heart started racing when she heard his name. It had been a whole month since shest saw him.


    She turned around and saw a tall, striking figure at the entrance-it was Shaun.


    Tonight, he was dressed in a tailored ck suit. Broad shoulders, narrow waist, long legs¡ªhis model-like figure made him stand out. And this time, he wasn¡¯t wearing a mask. His handsome face waspletely visible.


    Halsey stared at his face. It hadpletely healed. In fact, he looked even more attractive than before.


    It was the kind of charm that came from a sessful, mature man. His features looked even sharper and more defined, making anyone¡¯s heart skip a beat.


    As Shaun stepped inside, the people in the restaurant all turned to look at him at once.


    A group of young women squealed excitedly, ¡°Oh my god! He¡¯s so hot!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s Mr. Lane, the rising star in the business world. He¡¯s rich and good-looking!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d totally have his babies!¡±


    Halsey couldn¡¯t help smiling. She was genuinely happy for Shaun. She was proud of him for finally making it through.


    Looking at his face now, she felt like all the pain and sacrifice had been worth it.


    Calvin noticed him too. ¡°No wonder Mr. Lane used to wear a mask all the time. He¡¯s really good -looking, the kind that makes you want to scream.


    Calvin was a schr. He didn¡¯t have anything against Shaun, and now he didn¡¯t hold back hispliments, either.


    Wendy nced at Halsey. ¡°So? What do you think?¡±


    Halsey nodded. ¡°He looks great. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Silly girl, he was always hot. His face has always looked like that.¡±


    That was true. Shaun, or Dwight, had always looked like that.


    Soon, a few more people appeared around Shaun. Halsey recognized two of them-Chelsea and Warren¡ªalong with a fewpany executives. It looked like they were all here for dinner.


    And now, Chelsea was right by Shaun¡¯s side.


    Shaun, Chelsea, Warren, and the others started walking in their direction. The restaurant wasn¡¯t big, so naturally, they ran into each other.


    The air turned awkward.


    Shaun didn¡¯t look at Halsey. Instead, his gazended on Wendy, and he gave a polite nod. ¡°Dr. Crone, good evening.¡±


    Shaun was thankful to Wendy for the surgery she had done.


    Wendy smiled. ¡°Good evening, Mr. Lane.¡±


    Then, she looped her arm through Halsey¡¯s. ¡°What are the odds? Halsey and I just came here for dinner and ended up bumping into you.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s heart pounded faster as she looked at Shaun.


    He looked at her too, but his expression was cold and distant, like she was aplete stranger. He didn¡¯t say a word to her. Just one nce, and then he looked away.


    Chelsea stood proudly at Shaun¡¯s side and greeted Halsey cheerfully, ¡°Ms. Halsey! What a surprise, running into you here.¡±


    Warren chuckled. ¡°It really is a small world, huh? It¡¯s like you¡¯re everywhere these days.¡±


    33

 My Dad Please Come 889

    Halsey didn¡¯t say anything. Honestly, she didn¡¯t even know what she could say.


    Just then, Shaun spoke up in a calm, distant voice. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Chelsea nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Shaun looked at Wendy. ¡°I¡¯ll see you around, Dr. Crone.¡±


    Wendy replied, ¡°Bye.¡±


    Shaun left with Chelsea, Warren, and the others.


    Halsey watched Shaun¡¯s figure as he walked away; a dull ache rose in her chest, as if a needle had pierced her heart, and the pain just wouldn¡¯t stop.


    Wendy looked at her with concern. ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    Halsey shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Calvin chimed in, ¡°Didn¡¯t you always want to study at our university? I managed to get you a spot. Do you want to go?¡±


    Calvin was a professor at a top university, and he had managed to get Halsey a ce in an advanced program.


    Lately, Halsey¡¯s fashion design work hadn¡¯t been too demanding. She wanted a change of scenery, something to help her forget the pain Shaun had caused. Going back to school actually sounded perfect.


    She smiled brightly. ¡°Thank you for doing that. I¡¯d love to!¡±


    Calvin nodded. ¡°Great. I¡¯lle pick you up tomorrow, and we¡¯ll go together.¡±


    Halsey quickly said, ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll go on my own. You¡¯re a professor, and it¡¯s better if we keep some distance. I don¡¯t want people thinking I got in through connections.¡±


    Calvinughed. ¡°Alright, then. I¡¯ll go grab my dinner.¡±.


    ¡°Alright, goodbye.¡±


    He walked off.


    Wendy watched him go. ¡°Halsey, it seems like Professor Johnson really likes you.¡±


    They were all adults, and it was obvious Calvin had feelings for Halsey. Back when the Lincoln family¡¯s crisis happened, he had even offered her help, but she turned him down.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have romantic feelings for him,¡± Halsey said.


    ¡°I can tell. You¡¯re always keeping a bit of distance from him. He¡¯s not stupid, either¡ªhe can sense it.¡±


    Halsey actually felt veryfortable around Calvin. He was smart, respectful, and knew how to keep boundaries.


    In the end, she said, ¡°Let¡¯s drop the subject and eat.¡±


    Wendy couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Have you thought about what you¡¯re going to do next? Are you really nning to have this baby on your own?¡±


    Halsey gently ced her hand over her belly. Just thinking about the little life growing inside her was enough to lift her spirits. It was like the pain of losing Shaun had been filled by this new hope.


    ¡°I don¡¯t n to get married. I¡¯m just going to raise this baby by myself. And honestly, I think that¡¯s more than enough.¡±


    Wendy fully supported her. ¡°That¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll be the baby¡¯s godmother, and Be will be the sister.¡±


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Exactly! Come on. Let¡¯s eat.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Halsey and Wendy headed to a private dining room and started eating. Partway through, Halsey excused herself to the restroom.


    She stood at the sink and sshed cold water on her face. Just then, the door creaked open, and someone walked in.


    Halsey looked up and saw a familiar reflection in the mirror-it was Chelsea.


    Chelsea walked over and stood beside her at the sink, and started to wash her hands. ¡°What a surprise. I came to wash up and ran into you.¡±


    Halsey gave a slight smirk.


    ¡°There¡¯s no one else here, so you can drop the act. You probably saw mee in and followed me, didn¡¯t you? Trying to rub your sess in my face now that I¡¯ve failed?¡±


    She wasn¡¯t the least bit surprised Chelsea had shown up. She had long expected that thetter woulde to find her in private eventually.

 My Dad Please Come 890

    Since they made that agreement, she hadn¡¯t talked to Chelsea in private again.


    Chelsea smiled. ¡°You¡¯re sharp-I dide here just to find you. Shaun¡¯s face has healed well, and we¡¯re together now.¡±


    They were together now?


    Halsey had suspected that Chelsea might end up with him, but now that the moment was actually here, it still hit her like a punch to the chest.


    It hurt badly.


    Chelsea continued, ¡°We¡¯re really happy now. We¡¯ll probably get married soon. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll give us your blessings, won¡¯t you?¡±


    They were getting married?


    It all felt way too fast.


    Halsey curled her fingers into her palm. Her nails dug into her skin, but she couldn¡¯t even feel the pain. If that ident hadn¡¯t happened¡­ Maybe she and Shaun would¡¯ve already been married by now.


    Instead, Shaun was marrying Chelsea.


    Halsey looked at Chelsea.


    ¡°You really think I¡¯d bless your marriage?¡± She took a step closer. ¡°Other people might not know the truth, but you and I both know exactly what dirty tricks you used to get close to Shaun. So stop pretending in front of me. I don¡¯t even want to see you again.¡±


    With that, Halsey turned around and walked away.


    Chelsea stared at her back and let out a smug, venomous smile.


    As Halsey walked out into the corridor, she spotted another familiar figure up ahead-Warren.


    What was going on today? She was running into all the people she least wanted to see.


    Warren noticed her as well. ¡°Hey.¡±


    Halsey met his gaze. ¡°Hi. If you¡¯ve got something to say, just say it. I don¡¯t think there¡¯s anything for us to catch up on.


    ¡°Straight to the point-I like that,¡± Warren said. ¡°Then I¡¯ll be honest. I¡¯ve never liked you. And turns out, I was right. You¡¯re not someone worth liking. When your family got into


    trouble, you used Shaun. Then, when you were done with him, you couldn¡¯t even stand to look at his face. If Chelsea hadn¡¯t risked her life to find the Snowpeak Bloom, his face wouldn¡¯t have recovered. You betrayed him, again and again. You were never good enough for him.


    ¡°Thankfully, all this made Shaun see your true colors. He finally realized that Chelsea¡¯s the one who actually cares about him.¡±


    Halsey sneered silently to herself. Did they even know how that Snowpeak Bloom was really found? Did they know who Chelsea really was underneath that mask?


    It wasughable.


    2


    ¡°Are you done? If you are, I¡¯m leaving now.¡±


    Halsey turned to walk away.


    But Warren kept talking. ¡°Just don¡¯t bother Shaun again. Let him and Chelsea live their life in peace.¡±


    Halsey stopped and stood up straight. Her eyes were clear and bright as she looked at Warren.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the whole reason you¡¯re here, then let me tell you now I have no intention of chasing after Shaun. I sincerely wish them a happy wedding and lots of kids. Happy now?¡±


    Right then, Warren looked up and said, ¡°Oh, hey, Shaun.¡±


    Halsey froze.


    Slowly, she turned around and saw Shaun standing there, backlit by the light.


    No one knew how long he had been there, but it was obvious that he had heard everything she and Warren had just said¡ªespecially the part where she wished him and Chelsea a happy marriage and many children.


    Halsey wentpletely still.


    Shaun¡¯s cold, piercing eyes locked onto her face. The way he looked at her-icy and emotionless-made her feel like the air had frozen.


    Even from that distance, Halsey could feel the chill radiating off of him.

 My Dad Please Come 891

    1


    Warren walked up to Shaun.


    Just then, Chelsea also came out. ¡°Shaun, what are you doing out here?¡±


    Shaun looked at Chelsea, his voice warm. ¡°You¡¯ve been gone a while. I got worried, so I came to check on you.¡±


    Warren grinned and teased, ¡°Sounds like Shaun really cares about you.¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s cheeks flushed with happiness. ¡°Don¡¯t tease us. Let¡¯s head back.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Shaun walked off with Chelsea and Warren, brushing right past Halsey without a word or nce.


    Halsey stood frozen in ce. Now, she and Shaun were nothing more than strangers who once knew everything about each other.


    She leaned against the wall as her eyes slowly turned red. No matter how hard she tried to hold it in, hot, glistening tears still slid down her cheeks.


    Losing Shaun hurt more than she had ever expected.


    Halsey went home and immediately curled up in bed. Ever since she got pregnant, she had been sleeping a lot more.


    As nned, she had already gone to Calvin¡¯s school toplete her enrollment paperwork. She would be starting her courses soon.


    But then she got a call from Madeline. Her voice on the phone was weak and faint. ¡°Hey, Halsey. I¡¯m sick.¡±


    Halsey jumped up, rmed. ¡°You¡¯re sick? Have you seen a doctor?¡±


    ¡°I have a fever. A high one, 105 degrees. I¡¯m resting in my dorm right now.¡±


    Madeline was working in a sealed research facility that had medical professionals on-site.


    Still, a fever that high was dangerous. Halsey couldn¡¯t help but worry-what if it affected her brain?


    Madalina vau.


    L


    _L ¨C 3:3 :s his hau haud


    Is no


    tight.¡±


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll tell the security guard to let you in.¡±


    After hanging up, Halsey packed a few clothes, then caught a ride straight to the research base.


    She arrived half an hourter. A guard led her to one of the dorm rooms. ¡°This is Maddy¡¯s room.¡±


    ¡°Thanks a lot.¡±


    Halsey knocked on the door. Madeline opened it shortly after. ¡°You got here fast.¡±


    Halsey immediately reached out to steady her and touched her forehead. ¡°You¡¯re still burning up. Didn¡¯t the doctor check on you?¡±


    ¡°He did. Gave me some meds, too. But fevers like this take time. Theye and go.¡±


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get you back in bed. I¡¯ll take care of you for the next few days.¡±


    Halsey helped Madeline back to bed. The dorm was well-equipped-practically the same as a luxury suite in a six-star hotel. The research staff definitely got the best treatment.


    Once Madeline was tucked in, Halsey asked, ¡°Do you want anything to eat? I could make you something.¡±


    Madeline managed a pale smile. ¡°Can you really cook?¡±


    The question caught Halsey off guard. Now that she thought about it, she couldn¡¯t.


    She had been raised like a proper heiress, barely ever touched a pot or pan. Cooking was not in her skill set.


    But there was no way she could admit defeat now. If she didn¡¯t know how, she would just learn.


    Halsey gave her chest a light tap, full of confidence. ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate me. Just wait. I¡¯m making you a grilled cheese sandwich!¡±


    She strutted into the kitchen, pulled up a video tutorial, and got to work.


    Half an hourter, Madeline came rushing into the kitchen.


    ¡°What¡¯s that burnt smell?¡±

 My Dad Please Come 892

    Halsey stood there holding a burnt pot, looking defeated. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I ruined it. I burned the bread and cheese.¡±


    Madeline couldn¡¯t help butugh. She quickly stepped forward and took the pot from her. ¡± Let¡¯s be honest-you¡¯re just not cut out for the kitchen. I already called someone who can actually cook.¡±


    It was true. Halsey had no cooking skills. She thought she could just learn, but reality hit her hard. Now that help was on the way, she couldn¡¯t be happier.


    ¡°You called a chef?¡± Halsey perked up. ¡°If I¡¯d known, I would¡¯ve just brought the one from home.¡±


    Madeline opened her mouth to reply, but right then, the doorbell rang.


    Ding-dong!


    Halsey¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°The chef¡¯s here already? I¡¯ll get the door!¡±


    She ran over and opened it with a cheerful, ¡°Hello-¡±


    But the words stopped in her throat. Standing outside the door was a tall, familiar figure.


    It was¡­Shaun.


    Shaun hade.


    Halsey thought it¡¯d be a chef-she never imagined it would be Shaun.


    What was he doing here?


    Halsey froze in the doorway.


    Shaun nced at her face with a neutral expression, barely looking her way.


    Just then, Madeline ran over. ¡°I asked Shaun toe! He knows how to cook. From now on, let¡¯s leave the kitchen stuff to him.¡±


    Shaun stepped inside, frowning. ¡°Why does it smell like something¡¯s burning?¡±


    Madeline pointed toward the kitchen.


    ¡°That¡¯s the grilled cheese sandwich Halsey was trying to make for me.¡±


    Shaun


    gave the charred sandwich a look, then shot Halsey a nce like she was hopeless.¡± This is the first time I¡¯ve seen someone burn a sandwich.¡±


    Halsey blinked. She had just beenpletely humiliated.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do the cooking,¡± Shaun said.


    Madeline beamed. ¡°Thanks, Shaun.¡±


    Shaun reached up and unbuttoned his ck suit jacket, slipping it off to reveal a crisp white dress shirt underneath. He rolled up the sleeves neatly, then walked into the kitchen and got to work.


    Halsey watched him, stunned. A tall, handsome businessman standing in the kitchen cooking ¨Cjust the thought of it was enough to make her heart skip a beat.


    They always say men who can cook are the most attractive. She was starting to believe it.


    She hadn¡¯t expected Shaun to show up at all. Now, being under the same roof again, it was honestly a little awkward.


    Madeline tugged at Halsey¡¯s hand. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s go back to the room. Shaun will call us when the food¡¯s ready.¡±


    The two of them headed back to the bedroom. Madeliney back down on the bed while Halsey sat nearby.


    ¡°Did you invite your brother here on purpose?¡± Halsey asked.


    Madeline gave her a cheeky wink. ¡°Did Shaun upset you again?¡±


    Even though she was young, Madeline wasn¡¯t clueless. Halsey had tried her best to keep things from her, but Madeline had still picked up on what was going on.


    Halsey smiled faintly. ¡°Grown-up stuff isplicated. You wouldn¡¯t understand.¡±


    Madeline suddenly threw her arms around Halsey. ¡°I¡¯m not a kid anymore. I¡¯m an adult now! And to me, you¡¯re the only sister-inw I want. I¡¯m still waiting for you and Shaun to get married!¡±


    All Halsey could do was curve her lips in a helpless smile.


    She gently tapped Madeline¡¯s forehead. ¡°Stay out of


    grown-ups¡¯ business.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 893

    Madeline hugged Halsey tightly. ¡°As long as I¡¯m around, no one else gets to be my sister-in-w!¡±


    Halsey felt a warm rush in her chest. No matter what happened between her and Shaun, at least all the love she had given Madeline hadn¡¯t gone to waste.


    Not long after, Shaun called from outside the room. ¡°Dinner¡¯s ready! Come eat!¡±


    Halsey led Madeline out. On the dining table, there were three sandwiches and some sd.


    For someone like Halsey, who couldn¡¯t cook to save her life, she couldn¡¯t help but admire Shaun. In such a short time, he had managed to whip up sandwiches and a sd.


    Shaun pulled a chair out and took a seat. ¡°Let¡¯s eat.¡±


    Halsey sat down next to Madeline, feeling a little guilty. She came to take care of Madeline, but she hadn¡¯t been much help at all.


    She took a few bites of the sandwich, but she didn¡¯t have much of an appetite and couldn¡¯t eat much.


    Madeline looked over. ¡°Why are you eating so little?¡±


    Halsey didn¡¯t dare bring up the pregnancy. She smiled and said, ¡°I just haven¡¯t had much of an appetitetely.¡±


    Madeline frowned. ¡°Why not? Are you feeling sick too?¡±


    Halsey paused. She wasn¡¯t sick-she was pregnant.


    Just then, Shaun, who was sitting across from her, suddenly asked. ¡°Is it because my food isn¡¯t as good as what you get at Harmony Bistro? Or have you lost your appetite because I¡¯m sitting here?¡±


    Halsey froze. What was he talking about?


    Madeline blinked. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    Shaun¡¯s lips curled slightly as he looked at Halsey with mockery in his eyes. ¡°Weren¡¯t you just having dinner at Harmony Bistro the other day? You didn¡¯t seem to have any problems with your appetite then. But now? You don¡¯t wanna eat?¡±


    Halsey finally understood. He was being sarcastic. He thought she was faking it.


    Before she could say anything, Madeline frowned. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? Why are you being so mean to Halsey?¡±


    Halsey didn¡¯t want the siblings to fight over her. She quickly grabbed Madeline¡¯s hand. ¡°He didn¡¯t mean anything by it. Don¡¯t get the wrong idea-¡±


    Shaun cut her off. ¡°You¡¯re the one who¡¯s got it wrong. I meant what I said.¡±


    Halsey was stunned into silence.


    Madeline¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°Shaun, what¡¯s your problem? If you keep talking to Halsey like that, I¡¯m kicking you out. You¡¯re not wee here!¡±


    Halsey quickly picked up the sandwich. ¡°Stop fighting. I¡¯ll eat. See? I¡¯ve got my appetite back!¡±


    She was about to take a bite when a wave of nausea hit her. She clutched her chest and bent over as she started to gag.


    Madeline immediately dropped her sandwich and moved to pat her on the back. ¡°Are you okay?


    Across the table, Shaun stiffened slightly as he watched her.


    Tears welled up in Halsey¡¯s eyes from the difort, but she forced herself to hold them in and smiled through the pain. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯ve just had a poor appetitetely.¡±


    ¡°It must be Shaun¡¯s cooking. What do you want to eat instead?¡± Madeline asked, worried.


    Halsey felt incredibly awkward. She tried to exin, ¡°No, it¡¯s not the food. I just¡­ I don¡¯t really want anything in particr. Maybe something sour would help.¡±


    At that moment, a soft ringtone filled the room-Shaun¡¯s phone was ringing.


    It was sitting right there on the dining table. Halsey hadn¡¯t meant to look, but when she nced up, she saw the caller ID.


    It was Chelsea.

 My Dad Please Come 894

    Chelsea was calling Shaun.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take this outside.¡±


    Shaun walked out with his phone.


    Madeline huffed, ¡°Why does he have to go outside just to answer a call? Seriously!¡±


    Halsey figured maybe Shaun and Chelsea were going to talk for a while-sweet talk and all that. Probably not something they wanted anyone overhearing.


    She smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about him. Hurry up and finish your sandwich.¡±


    Madeline picked up her food. ¡°I¡¯ll call someer and ask them to bring you something sour. Do you want fruit or sour candy?¡±


    Halsey looked at her and smiled.


    Shaun never came back after taking the call. Halsey and Madeline showered and theny down in bed together.


    Halsey asked, ¡°Did Shaun go back to the office?¡±


    She figured Shaun¡¯spany kept him busy, and he probably wouldn¡¯te back since it was quitete.


    Madeline replied, ¡°I think so. I texted him, but he didn¡¯t reply. He¡¯s probably tied up with something.¡±


    That was just as well. His presence only made Halsey more restless.


    Halsey pulled the nket up over Madeline. ¡°Go to sleep. Resting is the best way to get better.¡±


    Madeline snuggled under the covers with her. ¡°You should sleep early, too. Goodnight.¡±


    ¡°Goodnight.¡±


    Madeline fell asleep quickly, but Halsey couldn¡¯t stop tossing and turning.


    Normally, she loved sleep. But ever since Shaun had shown up, her mind had been in a mess.


    Was he still at work now? Or was he with Chelsea? What were they doing?


    Halsey tried not to think about it, but she couldn¡¯t stop her thoughts from spinning. Her mind was full of Shaun.


    She didn¡¯t know how much time had passed, but her eyelids started to feel heavy. She finally


    drifted off, half-asleep.


    Then she heard a soft click as the door creaked open. She jolted up from the bed. ¡°Who¡¯s there?


    She thought it might be a thief.


    A secondter, she saw who it was.


    Shaun hade back.


    He walked over to the bed. The room was softly lit with a warm yellow glow. Halsey and Madeline were curled up together under the nkets, and the air carried the faint scent of something sweet and girly. It was warm and peaceful.


    Halsey sat up sleepily, her big, round eyes still groggy and dazed. She looked like a little confused bunny, and for a moment, Shaun¡¯s heart softened.


    He came to her side and handed her a small shopping bag. ¡°Here. For you.¡±


    Halsey blinked. ¡°What is it?¡±


    She took the bag and opened it. Inside were all kinds of sweet and sour treats.


    She froze for a second and looked up at him. ¡°You bought these?¡±


    Shaun raised an eyebrow. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    Halsey¡¯s heart gave a little skip.


    Why did he buy her these? Did he go out just to get them for her? Was it because earlier at dinner, she had casually mentioned wanting something sour, and he actually remembered?


    She wanted to ask, but didn¡¯t have the courage. Hershes trembled as she muttered, ¡°Thanks.


    11


    Shaun said, ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. I want to thank you for taking care of Maddy all these years.¡±


    So he did it because of Madeline?


    Halsey still didn¡¯t dare ask


    Shaun saw that she didn¡¯t respond and stayed quiet for a moment. ¡°Get some rest. I¡¯ll sleep outside. If Maddy needs anything, just call me.¡±


    With that, Shaun turned and walked out.


    Was he spending the night here?

 My Dad Please Come 895

    Halsey didn¡¯t expect Shaun to spend the night.


    After he left, everything went quiet. She reached over, picked up a piece of lime candy, and popped it into her mouth. The tangy sweetness spread across her tongue, soothing the wave of nausea she had been fighting.


    Halsey ced a hand gently over her t belly and whispered in her heart, ¡°Your daddy bought this for us¡­¡±


    Shey back down in bed, but even after who knew how long, she still couldn¡¯t fall asleep.


    Where was Shaun sleeping? Did he take the guest room next door?


    She quietly pushed back the nket and got out of bed, pretending to grab a cup as she stepped out into the hallway.


    It didn¡¯t take long for her to spot Shaun. He hadn¡¯t taken the guest room after all¡ªhe was stretched out on the living room sofa.


    The couch was big, but with his six-foot-three frame, his long legs still stuck out a little. He was covered with just a thin throw nket and had already fallen asleep.


    It was still cold at night. Why was he only using something that light? He was going to catch a cold like that.


    Halsey tiptoed back to the room and pulled a quilt out from the closet. Then, as quietly as she could, she walked over to Shaun.


    She gently took off the thin nket and draped the thicker quilt over him.


    He was already fast asleep. In the soft glow of the dim light, she looked down at his face.


    This was the first time she had gotten a close look at him since his face had healed. He was truly handsome. The cold, sharp boy from three years ago had transformed into a mature, sessful man-and somehow even more striking than before.


    Halsey stared at him,pletely entranced, then slowly reached out her hand. Her pale fingers brushed gently against his cheek.


    She softly caressed his face.


    The next second, his long, strong fingers suddenly wrapped around her wrist and pulled her down with surprising force.


    Caught off guard, Halsey stumbled right into his arms. Shaun caught her, holding her close in his powerful embrace.


    Startled, Halsey gasped, ¡°Shaun-mmph!¡±


    Shaun kissed her.


    Halsey¡¯sshes fluttered violently, and she forgot how to breathe. She hadn¡¯t expected him to


    kiss her.


    That familiar, clean scent of his wrapped around her, and his kiss crashed over her like a wave -deep, urgent, and unrelenting. He kissed her with a raw intensity, pressing against her soft lips, then urgently deepening it, taking more and more.


    He forced his way into her world, reckless and hungry, dragging her into his storm. Halsey¡¯s whole body melted,pletely swept up in the sudden rush of his kiss.


    Then Shaun shifted, rolling over her, pressing her down beneath him. His scorching lips moved lower, from her cheek to her corbone.


    She was wearing a nightgown that was thin and easy to slip off. Shaun¡¯s lips trailed down from her neck, getting lower and lower.


    Halsey reached up, threading her fingers into his short hair, yanking it tight. She didn¡¯t even know whether she wanted to hold him or push him away.


    She gasped, her voice trembling, ¡°Shaun¡­ Ah!¡±


    He bent his knee between her legs, gently forcing them apart. His hand reached down, unfastening the belt around his lean waist.


    Everything happened in the dark, fast and fierce. It gave Halsey no time to think.


    Her mind snapped back into focus. She quickly raised her hands and pushed against his chest. Do you even know who I am?¡±


    Shaun lowered his head, sealing her lips with another kiss, not letting her speak.


    Halsey opened her mouth and bit down hard.


    ¡°Ow¡­¡¯


    11


    Shaun flinched at the pain, but his movements slowed. He buried his face in her hair, breathing heavily.

 My Dad Please Come 896

    Halsey¡¯s face turned bright red, her breath quick and uneven. ¡°Shaun¡­¡±


    Shaun¡¯s voice came out hoarse as he murmured, ¡°Chelsea¡­¡±


    He called out Chelsea¡¯s name.


    Halsey felt like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over her head. The chill went straight to her bones.


    So he thought she was Chelsea? Had they already slept together?


    Chelsea did say that they were getting married soon. So¡­ Had they already been intimate?


    Halsey felt like her heart had been torn right open. Her eyes, normally pale and calm, were now bloodshot with pain. She shoved Shaun off her and bolted into the bedroom.


    She mmed the door shut and leaned back against it, slowly sliding down to the floor.


    Wrapping her arms around herself, she sat there as big, hot tears rolled down her cheeks, one after another like a broken string of pearls.


    Her chest ached so badly.


    So this was what it felt like-hearing the man you love whisper another woman¡¯s name in your ear.


    Halsey didn¡¯t dare cry out loud, but her shoulders shook with silent sobs.


    Meanwhile, on the couch outside, Shaun was still lying down. He raised an arm to cover his eyes, trying to hide the fire that still hadn¡¯t cooled in them.


    He wanted her badly.


    His Adam¡¯s apple bobbed hard. He opened his eyes and stared nkly at the ceiling above him.


    No one knew what was going through his mind. After a while, he gave a soft, bitterugh-self -mocking, full of emptiness.


    Halsey didn¡¯t fall asleep until veryte, so she overslept the next morning.


    Madeline had to wake her up. ¡°Halsey.¡±


    Halsey sat up groggily. ¡°How are you feeling?¡±


    She reached out to touch Madeline¡¯s forehead. The fever had gone down, though there was


    still a bit of lingering warmth.


    Madeline looked much better today-her color had returned, and she was slowly regaining her energy. ¡°I feel a lot better now. But¡­ What happened to you? Your eyes are swollen.¡±


    Halsey had definitely cried too muchst night. Her eyes were red and puffy.


    ¡°Probably because I didn¡¯t sleep well,¡± Halsey replied. ¡°I¡¯ll put a warm towel on them.¡±


    She went into the bathroom and pressed a hot towel gently over her eyes.


    Madeline said, ¡°Shaun made breakfast already. Eat something before you go back to sleep.¡±


    Just hearing Shaun¡¯s name made Halsey uneasy again, as she felt a twinge in her chest. But life had to go on, and she couldn¡¯t let Madeline see what she was feeling..


    She forced a smile. ¡°Okay.¡±


    After ten minutes with the warm towel, the swelling had gone down. Halsey got dressed and went out with Madeline.


    Shaun wore a white button-up and ck pants. He ced a ss of milk on the table while telling the girls, ¡°Come eat.¡±


    He lookedpletely calm, like nothing had happened the night before.


    Halsey wanted to act like nothing had happened as well, but she still felt awkward. ¡°I¡¯ll go grab the utensils from the kitchen.¡±


    She spun around to leave, but Shaun moved at the same time. Before she knew it, she had walked straight into his chest.


    Startled, she looked up and met his eyes. As soon as she saw him staring back, Halsey stiffened.


    Madeline let out a dramaticugh. ¡°Gosh, get a room! I¡¯m way too young for this kind of scene!¡±


    She threw her hands over her eyes in mock horror.


    ¡°But don¡¯t mind me. I didn¡¯t see a thing. Carry on!¡±


    Halsey¡¯s face turned bright red-she couldn¡¯te up with a single word to say.

 My Dad Please Come 897

    Halsey froze, feeling awkward all of a sudden. She hadn¡¯t meant to bump into Shaun-she was actually trying to avoid him. Somehow, she ended up walking right into him instead.


    As she looked up at his striking face, memories from the night before hit her like a wave. He had held her down and kissed her¡­and called her ¡°Chelsea.¡±


    Halsey quickly pushed Shaun away, then took two steps back herself.


    Flustered, she stammered, ¡°S-Sorry.¡±


    Shaun noticed her flushed face and how uneasy she looked. He smirked a little and said with a teasing tone, ¡°It¡¯s fine, really. No big deal. Why are you so nervous?¡±


    Halsey suddenly realized he was right. They had already broken up. While she was still all over the ce, he had clearly moved on and was calm as ever. It was obvious he had gotten over it.


    She felt pathetic. She should be like Shaun, cool andposed. Besides, with Madeline around, there was no way they wouldpletely avoid each other.


    Taking a breath, Halsey tried to pull herself together. ¡°Sorry about that.¡±


    Shaun grabbed a bowl and some utensils. ¡°Let¡¯s eat first.¡±


    Madeline tugged Halsey down into a seat. ¡°Come on, Halsey. Time to eat.¡±


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Shaun checked Madeline¡¯s temperature. She still had a bit of a fever.


    He said, ¡°You¡¯ve been running this fever on and off. I¡¯lle by for the next couple of days to take care of you.¡±


    Madeline beamed. ¡°Alright!¡±


    Since Shaun was already looking after her, Halsey figured she wasn¡¯t needed. ¡°Since your brother¡¯s here with you, I think I¡¯ll head home.¡±


    She really didn¡¯t want to be in the same room as Shaun. It was just too ufortable.


    Madeline looked surprised. ¡°You¡¯re not staying? Are you really busytely?¡±


    Halsey gave a small smile. ¡°Even if I stay, I wouldn¡¯t be much help. Your brother¡¯s doing all the work. I¡¯m not super busy, but I¡¯ll be starting a short course at school soon. Calvin helped me get a spot.¡±


    Before Madeline could respond, Shaun cut in, ¡°Maddy, if Halsey doesn¡¯t want to stay, just let


    3 1/2


    her <ol><li> We wouldn¡¯t want to get in the way of her love life.¡± </li></ol>


    Love life? What was he even talking about?


    Halsey looked across the table at Shaun. ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to stay¡­¡±


    ¡°But you want to leave, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    She had nothing to say.


    Shaun added, ¡°It¡¯s fine. Go ahead. I¡¯ll take care of Maddy. Even if you¡¯re sitting here, I bet your heart¡¯s already off with Calvin.¡±


    Halsey was getting frustrated.


    Madeline blinked in confusion. ¡°Who¡¯s Calvin?¡±


    Halsey said, ¡°Calvin is-¡±


    Shaun cut in again. ¡°Calvin¡¯s a college professor. Hees from a good family and is well- educated and good-looking-he¡¯s definitely her type!¡±


    Halsey stared at Shaun,pletely thrown off. Why did it feel like he was mocking her? What had she done to offend him?


    Madeline said, ¡°Well, Calvin sounds great. Halsey, you should go and enjoy your romance with the professor!¡±


    As soon as those words left her mouth, Madeline felt a sharp re aimed at her. She looked and saw Shaun ring at her.


    up


    Unfazed, Madeline red right back. If he couldn¡¯t talk nicely, then he couldn¡¯t expect others to, either. She wouldn¡¯t allow anyone to mess with Halsey.


    Halsey could feel how strange the atmosphere at the table had be.


    She didn¡¯t want to be the reason the two of them started arguing, so she quickly said to Madeline, ¡°There¡¯s no rush with school. I¡¯ll stay a couple more days with you. I¡¯ll leave once you¡¯re fully better.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 898

    Madeline grinned at Halsey. ¡°I knew it! You¡¯re the best.¡±


    Halsey picked up her bowl. ¡°Let¡¯s eat.¡±


    The meal passed in an awkward, almost tense silence. When it was over, Halsey stood up.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do the dishes.¡±


    She hadn¡¯t helped cook, but at least she could handle the cleanup. Since she was staying here, she didn¡¯t want to feelpletely useless.


    She reached out to grab the utensils, but Shaun caught her slender wrist before she could.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    The sudden contact made Halsey freeze. His hand was warm, with a faintyer of calluses that pressed gently against her smooth skin as he held her wrist.


    ¡°You cooked, so let me do the dishes. I want to help out a little,¡± Halsey insisted.


    Shaun looked at her. ¡°Do you even know how to wash dishes?¡±


    After all, Halsey had grown up pampered and probably never touched a sink.


    ¡°No,¡± she admitted, ¡°but I can learn.¡±


    Shaun gave her a faint smirk. ¡°Why learn something like that? If you don¡¯t know how, just don¡¯t do it.¡±


    Halsey¡¯sshes fluttered.


    Shaun gently pulled her wrist away. ¡°You don¡¯t need to do anything. Just keep Maddypany.


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Shaun let go of her and gathered the utensils before heading to the kitchen.


    Halsey watched him from the doorway. He wore a crisp white dress shirt with ck cks- the ssic CEO look, handsome and put-together as ever. His sleeves were rolled up now, revealing his strong forearms. With his head slightly lowered as he washed the dishes, he looked effortlessly elegant, the kind of man who was hard to look away from.


    Suddenly, Halsey realized that she might never meet a man like him again.


    That was when Madeline appeared behind her. ¡°What are you staring at? Shaun?¡±


    Halsey quickly turned her eyes away. ¡°Now you¡¯re teasing me, too?¡±


    Madeline giggled. ¡°I know Shaun¡¯s good-looking, just like me. So, when am I getting invited to your wedding?¡±


    Halsey froze for a moment. She hadn¡¯t told Madeline about what had happened between her and Shaun. Apparently, Shaun hadn¡¯t either, so Madeline still didn¡¯t know.


    Halsey didn¡¯t know how to break the news. So instead, she just said, ¡°You should get some more rest.¡±


    Madelineughed. ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. Whatever you say.¡±


    Madeline followed Halsey back to the bedroom, but she came out again shortly after. She walked into the kitchen and looked at Shaun.


    ¡°Did


    you


    and Halsey get into a fight?¡± she asked him.


    Shaun kept his eyes on the dishes. His handsome face was calm, unreadable. ¡°She told you?¡±


    Madeline shook her head. ¡°No. She hasn¡¯t said a single bad thing about you to me. Not once.


    Shaun stayed silent.


    Madeline continued, ¡°What happened between you two? You guys were doing fine before, and now everything feels off.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re asking me like I know the answer. If you want to know, ask her,¡± Shaun said tly.


    Madeline huffed, ¡°It¡¯s obviously your fault!¡±


    Shaun nced over at Madeline, speechless. Talk about being one-sided.


    Madeline stood her ground. ¡°It has to be your fault. You must¡¯ve done something to upset Halsey! And let me tell you, if she breaks up with you, I¡¯m going to ditch you and stick with her instead!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 899

    Shaun couldn¡¯t believe that Madeline wanted to stick with the Halsey and ditch him. He paused from washing the dishes, wondering if he was even her real brother.


    Then, he nced at Madeline. ¡°What if I didn¡¯t do anything wrong? What if Halsey¡¯s the one who messed up?¡±


    ¡°No way! She¡¯s always right!¡± Madeline insisted.


    Shaun could onlyugh dryly. He finally understood that Madeline was totally biased.


    ¡°Just hurry up and win Halsey back, or else!¡±


    With that, Madeline turned and went back to her room.


    Shaun looked down at the dish in his hand,pletely speechless.


    Halsey stayed with Madeline for the rest of the day. While Madeline worked on a research diagram, Halsey focused on her fashion designs. She listened carefully to the sounds outside.


    After Shaun finished the dishes, he left-most likely for the office. He was incredibly busy these days.


    Later that afternoon, a few of Madeline¡¯s female ssmates dropped by. They were all close friends from her research institute, stopping in to check on her.


    Everyone gathered in the living room. Madeline hooked her arm around Halsey¡¯s and said with a smile, ¡°Let me introduce you all-this is Halsey.¡±


    The girls lit up immediately. ¡°Hi, Halsey! You¡¯re so pretty!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve heard Maddy mention you so many times. I didn¡¯t expect you to be this gorgeous!¡±


    Halsey smiled. ¡°Thank you. That¡¯s really sweet.


    Just then, the door opened, and Shaun walked in carrying severalrge shopping bags. He had stopped by the office, then picked up groceries and some daily essentials on his way back.


    The moment the girls saw Shaun, their eyes practically sparkled. One of them tugged on Madeline¡¯s arm, whispering excitedly, ¡°Maddy, who¡¯s the tall, hot guy?¡±


    Madelineughed. ¡°That¡¯s Shaun, my brother. Shaun, these are my friends.¡±


    Shaun gave them a polite nod, his cool eyes flicking over the group briefly. Then he headed to the kitchen and began unloading the bags into the fridge.


    The girls couldn¡¯t stop staring. They didn¡¯t even blink.


    ¡°Your brother is so handsome.¡±


    ¡°He can cook too? Good-looking and knows his way around a kitchen-he¡¯s perfect!¡±


    Pleased by the praise, Madeline beamed. ¡°Shaun can do everything. His cooking¡¯s amazing. Right, Halsey?¡±


    She didn¡¯t miss the chance to praise Shaun in front of Halsey.


    Halsey curved her lips into a soft smile and nodded. ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s a great cook.¡±


    One of the girls, Geneva Tate, was especially striking-young, beautiful, easily the most attractive of the bunch. Her eyes were practically glued to Shaun the moment she saw him.


    She couldn¡¯t suppress her curiosity and asked Madeline, ¡°What does your brother do?¡±


    Madeline replied, ¡°He¡¯s the CEO of apany.¡±


    ¡°Wow!¡±


    The girls started gushing again.


    ¡°He¡¯s so cool!¡±


    ¡°Well, of course! Just look at who his sister is. If Maddy¡¯s this smart and talented, her brother¡¯s got to be something else too!¡±


    Laughter filled the room as the girls chatted and giggled together.


    Watching them, Halsey was suddenly reminded of her college days. She used to be just like them-young, innocent, not yet hardened by the world. Back then, she had met Shaun.


    All of a sudden, a wave of nausea hit her. She felt the sour bile creep up her throat and realized she was going to be sick again.


    Not wanting anyone to notice, she quickly stood up. ¡°I need to use the restroom.¡±


    Madeline nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Halsey hurried into the bathroom, bent over, and threw up.

 My Dad Please Come 900

    Ever since Halsey got pregnant, her morning sickness had been terrible. The sour bile burned her throat, and it stung so badly it brought tears to her eyes.


    Halsey turned on the faucet and sshed her face with cold water.


    Just then, Geneva appeared behind her. ¡°Hi.¡±


    Halsey straightened up. ¡°Hey. Are you here to use the bathroom?¡±


    Geneva smiled. ¡°Are you close with Maddy¡¯s brother?¡±


    The question caught Halsey off guard. She nodded. ¡°Yeah, I know him.¡±


    Geneva stepped closer, a mix of shyness and excitement in her voice. ¡°Could do me a favor?¡±


    Halsey tilted her head. ¡°What kind of favor? If I can help, I will.¡±


    Geneva hesitated, then asked, ¡°Could you help me get Maddy¡¯s brother¡¯s Instagram handle?¡±


    Geneva wanted Shaun¡¯s Instagram handle.


    The moment Halsey saw the look on Geneva¡¯s face-shy and hopeful-it all clicked. Geneva


    had a crush on Shaun.


    Honestly, it made sense. A man like Shaun-young, handsome, rich, and the CEO of apany


    -was exactly the kind of guy who¡¯d attract attention. Countless beautiful girls would throw themselves at someone like him.


    Ande to think of it, there really weren¡¯t many women around Shaun. Aside from Chelsea, his circle was mostly men.


    Maybe it was because of that that Halsey had overlooked something-Shaun was a man a lot of women would want.


    She froze. Geneva wanted her to get Shaun¡¯s Instagram handle?


    Geneva moved closer, tugging on Halsey¡¯s sleeve in a pleading tone. ¡°Please? Could you help me out?¡±


    Halsey really didn¡¯t want to ask. ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask Maddy? He¡¯s her brother. It¡¯d be easier.¡±


    ¡°If I ask Maddy and she says no, it¡¯d be super embarrassing in front of the others. I don¡¯t want my ssmates to know. That¡¯s why I¡¯m asking you quietly.¡±


    Then she added with a soft whine, ¡°Can you help me out? Please?¡±


    Halsey sighed. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll try, but I can¡¯t promise he¡¯ll give it to me.¡±


    She wanted to say that Shaun had a girlfriend, but that was his private business. It wasn¡¯t her ce to share it.


    ¡°Yay! I knew you were the best. Thank you!¡±


    Left with no choice, Halsey forced herself to go. She didn¡¯t see Shaun in the living room, but she quickly spotted his tall figure in the kitchen.


    Shaun had already started cooking.


    As she stood there, Halsey thought back to what the girls had said. Men like Shaun were dangerously attractive.


    She walked in and stopped at the doorway, not quite sure how to bring it up.


    Shaun was chopping vegetables. When he looked up and saw her standing there, he gave a small smile. ¡°Why are you just standing there? Hungry?¡±


    Halsey shook her head. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then what are you doing? You need something?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ Sort of.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    His reply was direct andmanding.


    Halsey looked at him. ¡°Can I get your Instagram handle?¡±


    TO


    To be honest, she wasn¡¯t even sure what Shaun¡¯s Instagram handle was. She had unfollowed him when they broke up.


    Shaun paused when he heard her, then slowly put down the knife, wiped his hands with a towel, and walked over to her.


    ¡°You want my Instagram handle?¡±

 My Dad Please Come 901

    Halsey had been standing by the door, but the moment Shaun¡¯s tall frame approached, his shadow instantly fell over her. She instinctively backed away, but she misjudged her step and nearly hit the wall.


    Shaun reached out and caught her by the waist, his hand easily wrapping around her. With a gentle tug, he pulled her straight into his arms.


    Their bodies suddenly pressed close.


    Halsey¡¯sshes fluttered. ¡°Mr. Lane¡­¡±


    Shaun looked down at her. ¡°What¡¯s got you all flustered? Just because you¡¯re asking for my Instagram handle?¡±


    Right then and there, Halsey regretted ever agreeing to Geneva¡¯s request-this was definitely a mistake!


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to, you don¡¯t have to give it to me¡ª¡±


    Before she could finish, Shaun gave her a firm pull, and she stumbled into his chest. His fresh, clean scent surrounded her instantly.


    Halsey quickly lifted her hands and pressed them against his chest. ¡°Mr. Lane¡­¡±


    Shaun nced at her hands. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re touching?¡±


    Halsey froze. She wasn¡¯t trying to touch him.


    But under her palms, she could clearly feel his hard, defined chest muscles-tight and solid. She wondered if he had been working out again.


    Flustered, she quickly pulled her hands back. ¡°Sorry.¡±


    Shaun raised an eyebrow at her awkwardness. ¡°You still want my Instagram handle?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not-¡°I


    She meant to say she wasn¡¯t the one who wanted it, but Geneva.


    But before she could get the words out, Shaun said, ¡°Sure.¡±


    Was he really giving it to her?


    Honestly, Halsey thought he would say no. He always seemed cold and distant, and besides, wasn¡¯t he with Chelsea now? Why would he hand out his Instagram to another girl?


    ¡°My Instagram handle hasn¡¯t changed. It¡¯s my name.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Halsey nodded. ¡°You can let go of me now.¡±


    But Shaun didn¡¯t move. He was still holding her.


    Just then, a voice called out. ¡°Halsey? Halsey?¡±


    It was Madeline. She was looking for her.


    Halsey tensed. ¡°Mr. Lane, what are you doing? Maddy¡¯s looking for me. If she sees us like this, she might misunderstand. Please let go!¡±


    She tried to push him away.


    Their bodies were already pressed together, and as she struggled, the friction through their thin clothes sparked something electric.


    Shaun gulped. ¡°Don¡¯t move.¡±


    Halsey froze. She immediately sensed the change in his body.


    Is he¡­


    With a sharp push, she shoved him away and bolted out of the room.


    Madeline was justing around the corner. ¡°Halsey, why¡¯s your face so red?¡±


    Halsey touched her cheeks, flustered. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I guess I got a little hot just now.¡¯


    Madeline looked confused. ¡°Hot? It¡¯s not even warm today.¡±


    Halsey didn¡¯t respond.


    Geneva quickly found her. ¡°Halsey, did you get his Instagram handle?¡±


    Halsey handed her a small note with Shaun¡¯s name on it. ¡°Here you go.¡±


    Geneva¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Wow! Thanks! I¡¯m following him right now!¡±


    She pulled out her phone and eagerly sent a follow request to Shaun¡¯s Instagram ount. Now, she just had to wait for him to approve it.


    Halsey nced at Geneva¡¯s screen. Would Shaun ept?


    Meanwhile, Shaun was standing in the kitchen. His body still felt hot and restless-the feeling of holding Halsey hadn¡¯t faded.


    He walked over to the window and opened it, letting the cool breeze from outside wash over


    him.


    He needed to cool off.

 My Dad Please Come 902

    It had been a long time since Shaun and Halsey had been together. At his age, full of energy and desire, it was hard not to feel tempted after being that close to her again.


    Ding!


    His phone buzzed.


    Shaun pulled it from his pocket and opened Instagram. A friend request hade in.


    The handle was ¡°cute_potato¡±.


    A faint smirk tugged at Shaun¡¯s lips. When did Halsey change her handle to that? Was she trying to be cute?


    Well¡­ She was pretty cute.


    Shaun epted the request.


    On the other end, Geneva nearly jumped with excitement. ¡°He epted! Now we¡¯re following each other on Instagram!¡±


    Shaun had approved Geneva¡¯s request and followed her back.


    Halsey forced a small smile. ¡°Congrats.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to message him now,


    ¡°Geneva announced.


    She sent him a DM. [I¡¯m into you.]


    Geneva wasn¡¯t the shy type. Young, bold, and straightforward, she just went for it.


    Ding!


    Shaun saw the message. [I¡¯m into you.]


    The heat he¡¯d tried to cool off earlier came surging back. He typed out a reply.


    Geneva eximed, ¡°He replied! Let me see what he said.¡±


    Halsey looked over just as Geneva opened the message.


    [How much are you into me?]


    The mature man¡¯s flirty reply was the kind that made your face burn and your heart race.


    Sure enough, Geneva¡¯s beautiful face was instantly flushed. She had seen Shaun earlier in the living room-he was soposed, elegant, distant; the type who seemedpletely


    uninterested in women.


    And yet, he had asked her how much she was into him.


    It was almost too naughty.


    Geneva¡¯s heart was beating like crazy. She typed back. [Very.]


    Shaun read the reply and smiled faintly.


    Not long after, Geneva sent another message. [Can we have dinner together tomorrow?]


    She was going for it now-she was asking him out.


    Halsey watched as the confident, energetic Genevaunched a full-on pursuit. Her heart ached in silence.


    Would Shaun say yes?


    Ding!


    His reply came. [Sure. I¡¯ll have my assistant make a reservation at a steak restaurant for tomorrow.]


    Geneva squealed with joy and grabbed Halsey¡¯s arm. ¡°Did you see that? He just agreed to go on a date with me!¡±


    Halsey stared at the message. Her eyes stung.


    Shaun actually epted.


    Didn¡¯t he have a girlfriend? Wasn¡¯t he worried Chelsea would find out?


    Or¡­ Had he changed? Was he now the kind of guy who couldn¡¯t say no, who liked pretty young girls?


    Geneva quickly typed back, [Sounds good.]


    Just like that, their date was set.


    Halsey forced a smile. ¡°Congrats.¡±


    ¡°Thanks! I owe you one. You helped bring us together!¡± Geneva said cheerfully.


    Halsey didn¡¯t know what to say.


    ¡°I¡¯m heading off. Gotta go get ready for my date with him tomorrow!¡± With that, Geneva waved and left in a hurry.


    Halsey stood there alone, her heart swirling with a mess of emotions.


    Just then, Madeline came running in. ¡°Halsey, what are you doing standing here all by yourself? Come on. Dinner¡¯s ready. Shaun just finished cooking.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 903

    Halsey took a deep breath, steadied her emotions, and nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    She walked out with Madeline.


    Shaun had alreadyid out a full spread. He was a great cook; everything looked and smelled amazing. Halsey¡¯s eyes were immediately drawn to the fish and chips with malt vinegar-it was mouthwatering just to look at.


    Ever since she got pregnant, she had been craving tangy food. This dish was exactly what she wanted.


    Madeline looked over the table. ¡°Fish and chips with malt vinegar, borscht, mashed potatoes with sour cream¡­ Shaun, why did you cook everything tangy today?¡±


    Shaun ced the utensils and bowls on the table without saying a word.


    Madeline suddenly smacked her forehead. ¡°Oh! I get it now. You noticed Halsey hasn¡¯t had much of an appetitetely, and she¡¯s been craving tangy stuff, so you made all this for her, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Halsey¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She nced at Shaun-was all this really for her?


    Shaun didn¡¯t confirm or deny it. ¡°I¡¯ll get the borscht. Start eating.¡±


    Then he walked back into the kitchen.


    Madeline shot Halsey a teasing look. ¡°Shaun¡¯s not that bad, right?¡±


    Halsey stayed silent. ¡°Not bad¡± wasn¡¯t even close-he was pretty great.


    Madeline leaned in and whispered, ¡°Come on, I can totally tell. Shaun must¡¯ve made you angry. But with how sweet he¡¯s being now, maybe give him another chance?¡±


    Halsey just smiled faintly. The truth was, she and Shaun had already broken up..


    She had been so firm about ending things, and Shaun clearly didn¡¯t love her anymore. Now, he was with Chelsea¡­and even followed Geneva on Instagram. In fact, he was surrounded by pretty young women now.


    At that moment, Madeline¡¯s phone rang.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna take this call real quick.


    ¡°1


    She headed into her room to answer it.


    Shaun walked out of the kitchen. ¡°Where¡¯s Maddy?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s taking a call,¡± Halsey replied.


    Shaun gave a small nod.


    When she saw him carrying the soup, Halsey reached out quickly. ¡°Here, let me help.¡±


    But the tip of her finger brushed the edge of the hot pot, and she winced with a sharp inhale.


    ¡°Ow¡­!¡±


    Shaun set down the soup and immediately grabbed her hand. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Halsey shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s fine


    Shaun gently led her into the kitchen. ¡°Rinse it under cold water.¡±


    He turned on the faucet and held her red fingertip under the stream.


    ¡°Does it still hurt?¡± he asked softly.


    Halsey shook her head again. ¡°No.¡±


    Shaun turned off the tap and looked at her pinkened fingers. ¡°I told you not to touch anything hot. Now, look-your fingers are


    all red.¡±


    Then he suddenly lowered his head and gently took her fingertip into his mouth.


    Halsey¡¯sshes trembled. She hadn¡¯t expected that.


    Her cheeks flushed instantly. That kind of move-so intimate, something only couples did-made her heart race.


    She quickly pulled her hand back. ¡°I¡¯m fine now.¡±


    Shaun looked up at her.


    Feeling awkward, Halsey mumbled, ¡°I¡¯ll go back out first.¡±


    She turned to leave.


    But Shaun¡¯s long fingers reached out and grabbed her arm. With a quick tug, he pulled her straight into his warm, solid chest.


    Halsey looked up at him. ¡°Hey, I-mmph!¡±


    Before she could finish, everything went dark. Shaun cupped her face and kissed her.


    Halsey¡¯s mind wentpletely nk.


    If that kiss the other night had been a drunken mistake, if he had kissed her then because he thought she was someone else¡­


    Then what was this? Why was he kissing her now?

 My Dad Please Come 904

    Halsey quickly lifted both hands and pressed them against Shaun¡¯s chest, trying to push him away. ¡°Don¡¯t do this¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t do what?¡±


    Shaun turned slightly and backed her up against the counter, his body closing in on hers.


    His firm, lean figure pressed tightly against her, the air between them suddenly thick with tension and heat.


    Halsey had no idea what was going on with him. Just a while ago, he was distant and aloof-but now, he was being bold and forward. What was his deal?


    He had a girlfriend, Chelsea. And tomorrow, he was supposed to have dinner with Geneva. Yet here he was, pinning her against the kitchen counter and kissing her like none of that mattered.


    Halsey¡¯s cheeks grew hotter. ¡°Let me go. Maddy¡¯s going toe out any second¡­ She¡¯ll see us¡­¡±


    Shaun stared down at her delicate face, his voice low and hoarse. ¡°You don¡¯t like it when I kiss you?¡±


    Halsey¡¯s eyes widened, stunned that he would ask something like that. What had gotten into him?


    Shaun took her hand and ced it on his face, holding her gaze. ¡°Do you like how I look now?¡±


    Her mind was spinning. Was he seriously asking if she liked the way he looked?


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    ¡°Do I not look good anymore?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    He reached out and gently pinched her cheek, forcing her to look directly at him. ¡°Tell me.¡±


    ¡°Tell you what?¡±


    ¡°Tell me, am I good-looking, or not?¡±


    As if he needed her to answer that. Didn¡¯t all those girls circling around him prove it?


    Still, Halsey gave a small, honest nod. ¡°You are.¡±


    A faint smirk tugged at Shaun¡¯s lips. He was clearly pleased. Without warning, he leaned down and kissed her again.


    Halsey immediately tried to push him away, but it didn¡¯t work. His kiss was strong, intense, almost overpowering. He pried her lips open and imed her mouth with his.


    Her body melted as shepletely gave in. That kind of instinctive attraction was terrifying¡ªshe couldn¡¯t deny how much she craved his touch.


    It was the same for Shaun. The moment Halsey got close, his body reacted, almost automatically, needing her.


    His kiss deepened, tasting her sweetness. His right hand, the one wearing a sleek designer watch, slipped under the hem of her shirt.


    Halsey let out a soft whimper, her knees giving way beneath her.


    Shaun caught her, holding her tight against his chest. His lips moved to her ear, his voice husky. ¡°Why did they get so much bigger?¡±


    At first, Halsey didn¡¯t understand what he meant. But a few secondster, her face lit up, bright red and scalding hot.


    She was pregnant. Of course, her body had changed.


    She pushed against him weakly, her small hands pressing against his wrists. ¡°Stop¡­ Please, stop¡­¡±


    Shaun murmured, ¡°Your body¡¯s more honest than your mouth.¡±


    He caught one of her hands and guided it toward his own body.


    Halsey was trembling, too weak to resist. The lights in the kitchen were off, and the two of them were tangled in the dark. It was a moment only shared between grown-ups, seekingfort in each other¡¯s touch.


    Just then, Madeline¡¯s voice rang out. ¡°Halsey!¡±


    Halsey snapped out of it instantly. ¡°Maddy¡¯sing.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s eyes were still dark with desire. He kissed the corner of her lips and whispered, ¡°I¡¯m sleeping in the guest room tonight. Want toe over?¡±


    Halsey froze, not fully processing what he meant.


    Shaun stared at her innocent, dazed expression. He looked like he wanted to devour her right there. ¡°When Maddy falls asleep,e find me. I want you.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 905

    Halsey¡¯s mind was aplete mess. She couldn¡¯t think straight. Shaun had suddenly gotten so affectionate.


    Why?


    They had already broken up. What was he trying to do?


    She mumbled softly, ¡°Go find someone else -¡±


    Before she could finish, Shaun gripped her chin tightly, his eyes dark and sharp with desire. ¡°Who do you have in mind?¡±


    He could find anyone. Chelsea. Geneva. Anyone he wanted.


    But his grip tightened as he growled, ¡°Say it.¡±


    Halsey didn¡¯t dare speak. The look in his eyes made him seem almost dangerous.


    Shaun stared into her face. ¡°Since we broke up¡­ I haven¡¯t been with anyone else.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s heart skipped a beat. What did he mean?


    ¡°I haven¡¯t touched another woman,¡± he said.


    Halsey was stunned. He hadn¡¯t even touched Chelsea?


    Shaun pressed his thumb against her lips, rubbing hard. Back and forth, again and again, until her lips lost color and then flushed again, vibrant and soft. The sight made his breathing unsteady.


    His voice was rough and low. ¡°Will youe over tonight?¡±


    Halsey was overwhelmed. Her thoughts were tangled and foggy. After hesitating for a few seconds, she shook her head. ¡°No.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s chest rose sharply with frustration. He leaned in and bit the corner of her lip.


    ¡°Ow¡­¡± She winced from the sting.


    He finally let go, his voice rough and threatening. ¡°Don¡¯t y games with me. I¡¯m warning you-don¡¯t think I¡¯m easy to mess with.¡±


    She stared at him in confusion. What was he talking about? She hadn¡¯t done anything to him.


    Just then, Madeline¡¯s voice came from nearby. ¡°Halsey? Shaun? Where did you go?¡±


    Halsey didn¡¯t have time to ask questions. She quickly shoved Shaun away, fixed her clothes, and walked out in a hurry. ¡°I¡¯m here!¡±


    ¡°Where did you disappear to? Wait-what happened to your lip?¡±


    Halsey panicked. ¡°I-I bumped it by ident.¡±


    Madeline raised a brow. ¡°How do you even bump just your lip?¡±


    She clearly didn¡¯t believe it.


    Halsey quickly grabbed her arm. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s eat dinner.¡±


    The two of them sat down at the table.


    Madeline shot her a teasing grin. ¡°Shaun kissed you, didn¡¯t he?¡±


    Halsey stayed silent.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a kid anymore, you know,¡± Madeline added. ¡°You don¡¯t have to pretend.¡±


    Without a word, Halsey picked up a piece of fish and stuffed it into Madeline¡¯s mouth. ¡°Shut up and eat!¡±


    Meanwhile, Shaun stood in the kitchen, letting the cool air blow over him. In his current state, he couldn¡¯t go out just yet. Maddy might be older now, but there were still things she didn¡¯t need to see.


    He pulled out his phone and opened a message from ¡°cute_potato¡±. Halsey¡¯s flirty confession was still on his screen. His lips curved into a faint smile.


    He could wait a night. There was still tomorrow¡¯s date.


    No need to rush.


    Once his body had calmed down, Shaun finally stepped out. He saw Halsey and Madeline sitting at the table.


    One was his little sister, the other the woman he loved. These two were his only attachments in the world now.


    As long as they were here, his heart felt fullpletely full.


    Shaun sat down.


    Madeline grinned. ¡°Shaun, you kissed Halsey, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Halsey sighed, wondering why Madeline wouldn¡¯t shut up even with her mouth full.


    Madeline continued like a critic, ¡°Shaun, your kissing sucks. Why did you bite her? Kissing takes skill-you have to be gentle! If it feels bad, Halsey won¡¯t want to kiss you again.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 906

    Madeline truly did care about Halsey and Shaun, so much that she gave her honest, heartfeltmentary.


    Halsey put down her utensils, leaned over, and covered Madeline¡¯s mouth with her hand.


    ¡°Please stop. I¡¯m begging you.¡±


    Shaun looked at Halsey¡¯s flushed cheeks and Madeline¡¯s smug, cheerful grin. The corners of his lips tugged upward in a rare


    smile.


    That night, Halsey and Madeline shared a room, while Shaun slept in the guest room. The next morning, he headed straight to


    the office.


    Shaun sat in his office as usual when Martin came in and ced a folder beside him. ¡°Mr. Lane, this is the itinerary for this


    afternoon.¡±


    Shaun continued flipping through a document, pen gliding across the page without pause. He didn¡¯t look up as he gave an order. ¡°Cancel everything after 6:00 PM tonight.¡±


    ¡°Is that for your dinner date?¡± Martin asked.


    Shaun nodded. ¡°Is the restaurant booked?¡±


    ¡°Yes, everything¡¯s arranged,¡± Martin replied. He then hesitated and asked cautiously, ¡°Is this a candlelight dinner with Ms. Mallin?¡±


    Shaun raised an eyebrow. ¡°Who else do you think it could be?¡±


    Martin didn¡¯t dare answer that. Everyone in thepany could see it clearly-Shaun loved Halsey, to the point where he handled her like the greatest treasure in his life. He waspletely smitten by her.


    Byte afternoon, Shaun had finished up his work. At exactly 5:00 PM, he stood and walked to the mirror.


    He studied his reflection for a moment, then reached up to adjust his hair.


    Just then, Warren walked in. ¡°You already look good.¡±


    Shaun smoothed his jacket.


    Warren nced at him. ¡°Martin told me you¡¯ve got a dinner reservation at 6:00 PM. Is it a date?¡±


    Shaun didn¡¯t deny it.


    ¡°With Ms. Mallin?¡± Warren asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Shaun replied simply.


    Warren¡¯s face darkened a little. ¡°Did you forget how she dumped you? She said you were ugly. It hasn¡¯t even been that long, and you¡¯ve already forgotten?¡±


    Shaun looked back at him. ¡°But she says I¡¯m handsome now. Isn¡¯t that enough?¡±


    Warren was speechless. Shaun was clearly deep in this; it was top-tier lovestruck behavior.


    Warren tried again. ¡°Look at what you¡¯re doing. Have a little self-respect! She didn¡¯t want you before, and now you¡¯re running right back to her. What are you even thinking?¡±


    Shaun looked him in the eye. ¡°She said she¡¯s into me.¡±


    Warren blinked. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Last night, she told me she was into me,¡± Shaun said quietly. ¡°I asked her how much. She said very. I wanted to be angry, to resent her, but how could I? She said she¡¯s into me. Don¡¯t you get it? She said she¡¯s very into me.¡±


    Warren had no words-he didn¡¯t get it.


    Shaun kept going. ¡°I tried to be tough. I thought of a hundred ways to punish her-ignore her and never take her back, not even if she came crawling. But I couldn¡¯t do it. I really couldn¡¯t.


    ¡°If she¡¯s there, I keep looking at her. If she¡¯s gone, I keep thinking about her. My mind and heart are full of her. I can¡¯t remember a word of what she said when she rejected me. But when she said she was into me? That¡¯s stuck in my head.


    ¡°I¡¯m not ugly anymore, right? As long as she¡¯s into the good-looking guy I am now, isn¡¯t that enough? Why keep holding on to the past?¡±

 My Dad Please Come 907

    Warren was speechless.


    He really had nothing left to say-Shaun¡¯s logic had left himpletely dumbfounded.


    Honestly, trying to reason with a sweet but clueless CEO like Shaun was a lost cause. They weren¡¯t even speaking the same


    Warren had to admit, though, that first love could be devastating. Shaun was clearly still head over heels for Halsey-the rich girl who had walked into his life back when he was just a poor kid. And now, no matter what, he just couldn¡¯t let her go.


    Still, as a normal person with a working brain, Warren didn¡¯t like Halsey. In his eyes, she had hurt his best friend way too many


    times.


    ¡°Shaun, wake up, man. I swear, she must¡¯ve put some kind of spell on you.¡±


    Right then, the office door swung open and Chelsea walked in.


    Today, Chelsea was dressed to impress. Her silky dress hugged her figure in all the right ces, and even her hair looked perfectly styled. She wasn¡¯t wasting a single second-she was determined to use every opportunity to make Shaun fall for her.


    ¡°What are you guys talking about?¡± she asked with a warm smile.


    ¡°Thank god you¡¯re here!¡± Warren jumped in. ¡°Talk some sense into Shaun. He¡¯s about to go on a dinner date with Ms. Mallin!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Chelsea¡¯s expression froze.


    She quickly stepped forward. ¡°I thought you two broke up. Why are you seeing her again?¡±


    Warren answered before Shaun could. ¡°Because she came crawling back saying she¡¯s into him, and Shaun just melted.¡±


    Chelsea clenched her fists. She couldn¡¯t understand why Halsey was always in her way. Well, she was determined not to lose


    Shaun to her again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you see what she¡¯s doing?¡± she asked Shaun. ¡°Ms. Mallin¡¯s been ying with you from the start! When your face was disfigured, she dumped you. Now that you¡¯re handsome again, she wants you back. Can¡¯t you see it¡¯s a trick? Don¡¯t fall for it again.¡±


    Shaun turned to look at her. ¡°It¡¯s not a trick. She likes how I look now, and I do look good now. Isn¡¯t that enough?¡±


    Chelsea was stunned.


    Warren, too, couldn¡¯t believe what he was hearing.


    Shaun nced at his watch. ¡°I¡¯ve got to head out now.¡±


    ¡°Shaun!¡± Chelsea called after him, unwilling to give up.


    Warren added, ¡°Shaun, can¡¯t you see? Chelsea¡¯s the one who stood by you through everything. She¡¯s the one who really cares. She went all the way to Lhassaria to find Snowpeak Bloom for you because she knew you needed it. If it weren¡¯t for her, your face wouldn¡¯t have healed!¡±


    Shaun looked back at Chelsea. ¡°I¡¯m grateful for what you did. That¡¯s why I had Martin wire a million to your ount.¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s face went pale. She had given Shaun the rare Snowpeak Bloom, and all she got in return was money. He had never once given her a reason to hope for more.


    Warren frowned. ¡°Chelsea doesn¡¯t want your money. She wants you.¡±


    Shaun turned to Chelsea. ¡°Is that true? You want me?¡±


    Chelsea nodded. ¡°Yes. I love you!¡±


    However, Shaun¡¯s voice was calm. ¡°Then you should already know-I don¡¯t love you back.¡±


    Chelsea froze.


    Shaun continued, ¡°I¡¯ve only ever seen you as a friend. There¡¯s nothing romantic between us, and you know it. If one million doesn¡¯t feel like enough, I¡¯ll ask Martin to send another one million. But the only thing I can give you is money. I can¡¯t give you my heart. You understand?¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s hands curled into tight fists at her sides.


    Shaun¡¯s tone remained steady. ¡°We¡¯re all adults here. We both know how this works. I¡¯m leaving now.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 908

    Having said that, Shaun turned and walked away.


    Warren was fuming. ¡°Shaun won¡¯t turn back until he hits a wall. I swear, he¡¯s going to spend the rest of his life tripping over Ms.


    Mallin!¡±


    Chelsea clenched her fists, unwilling to give up. After everything she had done, how could she still lose to Halsey? It was driving


    her mad.


    ¡°Warren, do you know which restaurant Shaun is meeting Ms. Mallin at?¡±


    ¡°What are you nning to do?¡±


    ¡°I just want to go take a look.¡±


    Warren sighed, then nodded. ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s go see for ourselves.¡±


    Shaun arrived at the restaurant. Tonight, he had Martin book the entire ce.


    The restaurant manager greeted him warmly. ¡°Mr. Lane, this way, please.¡±


    The manager led Shaun to a private table.


    ¡°She¡¯s not here yet?¡± Shaun asked.


    The manager smiled politely. ¡°Not yet.¡±


    ¡°Alright. You can go. I¡¯ll wait for her.¡±


    The manager stepped away.


    Shaun checked the time. It was nearly 6:00 PM, but Halsey still hadn¡¯t arrived. He pulled out his phone and opened the chat with ¡°cute_potato¡±. The more he looked at that username, the cuter it seemed.


    He sent a text, asking, [Are you here yet?]


    At that moment, Geneva had just arrived outside the restaurant. Her phone chimed. She opened it and saw Shaun¡¯s message. Her heart practically burst with joy.


    She had asked around after she got home and found out that Shaun was a rising star in the business world-handsome, wealthy, and powerful. She felt like she had struck gold.


    Tonight, she was determined to win Shaun over.


    Geneva shook her head. If Shaun had added her on Instagram and agreed to a date, it meant he already liked her. Yesterday had


    to be love at first sight!


    Geneva checked herself in a mirror. She was wearing a miniskirt that gave her a lively college-girl charm. She had countless


    pursuers, so she was confident.


    She replied, [I¡¯m here.]


    Then, she stepped into the restaurant. The manager greeted her quickly. ¡°Good evening.¡±


    ¡°Hi,¡± Geneva said sweetly. ¡°I have a dinner date with Mr. Lane. Has he arrived yet?¡±


    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s already here and waiting. Right this way.¡±


    The manager led her deeper into the restaurant.


    As they walked in, Geneva spotted Shaun immediately. He was dressed in a custom-tailored ck suit, elegant and sharp. Young and confident, he was the kind of rising businessman who put all those greasy old CEOs to shame.


    Her heart skipped a beat. She felt like the luckiest girl alive-like fate itself had smiled on her.


    She was already falling hard.


    Shaun sat at the table, reading the message from ¡°cute_potato¡± that said, [I¡¯m here.] His lips curved upward. She had arrived.


    Just then, the manager brought Geneva over. ¡°Mr. Lane, your guest has arrived.¡±


    Shaun looked up quickly. ¡°Where is she?¡±


    Geneva stepped forward with a bright smile. ¡°Mr. Lane, nice to see you.¡±.


    O


    Shaun¡¯s face darkened. His expression turned cold as he looked her over. ¡°Who is this? I don¡¯t know her.¡±


    Then he turned to the manager. ¡°Didn¡¯t I say to clear the ce out? Why is some random person wandering in?¡±


    Geneva¡¯s smile froze. Random person?


    She quickly spoke up, ¡°I¡¯m not just some random person! Didn¡¯t we agree to meet here for dinner?¡±

 My Dad Please Come 909

    Shaun froze. ¡°How did you know I was here tonight? Who told you?¡±


    The sharp look on his handsome face was already clouded with displeasure. The pressure his tone made Geneva instinctively nervous.


    She forced a smile. ¡°What do you mean? Didn¡¯t we agree to meet here for dinner?¡±


    ¡°Shaun!¡±


    Chelsea and Warren had just arrived.


    Warren looked at Geneva and frowned. ¡°Shaun, who is this? Where¡¯s Ms. Mallin? Isn¡¯t she the one you were meeting?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s already six,¡± Chelsea added. ¡°Did Ms. Mallin stand you up again?¡±


    ¡°She wouldn¡¯t,¡± Shaun cut in tly.


    ¡°Then where is she?¡± Warren pressed. ¡°And who the hell is this girl?¡±


    Geneva was starting to panic. Something felt off. Wasn¡¯t this supposed to be their date? Why was Shaun acting like he didn¡¯t know her at all?


    The little fantasy she had built in her mind had already begun to crumble.


    Shaun¡¯s cold gaze locked onto Geneva¡¯s face. ¡°Who exactly are you? Security!¡±


    Several bodyguards in ck rushed over. ¡°Mr. Lane.¡±


    ¡°Get her out of here!¡± Shaun ordered.


    Two of them immediately restrained Geneva, one on each side.


    Her face went pale. ¡°What are you doing? We agreed to meet here tonight-why are you having them drag me away?¡±


    Shaun¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°Who said I agreed to meet you?¡±


    He was confident the person he was here to see was Halsey.


    Geneva looked confused. ¡°We chatted on Instagram!¡±


    ¡°Instagram?¡± Shaun¡¯s tone turned razor-sharp.


    Geneva nodded quickly. ¡°Yes! Check it if you don¡¯t believe me. Look at our messages!¡±


    +25 BON


    She broke free of the security staff for a moment and pulled out her phone. Opening their chat history, she held it out to Shaun. ¡°See for yourself.¡±


    Shaun nced at the screen, and his entire expression changed.


    ¡°You¡¯re ¡®cute_potato¡¯?¡± he asked, stunned.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Geneva said, smiling. ¡°That¡¯s my username.¡±


    Shaun stepped back, disbelief etched into every line of his face. ¡°H-How can that be? Halsey was the one who asked me for my Instagram yesterday!¡±


    Geneva blinked. ¡°Yes! I asked Halsey to get it for me.¡±


    Everything clicked for Shaun in an instant. The person he had been chatting with this whole


    time¡­was Geneva.


    That cute, bubbly username he found so charming now made his stomach turn.


    He had actually mistaken ¡°cute_potato¡± for Halsey!


    Geneva still didn¡¯t realize what she had done. ¡°Mr. Lane, what¡¯s wrong? I thought we were going on a date.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s hands clenched into tight fists at his sides, his knuckles turning pale from the pressure. His voice was low and full of disgust. ¡°Who said anything about going on a date with you?¡±


    Warren scoffed. ¡°Give it up. You really think Shaun would choose you? He was waiting for


    213


    Ms. Mallin.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Geneva froze. ¡°Y-You¡¯re in love with Halsey? But she never told me that! When I


    asked her for your Instagram, she agreed without saying anything.¡±


    Chelsea let out a coldugh. ¡°I get it now. Shaun, Halsey clearly doesn¡¯t care about you at all. She didn¡¯t even hesitate to give your contact to this girl. She¡¯s just ying with you.¡±


    ¡°So this was all just a big misunderstanding,¡± Warren added. ¡°Turns out Ms. Mallin never nned to meet you tonight. You were just fooling yourself!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 910

    The chill rolling off Shaun was impossible to miss-it radiated from him in waves. He had thought it was Halsey who asked for his Instagram handle. He had believed it was Halsey who said she liked him, who wanted to meet him for dinner.


    But now, the truth hit him like a p to the face.


    All of it had been in his head. He had been ying a one-man show.


    And now, he felt like aplete joke.


    j


    Geneva¡¯s voice trembled. ¡°Mr. Lane, I really didn¡¯t know¡­ Please, just let me go¡­¡±


    Shaun¡¯s face was ice. ¡°Get her out of here. I don¡¯t want to see her again!¡±


    The bodyguards immediately dragged Geneva away.


    She tried to protest, to beg, but one of them covered her mouth and hauled her off.


    Shaun stood frozen in ce, tall and cold, his sharp eyes turning red with emotion. How could Halsey do this to him?


    Chelsea, of course, wasn¡¯t about to let the moment pass. ¡°See it now? Ms. Mallin doesn¡¯t care about you. She¡¯s been ying with you from the start! If she really loved you, she never would¡¯ve asked you for your Instagram just to give it to Geneva.¡±


    Warren jumped in, too. ¡°Come on. You have to stop this. Ms. Mallin isn¡¯t right for you. You¡¯ve got to move on. Stop torturing yourself with one-sided feelings. You¡¯re only making a fool of yourself!¡±


    Shaun really did feel like a fool. He had cleared his whole schedule, dressed up for her, and came here thinking he would see Halsey-but she never showed up.


    Why? Why would Halsey do this to him?


    Shaun brushed past Warren and Chelsea and stormed out, his long strides full of anger.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Warren called out.


    Chelsea shouted after him, ¡°Don¡¯t go looking for Halsey again!¡±


    Shaun ignored them, got into his luxury car, and sped off into the rainy night.


    +25 BONU


    Back at home, Halsey was alone. Madeline had been called away by her advisor, leaving the


    ce quiet.


    She was trying to work on a design draft, but her mind was somewhere else entirely. She held the pencil, but her focus was gone.


    Hours had passed, and the page in front of her was still nk.


    She nced at the clock. It was already 7:00 PM.


    What was Shaun doing right now? Was he enjoying dinner with Geneva?


    Was he happy?


    Her mind kept circling back to him. She shook her head, trying to drive the thoughts away. She couldn¡¯t keep thinking about him.


    She picked up a knife to sharpen her pencil, but her hands weren¡¯t steady. The de slipped and cut her finger, leaving a bright line of red.


    Blood welled up.


    Halsey dropped the knife and quickly brought her finger to her mouth.


    Just then, thunder cracked outside with a loud boom, and rain started pouring down.


    She rushed to the window. The rain was already hitting the ss hard. She reached out to


    close it.


    Right then, her door flew open with a loud crash, making her jump.


    ?????????? ???


    She turned around in shock.


    And there he was-Shaun.


    He stood in the doorway, tall and sharp, rain dripping off one side of his body. He held his


    ck suit jacket in one hand, the rest of him still dressed in a crisp white shirt and dark


    trousers. His chest rose and fell as he stared at her.


    Halsey froze. ¡°You¡¯re back¡­so early?¡±


    Shaun¡¯s lips curled into a cold smile. ¡°What, disappointed? Were you hoping I wouldn¡¯te back at all tonight?¡±

 My Dad Please Come 911

    Halsey¡¯sshes trembled. What was that supposed to mean? Whether he came back tonight


    or not wasn¡¯t something she had any control over.


    Raindrops slid from Shaun¡¯s sharp jawline, dripping down one after another.


    Halsey, worried he might catch a cold, quickly said, ¡°You¡¯re soaked. I¡¯ll grab you a towel.¡±


    She walked into the bathroom and returned with a towel, handing it to him. ¡°Here, dry off.


    Take a shower too. I don¡¯t want you getting sick.¡±


    $


    Shaun tossed the towel onto the carpet without a second thought. ¡°Why are you pretending to care now? Are you nning to mess with me again?¡±


    Halsey looked at the towel on the floor, stunned. ¡°What¡¯s your problem? Did you get up on the wrong side of the bed today? Or are you just in a bad mood because your sweet little date didn¡¯t go so well?¡±


    With that, she turned to walk away.


    But Shaun grabbed her arm, holding her in ce.


    ¡°What are you doing? Let me go!¡± she protested, struggling.


    Shaun let out a coldugh. ¡°So you do know I went out with someone else. I bet you were hoping I had the time of my life-maybe even ended the night in a hotel room. That would¡¯ve suited you just fine, huh?¡±


    Halsey couldn¡¯t make sense of his outburst.


    What was he talking about? Why was he throwing shade at her after going on a date with someone else? Was she just an easy target for him?


    Her clear eyes locked onto his angry face. ¡°If you¡¯ve got something to say, say it. If not, then


    leave!¡±


    Shaun yanked her closer. ¡°Did Geneva ask you to get my Instagram?¡±


    Halsey didn¡¯t want to bring it up, but since he asked, she answered honestly. ¡°Yes. She asked me to. I didn¡¯t expect you to give it to me. But you did-you followed her ount and took her out. Does your girlfriend know about that?¡±


    Shaun narrowed his eyes. ¡°My girlfriend? Who exactly are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Chelsea,¡± Halsey replied. ¡°Isn¡¯t she your girlfriend?¡±


    That seemed to set Shaun off. ¡°Just how many women do you want to push me toward? Chelsea, Geneva-what do you think I am, some kind of yer? Want me to juggle two at once? Maybe one in the morning, one at night?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know how,¡± she replied tly.


    Shaun scoffed. ¡°Oh, I think you¡¯d be pretty good at it! Two-timing, three-timing-it¡¯s your specialty, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Halsey was stunned. ¡°When have I ever dated more than one person at once?¡±


    ¡°Gilbert. Calvin. Me,¡± Shaun snapped. ¡°Which one of us hasn¡¯t been wrapped around your little finger?¡±


    Halsey was speechless. That wasn¡¯t true.


    She hadn¡¯t done anything with anyone except Shaun. She had kept her distance from the


    others.


    Her patience finally snapped. She had been thinking about him all day, while he was out dating someone else. And now he came back, looking to take it out on her?


    Halsey yelled, ¡°However many people I¡¯m supposedly involved with, I can promise you you¡¯re not one of them. What I do is none of your business!¡±


    She tried to pull away.


    ¡°Let me go! Don¡¯t touch me!¡±


    But Shaun¡¯s eyes were already shing with danger. Whatever restraint he had been holding onto finally snapped. All he could see was her face, her lips moving, provoking him


    with every word.


    And in that moment, his only thought was to shut her up.


    Shaun leaned in and kissed her.

 My Dad Please Come 912

    +25 BO


    Halsey¡¯s pupils constricted in shock.


    Shaun had actually forced a kiss on her!


    She raised both hands against his broad, muscr chest and pushed him away. ¡°What the hell do you think you¡¯re doing? You spend your mornings with Chelsea and your nights wit Geneva-am I supposed to be next on your list?¡±


    Shaun smirked. ¡°What if I gave you all my time in bed instead?¡±


    Halsey¡¯s face burned red. She swung her hand to p his handsome face, but Shaun caught


    her delicate wrist before she could strike.


    He taunted, ¡°One p equals one round in bed. Think you can handle that?¡±


    Terrified, she tried to yank her hand back. ¡°Stop this!


    Instead, he pulled her into his arms, cupped her face, and kissed her again. His clean, masculine scent overwhelmed her as his tongue invaded her mouth, dominating hers with


    ruthless insistence.


    She struggled weakly. ¡°No¡­don¡¯t!¡± But her protest came out breathy and unconvincing- more like a plea than a refusal.


    Shaun¡¯s lips curled. ¡°Your body¡¯s always been more honest than your mouth.¡±


    With a rough shove, he pushed her onto the bed and moved to pin her down.


    Halsey twisted away in panic. ¡°No! Maddy will be back soon. This is her room! You¡¯re her brother, for god¡¯s sake-have some decency!¡±


    Shaun hesitated. It was Madeline¡¯s bed, after all. Doing this in his sister¡¯s room was crossing a line.


    Seizing his distraction, Halsey scrambled up and bolted for the door, only for Shaun to catch


    +25 BO


    her from behind and sweep her off her feet.


    ¡°Where are you taking me? Let go!¡±


    Ignoring her protests, he carried her into the guest room next door and tossed her onto the bed-his bed, as the lingering scent of him in the sheets confirmed.


    She tried to crawl away, but Shaun hauled her back beneath him. ¡°You¡¯ve got nowhere to


    run. Tonight, you¡¯re <ul><li>ine </li></ul>


    His mouth crashed down on hers again, hot and demanding, while his hands tore at her


    clothes.


    Halsey had been raised a pampered heiress, no match for Shaun¡¯s raw strength. Now, disheveled and trembling, shey trapped under him, utterly at his mercy.


    Desperation edged her voice. ¡°Stop. Don¡¯t touch me! Not with the same hands you¡¯ve used


    on other women!¡±


    ÙYÁÏ


    He pressed on top of her. ¡°So you do care, huh? If it bothers you so much, why did you push me toward them?¡±


    What?


    ¡°When did I ever push you toward anyone?¡±


    Shaun¡¯s gaze burned into hers. ¡°I haven¡¯t touched another woman.¡±


    Then his mouth imed hers again, swallowing her gasp of disbelief.


    No other women? Had he really not been with Chelsea all this time? Not even Geneva tonight?


    Before she could process it, the sharp click of his belt unfastening jolted her back to reality.


    ¡°No, Shaun-ah!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 913

    +25 BON


    Halsey winced in pain, her brows furrowing.


    Shaun hovered over her, his lips brushing against her earlobe as he murmured, ¡°This is


    your punishment.¡±


    In response, she sank her teeth into his shoulder.


    A dangerous glint flickered in Shaun¡¯s eyes as he pinned her wrists down, ignoring her


    resistance.


    Halsey didn¡¯t understand how they had ended up like this again-two people who were


    supposed to be over, tangled together as if nothing had changed.


    And he had juste back from a date with Geneva.


    Her body ached, a dull throb reminding her of the fragile life inside her. The first trimester was too risky for this. ¡°Slow down-you¡¯re hurting me!¡±


    Shaun wasn¡¯t in the mood to be gentle. Not after the games she had yed with him. The entire ride home, he had been nning this retribution.


    ¡°Then endure it,¡± he growled, his voice rough.


    Halsey¡¯s delicate features twisted in difort. ¡°Please-I¡¯m serious. Stop.¡±


    He ignored her at first, but the growing pallor of her face gave him pause. Gripping her chin, he studied her. ¡°Where does it hurt?¡±


    ¡°My stomach,¡± she admitted.


    Shaun¡¯s gaze dropped to her t abdomen. ¡°Liar. Why would your stomach hurt?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m telling the truth. I¡ª¡±


    She wanted to tell him she was pregnant, but she bit back the words. It wasn¡¯t time yet.


    FURAL EN 1/4


    Shaun¡¯s fingers traced her waistline. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with your stomach?¡±


    Then it hit him.


    A flicker of realization crossed his face. ¡°Your stomach¡­¡±


    Did he know?


    Panicked, Halsey covered herself. ¡°It¡¯s nothing!¡±


    Shaun frowned. ¡°Have you gained weight?¡±


    She nearly choked. Seriously? Was that his conclusion?


    Ÿá


    ¡°You¡¯ve gained weight!¡± she snapped. ¡°I¡¯m the same as always!¡±


    The indignation in her voice made him smirk. So much for not going easy on her¡ªhe


    couldn¡¯t help but soften.


    ¡°Fine,¡± he relented, loosening his grip. ¡°I¡¯ll be gentler.¡±


    ¡°No, let me go!¡±


    ¡°Halsey,¡± he warned, ¡°I¡¯m alreadypromising. If you¡¯d rather I not hold back¡ª¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay!¡± she yelped. ¡°Just¡­don¡¯t hurt me.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s smirk deepened. ¡°That¡¯s what I thought.¡±


    As his lips imed hers, Halsey knew there was no escaping tonight. Worse, her traitorous body responded to him like it always had. She still wanted him, both her heart and body.


    But the baby¡­


    With a sudden burst of strength, she shoved him onto his back and straddled him.


    Shaun gripped her hips, his eyes dark with amusement. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°I prefer being in control,¡± she said.


    +25 BONU


    The memory hit him like a lightning strike-their first time, in that cramped little room, her boldness guiding them both through inexperience until they climaxed together.


    Maybe that was why he could never let her go. Halsey wasn¡¯t just a woman to him. She was the best part of his life.


    With a low chuckle, he pulled her down. ¡°Have it your way.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 914

    Just then, the front door suddenly swung open. Madeline hade back.


    ¡°Halsey!¡± she called out.


    Halsey jumped, startled. She immediately tried to climb off Shaun. ¡°Maddy¡¯s back!¡±


    Shaun wrapped his arm tightly around her waist, refusing to let her go. ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere.¡±


    ¡°Are you crazy? Maddy¡¯s home! She¡¯s looking for me!¡±


    Madeline¡¯s voice echoed from the hallway. ¡°Halsey? Where are you? Halsey? Shaun?¡±


    Now she was looking for Shaun, too.


    Halsey¡¯s face flushed a deep red. If Madeline walked in and saw what they were doing,


    Halsey would never be able to show her face again.


    ¡°Let me go! Maddy¡¯s calling for us-don¡¯t be like this!¡±


    Shaun leaned in and said in a low voice, ¡°Call her. Tell her you¡¯re not going home tonight.¡±


    What was that supposed to mean?


    Halsey immediately refused. ¡°No!¡±


    Shaun asked calmly, ¡°No to what? No to the phone call, or no to spending the night in my


    room?¡±


    He actually wanted her to stay the night. Her heart was in chaos. ¡°Just-no!¡±


    Shaun said, ¡°Then let here in. You okay with that?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Of course, she wasn¡¯t.


    Madeline¡¯s footsteps were getting closer. ¡°Halsey? Shaun? Are you guys


    here?¡±


    She was heading their way.


    +25 BON


    Halsey had no choice but to give in. She quickly grabbed her phone and called Madeline.


    When Madeline picked up, she asked, ¡°Hey, Halsey. Where¡¯d you go? I didn¡¯t see you.¡±


    Halsey nced at Shaun, then said, ¡°I went home for the night. You should get some rest- I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡±


    Madeline sounded cheerful. ¡°Okay! See you tomorrow, then.¡¯


    As soon as the call ended, Halsey red at Shaun. ¡°Happy now?¡±


    Shaun smirked. ¡°Shall we continue?¡±


    Halsey looked at him sternly. ¡°Just once tonight. That¡¯s it.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Only once!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t get to decide that.¡±


    The next morning, Halsey¡¯sshes fluttered before she slowly opened her eyes. She was


    awake.


    The early sunlight had already begun to spill through the curtains, casting a golden hue across the room. She checked the time-it was past eight in the morning.


    She had slept in.


    She tried to sit up, but then realized she was nestled in a warm embrace. Lifting her gaze, she saw that Shaun was still asleep, his arms wrapped around her.


    She froze for a moment, and memories ofst night came flooding back. He had been so forceful and intense¡­ She had to beg, tears and all, before he finally let her go.


    Halsey ced a gentle hand on her stomach. Everything felt normal. The baby was okay.


    She let out a quiet breath of relief. Her eyes drifted back to Shaun¡¯s face. She had never really taken the time to look at him closely.


    He looked so handsome now. That cold, sharp-edged boy from their youth had grown into a refined and striking man.


    She reached up, her pale fingers softly brushing across his features-his sharp brows, the bridge of his nose, and finally his lips.


    A sudden sweetness welled up in her chest. She wished that time could stop here. She wanted to stay like this with Shaun forever.


    But she knew that was impossible.


    Halsey slowly drew her hand back.


    But the very next second, arge hand reached out and grabbed her wrist.


    Shaun¡¯s eyes opened.

 My Dad Please Come 915

    Shaun looked at Halsey. ¡°Were you touching me?¡±


    When did he even wake up?


    Halsey¡¯sshes trembled; she blushed when Shaun caught her red-handed. She quickly tried to pull her wrist back. ¡°I-I wasn¡¯t!¡±


    Shaun grabbed her hand again, clearly amused. ¡°You weren¡¯t? Then what exactly were you doing just now? Care to exin?¡±


    ¡°1-1¡­¡± Halsey stammered,pletely lost for words.


    Shaun¡¯s lips curved into a yful smile. ¡°Can¡¯t exin it? Sounds to me like you were taken in by my charm and couldn¡¯t help yourself.¡±


    Halsey yanked her hand away and denied it. ¡°I was not!¡±


    Shaun rolled over suddenly, pinning her underneath him.


    Halsey froze. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Shaun smirked. ¡°What do you think I¡¯m doing?¡±


    Her whole body tensed-she could feel him pressing against her. He was aroused again.


    Even though they had done it justst night, he was full of energy this morning and clearly wanted more.


    Halsey grew nervous. ¡°Y-You¡¯d better not-mmph!¡±


    Shaun leaned down and kissed her hard on the lips.


    She hurriedly pushed him away. ¡°Please let me go. I-I don¡¯t have the strength anymore.¡±


    Shaun looked at her with a glint of interest in his eyes. ¡°You don¡¯t need strength. Just lie back and enjoy it.¡±


    Halsey pressed both hands against his solid chest, panicking. ¡°No! Please don¡¯t!¡±


    ¡°You really don¡¯t want to?¡±


    ¡°I really don¡¯t!¡±


    She was still in the early stages of pregnancy. Last night had already been too much-she didn¡¯t dare risk it again. She was afraid he might hurt the baby.


    Just then, a phone started ringing, its tone soft but clear.


    Halsey took the opportunity and pushed at him. ¡°Someone¡¯s calling you.¡±


    Shaun reached for his phone on the nightstand. Halsey nced down and saw the caller ID.


    Chelsea¡­ Chelsea was calling him.


    All the color drained from Halsey¡¯s face. The blush on her cheeks faded into a pale gray. He had a girlfriend, and yet he still ended up in bed with her.


    She shoved him away. ¡°Your girlfriend¡¯s calling. Go ahead and answer. I¡¯m getting up.¡±


    She started to climb out of bed.


    But Shaun reached out and pulled her straight into his arms. ¡°Who said you could leave?¡±


    Halsey looked at him. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to answer your girlfriend¡¯s call?¡±


    Shaun raised one brow, a little cocky and a little wild. ¡°Of course I am, but that doesn¡¯t mean you have to go.¡±


    What was that supposed to mean? Was he going to hold her while talking to Chelsea on the phone? Was he enjoying the feeling of having one in each arm?


    Halsey resisted. ¡°No! Let me go. I want to get up.¡¯


    11


    Shaun lowered his voice yfully. ¡°Shh. I¡¯m answering a call. It¡¯s best if you stay quiet.¡±


    Before she could protest, Shaun picked up the call.


    Halsey couldn¡¯t get free. He held her tightly against him, forcing her to listen as he spoke to Chelsea.


    Chelsea¡¯s voice came through clearly. ¡°Hey, Shaun. Where are you right now?¡±


    She sounded like she thought she was the only woman in his life, checking in like she had every right.


    Shaun nced down at Halsey in his arms, answeringzily, ¡°I¡¯m out.¡±


    ¡°Out where? I called you so many timesst night, but your phone was off. Were you with Ms. Mallin?¡±


    Halsey¡¯s face turned ghostly pale when she heard Chelsea mention her name. She felt like she had be Shaun¡¯s side piece.

 My Dad Please Come 916

    Shaun watched Halsey¡¯s expression with interest while saying into the phone, ¡°Why did you call?¡±


    On the phone, Chelsea¡¯s voice turned sharp with urgency. ¡°Please wake up, Shaun. Ms. Mallin is nothing but a vixen! She¡¯s trying to seduce you.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s face froze.


    That wasn¡¯t nice. Besides, she hadn¡¯t seduced Shaun-he was the one who had forced himself on her.


    Halsey looked up and shot Shaun a fierce re.


    Shaun met her eyes. Halsey had just woken up, her silky ck hair spilling over her shoulders in soft waves. She was only wearing a thin camisole, her fair skin exposed to the morning light. Her delicate face was tilted up, and her wide, watery eyes red at him in silent protest, filled with frustration and just a hint of shame.


    Desire sparked in Shaun again. He leaned down and kissed her without hesitation.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Halsey gasped in shock. Her eyes widened in disbelief. He was still on the phone with Chelsea-how could he kiss her like this?


    Her voice carried right through the speaker.


    Chelsea¡¯s breath hitched, and her voice rose. ¡°What was that sound? Was that Halsey? Are you still with her right now?!¡±


    Halsey struggled, pounding against his chest in a panic, trying to push him away.


    But Shaun kissed her harder, rough and intense, like he wanted to devour her.


    Halsey had no choice-she opened her mouth and bit him on the corner of his lip.


    Shaun grunted in pain.


    She took the chance and shoved him off, flinging the nket aside as she jumped out of bed and bolted from the room.


    She was gone.


    Shaun touched the corner of his mouth. It was bleeding.


    She had actually made him bleed.


    That wild little kitten.


    Chelsea¡¯s voice kept going on the other end. ¡°Are you even listening to me? Hello?¡±


    The warmth in Shaun¡¯s eyes vanished, reced with a cold, distant expression. He parted his lips and said tly, ¡°You¡¯re crossing a line. We¡¯re just friends.¡±


    There was a pause on the other end.


    Shaun held the phone firmly. ¡°I¡¯ve made myself clear. I don¡¯t have those kinds of feelings for you. You already know who I care about. If this happens again, we won¡¯t even be friends.¡±


    Chelsea scrambled to exin. ¡°I can exin! I¡¯m sorry. I just panicked. I don¡¯t want you getting tricked by Ms. Mallin again¡­¡±


    Shaun didn¡¯t want to hear it. Of course, he knew all that. He knew better than anyone that he shouldn¡¯t fall for Halsey again.


    But the second she stood in front of him, he wanted her. He couldn¡¯t control it.


    Without another word, Shaun hung up.


    Halsey rushed out of the room just as Madeline stepped into the hallway. She blinked in surprise. ¡°Hey, Halsey.¡±


    Halsey quickly pulled herself together, not wanting Madeline to notice anything. ¡°Morning, Maddy.¡±


    Madeline gave her a suspicious look. ¡°Why do you look like you just got out of bed?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Halsey opened her mouth, but didn¡¯t know what to say.


    Just then, the door behind them opened with a soft click, and Shaun walked out.


    Madeline turned to him and frowned. ¡°What happened to your lip?¡±


    Shaun ncedzily at Halsey and replied, ¡°Oh, I got bitten by a little wildcat.¡±


    Madeline stared at him. ¡°A wildcat? In the house? One that goes for your lips?¡±


    Shaun poured himself a ss of water and took a slow sip before answering with a smirk, ¡®Maybe it was a naughty little kitty who had her eye on me and just couldn¡¯t resist taking a bite.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 917

    The moment Shaun called her ¡°a little wildcat¡±, Halsey had already gone stiff.


    But now, he was calling her ¡°a naughty little kitty¡±?


    She gasped, staring at him in disbelief. Did he even hear himself?


    Halsey believed she wasn¡¯t a naughty little kitty. Absolutely not!


    Madeline said to Shaun, ¡°Hurry up and make breakfast. We¡¯re starving.¡±


    Shaun set down his ss. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go make something.¡±


    He headed into the kitchen.


    Halsey nced awkwardly at Madeline. ¡°I¡¯m going back to the room for a bit.¡±


    Madeline nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Halsey returned to the room and went straight to the bathroom. She turned on the shower and stepped under the warm water.


    As it poured over her head and down her back, the soreness in her body started to ease a little. Still, her pale skin was covered in red marks-little hickeys Shaun had left all over herst night.


    It felt intentional, like he had wanted to leave his mark on her. A lot of them. Her skin was naturally delicate, so they wouldn¡¯t fade anytime soon.


    She made a mental note to cover up with clothester. If Madeline saw them, she would definitely get suspicious.


    Halsey closed her eyes, but her mind couldn¡¯t stop drifting to Shaun. That striking face of his, hovering above herst night, sweat sliding down his sharp features, his arms on either side of her as his body moved, his muscr back full of power¡­ It was like something straight out of a dream.


    She quickly shook her head.


    What was she doing? She had to stop thinking about him.


    Then she felt something trickle down¡­


    Last night, Shaun hadn¡¯t used any protection.


    That baby inside her was already his, and now he hadn¡¯t used a condom again.


    Did it ever cross his mind what would happen if she got pregnant?


    After showering, Halsey changed into fresh clothes and finally came out of the room. Madeline had just returned from her morning walk, and Shaun had already made breakfast.


    ¡°Breakfast¡¯s ready,¡± Shaun said.


    ¡°Great!¡± Madeline smiled and pulled Halsey over to sit down.


    Shaun had made lobster bisque and poured a bowl for each of them.


    Madeline looked surprised. ¡°Lobster bisque? What¡¯s the asion? Why¡¯d you go all out today?¡±


    Shaun sat across from them. ¡°Just thought you two could use something nourishing.¡±


    Madeline chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m already pretty much recovered.¡±


    Shaun nced at Halsey. ¡°Then it¡¯s for Ms. Mallin.¡±


    Halsey looked up at him. ¡°No need. Thanks, Mr. Lane.¡±


    Shaun gave a light smirk. ¡°Even if you didn¡¯t use much strength, it¡¯s still good to have nourishing food.¡±


    Halsey froze. What the hell was he talking about?


    Sure enough, Madeline¡¯s interest was piqued. ¡°Wait, Halsey didn¡¯t use much strength? What are you talking about?¡±


    Halsey panicked. ¡°Oh, he means¡­uh¡­¡±


    ¡°Halsey and I were discussing human anatomyst night. It was a thorough discussion,¡± Shaun answered calmly.


    Under the table, Halsey quickly lifted her foot and kicked him.


    Shaun looked at her, noticing how her face turned crimson as she red at him fiercely. Her eyes were practically screaming fo


    im to shut up.


    Shaun chuckled.


    Madeline frowned in confusion. ¡°Human anatomy? What kind of thorough discussion?¡±


    Halsey rushed to change the subject. ¡°Maddy, let¡¯s eat. Don¡¯t you have research to get to today?¡±


    Madeline had finally recovered and was about to start working again. At the mention of work, she instantly perked up.


    Yeah, I do. I¡¯m heading out soon.¡±


    Calsey nodded. ¡°Since you¡¯re feeling better, I should go home too. I¡¯ll visit again when I have time.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 918

    Madeline nodded. ¡°Alright. Shaun, why don¡¯t you drive Halsey hometer?¡±


    Halsey quickly said, ¡°No need!¡±


    At the same time, Shaun replied, ¡°Sure.¡±


    They both spoke at once.


    Halsey nced across the table at Shaun, wishing she could strangle him.


    Breakfast ended under a cloud of awkward silence. Once they finished eating, Halsey got ready to head home.


    Just then, a few of Madeline¡¯s female ssmates arrived. They all liked Halsey and hade to see her off.


    ¡°Halsey, you have toe hang out with us more often,¡± one of them said.


    Halsey smiled. ¡°Sure.¡±


    Then, she realized she hadn¡¯t seen Geneva. Looking around, she asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Geneva? Why didn¡¯t shee?¡±


    Madeline also looked puzzled. ¡°Yeah, where is she?¡±


    One of the girls spoke up. ¡°Oh, she withdrew from school today. She¡¯s been transferred back to her hometown. We won¡¯t be seeing her anymore.¡±


    Geneva was transferred? Just like that?


    That was sudden.


    At that moment, Shaun walked over. ¡°Time to go.¡±


    Halsey looked up at him. His handsome face waspletely unreadable, like Geneva¡¯s departure had nothing to do with him.


    But Halsey knew that couldn¡¯t be true. Geneva had gone on a date with himst night. And when he came home after that, he had lost control and forced her into bed.


    Something must have happened between them-exactly what, she didn¡¯t know.


    Madeline and the girls walked Halsey to Shaun¡¯s luxury car. ¡°Bye, Halsey!¡±


    ¡°Bye,¡± Halsey replied with a nod.


    She moved to open the back door.


    However, Shaun pulled open the front passenger door. ¡°Sit in front.¡±


    He wanted her in the front seat.


    Halsey believed there were certain boundaries between people. Back when they were dating, the passenger seat was hers. It


    made sense then.


    Now that they had broken up, Halsey felt that the seat no longer belonged to her. Sitting there didn¡¯t feel right.


    Halsey refused. ¡°I¡¯d rather sit in the back.¡±


    Shaun raised a brow. ¡°So I¡¯m just your driver now? In that case, maybe you should find your own ride.¡±


    Chapter BIO


    Halsey was speechless.


    Madeline quickly nudged her forward and pushed her into the passenger seat. ¡°Just sit in front.¡±


    Shaun got in and took the driver¡¯s seat.


    Halsey waved goodbye to the others. ¡°See you.¡±


    Shaun stepped on the gas, and the car sped off.


    The sleek vehicle raced down the road. Shaun kept both hands on the wheel, his eyes focused on the road ahead.


    Halsey sat in silence, stiff and tense. Then she said to Shaun, ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, please just take me home.¡±


    Shaun didn¡¯t answer that. Instead, his voice came low and calm. ¡°Last night¡­ I didn¡¯t use protection, did I?¡±


    Halsey¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Why was he suddenly bringing that up?


    ¡°No,¡± she answered after some hesitation.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Shaun replied. ¡°I forgot.¡±


    Halsey let out a shortugh, unable to help herself. ¡°You sure have a convenient memory. You forgotst night but remembered this morning.¡±


    Shaun caught the sarcasm in her voice. Instead of getting upset, he looked perfectly at ease. Anyone could see he was in a good mood today.


    He turned and gave her a sideways nce, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Let¡¯s stop by a pharmacy and get some meds.¡±


    Halsey¡¯sshes trembled. ¡°Meds? What kind of meds?¡±


    Shaur


    wered, ¡°Since I didn¡¯t use protectionst night, let¡¯s pick up some morning-after pills just in case.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 919

    , ¡°I¡¯m buying morning-after pills for you.¡±


    Halsey froze.


    She was already pregnant. There was no way she could take that!


    She shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not taking it.¡±


    Shaun looked at her and curved his lips into a smile. ¡°What do you mean? I didn¡¯t use any protectionst night. I¡¯m healthy and fertile. If you don¡¯t take the pill, what happens if you end up pregnant?¡±


    Halsey spoke, ¡°I-¡±


    But Shaun cut her off. ¡°Or¡­ Do you want to get pregnant with my child?¡±


    Halsey waspletely speechless. This was a lose-lose situation. She couldn¡¯t take the pill-it would harm the baby she was already carrying. But if she refused, Shaun would think she was doing it on purpose.


    ¡°I¡­¡± Halsey hesitated.


    ¡°There¡¯s a pharmacy right up ahead,¡± Shaun said. He pulled over and parked the car, then opened the passenger door. ¡°Come on out.¡±


    He was really going to buy it.


    Halsey gripped the seatbelt tightly, not wanting to move.


    Shefaleaned on the doorframe and narrowed his eyes. ¡°What¡¯s the deal? Keep acting like this, and I¡¯ll seriously start to think you re trying to get pregnant. Are you¡­trying to steal my genes?¡±


    ¡°I am not!¡± Halsey snapped. She had no intention of stealing anything!


    ¡°Mr. Lane,¡± she huffed, ¡°you¡¯re so full of yourself.¡±


    Shaun chuckled.


    ¡°I¡¯m not full of myself; I¡¯m just being realistic. I¡¯m handsome and rich-my genes are in high demand. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if someone wanted to ¡®identally¡¯ have my kid and raise it alone.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s heart skipped. She indeed nned to do that


    Shaun wasn¡¯t wrong. His genes were top-notch. Both he and Madeline were brilliant, high-IQ academic elites. On top of that, he was good-looking and wealthy. His gic profile was probably the kind that would be fought over at a donor bank.


    And yes-Halsey had originally nned to raise the baby alone. No marriage, just her and a genius child. It sounded like a dreame true for women who didn¡¯t want the strings attached.


    Now, she was panicking. One chaotic night had turned into a whole mess.


    Shaun looked her straight in the eye. ¡°Like you said¨Cwe¡¯ve broken up. So please, take the morning-after pill. We both know it¡¯d be a huge problem if a baby got involved.¡±


    But¡­ She was already pregnant.


    Halsey Instinctively ced a hand over her lower belly. Clearly, Shaun didn¡¯t want her pregnant. If he found out, what would he


    do?


    Would he make her get rid of it? Or worse, fight her for custody once the baby was born?


    She was overwhelmed with worry.


    Shaun didn¡¯t give her time to think. He reached in, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her out of the car. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s get it over with.¡±


    He dragged her into the pharmacy.


    The owner, a cheerful woman behind the counter, greeted them warmly. ¡°What can I help you two with today?¡±


    Shaun said casually, ¡°We need some morning-after.¡±


    The woman chuckled. ¡°Not ready for kids, huh? Newlyweds?¡±


    She thought they were a married couple.


    Halsey quickly exined, ¡°Oh, you¡¯ve got it wrong. We¡¯re not¡ª¡±


    But before she could finish, Shaun slipped an arm around her shoulders and smiled. ¡°That¡¯s right. My wife¡¯s not ready to have kids yet.¡±


    Wife? He just called her his wife?!


    Halsey stared at him in shock.


    Shaun leaned down and whispered into her ear, voice low and teasing. ¡°We¡¯re here to buy morning-after pills. Or would you rather everyone think we¡¯re in some kind of shady, secret rtionship, honey?¡±

 My Dad Please Come 920

    Shaun called Halsey ¡°honey¡± on purpose.


    His voice was naturally low and maic, but when he leaned in close and whispered that in such a soft, teasing tone, Halsey¡¯s knees nearly gave out. She hated how weak she was to his voice.


    The pharmacy owner rarely saw such a good-looking couple. She smiled brightly. ¡°You two are adorable together!¡±


    Shaun wrapped his arm around Halsey¡¯s shoulders and raised a brow. ¡°Of course. I love my wife very much.¡±


    Then he looked down at her and added, ¡°Do you love me, babe?¡±


    Halsey saw the mischief dancing in his eyes. He was doing this on purpose-just messing with her.


    His hand tightened slightly on her shoulder. ¡°Do you love me or not?¡±


    The owner was staring at her now, clearly enjoying the drama.


    Halsey had no choice but to force a polite, if awkward, smile. ¡°I do.¡±


    Shaun pushed further, ¡°Who do you love, hmm?¡±


    He was getting way out of line!


    Halsey shot him a fierce re.


    Shaun¡¯s smile only widened. ¡°Say it, honey. Who do you love?¡±


    Halsey took a deep breath, then gave in and muttered, ¡°I love you, honey.¡±


    Shaun gulped, his gaze heating up as it locked onto her. Halsey met his eyes and flipped the script.


    ¡°What is it, honey?¡± She deliberately sweetened her voice, blinking at him with a sugary smile. ¡°Honey, I love you sooo much!¡±


    Shaun¡¯s arms tightened as he pulled her hard against his chest. If the pharmacy owner hadn¡¯t been standing right there, he might¡¯ve really lost control.


    The woman behind the counter was nearly in tears fromughing. She finally handed over the morning-after pill. ¡°Here you go.


    Shaun paid for it and walked Halsey back to the car.


    Once they were inside, he held out the pill in his palm. ¡°Take it now.¡±


    Halsey stared at it. There was no way she could take it.


    She reached for it anyway. ¡°I¡¯ll just hold onto it. There¡¯s no water here-I¡¯ll take it at home.¡±


    Shaun immediately said no. ¡°Nope. You¡¯re taking it right now, in front of me.¡±


    He wanted to make sure she actually swallowed it.


    Halsey froze. ¡°I really can¡¯t swallow it without water.¡±


    Suddenly, Shaun reached out and pinched her cheeks, pulling her face close to his. ¡°Are you stalling? Do you just really not want to take this pill?¡±


    Their faces were now so close that their breaths mingled. He was pressuring her, pushing her to take the pill, and it had herpletely panicked.


    Halsey snapped. ¡°What¡¯s your problem? Why should I take it? Medicine always has side effects, and this pill is harsh on a woman¡¯s body. I¡¯m not taking it!¡±


    She red at him and continued, ¡°You sure didn¡¯t say anythingst night when you were enjoying yourself! You¡¯re the one who didn¡¯t wear protection, so why should I be the one to deal with the consequences?¡±


    Shaun was speechless. He hadn¡¯t expected her to turn the tables like that and say all that in one breath.


    He chuckled and leaned back a little. Yes¡­ It was clear now-she really didn¡¯t want to take it.


    Shaun raised a brow. ¡°Fine. You don¡¯t have to take it. But only if you agree to one condition.¡±


    Halsey narrowed her eyes. ¡°What condition?¡±


    Shaun leaned in, his voice slow and flirtatious as he brought his lips close to hers. ¡°Call me ¡®honey¡¯ one more time.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 921

    Halsey couldn¡¯t believe Shaun wanted her to call him ¡°honey¡± again.


    He already messed with her once back in the pharmacy-why was he still trying to tease her?


    Halsey refused. ¡°I¡¯m not calling you that!¡±


    Shaun didn¡¯t push. He just looked at her and said calmly, ¡°Then take the pill.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not taking it! You can give up on that!¡± Halsey snapped.


    Shaun didn¡¯t argue. He simply sat back in his seat and started driving.


    It wasn¡¯t long before Halsey noticed something was off. This wasn¡¯t the way back to her house. Where was he taking her?


    ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    Shaun kept his eyes on the road. ¡°Since you won¡¯t take the pill, there¡¯s a chance you might be pregnant. That means I have to keep you close. I¡¯ve got a meeting soon, so I¡¯m taking you to mypany.¡±


    Take her to hispany?


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to go!¡±


    ¡°If you won¡¯t take the pill, then there¡¯s a possibility you¡¯re carrying my child. I¡¯ll need to keep an eye on you. And if I find out you


    are,


    I¡¯ll-


    Halsey¡¯s heart skipped a beat as she cut him off, ¡°You¡¯ll what? Are you going to make me get rid of it?¡±


    She didn¡¯t mean to ask that, but she was scared. She had secretly gotten pregnant with his baby. Right now, she could still hide it, but once the baby was born, there was no way he wouldn¡¯t find out


    She needed to know how he really felt about the idea of a child.


    Shaun raised an eyebrow and didn¡¯t answer her directly. Instead, he asked, ¡°What do you think I¡¯d do?¡±


    ¡°I-I don¡¯t know,¡± she muttered.


    That was the problem-she had no idea. If she did, she wouldn¡¯t be this anxious.


    ¡°Please just tell me. If I really am pregnant, what would you do?¡± Halsey said seriously.


    Shaun curved his lips into a faint smile. ¡°You really want to know?¡±


    Halsey nodded. ¡°I do.¡±


    ¡°I would¡­¡± Shaun drawled, dragging out the moment.


    Halsey leaned in a little, hanging on his words.


    Shaun smirked. ¡°Get pregnant first, and you¡¯ll find out.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Halsey stared at him, dumbfounded.


    He grinned like a devil. ¡°Once you¡¯re pregnant, you¡¯ll know exactly what I¡¯ll do.¡±


    She was furious. Without thinking, she reached out and gave his arm a hard pinch.


    Shaun chuckled, clearly amused. ¡°Didn¡¯t even hurt,¡°


    If he weren¡¯t driving, Halsey definitely would¡¯ve punched him right then and there.


    Half an hourter, the luxury car pulled up outside his office building. Shaun got out and walked over to her side, opening the passenger door.


    ¡°Time to get out.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going in,¡± Halsey said, not budging.


    ¡°Why not? It¡¯s not like you haven¡¯t been here before.¡±


    ¡°Do you really have to humiliate me like this? We already broke up. What right do I have to walk into yourpany now? You¡¯ve got a new girlfriend. Let¡¯s just stop this.¡±


    Shaun didn¡¯t argue. He leaned down and picked her up straight from the seat.


    Halsey froze. ¡°Put me down!¡±


    ¡°If you won¡¯t get out on your own, I¡¯ll carry you,¡± he said with a smile. ¡°Come on.¡±


    And just like that, Shaun carried her into the building.


    Halsey struggled in his arms. ¡°Let me go! What are you doing?!¡±


    Her heart was racing. When they were still dating, something like this might¡¯ve felt sweet. But now, it was just awkward.


    Her struggling didn¡¯t faze him at all. Shaun held her firmly, his strong arms locked around her as he strode confidently into the


    And just like that, everyone they passed turned their heads in shock

 My Dad Please Come 922

    The employees were stunned. ¡°Mr. Lane! Mrs. Lane!¡±


    The moment Halsey heard someone call her ¡°Mrs. Lane¡±, her cheeks burned bright red. She ordered Shaun, ¡°Put me down! People are staring!¡±


    Shaun kept walking steadily, long legs striding forward as if nothing was out of the ordinary. He gave azy smile. ¡°Let them stare. It¡¯s not like I can cover their eyes.¡±


    More and more employees began to gather and whisper, ¡°Morning, Mr. and Mrs. Lane!¡±


    Halsey¡¯s face was as red as a tomato. She quickly buried her face in Shaun¡¯s chest to hide herself.


    However, the gossip only got louder.


    ¡°Oh my god, Mr. Lane brought Mrs. Lane to work in his arms?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t Ms. Sutton Mrs. Lane?¡±


    ¡°Come on, of course not.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t Mr. Lane used to date Miss Mallin? That looks like her!¡±


    ¡°They really are a perfect match-a real power couple.¡±


    Halsey wanted to cover her ears. She didn¡¯t want to hear another word of it.


    Shaun looked down at her blushing face and couldn¡¯t help but let out a low chuckle.


    Shaun carried Halsey straight into his executive office and gently set her down on the sofa.


    She immediately tried to slip away.


    But Shaun caught both of her slender wrists and pinned her back down. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡±


    ¡°Let me go! I don¡¯t want to be here!¡± Halsey barked.


    ¡°So naughty,¡± Shaun murmured with a crooked grin.


    Then he leaned down and kissed her.


    ¡°Mmph!¡±


    Halsey¡¯s mind went nk. His kiss hit like a spark to dry leaves, setting her whole body on edge. She tried to wriggle away, panicked. ¡°No, stop-ah!¡±


    Shaun suddenly bit down softly on her earlobe, his voice hoarse, ¡°Keep moaning and see what happens.¡±


    Even she realized her voice sounded far too sultry, echoing around his office like something out of a steamy dream.


    She mped her lips shut at once, but Shaun kissed her again.


    * * * * *


    Halsey didn¡¯t dare make another sound. All she could do was endure his relentless kissing as he pried open her lips and sucked deeply, like he was trying to consume her whole.


    His kiss was as intense and dominant as ever, and she went weak all over,


    Soon, Shaun let go of her wrists and slid his hand under her clothes.


    Startled, Halsey grabbed his hand. ¡°Stop it!¡±


    His eyes were burning now as he stared down at her. ¡°Stop what?¡±


    ¡°You told me to take the morning-after pill, so stop touching me!¡±


    Shaun smirked. ¡°You won¡¯t take the pill anyway. So let¡¯s just go a few more rounds, and then you can take it.¡±


    Halsey pped him across the face.


    She hadn¡¯t used much strength-her pale, delicate hand made it more of a soft pat. It felt more like a couple¡¯s yful scuffle than a real hit.


    Shaun froze for a second, then rolled his tongue against the inside of his cheek, grinning. ¡°Remember what I said? One p equals one round.¡±


    Then he leaned in to kiss her again.


    But just then, a firm series of knocking came on the door. Martin¡¯s voice followed. ¡°Mr. Lane?¡±


    Halsey acted like she had just spotted a lifeline. She shoved him quickly. ¡°Someone¡¯s out there!¡±


    ¡°I can tell him to leave,¡± he said casually.


    She was dumbfounded for a second. ¡°This is your office! It¡¯s a ce for work!¡±


    She was trying to bring him back to his senses. Right now, he was acting like a starving wolf who had just found prey. All he could think about was devouring her.


    Shaun looked at Halsey for a long moment, then finally let her go and stood up.

 My Dad Please Come 923

    Shaun walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window, trying to get himself under control.


    Halsey nced at him and saw that his hands were tucked into his pockets, like he was trying to hide something. His head was slightly lowered, and those sharp, handsome features still looked both refined and indulgent. Just looking at him made her face


    flush with heat.


    She quickly looked away.


    Once Shaun hadposed himself, he called out, ¡°Come in.¡¯


    Martin stepped inside. ¡°Mr. Lane, the meeting is about to begin. Mr. Bowman from Magnus Corporation has already arrived.¡±


    Shaun nodded. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be there.¡±


    Martin left.


    Shaun walked over to Halsey. ¡°Stay here and don¡¯t go anywhere. If Ie back and you¡¯re gone, you¡¯re dead. Got it?¡±


    Halsey didn¡¯t dare talk back. She simply nodded. ¡°Got it.¡±


    Then Shaun left.


    Halsey could tell this meeting was a big deal, yet he still kissed her right before it.


    She didn¡¯t even understand how she had ended up in his office again-it all started because she refused to take the pill.


    Her hand instinctively went to her t belly, and a warm sweetness filled her heart.


    She whispered softly, ¡°Baby, that¡¯s your daddy¡­¡±


    The baby was still too small to respond.


    Just then, there was another knock at the door. Martin walked in again. ¡°Ms. Mallin, Mr. Lane asked me to bring you some


    snacks.¡±


    Two female staff members followed him in, cing a variety of sweet and sour candies on the coffee table.


    Martin smiled. ¡°See if you like any of these. Mr. Lane said you¡¯ve been craving sour vorstely.¡±


    He even had snacks prepared for her. She had to admit that she was touched.


    Halsey¡¯s mouth was already watering at the sight of the snacks. She smiled and said, ¡°Thank you, Martin.¡± ¡°No need to thank me. These were all instructions from Mr. Lane. I haven¡¯t seen you around here for a while.¡±


    She and Shaun had broken up. Technically, they still were.


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Even though you were gone for a while, I had a feeling you¡¯d be back,¡± Martin said.


    Halsey blinked in surprise. ¡°Why?¡±


    Martin answered sincerely, ¡°Because Mr. Lane clearly favors you.¡±


    It was easy to fall for someone-because of their looks, intelligence, or wealth-but the rarest thing in the world was true favoritism.


    im could see it


    ??? ????????


    ¡°I¡¯ll be outside,¡± Martin continued. ¡°Just call me if you need anything.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    After Martin left, Halsey sat back on the sofa and popped a sour candy into her mouth. The sour and sweet burst of vor danced across her tongue.


    She took out her sketchbook and began working on her designs.


    By lunchtime, Shaun still hadn¡¯t returned. Martin came in again, this time with food. He presented the spread, saying, ¡°Ourpany chef made this especially for you. Let me know if it suits your taste.¡±


    ¡°Is Mr. Lane¡¯s meeting not over yet?¡±


    Martin shook his head. ¡°Mr. Lane and Mr. Bowman went out for a business lunch. He¡¯ll probably be back this afternoon.¡±


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Got it.¡±


    It was obvious Shaun had a lot on his te. He had been taking care of Madeline for the past few days, and now his work was piling up.


    Halsey ate a little; today, her appetite was decent. She finished a few more sketches before she started to feel drowsy.


    Ever since getting pregnant, she had been extra sleepy all the time.


    Halseyy down on the sofa, closed her eyes, and quickly drifted off into a peaceful nap.

 My Dad Please Come 924

    When Shaun returned, the first thing he saw was Halsey curled up on the couch,pletely rxed and fast asleep.


    He set down the files in his hand, loosened the tie around his neck, and took a seat beside her.


    Reaching out, he gently patted her soft cheek. ¡°Wake up, sleepyhead.¡±


    Halsey shifted, her slender frame moving closer to him as she snuggled up like a little cat. ¡°Shh. I¡¯m sleeping,¡± she mumbled.


    Shaun looked at her and couldn¡¯t help but smile. Her delicate face was flushed from sleep, a rosy pink like she had on blush. She looked sweet and soft, almost childlike.


    He leaned back on the couch and pulled her into his arms.


    Sensing his warmth, Halsey instinctively found a morefortable spot in his embrace and kept sleeping.


    V


    Shaun draped a nket over her, then held her with one arm while using the other to go through paperwork.


    Just then, Martin walked in. ¡°Mr. Lane-¡±


    Shaun gave him a sharp look. ¡°Shhh. Keep it down.¡±


    Only then did Martin notice Halsey. He quickly lowered his voice. ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Shaun asked.


    ¡°Ms. Sutton and Warren are here,¡± Martin replied.


    Shaun¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. His voice remained calm. ¡°I¡¯m not avable right now. Tell them toe back another time.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Martin turned and headed back out. Outside the office, Chelsea and Warren were waiting.


    Chelsea frowned. ¡°Shaun¡¯s in there, right? I¡¯m going in.¡±


    She stepped forward.


    But Martin moved to block her path. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Mr. Lane says he¡¯s not avable to take guests right now.¡±


    Warren raised a brow. ¡°Why not? Didn¡¯t his meeting just end?¡±


    Chelsea added, ¡°We¡¯re not strangers. Shaun wouldn¡¯t refuse to see us.¡±


    She tried to walk past him again.


    But Martin stood firmly in front of the door. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, but Mr. Lane made it clear-he¡¯s unavable right now. You¡¯ll have toe another day. If it¡¯s urgent, I can pass a message along.¡±


    Martin was already sweating. He knew Chelsea and Warren were important, but today¡­ Halsey had shown up.


    And when Halsey was around, nobody else mattered to Shaun.


    Chelsea narrowed her eyes, suspicion rising. ¡°Is there someone else in the office?¡±


    Warren looked doubtful as well. ¡°Who¡¯s in there? Who could Shaun possibly be seeing that he won¡¯t meet with us?¡±


    Martin didn¡¯t dare say. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I really can¡¯t tell you that.¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°It¡¯s Ms. Mallin, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Martin hesitated. ¡°Uh¡­¡±


    Chelsea let out a coldugh. ¡°Don¡¯t even try to deny it. It has to be her. That¡¯s the only reason Shaun wouldn¡¯t see us.¡±


    Warren frowned. ¡°What¡¯s Halsey doing here again?¡±


    Chelsea shoved Martin aside. ¡°Move! We¡¯re going in right now.¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Warren added. ¡°We want to see for ourselves what Ms. Mallin is doing here.¡±


    Martin couldn¡¯t stop them. Chelsea pushed open the office doors, and she and Warren stormed inside.


    ¡°Shaun, why-¡°Chelsea began to speak, clearly worked up.


    But she didn¡¯t get the chance to finish. Shaun lifted his eyes, his sharp gaze cutting straight through her with chilling force.


    Chelsea froze on the spot. Every word she had wanted to say died in her throat.


    Then, she saw Halsey, who was still asleep, curled up in Shaun¡¯s arms.

 My Dad Please Come 925

    Chelsea and Warren werepletely stunned.


    They had already guessed that Halsey might be in Shaun¡¯s office. After all, she was likely the only person Shaun would refuse to see them for.


    What they didn¡¯t expect was to find her asleep. And not just anywhere-she was curled up in Shaun¡¯s arms, sleeping like she belonged there.


    Chelsea froze, her face going pale with disbelief. ¡°How could you¡­¡±


    ¡±


    Warren stared at Halsey, still sleeping peacefully like a baby in Shaun¡¯s embrace. ¡°How can you be with her again? Did you forget what happened with Geneva? She pushed you toward another woman. She yed you!¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s voice was sharp. ¡°We thought you went to confront her, not¡­end up back with her.¡±


    Geneva¡¯s situation had set Shaun off like never before. Chelsea and Warren had assumed it would be the end of the road for


    those two. After all, no man could tolerate something like that.


    And yet, here they were.


    Shaun looked up at them calmly. ¡°I¡¯ve already dealt with her about Geneva.¡±


    He had indeed dealt with Halsey harshly-but all of it happened in bed. Chelsea and Warren had no idea about that part.


    Warren couldn¡¯t believe what he was hearing. ¡°Seriously? You think just punishing her a little is enough to move past all that?¡±


    Chelsea narrowed her eyes. ¡°Are you thinking of getting back with her right after punishing her?¡±


    Shaun looked between the two. ¡°Why can¡¯t I get back with her?¡±


    Chelsea opened her mouth, but didn¡¯t respond.


    Warren was just as speechless.


    At that moment, Halsey stirred in Shaun¡¯s arms. Her flushed cheeks pressed even deeper into his chest as she nestled closer, still sound asleep.


    ¡°Keep it down,¡± Shaun said, his voice low. ¡°You¡¯ll wake her.¡±


    Warren threw his hands in the air. ¡°She¡¯s got you wrapped around her finger!¡±


    Shaun didn¡¯t react to the jab. ¡°Is there anything else? If not, you can go.¡±


    That was it-he was asking them to leave.


    Chelsea clearly still had more to say, but Warren tugged on her arm. ¡°Let¡¯s just go.¡±


    She hesitated, then finally followed Warren toward the door. At thest second, she looked back.


    Shaun sat on the couch, eyes lowered, his handsome face soft with quiet tenderness as he gazed at the woman in his arms. Gently, he pulled the nket up a little higher to keep her warm.


    Chelsea¡¯s hand clenched into a tight fist. Her nails dug so hard into her palm that she didn¡¯t even feel the sting.


    She was furious.


    She thought the whole Snowpeak Bloom situation would finally drive them apart. Instead, Shaun had fallen even deeper for Halsey. There was no prying him away now.


    Outside the office, Warren let out a long sigh. ¡°Chelsea, Shaun¡¯s gone. Nothing¡¯s gonna change his mind now. That guy¡¯spletely hooked.¡±


    Who would¡¯ve guessed that cold, sharp Shaun would turn into a total lovesick fool?


    Chelsea could see it too. ¡°You have to help me, Warren.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been helping you, Chelsea,¡± he replied, ¡°but you can¡¯t control feelings. I honestly think Shaun¡¯s fallen for her, and there¡¯s no pulling him out.¡±


    He sighed heavily, then turned to leave.


    ¡°Warren!¡± Chelsea shouted after him, stomping her foot in frustration.


    She was not giving up!


    She took out her phone and quickly dialed Gilbert.


    The call connected after a few rings. Gilbert¡¯s voice came through, smug and curious. ¡°Hey. How¡¯s it going with Shaun? It¡¯s been


    a while-you should¡¯ve had him wrapped around your finger by now.¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°I didn¡¯t win him over.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 926

    ¡°What? Why? Didn¡¯t Halsey break up with Shaun? That was your chance-why didn¡¯t you take advantage of it?¡±


    Chelsea tightened her grip on the phone. ¡°They¡¯re back together.¡±


    What?!


    Gilbert nearly jumped to his feet. After all the scheming he¡¯d done with Chelsea, and it was all for nothing?!


    ¡°How did they end up back together? No. I¡¯m not letting that happen. If I can¡¯t have what I want, then no one else should either!


    ¡°Gilbert roared.


    ¡°I feel the same way,¡± Chelsea said coldly. ¡°I don¡¯t want them to be together. So you¡¯d bettere up with a new n, and fast.¡±


    Gilbert¡¯s voice dropped to a dark murmur. ¡°Got it. I¡¯ll figure something out.¡±


    Halsey woke up when she had had enough sleep. She stretched gently as her longshes fluttered open.


    The first thing she saw was Shaun¡¯s handsome face. She was still in his arms, and he was reading through a stack of documents.


    Her brain wentpletely nk. Thest thing she remembered was falling asleep on the couch. How did she end up sleeping in his arms?


    Halsey quickly sat up straight. ¡°You¡¯re done with your meeting?¡±


    Shaun looked up from his paperwork and met her sleepy, pretty gaze. ¡°I finished a while ago. Do you have any idea how long you were asleep?¡±


    She nced at the time and panicked. Two hours had passed.


    She had been asleep in Shaun¡¯s office for a full two hours. No, worse-she had been asleep in Shaun¡¯s arms for two whole hours!


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I was just really tired.¡±


    Shaun put down his papers and leanedzily against the back of the couch, giving her a half-amused look. ¡°I never realized you could sleep like that. Since when did you turn into a ko?¡±


    Ko? When did she be a ko?


    She was just pregnant, which made her sleepier than usual!


    Halsey red at him. ¡°I only slept that long because of you! And you have the nerve to tease me about it!¡±


    ¡°Because of me?¡± Shaun asked.


    Without warning, he slipped his arm around her waist and gave a quick tug, pulling her right into his chest.


    Halsey froze. Her hands immediately pressed against his chest to stop him. ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing? We¡¯re in your office! If you try anything, I¡¯ll scream!¡±


    Shaun raised a brow. ¡°Scream what, exactly?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll scream for help!¡± Halsey snapped. ¡°I¡¯ll tell everyone you tried something on me. Let¡¯s see how you hold your head up after the wholepany hears about it!¡±


    Shaun just grinned. ¡°Go ahead. I¡¯m not scared.¡±


    Halsey stared at him, speechless. He was so shameless!


    ¡°You¡¯re too¡­¡± she spoke, then trailed off.


    He looked at her curiously. ¡°So tell me how exactly is you sleeping so much my fault? What did I do wrong?¡±


    H


    ¡°Too what? Why not finish the sentence?¡± Shaun asked with a smirk.


    ¡°You¡¯re too energetic,¡± she mumbled.


    They hadn¡¯t been back together for long, but those few nights they had shared had been intense, and he had never once used protection. Honestly, it was no surprise she ended up pregnant. He was definitely capable in that sense.


    Shaun¡¯s eyes lit with a slow heat. ¡°Energetic? Are youplimenting my skills in bed?¡±


    Of course, Halsey wasn¡¯t about to admit she was praising his fertility.


    ¡°Yeah. You kept me up so longst night. It¡¯s no wonder I was exhausted today!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 927

    Shaun smirked at Halsey. ¡°Are you sure I tortured youst night? Want me to help jog your memory?¡±


    Halsey opened her mouth. ¡°I-¡±


    Shaun didn¡¯t wait. ¡°Last night, a certain someone wouldn¡¯t even let me touch her without aint. That someone told me to be gentle and change my position, and she also said she couldn¡¯t go again. Sound familiar?¡±


    Halsey immediately pped a hand over his mouth, stopping him mid-sentence. Did he have no shame?


    ¡°Quit acting innocent!¡±


    He raised an eyebrow. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±


    ¡°I did protestst night, but did it stop you? You didn¡¯t listen to a word I said!¡±


    Shaun gulped as he reached out and gently pinched her chin, making her look up. ¡°If you ever piss me off again, I swear I¡¯ll keep you in bed so long you won¡¯t be able to walk. Got it?¡±


    Halsey¡¯s eyes widened. She didn¡¯t respond.


    He stared at her a moment longer, then added, ¡°You say your protests didn¡¯t work, but if it weren¡¯t for them, do you really think I would¡¯ve gone easy on you? I would¡¯ve worn you out.¡±


    Shaun really had nned to wear her out-but the moment he saw her crying, looking all pitiful, he couldn¡¯t bear to go through with it. He ended up going gentle on her instead, against his original n to get even.


    Honestly, he had been dripping with sweat by the end of it, so caught up in her that he nearly forgot this was supposed to be revenge.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get any funny ideas,¡± Halsey said quickly.


    Shaun took her hand and ced a kiss on it. ¡°Then behave yourself, and I won¡¯t.¡±


    She yanked her hand back out of reflex.


    Shaun looked at her. ¡°Are you hungry?¡±


    It was already six-dinnertime.


    Halsey didn¡¯t feel like eating much, but she was starting to get hungry. That was the annoying part of pregnancy-she would feel starved, but couldn¡¯t eat much.


    She nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s go eat.¡±


    Was he going to take her to dinner?


    Halsey was about to speak, but Shaun didn¡¯t give her a chance to argue. He stood up, grabbed her hand, and led her out. Half an hourter, the two of them arrived at a restaurant.


    The manager greeted them warmly at the entrance. ¡°Mr. Lane, wee! Right this way.¡±


    The manager guided them in.


    Shaun never let go of Halsey¡¯s hand. Her soft, slender fingers were wrapped securely in his.


    They were led to a window-side table.


    The manager asked, ¡°Mr. Lane, is this table to your liking? It¡¯s a different spot from yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Yesterday?¡± Halsey turned to the manager. ¡°Mr. Lane was herest night?¡±


    The manager nodded. ¡°Yes, Mr. Lane made a dinner reservation yesterday.¡±


    Halsey suddenly remembered. Last night, he had a date with Geneva. So this was the ce he brought her?


    He brought Geneva here, and now he was bringing her to the same ce? What was that supposed to mean?


    The manager smiled. ¡°But Mr. Lane didn¡¯t end up dining herest night.¡±


    Halsey blinked. ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°Because thedy who showed up wasn¡¯t the one Mr. Lane was waiting for. He was furious the moment he saw her.¡±


    Wait, what? Wasn¡¯t he supposed to be meeting Genevast night?


    Halsey nced over at Shaun, who was quietly looking through the menu, not reacting to anything being said.


    ¡°Then who was Mr. Lane really waiting for?¡± she asked.


    The manager looked at her with a smile. ¡°Do you really not know? Mr. Lane brought you here today. The person he was waiting for all along was you.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 928

    Halsey couldn¡¯t believe that Shaun had been waiting for her.


    She was the one he wanted to meet at the restaurantst night.


    Halsey was stunned. She suddenly remembered how furious he had been when he came homest night and how he had pushed her down on the bed to punish her.


    Did he think Geneva was her? That couldn¡¯t be, right?


    Didn¡¯t he hate her?


    After all, she had broken up with him so coldly before. She always thought he must still resent her deep down.


    Shaun looked up at her. ¡°What do you feel like eating?¡±


    ¡°You pick,¡± Halsey replied softly.


    Shaun went ahead and ordered a few dishes. The restaurant manager smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve got your order. Please give us a moment.¡±


    The manager walked off.


    Halsey turned to Shaun. ¡°Were you really waiting for mest night?¡±


    He nced at her. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    If he really was waiting for her¡­ Did that mean he wanted to be with her?


    Halsey definitely wanted to be with him, too. But she didn¡¯t dare ask out loud, afraid she would only end up disappointed.


    Soon, the manager brought out the steak. Shaun picked up the utensils and began cutting the meat into small, neat pieces before handing a fork to her. ¡°Here, eat.¡±


    He even cut the steak for her himself. The warmth that rose in Halsey¡¯s chest caught her off guard.


    She picked up a piece and put it in her mouth.


    Shaun watched her. ¡°Does it taste good?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s really good.¡±


    She hadn¡¯t had much of an appetite since getting pregnant, but for some reason, dining with Shaun tonight made everything taste better. Maybe it was because he had prepared it for her himself-his care made it special.


    Shaun smiled softly. ¡°Then eat up.¡±


    Halsey looked at him. He was being so gentle right now. She realized that Shaun had a bit of a beastly side-when his needs weren¡¯t met, he was fierce and overwhelming. Once satisfied, he would pull back the sharp fangs and show this softer side.


    After dinner, the two of them left the restaurant.


    ¡°Can you take me home?¡± Halsey asked.


    Shaun checked the time. ¡°It¡¯s only a little past seven. No rush.¡±


    ¡°Then where are we going?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m taking you somewhere,¡± he said.


    Half an hourter, the luxury car stopped in front of a private movie theater.


    Halsey stepped out, surprised. ¡°We¡¯re going to the movies?¡±


    Shaun looked at her. ¡°What else would we be doing here?¡±


    Her heart skipped. Was he seriously taking her to a movie?


    Even though they had dated three years ago, they had never really gone on a proper date or seen a movie together.


    Shaun reached for her hand. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go in.¡±


    They walked into the theater. Shaun asked, ¡°What do you want to watch?¡±


    Halsey randomly pointed at a poster. ¡°This one. It looks like a romance movie. Let¡¯s watch that.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Shaun agreed.


    They were led into a VIP room. It was a private screening space that Shaun had reserved just for the two of them-no interruptions, no strangers around.


    Once seated, Shaun handed her a tub of popcorn. ¡°Here.¡±


    Halsey held it in her arms, the sweet scent of the popcorn filling her senses. She figured watching a movie together and sharing popcorn had to be what a real date felt like.


    She popped one into her mouth. It was warm and sugary.


    Shaun looked at her. ¡°Is it good?¡±


    She nodded and picked one up, holding it out to him. ¡°Try it. It¡¯s sweet.¡±


    But Shaun didn¡¯t reach for it. Instead, he looked her straight in the eyes. ¡°Feed me.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 929

    Shaun told Halsey to feed him the popcorn.


    Good thing the lights in the theater had dimmed, or else Halsey¡¯s face would¡¯ve looked like it was on fire.


    With her pale, slender fingers, Halsey held the popcorn near his lips. ¡°Here.¡±


    Shaun opened his mouth and took it.


    Just as she was about to pull her hand back, Shaun suddenly caught her fingers between his teeth.


    The teasing touch made Halsey¡¯sshes flutter, and the blush on her face spread all the way to the tips of her ears.


    ¡°What are you doing? The movie¡¯s starting!¡± she scolded softly.


    She yanked her hand back and sat up straight, eyes locked on the screen.


    Shaun nced sideways at her and smirked.


    The movie began-it was a romance film, with an attractive male lead and a gorgeous female lead. It was very easy on the eyes.


    At first, everything seemed normal. But once the leads got together, the tone changed. On screen, the couple embraced and kissed¡­and soon ended up on the bed. The man began undressing the woman.


    Halsey froze.


    Where was she supposed to look now? Why was this movie so intense?


    She silently hoped the scene would just end already.


    But the heavens didn¡¯t hear her prayer-the film only got steamier. The sound of breathing and whispers filled the theater, making her cheeks burn.


    Even a fool could tell this wasn¡¯t a normal romance flick. This was definitely an adult film.


    She turned to look at Shaun, only to find him already watching her. His gaze was dark, heated, and full of something dangerous.


    ¡°Did you do this on purpose?¡± she asked.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Shaun replied, his voice low and casual.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t even a proper romance! This is basically an R-rated movie!¡±


    Had he seriously brought her to see something like this?


    Shaun let out a low chuckle. This time, he was innocent. It was his first time at a movie theater-he hadn¡¯t known how explicit


    this one would be.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know,¡± he said with an innocent look.


    The sounds from the screen grew louder, and with just the two of them alone in the cinema, Halsey¡¯s face was steaming. She seemed to have turned into a boiled shrimp.


    ¡°I¡¯m not watching this. I¡¯m leaving,¡± she said, standing up.


    Since she was seated on the inside, she had to walk past Shaun to get out. But as she stepped toward him, he suddenly stuck out a leg and tripped her.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Halsey gasped, stumbling.


    Before she could fall, Shaun reached out with strong arms, wrapped them around her waist, and pulled her into hisp.


    Their eyes met.


    She red at him. ¡°Why did you trip me?¡±.


    ¡°What makes you think I tripped you?¡± Shaun replied calmly. ¡°I¡¯d say you just threw yourself into my arms.¡±


    ¡°I swear, you¡¯re getting worse!¡± she huffed.


    He wasn¡¯t like this before.


    Shaun smirked. ¡°They say women love a bad boy. Are you not into this version of me?¡±


    Halsey didn¡¯t respond, but she had to admit she liked it. She liked this side of him, even if he made her blush nonstop.


    She squirmed a little. ¡°Let me go!¡±


    The next second, his arm tightened around her waist, locking her in ce. ¡°Don¡¯t move.¡±


    She immediately sensed a change in his body-tense muscles, and rising heat.


    Halsey looked at him, startled. ¡°Wh-what¡¯s going on with you?¡±


    Shaun looked right at her. ¡°What do you think?¡±

 My Dad Please Come 930

    Shaun lowered his head and kissed Halsey.


    Halsey was caught off guard, her mind going fuzzy. She tried to push him away, but Shaun held her wrists and kissed her even harder.


    The movie yed on, the couple on screen lost in a heated moment, and Shaun wasn¡¯t holding back either. He kissed Halsey like she was the most delicious dessert he couldn¡¯t wait to devour.


    His lips trailed from her mouth to her flushed cheeks, then buried into the soft strands of her hair.


    Halsey¡¯s whole body went weak. Who would¡¯ve thought their first movie together would turn out like this?


    She tried to resist. ¡°Stop! We¡¯re in a movie theater!¡±


    Shaun whispered against her ear, his breath hot and low, ¡°But¡­ I want you.¡±


    That voice-it was husky and maic, like he was begging her in the softest, most irresistible way.


    Halsey felt her resistance crumble. She never had much to begin with when it came to Shaun.


    Then he said, ¡°Help me.¡±


    Help him?


    He was begging her for intimacy.


    Halsey¡¯sshes trembled violently. ¡°Don¡¯t be like this. We¡¯re not even home¡­¡±


    Shaun took her soft hand in his and guided it toward him. His voice was hoarse. ¡°Don¡¯t be scared. It¡¯s okay.¡±


    She instinctively tried to pull away, but he held her still and kissed her again, silencing every protest.


    Halsey didn¡¯t even know how the movie ended. She didn¡¯t know how she walked out of there either. All she remembered was Shaun holding her hand, gently leading her out of the theater.


    They strolled down the street together. Shaun looked at her. ¡°Are you mad?¡±


    ? ??? ??? ? ?? ? ?? ?? ??


    Halsey shot him a re and used his own line on him. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    Shaunughed out loud.


    Heughed!


    Halsey balled her fists and gave him a little punch.


    Shaun wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.


    The two of them stood close under the night sky, wrapped in each other¡¯s warmth. Halsey felt a kind of happiness she had never known before.


    Just then, a few teenage girls passed by and spotted Shaun. Their eyes practically sparkled with admiration as they squealed.


    ¡°Oh my god! He¡¯s so handsome!¡±


    Halsey looked up at him. Dressed in a tailored ck suit, tall, clean-cut, and elegant, Shaun looked like he belonged in a magazine. Young, rich, and dangerously good-looking, he really was a glowing wherever he went.


    She already knew how attractive he was. Pretty girls like Geneva had been falling all over themselves for him.


    Halsey narrowed her eyes at him, slightly jealous. ¡°Well, Mr. Handsome, looks like those girls are checking you out.¡±


    Shaun smiled and said, ¡°What girls? I only see one in my eyes-you.¡±


    Halsey couldn¡¯t help butugh.


    Shaun pulled her close again. ¡°Let¡¯s go, girlfriend.¡±


    Wait-what did he just call her?


    He called her his girlfriend?


    The girls passing by practically clutched their hearts in heartbreak.


    ¡°Why are all the handsome guys taken?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so jealous! I want a boyfriend like that, too!¡±,


    Halsey bit back a grin, lips curling with joy.


    When they got to the car, Shaun opened the passenger door like a gentleman. ¡°After you.¡±


    Halsey got in.


    Shaun walked around to the driver¡¯s seat and started the engine. The luxury car sped down the road.


    Halsey nced at him. ¡°It¡¯ste. Carr you take me home now?¡±

 My Dad Please Come 931

    Shaun curled his lips into a smile. ¡°What¡¯s the rush?¡±


    Halsey blinked. What did he mean?


    She nced out the window. This wasn¡¯t the road to her house. He had basically kidnapped her today-taking charge behind the wheel and dragging her along wherever he pleased. Now, it waste, and he still wouldn¡¯t let her go home.


    Halsey asked, ¡°Where are you taking me now? I want to go home.¡±;


    Shaun turned to her and gave her an amused look. ¡°Why are you so nervous? Are you afraid I¡¯ll eat you?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re joking, right? A gentleman like you would never do something like that.¡±


    She was clearly trying to butter him up.


    But Shaun wasn¡¯t buying it. ¡°That depends on how well you behave.¡±


    Halsey kept quiet.


    Half an hourter, the luxury car pulled up in front of a vi-Shaun¡¯s ce.


    He opened the door. ¡°Ladies first.¡±


    Halsey hesitated. ¡°I should probably head home. It¡¯s getting reallyte. I don¡¯t want to bother you.¡±


    She spun around and tried to make a run for it.


    Shaun had already guessed she would do that. He stepped in front of her, blocking her escape. ¡°Being naughty again, are we?¡±


    ¡°I-¡±


    Before Halsey could finish, Shaun scooped her up in his arms.


    ¡°Put me down!¡± she yelped, struggling.


    Shaun carried her straight into the vi, up the stairs, and into the master bedroom.


    Halsey instantly recognized it. The cool-toned decor, the sleek and minimal design¡ªit was definitely his style. Even the bed


    carried his fresh, clean scent.


    Her cheeks flushed. ¡°I should really go.¡±


    She tried to escape again.


    Shaun grabbed her slender ankle and pulled her back onto the bed, pinning her down. ¡°You¡¯re already in my bed. Where else do you think you¡¯re going?¡±


    Then he lowered his head and kissed her.


    Halsey ced her hands on his firm chest, trying to push him off. ¡°Stop! Didn¡¯t I already help you back at the theater? Why do you still want it?¡±


    Shaun popped open a button on his shirt and smirked. ¡°That was just an appetizer. I haven¡¯t had the main course yet.¡±


    Halsey was speechless.


    Thinking about the baby, she tried to pull away. ¡°Please don¡¯t¡­ Let me go¡­¡±


    But Shaun pinned her wrist down against the bed, his voice firm. ¡°It¡¯s a littlete for second thoughts.¡±


    ¡°Shaun-mmph!¡± Halsey couldn¡¯t finish before his lips silenced her again.


    By morning, Halsey felt someone pinching her cheek.


    She turned over, frowning, and murmured, ¡°Stop messing around¡­ I want to sleep¡­¡±


    A soft, lowugh rang beside her.


    The sound made hershes tremble. She slowly opened her sleepy eyes.


    She and Shaun were in the same bed. He was already awake, propped up on one arm, watching her with a smile. He was still pinching her face.


    Halsey snapped awake asst night¡¯s madness came flooding back.


    Shaun smiledzily. ¡°Morning.¡±


    Halsey blinked, then quickly pulled the nket over herself. ¡°What¡­¡±


    Shaun raised a brow. ¡°No need to hide. I¡¯ve already seen all of you. There¡¯s nothing to be shy about.¡±


    Halsey had no words.

 My Dad Please Come 932

    Halsey shot Shaun a fierce re.


    Shaun reached over and gave her little nose a yful pinch. ¡°Hungry?¡±


    Halsey batted his hand away and answered honestly, ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m starving.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go make you something,¡± he said with a smile.


    Shaun lifted the nket and got out of bed, starting to get dressed.


    Halsey tried not to look, bute on-when a drop-dead gorgeous guy gets dressed right in front of you, how could you not sneak a peek? It¡¯s practically a gift to your eyes!


    She peeked at him just in time to see him pull on his pants and start buttoning his shirt.


    Shaun was the kind of guy who looked fit with or without clothes-lean, tall, stylish, and seriously easy on the eyes. He wore a crisp white shirt today, and as he rolled up his sleeves to his elbows, the muscles in his forearms flexed just enough to make her gulp.


    And then, like he could sense her gaze, Shaun turned and looked right at her.


    Halsey panicked and quickly shut her eyes, pretending to be asleep.


    Shaun knew she was faking. The Halsey he knew was sweet and romantic, and lying just wasn¡¯t her thing. The way her longshes trembled nonstop while she ¡°slept¡± was the cutest giveaway.


    He walked over and ced both hands on either side of her, leaning down close. ¡°Didn¡¯t get enoughst night, huh? Now you¡¯re sneaking peeks too?¡±


    ¡°I was not!¡± she snapped, her cheeks heating up. ¡°You¡¯re so full of yourself!¡±


    ¡°Oh, yeah?¡±


    Unable to keep her cool, Halsey pulled the nket up over her face to hide.


    Shaun chuckled, clearly in a great mood. ¡°I¡¯m off to make breakfast. You go ahead and sleep in a little.¡±


    He gently pulled the nket down from her face and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead before walking off.


    Left alone, Halseyy in bed, feeling like her life had turned into a dream. She had gone to hispany, and now she was staying in his vi. They ate together, went on dates, saw a movie, and spent the night tangled up like a couple in love.


    It really felt like they were dating again.


    Was he trying to get back together with her?


    He hadn¡¯t said anything out loud, but Halsey couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that it was what he wanted.


    She smiled to herself, lips curving with happiness.


    But when she sat up, a sharp ache shot through her body. Her stomach felt a little off, too.


    She had a bad feeling. Could something be wrong with the baby?


    She quickly ced a hand over her t stomach. She had told him to be gentle, but Shaun was impossible to control when he


    was in the heat of it.


    She was terrified that all that rough passion might¡¯ve hurt the baby. And with how intense he had beentely, she wasn¡¯t sure she could keep this up.


    Chopter 032


    She decided to see Wendy for a checkup today.


    Grabbing her phone, Halsey quickly texted Wendy. [Hey, I¡¯ming to see youter.]


    Wendy replied almost instantly, [Okay.]


    Halsey got out of bed, washed up, and came out to find breakfast already prepared.


    Shaun looked up. ¡°You¡¯re up already? Why not sleep in a little longer?¡±


    ¡°I have an appointment with Wendy. I¡¯m heading over to her ce in a bit,¡± she said.


    Shaun nodded. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll take you.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She wasn¡¯t ready for him to know about the pregnancy just yet.


    ¡°No need,¡± she said quickly. ¡°I¡¯ll go on my own.¡± ¡¢

 My Dad Please Come 933

    Shaun nced up at her, a half-smile tugging at his lips. ¡°What, are you two hiding some kind of secret I¡¯m not allowed to hear?


    Halsey didn¡¯t want to give anything away, so she quickly replied, ¡°Of course we are! Women always have secrets-we¡¯re not about to spill everything to you!¡±


    Shaun smirked. ¡°Got it. Now eat. After breakfast, I¡¯ll drive you there and head off. Does that work for you?¡±


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    After they finished eating, Shaun drove Halsey to the hospital where Wendy was working today.


    The luxury car pulled up at the hospital entrance. Shaun said, ¡°I¡¯ll walk you up.¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± Halsey replied quickly. ¡°Just drop me here. I¡¯ve already made an appointment with Wendy¡ªI¡¯ll go straight to her.¡±


    Before Shaun could respond, Halsey opened the car door and hopped out. ¡°Bye!¡±


    She waved at him.


    Shaun curved his lips into a smile. ¡°Bye.¡±


    Halsey turned and headed into the hospital.


    Soon, she found Wendy in her office. Wendy was wearing her white coat, having just finished surgery.


    ¡°Wendy!¡±


    Wendy lit up. ¡°Halsey! What brings you to me today-are you just dropping by to hang out?¡±


    ¡°I want to do a prenatal checkup,¡± Halsey said.


    Wendy raised an eyebrow. ¡°Something feels off?¡±


    Halsey didn¡¯t exactly want to admit how active things had been between her and Shauntely, so she gave a sheepish smile.


    ¡°I just feel better getting checked out. It¡¯s about time for one, anyway.¡±


    Wendy nodded. ¡°Alright. Have a seat. Let me take your pulse.¡±


    Halsey sat down and held out her wrist.


    Wendy ced her fingers gently on Halsey¡¯s pulse, and after a moment, she smiled. ¡°You and Mr. Lane are back together, huh?¡±


    Halsey froze. She hadn¡¯t said anything, and Wendy had found out herself.


    Wendy pulled her hand back. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The baby¡¯s doing great, but you definitely need to take better care of yourself. Judging by that glow, you and Mr. Lane have been inseparabletely.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s cheeks turned bright red. ¡°Stop teasing me! Shaun and I¡­ well¡­¡±


    She didn¡¯t even know how to exin it.


    Wendy chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You don¡¯t need to say anything. I can tell. You and Mr. Lane aren¡¯t breaking up anytime soon.¡±


    ¡°Why do you say that?¡± Halsey asked.


    ¡°You really don¡¯t see it?¡± Wendy replied. ¡°That man ispletely hooked. You picked him back then, and now you can¡¯t shake him off, not even if you tried.¡±


    Halsey could onlyugh.


    Wendy stood up and grabbed a form. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s run the full set of tests.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Wendy led Halsey through a full prenatal checkup. Everything went smoothly¨Cthe baby was growing well and already over two months along.


    She also did an ultrasound and heart rate scan. For the first time, Halsey could clearly see the tiny life growing inside her.


    This was a life with a heartbeat. A life that was part of her and Shaun.


    Wendy watched the monitor.


    ¡°Look at that-your little one is already moving around in there. So lively and healthy.¡±


    Halsey stared at the screen, eyes welling with tears. The feeling of bing a mother for the first time was incredible.


    When the checkup was done, the two of them walked out together. Halsey held the ultrasound printout gently in her hands, a tender glow lighting up her face.


    ¡°Just because the baby¡¯s healthy doesn¡¯t mean you and Mr. Lane can go wild,¡± Wendy said. ¡°You two can keep things going, but take it easy, especially during the first three months, got it?¡±

 My Dad Please Come 934

    Halsey¡¯s face flushed red. ¡°I know¡­but Shaun¡¯s just¡­ Saying no never works on him.¡±


    Wendy chuckled as she looked at Halsey.


    Honestly, Warren used to say Shaun was just a big softie, hopelessly in love. But wasn¡¯t Halsey the same? People always said that when two love-struck people end up together, it¡¯s a recipe for happiness. Those two couldn¡¯t live without each other.


    Wendy smiled and said, ¡°Since you and Mr. Lane are back together; it¡¯s time to tell him you¡¯re pregnant.¡±


    Tell him she was pregnant?


    Truthfully, Halsey had been thinking about it.


    ¡°I can tell Mr. Lane loves kids. He¡¯s responsible and capable. Letting him know about the baby is a good thing. I believe he¡¯ll make a great dad.¡±


    Halsey knew Shaun liked children. He had mentioned wanting one before.


    And she believed he really would be a good father.


    She nodded. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll find the right time and tell him.¡±


    Just then, a young nurse called out from behind, ¡°Dr. Crone.¡±


    Wendy nced over. ¡°I¡¯ve got to go.¡±


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Go on. Don¡¯t worry about me.¡±


    Wendy turned and left.


    Halsey stayed where she was, gazing down at the ultrasound printout in her hands. A soft, happy smile curved her lips.


    That was when a familiar voice rang out.


    ¡°Halsey? What are you doing here?¡±


    ?? ?? ? ? ?? ? ?


    She looked up and saw someone she recognized-Gilbert.


    The person she hated the most.


    Halsey¡¯s expression turned cold. ¡°Hello, Gilbert. Considering our rtionship, I don¡¯t see any reason to make small talk. Let¡¯s just pretend we¡¯re strangers.¡±


    She didn¡¯t want to waste a second on him and immediately turned to leave.


    However, Gilbert stepped in front of her.


    As the saying goes, people always crave what they can¡¯t have-Gilbert was no exception. Staring at her delicate, beautiful face, he gave her a smug smile.


    ¡°Are you just gonna ignore me now?¡±


    ¡°After everything you¡¯ve done to my family, we¡¯re no longer family friends-we¡¯re enemies. Don¡¯t ever show up in front of me again!¡±


    Gilbert narrowed his eyes. ¡°This is all because of Shaun, isn¡¯t it? Are you two back together?¡±


    ¡°What Shaun and I do is none of your damn business,¡± she snapped.


    She tried to brush past him, but Gilbert reached out and grabbed her wrist.


    ¡°You-¡±


    At that moment, the ultrasound printout in her hands slipped and fluttered to the ground.


    Gilbert noticed it. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    Halsey immediately bent down to grab it. Unfortunately, she was too slow. Gilbert was quicker-he snatched it up before she could reach it.


    ¡°You¡¯re here for a checkup? Are you sick-¡±


    He stopped mid-sentence.


    His eyes locked onto the bold letters at the top of the paper: ¡°Ultrasound Report.¡± Underneath, it clearly showed that Halsey was pregnant.


    Gilbert was thunderstruck. He had known she and Shaun were seeing each other again, but he didn¡¯t know she had slept with him and was now even pregnant with Shaun¡¯s baby.


    Halsey red daggers at him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know what privacy is? What I¡¯m doing here has nothing to do with you! Now give me back the report!¡±


    She reached to snatch it from him.


    Gilbert held it up high, out of her reach. His voice was hoarse, filled with disbelief. ¡°You¡¯re pregnant?¡±


    Halsey crossed her arms. ¡°What, can¡¯t read? Yes, I¡¯m pregnant.¡±


    Gilbert¡¯s expression twisted with anger. ¡°You¡¯re actually pregnant with Shaun¡¯s baby!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 935

    Gilbert¡¯s emotions red. He grabbed Halsey by the shoulders and shouted, ¡°Why? Why would you get pregnant with Shaun¡¯s child?¡±


    Halsey stared at him coldly. ¡°Let me say it one more time¡ªwe have nothing to do with each other. Who I¡¯m having a child with is none of your business.¡±


    Gilbert tightened his grip on her shoulders.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t you give me another chance? I only made the kind of mistake all men make when they¡¯re young! I¡¯ve already cut ties with Sienna and those other women. Why won¡¯t youe back to me? You know you were born into privilege. No matter how much Shaun tries to dress himself up, he¡¯s still just some poor kid. He¡¯s not from our world. We are! We¡¯re the ones who truly


    match!¡±


    Halsey actuallyughed-she really didugh out loud.


    ¡°How can you shamelessly say you just made the kind of mistake all men make? You couldn¡¯t keep it in your pants! You let yourself get caught up in the temptation of the outside world. Do you even love me? No, you¡¯re just obsessed with not getting your way. This is about ego and control. You don¡¯t love anyone but yourself!¡± she sneered.


    Gilbert tried to exin. ¡°I-¡±


    Halsey cut him off.


    ¡°And another thing-you and I were never part of the same world. Shaun and I are. So what if he didn¡¯te from money? He¡¯s a rising star in business now. He¡¯s everything I love-smart, driven, brave, and strong. I love him. He¡¯s the only one I¡¯ve ever


    loved.¡±


    She ced a hand on her t stomach.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m pregnant with Shaun¡¯s baby. Do you know how happy that makes me? This is our child. I¡¯m going to be a mom, Shaun¡¯s going to be a dad.¡±


    and


    Gilbert was already furious, but hearing her say all that made the veins on his forehead start to pulse. His anger boiled over as he shoved Halsey against the wall, eyes dark with rage.


    ¡°You belong to me! No one else can have you!¡±


    He leaned in to kiss her.


    Halsey turned her face away and yelled, ¡°Let go of me! Don¡¯t touch me!¡±


    The next second, a strong hand reached over, grabbed the back of Gilbert¡¯s cor, and yanked him away.


    Gilbert¡¯s moment was cut short. He whipped around in a fury, ready to curse. ¡°Who the hell are you-Shaun?!¡±


    Halsey looked up as well and saw Shaun standing there.


    Shaun had arrived.


    5 5 3 5


    Without a word, Shaun punched Gilbert square in the face. Gilbert staggered back several steps and mmed into the wall.


    Shaun stormed up, grabbed Gilbert¡¯s cor, andnded another hard punch. Blood spilled from the corner of Gilbert¡¯s mouth and smeared across his face.


    A passerby gasped and shouted, ¡°Someone¡¯s fighting!¡±


    Shaun¡¯s eyes were icy as he red down at Gilbert. ¡°Touch her again, and you¡¯re dead!¡±


    Then, he threw another punch.


    Halsey rushed forward. ¡°Shaun, stop! That¡¯s enough! He¡¯s bleeding already. This is a hospital; you can¡¯t be fighting here!¡±


    Gilbert tried to swing back, but Shaun¡¯s next punch knocked him t to the ground.


    Gilbert might be impressive among rich kids, butpared to Shaun, a man who had fought his way up from nothing, he didn¡¯t stand a chance. He was too soft-he had no way to fight back.


    Halsey tugged on Shaun¡¯s arm. His fists, hidden under his neatly tailored shirt, were frighteningly powerful. Just watching him made her heart pound in fear.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough. Please, stop hitting him!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 936

    Shaun was still ready to throw another punch.


    Halsey threw her arms around him. ¡°That¡¯s enough, Shaun! Stop!¡±


    Feeling her soft body pressed against him, Shaun finally paused, but the rage in his eyes didn¡¯t fade at all. Instead, he gave Gilbert, who was still on the ground, onest hard kick.


    Just then, Wendy came rushing over. ¡°What happened here?¡±


    Halsey looked at her apologetically. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to cause any trouble.¡±


    Shaun took onest nce at Gilbert, then grabbed Halsey¡¯s hand and led her away without another word.


    Halsey turned back slightly. ¡°Bye, Wendy!¡±


    As soon as she spoke, Shaun wrapped his arms around her head and pulled her close to his chest, stopping her from looking back again.


    Shaun walked her out of the hospital, opened the front passenger door, and gently but firmly guided her into the seat. Then he circled and got into the driver¡¯s seat.


    That was when Halsey noticed his hand was bleeding. His knuckles were scraped and red.


    She quickly reached out and grabbed his hand. ¡°You¡¯re hurt. Let me help you clean this up.¡±


    But Shaun raised his hand, keeping it just out of her reach.


    Halsey froze. His face-so handsome and sharp-was tense. His chest was still heaving slightly. He was clearly still upset.


    She asked quickly, ¡°Why are you here at the hospital? I thought you left.¡±


    Shaun replied calmly, ¡°I didn¡¯t leave. I was waiting downstairs.¡±


    What?


    He had been waiting for her this whole time?


    Shaun looked up at her, his eyes dark. ¡°I was waiting, and then I saw Gilbert¡¯s car pull up. He came in, so I followed. And then I saw the two of you wrapped up together.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s eyes widened; she wondered whether he got the wrong idea.


    She sat up straighter. ¡°What are you trying to say? Did you misunderstand something? I had no idea Gilbert would be at the hospital today! We ran into each other by ident. I didn¡¯t even say much to him-¡±


    A low, hoarseugh slipped from Shaun¡¯s throat. ¡°Can I really trust you?¡±


    He looked her straight in the eyes, like he was trying to see straight through her. His stare was intense and sharp, demanding an


    answer.


    Halsey nodded right away. ¡°Of course, you can trust me. I¡¯m telling the truth. I didn¡¯t know Gilbert would be there¡ª¡±


    Shaun cut her off. ¡°You didn¡¯t know why Gilbert came¡­but what about you? Why were you at the hospital?¡±


    Halsey froze.


    Right then, she realized just how observant Shaun really was. He must have been suspicious the moment she said she came to visit Wendy. He just didn¡¯t say anything.


    Shaun leaned back a little, his expression unreadable. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you came just to hang out with Wendy. She was in surgery. Even a three-year-old wouldn¡¯t believe that excuse.¡±


    He pinched her chin gently and turned her face toward him.


    ¡°I want to believe you, but give me something-at least give me one reason to convince myself. Why did youe to the hospital?¡±


    Why had shee?


    She hade for a prenatal checkup.


    Could she tell him?


    Actually¡­ Yes. She had nned to tell him anyway.


    Halsey bit her lower lip, a little nervous. ¡°I¡­ I wasn¡¯t feeling well.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s voice lowered, ¡°Where exactly?¡±


    Halsey reached up, gently pried his hand from her chin, and ced it over her t belly.


    ¡°Right here,¡± she whispered.

 My Dad Please Come 937

    Shaun paused, his eyes on her t stomach.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong here?¡± he asked.


    Halsey looked back at him. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    Hisrge hand moved gently over her belly in slow, careful circles. He asked, almost cautiously, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s¡­¡±


    Halsey smiled faintly, the corners of her lips lifting. It looked like he was starting to figure out that she was pregnant.


    How would he react?


    She looked at him, hopeful. ¡°I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± Shaun cut in, ¡°is it because I hurt youst night? Is that why you came to the hospital?¡±


    Halsey blinked, stunned. The hope in her eyes disappeared instantly.


    What the hell was wrong with this guy? She wasn¡¯t here because she was in pain-she was pregnant!


    Shaun¡¯s icy expression softened as he kept rubbing her belly. ¡°If I hurt you, you should¡¯ve just told me. You don¡¯t need to keep it to yourself. It makes me misunderstand, you know?¡±


    Halsey closed her eyes for a second. Clearly, she had no choice but to spell it out.


    She gently pressed his hand down. ¡°There¡¯s something I need to tell you.¡±


    He looked at her. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m¡ª¡±


    Before she could finish, his phone rang. The sudden ringtone broke the moment.


    Shaun nced at the screen. ¡°I need to take this.¡±


    It was Martin. ¡°Hello? Mr. Lane, where are you? Mr. Bowman from Magnus Corporation has been waiting for a while.¡±


    Shaun frowned. He hadpletely forgotten about that meeting. Ever since he brought Halsey to the hospital, his mind had been filled with nothing but her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be there right away,¡± he replied.


    After ending the call, he turned to Halsey. ¡°I have to head to the office now.¡±


    Halsey gave a small nod. It clearly wasn¡¯t the right time to tell him. She would find another moment.


    ? ? ? ? ???? ???? ? ?


    ¡°You should go. I need to head home, anyway. I haven¡¯t been back in days-my parents are probably worried.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll drive you,¡± Shaun said.


    Halsey shook her head. ¡°You should go to work. I can get home on my own.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s tone turned firm. ¡°No, I¡¯ll take you first. Your ce is just ten minutes away. I¡¯ll head to the office after that.¡±


    Halsey gave in. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Ten minutester, the car stopped in front of her house.


    Halsey got out. ¡°Go ahead. I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    hapter 937


    Shaun looked at her. ¡°Get some rest. I¡¯ll call youter.¡±


    She nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Then, Shaun drove off.


    Back at the hospital, Gilbert was still there when someone hurried over-it was Chelsea.


    She rushed up to him. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why did you call me here in such a hurry? And¡­ What happened to your face?¡±


    3


    Gilbert touched the bruises on his cheek, his face dark. ¡°Shaun hit me.¡±


    ¡°What? Shaun did this? Was he here because of Halsey?¡±


    Gilbert looked straight at her. ¡°Halsey¡¯s pregnant; and you didn¡¯t even know?¡±


    Pregnant?


    That word exploded in Chelsea¡¯s mind like a bomb.


    She gasped, her eyes wide as she stared at him. ¡°What did you say? Halsey¡­is pregnant? With Shaun¡¯s baby?¡±


    Gilbert nodded grimly. ¡°It¡¯s true. I saw the ultrasound report myself. She¡¯s already two months along.¡±


    Chelsea stumbled back a few steps,pletely stunned. She had calcted everything-except this.


    Halsey was pregnant!


    BONUS

 My Dad Please Come 938

    Chelsea asked, ¡°What do we do now? If Shaun finds out Halsey¡¯s pregnant, he¡¯ll marry her on the spot!¡±


    Gilbert¡¯s face darkened. ¡°You¡¯ve been by his side all this time and didn¡¯t even know about this? If I hadn¡¯t identally stumbled across it, we¡¯d already be out of the game!¡±


    Chelsea turned pale. ¡°This isn¡¯t the time to point fingers. We need to figure something out fast. Halsey is pregnant with Shaun¡¯s child!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t panic yet. I don¡¯t think he knows about the pregnancy,¡± Gilbert said.


    If Shaun did, he would¡¯ve done something about it already.


    Chelsea nodded quickly. ¡°Then we still have time. We need to get rid of that baby before Shaun finds out!¡±


    Gilbert turned to look at her.


    A wicked gleam shed in Chelsea¡¯s eyes. ¡°Do you seriously want Halsey to give birth to that child?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Gilbert said coldly. ¡°But Chelsea¡­ You¡¯re ruthless.¡±


    She gave a chillingugh. ¡°If I weren¡¯t ruthless, how would I be a worthy ally for you?¡±


    Gilbert chuckled as well. ¡°Then we need to act fast. While Shaun¡¯s still in the dark, we have to get rid of that baby.¡±


    Chelsea frowned. ¡°But it¡¯s obvious Halsey wants to keep it. She¡¯s already on guard against both of us. How are we supposed to get close enough to make that happen?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s your part,¡± Gilbert said. ¡°Find a way to get rid of the baby. And if possible, use it to drive a wedge between her and Shaun once and for all.¡±


    Chelsea slowly calmed down, her mind already racing. She realized something-maybe this crisis was actually a golden opportunity. It all depended on how she used it.


    Shaun and Halsey had clearly rekindled things between them. Nothing seemed able to separate them anymore. But now, with this pregnancy, there might just be a way.


    Chelsea smirked.


    Seeing her confident expression, Gilbert asked, ¡°You¡¯ve thought of something?¡±


    ¡°Of course. We¡¯ll let someone else do the dirty work.¡±


    Gilbert raised a brow. ¡°Who?¡±


    Chelsea smiled slyly. ¡°We¡¯ll use¡­¡±


    At a restaurant, Chelsea sat at a booth waiting.


    Soon, someone walked in, asking, ¡°What made you suddenly invite me out to lunch?¡±


    She looked up-it was Warren.


    Warren sat across from her.


    Chelsea already had it all nned out. She was going to use Warren.


    Halsey wouldn¡¯t fall for any of her or Gilbert¡¯s tricks now-she was way too cautious. But Warren was different. Halsey still


    trusted him.


    Chelsea looked at Warren. ¡°Did you hear Shaun got into a fight with Gilbert at the hospital today?¡±


    Warren frowned. ¡°Why would Shaun get into a fight with Gilbert? Was it because of Ms. Mallin again?¡±


    Who else could possibly make someone as cold and controlled as Shaun lose it?


    Chelsea nodded, and she twisted the knife further. ¡°It was a terrible scene. Shaun¡¯s been losing his head over her. I¡¯m scared she¡¯s going to ruin him. She¡¯s already hurt him once before, and now she¡¯s doing it again. She doesn¡¯t love him at all.¡±


    As she spoke, she closely watched Warren¡¯s face.


    Sure enough, anger shed in his eyes. He clenched his fists, his tone bitter. ¡°She¡¯s really crossed a line!¡±


    Chelsea leaned forward. ¡°Would you be willing to help Shaun?¡±


    X

 My Dad Please Come 939

    Warren didn¡¯t hesitate for a second. ¡°I¡¯m Shaun¡¯s best friend. Of course I¡¯m willing to help him. But what do you want me to do?¡±


    Chelsea leaned in, her voice coaxing and sweet. ¡°What we need to do is break up Shaun and Ms. Mallin.¡±


    Warren shook his head. ¡°I know Shaun too well. He¡¯s crazy about her. No matter what she does, no matter how much she hurts him, he always forgives her. I¡¯ve tried toe between them before, but it¡¯s useless. If I push too far, I might ruin my friendship with him.¡±


    3


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly why we have to help him,¡± Chelsea pressed on. ¡°We both know that she¡¯s going to ruin Shaun. As his best friend, can you really just sit back and watch his life fall apart because of her?¡±


    Warren¡¯s fists clenched tightly with a crackling sound. ¡°Of course not! I won¡¯t let that happen. Alright, tell me-what¡¯s your n? You must have something in mind already.¡±


    Chelsea nodded. ¡°I do. You need to call her and ask her to meet up.¡±


    Warren didn¡¯t respond right away.


    Chelsea continued, ¡°If I asked her toe, she¡¯d never show. But if you call her, she¡¯ll definitelye.¡±


    Warren gave a small nod. ¡°And then?¡±


    Chelsea pulled out a small packet of powder. ¡°Then, you slip this into her tea.¡±


    Warren stared at it, caught off guard. ¡°What is this?¡±


    She avoided his eyes, trying to sound casual. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about that. Just make sure she drinks it, and I¡¯ll take care of the rest.¡±


    Warren hesitated. ¡°This isn¡¯t something dangerous, is it?¡±


    Chelsea smiled inwardly. It was a miscarriage drug. If Halsey took it, she¡¯d lose the baby for sure.


    She was counting on Warren to unknowingly do her dirty work. That way, when Halsey eventually told Shaun about the pregnancy, Chelsea would be off the hookpletely.


    Chelsea had spent years getting close to Warren, building trust and ying nice with him. Now was the time to use it.


    Of course, she wasn¡¯t about to tell him the truth.


    She shed a smile. ¡°It¡¯s just a regrxative. Just something to teach her a little lesson. If she keeps thinking she can mess with Shaun and get away with it, she needs a wake-up call.¡±


    Warren still looked unsure. ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re Shaun¡¯s best friend. If even you won¡¯t step in to help him, then he really is doomed,¡± Chelsea said firmly, pushing the guilt button.


    That did it.


    Warren sighed and finally nodded. ¡°Shaun and I have been friends for years. I can¡¯t let him drown like this.¡±


    He took the powder from her. ¡°I¡¯ve got his back.¡±


    Chelsea smiled. ¡°Great! Then call Ms. Mallin right now. We can¡¯t afford to wait.¡±


    Warren stood up. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll call her.¡±


    He walked away with his phone in his hand.


    Chelsea leaned back in her seat and sipped her tea,pletely at ease.


    A momentter, Gilbert strolled over and sat down across from her. ¡°I have to say, using someone else to do the dirty work is a great trick. Warren actually thinks he¡¯s helping his buddy, but he doesn¡¯t even realize that he¡¯s about to kill his best friend¡¯s baby.¡±


    Chelsea curled her lips into a smirk. ¡°I¡¯ve been cozying up to Warren all this time just for this moment. When the dust settles, we¡¯ll both walk away clean.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 940

    Gilbert let out a low chuckle. ¡°This is gonna be one hell of a show!¡±


    Back home, Halsey ran a hot bath to wash away the day¡¯s exhaustion. Just as she was finishing up, Patricia walked in holding a steaming bowl of lobster bisque.


    ¡°Here-drink this,¡± she said.


    Halsey took the bowl and tasted a spoonful. ¡°Wow, this is really good!¡±


    Patricia looked at her daughter with tender eyes. ¡°Of course it is. I made it myself¡­ Well, technically, I made it for my first grandbaby.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s heart swelled with emotion. She was the textbook example of a wealthy heiress-born into privilege, with loving parents and a perfect upbringing. An only child, pampered and protected. People always said Shaun was the one hopelessly in love, but truthfully, if she hadn¡¯t met him, her life might have been a lot smoother¡­and much duller.


    Halsey rested her head on Patricia¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re the best!¡±


    Patricia smiled and tapped her lightly on the nose. ¡°You and that sweet mouth of yours. Come on, finish it while it¡¯s hot. I¡¯m going back to the kitchen to make more soup. Even if you don¡¯t have an appetite, you should at least have a little.¡±


    With that, Patricia got up and left.


    Halsey stayed on the bed, slowly finishing the lobster bisque. She gently ced her hand over her stomach.


    ¡°Baby, you have to be good. I was going to tell your daddy about you today, but he was busy. Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll find another time. Do you like your daddy, too?¡±


    Hershes lowered, casting soft shadows over her delicate face. There was a calm, motherly warmth about her now.


    Just then, her phone started ringing, breaking the peaceful moment. She picked it up and answered.


    ¡°Hello, who¡¯s this?¡±


    A familiar voice came through. ¡°Ms. Mallin, it¡¯s me.¡±


    Halsey¡¯sshes fluttered slightly. ¡°Warren? Is something wrong?¡±


    ¡°I was wondering if you had a moment,¡± Warren said. ¡°I¡¯d like to meet with you.¡±


    ¡°You want to meet me?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I want to talk. Since I¡¯m Shaun¡¯s best friend, I think it¡¯s time we have an honest conversation.¡±


    Halsey knew Warren hadn¡¯t been very fond of hertely. Still, she had been meaning to talk to him too.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m free. Where are you? I¡¯lle to you.¡±


    Warren gave her an address, and she responded, ¡°I¡¯ll head over now.¡±


    At the restaurant, Halsey spotted Warren sitting by the window. She walked over toward him.


    ¡°Warren.¡±


    He motioned to the seat across from him. ¡°Sit.¡±


    Halsey sat down. ¡°So, what did you want to talk about?¡±


    Warren looked at her, his tone sharp. ¡°Shaun got into a fight with Gilbert at the hospital today, didn¡¯t he? All because of you. You and Shaun are over-do him a favor and stay away.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s fingers curled slightly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t promise you that.¡±


    Warren mmed his hand down. ¡°Why are you so stubborn?¡±


    Halsey met his re calmly. ¡°I don¡¯t understand why you¡¯re still so hostile toward me, even after three years. What did I do that was so wrong?¡±


    ¡°You seriously don¡¯t know?¡± he snapped. ¡°Let me remind you, then. Three years ago, Shaun was disfigured because of you!¡±


    Halsey froze.


    She had no idea what Warren was talking about. In fact, she had never known how Shaun¡¯s face got scarred.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± she asked.

 My Dad Please Come 941

    Warren stared at Halsey with a cold smirk.


    ¡°How can you be so shameless? You¡¯re the reason Shaun was disfigured, and now you have the nerve to act like you don¡¯t know? Don¡¯t tell me it wasn¡¯t you!¡±


    Halsey waspletely lost. ¡°It really wasn¡¯t me!¡±


    Warren let out a sharp, bitterugh.


    ¡°If you¡¯re going to use me like that, you¡¯d better have proof,¡± Halsey snapped. ¡°What exactly happened three years ago?¡±


    Shaun had never told her the real reason behind his injuries. Now, she wanted to know.


    Warren looked Halsey straight in the eye. ¡°You want me to spell it out, huh? Fine. Three years ago, Shaun was badly injured while working undercover. He came back to see you, only to find you with Gilbert. The two of you were practically engaged!¡±


    What?


    Halsey froze in shock, thinking that was impossible. She would never be with Gilbert, much less marry him!


    Warren kept going. ¡°Shaun was standing outside your house, covered in wounds. Then some men showed up, shoved him into a car, and threw acid in his face. That¡¯s how he got disfigured. And then, they drove the car off a cliff, with Shaun still in it.¡±


    Halsey was stunned.


    She had no idea Shaun had faced something so terrifying. He had never told her any of this.


    ¡°Who did it?¡± she asked, voice trembling. ¡°Who would do something that cruel to him? Was it ever investigated?¡±


    Warren gave a cold snort. ¡°Still ying innocent, huh?¡±


    What was that supposed to mean?


    Suddenly, something clicked. Halsey stared at Warren in horror.


    ¡°You think I was behind it?¡±


    Warren¡¯s eyes were sharp. ¡°Of course I do! Those men told Shaun that you were the one who sent them. That he was a stain on your perfect life, and you wanted him gone for good.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s pupils widened in disbelief. This was absurd-she had never done any of that!


    Now, everything made sense-why Warren hated her so much, why Shaun refused to talk about what happened.


    Warren red at her. ¡°Now, do you understand why I can¡¯t stand you? You nearly got Shaun killed! It was Chelsea who stayed by his side. She¡¯s the one who truly deserves him.¡±


    Halsey clenched her fists. ¡°I didn¡¯t do it!¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t do what?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do any of those things three years ago! I didn¡¯t send anyone after Shaun. They were lying! I had no idea any of that happened!¡±


    Warren suddenlyughed, cold and harsh. ¡°Of course you¡¯d deny it. But I know it was you.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t!¡± Halsey insisted. ¡°This whole thing has to be a setup. I swear I¡¯ll find the truth and prove my innocence!¡±


    Warren said nothing and just sneered.


    At that moment, the waiter came by with two cups of coffee, setting one down in front of each of them. ¡°Here¡¯s your order.¡±


    Warren picked up his cup and took a sip.


    Halsey was still in a daze, her mind spinning. She had no idea any of this had happened, let alone that she was somehow connected to it.


    She was determined to investigate this. She needed answers.


    She reached for her coffee and brought it to her lips.


    Warren watched her closely. He knew there was something in that coffee. All he had to do now was wait for her to drink it.


    Just as Halsey was about to take a sip, she paused, her brow furrowing.


    Warren stiffened.


    She slowly set the cup down without drinking.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want any coffee,¡± she said, frowning.


    Warren blinked. ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°I just¡­don¡¯t feel like it.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 942

    Halsey was pregnant now, and coffee wasn¡¯t something she should be drinking.


    Warren grew anxious. He hadn¡¯t expected Halsey to suddenly refuse it. He quickly pushed her to drink it. ¡°I ordered that coffee just for you. Are you just trying to piss me off?¡±


    Halsey replied, ¡°That¡¯s not it. I just don¡¯t want to drink it because I-


    She wanted to exin she was pregnant, but Warren cut her off.


    ¡°Sounds like you¡¯re just trying to embarrass me. If you¡¯re not, then drink the damn coffee!¡±


    At that moment, Gilbert and Chelsea were hiding in a corner of the restaurant, keeping a close eye on Halsey and Warren.


    When they saw Halsey bring the cup to her lips, they were thrilled. But when she suddenly set it back down, their hearts sank.


    ¡°Why isn¡¯t she drinking it?¡± Gilbert muttered.


    Chelsea frowned. ¡°Damn it! She¡¯s pregnant. Of course she¡¯s not going to drink coffee. We should¡¯ve ordered something else.¡±


    Gilbert¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°If she won¡¯t drink it, then we¡¯ll have to take matters into our own hands.¡±


    ¡°What are you thinking?¡± Chelsea asked.


    ¡°We grab her,¡± Gilbert said coldly. ¡°There¡¯s no one else around. We take her by force and get her on that operating table.¡±


    Chelsea nodded. If Halsey wasn¡¯t going to cooperate, they didn¡¯t have a choice.


    Back at the table, Halsey narrowed her eyes at Warren¡¯s overly tense reaction. Her suspicion was growing. ¡°Why are you so worked up about me not drinking a cup of coffee? Unless¡­something¡¯s wrong with it?¡±


    Warren¡¯s eyes flickered with guilt. ¡°I¡­¡±


    Halsey stared at the cup. ¡°Did you put something in it?¡±


    ¡°L¡­¡±


    His silence said it all. Halsey had her answer.


    She stood up at once, her face furious. ¡°You actually drugged my coffee? Does Shaun know about this?¡±


    Warren looked uneasy. He hadn¡¯t wanted to go through with it in the first ce.


    ¡°I¡¯m his best friend! I couldn¡¯t just sit back and let you ruin his life!¡±


    Halsey¡¯s gaze was cold. ¡°Are you so sure I¡¯m the one ruining him?¡±


    ¡°I know it¡¯s you! Who else could it be?¡±


    Halsey realized there was no point in talking further. If he wanted to think the worst of her, fine. She would prove the truth herself.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    ¡°1


    She turned to go.


    Warren stepped forward. ¡°Halsey!¡±


    Halsey¡¯s steps froze when someone stepped into her path-Chelsea.


    And she wasn¡¯t alone. She was nked by a group of men in ck suits.


    Chelsea blocked Halsey¡¯s way. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡±


    Halsey stared in shock. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Then she turned and looked at Warren. ¡°So you two nned this together?¡±


    Chelsea smiled. ¡°That¡¯s right! You wouldn¡¯t drink the coffee, so now we¡¯ll just have to do this the hard way.¡±


    With a wave of Chelsea¡¯s hand, the men in ck moved in and grabbed Halsey.


    ¡°Let me go!¡± she shouted, struggling. ¡°What are you doing? Where are you taking me?¡±


    Chelsea gave a mocking smile. ¡°You¡¯ll find out soon enough.¡±


    ¡°No! I¡¯m not going anywhere!¡±


    Halsey turned to Warren in desperation. ¡°Are you really going to just stand there and let her do this?¡±


    Warren walked over to Chelsea and asked quietly, ¡°Where¡¯d you get these guys?¡±


    The moment heid eyes on them, he could tell that they weren¡¯t amateurs. These men were clearly trained. Warren had no idea why Chelsea had brought them over.


    X

 My Dad Please Come 943

    Of course, Chelsea couldn¡¯t let Warren know she was working with Gilbert. All these men in ck were Gilbert¡¯s people.


    She quickly smiled and said, ¡°I hired them myself. Paid for them out of pocket.¡±


    ¡°Hired them?¡± Warren looked doubtful.


    Sensing his suspicion, Chelsea quickly changed the subject. ¡°Don¡¯t forget what we agreed on-we have to save Shaun. Today, we need to teach Ms. Mallin a real lesson!¡±


    Warren nodded, and his doubts faded away.


    Chelsea gave the order, ¡°Take her away!¡±


    A wave of dread surged through Halsey. She fought back with everything she had. ¡°Let me go! What you¡¯re doing is illegal! Warren, I know deep down you¡¯re not a bad person. Don¡¯t let Chelsea do this. Please! You need to know, I¡¯m-¡±


    Before she could finish, Chelsea gave a quick signal. One of the bodyguards mped a hand over Halsey¡¯s mouth.


    She could only let out muffled cries and look desperately at Warren. ¡°Mmm¡­ mmm¡­!¡±


    Warren frowned. ¡°What¡¯s she trying to say?¡±


    Chelsea quickly cut in, ¡°Don¡¯t listen to her. She¡¯s full of lies. That¡¯s how she¡¯s been twisting Shaun around her little finger!¡±


    Warren nodded, brushing it off and not asking further.


    Chelsea said again, firmly, ¡°Take her away!¡±


    The bodyguards forced Halsey out. She struggled the whole way, but they shoved her into a car and drove straight to the hospital.


    ¡°Chelsea! Let me go! What the hell do you want from me?¡± Halsey shouted.


    Chelsea gave her a slow, cold smile. ¡°You¡¯ll find out soon enough.¡±


    Soon, they arrived at the entrance to an operating room. And then, Halsey saw a familiar figure waiting for her-Gilbert.


    She froze. ¡°Gilbert? What are you doing here?¡±


    Chelsea stepped over to stand beside him, and Gilbert gave a smug smile. ¡°Take a wild guess.¡±


    Looking between the two of them, it clicked instantly.


    ¡°You¡¯re working together!¡± Halsey eximed, aghast.


    Chelsea grinned. ¡°This is what we call a power duo.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s voice trembled with fury. ¡°Chelsea, you¡¯re supposed to be Shaun¡¯s friend! How could you team up with Gilbert?¡±


    Chelsea sneered, ¡°Shaun never should¡¯ve fallen for you. That was his first mistake.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s tone turned icy. ¡°Why did you bring me here?¡±


    Gilbert stepped closer and reached for her face.


    Halsey jerked away in disgust. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡±


    Gilbert wasn¡¯t fazed. His hand slid down and rested on her stomach. ¡°Why do you think I brought you to a hospital?¡±


    Her pupils shrank. ¡°Are you trying to get rid of my baby?¡±


    He chuckled darkly. ¡°That¡¯s right. This cursed child has no ce in the world. I¡¯ll send it straight to hell!¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Halsey screamed, thrashing. ¡°Don¡¯t hurt my baby!¡±


    ¡°What are you waiting for? Strap her down! The doctor¡¯s ready,¡± Chelsea snapped.


    ¡°Got it!¡±


    The bodyguards dragged Halsey inside. She kicked and wed, but it was no use. She was overpowered and pinned to the cold operating table.


    ¡°Let me go! Don¡¯t do this! Please don¡¯t hurt my baby!¡±


    Chelsea and Gilbert stood nearby. Gilbert barked at the doctor, ¡°Inject the anesthesia. Now!¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s eyes gleamed with cruelty. ¡°Make sure it¡¯s done right. I want that baby gone!¡±


    Halsey¡¯s arms and legs were bound. The surgical table beneath her was freezing cold. Harsh, blinding lights burned above her. Terror spread through every inch of her as she desperately prayed that they wouldn¡¯t hurt her baby.

 My Dad Please Come 944

    ¡°Shaun, help me! Save the baby! Shaun!¡±


    Halsey could only cry out Shaun¡¯s name over and over again, clinging to the hope that he woulde and save their child.


    Shaun didn¡¯t even know the baby existed. Was this really how it would end? Was their baby going to be taken away before Shaun ever knew?


    Hot tears streamed down her cheeks, blurring her vision.


    Gilbert and Chelsea stood off to the side, exchanging smug nces.


    Shaun wasn¡¯ting.


    Back at the CEO¡¯s office, Shaun had just finished his work and was sitting in his office chair.


    He pulled out his phone and dialed Halsey¡¯s number, hoping to invite her out for dinner. The gentle ringtone rang again and again, but no one picked up.


    Why wasn¡¯t she answering?


    Shaun¡¯s brow furrowed in concern.


    Martin stepped in. ¡°Is Ms. Mallin not answering?¡±


    Shaun redialed. Where was Halsey? What was she doing that she couldn¡¯t pick up?


    Yet, there was still no answer.


    ¡°Maybe she went to see Dr. Crone again and didn¡¯t hear her phone,¡± Martin said again.


    That actually sounded possible. Halsey and Wendy were best friends-if anything happened, Wendy would likely know.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call Dr. Crone.¡±


    Shaun found Wendy¡¯s contact and dialed her number.


    The phone rang once before it was answered at a calm, steady pace. Wendy¡¯s clear voice came through. ¡°Hello, Mr. Lane.¡±


    Shaun had always respected Wendy¡ªnot just because she was Halsey¡¯s closest friend, but also because she was a doctor and had


    treated his face.


    ¡°Dr. Crone, I wanted to apologize for what happened with Gilbert at the hospital.¡±


    He had already asked his people to handle the aftermath, but he still felt the need to apologize in person.


    Wendy gave a lightugh. ¡°It¡¯s okay. Ipletely understand how you felt. Seeing a romantic rival would bring out the worst in anyone. It just proves how much you love Halsey. I¡¯m happy for the two of you.¡±


    Shaun nodded. ¡°So, Halsey came to the hospital today to see you¡­¡¯


    Wendy¡¯s tone shifted slightly. ¡°Oh, you already know why she came?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Shaun replied calmly. ¡°Halsey told me herself. She said her stomach was feeling off.¡±


    In truth, Wendy didn¡¯t agree with Halsey hiding her pregnancy, so hearing that Shaun already knew made her genuinely happy.


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear. Just remember to keep things more moderate in bed moving forward.¡±


    Shaun smiled slightly. ¡°I understand, Dr. Crone. I would never hurt Halsey.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just about Halsey. It could also hurt the baby.¡±


    The baby?


    Those two words hit Shaun like thunder in a clear sky. Baby?


    His hand tightened around the phone. ¡°Baby?¡±


    Wendy hadn¡¯t picked up on the tension in his voice. ¡°Yes. Halsey¡¯s only two months along. You need to be extra careful in the first trimester.¡±


    Halsey was two months pregnant?


    Shaun¡¯s expression shifted dramatically. He didn¡¯t know. No one told him:


    Two months?


    He quickly did the math. That was right around when he and Halsey got back together. They had been inseparable; he hadn¡¯t used any protection because deep down, he had hoped she would get pregnant.


    Could it be?


    Was this the baby conceived from that night?


    Halsey was carrying his child!


    X

 My Dad Please Come 945

    Shaun froze. He really hadn¡¯t expected Halsey to be pregnant.


    She¡¯d been pregnant for two months, and she hadn¡¯t told him?


    He quickly said, ¡°Thank you, Dr. Crone.¡±


    As soon as the call ended, Shaun shot up from his seat, eyes shining with emotion. He turned to Martin. ¡°Did you hear that? Halsey¡¯s pregnant. I¡¯m going to be a dad!¡±


    Martin lit up. ¡°Congrattions, Mr. Lane. You¡¯re having a baby!¡±


    Yes, he was. He was going to be a father!


    Shaun was over the moon. In the year he had wanted a child more than anything, he and Halsey had actually made one.


    Martin then asked, ¡°Do you know where Ms. Mallin is right now?¡±


    That stopped Shaun cold. He didn¡¯t. From Wendy¡¯s tone earlier, it didn¡¯t sound like she knew either.


    Where could Halsey be?


    She was pregnant-she couldn¡¯t be in danger, could she?


    Shaun¡¯s heart twisted with guilt. Thinking back, she must¡¯ve already been pregnant during their visit to Madeline¡¯s ce. No wonder she craved sour food and kept getting sleepy. She even took his hand and ced it on her belly once.


    It had all been signs. She was trying to tell him.


    Shaun cursed himself for being so slow to realize it. He should¡¯ve guessed it sooner.


    ¡°I¡¯m calling her now!¡±


    He grabbed his phone again and dialed Halsey¡¯s number. The soft ringtone yed over and over, but she still didn¡¯t pick up.


    ¡°Why isn¡¯t she answering? What the hell is she doing?¡± Shaun¡¯s brows knitted in frustration.


    Martin¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°Do you think something might¡¯ve happened to her?¡±


    A terrible feeling crept into Shaun¡¯s chest. Something wasn¡¯t right. Halsey would never ignore this many calls.


    He had to find her. Right now.


    ¡°Track her down immediately. I want to know where she is, right this second!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m on it.¡±


    Martin rushed out to investigate.


    Shaun paced in front of the tall windows,pletely on edge. His gut was telling him something was wrong.


    Where the hell was Halsey?


    Before long, Martin came running back in. ¡°I found her! I know where she is!¡±


    Shaun¡¯s body tensed. ¡°Where is she now?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s at the hospital.¡±


    The hospital?


    Shaun stiffened. ¡°Why is she at the hospital? Is she hurt?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure about the details. We need to go see for ourselves.¡±


    Shaun marched toward the door. ¡°Get the car now! We¡¯re going to the hospital!¡±


    A luxury car pulled up in front of the hospital. Shaun got out the second it stopped.


    Martin said quickly, ¡°We¡¯ve already had the hospital locked down.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s lips pressed into a sharp, cold line. ¡°Let¡¯s move!¡±


    2


    He wanted nothing more than to sprout wings and fly straight to her side.


    With Martin and arge group of bodyguards behind him, Shaun stormed into the hospital. The sight of their arrival turned every head in the building.


    Right then, Gilbert and Chelsea were still outside the operating room. They hadn¡¯t left. After all the effort it took to get Halsey here and onto that table, they wanted to witness it with their own eyes-the moment Shaun and Halsey¡¯s child was taken away.


    They couldn¡¯t let that baby be born.


    Soon, a nurse stepped out of the operating room. Gilbert walked up to her. ¡°Well? How is it going?¡±


    ¡°We just gave her the injection,¡± the nurse replied. ¡°She¡¯s unconscious and isn¡¯t fighting anymore.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 946

    Chelsea immediately urged, ¡°Then hurry up and start the procedure. We want to see this baby taken out with our own eyes!¡±


    The nurse nodded. ¡°Understood.¡±


    She was just about to head into the operating room when one of Gilbert¡¯s men came rushing over in a panic. ¡°Something¡¯s wrong!¡±


    Gilbert turned to him, frowning. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Why are you so flustered?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Lane is here!¡±


    Both Gilbert and Chelsea¡¯s faces changed. ¡°What did you say?! Who¡¯s here?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Lane! He came in with a whole team. They¡¯ve already locked down the hospital and are heading this way. They¡¯ll be here any second!¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s heart jumped. ¡°How did Shaun get here so fast? I thought he didn¡¯t even know Halsey was pregnant yet!¡±


    Gilbert¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me he already found out!¡±


    ¡°For him toe charging in like this,¡± Chelsea quickly guessed, ¡°he must¡¯ve found out about the pregnancy!¡±


    The man wiped the sweat from his forehead. ¡°He¡¯ll be here soon. We have to go now!¡±


    Gilbert looked toward the operating room, frustrated. ¡°Damn it! She hasn¡¯t even gone through with the procedure, and Shaun¡¯s already here!¡±


    Chelsea was just as unwilling to give up. She didn¡¯t know how Shaun found out so fast, but it was clear now that he knew about the baby.


    Without hesitation, she said to Gilbert, ¡°We need to get out of here.¡±


    Gilbert clenched his fists. ¡°But the baby-it¡¯s still alive! After all the effort we put in, are we just gonna leave?¡±


    Chelsea suddenly smirked, a wicked idea forming in her mind. ¡°Who said we¡¯re walking away empty-handed?¡±


    Gilbert turned to her. ¡°You have another n?¡±


    Chelsea nced toward the nurse. ¡°Go get the doctor out here.¡±


    The doctor was quickly summoned from the operating room. ¡°What can I do for you?¡±


    Chelsea leaned in. ¡°Shaun is about to show up. You know what to say, right?¡±


    The doctor looked confused. ¡°I-I¡¯m not sure what you mean. Please tell me exactly, and I¡¯ll say whatever you want.¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s tone sharpened. ¡°Tell Shaun that Halsey didn¡¯t want the baby. That she came here for an abortion by choice.¡±


    The doctor froze.


    Gilbertughed, clearly impressed. He felt like he hadn¡¯t misjudged Chelsea at all-this woman was dangerous.


    ¡°You heard her. Just say that Halsey didn¡¯t want the baby. Say she came here willingly to end the pregnancy. Got it?¡±


    The doctor quickly nodded. ¡°Got it.¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s eyes narrowed in warning. ¡°If you let Shaun find out the truth, your entire family¡¯s done for.¡±


    The doctor swallowed hard. ¡°The termination was Halsey¡¯s choice. She came for the procedure herself. I don¡¯t know either of


    you. You have nothing to do with this.¡±


    Gilbert nodded, satisfied. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    He and Chelsea left with their people in a hurry.


    A secondter, Shaun stormed in with Martin and a team of bodyguards. The moment Shaun spotted the doctor, he grabbed him by the cor.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Halsey? Where is she?!¡±


    The doctor stammered, ¡°M-Mr. Lane, she¡¯s inside the operating room!¡±


    Operating room?


    Shaun shoved the door open and rushed in.


    He saw Halsey lying unconscious on the operating table.


    He ran straight to her. ¡°Halsey? Halsey!¡±


    Then he turned his fiery gaze on the doctor. ¡°What the hell did you do to her?!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 947

    Martin raised his hand. ¡°Take him down!¡±


    The ck-suited bodyguards rushed forward and immediately grabbed the doctor.


    All the other masked doctors and nurses in white coats were also rounded up and restrained.


    Shaun held Halsey tightly in his arms, his cold eyes zing with fury. ¡°What did you do to her? If you hurt her or the baby, I¡¯ll make sure you all pay with your lives!¡±


    The doctor was drenched in cold sweat. Gilbert had just left, and now Shaun was here. He regretted agreeing to this surgery at all.


    Fearing for his life, he could only repeat what Gilbert and Chelsea had instructed him to say.


    ¡°Mr. Lane, we didn¡¯t hurt Ms. Mallin. Sh-she was the one who didn¡¯t want the baby. She came here on her own to terminate the


    pregnancy.¡±


    Shaun froze like a statue. He stared at the doctor, stunned. ¡°What did you just say?¡±


    ¡°You heard me,¡± said the doctor. ¡°Ms. Mallin didn¡¯t want the baby. She said it was an ident; she said she didn¡¯t want to be a mother and didn¡¯t want to bring the child into the world. That was why she scheduled the abortion.¡±


    The nurses quickly chimed in, ¡°Yes, Mr. Lane! Ms. Mallin didn¡¯t want to keep the baby. We¡¯re just here to perform the procedure. Please don¡¯t take it out on us.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s ears buzzed, his head spinning.


    Halsey didn¡¯t want the baby?


    She didn¡¯t want to bring their child into the world?


    She came here to end the pregnancy?


    No. No way.


    Shaun gentlyid Halsey down and stood up. He stormed over to the doctor and kicked thetter hard in the chest. ¡°You¡¯re lying! Halsey would never do that. You¡¯re making this up!¡±


    The doctor clutched his chest and gasped, ¡°We¡¯re not lying!¡±


    Martin stepped forward. ¡°Mr. Lane, all abortion procedures have to be registered in the hospital system. I¡¯ll go check now to see if Ms. Mallin actually scheduled this one.¡±


    Shaun snapped, ¡°Go. Now.¡±


    Martin ran out.


    Shaun red at the kneeling doctor. ¡°If you¡¯re lying, you¡¯re dead.¡±


    Soon, Martin came rushing back in. ¡°I checked the system.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s face was pale. ¡°It¡¯s a lie, right? It has to be! Halsey wouldn¡¯t give up the baby.¡±


    Martin hesitated. ¡°I found the registration form in the system. Ms. Mallin scheduled the procedure herself.¡±


    Shaun froze. ¡°What did you just say?¡±


    Martin cautiously looked at his face. ¡°It¡¯s true¡­ She made the appointment.¡±


    The doctors and nurses on the floor let out a sigh of relief. Thankfully, they had prepared for this.


    request form was a signature-Halsey¡¯s.


    She didn¡¯t want the baby.


    Shaun staggered back several steps, unable to believe it.


    Martin quickly reached out to steady him. ¡°Mr. Lane, are you okay?¡±


    Shaun¡¯s eyes were bloodshot. He couldn¡¯t ept it.


    2


    He had tried to call her, and now he knew why she didn¡¯t answer. She hade to the hospital to end their child¡¯s life.


    That was why she hadn¡¯t told him about the pregnancy. She had been hiding it because she never nned to keep it.


    But why¡­?


    ¡°Mr. Lane¡­¡±


    11


    Shaun shook off Martin¡¯s hand and walked back to Halsey¡¯s side. She was still unconscious from the injection.


    His voice was hoarse as he asked, ¡°How¡¯s the baby?¡±

 My Dad Please Come 948

    The doctor quickly answered, ¡°Mr. Lane, you arrived just in time. We haven¡¯t started the surgery yet.¡±


    Shaun looked at Halsey¡¯s t stomach. ¡°Is the baby okay?¡±


    The doctor nodded. ¡°Everything¡¯s normal. The baby¡¯s healthy.¡±


    ¡°When will she wake up?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯ll wake up after a bit of rest.¡±


    Shaun bent down and gently lifted Halsey into his arms, carrying her out of the hospital.


    Shaun brought Halsey back to his vi andid her carefully on the soft bed. Then, he pulled the nket over her.


    Even though he was angry and disappointed, he didn¡¯t do anything to her because she was carrying his child.


    Shaun reached out and gently ced his hand over her belly. Inside, their child was growing-his blood, his legacy.


    This was their baby.


    His chest ached, but it was also full. Slowly, he leaned down and rested his head on her stomach, his voice low and tender. Don¡¯t be scared, baby. Daddy¡¯s here now.¡±


    11


    He loved this child deeply, more than words could say. He kissed her stomach and whispered, ¡°It¡¯s me, baby. I¡¯m your dad.¡±


    Even though the baby didn¡¯t respond, Shaun¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile. The feeling of bing a father for the first time was something he would never forget.


    He sat back up and looked at Halsey¡¯s sleeping face. Reaching out, he gently brushed his fingers across her cheek.


    He still didn¡¯t understand why she had been so cruel.


    It was one thing to hurt him, but why would she hurt their child too?


    Was it because the baby was his?


    Did she not want to give birth to his child?


    Shaun¡¯s voice was hoarse as he muttered to himself, ¡°Halsey, what am I supposed to do with you¡­?¡±


    Halsey felt like she had been asleep forever. In her dream, someone was holding her down on an operating table, trying to take her baby away.


    Hot tears streamed down her cheeks. She suddenly jolted awake.


    She sat up in bed and immediately reached for her belly. ¡°The baby¡­the baby¡­¡±


    A cold voice rang out. ¡°The baby¡¯s okay.¡±


    Halsey looked up and saw Shaun standing by the floor-to-ceiling window.


    He turned around, eyes dark and unreadable as he stared at her. He hadn¡¯t slept all night, staying by her side. His eyes were bloodshot, his expression icy.


    Halsey didn¡¯t have time to process everything. She looked around, realizing she was in his bedroom.


    She had no idea how she had gotten here.


    Thest thing she remembered was being in the hospital. Gilbert and Chelsea had brought a doctor, trying to take her baby.


    Was her baby still alive?


    Joy bloomed in her chest as she gently pressed her hand to her stomach. ¡°Is the baby really okay?¡±


    Shaun walked over, his tall figure looming by the bed as he looked down at her. ¡°Yeah. Are you disappointed?¡±


    Halsey froze and looked up at him. Only then did she notice something was off.


    Shaun knew? He knew she was pregnant?


    ¡°Y-You know about the pregnancy?¡± she asked softly.


    2


    Shaun let out a coldugh. ¡°Yeah. I found out on my own. Were you nning to hide it from me forever? Never let me know?¡±


    Halsey wondered if Shaun was mad about that.


    She opened her mouth to exin. ¡°I was going to tell you, but-¡±


    Shaun cut her off. ¡°But what? Were you nning to tell me after you aborted our baby?¡±

 My Dad Please Come 949

    Halsey froze. ¡°What are you talking about? Abort our baby?¡±


    Shaun let out a coldugh. ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you were trying to do?¡±


    She grabbed his sleeve in a panic. ¡°Listen to me! I have to tell you something-someone took me to the hospital today. They were trying to hurt our baby. It was-¡±


    Before she could say their names, Shaun cut her off. He looked at her, his smile bitter.


    ¡°Are you really trying to lie to me again?¡±


    Halsey threw off the nket and stepped out of bed. ¡°Again? What exactly did I lie about?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t know,¡± Shaun said sharply. ¡°Did someone really force you to the hospital? Or did you go there yourself? Was someone else trying to harm the baby, or was it you who didn¡¯t want the baby in the first ce?¡±


    Halsey blinked, stunned. ¡°I didn¡¯t want the baby? What are you even talking about? I don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°Enough! How long are you going to keep pretending? You went to the hospital yourself. You didn¡¯t want this baby. You


    scheduled an abortion.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s breath caught. She was there for an abortion? She didn¡¯t want the baby?


    ¡°If I hadn¡¯t gotten there in time and pulled you off that operating table,¡± Shaun pressed on, ¡°the baby would be gone right now!¡±


    He gripped her shoulders, his fingers digging in, his knuckles pale with pressure.


    ¡°How could you be so heartless? Isn¡¯t this your child, too?¡±


    Halsey was dazed. ¡°I never said I didn¡¯t want the baby. I¡ª¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so cruel. You never intended to tell me you were pregnant. Did you ever stop to think how unfair that is to me? I¡¯m the father! I had a right to know!¡±


    Halsey stood there, stunned, trying to process his words. ¡°You really believe I went there on my own? Who told you that?¡±


    ¡°Does it matter who told me? The doctor said so. And the hospital records back it up!¡±


    Halsey¡¯s expression turned icy. Now, she understood-it was Gilbert and Chelsea again. Their scheming never stopped. They were like shadows she couldn¡¯t escape from.


    They tried to take her baby, but when Shaun showed up and ruined their n, they twisted everything to frame her instead. It was obvious they wanted to drive a wedge between her and Shaun.


    Halsey looked Shaun straight in the eyes. ¡°Shaun, tell me something. Do you still think I got together with Gilbert three years ago? Do you really think I was the one who arranged for your face to be ruined?¡±


    Shaun¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    Halsey was speechless.


    Then, she let out a bitterugh. So the lies and maniptions had started long ago. Gilbert and Chelsea had been at it from the very beginning.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care if you believe me or not,¡± she said. ¡°I never hurt you. And I would never hurt our child.¡±


    ¡°Then have the baby.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s voice was firm. That was what he wanted.


    He tightened his hold on her shoulders and said, ¡°I¡¯ve never asked you for anything before, but I¡¯m asking now-have this baby. It¡¯s a life. It¡¯s my child. If you agree to carry it to term, I swear I¡¯ll stay far away from you once it¡¯s born.¡±


    Halsey blinked. ¡°You want to stay away from me?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you¡¯ve always wanted?¡± he asked. ¡°I tried to win your heart back, but I¡¯ve finally realized that no matter what I do, your heart will never belong to me.¡±


    Shaun was giving up. He had decided to let her go.


    L


    HET

 My Dad Please Come 950

    ¡°Give birth to the baby and hand it over to me. I¡¯ll be a good father and raise the child myself. You can name your conditions- anything you want. As long as you help me bring this baby into the world, I¡¯ll agree to it.¡±


    Halsey hadn¡¯t expected Shaun to back down this far for the baby. She realized he truly loved this child deeply.


    Yet, he misunderstood her.


    And right now, she had no evidence to prove her innocence. With Gilbert and Chelsea lurking like predators, she couldn¡¯t afford to make a wrong move. She had to y along-for now.


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll carry the baby to term.¡±


    Shaun was overjoyed. The baby was inside her. If she didn¡¯t want to keep it, there were countless ways she could hurt it. But now, she had said yes. That alone made him unbelievably happy.


    ¡°What are your conditions?¡± Shaun asked.


    ¡°We break up. From now on, don¡¯t bother me again,¡± Halsey replied coldly.


    Shaun froze.


    Halsey pushed him away. ¡°You¡¯re seriously annoying. Stop chasing after me. We¡¯re done.¡±


    The redness in Shaun¡¯s eyes deepened. He clenched his fists tightly, lips pressed into a thin line. After a few seconds, he finally loosened his grip and let out a slow breath. ¡°Alright. We¡¯ll break up.¡±


    Halsey felt her heart ache.


    ¡°It¡¯s over between us now, but if anything happens to my child, I won¡¯t let you off the hook. And Lincoln Enterprise will go down with you. Don¡¯t test my bottom line,¡± Shaun added.


    He was threatening her.


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll take good care of the baby.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to check in on the baby every day,¡± Shaun stated.


    Halsey flinched slightly. ¡°The baby¡¯s not even born yet. How are you going to check?¡±


    Shaun ced his hand gently on her t belly. ¡°I¡¯lle every day to make sure the baby¡¯s safe.¡±


    His warm hand rested over her stomach, spreading a soft, steady heat. Halsey nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll stay here at my vi during the pregnancy,¡± Shaun said.


    What?


    Halsey instinctively wanted to refuse. ¡°I-¡±


    Shaun quickly cut in, ¡°Rx. I won¡¯t be around much. I¡¯ll stay at the office.¡±


    Halsey had no choice but to agree. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Shaun slowly withdrew his hand. ¡°Get some rest. I¡¯m heading out.¡±


    Then he turned and left the room.


    Out on the vi¡¯s frontwn, Shaun spotted someone waiting-it was Chelsea.


    She had rushed over eagerly,


    Halsey stood by the floor-to-ceiling window upstairs, quietly watching Chelsea approach Shaun with her usual eagerness.


    Chelsea wasted no time getting to the point, ¡°Shaun, I heard Ms. Mallin went to the hospital today. Is she pregnant?¡±


    Shaun walked toward his car, keys in hand. He didn¡¯t look at her, didn¡¯t say a word.


    Still desperate for answers, Chelsea followed close behind. ¡°Why did Ms. Mallin go to the hospital? Was she trying to get rid of the baby?¡±


    Then, she twisted the knife a little more,


    ¡°How could she be so heartless? That baby is a life! Why would she do something like that?¡±


    Shaun stood tall beside his luxury car. ¡°Don¡¯t bring her up again. We¡¯ve already broken up.¡±


    What?


    Chelsea could hardly contain the joy bubbling inside her. Her lips curled into a quiet smile.


    It worked! Her n to drive a wedge between them had seeded.


    Shaun and Halsey had fallen out because of the baby.


    Perfect!

 My Dad Please Come 951

    ¡°Shaun, have you really broken up with Ms. Mallin this time?¡± Chelsea asked again, uncertain.


    Shaun pressed his lips together and gave a short, ¡°Yeah.¡±


    That was all Chelsea needed to hear. She was over the moon.


    Shaun opened the driver¡¯s door of his luxury car and got in.


    ¡°Where are you going? I¡¯ming with you,¡± Chelsea said, reaching for the front passenger door, wanting to leave with him.


    After all, Shaun and Halsey had officially split. This was the perfect chance, and Chelsea definitely wanted to take it.


    But Shaun ignored herpletely. He mmed the gas pedal and sped off.


    Chelsea froze where she stood, getting sted in the face by the car¡¯s exhaust. She just stood there, speechless.


    Clenching her fists, she watched the sleek car¡¯s tail lights fade into the distance like Shaun¡¯s cold, distant back-no matter how hard she chased, she just couldn¡¯t catch him.


    Still, Chelsea felt great. Getting Shaun and Halsey to break up was a huge win.


    She immediately pulled out her phone and dialed Gilbert. ¡°Everything went smoothly. Shaun and Halsey have split because of the baby.¡±


    Gilbert was ecstatic. ¡°Are they really done this time?¡±


    Chelsea smiled. ¡°They¡¯ve broken up and gotten back together so many times, but Shaun¡¯s never admitted it before. This time, he was the one who brought it up first. That means it¡¯s really over.¡±


    Gilbert was thrilled. ¡°Fantastic! Finally, we¡¯ve torn them apart! You¡¯d better hurry and sleep with Shaun. Once that happens, it¡¯s all over, and he¡¯ll be yours for good.¡±


    The fastest way was to sleep with him.


    Chelsea smirked. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best. And you¡¯d better make sure you take care of Halsey-get rid of that baby inside her!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Gilbert promised. ¡°That baby won¡¯t be born!¡±


    Meanwhile, Halsey was upstairs watching Chelsea make the call. She didn¡¯t need to guess who Chelsea was calling-Gilbert, no doubt, sharing the good news.


    Halsey curled her lips into a cold smile, thinking they wouldn¡¯t be happy for long.


    Soon, Halsey met up with Wendy at a bar.


    Wendy checked her pulse. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The baby is healthy.¡±


    Halsey breathed a sigh of relief. She had been forced onto the operating table by Gilbert and Chelsea¡¯s trap, and was terrified that something might happen to the baby. Now that she knew the baby was fine, she felt a little better.


    ¡°Thank you, Wendy.¡±


    ¡°Do you need any help with your situation?¡±


    Halsey smiled faintly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I can handle things myself. Gilbert and Chelsea have been sneaky, but now that I know their n, I¡¯m ready to fight back and expose them.¡±


    Wendy nodded. ¡°Alright, just say the word if you need me.¡±


    Just then, a familiar voice cut through the air.


    ¡°Ms. Mallin.¡±


    Halsey looked up and saw Gilbert. The person she hated most had arrived.


    Gilbert came over. ¡°Been a while.¡±


    Halsey rolled her eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see you.¡±


    ¡°Why do you hate me so much? The more you hate me, the more I love you and want to conquer you.¡±


    ¡°But I don¡¯t love you!¡± Halsey spat.


    ¡°Then, who do you love? Mr. Lane? I heard you two have broken up.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 952

    Gilbert smirked. ¡°Funny enough, Mr. Lane is at this bar too.¡±


    Shaun was here?


    ¡°Where is he?¡± Halsey asked.


    Gilbert pointed. ¡°Right over there.¡±


    Halsey looked up and soon spotted Shaun sitting in a fancy booth up ahead. He really was here. Around him were a few young executives, probably friends out for fun.


    Halsey even spotted someone she knew-Chelsea.


    Chelsea was sitting right next to Shaun,ughing and chatting with him. Shaun¡¯s handsome face was dimly lit, hard to see clearly.


    ¡°Look, he¡¯s got a pretty girl by his side,¡± Gilbert teased.


    Halsey stared ahead as the executives around Shaun eyed Chelsea and joked, ¡°Ms. Sutton, are you Mr. Lane¡¯s girlfriend?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure she is. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t be glued to him all the time. They make a perfect pair.¡±


    ¡°When are we going to celebrate your wedding?¡±


    Everyone was teasing Shaun and Chelsea.


    Chelseaughed happily. ¡°Stop joking around, you guys.¡±


    Warren, who was nearby, seemed in a good mood, probably because he knew Shaun and Halsey had broken up.


    ¡°Shaun, you and Chelsea have been together a while. It¡¯s time for you to make things official.¡±


    Everyone was trying to set up Shaun and Chelsea.


    Shaun held a ss, but didn¡¯t say a word. He just tilted his head back and downed the drink in one gulp.


    Immediately, Chelsea said kindly, ¡°Slow down.¡±


    Watching this, Halsey felt a bit bitter inside. She could tell Shaun really had broken up with her this time. He thought she was going to get an abortion, and that had hurt him deeply.


    Now he was single, so it was normal for him to be with another woman.


    At that moment, the host stepped onto the stage. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, next up we have Elise, the campus beauty from Southburn University, here to dance for us.¡±


    Cheers and apuse broke out from the crowd.


    Halsey looked at the stage and saw Elise Alvarez. She was pure and beautiful, wearing a pleated skirt. The music began, and Elise started dancing energetically.


    Elise¡¯s dance was full of flexibility and grace. Her kicks and spins flowed smoothly, looking truly impressive.


    Wendy nced at Elise and smiled. ¡°Halsey, don¡¯t you think Elise looks a little like you?¡±


    Halsey had already noticed. Elise really did look like her and even shared a simr style with her-pure and delicate.


    Gilbert sat beside Halsey. ¡°You probably don¡¯t know this, but Elise has a nickname at Southburn University.¡±


    ¡°What nickname?¡± Halsey asked.


    ¡°Everyone calls her Halsey 2.0.¡±


    Because of their resemnce, Elise was called Halsey 2.0 by everyone.


    To that, Halsey had noment.


    On stage, Elise continued her dance. After a few spins, she stepped down and started interacting with the guests, pumping up the excitement in the room.


    Soon, Elise danced her way over to Shaun. Her beautiful eyes locked onto him, and with a spin, shended right in his arms.


    Halsey felt a shiver. Now Elise was sitting on Shaun¡¯sp, looking at him with tender eyes.


    The crowd went wild as whistles and cheers filled the room.

 My Dad Please Come 953

    Gilbert enjoyed watching the drama unfold. He grinned at Halsey and said, ¡°Damn, Elise seems to being for Shaun. I guess he¡¯s into this type, huh? Do you think he might actually fall for her?¡±


    Gilbert was deliberately trying to rile Halsey up.


    Halsey¡¯s fingers curled into a tight fist.


    Elise, the campus queen of Southburn University, was very popr. A lot of rich kids parked their sports cars at the school gate just to pick her up and confess their feelings.


    ? ? ? ?? ? ??? ?


    However, Elise had high standards and hadn¡¯t found anyone she liked.


    Hering to this bar to dance meant business. This bar was where the rich and powerful sons of the Capital hung out- everyone here was either loaded or influential. She was hunting for the best man.


    In truth, she already knew about Shaun, the rising star of the business world. The moment she danced on stage, she spotted him


    and set her sights on him.


    Shaun was handsome, noble, and young-a standout in any crowd. It was impossible not to notice him.


    Elise fell for him the moment she saw him.


    Just now, she took advantage of the moment to dance off-stage andnded right on Shaun¡¯sp.


    The crowd went wild. Everyone was shouting.


    ¡°Elise just threw herself into Mr. Lane¡¯s arms!¡±


    ¡°Is sheing for him?¡±


    ¡°So many people have tried and failed to win her heart. Looks like she¡¯s already set her sights on someone else!¡±


    ¡°Mr. Lane, what do you think? Do you like Elise?¡±


    Hearing the gossip, Elise looked at Shaun with a shy smile. His cool, distant eyes met hers.


    Their gazes locked.


    Elise blushed and said softly, ¡°Hi, Mr. Lane. I¡¯m Elise, a student at Southburn University. I want to get to know you. Can I get your number?¡±


    Elise was smart. She knew how to use her youth and beauty to make the first move. After all, high-quality men were rare, when she found one, she nned to hold on tight.


    and


    Before Shaun could answer, Chelsea lost her patience. She wanted to win Shaun¡¯s heart now that he and Halsey had broken up, but here came Elise.


    Chelsea jumped and grabbed Elise by the shirt, pulling her down. ¡°Get off!¡±


    Elise screamed, falling to the floor.


    Chelsea snapped, ¡°How dare you try to seduce Shaun! You¡¯re so shameless!¡±


    Elise quickly yed the victim. ¡°I¡¯m just a part-time dancer here. My dad gambles, and my mom died early, so I have to work to support my little sister, who¡¯s still in school. I wanted to get Mr. Lane¡¯s number because I¡¯m hoping to intern or work at hispany. I¡¯m graduating soon and need a job. I don¡¯t have any other intentions.¡±


    A gambling dad, a dead mother, a sister in school-Elise¡¯s story was full of hardships. Any man could see himself as her hero.


    ¡°Save it!¡± Chelsea scoffed. ¡°Lane Corporation doesn¡¯t need people like you.¡±


    Elise looked at Shaun, sitting high up on the couch while she was on the floor, her eyes full of helpless pleading. ¡°Mr. Lane-¡±


    Chelsea snapped, ¡°Shaun, look at her!¡±


    Shaun finally spoke. His voice was low and maic, without much emotion. ¡°Forget it. Don¡¯t make things hard for her.¡±


    That was Shaun stepping in to protect Elise.

 My Dad Please Come 954

    Chelsea was furious. ¡°Shaun, are you actually defending her?¡±


    Shaun looked at Elise. ¡°You should get off me.¡±


    Elise rose. ¡°Okay. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°I need a secretary,¡± Shaun continued. ¡°Come and work at Lane Corporation as my secretary.¡±


    Shaun had just made Elise his secretary.


    Chelsea couldn¡¯t believe her ears. ¡°You¡¯re actually hiring her as your secretary?¡±


    Halsey watched, surprised too. Everyone around Shaun was male, and he didn¡¯t have a female secretary before. Now, he was breaking the norm and having Elise work for him.


    Gilbertughed. ¡°Looks like Mr. Lane is giving Elise special treatment, Halsey.¡±


    Halsey felt a sharp sting in her chest.


    Thrilled, Elise shed a bright smile. ¡°Thank you! I¡¯ll try my best not to disappoint you.¡±


    Shaun nodded. ¡°Good.¡±


    Elise sat beside Shaun and obediently poured him a drink. ¡°Mr. Lane, here¡¯s your drink.¡±


    The other executivesughed. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen Mr. Lane with a female secretary before.¡±


    ¡°Elise, Mr. Lane treats you differently. You¡¯d better hold onto this chance.¡±


    Elise smiled sweetly. ¡°I will.¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s eyes burned with anger as she stared at Elise.


    Gilbert was pleased. Even though he and Chelsea were on the same side, she hadn¡¯t been able to win Shaun over yet. Now that Elise had seeded, it made no difference to him.


    Gilbert looked at Halsey, whose face had turned paler. He was in a great mood. ¡°It¡¯s obvious Mr. Lane¡¯s moved on from you now. Why don¡¯t you give me one more chance and be my girlfriend?¡±


    Halsey red coldly at Gilbert. ¡°You can dream on! I¡¯m never going to be with you.¡±


    She stood up. ¡°I¡¯m going to the restroom.¡±


    Gilbert wanted to follow her. ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡±


    But Wendy stopped him. ¡°Gilbert, stay and have a drink with us.¡±


    Gilbert had no choice but to sit back down.


    Halsey headed to the women¡¯s restroom. She stood at the sink, washing her hands, when Chelsea came in.


    Chelsea approached her. ¡°Did you see Elise?¡±


    Halsey showed no emotion. ¡°So what if I did?¡±


    Chelsea sneered, ¡°Shaun really doesn¡¯t want you anymore. You¡¯re old news, reced by someone new.¡±


    Halsey straightened. ¡°You mock me, but I think you¡¯re the one who¡¯s really hurt. You scheme and n, but end up sending the one you love to someone else.¡±


    ¡°Watch it!¡± Chelsea¡¯s face darkened, but then sheughed. ¡°Elise looks a lot like you, doesn¡¯t she? That has to sting! She¡¯s younger, prettier, and better at pleasing Shaun. You¡¯re definitely in the past. I¡¯m sure Shaun will forget you soon.¡±


    Chelsea knew exactly how to get under Halsey¡¯s skin, hitting every sore spot.


    Halsey clenched her fist. ¡°Maybe you should worry about yourself instead.¡±


    With that, Halsey left the restroom and returned to the hall.


    She saw Shaun standing up, ready to leave. Elise stood too, holding Shaun¡¯s ck suit jacket that had slipped off the sofa.


    The sight stabbed sharply at Halsey¡¯s heart-Shaun¡¯s ck jacket in the arms of another young, delicate girl.

 My Dad Please Come 955

    Shaun looked back at Elise. ¡°Do you know how to drive?¡±


    Elise nodded. ¡°I do.¡±


    She had long nned to marry into a wealthy family, and driving was a basic skill she had learned long ago. There was no way she didn¡¯t know how.


    Shaun tossed the car keys to her. ¡°You drive.¡±


    Elise smiled. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Halsey stepped outside, and saw Shaun and Elise already in the luxury car. Elise was behind the wheel, and Shaun, who had been drinking, sat in the passenger seat.


    Soon, Elise stepped on the gas pedal, and the car sped away.


    They left together.


    Halsey stood there for a long time, watching the car disappear until her eyes started to sting.


    Just then, Gilbert came out. ¡°They¡¯re long gone. What are you still looking at?¡±


    Halsey snapped back to reality. ¡°That¡¯s none of your business.¡±


    Wendy appeared as well. ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡±


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    They left together.


    Gilbert watched Halsey go, a determined smile ying on his lips.


    Half an hourter, Halsey returned to the vi. As she walked inside, a maid greeted her politely, ¡°Wee back, Ms. Mallin.¡±


    Shaun had arranged for her to stay there to rest during her pregnancy, providing her with a cook, a maid, a nanny, and a nutritionist-everyone there to take care of her.


    ¡°I made you some bone broth. Please have a little,¡± the maid said.


    Halsey shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t feel like it. I¡¯m going to take a bath first.¡±


    The maid started running the water.


    Halsey took off her clothes and sank into the warm bath. The fatigue in her body eased a bit, but her mind was full of Shaun and Elise. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder what they were doing right now.


    Because of her pregnancy, Halsey didn¡¯t stay in the bath long. After she got up and dried herself with the towel, she suddenly realized that she hadn¡¯t grabbed her pajamas.


    ?????


    She had been so distracted today that she forgot even that.


    The maid was outside, and Halsey didn¡¯t want to call her in. She wrapped the towel around herself, opened the bathroom door, and stepped into her room.


    The pajamas wereid out on the bed.


    Halsey dropped the towel and was about to put on her pajamas when she suddenly heard the maid¡¯s voice from outside. ¡°Hello, Mr. Lane,¡±


    Halsey froze. Was Shaun here?


    The next moment, there was a sharp sound as the door swung open, and someone appeared in the doorway.


    Halsey turned and saw Shaun standing there, tall and handsome.


    He really was back.


    Their eyes met, and Halsey¡¯s mind wentpletely nk.


    Shaun froze at the door as well. His gaze fell on her, scanning her from head to toe.


    Realizing this, Halsey screamed, ¡°Ah!¡±


    She grabbed the towel and wrapped herself tightly. She wasn¡¯t wearing anything underneath-Shaun had just seen everything.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± he said softly, then closed the door.


    Halsey quickly put on her pajamas. She touched her face-it was burning hot like moltenva. She never expected Shaun toe back right then. The whole thing had been so awkward; she wished she could disappear.


    A few minutester, the maid¡¯s voice came from outside. ¡°Mr. Lane, why aren¡¯t youing inside? Why are you still standing there?¡±


    Shaun was still standing outside.


    Then, there was a knock on the door-Shaun was knocking.

 My Dad Please Come 956

    Halsey took a deep breath to steady herself. ¡°Come in.¡±


    The door opened, and Shaun stepped inside.


    The atmosphere was awkward, tense. Even if neither of them mentioned it, no one could forget what had just happened.


    Shaun walked up to her. ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t knock earlier.¡±


    Halsey replied, ¡°It¡¯s okay. Do you need something?¡±


    Shaun asked, ¡°Have you forgotten our agreement? I¡¯m supposed toe by every day to check on the baby.¡±


    Halsey hadn¡¯t forgotten. She just thought he might forget, especially now that Elise was with him. He had left with Elise earlier, so she didn¡¯t expect him toe back.


    She nodded. ¡°Okay, go ahead and check.¡±


    She moved her hand away, revealing her belly. Shaun slowly crouched in front of her, his fingers resting lightly on her stomach.


    His voice was low and smooth. ¡°Is the baby behaving today?¡±


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Yup.¡±


    ¡°Then why is your appetite so bad? They said you barely ate anything.¡±


    He had already asked the maid about her meals when he got back.


    Halsey exined, ¡°My appetite¡¯s fine. I ate today. Wendy and I had dinner out.¡±


    Shaun didn¡¯t show much reaction. He asked casually, ¡°You went out?¡±


    Halsey looked at him honestly. ¡°Yeah, I went to a bar. Funny enough, I saw you there.¡±


    She watched for any response from him, but Shaun gave none.


    He gently rubbed her belly. ¡°I didn¡¯t see you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s normal. You were busy at the bar. But I did see you hired a female secretary,¡± Halsey said, mentioning Elise.


    Shaun was silent for a few seconds before saying softly, ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Halsey felt a bit disappointed. He said nothing more, and she could feel the cold distance growing between them.


    She understood, though. At his age, it was impossible to stay single forever. This was the prime time for wantingpanionship. Hiring a young female secretary didn¡¯t seem weird.


    Shaun moved closer, resting his handsome face against her belly. The sudden touch startled Halsey.


    Shaun noticed her tense up and smiled a little. ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous. I¡¯m not touching you¡ªI just want to be close to the baby.¡±


    Halsey nodded slowly. ¡°Oh, okay.¡±


    Shaun pressed his cheek to her stomach and said softly to the baby, ¡°Be good, okay? Don¡¯t fuss. I¡¯m leaving now, but I¡¯lle to see you again tomorrow.¡±


    He kissed her belly gently and started to stand.


    Just then, a soft ringtone sounded-his phone was ringing. Halsey nced down to see the caller ID: Elise.


    Elise was calling.


    Halsey remembered Elise asking Shaun for his number. She must have seeded-and now, she was calling him.


    Shaun pressed the answer button. ¡°Hello?¡±


    Because the room was quiet, and it was just the two of them, Halsey could hear Elise¡¯s sweet voice clearly. ¡°Mr. Lane, I¡¯m


    waiting outside. How much longer until youe out?¡±


    Halsey shivered. Elise was right outside the vi.


    ¡°I¡¯m heading out now,¡± Shaun said.


    He hung up, stood up, and looked at Halsey. ¡°Get some rest.¡±


    Then, he turned and walked out.

 My Dad Please Come 957

    Shaun started to walk out, but Halsey reached out and grabbed his sleeve. ¡°Mr. Lane.¡±


    Shaun stopped and looked at her. ¡°What is it?¡±


    Halsey hesitated. ¡°Tomorrow, I have my prenatal checkup. Do you want toe with me? If you¡¯re busy, it¡¯s fine. I can go alone


    ¡°1


    Before she could finish, Shaun cut her off. ¡°I have time. I¡¯ll go with you to the checkup.¡±


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    She let go of his sleeve. ¡°Bye.¡±


    Shaun said, ¡°Get some rest. I¡¯ll drive you to the hospital tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    With that, Shaun left.


    Halsey stood by the window, staring downstairs through the clear ss. His luxury car was parked right there, and Elise was waiting by the side.


    When Shaun¡¯s tall, handsome figure appeared, Elise smiled and greeted him, ¡°Mr. Lane, get in.¡±


    Shaun got into the passenger seat, Elise took the driver¡¯s seat, and the car sped away.


    He was gone.


    Halsey ced her small hand gently on her belly. She was already three months pregnant, and her once-t stomach now had a soft curve.


    She lowered her longshes, smiled softly, and whispered, ¡°Baby, your daddy¡¯s gone now. Let¡¯s get some rest-we¡¯ll see your daddy tomorrow.¡±


    The next morning, Shaun personally drove to pick up Halsey, and they arrived at the hospital together.


    The doctor performed a full prenatal checkup. The baby was healthy.


    The doctor asked, ¡°Have you started feeling the baby move yet?¡± 1


    Move?


    Halsey shook her head. ¡°Not yet.¡±


    Shaun looked worried. ¡°Is it bad if there¡¯s no movement?¡±


    The doctor smiled. ¡°No, don¡¯t worry. At this stage, the baby is just starting to move. You can ce your hand on the mom¡¯s belly


    and talk to the baby often. They say a dad¡¯s voice is the best prenatal education-it can even encourage the baby to move.¡±


    Halsey nced at Shaun, who was listening carefully to the doctor. The nervousness, eagerness, and joy of bing a first- time father showed clearly on his face. Anyone could see how much he loved this baby and how much he wanted it to arrive.


    Halsey¡¯s heart softened. She had known all along that Shaun would be a good father.


    Shaun said, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll try.¡±


    He ced his hand gently on Halsey¡¯s slightly rounded belly and softly patted it. ¡°Baby, it¡¯s me, your daddy. Can you hear me?¡±


    Halsey smiled andughed softly.


    Shaun looked at her. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡±


    Halsey teased, ¡°Do you think that will work?¡±


    Just then, the baby moved-a little kick against Halsey¡¯s belly.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Halsey gasped.


    Shaun felt it too. The baby¡¯s kick hit his palm, strong and lively.


    Shaun was surprised. ¡°The baby moved!¡±


    a


    Halsey was thrilled. She hadn¡¯t expected the baby¡¯s first movement toe just like that.


    She nodded happily. ¡°I felt it! The baby moved!¡±


    The baby kicked again, stronger this time.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Halsey cried.


    Shaun immediately reached out to steady her. ¡°Does it hurt when the baby kicks like that?¡±


    The doctor smiled. ¡°Mr. Lane, looks like you not only love the baby, but also really care about the mother!¡±


    Halsey blushed. ¡°It doesn¡¯t hurt.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 958

    Shaun asked, ¡°Really?¡±


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Really.¡±


    Shaun crouched and spoke to the baby, ¡°You have to be gentle with your mommy.¡±


    The doctor smiled. ¡°You and your wife have such a strong bond.¡±


    Halsey felt a little shy.


    The doctor continued, ¡°For a child, a father¡¯s love brings calm to the mother. The calm mother brings peace to the baby, and a peaceful baby means a happy home. When parents love each other, it shapes the child¡¯s whole life. Don¡¯t forget-even though the baby is still inside the mother, it can already feel the love from both parents.¡±


    Halsey nced at Shaun and suddenly realized he had been staring at her the whole time.


    His gaze was deep and intense, making her heart skip a beat. She wasn¡¯t sure what he was thinking.


    Before they left, the doctor added, ¡°Make sure to apply plenty of oil on your belly to prevent stretch marks. Besides loving the baby, you have to take care of yourself, too.¡±


    Shaun thanked the doctor, and then looked at Halsey. ¡°Let¡¯s go back.¡±


    They left the doctor¡¯s office and walked together down the hallway.


    Halsey stayed quiet for a moment before Shaun finally asked, ¡°Do you think what the doctor said was right?¡±


    Halsey blinked. ¡°The doctor said a lot. Which part do mean?¡±


    you


    Shaun looked at her for a beat, then suddenly said, ¡°Never mind.¡±


    Never mind? What did he want to say?


    Halsey started, ¡°What¡­¡±


    Just then, a nurse rushed down the hall pushing a medical cart. It was moving fast, and the nurse called out anxiously, ¡°Make way, make way!¡±


    The cart was heading straight toward them.


    Shaun reacted quickly. He grabbed Halsey¡¯s waist and pulled her into his arms. ¡°Watch out!¡±


    The cart zipped past them, barely missing.


    Shaun looked worried. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Halsey shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    The distance between them closed. Halsey caught Shaun¡¯s fresh, clean scent, and a hint of tension sparked between them.


    Her cheeks flushed. ¡°I-¡±


    ? ? ? ?


    At that moment, a voice rang out. ¡°Mr. Lane!¡±


    Halsey looked up to see Elise. She hade to the hospital, too.


    Elise watched Shaun holding Halsey, then stepped forward and asked him, ¡°Is this¡­Mrs. Lane?¡±


    Mrs. Lane?


    Halsey immediately sensed the hostility in Elise¡¯s eyes.


    Elise, feeling a sense of danger after seeing Halsey being held by Shaun, asked that question as a test. She was probing Halsey¡¯s identity.


    Halsey looked at Shaun, quietly waiting to see how he would answer.


    Shaun released Halsey and said coldly, ¡°She¡¯s not Mrs. Lane.¡±


    Shaun made it clear to Elise that they were not together.


    Halsey¡¯s heart sank.


    Elise smiled with satisfaction. ¡°Then who is she?¡±


    Halsey watched Shaun, eager to hear what he would say next.


    He lifted the corner of his mouth and said, ¡°She¡¯s the mother of my child. Nothing more.¡±


    He drew a clear line between them.


    Halsey¡¯s face went pale. ¡°I¡¯m going to the bathroom.¡±


    She turned and left.


    In the bathroom, she stood at the sink and sshed cold water on her face. Just then, the door opened.


    It was Elise.


    Halsey wasn¡¯t surprised-she knew Elise would follow her.

 My Dad Please Come 959

    Halsey looked down and washed her hands, not nning to engage with Elise at all.


    However, Elise came up beside her and turned on the other faucet to wash her hands too.


    ¡°Hello, Ms. Mallin,¡± she said, speaking first.


    Halsey replied quietly, ¡°Hello.¡±


    Elise smiled. ¡°Honestly, I kind of envy you. Even though you¡¯re not Mrs. Lane, you¡¯re carrying Mr. Lane¡¯s baby. That alone puts you above a lot of people in his eyes.¡±


    Halsey turned off the water and grabbed a paper towel to dry her hands. She didn¡¯t respond and just waited silently for Elise to


    continue.


    Sure enough, Elise went on with a teasing smile, ¡°Even though you¡¯re carrying Mr. Lane¡¯s child, the title of Mrs. Lane isn¡¯t yours. Honestly, I think you¡¯ve failed. People say a mother gains status through her child, but you¡¯re pregnant and still can¡¯t im that spot. I¡¯ve never seen anything like it¡ªyou really are a failure.¡±


    Elise was mocking her.


    Halsey turned to face Elise. ¡°What exactly do you want to say?¡±


    Elise stepped closer.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to say much. I¡¯m just kindly warning you to stay away from my Mr. Lane. You¡¯re pregnant, but he hasn¡¯t married you, which means he doesn¡¯t really care for you. There are plenty of women who are into him, and I¡¯m sure soon someone else will take that spot.¡±


    Halsey smirked. ¡°Is that someone you? Do you want to be Mrs. Lane?¡±


    Elise flipped her hair, and smiled confidently and sweetly. ¡°I never said that. All I know is that Mr. Lane said you¡¯re not Mrs.


    Lane.¡±


    Halsey ced her hand on her belly. ¡°I¡¯m not Mrs. Lane, that¡¯s true. But you¡¯re right-I am carrying Shaun¡¯s child. Doesn¡¯t that prove that I am special in a way?¡±


    Elise¡¯s expression shifted slightly.


    Halsey went on, ¡°I don¡¯t know what your goal is, but instead of wasting time mocking me, why not focus on Shaun? To me, your mockery just shows how insecure you are. Has he not fallen for you yet? Then you really need to step up. Like you said, a lot of people are into Shaun. Maybe tomorrow, a new secretary will rece you. But I¡¯ll always be the mother of his child.¡±


    Elise fell silent. Her smile vanished, reced by a cold sneer.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so full of yourself. You¡¯re just a worn-out toy Mr. Lane yed with!¡±


    Halsey¡¯s eyes narrowed. She stepped forward and whispered in Elise¡¯s ear, ¡°Have you ever been yed by him?¡±


    Elise was caught off guard.


    Halsey smiled. ¡°See? You haven¡¯t even experienced him. Deep down, you want to be his worn-out toy, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Elise was speechless.


    Halsey grinned. ¡°Well then, you¡¯d better get to work.¡±


    With that, Halsey turned and walked away.


    Elise was furious. She red after Halsey, her hands clenched into fists at her sides, her nails digging into her palms.


    Everyone called her ¡°Halsey 2.0¡±, but Elise knew better. The only reason she became the campus beauty queen was because of her resemnce to Halsey.


    +


    Though Shaun made her his secretary, Elise guessed it was only because she looked like Halsey.

 My Dad Please Come 960

    Elise had be famous because of Halsey, but now she desperately wanted to escape Halsey¡¯s shadow. She didn¡¯t want to spend her whole life being overshadowed by Halsey. To be seen as just another version or a copy of Halsey felt like a humiliation.


    In truth, everyone knew Elise was just a stand-in for Halsey.


    Elise hated it and refused to ept defeat. Theirst confrontation left her utterly crushed.


    Someone like Halsey, born into a powerful family, had a sharp edge beneath a calm exterior. Halsey looked at Elise like she was nothing more than a silly clown.


    Elise wasn¡¯t willing to give up-so she chased after Halsey.


    Halsey was walking down the hallway when she heard Elise¡¯s voice behind her.


    ¡°Ms. Mallin!¡±


    Halsey stopped and turned to look. ¡°I¡¯ve already made myself clear. Why are you still bothering me? Don¡¯t you have anything better to do?¡±


    Elise hated how cold Halsey sounded. ¡°Why-¡±


    Suddenly, Elise caught sight of a tall, handsome figure approaching. Shaun was here.


    Immediately, she switched to a pitiful look. ¡°I didn¡¯t try to seduce Mr. Lane. Why are you calling me a tramp?¡±


    Halsey was speechless. She had no idea what Elise was talking about.


    Then Elise grabbed Halsey¡¯s hand. ¡°Let me exin-ah!¡±


    Before Halsey could react, Elise held up Halsey¡¯s hand and pped herself across the face.


    Elise staggered back a couple of steps, almost falling. Just then, a hand reached out and grabbed her arm, steadying her.


    Elise looked up. ¡°Mr. Lane.¡±


    Halsey saw Shaun, too. Actually, Elise¡¯s strange behavior had already made Halsey suspect Shaun was nearby.


    This whole scene of Elise acting out in front of Shaun was honestly ridiculous.


    Elise looked up at Shaun with a face full of grievance. ¡°Don¡¯t me Ms. Mallin. She didn¡¯t mean to p me.¡±


    Shaun turned to Halsey. ¡°Why did you p her?¡±


    Halsey was speechless. She stared at Elise. ¡°Did I p you?¡±


    Elise immediately shook her head, scared. ¡°No, Mr. Lane, Ms. Mallin didn¡¯t p me. It¡¯s a misunderstanding¡­ I think I must¡¯ve done something wrong to make her angry.¡±


    Halsey smiled coldly and stepped forward until she was standing in front of Shaun and Elise.


    Smack!


    She pped Elise hard across the face.


    Elise¡¯s face twisted, shocked. She covered her cheek, staring at Halsey in disbelief. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Halsey sneered, ¡°Now, that¡¯s what I call pping you.¡±


    Elise was so angry she felt like she might get a stroke. But with Shaun here, she couldn¡¯tsh out. Instead, she just looked up at


    him with tear-filled eyes, acting pitiful.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why she did that. What did I do to deserve being pped twice?¡±


    Halsey¡¯s eyes were cold as she watched Elise y the victim. ¡°Do you want another p?¡±


    She raised her hand to strike again.


    But she didn¡¯t get the chance. A strong hand shot out and grabbed her wrist.

 My Dad Please Come 961

    Shaun stopped Halsey.


    She looked at him.


    After a moment, Shaun said, ¡°Stop pping her.¡±


    He was telling Halsey not to strike Elise again. He was protecting her.


    Halsey pulled her hand back from Shaun¡¯s grip with force, then sneered, ¡°Whatever you say.¡±


    With that, she turned and walked away.


    Elise was ecstatic. She had purposely put on a show in front of Shaun, and she hadn¡¯t expected him to step up and protect her.


    She knew nobody could resist a young, sweet girl like her.


    Elise even felt a little grateful to Halsey-because of her, Elise had been able to get closer to Shaun.


    In truth, these past few days as Shaun¡¯s secretary, she was just that-a secretary. Shaun treated her strictly as an assistant. Besides work orders, they didn¡¯t have much contact.


    Besides, Shaun¡¯s personal secretary was still Martin. Elise hardly ever saw Shaun at thepany.


    Outsiders thought she was lucky-being Shaun¡¯s female secretary sparked all kinds of rumors. But only Elise knew Shaun had no romantic feelings for her.


    That was why she hade to find Halsey today. And it turned out to be the right move. She and Shaun were moving forward quickly.


    Elise¡¯s eyes sparkled with admiration as she looked at Shaun. ¡°Mr. Lane, thank you for protecting me.¡±


    Shaun nced at her. ¡°No need to thank me.¡±


    Elise continued with a pleasing tone, ¡°I came from a rough background, and I¡¯ve been on my own all these years. You¡¯re the first person to stand up for me. I don¡¯t know what I did to Ms. Mallin to make her p me twice, but you stepping up for me made me really happy.¡±


    The corner of Shaun¡¯s mouth curled. ¡°I said, no need to thank me. I¡¯m not protecting you.¡±


    Elise blinked. ¡°No, I know you¡¯re protecting me. Don¡¯t deny it-¡±


    Shaun cut her off, ¡°I¡¯m doing it for Halsey.¡±


    Elise froze, What?


    ¡°She¡¯s pregnant,¡± Shaun said. ¡°I¡¯m worried she¡¯ll hurt her hand by pping you.¡±


    Elise froze, disbelief written all over her face.


    She had thought Shaun was protecting her, but now he said it was because he worried Halsey would hurt her hand.


    Shaun cared more about Halsey¡¯s hand hurting?


    Elise felt like her brain was about to shut down.


    Shaun didn¡¯t notice what she was thinking, and walked away to catch up with Halsey.


    Elise just stood there, speechless.


    That guy was crazy


    Halsey left the hospital, Shaun quickly caught up from behind, grabbing her wrist.


    ¡°Why are you walking so fast? Come on, I¡¯ll take you home.¡±


    Halsey yanked her wrist free. ¡°I¡¯m going home by myself. You should focus on your secretary. I just pped her, and she¡¯s crying. You should go console her.¡±


    Shaun looked at Halsey and suddenly smirked. ¡°Are you jealous?¡±


    He asked if she was jealous,


    Halsey¡¯s eyshes fluttered.


    Shaun stepped closer. His tall, handsome figure cast a shadow over her.


    ¡°I¡¯m asking you-are you jealous that I hired a female secretary?¡±


    Halsey quickly answered, ¡°I¡¯m not jealous at all! You¡¯re imagining things!¡±


    Shaun stared at her. He figured there was no way she would be jealous. He must¡¯ve been overthinking it.

 My Dad Please Come 962

    ¡°Get in the car. I¡¯m taking you home,¡± Shaun said.


    Halsey tried to refuse. ¡°I can go home by myself.¡±


    Shaun grabbed her wrist, opened the passenger door of the luxury car, and gently but firmly pushed her inside.


    Halsey was left speechless.


    Half an hourter, they arrived back at the vi.


    The maid quickly came over. ¡°Ms. Mallin, Mr. Lane.¡±


    Halsey said, ¡°I¡¯m going upstairs to take a shower first.¡±


    Without waiting, she left Shaun behind and headed upstairs.


    She went into her room, took a bath, and then came out. She pulled out the oil the doctor had given her and began applying it all over her body.


    Elise was younger than her, and although Halsey was confident in herself, she didn¡¯t want pregnancy to ruin her figure or cause stretch marks. Even while pregnant, she wanted to look beautiful.


    She applied oil everywhere she could reach-everywhere except her back.


    She stretched her hand behind her, but couldn¡¯t quite reach.


    Then there was a soft ¡°click¡± as the door suddenly opened and someone stepped inside.


    Halsey immediatelyy down carefully, cing a pillow beneath her so she wouldn¡¯t put pressure on the baby.


    ¡°Jocelyn,e help me put the oil on my back,¡± she called out.


    Shaun froze at the door.


    It wasn¡¯t the maid who came in-it was him.


    He hadn¡¯t left. When he came in, he saw Halsey lying on the lounge chair. He wanted to leave, but Halsey seemed to need help.


    Shaun nced behind him, and Jocelyn was nowhere to be found.


    Halsey called again, ¡°Jocelyn,e help me! I can¡¯t reach my back.¡±


    Shaun extended his legs forward and walked in.


    Halsey had just showered and was wearing a nightgown. The tie at the back wasn¡¯t fastened, revealing a broad stretch of smooth, delicate skin. Shaun¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple bobbed as he gulped.


    The nightgown was short, showing off her two pale legs. The room smelled sweet from her fresh bath, a scent that was quietly tempting.


    Halsey didn¡¯t realize it was Shaun. She passed the oil to him. ¡°Put this on my back.¡±


    Shey down again.


    Shaun picked up the oil. Not having done this before, he awkwardly squeezed some into his palm and rubbed it between his hands. Then hisrge hand rested gently on Halsey¡¯s back.


    Her skin was so smooth and soft that Shaun felt like his hand was gliding over silk. A flicker of heat sparked in his eyes.


    He rubbed the oil on slowly, moving downward until his hand settled on her soft waist.


    ? ? ? ? ?


    Halsey closed her eyeszily. ¡°Jocelyn, a little harder.¡±


    Shaun quietly pressed down more, pinching her waist lightly.


    A soft breath escaped Halsey. ¡°Not so hard.¡±


    Shaun was speechless.


    He felt like she was toying with him-one minute she wanted pressure, the next she wanted it light.


    She could keep him on his toes, even when he was just applying some oil. No wonder she was the woman he fell for!


    ¡°Go lower and help me rub some oil there,¡± Halsey murmured.


    Lower¡­


    Shaun¡¯s gaze followed the curve of her slender waist disappearing beneath the nightgown. He thought he caught sight of pale purplece panties.


    Heat surged through Shaun¡¯s whole body as he instinctively reached further down.


    ¡°Jocelyn? Did you hear me?¡±


    Halsey felt something was off. Jocelyn hadn¡¯t made a sound the whole time.


    ¡°Why-ah!¡±


    She turned her head and saw Shaun.


    X

 My Dad Please Come 963

    Halsey was shocked. She looked at Shaun and blurted, ¡°Shaun? Why are you here?¡±


    Shaun¡¯s voice was a little hoarse. ¡°Who else did you think it was?¡±


    Halsey started, ¡°I thought you were Jocelyn¡­¡±


    Then she realized Shaun¡¯s hand was still resting on her waist, even sliding down into a more private area. Her face instantly flushed bright red.


    Before, when she thought it was her maid, everything felt normal. But now, with Shaun there, she felt like her skin, covered in oil, was burning up.


    ¡°Get your hands off me!¡± Halsey said, cheeks burning.


    Shaun immediately pulled his hand back and stood up straight.


    Halsey sat up quickly, trying to fix her clothes. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say something when you came in? I was calling for Jocelyn!¡±


    Shaun looked at her, watching her panic as she tried to cover herself, and pressed his lips together. ¡°Why are you so flustered?¡±


    Shouldn¡¯t she be? They were alone in the room, and the atmosphere was pretty charged.


    ¡°Please knock beforeing in next time. This is really rude,¡± Halsey said.


    Shaun reached out and gently pinched her chin to make her look up. He met her shining eyes and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I have no improper thoughts about you.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s body shivered slightly. He had no improper thoughts about her?


    She replied, ¡°How am I supposed to know if you¡¯re telling the truth?¡±


    Shaun said, ¡°I already told you, I wouldn¡¯t bother you. Even if you showed me your back, or stood naked right in front of me, I


    wouldn¡¯t feel a thing.¡±


    Halsey was speechless. Any woman hearing that would be upset.


    She looked at Shaun and asked, ¡°So even if I were naked, you wouldn¡¯t feel anything?¡±


    Shaun nodded firmly. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Halsey felt angry. As she recalled Elise¡¯s taunts earlier, herpetitive spirit was burning.


    Before, Shaun¡¯s desire for her had been strong. She didn¡¯t have to do much just being alone with him was enough. Day or


    night, he wanted her.


    She wondered if he had suddenly lost interest because of Elise. Had he found someone new and forgotten about her?


    Halsey decided to test him. She curled her lips into a small smile. ¡°Fine. It just so happens I¡¯m feeling a little hot¡­¡±


    As she spoke, she slowly slid one of the thin straps off her bare shoulder.


    Shaun¡¯s eyes narrowed, caught off guard by the smooth, pale skin now revealed.


    Halsey looked at him. ¡°Are you really not feeling anything for me?¡±


    Shaun¡¯s throat tightened, but he refused to give in. He thought he could hold it together. ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±


    Halsey bit her red lip, clearly provoked. She went further.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s getting so warm¡­¡±


    She raised her hand again and slipped off the other thin strap from her shoulder.


    Shaun¡¯s eyes red with fire. His breath hitched, muscles tensed immediately.


    Actually, Halsey felt shy getting naked in front of him, but she fought the embarrassment and asked, ¡°You still don¡¯t feel anything?¡±


    Shaun¡¯s strong chest heaved twice. Desire threatened to burst out, but he held on and stubbornly said, ¡°I don¡¯t!¡±


    ¡°Very well!¡±


    Halsey was furious, but she froze the next moment-because she saw Shaun had a nosebleed.


    212

 My Dad Please Come 964

    Suddenly, Shaun started bleeding from his nose.


    Halsey pointed and said, ¡°You¡¯re bleeding!¡±


    Shaun hadn¡¯t even noticed it himself until she mentioned it. He reached up and touched the tip of his nose-his fingers came away covered in fresh blood.


    ???????????


    He really was having a nosebleed!


    Shaun froze for a moment before quickly dashing into the bathroom. He went to wash up.


    Halsey couldn¡¯t help butugh quietly to herself. He had insisted he wasn¡¯t feeling anything, but he ended up with a nosebleed.


    She knew she would be teasing him about this for a whole year.


    Halsey straightened her sleep dress and got down from the bed, then went over to the bathroom door.


    Shaun stood by the sink, his handsome frame tall and straight as he sshed cold water on his face.


    Leaning against the doorframe, Halsey grinned. ¡°Why did you get a nosebleed? Is it the dry air? Or are you feeling hot too?¡±


    Shaun knew she was teasing him, but he couldn¡¯t deny it. He could control his words, but not his body.


    He had actually gotten a nosebleed from overstimtion!


    Halseyughed some more. ¡°I¡¯m guessing your mouth is probably the toughest thing on your body.¡±


    Shaun turned off the faucet and faced her. He looked at her pretty smile and said, ¡°Don¡¯t you know where the toughest part of


    me is?¡±


    Halsey paused for a few seconds before understanding what he meant. Her smile twisted a little.


    Shaun stepped closer, invading her space. ¡°You think it¡¯s funny? Want me to show you the hardest part of me?¡±


    The atmosphere suddenly turned charged.


    Halsey¡¯s body shivered slightly, but instead of stepping back, she stepped forward. Their bodies pressed close together through


    the thin fabric.


    Man and woman, one hard and one soft, but both charged with tension.


    She raised a delicate brow. ¡°Sure, I¡¯m curious to see where the hardest part of you really is.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s face shifted.


    Halsey lifted her pale hand and ced it on his chest. She could feel the muscle tense beneath her touch, like he was fighting hard to control his desire.


    Her hand slid slowly down his chest. ¡°Is this the hardest part of you?¡±


    Her fingers reached his well-built waist, hooking onto his belt.


    She grabbed his belt.


    Shaun suddenly felt her grabbing the most vulnerable part of his body, and he held her slender wrist tightly.


    Halsey looked up at him. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Scared now?¡±


    Shaun stared at her, daring him, then bent down and kissed her firmly on the lips.


    ??????? ? ??????? ??????


    her with more force.


    Who told her to provoke him like this?


    Did she even realize how dangerous this was?


    He was a single, normal man-how could he stand her being so forward?


    She was pregnant, and he had been holding back perfectly well. So why was she teasing him now?


    Halsey tried to push him, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn¡¯t.


    So she gave up, wrapping her small hands around his neck and returning his kiss willingly.


    They stood there in the bathroom, locked in a deep, passionate kiss. Both of them poured all their strength into it, the sound of their kiss mixing with the heat between them.

 My Dad Please Come 965

    Before long, Shaun¡¯s kisses moved from Halsey¡¯s lips to her cheek, then to her graceful neck, while his hands started wandering.


    Halsey opened her eyes and pushed him away sharply.


    Shaun¡¯s eyes were bloodshot with desire as he asked hoarsely, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°What are you trying to do? Didn¡¯t you say you didn¡¯t have any feelings for me? Didn¡¯t you say we were done?¡± Halsey said.


    Shaun looked at her. ¡°I did say that, but you¡¯re the one teasing me! You¡¯re the one who tempted me!¡±


    ¡°I tempted you, and you just fell for it? So if I tease you, you can¡¯t say no?¡±


    Shaun said nothing. Deep down, she probably already knew the answer-why ask if she didn¡¯t want to hear it?


    Maybe she just wanted him to say it out loud so she¡¯d feel better.


    He was just that kind of guy-if she twitched a finger, he¡¯d fall right in.


    ¡°Cat got your tongue?¡± Halsey asked again.


    Shaun pulled her close and kissed her again.


    Halsey struggled, not cooperating.


    Shaun pinned her against the door, flipped her over so she was facing the wall, and kissed her with burning passion.


    Halsey protested, ¡°Stop!¡±


    Shaun grabbed her skirt.


    She quickly reminded him, ¡°I¡¯m still pregnant!¡±


    The word ¡°pregnant¡± snapped Shaun back to some sense. He buried his face in her hair, breathing hard.


    ¡°I¡¯m a man. When you tease me like this, of course, I¡¯m going to react.¡±


    ¡°What if it was someone else?¡± Halsey asked. ¡°What if Elise tempted you?¡±


    Shaun stayed silent.


    She turned to face him. ¡°Why won¡¯t you answer me? If someone else tempted you, perhaps your secretary, would you fall for it too?¡±


    Shaun grabbed her small hand, pulling it toward his crotch.


    Halsey quickly shook it off and said, ¡°No!¡±


    Shaun didn¡¯t reply, but unbuckled his belt and unzipped his pants.


    Halsey¡¯s face flushed bright red. He really had no shame!


    She turned her face away, refusing to look, but Shaun pressed her hard against the wall and kissed her fiercely.


    When it was over, Halsey¡¯s legs went weak, and she could barely stand. Shaun hadn¡¯t touched her beyond the kiss; he just pleasured himself while kissing her.


    Still, the whole scene was so steamy. Shaun was drop-dead gorgeous¡ªwith such a handsome, rich, and fit man in front of her, Halsey had to feel something, no doubt.


    Halsey slid to the floor, but at the next moment, Shaun reached out and scooped her up. He carried her into the bedroom and gentlyid her down on the soft, big bed.


    Then he headed to the bathroom, and Halsey heard the sound of running water. He must be taking a cold shower.


    Her cheeks burned as she buried herself under the covers. Tonight hadpletely spun out of control.


    A few minutester, Shaun came out, fresh and clean, steam still clinging to him. He came over to the bed. ¡°Get some rest. I¡¯m heading out.¡±


    Halseyy there watching him. His hair was still damp, falling over his forehead, and his crisp white shirt made him look young, handsome, and charming.


    He looked at her with those captivating eyes-part tender, part wild. It was totally irresistible.


    What a beautiful specimen!


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Drive safe.¡±


    Shaun tucked the nket around her and then turned to leave. With that, he was gone.


    Halsey closed her eyes and soon fell asleep.


    The next morning, her phone rang.


    It was Gilbert calling.

 My Dad Please Come 966

    Halsey was curious about what move Gilbert would make next. She pressed the button to answer, and his voice came through quickly.


    ¡°Hey, are you free? Let¡¯s go grab brunch.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯re close enough to be going for meals together,¡± Halsey said. ¡°If you don¡¯t have anything important to say, I¡¯m hanging up.¡±


    She was about to end the call, but Gilbert stopped her.


    ¡°No, don¡¯t hang up. Come out. I need to talk to you about Shaun.¡±


    About Shaun?


    ¡±


    Halsey sneered. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll be there now.¡± 1


    She arrived at the caf¨¦ and soon spotted Gilbert already waiting for her.


    Halsey sat across from him. ¡°Spill. What do you want to talk to me about?¡±


    Gilbert smiled slightly. ¡°Don¡¯t be so impatient. Let¡¯s start with some coffee first.¡±


    Halsey looked at the coffee in front of her. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare drink this. How do I know you haven¡¯t slipped something into it?¡±


    Gilbert said nothing.


    ¡°You tried to drug me and tie me to an operating table,¡± Halsey continued, ¡°I seriously think you¡¯re crazy. Three years ago, you hurt Shaun-you made him fall off that cliff, ruin his face, and then med me for it.¡±


    Gilbert¡¯s expression flickered, but he didn¡¯t admit anything. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. If things went wrong between you and Shaun, you can¡¯t just me me. I really didn¡¯t do anything.¡±


    Halsey barely recognized Gilbert anymore.


    She didn¡¯t understand how on earth he had turned out this way.


    Back then, when he and Sienna betrayed her, Halsey didn¡¯t hold a grudge. Yet, he kept hurting her and Shaun over and over


    again.


    Gilbert took a sip of coffee. ¡°Shaun already has someone new by his side. It¡¯s not Chelsea, but Elise. I heard Shaun took Elise shopping at a jewelry storest night, and bought her a diamond bracelet.¡±


    What?


    Halsey froze. Shaun went shopping with Elisest night, and even bought her a diamond bracelet?


    Gilbert smirked. ¡°See? Your rtionship with Shaun can¡¯t even survive the test. Elise has be his new love. You¡¯re working so hard to carry his child, but he¡¯s out there having fun with others.¡±


    Halsey furrowed her brow, but in all honesty, she didn¡¯t believe what Gilbert was saying.


    ¡°The child in my belly is Shaun¡¯s, but it¡¯s also mine. I don¡¯t think having a baby is something women do just for men. I¡¯m not putting all the responsibility on him. I¡¯m doing this for my child, for myself.¡±


    Gilbert was caught off guard. He hadn¡¯t expected her to say that.


    ¡°If that¡¯s all, I¡¯m leaving,¡± Halsey said.


    She stood up to go.


    Gilbert stood too, grabbing her arm. ¡°Don¡¯t go! Sometimes I really don¡¯t understand how things got this bad between us. I think


    it¡¯s all because of Shaun. He came out of nowhere, and you fell for him. I hate him so much!¡±


    Halsey hated the physical contact. ¡°Let go of me!¡±


    However, Gilbert was stubborn. ¡°I¡¯m not letting go!¡±


    Then a cold, clear voice rang out.


    ¡°Let her go!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 967

    Halsey looked up-Shaun was here.


    What was he doing here?


    Shaun strode over to stand right in front of her and Gilbert. His icy, sharp gaze locked onto Gilbert¡¯s hand, which was still gripping Halsey¡¯s arm tightly.


    Shaun sneered, ¡°Mr. Greenwood, do you not understand English? Halsey told you to let go of her!¡±


    Gilbert smirked at him. ¡°Maybe you don¡¯t understand women. This woman says no with her mouth, but her body wants it. Even though she¡¯s telling me to let go, she actually means she wants me to hold her tighter. Right, Halsey?¡±


    Halsey felt thoroughly disgusted. ¡°You¡¯re crazy!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m giving you three seconds to let go of her right now,¡± Shaun growled.


    ¡°You¡¯re ridiculous!¡± Gilbert said. ¡°Who do you think you are, telling me how to handle things with Halsey? We¡¯re both single adults, and whatever we do is our business. You have no right to interfere!¡±


    Shaun stared Gilbert down, his eyes burning so fiercely it was like he was boring holes in Gilbert¡¯s face. ¡°I do have a right. Halsey is carrying my child. She¡¯s the mother of my baby.¡±


    Gilbert opened his mouth to say something, but Shaun had already started counting down.


    ¡°Three, two, one¡­¡±


    The next moment, Shaun¡¯s fist connected squarely with Gilbert¡¯s face.


    Gilbert let go of Halsey¡¯s arm and stumbled back two steps, crashing into the edge of a table. He touched his face-Shaun had drawn blood again.


    Shaun was known for being ruthless, whether as Dwight back then or as a rising star now.


    ¡°How dare you hit me!¡± Gilbert barked.


    Shaun felt that he had gone easy on Gilbert. If he hadn¡¯t held back, Gilbert wouldn¡¯t havested a second.


    Shaun grabbed Halsey¡¯s wrist.


    ¡°Come with me.¡±


    He pulled Halsey toward the exit. Before leaving, he stopped right in front of Gilbert, sneering, ¡°Watch out next time. I¡¯m sick of seeing you! I¡¯m going to punch you every time I see you.¡±


    With that, Shaun led Halsey away.


    Gilbert was furious. Ever since Shaun showed up, he had been pushed around at every turn. He refused to ept it.


    Shaun pulled Halsey out onto the street.


    She quickly pulled her wrist free and asked, ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    Shaun looked at her. ¡°Why were you meeting with Gilbert?¡±


    Halsey wanted to exin, but then she suddenly thought about Shaun buying Elise that diamond bracelet.


    They had broken up, then he got tangled up with Elise and even bought Elise jewelry. And now, he was trying to control her


    meeting with Gilbert? That felt really unfair.


    Halsey was in a bad mood and didn¡¯t want to talk. ¡°We just talked about some things.¡±


    ¡°What did you talk about?¡± Shaun pressed.


    Halsey furrowed her brow. ¡°That¡¯s my private business. I don¡¯t have to tell you. Besides, how did you even know I was meeting him?¡±


    Shaun¡¯s face was nk. ¡°The maid told me.¡±


    Halsey frowned even deeper. ¡°You were spying on me? You¡¯re invading my freedom!¡±


    Shaun asked, ¡°Did you really want to meet with Gilbert that badly? What exactly were you two talking about?¡±


    Halsey snapped, ¡°That¡¯s none of your business!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 968

    ¡°You can meet with anyone you want, but absolutely not Gilbert,¡± Shaun said firmly to Halsey. ¡°From now on, no more meeting


    him.¡±


    He was at the office when the maid called to tell him Halsey had gone out. He had his assistant check, and found out she was meeting with Gilbert.


    She could meet anyone, but not Gilbert.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want me seeing Gilbert, then I have a request too-I don¡¯t like Elise, so you¡¯re not allowed to see her either!¡± Halsey shot back.


    Shaun blinked, clearly not expecting her to bring up Elise. ¡°Elise is my secretary¡­¡±


    ¡°So fire her! She¡¯s never allowed in your house. Can you do that?¡±


    If he didn¡¯t want her to see Gilbert, then fairness meant she shouldn¡¯t have to ept him seeing Elise.


    Could he actually do that?


    If he could, then so could she.


    Shaun showed no strong emotion, his handsome face calm as ever.


    ¡°I-¡±


    However, he was interrupted by a sweet voice.


    ¡°Mr. Lane¡­¡±


    Halsey looked up-Elise was here. She groaned inwardly. Elise really was like a bad smell-no matter where she went, there she


    was.


    Elise walked over. ¡°Mr. Lane, Ms. Mallin, hello.¡±


    Halsey replied coldly, ¡°Hi.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Lane, are you going to the office today?¡± Elise asked Shaun.


    He shook his head. ¡°No.¡±


    Elise smiled. ¡°Okay. Anyway, Warren just called. He said it¡¯s been a while since the guys got together, and they¡¯re meeting at the


    bar tonight.¡±


    Shaun pressed his lips together. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Elise continued, ¡°I know it¡¯s a private gathering with Warren and the others tonight, but can Ie? I used to dance there, and I¡¯m a good drinker. I can drink on your behalf.¡±


    Elise tilted her sweet face and looked at Shaun with eyes full of admiration. She was saying all this loud enough for Halsey to hear, trying to stir up trouble.


    Halsey just watched coldly, unimpressed by Elise¡¯s cheap tricks.


    Honestly, Elise didn¡¯t even need to try so hard-it was really up to Shaun. If he fell for her act, that was all she needed.


    Shaun nced at Halsey. ¡°You¡¯reing with me tonight.¡±


    Elise was asking toe, but he told Halsey to join him.


    Halsey opened her mouth to protest.


    But then Shaun looked at Elise and said, ¡°You cane,


    too.¡±


    He actually agreed to let Elisee.


    T20 BONUS


    Halsey had wanted to refuse, but once she heard Shaun say Elise wasing, she immediately changed her mind.


    She gave a coldugh. ¡°Fine. I¡¯m free tonight anyway. Let¡¯s all go and have some fun.¡±


    Halsey decided to go.


    Elise didn¡¯t wee Halsey at all-she wanted to be the only one going with Shaun.


    ¡°I look forward to tonight,¡± Elise said, deliberately flipping a lock of hair over her cheek.


    When Elise raised her hand, Halsey noticed the diamond bracelet on her wrist.


    The bracelet sparkled brilliantly, dazzling especially in the sunlight. Halsey wasn¡¯t blind-she saw it immediately.


    Was that the diamond bracelet Shaun had bought for Elise? That jerk!


    In her heart, Halsey silently cursed Shaun.


    Back when he was poor, she had stuck by him. Now that he had made it big, he still hadn¡¯t given her a fancy gift like that diamond bracelet.

 My Dad Please Come 969

    Maybe Halsey¡¯s gaze was too sharp-it caught Shaun¡¯s attention. He looked at her.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Why are you staring at me like that?¡±


    Halsey was stunned. Did he really not know why?


    She finally snapped, ¡°You¡¯re a jerk!¡±


    This time, she didn¡¯t just think it-she actually said it out loud.


    She called him a jerk!


    Elise was shocked. ¡°Why are you insulting Mr. Lane? You¡¯re so bold! You¡¯re the first person I¡¯ve ever seen talk to him like that!¡±


    Halsey rolled her eyes. ¡°What are you gonna do about it?¡±


    She shot Elise a sharp look. She figured the best way to deal with a pick-me like Elise was to drop the act and just go straight for the burn.


    Besides, Elise wouldn¡¯t dare talk back in front of Shaun because she wanted to y the weak and quiet damsel.


    Elise was furious, but didn¡¯t show it on her face. Instead, she looked at Shaun with fake hurt in her eyes. ¡°Ms. Mallin is so stubborn!¡±


    Shaun looked at Halsey¡¯s face and suddenly let out a low, quiet chuckle.


    Heughed.


    Elise was stunned. Shouldn¡¯t Shaun be angry right now? Why was heughing?


    Why?


    Shaun opened the front passenger door. ¡°Get in.¡±


    Halsey walked toward the car, but then Elise stepped forward too. ¡°Ms. Mallin, I¡¯ll take the front passenger seat. You can sit in the back.¡±


    Elise was iming the front seat.


    Halsey sneered. ¡°Why? Why do you get the front seat, and I have to sit in the back?¡±


    Elise smiled sweetly. ¡°By business etiquette, the back seat is the most honorable ce. I want to give you the most respectful


    seat.¡±


    Her reasoning was wless.


    Halsey frowned. ¡°I don¡¯t need the honor. I want the front seat!¡±


    She tried to get in.


    However, Elise was quicker and bumped Halsey aside with her shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m sitting here.¡±


    Elise shot Halsey a victorious look as she was about to get in.


    Halsey scoffed.


    Did Elise really think she was some pushover? How ridiculous!


    Just as Elise was about to climb in, Halsey suddenly grabbed a handful of her long hair.


    Elise screamed in pain.


    She was all dressed up today, with every strand of hair perfectly styled. Around Shaun, she took great care of her appearance- she wanted to win him over and be Mrs. Lane.


    Halsey pulling her hair caught herpletely off guard.


    ¡°Ah! Why are you pulling my hair? Let go right now!¡± Elise shouted.


    Halsey smirked. ¡°Get out.¡±


    She put all her strength into yanking Elise out of the front passenger seat.


    Elise¡¯s eyes watered from the pain. ¡°Let go of me!¡±


    Halsey released her. ¡°Consider that a little lesson. Remember, you shouldn¡¯t covet what¡¯s not yours, or you¡¯ll get hurt!¡±


    With that, Halsey casually climbed into the front passenger seat and sat down.


    Elise was furious and full of hatred. If Shaun hadn¡¯t been there, she would have probably pulled Halsey¡¯s hair right back.


    But with Shaun around, she couldn¡¯t cause a scene. She just looked at him with watery eyes.


    ¡°Mr. Lane, did you see that? Ms. Mallin pulled my hair so hard, and it really hurt. I thought she was going to rip my scalp right off. Can¡¯t you do something about it?¡±

 My Dad Please Come 970

    Elise¡¯s eyes were full of tears; she looked at Shaun with a pitiful, helpless expression that would make any man feel sorry for her.


    But Shaun seemed in a good mood. He had seen everything happen, and suddenly smirkedzily.


    ¡°You knew she wasn¡¯t someone to mess with, and you still provoked her. Of course she¡¯d hit you.¡±


    Elise was speechless. Did he hear what he was saying? Nofort, no sympathy, no scolding for Halsey-just him lecturing her instead?


    Why was he like this?


    Feeling even more wronged, Elise whispered, ¡°Mr. Lane¡ª¡±


    Shaun cut her off. ¡°Are you getting in? If you don¡¯t want to ride with her, take a cab to the bar yourself.¡±


    Then, he climbed into the driver¡¯s seat.


    Elise was left standing there in the wind, disoriented.


    She was furious, but didn¡¯t explode. She was determined to ride in the same car as Halsey-she wouldn¡¯t give Shaun or Halsey a


    chance to be alone.


    Elise opened the back door and got in.


    Halsey kind of admired Elise-after everything, Elise still had the nerve to get in the car. Not just anyone could do that.


    Shaun stepped on the gas pedal, and the luxury car smoothly sped onto the road.


    Halsey stayed quiet. If Elise hadn¡¯t provoked her, she wouldn¡¯t have made a move.


    But Elise spoke up yet again. ¡°Ms. Mallin, you¡¯re really brutal, resorting to violence whenever you want. It¡¯s kinda scary.¡±


    To that, Halsey sneered. ¡°Sorry, but you¡¯re the first person to ever make me strike first. Instead of criticizing me, maybe you should think about why you made me angry in the first ce.¡±


    Elise was shut down.


    She snorted coldly, unwilling to give up. ¡°You have quite a temper. I get it-being a rich girl can do that to you. But seriously, who could put up with someone like you?¡±


    Who could put up with her?


    She was Halsey Mallin, for god¡¯s sake! She had so many suitors that she lost count.


    Halsey turned and looked at Shaun. ¡°She¡¯s talking about you. Can you put up with me?¡±


    Shaun nced at Halsey, taking in her angry face and sparkling eyes. For some reason, he let out a quietugh.


    Halsey frowned. ¡°What are youughing at?¡±


    Elise sneered, ¡°He¡¯s just speechless at you.¡±


    Halsey reached out and gave Shaun¡¯s arm a hard pinch. ¡°Stopughing!¡±


    ¡°Ouch,¡± Shaun winced.


    Elise was stunned. ¡°You can hurt me all you want, but how could you hurt Mr. Lane?¡±


    Halsey grinned. ¡°Mr. Lane, can I hurt you?¡±


    Shaun raised an eyebrow, a smile still ying on his lips. ¡°Sure, but easy on me-I¡¯m innocent!¡±


    Elise waspletely shocked. Why did Shaun spoil Halsey so much? Now, she understood-Halsey¡¯s tempe spoiled.


    Halsey looked at Shaun. ¡°Your secretary said no man could put up with me-


    Shaun interrupted, ¡°I can.¡±


    Then with a tender smile, he added, ¡°Is that good enough for you, mydy?¡±


    He said those words in a low, rich voice, full of endless love and care.


    11

 My Dad Please Come 971

    Elise was speechless.


    She was usually great with words, a real master of subtle insults. She had been about to say something, but Shaun¡¯s quiet, ¡°Mydy,¡± shut her up instantly.


    That simple phrase was the sweetest thing anyone could hear-way better than cheesy nicknames like ¡°babe¡± or ¡°darling¡±.


    Elise sulked and stayed silent.


    Halsey nced at Shaun, impressed at his shrewdness.


    He just smiled.


    At the bar¡­


    Warren and Chelsea were both there. Shaun brought Halsey and Elise to a fancy VIP booth, joined by a few rich young heirs.


    Everyone settled in, and Warren looked at Halsey. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Halsey replied, ¡°Your best buddy Shaun invited me. Honestly, I didn¡¯t really want toe.¡±


    Warren fell silent, feeling like Halsey must have woken up on the wrong side of the bed.


    Chelsea red at Halsey and Elise. She hated them both. When two women meet, jealousy res, but three women together? It was basically a drama unfolding live.


    Chelsea sneered at Shaun, ¡°Why did you bring your old and new me here?¡±


    ¡°Sure, Ms. Mallin and I are Mr. Lane¡¯s old and new me. But what about you? You¡¯ve been with him so long-don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re just a background character with no importance,¡± Elise shot back at Chelsea.


    Elise went straight for the throat.


    Chelsea clenched her fists, furious to the point of nearly having a stroke.


    Meanwhile, Halsey stayed quiet, sitting calmly.


    Sensing the tension, the guys quickly tried to lighten the mood. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s drink.¡±


    One of them grabbed a cocktail and offered, ¡°Ms. Mallin, do you drink this kind of stuff?¡±


    Before Halsey could answer, Shaun cut in. ¡°She¡¯s pregnant. No alcohol.¡±


    Everyone froze.


    ¡°What? She¡¯s pregnant?¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s the father?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s obvious-it¡¯s Mr. Lane, right?¡±


    Shaun said calmly, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m the father.¡±


    Halsey nced at Shaun. He didn¡¯t have to announce it like that, but he did-he openly dered she was carrying his child.


    ¡°Congrats! You¡¯re having a baby!¡±


    ¡°I knew it-only Ms. Mallin could hold onto Mr. Lane.¡±


    BONUS


    Chelsea and Elise just stared helplessly. This was Halsey¡¯s turf now. After all, she had Shaun¡¯s baby inside her. It was clear who had won at that moment-there was noparison between them and Halsey, the mother of Shaun¡¯s child.


    Shaun called out, ¡°Someone, bring me a cup of warm milk.¡±


    A waiter quickly came over with the drink. ¡°Here you go, Mr. Lane.¡±


    Shaun ced the warm milk next to Halsey. ¡°No other drinks tonight. Only this.¡±


    Halsey had to put the baby¡¯s needs first.


    ¡°Okay.¡± She looked at the fruit tter. ¡°But I want some fruit.¡±


    Shaun asked, ¡°Which one?¡±


    Halsey said, ¡°Grapes.¡±


    Shaun picked a big grape, and Halsey reached to take it.

 My Dad Please Come 972

    Shaun didn¡¯t just hand Halsey the grape. Instead, he thoughtfully peeled it for her and then brought the plump fruit to her lips.¡± Open your mouth.¡±


    He fed her himself.


    Halsey blinked in surprise, then opened her mouth and took a bite.


    Shaun asked, ¡°Is it good?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s a little sour but sweet.¡±


    Shaun peeled another grape.


    The rich heirs around them watched and couldn¡¯t help but tease.


    ¡°Mr. Lane, we came here to party, but it looks like that¡¯s not gonna happen. You¡¯re just taking care of your pregnantdy.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Lane sure is a good husband and a good dad.¡±


    Warren, Chelsea, and Elise all watched helplessly.


    Soon, Elise sneered, ¡°Ms. Mallin, you sure are lucky.¡±


    Halsey looked at her. ¡°I think it takes more than luck to get pregnant. Don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Elise clenched her fists.


    Everyone was focused on how carefully Shaun was taking care of Halsey. She didn¡¯t have to say or do anything to be the center of attention tonight.


    Elise wasn¡¯t going to sit back and let that happen. She wanted the spotlight-this was her territory after all, since she used to work at this bar.


    She was determined to steal the attention back from Halsey and take Shaun away.


    And so, Elise spoke up. ¡°We hardly get a chance to hang out like this. How about I get on stage and dance for everyone?¡±


    Elise had been a star dancer before, but after bing Shaun¡¯s secretary, she stopped. Now that she was starting again, everyone got excited.


    The rich heirs cheered.


    ¡°Awesome! We get to see you dance again tonight.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, your dance moves are next level.¡±


    Elise stood up happily.


    ¡°I¡¯m going on now.¡± She deliberately nced at Halsey. ¡°You¡¯re pregnant now, so you can¡¯t dance. Sit tight and watch me perform.¡±


    Elise reminded everyone that Halsey was pregnant and couldn¡¯t do much, implying it was her chance to steal Shaun¡¯s attention.


    Halsey understood what Elise was doing, and let out a coldugh.


    Elise went up on stage, and the host announced, ¡°Everyone, our very own Elise is back on stage! Let¡¯s give her a round of apuse!¡±


    The crowd erupted in apuse. ¡°Wee back, Elise!¡±


    Elise took off her jacket, revealing a tiny tank top and a short skirt. Arge portion of her fair skin was shown, and even her slim waist was just barely covered. Every move showed off her graceful figure.


    The music started, and Elise began to dance.


    She had trained in dance, and her skills showed why she was so popr. Her limbs were flexible and graceful. She managed to quickly lift the energy in the room with a few spins and a high kick.


    The rich kids watched, amazed.


    ¡°Wow, she¡¯s still got it!¡±


    ¡°Mr. Lane, you¡¯re lucky to have Elise as your secretary. You can get her to dance for you anytime.¡±


    Chelsea red at Elise on stage, filled with jealousy.


    Of the three women, she had the least advantage-she couldn¡¯t sing or dance, so all she could do was watch Elise use her charms to win over Shaun.


    Still, knowing Halsey was sitting right there, being provoked by Elise, made Chelsea pretty happy.

 My Dad Please Come 973

    Chelsea was sitting right next to Halsey, a smirk ying on her lips. She couldn¡¯t help but sneer.


    ¡°Ms. Mallin, I never thought I¡¯d see the day you¡¯d end up just watching from the sidelines. Everyone¡¯s focused on Elise on stage -she¡¯s the center of attention now, and you¡¯ve be the background. It¡¯s pretty funny, considering she¡¯s just an entertainer out here selling herself.¡±


    Deep down, Chelsea truly looked down on Elise, but it didn¡¯t matter. Guys liked women like her-flirty and a little wild.


    Halsey took a sip of her milk, not saying much. Then she smiled and said, ¡°She dances well, so it makes sense people are watching her. If you don¡¯t like her, why don¡¯t you get up there and take her down yourself?¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s face flickered with anger. ¡°What¡­¡±


    Then she lowered her voice, ¡°Are you just going to watch Shaun get taken away by Elise?¡±


    Halsey stayed silent.


    Meanwhile, Elise had reached the climax of her dance. With a few spins, she leaped right off the stage.


    This was her ssic move-she would start scanning for prey as soon as she got on stage, and when the energy peaked, she would spin and jump down to make her move. In this wild, shy scene, many men lost themselves, and Elise yed her game seriously.


    The crowd couldn¡¯t hold back anymore-they screamed and shouted, ¡°Elise,e here!¡±


    ¡°No, over here!¡±


    ¡°Elise, I¡¯m waiting for you!¡±


    Elise basked in the attention. Instead of lingering with the crowd, she spun a few times and jumped straight to the luxury booth, sitting right next to Shaun.


    Thest time, she had done the same thing,nding right in front of him and bing his secretary.


    Now, she was trying the same trick again.


    Chelsea smirked and turned to Halsey. ¡°Look, she¡¯sing. I bet she¡¯ll be jumping right into Shaun¡¯s arms in front of you.¡±


    Halsey said nothing.


    The whole room was hyped up now, cheering loudly. Elise danced hard right in front of Shaun, her flexible waist swaying and her eyes filled with longing directed straight at him.


    Soon, she spun and leaped toward Shaun¡¯s arms.


    She was going tond right in hisp.


    Her lips curled in a smile as she imagined the pride she would feel being in his arms. She closed her eyes.


    But the next second, there was a loud noise as she crashed into the couch.


    Shaun had shifted closer to Halsey just as Elise jumped, leaving Elise grasping air.


    Caught off guard, Elise couldn¡¯t stop her momentum. She mmed into the couch, then tumbled off onto the floor with a loud thud. Even worse-as she fell, she knocked over drinks from the coffee table, spilling them all over her face.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Elise screamed.


    The music in the bar stopped immediately. Everyone stared as Elisey there in a ridiculously embarrassing pose, drenched in


    spilled drinks, her makeup ruined.


    ¡°Elise, are you okay¡­hahaha!¡±


    Laughter broke out among the crowd-no one could hold it in. The scene was just too funny!


    Elise¡¯s mind exploded. She hadn¡¯t expected Shaun to move like that, leaving her to make a huge fool of herself.


    This bar was always packed with rich guys and was the perfect hunting ground for them. Now she had made aplete mess of things, losing face badly.


    Word would spread fast, and her reputation would take a serious hit.

 My Dad Please Come 974

    Elise quickly got to her feet, still looking like a mess.


    She shot a hurt look at Shaun. ¡°Mr. Lane¡­¡±


    Shaun, sitting next to Halsey, lifted his cool eyes and said calmly, ¡°You suddenly lunged at me just now, so I dodged.¡±


    Halsey smiled quietly.


    Elise was furious; she knew Halsey wasughing at her. Clenching her fists, she snapped, ¡°What are youughing at?¡±


    Halsey nced at her and said, ¡°Isn¡¯t that obvious? I¡¯mughing at you.¡±


    Elise frowned. ¡°Are you so happy that I fell? Why are you making it hard for a fellow woman here?¡±


    Halsey smirked.


    ¡°Stop right there. That wasn¡¯t any fall-you were trying to jump into a man¡¯s arms. What, you failed and now you want to take it out on me?¡± Her bright eyes swept across the crowd. ¡°Besides, I¡¯m not the only oneughing at you. So why pick on me?¡±


    Elise was speechless. She hadn¡¯t expected Halsey to be so sharp-tongued.


    She spat, ¡°I fell, and now everyone¡¯sughing. If you¡¯re so brave, why don¡¯t you get up there and dance?¡±


    Elise was trying to rile her up.


    Shaun¡¯s brows twitched as he looked at Halsey beside him. ¡°You¡¯re pregnant now. You can¡¯t dance up there.¡±


    ¡°I bet you can¡¯t dance, anyway,¡± Elise sneered. ¡°Not everyone can.¡±


    Halsey smiled. ¡°Are you so sure I can¡¯t dance?¡±


    Elise shot back, ¡°If you can, then get up there and dance!¡±


    Halsey stood up. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll dance right now.¡±


    Shaun grabbed her wrist. ¡°No. You¡¯re not going.¡±


    He wasn¡¯t letting her dance.


    Halsey looked at Shaun. ¡°Just let me go. Tonight¡¯s the perfect chance to teach her a lesson and show her what real dancing looks


    like.¡±


    With that, she firmly pulled her wrist free.


    Shaun was clearly annoyed, but with so many people watching, he didn¡¯t push back. He had to hold his tongue.


    The rich kids around were all excited to watch the drama unfold.


    ¡°Ms. Mallin, are you really going to dance for us tonight?¡±


    ¡°Elise is famous for her moves. Even though she fell and embarrassed herself earlier, she¡¯s an amazing dancer. Can you really do better?¡±


    Elise was confident about her dancing. She wanted to provoke Halsey, hoping Halsey¡¯s clumsy moves would make her look better and turn the tables.


    Chelsea was smiling the widest. Finally, Halsey and Elise were going head-to-head! Tonight was going to be fun, and Chelsea nned to sit back and enjoy the show.


    She smiled and said, ¡°Ms. Mallin is a rich heiress. I¡¯m sure she won¡¯t dance any worse than Elise. Let¡¯s all wait and see. She won¡¯t let us down.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 975

    Chelsea seized the chance to put Halsey down hard. She wasn¡¯t about to miss an opportunity like this.


    Elise jumped in, ¡°I¡¯m not so sure about that. Ms. Mallines from a good family, and wee from humble beginnings-but we work hard, push ourselves, and never fall behind. Background doesn¡¯t really define a person. If she has the skills, she can show it on stage and beat me!¡±


    Halsey just smiled. Chelsea and Elise used to be at odds, but now they were teaming up against her.


    She curled her lips.


    ¡°Sometimes, you two really are ridiculous. One minute you say I¡¯m lucky because I¡¯m pregnant, the next you say it¡¯s all about good family background. Whatever I have, that¡¯s my luck. No need to get jealous just because you can¡¯t have what I have. It just makes you look petty.¡±


    Elise and Chelsea were left speechless.


    Chelsea clenched her fists. ¡°Everyone¡¯s waiting to see you dance.¡±


    ¡°You talk big now, but if you mess up, people will beughing at you!¡± Elise added.


    Laugh at her? Not likely.


    Halsey stood. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll dance. Enjoy the show.¡±


    With all eyes on her, Halsey stepped onto the stage.


    As a wealthy heiress, this was her first time dancing publicly. The crowd was already buzzing, shouting excitedly.


    Halsey confidently stood center stage, then raised a finger to her lips, making a ¡°shh¡± gesture. The crowd quieted instantly.


    Soon, ssical music began to y.


    Halsey lifted her hand and swept her long ck hair back with a flirtatious flick, then gracefully moved her arms and legs to


    dance.


    Chelsea and Elise waited eagerly to see Halsey mess up-especially Elise, who was sure Halsey couldn¡¯t dance better than her.


    She scoffed, ¡°Here we go-¡±


    The next moment, she paused. She noticed Halsey¡¯s body was more flexible, her moves more elegant.


    In truth, Halsey had studied dance since she was little. Her figure was as graceful as a swan. She started with a short warm-up, then grabbed a steel pole with one delicate hand.


    She leaped lightly before wrapping her lithe body around the pole like an enchantress, full of charm.


    The whole bar exploded with excitement. The men all stood, mesmerized.


    They had seen pole dancing before, but never like this. Halsey¡¯s performance wasn¡¯t shy or cheap-it was like a goddess performing a dance ritual, utterly captivating.


    ¡°Wow, I didn¡¯t expect Ms. Mallin to dance this well. I¡¯m now her fan!¡±


    ¡°This is real dancing-not shy, not trying to please men, but a feast of beauty!¡±


    ¡°She really deserves to be so highly favored. She¡¯s stunning!¡±


    Everyone was amazed and couldn¡¯t help praising her.


    Meanwhile, Elise was dumbfounded.


    No way! How could Halsey dance this well?


    It was clear now-Halsey had outshone her from the start.


    Chelsea¡¯s expression shifted, too. Halsey was full of surprises. Even as a pregnant woman, she could dance this

 My Dad Please Come 976

    Shaun¡¯s eyes stayed fixed on the graceful figure on stage. A wealthy heiress with a dance background, Halsey had mastered the art of softness and charm. She knew exactly how to show off her beauty.


    But Shaun wasn¡¯t feeling great. His handsome brow was furrowed and tense. So many men watching Halsey made him seriously ufortable.


    He didn¡¯t like anyone staring at her. Honestly, he hadn¡¯t even wanted her to get on stage and dance.


    After a few minutes, the pole dance that had set the whole room on fire ended. A light sheen of fragrant sweat covered Halsey¡¯s pale skin, like dew glistening on rose petals.


    The crowd erupted in apuse, pounding tables and cheering, ¡°Halsey! Halsey! Halsey!¡±


    Halsey took the microphone and put a finger to her lips, signaling everyone to be quiet.


    The men hushed immediately.


    ¡°Everyone, this dance I just performed-it was actually for one person.¡±


    The crowd went wild.


    ¡°Who? Tell us! Is it me?¡±


    ¡°Get out of the way! This dance is definitely for me!¡±


    They all scrambled to im the honor.


    Halsey¡¯s shining, clear eyes scanned the crowd before settling on the luxury table. She pointed her finger.


    ¡°That person is right there.¡±


    All eyes turned toward Shaun¡¯s table.


    The rich kids were losing it.


    ¡°Mr. Lane, Ms. Mallin¡¯s dance is definitely for you!¡±


    ¡°Is she confessing her feelings to you with this dance tonight?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so lucky to have her!¡±


    Shaun¡¯s cold gaze cut through the crowd and locked onto Halsey on stage. Was this dance really for him?


    At the thought, Shaun smiled faintly.


    But then Halsey¡¯s finger moved again,nding on Elise.


    Shaun felt like he had been hit hard in the chest. All his hopes vanished in an instant. He started to suspect Halsey was doing this


    on purpose.


    Elise stiffened, her face paling.


    On stage, bathed in light that made her look stunning, Halsey stared right at Elise and said, ¡°I wanted to show you that¡¯s what real dancing is. Dancing isn¡¯t to please men. It¡¯s not a way to hunt for attention or a tool for climbing into rich families. Do you get it now?¡±


    Elise was speechless.


    She felt every eye on her-all the heirs of Capital¡¯s elite families watching. Tonight, Halsey had made her famous for all the


    (Ë°’i)


    then, Britney¡¯s game softed to Chelsea Ant to see hate it


    disappointed vom ¡±


    she had expen they, hottest

 My Dad Please Come 977

    Elise and Chelsea both looked like they had seen a ghost, their faces as dark as ashes.


    ¡°Thank you, everyone,¡± Halsey said as she put down the microphone and stepped off the stage, returning to the luxury table.


    The rich kids were full of admiration. ¡°Ms. Mallin, your dance was amazing. I didn¡¯t expect you to be so low-key.¡±


    ¡°This is what a real heiress is like-quiet and ssy, not showy.¡±


    ¡°Can you sign an autograph for me?¡±


    They all crowded around Halsey.


    Before long, Shaun¡¯s hand reached out, shooing the rich kids away. ¡°You guys, go hang out somewhere else.¡±


    His eyesnded on Halsey¡¯s delicate face. ¡°Tired?¡±


    Halsey smiled slightly. ¡°Not really.¡±


    ¡°No more dancing from now on. Your belly¡¯s getting bigger, and the doctor said you shouldn¡¯t do any strenuous activities.¡±


    Halsey knew that well. If it weren¡¯t to teach Chelsea and Elise a lesson, she wouldn¡¯t have gotten up to dance tonight. Seeing Chelsea and Elise watching her with those dark, resentful looks made her feel pretty good.


    She stood up. ¡°You guys enjoy. I¡¯m heading to the restroom.¡±


    Halsey left.


    ¡°Mr. Lane, let¡¯s have a drink.¡±


    Shaun nced in her direction and also stood up. ¡°No, thanks. You all have fun. I¡¯ll be back in a bit.¡±


    He walked off.


    The rich kids called after him, ¡°Hey, where are you going?¡±


    Warren, who had been silent, shook his head while holding his ss. ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? He¡¯s going after Ms. Mallin!¡±


    Everyoneughed. ¡°Mr. Lane¡¯s be so clingy. Wherever Ms. Mallin goes, he follows.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. Now that she¡¯s carrying his baby, he¡¯s treating her like a treasure.¡±


    As Chelsea and Elise heard everyone talk about Halsey, their faces got even darker.


    Chelsea sneered at Elise, ¡°I thought you were tougher than this, but you¡¯re so easy to break. You were beaten by her even at dancing, which is supposed to be your best skill. You really don¡¯t measure up.¡±


    Chelsea was going for the kill.


    Elise was already annoyed, and she wasn¡¯t about to take Chelsea¡¯s jab. She fired back, ¡°What about you? Do you think you¡¯re so great? Ms. Mallin got pregnant while you were still with Mr. Lane. You can¡¯t even keep a man¡¯s heart-what right do you have to judge me?¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s eyes zed as she red at Elise. ¡°What did you just say?¡±


    Elise shot back, ¡°I said you¡¯re a failure!¡±


    ¡°You tramp!¡±


    Chelsea raised her hand and pped Elise across the face.


    Elise, stunned, covered her cheek. ¡°How dare you!¡±


    Chelsea rolled up her sleeve. ¡°I¡¯ve hated you ever since Iid eyes on you!¡±


    Elise immediately did the same. ¡°I¡¯m gonna make you pay!¡±


    The two women lunged at each other, grabbing at hair and wrestling.


    Warren quickly stood and tried to break them up. ¡°Stop fighting! Let go, both of you!¡±


    Smack!


    In the scuffle, one of their ps identally hit Warren¡¯s face. He stood there, speechless, looking at the chaotic mess in the


    booth.


    Halsey came out of the restroom and walked down the corridor, ready to head back.


    ¡°Halsey!¡±


    Suddenly, a drunk rich kid appeared in front of her, eyes leering.


    ¡°Your pole dance was amazing! I¡¯ll pay you a million if you do it again for me.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 978

    Halsey shot the man a cold look. ¡°Get lost!¡±


    She was about to walk away when another drunken rich guy jumped out.


    ¡°I¡¯ll offer three million if you dance for me!¡±


    Halsey sneered, ¡°I¡¯ll give you five million to disappear from my sight immediately.¡±


    She was an heiress herself; she wasn¡¯t short of cash.


    Without waiting, Halsey turned and started walking.


    ¡°Wait, don¡¯t go!¡± One of the rich kids reached out to grab her.


    Halsey dodged just in time, but twisted her ankle and lost her bnce, staggering forward.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    She gasped, instinctively putting her hands over her belly.


    But the pain she feared didn¡¯te-because she had fallen into a warm, broad chest, held firmly in strong arms. As she looked up, Shaun¡¯s handsome, noble face filled her view.


    Shaun was here.


    Halsey blinked, surprised. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Shaun held her gently at the waist. ¡°You should be thankful I came, or else¡­¡±


    He looked up sharply, his cold, piercing gaze locking onto the two drunk rich guys.


    ¡°Hey, who do you think you are? Get in line. We found her first-you gotta wait your turn!¡±


    Neither of the two recognized Shaun.


    Still holding Halsey tightly, Shaun¡¯s indifferent eyes swept over them. ¡°Who do you think you are? You really think my woman¡¯s something you can just fantasize about?¡±


    Halsey froze. He actually said she was his woman.


    But hadn¡¯t they already broken up?


    Her heart skipped a beat.


    The two rich kids only had eyes for Halsey now, blinded by greed. They raised their fists and charged at Shaun.


    ¡°You wanna take my woman? Over my dead body!¡±


    Halsey¡¯s heart raced. ¡°Watch out!¡±


    Shaun pulled Halsey closer, and with a strong grip, twisted one attacker¡¯s wrist. Then, with a sharp kick, he knocked the other straight in the lower body, dropping both cleanly.


    The two roared at their bodyguards, ¡°Get over here! Take this guy down, and I¡¯ll reward you!¡±


    They had brought their men. Now that Shaun had knocked them down, they called for backup. A bunch of bodyguards rushed over, grabbing bottles from the table and charging at Shaun..


    Halsey¡¯s eyes widened in rm. She grabbed Shaun¡¯s sleeve with both hands, looking innocent but worried. ¡°Look at the mess


    you got yourself into!¡±


    She only came out for a quick restroom break, and didn¡¯t expect this chaos.


    Shaun looked at her silently.


    He dragged her aside, his brows furrowed, eyes filled with a deadly hunger. ¡°Stay right here. Don¡¯t move.¡±


    Halsey, holding her belly, nodded quickly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t move.¡±


    The bodyguards rushed in, and Shaun moved with incredible agility, fighting them off.


    Halsey watched him battle.


    This wasn¡¯t the first time she had seen him fight. His strikes were ruthless, each punchnding solidly, forcing the bodyguards to fall back step by step, unable to keep up.

 My Dad Please Come 979

    If Halsey were a little younger, she probably would¡¯ve covered her mouth like a fangirl, screaming, ¡°You¡¯re so cool!¡±


    Just then, Warren rushed over. Seeing Shaun fighting, he cursed, ¡°You¡¯re getting in a fight with my best friend? I¡¯ll teach you lot


    a lesson!¡±


    Warren grabbed a beer bottle and jumped into the fight.


    Halsey watched Warren. Even though he could be stubborn and was used by Chelsea, as Shaun¡¯s closest friend, their bond was


    unbreakable.


    The scene turned chaotic-beer bottles smashed everywhere, and many people started running away.


    Chelsea and Elise were still tangled up, but hearing the fight, some rich kids shouted, ¡°Stop fighting! Something¡¯s going down!¡±


    Only then did the two reluctantly pull apart, looking messy and disheveled.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Lane¡¯s in a fight!¡±


    Chelsea and Elise froze. ¡°Why?¡±


    One of the rich kids exined, ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but I heard someone harassed Ms. Mallin, and he went after them.¡±


    ¡°Whoever messed with Ms. Mallin must have a death wish! Of course Mr. Lane would fight them!¡±


    Shaun actually fought in a bar for Halsey?


    Chelsea and Elise quickly rushed forward. When they saw Shaun, they were stunned. They had seen him cold and distant in the business world, but never fighting for a woman.


    Especially for Halsey!


    Jealous, they clenched their fists so tightly that their nails dug into their palms. They had been fighting with each other, but Shaun fought for Halsey-it made them look like fools.


    They were nothing but a joke!


    Halsey stood quietly in a corner. She didn¡¯t dare move because she had no strength. And now, pregnant, she was even more careful. She had to protect the baby-she couldn¡¯t cause Shaun any more trouble.


    Suddenly, a bodyguard spotted Halsey and swung a beer bottle at her.


    Halsey¡¯s eyes widened, frozen in fear as the bottle flew toward her head.


    Just as she braced for impact, her vision darkened for a moment. A strong male presence rushed forward, catching her safely in his arms. Someone wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her close.


    The bottle shattered with a loud crash.


    Looking up, Halsey saw Shaun¡¯s ck sleeve torn, revealing a long, bloody cut. It looked terrible.


    He had protected her.


    ¡°You¡¯re hurt!¡± Halsey¡¯s voice trembled, her heart clenched tight as she quickly pressed on his bleeding wound.


    Seeing her worried face, Shaun smirked slightly. ¡°So many men are fighting over you. You must be proud.¡±


    Halsey was speechless.


    What did he mean by that? She hadn¡¯t done it on purpose!


    Still, this whole thing happened because of her. Shaun got hurt protecting her, so she felt guilty.


    At that moment, the bar security and Shaun¡¯s men stormed in and quickly calmed the situation.


    Warren had knocked down the drunken rich kid and run over, concerned. ¡°Shaun, are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Shaun said coldly.


    Warren looked at the bleeding wound. ¡°You¡¯re bleeding! Let¡¯s get it treated.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 980

    The medical staff brought over a first aid kit, and Halsey took it in her hands.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    She opened the kit and carefully cleaned Shaun¡¯s wound with a disinfected cotton swab. Luckily, the cut wasn¡¯t deep-it was just a surface injury.


    The rich heirs gathered around.


    ¡°Mr. Lane, today you really went all out for yourdy.¡±


    ¡°Ms. Mallin, looks like Mr. Lane would do anything for you.¡¯


    Halsey nced at Shaun¡¯s handsome face. Did he still care about her?


    Chelsea and Elise were burning with jealousy.


    Elise couldn¡¯t hold back her sarcastic tone. ¡°Ms. Mallin, you must be proud now. You¡¯re the reason Mr. Lane got hurt!¡±


    Chelsea chimed in, ¡°Ever since Shaun met you, he¡¯s just kept getting hurt. I think you¡¯re bad luck!¡±


    Halsey opened her mouth to reply, but Shaun looked up and shot Chelsea and Elise a cold re. His lips pressed tightly together in displeasure. ¡°Who said you could speak?¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s face changed as she stepped forward and grabbed Shaun¡¯s sleeve. ¡°I¡¯m just worried about you.¡±


    Shaun calmly pulled his sleeve back. His expression was unreadable as he said, ¡°Halsey is the mother of my baby. I won¡¯t allow anyone to speak badly about her. Understand?¡±


    Shaun¡¯s words humiliated Chelsea in front of everyone. She froze, unable to respond.


    ¡°And you!¡± Shaun¡¯s gaze shifted to Elise. ¡°I hope you know your ce. You¡¯re just my secretary. You have no right to talk back to


    me.¡±


    Elise¡¯s face went pale. ¡°I¡ª¡±


    ¡°If you can¡¯t be a proper secretary, then don¡¯t bothering to work anymore.¡±


    Elise¡¯s heart sank. Tonight was supposed to be her big chance, but Halsey ruined everything and embarrassed her beyond


    measure.


    She shot Halsey an angry re.


    Shaun finished treating his wound and stood up. Looking at Halsey, he said, ¡°It¡¯ste. Let¡¯s go home.¡±


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Shaun turned to Warren and said, ¡°Take care of things here.¡±


    The two drunken guys Shaun had beaten up were still lying on the ground. He gave them a quick kick. ¡°I don¡¯t ever want to see these two again.¡±


    Warren nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve got it.¡±


    Shaun looked back at Halsey. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Halsey nodded again. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Shaun reached out and took Halsey¡¯s small hand, wrapping it gently in his palm.


    She left with Shaun.


    Chelsea, unwilling to give up, grabbed Warren¡¯s arm. ¡°Look what happened tonight-it¡¯s all because of Halsey. Shaun even fought for her! You have to figure out a way to split them up!¡±


    Warren sighed helplessly. ¡°If we could, they would have broken up already. They¡¯ve had their fights, sure, but he just can¡¯t let go. What can we do?¡±


    Chelsea stomped her foot in frustration.


    Elise red hatefully in the direction Halsey had disappeared, grinding her teeth almost to the point of breaking.

 My Dad Please Come 981

    Half an hourter, Shaun brought Halsey back to the vi.


    The maid greeted them politely, ¡°Wee back. Would you like me to prepare dinner?¡±


    Shaun replied, ¡°We already ate out. Just prepare some bone broth.¡±


    The maid nodded. ¡°Right away.¡±


    The bone broth was for Halsey. Shaun was very strict about her daily diet-she had to drink nourishing soups every day.


    Shaun held Halsey¡¯s hand as he led her upstairs to their room.


    Halsey pulled her hand away. ¡°Sit down. I¡¯ll re-bandage your wound.¡±


    Shaun looked at her. ¡°Do you realize your mistake today?¡±


    Halsey froze. Was he about to bring this up and give her a serious talking-to now that they were back?


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything wrong,¡± she said. ¡°Those two guys were drunk and harassing me. It¡¯s not my fault I¡¯m pretty. Don¡¯t me women for men¡¯s bad behavior when they can¡¯t control themselves!¡±


    Shaun couldn¡¯t help butugh. Even now, she was still quick with her words.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s their fault. What I¡¯m talking about is you going on stage to dance. I already told you, you¡¯re pregnant, and you shouldn¡¯t be dancing on stage. That was dangerous. For your sake and the baby¡¯s, don¡¯t do risky things like that again.¡±


    Halsey looked at him. ¡°You just don¡¯t want me to dance. You¡¯re always ming me for going up there. That¡¯s double standards!¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? How is it double standards?¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t say a word when Elise danced on stage, but when I do, you act like it¡¯s a huge deal.¡±


    Shaun was speechless.


    Why would he care if Elise danced? What right did he have to oppose it? It was ridiculous.


    Halsey sighed. ¡°Forget it. I don¡¯t want to talk about this anymore.¡±


    She tried to turn away, but Shaun suddenly grabbed her wrist and gently pulled her into his arms.


    Halsey was startled. She quickly raised a hand and pressed his chest. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Shaun cupped her chin, looking at her soft, beautiful face. ¡°You¡¯re different from Elise.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°She won¡¯t cause trouble when she dances. But when you dance, there¡¯s always some problem. You¡¯re prettier and more dazzling than she is. Don¡¯t you know that?¡±


    Halsey¡¯s eyes lit up. Was heplimenting her, saying she was more beautiful, more dazzling than Elise?


    Well, that was a first!


    Halsey wondered if the sun was rising from the west that day, but she couldn¡¯t verify it because it was nighttime.


    Girls always likepliments, and Halsey suddenly felt a little happy. ¡°Are youplimenting me?¡±


    Shaun smiled faintly. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    Of course, he wasplimenting her.


    Halsey didn¡¯t want to feel too happy, because she remembered the diamond bracelet on Elise¡¯s wrist. They say where a man spends his money is where his heart is. Shaun had never bought anything for her. She wouldn¡¯t be moved by just a few cheap, sweet words!


    ¡°You might fool some young girls with that talk, but I won¡¯t believe a single word.¡±


    Shaun frowned. ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯m not as pretty or dazzling as Elise. You bought her an expensive diamond bracelet, but look at my wrist-it¡¯s bare.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 982

    Halsey deliberately lifted her hand to show him her bare wrist.


    Shaun blinked in surprise. ¡°What did you say? I bought Elise a diamond bracelet?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. That bracelet must be pretty expensive. I didn¡¯t expect you to be so generous.¡±


    Shaun was speechless. ¡°I don¡¯t know anything about a diamond bracelet. Who told you I bought her one?¡±


    Halsey stared at him. What did he mean? Didn¡¯t he buy Elise that bracelet? How could that be?


    ¡°You can be honest with me,¡± Halsey said firmly. ¡°Why would you lie about a bracelet?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m being honest. I didn¡¯t buy it, so why would I admit it? Listen carefully-I have never bought Elise any bracelet.¡±


    Halsey was stunned. She studied Shaun¡¯s face, trying to find any sign of a lie. His handsome face showed no emotion at all-it was calm andposed. He was telling the truth.


    What was going on?


    ¡°Are you staring at me because you don¡¯t believe me? Did Elise tell you this? I¡¯ll call her right now and ask her in person.¡±


    With that, Shaun pulled out his phone and called Elise. ¡°Come to the vi immediately.¡±


    He actually called her over.


    Halsey said, ¡°You didn¡¯t need to call her over¡­¡±


    Shaun tightened his arm around her waist, a faint smile on his lips. ¡°You don¡¯t like me buying diamond bracelets for others, so I


    have to make sure.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind. You¡¯re rich. You can buy diamond bracelets for whoever you want.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t mind? Whoever minds is a rotten egg, then!¡±


    Was he calling her a rotten egg?


    Halsey shot him a re, thinking HE was the rotten egg.


    Meanwhile, Elise hurried over as fast as she could.


    She had nned to leave the bar and go home, feeling embarrassed after the big scene earlier. On the way, she got Shaun¡¯s call telling her toe to the vi.


    Elise felt like she hade back to life. Shaun was calling her to the vi at this hour? Could it be¡­


    Her heart raced with excitement, wondering what might happen tonight.


    She rang the doorbell, and the maid quickly opened the door.


    ¡°Hi,¡± Elise said, ¡°Mr. Lane called me toe over. Where is he now?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s in the bedroom upstairs. Please,e in.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯m going to find him now.¡±


    Elise went upstairs to the door of the room. She straightened her makeup and outfit, wanting to look perfect and stunning when she saw Shaun.


    She knocked gently. ¡°Mr. Lane, it¡¯s me.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s voice came from inside. ¡°Come in.¡±


    Elise turned the doorknob and pushed the door open. ¡°Why-¡±


    Her voice faltered when she saw Shaun holding Halsey in a close embrace. They looked so intimate.


    Elise froze by the doorway. Her earlier fantasies shattered in an instant.


    What was going on? Why was Shaun holding Halsey?


    Should she just leave?


    Halsey reached out and pushed Shaun. ¡°Your secretary is here. Now let me go!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 983

    Halsey tried to get Shaun to let go of her.


    But Shaun didn¡¯t loosen his grip. Instead, he pulled her even closer. ¡°I¡¯m not letting go.¡±


    Halsey raised her hand to push him away. ¡°What are you doing? Elise is watching. Let me go!¡±


    Shaun held firm. ¡°I said, I¡¯m not letting go.¡±


    Elise stood by the door, speechless. Her face was full of questions.


    What the hell? Had she be just a part of Shaun and Halsey¡¯s little game? Was she unnecessary?


    She figured she should just leave, and said again, ¡°Mr. Lane, you called me here.¡±


    Shaun slowly lifted his eyelids and looked at Elise. ¡°You¡¯re wearing a diamond bracelet, right?¡±


    Elise¡¯s expression changed immediately. She instinctively moved her wrist, trying to hide the bracelet.


    But Shaun had already seen it. He sneered, ¡°Did you tell others that I bought you that bracelet?¡±


    Elise stammered, ¡°Maybe there¡¯s been some misunderstanding. I-¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no misunderstanding,¡± Halsey cut in. ¡°Didn¡¯t you show it off in front of me? That happened today. Have you already forgotten?¡±


    Elise fell silent.


    Shaun looked at Elise. ¡°Did you do that? Did I really buy you that bracelet?¡±


    Elise didn¡¯t know what to say.


    Halsey finally figured it out. Her clear eyes fixed on Shaun¡¯s handsome face. ¡°So the bracelet wasn¡¯t from you? She was lying?¡±


    ¡°What do you think? Can¡¯t you tell? I never bought her any bracelets. This has nothing to do with me,¡± Shaun said.


    Halsey frowned at Elise. ¡°How could you deceive me? I never expected you to have so little shame, lying about Shaun buying you


    that bracelet.¡±


    Elise¡¯s face went pale. ¡°I-¡±


    ¡°I hired you to be my secretary, not to spread rumors. What you did seriously damages my reputation. Expect awyer¡¯s letter tomorrow,¡± Shaun said coldly and mercilessly.


    Elise panicked. ¡°No, please don¡¯t send me awyer¡¯s letter! Please don¡¯t sue me!¡±


    ¡°Then why don¡¯t you just tell the truth?¡± Shaun asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you! I¡¯ll tell you! Ms. Mallin, Mr. Lane didn¡¯t buy me this diamond bracelet. I bought it myself! It¡¯s fake-cost me only


    20 bucks!¡±


    What?


    Someone like Halsey, raised around luxury goods, would normally spot a fake right away. But since she thought Shaun gave it to Elise, she never doubted it was real.


    Now, looking at the bracelet on Elise¡¯s wrist, Halsey quickly realized that it was fake.


    It was a fake bracelet!


    ¡°Why would you use a fake bracelet to trick me?¡± Halsey said.


    ¡°I-I have feelings for Mr. Lane. I wanted to use this bracelet to drive a wedge between you and him¡­ Mr. Lane, I¡¯ve told you everything. Please forgive me. I swear I won¡¯t lie again,¡± Elise promised.


    ¡°Do you think there¡¯ll be a next time?¡± Shaun said coldly. ¡°You¡¯re fired. Don¡¯t bothering to work tomorrow.¡±


    What?!


    Elise frozepletely. She was fired?

 My Dad Please Come 984

    Elise couldn¡¯t believe it. She had only been working as Shaun¡¯s secretary for a few days, and now. she was fired.


    This was the only way she could get close to him; Shaun firing her meant no more chances to see him. If she wanted to meet him again, she would probably have to make an appointment.


    Elise¡¯s face went pale. ¡°Mr. Lane, please give me one more chance! I swear I¡¯ll change, I really will¡­¡±


    Shaun had no patience for her. ¡°I only give one chance. You haven¡¯t taken your job seriously and have been too focused on me. I don¡¯t keep people like you around. Just leave.¡±


    Beforeing to the vi, Elise had imagined a bright future. Now, she was thrown into darkness.


    ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°Not leaving on your own? Then I¡¯ll have someone make you leave! Security!¡±


    Two ck-suited bodyguards entered quickly. ¡°Yes, Mr. Lane?¡±


    ¡°Throw her out.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re on it.¡± The two bodyguards grabbed Elise on each side. ¡°Move it!¡±


    Elise burst into tears. Her dream of marrying into wealth was shattered. ¡°No, please!¡±


    They dragged her away.


    Halsey was happy. Seeing Shaun get rid of Elise so decisively right in front of her made her feel great.


    ¡°So, you just fired Elise just like that? You really don¡¯t know how to treat women kindly.¡±


    Shaun smiled slightly and pinched Halsey¡¯s chin. ¡°Don¡¯t act innocent when you¡¯re clearly getting the better end of this.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? I¡¯m not!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not? Then I¡¯ll call Elise back right now.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t dare!¡±


    Shaun chuckled, his tone low and soft. ¡°Are you jealous?¡±


    ¡°Jealous? Me?¡±


    ¡°Ever since I hired Elise as secretary, I noticed something was off with you. Isn¡¯t that jealousy?¡±


    Halsey suddenly realized something. ¡°Did you hire her to make me jealous?¡±


    Shaun raised an eyebrow, realizing she was catching on.


    ¡°I see. So, you hired Elise on purpose. You must¡¯ve known she kept picking fights with me, too. You saw everything she did and didn¡¯t stop her. You just wanted to watch how I¡¯d react. You wanted to see me get jealous!¡±


    A smile flickered in Shaun¡¯s eyes. ¡°You¡¯re finally getting smart! Elise¡¯s education and ability aren¡¯t enough to impress me. She¡¯s not even qualified to be my secretary. If it weren¡¯t for you, do you really think I¡¯d hire her? I keep her around because she has value-and that valuees from you.¡±


    Halsey was speechless.


    She realized Shaun was really different. He was so calcting, like a big, bad wolf waiting for a littlemb like her to fall right into his trap.


    She clenched her fist and punched him lightly. ¡°You¡¯re so annoying!¡±


    Shaun pinned her gently to the big bed. Since she was pregnant, he carefully kept his hands away from her belly.


    Smiling, he said, ¡°Isn¡¯t it true that women love men who are a little naughty? I just wanted to see if you¡¯d get jealous over me.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 985

    From the moment Shaun first saw Elise dancing in the bar, he knew she was trouble, and that she was after him.


    The only reason he kept her around was because people called her ¡°Halsey 2.0¡±. He wanted to see how Halsey would react when she saw him with a woman who had ulterior motives, a woman who was basically her recement.


    He wanted to see if Halsey would get jealous.


    He wanted to know if she still cared about him.


    He didn¡¯t care what anyone else said he needed to find out for himself.


    And now, he had his answer.


    Ever since Elise had been by his side, Halsey had been distracted, unlike herself.


    She was jealous.


    She still cared.


    Halsey red at the amusement in his eyes and said, ¡°You¡¯ve really changed. You weren¡¯t like this before.¡±


    Shaun grabbed her wrist and pinned her to the bed. ¡°If I¡¯ve changed, it¡¯s because of you.¡±


    ¡°Because of me?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I wanted to be someone you¡¯d fall for.¡±


    Her heart softened. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say we were over?¡±


    Shaun tightened his grip. ¡°It¡¯s not up to me. It¡¯s up to you. We¡¯re only over if you say we are. Got it?¡±


    He was leaving the decision to her.


    Halsey silenced him with a kiss, her lips crashing against his.


    Shaun froze for a second before taking control, deepening the kiss with a hunger that had been building for days. Halsey wrapped her arms around his neck, matching his intensity.


    But then, suddenly, he pulled away.


    Her lips were still tingling, her eyes zed. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    His voice was rough. ¡°Are you¡­okay with this?¡±


    She smirked. ¡°Okay with what?¡±


    ¡°You know what.¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t.¡±


    Shaun groaned. ¡°I want you.¡±


    She loved seeing him like this-the usuallyposed CEO, reduced to begging for her. With a swift move, she flipped him onto his back, straddling him.


    Shaun blinked up at her. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Halsey grinned. ¡°Taking you.¡±


    She kissed him again, trailing her lips down his jaw, his throat, and lower¡­.


    Shaun¡¯s breath hitched, his body burning. They had been together since their school days and were perfectly in sync. He loved this side of Halsey-bold, demanding, and utterly irresistible.


    Muchter, Halsey stood at the bathroom sink, rinsing her mouth. Shaim wrapped his arms around her from behind, pressing a kiss to her hair. ¡°You okay?¡±


    She smirked at him in the mirror. ¡°Are you seriously asking that now?¡±


    He leaned in to kiss her, but she dodged him and gripped his tie instead. She dragged him out of the bathroom, through the room, and shoved him onto the bed.


    Climbing over him, she raised an eyebrow. ¡°So, you still have it in you?¡±


    His eyes darkened with desire. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Halsey smirked. ¡°I served you. Now, it¡¯s my turn.¡±


    She kissed him hard, and Shaun pulled her closer, his hands gripping her waist. ¡°Whatever you want, mydy. I¡¯m all yours.¡±


    Time lost meaning. Halsey felt like a boat tossed by waves, rising and falling until one final, crushing surge pulled her under.

 My Dad Please Come 986

    Shaun carried Halsey to the bathroom, washed her gently, then brought her back to bed. Exhausted, Halsey curled up under the covers and was out like a light.


    Shaun pinched her cheek yfully. ¡°You can¡¯t sleep yet, mydy.¡±


    Halsey kept her eyes shut, mumbling a drowsy protest in a soft, sleep-slurred voice. ¡°Shh¡­ I¡¯m so tired¡­¡±


    Shaum ran his fingers through her damp hair. ¡°Your hair¡¯s still wet. Let me dry it for you.¡±


    He grabbed the hairdryer and began carefully blowing her hair dry, his movements so light they didn¡¯t wake her. Halsey only faintly registered the warmth of the air and the soothing drag of his fingers through her long strands as the moisture slowly vanished.


    Once he was done, Shaun set the dryer aside and slipped into the shower himself. When he returned, he pulled back the covers and climbed into bed. Though this was technically his room, he hadn¡¯t slept here since bringing Halsey back-he¡¯d never held her in this bed before.


    Now, with Halsey deep in sleep, he gathered her into his arms.


    She nuzzled against him like an affectionate kitten, sighing as she settled into the crook of his shoulder. ¡°Shaun¡­¡±


    His lips curved. ¡°I¡¯m here.¡±


    Then, softer this time, she murmured, ¡°Dwight.¡±


    The name hit him like a punch to the chest. So many memories-sweet, unreachable moments from their youth. Back when he was Dwight, Halsey had been the only light in his world. And from the moment he found her, he had clung to that light, refusing


    to let go.


    No matter how much it hurt.


    She still remembered him as Dwight.


    Shaun pressed a kiss to her forehead. ¡°I¡¯m here.¡±


    Whether as Shaun or Dwight, he would always be hers.


    Satisfied, Halsey drifted offpletely, her breathing slow and even. Shaun held her close, his hand drifting down to rest on the gentle swell of her stomach.


    Here, in his home, in his arms, she and their child were safe.


    After everything they had been through, this was the ending he had always wanted.


    His voice was a whisper against her hair. ¡°Hey, little one. It¡¯s me, your daddy. I¡¯m right here with you¡­¡±


    As if in response, the baby gave a small kick, right against Shaun¡¯s palm.


    It wasn¡¯t the first time he had felt their child move, but the thrill never faded. He grinned, stroking Halsey¡¯s belly.


    ¡°You know it¡¯s me, don¡¯t you? Alright, time to rest now. No more moving around-your mommy¡¯s asleep, and we don¡¯t want to wake her.¡±


    Miraculously, the baby seemed to listen, settling quietly.


    Shaun tightened his arms around Halsey, wishing time would freeze-just for tonight.


    ¡°Goodnight, mydy,¡± he murmured before closing his eyes.


    2


    The next morning.


    find empty sheets.


    cy wont to amp¡¯


    She sat up, rubbing her eyes. ¡°Shaun?¡±


    No answer.


    ¡°Shaun, where are you?¡±


    She was again met with silence.


    Where had he gone?


    ????????,,

 My Dad Please Come 987

    Shaun had slept beside Halseyst night. Where had he gone?


    Halsey sat up and got out of bed before walking out of the room.


    ¡°Shaun? Shaun¡­¡±


    She finally found him in the kitchen, cooking.


    It wasn¡¯t the first time she had seen him in the kitchen. Back when they were together, Shaun was always the one who cooked. But even now, every time she saw him like this, she couldn¡¯t help but find him incredibly attractive.


    He was wearing a in white button-down shirt with ck cks, nothing fancy. His soft bangs rested gently on his forehead, and his rolled-up sleeves gave him a casual, youthful look.


    Compared to his usual polished appearance as a business elite, he looked even more handsome andid-back.


    Halsey watched him flip an egg skillfully in the pan. He was frying it to a perfect golden brown on both sides.


    Maybe her gaze was too intense, because Shaun turned around and caught her staring. Their eyes met.


    He smiled. ¡°Morning.¡±


    She stepped into the kitchen. ¡°Cooking this early?¡±


    Shaun reached out and gave her a yful pinch on the nose. ¡°I can¡¯t let you and our son go hungry.¡±


    Halsey ced a hand on her rounded belly. ¡°And how are you so sure it¡¯s a boy? I get it-you¡¯re one of those who favor sons over daughters!¡±


    Shaun pulled her into his arms. ¡°Favor sons over daughters? Please. My mom had me and Maddy. No one in our family thinks like that. A child is a child-boy or girl, it¡¯s all the same.¡±


    Of course, Halsey knew he didn¡¯t have that kind of mindset. He spoiled Madeline all the time.


    ¡°Then howe you¡¯re so convinced it¡¯s a boy?¡±


    ¡°Just a gut feeling!¡± Shaun grinned. ¡°I really think it¡¯s a boy.¡±


    Halsey chuckled. Truth was, she had no idea whether it was a boy or a girl either. But Shaun spent time talking to the baby whenever he had a chance, so maybe his instinct would turn out right.


    Boy or girl, it didn¡¯t matter.


    Shaun leaned down and kissed her cheek. ¡°Hungry?¡±


    Now that he mentioned it, she realized she actually was, so she nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Go sit. Breakfast is ready.¡±


    Halsey took a seat at the dining table. Shaun brought over a te of fried eggs and spaghetti bolognese. He handed her a set of utensils.


    ¡°Try it. See if it¡¯s any good.¡±


    She took a bite, and her eyes lit up. ¡°It¡¯s delicious!¡±


    Shaun¡¯s cooking, had always been good, but it just kept getting better. Every time she tasted it, a pleasant surprise greeted her.


    Then, he set a warm ss of milk next to her. ¡°Drink your milk.¡±


    Halsey pouted. ¡°Can I skip the milk?¡±


    ¡°Nope,¡± Shaun said firmly.


    ¡°But I really don¡¯t want to.¡±


    Shaun took a sip himself, then leaned in, gently cupping the back of her head, and kissed her.


    Caught off guard, Halsey felt the milk pour into her mouth-he was literally feeding it to her!


    She pushed him away. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    He raised a brow. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you didn¡¯t want to drink it? I¡¯m just helping. Want me to keep helping?¡±


    Halsey snatched the ss from him and took a sip on her own. ¡°No need. I¡¯ll drink it myself.¡±


    Shaun smiled, then leaned in again and kissed her.


    This time, it wasn¡¯t about milk. It was a real kiss-slow, deep, and lingering. As his lips moved against hers, Halsey felt like that milk had been sweetened with honey.


    When the long kiss finally ended, her cheeks were flushed bright red.


    That breakfast was way too sweet.

 My Dad Please Come 988

    Shaun gave Halsey¡¯s cheek a gentle pinch. ¡°Hurry up and eat. I¡¯m taking you somewhere after this.¡±


    Halsey raised an eyebrow, curious. ¡°Where to?¡±


    Shaun grinned mysteriously. ¡°Can¡¯t tell you yet. You¡¯ll see when we get there.¡±


    ¡°So secretive, huh?¡± Halsey muttered.


    After breakfast, Shaun took Halsey out. About half an hourter, they pulled up at a mall.


    Halsey blinked. ¡°You brought me to the mall?¡±


    Shaun led her straight into a jewelry boutique. ¡°You told me yesterday that I¡¯ve never bought you any jewelry. Well, today¡¯s your day. Pick whatever you want-I¡¯m paying.¡±


    Halsey arched her brows yfully. ¡°Wow, you¡¯re being so generous today. Guess I won¡¯t hold back.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Shaun replied with a smirk.


    A sales assistant came over, full of energy. ¡°Good morning! Looking for anything in particr?¡±


    Halsey pointed toward a bracelet. ¡°That one.¡±


    ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll take it out for you to try on.¡±


    Leaning closer to Shaun, Halsey whispered, ¡°That emerald bracelet looks like it¡¯s top-grade. Probably costs millions. You sure you won¡¯t regret it?¡±


    Shaun¡¯s eyes lit up as he looked at her yful gaze. ¡°If you like it, I¡¯d be willing to spend everyst dime I have.¡±


    Halsey couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    The sales assistant brought over the bracelet. The emerald gleamed against Halsey¡¯s wrist, highlighting how slender and fair her hands were. It looked stunning on her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take it,¡± Halsey said.


    Shaun handed over his ck card. ¡°Charge it.¡±


    Halseyughed. ¡°You¡¯re so attractive when you pay for stuff.¡±


    Shaun grinned. ¡°Then give me more chances to impress you. Let¡¯s keep shopping.¡±


    As she nced toward a disy case, something sparkly caught her eye-a diamond ring.


    Just then, Shaun¡¯s voice cut in. ¡°Bring me the biggest diamond ring you have.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the assistant replied.


    Halsey¡¯s heart skipped. ¡°You¡¯re buying a diamond ring?¡±


    ¡°Yep,¡± he said casually.


    Why would he need a diamond ring? Who was it for?


    Halsey¡¯s heartbeat quickened.


    The assistant returned with a ring. ¡°Here you go, sir.¡±


    Shaun took the ring in one hand and gently held Halsey¡¯s hand with the other. ¡°Try it on.¡±


    ¡°Why are you buying me a diamond ring?¡± she asked softly.


    Shaun raised an eyebrow. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    She didn¡¯t answer. How was she supposed to know if he wouldn¡¯t say it?


    The enormous diamond slid onto her ring finger.


    ¡°It¡¯s a perfect fit,¡± the assistant said with a smile.


    Shaun turned to her. ¡°Do you like it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not bad,¡± she replied.


    ¡°We¡¯ll take it. Put it on my card,¡± Shaun said.


    ¡°Right away.¡±


    Halsey started to slide the ring off, but Shaun gently stopped her. ¡°Leave it on.¡±


    She looked up at him.


    ¡°You can¡¯t take off a diamond ring after putting it on,¡± he said. ¡°I want you to wear it for the rest of your life.¡±


    Her longshes fluttered. ¡°But this kind of ring is for married couples.¡±


    Shaun looked her straight in the eye. ¡°Then let¡¯s get married.¡±


    Halsey froze. ¡°What did you say?¡±


    Shaun slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. ¡°Have you ever thought about marrying me? We already have a baby on the way. Don¡¯t you want our child to be born into a real family? So, let¡¯s get married.¡±


    He was proposing to her.

 My Dad Please Come 989

    Halsey¡¯s pale eyes suddenly welled up with tears. After all the years she had known Shaun, she had always dreamed of marrying


    him.


    And now, he had proposed.


    She opened her mouth to speak, but just then, Warren appeared.


    ¡°Shaun, what are you doing here?¡±


    At that moment, Halsey remembered-Warren, Chelsea, and Gilbert still hadn¡¯t been dealt with.


    Before she and Shaun could get married, all of this must be ended. Shaun also deserved to know the truth about what had happened back then.


    Halsey looked at Shaun and said, ¡°I need to think about it.¡±


    Shaun smiled gently. ¡°Take your time. My baby¡¯s growing in your belly, so I¡¯m not worried about you running off¡ªI can wait.¡±


    He said he could wait.


    And somehow, that meant more to Halsey than any sweet talk ever could.


    If it hadn¡¯t been for his persistence these past three years, the two of them might have already parted ways forever due to all the


    lies and schemes.


    Yet, he had never let go of her hand.


    Just then, Warren walked up. ¡°Hey, what are you doing here?¡±


    Halsey slipped her arm through Shaun¡¯s in a deliberate move and said with a smile, ¡°Shaun brought me here to buy diamonds and jewelry!¡±


    Warren had never liked Halsey. Now, hearing her say that on purpose, his face immediately darkened. ¡°Why are you still with


    her?¡±


    Shaun frowned, his handsome features sharp with displeasure. There was a warning in his tone as he addressed Warren. ¡°Show some respect to Halsey from now on, or we¡¯ll stop being friends.¡±


    ¡°Shaun!¡±


    Right then, Shaun¡¯s phone started ringing. He pulled it out and said to Halsey, ¡°I need to take this.¡±


    She nodded. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    Shaun walked out, leaving Halsey alone with Warren.


    Warren wasted no time being polite and immediately gave her a cold look. ¡°Why are you still clinging to Shaun? Do you think this is some kind of game?¡±


    Halsey raised an eyebrow. She knew Warren had been blinded by the lies from back then and had beenpletely brainwashed by Chelsea.


    ¡°I think you¡¯ve got it backward. I¡¯m not chasing after him-he¡¯s the one chasing after me.¡±


    ¡°What¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, and that Elise who looks so much like me? She¡¯s been fired. You know that, right?¡±


    Warren frowned. ¡°I just found out, which is why I came to find Shaun.¡±


    In Warren¡¯s mind, as long as it wasn¡¯t Halsey, Chelsea or Elise would do just fine.


    ¡°Do you know why he fired Elise? She bought a fake diamond bracelet and falsely imed he had given it to her, so he let her go. Shaun brought me here to shop today. He paid for all these.¡±


    Halsey pointed to the row of packed shopping bags behind the disy.


    Warren¡¯s face twisted with frustration, and that only pleased Halsey even more. Even though she knew Warren was Shaun¡¯s best friend, she hadn¡¯t forgotten how he had almost caused her to lose her baby on the operating table.


    ¡°And by the way, Shaun proposed to me.¡±


    ¡°What did you say?¡± Warren¡¯s expressionpletely changed.


    Halsey lifted her hand, showing off the glittering diamond on her ring finger. ¡°See this? He picked it out for me himself. He proposed just now. All I have to do is say yes, and I¡¯ll officially be Mrs. Lane.¡±


    Warren was speechless.


    ¡°So you¡¯d better think twice before messing with me,¡± Halsey added before turning around and walking away.


    Chapter

 My Dad Please Come 990

    Halsey didn¡¯t need to look back to know how furious Warren was at this moment, but she couldn¡¯t care less.


    She figured he would find Chelsea next, and then Chelsea would turn to Gilbert. The two of them would certainly panic.


    And that was exactly what Halsey wanted-to force them into a corner and make them slip up.


    As Halsey walked away, Warren was seething. He simply couldn¡¯t understand why Shaun had loved Halsey for so many years and had even proposed. At this rate, they might really get married soon.


    Without hesitation, Warren pulled out his phone and dialed Chelsea.


    Chelsea wasn¡¯t alone right now-she was with Gilbert.


    Because of the Elise incident, Chelsea had kept a low profile for a few days: Still, both she and Gilbert were bing more anxious. Halsey was pregnant, and that belly was only going to get bigger.


    Chelsea¡¯s phone rang, and she nced at the screen. ¡°It¡¯s Warren.¡±


    Gilbert was swirling a ss of wine in his hand. ¡°Answer it.¡±


    Chelsea picked up. ¡°Hey.¡±


    ¡°Bad news. Something serious just happened.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Shaun took Ms. Mallin shopping for diamonds today, and he proposed to her!¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Chelsea shot up from her seat, clutching the phone in disbelief. ¡°What did you just say?¡±


    Warren repeated it, ¡°You heard me right-Shaun proposed to Ms. Mallin!¡±


    Chelsea felt her world crumbling down.


    Gilbert, seeing Chelsea¡¯s face go pale, asked in a low voice, ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°Shaun proposed to Halsey!¡± Chelsea blurted out.


    Gilbert froze. His hand clenched around the wine ss, and, with a sharp crack, it shattered in his palm.


    ¡°Chelsea, are you there?¡± Warren¡¯s voice came urgently through the phone.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m still here. Did she say yes?¡±


    ¡°No, she didn¡¯t. Not yet. If she had, they¡¯d already be on their way to City Hall. But just because she didn¡¯t say yes now doesn¡¯t mean she won¡¯tter. We need to act fast!¡±


    So, Halsey hadn¡¯t epted Shaun¡¯s proposal yet. But what if she did?


    Chelsea was panicking. She had invested so much time and effort into Shaun, so there was no way she was giving him up.


    ¡°Okay, Warren. I¡¯ll think of something. Wait for my update.¡±


    She hung up and looked across the table at Gilbert. ¡°Did you hear that? Shaun proposed to Halsey! After everything we¡¯ve done, they¡¯re still about to get married. If that happens, all our efforts will be wasted. You need to think of something! We can¡¯t let them get married!¡±


    Blood was already seeping from Gilbert¡¯s palm where the shattered ss had cut him.


    He gritted his teeth and growled, ¡°You think I¡¯m okay with this? Halsey belongs to me! Why does she insist on being with that broke scum?¡±


    ¡°What do we do now?¡± Chelsea said, panicking.


    Gilbert paused, then said coldly, ¡°We have no choice but to go all in. If I can¡¯t have her, I¡¯d rather destroy her. If she¡¯s not mine, then no one else can have her either!¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s fury suddenly melted into satisfaction. She knew Gilbert really did love Halsey.


    Years ago, Gilbert had cheated on Halsey. After she left, she became the unattainable woman he could never forget.


    He had never been able to bring himself to hurt her-until now.


    Now, he was finally ready to go all the way.


    Perfect!


    K

 My Dad Please Come 991

    ¡°It¡¯s time to make our move! We can¡¯t wait any longer,¡± Chelsea said to Gilbert.


    ¡°After what happenedst time, Halsey is on high alert. Looks like our best chance is to use Warren,¡± Gilbert said.


    Chelsea thought for a moment. ¡°You¡¯re right. Warren is Shaun¡¯s best friend-he¡¯s the perfect weapon against Halsey.¡±


    ¡°Warren trusts youpletely,¡± Gilbert sneered. ¡°He¡¯s never suspected a thing. If he finds out who you really are¡­¡±


    Chelsea cut him off sharply, ¡°He¡¯ll never find out! He trusts mepletely.¡±


    Gilbert nodded. ¡°Good. Now call him and have him ask Halsey out. We have to make our move.¡±


    Chelsea smiled. ¡°Will do.¡±


    She grabbed her phone and dialed Warren.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want Halsey and Shaun to end up together, right? She¡¯s hurt him time and again. We can¡¯t let him fall for her again. As his best friend, we have to protect him.¡±


    ¡°What do you want to do?¡± Warren asked.


    Chelsea said, ¡°Call Halsey and get her to meet you. We¡¯ll talk then.¡±


    Warren agreed without hesitation. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Shaun spent the day out shopping with Halsey, then had dinner with her.


    Halsey smiled at him. ¡°You¡¯re with me all day today? No work?¡±


    Shaun wrapped his arm around her waist. ¡°No work today. Just spending time with you and our baby.¡±


    Halsey smiled happily.


    ¡°Are you tired?¡± Shaun asked.


    ¡°A little.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s head home, then.¡±


    Shaun drove them back to the vi. He went to the study to work, while Halsey went to her room.


    Suddenly, her phone rang. She nced at the caller ID and saw that it was Warren.


    Halsey smirked. It seemed like Gilbert and Chelsea were making a move.


    She answered the call, and Warren¡¯s voice came through.


    ¡°Do you have a moment?¡±


    Halsey replied, ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. I just wanna ask you out to talk.¡±


    Halsey asked, ¡°Just the two of us?¡±


    Warren said nothing.


    She knew Warren wasn¡¯t a bad guy. He simply didn¡¯t want her with Shaun.


    ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, someone¡¯s using you to get me out, right?¡± Halsey asked.


    ¡°What are you implying?¡±


    Halsey warned him, ¡°Here¡¯s a reminder-don¡¯t trust Chelsea. She¡¯s using you.¡±


    Warren sounded displeased. ¡°Are you trying to stir trouble between me and Chelsea? From what I know, you almost killed Shaun three years ago. These past years, Chelsea has stood by his side. I know exactly who I should trust!¡±


    Halsey scoffed. ¡°Sometimes, what you see isn¡¯t the truth. Last time you asked me out, do you know what Chelsea did to me?¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡± Warren snapped. ¡°No matter what you say, I won¡¯t believe you!¡±


    Halsey felt helpless. She knew Warren¡¯s grudge ran deep, and he wouldn¡¯t trust her words.


    ¡°I just want to talk,¡± he insisted.


    ¡°Sorry, I don¡¯t have time. I¡¯m not meeting you.¡±


    With that, Halsey hung up.

 My Dad Please Come 992

    Halsey had hung up on purpose.


    As long as she didn¡¯t take the bait, Gilbert and Chelsea would only get more desperate. Sooner orter, they would start to panic and do something reckless.


    All she had to do now was wait.


    At the moment, Chelsea was with Warren.


    As soon as he set his phone down, she asked eagerly, ¡°Well? Did she agree to meet?¡±


    Warren shook his head. ¡°No, she said she wasn¡¯ting. Said she didn¡¯t have time.¡±


    Chelsea clenched her fists. So Halsey refused to show up.


    That meant they would have to try something else.


    ¡°You have ess to Shaun¡¯s vi, right?¡± She asked. ¡°Your fingerprint is in the lock system.¡±


    Warren looked at her. ¡°Why are you asking about that?¡±


    Chelsea leaned in slightly. ¡°Since Halsey won¡¯te out, that leaves only one option. You need to sneak me into the vi so I can talk to her. Also, you¡¯ll have to call Shaun and find a way to get him out of the house. That¡¯s the only way I¡¯ll get to speak to Halsey alone.¡±


    Warren frowned. ¡°Why are you so eager to see her, anyway? What are you nning to do?¡±


    Chelsea froze. That was the first time Warren had asked her that.


    She had a bad feeling. It sounded like he was starting to doubt her.


    Chelsea couldn¡¯t afford that. She still needed Warren because he was her best weapon. If she lost his trust now, she would have nothing left.


    ¡°Why would you ask me that? I just want to talk to Halsey and convince her to leave Shaun. Did she say something bad about me? Is that why you¡¯re starting to suspect me now?¡± she said.


    ¡°She did mention a few things,¡± Warren replied. ¡°Last time, when you asked me to get her to that restaurant, what exactly did you do to her?¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s heart skipped a beat. ¡°I¡¯ll be honest with you, Warren. I drugged her and took her to a surgical room-I was trying to make her lose the baby.¡±


    Warren¡¯s face changed instantly, and he jumped to his feet. ¡°How could you do something like that?!¡±


    Chelsea had expected that reaction, but she had toe clean. If she didn¡¯t, Halsey would tell him everything anyway-and by then, it¡¯d be toote. She had to stay one step ahead.


    ¡°I admit it was a desperate move,¡± she said hurriedly, ¡°but Halsey can¡¯t keep that baby!¡±


    ¡°Are you out of your mind? That baby is Shaun¡¯s! Even if we don¡¯t like Halsey, we can¡¯t go after an innocent child! That¡¯s a human being! If Shaun finds out, he won¡¯t forgive us!¡± Warren yelled, indignant.


    Chelsea stood up and grabbed his arm.


    ¡°Because of that baby, Halsey has Shaun wrapped around her finger. You¡¯ve seen it yourself-Shaun even proposed to her! Are


    you really going to let her ruin his life? We¡¯re his best friends. If we don¡¯t step in now, no one else will!¡±


    Warren hesitated. He was Shaun¡¯s closest friend, and no one wanted to see Shaun happy more than he did.


    Chelsea noticed the shift in his expression and quietly smiled to herself. He was cracking. All she had to do now was push a little


    harder.


    ¡°We¡¯re running out of time. We have to get into the vi and talk to Halsey. We can¡¯t let her marry Shaun. You¡¯re the only one who can stop this. Help him, please!¡±


    Warren hesitated for another moment. Then, his eyes grew firm and he nodded.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll do it. I¡¯ll call Shaun and get him out of the house. Then I¡¯ll bring you inside so you can find Halsey.¡±


    Chelsea beamed. Everything was going exactly ording to n! 4

 My Dad Please Come 993

    Inside the vi, Halsey had just finished a hot shower. She brewed a fresh cup of coffee and brought it to the study. Raising her hand, she knocked lightly on the door.


    Shaun¡¯s voice came through almost immediately.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    She opened the door. Shaun was seated in his desk chair, going over documents.


    Halsey walked over and ced the coffee beside him. ¡°Here¡¯s your coffee.¡±


    Without looking up, Shaun stayed focused on his work. ¡°Just leave it there.¡±


    Halsey didn¡¯t want to disturb him, so she turned to leave.


    Before she could take a step, his hand suddenly caught her wrist. He pulled her straight onto hisp, wrapping his arms around her. ¡°You made this yourself?¡±


    She gave him a yful punch with her small fist. ¡°Weren¡¯t you concentrating on work? I thought you didn¡¯t even notice me.¡±


    A smile yed on Shaun¡¯s lips. ¡°Well, you personally made me coffee-how could I not notice? I¡¯ve stopped focusing on work the moment you walked in.¡±


    ¡°Hey, I didn¡¯t do anything! Don¡¯t me your distraction on me,¡± she protested.


    ¡°You¡¯re a temptress, and you¡¯ll be the death of me,¡± Shaun teased, holding her tight.


    And with that, he leaned in for a kiss.


    Halsey quickly covered his mouth with her hand. ¡°No kissing! Get back to work!¡±


    Shaun raised an eyebrow. ¡°What, you think I can¡¯t afford to take care of you?¡±


    She chuckled. ¡°Of course, you can. With all the money you have, even if you stop working, you can still support me and the baby just fine.¡±


    ¡°d you know that.¡±


    Shaun leaned in again, clearly ready to steal that kiss.


    Just then, a melodic ringtone cut through the moment. His phone was ringing.


    Halsey nudged him. ¡°Someone¡¯s calling you. Answer it!¡±


    Shaun grabbed the phone and looked at the caller ID. It was Warren.


    Halsey saw it, too. ¡°Warren¡¯s calling. You¡¯d better pick up.¡±


    Shaun answered the call, and Warren¡¯s voice came through right away. ¡°Hey, can you get to the office soon? There¡¯s an issue with one of our projects. We need you here to handle it personally!¡±


    Shaun frowned. He had cleared his schedule today just to spend time with Halsey and the baby. ¡°Just have PR handle it.¡±


    Warren sounded a little exasperated. ¡°You¡¯ve been MIA all day. The PR team can¡¯t fix this-it has to be you!¡± Then he added with augh, ¡°Seems you¡¯ve been abandoning your post to go after love, huh? That¡¯s not very professional.¡±


    Halsey leaned in and whispered, arms still around his neck, ¡°You should go.¡±


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll head to the office soon,¡± Shaun said into the phone. After hanging up, he looked at Halsey. ¡°I have to go in for a bit.


    ¡°Sure. Gonna need money for the baby¡¯s form!¡± she said with a sweet smile.


    Shaun grinned. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t I get a reward first?¡±


    She raised an eyebrow. ¡°What kind of reward?¡±


    ¡°You seriously don¡¯t know? Don¡¯t y dumb,¡± he said with a smirk.


    Halsey leaned in and kissed him. Bold and eager, she clung to him and kissed him deeply, teasing his tongue. Shaun¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard, hisrge hand gripping her soft waist.


    Suddenly, Halsey pushed him away. ¡°Careful of the baby!¡±


    ¡°Did I hurt you?¡± Shaun asked quickly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I got carried away.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Now, hurry and get to the office.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯lle back as soon as I¡¯m done. Try to get some rest, okay?¡± Shaun said gently.

 My Dad Please Come 994

    ¡°Alright.¡±


    With that, Shaun grabbed the car keys and left. After he was gone, Halsey stepped out of the study, nning to head back to her


    room.


    But just then, Chelsea¡¯s voice rang out.


    ¡°Hello, Ms. Mallin.¡±


    Halsey froze and turned her head, ncing downstairs. Two familiar faces came into view-Chelsea and Warren.


    ¡°How did you get in here?¡± Halsey asked.


    Warren replied, ¡°I used my fingerprint to get in.¡±


    In that moment, Halsey immediately understood Chelsea¡¯s game. She hadn¡¯t expected Chelsea to actually use Warren like this.


    ¡°Warren,¡± she said sharply, ¡°you called Shaun to get him out of the house, and then you brought Chelsea in? If he finds out, he¡¯s going to cut all ties with you!¡±


    Warren hesitated, but Chelsea quickly snapped at Halsey, ¡°Stop trying to mess with his head! Warren and I are doing this for Shaun¡¯s good. We can¡¯t let him destroy himself because of you!¡±


    Halsey let out a coldugh. ¡°No. You working with Gilbert is what¡¯s going to ruin Shaun.¡±


    Warren stiffened. ¡°What did you just say? Who is she working with?¡±


    ¡°Do you seriously not know?¡± Halsey asked him. ¡°She¡¯s teamed up with Gilbert.¡±


    ¡°No way! Gilbert is Shaun¡¯s enemy. There¡¯s no way she¡¯d work with him!¡± Warren said in disbelief. He turned to Chelsea. ¡± What¡¯s going on? Is this true?¡±


    ¡°How could you believe her? She¡¯s just trying to drive a wedge between us!¡± Chelsea said firmly.


    Warren believed her and immediately nodded. He turned to Halsey.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough! Twisting people¡¯s words is what you do best, but I¡¯m not Shaun-I won¡¯t fall for your tricks.¡±


    Halsey went silent. At that point, she felt like Warren was beyond help.


    Chelsea looked at him and said, ¡°Go to the office. If Shaun shows up and doesn¡¯t find you there, he¡¯ll get suspicious. Leave this to me¨CI¡¯ll have a proper talk with Ms. Mallin.¡±


    She was trying to send Warren away.


    Halsey immediately objected. ¡°No, Warren, you can¡¯t go. She¡¯s sending you away because she¡¯s nning something!¡±


    Chelsea stepped in and asked Warren, ¡°Who do you believe, me or her?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I believe you,¡± Warren replied. ¡°I¡¯ll head to the office now. You take care of things here.¡±


    And with that, he turned and walked off.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Halsey called out loudly. ¡°If you walk out that door, you¡¯ll regret it!¡±


    Warren paused for a second-but only a second-before striding away.


    Halsey was deeply disappointed.


    Seeing Halsey¡¯s long face, Chelsea smiled. ¡°Give it up! Warren and I have known each other for years. Of course, he¡¯s on my side.


    Halsey narrowed her eyes. ¡°What are you up to? Why are you really here tonight?¡±


    Chelsea replied smoothly, ¡°Chill out. There¡¯s still someone else joining us tonight.¡±


    She pped-momentster, someone walked in.


    Gilbert.


    He looked at Halsey and smiled. ¡°Hey, we meet again.¡±


    Halsey didn¡¯t look surprised. She had expected him to show up.


    Tonight, Chelsea and Gilbert had used Warren once again to sneak their way into the house.


    ¡°You again,¡± Halsey said coldly. ¡°Why do you keep bothering me? You know I don¡¯t feel anything for you.¡±


    Gilbert walked straight toward her, getting closer and closer.


    ¡°You¡¯re in my hands now. Are you sure you wanna keep saying things that¡¯ll just piss me off?¡±

 My Dad Please Come 995

    Halsey quickly pulled out her phone.


    ¡°I¡¯m calling Shaun!¡±


    However, Gilbert immediately pped the phone out of her hand, sending it hitting the ground with a loud crack.


    ¡°My phone!¡±


    Halsey tried to pick it up, but Chelsea¡¯s stiletto heel came down hard, grinding the phone into the floor.


    ¡°Give it up, Halsey!¡± Chelsea said with a cold smile. ¡°You¡¯re not getting away tonight.¡±


    Halsey narrowed her eyes. ¡°What the hell do you two want from me?¡±


    Gilbert turned toward the door. ¡°Guys!¡±


    A group of bodyguards in ck rushed in. ¡°Yes, Mr. Greenwood?¡±


    Gilbert faced Halsey again. ¡°Shaun¡¯s gone, and my men have already surrounded the vi. So tonight, you¡¯d better behave. Don¡¯t make things harder than they need to be.¡±


    Halsey red at him. ¡°What are you trying to do?¡±


    Gilbert took out two ne tickets and held them up. ¡°Come with me. Let¡¯s leave this ce. We can start over somewhere new.¡±


    ¡°Start over?¡± Halsey gave a bitterugh. ¡°What do you mean, start over? We never even started in the first ce!¡±


    ¡°You little¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget! Our families might have arranged our marriage back then, but you cheated on me with Sienna. I shouldn¡¯t even have to remind you. I¡¯m with Shaun now. I love him, and I¡¯m carrying his child. So stop dreaming!¡±


    Gilbert¡¯s gaze dropped to her stomach. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if you¡¯re pregnant. Just get rid of it! Once the baby¡¯s gone, we can pretend none of this ever happened and live a happy life abroad.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s time you woke up. I¡¯m never going with you!¡± Halsey snarled.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have a choice, Halsey! You¡¯ll leave with me today!¡±


    ¡°No, I won¡¯t go! Shaun wille for me!¡±


    Gilbert snapped. He grabbed a handful of Halsey¡¯s long hair and yanked hard.


    ¡°You really know how to piss me off, huh? It¡¯s always Shaun this, Shaun that! Do you have any idea how sick I am of hearing his name?¡±


    Chelsea had been watching the whole thing like a show. Now she stepped forward. ¡°Gilbert, it¡¯s clear that Ms. Mallin doesn¡¯t care about you anymore. Even if you drag her overseas, she¡¯ll just run again.¡±


    He turned to her. ¡°What¡¯s your point?¡±


    ¡°Why not make her disappear?¡± Chelsea suggested with a twisted smile. ¡°That way, you won¡¯t lose to Shaun. In fact, you¡¯ll get to watch him spend the rest of his life grieving over her. You¡¯ll be the ultimate winner!¡±


    Chelsea was doing everything she could to manipte Gilbert.


    No one in the world hated Halsey more than she did. And right now, she would¡¯ve been thrilled if Halsey vanished for good.


    ¡°Wow, you really are twisted. I wonder if Warren knows what kind of person you really are,¡± Halsey sneered.


    Chelsea smirked. ¡°He¡¯ll never know. To him, I¡¯ll always be a good friend. You¡¯re the one he can¡¯t stand.¡±


    Furious, Halsey turned to Gilbert. ¡°Chelsea¡¯s just using you, too!¡±


    Gilbert red at her.


    ¡°This is yourst chance. Are youing with me or not?¡± His tone turned colder. ¡°I mean it! My patience has limits. If you refuse, I¡¯ll make sure you disappear.¡±


    Halsey held her ground. ¡°Then I¡¯ll say it again-give it up! I love Shaun. I¡¯ll never be with you. Not in this life!¡±


    Chelseaughed.


    ¡°You heard her! She¡¯s just in stubborn. She doesn¡¯t appreciate the second chance you¡¯re giving her.¡±

 My Dad Please Come 996

    Gilbert¡¯s expression darkened. He truly loved Halsey, but the way she was acting made him hate her just as much.


    If he couldn¡¯t have her, then he¡¯d rather destroy her himself than let Shaun have her!


    ¡°If you won¡¯t willinglye with me,¡± he snarled at Halsey, ¡°I¡¯ll make you! Guys, take her away!¡±


    With a wave of his hand, two bodyguards in ck immediately stepped forward and grabbed Halsey, trying to drag her away.


    ¡°You¡¯re breaking thew!¡± Halsey shouted.


    But Gilbert simply sneered, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll make sure no one finds out. You¡¯ll leave this world quietly.¡±


    Chelseaughed and snapped at the men, ¡°What are you waiting for? Take her away already!¡±


    The bodyguards dragged Halsey out.


    Chelsea turned to Gilbert. ¡°If you can¡¯t have her, destroy her. Don¡¯t ever let Halsey control your life again.¡±


    ¡°I know!¡± Gilbert said coldly. ¡°Just make sure Shaun doesn¡¯t suspect anything for now.¡±


    ¡°I will. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    After that, Gilbert left.


    Chelsea was overjoyed. She sat down on the couch, looking around the vi with a satisfied smile.


    Halsey-her greatest rival-was finally going to disappear!


    She had stayed by Shaun¡¯s side for so long just for this day, to be Mrs. Lane.


    Once Halsey was out of the picture, she had plenty of ways to win Shaun over. Then, she would be thedy of this house. Everything she ever wanted would be hers!


    At that moment, Shaun was in his office at thepany.


    Warren handed him a file. ¡°We need you to handle this document personally.¡±


    Shaun took the file. ¡°Why did you call me to the office thiste?¡±


    ¡°If I didn¡¯t, would you still be with Ms. Mallin right now?¡± Warren asked.


    ¡°Halsey¡¯s pregnant with my baby. It¡¯s my first time being a dad¨CI want to be there for them,¡± Shaun replied.


    Warren hesitated for a moment. ¡°After everything she did to hurt you before, why can¡¯t you let her go?¡±


    ¡°Warren!¡±


    Furious, Shaun looked him straight in the eye.


    ¡°You keep bringing up the things Halsey did to hurt me, but you never mention all the good she¡¯s done! Back when I was still Dwight, when I had nothing, she was the one who treated me well. Have you forgotten those dark years? Halsey helped my mother pass away peacefully. She raised Maddy while I was missing for three years. Without her, I wouldn¡¯t be who I am today.¡±


    Warren fell silent.


    The truth was, he had genuinely liked Halsey once. He had just forgotten that somewhere along the way.


    ¡°Halsey is a wealthy heiress,¡± Shaun continued. ¡°Back when I was just some naive, clueless kid, she came into my life and chose to love me. No matter what she¡¯s done over the years, I¡¯ve never stopped loving her. Honestly, I don¡¯t think I could live without her. And now, she¡¯s carrying my child. They are everything to me.¡±


    Warren didn¡¯t know how to respond.


    ¡°You¡¯re my best friend, and I know you¡¯ve only ever wanted what¡¯s best for me,¡± Shaun added. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯ve never med you for what you did before. But please, don¡¯t hurt Halsey. She and the baby are my bottom line. If anything happens to them, whatever bond we had ends right there.¡±


    Today, Shaun had trulyid his heart on the table.


    Warren could tell that he meant every word.

 My Dad Please Come 997

    Shaun truly valued his bond with Warren, but he also loved Halsey and their child deeply. They were his bottom line.


    So, he sincerely asked Warren to stop judging Halsey so harshly and to never do anything that could hurt her or the baby. Otherwise, their friendship would be over.


    Warren gave a half-smile. ¡°Got it. Just finish up those documents, and you¡¯ll be free to go home and be with Ms. Mallin and the


    baby.¡±


    Shaun nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    He lowered his head and began reviewing the documents.


    Warren stepped out of the office, suddenly feeling uneasy. He wasn¡¯t sure how the conversation between Chelsea and Halsey was going.


    He took out his phone and dialed Chelsea¡¯s number.


    At that moment, Chelsea was still at the vi and hadn¡¯t left yet. When she saw Warren calling, she answered the call.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    Holding the phone tightly, Warren asked, ¡°How¡¯s the talk with Ms. Mallin going?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re still talking,¡± Chelsea replied.


    ¡°She¡¯s pregnant with Shaun¡¯s baby, so don¡¯t provoke her or do anything that might harm the child,¡± Warren warned her.


    Chelsea immediately caught the shift in his tone. ¡°What¡¯s going on with you? I thought you couldn¡¯t stand her. Now it sounds like you¡¯re trying to protect her.¡±


    Warren paused for a few seconds, then asked, ¡°Do you think¡­maybe we were wrong?¡±


    Chelsea was stunned. ¡°What? Wrong about what?¡±


    Warren continued, ¡°Shaun¡¯s our best friend, the closest we¡¯ve got. We both know how well he¡¯s treated us all these years. As his friends, shouldn¡¯t we want him to be happy? We all know he loves Halsey, and he¡¯s happy when he¡¯s with her. So why are we trying to tear them apart? Is it really our goal to see him miserable?¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s expression changed. She hadn¡¯t expected Warren to switch sides so fast and suddenly defend Halsey.


    Warren had always been her sharpest weapon. If he stopped helping her go after Halsey, what was she supposed to do?


    ¡°Warren, what¡¯s gotten into you? We agreed we couldn¡¯t just stand by and let Shaun throw his life away on Halsey. Have you forgotten what she did to him back then?¡±


    Warren thought for a moment. ¡°But is it possible that there was some misunderstanding about what happened back then?¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°I mean,¡± Warren said, ¡°I can feel it. Halsey loves Shaun, too. Otherwise, why would a wealthy heiress like her choose to stay by his side? She even raised Maddy like her own. Could someone like that really be trying to hurt Shaun?¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s fingers curled tightly. She hadn¡¯t expected Warren to start doubting the past.


    Before she could say anything, Warren asked, ¡°Can you put Halsey on? I want to ask her something myself.¡±


    But Halsey wasn¡¯t there anymore. Gilbert had already taken her away.


    Chelsea¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Thest thing she needed was Warren turning on her now.


    ¡°What are you saying?¡±


    ¡°I want to talk to Halsey directly. Just hand her the phone.¡±


    Chelsea gripped her phone. ¡°You¡¯re breaking up! I can¡¯t hear you clearly. Maybe your signal¡¯s bad. Anyway, I¡¯m gonna hang up


    now!¡±


    With that, she quickly ended the call.


    She needed to buy more time.


    Warren stared at his phone, listening to the busy tone on the other end. His expression darkened.


    Something felt off about Chelsea.

 My Dad Please Come 998

    Chelsea quickly ended the call, saying the signal was bad, but Warren couldn¡¯t shake a growing sense of unease. It felt like Chelsea was hiding something from him.


    Could everything Halsey said really be true? And now that Halsey was with Chelsea, could she be in danger?


    Warren immediately tried calling Chelsea again, but this time, she didn¡¯t answer.


    A cold, mechanical voice came through the line. ¡°Sorry, the number you have dialed is unavable. Please try againter.¡±


    Chelsea had turned off her phone.


    Warren didn¡¯t waste a second. He pulled up Halsey¡¯s number and hit call, but she didn¡¯t answer either.


    That same robotic voice repeated, ¡°Sorry, the number you have dialed is unavable. Please try againter.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s phone was off, too.


    Why were both their phones off at the same time? Could something have happened to Halsey?


    If anything happened to her or the baby, Shaun wouldn¡¯t be able to handle it.


    Thinking back on what Shaun had just said, Warren broke out in a cold sweat. Regret flooded through him. Now that he couldn¡¯t reach either Halsey or Chelsea, panic set in. What was he supposed to do?


    He had no choice but toe clean. The only thing left to do was tell Shaun the truth.


    Warren rushed into the CEO¡¯s office. ¡°Shaun!¡±


    Shaun, who was reviewing documents, looked up. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You look pale.¡±


    Warren stepped forward. ¡°There¡¯s something I need to tell you.¡±


    Shaun set down his pen and stood. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s about Ms. Mallin,¡± Warren said.


    Shaun¡¯s expression tightened. ¡°What are you trying to say?¡±


    Warren hesitated, then confessed, ¡°Chelsea came to me today. She said she wanted to talk to Ms. Mallin. She knew I had the code to your vi and asked me to take her there.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s face changed. ¡°And you agreed?¡±


    Warren nodded. ¡°Yes, I did.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s eyes turned sharp and cold. ¡°So that urgent document earlier was a setup? You purposely distracted me?¡±


    ¡°That was Chelsea¡¯s idea!¡± Warren insisted. ¡°But don¡¯t worry. Chelsea is our good friend. You trust her, right? She would never hurt Ms. Mallin.¡±


    Shaun narrowed his eyes. ¡°Do you really believe that? If she wanted to talk to Halsey, there were plenty of other ways. Why would she ask you to sneak her into the vi and then send you away?¡±


    Warren shook his head. ¡°That can¡¯t be! Chelsea¡¯s not that kind of person. I trust her.¡±


    Shaun pulled out his phone and dialed Halsey.


    No answer.


    His face darkened instantly. ¡°I can¡¯t reach her. When I left earlier, everything was fine. She would never ignore my call¡­unless something¡¯s happened!¡±


    Warren still didn¡¯t want to believe it. Deep down, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to doubt Chelsea. He really did see her as a friend.


    ¡°Shaun, let¡¯s not jump to conclusions. Let¡¯s just go back to the vi. Maybe Ms. Mallin¡¯s still there.¡±


    Shaun grabbed his car keys. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    He drove as fast as he could, with Warren in the passenger seat. When they arrived at the vi, Shaun opened the door and ran


    inside.


    ¡°Halsey?¡±


    There was no reply.


    The huge vi waspletely silent.


    For the past couple of days, Shaun had been staying home with Halsey and the baby. He had even been preparing all the meals himself, since the housekeeper happened to be on leave.


    But now, the ce was empty.


    Halsey was gone.


    X

 My Dad Please Come 999

    Shaun¡¯s face was clouded over with worry.


    ¡°Halsey? Halsey! Where are you?¡±


    He took the stairs two at a time and pushed open the master bedroom door, but it was empty-no one was there.


    ¡°Halsey? Halsey!¡±


    Warren followed behind, and his heart dropped to the floor. ¡°She¡¯s not home? Where could she have gone?¡±


    He started to panic. ¡°Her phone isn¡¯t connecting either. She¡¯s gone¡­ Do you think something happened to her? Could it be¡­she was telling the truth?¡±


    Shaun turned sharply to look at him. ¡°What did Halsey say?¡±


    Warren didn¡¯t dare hide it any longer and came clean on the spot. ¡°She said Chelsea¡¯s teamed up with Gilbert, and they¡¯re working together!¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Shaun was stunned.


    Warren kept going. ¡°At first, I didn¡¯t believe it. We¡¯ve known Chelsea for so many years-how could she possibly work with Gilbert? She knows he¡¯s our worst enemy! Could she really have contacted him? Did Gilbert take Ms. Mallin away, just likest time?¡±


    Shaun grabbed Warren by the cor. ¡°Last time? Whatst time?¡±


    Warren said quickly, ¡°Last time, Chelsea told me to invite Ms. Mallin out. Chelsea secretly drugged her drink, and I was sent away right after. Ms. Mallin told me that once I left, Chelsea and Gilbert brought her straight to the operating room and tried to make her lose the baby!¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Shaun yanked Warren¡¯s cor tighter. ¡°You¡¯re telling mest time it was you, Chelsea, and Gilbert working together?¡±


    The time Halsey was almost forced into that abortion, he had rushed in just in time to stop it and take her away. Back then, he thought Halsey didn¡¯t want the baby and had gone through with the abortion on purpose.


    All along, he had misunderstood her.


    She hadn¡¯t done it willingly-she was set up!


    ¡°You¡¯ve really let me down!¡± Shaun barked.


    Livid, he threw a heavy punch straight to Warren¡¯s face.


    The hitnded hard. Warren stumbled to the floor, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. He wiped it away with the back


    of his hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry! This is all my fault! I shouldn¡¯t have trusted Chelsea. Looking back, she¡¯s been suspicious all along! We have to go find Ms. Mallin right now. I¡¯ve got a really bad feeling. If something happens to her or the baby, I¡¯ll never live with myself!¡±


    Warren truly regretted everything. Only now did he realize he may have trusted the wrong person.


    Shaun clenched both fists at his sides. ¡°Someone get in here!¡±


    A team of bodyguards dressed in ck rushed in. ¡°Mr. Lane, your orders?¡±


    ¡°Find Halsey immediately!¡± Shaun barked. ¡°I don¡¯t care if you have to search every inch of the city-bring her and the baby back!¡±


    Martin responded without hesitation, ¡°Got it. We¡¯ll start the search now!¡±


    Shaun stormed out with his men.


    113


    ¡°Wait for me!¡± Warren called, running after him.


    At that moment, Halsey had been taken to a warehouse. Her hands and feet were bound tightly.


    ¡°Gilbert, let me go! This is illegal and you know it! Shaun will find me-he¡¯ll be here any minute, and you¡¯re not getting away with this!¡±


    Gilbert stared at her coldly. ¡°Toote. By the time he shows up, you¡¯ll already be dead.¡±


    He pulled out a knife and slowly began walking toward her.

 My Dad Please Come 1000

    Halsey took a step back. ¡°Wake up, Gilbert! What you¡¯re doing is murder-it¡¯s against thew!¡±


    Gilbert sneered. ¡°I did the same to Shaun three years ago. If I did it once, I can just as easily make you disappear without a trace.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s longshes trembled. ¡°So it really was you who went after Shaun three years ago!¡±


    Gilbert gritted his teeth. ¡°Yeah, but the guy just wouldn¡¯t die. He actually survived! And now, he¡¯se back as some hotshot in the business world. I wish he¡¯d just die already.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s voice shook. ¡°What exactly did you do to him three years ago?¡±


    Gilbert gave a cold, twistedugh. ¡°He was already badly injured, so I had someone drag him into a car. We took him to the edge of a cliff. I poured acid on his face, ruined itpletely, and then pushed the car off the cliff, with him still inside.¡±


    Halsey had suspected it, but hearing the whole story out loud made her gasp.


    ¡°You¡¯re a monster! You actually threw acid on his face?¡±


    Gilbertughed manically. ¡°It was all because of you! You fell for him! He was just some broke nobody back then, but he still managed to outshine me in every way. And you fell in love with him! You were all drawn to that pretty face of his, weren¡¯t you? So I made sure to destroy it!¡±


    It turned out that a man¡¯s jealousy might be the scariest thing of all. Gilbert had actually gone so far as to disfigure Shaun.


    ¡°You did all of that, and then pinned it on me, didn¡¯t you?¡± Halsey snarled. ¡°You made Shaun think I was the one who tried to


    kill him.¡±


    Gilbert chuckled. ¡°So you figured it out?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I know everything now! All the while, Shaun thought I was with you, and that I wanted him dead. But you¡¯re the one behind it all! I never did a damn thing. You framed me! How can you be so cruel? It wasn¡¯t enough to try to kill him-you broke his spirit!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what I wanted,¡± Gilbert hissed. ¡°I wanted him dead and heartbroken. I wanted to tear you two apart so you could never be together. I wanted him to hate you!¡±


    Halsey was shaking with rage. ¡°Your n will never work!¡±


    Gilbert sneered, ¡°Hah! Once I send you to your grave, Shaun will lose you forever. If I can¡¯t have you, then he sure as hell won¡¯t.


    He¡¯ll never beat me!¡±


    Halseyughed coldly. ¡°You know what? Deep down, you¡¯re just insecure, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Gilbert froze. His face twisted. ¡°What did you just say?¡±


    ¡°Am I wrong? You¡¯re insecure. You¡¯ve always known you¡¯re not as good as Shaun. Even when he had nothing, people still loved him. And since you couldn¡¯t beat him fairly, you turned to disgusting, dirty tricks, even breaking thew. Honestly, I have no respect for you.¡±


    She said she had no respect for him.


    Those words, from the woman he loved, filled Gilbert with rage. His face contorted, and he lunged forward, grabbing Halsey by the neck.


    ¡°No! Say you love me!¡±


    The


    IND


    Halsey¡¯s breath hitched as Gilbert¡¯s grip tightened around her throat. The air was getting thinner, and her face started to turn red.


    ¡°I won¡¯t!¡± she choked out.


    13


    Gilbert¡¯s fingers squeezed harder. ¡°This is yourst chance. Say it or I¡¯ll kill you right now!¡±


    ¡°Fine¡­ I¡¯ll say it,¡± she whispered.


    Gilbert¡¯s face lit up. ¡°Go on!¡±


    Halsey stared right at him and said each word clearly, ¡°I love Shaun. The one I love is Shaun!¡±

 My Dad Please Come 1001

    Halsey told Gilbert that she loved Shaun.


    Gilbert was fuming. How dare she lie to him and provoke him!


    He grabbed Halsey by the neck and tightened his grip. ¡°Are you really not afraid to die?¡±


    Halsey¡¯s face turned an even deeper shade of red. ¡°I am afraid! I can¡¯t bear to leave the baby inside me, and I can¡¯t leave Shaun. But more than death, I can¡¯t stand the thought of being with someone like you. You disgust me!¡±


    Gilbert snapped, ¡°I¡¯m gonna-


    Just then, the warehouse door swung open, and someone rushed in


    ¡°Gilbert!¡±


    It was Chelsea.


    Gilbert released Halsey¡¯s throat, and a rush of fresh air filled her lungs. She coughed twice, struggling to breathe.


    He turned to Chelsea. ¡°What the hell are you doing here? Shouldn¡¯t you be with Shaun and Warren?¡±


    Chelsea looked serious. ¡°Warren¡¯s starting to suspect me.¡±


    Gilbert¡¯s expression changed. ¡°What are you talking about? Hasn the always trusted you? He¡¯s never doubted you before.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened. Something just feels off. He¡¯s acting really strange,¡± she said, frowning. ¡°I have a bad feeling about this. We need to get rid of Halsey now. Keeping her around is only gonna bring trouble.¡±


    Halsey let out a coldugh and looked straight at Chelsea.


    ¡°Shaun and Warren trusted you. They never suspected a thing. But here you are, scheming behind their backs with Gilbert. How could you do that to them?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough! Who are you to judge me? This is all your fault! Shaun and I were supposed to be together. He was mine! I was supposed to be Mrs. Lane. But then you showed up and ruined everything. You stole Shaun from me, and I hate you for that! I want you gone!¡±


    Halsey suddenlyughed again.


    Chelsea froze. ¡°What the hell are youughing at?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯mughing at how selfish, greedy, and fake you are,¡± Halsey said calmly. ¡°Shaun and I met first. We fell in love first. Don¡¯t you know that? And even after learning about Gilbert¡¯s schemes, you still threw yourself into this mess, trying to take what was never yours to begin with. Shaun never belonged to you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re lying!¡± Chelsea shouted. ¡°You¡¯re the one who took him from me!¡±


    ¡°Shaun never loved you. It¡¯s all in your head. This whole thing is just your fantasy. He never felt the same!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wrong!¡± Chelsea screamed. ¡°Shaun does love me! And once you¡¯re gone, he¡¯ll finally be mine!¡±


    Her voice cracked as she spiraled into madness.


    Gilbert stepped in. ¡°Enough with the nonsense already.¡±


    Chelsea clenched her fists. ¡°Gilbert, this woman refuses to see reason. It¡¯s time to end this. And do it fast. Something¡¯s wrong tonight¨Cboth Warren and Shaun are acting weird. We can¡¯t let them find this ce!¡±


    This was their one shot. They couldn¡¯t afford to waste it.


    Tonight was the night Halsey had to die.


    Gilbert¡¯s eyes showed a hint of hesitation, but they quickly turned cold and vicious. He turned to Halsey. ¡°I gave you a chance. Since you didn¡¯t take it, I¡¯ll just have to finish this myself.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯remitting a crime,¡± Halsey warned, her voice steady. ¡°You won¡¯t get away with it.¡±


    Chelsea sneered. ¡°Maybe not, but you won¡¯t be around to see it. Good luck wherever you¡¯re headed!¡±


    She gave Gilbert a look.


    Gilbert raised the knife in his hand, his eyes dropping to Halsey¡¯s swollen belly. ¡°I¡¯ll start by killing this kid nobody wants.¡±


    Chelsea nodded. ¡°Yeah. That thing should¡¯ve never existed.¡±


    ¡°No! Please don¡¯t hurt my baby! Don¡¯t!¡± Halsey cried, shaking her head desperately.


    ¡°Die!¡± Gilbert shouted.

 My Dad Please Come 1002

    Gilbert raised the knife and lunged toward Halsey¡¯s stomach.


    Chelseaughed with joy. She had finally gotten what she wanted Halsey and the baby would be gone from her life for good!


    Just as Gilbert¡¯s de was about to strike, a small rock suddenly flew through the air and hit his hand square on.


    ¡°Argh!¡± Gilbert cried in pain, and the knife ttered to the ground ¡°What the hell just happened?¡±


    Both Gilbert and Chelsea turned around at the same time, just in time to see the warehouse door get kicked open.


    A group of officers stormed in.


    ¡°Hands up! Don¡¯t move!¡±


    The police had arrived-the authorities actually showed up!


    This sudden turn of events left Gilbert and Chelsea stunned.


    Still trying to recover, Gilbert shouted, ¡°Where is everyone?! Where are my men?¡±


    The ck-d bodyguards had already been forced to the ground. Mr. Greenwood, we¡¯ve been surrounded!¡±


    ¡°What?!¡±


    Surrounded? How was this possible?


    Gilbert couldn¡¯t believe what he was hearing. They had nned every detail. The location was remote, and nobody should have


    known about this.


    So how did the police find them?


    ¡°Put your hands up now!¡±


    Two officers rushed over and grabbed Gilbert and Chelsea. Another officer moved quickly to untie Halsey¡¯s wrists.


    Chelsea turned to Halsey, eyes full of hate. ¡°What the hell is going on? Why are the cops here?¡±


    Halsey gave a coldugh. ¡°You thought your n was wless, and no one would know. But the police are here and have you


    surrounded.¡±


    Gilbert narrowed his eyes. ¡°What did you


    do?¡±


    Just then, a deep, steady voice rang out. ¡°Gilbert! Chelsea!


    Gilbert and Chelsea looked up. When they saw who it was, both of them gasped.


    Chelsea¡¯s voice trembled in disbelief. ¡°Sh-Shaun?¡±


    Shaun stepped inside with Warren by his side.


    Chelsea¡¯s voice cracked. ¡°What are you two doing here?¡±


    Gilbert couldn¡¯t believe it. ¡°This is impossible! No one knew where this ce was! How did you find us?¡±


    Warren stormed forward and pped Chelsea across the face. The hit knocked her head to the side, and blood dripped from the corner of her lips.


    She turned back with a shaky voice. ¡°I can exin-


    Warren sneered, ¡°Fine. Here¡¯s your chance. Go ahead and exin why you¡¯re here with Gilbert.¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s mind raced. It felt like all the blood in her body had frozen. ¡°I¡ª¡±


    TEA


    ¡°Keep lying! Go on! With that level of acting, you should¡¯ve won an Oscar by now! I treated you like my best friend, and you used me like a fool. You¡¯re nothing but selfish and cruel!¡±


    Shaun rushed over to Halsey and wrapped her in his arms. ¡°Are you hurt?¡±


    She shook her head gently. ¡°I¡¯m okay. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Shaun ced his hand protectively on her belly. ¡°Is the baby alright?¡±


    Halsey smiled. ¡°We¡¯re both fine.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s voice held a hint of guilt. ¡°I never should¡¯ve agreed to it. I never should¡¯ve gone along with your n.¡±


    ¡°n?¡±


    That one word hit Gilbert and Chelsea like a shockwave.


    They stared at Halsey. ¡°What n?¡±


    Halsey gave a cold smirk. ¡°It¡¯s exactly what it sounds like. Shaun and I faked everything. We¡¯ve been acting the whole time, just to get you two to show your true colors.¡±


    Gilbert and Chelsea suddenly realized what had just happened.


    ¡°You two¡­¡±

 My Dad Please Come 1003

    Halsey chuckled. ¡°Did something just click for you two?¡±


    Warren looked at Halsey in disbelief, then turned to Shaun. ¡°Did you guys already figure out that Gilbert and Chelsea were going to make a move tonight? So you yed along on purpose?¡±


    Shaun nodded. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    A few hours earlier, Shaun and Halsey had been in the study when Shaun got a call from Warren.


    Shaun had turned him down right away. It waste, and no amount of money was more important than Halsey and his baby. He was staying home to be with them.


    However, Halsey wrapped her arms around his neck and insisted that he go to thepany.


    Someone as alert as Shaun sensed something was off immediately.


    ¡°Why do you insist that I go to the office?¡± he asked. ¡°It feels like you¡¯re hiding something.¡±


    ??


    Halsey smiled sweetly at him. ¡°Like what?¡±


    Shaun frowned. ¡°Like¡­ I seriously think you¡¯re trying to get me out of the way so you can sneak off again.¡± That made Halseyugh. ¡°Do you seriously think I¡¯ll run off?¡±


    Shaun nodded with a straight face. ¡°Yup. You¡¯ve already taken off on your own a bunch of times, and I had to go bring you back.¡±


    find


    you and


    Halsey felt a pang in her chest, but she smiled and said, ¡°Do you believe me when I say I¡¯ve been here the whole time? I never left.¡±


    Shaun narrowed his eyes. ¡°What are you trying to say?¡±


    Halsey took a deep breath. ¡°I never tried to hurt you. This whole thing is Gilbert¡¯s doing. He and Chelsea are working together. Now that you¡¯ve proposed to me, Chelsea can¡¯t take it anymore, and I¡¯m sure they¡¯re nning to act tonight. Warren¡¯s call just now proves it-they¡¯re still using him without him even realizing it.¡±


    Shaun pressed his lips together and looked at Halsey, his eyes unreadable.


    Nervous, Halsey whispered, ¡°Give me a chance. Let me prove it to you.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Shaun said.


    Halsey blinked in surprise. ¡°That was easy.¡±


    ¡°Because I trust you,¡± Shaun said softly, ¡°and I¡¯ll believe whatever you say.¡±


    That touched her deeply. Trust and understanding were the foundation of anysting rtionship. After everything they¡¯d been through-all the lies and misunderstandings-Shaun still trusted her without question.


    That meant everything


    ¡°This scheme of Gilbert¡¯s started three years ago. All we need to do now is y along and not tip them off,¡± Halsey said seriously.


    Shaun asked, ¡°What¡¯s your n?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to do anything right now,¡± she said. ¡°Just go to thepany. Once you¡¯re gone, Gilbert and Chelsea will definitely make a move. They¡¯lle after me.¡±


    T20 BUNUS


    Shaun frowned. ¡°No way! That makes it even more dangerous. I can¡¯t leave you and the baby like that!¡±


    Seeing how serious he looked, Halsey quickly threw her arms around his neck and pouted. ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say you trusted me? I need you to do as I say.¡±


    ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°No buts!¡± she cut him off. ¡°I can take care of myself. I¡¯ll keep our baby safe, too. Right now, I just need you to cooperate. Please,


    crust me.¡±


    Under Halsey¡¯s pleading gaze, Shaun finally gave in. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll go to thepany.¡±


    nd that was how Shaun ended up going, ying his part perfectly in Halsey¡¯s n.

 My Dad Please Come 1004

    Halsey pulled out a voice recorder from her pocket and looked straight at Gilbert and Chelsea.


    ¡°I recorded our entire conversation just now. This is evidence of your crimes. With both physical proof and a witness, you¡¯ll be spending the rest of your lives behind bars. Don¡¯t even think about getting out!¡±


    Gilbert and Chelsea gasped. They hadn¡¯t seen thising-it was all part of Halsey¡¯s n, and she had even recorded it.


    ¡°Give me that recorder!¡± Chelsea tried to snatch it away.


    But Halsey handed it directly to one of the officers. ¡°Here you go, officer.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡± The officer nodded, taking the recorder. Then, he turned to Gilbert and Chelsea. ¡°You have the right to remain silent. We¡¯ll see you in court.¡±


    Chelsea¡¯s face twisted with anger as she growled at Halsey, ¡°I really underestimated you! I can¡¯t believe I actually lost to you!¡±


    ¡°I told you a long time ago-Shaun was never yours,¡± Halsey said calmly. ¡°You kept coveting something that never belonged to you. Now it¡¯s time to pay the price.¡±


    Gilbert began to struggle. He tried to break free from the officers and charge at Halsey.


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you!¡±


    However, Shaun stepped forward and punched Gilbert straight in the face.


    ¡°Three years ago, you threw acid on me and ruined my face. Then, you drove me and my car off a cliff. You framed Halsey, trying to break us apart!¡± Shaun hissed coldly.


    Blood trickled from the corner of Gilbert¡¯s mouth. ¡°Yeah, it was me! You¡¯re just a poor nobody. How could you everpete with me? Why should you get the spotlight? Why should Halsey love you? You¡¯re a nobody!¡±


    Shaun sneered. ¡°You think I¡¯m a nobody, but you can¡¯t take me down. So you turned to crime. Well, just wait-my legal team will make sure you never get out of prison.¡±


    At the side, Chelsea cried, ¡°I really love you! You can¡¯t do this to me!¡±


    Before Shaun could respond, Warren stepped in sharply. ¡°How dare you talk about love! Your so-called love is selfish, controlling, and destructive. Your love is terrifying.¡±


    Chelsea turned to Shaun again. ¡°I was the one who stayed by your side these past three years! Have you forgotten that? Don¡¯t send me to prison. Please, just give me one more chance-for the sake of everything we¡¯ve been through.¡±.


    Halsey nced at Shaun, unsure of what he would do.


    But Shaun only gave a cold smile. ¡°I told you from the start-I only ever saw you as a friend. I never gave you any hope. Everyone knows I love Halsey.¡±


    Those words made Halsey¡¯s heart skip a beat.


    Right then, Shaun gently took Halsey¡¯s hand, her soft fingers trembling as he wrapped them tightly in his own. He stared at


    Chelsea.


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you-Halsey and the baby she¡¯s carrying are my bottom line. No one touches them. Last time, you forced Halsey onto an operating table. This time, you kidnapped her. I¡¯m officially done with you. Good luck spending the rest of your life in prison.¡±


    Chelsea went pale. She didn¡¯t want to go to jail! She still had her whole life ahead of her. She didn¡¯t want it all to end here.


    People never fear doing bad things-but when the time to face the consequenceses, they finally panic.


    Seeing that Shaun wasn¡¯t moved, Chelsea turned to Warren in desperation. ¡°Are you not going to help me, either?¡±

 My Dad Please Come 1005

    ¡°Chelsea,¡± Warren snapped, ¡°I thought we were friends, but to you, I was just a tool. I wish I¡¯d never met you! I¡¯m not helping you-deal with the consequences yourself. Stay in there for the rest of your life!¡±


    Now that even Warren refused to help her, Chelseapletely froze. She really didn¡¯t want to go to prison-it wasn¡¯t fair! She couldn¡¯t ept it.


    Chelsea turned to Halsey. ¡°This is all your fault! I had a bright future ahead of me, and you ruined it!¡±


    ¡°Chelsea, even now, you still haven¡¯t learned a thing,¡± Halsey replied calmly. ¡°It was your own greed that destroyed you.¡±


    Shaun had no interest in wasting another word on Gilbert and Chelsea.


    ¡°Take them away,¡± he ordered.


    Gilbert and Chelsea were escorted out.


    Once they were gone, Warren turned to Halsey. ¡°Ms. Mallin, I owe you an apology.¡±


    Seeing Warren bow his head first, Halsey gave a soft smile. ¡°Warren, you don¡¯t need to apologize to me. You didn¡¯t do anything wrong. You were just too stubborn and believed Chelsea.¡±


    ¡°I was fooled by her, I swear,¡± Warren said quickly. ¡°No matter what, I never meant to hurt you or your baby!¡±


    Shaun cut in, ¡°What¡¯s the point of apologizing now?¡±


    ¡°Shaun, we¡¯ve been brothers for so many years. Just give me one more chance. I promise I¡¯ll change,¡± Warren pleaded.


    Halsey smiled and said teasingly, ¡°Alright, don¡¯t give Warren such a hard time.¡±


    ¡°Ms. Mallin, if you still won¡¯t forgive me, then I¡¯ll get on my knees and apologize properly!¡± Warren said, getting ready to kneel.


    But Halsey quickly stopped him. ¡°Get up.¡±


    He looked at her hopefully. ¡°So¡­ You¡¯re forgiving me?¡±


    ¡°I know you¡¯re Shaun¡¯s best friend, and everything you did was for him,¡± Halsey said. ¡°So yes, I forgive you. But from now on, you need to open your eyes and stop letting people use you.¡±


    Warren grinned. ¡°From now on, I¡¯m only listening to you and Shaun!¡±


    Halseyughed.


    Shaun looked at Warren and said, ¡°Don¡¯t let it happen again.¡±


    Warren nodded. ¡°Got it.¡±


    Shaun took Halsey¡¯s hand. ¡°Let¡¯s go home. I¡¯m worried about the baby. I¡¯ll have the doctor give you a full checkup.¡±


    Even though Halsey kept insisting she was fine, Shaun still called the doctor over. The checkup was done right there in the vi.


    ¡°Doctor, how is she?¡± Shaun asked.


    The doctor smiled. ¡°No need to worry, Mr. Lane. She and the baby are both doing great. All her vitals arepletely normal.¡±


    ¡°You checked everything, right?¡± Shaun asked again.


    Watching how fussy Shaun was being, Halsey felt warm inside. She smiled. ¡°Stop grilling the poor doctor. He checked everything-we¡¯re both healthy.¡±


    TO BONUS


    The doctor chuckled. ¡°You two are such a loving couple. I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡±


    After the doctor left, Halsey sat on the bed while Shaun gently ced his hand on her belly. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have let you take that risk today.¡±


    ¡°If I hadn¡¯t, how would you have found out the truth about what happened three years ago?¡± Halsey said. She reached up and cupped his face. ¡°Listen to me. I never tried to hurt you. Everything was Gilbert¡¯s n.¡±


    Shaun nodded. ¡°I know. I understand now.¡±


    Only now did he realize that Halsey had never left him. For the past three years, just like him, she had always kept him in her


    heart.

 My Dad Please Come 1006

    These past three years, the worst pain for Shaun wasn¡¯t physical-it was emotional. All this time, he had believed that Halsey


    had abandoned him.


    But she hadn¡¯t.


    Shaun looked at her. ¡°So¡­ You and Gilbert were never together?¡±


    Halseyughed. ¡°You really thought I dated him?¡±


    Shaun nodded. ¡°I mean, if we don¡¯t talk about his personality, Gilbert¡¯s actually not a bad choice. He¡¯s handsome, rich, and ambitious, and you were once engaged to him. How was I supposed to know you didn¡¯t fall for him at some point?¡±


    Halsey could hear the jealousy in his voice, so she teased him on purpose. ¡°Now that you mention it, Mr. Lane, Gilbert is pretty decent. Lots of rich girls in our circle liked him. I mean, he and I did¡ª¡±


    Before she could finish, Shaun reached out and covered her mouth. ¡°Stop. Don¡¯t say another word.¡±


    He didn¡¯t want to hear it.


    Halsey gently pulled his hand away. Under the soft glow of the light, her almond-shaped eyes sparkled beautifully.


    ¡°No, I want to say it. Gilbert might look like a good guy, but there¡¯s nothing between us. Yes, our families had an engagement arranged, and yes, he once tricked me into trusting him. But once I saw his true colors, I walked away. And then I met you.


    ¡°To me, no matter how great Gilbert might seem, he¡¯ll neverpare to you. You¡¯re better looking, and now you¡¯re making waves in the business world. I must¡¯ve been blind to ever like him.¡±


    Shaun had been full of jealousy just a moment ago, but now, she hadpletely won him over. ¡°Are you serious? You really mean that?¡±


    ¡°I swear,¡± Halsey said. ¡°I meant every word.¡±


    Then she leaned in and kissed him lightly on the lips. ¡°I love you.¡±


    Shaun wrapped his arms around her, no longer holding back. He pulled her into a deep kiss.


    They fell back onto the bed. Feeling his growing passion, Halsey gently pushed against him, blushing. ¡°Careful. The baby.¡±


    Shaun grinned. ¡°He¡¯s already six months along. The doctor said that as long as we¡¯re not doing anything too intense, it¡¯s fine.¡±


    Halsey¡¯s small face turned even redder. ¡°What are you trying to do?¡±


    Shaun smirked. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ What do you think I¡¯m trying to do?¡±


    Halsey gave him a yful re.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you nning to marry me yet?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to think about it,¡± she replied with a smile.


    ¡°Great. You think about that, and I¡¯ll just do my thing.¡±


    Shaun pushed her down again.


    Laughing, Halsey tried to wiggle away. ¡°You¡¯re seriously getting more and more shameless!¡±


    Later that night, Halseyy curled up in Shaun¡¯s arms. He kissed her forehead gently. ¡°Did I hurt you?¡±


    She shook her head. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°So, did you enjoy it?¡±


    She smirked and lightly punched him. ¡°Yeah. A lot.¡±


    Shaun chuckled. ¡°Just wait till the baby¡¯s born. There¡¯s more where that came from.¡±


    Halsey rolled her eyes and stopped replying.


    Shaun looked down at the diamond ring on her finger. With all the misunderstandings behind them, and her in his arms, he felt more at peace and fulfilled than ever.


    His father had passed early, and his mother had been gone for years. Sure, he had his younger sister, but it was Halsey who gave him that feeling of home.


    He suddenly said seriously, ¡°Have you thought about marrying me? I¡¯m dying to make you my wife. Making you Mrs. Lane has always been my dream.¡±


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 My Dad Please Come 1007

    Halsey looked at Shaun with a sweet smile.


    ¡°Mr. Lane, you¡¯re still so young. Shouldn¡¯t you be focused on making money or being with a bunch of pretty girls? Is getting married all you can think about?¡±


    Shaun pulled her into a tight hug. ¡°All I want is to marry you. Is that so wrong?¡±


    Halseyughed. ¡°Not at all!¡±


    Just then, a soft ringtone filled the air. Halsey¡¯s phone was ringing.


    ¡°Hold on. Let me take this.¡± She nced at the screen. ¡°It¡¯s Calvin.¡±


    Shaun narrowed his eyes slightly. He remembered that name well. When it came to the men around Halsey, he had a sharper memory than anyone.


    Calvin came from a good family and worked as a university professor. He was smart and respectable.


    And Halsey wasn¡¯t just anyone-she was a rich heiress. Naturally, there were plenty of high-quality men constantly around her. Even though Shaun was doing well himself now, it didn¡¯t stop him from feeling a little uneasy.


    There were way too many men who liked Halsey.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take the call,¡± she said, pressing the answer button. ¡°Hey, Calvin.¡±


    Calvin¡¯s gentle voice came through the speaker. ¡°Hey. Have you been really busytely?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve had a lot going on,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Remember you told me a while back that you wanted to take some advanced sses at Anteoch University? Do you still remember that?¡±


    Halsey smacked her forehead. She hadpletely forgotten about it, but Calvin hadn¡¯t.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Calvin. I totally forgot.¡±


    ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t,¡± he said with a soft chuckle. ¡°I already took care of everything for you. You can start your coursework at Anteoch University tomorrow. You¡¯re a fashion designer, right? Furthering your education will definitely help your career.¡±


    Hearing that he had already handled all the paperwork for her, Halsey was beyond grateful. ¡°Thank you, Calvin. I¡¯ll head to Anteoch University tomorrow. I really appreciate you going through all that trouble for me.


    ¡°No need to be so formal. We¡¯ve known each other since we were kids, and our families are close,¡± Calvin said with a warmugh. ¡°See you tomorrow at Anteoch.¡±


    ¡°Okay, see you then.¡±


    After hanging up, Halsey looked over at Shaun. ¡°I¡¯m going to start my advanced studies at Anteoch University tomorrow.¡± 1


    Now that Shaun had be a rising star in the business world, Halsey wanted to grow too. The best kind of rtionship was one where both people kept moving forward. She wanted to improve herself, be better, and build a stronger future with Shaun.


    Shaun held her gently. ¡°It¡¯s great that you want to keep learning. It¡¯s always good for girls to keep studying. But¡­ You¡¯re already five months pregnant. Won¡¯t it be too tiring to go


    back to school now?¡± 1


    ÌŽ


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Halsey said with a smile. ¡°The baby¡¯s really well-behaved.¡±


    ¡°But won¡¯t it be awkward if the other students see that you¡¯re pregnant?¡±


    ¡°Oh, good point! I¡¯ll wear a loose dress tomorrow so no one notices. Honestly, when I walk down the street, people still think I¡¯m a teenager.¡±


    Halsey was still slim, with delicate arms and legs. Her belly was the only part that had


    grown, and even at five months, it wasn¡¯t all that noticeable. A loose dress would easily hide <ol><li></li></ol>


    Shaun looked at her small, delicate face, glowing with softness and youth. She really did look young and unmarried.


    He reached out and gently pinched her cheek. ¡°Alright, go ahead. I support you.¡±


    Halsey quickly kissed him on the cheek. ¡°Thanks. You¡¯re the best!¡±


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 My Dad Please Come 1008

    Chapter <b>1008 </b>


    Shaun let out a helpless sigh. Honestly, he still wanted to ask more about Calvin¨Cbut he didn¡¯t want to ruin Halsey¡¯s mood, so he kept it to himself.


    Holding her in his arms, he asked, ¡°You hungry?¡±


    Halsey nodded. ¡°Yeah, I am.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go make something to eat, then.¡±


    Shaun got out of bed.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we just let the housekeeper cook? Don¡¯t you have work to do?¡± she asked.


    ¡°From now on, I¡¯ll be doing the cooking myself. What, you don¡¯t like my cooking?¡±


    Shaun was actually an amazing cook¨Cjust as good as a pro chef. Halsey nodded. ¡°I do like it.¡±


    That was all he needed to hear.


    They say the way to a woman¡¯s heart is through her stomach. Shaun figured he had better keep sharpening his kitchen skills.


    <b>1 </b>


    The next morning, Halsey woke up at 7 AM.


    Shaun, still lying beside her, said, ¡°Want to sleep a little longer?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ve got to get to school! I haven¡¯t been in years, and I¡¯m a little nervous!¡±


    Shaun sat up and looked at her anxious face. ¡°What¡¯s there to be nervous about?¡±


    Back in his school days, Shaun had been a total academic star. Even when he skipped sses, he still got top marks. No one could ever knock him out of first ce.


    Halsey didn¡¯t have that kind of brainpower, so all she could do was admire him.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, go ahead and brag,¡± she said. Then she pulled out a dress. ¡°What do you think about this one?¡±


    It was a floral dress, and when she held it up against herself, it looked super cute.


    Shaun nodded. ¡°Looks good.¡±


    ¡°Nope! I¡¯ll try another one.¡±


    She grabbed a white dress instead. ¡°How about this one?¡±


    After watching her try on what had to be seven or eight different dresses, Shaun finally threw back the covers and got out of bed.


    ¡°Ms. Mallin, are you going to school for sses or entering a beauty pageant? Is all this really necessary?¡±


    He was definitely feeling a little jealous about her possibly running into Calvin again.


    ¡°You don¡¯t get it,¡± Halsey said. ¡°Looking polished and pretty is a <b>way </b>of showing respect to Anteoch University and the others<b>. </b>Don¡¯t you want <b>me </b>to look nice?¡±


    Shaun gently pinched her cheek. ¡°You already look beautiful to me¡±


    ¡°Smooth talker! Okay<b>, </b>I¡¯ve decided. I¡¯m wearing the white dress!¡±


    She slipped into <b>it</b><b>, </b>freshened up, and headed downstairs.


    <b>Shaun </b>had alreadyid out a <b>full </b>breakfast on the table. <b>¡°</b>Come cat After this, <b>I¡¯ll </b>drive <b>you </b>to campus<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Halsey blinked. ¡°I can go on my own. You should head to the office.¡±


    He had been staying by her side this whole time, but she knew thepany couldn¡¯t run without him. He had a lot on his te.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you to school first. Then, I¡¯ll head to work.¡±


    Seeing how firm he was, Halsey didn¡¯t push it. Shaun could be pretty stubborn¨Conce he made up his mind, he rarely changed it.


    Thirty minutester, the luxury car pulled up in front of Anteoch University.


    Shaun got out and opened the passenger door. ¡°Ms. Mallin, we¡¯ve arrived.¡±


    Halsey stepped out and looked at the campus with a bright smile. ¡°Thanks for bringing me. I¡¯ll head in now.¡±


    Shaun nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Halsey waved a little goodbye and walked off.


    Shaun watched her go. In her white dress, with her long, ck hair flowing freely, she looked young and fresh¨Cjust like any other student at Anteoch University. Her back was slender and graceful, glowing in the morning light.


    Shaun leaned against the car, lips curving into a rxed smile.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 My Dad Please Come 1009

    Shaun pulled his multi-million-dor car up in front of Anteoch University. Today, he was dressed in the ssic rich CEO look¡ª ck suit, crisp white shirt. The moment he stepped out, his handsome and refined appearance turned heads.


    It didn¡¯t take long for the young, pretty college girls to start ncing his way; eyes lighting up with interest, soft smiles blooming as they exchanged looks full of curiosity and admiration.


    Shaun didn¡¯t pay them any attention. He was used to this kind of reaction. After watching Halsey disappear into the campus, he turned around and got into his luxury car, ready to leave.


    Just then, he heard someone tapping on his window.


    Shaun slowly lowered it. Standing outside was a pretty student, her eyes shining as she looked at him. She gave him a sweet smile. ¡°Hi.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s expression stayed perfectly calm. ¡°Something you need?¡±


    The girl gathered her courage. ¡°Hi, um¡­ Can I get your number?¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Shaun replied without a change in expression. ¡°My wife would be upset if she found out.¡±


    That line hit hard. The girl¡¯s face fell, and she quickly said, ¡°Oh! I¡¯m so sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to bother you.¡±


    Shaun rolled up the window and drove off.


    The girl stood there, clearly disappointed. Another student ran over. ¡°Well? Did you get his number?¡±


    ¡°No¡­ He said he¡¯s married.¡±


    ¡°Sigh. Figures! All the good ones are always taken! Come on. We should get to ss.¡±


    Shaun arrived at hispany. Lately, he had been spending most of his time with Halsey, so work had piled up.


    He stayed busy all morning. By the time noon rolled around, Martin stepped into the office. ¡°Mr. Lane, thepany chef brought your lunch.¡±


    The office door opened, and the chef came in with two assistants, delivering a table full of delicious food.


    ¡°Mr. Lane, it¡¯s time for lunch,¡± the chef said.


    ¡°Thanks for your hard work. You can go now,¡± Shaun replied.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    The chef and his team left.


    Martin reminded Shaun, ¡°You should eat while it¡¯s still warm.¡±


    Shaun set down his paperwork. ¡°What time is it now?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s 12 PM.¡±


    Noon.


    Shaun pulled out his phone and opened WhatsApp.


    Nothing. No message from Halsey.


    How was she doing at Anteoch University? What was she up to now? Had she run into Calvin? Or worse, was she with him right now?


    It was already lunchtime. Had she eaten yet?


    Shaun realized he missed her. His long fingers hovered over the keyboard before he finally sent her a message.


    [Have you eaten?]


    Message sent.


    Shaun waited. And waited.


    But there was no reply. The message disappeared into the void.


    He typed another one.


    [Are you really busy right now? If you are, I won¡¯t bother you.]


    Halsey hadn¡¯t said yes to his proposal yet. He was honestly feeling anxious, but he didn¡¯t want to pressure her, so he tried to hold back.


    Still no reply.


    Shaun looked over at Martin. ¡°Martin.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Lane?¡±


    ¡°I want to ask you something.¡±


    ¡°Of course. Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°If you texted your girlfriend and she didn¡¯t answer, what would you do?¡±


    Martin paused. ¡°I¡¯d think maybe she¡¯s busy. When she¡¯s free, she¡¯ll reply. I wouldn¡¯t worry.¡±


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 My Dad Please Come 1010

    Martin was in no rush, but Shaun definitely was.


    And not just a little-he was seriously anxious.


    Shaun said, ¡°Look, this situation¡¯s kinda unusual. Your girlfriend is out meeting another guy. Don¡¯t you care she might end up falling for him instead?¡±


    Martin smiled a little. ¡°Let me guess-you sent Ms. Mallin a text and she didn¡¯t reply, is that right?¡±


    Shaun didn¡¯t say anything.


    Martin was very smart and a capable assistant. But right now, Shaun wouldn¡¯t have minded if he were a bit more clueless.


    Martin continued, ¡°If you really miss Ms. Mallin, you could always call her. That¡¯s better than sitting here overthinking


    everything.¡±


    Shaun figured this had to be what love felt like-it made people nervous, made them spiral with all kinds of crazy thoughts.


    Shaun ordered, ¡°Cancel everything on my schedule this afternoon.¡±


    Martin blinked. ¡°What are you nning to do?¡±


    Shaun smiled. He had a n.


    Meanwhile, at Anteoch University, Halsey had been running around nonstop since she got there-handling paperwork, visiting the dean¡¯s office, and settling into her ssroom.


    She was starting a course in fashion design, and soon met a few other girls in the same program. They hit it off right away, chatting like they had known each other for ages.


    By the time lunch rolled around, one of the girls grabbed her hand. ¡°It¡¯s lunchtime! It¡¯s your first day here, so we¡¯re taking you


    to the cafeteria!¡±


    Halsey was genuinely grateful. ¡°Thanks. That sounds great!¡±


    They walked into the cafeteria, and just as Halsey took out her phone, she saw a text from Shaun. She was about to reply when


    she heard a familiar voice.


    Looking up, she saw Calvin walking over.


    ¡°Hey, Halsey,¡± Calvin said with a warm smile. ¡°So d you made it to Anteoch on time! Sorry, I couldn¡¯t greet you earlier. I had ss this morning and couldn¡¯t get away. Now that I¡¯m free, is there anything you need help with?¡±


    Halsey smiled back. ¡°Calvin-well, I guess I should call you Professor Johnson now. You¡¯ve already helped me a ton. I managed to handle the paperwork on my own, and I¡¯ve made a few friends in the fashion design program. We really hit it off.¡±


    The girls around her giggled and greeted him politely. ¡°Hi, Professor Johnson.¡±


    Calvin nodded. ¡°Nice to meet you all.¡± Then he turned back to Halsey. ¡°Let¡¯s go out for lunch. My treat.¡±


    Halsey politely declined. ¡°Thanks, but the cafeteria food actually looks pretty good. I¡¯ll just eat here.¡±


    Calvin didn¡¯t push. ¡°Alright, then. But dinner¡¯s on me tonight.¡±


    Halsey started to object. ¡°I-¡±


    Calvin cut in, ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to say no to dinner.¡±


    She paused. He really had gone out of his way to help hertely. It didn¡¯t feel right to keep turning him down.


    ¡°Alright. Dinner sounds good, but I¡¯m buying. You¡¯ve done so much for me¨CI owe you that at least.¡±


    ¡°No way I¡¯m letting you pay.¡±


    ¡°If I don¡¯t pay, then I won¡¯t go to dinner with you,¡± she said firmly.


    Calvin chuckled. ¡°Fine. You win.¡±


    Just then, someone walked over. ¡°Professor Johnson?¡±


    Calvin turned to Halsey. ¡°I¡¯ve got to take care of something. Catch youter.¡±


    ¡°Sure. See you.¡±


    They waved goodbye, and Halsey sat down with her new friends.


    One of the girls turned to her. ¡°So, Halsey, got any ns this afternoon?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve got ss.¡±


    Right then, someone nearby suddenly shouted, full of excitement, ¡°Huge news! We¡¯ve got a major announcement at Anteoch University!¡±


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 My Dad Please Come 1011

    Chapter <b>1011 </b>


    The students around immediately gathered in a circle, buzzing with gossip.


    ¡°What¡¯s this huge news everyone¡¯s talking about?¡±


    ¡°Does Anteoch University really have some big news? Howe I haven¡¯t heard anything?¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t caught wind of anything either,¡± someone else added.


    One of the girls, excited, said, ¡°Of course you haven¡¯t heard it! This major news has just been confirmed. I¡¯m the first to get it, so you know it¡¯s legit!¡±


    ¡°Then stop teasing us. Spill it! What¡¯s the big news?¡±


    ¡°Well, listen up! This afternoon, a rising star in the business worldsing to Anteoch University to give a lecture!¡±


    A rising business star wasing to Anteoch University?


    The whole group instantly lit up¨Cespecially the young, pretty girls


    ¡°What kind of business star? Is he good¨Clooking?¡±


    ¡°Is he rich and handsome?¡±


    ¡°Come on, I know plenty of business CEOS¨Cthey¡¯re mostly middle¨Caged bald men with beer bellies!¡±


    The excited girlughed, ¡°You¡¯re talking about those old CEOs. <b>I¡¯m </b>talking about a rising star. Since he¡¯s new, I bet he¡¯s young, maybe handsome and rich, too!¡±


    ¡°Could be! Now I¡¯m curious about this business star. I¡¯m definitely going to his lecture this afternoon.¡±


    ¡°Me too!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s all go together and see if he¡¯s really handsome and loaded. We¡¯ll find out this afternoon.¡±


    The girls quickly made ns to attend the lecture together.


    Halsey overheard their chatter. The words ¡°rising business star¡± immediately brought a sharp, handsome face to her mind- Shaun.


    Shaun was undoubtedly the hottest rising star in the business world at the moment. No one was more talked¨Cabout than he was.


    Could it be him? Was Shauning to Anteoch University to give a lecture?


    Halsey quickly pushed the ridiculous idea away. No way Shaun woulde here to lecture. He was still tied up with work at thepany and was super busy. When would he even have time?


    Just then, one of the girls nced at Halsey and said, ¡°Come to the lecture with us this afternoon! We heard this rising star is really talented and has something valuable to say. It¡¯ll be a good chance for us to learn!¡±


    Halsey had nned to go anyway; since her friends were inviting her, she didn¡¯t say no.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll go with you this afternoon.¡±


    ¡°Great! Let¡¯s eat first, then hit the library for a bit, and after that, we¡¯ll go to the lecture.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good!¡±


    Halsey ate with the girls and then went to the library. She picked out some books on fashion design, found a spot, and pulled out her phone to text Shaun.


    [Hey. I just finished eating. Have you eaten yet?]


    Shaun replied quickly, [Yeah, I just ate. What are you up to now?]


    Halsey wrote back, <b>[</b>I¡¯m at the library reading. I¡¯ve got ss this afternoon!]


    Then she shared the interesting news she¡¯d just heard. [Guess what? This afternoon, a rising star in business ising to Anteoch University to give a lecture!]


    Shaun asked, [Are you going?1


    To which Halsey replied, [Of course! All my friends want to check him out, too. But don¡¯t worry. I already have my own rising star. I¡¯m definitely not going to be interested in any other business star besides you.]


    X


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