MasukThe caller was none other than the wealthy chinese businessman Richard had arranged for Dakota to sleep with five years ago.
Why contact him now after all this time?After hesitating for several moments, Richard finally answered just before the call disconnected.“Mr. Lancaster.” A lazy chuckle echoed through the phone. “Long time no see.”Inside a luxurious lounge, a middle-aged man sat casually against a leather sofa while pale cigar smoke obscureMr. Chen frowned. Clearly confused. “Did we? If you recognize me, it was probably from advertisements. Back then, the investment products I endorsed were everywhere. Even bus stop billboards had my face on them.”Dakota’s pupils trembled slightly. She instinctively looked at him more carefully.Something felt off.It was like the two of them weren’t even talking about the same thing.Still, she didn’t have time to think deeply about it right now. Her priority was finding Ava’s whereabouts.“I didn’t expect Mr. Chen to be a celebrity too.”The compliment instantly inflated Mr. Chen’s ego further.Ring.His secretary was calling.Mr. Chen answered impatiently.“I’m busy right now. Push the meeting back.”But the secretary hurriedly replied,“Sir… the guest is Mr. Drakov.”The moment he heard Drakov’s name, Mr. Che
The caller was none other than the wealthy chinese businessman Richard had arranged for Dakota to sleep with five years ago.Why contact him now after all this time?After hesitating for several moments, Richard finally answered just before the call disconnected.“Mr. Lancaster.” A lazy chuckle echoed through the phone. “Long time no see.”Inside a luxurious lounge, a middle-aged man sat casually against a leather sofa while pale cigar smoke obscured most of his face.Even so, the overwhelming arrogance in his posture was unmistakable.Richard immediately forced out a flattering smile.“Mr. Chen! It really has been a long time. How have you been?”At the same time, Richard’s mind rapidly calculated whether he could use this opportunity to secure a partnership and stabilize Lancaster Group’s current situation.However—Mr. Chen wasn’t calling because he cared about Lancaster
Backstage.The moment they were away from the public eye, Dakota quietly distanced herself from Nathan and returned his suit jacket. But Nathan calmly pushed it back toward her.“There are still reporters outside. If we’re acting, we should commit fully.” Then he added casually, “I’ll take you home.”Dakota couldn’t really argue with that logic. Nor did she care enough to bother.So when they exited backstage, she simply hooked her arm around Nathan’s arm again, appearing fragile and vulnerable.The moment reporters saw them, countless cameras and microphones surged forward.Everyone desperately tried interviewing Dakota.But with Nathan and his bodyguards clearing the path, none of the reporters could even touch the corner of Dakota’s clothes.They could only watch helplessly as the two entered the car and drove away.Once the car had gone far enough—Da
Meanwhile—At the press conference, Richard watched the online trends unfold exactly as he had hoped and felt extremely satisfied.Today, he intended to publicly sever all ties with Dakota Lancaster.Otherwise, her scandals would undoubtedly drag down Lancaster Group as well.Richard adjusted the microphone dramatically.“Ahem.”“Thank you all for coming today.”“As for the recent online scandals involving Dakota Lancaster…”“I, Richard Lancaster, feel deeply ashamed.”“The Lancaster Family has always upheld honor and integrity. We absolutely cannot tolerate the existence of someone like her.”“Therefore, from this day onward—”“Dakota Lancaster is no longer part of the Lancaster Family!”Thunderous applause erupted below the stage.Many people praised Richard for his “righteousness&rdq
Melissa’s eyes instantly flickered guiltily before embarrassment turned into fury.“Dakota! I was only trying to help you by giving you advice! And now you’re throwing dirt on me instead?! You really are an ungrateful little bitch!”Then she immediately turned toward the crowd dramatically.“Everyone, judge for yourselves!”Sophie quickly joined in, fabricating even more stories to smear Dakota.Soon, the surrounding crowd also began cursing Dakota as a shameless seductress.If Liam hadn’t been standing beside her—If he hadn’t still been too young to hear such filthy insults—Dakota would never have let this mother and daughter off so easily.Instead, she simply took Liam and left.At the same time, Dakota understood something clearly. She could no longer allow the situation to continue escalating unchecked.So she brought Liam to a quiet caf&eacu
Hospital.Because it was the weekend, the hospital was especially crowded.The moment some people recognized Dakota’s stunning face, whispers immediately spread through the crowd.“That’s her.”“She really is beautiful… no wonder she specializes in seducing men.”“Hah. What mistress isn’t pretty these days? If they weren’t attractive, how would they steal other people’s husbands?”Since Liam was present, Dakota endured the comments for now and first brought him to see the doctor.While she was speaking with the doctor inside, several curious people even peeked through the doorway.“Be good and listen to the doctor, Liam,” Dakota said gently while rubbing his little head. “I will wait outside.”Then she stood and walked out.The gossiping crowd immediately scattered awkwardly.Dakota deliberately shut the door behind her. Her sharp ga
Half an hour later, Rhys returned with the results."Boss, it's confirmed. Miss Hayes served the full five years. She was only released recently, after completing her sentence."Darrel spread his hands with theatrical flair. "See? I told you. Total waste of time digging into that."
"Heartless biological mother?"Scarlett looked puzzled.She didn't know much about Theo's past, but from the few things Theron had said-and the way he reacted-it was obvious Theo's birth mother was definitely not a good person."She's not."Theron walked in with a dark express
Sadie bit her lip, and tears instantly rolled down her cheeks. She looked so pitiful and wronged that anyone watching would melt."I'm sorry, Mom... I was wrong. I admit I lied, but-but please listen to me. I really didn't mean any harm. I just... I just didn't want my sister to suffer at th
Sensing the topic could spiral somewhere dangerous, Sadie quickly changed direction."Dr. Willow, is my sister learning medicine from you lately?" she asked, recalling what happened earlier that morning. Scarlett had reset Leslie's broken ribs with effortless precision.That level of sk







