LOGINHe burst into Vanessa's room. She'd taken something to sleep last night and was still groggy, not fully awake when Julian stormed in and snatched her charging phone."What are you doing?" Vanessa tiptoed, reaching for it, but her wrist was suddenly seized by Julian, yanked hard into his embrace."Come with me."Julian didn't want to offer any more explanations. More words were useless. There was no other way, not without sacrificing Vanessa."I'm not going!" She was dragged out, hitting Julian's arm, pulled relentlessly toward the door.Julian yanked open the door. "I'll explain in the car.""I don't want to!"A terrible premonition struck her, and Vanessa pushed back with all her might, but Julian's grip was too strong. Her wrist felt like it would snap, held in an iron vice, unable to move even an inch.She was suddenly shoved into the car, her forehead slamming against something. A red mark instantly blossomed on her pale skin.Julian slammed the door shut and ordered Jerry, "Drive
Julian returned to the Frost family estate, utterly drunk. He gripped the handrail, stumbling his way up the stairs. When he finally pushed open his bedroom door, Stacey was there to steady him.The pungent smell of alcohol radiating from him immediately filled Stacey with concern. "What happened? Why did you drink so much?"Julian's mind was a fog; he offered no reply.Stacey called for the nanny to help change his clothes. After much effort, it was already deep into the night. Since their marriage, Julian had rarely returned home, and on the few occasions he did, he always slept on the sofa, never once sharing a bed with her.This was the first time he had ever come home drunk.And for Stacey, it felt like an opportunity.Sitting by the bedside, she gazed at Julian in his deep slumber. Even in sleep, his expression remained profound, his long lashes resting quietly, just as they had that time they met in the restaurant.He had sat in the shadows, a man of few words, aloof and detach
Adrian was utterly furious with Leila. After dropping her off at the villa entrance, Adrian didn't even get out to see her off, not bothering to give her an umbrella.On her way back, she didn't forget to call Julian."What's wrong with you? Leila told you, why didn't you inform me in advance? Now look, Vanessa knows."Julian hadn't intended to hide the matter from the start. "So be it if she knows.""She's very angry now. You figure it out yourself.""Got it."Vanessa was already stubborn; this incident only made her harder to appease.Julian specifically woke up early, personally queued to buy the dessert from Vanessa's favorite childhood shop, chose the right time to deliver it, and waited outside her hotel room. It took her a long time to open the door."Why are you still here?"Julian was there to apologize, caution hidden in his eyes. "I know you haven't wanted to see me lately. Here, take this. Didn't you used to like eating this when you were in a bad mood?""Are your matters
Her injuries felt like they would never truly mend. It was another gloomy, wet day, and Vanessa was in constant pain.The painkillers had run out, and she had to venture out in the rain to buy more.Her umbrella offered little defense against the driving wind and rain. Her clothes were soaked through, and the familiar ache in her arm flared up again, making every step a monumental effort as she walked. A car followed behind, pulling up beside her. The windows were streaked with rain, but the driver still lowered theirs.“What are you doing out here alone? Where’s Julian?”It was Adrian.Leila was in the passenger seat. Seeing Vanessa in such a disheveled state, she couldn’t hide a flicker of malicious glee.“Buying medicine.” Vanessa offered only two words.“You’re still staying in a hotel? I’ll give you a ride back. Get in.”To her, Adrian was no different from Julian—both equally loathsome.“No need.” Vanessa continued walking, her steps in the rain slower than an ordinary person’s,
Julian came and went, not lingering.Stacey was left behind, facing Maria's passive-aggressive remarks and the Old Master's interrogations alone. She was physically and mentally exhausted, yet couldn't blame anyone. When she went downstairs for a warm drink, Cliff was also at the water bar."Water?" He adjusted his glasses lightly and handed her the honey water in front of him. "Drink this; it's freshly made.""Thank you." Stacey took it, the melancholy on her face impossible to hide."I heard Aunt Blain caused you trouble?" Cliff comforted softly, as if speaking on Julian's behalf. "Don't worry, Julian never wrongfully accuses anyone."That was true. But that wasn't what Stacey was worried about. "Bro, you said before that Miss Brooks wouldn't be with Julian. Is that true?""It's true, but Vanessa was kicked out by Uncle Voss and is pregnant now. Her current situation is hard to say. After all, if she's not with Julian, she has no other options, don't you think?"This couldn't be cal
Pulling Auntie Blain away, Jerry finally let go. She adjusted her shawl, brushed back her hair, and steadied her nerves."Auntie Blain, please, don't come here again. Mr. Frost is already furious." Jerry's advice was well-meaning, but Auntie Blain wouldn't listen."You're the one who told Julian, aren't you?"Jerry was helpless, truly wondering how the gentle Stacey could have such a rogue aunt. "If Mr. Frost hadn't come and something serious happened, it wouldn't be something you could bear the consequences for.""I'm going to beat that hussy's child out of her, so she doesn't get ahead of herself just because she's carrying some bastard!""Auntie Blain!"Getting out of the car, Stacey hurried over, grabbing her aunt's arm, her expression a mix of panic and nervousness. "Jerry, what happened?""You can ask her yourself," Jerry said, a slap mark still blooming on her face from the unwarranted blow. "Miss Vanessa's health is already delicate. Charging in to hit her like that... Mr. Fro
Julian’s palm was scalding, the indentations of his fingertips branded onto his skin. The searing pain that lashed across Vanessa’s face was scorching, striking her ears so hard they seemed to lose all hearing, ringing loudly as her head reeled and a wave of nausea washed over her.“Do you enjoy be
"She's never ridden in my car."When they were together, Jerry usually drove. Even if she had ridden in it, she'd been forced in, not Vanessa willingly.Stacey's question, however, made Julian wonder, had Vanessa ridden in Harvey's car?Lately, she'd been taking lessons at the Spears family residen
He had never gone to such lengths to appease a woman before; Vanessa was the first.While waiting for the elevator, his phone rang. It was the house line. He took a deep breath before answering, "Grandpa.""When are you coming back? Stacey's family is here, waiting to discuss the wedding arrangemen
He held Vanessa's ankle, so slender, as if it might snap with a gentle twist. Just a slight increase in pressure made her wince, her brows furrowing in pain. Julian truly couldn't fathom how she dared to utter such words. "You only need to please me, understand?""To them, I am a teacher, respected







