《Reclaiming the CEO's Heart》


 Chapter 1 Divorce

    Chapter 1 Divorce


    Chapter 1 Divorce


    On the day Avery Adams was diagnosed with stomach cancer, Jacob Hill was apanying his first


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    love to have a check-up for their son at the hospital.


    In the hospital corridor, Nichs Lewis held the biopsy report with a serious expression. "Avy, the test


    results are out. It''s a stage 3A malignant tumor. If the surgery is sessful, the five-year survival rate is


    between fifteen to thirty percent."


    Avery tightly held onto the shoulder strap of her bag with her delicate fingers, her pale face showing a


    solemn expression. "Nic, how long can I live if I don''t have the surgery?"


    "Half a year to a year, it varies from person to person. In your case, it''s better to undergo two rounds of


    chemotherapy before the surgery to prevent the risk of the infiltration, spread, and metastasis of the


    cancer cells."


    Avery bit her lip and said with difficulty, "Thank you."


    "Why are you thanking me? I''ll arrange for your admission right away."


    "No need, I don''t n to get treatment. I can''t endure it."


    Nichs had wanted to say more when Avery respectfully bowed to him. "Nic, please keep this a


    secret for me. I don''t want to worry my family."


    With the Adams family''s bankruptcy, Avery was already struggling to bear the high medical expenses


    for her father, Martin Adams. Informing her family about her illness would only add insult to injury.


    Nichs sighed helplessly. "Don''t worry. I''ll keep it to myself. I heard you got married, and your


    husband..."


    "Nic, please take care of my father. I have something to take care of, so I have to go."


    Avery seemed reluctant to mention this topic and left quickly before he could respond.


    Nichs shook his head. It was rumored that she had dropped out of college to get married. The


    former genius of their medical school gave up her talent and chose to start a family.


    For the past two years during her father treatment, he had only seen Avery here to take care of her


    father. Even when she fell ill, she was brought to the hospital by a passerby and Nichs had never


    seen her husband.


    Avery recalled the past. In the first year of their marriage, Jacob had truly treated her nicely, but


    everything changed when his first love returned to the country with a pregnant belly. At that time, she


    was also pregnant and fell into the water together with his first love.


    While struggling, she saw him desperately swim towards La White. Both La and her were


    frightened and gave birth prematurely. She was rescued toote, which dyed the best time for


    treatment. By the time she arrived at the hospital, the baby had already died in her womb.


    On the seventh day after the child''s death, Jacob proposed a divorce, but she never agreed.


    Now that she knew she had cancer, Avery could no longer hold on.


    With trembling hands, she dialed his number. After three rings, his maic and cold voice came


    through, "I won''t see you unless it''s about the divorce."


    Avery felt a lump down her throat and tears welled up in her eyes. She forcefully swallowed the words


    she had prepared to tell him about her illness when La''s voice suddenly interrupted the call. "Jacob,


    the baby is about to undergo a check-up."


    The tears that Avery had been holding back finally ran down her cheeks. Her child was gone, her family


    was ruined, and he had started a new family with someone else. It was time for everything to end.


    No longer speaking to him in a pleading and humble manner, Avery said in a low voice, "Jacob, let''s


    get a divorce."


    Hearing that, Jacob was obviously stunned for a moment. Then he sneered. "Avery, what game are


    you ying now?"


    Avery closed her eyes and said word by word, "Jacob, I''ll be waiting for you at home."


    Hanging up the phone had exhausted all of Avery''s strength. Her body slid down the wall, and the


    heavy rain outside the corridor drenched her. She tightly held the phone, biting her own sleeve as she


    silently cried.


    Jacob stared at the abruptly ended call, lost in thought. They hadn''t talked to each other for a year, and


    she had always insisted on not getting a divorce. Why did she suddenly change her mind today?


    Judging from her voice just now, she seemed to have cried. Looking at the pouring rain outside the


    window, Jacob left the diagnosis room.


    "Jacob, where are you going?" La chased after Jacob while holding their child, only to see him leave


    in a hurry. Her gentle face suddenly became gloomy and terrifying.


    That b*tch just wouldn''t give up.


    Jacob hadn''t set foot in their marital home for a long time. He thought Avery had prepared a table full of


    his favorite dishes, but when he arrived, the empty vi was devoid of any light, lifeless.


    Winter nights always came too early. It was already dark outside at just past six.


    Jacob nced at the withered flowers on the dining table.


    With Avery''s personality, she would never allow flowers to wither like this without throwing them away.


    There was only one possibility, which was that she hadn''t been home these days. Perhaps she had


    been staying at the hospital.


    Avery pushed the door open and came in. She saw the tall man in a suit standing by the dining table.


    His handsome face was as cold as ice, and when he looked at her, his pitch-ck pupils were filled


    with intense hatred.


    Avery, who had run from the heavy rain after getting out of the car, waspletely soaked. When she


    met his chilling gaze, her back felt cold.


    "Where have you been?" Jacob''s voice was apathetic.


    Avery''s once bright eyes were now devoid of light. She looked at him indifferently. "Do you still care


    about my life and death?"


    Jacob sneered. "I''m afraid no one will sign the papers if you die."


    His words pierced her already wounded heart like a knife. Avery walked in, drenched. Without crying or


    making a scene, she was surprisingly calm as she took out the agreement from her file bag.


    "Don''t worry. I''ve signed the papers."


    The agreement was ced on the dining table, and Jacob had never felt that the word "divorce" could


    be so ring.


    She had only one request, apensation fee of one million and five hundred thousand dors.


    "I knew you wouldn''t be willing to divorce unless it was for money."


    His mocking expression stung her eyes. In the past, she would have argued a few words, but today she


    was truly exhausted.


    So Avery simply stood still and gently replied, "Originally, I could have taken half of your wealth, Mr.


    Hill, but I only asked for one million and five hundred thousand dors. In the final analysis, I am still


    too kind."


    Jacob took a step forward, his tall figure looming over Avery. His slender fingers pinched her chin, and


    his voice was cold and deep. "What did you call me?"


    "Mr. Hill, if you don''t like that title, I don''t mind calling you ex-husband. Once you sign the papers, you


    can leave."


    Her defiant manner made Jacob dissatisfied. "This is my house. What right do you have to make me


    leave?"


    Avery sneered and said, "You''re right. Mr. Hill, just rest assured. After the divorce procedures are down,


    I will move out."


    After saying that, she shook off Jacob''s hand, her dark eyes staring straight at him. She said


    indifferently, "Mr. Hill, bring the divorce agreement and your ID card tomorrow. Let''s meet at the City


    Hall at nine in the morning."

 Chapter 2 Sell the Ring

    Chapter 2 Sell the Ring


    Chapter 2 Sell the Ring


    In the pitch-ck night, she returned to the bathroom alone.


    The steaming hot water dispelled her coldness, and she rubbed her red and swollen eyes as she


    walked into a room. Opening the door, she saw a warmly decorated children''s room.


    She gently flicked the mobile, and the music from the music box filled the room. The room was dimly lit


    with a warm yellow light. The atmosphere was clearly cozy, but tears couldn''t stop flowing from Avery''s


    eyes.


    Perhaps this was her retribution. It was because she didn''t protect her child well that God wanted to


    take away her life.


    Avery climbed onto the 1.2-meter-long crib, curling up into a small shape. The tears from her left eye


    flowed to her right eye and then slid down her cheeks, wetting the baby nket beneath her.


    She tightly held a doll in her arms and murmured, "I''m sorry, baby. It''s all mommy''s fault. Mommy didn''t


    protect you well. Don''t be afraid. Mommy wille to apany you soon."


    Since the death of her child, her mental state had never been good, like a beautiful flower gradually


    withering.


    She looked at the dark sky and thought that as long as she left the money for her father, she could go


    find her baby.


    The next morning, before the sky had even brightened, Avery was already dressed and looked down at


    her smiling face on the marriage papers.


    In the blink of an eye, it had been three years.


    She especially made a stomach-nourishing breakfast. Although she wouldn''t live much longer, she


    wanted to live as long as possible to take care of her father.


    Just as Avery was about to leave, she received a call from the hospital, "Miss Adams, Mr. Adams


    suddenly had a heart attack and has been sent to the emergency room."


    "I''ming right away!"


    Avery rushed to the hospital immediately. The surgery had not yet ended, so Avery waited outside the


    operating room, folding her hands and praying. She had lost everything, and her only hope was for her


    father to live well.


    A nurse handed her a stack of bills. "Miss Adams, these are the emergency treatment and surgery


    costs for your father''s sudden condition."


    Avery nced at the details and was shocked to find that it amounted to tens of thousands of dors.


    Her father''s monthly medical expenses alone cost 7500 dors, and she barely managed to make ends


    meet with three jobs. Just after paying this month''s hospital fees, she only had 750 dors left in her


    ount. How could that be enough for the surgery?


    Avery had no choice but to call Jacob. His voice sounded cold. "Where are you? I''ve been waiting for


    you for half an hour."


    "I have an emergency situation and can''t leave."


    "Avery, is this fun for you?" Jacob sneered. "I was wondering why you suddenly changed your attitude.


    You''re making up such ame lie. Do you think I''m a fool?"


    He actually thought she was lying. Avery exined, "I''m not lying to you. In the past, I was unwilling


    and thought that you had your reasons for treating me like this. But now I see clearly that our marriage


    is no longer necessary. I''m willing to divorce you. I didn''te because my father had a heart attack


    and needed surgery..."


    "Is he dead?" Jacob asked, and Avery felt something was off. Who would speak so harshly when he


    heard that someone else was sick?


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    "No, he''s still being rescued. Jacob, the surgery costs tens of thousands of dors. Can you give me


    one million and five hundred thousand dors first? I promise I will divorce you!"


    His response was a mockingugh. "Avery, you better understand this. I hope your father dies more


    than anyone else. I can give you the money, but only after we obtain the divorce papers."


    Jacob hung up, and Avery''s face was filled with disbelief. She remembered that when she was dating


    Jacob, he respected her father very much. But the hatred in his voice just now was so real.


    Did he want her father to die? Why?


    She thought back to the bankruptcy of the Adams family two years ago, and everything seemed to


    make sense.


    How could it just be a coincidence?


    Maybe it was all because of him that the Adams family went bankrupt, but what did the Adams family


    do to deserve it?


    Avery couldn''t think much about it. The most urgent thing for her was to gather tens of thousands of


    dors to pay the medical fees.


    The door to the operating room opened, and Avery hurriedly approached. "Dr. Brown, how is my


    father?"


    "Miss Adams, don''t worry. Mr. Adams is lucky to have survived, but he is mentally fragile. Don''t let him


    be exposed to any more stimuli for now."


    "I see." Avery breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Dr. Brown."


    Martin was still in aa. Avery asked the caregiver, "My father seemed to be in good spirits. Why did


    he suddenly have a heart attack?"


    The caregiver hurriedly replied, "Mr. Adams has been in a good mood recently. He even mentioned


    wanting to have dumplings. I thought it would only take about ten minutes to go to Evergreen


    Restaurant, so I went out to buy porridge for him. But when I came back, he was already in the


    emergency room. It''s all my fault, Miss Adams!"


    "Did anyone visit my father before you left?"


    "No, Mr. Adams was fine before I left. He even asked me to buy the cheesecake from Evergreen


    Restaurant because you liked it. Who would have thought that something like this would happen


    suddenly..."


    Avery always felt that there was something more to this. She instructed the caregiver to take good care


    of Martin and quickly walked to the nurse''s station to check the visitor registration.


    "Miss Adams, no one visited Mr. Adams this morning," the nurse answered.


    "Thank you."


    "By the way, Miss Adams, has Mr. Adams''s bill been settled?"


    Avery forced herself to endure the embarrassment and said, "I''ll pay right away. I''m sorry."


    She left the nurse''s station and hailed a taxi to go to the City Hall, but Jacob had left.


    Avery urgently dialed Jacob''s number. "I''m already at the City Hall. Where are you?"


    "At thepany."


    "Jacob, can youe and handle the divorce procedures now?"


    Jacob sneered. "Do you think you are more important than the multi-billion contract I''m about to


    negotiate?"


    "I can wait until you finish the contract. Jacob, please, my father urgently needs money."


    "If he dies, I''ll take care of the funeral expenses."


    After saying that, he hung up. When she called again, he had turned off his phone.


    Raindrops fell densely like arge, suffocating Avery.


    She squatted under a bus stop sign, watching the busy street, filled with regret.


    If she hadn''t dropped out of school due to pregnancy, she would have already received her diploma by


    now. With her abilities and education, she would have had a bright future.


    Who could have predicted the bankruptcy of the Adams family?Jacob, the man who had cherished her,


    suddenly changed his heart. She lost everything overnight.


    A year ago, Jacob had someone take away all her jewelry and branded bags. The only valuable thing


    she had left was their wedding ring. She took off the ring resolutely and walked into a high-end jewelry


    store.


    The salesperson sized up Avery who was wearing cheap clothes and soaked. "Miss, do you have the


    invoice and purchase papers?"


    "Yeah." Avery pretended not to notice the salesperson''s intense eyes and uneasily handed over the


    invoice with her head down.


    "Okay, Miss, we need to send the ring for appraisal. Can we inform you tomorrow?"


    Avery licked her dry lips and said a bit anxiously, "I''m badly in need of money. Can you expedite the


    process?"


    "Alright, I''ll try my best. Please wait a moment, Miss..."


    Before the salesperson could take it away, a fair and delicate hand pressed down on the lid. "This ring


    is very beautiful. I''ll buy it."


    Avery looked up and met the face that disgusted her, La!

 Chapter 3 See Her Mother

    Chapter 3 See Her Mother


    Chapter 3 See Her Mother


    La was wearing a delicate white cashmere coat, and the white pearls on her ears highlighted her


    gentle and elegant temperament.


    Just the shawl around her neck was worth thousands of dors. Seeing her, the salesperson hurriedly


    approached her. "Mrs. Hill, is Mr. Hill not apanying you to choose jewelry today?"


    "Mrs. Hill, we have thetest designs in the store, and each one is suitable for you."


    "Mrs. Hill, the jade that you asked me to keep has been delivered. Try it onter. It will definitely


    The salesperson kept calling her Mrs. Hill. La smiled and looked at Avery, her eyes filled with pride,


    dering her victory.


    Everyone knew that Jacob doted on her like a precious gem, but they didn''t know that Avery was his


    legally wedded wife.


    Avery clenched her hand into a fist. Why did she have to encounter the person she least wanted to see


    at the most embarrassing moment?


    La asked gently, "If you sell such a good quality ring for cash, you will lose a lot of money."


    Avery reached out and snatched the ring box. Her face turned livid. "I''m not selling it."


    "Not selling? What a pity. I really like this ring. For the sake that we know each other, I was nning to


    buy it at a high price. Miss Adams, you are short of money, aren''t you?"


    Avery''s hand froze in ce. Yes, she was very short of money. La had taken advantage of this and


    trampled on her without any restraint.


    The surrounding salespeople tried to persuade Avery, "Miss, thisdy is the fiancee of the president of


    the Hill Group. Since Mrs. Hill has taken a liking to your ring, she will definitely offer you a good price.


    This way, you can get the money without waiting for our processing."


    The way they called La Mrs. Hill was so sarcastic. Just a year ago, Avery had solemnly told La


    that she would never get divorced and asked La to give up.


    But in just a year, La''s identity had be known to everyone. Avery felt more and more that her


    marriage to Jacob was a calcted scheme.


    La saw her hesitation and smiled brightly. "Miss Adams, name your price."


    The smug expression on La''s face was nauseating. Avery''s eyes were cold. "I''m not selling it."


    But La refused to let go. "Miss Adams, you are at your wit''s end. Don''t tell me you are still


    considering your dignity. If I were you, I would let go without hesitation. Hasn''t anyone told you that you


    look awful when you pester Jacob desperately?"


    "What a ridiculous remark, Miss White. You gain a sense of fulfillment by stealing from me. Since you


    like stealing so much, why don''t you go rob a bank?"


    As the two argued, the ring flew out of the ring box andnded on the ground with a click in a parabolic


    arc.


    Avery quickly chased after it, and the ring rolled straight to the feet of a pair of exquisite handmade


    leather shoes by the door.


    Avery bent down to pick it up, and a drop of water fell on her neck, chilling her to the bone.


    She slowly looked up and met a pair of cold and ruthless eyes. Jacob was still holding up his ck


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    umbre, and raindrops fell on her head one by one along the curved umbre surface.


    The delicate ck wool coat entuated Jacob''s well-built figure.


    Avery stared at him nkly, recalling the first time she saw him. He was twenty years old, standing on


    the sunlit yground in a white shirt, as if he was standing on the tip of her heart, forever engraved in


    her memories from when she was fourteen.


    She was wearing a knitted sweater, and the fluffy texture made her look even thinner. Her chin was


    sharp. She seemed to have lost some weightpared to three months ago.


    He was noble and unparalleled, while she was humble to the extreme.


    Avery''s movement to pick up the ring froze, and in that moment of her daze, Jacob lifted his foot and


    stepped on the ring, passing by her expressionlessly.


    Avery remained in a half-squat position. This ring was personally designed by him ording to her


    preferences. It was not extravagant but had a unique design. There was only one in the world.


    Since he put it on her finger, Avery had never taken it off on any asion except when washing up.


    If it weren''t for her desperate need for money this time, she wouldn''t have resorted to this. But what she


    treasured was considered insignificant trash in his eyes.


    He was not stepping on the ring but on all her cherished memories.


    La smiled and approached him to exin, "Jacob, you''re here. I just saw Miss Adams selling her


    ring while I was choosing jewelry."


    Jacob''s cold face did not reveal any emotions. His icy gaze fell on Avery who was suppressing her


    rage, and he indifferently asked, "Are you selling this ring?"


    Avery struggled to hold back her tears and bit her lip tightly, refusing to let herself cry. "Yes, Mr. Hill, do


    you want to buy it?"


    Jacob''s lips curved into a mocking smile. "I remember you once said how important this ring was to


    you. It seems your sincerity is only so shallow. Something without sincerity is just useless to me."


    Avery was about to respond when a burning pain in her stomach triggered her nerves. As the tumor


    grewrger, the pain went from mild to excruciating.


    She looked at the harmonious couple under the bright incandescent light. La was dressed in white,


    while Jacob was in ck. They were like a perfect match made in heaven.


    Suddenly, she lost the strength to argue. Even if she gave her heart to a man who no longer loved her,


    he would still disregard it.


    Avery endured the pain and picked up the ring, slowly returning to the counter to retrieve the box and


    receipt.


    In front of Jacob, she didn''t want to show weakness. Even if she was on the verge of fainting from the


    pain, she still maintained a determined pace.


    As she passed by Jacob, she ndly said, "Just like you, I used to consider it my treasure, but now it''s


    just a stone that can be exchanged for money."


    Jacob sensed that something was off with her. Sweat trickled down Avery''s smooth forehead, and her


    face was pale. It seemed that she was desperately enduring the pain.


    Hisrge hand suddenly grabbed her arm, and he said in a low voice, "What''s wrong with you?"


    Avery shook off his hand. "It''s none of your business."


    She didn''t look back at him and instead tried her best to straighten her back, disappearing from his


    sight.


    Jacob stared straight at her departing figure. He abandoned her himself, but why did his heart still


    ache?


    Avery found a secluded corner and hurriedly took out painkillers from her bag.


    She knew that all treatments and cancer drugs would have side effects, so she only bought some


    painkillers and regr stomach medicine, which had limited effects.


    Looking at the pouring rain outside, she wondered if that was the only way left.


    That was thest person she wanted to see, but for the sake of her father, she had to take a chance.


    Avery returned home to tidy herself up before taking a taxi to Crescent Hollow.


    Over a year ago, her mother called her after returning to the country. They hadn''t seen each other in


    over ten years, and she didn''t know how her mother was doing now.


    Avery looked at the luxurious vi. It seemed like her mother had been doing well these years.


    After she stated her purpose, the servant led her to the living room where a dignified beautifuldy sat.


    Her mother was as gorgeous as she remembered.


    "Avy." Thedy looked at her.


    But no matter how hard Avery tried, she couldn''t bring herself to call "mom".

 Chapter 4 Who Am I to You

    Chapter 4 Who Am I to You


    Chapter 4 Who Am I to You?


    Lily left when Avery was 8 years old. It was Martin''s birthday that day, and she happily went home to


    celebrate it, only to be greeted by her parents'' divorce agreement.


    Avery, in order to chase after Lily, fell down the stairs, losing her shoes without even realizing it. She


    held onto Lily''s leg and kept crying, "Mom, don''t go!"


    The elegant woman touched her tender cheek. "I''m sorry."


    "Mom, I got first ce in my grade this time. You haven''t even seen my test paper yet. It requires a


    parent''s signature."


    "Mom, please don''t leave me. I''ll be good. I promise I won''t go to the amusement park anymore. I won''t


    make you angry again. I''ll behave, please..."


    Avery expressed her reluctance in panic and hoped that Lily would stay. Lily only told Avery that her


    marriage with Martin was not happy and that she had found her true happiness.


    Avery saw a stranger man put Lily''s luggage in the car, and they left hand in hand.


    She chased after them barefoot for hundreds of meters until she fell heavily on the ground, her knees


    and soles of her feet pierced. She stared nkly as the car that she could never catch up to drove


    away.


    At that time, she didn''t understand, but as she grew up, she learned that her mother had an affair and


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    her father found out, so her mother proposed a divorce and left with nothing, including her.


    They hadn''t had any contact for over a decade, and Avery hated her mother to the extreme. She had


    once thought that she never wanted to see her mother for the rest of her life.


    Fate was truly ironic. In the end, she still had to bow down to her mother.


    Avery''s throat felt like it was blocked, and she stood still without moving. Lily understood Avery''s


    thoughts and took the initiative to pull Avery to sit beside her.


    "I know you hate me. You were too young back then, and many things weren''t as you imagined. I can''t


    exin it to you."


    Lily reached out and caressed her face. "My daughter has grown up. Sweetie, I will settle down in the


    country this time. I know the Adams family is in trouble, but it''s okay. I will take good care of you."


    Only now did Avery realize that the so-called hatred was insignificant in the face of the word "mom".


    She sobbed, "Mom."


    "Good girl, stay and have a meal. These years, Mr. White has been very good to me. He has a


    daughter who is two years older than you. She and her fiance wille over for dinner. I will introduce


    you to them."


    Avery had no intention of integrating into Lily''s new family and hurriedly interrupted her, "Mom, I came


    this time for Dad''s sake. You know the Adams family went bankrupt, and Dad is having a heart attack. I


    can''t afford the surgery fee. Can you please help me? I promise I will pay you back in the future."


    Before Lily could answer, Avery heard a familiar voice, "Miss Adams, you are really pressed for money.


    You even came to my house to ask for it."


    Upon hearing this voice, Avery felt like she had been struck by lightning. She couldn''t believe her eyes


    as she looked at the people appearing at the door. Weren''t they La and Jacob?


    Fate yed another joke on her. She never expected her mother to be La''s stepmother!


    Her husband and mother had be La''s rtives.


    Coincidentally, she was caught by La and Jacob when she asked her mother for money.


    Jacob saw her uneasy face, but he just watched silently without any other reaction.


    "Woo-woo..."


    The crying of a baby broke the awkward atmosphere, and Avery only noticed the twin baby stroller


    being pushed by the servant at this moment.


    As soon as the baby cried, Jacob had already picked up one of the babies and skillfullyforted him.


    The heartwarming scene of the family of four was extremely piercing to Avery''s eyes. If her child was


    still alive, he would have been this big by now.


    She began to regret why she hade here, feeling like she was being nailed to a pir of shame and


    being tortured by them.


    Strangely, no matter how they tried to soothe the baby today, he didn''t stop crying. The servant quickly


    rushed over with milk, but the child baby even harder.


    Jacob patientlyforted him. "Baby, be good and don''t cry."


    A tall man holding a small baby looked exceptionally heartwarming. When Avery saw his gentle and


    patient appearance, a thought suddenly rose in her mind.


    She stood up and took a few steps towards Jacob, snatching the child from him. Strangely, Jacob didn''t


    stop her, and even more strangely, the child stopped crying the moment she held them, instead smiling.


    The nearly one-year-old child had clear features. His rosy lips curved up as he giggled and babbled,


    "Mama..."


    The tender little hand reached for the pom-pom on her hat. He was smiling and looked exactly like a


    miniature version of Jacob.


    Avery''s heart felt like it had been stabbed by a knife, shattering herst bit of resistance.


    She had naively thought that Jacob loved her. In the first year of their marriage, he had been really


    good to her.


    In the middle of the night, he would hold her tight and whisper in her ear, "Avy, give me a child."


    How could she refuse what he wanted? Although she hadn''t graduated yet, she had willingly gotten


    pregnant.


    Now she realized that during the time they were deeply in love, every time he went on a business trip


    abroad, he loved another woman in the same way.


    Her stomach churned. Avery threw the child at him, ran into the bathroom without looking back, and


    locked the door behind her.


    She hadn''t eaten much, so what she vomited was a mixture of blood and other substances. Large


    patches of bright red blood made her eyes sting.


    Tears uncontrobly rolled down her cheeks. Yes, it was all really good.


    Their marriage had been a joke from the beginning!


    All the inexplicable things now had an exnation. It turned out that everything had been evident from


    the beginning.


    Why did he save La when they both fell into the water? Why did he apany La when she


    prematurely gave birth? It was because Jacob was also the father of La''s child!


    After a while, there was a knock on the door.


    "Avy, are you okay?"


    Avery cleaned up the mess, washed her face with water, and stumbled out.


    Lily didn''t understand the entanglement between them and asked with concern, "Avy, are you feeling


    unwell?"


    "I just feel disgusted when I see these two people. I feel better after throwing up."


    "Avy, do you know La? She had always been abroad. Is there any misunderstanding between you


    two? This is Mr. Hill..."


    Avery coldly interrupted Lily. "I know, Jacob, the president of the Hill Group. Who doesn''t know him?"


    "Yes, Mr. Hill is talented and sessful at such a young age."


    "Mr. Hill is indeed amazing. He wants to get married in a hurry without even getting divorced. Ordinary


    people don''t have his courage."


    Her sentence left Lily confused. "Avy, what are you talking about? Mr. Hill hasn''t gotten married. How


    could he be divorced?"


    Avery smirked with extreme mockery. "If he hasn''t gotten married, then who am I to him? Mr. Hill, tell


    Mom. Who am I to you?"

 Chapter 5 I Want You to Live in Fear

    Chapter 5 I Want You to Live in Fear


    Chapter 5 I Want You to Live in Fear


    Lily looked at Jacob in confusion. She had not heard about Jacob getting married.


    "Mr. Hill, we have lived abroad for many years and are not familiar with the news in the country. What is


    the rtionship between my daughter and you?"


    Jacob remained calm and said expressionlessly, "Even if there was a rtionship between us, it was in


    the past. I am currently processing a divorce."


    Avery never expected that her years of genuine affection would all just be a thing of the past for


    him.


    Was she angry? Of course, she was.


    But more than that, she was disappointed. She realized she had been silly and had mistaken a jerk for


    her treasure.


    Avery took out the ring box and forcefully smashed it onto Jacob''s forehead. "Go to hell, you scum! The


    biggest regret of my life is having a rtionship with you. See you at the City Hall at nine tomorrow


    morning. Anyone who doesn''t show up can go to hell!"


    The box left a red mark on his forehead as it fell to the ground, and the ring rolled to her feet. This time,


    Avery didn''t even nce at it. She stomped on the ring and stormed out of the room.


    In the past two years, Avery had gone through too much, and this matter was like thest straw on the


    camel''s back. She copsed on the roadside before running too far.


    As she looked at the continuous raindrops falling from the sky, it felt like the world was against her.


    She thought it would be better to just die like this.


    In this calcting world, she had nothing to hold onto.


    When she woke up again, she found herself in an unfamiliar room. The warm yellow light dispelled the


    darkness, and the room was as warm as spring with the heating on.


    "You''re awake."


    Avery opened her eyes and saw Nichs''s gentle eyes. "Nic, did you save me?"


    "I saw you faint on the side of the road when I came home from work, so I brought you back. Seeing


    that you were soaked, I had the servants change your clothes."


    His eyes were clear and clean, without a hint of lewdness.


    "Thank you, Nic."


    "I made porridge. Have some warm water first."


    Avery pushed the covers aside and got out of bed. "It''ste, Nic. I won''t disturb you."


    She was weak, and her feet barely touched the ground before she fell down. Nichs quickly


    supported her, and his pleasant scent ofundry detergent lingered in the air.


    It was just like the one her family used. Jacob also had the same scent on him.


    The thought of Jacob caused her heart to ache badly again.


    "You''re too weak right now. If you want to live a little longer, don''t overexert yourself." Nichs gently


    advised, "Consider it for the sake of your father."


    Some hope finally emerged in Avery''s lifeless and desperate eyes. "Thank you for taking care of me."


    Watching Nichs busy in the kitchen, she realized that she and Nichs didn''t have much


    connection. At most, when she was a freshman and he was in thest year of college, he presented


    her with an award for being an outstanding student.


    At that time, he was already interning at a renowned hospital, so he seldom stayed in school. Later on,


    she saw him at the hospital, and their contact increased slightly.


    However, this kind of rtionship couldn''t be a reason for her to constantly trouble Nichs.


    After eating and taking some stomach medicine, she felt a bit better in her stomach.


    Nichs mentioned chemotherapy again. "Medical science is very advanced now. You are only in the


    mediumte stage, and some cancer patients have survived even in thete stage. You have to


    believe in yourself. Chemotherapy is a very effective treatment."


    Avery lowered her head. "I have studied medicine. I know the benefits and side effects of


    chemotherapy."


    Nichs continued, "The chances of surgical cure after chemotherapy are very high. Although the side


    effects are severe, as long as you have the confidence to endure it..."


    Avery slowly raised her head, tears in her eyes. She used all her strength to hold back her tears from


    running down. Her lips trembled as she said, "But I can''t endure it anymore."


    Nichs couldn''t say anyforting words. Seeing her red eyes, he felt a tightness in his chest.


    After a while, he asked, "Avy, are there no people you care about in this world anymore?"


    She paused for a moment and replied slowly, "Only my father."


    "Then, for the sake of Mr. Adams, you have to live well."


    Avery smiled bitterly. "Thank you, Nic. I feel much better now. I won''t bother you anymore."


    Nichs noticed that the wedding ring she had always worn was gone, and he opened his mouth to


    say something, but in the end, he didn''t say a word.


    "Where are you going? I''ll drive you."


    "No need, I''ve already called a car. It''ll be here soon." She refused decisively, and Nichs had to


    agree. However, he became more cautious. Seeing Avery''s sad face and hearing her words, he was


    afraid that she might have suicidal thoughts, so he secretly followed her car.


    The car drove to the riverside, and Avery stood alone, staring at the river in a daze. Although the rain


    had stopped, the temperature was low. Nichs wanted to go forward andfort her. However, a


    ck business car stopped next to her.


    The car door opened, and a prestigious man who had long been dominating the financial magazine


    rankings appeared under the streetmp.


    Nichs was shocked. Could it be that this man was Avery''s husband?


    The wind blew Avery''s hair, adding a touch of mncholy to her already haggard face. Jacob


    instinctively raised his hand to tuck her hair behind her ear, but he quickly suppressed the thought.


    "What''s the matter?"


    Avery stared at him coldly, as if trying to recognize his face.


    "Is the bankruptcy of the Adams family rted to you?"


    "Yes."


    She asked straightforwardly, and he answered even more firmly.


    "Is that child your son?" Avery asked the second question.


    She stared at him without blinking, hoping that she was just overthinking, but Jacob had no intention of


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    denying it. He calmly said again, "Yes."


    Avery took two steps forward and pped him across the face. "Jacob, you shameless jerk!"


    He easily caught her wrist and wiped away the tears on her face with his other hand. "Does it hurt?"


    "You b*stard, why did you do this to me? What did the Adams family do to deserve this from you?"


    Jacob''s pupils under his longshes were cold and emotionless. His voice was icy. "Avery, if you want


    to know the answer, you can go back and ask your dear father what he did."


    She sobbed and asked, "Jacob, did you ever love me?"


    His ck eyes were filled with ruthlessness, and he slowly said, "No, from the beginning, you were just


    a pawn in my hands."


    Tears rolled down Avery''s face, hitting the back of his hand. As the cold wind blew, the hot tears quickly


    turned cold.


    "You hate me, don''t you?"


    "Yes, this is what the Adams family owes me. Avery, just me yourself for being Martin''s daughter! I


    want you to live in pain every day and atone for my sister!"


    "But your sister has been missing for a long time, hasn''t she? What does it have to do with the Adams


    family?"


    He looked at Avery contemptuously, as if passing judgment from the heavens. "Avery, while you were


    enjoying everyone''s love, my sister was suffering inhuman torture. You can guess slowly. I won''t tell


    you the truth. I want you to live in fear forever and experience the suffering my sister went through!"


    Jacob coldly got into the car and said, "I''ll be waiting for you at the City Hall tomorrow morning at 9


    o''clock."


    Avery hurriedly chased after him and kept pounding on the car door. "Exin clearly. What happened


    to your sister?"


    The car sped away, leaving Avery with no support and she fell heavily to the ground.

 Chapter 6 His Ruthlessness

    Chapter 6 His Ruthlessness


    Chapter 6 His Ruthlessness


    The cold wind from the river blew in her face, piercing her bones with its icy touch like a knife. Avery


    struggled to get up and continued to chase after him.


    However, she underestimated her current physical condition. She had only run a few meters before


    falling hard to the ground. The car door opened again, and a pair of shiny handmade leather shoes


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    stopped in front of her.


    Her gaze slowly moved up along his well-pressed trousers, meeting Jacob''s indifferent gaze.


    "Ja..." Avery weakly called out.


    A pair of well-defined handsnded above her. For a moment, Avery seemed to see the young man in


    white who had once captivated her in her youth. She instinctively reached out her hand towards him.


    But the moment their hands touched, Jacob coldly withdrew his hand, giving her hope and then


    mercilessly snatching it away, causing her body to fall hard once again.


    She was originally uninjured, but shended with her palm pressed against the broken ss shards on


    the ground, and the ring blood dripped from her palm.


    His ck pupils froze for a moment, but he made no move.


    Avery was momentarily dazed. She remembered that in the past, he would take her to the hospital in


    the middle of the night for a small cut on her finger.


    The doctor on duty even joked. "Sir, luckily you came early. If you hade anyter, the wound would


    have already healed."


    The person from her memories ovepped with the man in front of her. His face was still the same, but


    his warmth and care had been reced by coldness.


    Jacob coldly and ruthlessly said, "Avery, others may not understand you, but don''t I know you? You can


    somersault even after running a kilometer and a half. How could you trip after running a few steps?"


    His gaze towards her was filled with disdain, like a sharp knife cutting into her.


    Avery bit her pale lips and exined, "No, I didn''t lie to you. I''m just sick and feeling weak..."


    Before she could finish exining, he bent down, leaned over, and raised her chin with his hand. His


    rough fingers brushed against her dry lips. "Indeed, like father, like daughter. For a little money, you''re


    willing to act in such a pathetic y like your hypocritical father."


    His words hurt more than the cold wind, stabbing her heart fiercely.


    Avery forcefully pushed away his hand. "My father is upright and righteous. I believe he would never do


    anything immoral!"


    "Ha." Jacob sneered. It seemed that he didn''t want to argue with her about this topic. He took out a


    check from his wallet and casually filled in a number. Then he held the check with two fingers and


    ced it in front of her.


    "Do you want it?"


    That was a considerable sum of money, 750 thousand dors. It would at least relieve her from


    worrying about Martin''s medical expenses for a long time.


    Obviously, he wasn''t that kindhearted. Avery didn''t ept it.


    "Conditions."


    Jacob whispered softly in her ear, "As long as you personally say that Martin is a despicable beast, this


    money is yours."


    Avery''s expression changed dramatically when she heard that. She raised her hand to p him, but


    Jacob grabbed her wrist. While struggling, Avery''s injured hand hit his shirt, leaving a bloody handprint.


    Jacob tightened his grip and his tone became stern. "What? Are you unwilling? Then let him die in the


    hospital. I''ve already chosen his burial ce."


    "Why did you be like this, Jacob?" Avery questioned with tears running down her face.


    The man who once promised to protect her for a lifetime, to not let her shed a tear, seemed like a


    dream. Her tears were now just a tool to please him.


    Even the faint yellow light from the streemp had no warmth on his face. His face was full of


    impatience. "You won''t say it, huh?"


    He let go of Avery and slowly tore up the check.


    Avery rushed forward to stop him but was pushed away by him. He looked like a god with an indifferent


    expression. "I gave you a chance."


    The torn pieces of paper were like her shattered hope. In the end, they fell beside her, like flying


    butterflies.


    "No, please!" Avery frantically tried to pick up the torn pieces, her tears falling drop by drop onto the


    ground.


    She was in a panic like a child who had lost everything, helpless and flustered.


    Jacob turned around and walked away. Just as he was about to get into the car, he heard a thud and


    turned around to her lying unconscious on the ground.


    The driver, Billy, looked nervous and said, "Mr. Hill, it seems like Mrs. Hill has fainted. Should we take


    her to the hospital?"


    Jacob nced at him coldly and asked, "Are you very concerned about her?"


    Billy had been by Jacob''s side for a long time and clearly remembered how much he used to love Mrs.


    Hill. However, ever since he brought back his sister''s dead body, his temperament had changed


    drastically.


    After all, it was their family matter, so Billy didn''t dare to ask too much. He obediently drove the car


    away.


    As the car got farther and farther away, Jacob looked at Avery who still hadn''t gotten up through the


    rearview mirror, and a disdainful expression deepened on his face.


    He hadn''t seen her for many days, and she had be better at acting.


    Although Avery grew up in luxury and was well taken care of, Martin had made her practice various


    physical activities from a young age to prevent her from being bullied.


    How could a woman as strong as her, with a ck belt in taekwondo and a seventh degree in


    kickboxing, faint so easily?


    In his eyes, she was just acting for money.


    With this thought, Jacob coldly withdrew his gaze and didn''t look at her again.


    Only when Jacob''s car disappeared did Nichs hurriedly walk to Avery''s side.


    Avery woke up again and saw the room she had just left not long ago. There was an IV drip in the back


    of her hand, and the cold liquid was slowly flowing through her blue veins. The wound on her left hand


    had also been bandaged.


    The deer antler clock on the wall pointed to three o''clock in the morning. Before she could speak,


    Nichs''s gentle voice sounded. "I''m sorry. I was afraid you would do something foolish, so I followed


    you."


    Avery tried to sit up, but Nichs quickly added another pillow for her and gave her some water. Only


    then did Avery feel morefortable. "Did you see everything?"


    "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to invade your privacy."


    Nichs was frank, like a nk sheet of paper. Unlike Jacob, he could be seen through easily at a


    nce.


    "It''s okay. I''m his wife, not someone who has illegitimate sex rtions with him."


    When Avery saw a moment of surprise on Nichs''s face, she smiled bitterly and said, "That''s right.


    Everyone thinks that La is his future wife. If you don''t believe me, I..."


    Nichs hurriedly interrupted her. "No, I believe you. I recognize your wedding ring. It''s the limited


    edition from Serenity Lure three years ago, the only one in the world. It was reported in a magazine that


    it was personally designed by the CEO of Serenity Lure for his wife. I know that the man behind


    Serenity Lure is Jacob."


    He had thought about their rtionship before, but when he saw the rumors between Jacob and La,


    and the fact that he hadn''t seen Jacob at the hospital in the past two years, he dismissed the idea.


    Avery instinctively touched the spot where she used to wear the ring. It was empty, and the skin there


    was fairer than the other parts, reminding her of her ridiculous marriage.


    "It doesn''t matter anymore whether I''m his wife or not. We will get divorced at nine tomorrow morning."


    "Does he know about your condition?"


    "He doesn''t have the right to know."

 Chapter 7 Ask for Help

    Chapter 7 Ask for Help


    Chapter 7 Ask for Help


    When Avery mentioned Jacob, her voice was calm, as if she had already epted it.


    But Nichs knew very well that it was impossible for her to just ept it because she had truly loved


    Jacob. She just hid her sadness and would only look fragile when no one was around.


    Nichs didn''t ask further and changed the topic. "I know you haven''t paid the money for Mr. Adams''s


    surgery yet. We''re friends. I''ll lend it to you first, and you can pay me back in the future."


    He knew that it was hard for a youngdy like Avery to earn money. He had tried to help her several


    times before, but Avery had always refused.


    Avery still shook her head this time. "Thank you, but no need, Nic."


    "Avy, Mr. Adams''s illness is critical. Would you rather be insulted by that scum than ept my


    goodwill? I have no conditions. I just genuinely want to help you. You know that although my family is


    not as wealthy as the Hill family, it''s not ordinary. This amount of money is just a drop in the ocean for


    me, so don''t burden yourself."


    Avery held the water cup with both hands and looked at him slowly. Her face was deathly pale, and it


    was heart-wrenching just to look at her.


    "Nic, I know you''re a good person, but... I have no future."


    She couldn''t repay his goodwill or money.


    As she saw the liquid in the IV bag running out, Avery decisively pulled out the needle without using a


    cotton swab to stop the bleeding. Blood gushed out.


    But she didn''t care and stood up, picking up her coat. "Nic, don''t worry about the money. As long as I


    get the divorce papers, he will give me one million and five hundred thousand dors. My father had


    surgery yesterday, and I''m going to the hospital to see him."


    Her character was stubborn, just like in the past. No one knew why she, who was once hailed as a


    genius, had given up her studies to get married.


    Even her mentor would express his regret whenever he had meals with Nichs. She was such a


    talent. What a pity. No one knew who had influenced her to make that decision.


    Seemingly aware that Nichs was about to offer to send her off, Avery raised her phone. "The car has


    arrived."


    She made it impossible for him to say more.


    She wrapped herself in her coat. When her fingers touched the doorknob, Nichs said, "Avy, have


    you ever regretted giving up everything to marry him?"


    Regret?


    Jacob had caused the Adams family to end up like this. Avery''s father had suffered a blow and a car


    ident, ending up in a hospital bed. She had lost her lovely child.


    She should regret it, but every time she closed her eyes, she thought about Jacob who had saved her


    from the cruise ship ident that year, lifting her up in the storm. He was the same young man she had


    once seen at school, dressed in white.


    She forced back her tears and said, "No."


    The door closed with a click. Nichs watched her leave, feeling a mix of emotions.


    At the hospital, Martin was still under observation in the ICU. She could only watch him from afar, the


    questions she wanted to ask choking in her throat.


    In Avery''s impression, Martin was a modest gentleman. Before her parents divorced, they didn''t even


    have a serious argument.


    Although Lily left him, he never remarried. Apart from work, he spent all his time with Avery.


    Jacob mentioned Martin, which indicated that the person he truly hated was not her.


    When she was with Jacob before, she had heard that he had a sister, but his sister got lost when she


    was young, causing his mother to be mentally unstable and live abroad all year round.


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    What was the rtionship between his lost sister and Martin?


    Avery decided to start investigating the people around Martin. She went to the houses of the driver,


    James, and the butler, Eric, before dawn.


    Strangely, these people who had worked for her father for a lifetime either died in a mysterious car


    ident or went abroad and couldn''t be contacted.


    The only person who knew the truth, her father, remained unconscious, leaving her like a headless fly,


    staying up all night.


    At this point, the situation clearly could not be considered a coincidence. It was obviously done


    intentionally by someone.


    There was no information to be found in the Adams family, and Avery was not foolish. She immediately


    focused her attention on Jacob''s driver, Jason Reed, and his assistant, John Reed.


    She looked at her watch. It was only 7 a.m., and they should be on their way to pick up Jacob. Avery


    called John.


    Fortunately, after a few rings, John answered. He was as polite as always. "Mrs. Hill."


    Hearing this long-lost title, Avery suppressed the bitterness in her heart and hurriedly said, "John, I


    have made an appointment with Jacob for a divorce. Can you pick me up?"


    John fell silent. Like Jacob, they disliked surprises.


    Avery quickly added, "Don''t misunderstand. I have no ulterior motives. I''m just afraid that something


    unexpected will happen today and dy the divorce. My father''s medical expenses in the hospital have


    not been settled yet, and I..."


    In terms of rtionships, she got along well with both Jason and John and had never treated them


    harshly. So when she showed a bit of vulnerability, John agreed. "Mrs. Hill, where are you? I wille


    right away."


    Avery provided an address closest to them. This was the route to Willowbrook, where La lived.


    Although Avery was unwilling to admit it, Jacob had been caught by the media multiple times spending


    the night there. During the months they were separated, he must have been there.


    "Sorry, Mrs. Hill. We are about to reach Eldoria Road. It may take you twenty more minutes to wait."


    "Okay." Avery was slightly surprised. Eldoria Road?


    That was a road near the Hill Mansion. Didn''t they live together?


    Avery quickly dismissed this thought. Whether they lived together or not had nothing to do with her.


    Jason arrived quickly, and John opened the car door respectfully as usual. "I''m sorry to keep you


    waiting, Mrs. Hill."


    Avery nodded and got into the car, answering, "I didn''t wait long."


    Compared to John''s calmness, Jason was livelier. "Why didn''t you sleep a little longer on such a cold


    day? The rooster hasn''t even crowed yet."


    John red at him, and Jason quickly stopped talking. Avery looked sad after she got into the car. After


    a while, she slowly spoke up, "Previously, I thought he suddenly changed his heart because of La.


    Now, I don''t think it''s just because of a woman. You work for him, so you should know about his sister."


    "Creak!"


    The car suddenly braked. Jason took his hand off the steering wheel and quickly waved it. "Mrs. Hill,


    please don''t talk nonsense."


    John calmly replied, "Mrs. Hill, you know we have never dared to ask about Mr. Hill''s affairs. Even if we


    know something, we wouldn''t dare to tell you, not to mention that we don''t know. Please understand."


    Avery covered her face with both hands, tears falling through her fingers. "I know it''s difficult for you,


    but I am desperate. Jacob won''t say anything, and my father just had surgery and hasn''t woken up yet.


    Now the Adams family has fallen to this state, and I have no clues. Even if I die, I just want to die with


    rity, rather than being tortured day and night by him."


    "Mrs. Hill, Miss Hill''s matter is Mr. Hill''s taboo. We don''t know much about it, either."


    Seemingly aware that Avery wanted to continue pleading, John wrote down an address on a piece of


    paper. "Mrs. Hill, for the sake of our acquaintance, this is all I can do for you."

 Chapter 8 Fading Memories

    Chapter 8 Fading Memories


    Chapter 8 Fading Memories


    Avery lowered her head and nced at the paper, on which prominently written the address of a


    cemetery.


    Did it mean his little sister passed away? But what did his sister''s death have to do with her father?


    Avery knew for sure that Martin would never harm a young girl.


    Knowing that the two wouldn''t reveal much, Avery didn''t press them further. In the following trip, there


    was silence.


    Returning to this familiar ce, Avery was filled with mixed emotions.


    John politely inquired, "Mr.s Hill, would you like to go in?"


    "No need. I''ll wait for him here."


    The final interaction between her and Jazob was now reduced to the pending divorce. She didn''t want


    to create moreplications, especially when every de of grass and every tree here held memories


    of both of them. She also didn''t want to stir up deep emotions.


    If she had to me anyone or anything, it would be the man who used to treat her as an appple of his


    eye.


    Even though he had grown colder with each passing day, she still held onto memories of his kindness.


    She should despise him deeply, but she couldn''t bring herself to be harsh.


    The car engine kept running, providing her with a steady supply of warmth. She was alone in the car,


    and Avery''s stomachache returned. She curled up like a little shrimp, hugging her knees tightly,


    crouching on the seat, and waiting for dawn.


    Winter days grew dark early and brightte. It was a little after seven, and the sky was still misty.


    The ginkgo tree in the yard had long shed its leaves. Her thoughts drifted back to the past.


    In autum back then, every time when she wanted to have soup with ginkgo, he would climb up the over


    ten-meter-high ginkgo tree in the yard to shake the fruits down for her.


    Green and yellow leaves fell gently, like a golden rain for her.


    At that time, Jazob was approachable and skilled in cooking. He doted on her endlessly.


    Lost in her thoughts, she didn''t realize when she had walked alone to the base of that tree. The ginkgo


    tree was still there, but everything else had changed.


    The leaves had long fallen, leaving only a few withered ones teetering on the branches, much like the


    precarious rtionship between her and Jazob now.


    Jazob stepped out of the vi and was met with this scene.


    A young woman in a thin, knitted sweater stood under the tree, her head tilting back. The cold wind


    tousled her hair.


    Today, the weather had changed from the gloomy days of the previous ones. The first rays of the


    morning sun fell on her face. Her skin was almost translucent, like a fading divine maiden.


    Her palm was still wrapped in gauze. Strangely, she was still wearingst night''s clothes, looking wan.


    "Jazob," she didn''t turn around but knew of his arrival.


    "Mm-hmm."


    Avery slowly turned around, her gaze fixed on the tall man. Despite their close proximity, it felt like they


    were worlds apart.


    "Can you make soup for one for onest time?" she murmured.


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    A moment of surprise flitted across Jazob''s dark eyes, and then he spoke coolly, "The ginkgo season


    has passed. Avery. Don''t waste our time."


    Avery''s eyes welled with redness. She murmured, "Can''t this be my final request before the divorce?"


    After three months of being apart, she seemed to have changed a lot.


    He averted his gaze, looking at the bare tree. His tone was less cold. "The frozen ones fromst year


    aren''t fresh. If you want, I can make it for you next year."


    Next year...


    Avery touched the rough bark. She was afraid she wouldn''t make it until then.


    "Jazob, do you hate me that much?"


    "Yes."


    She turned to look at him and asked softly, "Then... would you be happy if I were dead?"


    Boom-


    Avery''s words seemed to crash down on his heart like thunder. Jazob felt a deafening roar in his head,


    momentarily losing hisposure.


    After a moment, he regained his thoughts and spoke calmly, "It''s just soup. Come in."


    Avery watched his retreating figure, a faint smile ying on her lips.


    So there''s a part of you that doesn''t wish me dead, right?


    A vengeful thought arose in her mind. She suddenly wondered what his expression would be like if he


    learned of her passing one day.


    Would he be happy or sad?


    There were ginkgo fruits stored in the refrigerator from before. He deftly took out the ingredients to


    thaw.


    Watching him bustling about inside, Avery felt nothing but bitterness. This was probably thest time he


    would cook for her.


    That was fine.


    It was a kind of impressive memory left behind.


    Avery roasted sweet potatoes in front of the firece. The fragrance of sweet potatoes filled the air.


    In winter''s past, every time she crouched here to roast sweet potatoes, Madam Hill woulde


    running at the scent. She had been kind to her, treating Avery like her own granddaughter.


    Unfortunately, she had passed away two years ago. Sir Hill didn''t want to grieve day and night, so he


    moved abroad.


    The warm and spacious mansion now felt deste. The sweet potatoes were still fragrant and


    delicious, but without Madam Hill topete with, Avery found it less engaging.


    After eating the sweet potatoes and drinking a ss of warm water, her stomachache eased a bit.


    As the kitchen aroma wafted over, Avery got up and went over. She found Jacob had transferred the


    soup into a thermos and thendled some into a bowl.


    Once upon a time, she was his cherished darling, but now she wasn''t the only one. She had been


    using the goodness from the past to blind herself, unwilling to admit the truth.


    "The soup is ready," Jacob said, not noticing her despondent mood.


    "Thank you."


    She looked down at the steaming broth in the bowl, still as delicious as ever. But she had no appetite.


    "It''s gettingte. Let''s go to the Civil Hall," Jacob said, his handsome brows showing signs of irritation.


    "You''re not going to drink?" he asked.


    "I don''t feel like it."


    She used to be quite wilful, and he would patiently coax her every time.


    Now, he just gave her a gaze before pouring the soup down the sink, and passing by her


    expressionlessly. "Let''s go."


    Jacob handed the thermos to John. "Take this to Willowbrook."


    "Yes, Mr Hill."


    Avery only realized at this moment that there was no way to salvage things between them.


    This year of persistence seemed like a joke.


    She quickly walked towards the car, passing by the ginkgo tree. A gust of cold wind blew, and thest


    stubborn leaf finally fell.


    Avery cupped the lifeless leaf in her hand, whispering, "What''s the point of holding on?"


    She casually tossed it aside, then stomped on it. The fragile leaf crumbled beneath her foot.


    Closing the car door, despite the heating inside, the two of them sitting separately felt like the end of


    the world had arrived, and the car space felt chilly somehow.


    The drive to the Civil Hall was smooth, with no traffic along the way. The green lights all the way felt as


    if fate itself was giving them an easy way out of their divorce.


    As they turned into the next intersection, Jacob''s phone rang. La''s anxious voice came through.


    "Jacob, Ethan''s fever won''t go down. I didn''t want to disturb you, but just now, his temperature reached


    102¡ãCF. I''m so scared. Pleasee quickly..."


    "I''ming right away."


    Jacob hung up the phone and met Avery''s eyes, which were now red and filled with resentment. She


    spoke slowly, word by word, "What is that child''s name?"

 Chapter 9 Lost Love and Unbreakable Resolve

    Chapter 9 Lost Love and Unbreakable Resolve


    Chapter 9 Lost Love and Unbreakable Resolve


    The car was very quiet, but La''s voice was loud due to her anxiety. Avery clearly heard the words


    "Ethan."


    She still remembered the day she received the pregnancy test report. Filled with hope, she rushed into


    Jacob''s arms. "Jacob, you''re going to be a father! We''re going to have a baby! I''ve already thought of a


    name. If it''s a girl, we''ll call her Emma. If it''s a boy, we''ll call him Ethan. What do you think?"


    She hoped she had heard wrong, but Jacob didn''t dodge her gaze. He answered decisively, "His name


    is Ethan."


    "You jerk!"


    Avery raised her hand and pped him. This time, he didn''t dodge and let her hit him squarely.


    "You actually let her name the child after our nned name!"


    The child was Avery''sst defense. Her tears shattered like pearls. Madly, she pounced on him. "You


    devil. Why did God take away our baby''s life? Why isn''t it you who died?"


    In her loss of reason, Avery fiercely pounded Jacob. "He doesn''t deserve to have this name!"


    Jacob grabbed her hands and instructed Jason, "Go to Willowbrook."


    Avery''s emotions grew even more agitated. "We''re almost at the Civil Hall. If you want to leave, you''ll


    have to get a divorce first."


    "The child has a high fever that won''t go down. I must go right away."


    Avery angrily said, "My dad is still in the hospital, unconscious. The debt-collecting nurse has forced


    me not to even enter the hospital. Your child''s life is valuable, but my dad''s life isn''t?"


    Mentioning Martin, Jacob''s face overflowed with coldness. "Martin is worthy to bepared to Ethan?"


    Avery, furious, once again intended to rush over and p him hard, but her hands were firmly


    restrained. Jacob roared, "Have you caused enough trouble?"


    Avery looked at the front of the car as it turned. The Civil Hall was just around the bend.


    To prevent her from resisting again, the man imprisoned her tightly in his embrace. The embrace she


    once cherished now became a prison that confined her.


    His strength was formidable. She was too weak to break free, so she could only seethe with impotent


    rage. "Do you love La that much?"


    Jacob seemed somewhat distracted. Holding Avery, he only now realized that this girl was much


    thinner than before. Compared to a year ago, she was like apletely different person. Even through


    her clothes, he felt that this girl seemed almost angr.


    The delicate flower he once held in his hand was withering day by day. Was this really what he


    wanted?


    As he had just raised this questioning thought, the image of a pitiful female corpse appeared in his


    mind. His hand on Avery''s waist tightened bit by bit.


    When he raised his head again, the tenderness in his eyes vanished, leaving only endless coldness.


    "Avery, if you make a scene one more time, do you believe I''ll have someone remove Martin''s oxygen


    tube right now?"


    Avery tightly gripped his shirt with both hands, her tears soaking his shirt.


    Clearly, he had vowed not to let her shed tears, yet all her tears now were brought by him.


    The air in the car was so silent that it felt suffocating. She calmed down and pushed his body away,


    sitting up straight.


    Avery took a deep breath and spoke, "You can go see your son; that''s your right. But you can''t disrupt


    our original n because of your affairs. You don''t have to worry that I''ll cling to you and refuse to let


    go. This marriage is as good as over, even if you don''t want to divorce me. I don''t have the habit of


    picking up garbage."


    Jacob''s eyebrows furrowed at the mention of the word "garbage." Undeterred, Avery continued, "I


    admit that I was too naive in the past, and I held unrealistic fantasies about you. Now, I see things


    clearly. Ashes that can''t be held are better off scattered. Give me the money, and whenever you have


    the time,plete the paperwork. I promise to be at your beck and call and will never go back on my


    word."


    "What if I don''t give it to you?"


    Avery met his pitch-ck eyes. Her eyes, just shed of tears, were as bright as the mountains after the


    rain, exuding a clear and chilly light. "Then I''ll jump from the car. If you can''t save my dad, there''s no


    need for me to live."


    Jacob wrote a number on a check and handed it to her. "Pay the remaining 750 thousand dors after


    the divorce."


    Avery smirked. "Are you that afraid I won''t divorce you? Rest assured. With you as a man, even one


    more second is disgusting to me. Stop the car."


    She took the check and mmed the door. Without looking back, she left.


    Dad was finally going to be saved!


    Avery cashed the check, paying off the medical expenses immediately. The second thing she did was


    to take a taxi to the address John had given her.


    It was a private high-end cemetery where the buried were either wealthy or influential. Even Madam Hill


    was buried here. Avery bought wind chime flowers, which were her favorite.


    In no time, Avery found a new grave surrounded by a circle of plum trees.


    The plum trees had already sprouted buds, and before long, they would bloom.


    On the cold tombstone was engraved an unfamiliar name, "Grace''s Tomb."


    She knew that Jacob cherished his sister greatly. After she went missing, she became a taboo in his


    heart, never to be mentioned by others. So, Avery knew nothing about his sister.


    Grace, was this her name? Avery had never heard of it.


    She crouched down and looked at the picture on the tombstone. It should be a picture of Grace when


    she was five or six years old, with a chubby face like a doll and faint traces of Jacob in her features.


    Still, without any clues, Avery used her phone to take a picture as the only lead.


    She put down the wind chime flowers she had bought for Madam Hill and knelt in front of Grace''s


    tombstone, speaking softly, "Grace, I''m Avery. If you were alive, you would call me sister-inw. No, it


    should be the former sister-inw. I''m sorry to meet you in this way, but I will definitely find out the truth


    about who took your life..."


    Madam Hill''s tomb was not far away, and the picture on the tombstone showed a kind and gentle


    expression, preserving her appearance and smile from the past.


    Avery reached into her pocket and took out a sweet potato she had baked in the morning. She ced it


    in front of the tombstone. "Grandma, I''vee to see you again. It''s winter once more, and without you


    to share sweet potatoes with, they just don''t taste the same."


    Feeling a bit tired, she sat down beside the tombstone as if Madam Hill were still alive, reminiscing with


    her.


    "Grandma, I''m sorry. I failed to protect that child. But that shameless Jacob has ensured the


    continuation of the Hill family''s line for you. You don''t need to worry about descendants any more."


    "Grandma, he''s changed. He''s no longer the person I used to know. He used to say he would shield


    me from the storms, but now, every storm in my life seems to be stirred up by him. If you were still


    alive, you wouldn''t let him treat me like this, would you?"


    Avery forced a smile. "Grandma, Jacob, and I are about to get a divorce. You used to say that if he


    Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    dared to bully me, even in death, you''d crawl out of your coffin and give him a good beating. I don''t


    have much time left, so in a while, I''lle down to be with you. How about we both crawl out and give


    him a good beating?"


    "Grandma, what does it feel like to die? Is it dark? What if there are little bugs biting me?"


    "Grandma, when I am no longer here, I hope to find sce in the thought that one day we''ll be


    reunited, just like in the old days."


    "Grandma, I miss you..."

 Chapter 10 Uncovering Clues and Facing Hardships

    Chapter 10 Uncovering Clues and Facing Hardships


    Chapter 10 Uncovering Clues and Facing Hardships


    Avery lingered at the tomb for a long time before leaving. She didn''t have time to wallow in sorrow. She


    continued her investigation using the photos she obtained.


    Most of the women her father could have contact with were in thepany. Just as she was preparing


    to start with thepany''s personnel, she received a phone call.


    It was from Brian, a child from the mountain area whom her father had supported in the past. His voice


    sounded a bit anxious. "Miss Adams, I just returned to the country and heard the news about Mr.


    Adams''s serious illness. How is he?"


    "Thank you for your concern. My father is still in the hospital receiving treatment."


    "Ah, how could God treat Mr. Adams, who is such a good person, like this? If it wasn''t for him


    supporting us and bringing us out of the mountains, we wouldn''t have the lives we have today."


    A thought shed in Avery''s mind. Martin had started sponsoring impoverished children in the mountain


    areas many years ago. Could it be that Grace got abducted and ended up in the deep mountains


    because of this connection to her father?


    "Brian, do you know the students my father supported?" Avery asked.


    "I have always been in touch with them on behalf of Mr. Adams. I know most of them. However, in


    recent years, due to going abroad, my contact with them has decreased. Miss Adams, if you need any


    help, be it financial or otherwise, I am willing to go through fire and water for you."


    Avery seized the opportunity immediately. "I have a photo here. Can you help me confirm if my father


    had previously supported this person?"


    "Of course, Miss Adams."


    Half an hour after Avery sent the photo to Brian, he sent her some information.


    The girl in the photo had bright eyes and white teeth. She indeed bore a resemnce to the little girl on


    the tombstone, especially her eyes, which were remarkably simr to Jacob''s.


    This girl was named Olivia Johnson. She emerged from a barren mountain, and Martin had been


    supporting her for the past twelve years. She excelled academically from a young age, and in high


    school, she received numerous offers of direct admission from top universities both domestically and


    internationally. She decided to continue her education domestically.


    Perhaps she was the person Avery was looking for. She quickly arranged to meet Brian.


    In a caf¨¦, Brian arrived on time. Avery had seen him once ten years ago. At that time, he was still a


    green young man, unlike now, where he was already the CEO of a listedpany, dressed in a suit


    and exuding an air of professionalism.


    Even though the Adams family had fallen on hard times, he still addressed her with great respect,


    "Miss Adams, sorry for keeping you waiting."


    "I just arrived, too. Brian, I won''t beat around the bush. Do you still have contact with Olivia?"


    "We used to. After I went abroad, my contact with friends in the country decreased. It''s been about two


    years since west spoke."


    "Do you know her current situation?"


    "I just returned to the country a few days ago, and I heard about what happened to the Adams family


    from friends. I haven''t been in touch with Olivia much. At most, I used to help Mr. Adams get in touch


    with her."


    Brian picked up his coffee and took a sip to moisten his throat. "But since Miss Adams entrusted me, I


    contacted her and some friends in our circle beforeing. Unfortunately, I received the news that she


    had already passed away. It''s a pity. She had such excellent academic achievements. If she hadn''t


    passed away, she would have had a bright future."


    "How did she die?"


    "I''m not sure of the specific cause of death. I heard she was pulled out of the sea by someone."


    Avery furrowed her brows. There were several suspicious points. Grace was almost six years old when


    she was abducted. She should have memories. If her father sponsored her, why didn''t she seek help?


    Aftering to this city, why didn''t she return to the Hill family?


    Furthermore, what did her death have to do with her father?


    "Was my father kind to her?" Avery asked tentatively.


    "Olivia lost her parents at a very young age and grew up alone. She came to this city by herself. Mr.


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Adams has always taken care of her. It''s said that because she was introverted and bullied by


    ssmates in the dormitory, Mr. Adams specifically rented a small apartment for her to ensure her


    smooth pursuit of education."


    Brian set down his coffee cup. "Why is Miss Adams so curious about Olivia?"


    "I just want to find out the cause of her death and make sure she didn''t die in vain."


    Originally, Avery had nned to divorce Jacob, get one million and five hundred thousand dors,


    settle her affairs, and leave this world. Now, she had an additional determination: to clear her father''s


    name and seek revenge for the Adams family.


    If Jacob wouldn''t tell her, she would find out the truth herself.


    Brian thought for a moment and took out a business card from his wallet. "Miss Adams, this is a friend


    of mine, a well-known private detective. If you want to know anything, he can help you."


    "Thank you, Brian."


    "Miss Adams, you''re wee. After all, I have a passing acquaintance with Olivia. I also hope she can


    rest in peace. I''ll be in America in the near future. If Miss Adams needs anything, feel free to contact


    me. I have a meeting to attend shortly, so I won''t disturb you."


    "Take care."


    Avery contacted the private detective, as rmended by Brian, and sent him the information about


    the person. She felt renewed determination.


    Upon returning to the hospital, Dr. Davis called her into his office.


    Avery had a bad feeling. Her heart pounded as she asked, "Dr. Davis, how is my father''s condition?


    When will he wake up?"


    "Miss Adams, you need to prepare yourself mentally. Although Mr. Adams''s surgery was sessful, he


    suffered a head injury in the car ident, and there wereplications. There''s no sign of him waking


    up. It''s possible... he may never wake up."


    Avery''s heart sank. Her hands trembled as she held a disposable cup.


    Seeing her expression, Dr. Davis also felt moved but helpless. He sighed. "Miss Adams, there''s no


    need to lose hope. I''m just saying there''s a possibility. If by the end of this month, Mr. Adams can wake


    up, there shouldn''t be any major issues."


    Avery''s eyes were clouded with despair. Her voice choked. "If he doesn''t wake up, he''ll be in a


    vegetative state, right?"


    "That''s correct. So, I hope you can prepare yourself mentally and make ns early."


    Dr. Davis knew she had worked hard to earn money and felt it might not be worth putting that money


    into a vegetative person.


    Avery stood up, her hands on the table, determined. "No matter the oue, I won''t give up on my


    father. I believe that miracles can happen."


    Avery stumbled out of the office in a daze. She never expected things to take such a dire turn - her


    father might never wake up, and the truth might remain forever untold.


    But she couldn''t give up so easily!


    She rushed to the oncology department. Just as Brian had finished his diagnosis, Avery burst in.


    "Nic, please help me."


    Seeing her distressed state, Nichs was taken aback. She clung to the edge of hisb coat, like a lost


    soul adrift at sea, and implored, word by word, "Nic, whether it''s chemotherapy or surgery, I want to live


    a little longer..."


    Only by staying alive could she uncover the truth and spend as much time as possible with her father.


    Brian wasn''t privy to what had transpired, but as a doctor, he was heartened by her newfound will to


    live.


    "Alright, I''ll arrange the first round of chemotherapy for you right away."

 Chapter 11 Farewell and New Beginnings

    Chapter 11 Farewell and New Beginnings


    Chapter 11 Farewell and New Beginnings


    To prevent her condition from deteriorating further, Nichs scheduled the first round of chemotherapy


    for the day after tomorrow.


    Chemotherapy came with many side effects. In the first two weeks after treatment, the body bes


    extremely weak, and hair loss wasmon. Avery must make arrangements for her affairs in advance.


    Martin showed no signs of waking up yet. Fortunately, she didn''t have to worry about medical


    expenses. After extending a sum of money, she returned home.


    The house belonged to her and Jacob, but she knew she would be moving out soon. Worried that her


    body wouldn''t be able to handle the chemotherapy, she arranged for a movingpany in advance.


    Her best friend Isabe also came, dressed in formal attire, carrying a bag, and wearing high heels.


    She even brought two baked sweet potatoes with her, looking a bit windblown and rushed.


    From a distance, Avery could hear her loud voice. "Sis, you''re finally escaping the sea of misery! I just


    received themission from selling the housest month. Tonight, I''ll treat you to a good time at the


    Allure Club. Men are a dime a dozen, and no need to tie yourself to one tree."


    During the week Avery was absent, Isabe happened to fly abroad to visit her boyfriend. She had no


    knowledge of Avery''s condition and assumed that Avery had finallye to her senses about the


    divorce.


    Avery smiled. "That won''t do. I''m afraid if your husband finds out you went to the Allure Club, he''ll fly


    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    over tonight to settle the score with me."


    "Don''t even get me started. I''ll never believe in love in the fucking northern hemisphere again. I wanted


    to surprise him, but guess what? He actually takes the money I worked hard for and uses it to keep


    another woman.


    Isabe cursed loudly, unable to hide the pain and tears. Seven years of love ultimately died due to


    long-distance separation.


    Avery wanted to offer some words offort, but she thought of her own chaotic marriage and realized


    that she was a sinner herself. How could she save others?


    "With your temper, aren''t you on the verge of causing a huge scene?"


    Isabe pulled her to sit in the flowerbed in the yard, handed her a baked sweet potato, and started


    eating like nothing had happened.


    "Maybe it''s because years of being apart have worn down even the most stubborn tempers. Maybe I


    had an early premonition. When someone loves you, they cane up with a thousand reasons, but


    when they don''t, one reason is enough."


    Isabe continued to look at the misty sky. "He used to cross half the world to be by my side for a


    Valentine''s Day, even taking just a few days off work. He hasn''te back in three years."


    "He used to say good morning to me by the moonlight. In the past year or two, the time he spends


    talking to me has been decreasing. At first, I thought he was just busy with his PhD. In order to make


    his life there a little easier, I started working part-time in real estate before even graduating from


    college. I basically did everything for him. Themission I earned so hard was used by him to buy a


    house over there."


    "Do you know, Avy, it''s like a soap opera. I thought I was going crazy. When I saw him still wearing the


    red underwear I sent him, I suddenly felt ridiculous."


    Although Isabe wasughing, tears were falling on the baked sweet potato in her hand. "I can''t even


    afford to buy a cup of Starbucks. I, a prestigious medical student, ran around various properties every


    day but ended up raising an ingrate. Maybe he swiped my card for their expenses."


    Avery hugged her with open arms. "Stop crying. He''s not worthy of you."


    "That''s what I think too. You have no idea how handsome I am. I don''t make a fuss. Just sit down, light


    a cigarette, and start calcting the money over the years with him. Fortunately, I was careful and had


    the house registered in my name. That night, I had him and that mistress get out of my house."


    Avery was a little surprised. She didn''t expect Isabe to be so decisive. "So he agreed?"


    "Of course not. When he heard that I not only wanted the house back but also wanted him to repay the


    money he spent over the years, he knelt down on the spot and begged me for forgiveness. As I


    watched this person cry and wail with tears streaming down his face, I thought about how I could have


    been so blind to like such a thing. I stayed there for a few more days, sold the house, andpletely


    cut off ties with him beforeing back."


    Isabe quickly wiped away the tears on her face. "Avy, we''re past the age of puppy love. Love and


    bread, you have to choose one, right? A year ago, I advised you to get a divorce, but you weren''t


    willing. Now that you''ve figured it out, I''m really happy. With Jacob, that diamond tycoon, his wealth is


    enough for you to live a life of luxury for generations."


    Isabe swallowed thest bite of the baked sweet potato, and there was a bit more smile on her face.


    "Think about it: although you lost a man, with the money you earned from him, you can support ten or


    eight handsome guys with fair skin, good looks, and long legs. Isn''t that awesome?"


    Avery awkwardly smiled. "Well, I''m only getting one million and five hundred thousand dors in


    "What? That scumbag cheated on you during the marriage, and he has the nerve to give you only that


    amount?" Isabe looked incredulous.


    "That bastard used to be generous to you, didn''t he? Now he''s being stingy like this? He''s not short of


    money either."


    Avery didn''t exin much. "When he loved you, it was like a sky full of stars. He held you, fearing you''d


    fly away. When he no longer loved you, even the weeds underfoot were better than you. Let alone him.


    I called you here to help me move."


    "Alright, after we finish moving, I will treat you tonight. We''ll go out and have a good time."


    Avery smiled. "Okay."


    Everything in the house was arranged by Jacob, so she didn''t take much with her. She called it a move,


    but she only packed up some of her important belongings.


    Looking at the wedding photos hanging on the wall, she was smiling sweetly in every one of them.


    Jacob, who was usually reserved, also had a faint smile on his lips as he held her waist.


    Isabe was irritated when she looked at the scumbag. "What are you going to do with these wedding


    photos? You might as well take them to sell as scrap. Maybe you can buy two more baked sweet


    potatoes. Otherwise, burn them all."


    Avery shook her head. "No need. Since it''s a divorce, we''ll each take half."


    Avery had someone dismantle all the photos, cut out her portion, and then hung them back up.


    She was only reluctant to part with the nursery she had personally designed, decorated by Jacob. She


    didn''t want it to be upied by La''s child in the future.


    The room had apanied Avery for a year. She only took away the baby crib then had someone


    dismantle all the decorations.


    The traces left behind after spending hundreds of days and nights were cleared away in just a few


    hours.


    Standing at the entrance of the vi, she recalled the excitement of her first visit. Back then, she


    The self from back then must never have thought that one day she woulde to this point with Jacob.


    She took onest look at the entrance as if bidding farewell to her past self, then left calmly without


    turning back.


    Avery walked up to Isabe. "Be, apany me to the hair salon."


    Isabe patted her shoulder with great enthusiasm. "Alright! New hairstyle, new beginning. Forget


    about that scumbag! I''m going to get a cute pinkish style. Avy, what about you?"


    Avery didn''t think much. "I want it short."


    "Avy, although you look beautiful with both long and short hair, I think it''s better not to go too short so


    you won''t regret it in the future."


    Little did Isabe know, Avery''s decision to go short wasn''t about looks but simply to prepare for


    potential hair loss due to chemotherapy.


    Avery smiled gently. "No regrets."

 Chapter 12 A Fresh Start

    Chapter 12 A Fresh Start


    Chapter 12 A Fresh Start


    Two freshly heartbroken women gathered together. Isabe recruited two handsome hairstylists for


    them. As soon as the hairstylistid eyes on Avery, his eyes lit up. He immediately rmended the


    current trendy hairstyles.


    Avery directly declined, "Cut it short. The shorter, the better."


    "Miss, although the trend now is to be cool and chic, I personally think that if the hair is too short, it may


    limit your styling options. How about keeping it shoulder-length? It not only makes you look younger but


    also suits various asions."


    "No need."


    "Miss, your hair is long and ck. It seems like you''ve kept it for many years. It would be a shame to


    cut it all off." Tony sighed regretfully, shaking his head.


    Looking at herself in the mirror, even though she hadn''t been sleeping welltely and herplexion


    was a bit pale, she couldn''t hide her stunning features. Her long-neglected ck hair fell naturally,


    adding a touch of charm to her appearance.


    Jacob liked her long hair. She hadn''t trimmed it for years. Seeing that Tony hesitated to start, Avery


    picked up the scissors nearby and smiled faintly. "Then I''ll do it myself."


    Without any hesitation, she started cutting. Strands of ck hair fell, symbolizing the departure of her


    once youthful and beautiful days.


    "All done. I''ll leave the rest to you." Avery handed the scissors back to the hairstylist and let him finish


    the styling.


    Isabe emerged from the salon with a head of cherry blossom pink hair. Upon seeing Avery''s new


    hairstyle, she was first shocked, then amazed.


    "I finally understand what it means for a person to look good in anything. Avy, you look so stylish!"


    Toplement Avery''s Korean-style center parting, Isabe quickly took her to a mall and bought her


    several outfits with a neutral style. As they walked through the streets, they captured everyone''s gaze.


    As night fell, Isabe pulled Avery to take a selfie outside a shop window and posted it to Instagram.


    Caption: A fresh start.


    Avery apanied her to enjoy a steak dinner that she used to hesitate to splurge on. Isabe was in


    high spirits. "Avy, do you remember when we were in high school? At that age, it felt like solving


    mathematical equations was the most difficult thing in the world. Now, equations are just forms to be


    plugged in. It''s not like dealing with men, where giving your all often leads to nothing but scars."


    Avery hadn''t touched alcohol in a long time, and tonight, she wanted to indulge for thest time. She


    took a sip. "That''s because you were a struggling student. I never found equations difficult."


    "Yes, yes, who canpare to you, the academic genius? You skipped a grade to high school at the


    age of thirteen. I thought it was a little junior high school girl who had walked into the wrong ssroom.


    Who would have known it was a prodigy."


    Isabe poured her another ss, raising her ss. "Genius or silly, let''s drink to being single. Be


    happy being single. Without that scumbag, I can buy whatever I want in the future..."


    As she spoke, tears welled up in Isabe''s eyes again. "Avy, do you know? I used to buy discounted


    steaks for 4 dors at the supermarket. I scrimped and saved to support his education. I gave my all forContent provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    our future. I''m only 24 years old this year. I''ve never even bought a decent dress. How could he treat


    me like this?"


    Every household has its own difficulties. Avery hadn''t even handled her own affairs at home. She could


    only gentlyfort Isabe and encourage her to look forward.


    She had intended to send her home, but Isabe, taking advantage of her tipsy state, insisted on taking


    her to the Allure Club.


    Avery sighed, knowing that Isabe needed an outlet for her emotions.


    After all, she had a year to ease herself. But as for Isabe, when she dealt with these matters swiftly


    and returned to her home country, it didn''t necessarily mean she would be able to move on right away.


    The thought of not being able to be carefree with her for a long time, even if she didn''t die from


    chemotherapy, weighed heavily on Avery. She didn''t refuse.


    "This was her first time in such a setting, and Isabe appeared especially excited. She patted Avery''s


    hand and said, ''Look at this greeter, isn''t he handsome?''


    Avery didn''t pay much attention, as she was busy admiring the bold and elegant ck horse image in


    the lobby. Seeing her friend so enthusiastic, she had to agree. "Yes."


    "Later, don''t be polite to me," Isabe continued, "Instead of keeping him, I might as well keep a


    charming and sweet-talking person. Don''t you think that makes sense?"


    "Yes."


    Isabe, who was usually frugal, acted like an overnight millionaire today, bringing Avery into a private


    room and ordering ten bottles of champagne.


    Avery couldn''t stop her. The manager politely brought in ten male models, ranging from cute and


    charming to cool and stylish. Isabe eximed, "Choose whichever one you like."


    With all ten of them casting flirtatious nces and showing off their abs, Avery didn''t know where to


    look. She had to decline, saying, "No need. I''ll just have a few drinks with you."


    Isabe nonchntly ordered two, took out a stack of cash from her bag, and tossed it on the table with


    a boss-like air, saying, "You guys,e here. Make her happy tonight." Both of them exuded an


    elegant and sweet demeanor, a far cry from the style of Jacob. The two handsome men sat on either


    side of Avery, one wanting to feed her grapes and the other offering her a drink. Avery felt


    ufortable and wanted to leave.


    Isabe patted her thigh and said, "What''s wrong? After all that''s happened, are you still trying to


    remain chaste for him? Did he ever think of you when he was fooling around with other women? You''re


    divorced now, so why be afraid? Enjoy yourself tonight! I have money."


    They all knew themission for real estate transactions was high, and even for a vi like the one


    she sold, getting amission of almost 30 thousand dors wasmon. With her youth, beauty,


    sweet talk, and ability to get things done, she earned a decentmission in a year. If she hadn''t used


    the money to set up a home with her boyfriend, Isabe would be considered a young, rich woman. An


    asional extravagant night out was no problem for her.


    Isabe had decided to have a st tonight.


    At Willowbrook, after a day of hard work by the doctor, the child''s fever finally subsided, and Jacob


    heaved a sigh of relief. She covered her baby with a nket and quietly left the room.


    La greeted him with a gentle smile and said, "Jacob, it''s gettingte. Why don''t you stay at


    Willowbrook tonight? I''m afraid the baby might wake up again at night. You know he doesn''t cry as


    much when you''re with him.''


    Jacob rubbed her temples, feeling a bit tired. "I still have an appointment. Dr. Brown will be here, so


    you can call him if there''s any problem."


    La hesitated to say more, knowing she couldn''t force him to stay. She had expected to call him at


    10:30 PM to tell him she was divorced, but things hadn''t gone as nned.


    She couldn''t rush things and had to be patient. So she said, "Alright, just be careful on your way back."


    Jacob nodded and left. As soon as she got in the car, John handed her a set of keys. "Mr. Hill, these


    are the keys to the vi your wife sent over."


    Jacob''s eyes darkened, and he sneered, "She''s quick to move once the money''s in hand."


    John didn''t want to say much, but he remembered the recent post Isabe had made on her social


    media. After some hesitation, he spoke up, "Mr. Hill, it seems... your wife has really given up on you."

 Chapter 13 The Torment Within

    Chapter 13 The Torment Within


    Chapter 13 The Torment Within


    Jacob''s cold gaze swept towards John, who hurriedly exined, "Mr. Hill, Mrs. Hill is currently with


    Isabe."


    Isabe was Avery''s close friend, so it was normal for them to be together. In order to keep track of


    Avery''s every move, Jacob had John add her on WhatsApp.


    As John exined, he pulled out his phone and first showed Isabe''s first Instagram post. Isabe,


    with romantic cherry blossom curls, was quite eye-catching. Jacob immediately spotted Avery by her


    side.


    The contrast with her usual style was like night and day. Her waist-length hair was now cut to shoulder-


    length with a middle parting, giving her a delicate and mncholic look. Her once radiant and sunny


    girlish charm now carried a touch of mncholy.


    She lowered her gaze, wearing an oversized unisex shirt that revealed her delicate corbones,


    exuding a restrained kind of beauty.


    The caption read "Rebirth."


    Jacob didn''t realize that his hand holding the phone was trembling slightly. She had been entangling


    him for a whole year, and now that she chose to let go, why did his heart ache so painfully?


    No, his younger sistery buried underground. Why did she deserve a rebirth?


    He wasn''t feeling sorry for her, just unwilling to ept it.


    The torment was far from over. She couldn''t escape it.


    Lost in his own thoughts, Jacob barely paid attention as John added, "Miss Thompson took Mrs. Hill to


    the Allure Club."


    He opened the next post. In the dimly lit environment, Avery reclinedzily on a plush sofa. A


    handsome young man in white kneeled before her, feeding her grapes.


    At this moment, Jacob almost shattered John''s phone.


    "To the Allure Club."


    The carriage was filled with a bone-chilling coldness as Jacob fixated on the young man in white.


    He knew that Avery couldn''t resist him when he wore a white shirt. asionally, she would even paint


    pictures of him as a young man in a white shirt. At this moment, Jacob realized he didn''t want a


    divorce!


    Not only did he not want a divorce, he even contemted using a prison to keep her with him for the


    rest of her life, forcing her to live in torment as atonement for Martin.


    John dared not even breathe heavily in the car. They couldn''t quite understand. Over the past two


    years, Jacob had always been amodating to La, yet they couldn''t feel any genuine affection


    from him.


    Instead, no matter how he neglected Avery, they felt that she was the one he truly loved. Sometimes,


    however deep the love, it could turn into bitter hatred. Blinded by hatred, Jacob was willing to pay any


    price to hurt her.


    When Jacob rushed to the Allure Club, there was no trace of the two. Avery had brought the drunken


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    and unruly Isabe home half an hour earlier, leaving Jacob empty-handed.


    Jacob instructed his men to search several ces, but there was no sign of Avery. John even checked


    all the hotels in the city but to no avail.


    "Mr. Hill, Mrs. Hill probably arranged her amodation in advance. If she didn''t go through an


    agency for a rental, it might take a bit of time."


    Jacob''s eyes darkened more. It turned out she had nned it all along. As soon as she got the money,


    she left.


    "Look in every nook and cranny. Find her for me!"


    The good news was that Avery didn''t bring any men with her. The young man who had previously


    received Avery was now tied up and kneeling in front of him.


    Jacob lit a cigar, and in the swirling smoke, he looked coldly at the two trembling men. "Look up."


    The two men hadn''t expected to provoke such a big shot. They were shaking so much that their voices


    trembled as they replied, "M... Mr Hill."


    "Did you touch her?"


    "N...No. The youngdy didn''t like anyone touching her. She kept her distance from us the whole time.


    She only had two drinks before leaving with her friend."


    Jacob sneered, leaning down to carefully examine one of them. The young man had heavy makeup on,


    and the scent of his perfume was so strong that it wrinkled Jacob''s brow. "She actually let you feed her


    grapes, you trash."


    The young man was on the verge of tears. In the next moment, Jacob heartlessly dered, "Cut off his


    fingers."


    "Mr. Hill, spare me!"


    John also brought in the room''s surveince footage. "Mr. Hill, Mrs. Hill really didn''t touch them."


    The two men cried with snot and tears. They hadn''t expected that just feeding a grape would cost them


    their fingers. They had only wanted to find a rich woman, make a big score, and retire.


    After much effort, a beautiful and stylish youngdy had finallye their way. Although they had used


    a lot of tricks, she hadn''t even looked at them properly. And now, an underworld figure had shown up. It


    was a real disaster.


    Jacob didn''t pay any more attention to them. He aimlessly drove the car. Avery no longer had a ce


    to stay in this city. Where would she go?


    Since Martin was sent to the ICU, she didn''t need to stay in the hospital. Her phone was turned off.


    Jacob searched every ce they had been before.


    Finally, he returned to their marital home. That night, he had only stayed for a short while before


    leaving. It had been a long time since he had been here.


    The room was filled with cold furniture, and all traces of life had been cleaned up.


    On the dining table, she used to put a fresh bouquet of flowers every day. Now, even the vase was


    gone.


    In the master bedroom, all the wedding photos and pictures of her had been cut out. Only he remained,


    hanging there, looking eerie and lonely.


    The high-end brand clothes he had bought for her remained untouched after the Adams family went


    bankrupt. She had only taken the cheap, street market clothes.


    The valuable jewelry and handbags had been given away long ago. The only valuable diamond ring


    had been returned to him.


    In the bathroom, her toothbrush, cup, and bath towel-all traces of her-had disappeared. Only his


    couple''s electric toothbrush hung alone on the rack.


    Jacob walked quickly to the baby''s room. It was Avery''s spiritual sanctuary.


    He didn''t realize that his palms were sweaty at that moment. With a "click," the door opened, and he


    stood at the door, looking at the empty baby''s room.


    At that moment, Jacob felt a chill run through his entire body.


    She hadpletely severed all ties with him.


    "Mr. Hill, you can rest assured. I''ve checked with airlines and buspanies, and there''s no record of


    Mrs. Hill buying a ticket. Mr. Adams is still in the hospital, so Mrs. Hill wouldn''t leave."


    Only then did Jacob realize something. Even though he could have easily killed Martin, he hadn''t.


    Perhaps he subconsciously knew that Martin was Avery''s final straw.


    As long as Martin remained alive, she would forever be under his control.


    "Find her and bring her back."


    "Yes."


    Jacoby on the bed in the master bedroom, where he had slept separately from her. He couldn''t sleep


    even with his own bed.


    Knowing it wasn''t Avery''s fault, he just couldn''t ovee this hurdle in his heart.


    Every time he saw her happy, he thought of his poor sister. After all, she was Martin''s daughter, and


    this was something she had to bear.


    He loved her passionately, but at the same time, he hated her fiercely. He tormented her mercilessly to


    ease the anger and resentment within him.


    Perhaps he should consider a different form of punishment.

 Chapter 14 Farewell and Resolution

    Chapter 14 Farewell and Resolution


    Chapter 14 Farewell and Resolution


    Isabe''s behavior after drinking was not simply a matter of being irresponsible, but rather, it could only


    be described as apleteck of self-control.


    If it weren''t for Avery stopping her, she could have been passionately entangled with someone in the


    private room. After all, Avery had never observed her embracing a man, saying that she was a solitary


    singledy.


    Seeing her drunk to the point of no return, Avery had no choice but to take her back to her newly rented


    apartment.


    A while ago, the nurse found out she was looking for a ce to live, so she rmended her rtive''s


    apartment to her. Avery thought that by bypassing a real estate agent, she could save some


    The owner wouldn''t return for a while, and they hadn''t signed the contract yet, so Avery started


    cleaning and moving in only after getting the green light.


    With no formalities on record, it would take a while for Jacob to find her.


    Although the small apartment couldn''tpare to the Adams family''s before bankruptcy, nor to her


    marital home, it felt very cozy. She really liked it here, and even got some tropical fish that her father


    liked.


    Just a push of the window, and she could see the vast sea. She used to think Willowbrook was a gift


    from Jacob, but to her surprise, La moved in as soon as she returned.


    For a long time, she secretly resented, feeling sorrowful. Now she hade to terms with it. Even the


    most expensive house, after all, showed the same sea.


    The apartment had a small terrace. Sheid down thick nkets and nned to bring her father out


    after his condition stabilized. They could enjoy the sunset together in their free time.


    ns couldn''t keep up with changes. She never anticipated she would contract a terminal illness, nor


    did she expect Martin to end up in his current state.


    After a few drinks, Avery''s stomach felt ufortable. She took some medicine andy down on the


    narrow baby cot.


    Every night, she had to curl up, as it was the only position in which she could get even a little sleep.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Tonight, with the help of alcohol, she slept soundly. When she woke up, the sun was already high in the


    sky.


    Isabe was up ahead, already preparing breakfast. Both of them tacitly avoided mentioningst night.


    Adults were adept at hiding their vulnerabilities during the day. Isabe, wearing high heels, hurried


    towards the entrance, a slice of toast still in her mouth as she mumbled, "Breakfast is ready for you. I''m


    runningte, so I''ll go first, bestie."


    Avery stopped her. "Be, I''ll be quite busy these next few days, so I might not be able to apany


    you."


    "Don''t you think I''m just a prodigal? You think I''ll squander money if I have nothing to do? Last night


    was a farewell to our youth. Today, I''m fully revived. How can men equal to money? But if you really


    need help, you must let me know. Don''t work yourself to exhaustion doing multiple part-time jobs


    alone."


    "Okay, I understand," Avery said, giving Isabe a gentle hug by the door.


    "Be, you''ll find someone better. Today''s misfortune is for tomorrow''s happiness."


    Isabe teased, "You''re still trying to console me. If you couldn''t hold onto such a good man, where will


    you find a better one in the future?"


    "Well, in the future?" Avery smiled softly towards the sun''s direction. "Who knows..."


    Isabe originally wanted to leave, but seeing Avery''s slender back, she hugged her from behind. "I''ll


    be a bit busy these days. When I''m free, I''ll make ns with you. Take care of yourself, especially as


    it''s about to snow. Even if there''s no one to hold your hand, you should take good care of yourself."


    "...Okay."


    After Isabe left, Avery cleaned the room. Only then did she turn on her phone.


    Unexpectedly, she found missed calls from Jacobst night. It was probably about the divorce.


    Unfortunately, she wouldn''t have the time these days.


    Apart from Jacob, there were also several missed calls from Lily. She returned the call.


    The call was quickly answered, and Lily''s worried voice came through. "Avy, why didn''t you answer


    Mom''s calls? These past two days, I have been so worried about you. How much money do you need?


    I''ll transfer it to you right away."


    Listening to the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks, Avery calmed down considerably.


    She had resented her mother for many years after she passed away, not understanding why her


    mother left her behind. After finding out she was La''s stepmother, Avery found it even harder to


    ept. Why did it have to be La''s stepmother?


    Regardless of how sad she was, the fact was set in stone. Avery knew her own powerlessness.


    "Mom, I''m fine. Don''t worry. Jacob gave me some money, so you don''t need to worry about Dad''s


    recuperation fees."


    Lily, imagining her leaving in the pouring rain, couldn''t help but be even more concerned. "Avy, where


    are you now? I want to see you and make up for these years of owing you."


    Avery looked at the azure sea, her tone indifferent. "Mom, if you really cared about me, you wouldn''t


    have gone years without a single phone call. If you had even a little concern for Dad, you wouldn''t have


    returned to the country and not visited him once. It was my mistake. I acted recklessly out of


    desperation and forgot that you had already started a new life with someone else. This kind of mistake,


    I won''t make it again in the future."


    "Avy, I..."


    "Mom, let''s just go back to how it was before, I''ll take care of Dad. You can pretend you never had a


    daughter like me, and I''ll pretend I never had a mother like you."


    Avery didn''t me Lily for her losing face in front of La, but for Lily''s indifference towards her after


    going abroad.


    At the time when she needed her the most, Lily chose to stay by La''s side and take care of someone


    else''s daughter.


    It was Lily''s choice, and Avery couldn''t me her. She couldn''tpletely let go of her resentment and


    forgive her.


    After hanging up the phone, she resigned from the part-time job she had, and finally sent a message to


    Jacob, "I''m quite busy these days. We''ll talk about the divorce another time."


    Regardless of the truth, she and Jacob couldn''t go back.


    Farewell, they would not be friends, and certainly not lovers.


    Avery did all this and then went to the hospital. Nichs looked at her,ing alone, her figure


    stretched long by the sunlight, appearing even more fragile.


    Nichs suppressed hispassion in his heart and, as always, spoke gently, "Are you afraid?"


    "I was a little scared at first, but seeing you here makes me feel more at ease."


    "Don''t worry. I personally prepared the chemotherapy drugs, and I will do my best to minimize any


    difort while ensuring their effectiveness."


    "Thank you, Nic."


    Upon arriving at the inpatient department, Avery felt a stark reality of going from the earthly realm to


    hell. It was the first time she had seen so many patients, of all ages and walks of life. The only


    There were also a few indifferent middle-aged men walking bareheaded in the corridor. Most of the


    rooms had a few individuals undergoing chemotherapy.


    Some were crying, while others had a nk expression as they stared out the window.


    Avery knew that she would soon be like them, with no light in her eyes and no hope left for life.


    Each step forward became increasingly heavy.


    Thanks to Nichs, she was assigned a private room. When she arrived, a kind nurse said, "You''re


    Miss Adams, right? Director Lewis has already briefed us. Come over here to get prepared. Let your


    family handle the admission and payment for medication."


    Family?


    Yes, everyone here had one or two family members apanying them. She was the only one here


    without any, and the people around her looked at her with pity. Not only did she get this illness, but she


    also underwent chemotherapy all by herself.


    Avery bit her lip, feeling awkward. "I don''t have any family members. I''ll find a caregiver to take care of


    me."


    "How can that work? A family member needs to sign," the nurse said, looking somewhat troubled. "You


    don''t have a partner? Parents can also do it, or siblings?"


    Avery stood there, feeling lost and vulnerable, like a child at a school meeting without a parent.


    Nichs took a step forward and said, "I am her family. I''ll sign for her."

 Chapter 15 The Chemotherapy

    Chapter 15 The Chemotherapy


    Chapter 15 The Chemotherapy


    Avery nced gratefully at Nichs, who nodded before leaving to handle the procedures for her.


    The nurse patiently exined to her, "Miss Adams, the following treatment will be a long-term thing.


    The chemotherapy drugs are administered through injections, which require us to insert a needle into


    your blood vessels each time for the infusion. This puts strain on your blood vessels as they endure the


    damage caused by the chemotherapy drugs. In severe cases, there may also be drug extravasation.


    Many chemotherapy drugs are corrosive. To avoid these troubles, we rmend that you have a port


    imnted in your arm.


    "To ensure that the medication can smoothly enter your veins and reach your internal organs, we will


    leave venous ess in advance. The advantage lies in its durability, and we won''t need to find a vein


    or worry about the needle falling out during the next chemotherapy session. It is convenient and safe.


    The downside is that you can''t lift heavy objects with that arm."


    Avery agreed to the nurse''s suggestion and underwent a minor surgery to have a port imnted in her


    arm before receiving chemotherapy.


    Since her body had developed antibodies to anesthesia, she refused the injection of anesthetics. When


    the knife cut through her fragile flesh, she only frowned without making a sound.


    "Not many girls can endure pain like you do," the doctor said.


    "Who can I show my pain to? No one cares," Avery said sadly.


    She recalled the emergency rescue performed by the doctors when she fell into the water and gave


    birth prematurely a year ago. Even with anesthesia, she could still feel the sharp pain of the surgical


    knife cutting through her abdomen. On that day, she fainted in agony on the operating table and woke


    up in pain.


    Jacob had been standing outside La''s delivery room the whole time. She had screamed until her


    voice went hoarse, but he never came in to check on her.


    Since then, she had learned to suffer silently, no matter how much it hurt.


    The day after the chemotherapy, all sorts of side effects appeared. Nichs handled the discharge


    procedures for her.


    Avery had to stop for breaks countless times during the short journey from the hospital ward to the


    underground parking lot. Even the slightest movement made her dizzy and nauseous. It felt as though


    her strength had been drained.


    Nichs sighed and squatted down to pick her up. Avery panicked and resisted in a hurry. "Nic, no..."


    Nichs didn''t listen to her this time. Instead, he said sternly, "You''re in a terrible condition. If you don''t


    ept my help, I''ll have to call your family for your safety. Jacob is your only family now, right?"


    Avery couldn''t help but feel ironic. Without the divorce certificate, Jacob was still legally her husband


    and her only ''family'' who could take care of her.


    "Don''t tell him."


    She was a mess now. If Jacob found out she had cancer, he would probably be thrilled. She didn''t want


    to be mocked by him.


    Nichs escorted her back to her apartment and suggested, "Avy, you must find someone to take care


    of you, or even your meals will be a problem."


    Avery nodded. "I know. My friend ising back from abroad. She will take care of me. Nic, you should


    leave me and go back to work."


    Nichs checked his watch. He was going to bete. He had important surgery to perform today, so he


    said goodbye to her and left.


    Averyy alone on the bed, unable to describe what she was feeling. Every part of her body hurt as


    dizziness overwhelmed her. Her stomach churned, and the wound on her arm throbbed with pain.


    This was supposed to be the human world, but every second she spent felt hellish.


    She never expected that the person she missed the most at that moment would still be Jacob. She


    recalled the year when she had acute appendicitis. He carried her to the hospital despite the heavy


    snow.


    Back then, she was still a fragile woman. When she was pushed into the operating room, she cried in


    fear. Jacob held her hand tightly and followed her into the operating room. The doctor performed the


    whole surgery under his watchful gaze.


    Even after all this time, she still remembered his expression when he said, "Don''t be afraid. I''m here


    with you."


    For a month after the surgery, she hadn''t gotten out of bed. He had been there to attend to her every


    need. But now he was with another woman, taking care of their child.


    Avery reminded herself again and again of his unfaithfulness and cruelty. She had to forget his


    kindness.


    In intense pain, she struggled to get out of bed and gritted her teeth as she told herself to hang on. She


    couldn''t die because she still had the truth to uncover.


    She scooped some rice, but tears fell onto the grains as she rinsed them.


    The most painful thing wasn''t the medicine prating her marrow but rather the strong feelings she


    had for him, which felt like countless knives relentlessly cutting her. It hurt so much that she could


    hardly breathe.


    For three whole days, she writhed in pain in bed. When she woke up on the fourth morning, she felt


    that the pain and the dizziness had subsided a little.


    The curtains were pulled open by Nichs, who had taken care of her every day after work.


    He brought fresh ingredients and sweet potatoes that she had been longing for.


    He hade in a hurry, with dew on his ck woolen coat and moisture on his hair. When he lowered


    his head to assess her condition, she saw a snowke that hadn''t melted on his long eyshes.


    "Is it snowing?" Avery weakly asked.


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Nichs nodded. "Yes, it snowed all night. I''ll take you to see it in a few days when you get better."


    "Okay. It no longer hurts so much today." Avery got up, wrapped in thick pajamas.


    But when she turned around, she noticed arge patch of her hair scattered on the pillow.


    Even though she had anticipated this oue and cut her hair short ahead of time, it still shocked her


    when she saw it.


    In a hurry, she pulled up the nket to cover the pillow. No one wanted to expose their vulnerability to


    others.


    She panicked and said, "I''ll go freshen up."


    Nichs had seen many cancer patients and knew that, besides the fear of death, they often struggled


    to face their situations.


    "Okay, take your time."


    Avery closed the bathroom door and looked at herself in the mirror. Weakness was written all over her


    face. As she tentatively tugged at her hair, arge clump of it fell off and appeared in her hand.


    She had always been a beautiful woman, and the scene caused her heart to sink deeper.


    By and by, she would lose all her hair.


    She had toplete the divorce procedures as soon as possible.


    She didn''t want to wait and meet Jacob with a bald head.


    Finally, she turned on her phone and dialed Jacob''s number, ignoring the umted messages.


    Little did she know that Jacob had been searching for her these past few days.


    In the past, she would have to wait for a while, but this time the man immediately answered the phone.


    Tinged with anger, his voice came through the phone. "Avery, where the hell have you been?"


    He had been searching for her for four days and nights.


    But instead of exining herself, Avery said in an anxious tone, "Jacob, I''ll be waiting for you at City


    Hall in one hour. I don''t want to drag this out any longer. Let''s get divorced."

 Chapter 16 Making up Her Mind

    Chapter 16 Making up Her Mind


    Chapter 16 Making up Her Mind


    Avery put on makeup to look better.


    Watching the dancing snow outside, Avery wrapped herself up in thick clothes.


    After chemotherapy, her body''s functions had declined, and she was as fragile as a porcin doll. Her


    immune system was much weaker than that of an ordinary person.


    Every other day, she had to have a blood test to check the ratio of red and white blood cells. If it fell


    below a certain value, medication intervention was necessary.


    Otherwise, a low immune system could lead to life-threatening fever. Avery couldn''t afford to take any


    risks, so she chose warmth over fashion.


    She gently touched the thinning hair on the back of her head,pared to other areas, and carefully


    put on a ck woolen hat.


    Nichs naturally opposed her going out, advising, "Avy, you''re not healthy enough to go out yet.


    Yesterday, I did a blood test for you, and the values have been declining rapidly. As your attending


    doctor, I must be responsible for your safety."


    Avery looked at him with teary eyes and pleaded, "Nic, nobody wants to meet their ex in such terrible


    conditions. I just want to decently exit his life when my condition isn''t so bad yet."


    Thinking about the pillow she hid away, Nichs sighed. "Just make sure you keep warm."


    "Getting a divorce certificate won''t take long."


    "I''ll give you a ride."


    Avery didn''t refuse because she wanted to get a divorce as soon as possible.


    In the car, she checked the text messages. The first one was from Isabe, whose ex-boyfriend had


    workce. She took a long leave to avoid him, which exined her absence these past few days.


    Unexpectedly, Jacob had sent her a bunch of messages, threatening her with Martin''s life and requiring


    her prompt reply.


    Avery thought he was just in a hurry to get a divorce, so she didn''t reply. Soon enough, she would grant


    his wish.


    Lee, the private detective, had done a thorough investigation and sent the findings to Avery.


    The information indicated that Martin and Olivia were very close. They spent about one-third of each


    month together, and surveince cameras captured multiple instances of him staying overnight at


    Olivia''s apartment and leaving the next day.


    On top of that, he had transferred money to Olivia many times and even bought a million-dor-worth


    car in her name.


    When Avery read this, she felt a sense of unease. The level of care and the amount of money involved


    had far exceeded ordinary assistance.


    When a wealthy middle-aged man cared so much about a girl his daughter''s age, it only showed that


    their rtionship wasn''t normal.


    Her mother had been gone for many years, and her father never remarried. It was normal for him to


    have certain needs, and Avery never questioned it.


    In children''s minds, the images of their fathers had always been sacred and dignified. Even if he had to


    fulfill his physical desires, Avery couldn''t imagine him choosing such a young girl. Her father''s image


    seemed to have cracked.


    Olivia was dead, and Martin remained unconscious. For the time being, Avery could only assume they


    had an affair.


    Martin had always been tolerant toward others. Moreover, since Olivia was so much younger than him,


    he should have been more caring instead of having harmed her.


    But if her guess was correct, why did Jacob go crazy and seek revenge against her family?


    It had only been three days, but Lee had already uncovered so much. He was really capable. After


    paying a deposit, she asked him to find out the cause of Olivia''s death.


    After staring at her phone for a while, Avery felt dizzy and overwhelmed by the surveince footage


    ying in her mind.


    Before seeing those scenes, she had confidently believed that her father was an upright gentleman.


    But now she couldn''t help but question his character.


    The city was nketed in dancing snow, and everything looked pristine. But Avery knew that there was


    darkness lurking beneath the veil.


    The car pulled over to the side of the road. Like a gentleman, Nichs got out and opened the car door


    for her.


    Avery was feeling slightly better than three days ago, but she still looked frail to him.


    "The roads are slippery. Take it slow, and don''t fall."


    Avery smiled gratefully, "Nic, rx. I''ll be careful. I want to live more than anyone else."


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    She couldn''t die until she found out the truth.


    Releasing Nichs''s supporting hand, she turned around to face the person in the ck car across the


    street.


    Jacob gazed intently at the hand that Nichs had supported her with. The cold glint in his eye made


    Avery shiver. She knew all too well how ruthless this man could be.


    Even if he hated her, it didn''t mean he would let others touch her.


    This was why she didn''t want to owe Nichs. Jacob''s gaze sent a shiver down her spine, and she


    quickly said, "Nic, aren''t you performing surgeryter? I''ll take a taxi home after handling the divorce


    procedures. You can go."


    "It''s okay. The surgery is in the afternoon, and I''m notfortable leaving you alone."


    Avery became anxious, and her tone went cold. "You''re not my family, Nic. Aren''t you worried about


    gossip if you show me so much care?"


    "I wouldn''t have done these things if I were worried."


    "But I am. Nic, even though I no longer have feelings for him, we are not divorced yet. I don''t want to be


    gossiped about, so please don''te to me again. My life and death have nothing to do with you."


    Avery turned around, giving Nichs a cold shoulder.


    Although Nichs came from a family of doctors and was renowned in Astrie, he was still insignificant


    Nichs felt a tinge of unwillingness as he watched her walk away. But then again, what right did he


    have to stay by her side?


    As he drove away, he noticed a luxury car parked by the roadside. In an instant, he understood


    everything, and a wry smile crept up on his lips.


    He knew very well that Avery still loved that man. She didn''t want Jacob to misunderstand, did she?


    Nichs veered the car and drove off.


    Inside the ck luxury car, Jason felt a shiver down his spine. He didn''t dare to look back at all.


    Jacob''s snort scared him so much that he almost jumped out of the driver''s seat. Stammering, he said,


    "M-Mr. Hill."


    "What an eyesore!"


    Jason put on a wry face, saying, "I''ll get out of the car right now. Maybe I should let my brother drive


    instead."


    John nced at his spineless brother and bowed to Jacob. "Mr. Hill, I see."


    With that, he got out of the car and disappeared into the wind and snow. Jason pped his head in


    frustration, finally realizing that Jacob was talking about Nichs.


    In front of the City Hall, Avery anxiously looked at the approaching man.


    Dressed in ck, he stood out amidst the snow. His handsome face merged with the ice, making Avery


    inexplicably nervous.


    As he neared, a cold voice rang in her ears. "Are you divorcing me because of him?"

 Chapter 17 Rejecting Her Proposal

    Chapter 17 Rejecting Her Proposal


    Chapter 17 Rejecting Her Proposal


    Avery lifted her head, a hint of a disdainful smile flickering in her eyes. "Mr. Hill, that''s an interesting


    question. Aren''t you the one who asked for a divorce?"


    Ignoring her response, Jacob approached her with a chilling aura. "You''ve been with him these past


    few days?"


    At such a close distance, Avery could see the cold glint in his bloodshot eyes under his thick


    eyshes. His face was filled with fierceness.


    Avery denied it firmly, "No, it''s difficult to hail a taxi in such weather, and Nic just gave me a ride."


    Jacob sneered, saying, "Avery, when you lie, your eyes tend to look upward. Your habit hasn''t


    changed. You held on for a year and suddenly let go, leaving your seriously ill father behind, all for that


    man?"


    Avery didn''t want to exin. The more she tried toe up with excuses, the more he would feel like


    she was trampling on his intelligence. It would make things worse.


    So, she quickly changed the subject. "It doesn''t matter. Let''s just get divorced first."


    Before she could take a step, Jacob suddenly grabbed her wrist. He didn''t use much force, but Avery


    felt a piercing pain, and she frowned at him.


    Jacob''s face twisted with madness, and his voice was chilling. "I used to think that divorce was the best


    punishment for you, but now I''ve changed my mind."


    Avery was taken aback. "What are you talking about?"


    Jacob looked at her deviously. "I suddenly don''t want to get divorced anymore."


    His long fingers brushed against her cheek as he looked down and coldly asked, "Are you happy about


    it, Mrs. Hill?"


    If this had happened half a month ago, Avery would have been ecstatic. But after she learned the truth,


    his touch only made her feel disgusted.


    "Let go! Jacob, I want a divorce from you now."


    The man effortlessly lifted her off the ground. The harbor, which had sheltered her from wind and rain,


    now only left her with endless resistance.


    "Let go of me, Jacob, are you out of your mind?"


    The difference in strength between a man and a woman was huge, not to mention that Avery was


    fragile at that moment. She was unable to resist him.


    Her body was ced in the back seat of the car. The struggle felt like an intense exercise for Avery.


    She gasped for air and spoke with difficulty, "Jacob, what do you want to do?"


    "What do I want?"


    He tugged at his tie, with a trace of mockery shing across his eyes. "Avery, I want you to suffer. Do


    you think I''m stupid enough to let you frolic with another man? I underestimated you. You said you


    would rather die than divorce me, but you soon found someone else. Are you so horny?"


    Avery had a splitting headache. His words were provoking, and her heart felt like it was being pricked


    with needles. She bit her lip and said, "You''ve always wanted a divorce from me, and now that I''m


    granting your wish, why are you acting up like this? You cheated on me, so even if I want to be with


    someone else, what has it got to do with you?"


    In the next second, the man lifted his chin high, his voice devoid of emotions. "Anyone can find


    happiness in this world, except you. Do you get it?"


    Avery met his indifferent gaze, his dark eyes exuding silent pressure. His voice was ruthless as he


    said, "Whether we divorce or not, it''s up to me to decide."


    As he leaned closer, his tie fell on Avery''s cheeks. His exquisite woolen coat was neat, without a


    wrinkle, and he acted as condescending as a god.


    It was soon verified as the car turned around the barrier. Avery''s gaze fell on the line of cars on the


    opposite side, and right in front of the queue was a Cayenne that had crashed into the guardrail. It was


    none other than Nichs''s car.


    As soon as Nichs dropped her off, he got into an ident. Avery paled with fright and shouted,


    "Stop the car!"


    Jason wasn''t foolish enough to stop the car at that moment. He simply turned a deaf ear to her request.


    Avery tried to open the car door, but Jacob yanked her backward into his arms.


    She heard the man speak nonchntly, "What? Are you worried about him?"


    "Have you gone mad? Nic only showed some extra care to my dad because we graduated from the


    same school. I have no rtionship with him. Why did you do this?"


    Jacob slowly reached out his hand, his cool fingertips brushing against her face. His cold voice then


    escaped his mouth. "Because I take pleasure in your sadness."


    Avery weakly gripped his shirt, but anger had drained her energy. She gathered thest bit of her


    strength and said, "Jacob, my dad sponsored Olivia''s education. Even if there is some connection


    between them, I believe he would never harm her."


    At the mention of the name, Jacob''s face suddenly changed. The sneer on his face immediately turned


    into anger, and he shoved her away.


    "What right do you have to mention this name?"


    Avery''s back mmed hard against the car door, and her bones felt like they were shattered. She


    leaned weakly to the side, enduring the sharp pain.


    Jacob was so sensitive to this name, so it seemed like she had found the right person. Olivia was his


    lost sister.


    But she couldn''t muster the strength to ask anything. She closed her eyes, trying to calm down and


    dispel the difort.


    She didn''t even have the energy to argue anymore. She could only curl up in the seat.


    Fortunately, she had applied some blush and lipstick beforeing over, so as not to reveal her pale


    face.


    Met with her silence, Jacob assumed she was fuming and ignored her. However, his chest was still


    heaving with anger.


    The car arrived at Hill Mansion, but Avery was too weak to move.


    Jacob had already left. Jason opened the car door and asked softly, "Mrs. Hill, are you feeling unwell?"


    Before Avery could deny it, Jacob looked down at her from outside and taunted, "Stop ying the


    same trick over and over again. Do you think I''ll go soft if you pretend to be weak?"


    To make him change his mind, she had indeed fished for sympathy.


    When she was really in a terrible state, he didn''t believe it.


    After waiting for a few seconds, Jacob grew impatient. "You''d better get out now if you don''t want me to


    take action against your family."


    Avery had just texted Nichs, but there was no reply. She didn''t know how badly Nichs was


    injured, but she had to grit her teeth and get out of the car.


    As soon as her toes touched the ground, a gust of cold wind rushed toward her. Her legs went weak,


    Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    and her vision darkened before she fell to the ground.

 Chapter 18 Giving Up

    Chapter 18 Giving Up


    Chapter 18 Giving Up


    Before Avery couldnd on the ground, someone pulled her back.


    It wasn''t Jacob, but Jason. She looked up, only to find Jacob watching with cold eyes in the distance.


    There were no signs of concern but only indifference in his eyes.


    Apparently, he believed it was another trick yed by her.


    All that remained for him was hatred, so how could he care?


    "Mrs. Hill, are you okay?" Jason asked worriedly.


    "I''m fine. It''s just hypoglycemia." Averyughed self-deprecatingly and followed behind Jacob.


    It had snowed all night, and the courtyard was all white. The servants of the Hill Mansion were nowhere


    to be seen, and no one had cleared the umted snow in the yard. It was a short distance, but


    Avery was out of breath.


    She braved the wind and snow to reach the room, hoping to warm herself up. Standing at the door,


    Jacob sneered at her. "I have to admit that your acting skills have improved."


    Back then, to keep him, Avery had used all the tricks she could think of, even resorting to desperate


    measures she had previously despised.


    Avery felt ironic, but instead of exining, she sneered. "Thank you for yourpliment."


    With an indifferent expression, she walked past Jacob into the room. Thefortable heating inside


    made her feel slightly better. She took off her thick down jacket, poured herself a ss of warm water,


    and leaned softly on the sofa before asking, "So, are you going to divorce me or not?"


    "When it''s time for a divorce, I will let you know. For the time being, you will stay here."


    Sitting opposite him, Avery remainedposed as she fiddled with the fluffy ball hanging from her hat.


    "Jacob, on the seventh day after I gave birth prematurely, you asked me for a divorce. I never


    understood why you were in such a hurry until I saw that child who resembled you in every way. You


    were eager to leave me to give La a home."


    A quiver in her voice, she continued, "In this past year, no matter how cold you were toward me, I


    stubbornly used the kindness you once showed me to cover up your betrayal and heartlessness. I


    thought maybe you were just fooling around for a while. After all, I am your legally wedded wife. There


    must be something wrong with me for you to ignore me. I can change and even tolerate your mistakes.


    "Looking back, I realize how foolish I was. While you were enjoying life with someone else''s wife and


    child, I stayed in that deste home, waiting for someone who would never return.


    "It took me a year to ept this reality and understand how foolish I was. So now, I''m letting go. If you


    want to find your happiness or give them a home, I don''t care anymore."


    Avery stood up and stumbled toward Jacob. Tears streamed down her face, dropping onto the cold


    floor tiles.


    She stopped in front of Jacob, studying the man sitting there upright with a calm expression. Although


    he didn''t show any emotions, his aura was intimidating, and his anger seemed to break out at any


    moment.


    In the past, this expression was reserved for others. In his eyes, there was always a hint of subtle


    warmth when he looked at her.


    But now, she had be just like the others to him.


    So, she should have let go a long time ago.


    Keeping her head low, Avery opened her mouth. Rare despair appeared on her face.


    "Jacob, I''m letting you go. Can you let me go too? Please?"


    Her almost pleading voice caused his heart to tighten. He saw the exhaustion on Avery''s face.


    It was like a crumbling dam standing tall amidst the turbulent floodwaters for years. The dam, which


    was once thought to be indestructible, suddenly developed a breach. In the moment it gave way, the


    entire structure was engulfed by the raging waters, causing its stones to be battered and shattered by


    force.


    Giving up was always easier than staying firm.


    In the instant the flood swallowed the entire dam, no one knew how long it had held on, how difficult it


    had been to guard against the onught, and how heartbroken it must have been to abandon its long-


    standing faith.


    She was right. Besides seeking revenge, Jacob was eager to divorce so that his son could be


    registered.


    After nearly a year of struggle, Avery finally let go, but Jacob wasn''t as happy as he had imagined.


    "You think I''ll let you off so easily? Dream on! From today onward, you''ll stay in the Hill Mansion. You


    belong to me in this lifetime, and after you die, you will remain mine."


    Avery''s tearsnded on his face, and a hint of moisture seemed to seep into Jacob''s heart.


    He irritably took out his phone and opened a photo, which disyed the moment of Nichs being


    taken away by the ambnce.


    "If you have any contact with this man again, the ones lying there will be his entire family. Avery, don''t


    even think about living as you wish."


    "You b*stard! If you hate me,e after me. Why did you do that to Nichs?" Avery''s p was


    intercepted by Jacob before it couldnd.


    Jacob''s eyes were filled with resentment. "Do you care about him so much? Don''t forget, until the


    divorce is finalized, you are still Mrs. Hill."


    "I..."


    Before Avery could exin, she suddenly felt weightless as Jacob picked her up and unceremoniously


    threw her onto the bed in the master bedroom.


    Fortunately, the mattress had been customized to her preferences. It was soft and resilient, and she


    wasn''t injured.


    But the heavy fall caused her to feel even dizzier. Shey weakly on the bed and looked at the man in


    fear.


    Jacob impatiently loosened his tie and, as if possessed by a demon, approached the trembling woman


    with a cruel smile.


    "Avy, have you been with him these past few days? Did he touch you?"


    The term of endearment that hadn''t been used in almost two years suddenly sounded perverse when it


    came out of his mouth. It brought her goosebumps.


    The man seemed like a beast restrained by chains, ready to break free and pounce on her.


    Avery shook her head and tried to exin, "We''re just friends. It''s not as dirty as you think."


    "Dirty? Hmph..." A sneer tugged at his lips, and he reached out to grab her feet.


    Despite her difort, she struggled, but her feeble strength was useless, like punching cotton.


    Little did she know that Jacob had searched every corner these past few days, barely sleeping for ten


    hours over several nights. Filled with hatred for so long, he was like a demon absorbing negative


    energy, desperately in need of an outlet.


    He removed Avery''s shoes and socks. He hadn''t touched this woman in hundreds of days and nights.


    The rush of blood coursed through his veins, and lust clouded his eyes.


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    Avery knew exactly what that kind of gaze meant. She pleaded with a trembling voice, "No, Jacob, you


    can''t..."

 Chapter 19 Punishing Kiss

    Chapter 19 Punishing Kiss


    Chapter 19 Punishing Kiss


    Avery''s slender ankles were like fragile butterfly wings in his hands, and he was ready to crush them


    with ease.


    Jacob bent over and slowly approached her.


    His deep eyes reflected her terrified face. Her resistance ignited thest spark of fire in his heart.


    Avery''s heart pounded wildly as she screamed in fear and anger, "Don''t touch me with the hands that


    have touched other women. Take your dirty hands off me!"


    But in the next second, Jacob imed her lips and muffled her voice.


    Avery widened her eyes and shook her head frantically, desperately trying to break free from his


    control.


    The man''s hand slipped around her neck and firmly mped the back of her head, forcing her to tilt her


    neck and ept this punishing kiss.


    The cold and rough breath constantly flowed into Avery''s mouth. The thought that his lips might have


    kissed La made her nauseous.


    Summoning her strength, she pushed Jacob away and leaned over the side of the bed, vomiting.


    When she turned her head back, Jacob''s face appeared livid.


    His eyes stared at her intensely, but Avery enunciated, "As I said, don''t touch me. You make me sick."


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    A zing fire raged in Jacob''s heart.


    Her vomit extinguished the intense atmosphere that had just been building up, and just as a phone call


    came in, Jacob swiftly left, flicking his sleeve.


    Soon, the maid, Madison, hurried in to clean up. Seeing Avery''s exhausted state, she couldn''t help but


    feel sorry for her. "Mrs. Hill."


    Avery weakly greeted her. "Madison, long time no see."


    "Yeah. It''s been over a year since Mr. Hill moved back. What exactly happened between you and Mr.


    Hill? He used to treat you so well. I''ve never seen him caring about anyone like that."


    Averyy weakly on the bed, her eyes fixed on the stars on the ceiling that he had set. When the lights


    were turned off at night, it looked like a gxy.


    In the past, he would keep in mind her every word, but now, even if she died in front of him, he would


    think she was just acting.


    Avery murmured, "I also want to know what happened between us..."


    Madison sighed. "Mrs. Hill, although Mr. Hill dotes on vixen, I can tell that he still cares about you. In


    this past year, no matter howte it was, he woulde home for the night instead of staying at her


    ce."


    Avery was taken aback. The media had reported multiple times about him going there at night and


    leaving early in the morning. Had he never stayed at Willowbrook?


    But soon, sheughed at her thought. They already had a child together, so did it matter whether he


    stayed there for the night?


    "Mrs. Hill, couples quarrel, and they make up. I..."


    Others wouldn''t know howplicated the entanglement was between them. Jacob held deep


    grievances against her, and her love for him had slowly turned into hatred. Even without La, they


    would not get back together.


    Facing Madison''s kindness, Avery mustered up her strength and got out of bed. "Madison, I''ll go wash


    up first."


    "Alright, Mrs. Hill."


    She washed every part of her body that Jacob had touched, over and over again. She even carefully


    washed her hair, which she hadn''t done in days.


    Looking at the strands of hair falling to the ground, Avery sat huddled in the corner of the bathroom for


    a while, lost in thought.


    It was not until she heard Madison''s voiceing from outside that she picked up the strands of hair,


    wrapped them up in the tissue, and threw them into the trash can.


    She didn''t want Jacob to discover her illness.

 Chapter 20 A Change in Taste

    Chapter 20 A Change in Taste


    Chapter 20 A Change in Taste


    Avery made a bet with herself.


    If Jacob still loved her, her death would be the most powerful card for revenge against him.


    Even if she really died, she wanted him to never find peace in his lifetime.


    Of course, if he didn''t love her, telling him the truth would be no different from seeking humiliation.


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    La wouldugh at her misfortune.


    She came out and saw a table of her favorite food.


    Avery invited Madison to eat with her. Madison wiped her hands on her apron, sat beside Avery, and


    served her soup. "Mr. Hill ordered me to stew the chicken soup. See? He cares about you."


    The smells of the greasy, spicy food and pungent peppercorns pervaded the air.


    Avery liked spicy food, while Jacob liked light cuisine. In the past, their dining table would always have


    But now that her stomach was upset, she could no longer eat such heavy-vored food.


    "Mrs. Hill, why aren''t you eating? My cooking skills haven''t declined. When Mr. Hill eats at home, he


    always asks me to cook one or two spicy dishes."


    Avery looked at her in surprise. That man had never liked spicy food.


    Reading her mind, Madison continued, "That''s why I said Mr. Hill cares about you. Even if he doesn''t


    live with you, he still asks me to cook the dishes you like. In the past, you always urged her to eat them,


    but now he eats them willingly every day. In the beginning, he couldn''t bear it and his face would turn


    red from the spiciness, and he would cough uncontrobly and keep drinking water. Now he can handle


    some spicy food."


    Avery suddenly found itughable. Jacob tried food she liked, but she had to give up her original


    preference and switch to lighter vors because of her illness.


    They were destined to drift apart.


    Instead of continuing the subject, Avery pleaded with Madison to borrow her phone.


    Thanks to her retentive memory, she remembered Nichs''s number and gave him a call.


    If something happened to Nichs, she would be responsible. When Nichs''s voice came through


    the phone, she finally put her mind at ease.


    Hearing no sound, Nichs asked tentatively, "Avy, is that you?"


    The car ident was very suspicious, and Nichs knew who was behind it.


    "Yes, it''s me. Nic, I''m sorry for implicating you."


    There was a hint of joy in his weary voice. "So, you said those words to me in front of the City Hall


    because you were afraid of implicating me?"


    Avery didn''t catch his train of thought. "Nic, my phone was confiscated, so I couldn''t contact you. How


    are your injuries?"


    "Don''t worry. The safety airbags saved me. Is he imprisoning you? Do you need me to report this to the


    police?"


    "We''re still married, so there''s no proof of imprisonment. Nic, I appreciate everything you''ve done for


    me. You don''t have to worry about these matters anymore. Today''s incident was just a warning. I know


    your good intentions, but I''m not worth your efforts. It''s good to know you''re safe. Bye."


    Avery quickly hung up the phone, leaving Nichs holding the phone with a silly smile. It turned out


    that her words were not for Jacob.


    Avery returned the phone to Madison and dragged her tired body back to her room to rest.


    She didn''t know how long she had slept before hearing a knock on the door.


    The room was filled with a strong smell of alcohol, and the pungent odor caused her stomach to churn


    again.


    Before she could speak, Jacob casually threw his coat on the ground, and then the mattress sank. She


    heard the man mutter, "Honey, I''m back."

 Chapter 21 Drunken Confession

    Chapter 21 Drunken Confession


    Chapter 21 Drunken Confession


    The long-lost term of endearment echoed in the air. Avery was spellbound and kept her posture.


    She wondered how much he had drunk that made him habitually pull Avery into his arms, as if nothing


    had happened between them.


    The familiar warmth of his embrace blew Avery''s mind.


    She tried to maintain her senses and push him away, but Jacob took her hand and kissed it gently.


    His warm lips brushed against the back of her hand, and he murmured, "Honey, where have you been?


    I''ve been looking for you."


    Avery couldn''t hold back her tears anymore. It seemed that all the tears in her life had dried up over the


    past year.


    Suppressing her sadness, she asked, "Didn''t you push me away yourself?"


    "Nonsense." Jacob held her even tighter, nting a drunken kiss on her earlobe. "You''re the love of my


    life. How could I bear to push you away?"


    Avery pushed him away and said, "Jacob, take a good look at who I am."


    The room was dark, with the curtains undrawn. The dim light from the courtyardnded on her face,


    and Jacob saw glistening tears in her eyes.


    "Honey, are you half asleep?"


    He bent over to kiss away her tears and murmured, "Avy, don''t cry. If anyone bullies you, I will beat him


    up."


    Although his words were childish, they made Avery cry even more bitterly. She didn''t know how much


    she had drunk to be like this.


    Normally, he never forgot the grudge or said such childish words to her.


    Avery buried her head in his chest, sniffing and trembling. "Jacob, what would you do if I died?"


    "Knock it off. How could you die?"


    "No one can escape it."


    "I''d follow you to theherworld."


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    Avery tightly gripped his shirt and smiled bitterly. "You''re talking nonsense. In my opinion, you will set


    off fireworks and marry someone else as soon as I die."


    Her words displeased Jacob, and he quickly propped himself up, putting her hand on his chest. With no


    fabric obstructing the touch, his firm yet stic skin pressed against her palm.


    His heart was thumping like a drum.


    From above her head, Jacob spoke seriously in his drunken state.


    "Do you hear it? My heart beats for you. If you die, it will die with you."


    With tears in her eyes, Avery nodded. "Yes, I do."


    His hand slowly descended to her waist, startling Avery, and then he bore down on her.


    Reeking of alcohol, he snuggled up to her. Even his usual coldness was gone.


    "Avy, let''s have a child."


    A child...


    Tears streamed down her face.


    Sensing her trembling body, Jacob panicked and hastily wiped away her tears. "Avy, don''t cry. Forget it,


    I don''t want it anymore. I only want you to be well, so please don''t cry."


    He held her tightly in his arms, feeling Avery''s tremors, but he patientlyforted her.


    Avery clung tightly to his clothes, resting her head against his chest. Her tears wetted his shirt as she


    murmured his name, "Jacob, Jacob..."

 Chapter 22 He Knew She Was Sick

    Chapter 22 He Knew She Was Sick


    Chapter 22 He Knew She Was Sick


    Why did this happen?


    She really wanted to go back to the carefree time two years ago.


    "I''m here, I''m here." He responded to her patiently.


    Avery knew that his tenderness at this time was just a sh in the pan, and she should not have close


    contact with him again, but she couldn''t help but want to hold on to that little bit of warmth.


    "Jacob, how nice would it be if you didn''t change?"


    ...


    Jacob woke up at dawn, and before he opened his eyes, he felt someone in his arms.


    He thought of the pile of empty wine bottlesst night. He was good at drinking and was temperate


    enough, so he shouldn''t get drunk.


    He had a splitting headache and couldn''t remember what happenedst night. He felt uneasy and


    didn''t even dare to open his eyes to face it.


    He didn''t open his eyes until he had mentally prepared himself. When he saw that the woman in his


    arms was Avery, he sighed a long sigh of relief.


    But in the next second, he realized how things were now and immediately wanted to get away from


    Avery.


    Just when he was about to pull out his arm, his eyes suddenly fell on Avery''s face, and his movements


    stopped.


    How long had it been since he had looked at her quietly like this? The memories came flooding back.


    Every time when they met, there was always tension between them.


    Without putting on makeup, her paleplexion was difficult to conceal.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Herplexion, though formerly fairly fair, was now so fair as to be almost unnatural. She was as


    white as a sheet.


    Her delicate little face was pale and she looked like a goblin in aic.


    Avery slept with her body nestled against Jacob¡¯s arm, she didn''t wrap her limbs around him like she


    used to.She curled up like a shrimp.


    A self-deprecating smile appeared on Jacob''s lips. Her gesture meant that she no longer believed in


    him.


    When he thought of this, anger took the best of him and he pulled out his arm.


    Avery opened her eyes with confusion, like a kitten, looking at the world nkly.


    She looked innocent and graceful.


    Until her eyes focused on Jacob''s handsome face, her expression suddenly changed, and she blurted


    out, "You were drunk and wouldn''t let me go."


    A beautiful scene of them sleeping in each other''s arms disappeared suddenly.


    Jacob''s face was sullen, and his voice was still hoarse as he had just woken up. "I know. If I were


    slightly sober, I wouldn''t have held you."


    In order to cover up his embarrassment, Jacob took the first step into the bathroom with his clothes,


    and Avery quickly cleaned up the hair that fell on the bed after closing the door.


    Jacob unbottoned his shirt angrily. He felt puzzled. They were obviously still husband and wife; why


    should he exin holding her to sleep?


    After thinking about it, he felt that he had not performed well just now. When he was about to throw the


    shirt into the dirty clothes basket, his thumb came into contact with her fallen hair.


    He wouldn''t have cared too much if there was only one hair. However, the hairs scattered all over his


    arms. He roughly counted them, and there were about twenty.


    In the past, when Avery still had long hair, she alwaysined about severe hair loss. She tried


    various shampoos, but they didn''t seem to have any effect. She alsoughed at herself as to whether


    she would be bald one day.


    At that time, she was naughty and jumped on his back and joked, "Honey, if I be bald one day,


    can you shave your hair too?"


    Jacob''s eyes flickered. Were all women''s hair loss so severe?


    He then thought of her pale face and her exnation not long ago. "I didn''t lie to you; I was just sick..."


    The next moment, Jacob opened the door and walked towards the bed.

 Chapter 23 Divorce

    Chapter 23 Divorce


    Chapter 23 Divorce


    The bathroom door was pushed open forcefully, startling Avery who had just tidied her hair. She looked


    at him guiltily. "You..."


    Before she finished speaking, she saw Jacob''s naked upper body, and his muscr body broke into


    her sight without any warning.


    Even though they had a child, she hadn''t seen such a scene for more than a year. It made Avery''s


    heart beat faster, and she quickly looked away.


    The figure cast by him shrouded her cheeks, and his unique aura rushed to her face with warmth.


    Avery subconsciously curled up her body and stared at him with a defensive expression. "What are you


    going to do?"


    Jacob slowly leaned down. The deep eyes fell on her pale cheek, and he asked, "You said you were


    sick before. What disease did you get?"


    Avery looked at his pair of eyes full of inquiry, and her mood was veryplicated.


    There was no mockery, contempt, or coldness in his eyes. He was sincerely asking about her


    condition.


    Avery''s mood wasplicated at this moment. She suddenly had an additional thought. If she told


    Jacob, would he feel a little bit guilty for what he had done before?


    Seeing her hesitation, Jacob pressed his body lower. The distance between the two was so close that


    his eyes seemed to be able to prate everything.


    "Huh? Speak." he urged.


    Avery panicked and became extremely nervous. She licked her lips and said, "I..."


    Jacob''s phone rang. It was La''s exclusive ringtone and Avery''s inner demon for over a year.


    In the past, when the two of them were together, Jacob would rush towards La desperately


    whenever he heard the ringtone, no matter what he was doing.


    Even now, when Avery heard this ringtone, it made her nervous and uneasy.


    Today, the sound of the bell was like a bucket of cold water pouring down on her, making her feel cold


    from head to toe.


    She deserved it after being hurt many times and still unable to learn to behave.


    Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    After Jacob answered the phone, he gazed at her again. Avery''s eyes had changed. The


    entanglements in her heart quietly dissipated, leaving only calmness.


    She said again, "It''s nothing. I just had a cold and stayed in the hospital for a few days."


    Jacob thought about the withered flowers in the wedding room, so she didn''te back for those few


    days because she had a cold.


    They had not contacted each other for three months since that phone call, and he knew nothing about


    it when she was hospitalized.


    Her heart was still uncontroble, and it hurt like being pricked by a needle. She even felt a little guilty.


    No wonder she had lost a lot of weight now.


    "You..." Jacob opened his mouth but didn''t know what to say.


    He couldn''t say a word of concern about their current rtionship.


    "It''s all over, Jacob. We have reached the point where we are tired of seeing each other today. Why


    should we hold on to it? Get a divorce. I''m really tired."


    The mention of the divorce reminded him of her smile towards Nichs at the City Hall. It seemed to


    light a fire in Jacob''s heart, gradually spreading like a prairie fire.


    Every time she asked for a divorce, Jacob felt that she was anxious to be with Nichs.


    "Ha."


    Avery heard the sneer from his throat. He pinched her chin and said word by word, "About the divorce,


    I have the final say. You''re still not worse than dead. How can I let you go?"


    After saying that, he went to the bathroom, his eyes filled with overwhelming hatred.


    He didn''t see any other extra hair on the bed. He was still worried that something would happen to her


    while she was only thinking about divorce.


    "Is that man that good?" thought he.


    Three months ago, she was kneeling in front of him to beg him not to divorce her, but now her behavior


    only showed being together with him made her feel disgusted.


    Jacob looked at him in the mirror. "She is tired of me, isn''t she?"

 Chapter 24 Enter His Study

    Chapter 24 Enter His Study


    Chapter 24 Enter His Study


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Avery couldn''t understand this man more and more. He turned on her so quickly.


    He was the one who wanted to get divorced before, but now he was the one who changed his face


    when it came to the divorce. Was he stimted to a psychopathic state because of his sister''s death?


    When Jacob washed up and left, Avery was still lying on the bed, leaving him with a silhouette of her


    back.


    There was no goodbye like before, only the sound of the door closing.


    Avery knew that she was too weak to do anything these days, so she didn''t resist much.


    The only thing that had not changed was Madison''s enthusiasm. She wore an apron and held a spat


    to prepare delicious food for her every day.


    "Mrs. Hill, I stewed date and ginseng soup today to replenish your body. Please drink some."


    Avery smiled gently. "Madison, please make me fish soup."


    "Okay."


    Looking at the weather outside, Madison suggested, "The yard has been filled with heavy snow. Mrs.


    Hill, won''t you go out to y? I remember you used to like snowball fights with Mr. Hill. After all, the


    teasing fighting ismon between men and women."


    "I won''t go; I''ll take a nap."


    Madison closed the door for her, feeling strange. Avery didn''t like to eat fish in the past, and she was


    quite lively, but recently, she was so depressed. Let alone going out to y, she hadn''t even stepped


    out of the master bedroom door.


    She thought Avery was having a tantrum with Jacob, so she didn''t think much about it.


    Averyy in bed for a few days, and the difort in her body gradually subsided. She would


    supplement arge amount of protein and blood-enhancing ingredients daily just to keep the white and


    red blood cells at a certain value.


    Jacob woulde back to sleep every day, but the two of them had nomunication at all. They


    were even back to back at night as if a Milky Way existed between them.


    Avery couldn''t guess what he was thinking. She felt much better today than in the past few days.


    Seeing it was still early, and he probably hadn''te back yet, Avery left the master bedroom for the


    first time and entered Jacob''s study. She entered the password when Madison''s voice suddenly


    sounded behind her. "Mrs. Hill."


    Avery was shocked. In the past few days, Madison always took the initiative to lend her her phone to


    y with for a while.


    Avery''s contact with the outside world had not been broken, but Lee could not find out the cause of


    Olivia''s death.


    That was why Avery nned to take the risk and go to Jacob''s study to check.


    Seeing Madisoning over, she thought that the n must have failed. Unexpectedly, Madison said,


    "Mrs. Hill, Mr. Hill''s study door was broken before. The code lock has been changed. You need to use


    your fingerprint. I can help you."


    Then Madison wiped her hands on her apron and opened the study door. Avery was shocked by what


    she did.


    Perhaps, in Madison''s eyes, the two of them were just quarreling kids. How could she know about their


    grievances?


    "Thank you."


    "Don''t bother; I''m going to make fish soup."


    Avery entered Jacob''s study. It was no different from before. He was an organized person, and Avery


    knew the exact order of all the documents'' cement.


    She quickly found a safe that contained everything about him and his sister, including childhood photos


    and toys.


    This emotional wound was something Avery had never ventured to explore during their time together.


    When entering the password, she felt nervous for no reason.


    His password used to be her birthday, but now it might have be La''s birthday.


    With a self-deprecating smile, she attempted to enter her own birthday as the password, and


    unexpectedly, it turned out to be correct. He didn''t change it.


    With a special mood, Avery opened the door. There were many items in therge safe, including some


    document bags. The first thing she saw was the words "Death Identification".


    Avery quickly took it out, and just after scanning a few lines, a cold voice came from the door. "You


    stopped acting but became a thief?"

 Chapter 25 Graces Death

    Chapter 25 Grace''s Death


    Chapter 25 Grace''s Death


    Avery was lost in thought when Jacob''s sudden voice frightened her. She fell to the ground on the spot,


    with the documents in her hands scattered on the floor.


    Jacob usually came backte at night. Why did hee back so early today?


    Although they were still husband and wife, her behavior was disgraceful, not to mention that she knew


    Jacob hated others ying tricks behind his back.


    Avery swallowed and said with an unnatural look, "You, you are back."


    Avery didn''t know what asion he had attended. He wore a ck and white formal suit. The suit


    Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    outlined his tall and tall figure. As soon as Jacob nced at her, she felt like she was in an ice cer.


    He walked slowly towards her with his long legs, slowly taking off his suit jacket with his fingers. He


    was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Every move he made exuded an air of nobility.


    He was just taking off his clothes, but Avery was so scared that she couldn''t move. She wanted to run


    away but couldn''t move, as if her feet had been tapped on acupuncture points.


    Before dating Jacob, he was known as a ruthless individual, often referred to as the "devil who devours


    others."


    Only now could she truly understand how terrifying Jacob was from the perspective of an ordinary


    person. His terrifying aura was inherently superior to everything else. Every time he took a step


    forward, she took a step back.


    Until her back was pressed against the safe, she had no way to retreat, and Jacob knelt down on one


    knee in front of her.


    "Did you see it?" His voice was calm, and there was no emotion in his eyes.


    But Avery understood that the calmer he was, the angrier he became.


    She couldn''t see any emotion inside his deep eyes.


    Avery swallowed and nodded cautiously, then quickly shook her head.


    She saw it. To be precise, she had not finished reading it; she had only read part of the death report.


    Jacob''s sharp-jointed finger lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes.


    "Do you know why I didn''t keep that child?"


    Avery bit her lip and replied in a low voice, "Because of Olivia."


    She saw the autopsy report. Olivia''s real cause of death was not drowning. She was strangled and


    thrown into the water. There was another important message.


    Olivia was three months pregnant.


    If she and Martin really had a rtionship, the child would most likely be Martin''s.


    Jacob''s fingers touched her biting lips, and a cold voice sounded in Avery''s ears. "I checked the


    monitoring of Grace''s entry from the obstetrics and gynecology department, and Martin was there that


    day."


    Avery hurriedly exined, "My parents have been divorced for many years. It''s normal for my dad to


    have that kind of need. Even if the two were in a rtionship, I checked that my dad was very generous


    to her. It''s impossible for my dad to kill her."


    Jacob raised the corners of his mouth. That was the first time in a long time that he discussed Grace''s


    death with Avery.


    "In your eyes, Martin is a gentleman. He treats you well just because he is your father. There is light


    and shadow in this world. No one is perfect. What you saw was only what he wanted you to see."

 Chapter 26 The Truth

    Chapter 26 The Truth


    Chapter 26 The Truth


    Avery was speechless. She also had simr feelings. It was as if Jacob had pampered her in the past,


    while he was extremely cruel now. She couldn''t say that he had changed, but he only showed his


    different side now.


    Jacob was like this, and so did Martin.


    Avery argued in a very low voice, "No matter what happened, he would not... kill people."


    Jacob''s fingers slowly stroked Avery''s cheek, "Avy, you are so naive. Then do you think I will never


    leave you?"


    Such an intimate and ambiguous voice made it seem like he was still the gentle lover beside her, but


    there was no tenderness in his eyes.


    His words struck a chord in her heart, leaving her deeply affected. Yes, she really thought that he would


    never change his heart until she saw him supporting La at the airport on the news. The reality


    pped her hard in the face.


    Jacob continued, "You have always wanted to know the truth. I will tell you today. Martin was unwilling


    to keep the child, let alone give Grace a home. The first three months are the best time to have an


    abortion. On that day, they had a dispute, and he identally killed Grace and buried her at the bottom


    of the sea."


    Avery''s chin was pinched so hard that it hurt. Jacob''s eyes were hollow, and he said, "I only have one


    sister, whom I have cherished and loved dearly since we were young. If she had not been abducted by


    human traffickers, she would not have ended up like this. Do you know how tragic her death was?"


    "If we hadn''t left DNA in the information database, I wouldn''t have even found her body, including the


    already-formed child in her belly. She was so young; why did she have to end up like that?"


    Avery broke away from his hands, and she was afraid that Jacob, who had lost his mind, would kill her.


    Jacob was immersed in his own world. "I have fantasized about meeting her again countless times


    over the years, but I would never have guessed that she and I would meet again on such an asion.


    Avy, have you ever seen a corpse that has been soaked in the sea for half a month?"


    His empty eyes were filled with sadness. Avery had learned from his grandma how much he loved his


    sister. He had never given up on looking for her in these years.


    In the end, he said the final goodbye to her in the morgue. Avery could understand his feelings.


    He had someone to care about, and she also had people she should protect.


    "Since she was already a corpse when you found her, how can you conclude that the person who killed


    her was my father?"


    Jacob''s eyes suddenly changed. He put away his sadness and became as aggressive as a wolf.


    "If there is no conclusive evidence, do you think I will let go of the person who killed my sister? I buried


    Grace and asked people to investigate secretly. Otherwise, I would not know that my so-called father-


    inw has so many secrets."


    Avery murmured, "What secret?"


    "Do you know how many women your glorious father has raised in the past ten years? Oh, I know you


    want to say that he was single, and it was normal he had needs in his prime."


    Avery did think so, but what Jacob said next made her jaw drop.


    "The girls he raised were all about the same age as you or even younger than you. Most men like


    young bodies, but no one was as cruel as him. He has had many women have abortions. Some


    miserable women were unable to conceive due to too many dtions and curettages, some were


    infected with gynecological diseases due to abortion at a young age, and the most unlucky ones were


    those who had mental problems and jumped off the building."


    Avery shook her head when she learned the truth. "No, no, my father..."


    Before she could finish speaking, Jacob brushed his long arm across her cheek, took out a thick stack


    of documents, and threw them in front of Avery.


    "See what kind of person your respected father is."N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

 Chapter 27 Innocent Girls

    Chapter 27 Innocent Girls


    Chapter 27 Innocent Girls


    In Avery''s memory, her father was kind and loving within the family, and outside, he disyed a


    money to charitable foundations.


    ording to all reports, her father was a kind, humble, and even perfect man.


    When Avery knelt on the ground and picked up the information scattered on the floor, her face became


    colder every time she read one.


    Jacob had indeed done a lot of work. Even with women who had only been in a brief rtionship with


    Martin, he had clear evidence against them.


    In more than ten years, Martin had several women, all of whom were pure and beautiful-looking girls.


    Martin was handsome and had not gained weight even in middle age. He often worked out and had a


    tall and slim figure. The elegant and rich handsome man like him was popr among girls now. It was


    natural for many young girls to be attracted to him.


    But he seemed to prefer those little girls who came from the poor area and were in poor conditions.


    Those girls might looked purer and more innocent.


    Jacob also confirmed this, "Do you think he funded the poor children to do good deeds? He just


    regarded them as his prey. Martin was a very patient hunter, and he raised his prey little by little."


    "Those little girls had admired him since childhood. When they came to the big city, Martin only needed


    to be a little nicer to them, and they would crawl into his bed willingly. This was why 90% of the children


    he funded were girls, and the remaining 10% of men were just to cover up his sin."


    Avery wanted to deny it, but the data was right in front of her, and the even more terrifying thing was


    that 60% of the girls he sponsored had had sex with him.


    He would soon get tired of those women and move on to another one. Some girls couldn''t ept


    breaking up with him, so they became depressed and became mentally ill. It wasmon for them to


    jump off buildings and cut their wrists.


    Finally, Avery''s eyes fell on the information about Olivia. She was the woman who stayed with Martin


    for the longest time. For a year, their rtionship changed after she became pregnant. Olivia wanted to


    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    marry him and have a child, but Martin was unwilling.


    In addition to the photos, there was a video of the two people arguing that was recorded by a camera in


    a remote corner of the hospital.


    Martin went to Olivia''s apartment that night when her ident happened. Before dawn, at about two


    o''clock that night, Martin left with a huge trolley suitcase.


    Olivia had a slender figure and could be stuffed in. There had been reports of such homicides before.


    From that day on, Olivia disappeared. The apartment was rented out soon after, and all remaining


    evidence was gone. It was not until half a monthter that fishermen salvaged Olivia''s body. And then it


    was reported to the police.


    Jacob gave his DNA information to the police station after his sister went missing, so the police


    contacted him. He found out the truth after his verification.


    Avery looked at the profile photos of women all over the floor. They smiled very cleanly, like sunflowers.


    Most of the girls were abandoned, and some evenmitted suicide. Although some continued their


    studies, they became very withdrawn.


    Avery''s fingers holding the photo were trembling, and her father''s smile filled her mind.


    "Avy, don''t cry. Dad will never abandon you."


    "Avy, even if you are eighty years old, you will still be my little princess."


    "My dear daughter, Dad will always love you."


    He bestowed upon her the very best that the world had, yet caused pain to other young girls.


    Tears fell on Olivia''s photo, and Avery finally understood Jacob''s hatred.

 Chapter 28 Pay Back

    Chapter 28 Pay Back


    Chapter 28 Pay Back


    Olivia was as important to him as she was to Martin.


    "Undeniably, he may be a good father, but he is definitely not a good person. There is a devil hidden


    under that hypocritical look. Avy, I won''t hide it from you now that things have reached this point."


    Jacob knelt down on one knee. On the ground, he held Avery''s cheeks with both hands. A sick and


    paranoid smile shed across his face.


    "I once regarded you as my life and loved you so much that I couldn''t help myself, but you are Martin''s


    only daughter. As much as I loved you, I hate you now."


    Although he was smiling, Avery felt a chill down her back.


    "The day La and I fell into the water at the same time, did you deliberately save her first? Do you


    want our child to pay for your sister''s child?"


    "Yes, tit for tat."


    Avery grabbed his cor with both hands. Tears slid down her cheeks, and she said, "Are you crazy?


    He is our child! He has note to this world. What is wrong with him? He is innocent!"


    Jacob tilted his head and smiled evilly. "Then what did my sister do wrong? Isn''t her child innocent?"


    Avery looked at Jacob, who seemed to reveal his dark sidepletely. This topic was his emotional


    baggage that could never be solved.


    "Jacob, I understand your pain of losing your sister..."


    Jacob''s expression suddenly changed, and he said sternly, "You don''t understand! How can there be


    any empathy in this world? My sister was born prematurely, and she has had physical problems since


    she was a child. Unfortunately, she also had a heart disease. She was the beloved baby of our family.


    But she died so miserably! She was such a beautiful little girl. I would feel sad for a long time if I


    stepped on her hairpins. But in the end, she left the world in such an undignified way.


    Jacob slowly stretched out his hand and stroked Avery''s cheek bit by bit. "You will never know how I felt


    when I went to identify the body, how desperate I felt when I lifted the white cloth. I would rather never


    find her in my life."


    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Avery opened her mouth, but she could say nothing. From her position, even saying sorry would be


    sphemous to the deceased.


    She also understood why Jacob was so emotional during that time and why he looked at her like that.


    In order to prove that it was not Martin who killed his sister, he must have made a lot of effort.


    This evidence could also prove he once loved her deeply. He tried to overturn the hypothesis and


    reverse the case for Martin, but the truth was that there was more and more evidence, all of which were


    the executioners pushing the two of them further away.


    He struggled, but in the end, he couldn''t get over this hurdle and live peacefully with her.


    Even if his sister was dead, he still wanted to avenge Grace.


    Avery knelt on the ground and tugged on his cor tightly, putting her head on his forehead. "Jacob,


    you must have been in pain at that time. The Adams family has gone bankrupt, and I have lost my


    child. My father is lying on the bed, unconscious. Let''s not torture each other anymore, okay?"


    Jacob''s body trembled slightly as she called him so gently he hadn''t heard for a long time. At that


    moment,plicated emotions arose in his heart, and Avery didn''t know what he was thinking.


    She waited anxiously for a result. Avery didn''t want him to live in self-torture every day. She wondered


    if they could reconcile.


    After a long while, Jacob slowly raised his head. His eyes were slightly red, and he held back the tears.


    The rough fingertips gently traced her cheek, and the slender eyshes covered his scarlet eyes.


    He said, "Avy, then you should pay back what your father owed me."

 Chapter 29 She Felt The Turmoil In His Heart

    Chapter 29 She Felt The Turmoil In His Heart


    Chapter 29 She Felt The Turmoil In His Heart


    Tears streamed down Avery''s cheeks as she realized she and Jacob could never return to the way


    things were.


    He betrayed her and even involved the Adams family, who killed his sister.


    The debts were tooplex to calcte, like a tangled mess that only grew tighter, suffocating them,


    ultimately leading to a deadly end.


    Jacob cradled her face, his thumb wiping away the tears on her cheeks. "Avy, don''t love me; hate me


    instead. I betrayed you, I hurt our child, and there''s no turning back for me."


    She felt the turmoil in his heart, his rare tenderness, like a hint of greenery on a thawing iceberg.


    But soon, it was obliterated by the next storm.


    Jacob left the room as Avery watched his retreating figure.


    Avery knew that this turn marked their final farewell.


    There was no turning back for them.


    When Avery stepped out of the room, Madison was no longer there. Kind-hearted Madison had always


    tried to bring them closer, thinking their disagreements were minor quarrels.


    Avery was the only Mrs. Hill in the eyes of Madison, who didn''t know it was actually a huge mistake.


    Avery chuckled self-deprecatingly. With Madison''spany, she hadn''t felt lonely in the vast mansion.


    Only when Madison left did Avery realize an empty house was as lonely as her life.


    The sky had turned dark outside. There was a pot of soup that Madison had prepared in the kitchen,


    and Avery served herself some.


    The steam rising from the hot soup blurred her features even further.


    Avery''s expression remained calm as she took one sip after another.


    She had found a way to break free from this exhausting game.


    Jacob, what my father owes you, I''ll repay.


    Avery decided not to continue with chemotherapy but to enjoy the remaining days of her life.


    She could see Jacob''s pain and inner conflict. As long as she died, he wouldn''t have to wrestle with


    that inner turmoil and hatred daily.


    She realized that this deadlock only required her to die, and from now on, Jacob could have a better


    life.


    He could be with the woman he loved and their son.


    He would still be the remarkable legend of the Astrie.


    Everything would be perfect as long as she was out of the picture.


    That would be great.


    Avery came to terms with it all and suddenly felt the shackles bound her were gone.


    Jacob didn''t return that night, and Hill Mansion was eerily quiet.


    After spending so many days in her room, Avery woke up early for the first time.


    The rest of the days had improved her spirits significantly, and Madison deserved credit for her


    recovery. Under Madison''s care, Avery''splexion had be healthier.


    The chemotherapy medications seemed to work, as her stomach had not troubled her in the past few


    days.


    Avery changed into a suitable outfit and was about to leave her room when she found John standing


    outside with a stern expression.


    He respectfully greeted her, "Mrs. Hill."


    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Avery responded with a smile, something John hadn''t seen in a long time. "Good morning."


    John was taken aback. Since their falling out, he had only seen Avery in a hoarse and exhausted state


    over the past two years or consumed by tears and sadness. It had been a while since he had seen her


    smile like this.


    Avery''s smile made John hesitate with the words he wanted to say. Eventually, Avery broke the silence,


    "Just tell me."


    "Mr. Hill asked me to take you to City Hall."


    Avery had expected this. There were some things that, if left unspoken, might still have room for


    excuses. But only stark reality remained once they were brought out into the open.

 Chapter 30 Were They Playing A Game

    Chapter 30 Were They ying A Game


    Chapter 30 Were They ying A Game


    The reality that both she and Jacob had to face.


    Jacob intended to give up on herpletely.


    However, she had made her own decision. Avery smiled gently at John and said, "I''m sorry, but please


    let Mr. Hill know I''ve changed my mind."


    John was utterly puzzled by these two people. At first, Jacob insisted on getting a divorce, then it was


    Avery, and now Jacob had agreed, but Avery was having second thoughts again.


    Were they ying a game?


    Was City Hall their venue?


    If Jason were here, he would have startedining already. But John''s expression remained


    unchanged, and he continued to conduct himself professionally, "I''m sorry, Mrs. Hill, but I can''t decide


    this. I''m afraid you''ll have to apany me on this trip."


    "I won''t make things difficult for you. Let''s go." Avery had anticipated this oue from the beginning.


    She picked up a scarf and wrapped herself tightly before following Jason out the door.


    In the past, whenever they tried to divorce, something unexpected happened. This time, however,


    things were proceeding unusually smoothly. Even the recent snowstorm had stopped, and it was a


    bright and sunny day.


    The sky was clear, but the temperature remained chilly. The brilliant sunshine caused the umted


    snow on the treetops to melt, dripping down like tears.


    When Avery arrived, Jacob was already waiting.


    The hall was empty, with only him sitting there, legs crossed, eyes half-closed, and his fingers


    massaging his temples. He appeared exhausted.


    As she approached, she could faintly detect the scent of alcohol on him.


    Jacob hadn''t been a heavy drinker in the past, but now he seemed to turn to alcohol every night.


    He was tired but unable to sleep.


    Suddenly, two small handsnded on his temples without warning, using a familiar technique and with


    the familiar scent of hand cream.


    He opened his eyes, speaking softly, "You''re here."


    "Mm."


    Neither of them continued speaking. It was like time had returned to the past when Avery would relieve


    his fatigue with a soothing massage during weary times.


    After a while, her hands became sore. The chemotherapy had significantly weakened her body, and


    she couldn''t lift her hands any longer, so she put them down.


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Jacob took out some documents from a briefcase and pushed them toward Avery. "I''ve revised the


    divorce agreement. If you have no problem with it, please sign it."


    Avery nced at it. The divorce agreement she had drafted before had only one use, asking for a


    settlement fee of one million and five hundred thousand dors.


    This new agreement was much more extensive, with 150 million dors, several houses, cars, and real


    estate properties.


    She chuckled softly. "Mr. Hill, you''re quite generous."


    Jacob didn''t look at her but lowered his head to nce at his wristwatch. "This is what you deserve."


    She didn''t know what he had been thinking that night. He intended to draw a clear line between them.


    He could be more passionate than anyone and also more ruthless than anyone.


    Avery held a pen and crossed out some of the terms. "Thanks, Mr. Hill. As I''ve said, I only asked for


    one million and five hundred thousand dors. You''ve given me 750 thousand dors, and there''s still


    750 thousand dors."


    Jacob, upon hearing this, frowned disapprovingly at her.


    "Avery, don''t be ungrateful."


    However, Avery smiled while gazing at him. "I''ve lived a life of luxury. Although these past two years


    have been tiring, they''ve also been fulfilling. Besides, I haven''t given birth to any children for you.


    Asking for so much doesn''t seem appropriate."


    Jacob was about to say something when Avery suddenly leaned over the table, cing her hands on it.


    She leaned in closer to him.


    "One million and five hundred thousand dors, and I have one more condition."


    His dark pupils reflected her gentle and enchanting smile, and he raised an eyebrow, asking, "What is


    it?"


    Avery''s lips curled into a seductive smile, and her sweet voice caressed Jacob''s ears as she spoke


    each word slowly, "Jacob, I want you to spend three months with me."

 Chapter 31 She Was On The Verge Of Death

    Chapter 31 She Was On The Verge Of Death


    Chapter 31 She Was On The Verge Of Death


    Jacob was nearly swayed by that tantalizing smile so close to him, but his rationality pulled him back to


    reality.


    He furrowed his brows and looked displeased. "Avery, what kind of game are you ying now?"


    Avery replied thoughtfully, "I''m not ying a game. I want to spend another three months with you.


    After three months, whether you marry La or have children, I won''t interfere anymore."


    At that time, she would probably be close to the end of her life and find a ce with no one to spend


    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    her remaining days.


    Jacob met her serious gaze and found himself increasingly unable to understand Avery. He initially


    thought she would hate him even more after they discussed this openly. However, he didn''t expect her


    to make this decision.


    Jacob gave her a cold, scrutinizing look. "What if I don''t agree?"


    "Then I will never sign the divorce papers. I can wait. I''m afraid your beloved woman and child can''t


    wait."


    Avery raised an eyebrow in her usual yful manner. "Just three months. After three months, I will sign


    the divorce papers and leave Astrie forever."


    Jacob sneered, "Are you willing to leave Martin alone?"


    She was on the verge of death; how could she still care about others?


    Avery replied calmly, "The doctor says there''s little chance of my dad waking up. If he bes a


    vegetable, where he stays won''t matter."


    Perhaps on the day of her life''s end, she would ask the hospital to euthanize Martin. He might not even


    have anyone to collect his body if she passed away first.


    What if Jacob decided to throw him into the sea one day? In the end, there might not be intact remains


    left, and he would be unrecognizable in the afterlife.


    It was better for them to die simultaneously so the road to the afterlife wouldn''t be lonely.


    Jacob didn''t answer, but La said, "Jacob, is it done?"


    Their previous attempts at divorce had all failed. La wasn''t willing to sit back and wait any longer;


    she was preparing to take the initiative.


    This time, she brought their child, aiming to strengthen Jacob''s determination and prevent unexpected


    events.


    She held a little girl in her arms, who didn''t resemble Jacob but looked more like a spitting image of


    La.


    When Avery''s gaze fell on the child, she froze for a moment, her heart feeling as though it had been


    gripped, making it hard to breathe.


    If her child were still alive, they would be around the same age as this little girl. She had lost her


    precious child, while La was fortunate enough to give birth to a pair of twins.


    The child reached out to Jacob, making baby sounds, "Ah~ papa, hug..."


    Jacob casually took the child into his arms. La stood by Jacob''s side, smiling gently as she looked at


    Avery.


    "Miss Adams, Jacob no longer has any feelings for you. Why do you keep clinging to him?"


    La nced at the content of the divorce agreement, and a trace of surprise briefly flickered across


    her face, but she quickly regained herposure. "Jacob has been generous enough to you. If I were


    you, I''d take what I can get. If you''re too greedy, you might have more losses than gains."


    Avery stared coldly at her and retorted without any courtesy, "So, you will never be me, and you can


    never be me."


    This statement had a double meaning, but La had to force a smile in front of Jacob.


    Avery yed with the pen in her hand. "Jacob, this is my condition. If you disagree, we''ll drag it out,


    and let''s see who can oust the other."


    "One month."


    Jacob said, raising his head and locking his gaze on her face.


    Avery wanted to negotiate further, but he coldly and ruthlessly rejected her, saying, "Final offer."


    This meant that further negotiation was impossible.


    "Alright, one month it is."

 Chapter 32 Tears Streaming Down Her Face

    Chapter 32 Tears Streaming Down Her Face


    Chapter 32 Tears Streaming Down Her Face


    Counting the days, he would spend New Year''s Eve with her. Avery, just like in the past, extended her


    pinky finger. "It''s a deal."


    Jacob hesitated momentarily, and La, on the side, twisted her body and pouted unhappily, "Jacob."


    Jacob didn''t look at her. He slowly extended his finger and hooked it with Avery''s pinky. "It''s a deal."


    This condition was epted.


    It was the only solution Avery could think of. He would apany her for a month, and in return, she


    would bless his life with her death.


    La said with dissatisfaction, "Jacob, I''m not rushing you for the divorce. It''s just that the children''s


    household registration..."


    Seeing La''s coy behavior, Avery felt slightly ufortable in her stomach. "I''m going to the


    bathroom."


    Jacob was a good man in many aspects, except for his eye for women.


    While La had been his neighbor, he did not need to involve someone like her in their affairs.


    Standing next to La made Avery feel diminished.


    Or perhaps Jacob fell for this act?


    As Avery walked to the bathroom, she pondered this question. It seemed that men couldn''t resist a bit


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    of coyness.


    In the past, when she acted coy, Jacob would get her everything she wanted.


    One month.


    Well, he could spend one more month with her.


    Avery knelt by the toilet and vomited heavily. Indeed, she jinxed it again. She thought her stomach had


    improved, but her condition soon deteriorated.


    The mixture of bright red blood and other substances was shocking every time she saw it.


    But luckily, she didn''t have to endure this much longer.


    She wiped her mouth, rinsed her mouth, and prepared to leave when she felt her down jacket''s hem


    being gently tugged by someone.


    Avery lowered her head and saw a child who bore some resemnce to Jacob. He held onto the


    bathroom sink with one hand and tugged at her clothes with the other. His mouth was still drooling, and


    calling out incoherently, "Ah, mommy..."


    This kid resulted from Jacob and La''s union, and Avery should have felt nothing but disgust towards


    him.


    However, it seemed that her brief experience as a mother in the past made it impossible for her to


    summon any hatred for this kid.


    Avery squatted down and used her fingertip to tap the child''s nose, speaking sternly, "You brat, when


    you grow up, you can''t bully girls like your lousy daddy does."


    Ethan opened his arms and eagerly lunged towards Avery, saying, "Hug, hug..."


    Avery made a funny face to scare him, "I''m a bad guy. I''ll take you to the deep mountains and make


    you someone''s foster child. Are you scared?"


    Ethan wasn''t scared at all; he even giggled.


    The nanny pushing the stroller hurried over, her face filled with panic. She eximed, "Oh my


    goodness, Mr. Ethan! How did you end up here?"


    When she saw Avery, she quickly pulled the child back. Ethan, who had beenughing a second ago,


    suddenly had a face full of grievance and said, "Mommy, hug..."


    "Mr. Ethan, you can''t just call anyone ''mommy''; she''s not your mother."


    With that, the nanny hastily left with the child. Avery watched his chubby, tearful face and felt a pang of


    sympathy.


    She stared at the chubby little hands waving towards her and the child calling her "Mommy" in an


    unclear voice.


    When John found her, Avery was standing at the entrance of the women''s restroom with tears


    streaming down her face.

 Chapter 33 Jacob Didnt Embrace Her

    Chapter 33 Jacob Didn''t Embrace Her


    Chapter 33 Jacob Didn''t Embrace Her


    Avery was undeniably beautiful; even when she was silent crying, she looked beautiful, evoking a


    sense of pity in people.


    John softly called her, "Mrs. Hill, Mr. Hill is waiting for you."


    Avery returned to her senses and reached up to touch her wet face, realizing she had been crying


    again.


    "John, I must look terrible now, right?"


    John had been with Jacob for many years, seeing her vibrant and full of life. She had transformed from


    a budding flower into a withered one in just two years.


    "No, Mrs. Hill, you look beautiful. No one canpare to you," John said, handing her a tissue.


    Avery wiped away her tears and said, "I used to hate people who cried all the time without reason. But


    before I knew it, I''d be the person I despised. Now I also cry a lot."


    John met her eyes, filled with sadness, and for the first time, he responded in a way he rarely did,


    "Then forget about everything that makes you cry."


    Jacob had spent the night reconsidering things, amending the divorce agreement, which signaled that


    he was ready to let go.


    The Adams family had already gone bankrupt, and the mastermind, Martin, was barely clinging to life.


    Avery had suffered immensely over the past two years, and Jacob intended to let her go.


    That''s why he offered her such a generous divorce settlement; he wanted to ensure she wouldn''t live a


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    miserable lifeter.


    Leaving now was the wisest choice. Avery was an intelligent person; she should know when to give up.


    Did she think that Jacob would get back together with her?


    Finally free from the dilemma, she wanted to dive back in. That would just be repeating the same


    mistakes and enduring the same hardships.


    Avery sighed, "If my child were still alive, they would be this age now."


    John hesitated, then said, "Mrs. Hill, you''re still young. You''ll have children in the future."


    Avery''s expression was deste, and John couldn''t shake the feeling that something was amiss. He


    wanted to ask more questions, but Avery spoke up again, "Let''s go."


    Jacob was already waiting for her in the car, his handsome face exuding an unbreakable chill. He didn''t


    even turn to look at her.


    When Avery got into the car, he crossed his arms and exuded an aura of coldness that kept people at a


    distance. He asked, "What can you get in one month?"


    "You," Avery replied, throwing herself into Jacob''s arms.


    Up until yesterday, Avery had harbored resentment and even thoughts of revenge. When she saw the


    evidence, she was conflicted. She hated Jacob for what he had done to the Adams family and his


    betrayal.


    However, she couldn''t ignore what Martin had done, and she had gained some understanding of


    Jacob''s situation. Since it was impossible to untangle the mess, she could only bring an end to it with


    her death. Before that, she wanted to leave without regrets.


    Jacob didn''t embrace her; instead, he uttered a cold statement, "After the New Year, I will get engaged


    to La."


    Avery''s fingers, clutching his coat, tightened, and her smile froze.


    In the backseat, there was an eerie silence. Even though the car had working heating, Jason couldn''t


    help but feel a chill.


    After a while, Avery slowly lifted her head. "I just want this one month."


    Jacob looked at her pitiful appearance, overwhelmed by an indescribable feeling. "Even if it were a


    year, nothing would change between us. Do you understand?"


    Avery bit her lip. "I understand. Just spend one month with me, okay?"


    She was almost pleading, and Jacob initially thought she was using her usual tactics to keep him.


    However, this time, her eyes held a rare seriousness.


    "Alright, just one month."


    Avery wrapped her arms around his waist and mumbled, "Tonight, I want to eat the meal you cook."

 Chapter 34 She Dropped All Pretenses

    Chapter 34 She Dropped All Pretenses


    Chapter 34 She Dropped All Pretenses


    Jacob''s Adam''s apple bobbed as he replied, "Okay."


    This was the first time they hade to a ceasefire in over a year. She clung to him tightly, just like in


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    the past, while his fingers twitched but ultimately hung by his side.


    The car arrived at Jacob''s office, and he instructed Jason to take Avery back.


    Avery didn''t return to Hill Mansion; instead, she went to the hospital. Martin still hadn''t awakened and


    had been transferred to a regr ward.


    Avery dismissed the nurse and prepared warm water to wash his cheeks and fingers.


    She muttered, "Dad, I know your secret. I wish it were not true. Can you wake up and deny it, please?


    Say you didn''t do those things; you didn''t kill Olivia."


    "Dad, I have stomach cancer, and Jacob doesn''t know. Maybe it''s for the best. If I die, will he let go of


    his hatred?"


    "I''ve had afortable life, raised and pampered by you. You''re the best dad in the world. Regardless


    of what you''ve done to others, you''ll always be the person I respect the most. I''ll repay the debts you


    owe."


    "I know if you were still alive, you would never allow me to do this. But I have no choice. I love him. I fell


    in love with him at first sight eight years ago. Even if it''s only for thest month, I''m willing..."


    Avery rambled repeatedly, saying many things in fragments by the hospital bed.


    She knew her time in this world was running out; this was all she could do for her father.


    It wasn''t until the afternoon that she returned to Hill Mansion. Jacob was a man of his word; if he had


    promised her, he would not break that promise.


    As soon as she returned to Hill Mansion, Avery saw La waiting in the yard for quite some time.


    Without Jacob, she dropped all pretenses, and her carefully made-up face contorted into a grimace.


    She red at Avery with venom in her eyes. "Do you think that after all this time, you can get back


    together? Avery, let him go."


    Avery didn''t get angry; instead, she stared at La. "La, do you love Jacob?"


    La was taken aback, not expecting Avery to ask such a question out of the blue.


    After a moment, she replied, "I''ve wanted to marry him for over a decade. I''ve known him longer than


    you, and I love him more than you do. You don''t stand a chance."


    Avery sighed, "I know."


    She raised her head again and said calmly, "Believe it or not, at least today, I didn''te topete


    with you."


    The dead can never oupete the living, especially considering theplex history between her and


    Jacob.


    "I just want one month. After a month, I''ll leave Astrie."


    "Do you take me for a three-year-old child? You..."


    A babyish voice interrupted before La could finish her sentence, "Mommy."


    A small, chubby figure dressed in a teddy bear-themed onesie appeared on the snowy ground, taking


    unsteady steps toward them. After a few steps, the little one tumbled to the ground but quickly got up


    and crawled forward.


    Ethan crawled towards Avery with surprising agility. Avery was quicker than La and reached him in a


    few steps, picking him up from the snowy ground.


    Ethan seemed very happy, extending his chubby little hands, wanting to hug Avery''s neck.


    Seeing this, La snatched him away. Ethan began crying uncontrobly. Avery''s heart ached at the


    sight, and she instinctively reached out to hold the child, trying to soothe him.


    La, still holding the child, moved away quickly. The child''s cries echoed in the yard. Suddenly, La


    fell to the ground. Avery watched La and the child fall, and without knowing where she found the


    strength, she rushed toward them.


    "What are you all doing?" A voice filled with anger rang out.

 Chapter 35 Jacob Cast A Cold Glance At Ethan

    Chapter 35 Jacob Cast A Cold nce At Ethan


    Chapter 35 Jacob Cast A Cold nce At Ethan


    At first, Avery was puzzled about why La had such a dramatic reaction, falling suddenly for no


    apparent reason. It turned out that it was all part of a scheme to create this situation.


    La knew Jacob was about to return, exining why the child appeared there. It also exined why


    La fell while holding the child, and she must have intended for the child to get hurt in that fall.


    La was heartless enough to use the child as her pawn to achieve her goal.


    When Avery saw Ethan about to fall, her body reacted faster than her consciousness. She caught


    Ethan just in time, causing him tond heavily against her.


    Ethan''s weightnded heavily on her arm, right where she had a port for IV treatment. The doctors had


    repeatedly warned her not to lift heavy objects or damage her arm.


    She couldn''t think about all of this in the heat of the moment. Though Ethan wasn''t a newborn baby, he


    was still petite. She didn''t consider her own body in the process.


    Her rapid descent caused her world to spin, and her arm throbbed with pain.


    When she opened her eyes and saw Ethan lying in her arms, looking at her curiously, Avery finally


    breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, he was fine.


    Jacob walked in quickly, and La was the first to get up and scold Avery angrily, "Miss Adams, I know


    you hate me, but Ethan is just a child. How could you harm even a child?"


    Indeed, to outsiders, it must have seemed like Avery had lunged to harm the child.


    Being manipted by La wasn''t a new experience for Avery. She was too tired to argue or defend


    herself. Her body was wracked with pain, sweat covering her forehead and back. Even taking a breath


    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    was painful.


    Jacob didn''t me Avery for anything. He crouched down and picked up Ethan but didn''t want to leave


    Avery. He held onto Avery''s cor tightly, anxiously mumbling iprehensible words.


    Jacob cast a cold nce at Ethan, and although Ethan was small, he quickly sensed the change in


    atmosphere and immediately fell silent. He pouted at Avery, seemingly wanting Avery to hold him.


    La took Ethan from Jacob, and Ethan cried unhappily, not wanting her to touch him.


    "Jacob, he wants you," La pitifully said. "I brought him here to see you. I didn''t expect Miss Adams


    to..."


    Jacob interrupted her incessant chatter with displeasure. "I''ll take you back."


    Avery remained lying on her back. She wanted to get up, but with her body feeling like that of an


    elderly, she was unable to muster the strength to get up on her own.


    She needed someone to help her up, so she looked at Jacob and said, "Jacob, could you..."


    Jacob gave her a cold nce and replied, "I''ll be backter."


    Avery could only watch his indifferent back as he walked away. A helpless smile tugged at her lips.


    Things had indeed changed.


    In the past, even if he knew she was pretending to be in pain, he woulde over tofort her. But


    now that she was genuinely in pain and unable to get up, he no longer believed her.


    It had nothing to do with trust. It was his heart that had changed.


    Snowkes fell gently on her face, and she remembered when she had just started dating Jacob. He


    was always cold and aloof and always walked ahead with a stern look.


    One day, she intentionally twisted her ankle and sat on the ground, counting how long it would take him


    to turn around. Before she could count to three, he had already sprinted towards her.


    It was the first time she had seen that look of concern on his face. She wrapped her arms around his


    neck and coquettishly said, "Now you know you should slow down?"


    Since then, whenever they walked together, he would hold her hand, walking side by side and never


    leaving her behind.


    Now, Avery counted silently in her heart. 1, 2, 3...


    17, 18...


    Jacob, it hurts so much. Can you please turn around and look at me?

 Chapter 36 She Decided to Stop the Treatment

    Chapter 36 She Decided to Stop the Treatment


    Chapter 36 She Decided to Stop the Treatment


    Avery counted until he got into the car, yet he did not turn back, not even once.


    Forgotten by everyone, Avery remained motionless on the ground. Although the after-effects of


    chemotherapy had diminished a lot from their initial intensity, she was weak. The fall a moment ago


    seemed to have shattered her bones.


    John and the others went to see Jacob off. Madison used to be there, but she had left. After her


    departure, the huge mansion seemed empty.


    There was a light dusting of snow. The icy coldness surrounded Avery, and she felt her hands and feet


    freezing.


    How she wished someone coulde to her rescue, no matter who that person might be.


    Her bag was just a short distance away, but she was too weak to even flip over and grab her phone.


    She could only watch the snowkes flying in the air as tears silently slid down her cheeks. She


    whispered and counted, "885, 886...."


    As Avery counted to 1038, she felt much better and slowly propped herself up with her other hand to


    get to her feet.


    At this moment, she was freezing all over, and by the time the car she hailed arrived, her nose was red


    from the cold. She couldn''t hold her injured hand up, so she extended the other one to breathe on it.


    "Miss, it''s really cold, huh? Are you going to the hospital alone? It''s sote now. You should be careful.


    It''s better to have your family with you. You''re so pretty. There have been reports of single girls going


    missing recently."


    The driver noticed that she was going to the hospital alone at thiste hour and reminded her.


    Avery put her hand down. The car''s heater gradually warmed her up. She looked at the scenery, which


    was passing by quickly outside, and a faint smile crept upon her lips. "Thanks, sir. I''m fine. My rtives


    wille in a while."


    She didn''t have any family left in this world, though.


    Luckily, Nichs should have gotten off work at this hour. Avery had reserved an appointment with a


    doctor on duty.


    When she pushed open the door of the doctor''s office, she saw a familiar face.


    Nichs, who was in a white coat, was having his head down, and the silver-framed sses on his


    nose made him look more refined.


    Avery didn''t expect him to be on duty tonight. If she turned and left now, it would seem too obvious that


    she was avoiding him. Just as she hesitated, Nichs looked up at her.


    His dark eyes behind the lenses showed a hint of joy and surprise when he caught sight of her, and it


    quickly turned into concern.


    Nichs didn''t think Avery was here to visit him in the middle of the night. He stood up and greeted her,


    asking, "What''s wrong with you?"


    Perhaps because it was too cold or something, Avery''s hand felt numb, and she didn''t have any other


    feelings.


    She did not hesitate anymore and responded, "Nichs, my hand is injured." N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    When Nichs heard that her hand with a PORT was injured, his face changed dramatically. "Come


    on! Let me take a look! You''ve studied medicine. You should know that if the PORTes off, it can


    mess with your heart contractions and put your life at risk."


    It was quite a big deal. Avery had been taking good care of her arm these days. What had happened


    today was just too sudden andpletely out of her expectations.


    Nichs immediately started examining her, and fortunately, the PORT hadn''te off. He let out a


    sigh of relief.


    Avery asked, "Nichs, can you help me remove the PORT?"


    "Remove it? But you still have a few rounds of chemotherapy to go."


    Avery met his worried eyes and spoke in a calm tone, "I''ve decided to stop it."


    "As I mentioned before, you''re in fine whack, and it''s highly likely that you''ll survive after the treatment,"


    Nichs persuaded.


    Avery''s face was ghostly pale. She said weakly, "Nichs, I''m giving up."

 Chapter 37 You Should See the Outside World

    Chapter 37 You Should See the Outside World


    Chapter 37 You Should See the Outside World


    Nichs wondered what Avery had experienced in the past few days, but it seemed like her strong will


    to survive had vanished. Her eyes no longer held a desire for life or a longing for death.


    They were like a calmke without a ripple.


    "Is it because of him? Did he hurt your hand?"


    Avery shook her head. "No."


    "But it still has something to do with him, right? The genius Avery I know shouldn''t be like this."


    A hint of pity crossed Nichs'' calm face as he looked at the flying snowkes outside the window. He


    sighed. "Perhaps he truly loved you in that winter, but in this winter, he has chosen someone else. You


    shouldn''t dwell on the past."


    In others'' eyes, Avery seemed to have lost herself in love, but they didn''t know that the grudges and


    grievances between Avery and Jacob were far from over.


    Avery knew deep down in her heart that Jacob no longer loved her. Even if he let go of the hatred and


    stopped taking revenge on her, the death of Grace would haunt him and plunge him into misery for the


    rest of his life.


    Now that he had made his choice to marry La, Avery decided to use her remaining time to deal with


    their entanglement. In that case, if Martin ever woke up, Jacob wouldn''t trouble him anymore.


    This decision was good for everyone.


    When Nichs looked at Avery again, there was less fragility in her eyes. Instead, there was a rare


    determination.


    He sighed, "Since you''ve made up your mind, I can do nothing about it. Avery, you should know the


    consequences of removing the PORT. Are you sure you won''t regret it?"


    It seemed that he liked to ask her this question all the time. Avery smiled and responded, "I won''t."


    She took off half of her clothes, revealing her arm and fair shoulders. The previous wound had healed


    with tender new flesh.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    It was just a minor surgery that Nichs could handle with few procedures and not even the need for


    anesthesia.


    Although she was lucky that the PORT didn''te off, her arm had been hit by Ethan, which had


    caused damage to her subcutaneous tissue and leftrge bruises.


    Nichs patiently treated her wound. When the sharp surgical knife cut into Avery''s recently healed


    wound, the pain spread from her limbs to her heart, suffocating her.


    She tried her best not to make a sound, clenching her teeth, while Nichs couldn''t help but feel


    distressed when he saw her try to put up with it.


    As he continued working, he softly said, "If it hurts, just scream."


    It was the same thing Avery''s doctor had saidst time, but Avery still clenched her teeth hard, sinking


    her nails into the cold tabletop, trying her best to endure the pain.


    Nichs quickened his movements. Once he finished suturing the wound, Avery''s hand had be


    numb from the pain. She broke into a cold sweat, feeling weak as she slumped in the chair.


    Nichs brought her a ss of warm water and sat across from her, patiently whispering, "Avery, I''ve


    been monitoring your father''s condition with his attending physician. If we can find the world-renowned


    neurosurgeon Leon to perform the craniotomy for him, there will be an 80% chance for your father to


    wake up."


    "I''ve looked into it. Leon disappeared in a car ident five years ago, and nobody is sure if he''s still


    alive."


    Avery took a break after drinking the water and managed to recover slightly. Although her arm wound


    still burned with pain, and even a gentle touch on the fabric would make her gasp, she stubbornly stood


    up, ready to leave.


    "Nichs, thank you. Just leave me alone. Whether Jacob and I divorce or not, he won''t let me get


    close to any other man. I don''t want to cause any trouble for you."


    A hint of excitement appeared on Nichs'' refined face. Resting his elbow on his leg, he inteced his


    fingers and spoke in a deep voice. "Avery, I only care about your thoughts. Why do you have to confine


    yourself in a prison? You should step out and see the outside world."

 Chapter 38 Is It Worth It

    Chapter 38 Is It Worth It


    Chapter 38 Is It Worth It?


    Avery even staggered a bit as she stood up. She weakly smiled. "The first time I met him, I fell for him.


    I''ve loved him for many years. I can''t move on."


    Nichs saw the tear stains on her face and wanted to wipe them away, but he was in no position to


    do so. He could only remain motionless and silently watch her.


    Tears slid down Avery''s pointed chin, and she bitterly smiled, "I know I look miserable now, but if I live


    on, I''ll have to see him marry another woman. Then, I''ll be even more miserable than I am now. If life


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    has lost its meaning, I''d rather meet my death."


    "I recently read a quote, and it says if you''re destined to break up with someone you love deeply, will


    you choose to enjoy the present with him or just turn away?"


    Avery self-mockingly smiled. "If I hadn''t met him, I would have chosen to turn away. But fate doesn''t


    allow me to escape from him. We made a final agreement. He will apany me for a month, and


    after that, we''ll get divorced. At that time, I''ll go see the outside world you mentioned."


    Nichs watched her as she held her left arm with her right hand and stumbled out. She didn''t look


    back. "Nichs, I''m grateful for everything you''ve done for me, but someone like me doesn''t deserve


    someone as good as you."


    She walked step by step in the cold corridor, and outside, it started snowing again. Her figure went


    farther and farther away.


    Nichs couldn''t help but worry about her and watched her through the ss window, seeing her


    gradually stagger away until she vanished from his sight.


    A bitter smile of helplessness appeared on his lips. He wondered, "Things havee to this point.


    Why is she still insisting on it? Is it worth it?"


    Nichs felt like she was a devout worshipper, searching for a temple that could never be found in the


    endless desert.


    When Avery returned to Hill Mansion, the lights in the huge mansion were all on. She looked at the


    warm mansion amidst the wind and snow, feeling as if she had gone back to three years ago.


    As she pushed open the door, the heater instantly warmed her up. She took off her shoes and took a


    few steps, seeing someone busy in the kitchen.


    It seemed as if he had never left, and everything seemed to be the same as before.


    He was wearing a gray cashmere sweater, with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing his well-


    shaped forearm that exuded masculine beauty. There was a long and striking scar on his left arm.


    That was from three years ago when they had just started dating and encountered a thug who was


    about to stab Avery with a sharp de. At that time, Jacob had unhesitatingly blocked the attack for


    her.


    Jacob was skillfully stirring the food in the pot when he was suddenly hugged from behind. Avery


    pressed her head against his back, which caused him to pause.


    Jacob casually stirred the food a few more times, turned off the heat, and stood in front of the stove


    without turning around. His voice was low. "Where did you go?"


    "My hand got injured, so I went to the hospital," responded Avery.


    Jacob knew her well. Even a small cut from a small knife in the past could make her cry and bother him


    for half a day. Moreover, she fell hard this time.


    Jacob wasn''t a fool. Regardless of what La said, he could tell whether Avery wanted to hurt or


    protect Ethan.


    "Thank you for today. Ethan didn''t get hurt."


    After saying that, Jacob skillfully ted the food from the pot and served the food.


    Avery, however, stood frozen in a daze. She was surprised as it was the first time that he had said


    thanks to her but then came an endless feeling of mncholy.


    Saying thanks meant distance.


    She really wanted to say, "Jacob, I got stitches. My hand hurts so much. Can you blow on it for me?"


    Avery stared at his tall figure, and the thousands of words in her head turned into a murmur. "Thank


    you? Don''t even mention it! I hate that bastard''s guts. I wish he would get hurt more than anyone. I just


    happened to catch him when I got my ankle sprained and fell down."

 Chapter 39 You Owe Me a Honeymoon Trip

    Chapter 39 You Owe Me a Honeymoon Trip


    Chapter 39 You Owe Me a Honeymoon Trip


    Jacob didn''t expose herme lie. He stood by the dining table and called out, "Wash your hands and


    join me for dinner."


    The light cast a glow on him. At that moment, he was not in a formal suit. The fluffy cashmere added a


    touch of gentleness to him. Even his usually stern face seemed less cold.


    He still wore the apron Avery had bought for him three years ago. Everything seemed unchanged.


    Avery smiled and trotted toward him, seeing a table full of spicy dishes she used to love. Jacob would


    know that her taste had changed if he had paid attention to the meals Madison made for her during


    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    these days.


    Jacob no longer paid as much attention to her as he did in the past. They were trying their best to


    pretend that their lives were still the same, but in reality, everything had already fallen apart.


    Many things ended silently, just like his love. There were no answers; silence and distance were the


    answers.


    Although Avery''s stomach couldn''t handle spicy and greasy food anymore, she had longed for this


    table full of dishes for two years, so she endured the difort and ate them.


    When a person''s life wasing to an end, they cherished every meal they had even more. After all,


    they did not have many meals left.


    After all, Jacob and Avery had known each other for a long time. Jacob could tell whether she was truly


    happy or pretending with just one look. It was obvious that she was forcing a smile. He wondered if his


    cooking skills deteriorated in the past two years.


    Jacob, who had been silent throughout the meal, finally spoke up, "Is the food not to your taste?"


    "No, it''s great, as always. I was just thinking about how long it has been since west had a meal


    together. And how much longer can we eat together?"


    If it were in the past, Jacob would have answered "forever." But now, he just looked out of the window


    at the snowkes and remained silent.


    Avery med herself silently, "s! You''re simply upsetting yourself. Why did you have to ask such a


    stupid question? One month, and that is his limit."


    Before he could answer, a stabbing pain shot through her stomach. It had been a long time since she


    had eaten something spicy, and now that it fermented. It was causing her so much pain that tears were


    welling up.


    "I''m full. Take your time," Avery hurriedly stood up and quickly went upstairs.


    She vomited hard again. Looking at therge patches of blood stains, she knew that she didn''t have


    much time left. She had to seize every moment.


    Avery avoided her injured arm and quickly cleaned herself up. Fortunately, although her hair was falling


    out quite a bit, as long as she stopped the chemotherapy, it wouldn''t all fall out.


    She looked at herself in the mirror. Although she appeared pale and haggard, her thin face made her


    eyes look even bigger, which made her shockingly beautiful. Thankfully, she could leave this world as a


    breathtakingdy.


    Jacob stayed in the study, and Avery knocked on the door and entered. He was wearing gold-rimmed


    sses.


    Both Jacob and Nichs wore sses, but Nichs looked refined, while Jacob appeared cold and


    dangerous.


    Jacob looked up coldly at her, and Avery went straight to the point. "I want to go see the Northern


    Lights at Snond. You owe me a honeymoon trip."


    They had only registered for marriage back then and didn''t have a wedding. Even if they were


    photographed together, he would order them to delete the pictures so nobody knew he was married.


    Apart from that marriage certificate, Avery got nothing that a woman dreamed about, like a wedding, a


    wedding dress, or a honeymoon.


    That was why Jacob had particrly pampered her after their marriage as if he wanted to make up for


    what she had been missing.


    Jacob put down the pen in his hand, pushed his sses up his nose, and spoke in a low, deep voice,


    "You should know that the end of the year is a busy time for me, and the Northern Lights are not


    something that can be seen every day."


    In other words, he couldn''t afford to spend the time and energy on that.

 Chapter 40 Visiting Jane

    Chapter 40 Visiting Jane


    Chapter 40 Visiting Jane


    The man who spent half a year personally building a rose garden for her because of a single word from


    her now refused to spend time with her, even if it was just a few days.


    When he loved her, he truly loved, and when he no longer loved, he was truly heartless.


    Avery gently tugged at the corner of his shirt, pleading, "I don''t have much time left. Just promise me!


    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Pretty please!"


    "Avery, don''t push your luck." Jacob looked at her coldly and ruthlessly rejected her, treating her


    request to stay with her for one month as pushing his limits.


    "Push my luck? Do I?" Avery self-mockingly smiled. "You just think being with me is a waste of time,


    don''t you? You''re busy preparing for your engagement, right?"


    Jacob gently tapped his slender fingers on the desk, seemingly indifferent as he stared at her. "I''ve


    already told you that I''m going to get engaged soon."


    Although his face didn''t show much emotion, Avery understood the mockery in his eyes.


    This one month was something she had begged for, so she thought she deserved it.


    She just quietly stared at him and finally smiled. "All right. It turned out to be my wishful thinking. Sorry


    for bothering you."


    Avery pushed open the door and left. Jacob''s voice suddenly sounded from behind. "You can pick a


    ce within our country."


    Avery paused, and a hint of joy appeared on her face. "Then let''s go to Northernmost River, shall we?"


    This time, Jacob didn''t reject it. His Adam''s apple moved slightly as he responded, "Okay."


    Avery left happily. The chances of seeing the Northern Lights at Northernmost River were rtively


    slim, but if he could apany her during herst moments, Avery would be satisfied.


    It waste at night, and Jacob gently fell asleep by her side. Avery didn''t fall asleep. She huddled up


    carefully, feeling as if there was a deep sea separating them.


    She didn''t dare to get too close to him, afraid that he would notice the wound on her arm.


    In fact, as soon as he went to bed, he turned around and slept on the other edge of the bed,pletely


    disregarding her. In the dim night, Avery silently stared out the window, finding it difficult to fall asleep.


    The next morning, Jacob went to thepany early. Avery busied herself. She wanted to make


    amends for her father in the final moments of her life.


    ording to the address recorded in the information, she went to the asylum to visit Jane, who was


    also a victim.


    Due to her strong self-muttion tendencies, Jane had been sent there two years ago. It was Avery''s


    first time returning to this ce, and it was much quieter than a regr hospital. asionally, she


    would see security personnel carrying anti-explosive helmets and shields as if they were ready for


    battle at any moment.


    Upon learning that Avery hade to visit Jane, the nurses repeatedly reminded Avery to maintain a


    certain distance from the patients.


    There was another patient in Jane''s ward. Jane grinned foolishly when she saw Avery. Jane was a


    quiet girl. Her long hair hung down her shoulders as she sat with her knees hugged, staring out of the


    window with lifeless eyes.


    "Jane," Avery softly called her name. They had met once before, during a certain innovation


    The girl on the bed moved and, with a hint of confusion, turned to look at Avery. Before Avery could say


    anything, Jane grabbed her by the hand and warned in a hushed voice, "Keep your voice down.


    Someone is trying to take my child away."


    Avery nced at the pillow in Jane''s arms and didn''t dare to agitate her. Avery nodded, "Who is trying


    to take your child away?"


    Just then, the sound of high heels clicking on the floor echoed in the corridor. As soon as Jane heard


    that sound, she became frightened and hid behind the curtains, trembling. "Here she is. She''s trying to


    take my child away."


    When Avery was about to say something, a woman in a white coat with a director''s badge appeared at


    the door and angrily shouted, "Jane''s condition has been fluctuating. She can''t meet with others now.


    Miss Adams, please leave."

 Chapter 41 Life Is Unpredictable

    Chapter 41 Life Is Unpredictable


    Chapter 41 Life Is Unpredictable


    Avery ced the bouquet down and exined, "I''m her friend. I just wanted to visit her and then leave."


    "There''s no need for that. Strangers will only worsen her condition. Miss Adams, please leave."


    Jane stuffed the pillow into Avery''s arms, her voice filled with despair. "Take my child and leave quickly.


    Please raise her! I''ll help stall these people off. Run!"


    With that, she fiercely threw the bouquet that Avery brought toward the attending physician. "I''ll kill you,


    you bitch! It''s you who wants to take away my child. Go to hell!"


    Security guards wearing explosive helmets and shields rushed into the ward. One of them used an


    electric baton to strike Jane down, while the others quickly threw her into the bed and tied her up.


    Jane continued to scream, "Give back my child!"


    As sedatives were injected into her, she gradually lost her resistance and soon fell asleep.


    Avery, who witnessed everything, found it horrifying. Rather than calling this ce an asylum, it was


    more like a prison. They weren''t doctors but rather guards.


    Jane, who was now unconscious, seemed harmless, and Avery was ushered out of the ward and didn''t


    manage to ask any of the questions she had in her mind.


    When Avery left, she turned back and saw the doctor called Dr. Wood scolding the nurses in a rage, as


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    if she was questioning why they let Avery in.


    During Avery''s stay there, Dr. Wood nced at her, and their eyes met in the air. Soon, Dr. Wood


    looked away and stopped scolding.


    Avery felt that something was off, especially since Dr. Wood seemed to know her even though Avery


    had never met her before.


    ording to Jacob''s information, Jane had an incident after her college entrance exams. She was


    abandoned by Martin, had an abortion, and then suffered from mental illness. And then, she was sent


    to the asylum for treatment.


    But Jane''s previous reactions seemed really weird. She kept mentioning her child but didn''t mention


    anything about Avery''s father. Avery wondered if it was because her father had inflicted a great blow on


    her.


    Avery then went to Jane''s home, hoping to find her parents to inquire about what had happened back


    then.


    When Avery arrived, she found that their home was now rented by other people. Jane''s parents had


    immigrated abroad with their whole family a year ago.


    "They left their daughter alone and moved abroad? As far as I know, they''re not rich. Even if their son


    does well in study, how could they afford to go abroad?" Avery wondered and found it even more


    strange.


    She asked Brian out again. Brian, as respectful as before, greeted her, "Hello, Miss Adams."


    "Brian, I have something else I want to trouble you with. Do you know Jane?" asked Avery.


    "I do. That girl is quite pitiful. She was suddenly diagnosed with a mental illness two years ago. It''s


    probably because her family put too much pressure on her studies. Nowadays, the children have a


    tough life, and if their mental resilience is low, they''ll easily copse."


    "Brian, may I ask if Jane had a boyfriend?"


    Brian immediately shook his head, "No, impossible. She prioritizes her studies and keeps her distance


    from the opposite sex. If we have to mention someone she was close to, it would only be Mr. Adams.


    Mr. Adams is a kind elder who often helps Olivia, Jane, and the deceased Zoey unconditionally. It''s a


    pity that they''re not fortune enough to live up to Mr. Adams'' nurturing."


    "From what I know, her family is quite poor. How would they suddenly immigrate abroad?"


    "Her mother got remarried to a wealthy man. Jane had originally nned to apply to foreign


    universities, but unfortunately, this incident urred suddenly. Mr. Adams would be devastated if he


    found out. He was so nice to Jane and had high hopes for her. s! Life is unpredictable."

 Chapter 42 Jane Jumped off the Building

    Chapter 42 Jane Jumped off the Building


    Chapter 42 Jane Jumped off the Building


    Avery inquired about the recent situations of those girls, and their circumstances were simr to the


    information Jacob had provided. She had hoped to make amends for those girls, but they had either


    moved or returned to their hometowns, making it impossible to find them.


    Avery had to temporarily give up and decided to visit the asylum again once Jane had rested well.


    After chatting with Brian for a while, Avery parted with him and looked up at the sky before hailing a cab


    home.


    It was the peak of the evening rush hour. Leaning against the car window, Avery closed her eyes to


    rx. The local radio channel was broadcasting news in the cab, and a news report about a jumping


    ident in an asylum on Luminary Mountain caught her attention.


    Avery snapped her eyes and asked the driver to turn up the volume. It was just the same hospital she


    had visited earlier in the day.


    She quickly took out her phone and searched online, only to find out that the deceased was Jane,


    whom she had visited earlier. In the photo, Jane was wearing a thin hospital gown and had jumped


    from the rooftop with a bizarre smile on her face.


    At the sight of the photo, Avery felt a chill run down her spine and got goosebumps all over her body.


    The driver asked, "Miss, what''s wrong? Why do you look so pale?"


    "No, nothing. I just think this girl is very pitiful."


    "Mental illness, you know. It happens. My cousin''s daughter also has depression, and she has


    attempted suicide a few times. For them, leaving this world is a relief."


    Avery couldn''t agree with that as she thought of the girl who had been restrained and injected with


    sedatives on the bed. The girl was still so young.


    Feeling gloomy, Avery returned home. Jacob hadn''te back yet. She leaned against the sofa,


    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    feeling mentally and physically exhausted.


    Her mind was filled with images of Jane jumping off the building. She was shocked for a moment and


    then regained herposure.


    Thinking about her own impending fate, Avery wondered if her death would be the same. She did not


    have any family. She wondered if Jacob would be saddened by it or if he would feel relieved.


    Avery opened her phone and started to look up travel guides for Northernmost River. She needed to


    make the most of her remaining days.


    Jacob came homete that night. When Avery saw him, she approached him with her notebook with


    the travel information that she had spent the whole night organizing. "When can you go to


    Northernmost River? I''ve found the hotel and flight tickets. Let''s go...."


    Before she could finish her sentences, Jacob angrily threw the notebook on the floor. Only then did


    Avery realize the rage on Jacob''s face. His eyes were cold, filled with anger.


    Avery''s smile froze, and she cautiously asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Jacob''s towering figure leaned over, and he looked infuriated. Avery felt her heart pound violently as he


    stared intently at her.


    "Did you visit Grace''s grave?"


    Avery nodded, "Yeah, I went to visit Grace when I visited my grandmother. I know you hate my father,


    but I should at least have the right to visit her, shouldn''t I?"


    "Visit?" Jacob sneered and then threw a bunch of photos at Avery. The gravestone that once stood


    under the plum tree was now shattered into pieces, leaving a scene of devastation.


    Avery stood frozen. "How did it end up like this?"


    Jacob met her shocked eyes with a cold gaze. "Stop pretending here! Avery, although you were


    asionally willful in the past, you were kind and gentle. I showed you mercy many times, but you''re


    actually so malicious. Grace never had a day of happiness in her life, and now she is treated like this


    even after death."


    It took a moment for Avery to react, and her face showed a hint of disbelief. "Do you think I did this?"

 Chapter 43 A Dispute

    Chapter 43 A Dispute


    Chapter 43 A Dispute


    Without a word, Jacob''s face turned cold as he strode towards Avery, carrying a pervasive aura of chill.


    His Adam''s apple moved slightly. "I also hope this has nothing to do with you. On that day, however,


    you went, and you stayed in the cemetery for three hours. Tell me, what were you doing?"


    Avery found it utterly ridiculous. "I told you before. I went to visit Grandma. Is it wrong for me to talk to


    her when there''s no one else to confide in? This is a tombstone, not a steamed bun. It won''t break just


    from a touch! Even if you want to frame me, please present some evidence."


    "Take a good look. What is this?"


    Jacob pulled out more photos, and Avery, holding a hammer, even surprised herself.


    "A cemetery worker dropped his tool. I saw him pitiable, so I picked it up for him."


    Avery couldn''t fathom how someone managed to capture this moment on camera. She hastened to


    exin, "I only spoke a few words at Grace''s grave. Everything was fine when I left. Jacob, believe me.


    Why would I do such a thing? What benefit does it bring to me?"


    Seeing her flustered attempts at justification, Jacob found it bitterlyical. He lifted her chin with his


    long, slender fingers, pressing lightly against her lips. "Such a beautiful mouth and not a single word of


    truth. John has already admitted that he told you about Grace''s grave, and you even went as far as


    hiring a private detective."


    She knew that nothing could escape Jacob''s keen eyes, so she confessed directly, "Yes, I did hire a


    detective to investigate this matter. But it was to understand why you suddenly changed like this. Even


    if I knew that Olivia was Grace, I only left a bouquet of flowers at her grave and then went to


    Grandma''s grave. Moreover, I... I''m sick and don''t have the strength to turn the scene into such a


    mess!"


    "Do you think I would believe this?Until her death, Grace assumed Olivia''s identity. Apart from your


    Adams family, she had no enemies. Why would anyone desecrate her tombstone when she was


    assumed dead for two years?"


    "Others couldn''t have done it. Could it possibly be me?"


    "Yes, you''re unwilling to ept how distant I''ve been these two years. You me me for not saving the


    child, for bankrupting the Adams family. You resent me deeply, and even more so, you despise Grace,


    who turned the Adams family into this. Learning her true identity, you took out your anger on her


    grave."


    Avery shook her head repeatedly. "No..."


    Jacob advanced step by step, continuing, "You''ve clearly made up your mind to divorce me, but


    suddenly, you backtrack and ask for a month. What are you plotting? Do you want to avenge Martin?''"


    Avery''s eyes welled up with anxious tears. She felt utterly defenseless at this moment. She shook her


    head repeatedly. "No, I''ve never thought like that!"


    However, at this moment, Jacob was simply unable to absorb any of her exnations. He gradually


    tightened his fingers, pinching Avery''s chin, causing her pain. His eyes were filled with a glint of


    disappointment.


    "Avery, do you know how much I wish for this matter to have nothing to do with you? I had people


    searching for evidence for an entire day, trying to prove that you''re innocent, but all they found were


    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    these. Today, after you went to the mental hospital, Janemitted suicide. What did you say to her?


    Do you think that avenging Martin will wake him up?"


    He attributed all of this to Avery. She was at a loss for words.


    Grace was the Achilles'' heel of Jacob. After her death, someone broke her tombstone and dug up her


    grave, which not only showed great disrespect to the deceased but also amounted to a direct challenge


    to the power of the Hill family. Who could possibly endure such a thing?


    Jacob''s fingers slid down, finally resting on her delicate neck, and his grip tightened little by little.

 Chapter 44 Escape

    Chapter 44 Escape


    Chapter 44 Escape


    "Avery, do you know how miserable Grace was when you were being treated like a princess? I


    personally went to the mountain vige where she used to live. It was deste and impoverished. Most


    people couldn''t even have a decent meal for three days. I heard she was originally bought to be a child


    bride, locked up like a dog in a woodshed since she was a child. She was a pampered little princess in


    the Hill family, but there, she had to work like an ox or a horse. She endured so much suffering for


    years, and it was a hard-won opportunity for her toe to Astire. If she had held on a little longer, I


    could have found her."


    Choked by his grip, Avery was unable to speak. A feeling of suffocation gradually crept in. She pushed


    against Jacob, tears streaming down her face, trying to awaken his reason.


    However, Jacob was immersed in the painful memories. "She was humiliated by that beast Martin,


    strangled and stuffed into a box by him. She was so desperate then... Look, just like you are now. Can


    you feel her pain a little?"


    "Let... me go!" Avery struggled to no avail.


    Jacob''s eyes were bloodshot, like a wild beast that had lost its sanity.


    Avery was gasping for breath, knowing that if this continued, she would be choked to death by him.


    She had no choice but to continue struggling.


    "Avery, I had already decided to let you go, but you barged in on your own."


    Jacob''s expression became increasingly fanatical, and his eyes seemed to lose focus. He said in a


    leisurely tone, "Avy, how about we go down together to apany Grace? She must be scared down


    there, all alone. Wouldn''t death be a relief from all this pain?"


    As he spoke these words, Avery felt that Jacob hadpletely lost his mind. In her struggle, Jacob


    identally touched the wound she had sewn up justst night, causing it to tear open. Blood seeped


    through her white silk nightgown.


    The red stained Jacob''s eyes, and only then did he release his grip. Avery''s body slumped to the


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ground. Jacob wanted to examine her wound, but Avery quickly retreated backward, watching him with


    a vignt look.


    Jacob stiffly withdrew his hand, only then realizing what he had just done. He had almost killed Avery.


    "Your hand..." he said in a hoarse voice.


    However, Avery had already gotten up from the ground, picked up her down jacket from the sofa, and


    left the Hill residence, braving the cold wind.


    The moment he had her by the throat, she truly thought she was going to die. After death, all that


    remained was endless chill. This was the closest she had ever been to death, and it wasn''t as calm as


    she had imagined.


    She had only one thought: escape!


    Jacob lowered his head and stared nkly at his hands. How could he have done such a thing to


    Avery? The raging cold wind blew in from the entrance, temporarily restoring his sanity.


    Thinking of Avery''s frightened departure, with heavy snow falling outside, he quickly got into his car and


    chased after her.


    Hearing the sound of a car approaching from behind, Avery instinctively hid behind a nearby tree. She


    watched Jacob leave, trembling with fear until she was sure the danger had passed.


    Trembling, she took out her phone, hesitated for a moment, and then dialed Isabe''s number.


    Isabe''s nonchnt voice came through, "What''s up, bestie? Missing me?"


    Suppressing her crying, Avery cleared her throat and said, "Be, could youe pick me up?"

 Chapter 45 Silent Farewell

    Chapter 45 Silent Farewell


    Chapter 45 Silent Farewell


    Avery was certain that Jacob had been deeply affected by his sister''s death. Two years had made him


    increasingly unstable. At that moment, he truly felt the urge to kill her and then join his sister!


    Isabe hadn''t arrived yet, but in the distance, lights illuminated the scenery, and a car stopped not far


    from her.


    With Jacob''s intelligence, he would quickly realize she hadn''t left and woulde back to search for


    her. The car door opened, and the man hurriedly got out, looking around as if searching for something.


    Soon, he started walking in her direction. Avery, in a daze, stayed curled up in ce, not daring to


    move, fingers tightly clutching her clothes.


    As she heard his footsteps getting closer, Avery held her breath and closed her eyes in fear.


    She had no idea what Jacob would do if he found her. Would he demand she pay with her life for


    Grace?


    Her former lover had be unrecognizable, and today was the first time she felt fear. Her heart


    pounded irregrly with each step he took.


    She was scared, truly terrified!


    The man''s dress shoes made a squeaking sound on the snow as if it were the approaching footsteps of


    a grim reaper.


    Avery''s face turned pale. There was a hundred-year-old tree between them, and Jacob''s movements


    came to a halt.


    After waiting for a few seconds, she only heard the rustling sound of the man leaving. He hadn''t


    discovered her. Avery finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    But soon, she noticed a few drops of bright red blood around her. Against the pristine white snow, they


    stood out starkly. How could he not have noticed her?


    In those brief seconds of pause, Avery didn''t know what he was thinking. It was evident, however, that


    he had let her go.


    Avery cautiously peeked out, watching the man''s departing figure under the moonlight. She couldn''t


    see his expression, and a mist enveloped him.


    She suddenly had a feeling perhaps this was his silent farewell.


    When Isabe picked her up, Avery was shivering, still carrying some bloodstains. This startled


    Isabe, who eximed, "Did Jacob do this? I''ll give that brat a good lesson even if it costs me my life!


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Being a billionaire doesn''t make him superior, messing around in a marriage and abusing his wife.


    Tomorrow, I''ll contact the gossip magazines and expose all his wrongdoings!"


    Avery gave a wry smile and grabbed Isabe, who was about to dismantle the car bumper to smash


    Jacob''s door.


    "First, take me to the hospital. This has nothing to do with him. He doesn''t know I''m sick."


    "Sick? What kind of illness do you have?" Isabe asked in return.


    "It''s a long story. When you have time, I''ll tell you slowly."


    By the time Isabe rushed her to the hospital to attend to her wound and returned, it was already


    dawn.


    Back in Avery''s apartment, Isabe sat across from her with a stern expression. "Speak up. What are


    you keeping from me? How did you get that wound on your arm?"


    "Be, you need to be mentally prepared for what I''m about to say."


    Isabe casually lit a cigarette, looking a bit arrogant. "What? Underestimating your sister? I''ve been


    through all sorts of trials and tribtions. Just spill it. If it''s too shocking, I''ll write my name backward."


    "I don''t have much time left."


    Isabe''s hand froze with the cigarette, and she heard Avery say, "It''s stomach cancer."


    Isabe was stunned for a few seconds, then choked on the smoke, and when she finally recovered,


    she frantically extinguished the cigarette. She coughed, tears streaming down her face.


    Tears streaming down her face, she tremblingly extinguished the cigarette, but her fingers identally


    knocked over the cup on the table, resulting in a table full of spilled water.


    She quickly pulled out a tissue and hastily wiped everything in a frenzy. However, due to her excessive


    force, she ended up smearing everything from the table onto the floor.


    One bottle of stomach medicine that hadn''t been closed properlynded on the table, with a few pills


    scattered on the ground. The white bottle cap rolled around before slowlying to a stop.

 Chapter 46 The Final Journey

    Chapter 46 The Final Journey


    Chapter 46 The Final Journey


    Isabe mumbled to herself, "Look at how foolish I am, getting hard of hearing at such a young age.


    Haha, I actually heard you say you have stomach cancer. My ears must have been irritated by that


    scumbag..."


    Avery gently pressed her hand. "Be, face reality."


    Isabe stopped and looked up with teary, blurry eyes. "You''re joking, right?"


    However, Avery''s gaze was incredibly serious. "You know I never joke. The reason I cut my hair short


    Tears that had been welling up in Isabe''s eyes finally fell. She tightly held onto Avery''s hand, still


    finding it hard to believe. "It must be a misdiagnosis. It has to be! You''re so young, as strong as an ox.


    How could you possibly have this illness?"


    Avery helped her sit down and recounted the whole story.


    Isabe''s face was already wet with tears. She had always felt that cancer was far from them. When it


    happened right beside her, it felt like a dream.


    "It''s... It''s okay. Medical technology is very advanced now. As long as you cooperate with the treatment,


    you''ll be fine."


    Isabe used the back of her hand to wipe away some tears. "I''m sorry. I had no idea all this was


    happening to you. When it''s time for chemotherapy, I''ll go with you. I have some wealth now. Not


    working for a year is no big deal. I''ll stay by your side and help you get through this illness."


    Avery just shook her head gently, looking vacantly out of the window. "Be, will you apany me to


    see the Northern Lights?"


    "Of course. Once you''re better, I''ll get you not just the Northern Lights but even the stars from the sky."


    "Someone once said they could pick stars for me too."


    Isabe wanted to pry open her mind. "You and your damned love-struck mind. He doesn''t want you


    anymore, so why are you still thinking about him? If I were you, I''d focus on getting better, then find a


    dozen men to make him jealous."


    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    "Be, it''s not his fault. He''s sick, too."


    "He has stomach cancer, too? I hope it''s in the advanced stage. If you endure a little longer, you''ll


    inherit his wealth!"


    Avery was left speechless by her teasing. "Come here. I''ll tell you slowly."


    That night, the two of them slept together, which was rare before. Avery recounted everything in a


    soothing voice.


    Her voice was pleasant, like a gentle breeze on a summer evening, dispersing the restlessness within


    people.


    After listening, Isabe fell into a brief silence. "So he med his sister''s death on you? And to seek


    revenge, he''s even having an affair? Isn''t that even more despicable?"


    But Avery said, "I understand his love and sense of indebtedness towards his sister. If it happened to


    me, I wouldn''t be able to stand by and watch either. He''s even more tormented than we imagine."


    "Avy, his pain doesn''t justify his actions. You''re just hopelessly romantic. Since he''s decided to let you


    go, both of you should move on. Take thepensation he''s given you and start anew."


    "Be, have you let go of William?"


    Isabe fell silent.


    Years of feelings weren''t something one could let go of with just a few words.


    "I need time. Time can heal everything. Just like the passionate vows we made when in love, all


    swallowed up by time. There''s no such thing as an unforgettable love in this world."


    Avery murmured softly, "But I don''t have much time left."


    "Don''t give up on treatment."


    "Be, do you know what it feels like to undergo chemotherapy? It''s like someone''s draining every


    ounce of life from your body. It hurts. Everywhere hurts, and you can''t even summon any strength. You


    feel like aplete wreck. And that''s just the first stage. As it progresses, the medication seeps into


    your bone marrow and the pain bes excruciating."


    "My father is unconscious in the hospital, my mother remarried long ago, and the man I deeply loved


    has found happiness. There''s nothing left in this world that I hold onto. Be, can you apany me


    on this final journey?"

 Chapter 47 Embracing Lifes New Beginning

    Chapter 47 Embracing Life''s New Beginning


    Chapter 47 Embracing Life''s New Beginning


    Isabe, being a medical student, was well aware of the side effects of chemotherapy. She could


    understand Avery''s decision. Many people didn''t die from cancer itself but from the side effects of


    chemotherapy. It was too agonizing and painful.


    She couldn''t selfishly let Avery bear it. Maybe gritting her teeth and enduring would only make her


    leave even faster.


    Isabe hugged Avery from behind, tears silently streaming down her face.


    "Alright, I''ll be with you."


    Tears gradually dampened Avery''s nightgown. "You must have been in so much pain, right? I''m so


    sorry. I can''t believe I knew nothing about this."


    "It''s been better these past few days. Thank you, Be. I don''t want to leave alone. Originally, I wanted


    Jacob to apany me. But now, things have turned out like this. We probably won''t have any ties


    left."


    When Isabe mentioned Jacob, she felt a surge of anger. "Avy, someone vandalized his sister''s grave,


    and there are even photos of you holding a hammer. Do you think it might be someone deliberately


    framing you?"


    "Besides La, there wouldn''t be anyone else." Avery was very clear about this. Ever since Jacob


    agreed to apany her for a month, this incident happened. It was definitely rted to La.


    "You know it''s her. Why are you so calm?"


    "Fromst year until now, La has used many methods to force me to divorce Jacob. To be honest,


    her tricks aren''t considered clever. Jacob isn''t blind to these little tricks. Yet every time, he


    wholeheartedly stood on La''s side. At first, I would try to argue based on reason. Butter, I realized


    that right or wrong doesn''t matter. His favoritism is what matters."


    Isabe, seeing Avery''s diminished spirit, continued to rally her, "But this time is different. If it''s really


    her who desecrated Liran''s sister''s grave, even if you want a divorce, don''t let her off so easily."


    "Be, the issue between Jacob and me isn''t La. It''s the death of his sister. We can''t resolve the


    hatred between us unless we can bring her back to life. And even if we could, we wouldn''t be able to


    be together."


    "I understand what you mean, but Avy, don''t think it''s the Adams family''s fault and let him mistreat you.


    His sister''s death shouldn''t be an excuse for him to cheat. His betrayal is disloyalty! Leaving you and


    your child to save La is his injustice! I admit that the previous Jacob was indeed good to you. But


    you can''t linger in the past forever."


    Isabe patiently advised, "Avy, a person''s life only happens once. Even if his sister''s death really is


    rted to your father, it has nothing to do with you. Don''t rush to confess. You ask me if I''ve let go of


    William? I can tell you that one day, I will definitely let gopletely. But for you, whether it''s one day


    or one month left, you have to live for yourself."


    "Live for myself..."


    The knot that had been entangled in her heart suddenly unraveled.


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Although Avery didn''t sleep well that night, whenever she dozed off, she would dream of Jacob turning


    into a devil, strangling her neck.


    She woke up several times, and thest time she woke up, it was just dawn.


    Avery sat up, absentmindedly touching the spot on her neck. Even if they couldn''t grow old together,


    she didn''t want to reach the point where they couldn''t stand each other anymore.


    Looking at Isabe, who was sleeping peacefully beside her, Avery got up and left the room quietly.


    The entire city looked especially beautiful under the cover of heavy snow. Even the sea had ceased its


    uproar, stretching itself carefreely in the sunlight.


    Several unidentified seagulls flew by in the sky, braving the cold wind. In the distance, ships were


    honking their horns as they sailed.


    The world was still beautiful, and it hadn''t changed because of anyone''s departure.


    Avery made a decision.


    She sent a message to Jacob. This time, no one would break their promise.


    When Jacob saw her, she was wrapped in a white down jacket, wearing a fluffy hat and snow boots,


    bundling herself up tightly.


    It made him wonder, was she always this sensitive to the cold?


    His gazended on her neck. Her skin was fair and delicate, with slight indentations if even a little force


    was applied.


    Avery''s neck was wrapped in a thick knitted scarf. She stood under a pine tree covered in snow,


    looking as pure as a little elf.


    In fact, Jacob cared about her arm. Did she recover well after losing so much bloodst night?

 Chapter 48 Part Forever

    Chapter 48 Part Forever


    Chapter 48 Part Forever


    All the words were at the tip of his tongue, but in the end, he only said one sentence, "Let''s go."


    The two of them understood each other without words, never mentioning the past. They swiftly


    From start to finish, Avery didn''t say a word to him. She took the divorce certificate and walked away


    without any hesitation. Jacob couldn''t help but ask, "What are your ns for the future?"


    Avery didn''t turn her head. "It''s none of your business, Mr. Hill."


    A snowke fell from a tree branch onto her shoulder. Jacob subconsciously reached out to brush it off.


    His fingers hesitated in the air.


    What right did he have to touch her now?


    He let her go, hoping to put aplete end to this matter.


    Looking at the brilliant sunlight, Jacob remembered that on the day they got their marriage certificate,


    the weather was just as nice. She wore a white dress, her lips adorned with a bright smile.


    "I hope we never have toe back to this ce."


    "We never will."


    "What if you betray me?"


    "Then you can kill me. Dead people don''t betray." His serious expression back then scared her.


    It had only been three years since he said those words.


    Avery could feel his gaze on her. She didn''t turn back. She walked on the snowy ground, taking one


    step at a time.


    She told herself over and over again not to make their parting so painful.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Every time she thought about it, it felt like a permanent farewell. From now on, she and this man would


    have nothing to do with each other. The bittersweet feeling inside her was indescribable.


    Just a few steps out, she heard La''s excited voice from behind, unable to contain her joy. "Jacob,


    congrattions on finally getting what you wanted."


    Finally getting what he wanted?


    Avery gave a bitter smile. Yes, if she hadn''t held on so tightly this past year, they would have divorced


    on the seventh day after losing their child.


    Jacob didn''t respond. La continued, "I have all the documents ready. Shall we go in and get our


    marriage certificate?"


    Avery didn''t hear Jacob''s reply. When she heard those words, her heart felt like it was being squeezed,


    making it hard for her to breathe.


    Isabe supported her, asking softly, "Are you okay?"


    "I''m fine."


    Isabe nced at the two figures in the distance. La was gesticting happily, talking to herself.


    Jacob kept his head down all along. The tree''s shadow blocked the sunlight, making it impossible to


    see his expression.


    "Such a despicable man and woman. Bah!" Isabe sneered, reaching out to wipe away the tears on


    Avery''s face. "Crying for a scum like him is not worth it."


    Avery forced herself to lift her head and managed to give a faint smile. "I know. I''m just having a hard


    time controlling it."


    "Silly girl, you need to understand one thing: relying on anyone is a form of self-destruction. The big


    tree can shelter you from the wind and rain, but it can also block out the sun. I haven''t seen that


    confident Avery in a long time. You should be shining in your own world."


    In the end, Avery looked at Jacob onest time and closed the car window.


    Jacob understood the meaning behind her final gaze-it was a part forever.

 Chapter 49 Embracing Change

    Chapter 49 Embracing Change


    Chapter 49 Embracing Change


    After the divorce, life was not as sad for Avery as she had imagined. Isabe stayed with her at home


    for a few days, preparing various nutritious meals to help her recover. Avery''splexion gradually


    improved visibly.


    The impact of chemotherapy on her became less pronounced. While she couldn''t return to her previous


    state, she no longer experienced frequent bouts of dizziness.


    The wound on her arm healed once again. Recently, her hair loss had also lessened. Everything


    seemed to be heading in a positive direction.


    Isabe was genuinely happy for her. After all, they had been sleeping together for the past few days,


    with Avery no longer curled up in the crib. Isabe believed that Avery would eventually move forward.


    Seeing her recovering well, Isabe suggested, "The ss monitor has organized a ss reunion.


    Since we have nothing else to do, let''s go together."


    "I..." Avery was about to refuse, but Isabe interrupted her.


    "Most of our former ssmates have achieved sess in their careers. Didn''t you want to find a good


    neurologist? Maybe one of the big shots among our ssmates has connections in that field."


    "Besides, you always say that time is limited for you. So, it''s even more important not to waste it at


    home. Going out for a change of scenery would be good."


    Seeing Avery''s embarrassment, Isabe immediately understood her thoughts. In the past, Avery was


    not only a typical second-generation rich kid but also a promising talent recognized by her mentor. Her


    future was limitless.


    Compared to her former ssmates, she couldn''t hold her head up high anymore. The Adams family


    had gone bankrupt, and she had dropped out of school withoutpleting her studies.


    "I''m telling you. You''re just too thin-skinned. Look at me: I quit medicine and real estate, and I''m now


    the top seller. I''m not embarrassed. You, on the other hand, are a little rich woman with over a billion in


    assets. Oh wait, didn''t that scumbag also give you a stake in the Hill Group?"


    There were many uses in the divorce agreement, and in terms of finances, Jacob could be


    considered generous. Although he didn''t take away half of her wealth, what he left for Avery was


    something she wouldn''t be able to spend in a lifetime. Just the shares she held in the Hill Group


    brought in annual dividends of over 20 million dors.


    Not to mention other non-movable properties. In order topensate or perhaps topletely sever


    ties with Avery, he was not a scoundrel when it came to this aspect.


    Avery couldn''t resist Isabe''s request and had to agree.


    Looking at the flood of news online about Jacob''s engagement banquet in a month, Avery realized that


    Isabe was not wrong. No matter how long she had left to live, she should step out.


    "Alright."


    "That''s more like it. Back in the day, so many people secretly admired you. What if there''s still a


    handsome guy who''s still pining for you? Don''t shortchange yourself. While you''re young, you should


    make the most of it."


    Avery thought carefully for a moment and asked, "Will Davide?"


    "Of course he will. But David... while he''s a good person, he''s not exactly easy on the eyes. Could it be


    that the scumbag has shattered your sense of aesthetics?"


    Avery shook her head. "No, I just heard that after he graduated, he inherited his father''s business and


    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    has been thriving in the funeral industry. I thought, for a ss reunion, it wouldn''t hurt to ask him for a


    good burial site, right?"


    Avery''s tone was remarkably calm, but in Isabe''s ears, the meaning had changed. Her heart felt a


    pang of sadness. "Tsk, tsk, don''t say such inauspicious things."


    Avery took Isabe''s hand gently. "Be, this is a fact. You have to try to ept it. Everyone will pass


    away one day."

 Chapter 50 Unlocking Your Potential for Success

    Chapter 50 Unlocking Your Potential for Sess


    Chapter 50 Unlocking Your Potential for Sess


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    The atmosphere of sadness struck again, and Isabe angrily cursed, "Why isn''t La, that home-


    wrecker, the one who died?"


    "It''s fate. Maybe it''s because my baby missed me too much. Don''t be sad. Just think of me as finishing


    the race first. Take your time," Avery said, trying to break the somber mood.


    To lighten the mood, Avery joked, "When I die, you can burn more paper money for me. Consider it an


    early investment. I''ll work hard in the underworld, and when youe, we can divide the riches. As


    soon as you die, you''ll have billions of underworld currency. You''ll be the richest woman in the


    underworld and have ten or eight little ghosts to massage and serve you. Doesn''t that make you feel


    better?"


    Isabe chuckled through her tears, "Then I''ll have to find you a good burial site, a blessed resting


    ce, to bless your future generations... but I forgot, you don''t have children. Otherwise, wait a few


    more years, and when I have a child, I''ll adopt them to be your godson."


    Avery smiled with narrowed eyes. "Sounds good."


    For the evening ss reunion, Avery rarely dressed up. With her short hair, she shed the innocence of


    the past. When she didn''t smile, she looked like an elegant and noble white rose.


    As Isabe put it, even if Avery didn''t say a word and just stood there, she was like a beautiful


    On the way to the hotel, Isabe asked, "Avy, what are your ns for the future? Do you want to travel


    around the world? We have plenty of time and money now."


    Resting her head on her hand, Avery looked at the scenery passing by outside the car at high speed


    and replied calmly, "I want to establish a charity foundation. There are still many patients in this world


    who, like me, are trapped by terminal illnesses. I also want to help children in mountainous areas who


    can''t afford to go to school."


    Isabe couldn''t find the words to say. She just felt a sense of sorrow. Avery, with her immense wealth,


    could save so many people, but she couldn''t save herself. She didn''t me others for her misfortune


    and was still willing to shine a light on the path for strangers.


    "Avy, you...," Isabe began.


    Avery smiled gently. "Consider it as atoning for my father''s sins."


    "Avy, most people''s true nature can be felt, but I genuinely believe that Mr. Adams is a kind person.


    Have you ever thought that the evidence might be fake?"


    "At first, I didn''t believe that my father would do something like this until I saw the evidence. Jacob


    didn''t want to ept this oue more than I did. He would have overturned any possibility, but in the


    end, even he acknowledged it. The likelihood of it being fake is small."


    "Do you think he orchestrated this whole thing just to have an affair?"


    Averyughed bitterly. "Be, he is Jacob. Do you think he would go through such great lengths just to


    get a divorce?"


    "You have a point." Isabe sighed, "Although this is an irond fact, I just feel that something isn''t


    right."


    "I used to think the same way. My father had been recovering well before this. I was even nning to


    take him out of the hospital soon. How could he have had a heart attack? And when I went to visit


    Jane, she jumped off the building that same day. I only went to the cemetery once, and someone took


    a picture of me. If it''s all just a coincidence, then it''s too much."


    Soon, Avery''s expression returned to normal. "Later, I realized that I couldn''t deny this reality just


    because I couldn''t ept it. On the day my father had the ident, I checked the visitor list, and there


    was no one else. Maybe his family''s bankruptcy was something he couldn''t bear. As for Jane, it was


    just a coincidence, and the cemetery incident was likely done by La. Her goal was to force me and


    Jacob to divorce. Now that she has seeded, she probably won''t cause any more trouble for me."


    Isabe furrowed her brows. "But you can never be sure, Avy. You must stay vignt. People in this


    world are scarier than ghosts, and sometimes the most unlikely things are deliberately orchestrated.


    Nothing is absolute."


    Avery looked at the distant scenery and murmured, "If someone really nned all this, it would be


    terrifying. How big of a web would they have to weave?"

 Chapter 51 Her Diploma

    Chapter 51 Her Diploma


    Chapter 51 Her Diploma


    Long-awaited ss reunion, long-awaited liveliness.


    Isabe was a social butterfly, able to strike up a conversation with anyone using her smooth tongue.


    But Avery''s arrival surprised everyone.


    Many ssmates surrounded her, bombarding her with questions, "Avy, we heard you got married.


    You''re really thoughtless, not inviting us to your wedding. Do you think we''re not qualified?"


    Before Avery could answer, another sharp female voice chimed in, "We''re qualified, but she is not.


    Maybe the Adams family went bankrupt and that was why she was hiding and avoiding people."


    The one speaking was Sarah Lee, who used to have a bad rtionship with Avery. Back then, the Lee


    family couldn''tpare to the Adams family, and Sarah was always in second ce.


    Clearly, the beautiful, rich, and talented image belonged to her, but she was overshadowed as long as


    Avery was present. So she med Avery for it.


    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Now that the Adams family had gone bankrupt and Avery, who hadn''t shown up for a long time,


    appeared again, Sarah naturally seized this opportunity to mock her.


    The ss monitor, Andrew, quickly tried to ease the tension. "Sarah, don''t say things like that. People


    have their ups and downs in life, just like the moon has its phases. There''s no need to rub salt into


    Avery''s wounds. It''s been a long time since west met, so let''s not bring up these unpleasant things."


    Sarah rolled her eyes. She had some respect for Andrew, so she didn''t continue the topic. "Fine, I won''t


    bring it up. But someone is really shameless. She hasn''t shown up for years. Now that there''s a benefit,


    she wants toe back and take a share."


    "What benefit? Isn''t today just a ss reunion?" Avery looked confused.


    "Do you really not know or are you pretending not to know? It''s because of the Love La Hospital


    Project that everyone came here today, isn''t it?"


    Suddenly, Avery felt like she had been living in a daze for the past year,pletely unaware of what


    was happening outside.


    Andrew kindly exined, "Love La Hospital is the biggest medical project in the past two years,


    costing 700 million dors."


    Sarah sneered and said, "The goal of Love La Hospital is to create a world-ss international


    hospital, with top-notch doctors and equipment from around the world. Of course, the benefits and


    treatment are far superior to other domestic hospitals. With such a good opportunity, it''s natural for a


    kindhearted person like our monitor to think of us first."


    The other ssmates started discussing excitedly. As long as they could get a job there, their sry


    would triple. Of course, the requirements were high, but it would be much easier if they had


    connections.


    With this exnation, Avery finally understood. Andrew was from a well-known family of traditional


    medicine, so he probably had a significant stake in the hospital and wanted to bring in some talented


    individuals.


    Back then, most students in their top A ss were talented. Although it was called a ss reunion, it


    was also mixed with personal interests.


    Isabe was probably busy breaking up with her ex-boyfriend during this period and didn''t quite


    understand the nature of the gathering. She probably just took Avery here to rx.


    Avery wasn''t like Isabe who was already holding someone''s shoulder and talking about houses. She


    felt awkward in this kind of situation. Andrew, on the other hand, remained as clever and considerate as


    ever, not looking down on her because of her family''s bankruptcy. Instead, he asked about her recent


    situation with a gentle attitude.


    "If you''re interested, Love La Hospital wees talented doctors like you anytime."


    Avery smiled helplessly and said, "Andrew, you tter me. I didn''t even graduate..."


    Andrew looked puzzled, "That''s not right. Although you suspended your schooling, you did have a


    diploma and degree certificate."


    Avery was stunned. "Andrew, you must have gotten it wrong."


    "How could it be? I distributed the diplomas to all our ssmates back then, but it was your family who


    went to get it for you. Didn''t you get the diploma?"


    Avery quickly understood that Jacob must have used other means to obtain her diploma for her.

 Chapter 52 Jacobs Hospital

    Chapter 52 Jacob''s Hospital


    Chapter 52 Jacob''s Hospital


    At that time, she was still in her pregnancy, and their rtionship was getting worse. He didn''t tell her


    about these small things because he didn''t care.


    Avery smiled. "I got it."


    "I haven''t heard from you in these two years. Were you studying somewhere? I also heard about the


    Adams family''s situation. We are old ssmates, so if you need any help, feel free to contact me. It


    would be an honor if I could invite you to the hospital."


    In the eyes of the world, she was still the rising star. Recalling the past few years of her life, Avery


    finally realized the mistake she had made.


    "I''m sorry. I don''t have any ns in that area at the moment. This kind of asion is not suitable for


    me. I..."


    Sarah looked proud. "That''s reasonable. I heard that you got married. Have you been a housewife all


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    these years? Indeed, this kind of asion is not suitable for you, so as not to disturb the important


    guestter."


    Andrew nced at her again. The Lee family still relied on the ke family, so Sarah didn''t dare to be


    too disrespectful. Andrew''s upbringing made him especially considerate of everyone.


    "It''s okay. It''s been a long time since we gathered together. Theing days would be long. We are in


    the same circle, so we will inevitably cooperate in the future. Today, besides our ssmates, I have


    also invited some talented doctors. Avery, you don''t need to feel ufortable. Just consider it as


    expanding yourwork."


    Beingforted by Andrew, Avery couldn''t leave though she wanted to. The other ssmates didn''t


    have any ill intentions toward her, and a few of them chatted with her.


    Seeing them, Avery thought of her carefree college life in the past. She used to talk eloquently in the


    medical field, confident and lively.


    She lowered her head and looked at the lines on her palm. When did she be so submissive and


    lifeless?


    Besides pain, what did marriage bring her?


    From their conversations, Avery suddenly noticed a keyword. The founder woulde tonight.


    "I heard that this hospital was acquired by the president of the Hill Group to please his fiancee."


    "Mr. Hill is known for being cold and ruthless. I didn''t expect him to be so affectionate. Even the name


    of the hospital is named after his fiancee."


    Avery''s expression changed when she heard this. Still hopeful, she asked, "Mr. Hill? Which Mr. Hill?"


    "Avery, are you still in your dream? How many billionaires named Hill are there in Astrie? Of course, it''s


    Jacob."


    No one noticed that Avery tightly held onto her clothes, her face pale.


    She once told him that she wanted to build arge hospital to help more patients.


    She didn''t know when Jacob took over thend and nned it, but she only knew that the hospital was


    now named Love La.


    How ironic.


    She stood up in panic, identally pulling the silk cloth on the table, knocking over the breathed wine,


    and staining herself.


    Avery didn''t care about her disheveled appearance and was about to leave. "Andrew, I suddenly


    remembered that I have something to do, so I have to go first..."


    Andrew instinctively took a tissue to wipe her, and at that moment, the door was pushed open, and


    Jacob and La appeared at the door.


    Jacob''s extremely cold eyes fell on Andrew''s hand.

 Chapter 53 What a Heartless Man

    Chapter 53 What a Heartless Man


    Chapter 53 What a Heartless Man


    It was said that there was no story without coincidences, but it was too coincidental today.


    Avery didn''t know what bad luck she had encountered. Every time she was in a miserable state, she


    would always be bumped into by him.


    The ke family and the White family were old friends, and this time it was the White family who took


    the initiative to involve the ke family to be a shareholder. Andrew personally rmended talents


    for her, so they organized this party.


    No one expected that Jacob would apany La here. Jacob''s appearance made everyone greatly


    honored, and they greeted him immediately.


    Andrew, being a gentleman, did not leave Avery behind. Instead, he patiently handed her a tissue. In


    the chaos, their fingers touched.


    The room was warm with heating, and Avery wore a white knitted dress under her down jacket. She


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    didn''t deliberately emphasize her figure, but the fluffy knitwear couldn''t hide her well-proportioned body.


    She slightly tilted her head, revealing the delicate and fair back of her neck and looking particrly


    adorable.


    Jacob noticed that there were no marks on her neck anymore. Just like love, one day the traces of her


    in his heart wouldpletely disappear, too.


    However, when Andrew grabbed her wrist, Jacob realized that he wasn''t asposed as he had


    imagined. His ck eyes stared at Andrew''s hand.


    Andrew sensed a chilling towards him and looked up, only to find that Sarah was stopping Jacob


    and greeting him. He wondered if it was his illusion.


    He greeted Jacob withposure, "I really didn''t expect you toe in person, Mr. Hill. It is truly an


    honor. La, this is Avery, the genius from our college that I told you about. Avy, you should know Mr.


    Hill, and this is Mr. Hill''s..."


    Avery, who had changed from her previous gentle demeanor, looked more indifferent. "I know, Mr. Hill''s


    fiancee."


    It was truly ridiculous. She had thought that she and Jacob would never have any intersection again,


    but she didn''t expect to see him so soon.


    Andrew pped his forehead. "Look at me! I forgot that Mr. Hill and La are about to get married, and


    it''s being reported by all the major media outlets. No one here should be unaware."


    "Everyone knows that La is Mr. Hill''s fiancee, but does anyone know about Mr. Hill''s ex-wife?" A


    female voice with a smile came closer, and it was Isabe, who had just made a deal for a house.


    Isabe had a straightforward personality and was also very beautiful. She had pink hair tied up behind


    her head and walked in wearing high heels.


    As soon as she spoke with hostility, everyone was dumbfounded.


    "Isabe, don''t talk nonsense. Mr. Hill hasn''t even gotten married yet."


    "That''s right. Mr. Hill loves Miss White so much."


    Isabe was determined to uphold justice for Avery, so she walked toward Jacob fearlessly step by


    step. "Mr. Hill has a deep love for his current girlfriend, but I wonder how he treats his ex-wife. Did he


    abandon her? Or..."


    Jacob didn''t give her a chance to finish her insulting words and interrupted, "Not worth mentioning."


    After saying that, he walked straight past them. Although everyone was surprised that he had an ex-


    wife, it was clear that he didn''t want to discuss this topic. Except for Isabe, no one wanted to annoy


    him.


    Everyone surrounded Jacob and left, paying no attention to the expression on Avery''s face. Only


    Isabe, who was the closest to her, felt that her body was trembling.


    She didn''t expect Jacob to be so heartless, belittling their past as if it meant nothing.


    Avery clenched her fists. It turned out that in his eyes, the precious time they had together was not


    worth mentioning.


    Isabe had wanted to embarrass La, but Jacob was such a heartless man and didn''t consider their


    past at all.


    She looked at Avery apologetically, knowing that there was a use in Avery''s divorce agreement with


    Jacob to keep their past a secret.


    "Avy, are you feeling ufortable? Let me take you home first."


    If Avery continued to stay here, she would just be an easy target for Jacob''s ridicule, and La


    would be even more triumphant.

 Chapter 54 She Didnt Leave

    Chapter 54 She Didn''t Leave


    Chapter 54 She Didn''t Leave


    Although Isabe didn''t want it to be this way, Jacob''s reaction just now showed that he clearly favored


    La.


    In a rtionship, the one who was not favored was the loser. Every word he said pierced Avery''s heart.


    Avery couldn''t tolerate any more harm.


    Avery had wanted to leave early, but she changed her mind now. She casually instructed Isabe, "You


    brought spare clothes, right? Apany me to the restroom to change. The banquet hasn''t started


    yet, and it would be impolite to leave."


    Isabe was a little surprised. Avery actually acted tough this time!


    Even in the restroom, Isabe keptining, "Did you see how despicable Jacob was? I wanted to


    punch him so badly, and I wished I could knock open his skull. He''s the worst jerk!"


    Avery helplessly smiled. "You..."


    "Avy, do you really want to stay and watch that lovey-dovey couple? After all, you still have feelings for


    him, and it''s hurting you."


    "Didn''t you say that? There will be a day to let go. Besides, he''s the one who did wrong. Why should I


    hide?"


    Avery took the clothes bag handed by Isabe and went to the changing room. "You''re right. Even if


    there''s only one day left, I have to live for myself."


    She didn''t expect the clubbing outfit prepared by Isabe to be so red and revealing, showcasing her


    great figure.


    Isabe couldn''t help but gulp. "I didn''t know the difference between a C cup and an A cup could be so


    big. This outfit looks amazing on you!"


    She applied ayer of bright red lipstick for Avery. If someone else wore this outfit, it would be shy,


    but Avery''s temperament was perfectly suited for it. The word "pure seduction" seemed tailor-made for


    her.


    "Let''s go."


    Avery walked in wearing high heels, her short hair making her look even more capable and beautiful.


    When she entered, everyone at the table was attracted by her. Sarah jealously snorted again and said,


    "Dressing like this is so attention-seeking!"


    A familiar and gentle voice sounded, "Avy."


    It was Nichs, who was by Andrew''s side. Did hee too?


    Nichs, like Andrew, also came from a medical family, so it wasn''t surprising that Andrew invited him.


    Nichs waved at Avery. "Over here."


    Nichs knew about her rtionship with Jacob. This gesture was probably his well-intentioned


    attempt to help her out. If she refused, it would embarrass Nichs.


    Avery calmly walked towards Nichs, ignoring Jacob''s murderous gaze.


    Avery sat next to Nichs. He hadn''t seen her for some days and noticed that she looked much better.


    Only then did he feel relieved.


    While everyone was focused onplimenting Jacob, Nichs was solely focused on Avery,


    continuously serving her dishes that would nourish her body.


    Avery enjoyed her meal and didn''t notice Jacob''s gaze as she concentrated on eating.


    Andrew noticed something off about Nichs''s attentive behavior. "Nic, I''ve never seen you care so


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    much about any other girl. Could it be that you and Avery..."


    The ssmate next to them, James, was having arge abalone and said with his face full of gossip, "I


    heard that Avery suspended her schooling and got married secretly a few years ago. Could it be with


    Nic?"


    For a moment, everyone''s gaze focused on Avery.


    "Click."


    Avery caught a glimpse of Jacob also putting down his fork and looking at her.

 Chapter 55 My Ex-husband Died

    Chapter 55 My Ex-husband Died


    Chapter 55 My Ex-husband Died


    It was not wrong to say that humans were inherently nosy. Many years ago, Avery gave up a promising


    career and got married in secret. Over the years, her secret spouse had be a mystery at Astrie


    University.


    Nichs was a senior who seemed detached from worldly affairs, but he was particrly warm to her,


    which naturally sparked endless spection among everyone.


    Although Jacob didn''t say a word, Avery could feel the strong and endless oppression from him.


    Avery put down her fork and elegantly wiped the corner of her lips. "Are you that curious?"


    "Yes, Avery, don''t keep us guessing. Only the ending of One Piece and the identity of your secret


    spouse can make me so curious."


    "Right, I want to know too."


    Avery looked around and a beautiful smile appeared on her lips.


    "As for my secret spouse..." When she said this, her gaze paused for a second on Jacob''s face.


    His handsome face still showed no expression, making it impossible to detect any emotional


    fluctuations. Only his right thumb and index finger slowly rubbed against the back of his left hand.


    Having been with him for several years, Avery understood very well that this was his signal of danger.


    He didn''t want her to mention anything rted to him.


    Ignoring the pain in her heart, Avery continued with a smile, "Instead of calling him a secret spouse, it''s


    better to refer to him as my ex-husband."


    La, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke, "Oh? Who is your ex-husband?"


    La didn''t say much, obviously waiting to see the drama unfold.


    Avery changed the topic. "Others don''t know, but do you not know either, Miss White?"


    Before La could react, Andrew eximed in surprise, "Avery, you got divorced?"


    "Yes, divorced. To be precise, I am widowed. My husband passed away not long ago."


    Because of the tense atmosphere, Isabe had just raised her wine ss and taken a sip. Hearing


    Avery''s words, she couldn''t help but spit out the wine. It took her a great effort to suppress herughter.


    Wiping the wine off Sam''s face while holding back her smile, Isabe said, "Sorry, I just suddenly


    thought of something sad. I can vouch for it. Avy''s husband is dead, and he died quite tragically."


    Everyone began to talk and eagerly asked, "Although this topic is a bit impolite, we really are curious.


    Avery, how did your husband die?"


    "He..." Avery nced at Jacob, who already had a clear look of displeasure on his face.


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    They were already divorced. Did she still have to consider his feelings? She deeply remembered the


    pain he had caused her over the past year.


    Avery continued, "Originally, family matters should not be made public, but you are not strangers, so it''s


    fine to say it. He..."


    Isabe, knowing that Avery was kindhearted and would not speak ill of Jacob, took the initiative to


    interrupt her and said, "He deserved it. At first, he was so devoted to Avy, but once the novelty wore off,


    he immediately started fooling around with another woman. Some women nowadays are so mean.


    Once they meet a wealthy man, they don''t care if he has a wife and just throw themselves at him..."


    La mmed her fork down and scolded coldly, "Enough!"


    "Miss White, I wasn''t talking about you. Why are you so angry?" Isabe retorted.

 Chapter 56 May I Pursue You?

    Chapter 56 May I Pursue You?


    Chapter 56 May I Pursue You?


    La realized that she had fallen into Isabe''s trap. If she argued with Isabe, wouldn''t that just


    reveal to everyone that she was the mistress and also indicate that Avery was Jacob''s ex-wife?


    No, she absolutely couldn''t admit it.


    La quickly eased her expression and gave Isabe a suggestive re. "I am not angry. It''s just that


    discussing these things in on such an asion is inappropriate, isn''t it?"


    Isabe didn''t care at all. On the contrary, she became even more arrogant. "The mistress doesn''t even


    think it''s inappropriate to seduce someone else''s husband. What do I have to be afraid of? Miss White,


    you seem to be able to rte to this very well. Have you also been a mistress before?"


    "Miss Thompson." Jacob''s displeased voice sounded, and his pitch-ck eyes were especially


    apathetic.


    Isabe slightly restrained herself. "That''s right. Miss White has a rich fiance like you. She wouldn''t


    even pay attention to other men. If she were to seduce, she would only seduce you."


    With these words, even the dumbest person could tell that Isabe and La were not on good terms.


    It was an indirect insult.


    However, Andrew was keen enough to notice something. How did a big shot like Jacob know that


    Isabe was surnamed Thompson?


    Avery wasn''t as broad-minded as everyone thought. She just admired Isabe''s audacity because


    Isabe even dared to mock Jacob.


    She was very familiar with Jacob''s personality. When he was protecting someone, he wouldn''t allow


    any annoying presence.


    So Avery quickly changed the topic. "Anyway, everything is in the past. The dead can''te back to


    life, so please don''t keep asking. A man who betrays his marriage is not worth mentioning."


    Avery''s words brought the focus back, and it was not appropriate for everyone to continue asking.


    Isabe almost pped her hands in approval. This counterattack was brilliant!


    Sam, who was slow to react, asked, "So, Avery, are you single now? Is Nic pursuing you?"


    Boom!


    Just as Avery finished that topic, she was asked another embarrassing question. Sam was as foolish


    as ever, bringing up a topic that should have been left alone.


    But if this could make Jacob unhappy, Avery would be d.


    Avery didn''t expect that the introduction dinner would turn into a gossip session about her.


    It seemed that everyone was very curious about her love life. After all, she had been hailed as the


    campus belle back in school, and so many people pursued her, but she decided to suspend her


    schooling without hesitation, so everyone wanted to know what kind of man she was interested in.


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    La suppressed her anger that had just been ignited and calmly nced at Jacob.


    She was bing more and more unable to understand Jacob. If she said that he hadn''t given up on


    Avery, he seemed more heartless than anyone else. But sometimes, he gave her the feeling that he


    couldn''t forget Avery.


    Jacob took his fork, calmly picked up a piece of steak, and swallowed it nonchntly as if this topic had


    nothing to do with him.


    Avery was about to deny it, but Nichs smiled and took over the conversation. "A virtuousdy, a


    gentleman''s ideal partner. If I had someone as wonderful as Avy, I would cherish her and love her. How


    could I bear to hurt her? It''s her ex-husband''s loss to give up on her."


    Jacob''s hand holding the fork paused, and Avery was also startled. Hadn''t she reminded him earlier not


    to get involved with her? How dare he say such things in front of Jacob!


    "Nic..." Avery was a little anxious. She wanted to exin but didn''t know where to start. How did things


    end up like this?


    Nichs seemed to have already guessed what she wanted to say and looked at her gently. "Avy,


    since you''re single now, may I pursue you?"

 Chapter 57 Excuses for His Affair

    Chapter 57 Excuses for His Affair


    Chapter 57 Excuses for His Affair


    Nichs''s words were a unteral deration of war against Jacob, which made Avery extremely


    nervous. She knew Jacob''s possessiveness.


    Although they were divorced, as he had said before, he would never want to see Avery live a happy


    life.


    Nichs mentioned it to her on such an asion. If she rejected him, wouldn''t it embarrass him a lot?


    They were from the same circle, and he would inevitably be theughingstock of others.


    Avery felt trapped as if she had been pushed onto a rack and repeatedly roasted.


    Isabe knew Avery''s situation and helped her out with a smile. "Of course, you can. The best way to


    forget an ex is either time or a new lover. Nic, you are handsome, and you two can have more contact.


    Avy has been hurt badly by a scumbag, and I hope someone can heal her broken heart soon."


    These words clearly tied Avery and Nichs together. Avery hurriedly interrupted her, "Be."


    Isabe didn''t take Avery''s warning to heart at all, her mind was filled with thoughts of revenge against


    Jacob.


    "Why are you shy? You''re already divorced. Do you n to live alone for the rest of your life? I''m sure


    Nic won''t be like that scumbag. Nic, do you have any free time recently? I n to apany Avy to


    visit the Northernmost River. It''s not safe for two girls to travel alone..."


    "I would be honored to escort you. It''s my pleasure." Nichs''s eyes couldn''t be gentler as he looked at


    Avery.


    Isabe deliberately nced at Jacob''s livid face and felt much better.


    Jacob didn''t say a word from beginning to end, but the constant cold aura emanating from him


    reminded everyone of his presence.


    Andrew stepped forward to change the topic. "I''m really happy to see Avery find happiness again. As


    your old ssmate, I''m genuinely happy for you. But today, it''s rare to see Mr. Hill, and I feel truly


    honored. So, to Mr. Hill and Miss White. I wish you happiness forever."


    Upon hearing this blessing, La''s mood soared. She picked up her ss and was about to drink, but


    Jacob had a cold expression and didn''t intend to take his ss at all.


    Jacob, as a person of his status, wouldn''t drink just anyone''s toast. She exined that Jacob wasn''t


    feeling well and couldn''t drink alcohol, and everyone understood. No one dared to force Jacob to drink.


    Although Jacob didn''t drink, they had to toast him. Soon, everyone had proposed a toast to him.


    Sarah didn''t like Avery to begin with. Avery had taken the spotlight just now and didn''t even pay


    attention to Jacob now, so she disdainfully reminded Avery.


    "Avery, don''t tell me you still think of yourself as the noble daughter of the Adams family, waiting for


    others to toast to you. What are you still standing there for? Hurry up and toast to Mr. Hill and Mrs. Hill!"


    Every time Avery heard the title "Mrs. Hill", she still felt a bit dazed. She looked at Jacob and La,


    who seemed to enjoy dressing in matching outfits, one in white and the other in ck. They were a


    perfect match.


    He had never taken her out to socialize before, let alone show up at her friends'' gatherings.


    She had asked him why, and he said the deeper he hid their rtionship, the safer she would be.


    Avery didn''t know who his enemies were. Anyway, she didn''t care about the title "Mrs. Hill". As long as


    Jacob loved her, it was enough.


    Now she realized how naive she had been back then. That was just an excuse he made up. If he truly


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    loved her, how could he not let others know?


    Maybe he had been paving the way for La''s arrival all along. All those blood feuds were just excuses


    for his affair.


    He was sitting not far away from Avery, but she suddenly felt that he was very unfamiliar, so unfamiliar


    that the beautiful memories she had cherished before seemed blurry.


    The essence of most men was being unfaithful. How could she naively think that she was lucky enough


    to meet a good man?

 Chapter 58 Not Qualified to Drink for Her

    Chapter 58 Not Qualified to Drink for Her


    Chapter 58 Not Qualified to Drink for Her


    Avery reached out and took the wine bottle. "You''re right. I should toast them."


    At the same time, Nichs and Isabe''s hands reached out from her left and right. "No, you can''t


    drink."


    Avery looked at Isabe with pleading eyes. "I''ll just have a little. It''s okay."


    Under the dazzling lights, Isabe saw the determination in Avery''s eyes and silently let go of her hand.


    Avery poured herself a ss of red wine. Nichs wanted to say something but stopped, so he could


    only watch as Avery walked step by step towards them with a smile on her face. "Mr. Hill, Miss White,


    to your lifetime happiness. I''ll finish it, and you can drink as you please. Consider this ss of wine as


    my early congrattions. I won''t attend your engagement banquet."


    Avery poured herself a full ss of wine, not bothering to look at Jacob and La''s expressions as she


    drank it all in one gulp, just like the others who had toasted them before.


    Jacob knew her drinking capacity. A whole ss of red wine was enough to make her drunk.


    La stood up, raised her ss, and smiled. "With your blessing, Jacob and I will definitely live


    together till old and grey."


    She didn''t want to show weakness, so she poured the same amount for herself and drank it all in one


    gulp.


    "That''s enough!"


    Nichs and Jacob spoke at the same time.


    Nichs took the wine ss from Avery''s hand, leaving half of the wine. He calmly said to Jacob, "Avy


    has a weak stomach, so I''ll drink the remaining wine for her."


    Jacob, who had been silent all this time, said with a yful smile, "Who are you to her? What


    qualifications do you have to drink for her?"


    Everyone at the table felt a bone-chilling coldness. They thought Jacob simply didn''t like someone else


    drinking for the one who toasted him, so they didn''t think much of it and just looked at Nichs with


    some embarrassment.


    Nichs remained calm and answered confidently, "What does my rtionship with Avy have to do


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    with you?"


    Jacob lifted his eyes and looked at Nichs. Although Nichs was standing while he was sitting, his


    imposing aura overwhelmed everything. Although his face didn''t show much expression, just a casual


    nce from him increased the pressure.


    Everyone saw him smile lightly and calmly raise his wine ss. He said with a teasing voice, "The


    Lewis family has produced someone with backbone."


    Everyone was confused by his words. Was he praising Nichs? But why did his smile look so eerie?


    Then Jacob added, "I just don''t know if your family can survive this winter."


    Now everyone understood. This was clearly a threat! Jacob was indeed as ruthless and unpredictable


    as he was rumored. He wanted to ruin the Lewis family just because Nichs wanted to drink for


    Avery. He was too heartless and cruel.


    Nichs, at least, was the heir to a prestigious family. In the entire Astrie, everyone called him Mr.


    Lewis or Dr. Lewis with respect. But there was one person who could look down on everyone.


    Everyone knew that the Hill family was most esteemed. Although Jacob usually kept a low profile and


    rarely made a move, anyone he targeted would end up in ruins.


    Andrew didn''t think Jacob was joking and quickly smoothed things over. "Mr. Hill, don''t be angry. Dr.


    Lewis was just being kind."


    Jacob rubbed the edge of the wine ss with his fingertips and sneered. "Nichs, you''re not qualified


    to drink for her! I''ll give you one chance. Sit back down, and I''ll pretend this never happened."

 Chapter 59 A Tyrant

    Chapter 59 A Tyrant


    Chapter 59 A Tyrant


    La nced at Jacob''s stern face. He didn''t like to expose his rtionship with Avery to the public,


    especially since they had already divorced. Was it Nichs''s act of drinking on her behalf that


    unnerved him?


    La red at the troublemaker. It seemed that divorce was not enough. She was still the one in


    Jacob''s heart.


    Nichs found himself in an awkward situation. The room fell silent, and no one dared provoke Jacob


    at such a moment.


    He understood Jacob''s intentions. The man wanted him to know his limits and give up on Avery.


    If it were someone else, he would have to agree under Jacob''s threat, but Nichs''s mind was filled


    with Avery''s smile. No one knew that he fell in love with her at first sight.


    Back then, she was radiant and full of life, like the morning sunshine.


    Unfortunately, at that time, he was busy graduating and preparing to study abroad, so he buried his


    feelings deep inside his heart. When he returned to the country, he learned that she had dropped out of


    school and married someone else. When he saw her again, she had lost the vitality she had before.


    She was like a withering tree, drained of its nourishment gradually approaching death.


    She had finally gotten divorced, and he wanted to be with her, even just for a short time.


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    As a man who had always followed the rules and conventions, Nichs had never pursued his desires.


    For the first time, he ignored Jacob''s threat and forged forward. His eyes were clear and filled with


    determination.


    "It''s not up to you to determine whether I am worthy or not. Your fianc¨¦e is by your side, and the one


    you should pay attention to is her. Regardless of whether Avy will ept me or not, I will protect her


    and never hurt her like her ex-husband did."


    With that, he tilted his head back and finished Avery''s remaining drink in one gulp. He ced the ss


    on the table with a thud and held Avery''s hand. "It''s gettingte. I''ll take Avy home and leave you guys


    discussing business."


    Isabe itched to p her hand and cheer for Dr. Lewis.


    Avery knew very well that Nichs''s actions were only adding fuel to the fire. If she followed him to


    leave, the Lewis family would face a catastrophe.


    She wanted to stay, but Nichs, despite his refined appearance, was physically strong. He easily


    pulled her away.


    She looked at him with concern. "Nic, you..."


    Nichs gave her a gentle nce and put his index finger to his lips, signaling her to keep quiet.


    Until they disappeared from the private room, Avery didn''t dare to look at Jacob''s expression. She


    could imagine it and said anxiously, "Nic, you shouldn''t have challenged him. He''s not someone to be


    messed with. You were lucky to survive that car ident. You know my situation, and I can''t..."


    Nichs took hold of her other hand, his expression softening. "Avy, I know. I know everything. I''m an


    adult, and I know exactly what I''m doing. Although Jacob is temperamental, he is not a tyrant. Even if


    he is angry, he will onlye after me rather than harm my family. I had thought about the


    consequences before saying that."


    Avery furrowed her brows, wanting to exin that Jacob wasn''t the person outsiders perceived him to


    be.


    At least, in the past, he would go crazy about things that concerned her. Once, a senior student


    blocked her way in ane and confessed his feelings for her. When she rejected him, he got physical


    with her.


    The next day, she heard that the senior student had fallen from a building after getting drunk, resulting


    in a gruesome death.


    His family med her for the incident, caused a scene at school, and pped her.


    A few dayster, she heard that the house of the family had a fire and that their bodies were lined up in


    the funeral parlor.


    At first, she thought it was just a coincidence, but shortly after, she discovered that Nic had been using


    some powder to nourish his nts. Curiosity led her to investigate, and when she heard it was ashes,


    she was shocked.


    That was when she realized the ashes belonged to the exterminated family.


    Jacob was such a ruthless person. If he weren''t a tyrant, there would be no tyrants in this world.

 Chapter 60 Confrontation Outside

    Chapter 60 Confrontation Outside


    Chapter 60 Confrontation Outside


    Given his temperament, Avery felt grateful that he only let her family go broke because of his sister''s


    death.


    But Nichs wouldn''t be so lucky. Avery shook her head, saying, "It''s not like that, Nic. You shouldn''t


    have gotten involved in this matter."


    Nichs had left in a hurry, and Avery''s coat was left behind. He took off his coat, put it on her, and


    held her by the shoulders.


    "Avy, I know he has caused you a lot of harm. I''m not asking you to ept me. I just want to be there


    for you in the remaining days. Could you give me a chance to take care of you, even if it''s just as your


    friend?"


    His plea threw Avery''s heart into chaos. The better Nichs treated her, the more she couldn''t drag


    him into this mess.


    "Nic, I understand your good intentions, but that man..."


    Before she could finish her words, she caught a glimpse of a dark figure standing not far away, coldly


    staring at them like a reaper.


    "Come here," Jacob demanded.


    Avery noticed that the man''s possessiveness had not diminished but increased. It was even stronger


    than before their divorce.


    Nichs quickly stood in front of her, warily looking at Jacob. "Mr. Hill, you''re already divorced. Please


    don''t hurt her anymore."


    Jacob didn''t respond. His deep eyes fixed on Avery''s coat, and he repeated, "Take it off ande


    here."


    He gave orders like a master, and if it weren''t for Nichs, Avery would have turned and walked away.


    The threat from the dinner table shed through her mind. Others might not know, but Jacob was


    certainly capable of doing it.


    She clenched her teeth, hid the humiliation in her eyes, and took off the coat.


    "Nic, I told you not to interfere with my life anymore."


    Nichs was puzzled. "You two are already divorced!"


    Without responding, she stuffed the coat into Nichs''s hands and turned to leave. "Nic, as I said, I


    don''t deserve your kindness. Don''t waste any more time on me."


    Nichs could sense the helplessness in her retreating figure. He reached out and grabbed her wrist.


    "Avy, I can help you."


    "John, chop off his hand," Jacob ordered indifferently.


    A figure emerged from the darkness. It was John,ing toward Nichs.


    Avery quickly broke free from Nichs''s grip and blocked John''s path. She said to Jacob, "If you want


    something, take my life and let him go. As I said, nothing is going on between him and me."


    Jacob pursed his lips, raised his chin, and silently looked down at her.


    Avery walked quickly to his side. His warm coat fell off his shoulders and enveloped her slender body.


    It was like his prison. As long as he didn''t let go, it would forever shroud her.


    Nichs''s hands hung weakly by his side as he tried to reason with Jacob. "Mr. Hill, I don''t know what


    your intentions are toward Avy, but she..."


    "Nic, you should go back." Avery interrupted him.


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    Nichs nced at them and said in the end, "Just treat her well, and don''t hurt her."


    Jacob lifted Avery''s chin with his finger, his voice cold and distant, "What did he want to say? Did


    anything happen to you?"

 Chapter 61 Torturing Her

    Chapter 61 Torturing Her


    Chapter 61 Torturing Her


    It wasn''t until Nichs left that Avery managed to break free from his grasp. She said indifferently, "No.


    I''m doing fine."


    After a few days of rest, herplexion had be much rosier than before. She didn''t look as weak


    as before. Jacob murmured, "That''s true. You''ve always been in good health."


    Avery sneered inwardly, but instead of exining, she took off the coat and said, "Mr. Hill, don''t worry. I


    will abide by the terms of the contract and won''t remarry."


    The divorce agreement was meticulously drafted by him, and although it included many material


    benefits for her, the use prohibiting her from remarrying effectively closed off all her options.


    If she remarried, she would have to pay ten times thepensation fee.


    That would be billions.


    She signed the contract without hesitation only because she knew that she didn''t have much time left.


    The wine she had just consumed churned in her stomach, causing waves of pain that made her feel


    like her body was being torn apart. She gritted her teeth and prepared to leave.


    But her wrist was tightly grabbed by the man, exactly where Nichs had touched her earlier.


    "Mr. Hill, your fianc¨¦e is waiting for you. Do you want everyone to know that I''m your ex-wife?"


    He ignored her words and coldly remarked, "It''s dirty. Clean it."


    Avery felt that there was something wrong with him, not her.


    They were already divorced, yet his possessiveness seemed to have intensified, reaching a disturbing


    level.


    He forcibly dragged her into the elevator. Just as she was about to argue with him, the elevator stopped


    on the fifth floor, and a group of drunken people squeezed in.


    Jacob frowned, subtly stepped back, and cornered Avery. His tall figure isted her from the others.


    As she looked at his well-groomed figure in a tailored suit and his meticulously styled hair, she realized


    that he was someone who could be extremely methodical and yet frighteningly crazy at the same time.


    The contradiction made her feel fearful.


    Avery felt the pain in her stomach intensify, as if every nerve in her body was being stabbed by


    needles.


    She longed for some support to catch her breath. However, she was in an elevator surrounded by


    mirrors on all sides and stood behind her ex-husband in high heels. Even the slightest bend would


    signify her weakness.


    Just within reach was the broad back of the man, a ce she had relied on many times before, but now


    it seemed so distant that even a gentle touch was unattainable.


    She counted the floors, and every second felt like an eternity.


    Finally, they reached their destination. The Hill Group was involved in various industries, and this hotel


    was one of his properties.


    When he entered the password, she nced at it and realized that it was the same as the code for the


    safe. It was still rted to her.


    Before she could specte about his intentions, her body was forcefully pulled into the room.


    He casually discarded his coat, and in the blink of an eye, she was dragged into the bathroom.


    Avery gritted her teeth against the pain and stared at him. "Mr. Hill, we are divorced. I don''t have any


    obligation to y the role of a faithful wife anymore. I''m leaving."


    But his slender finger pressed the switch, and the icy water poured down from the showerhead, chilling


    her to the bone.


    "Jacob Hill!" She called out his name, word by word.


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    Under the cold water, Jacob cupped her face and looked at her with a deranged expression. "Avy,


    didn''t I tell you not to let anyone touch you? I don''t like it, hmm?"

 Chapter 62 Bathroom Encounter

    Chapter 62 Bathroom Encounter


    Chapter 62 Bathroom Encounter


    His icy fingertips slid down her cheek like a snake spitting venom, but Avery couldn''t be bothered to


    argue with him. She knew he was having an episode.


    When they started dating, he had three demands: no betrayal, no one touching her, and no leaving.


    She had noticed early on that Jacob had an abnormal possessiveness toward her. He could make


    someone''s entire family disappear just because she was pped.


    He would also grow resentful if she received any attention at school. During the sports meet, when she


    fell, the sportsmittee member carried her to the infirmary.


    That night, she witnessed Jacob''s dark side for the first time. He uttered only a few words, "Clean


    yourself up."


    No matter how much Avery tried to exin, he wouldn''t listen. That night, she was pinned under the


    cold water from the showerhead.


    Although Jacob was somewhat abnormal, she loved him dearly. She quit school for him, reducing her


    chances of being seen in public.


    But after their divorce, his madness only grew.


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    Her stomach was already aching, and the side effects of chemotherapy had only been relieved a little.


    The room had no heating, and being drenched with cold water made Avery feel unbearably cold.


    "Turn it off. It''s cold. Jacob, I''m feeling cold."


    Jacob pressed her body against the cold stone bricks, and his smile was chilling.


    "Avy, if I hold you, will you still be cold?"


    "Freak, you''re a freak!"


    Avery trembled as she reached out for the shower switch, but Jacob caught her hand.


    He lifted her arm above her head, her body perfectly outlined by the dampness.


    Jacob was in a simr situation. His white shirt clung to his body, and the outline of his abs could be


    visibly seen.


    His body was hot, pressed tightly against hers.


    The atmosphere between them immediately became ambiguous. Jacob turned his head and whispered


    in her ear, his voice deep and low, "Avy, even if we''re divorced, you can only be my woman. Have you


    forgotten?"


    "Let go of me. As I said, nothing is going on between Nichs and me." Avery didn''t dare to provoke


    him too much and could only suppress her anger as she exined.


    He sneered. "If there''s nothing, why did you move into his apartment? Avy, do you think you can rely on


    the Lewis family after leaving me? How about we make a bet? How long do you think the Lewis family


    can hold on?"


    Her apartment belonged to Nichs? Avery didn''t have time to think about this.


    All she could do was use her left hand to hit him in anger. Even if it didn''t hurt, it was better than doing


    nothing.


    "Jacob, you''re the one who cheated, the one who wanted a divorce, and the one who''s engaged to


    someone else. If you don''t understand what a divorce means, go ask yourwyer. Who do you think


    you are to control me?"


    She questioned him in a sobbing tone, "Are you a tyrant? Why do you keep intruding into my life


    repeatedly if you''re nning to leave? If this is your new way of tormenting me, you might as well kill


    me."


    His lips kissed her tears mixed with cold water, his voice icy and emotionless. "Avy, I gave you a


    chance, but you gave up on it yourself. Divorce, for me, is just a legal separation. In your lifetime, you


    will always live under my control."


    Avery remembered. After being soaked in cold water all night, he had asked her if she wanted to leave.


    He was nothing but a beast, and staying by his side would only harm her. While he still had some


    control over his love for her, he could send her away.


    "Do you remember your answer at the time? You held onto my waist and told me that if there was


    sickness, we would be sick together. If there was medicine, we would take it together. Except for death,


    you would never leave me."


    Avery looked at his blurry face under the dim light and asked in a cold voice, "What if I really die?"

 Chapter 63 Locking Her Up

    Chapter 63 Locking Her Up


    Chapter 63 Locking Her Up


    "What if I really die?"


    A faint whisper mingled with the sound of cold water echoed in the bathroom, causing Jacob to startle.


    "As long as I''m here, you won''t die."


    He had supreme power and wealth, along with ess to top-notch medical resources worldwide. But


    in this world, no doctor could guarantee a cure for advanced-stage cancer.


    Even though he possessed everything like a god and could control the life and death of many, he


    wasn''t a true deity. He couldn''t stop her.


    A low chuckle resonated in his ears. "Jacob, my family owes your sister a life. How about using my life


    to repay her?"


    "Avy, if I wanted your life, I would have done it two years ago. Though I hate you, I also love you. That''s


    why I want you alive, so you can ept the punishment I have in store for you."


    "You love me?" Avery sneered. "If you truly loved me, how could you betray me? I once mentioned that


    I wanted to open a hospital, providing a green channel for those who couldn''t afford medical treatment.


    You spent billions building it and even named it Love La Hospital."


    "I said I liked the ocean, but you chose the best location and Willowbrook for La."


    "I said our child should be named Ethan, and you gave your child that name."


    "Jacob, is this how you love me?"


    The icy water slid down his firm jawline. His lowered eyshes to conceal his emotions. He opened his


    mouth as if he had countless words to say, but in the end, not a single word of exnation escaped his


    lips.


    Avery initially thought he might have some difficulties or reasons. Otherwise, given his character, he


    would have changed all the passwords long ago.


    However, he was a contradiction. His love for her did not prevent him from hating her.


    Perhaps this was his revenge. He didn''t want her to die, yet he knew every single point that made her


    suffer.


    The light in Avery''s eyes gradually dimmed as she grabbed Jacob''s cor and whispered in his ear,


    "Your love truly disgusts me."


    "Avy, don''t provoke me. It won''t do you any good."


    Jacob had already taken off his belt, and a nefarious thought arose in Avery''s mind. "What... What are


    you going to do?"


    "Avy, when one makes a mistake, they must face the consequences," Jacob spoke each word slowly


    and deliberately. He swiftly bound her hands behind her back.


    "No, you can''t do this to me." Avery panicked.


    But the man wouldn''t listen. Instead, he quickly bound her hands and fixed her under the shower with a


    towel.


    Avery struggled with all her might, but it was futile. His unique method of binding left her unable to free


    herself. Her tender skin turned bright red from her forceful attempts.


    Jacob reached out and lifted her chin, his voice gentle as he murmured in her ear, "Avy, I did consider


    giving up on you."


    His gentle tone sent shivers down her spine.


    "But whenever I see another man getting close to you, I can''t help but want to tear apart everyone


    around you. Tell me, where else did Nichs touch you?"


    The gentler Jacob became, the more extreme he went. Thinking about Nichs''s car ident, she


    quickly exined, "My father is in the hospital, and I asionally ask him to take care of things. That''s


    all there is to it. As for the apartment you mentioned, I have no idea what you''re talking about. It was


    rmended to me by my father''s caretaker, and thendlord lives abroad."


    "Avy, I want to believe you, but how do you exin him going to your ce for several consecutive


    days with groceries?"


    Avery''s eyes were red. This man was a madperson.


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    His possessiveness was suffocating.


    "During those few days when I was sick and too weak to get out of bed, he was worried about me. He


    bought groceries and cooked for me. Can''t you see that he only stayed for one or two hours each time?


    Once the meal was done, he would leave."


    Jacob furrowed his brows and lightly rubbed her cheek with his fingertips. "Did you really get sick?"


    Avery sneered. "In your eyes, am I incapable of getting sick? Am I incapable of feeling sad? Jacob, I''m


    human, not a god. Since you''ve already decided to give up on me, then make a clean break. Don''t drag


    it out. I can promise you I won''t have any further contact with Nichs. Please let me go."


    Jacob forced a pained smile. "I can''t let you go."

 Chapter 64 Looking for Me

    Chapter 64 Looking for Me


    Chapter 64 Looking for Me


    He slowly released her body. "Avy, remember today''s punishment."


    "Jacob, I beg you toe after me and spare the Lewis family."


    "Jacob, let go of me. Don''t leave me alone, I''m scared!"


    "Jacob, turn it off. It''s so cold. I can''t get sick..."


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    But Jacob gave her a cold shoulder and closed the door.


    "Don''t leave me behind."


    "I was wrong. You can torture me however you want, but don''t leave me here alone."


    "Jacob, it''s so cold. Listen to me and let me out."


    "Don''t turn off the lights. I''m so scared."


    That almost pleading voice momentarily softened his heart, but the emotion quickly vanished.


    He leisurely changed into a new set of clothes and gracefully walked downstairs.


    La searched around the hall, only feeling relieved when she didn''t see Avery beside him.


    "Jacob, where did you go? I''ve been looking for you."


    "I went to the restroom, why?" Jacob''s expression was indifferent, revealing no emotions.


    La reached out to pull him, but he tactfully avoided her. "I have an appointment tonight. The driver


    will take you home."


    "Okay, drink less ande back early." La concealed her dissatisfaction and responded obediently.


    On that day outside City Hall, he hadn''t agreed to get married. For the sake of that marriage certificate,


    she had to continue pretending to be an understanding and caring partner.


    "Mmm."


    Jacob left withrge strides, and La immediately put away her smile. In such a short time, he had


    already changed his clothes.


    Was it because of the uing social engagement, or was it because of Avery?


    "Out of the way!" Isabe stomped her high heels and rushed over, bumping La to the side.


    "Isabe!"


    Without stopping, Isabe said, "Oops, I didn''t see you."


    La was annoyed by her insinuation.


    La wanted to argue, but a ssmate came out and pulled her back.


    Isabe anxiously called Avery after leaving the hotel. She originally wanted to discreetly gather some


    gossip, but Avery''s phone went unanswered.


    Thinking about Jacob, who left with them, Isabe felt a sense of unease.


    She dialed Avery''s number again, and after a few rings, there was still no answer. Annoyed, she


    cursed, "Da*n Jacob, what is he up to?"


    "Are you looking for me?" A cold voice came into her ears.


    Isabe was startled and turned to look at him. Under the tree, Jacob had a cigarette in his mouth, and


    the me from the lighter danced on his stern face.


    He was handsome, but he looked like a demon to Isabe.


    He exhaled a puff of smoke and spoke slowly, "I''ve been waiting for you, Isabe."

 Chapter 65 A Chat

    Chapter 65 A Chat


    Chapter 65 A Chat


    Isabe''s first reaction upon seeing Jacob was to shrink her neck. Despite her boldness at the drinking


    table earlier, it was only because Avery was by her side and she was emboldened by the wine.


    After all, she had seen Jacob''s love for Avery, which was often apanied by cruelty toward


    outsiders.


    She still remembered when she brought Avery to a bar two years ago. Jacob personally came to pick


    up Avery and gave her a cold look when Avery wasn''t paying attention. He said coldly, "No next time."


    After he left, Isabe was soaked in cold sweat and had nightmares about Jacob''s gaze for several


    days.


    He closed the lighter and looked at her indifferently, that feeling of being controlled hit her again.


    Isabe swallowed, her voice bing much softer. "Uh, Mr. Hill, I''m looking for Avy. I won''t disturb


    you."


    Jacob casually flicked the cigarette ash and nced at her obliquely. "Want to chat?"


    Isabe didn''t believe Jacob would catch up with her. Her entire body was filled with resistance. "My


    mother said good girls need to go home before it gets dark. Let''s do it next time, definitely."


    Isabe nned to leave, but she bumped into another wall, who happened to be John, whom she


    used to call Jacob''s thug in private.


    "Miss Thompson, pleasee this way."


    Isabe was speechless and was led to a nearby caf¨¦ a few minutester.


    Even though she was sitting down, her legs never stopped shaking, making the coffee on the table


    vibrate along with it.


    Jacob intended to pick up the coffee, but thette art on top was deformed from her shaking, so he


    froze his hand in the air.


    There was a hint of awkwardness in the atmosphere. Isabe put on a polite smile mixed with


    embarrassment and handed him the coffee cup like a bootlicker. "Mr. Hill, please."


    After doing that, she secretly cursed herself for having professional habits again.


    After she handed him the coffee, the atmosphere became even more awkward. Jacob put the coffee


    aside and spoke directly. "I want to know about Avery and Nichs."


    Isabe didn''t know that Jacob was sick, but she knew he had a strong possessive desire.


    As Avery''s ex-husband, he was still investigating her current situation, which was obviously because he


    hadn''t let go of her. Isabe immediately replied, "Nic should have feelings for Avy, but Avy has no


    interest in him. Otherwise, I wouldn''t have spent so much effort trying to match them."


    Jacob''s gaze toward her became colder because of the word "match." Isabe looked like a minion


    meeting her boss and looked up at him in a cautious manner.


    "Um... Mr. Hill, you wouldn''t happen to still... like Avy, right?"


    This question touched on his forbidden area, and he didn''t answer. His index finger lightly tapped on


    the table instead. "How far have they developed?"


    "No, nothing has happened. I swear. Avy was emotionally low after the divorce and didn''t leave the


    house for several days. I had to persuade her toe out today to distract herself. As for why Nic


    appeared, it should be arranged by our ss leader. It has nothing to do with Avy."


    Jacob didn''t say anything. His eyes were as deep as ck holes, making Isabe feel scared and


    unable to figure out his thoughts.


    She didn''t know how Avery got along with him. This personpletely didn''t show his emotions.


    There was no way to see through him.


    "If you don''t believe me, I can swear that if Avy and Nic have anything to do with each other, then let


    me go outside and get hit by a car."


    Jacob lifted his eyelids slightly, but he made no further action. Isabe gritted her teeth and added, "If I


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    lie, I''ll be single for life."


    This vow was strong enough, right? But Jacob added another sentence, "For the rest of your life, you''ll


    be penniless."


    Jacob poked the soft spot, and Isabe forced the words out of her gritted teeth. "Okay. I will be


    penniless."

 Chapter 66 Asking about Her Condition

    Chapter 66 Asking about Her Condition


    Chapter 66 Asking about Her Condition


    Jacob finally believed it to some extent. Isabe wouldn''t dare to deceive him.


    "She was sick a while ago?"


    "Yes, during that time, I ignored her because I was breaking up with that scumbag. Luckily, Nic cooked


    for her every day."


    Isabe originally wanted to tell Jacob the truth, but their rtionship was soplicated that even


    Avery probably couldn''t exin it clearly. She didn''t know what kind of consequences would arise from


    revealing the truth to this man, so she could only abide by Avery''s decision.


    Thinking about Avery''s pale face during that time, Jacob asked again, "What kind of illness did she


    have?"


    Isabe''s heart skipped a beat, and she couldn''t have even the slightest hint of expression on her face


    under Jacob''s sharp eyes. "Just a cold."


    "Just a cold?"


    "What else could it be? Avy has always been healthy."


    "That''s true." Jacob agreed. She acted so weakly, probably just trying to gain sympathy and prevent a


    divorce from him.


    Having obtained the answer he wanted, Jacob stood up and said, "If you''re interested, you can go to


    Hill Real Estate to work tomorrow."


    Isabe''s eyes lit up. Hill Real Estate was the real estate division of the Hill Group. If she could work


    there, who else could make her feel inferior?


    "Thank you, Mr. Hill."


    Watching Jacob leave, Isabe caught up with him and asked, "Mr. Hill, I haven''t been able to reach


    Avy on her phone. Have you seen her?"


    Jacob turned to look at her. "What do you think?"


    He was right here, so why was she asking such a silly question?


    Isabe scratched her head. "I asked something unnecessary. I''m just a little worried about Avy."


    Jacob ignored her and continued to leave. After much thought, Isabe finally gathered the courage to


    speak up, "Mr. Hill, if you still love her, please treat her well and stop hurting her. She has you in her


    heart."


    Although Jacob cheated on Avery, it seemed that he still had feelings for her. Isabe only hoped that


    Avery wouldn''t have any regrets in the limited time she had left.


    Upon learning that Jacob wasn''t with Avery, Isabe felt relieved. Maybe Avery''s phone was on mute.


    She must be on her way home with Nic now.


    Little did Isabe know that Avery was locked in the bathroom and that Jacob turned off the lights


    before leaving.


    Avery used to be fearless, but after falling into the water, she watched Jacob leave with La, while


    she held onto her belly, gradually being swallowed up by the darkness.


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    She was afraid that her child would leave her.


    When she woke up again, she found herself on the operating table in the hospital, with bright white


    lights overhead. In pain, she bid farewell to her child.


    Since that, she had been afraid of both darkness and excessively bright light.


    In the narrow bathroom, filled with cold water, although it wasn''t suffocating, it reminded her of the day


    she fell into the water.


    She desperately pleaded, hoping someone could save her.


    However, the soundproof walls on the 38th floor drowned out all her cries.


    Just like that day, even if she screamed until she lost her voice, she couldn''t change the oue.


    Avery''s body had lost all warmth, and her voice had long since be hoarse. She was cold and


    numb, her voice gradually weakening.


    "Help, someone helps me."

 Chapter 67 Because You Can Swim

    Chapter 67 Because You Can Swim


    Chapter 67 Because You Can Swim


    Avery stared at the door that seemingly would never open, her eyes gradually dimming.


    No matter how many times such a situation happened, the result remained the same.


    Her baby had been sacrificedst time, and Avery wondered if it was her turn this time.


    Avery remembered that Jacob had onlye half an hour after her surgery from La''s ward. A wave


    of sadness and disappointment washed over Avery after she had lost her body. She asked Jacob,


    choking with sobs, "Why did you rescue her?"


    "Because you can swim."


    When Avery heard that answer, the tears that she had tried to hold back streamed down her cheeks.


    She had been pregnant for six months at that time, and her feet were tangled in the fishing


    underwater. She was a pregnant woman, not the Wonder Woman.


    This time, Jacob still believed she was in good health as before, and thought that even if she got


    drenched in cold water, it would only result in a slight cold. Little did he know that a slight cold could


    potentially end the life of a patient undergoing chemotherapy.


    He had thought everything was under his control, but this time, he was going to pay the price for his


    arrogance.


    Except for her unconscious father, Avery had detached herself from any sentimental ties to this world.


    She felt like a prisoner bound to a cross. When she held on to the end, all she could do was droop her


    head and await the judgment of death.


    Avery didn''t know how long it had passed before the door was finally opened. She weakly lifted her


    head, her gaze falling on the tall man at the door.


    She mustered up herst bit of strength to watch him approach and walk up to her. He asked, "Avy,


    have you realized your mistake?"


    Avery thought, "My mistake? What da*m mistakes have I ever made?"


    At that moment, she wanted tough. Her stomach had long lost its sensitivity to pain, her hands were


    rigid and unfeeling, and her body had be devoid of any sensation.


    What else could she say? It was she who had brought all this upon herself.


    Avery''s lips trembled like a dying fish gasping for air. "I was wrong, Jacob."


    In the darkness, Jacob smiled.


    He quickly untied Avery, and she slumped weakly, her voice cold as she made a heartbreaking remark.


    "The biggest mistake of my life was crossing paths with you."


    John turned on the lights. Jacob saw the bloody wounds on Avery''s wrists as soon as the room was lit.


    He didn''t expect her to get herself injured to such an extent in order to break free from the straps. In the


    past, even a tiny needle prick would leave her to scream for hours.


    Jacob picked Avery up, her face pale, giving her an almost lifeless appearance. Her ck hair clung to


    her cheeks, making her look like a porcin doll.


    Jacob began to panic, wondering what had caused her lifeless look.


    In the past, Avery''s physical condition was so good that she could even go swimming in winter. It was


    just some cold water. He didn''t expect her to be that weak.


    "Stop pretending, Avery."


    Staring at her lifeless figure, Jacob touched her cheek, feeling no warmth.


    His hands holding her body began to shake. "Call the doctor!" he yelled.


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    John was also anxious and quickly dialed the private doctor''s number.


    Jacob panicked. He had thought he knew the human body well enough. It had only been half an hour,


    and he only wanted her to learn a lesson. He wondered how things would turn out like this.


    He hastily took off Avery''s clothes and began first aid.


    Fortunately, Avery was still breathing, although her breath was faint.

 Chapter 68 The Scars

    Chapter 68 The Scars


    Chapter 68 The Scars


    Jacob knew her body well, but it was the first time he saw the scar on her lower abdomen.


    In fact, he knew that she was allergic to anesthesia. When she had a cesarean section, she remained


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    sober, and he had heard her heartwrenching screams outside the operating room. He even knew how


    manyyers needed to be stitched to close her wound.


    In addition to the scar on her abdomen, there was a new wound on the inside of her left arm. Jacob


    suddenly recalled that Avery had gone to the hospital after La caused a scene that day.


    He had thought it was a minor injury. Little did he expect it to be such a long scar.


    Avery hated pain the most but she endured it silently, just letting that slide.


    Jacob pursed his thin lips, thinking of Avery''s words before she lost consciousness. His heart ached as


    if it had been cut open.


    He changed Avery into soft pajamas, adjusted the room temperature to make it warmer, and embraced


    her tightly.


    John quickly entered with the private doctor, Nn. The two instinctively wanted to go out upon seeing


    this scene.


    "Come back and check on her!"


    "Yes, sir."


    Nn was Jacob''s private doctor. Avery had been healthy and rarely fell ill. Every time Nn came to


    treat her, she just got either a scraped hand or a sprained foot.


    Back then, Nn even joked that she was full of energy.


    It had been two years since theyst met. The girl he once described as energetic nowy on the bed


    lifelessly, her face ghostly pale. Clearly, she was weak.


    Nn made a quick checkup. "Sir, based on my initial assessment, Madam Avery is unconscious due


    to excessive weakness. She just caught a cold and needs to keep warm to prevent fever. The wounds


    on her wrists did not damage any tendons or bones, but it requires careful care."


    "Weakness?" Although Avery had been a bit weak recently, Jacob thought it was just a cold, and that


    she should have recovered by now.


    "Yes, Madam Avery''s heart rate and pulse indicate she is not as healthy as an average person. She


    also has symptoms of gastric problems. I am not as knowledgeable in traditional medicine as my


    teacher. If you have time, sir, you had better take Madam Avery to the hospital for a detailed


    examination."


    After finishing his words, Nn took out a syringe to draw blood. "I''ll take Madam Avery''s blood for


    testing and see if it''s a bacterial or viral infection. Then I can prescribe the appropriate medication."


    "Okay," Jacob agreed.


    That night, Avery was in a state of turmoil. She had a long dream where she met the boy in a white


    shirt for the first time on the yground and fell in love with him at first sight.


    When they met again, he saved her from drowning. She still remembered how excited and joyful she


    had been at that moment. Panicked, she wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling his sturdy body,


    blushing shyly.


    Shortly after, they dated and entered into a rtionship. Jacob showered her with love.


    If only the dream had ended there. Then, she wouldn''t have to go through those painful experiences


    repeatedly.


    Jacob saw her furrowed brows and heard her murmuring. "My baby! Jacob, give my child back to me!"


    "Jacob, just kill me!"


    "Jacob, let me go!"


    "Jacob...."


    Every sentence was about him, and each word was filled with hatred.


    Jacob held her hand, whispering, "Avy, if I let you go, who will let me go?"


    He was afraid if he let her go, all ties between them would bepletely severed.


    Her small hand was burning hot in his palm. As Nn had predicted, she had a fever.


    Jacob ced a fever patch on her forehead and was about to give her the fever-reducing pills.


    John rushed in anxiously without even knocking. "Sir, we got the blood test results for Madam Avery.


    Her various indicators are far below normal, especially her red and white blood cell counts, which are


    even lower than the minimum values. Doctor ke mentioned Madam Avery could not have a fever.


    Her white blood cell count is only 2.3. The fever will put her life in danger. We must give her a


    leukogenic injection as soon as possible."


    "What?" The fever-reducing pills in Jacob''s hand dropped to the ground.

 Chapter 69 She Has a Fever

    Chapter 69 She Has a Fever


    Chapter 69 She Has a Fever


    Avery had always been a symbol of vitality in Jacob''s impression. Jacob''s mind was jumbled when


    John remarked her life would be in danger.


    John trotted to him and opened the blood test images on his phone. Besides her red and white blood


    cells, the values of her various lymphocyte and other cell types were slightly lower than average.


    Jacob recalled Avery''s heart-wrenching scream when he left. "What have I done?" he thought.


    It seemed his life had been frightened out. Jacob drawled, "John, she is on a fever."


    "That''s too bad. We must send Madam Avery to the hospital right now."


    "Get the car ready."


    Jacob thought about how Avery had been wrapped in a down jacket when they met recently, a stark


    contrast to her usual preference for stylish woolen coats.


    Only then did he realize she wasn''t just putting on a show.


    She got sick for real.


    Jacob anxiously wrapped her with nkets, making sure no draught could enter.


    ...


    Avery''s cheeks were flushed red, making her look pitiful and adorable.


    She had had a fever before. Jacob couldn''t figure out why suddenly it became life-threatening for her.


    As he carried her in his arms, Jacob could tell she had lost a lot of weightpared to before. His


    fingers tightened.


    Jacob rushed Avery to the private hospital overnight. Nn came with the blood test report. "Sir, I have


    reviewed Madam Avery''s status briefly. Her condition is critical. We need to give her a leukogenic


    injection immediately."


    Jacob had been holding her the whole time. Avery''s fever-induced murmurs continued.


    Subconsciously, she covered her belly with one hand, and with the other, she reached out in the air.


    "Jacob, help me! Save our baby!"


    Her right hand still had the intravenous needle in it. Jacob quickly grabbed her hand to prevent the


    needle froming loose.


    Avery gripped his hand as if it were herst lifeline. The urgency on her face slowly dissipated, a smile


    touching the corner of her mouth. "My baby, Mommy has finally found you. Are you ming Mommy for


    not protecting you? Don''t worry. Mommy wille to be with you soon."


    Jacob''s eyebrows furrowed tighter. "John, go bring the young master here. Tell him I miss him."


    "OK, Sir."


    Jacob had never been a fatalistic person. He only believed in himself throughout his life.


    However, hearing those ominous words from Avery''s mouth, he panicked. Although he had resented


    Avery because of his sister''s death, he had never expected Avery to die.


    Immediately, Jacob arranged a series of medical examinations for Avery, to be done as soon as her


    fever subsided.


    "Avy, you''ll be fine. I won''t let anything happen to you," he muttered.


    To his surprise, the situation was not as simple as he had hoped. Despite Nn''s various methods,


    they couldn''t bring down her high fever.


    If it continued, there was only one result--death.


    "Idiot! You can''t even bring down a fever." Jacob angrily grabbed Nn''s cor and bit out, "If anything


    goes wrong with her, I''ll withdraw all the funding for your research team."


    Nn felt helpless, too. "Sir, it''s not that we don''t want to save her, but Madam Avery''s physical


    condition is unique. She has lost her will to survive..."


    "Nonsense!" Jacob''s stern eyes shimmered with icy light.


    Avery was always like an indestructible, tenacious cockroach. Besides, she cared about Martin. Jacob


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    didn''t believe she had the heart to dump her father.


    Nn exined helplessly, "Sir, we''re not shirking responsibility. The various functions of the human


    body are ultimately controlled by the brain. Most medical miracles ur when the will to survive is


    strong. You should have experienced this yourself. Even when the body is on the brink of death,


    miracles can happen if the brain still has hope for survival. But Madam Avery... She has given up hope


    for life. I''m afraid..."

 Chapter 70 The Child Is Back

    Chapter 70 The Child Is Back


    Chapter 70 The Child Is Back


    Jacob released his grip on Nn''s cor and took a few steps back. Avery''s words before losing her


    consciousness reechoed in his ears.


    "I made a mistake, Jacob."


    "My biggest mistake was having encountered you in my life."


    Jacob realized she hated him so much that she even gave up the hope of life.


    For the first time, Nn saw fear in Jacob''s eyes. It took Jacob a while before he spoke again, "I''ve


    read through her blood test report. Why are the values lower than normal?"


    "Usually, in such cases, it''s highly likely..." Nn suddenly shut his mouth and bit back the words on


    the tip of his tongue.


    Chemotherapy for cancer could cause a rapid decline in various blood values. Although Jacob hadn''t


    given Avery a checkup in the past two years, Nn didn''t think she could have cancer ording to her


    physical condition.


    Moreover, Avery was still so young. Cancer patients were usually middle-aged or elderly.


    Besides, he could tell Jacob''s situation was not good right now. Nn couldn''t make such statements


    without conducting tests and increase Jacob''s mental burden.


    "What could it be?" Jacob asked.


    "Nothing. Has Madam Avery shown any abnormal symptoms recently?" Nn questioned.


    "She had a serious illness recently and an injury on her arm."


    "That exins it. Infections from certain bacteria or viruses can also cause a decline in various body


    values. Madam Avery probably hasn''t fully recovered, and the sudden exposure to cold water caused a


    rpse, hence the severity."


    Each word was like a sharp dagger stabbing into Jacob''s heart.


    Sensing Jacob''s strange expression, Nn continued, "Madam Avery has a weakened immune system


    now. She must be well-protected. She can''t catch a cold or get sick. I''ll emphasize the medications to


    ensure her fever subsides."


    Jacob slowly lowered his hands and whispered, "Okay."


    La''s residence.


    La had no idea Jacob would take the child to Avery and was quite happy about it. The little boy was


    bing more and more like Jacob. La guessed it was why Jacob liked him so much.


    The more he liked the little boy, the more advantageous the situation was for her. Therefore, La had


    no worries about Jacob''s love for her. She firmly believed he would marry her someday.


    John hurriedly took Ethan to the hospital. Avery''s high fever had not yet subsided, and the situation


    was challenging.


    "Papa, hold me..." Ethan reached out his little hands from the swaddle towards Jacob.


    Jacob lifted him up and pointed to the woman on the bed with reddish cheeks. "Look. Who is she?"


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    Ethan''s eyes lit up. "Mom... I want Mom..."


    Jacob gently ced him by Avery''s side. "Hug her."


    Ethan was very clever. Without prompting, he wiggled his little buttocks while holding a brown teddy


    bear and crawled towards Avery''s embrace.


    It was like a long-awaited rain after a drought. Ethan buried his head in the crook of Avery''s arms.


    Jacob gently wiped the tear stains from the corners of her eyes, whispering in her ear, "Stop crying,


    Avy. Our child is back."


    For over a year, Avery had been gued by nightmares. She always heard a child crying in those


    dreams, asking her why she didn''t want them. But she had never seen the child''s face.


    This time, her dream was peaceful. There was no child but a deep, dark sea without any light. Step by


    step, she walked into the sea.


    Her mood was serene.


    "My baby, you''ve waited for so long. Mommy ising to be with you," her inner voice muttered.


    "Mom!" Suddenly, a sweet voice echoed from behind her.

 Chapter 71 If Only You Were My Child

    Chapter 71 If Only You Were My Child


    Chapter 71 If Only You Were My Child


    Avery was still dreaming, and the scenery changed. Instead of the sea, she saw a beautiful field of


    sunflowers around her. A child ran andughed among the flowers.


    "Mom,e chase me!"


    "Sweetheart, my baby."


    Avery finally caught up to the child and embraced him. "I found you, my baby. I''m sorry. Mommy will


    protect you well this time."


    When she turned the child around, she saw Ethan''s chubby face.


    Before she could even be surprised, it started to rain. Avery hurriedly fled with the child in her arms,


    raindrops drenching her.


    The next second, Avery woke up from the dream. When she opened her eyes, she saw a chubby little


    face with drool dripping from his rosy mouth, about tond on her face.


    Jacob quickly caught the drool with a palm. When his gaze met Avery''s in mid-air, the atmosphere


    between them became highly awkward.


    After all, Jacob had always been seen as a domineering CEO. No one had seen a CEO extending his


    hand to catch a child''s drool. It shattered his image instantly.


    Noticing the unfamiliar environment, Avery chuckled self-deprecatingly, "Am I still dreaming? Or am I


    already dead? How can I dream of you?"


    Frowning, Jacob coldly asked, "You are so eager to die, huh?"


    "Yes. If I die, I''ll be free." Avery thought she was still in the dream and pinched Ethan''s chubby face.


    The feeling delighted her. "Living is so tiring."


    Ethan couldn''t understand their words, but he was fond of Avery. He kept crawling towards her, drool


    streaming from his mouth as he babbled, "Mom, hold me."


    His call reddened Avery''s eyes instantly. "What... did you call me?"


    Jacob didn''t stop him. If even Martin couldn''t keep her, he believed she needed a new bond to live on.


    It turned out that he had made the right bet. Ethan had brought her back from the brink of death.


    "Mom, kiss me."


    Ethan could only say simple words. Strangely, he never called or even made sounds simr to "mom"


    when he was with La.


    La had tried a few times in the nanny''s presence but never received the desired response. She even


    remarked Ethan was a fool, as he had turned one year old but couldn''t even say "mom."


    On the contrary, Ethan kept calling Avery "Mom." Avery held him tightly as if he were her lost child.


    In previous instances, when Ethan stretched out his arms to hug her, he was always taken away.


    However, this time, he finally had the chance. Ethan wrapped his chubby arms around Avery''s neck,


    rubbing his cheeks against it.


    Avery couldn''t stop her tears from flowing. "Oh, sweetheart. It would have been so good if you were my


    child."


    Ethan looked at her with ck, pure eyes while smiling sweetly. "Mom."


    His droolnded on Avery''s neck, cool and tangible. It brought her back to reality in an instant.


    She calmly surveyed around, realizing that she was in a ward. There was a faint smell of disinfectant in


    the air.


    Jacob was standing by the bed. Although his expression didn''t change much, there was an unusual


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    concern in his eyes. "How are you feeling now? Are you okay?"


    Avery realized it was neither a dream nor hell.


    Considering his earlier actions, Avery looked annoyed in an instant. "Thanks to you, I''m not dead yet."

 Chapter 72 Jumping off the Building

    Chapter 72 Jumping off the Building


    Chapter 72 Jumping off the Building


    Jacob wanted to touch her forehead, but Avery instinctively dodged it. "Mr. Hill, please respect


    yourself."


    "I just wanted to check if you still have a fever," Jacob exined.


    Avery smirked mockingly. "Mr. Hill, don''t you find yourself ridiculous? You bound me in the bathroom


    and drenched me with cold water. You''re not three years old. Don''t you know the consequences of your


    actions? Since you already knew I would catch a cold and have a fever, why are you pretending to be


    concerned now?"


    "I didn''t know you were so weak, nor did I know a fever for you would be life-threatening."


    Avery''s smile became broader. "Would it make any difference whether you knew or not? We''re already


    divorced, Mr. Hill, yet you still pretend to be a loving husband. You made me sick."


    Although Avery didn''t know why Ethan was on her bed, it wasn''t suitable for her to have prolonged


    contact with him, given her current situation.


    She regained her senses and slowly moved away from Ethan, who clung to her. She also uncovered


    the nket and pulled out the needle from her arm.


    Avery didn''t press the wound to stop the bleeding. A small amount of fresh blood flowed from the tiny


    wound. She didn''t even frown or spare it a second nce.


    "You..." Jacob was shocked.


    Avery struggled to stand up, her weak body trembling. Her gaze was cold and determined as she


    straightened her back and spoke, each word a stato, "Jacob Hill, you had an affair during our


    marriage and wanted a divorce. If you can''t let go of the anger from your sister''s death, take my life as


    After finishing her words, Avery leaped onto the balcony. Surprisingly, she was agile and climbed up


    like she had done it a hundred times before.


    The ward was on the seventh floor. After hopping off, she would be disabled from the fall, even if she


    wouldn''t die.


    Jacob never expected her to act so recklessly. "Calm down, Avy!"


    Avery was only wearing a thin nightgown barefoot. The cold wind yed havoc with the white curtains.


    Snowkes fell on her pale and lifeless face. Avery looked indifferent, her eyes devoid of any desire for


    life.


    "Jacob, you don''t know I''ve loved you for so many years. Since I first saw you, I couldn''t help but fall in


    love with you. Do you remember when you saved me from drowning? I thought, how wonderful it would


    be to be your wife."


    "Later, when we were finally together, those were the happiest days of my life. Every day, I was anxious


    because everything had been smooth for me since I was born. I was afraid God would take everything


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    away from me one day."


    "I cautiously enjoyed your love, hoping it wouldst longer. But I never expected retribution toe so


    quickly. In just two years, I went from heaven to hell. Overnight, I lost everything."


    "At first, I couldn''t believe your betrayal. I thought it was just a dream, and once I woke up, you would


    return to me. But when I woke up, I saw you swimming towards La, abandoning me and our baby."


    "For a year, I tried to sort out everything and confront the reality. You''d already made up your mind, and


    the situation has already been determined. Everything was irreversible. I respected your choice."


    "I thought we would bepletely unrted after the divorce, living separate lives. But what have you


    done? You threatened me and even harmed those who were kind to me. I wonder if your feelings


    towards me are driven by love or hate."


    "But I know that as long as I am alive, we will be in an endless battle, like a knot that can never be


    untied. This kind of life is so fucking miserable. I''m already sick of it."


    "You know what? I used to be shiny like the sun, free like the wind. After I married you, I gave up my


    freedom. What did I get in return? You still betrayed me."


    Avery''s tears trickled down her cheeks. "I don''t me you for stopping loving me. I only me God''s


    n for separating us. If your sister''s death burdens your heart, I''ll give you my life in return. From now


    on, I will head for my own freedom. We''re even."


    She opened her arms like a butterfly and jumped out of the window.


    "Avy!" Jacob''s voice tore through the air, heart-wrenching.

 Chapter 73 Farewell

    Chapter 73 Farewell


    Chapter 73 Farewell


    Avery stared at the pale moonlight in the sky, symbolizing the barrenness of her current life.


    She didn''t want to involve herself in Jacob''s unpredictable emotions anymore. Death would bring an


    end to all love and hate. If she were to die, she wondered if his obsession would disappear.


    Much to her surprise, even when it was thest moment of her life, Jacob still exerted all his strength


    and grabbed her hand before she fell to the ground.


    On the bed, Ethan was startled by the sudden turn of events. He crawled and slid down the bed before


    running out of the ward to find John.


    John was smoking outside. When he saw the little one approaching with unsteady steps, he


    immediately extinguished his cigarette.


    He squatted down and patiently asked, "Young Master, why did youe out?"


    Ethan anxiously replied, "Mom... Crying..."


    He gestured with his hands, but John couldn''t understand what he was trying to say. He stood up,


    picked Ethan up, and gently said, "Let me take you back. It''s cold outside. You can''t catch a cold."


    At the window, Jacob firmly held onto Avery''s hand. Avery still looked calm, her gaze fixed on him.


    "Don''t you hate me? If I die, you can avenge your sister, right?"


    Jacob''s body mostly hung outside the window, his veins bulging and his forehead pulsing. He held onto


    her even tighter. "Avery, how dare you think of dying? I''ll make your father die with you if you dare to


    die."


    Avery''s face cracked a smile. "My father is already unconscious, and he may never wake up. For him,


    death might be a release."


    "What if he wakes up? I''ve already found Leon''s whereabouts. If he performs the surgery, there''s an


    80% chance your father will wake up. You''re a doctor. You should have heard of Leon."


    Finally, Avery''s expression slightly changed. Noticing it, Jacob continued to coax her, "I used to hold


    resentment towards you and him. But now that the Adams family has been gone, your father is


    unconscious. We''ve also separated. I don''t resent you anymore."


    Snowkes danced in the air and fell on Avery''s longshes, which trembled like fragile butterfly''s


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    wings.


    "Jacob, you have a new family. I have no sentimental attachment to this world. Let go of me. It''s good


    for us both."


    Avery knew Jacob onlypromised for the time being.


    "We cannot go back. We can never go back."


    Gripping her blood-stained arm, Jacob looked horrified, which was rare to see.


    Averyughed, "You''re also afraid of me dying. If I die, will you remember me forever?"


    "Without my permission, I dare you to die! I''m holding onto you. Come back up with me."


    Jacob tried to pull her back up. John happened to arrive at the ward, and the scene almost frightened


    his life out.


    Most of Jacob''s body was outside the window, forming a terrifying scene.


    Moreover, Avery had no will to live, making rescuing her more challenging. John quickly made a phone


    call to the bodyguards.


    Then, he ced Ethan on the bed and joined Jacob. "Madam Avery, if something is bothering you,


    please tell Sir. He''ll definitely help you. Don''t joke about your own life. You''re still so young and have a


    long road ahead."


    With his help, Avery''s body slowly moved upward. Jacob gradually straightened his back.


    However, Avery had made up her mind. Instead of being tormented by Jacob indefinitely, she would


    rather choose death.


    "John, the road I want to take has long been severed."


    She forcefully pulled out one hand. The situation, which had just improved, instantly worsened.


    "Madam Avery!"


    Jacob''s waist was pulled down again, but he didn''t let go. He held her even tighter as if that hand was


    his only hope.


    He panicked and terrified.


    Even though he had narrowly escaped death many times, he had never felt this kind of fear before. He


    finally realized what Avery meant to him.


    "Avy, if you dare to die, I''ll bankrupt the Lewis family. You know I always keep my word."


    "Jacob, you are still so bossy."


    Avery replied, a smile blossoming across her face, "You can''t threaten a dead person. If I''m already


    dead, will I still care about others?"


    "Why do you have to die? If you wanted to die, you didn''t have to wait until today. You could have done


    it a year ago or even when the Adams family went bankrupt. Avy, how did you be the person you


    are now?"


    Jacob was puzzled. Back then, no matter what difficulties Avery faced, she always persevered and


    never bowed her head. He didn''t expect her to stick to the only one path now.


    She had endured the most difficult days and been given generous alimony. She could live a worry-free


    life and do whatever she wanted.


    "What do you want? I''ll give you anything." Jacob made a concession.


    "Jacob, why do you think I''ll forgive you because of your few words after you hurt me so much? And


    then we can pretend that none of this ever happened and start a new life together, huh? Why do you


    always think you can control everything?"


    "You know what? Nothing is in your control. A year ago, La pushed me into the water to test who


    you''d rescue first if we both fell. Evidently, my baby and I almost died together."


    "In the bathroom, I begged you for mercy just as desperately as that day. But you still thought nothing


    would happen to my body. I''m tired of your self-righteousness, mood swings, and contradictions. You


    can''t control my life, nor can you control my death."


    Avery forcefully pulled her body down. One by one, her fingers slipped from Jacob''s grasp.


    "No, Avy..."


    "Jacob, if I hadn''t met you then, my life would have been better. You used to be the only one in my


    entire youth. I missed you for many years because of that brief encounter. But today, I''ve decided to


    stop my heart beating for you."


    Avery battled a smile. "Jacob, if there is an afterlife, I only wish to never meet you again."


    After saying herst words, Avery let all her fingers slip from Jacob''s grasp.


    Inwardly, she said, "Farewell, my youth. Jacob Hill, let''s never meet again."

 Chapter 74 You Cant Die before Atoning for Your Sin

    Chapter 74 You Can''t Die before Atoning for Your Sin


    Chapter 74 You Can''t Die before Atoning for Your Sin


    Avery jumped from the seventh floor with a determination to die. She could only use this way to sever


    the shackles between her and Jacob.


    However, she never expected Jacob to fall faster than her after she hopped off.


    She saw him jump out of the window without hesitation. He even used his left foot to push off the


    window ledge as a stepping stone, elerating his body towards her.


    In the blink of an eye, Jacob was by her side. Avery widened her eyes, and her pupils constricted.


    "Is he nuts?" she thought.


    Within the swirling snowkes, Avery met Jacob''s icy, furious gaze. He opened his arms and threw


    himself at her with all his strength, like a fishing. Avery wanted to escape but failed.


    She was as fragile as a moth, once willing to enter the fire for a glimmer of light.


    After the fire burned her, she regretted it. Her heart was shattered. However, Jacob didn''t even spare


    her body fragments, continuing to crush and torment her, sinking her into the mud.


    He held her body tightly, and both descended rapidly from the above.


    Jason brought an intable pir from the hospital entrance, and the bodyguards rushed over just in


    time.


    Jacob mmed into the intable pir with a loud bang while tightly holding Avery''s body. They rolled


    onto the ground.


    Fortunately, the intable pir absorbed most of the impact, so neither was injured. John, who was


    upstairs, breathed a sigh of relief, feeling lucky he had been well-prepared. Otherwise, Jacob and


    Avery might lose their lives.


    Jason and the bodyguards were dumbfounded in fear. They couldn''t know how to exin if something


    went wrong with Jacob.


    Jacob rolled over the intable pir and then hit the ground heavily. He frowned deeply, but he didn''t


    make a sound.


    Throughout the fall, Avery was held tightly by him and unharmed.


    As she got up, her first action was fiercely pping Jacob across his face. "Jacob Hill, why did you


    even take away my right to die? Don''t you hate me? You should be happy after I die."


    Ignoring the pain in his back, Jacob creased his eyebrows and tightly grabbed her slim wrist. Anger still


    lingered in his eyes.


    Like an enraged king of beasts, he gritted his teeth while emitting a growl, "Death is the best release. I


    want you to live so your dirty and dark remaining years can atone for my sister."


    Whether because of the extremely low outdoor temperature or Jacob''s icy voice, Avery sniffled and felt


    a coldness spreading through her body, freezing her to the core.


    After a moment, Jacob stood up and looked down at Avery.


    The dim light from the streetmp fell on his face, the sternness on which made Avery shudder.


    The sharp lines of his jaw tightened, and the features on his face became blurry due to the heavy snow


    in the blowing wind, adding a touch of bone-chilling coldness.


    The innate sense of superiority he was born with as if he stood above the world, made Avery feel like


    the humblest one beneath him.


    She began to panic.


    A deep feeling of powerlessness traveled through her veins and spread into her heart.


    She knew that the gap between her and Jacob, whether in terms of status or power, was too


    enormous. Her actions just now had only further enraged the man standing before her.


    She knew he would never let her go.


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    The wind silently blew his clothes. Jacob slowly bent down, extending his hand to lift her chin.


    "Avery, this shall be thest time. If you ever think of seeking death again, I''ll make the people around


    you die with you. Nichs, Isabe, Martin..."


    His fingers gradually tightened their grip, the pain bringing tears into Avery''s tears. His eyes seemed


    filled with boundless anger, like a frost-covered windowpane.


    "Avery, you cannot die before you have atoned for your sins," Jacob muttered.


    He reached his hand towards her, but Avery''s first instinct was to dodge and escape.

 Chapter 75 Avery Instinctively Waved Her Hands

    Chapter 75 Avery Instinctively Waved Her Hands


    Chapter 75 Avery Instinctively Waved Her Hands


    He sneered, stretched out to grab her wrist, took her into his arms, and picked her up. There was no


    gentleness in his movements. Instead, he sullenly imprisoned her with roughness.


    Avery instinctively waved her hands. When her fingers identally touched his neck, she quickly


    moved them away in fright. But the residual warmth remained on her fingertips.


    "Jacob, let go!"


    Her feeble struggle couldn''t sway him. So, he walked out with her in his arms and stepped on the thick


    snow, making a crunching sound.


    He didn''t say a word. So, the silence almost suffocated her when she was carried back into the ward.


    The heater inside was on and gradually warmed her cold body.


    Ethan didn''t know what had happened, so he shuffled over, intending to throw himself into her arms.


    Looking at his face covered with snot and tears, Avery subconsciously stretched out her arms to hug


    him.


    But Jacob picked him up by the cor with one hand and coldly ordered, "John, send Ethan back."


    "Yes."


    John was relieved to see Avery safe.


    Nn checked her body, put her on a drip again, and patiently said, "Your white blood cell count is low.


    Take care of yourself. Otherwise, you might die."


    Avery nodded and stared at the white celling like walking dead. Jacob had long cut off her escape


    route. He didn''t even give her a chance to die. What else could she do?


    "I see."


    "You''d better be obedient."


    Jacob coldly looked away from her face and strode out of the ward. When Nn cautiously followed


    him, the cold aura lingered around thetter. When he suddenly stopped, Nn also braked.


    Then, he gloomily looked back and coldly said, "Nn, find out why her white blood cell count is so


    low!"


    Everything today was weird. Avery had unexpectedly jumped off the building without hesitation. She


    had always been in good health. Why had her white blood cell count be so low when she had a


    fever? But she had fainted at every turn some time ago, so Jacob felt things were not that simple.


    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    Nn nodded, "Yes, Mr. Hill. I will give Mrs. Hill an overall medical examination tomorrow. Don''t worry.


    Although she has not had a medical examination in the past two years, her physical condition was


    good two years ago. She must not have any chronic disease. It might be an acute illness."


    "I hope so."


    Nn nodded, bowed, and left, fearing to anger Jacob again. He immediately returned to the office and


    printed the checklist of the medical examination Avery would have.


    Avery''s fever finally subsided at night. The nurse woke her in the morning and said, "Ms. Adams, it''s


    time for the medical examination."


    Avery was groggy. But hearing her words, she sobered up and asked, "What medical examination?"


    The nurse patiently exined, "You need a further examination."


    Hearing this, Avery felt a cold shiver of fear run through her, suspecting Jacob had discovered


    something.

 Chapter 76 Avery Didnt Say Any Nonsense

    Chapter 76 Avery Didn''t Say Any Nonsense


    Chapter 76 Avery Didn''t Say Any Nonsense


    Although Nn had slept for only three hoursst night, he was energetic. Seeing Jacob not present,


    he lowered his voice and said, "Mrs. Hill, Mr. Hill cares about you. He specifically asked me to arrange


    a physical examination for you."


    Really?


    Avery felt his words were ridiculous.


    Jacob had arranged a medical examination to make sure she would not die. Otherwise, he could not


    continue to torture her. But she was curious how he would react when he knew she had stomach


    cancer.


    "Start it."


    Avery didn''t say any nonsense. After all, she had no choice now.


    There were many examination items, but gastroenteroscopy was excluded. After all, it was tiring.


    Before taking anesthesia for the examination, the patient needed to takexatives in the early morning


    and have several loose bowels to empty the intestines and stomach.


    Avery was so weak that she could not withstand such torment. In addition, she had married Jacob


    since school and always had a regr schedule. So, she should have no gastrointestinal problems.


    Nn didn''t think anything was wrong with her stomach, so he didn''t ask her to have such


    examinations.


    The medical examination was urgently processed. Avery had been hungry all morning. Jacob appeared


    at the door as soon as she sat down to have porridge.


    He was tall and straight with a cold face as ever. He must havee from thepany because he


    wore a formal suit. And the tie with ck and white stripes made him look imposing. It was she who


    had bought it for him. Seeing it, she recalled the sweetness she had felt when tying it for him two years


    ago. But now, she only felt sad.


    Looking at her pale face, Jacob wondered why she always seemed weak when they met. Was there


    anything wrong with her body?


    Avery broke the silence, saying, "Mr. Hill, don''t worry. I won''t die. And I won''t try to kill myself again."


    Then, she continued eating porridge. The back of her fair hand was swollen due to the previous needle


    removal. She looked so fragile that he pitied her.


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    After a night, Jacob was no longer as angry asst night. He asked, "Have the resultse out?"


    "No."


    Hearing him mention the results, she put down the spoon, raised her head to look into his eyes, and


    said, "If there is anything wrong with my body, you..."


    Jacob interrupted, "What illness can you have?"


    Avery stared into his pupils and said, "If I have a terminal illness, will you let me go?"


    Jacob heard her question as soon as he sat on the sofa. His heart sank, so he couldn''t help


    straightening his back. He put his right hand on his left hand, kept rubbing it, and coldly said, "Tell me


    what terminal disease you have."


    Although Avery had not had a gastroenteroscopy, she had had a contrast-enhanced CT. Even if they


    could not confirm whether the tumor was benign, the CT could show the localized thickening of the


    gastric wall. If the tumor wasrge, it might invade other tissues and structures around the stomach.


    For example, the left liver. And they could even see surrounding swollen lymph nodes caused by


    metastasis. So, the medical examination results would tell him the truth.


    When Avery looked into his unfathomable eyes, there was a knock on the door.


    "Come in."


    Seeing Nne in with the report, Avery stopped eating porridge and said, "It seems the results are


    out."


    When she raised her eyes to look at Jacob, her hand holding the spoon was sweating because of


    nervousness.


    She was the most curious about how he would react when he knew she had a terminal illness. She


    would finally die. Would he feel happy or a little sad?


    She had long stopped caring about whether she would die. But the matter seemed to have some


    meaning now.

 Chapter 77 Avery Felt All Her Blood Surging

    Chapter 77 Avery Felt All Her Blood Surging


    Chapter 77 Avery Felt All Her Blood Surging


    Jacob remained silent and coldly stared at the report in Nn''s hand with a sullen face.


    Being watched, Nn felt highly stressed, so he quickly smiled, "The results are out. Don''t worry, Mr.


    Hill. I told you Mrs. Hill will be fine. Please review the report."


    Would she be OK?


    Avery frowned. It was customary that the CT scan could not discover the tumor in the early stage. After


    all, the organ itself would not have apparent lesions in the early stage. But her cancer was in the middle


    stage, so they should have seen some problems.


    While she was deep in thought, Jacob finally felt rxed. But his expression became even colder.


    When he walked toward her step by step, Avery looked at him and felt the chill as if a storm was about


    toe.


    She did not know what he had seen, so she felt uneasy when he stared at her. She had thought about


    his expression when he found out about her illness but had never expected him to be angry.


    Jacob approached her and looked down at her with his eyes full of rage.


    Avery said, "The results..."


    H smashed the report on her face and angrily said, "Read it yourself!"


    Avery picked up the CT sheet, but it stated there was no abnormality. Her white and red blood cell


    counts were above four in the blood test report.


    She understood her white blood cell count was rising because she had had a white blood-raising


    injectionst night. But there must be something wrong with the CT results. With the advanced


    equipment of this private hospital, they should have detected the problems.


    But such results were in front of her now. When she was confused, Jacob suddenly leaned over and


    ced his hands on her sides, saying, "Avery, I did underestimate you."


    She looked up and saw the sarcasm in his eyes. Then, he continued, "You did a good job this time. You


    almost deceived me."


    "Do you think I''m pretending to be sick?"


    She finally understood what he meant.


    He sneered, "What do you think this can change?"


    Avery thought it was ridiculous. He had hurt her. But now, he was ndering her. She took a deep


    breath, not intending to argue with him.


    Those who believed her would try to find reasons to believe her. But those who did not think of her


    would even me her for breathing.


    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    After all, she had nagged him and used various excuses to avoid the divorce. But time had long worn


    away her unwillingness. She had decided to give up this rtionship when signing the divorce


    agreement. But Jacob still thought she was lying to him.


    If it were in the past, she would exin. But now, she calmly looked at him and said, "Yes, I am


    pretending to be sick because I don''t want to get a divorce. I asked Nic to cooperate because I wanted


    you to feel jealous. And I even jumped off the building on purpose. I am a ck-hearted person. Mr.


    Hill, do you see my true color now?"


    Hearing her confessing, Jacob was a little stunned. He stared at her pale face and coldly said, "How


    did you be such a person?"


    Hearing this, Avery felt all her blood surging. And her chest rapidly heaved with anger. She grasped the


    sheets and tensed up like a fully drawn bow when asking, "Isn''t it you that made me be like this?"

 Chapter 78 Nolan Was Speechless

    Chapter 78 Nn Was Speechless


    Chapter 78 Nn Was Speechless


    The atmosphere in the ward suddenly became so tense that even the air seemed to condense.


    Facing the imminent outbreak of war, Nn quickly tried to smooth things over, saying, "Mr. Hill, it''s


    good that Mrs. Hill is fine. Everyone is happy."


    Jacob looked away from Avery as if he didn''t want to waste more time on her. Then, he


    expressionlessly turned around and said, "I hope you know what you get yourself into."


    Avery tried to fight back her anger but failed. Looking at the arrogant man who always thought he was


    right, she mmed the porridge at him and said, "F*ck you!"


    It was he who had pursued and proposed to her. He had been so possessive that she could only up


    everything. He had ruined her life but still had the nerve to me her for pretending to be ill.


    The liquid flowed down his high-end suit after the white porridge hit Jacob on the back. He coldly


    looked at her with anger in his eyes. Seeing him quickly walk toward Avery, Nn knew the fuse of the


    bomb was lit. It would explode!


    So, he hurriedly stretched out his hand to stop him and anxiously said, "Mr. Hill, Mrs. Hill''s hands must


    be slippery. Mrs. Hill, please say something!"


    Avery kept her head high and coldly said, "Yes, my hands were slippery."


    Nn breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Mr. Hill, did you hear it? Mrs. Hill..."


    Avery boldly interrupted before he could finish speaking, "If my hands had not been slippery, I would


    have hit you on the head and killed you, you jerk!"N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Nn was speechless, thinking she was adding fuel to the fire.


    Jacob pushed him away, strode up to Avery, and said through gritted teeth, "How dare you!"


    Avery was so angry that she suddenly picked up a bottle of medicine from the dressing basket on the


    bedside table, threw back the nket, and jumped out of bed. She then raised her hand and smashed


    the bottle at Jacob''s head like a fierce warrior, saying, "Scumbag, I will kill you!"


    Jacob raised his hand, grabbed her limp hand, and pinned it behind her back, instantly subduing her.


    Looking at her face flushing with anger and her teary eyes, he couldn''t tell what emotion he was


    having. But the pain was more intense than the hatred.


    Then, he took a deep breath to calm the anger in his chest. After throwing her back on the bed, he said


    through gritted teeth, "Remember what you did today! You''d better pray not to fall into my hands again."


    She had crossed the line, so he held back his anger to prevent himself from strangling her. But his


    words angered her, so she said, "I would rather jump off the building than ask you for help!"


    Jacob gave her a stern look, mmed the door, and left before letting all his people leave the hospital.


    John followed him and asked, "Mr. Hill, aren''t you afraid Mrs. Hill willmit suicide again?"


    Jacob took off his coat and seriously said, "She will never kill herself! There''s no need to waste more


    time on her."


    John frowned. As a bystander, he could see the matter more clearly. After all, few people dared to


    gamble with their lives. Even a fortune teller couldn''t know he would be unscathed after jumping from


    the seventh floor. She would have died if Jacob hadn''t hugged her or if the intable mattress had not


    arrived in time.


    But Jacob firmly believed Avery was ying hard to get, so he would not listen to John''s words.


    Nn asked a nurse to clean up the mess in the ward. Then, he ttened the bed and patiently


    There is no need to be so extreme. He cares about you. He waited outside for an entire night. You..."


    Avery didn''t want to hear such words at all. So, she asked, "Dr. ke, is there an error in the medical


    examination report?"


    He immediately became serious and said, "You can insult my personality but not my professionalism.


    The people who examined you are all experts. They must not have made mistakes."


    Then, he breathed a sigh of relief and continued, "I was shocked when I found out your white blood cell


    count was so lowst night. I thought it was... By the way, you haven''t had any treatment recently,


    right?"


    He asked this question out of a doctor''s responsibility.

 Chapter 79 The Fever Has Gone Away

    Chapter 79 The Fever Has Gone Away


    Chapter 79 The Fever Has Gone Away


    Thinking of the look in Jacob''s eyes, Avery tly replied, "No."


    "That''s good. The virus caused it. You can be discharged after a few days of observation."


    Nn felt relieved. He tried to persuade her, but she ignored him with her head down. So, he could


    only leave.


    Avery had a gastric cancer biopsy, but the enhanced CT detected no problems. She had only


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    undergone chemotherapy once. Even if the effect were good, the tumor would gradually shrink instead


    of disappearing overnight. So, there must be something wrong with the results. Only insiders could


    falsify them. That person was quite bold to do such a thing under Jacob''s nose.


    Who had done it? La? Had she tampered with the tomb and her medical examination report?


    Although La was the only suspect, Avery felt something fishy about this matter. But they would be


    too terrible if the person behind the scenes were not La.


    Many things in the past two years seemed coincidences. But when Avery carefully thought about them,


    they became strange, as if an invisible hand controlled her.


    Jacob could quickly discover the truth, but he thought she was a liar who made up stories. If she asked


    many people to investigate, the enemy would be alerted. So, she did not dare to tell Nn about it but


    decided to talk with the doctors in the radiology department secretly.


    Avery had long known Lovecare Hospital was the ke family''s property. Although what had happened


    her.


    He was different from Nn. Nn was focused on researching and developing drugs. But Andrew


    had entered his family''s hospital before his graduation and became a director within three years. He


    had guessed what had happened between Jacob and her but maintained a bright smile.


    "Avery, I didn''t expect to see you again so soon. How are you feeling?"


    "The fever has gone away. Thanks for your concern."


    Avery''s face was pale. And she still sounded weak when she spoke.


    Looking at her dry lips, he handed her a ss of warm water and gently said, "Drink some water to


    moisturize your lips."


    "Thank you."


    She took the water over and took a big gulp. But she swallowed too quickly, so she choked and


    repeatedly coughed.


    Andrew stuffed a pillow behind her waist and gently patted her back, saying, "There is no rush. Drink


    the water slowly."


    "You are the same as before."


    Avery was aggressive when facing Jacob. But now, she looked gentle.


    Andrew showed a look of pity and asked, "Did you drop out of school because of Mr. Hill?"


    Avery helplessly smiled, "Do you think I am stupid? I thought I would have a happy future, so I jumped


    into it without hesitation. But it turned out to be a bottomless abyss."


    He gently replied, "If you are willing to walk, there will always be a way out."


    His warmth always gave her some courage, so she asked, "Andrew, can you do me a favor for the


    sake of our friendship?"


    "Please go ahead. I will do my best."


    Avery looked around. After making sure no one was around, she lowered her voice and told him the


    matter of her medical examination report.


    She had thought he would deny it to protect the hospital''s image. But he put away her report and


    seriously said, "Don''t worry. If the doctors in the hospital dare to falsify reports, I will severely punish


    them."


    After she expressed her concerns, he patted her on the shoulder and said, "It will be no good for the


    hospital to have this matter blown up. I will secretly handle it and seek justice for you."

 Chapter 80 Long Time No See

    Chapter 80Long Time No See


    Chapter 80 Long Time No See


    Jacob had not shown up for two days. While looking after Avery, Isabeined, "Do evil spirits


    possess Jacob? Why is he doing things like a madman? He divorced you but could not stand it when


    you dated other men. Now, he even mes you for pretending to be sick. Why don''t you try to drive


    evil spirits out?"


    Avery calmly said, "Evil spirits do not possess him. He is sick."


    After two days of rest, she had almost recovered except for the stomach problem.


    Andrew had proposed to re-examine her, but she had refused with a smile and told him she had had a


    medical examination and was undergoing treatment at another hospital. Hearing this, he had not


    thought much. After secretly investigating for two days, he came up with his findings.


    "Isabe, long time no see."


    He was wearing a white coat, a white shirt, a ck tie, and ck trousers, looking slender and straight.


    Isabe stoppedining about Jacob, raised her brows, and whistled, saying, "Tsk, you did not


    change. If someone else wears this uniform, he will look like an expert. But you look seductive."


    Andrew pointed to his badge and gently smiled, "You can question my appearance but not my


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    expertise."


    After joking with Isabe, Andrew grinned, "Avery, you will have another medical examination. If


    everything is fine, you can be discharged."


    "Be, please wait for me. I''ll be right back."


    Isabe stuffed several cherries into her mouth and asked, "Do you need me to go with you?"


    Avery waved her hand and said, "No, it''s just a routine examination."


    Then, she followed Andrew to the medical examination room. The doctor here had left, so they were


    alone inside.


    Andrew extended his hand and said, "Take a seat."


    Avery was anxious and quickly said, "Do you have any findings."


    He nodded, stopped smiling, and said, "You''re right. Someone secretly tampered with your report."


    "Who?"


    Andrew solemnly said, "My brother asked the experts in the hospital to examine you. But Dr. Jadon,


    who was supposed to do the CT scan, suddenly had diarrhea that day. He did not want to dy your


    physical examination, so he asked his assistant, Dicken, to do it. When Dicken was about to submit the


    results, a nurse asked him out. Then, someone sneaked in and swapped the films. The film signed by


    Dr. Jadon is normal, but it is not yours."


    Andrew fetched a ss of warm water, handed it to her, and continued, "That man is proficient in


    many employees, so he took advantage of the loopholes. Fortunately, the cleaningdy saw him and


    told me some details."


    Avery took a sip of water, put down the ss, and asked, "What did he look like?"


    "ording to the cleaningdy''s words, the man was wearing a hospital uniform and big, ck-rimmed


    sses. He was about 6 feet tall with a strong build. But she did not see his face."


    "Was there any special sign?"


    Andrew nodded, "Yes, he has a ck mole on his right ear. He probably had a guilty conscience. He


    walked fast and almost slipped when he passed the newly mopped area. So, the cleaningdy saw an


    eagle tattoo on his hand. She didn''t think much about it then. Butter, she remembered our hospital


    did not allow employees to have tattoos on our hands."


    Avery looked down at the ss and said, "We can''t identify him with a tattoo."


    "Don''t worry. I have given the surveince video he hacked to an excellent hacker. I will tell you as


    soon as it is restored."

 Chapter 81 Avery Immediately Stepped Forward

    Chapter 81Avery Immediately Stepped Forward


    Chapter 81 Avery Immediately Stepped Forward


    Avery showed a grateful look and said, "Thank you."


    "Never mind. It was our fault. If this scandal spreads, it will damage the hospital''s reputation."


    Avery understood it and said, "They did it because of me. It has nothing to do with your hospital. I will


    not tell others. But I hope you can keep it secret too. Don''t even tell Nn about it. Otherwise, it would


    alert my enemy."


    Andrew nodded with a look of understanding, "Let''s put this matter aside for now. I suggest you


    undergo a systematic medical examination. I will personally do it. If anything is wrong with your body,


    we will deal with it as soon as possible."


    Avery smiled, "It''s not a big problem. Don''t worry."


    "Fine! These devices emit radiation. You can''t have the examination within a short period. Please don''t


    hesitate to contact me if you need a re-examination."


    "OK."


    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Andrew gently smiled, "You can be discharged from the hospital. I have asked my people to handle it


    for you. Can you give me your contact information?"


    Avery friended him on WhatsApp and said goodbye to him with the discharge certificate he had


    prepared.


    Andrew personally sent her out of the hospital, joked with Isabe, and then returned to his office.


    Avery kept thinking about this matter in the car. It must have something to do with the hospital''s internal


    personnel. Otherwise, they would not have made it so watertight. But there was no solid evidence.


    Andrew did want to blow it up because it might damage the hospital''s reputation. And he could not


    conduct arge-scale investigation in every department. After all, the hospital had thousands of


    employees, including doctors, nurses, interns, and temporary workers. It was impossible to investigate


    all of them. Therefore, the only clue was the surveince. If surveince video could be restored, they


    could catch the person who had swapped the films.


    Avery reached out to pinched the bridge of her nose with an exhausted face.


    Isabe chattered for a long time, but Avery didn''t respond. So, she couldn''t help patting her on the


    shoulder and asking, "What''s wrong? Are you thinking about that scumbag again?"


    Avery thought of Jacob''s angry expression before leaving. They hadpletely fallen out, so she


    hoped they would have no dealings with each other in the future.


    She replied, "No."


    Looking at the scenery outside the window, she wondered when Andrew could find out he had done it.


    However, she received a call from the hospital after two days of rest.


    "Miss Adams, Mr. Adams is in danger. He suddenly had a low heart rate and respiratory failure. We''ve


    sent him to the emergency room. Pleasee to the hospital."


    When Avery anxiously stood outside the operating room in the hospital corridor, a nurse hurriedly


    Avery clenched her fists so hard that her nails cut her palms. Then, she hoarsely replied, "I know."


    The nurse helplessly said, "It''s hard on you."


    Avery was as young as her daughter but must shoulder the burden of life. Although she was married,


    the nurse had never seen her husband. Avery was always alone. She was so thin that the nurse could


    not help feeling pity for her.


    When the operating room door opened, Avery immediately stepped forward.

 Chapter 82 How Is My Father

    Chapter 82How Is My Father


    Chapter 82 How Is My Father


    "Doctor, how is my father?"


    Avery was so nervous that she tightly grasped her sleeves, fearing her father had died.


    "Fortunately, we rescued him in time. Avery, I won''t hide it from you. Your father''s current condition is


    dangerous. It would be best to find Leon''s top brain specialist and ask him to perform a craniotomy as


    soon as possible. Otherwise, we might be unable to save your father next time."


    Avery''s heart sank to the bottom again. She was eager to find Leon but didn''t have any connections.


    Nichs had helped her look for him but failed.


    When the nurses wheeled Martin out, he kept his eyes closed with a weak face. Seeing him, Avery


    said, "Dad."


    But there was no response like a stone thrown into a well.


    Martin''s exposed hands were thin and old. He had aged a lot in the past two years. There was an


    indwelling needle on the back of his hand. And the skin was loose. It was no longer the big hand that


    had led her home.


    Avery cried in a sobbing voice, "Dad, please wake up and look at me."


    No matter what he had done to others, he had always treated her well. So she could watch him die


    without doing anything. Suddenly, she remembered Jacob had said he could find Leon when she had


    jumped off the building.


    It was not surprising that he could find Leon because of his connections and financial resources. But he


    would not have told her about it if her life had not been in danger.


    She knew Jacob hated Martin and herself but had no choice but to ask him for help. She had decided


    not to contact him two days ago. Unexpectedly, she had to beg him again so soon.


    Avery wiped off her tears, settled Martin down, and asked John for Jacob''s location. Then, she took a


    taxi to Grande Club.


    It was an extravagant orgy where female dancers in revealing clothes were twisting their enchanting


    bodies. Men and women in the corners were kissing. And the booths were full of people drinking and


    But the excitement belonged to other people when Avery hurriedly walked toward the private room


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    inside.


    Jacob disliked this kind of ce the most. When he hung out with friends, he usually chose quiet


    ces.


    After John led her to the room, she pushed open the door.


    It was arge and luxurious private room that could amodate hundreds of people. Even though


    many people were inside, Avery spotted Jacob in the crowd at a nce.


    He quietly leaned back on the leather seat with his eyes closed, looking ipatible with the noisy


    surroundings. When he closed his sharp eyes, he looked harmless.


    Next to him was a handsome man wearing gray home clothes. He had his bare feet in a foot bath


    bucket and a furry eyeshade around his neck. Others had either whiskey or champagne, but he had


    vegetable juice. Jacob used this ce as a hotel, while he used it as a health spa.


    A scantily d woman moved to Jacob''s side and boldly leaned over to kiss his lips. When her strong


    perfume hit his face, he suddenly woke up. After he opened his eyes, he saw her red lips and


    subconsciously threw her out without mercy.


    When the woman screamed and fell in front of Avery, her miniskirt rolled up and revealed her sexy T-


    bag, causing the men around her to whistle.


    Avery felt ufortable on such an asion. When she raised her head in panic, she met Jacob''s


    eyes. His gaze was calm. And a hint of ridicule shed across his ck pupils.


    He had just med her for ying hard to get. Seeing here to meet him again so soon, he


    confirmed it. She had jumped off a buildingst time. So, he wondered what trick she would y this


    time.


    Avery didn''t miss the message in his eyes. But Martin''s life was at stake, so she had no choice but to


    ask Jacob for help. Even though she knew continuing to move forward would lead to his humiliation,


    she must not retreat.


    Everyone nearby noticed her. Except for Ronnie, no one present knew her identity as Jacob''s ex-wife.


    A woman with a curvy figure looked her up and down, chewed the gum, and ridiculed, "Bumpkin, did


    you enter the wrong room?"


    Isabe had dragged Avery to a nightclub before. Young girls nowadays wore only suspenders under


    their jackets. But Isabe and Avery had worn a sweater and thermal underwear inside.


    Among the women in the room, Avery was the only one who wore a down jacket, a woolen hat, and a


    scarf.


    Avery ignored the woman, looked at Jacob, and said, "Mr. Hill, can I have a word with you?"


    The woman mercilessly sneered, "Bumpkin, that girl is younger and prettier than you. But she is lying


    there! Do you think your way of falling is more graceful than hers?"


    Jacob looked at Avery and coldly said, "Come here."


    His words were like a p on the woman''s face. Avery crossed the crowd under everyone''s gaze and


    walked to Jacob.


    Ronnie looked rxed when soaking his feet. Dense sweat appeared on his forehead because of the


    high temperature of the water. He liked keeping healthy as always. The smell of mugwort covered the


    smell of alcohol, perfume, and smoke, making Avery feel better.


    Ronnie took the initiative to greet her, saying, "Avery, long time no see. Would you like to soak your


    feet?"


    It was different from ordinary people''s way of greeting. Avery politely refused, "No, thanks, Mr. Moore."


    Ronnie immediately began to educate her about the benefits of foot soaking.


    "Foot soaking can promote blood cirction and metabolism. It can help you sleep well and prevent


    high blood pressure and cardiovascr disease. Your face looks pale. It would be best if you often


    soaked your feet. I have upgraded the form."


    Hearing him chattering, Jacob pulled up the eyeshade around his neck and impatiently interrupted,


    "Sleep."


    Everyone nearby curiously stared at Avery and wondered who she was. They had never seen her, but


    she looked familiar with Mr. Moore and Mr. Hill.


    Jacob was sitting in the center of the sofa with his legs slightly open, exuding an aggressive aura. He


    lightly nced at her and asked, "What brought you here?"

 Chapter 83 Entanglements and Appeals

    Chapter 83 Entanglements and Appeals


    Chapter 83 Entanglements and Appeals


    Jacob''s impression of her still lingered on the scene a few days ago when she angrily tossed a bowl of


    porridge in his direction.


    Angry and defiant, she was like an enraged cat.


    Unlike now, standing nervously on the side with her head lowered, she had put away all her sharpness.


    Under Jacob''s scrutiny, Avery suppressed her difort and spoke softly, "I need your help."


    Jacob chuckled lightly, crossed his legs, took out a cigarette from the case, and had a sarcastic


    expression on his face.


    "Avery, what kind of act are you putting on today?"


    Not far away, a rich second-generation named Ezra Hawthorne also had a discerning eye. He noticed


    that Jacob''s attitude towards her was different and quickly stepped forward.


    "Who here doesn''t want to ask Mr. Hill for help? Youngdy, asking for help should be done with


    sincerity. Don''t forget to light Mr. Hill''s cigarette."


    Avery was urged to approach Jacob. He leanedzily against the cushion and looked indolent.


    In addition to the two years of coldness and antagonism, he used to be more polite and restrained,


    never smoking in front of her.


    Now, unlike before, he had two buttons of his shirt open, and the dim light above his head made his


    face appear even deeper and his temperament more unruly.


    Avery held the lighter up to Jacob''s deep eyes, as if expressing her capriciousness.


    Without caring how Jacob viewed her, Avery knelt on one knee on the sofa, leaning forward.


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Considering her and Jacob''s statuses, she had no choice but to humble herself.


    The firelight danced on Jacob''s handsome face. He lowered his eyes and had a hint of inexplicable


    coldness at the corner of his mouth.


    "I remember you saying that even if you jumped from the seventh floor, you wouldn''te to me for


    help."


    Avery didn''t expect Martin to have an ident suddenly. It caught her off guard.


    She didn''t bother to guess how he saw her. Avery bent her waist lower and spoke with humility in her


    voice, "Mr. Hill has great magnanimity. Please don''t hold it against me."


    Ezra''s mind raced. Jacob, who never let women approach him, had allowed her toe over. Although


    the youngdy was dressed inyers, she was indeed quite beautiful. She might just be the type that


    Jacob fancied.


    Ezra quickly poured three sses of whisky for Avery and tapped his fingers on the table. "Lady, this is


    how you ask for a favor."


    Avery frowned tightly. More than half a ss would be enough to nearly kill her, and now three


    sses?


    She looked at Jacob, who seemed to be thinking of something. Hezily supported his chin with one


    hand and said, "nning toe up with another excuse? Is it another illness or a terminal condition?"


    The mockery in the corner of his mouth was sharp. Avery wasn''t particrly good at drinking, but he


    enjoyed making things difficult for her.


    Or perhaps it was a form of revenge.


    A sourness welled up in Avery''s heart. She thought about how he never let her drink before. Things


    had changed so much.


    Jacob sat there, slightly raising his chin. The inherent nobility in his bloodline radiated invisibly,


    In front of him, she was always an extremely small and weak figure.


    Realizing the reality, Avery thought that as long as she could save Martin, what did dignity or even her


    own life matter?


    She picked up the ss and downed it in one go. She wasn''t good at drinking, and she couldn''t discern


    the merits of alcohol. She only felt the burning sensation as the liquid passed through, leaving behind a


    fiery sensation.


    Pain surged from the throat down to the stomach.


    Avery was already dressed inyers, and she was sweating profusely. Her stomach was churning like a


    tempestuous sea, causing her intense pain.


    She clutched her aching stomach, reaching for the second ss.

 Chapter 84 Entwined Fates of Agony

    Chapter 84 Entwined Fates of Agony


    Chapter 84 Entwined Fates of Agony


    A cup of hot water with wolfberries was handed to her. "If you can''t drink, then don''t. Words can hurt


    just as much as alcohol harms the body. What''s a youngdy like you doing with alcohol? Have a cup


    of warm water to soothe your stomach."


    Ronnie''s voice was gentle, like that of an older brother, showing extra care for her given her status.


    Avery smiled gratefully towards him, but before she could say her thanks, Jacob''s gaze turned even


    colder.


    "There are still two more," he reminded coldly.


    Ronnie, aware of Avery''s importance to him, immediately furrowed his brows. Some things, when taken


    too far, hurt not only others but also oneself.


    "Alright," Avery picked up the ss without hesitation, like a determined general ready to face the


    inevitable, and once again, she downed it all at once.


    The second ss of alcohol was as potent as poison.


    The alcohol hit her too fast, and Avery''s body suddenly copsed.


    In the midst of the dizziness, she thought she would m onto the table, but she didn''t realize she was


    being held tightly by a man.


    Amidst the cheers, she was carried away by the man like a shooting star. Avery mumbled in a daze,


    "More... one more drink."


    Her body was thrown onto the back seat of a car. Jacob stared at her with angry eyes. "Avery, what are


    you causing trouble for again? Haven''t you acted enough?"


    Avery, dizzy from the fall, paid no attention to anything else. She knelt on the back seat, reaching out to


    grab Jacob''s cuff, pleading desperately like a child asking for candy.


    "Find Leon and perform the brain surgery for my father. I owe you. I''ll repay it."


    Jacob looked down at Avery, who was now showing signs of intoxication. Her pale face had a touch of


    blush, clearly out of control, yet she was still struggling to stay coherent.


    "Jacob, No matter what you want to do, please target me... I only have my father left, and he''s my only


    family. I beg you, spare him."


    Jacob still sneered. "Spare me? What do you have to offer? Besides this life, what else do you have?"


    Avery let go of his hand, looking helpless. "Jacob, what do you want me to do to satisfy you?"


    "No matter what you do, it won''t change the fact that my sister is already dead, Avery. I don''t want you


    dead, but I also don''t want to see you living happily. Do you understand? The more you suffer, the more


    I find life to have even the slightest bit of value."


    "Jacob, you''re so cruel..."


    Tears rolled down inrge drops from between her fingers.


    Avery, in her current state, was both obedient and pitiable, stirring a sense ofpassion and pity


    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    deep within him.


    Especially when he saw the tears, Jacob realized that he was not happy as well as what he had said.


    He impatiently tugged at his tie and then reached out with his long arm.


    Avery was rudely pulled into his arms, crashing into his chest.


    Her already hazy head spun even more. Just as Avery was about to speak, she met Jacob''s eyes,


    saturated with coldness.


    Without warning, he sealed her lips, swallowing up all her sounds. He forcefully and dominantly


    upied every inch of her territory, making her breathe in his unique aura.


    Jacob felt uneasy and restless. On one hand, he couldn''t stand to see Avery happy, and he wanted to


    drag her into hell.


    Yet, when he saw her struggling in that hell, he felt no satisfaction at all. His heart felt like it was


    blocked by a huge boulder, making it hard for him to breathe.


    When his thin lips touched hers, the familiar fragrance from her body gradually calmed the restlessness


    in his heart.


    The two of them were like a tangled mess. The more they struggled, the tighter they became entwined.


    As his fingers deftly pulled down the zipper of her jacket, Avery ced her hands firmly on his chest.


    "No!" Her face was etched with refusal, further fueling Jacob''s displeasure.


    He lowered his gaze and stared at her, repeating her words from just now, "It was you who said ''no


    matter what I want to do''."

 Chapter 85 Broken Promises

    Chapter 85 Broken Promises


    Chapter 85 Broken Promises


    This statement was particrly harsh, but she had no choice.


    The hand that was trying to stop him had to let go, and Jacob had already reached for her down jacket.


    Inside was a sweater, and underneath the sweater was a padded vest with anotheryer of warm


    clothing inside.


    He furrowed his brows in confusion and asked, "Are you an olddy? Why are you wearing so much?"


    Avery blushed and bit her lip, replying, "I''m afraid of the cold."


    Soon, Jacob realized something. Even though she was wearing so much, she didn''t look fat at all. Just


    how thin had she be?


    Touching her skin, he could feel the sharp bones beneath her back, as if there was only a thinyer of


    flesh covering them. When did she be so thin?


    The wicked thought that had just crossed Jacob''s mind disappearedpletely, reced by an


    invisible sense of guilt.


    Avery didn''t know how things had escted to this point. She stared at his pitch-ck pupils with


    displeasure. "Aren''t you afraid that La will find out about this? Don''t forget, we''re already divorced."


    Jacob''s cold and cutting voice came through, "My affairs with her are none of your business. I agreed


    to your proposal just now. From now on, you will take your father''s ce in making amends."


    Avery quickly interjected, "What about Leno..."


    "I will find him."


    With his promise, Avery finally breathed a sigh of relief. The man''s gaze locked onto her like a hook.


    "And you, you must be at my beck and call whenever I need you."


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    Avery couldn''t believe he had said this.


    In the shimmering tears in her eyes, Jacob''s icy fingertips brushed her cheek, his voice both frivolous


    and contemptuous. "I suddenly realized something. It seems that I still desire your body. And every


    time I touch you, you seem to be in agony."


    Jacob''s extremely cold gaze saw through her. "Is there a better way to torment you? You''d agree,


    wouldn''t you."


    Avery, enduring the surging pain in her stomach, whispered faintly, "Jacob, do you think you might


    regret treating me so wantonly and tormenting me one day?"


    "I only know that I find pleasure in your pain."


    Avery never expected that the rtionship between them would turn into this.


    At her request, Jacob took her back to her apartment. "Won''t you invite me up for a cup of coffee?"


    At this time, it was clear what he meant. He wanted to finish what they hadn''t in the car.


    And she had no reason to refuse.


    Isabe had returned to her own home these past few days, leaving the apartment empty.


    The door opened, and Avery didn''t even have time to turn on the lights and take off her shoes. She


    rushed straight to the bathroom, emptying her stomach of its contents.


    After vomiting, her head cleared a bit, but her stomach was now in even greater pain, stinging from the


    harshness of the alcohol.


    She was in so much pain that she curled up on the floor like a shrimp, sweat pouring down her face.


    This kind of agony spread from her stomach to every inch of her body, and even her every breath


    carried waves of pain.


    Avery''s head was throbbing, and she felt like she might be dying.


    She bit her lip tightly, afraid to let out even the slightest sound.


    Jacob waited outside for a while but didn''t see here out. He knocked on the bathroom door.


    "Avery, what''s wrong with you?"


    "I... I''m fine," she forced herself to speak. "Just wait a moment. I''ll be out after I clean up."


    After all, she had just had a check-up a few days ago, so Jacob didn''t think about her having a serious


    illness.


    He simply thought Avery was feeling embarrassed and walked away.


    He had no idea that, at this moment, Avery was clutching her stomach, curled up in a ball, in so much


    pain that she could barely catch her breath. Even moving a bit was a luxury.


    Avery was filled with regret. She had been too reckless. Those two drinks had nearly cost her half her


    life.

 Chapter 86 Love and Hatred Intertwined

    Chapter 86 Love and Hatred Intertwined


    Chapter 86 Love and Hatred Intertwined


    Jacob surveyed the not-so-spacious apartment, every corner bearing traces of Avery.


    Seeing the baby crib in the room, the only thing she took from their marital home, stirredplex


    emotions in Jacob.


    The moment Avery jumped, he didn''t hesitate to follow, and in that instant, he understood one thing.


    No matter how much he hated her, he couldn''t let go of his love for her, as love and hatred intertwined.


    It was like a thorny rope tightly entwining them, unable to be unraveled even as they both bled


    profusely.


    He gradually pushed Avery into the abyss, yet he, too, was on the brink of falling off the cliff.


    Jacob picked up the stuffed toy on the bed, thinking about the hundreds of nights over the past two


    years when Avery could only sleep while holding onto this doll.


    If that incident hadn''t happened, he would have been a good husband and a good father.


    Avery, every time he thought of this name, his heart still overflowed with love.


    He simply couldn''tpletely let her go.


    After spending a while in the bathroom, Avery finally felt a little better.


    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    She slowly got up from the floor, dragging her body covered in cold sweat towards the living room.


    She thought Jacob, a man who valued time so much, would have left long ago, but when she looked


    up, she saw him leaning against the balcony.


    The sparks between his fingers flickered unpredictably, and it seemed like his addiction to cigarettes


    had grown even stronger.


    To Avery''s surprise, Jacob hadn''t left yet.


    Or was he waiting to further humiliate himself?


    As she thought of this, Avery''s eyes darkened a bit. She took a sip of lukewarm water to moisten her


    throat.


    Then, with slow steps, she walked towards Jacob.


    "Are we doing it here or on the bed?" Her tone was indifferent as if it were just a matter of routine.


    Jacob looked up, his gaze falling on her pale face, and blew out a smoke ring. "In your eyes, am I just a


    lecher?"


    "If you''re not doing it, then I''m going to sleep. Suit yourself." Avery''s face remained cold. She was


    grateful to have escaped a disaster, and right now, all she wanted was to rest.


    As she heard the door close, Jacob shook off the ash from his cigarette. This was clearly the kind of


    rtionship he wanted.


    So why was he so unhappy?


    Was it because there was no longer any light in her eyes when she looked at him?


    The door creaked open, and he saw her curled up on the small bed. Her frail body filled the bed


    But only this way could she feel safe.


    In the darkness, Jacob stood in front of the small bed, gazing at Avery for a long time. Avery was


    simply too tired. She couldn''t be bothered with Jacob. With the remaining traces of alcohol, she fell


    asleep.


    It wasn''t until early the next morning that she woke up, and Jacob was actually on the master bed.


    Uncharacteristically, he didn''t taunt or mock her. He simply went to the bathroom out of habit.


    At that moment, the doorbell rang. Avery, in her pajamas and yawning, opened the door.


    Outside stood Nichs, holding some New Year goods.


    "It''s almost New Year. I bought some things for you."


    "Nic, you don''t have to..." Avery hadn''t finished speaking when Jacob, wrapped in a bath towel and still


    dripping with water, walked out of the bathroom.

 Chapter 87 Whispers of Love and Choices

    Chapter 87 Whispers of Love and Choices


    Chapter 87 Whispers of Love and Choices


    Jacob thought John had brought clothes for him, so he walked out directly, but when he turned around,


    he saw Nichs.


    He raised an eyebrow unconsciously towards Avery. "We have a guest?"


    Avery was in her pajamas while Jacob was wrapped in a bath towel. It looked like apletely normal


    interaction between a husband and wife.


    In this suspicious situation, Nichs was not a fool. He put down the New Year gifts and left in a daze.


    Avery didn''t exin. The deeper Nichs got involved, the more dangerous it would be. This ending


    would be better for both herself and him.


    Jacob looked at the New Year gifts with a cold eye. "Am I not generous enough?"


    He had paid a 200-hundred-million-dor breakup fee, which was an astronomical figure.


    Avery replied, "I''ll give them to the old man who collects garbageter."


    Jacob snorted coldly. "Does hee here often?"


    "He came when I had a cold."


    "There won''t be a next time." His tone was decisive and stern.


    Avery hesitated for a moment before obediently saying, "Got it."


    As Jacob finished packing and left, she couldn''t help but ask, "About Leon..."


    "I''ve found the answer for you."


    The door closed.


    Finding a person for him was still quite easy.


    Martin would be saved.


    Avery sat slumped on the sofa, tilted her head back, and closed her eyes in relief.


    In the afternoon, Nichs received a call from home. His father said there was an opportunity for him


    to study abroad now. As long as he went out for a few years, he could directly take over the position of


    dean when he returned.


    "Sorry, Dad. I don''t want to go abroad for now."


    "This is such a great opportunity. I practically fought for it with all my might. There are only three slots


    avable nationwide."


    Nichs raised a sarcastic smile. "This opportunity must be from Jacob, right?"


    "I don''t know what happened between you and Mr. Hill, but he personally informed me. You should


    think for yourself and also consider your younger brother and sister."


    Nichs, who had always been obedient, fell silent. Seeing his eldest son''s subdued mood on the


    other end of the phone, Nichs'' father softened his tone. "You know about the Love La Hospital,


    right? It''s a highly sought-after project in Astire. He actually took the initiative to propose a


    coboration. You should understand what this means."


    "I know."


    Without getting a response from his son, Nichs'' father asked helplessly, "Is there something here


    that you absolutely can''t leave?"


    Nichs got up from his chair, stood with his hands behind his back, and looked out the window at the


    busy scene of nurses and patients. He sighed softly. "I want to apany someone on their final


    journey."


    The father was somewhat speechless. His son was very obedient, and as an enlightened father, he


    shouldn''t meddle in his son''s private affairs.


    But he couldn''t afford to offend the Hill family, especially Jacob.


    Thinking back to what he had witnessed in the morning, Nichs should have realized Jacob''s


    terrifying possessiveness over Avery during the banquet.


    Even after their divorce, he wouldn''t easily let her go!


    The more he tried to get close to Avery, the more trouble he would bring her.


    Realizing this, Nichs closed his eyes and spoke, "Dad, I won''t make things difficult for you. I''ll go for


    further studies."


    "Alright, I''ll arrange it for you right away."


    Avery had finally managed to escape from that terrible period in her life. Her life was finally on the right


    track, and the next morning, she went to the hospital to visit Martin.


    The caregiver was wiping his face, and Avery took the cloth from her. "I''ll do it."


    The caregiver didn''t object, and Avery saw two bouquets of sword lilies by Martin''s bedside.


    "Has someone been here?"


    "Yes, Dr. Lewis came to visit Mr. Adams yesterday. I happened to overhear him instructing Mr. Adams''s


    attending physician while I was cleaning the room. Dr. Lin said he''s going abroad for further studies,N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    and we won''t be seeing him for a long time."


    Avery twisted the wet cloth in her hand and knew exactly why.


    "I see."


    The caregiver couldn''t read her expression and continued, "Dr. Lewis is a good person."


    "I know."


    "If Ms. Adams wants to start a family, I think he..."

 Chapter 88 Whispers to a Silent Heart

    Chapter 88 Whispers to a Silent Heart


    Chapter 88 Whispers to a Silent Heart


    Avery paused in her actions, her tone slightly stern. "Lady, you''ve crossed the line. I need to talk to my


    Dad. Could you please leave for a while?"


    "Of course, Miss." The caregiver gently closed the door.


    As usual, Avery patiently washed and cleaned Martin and trimmed his hair and nails.


    If it weren''t for the steady heartbeat on the nearby ECG, she would almost think he had left this world.


    The weather was nice today, a change from the previous blizzard. She drew back the curtains, letting


    the warm sunlight pour in.


    "Dad, I''m spending less time with youtely. If you don''t wake up soon, I''m afraid you won''t get to see


    me anymore. By the way, I''ve divorced Jacob."


    Avery''s voice was soft, and the sunlight kissed the corners of her smile as she continued, "Although he


    treated me poorly these past two years, he was quite generous during the divorce. He gave me the


    house, the car, and the shares. Now, I''m a little wealthy."


    "I remember when Mom left, you told me that life requires some regrets. That''s how we learn to


    cherish. Since then, I''ve treasured everything around me and cherished every person. But in the end, I


    still couldn''t keep anyone."


    "Dad, there''s some good news too. I found out that Mr. Olsen, who bought the Adams family''s estate,


    ns to auction it off. I''ll buy back the Adams Mansion. When Leon cures you, you can spend the rest


    of your life there in retirement. Your daughter is unfilial and will leave a step ahead, unable to


    apany you in your old age."


    Avery rambled on for the entire afternoon. Even when the sunlight had disappeared from the horizon,


    she still hadn''t seen any sign of Martin waking up. She sighed self-deprecatingly. "Indeed, miracles only


    happen in novels."


    On her way home, she came across a news article titled "CEO of the Hill Group Spares No Expense


    for Fianc¨¦e''s Custom-made Extravagant Gown". Below was a picture of the gown, and it was the same


    Starlight design.


    Even though she had encouraged Jacob to get married and have children, seeing this gown still made


    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    her feel a bit ufortable.


    There were so many gowns in the world, and why did it have to be this one?


    Three years ago, after taking a bath, shezily curled up on the sofa, pointing at the gowns from a


    certain luxury fashion show of the new season. "Wow, I love these gowns by designer Amy the most.


    Each one is unique, luxurious but not ostentatious, exuding nobility. It''s a pity... we didn''t have a


    wedding ceremony."


    Jacob habitually pulled her into his arms. "Can''t you wear it even without a wedding? My honey has to


    wear something one-of-a-kind."


    A monthter, she found a gown sketch in the study, and there were countless sketches in the


    sketchbook. So, every night, he stayed upte, dedicating his time to drawing for her.


    "Do you like this one?" Jacob entered without her noticing. He embraced her from behind, gently


    resting his chin on her shoulder. The atmosphere was warm and romantic.


    "You drew it, so of course, I like it."


    "I''ve already talked to the designer. From selection topletion, it''ll probably take three years. Can


    you wait?"


    "Don''t talk about three years. Even if it''s thirty years, I can wait. With so many diamonds, why not call it


    ''Starry Night''?"


    "Alright, it''s all up to you."


    "From now on, I''ll only wear this gown for you to see."


    The promise she made with Jacob was vivid in her mind. Whenever she closed her eyes, she could


    imagine his smile and the gentle glint in his eyes, like the stars in the sky.


    In the end, she never got to wear the gown. Instead, he gave it to his new bride.


    Averyposed herself before returning home. Isabe had hurried over with her belongings


    yesterday.


    After getting home, Isabe hummed a tune and waved arge spoon in the kitchen while cooking.


    After saving money to support a scumbag for a few years, she had developed excellent cooking skills.


    The bubbling porridge in the y pot emitted a rich aroma, and a handful of fresh green onions


    sprinkled on top, mixed with the scent of chicken and other ingredients, instantly filled the entire room.


    It was as if hell had returned to earth, and Avery finally felt a hint of vitality.


    The aroma of the food smoothed out her previous difort.


    Isabe stirred the porridge a few times with the spoon, scooped up a spoonful, blew on it at her lips,


    and took a small taste. "Mmm, not bad, not bad. Avy will definitely like it."


    "You made it, so of course, I''ll like it."


    Avery walked into the kitchen. At this point, the only person left by her side was Isabe.


    "You''re back. How is Mr. Adams doing?"


    "He''s still the same."


    "Don''t worry. He''ll get better. Today, I donated the money for you. It''s quite a sum, and it hurt me to part


    with it. Only you''re so generous, giving away so much money in one go."


    Avery smiled. "You''re just a money lover. Money is not more important than your life. If you don''t have


    your life, then even if you have a lot of money, it''s just a pile of waste paper. It''s better to use it to


    benefit more people."


    "You''re right. Anyway, it''s all money from a scumbag. If I don''t spend it, it''ll be wasted. Besides, he''s


    going to leave it all to that vixen anyway. Hmph, don''t mention that stinking man. I''ll remember the


    grudge of being kicked down the mountain for a lifetime. These days, I''ve been dreaming of kicking that


    bastard Jacob."


    "You." Isabe amused her with a smile.


    "Don''t move, don''t move." Isabe took out a camera from who knows where. "Stay like that. This smile


    is perfect."


    Avery used her hand to cover her face. "You know I don''t like taking pictures."


    "I just want to take more while you''re still in good health. So I can have something to remember you by


    when you''re gone..."


    As she spoke, her voice grew quieter and quieter. Avery took the camera from her gently and smiled.


    "Then you must add a filter for me. You know, girls love to look beautiful. I want to smile more so that


    when you see it in the future, you''ll feel better."

 Chapter 89 Unveiling Hidden Agendas

    Chapter 89 Unveiling Hidden Agendas


    Chapter 89 Unveiling Hidden Agendas


    Tonight''s charity banquet was entirely organized by the Olsen family. While the Olsen family imed to


    donate ten percent of the auction proceeds to charity, everyone knew that the Olsen family was


    currently facing some financial difficulties and using the auction to generate cash.


    Within their social circle, this was an open secret. The old master of the Olsen family had always been


    known for his discerning eye and had a penchant for collecting treasures from a young age. The Olsen


    family had quite a few hidden treasures.


    Rarely, this time, the old master of the Olsen family was being exceptionally generous. Everyone in the


    circle received the invitation and naturally attended. Even those without money wanted toe and


    have a look at the collections. It was rumored that the Adams mansion was also participating in the


    auction.


    Avery and Isabe arrived just in time. Isabe leaned out of the car window and said, "I''ll park the car


    and join you upstairs. Save me a seat up front."


    "Alright."


    Isabe had never attended such an event before. She thought it would be like trying to find a good


    seat in a university lecture, where positions were arranged in advance.


    Generally, seating was divided in two ways: by social status or based on charitable contributions.


    Fortunately, she had arranged for Isabe to make a donation in advance, so she also had a ce. It


    wasn''t a matter of sitting wherever she pleased.


    However, Avery overlooked one thing. She was stopped at the door.


    "Lady, do you have an invitation?" It wasn''t that the security guard wanted to make things difficult for


    Avery. After all, who attended an event like this without wearing formal attire? It was unheard of for


    someone to show up in a down jacket, especially with a few feathers sticking out.


    Avery calmly replied, "It''s with my friend."


    "I''m sorry,dy. Please wait for your friend toe in together."


    This kind of event was rtively private, and Avery understood the security guard''s duty.


    As the arriving guests entered, many of them nced at her to some extent. Avery stood tall,


    Just then, Sarah appeared with La on her arm. From a distance, Avery heard Sarah''s voice. "La, I


    saw that dress in an interview. They said it''s adorned with a total of 3650 real diamonds, each one


    representing Mr. Hill''s love for you. I envy such a childhood sweetheart kind of love."


    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Avery''s fingers dug deep into her palm, but she felt no pain. She had always thought that the Starry


    Night was designed by Jacob for her, and she believed he embedded so many real diamonds for the


    aesthetics. Now, she knew it was a tribute to his past with La.


    So, Jacob had admired La as early as ten years ago.


    La was surrounded by several extravagantly dressed women. Their eyes met, but La coldly


    looked away.


    She didn''t want any involvement with Avery so as not to let anyone know about her past with Jacob.


    Sarah had a different mindset. That day at the dinner party, Avery had made everyone unhappy. After


    waiting so long for the Adams family''s bankruptcy, she had now cozied up to La. She didn''t even


    consider Avery worth her attention.


    "Isn''t this our genius schr? How did you end up dressed like this? From a distance, I thought you


    were a homeless person."


    The security guard, at an inappropriate moment, chimed in, "Mrs. Li, do you know this youngdy? She


    doesn''t have an invitation. If you know her, you can enter together."


    La coldly replied, "I don''t know her."


    Sarah took advantage of the situation to add fuel to the fire and instructed the security guard, "Keep


    your eyes wide open. Don''t let any paupers sneak in. It''s almost New Year''s, and who knows, they


    might be so desperate that they''re trying to steal something. If there''s any loss, you won''t be able to


    make up for it in your lifetime."


    The security guard nodded and bowed repeatedly to them. "Yes, yes, thank you for the reminder, miss."


    The group of people rolled their eyes and went in. The security guard was about to urge Avery to leave


    when John, who was outside smoking, saw the scene and quickly stopped him.


    The security guard hurriedly let Avery in.

 Chapter 90 Unexpected Encounters

    Chapter 90 Unexpected Encounters


    Chapter 90 Unexpected Encounters


    "Miss Adams, shall I escort you inside?" John maintained his respectful demeanor towards her.


    "No need. I''m waiting for my friend. She''s on her way."


    From a distance, Avery spotted a woman in a red fur coat, looking like a mingo. She was wearing


    nude stockings and high heels.


    Avery suddenly didn''t want to admit to knowing her. She hadn''t expected her friend to arrivete and


    change outfits in the car.


    Isabe, apanied by a gust of fragrant breeze, came over with exaggerated sunsses. Avery


    turned and said, "No, I mistook someone else. I''ll go in first."


    "Avy, wait for me!"


    In her high heels, she walked up to John, took off her sunsses, and red at him. "Did you upset


    Avy again?"


    John nevermented on a woman''s attire but at this moment...


    "Do you think the Treasure Pavilion is a nightclub? Dressing like this for a disco?"


    Isabe had a fiery personality, and she already harbored resentment towards Jacob. Seeing John, his


    "If you die, I''ll definitely dress like this and go disco-dancing on your grave."


    John couldn''t be bothered to argue with a woman. "Come with me."


    Isabe took out the invitation and looked proud. "No need. I have a reserved seat."


    While they were talking, Avery had already gone upstairs. Martin used to enjoying here. He didn''t


    have many hobbies, but he liked collecting antiques.


    From the bronze cauldrons to jade artifacts, he had bought quite a few when the family was affluent.


    No one knew that in his leisure time, Martin would even make pottery himself, firing teacups and bowls.


    He was such a down-to-earth and artistic man. If the evidence weren''t irrefutable, Avery couldn''t have


    imagined that he couldmit such a heinous act.


    As Avery roamed through the antique-filled building, she saw some of the treasures behind ss


    disys, several of which looked very familiar. Weren''t they the treasures Martin had collected before?


    One wooden carving of Maitreya even had a small tooth mark on the money pouch. It was from the


    year she was six when Martin jokingly said there was candy in the pouch. She bit down hard, almost


    breaking her tooth. The wooden carving now had a small tooth mark, making it even more childishly


    adorable.


    Warm memories from the past filled Avery''s heart. Her eyes welled up a bit as if she were a child again,


    unwilling to leave the ss.


    When she snapped back to her purpose foring today, she turned around and met Jacob, who was


    also standing in front of a disy booth.


    He had a refined appearance, his ck wool coat outlining his sharp figure. He looked at her with ck


    pupils l, like a ck hole with no end in sight.


    Jacob only nced at her casually before retracting his gaze.


    "Excuse me." Avery walked past him with a cold expression as if the two of them had never


    intersected.


    La approached him with a smile, "Jacob, why are you here?"


    Sarah chimed in from the side, "Of course, it''s for you. La. You and Mr. Hill are really affectionate.


    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    You''re inseparable even before marriage. You can''t bear to be apart for a moment."


    Suddenly, Sarah noticed Avery''s presence. She grabbed Avery and, once again, without any regard for


    her own well-being, asked, "How did you sneak in? Where are the security guards? How did they let


    her in!"

 Chapter 91 The Banquet

    Chapter 91 The Banquet


    Chapter 91 The Banquet


    At this moment, the banquet had not yet officially begun. Everyone was scattered around, sizing up the


    exhibits. When Sarah called out, they all craned their necks to look in their direction.


    La caught sight of the furrowed brow on Jacob''s face and exined while holding his arm, "Sarah


    and Avery were ssmates. They had some conflicts before. It''s inappropriate for you to get involved in


    the girls'' personal matters."


    Jacob pulled his arm from her grasp and calmly adjusted his perfect tie.


    Seeing that it was futile, La didn''t approach him any further. She continued reminding him,


    "Moreover, you are already divorced. If you help her, what will others think of your rtionship with


    her? We are about to be engaged, and the hospital preparations are underway. If negative rumors


    circte about you at this time, it will greatly impact the Hill Group''s stock price. For both reasons, you


    should distance yourself from her."


    "Who said I''m going to help her?" Jacob left without turning his head.


    Sarah became even more aggressive, provocatively pointing at Avery''s face. "Everyone, take a good


    look. This is the thief who managed to sneak in without an invitation. Be mindful of your valuable


    belongings."


    "Where is the person in charge? What kind of operation is this? Even such a thief was let in."


    Rudolf Olsen''s son, Zavier Olsen, hurriedly appeared. Zavier hadn''t seen Avery before and casually


    nced at her attire before drawing a conclusion, "Miss, please leave."


    Avery found it amusing but wasn''t angry. "Why should I leave?"


    Zavier exined, "Miss, every seat here is determined by the amount of donation. You don''t have a


    ce here."


    "Yeah, why waste time with such an audacious woman? Who knows if she''s detoxed or not? Look at


    her dressing; even standing next to her would diminish our status."


    Everyone''s words flew towards Avery like sharp des from all directions. Although they didn''t


    physically harm her, in unseen ces, they hurt her inside deeply. Words were the sharpest weapon.


    Avery stood still, showing no emotion, and calmly said, "I donated."


    "You donated? Ha, what did you donate? Five dors or three dors? Tell everyone."


    Avery didn''t want to make a fuss, but being forced into this situation, she had no choice but to speak


    lightly, "One hundred million."


    Jacob''s gaze fell coldly upon her, his handsome brows furrowed.


    He knew Avery''s indifferent attitude towards fame and fortune; she didn''t care about wealth and luxury.


    And she would never lie.


    He gave her two hundred million, and she donated a half. What was she thinking?


    "One hundred million? Are you kidding?"


    La added, "Miss Adams, it''s better to be honest. Lies will always be exposed. What are you


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    pretending to be if you can''t even show us your invitation?"


    "Who said she has no invitation?"


    "Who said she hasn''t donated?"


    Isabe and Rudolf''s voices sounded in unison as they rushed from different directions.


    Rudolf stopped in front of Jacob, saying, "Mr. Hill, I''m d to see you. I had someone arrange a seat


    for you when I knew you wereing. Please take a seat here."


    Jacob responded coldly, "Thank you."


    After that, Rudolf immediately turned his attention to Avery, wearing an obviously friendly expression on


    his face. "Miss Adams, I apologize for the negligence."


    Zavier and others had the same expression and quickly confirmed, "Dad, did she really donate one


    hundred million?"


    Rudolf red fiercely at his son. "Miss Adams has apassionate heart, unlike you, a blind fool."


    When he turned back, he became affable again. "Miss Adams, I personally arranged your seat. Please


    His respectful attitude gave everyone a chill. This young girl in the diamond down jacket really donated


    one hundred million!


    Was she crazy?


    That statement felt like a p across the faces of Sarah and La. Isabe was delighted!


    Avery walked expressionlessly past La without even giving her a nce.


    Isabe intentionally lingered for a moment. "Miss White, who is about to be Mrs. Hill, why are


    you still sitting behind Avy? Who gave you the audacity to assert yourself in front of her?"


    "Isabe, don''t be too audacious."


    Isabe raised an eyebrow at her. "If you die, do you think I won''t be audacious in front of your


    tombstone?"


    La was furious.


    All of Isabe''s previous frustrations disappeared instantly.


    She didn''t hold back at all. Instead of sitting next to Avery, she chose to sit next to La and raised her


    hand. "Sir, I''m Avy''s good friend. Can you add a seat for me?"


    "Sure."

 Chapter 92 The Adams Mansion

    Chapter 92 The Adams Mansion


    Chapter 92 The Adams Mansion


    Isabe took her seat, and the lights in the venue dimmed. La lowered her voice and threatened,


    "Isabe, don''t push your luck."


    "Huh? Is this considered pushing my luck? I thought it was announcing your identity as a homewrecker


    that would be pushing my luck."


    The dim light fell on La''s face, making her look pale. Isabe smiled happily. "You can''t stand me,


    huh? But you can''t do anything to me. La, I have prepared evidence for all the things you''ve done. If


    you dare to provoke me and Avy again, I can''t guarantee that I won''t make it public. If I were you,


    having gained an advantage, I''d behave myself and stop showing off outside."


    La red at her fiercely but didn''t dare say another word.


    Avery didn''t expect to encounter Jacob again so soon after parting ways with him.


    There was nomunication between them, appearing as though they were strangers to each other in


    the eyes of others.


    They maintained the same cold indifference, not caring about others'' bidding at all.


    After all, the liveliness belonged to others; it had nothing to do with them.


    As the auction of the exhibits drew near its end, Rudolf personally took the stage to host.


    "The next item up for auction has a long history, spanning a hundred years."


    A picturesque ancient garden mansion appeared on therge screen.


    The Adams Mansion was built by the ancestors of the Adams family andter redesigned and


    renovated, preserving history while adding some modern touches. The most critical factor was its


    excellent location.


    It was situated in the busiest area of the city, making it ideal for personal use or business purposes.


    Avery saw the familiar courtyard with plum blossoms about to bloom. She remembered Martin burying


    many bottles of wine under the tree, saying he would wait until she got married and had a child before


    digging them up to drink.


    He dug up a bottle of wine when she got married, but he never got to see her have a child.


    Rudolf said, "The starting price is 0.2 billion. Feel free to bid if interested. It''s impossible to find another


    mansion in this location."


    Avery and Jacob raised their paddles simultaneously. "0.4 billion."


    The two voices ovepped, and Avery looked at Jacob, not understanding why he wanted topete


    with her.


    This mansion held significant importance for her, but what did it mean to him?


    Jacob''s phone vibrated, showing a message from La on the screen.


    [Jacob, I want Adams Mansion.]


    Avery deliberately kept one billion specifically for this property. The Adams Mansion''s prime location


    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    andmercial value were worth between 0.5 and 0.6 billion at a professional appraisal-an absolute


    maximum of 0.6 billion.


    "0.42 billion."


    Avery seemed poised for victory. When she raised her bid for the second time, Jacob was the only one


    who picked up his paddle to continue bidding.


    "0.6 billion."


    He suddenly jumped the price to 0.6 billion, indicating that he intended to secure the property and


    signaling Avery not to raise the bid further.


    He knew her bottom line; she had donated half her fortune, leaving her with a maximum of one billion.


    One billion was an astronomical figure for others, but it was merely a drop in the ocean for the wealthy


    Hill family with ancestors who were sessful merchants.


    Avery clenched the paddle tightly, gritting her teeth as she continued to raise the bid, "0.7 billion."


    Avery was also using this method to tell Jacob that she would never back down. The Adams Mansion


    was significant to her!


    However, Jacob raised his paddle again. "0.8 billion."


    Isabe, who had been able to confront La just a second ago, now had no mood for it. Jacob was


    clearly bullying Avery!


    Others might not know, but he couldn''t possibly be unaware of the importance of this property to Avery!


    La''s mouth curled into a triumphant smile. "If it reaches one billion, how will Avery continue?"


    Isabe couldn''t understand before, but now she suddenly realized.


    "It''s not Jacob who wants the Adams Mansion; it''s you."


    La looked pleased with herself. "Jacob will give me whatever I want."

 Chapter 93 Lose

    Chapter 93 Lose


    Chapter 93 Lose


    Isabe was full of hatred, unable to bear such a despicable person in the world. She lowered her voice


    and said, "Isn''t stealing her man and bing Mrs. Hill enough for you?"


    La sneered, "If it weren''t for her, I would have married Jacob long ago. She stole what belonged to


    me."


    "Miss White, your shamelessness truly deserves recognition in the Guinness World Records. I


    guarantee that for the next hundred years, no one will be able to surpass your record. I used to think


    my shamelessness was quite remarkable, but I can''t help but feel inferiorpared to you. After all,


    your shamelessness goes beyond anyone, past or present."


    "Isabe, I advise you to speak to me more politely," La threatened with crossed arms.


    "You''re getting agitated!" Isabe had always been able to make people furious.


    "Now, I don''t think it''s me who is agitated." Isabe remained indifferent, contrasting sharply with Avery,


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    who was in the midst of turmoil.


    Avery had already raised the price to one billion. Jacob knew her bottom line; he only needed to add


    another 20 million to secure the Adams Mansion sessfully.


    Seeing no paddle raised by Jacob, Rudolf tentatively asked, "Is anyone else willing to bid?"


    "One billion once."


    Jacob''s phone vibrated incessantly in his pocket.


    "One billion twice."


    Isabe also held her breath. It was no longer just apetition for the Su mansion but a contest over


    Jacob''s heart between two women.


    His phone vibrated once again.


    "One billion..."


    Rudolf had lifted the hammer, and Jacob spoke coldly, "One billion and 20 million."


    Avery''s body trembled lightly; she knew she had lost, utterly defeated.


    La raised the corners of her mouth in a victorious smile. Condescendingly, she told Isabe, "As I


    said, Jacob will give me whatever I want."


    Isabe stared fiercely at the back of Jacob''s head, wishing her gaze could prate through his skull.


    Avery bit her lip tightly, watching La ascend the stage to express her gratitude to Jacob for giving her


    the Adams Mansion.


    It felt like a bucket of icy water had been poured down on Avery.


    She couldn''t hear what they said afterwards; it was as if the world had gone silent. All she felt was the


    intense coldness creeping through her body.


    Even though she was sitting under the heater and wrapped in a down jacket, she felt an icy chill


    permeate her entire being. She even saw darkness creeping into her vision. She had to grip the


    armrest tightly and close her eyes to steady herself for a few seconds.


    Isabe knew that Avery was initially in control, but the sudden appearance of Jacob had disrupted all


    her ns.


    "Let''s go," Avery stood up.


    Isabe supported her, knowing that Avery''s time was limited, wanting to fulfill every wish she had to


    the best of her ability.


    She didn''t want her to leave this world with any regrets, except there was nothing she could do about


    this matter.


    "Avy..." Isabe looked at her with deep concern.


    Despite her extreme disappointment, Avery maintained a reassuring smile,forting Isabe, "I''m


    fine. Maybe it''s just not meant to be for me."


    La was a new love to Jacob, while Avery was just a ything to Jacob; it was clear who would win.


    She was not surprised by Jacob''s decision.


    He had always been interested in tormenting her, and this was indeed the best opportunity to strike her.


    Isabe saw her disappointment and didn''t know how tofort her. She could only hold her and say,


    "Let''s go."


    Avery remained silent on the way back without showing much disappointment on her face. She leaned


    her cheek against her hand, quietly looking at the scenery outside the window.


    "Let''s take a stroll along the coastal road," Isabe suggested.


    "Okay."

 Chapter 94 Delete His Contact Information

    Chapter 94 Delete His Contact Information


    Chapter 94 Delete His Contact Information


    The night view of the coastal road was famous for its beauty. The wide asphalt road shimmered with


    bright lights on both sides, resembling a path to heaven that stretched into the unseen distance.


    Avery lowered the car window, allowing the sea breeze to blow in.


    The cool sea breeze swept through her neck, chilling her heart.


    Isabe controlled the steering wheel, reminding her, "Don''t catch a cold."


    "Just let it blow for a little while." Avery rested her hands on the car window, resting her head on her


    arm and closing her eyes, enjoying the freedom brought by the wind.


    "Isabe, I''ve made up my mind. After I die, scatter my ashes into the sea."


    Isabe mmed on the brakes, stopping the car at the side of the road. "Avy, it''s not funny to joke like


    this at night. It''s not funny at all."


    Avery got out of the car, breathing in the sea-scented air. "Originally, I nned to buy back the Adams


    Mansion and have you bury me under the plum tree in our family courtyard. But since he didn''t give me


    that opportunity, it doesn''t matter. After all, it won''t make much difference whether I''m buried


    somewhere or scattered at sea. In the end, we''re all reduced to a handful of ashes."


    Isabe embraced her and couldn''t help but cry, "Why does it not matter? If you''re buried in the Adams


    Mansion, I will have a ce to visit you. If you''re buried at sea, would I have to borrow an amulet from


    the Dragon King to see you?"


    Avery smiled at her, finding her amusing. "You are quite a character."


    "Avy, you look so beautiful when you smile. Smile more, okay?"


    "Okay." Avery raised the corners of her mouth high. "After experiencing so much, I''ve learned to let go


    of many things. Sometimes, the harder we try to attain certain things or people, the more elusive they


    be."


    "But upon careful thought, I did love someone with all my heart and experienced emotions that exist


    only in literature. Now everything has been swept away by the wind, and it''s time for me to let go."


    Isabe held her tightly, unable to let go of her sorrow. At this moment, she med herself foring


    from an ordinary background,cking both power and wealth, making her unable to help Avery.


    Every time this happened, she detested capitalists who stood above everyone else, effortlessly taking


    away everything precious to others.


    She secretly vowed that one day, she would earn a lot of money and climb to the ce she hated the


    most, lowering her head to observe the mortal realm. But at that time, would the person she cared most


    about still be there?


    Isabe took Avery to a barbecue restaurant by the beach. Avery ordered a bowl of soup, watching


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Isabe happily enjoy skewers and drinks as she vented her frustrations.


    This evening, she repeated a hundred times that she wanted to skewer Jacob and La together like


    kebabs and continuously roast them on the barbecue grill.


    On the other hand, Averyughed as she sipped her soup and opened her phone.


    The conversation box that had been pinned, with the nickname changed to "Mr. Hill," Avery clicked on


    his profile picture.


    His profile picture remained unchanged: a couple photo they had taken together, with him dressed in


    ck and her in white.


    If zoomed in, one would notice that his ck shadow carried that of another woman, while her profile


    picture featured his shadow.


    Back then, she had proudly shown off her photography skills, saying that it represented "you exist


    within me, and I exist within you" as if their shadows were inseparable.


    Avery pressed the "delete" button, and as the pinned conversation disappeared, it felt like he vanished


    from her worldpletely.

 Chapter 95 To See Her

    Chapter 95 To See Her


    Chapter 95 To See Her


    Taking advantage of Isabe going to the boss to peel garlic, Avery changed her profile picture to a


    photo taken by Isabe without her knowledge.


    She took a picture of the seascape and captioned it: Distant.


    Avery had no idea that, at this moment, there was a car parked downstairs in her apartment building.


    Jacob saw her figure as she walked away.


    Thinking about the one billion she donated made him uneasy, just like when she jumped off the


    building.


    He wanted an answer.


    While Avery and Isabe hadn''t returned yet, he waited in the car.


    Until John spoke up, "Mr. Hill, Mrs. Hill is still eating barbecue. She won''te back soon."


    "Where is she?"


    "It looks like she''s on the coastal road. Mrs. Hill just posted something on her Instagram."


    Jacob immediately opened his phone, and on Instagram, he saw a post shared an hour ago by a


    wellness guru titled "Shocking! Eating boiled eggs can lead to this disease!"


    The timestamp showed it was posted twenty-two minutes ago.


    "When did she post this?"


    "Twenty-two minutes ago." John noticed Jacob''s expression turning colder and his voice bing


    quieter. "Mr. Hill, can''t you see it?"


    Jacob tightly gripped his phone, gritting his teeth. "She deleted me."


    That was awkward. She deleted Jacob but didn''t delete John. John cautiously reminded, "Mrs. Hill also


    changed her nickname and profile picture."


    Jacob snatched the phone from him immediately.


    Her profile picture was now a photo of herself. Under the dim streetmp, the soft light outlined her


    blurred profile. The wind ruffled her hair while the smile on her lips appeared especially gentle, creating


    an atmosphere of tranquility.


    Jacob touched her lips with his finger, feeling only the cold touch of the screen.


    She once said that even if she died, she would never change their couple profile picture.


    The new post showed an indistinct image of the sea. Jacob asked, "What is she trying to express?"


    "Mr. Hill, this goes beyond my area of expertise. I''ve never been in a romantic rtionship. But usually,


    when girls change their profile pictures and post on Instagram, it''s because they''ve been hurt. Tonight''s


    events... Mr. Hill..."


    John didn''t finish his sentence, as Jacob had indeed acted unfairly.


    "I know."


    "Mr. Hill, you''ve been too lenient with Miss White. Take Willowbrook, for example. It was clearly built by


    you for Mrs. Hill, and you put so much thought into dresses. She insisted on having them, even thoughThis text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    they didn''t fit her properly. Even the name of the hospital that was originally set was forcefully changed.


    Mrs. Hill must be very heartbroken."


    Jacob didn''t exin. "Go to the coastal road."


    "Yes."


    Based on Isabe''s recent post, John easily guessed the location and quickly arrived near the


    restaurant.


    When Avery helped the heavily drunk Isabe out, snowkes began to fall from the sky.


    At first nce, she saw a tall and slender man standing on the roadside, almost blending into the


    darkness. She might not have noticed him if it weren''t for the flickering crimson light in his hand.


    Isabe pushed past her and vented her anger under the streetmp, cursing loudly, "You! If I could


    fight you, if I were as wealthy as you, without yourckeys by your side, I''d take a cleaver today and


    swing it at your head..."


    John quickly reached out to cover her mouth and said to Avery, "Miss Adams, let me take your friend


    home first."


    Isabe pushed his hand away, shouting, "Hey, handsome guy! Why do you look so much like the


    <pckey around that bastard, Jacob?"

 Chapter 96 Laylas Plan

    Chapter 96 La''s n


    Chapter 96 La''s n


    John twisted the corner of his mouth, unable to agree with her dressing Jacob like that.


    "By the way, thatckey is not as handsome as you. He always has a serious face like this."


    Isabe also imitated John. Seeing her dragging and pushing towards the car, Isabe patted the seat


    next to her. "Hey, handsome boy, do you want me to take care of you?"


    Just as John was about to refuse, Isabe added, "I''m best at taking care of dogs. The previous one I


    raised became healthy and strong..."


    John was speechless.


    Avery did not expect to see Jacob there. She quickly suppressed her uneasiness and calmly asked, "


    Isabe..."


    He extinguished his cigarette and said word by word, "John will send her home."


    She wasn''t worried about John''s character but rather about what was going on between her and Jacob.


    He put his hands in his pockets, and the gentle snowkes danced around him, creating a beautiful


    scene. He looked towards Avery and said, "Shall we chat?"


    Avery didn''t even give him a nce and said, "Mr. Hill, I have been behaving well recently. I haven''t


    had any contact with any men. I even unfriended Nic. I stay far away from any man whoes close to


    me."


    "So you unfriended me too?" Jacob gritted his teeth.


    "I didn''t delete your number. I can stille when you call."


    "Avery."


    "Mr. Hill, there''s no need to send me home. The car I called for has arrived."


    Avery hurriedly got into the car. Just as she was about to close the door, a man''s hand reached in. On


    his wrist was a watch worth 1.6 million, shining brightly under the streetlight.


    Jacob stood tall, his imposing figure blocking the streetmp''s light behind him.


    Large snowkes fell gracefully under the streetlight, quickly umting on his shoulders and head.


    His long arm rested on the edge of the car door, and his dominant presence overwhelmed Avery. He


    looked at her face and spoke with an authoritative tone, "I think we should talk."


    He emphasized his words, which signaled danger.


    She looked up and saw his slightly raised chin, exuding an inherent sense of nobility.


    His tall figure blocked out the outside lights and the snow, making the already cramped carriage feel


    even more oppressive and confined.


    And she was overshadowed by his shadow, always being the powerless one in this marriage.


    She raised her head and calmly stared at him, saying, "Or are you suggesting that we do it now?"


    It seemed that besides this agreement, they had no other connection.


    Her words left Jacob speechless, not knowing how to respond.


    Taking advantage of the situation, Avery got in the car and coldly instructed the driver, "We can leave


    now."


    Jacob''s figure grew distant into the wind and snow; it felt as if her dream from her student days was


    also drifting further away.


    That night, Avery was constantly on edge, afraid of retaliation. Jacob had finally been quiet for a few


    days, but La couldn''t sit still.


    Soon, Avery learned that La intended to tten the Adams Mansion and turn it into an animal


    breeding and ughterhouse.


    In anger, Isabe cursed for half an hour, "She''s so heartless. If it weren''t for the fact that the area can''t


    be turned into a crematorium, I bet she would specialize in dealing with dead people. Isn''t she


    disgusting?"


    Avery''s face turned serious. La was indeed ruthless. Instead of living or selling the house, she


    wanted to use it to disgust her.


    Originally, it wouldn''t have been a problem formercial or residential use. The problem was that the


    backyard had the Adams family''s ancestral temple and the tomb of the Adams family''s ancestors. The


    Adams family had nned to relocate, but the fortune teller said it couldn''t be touched as it would bring


    bad luck.


    Avery didn''t care about what the fortune teller said, and it didn''t matter if La targeted her. But now


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    she wanted to disturb the Adams family''s ancestral tomb, and Avery couldn''t remain indifferent


    anymore.

 Chapter 97 The Call

    Chapter 97 The Call


    Chapter 97 The Call


    In the present moment, La was ying with the two children in the warm room. They were fraternal


    twins. The elder brother, Ethan Hill, had a name personally chosen by Jacob, while the younger sister


    was named Cynthia Hill by La.


    "Cynthia,e to Mommy."


    Cynthia, physically weaker than Ethan, couldn''t walk as steadily as him. Over the past few days, Ethan


    had already been able to walk on his own without any problem, but Cynthia had to move slowly with the


    support of the sofa.


    She called out "mom" like a baby bird.


    "You''re such a good girl. Mommy will give you a hug."


    La then looked at Ethan. "Ethan,e to mommy too."


    Ethan nced at her momentarily, then quickly looked away, showing no intention ofing over. The


    indifference in his eyes mirrored that of Jacob.


    Ever since Jacob sent him back, this child would always look outside, ignoring everyone around him.


    He became even more introverted, and even though he would asionally call out "mom" when he fell


    asleep, no amount of snacks could coax him to say it when he woke up.


    Doubts arose in La''s heart. This child seemed to have no affection for her from the beginning.


    Even though they came from the same womb, their personalities werepletely different.


    La''s gaze fell on him, lost in thought when her assistant walked in. "Miss, everything has been taken


    care of. I used my connections to expedite the approval process, and it should go through soon."


    La handed the children over to the nanny, opened a bottle of red wine, and watched the dark red


    liquid flow into the ss. Her lips curled up slightly. "I want to see how long she can keep her


    "Miss, in fact, Mr. Hill and Avery have already divorced. Mr. Hill ispletely devoted to you. Why go


    through all this trouble?" the assistant said.


    La coldly red at the assistant. "What do you understand?"


    The assistant trembled in fear and quickly lowered her head. "Yes, I spoke out of turn."


    La knew well that Jacob''s kindness towards her had nothing to do with love but was merely out of a


    sense of duty. She initially thought that Grace''s death would make himpletely disgusted with


    Avery, but after they divorced, his feelings towards Avery seemed even stranger.


    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    As long as Avery remained, La could not find peace.


    She had waited for several days but couldn''t wait for Avery to walk into the trap herself. She didn''t


    believe that Avery could still feel settled after turning the Adams Mansion into a ughterhouse.


    Soon enough, Avery''s number appeared on her phone screen, just as she expected.


    Lazily answered the call. "Hello."


    "It''s me, Avery." Avery''s voice sounded slightly annoyed.


    "What business do you have with me?"


    "La, it''s obvious to everyone what you want. Why pretend to be ignorant?"


    "In that case, no need for small talk. I''ll be waiting for you at Willowbrook. Oh, and bring Isabe


    together."


    After saying that, La hung up the phone directly. Avery''s expression darkened. La was clearly


    looking to humiliate her further. Last time, Isabe stood up to her, and now La was waiting to settle


    the score together.


    Avery looked at Isabe, who was currently making soup in the kitchen, humming a tune,pletely


    unaware of what was going on.


    "Be, I''m going to the supermarket. I''ll be back soon."


    "Do you want me to apany you?"


    "No need, I just need some fresh air."


    Considering Avery hadn''t been involved in any entertainment activitiestely and focused solely on


    taking care of her health, Isabe didn''t suspect anything. "Thene back early. I made soup for you


    tonight."


    "Okay."


    Avery smiled and nodded, grabbing her hat and scarf, fully wrapped up, and hailed a taxi to leave.

 Chapter 98 Laylas Arrogance

    Chapter 98 La''s Arrogance


    Chapter 98 La''s Arrogance


    On her way, she had considered all the possibilities that could happen. But all she had to do was


    abandon her pride and cooperate with La.


    Actually, it wasn''t difficult at all.


    What did self-esteem matterpared to death?


    That was her first time entering the interior of Willowbrook. The decoration style was to her liking - blue


    arches, horseshoe-shaped windows, gray mud walls, and white curtains that appeared even more


    mysterious and romantic under the sea breeze.


    Unfortunately, the owner of the house was La.


    Under the guidance of the servant, Avery arrived in the living room - spacious and bright, with a 270-


    degree panoramic window that offered a clear view of the sea from every angle.


    She hadn''t seen La yet when suddenly something hung on her leg. It was none other than Ethan,


    whom she hadn''t seen for some time.


    "Mom." His pronunciation had improved since thest time, and his chubby cheeks were very cute.


    The child''s eyes sparkled like stars in the sky. Seeing him again, Avery felt a sense of familiarity in her


    heart.


    Ethan opened his arms towards Avery while drool trickled down from his plump lips. "Mom, hug..."


    Avery wanted to rub his head, but the nanny hurriedly came and took Ethan away.


    "Oh my, my little master, go upstairs quickly. Your mom has something important to do."


    Ethan was very dissatisfied with being taken away forcibly, so he started crying and reached out his


    arms towards Avery. "Mom, mom."


    Avery''s heart clenched as well. She had unexpectedly developed suchplex emotions towards


    La''s son.


    La arrived btedly from the second floor. She heard Ethan''s voice from afar. "Good boy, you finally


    know how to call Mommy. Mommy wille and y with youter."


    Ethan ignored her and continued looking in Avery''s direction.


    La sat down on the sofa. A servant approached and asked pleasingly, "Madam, what would you like


    to drink?"


    Resting her head on her handzily, La looked at Avery and said, "I heard your skill at cooking


    cakes is good."


    "If it''s a requirement of getting Adams Mansion, I can bake for you." Avery got straight to the point.


    With a smile, La replied, "Avery, as someone from a business family, haven''t you been taught that


    you have to give something in order to get something? You''re standing here today. I assume you came


    to discuss Adams Mansion with me. What qualifications do you have to negotiate with me?"


    "What do you want to eat?"


    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    "The servant will inform you."


    Following the servant''s instructions, Avery baked a te of honey cake.


    "Too sweet."


    Avery baked again for the second time.


    "Too hard."


    She could always find reasons and excuses for the third and fourth tries. On the fifth try, she poured the


    egg mixture directly onto Avery''s hair.


    Suppressing her anger, Avery let the mixture of batter and egg drip down her hair.


    Avery lowered her head, her long eyshes hiding her emotions. Her voice was very low, making it


    difficult to discern her feelings.


    "Miss White, I am not a cook, so naturally, I cannot bake something that suits your taste."


    However, La continued to boast shamelessly, her face full of arrogance.


    "Avery, I hold grudges. Didn''t I tell you to bring Isabe? This is the consequence of not listening to


    me."


    Avery was well aware that La''s current audacity and arrogance were all supported by Jacob, while


    she had nothing and even had to rely on others. Hence, La felt she could mistreat her without


    consequences.


    As La happily enjoyed Avery''s misery, Avery, who had kept her head down all along, suddenly


    moved.


    Avery was very swift. She picked up the remaining half-bowl of egg mixture and pped it onto La''s


    face.

 Chapter 99 Threaten Layla Successfully

    Chapter 99 Threaten La Sessfully


    Chapter 99 Threaten La Sessfully


    La clearly did not expect Avery to dare to resist. The hairstyle she had just made was ruined like


    that.


    She was so mad that she immediately screamed in anger, "Ah! B*tch, what did you do to me? No one


    has ever dared to treat me like this!"


    Avery took two steps back. La''s entire face was covered in batter, making it hard to see where Avery


    was. She frantically scratched on the spot.


    Sensing the wind, she tried to take a few steps forward, but her batter-covered slippers caused her to


    trip and fall.


    "La, I''ve never been treated like this before, either. You are a pampered princess, but am I not?


    What gives you the right to act superior over me?"


    While La was covered in dough, Avery pped her hard twice and kicked her mercilessly.


    "This p is for my dead child, and this p is for my failed marriage."


    "Ah, I''ll kill you! You b*tch! Maids! You idiots, why are you just standing there?"


    Being pped and kicked by Avery, La was so enraged that she couldn''t speak coherently.


    The only maid in the kitchen was already terrified. When the other maids wanted toe and save


    La, Avery grabbed a sharp knife that she had noticed.


    "Don''te any closer!"C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    La''s face was covered in egg batter, and she couldn''t open her eyes. She felt the coldness of the


    knife against her neck.


    "If you move again, I''ll kill you!"


    La was terrified. She never expected Avery, whom she used to bully, to suddenly be so fierce!


    La swallowed and said, "Avery, if you dare to hurt me, Jacob won''t let you off!"


    Avery sneered and said, "He hasn''t let me off either. La, why do you always want to take everything


    away from me? Now you even want to take the Adams Mansion away from me. We have no


    grievances, but you keep pushing me. Since things havee to this, we might as well die together."


    As she spoke, Avery brought the knife closer, causing La to scream in panic, "Stop, if you kill me,


    you will die too!"


    "Anyway, I don''t have much time left. It wouldn''t be a big loss to exchange your life for mine. You''re the


    esteemed Mrs. Hill, unlike me. I have nothing to lose. La, would you apany me in death?"


    La trembled in fear. "Don''t do anything rash!"


    Avery sighed. "What choice do I have? I just want to take back what belongs to me. You easily


    obtained what I worked so hard for and casually destroyed it. I have nothing, so I can only drag you


    down with me."


    "It''s just the Adams Mansion. I''ll give it back to you!"


    La had prepared a lot of tricks to torture Avery, but she didn''t expect the situation to end so quickly.


    Avery suddenly became like a mad dog, and La was genuinely afraid that Avery might do something


    drastic and kill her.


    "How can I trust you? You''re the type of person who promises something one moment and goes back


    on your word the next. I might not have such a good opportunity next time."


    Did she want another chance?


    La quickly said, "I''ll call and cancel the application now. I''ll write a guarantee letter on the spot to


    transfer the Adams Mansion to you. If you don''t believe me, you can immediately have awyere


    and notarize it."


    Avery whispered, "La, do you really think I don''t have any leverage against you? In the past, I just


    didn''t want to ruin our rtionship, but if you dare to provoke me again, I''ll expose your affairs with


    Jacob online!"

 Chapter 100 Want His Mommy

    Chapter 100 Want His Mommy


    Chapter 100 Want His Mommy


    When Avery was excited, she grabbed La''s hair with a fierce face and said.


    "Isn''t he the one who ims to be a good and loyal man? Aren''t you his first love? I think the whole


    nation would love to know that he has an ex-wife and that you, the envied Mrs. Hill, are actually a


    vicious woman! I have all the evidence!"


    Avery knew that this threat might not work on Jacob. He was a god-like figure who didn''t care about


    mortal opinions.


    But La was different. She had worked so hard to achieve everything she had today, and her


    reputation meant everything to her.


    This threat was enough to make her tremble in fear.


    "Alright, I understand. It''s just the Adams Mansion. I''ll give it back to you. Keep the knife away."


    "Lastly, let me warn you about one thing. If you dare to cause trouble for my friend, I will ruin your


    reputation, Miss White. You are a smart woman, so you should understand the concept of not


    sacrificing the big picture for small gains. Don''t end up with nothing to show for your efforts."


    Avery used to think that engaging in such petty fights was beneath her, but now she realized that it


    didn''t matter as long as it felt good.


    La felt like her scalp was about to be ripped off. She had been so arrogant before, but now she was


    in a sorry state.


    "Yes, yes, I''ll do as you say. The knife hurts my neck."


    The de of the knife pressed against La''s neck, and blood slowly seeped out...


    Avery did apply some force to make her bleed, but not enough to endanger her life.


    "Remember this pain, and if there''s a next time, I''ll kill you."


    "Yes, I understand!" La trembled in fear and decided to stay away from this crazy woman in the


    future.


    Avery finally released La''s neck. Lained while kicking the maid. She went upstairs to take


    a shower and change clothes.


    Ethan, who was forcefully taken away, kept crying loudly. He kept calling for his mother or father, but


    the nanny''s efforts didn''t soothe him.


    The nanny''s phone fell out of her pocket, and Ethan saw it. He crawled over and grabbed the phone,


    drooling as he said, "Papa, talk."


    asionally, when Jacob wanted to video chat, he would call the nanny. The nanny had no choice but


    to give Jacob a video call.


    Jacob always prioritized matters concerning Ethan, so when the video call connected, he saw Ethan''s


    red eyes. Ethan was crying like a little rabbit and pitifully called out, "Papa."


    This little brat rarely cried even when he fell down, so why was he crying sadly now?


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Jacob''s deep voice sounded, "What''s wrong?"


    "I''m sorry, Mr. Hill, but Mr. Ethan has been acting strange today. Ever since a guest came to the house,


    he wanted to get closer to the guest. After I took him away, he started crying."


    The nanny was loyal to Jacob, so she didn''t have any reservations and told him the truth.


    "A guest?" There weren''t many people who could make Ethan willingly approach them, and even La


    couldn''t get a good reaction from him.


    "It seems to be Miss Adams." The nanny didn''t know about Avery and Jacob''s rtionship.


    At this moment, Ethan seemed to have noticed something and walked quickly towards the window. The


    nanny hurriedly followed. "Mr. Ethan."


    Ethan was on the second floor and could see Avery on the terrace, wiping her hair with a wet wipe.


    He suddenly became very excited and leaned against the floor-to-ceiling window, calling out


    repeatedly, "Mommy, mommy."

 Chapter 101 Jacob Hung Up the Phone

    Chapter 101 Jacob Hung Up the Phone


    Chapter 101 Jacob Hung Up the Phone


    Avery sensed something, so she turned back and looked up at the window above her head. A kid in a


    fur sweater was pressing his hands and chubby face on the ss like a little pr bear, looking cute.


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    The soundproof window blocked his voice, but she knew he was greeting her. Such a cute kid instantly


    cured her, so she smiled and waved at him.


    When Jacob saw the scene, he felt as if returning to the first time he had met her. On that sunny


    morning, the girl with a high ponytail had also waved to him with a bright smile. Although ten years had


    passed, he was hit by her smile again. But he soon realized she must not have gone to Willowbrook for


    no reason. She had gone there for Adams Mansion!


    After Jacob hung up the phone, John told him about the matter of the ughterhouse.


    Jacob swept the ashtray to the ground with a bang because La had gone too far. Then, he


    indifferently said, "Get the car ready."


    Avery felt a little cold in the sea breeze. She didn''t want to stay in the vi specially built for La, so


    she would rather let the cold wind blow her.


    La simply washed up and came downstairs in a bathrobe and a shower cap. Her neck was slightly


    scratched. When the manicurist she had made an appointment with arrived, she condescendingly


    leaned back on the cream-colored leather sofa and let her do her toenails.


    When Avery returned to the living room, La gritted her teeth with hatred but was no longer as


    arrogant as before.


    She then coldly said, "I can give Adams Mansion to you, but I have two conditions."


    Avery frowned, "Do you want to bargain with me?"


    "Money doesn''t grow on trees. The mansion is worth 75 million dors. So, you should agree to my


    conditions."


    Avery impatiently asked, "What are your conditions?"


    "First, leave Astrie. Second, disfigure yourself."


    Avery asked, "Are you insane? Do you know what you are talking about?"


    La casually threw a fruit knife on the carpet and said, "I just want to keep you away from Jacob. If


    you ruin your face, you will no longer be mypetitor. I have the evidence against your father. Do you


    want me to make it public?"


    Seeing Avery''s expression be sullen, she happily continued, "Neither of us is innocent. But I will


    give you a mansion worth 75 million dors if you ruin your face and leave Astrie."


    Avery hade here for one more thing in addition to Adams Mansion. She had wanted to know


    whether La was the person behind the scenes. But ording to what had happened just now, Avery


    had confirmed she was not. La didn''t know she was terminally ill, so she must not have wasted her


    time on such things. But who on earth was the person behind the scenes?


    While Avery was deep in thought, La winked at the maid beside her. Then, the burly servant kicked


    Avery''s calf hard from behind, causing her to kneel on the plush carpet.


    Then, the maid pulled the knife out of its sheath and said, "Miss Adams, please."


    When Avery looked at the knife, she saw her face reflected in the bright de and frowned, "La, I


    did not agree."


    The maid unscrupulously said with a ferocious smile, "Miss Adams, you have no choice. Don''t worry.


    After ruining your face, Miss White will give Adams Mansion to you."


    Avery struggled hard, but the maid was very strong. After a while, she said, "Since you can''t do it by


    yourself, I will give you a hand."


    Then, she raised the knife and shed at Avery''s face.

 Chapter 102 Ethan Became More Emotional

    Chapter 102 Ethan Became More Emotional


    Chapter 102 Ethan Became More Emotional


    Suddenly, Ethan standing at the top of the stairs cried loudly.


    The maid was so frightened that she stopped moving. Although La was not close to Ethan, she was


    his mother. So, she didn''t want him to see bloody scenes and coldly said, "What are you doing? Hurry


    up and take Ethan away!"


    The maids hurriedly rushed toward Ethan. La was upset by his sudden cry, so she sullenly urged,


    "What are you waiting for? Ruin her face."


    Suddenly, a maid shouted upstairs, "Oh my God! Mr. Ethan has a lot of small red spots on his body and


    face. It must be an allergy."


    La impatiently ordered, "Call the doctor!"


    She wanted to deal with Avery more than take care of Ethan. After all, it was a once-in-a-blue-moon


    opportunity.


    Avery looked at her in disbelief and said, "Isn''t he your son? He''s so young. When he cries badly, you


    should hold him in your arms and coax him!"


    La mockingly smiled, "If you had ruined your face just now, I would have gone over tofort him."


    Hearing Ethan crying miserably upstairs, Avery felt heartbroken. He was not her child, but she


    somehow cared for him very much. Instinct drove her to drop the knife and go to hug him. Ethan also


    burst out with amazing strength and broke free from the maid''s grip.


    "Mr. Ethan!"


    The maid''s horrified voice echoed through the house when Ethan fell to the ground and rolled down the


    stairs. Fortunately, Avery ran fast enough and instantly held him in her arms. Then, she found his


    flushed face full of red spots, snot, and tears.


    Ethan threw himself into her arms and shouted, "Mom!"


    The picture of a loving mother and a filial son hurt La''s feelings, so she shouted in anger, "Avery,


    don''t try to stall for time. If you don''t want to do it, I will help you."


    After she winked at two maids, they approached Avery. And another maid tried to snatch Ethan from


    her arms.


    Despite the chaos, La sat on the sofa without moving because her manicure was not done yet.


    Seeing this, Avery realized not everyone deserved to be a mother. The situation was chaotic, but La


    didn''te tofort her son. In her heart, Ethan was less important than her toenails, let alone


    Avery''s face. Avery felt sympathetic to Ethan and understood why he clung to her so much.


    Ethan became more emotional and held her tightly with both hands. Seeing this, Avery had no reason


    to let go. As the maids pushed and pulled her, she rolled down the stairs with Ethan in her arms.


    This ident reminded her of the child she had failed to save in the sea, so she protected Ethan with


    her arms and tried to withstand all hits with her body.


    After they rolled down the stairs, she smiled at the frightened child and said, "Don''t be afraid. I will


    protect you."


    Ethan looked at her in a daze and even forgot to cry.


    La did not rush over to check on him but continued to urge, "Cut her face right now."


    A maid approached Avery with a knife and said, "I''m sorry, Miss Adams."


    No one here dared to offend the future hostess of the Hill Group, so they must obey her orders.


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    After rolling down the stairs, Avery felt dizzy and weak, so she could not stand up and could only


    helplessly watch the de approaching her.


    When the maid raised the knife, a familiar voice suddenly roared, "Stop!"

 Chapter 103 Please Listen to My Explanation

    Chapter 103 Please Listen to My Exnation


    Chapter 103 Please Listen to My Exnation


    The voice sounded powerful like an angry beast king roaring in an ancient deep forest.


    Seeing Jacob running over, La was so panicked that she stopped doing her nails and quickly stood


    up, spilling nail polish all over the floor. And the bright red nail polish stood out on the white carpet.


    "Jacob, please listen to my exnation."


    He ignored her and quickly rushed over.


    The burly maid nced at him out of the corner of her eye but did not stop what she was doing.


    She was La''s confidant ra whom La had brought back from abroad. ra had begun to work


    in the White family before La''s mother''s death. She knew some fighting skills. She was 5.7 feet tall


    and weighed 150 kilograms, so she was burly among women.


    ra had heard Jacob''s voice, but she knew Avery was a thorn in La''s heart and decided to pull it


    out no matter what. So, she chose to continue although he had asked her to stop.


    Just one sh would be enough because it could ruin Avery''s pretty face. And the wound would never


    recover like the rtionship between Avery and Jacob. There was a rift, so they would never get back


    together.


    No man would love a woman with a scar on her face. And Jacob would fall in love with La over time.


    So, ra decided to attack Avery despite the huge risk.


    Bang!


    Hearing the gunshot, the maids were so frightened that they screamed and fled in all directions.


    After the bullet knocked the knife out of ra''s hand, John approached her and kicked her calf, forcing


    her to kneel. Then, he fixed her hands behind her back and said, "Don''t move! "


    The bullet had grazed her arm. If it had been a little lower, it would have damaged her hand. She was


    scared by the gunshot and did not dare to move.


    Jacob helped Avery up and asked in a muffled voice, "Are you okay?"


    Despite the pain, Avery thought she was fine. Her forehead was bleeding, but she didn''t worry about


    herself at all. Instead, she hugged Ethan and said, "Send for a doctor. He has an allergy."


    Her anxious look was in sharp contrast to La''s leisurely face. After La got closer to Jacob, she did


    not pick up Ethan but tried to shirk responsibility, saying, "She pushed Ethan downstairs. He is so


    young. But she attempted to murder him. How cruel she is!"


    Her acting skills were clumsy. If it were in the past, Jacob would not expose her. But he was fuming


    with anger today, so he grabbed her by the cor and said, "La, I''m not blind."


    La was stunned to hear this. She wanted to defend herself, but Avery had no time to talk nonsense


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    with her. Regardless of her bleeding wound, she quickly put Ethan on the sofa and ordered, "Bring a


    towel and cold water over. I will give him a coldpress. John, go to some allergy medicine."


    "Yes, Miss Adams."


    John let go of ra and quickly left the vi.


    La wanted to take the opportunity to me Avery, so she happily said, "Jacob, did you hear her


    vicious words? She intends to give Ethan a coldpress on such a cold day. His allergy is serious,


    but she still wants him to catch a cold!"


    Avery couldn''t bear it anymore, so she shouted, "Shut up! Are you his biological mother?"

 Chapter 104 Avery Didnt Bother to Talk Nonsense With Her

    Chapter 104 Avery Didn''t Bother to Talk Nonsense With Her


    Chapter 104 Avery Didn''t Bother to Talk Nonsense With Her


    La thought Avery''s question was ridiculous, so she asked, "Do you think he is your son?"


    "If you were his mother, you wouldn''t have been so indifferent. He has an allergy and fell, but you didn''t


    protect orfort him. Instead, you falsely used me. Don''t you have the sting of conscience?"


    La retorted, "Don''t think you can make Jacob change his mind by ndering me. I gave birth to


    Ethan in front of him. So, he knows Ethan is my son."


    Avery didn''t bother to talk nonsense with her. It was proved that La was unsuitable to be a mother.


    After Ethan''s nanny came over with water, Avery unbuttoned his shirt and used a towel to wipe him. It


    must be unbearably itchy, so he should have been crying and fussing. But unexpectedly, he quieted


    down, intently stared at her with his big ck eyes, and tightly held her clothes with one hand. He


    seemed afraid of nothing when she was by his side.


    "Stop! What are you doing to my son?"


    La disagreed with the coldpress.


    Avery coldly nced at her and said, "Coldpress can constrict blood vessels and reduce the


    itching. He is ufortable. If he scratches, the allergic area will expand. And it may cause a high


    fever."


    La wanted to refute her words, but Jacob coldly snapped, "Shut up."


    Avery had never heard him speak to La like this during the past two years. La felt so aggrieved


    that she soon started to make trouble again.


    "I have always been careful with Ethan''s diet. How could he have an allergy for no reason? What did


    he eat?"


    A maid replied, "He ate half a piece of the honey cake baked by Miss Adams."


    La widened her eyes and said, "Avery, you are cruel! You know he is allergic to honey, but you gave


    him a piece of honey cake!"


    Avery said in surprise, "Is he allergic to honey?"


    She had not expected Ethan to be allergic to honey like her.


    "Stop pretending! You came to ask me for Adams Mansion and offered to make a cake to please me.


    You are a guest, so I didn''t drive you out. Unexpectedly, you nned to kill my son. If you hate me, you


    should attack me! How could you hurt a child? Don''t you have a conscience? Jacob, look at my neck!


    She attempted to kill me, too!"


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    La knew Jacob cared about Ethan the most, so Avery had vited his taboo. If she passed the buck


    to Avery, he would not me her for what had happened.


    Avery finally knew why La had asked her to make a honey cake. She had been plotting against her


    from the beginning. Even if Avery ruined her face as requested, thetter would not give her Adams


    Mansion! La was a cunning woman who used her son to scheme against people so she would not


    keep her word!


    At the thought of this, Avery felt more sympathetic to Ethan. Judging from La''s actions, Avery knew


    she was not a qualified mother.


    Jacob did not defend La as usual but sternly said, "Shut up! You have been ming others since I


    came in. But you have not shown any care for Ethan. You don''t deserve to be his mother."


    Jacob then nced at her clothes. She wore white peep toe slippers, and the half-painted nails looked


    disgusting.


    "Jacob, I..."


    "Get out! I don''t want to see you."


    Jacob did not want to help her save face. He thought he was merciful because he didn''t beat her to


    death on the spot.

 Chapter 105 Be Nicer to Ethan

    Chapter 105 Be Nicer to Ethan


    Chapter 105 Be Nicer to Ethan


    He suppressed his violence and anger. If he gave one more look at La, he would snap her neck off.


    After all, she would have hurt Avery if he hade a littleter.


    La had only jealously fought for his favor in the past, so he had turned a blind eye. He had not


    expected the small fight between women to be such a thing. He looked at the wound on Avery''s


    forehead and said, "Go to treat the wound. Leave Ethan to Gail."


    Gail was Ethan''s nanny. Seeing the rash under control, Avery breathed a sigh of relief and left the rest


    to her.


    But Ethan instantly said, "Mom!"


    Seeing her leaving, he panicked and stopped being well-behaved.


    Avery was heartbroken to hear him crying, so she returned to hug him. Then, Ethan stopped crying and


    obediently snuggled into her arms.


    When Jacob brought cotton swabs over, Avery subconsciously avoided his touch. But he coldly


    ordered, "Don''t move."


    The vi was full of La''s people, and he was the only person she could trust. So, she stayed still.


    He knew she feared pain, so he gently dealt with the wound. Avery endured the pain without making a


    sound. She used to be a delicate girl, but his emotional abuse in the past two years had gradually


    forced her into what she was now. She did notugh,in, or even cry in pain.


    When he looked at her hair, he saw some egg liquid residue. So, the anger surged from his heart and


    spread to his internal organs. Then, every cell in his body was full of rage. When distracted, he


    inadvertently put forth more strength and poked the wound hard with a cotton swab.


    Avery was caught off guard and gasped in pain.


    He hurriedly asked, "Did I hurt you?"


    He raised her chin with his fingers and softly said, "I''ll be gentler."


    His voice sounded intimate, so she looked away and said, "It doesn''t hurt."


    He quickly treated the wound and put a pink band-aid on it. Girls all wanted to look attractive, so he


    chose a cute band-aid for her. He retained such a habit.


    But she distantly said, "Thank you."


    She calmly distanced herself from him and continued, "It''s gettingte. Be is waiting for me for


    dinner. Look after Ethan. I''ll leave now."


    "I''ll ask Jason to send you back."


    "OK, thank you."


    When Avery handed Ethan to Jacob, he immediately said in tears, "Mom, hug me."


    Avery gently touched his hair and said, "Good boy. I wille to see you."


    Ethan sobbed and refused to let go, but Jacob forcibly pulled him over as if he were a chick. Meeting


    his cold eyes, Ethan stopped crying.


    Seeing him so obedient when facing his father, Avery suddenly thought it would be great if Ethan were


    her son. She quickly shook her head when she realized how terrible the thought was.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Jacob said, "I will give you an exnation for what happened today."


    But Avery just replied, "Be nicer to Ethan."


    Then, she quickly left the vi. Looking at the sea outside, she thought if her son had not died, she


    would have pampered him instead of using him as a tool to win a man''s favor.


    Avery''s heart ached when she thought of her son, who had never breathed in fresh air. After she took a


    few steps, she suddenly fainted in front of Jason.


    "Mrs. Hill!"

 Chapter 106 Call Me Mom Again

    Chapter 106 Call Me Mom Again


    Chapter 106 Chapter 106 Call Me Mom Again


    After Jason worriedly supported her, she soon woke up.


    "Mrs. Hill, are you okay? I''ll send you to the hospital."


    Avery shook her head, "No need. I just had hypoglycemia."


    She had fought with La and saved Ethan just now, so she had used up all her energy.


    Jason nervously looked at her and said, "You''re getting increasingly weak."


    "I''m fine. Please send me back."


    After Avery left, John came back with the medicine. Because of the coldpress and antipyretic drug,


    Ethan''s allergy quickly subsided without causing further damage.


    Jacob patiently examined him and found he was unscratched. It seemed Avery had protected him well.


    After so many things, Ethan was tired. So, he grabbed Jacob''s shirt and fell asleep in his arms.


    After Jacob handed him to Gail, La leaned over and said weakly, "Jacob, please believe me. Avery


    came to ask me for Adams Mansion. She made the cake to please me. After I refused her, she uttered


    arrogant words and attacked me with a knife. ra snatched the knife from her to protect me. Avery


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    even wanted to take Ethan as the hostage. Fortunately, you came in time. Otherwise, the


    consequences would have been disastrous. "


    Her words were full of loopholes. Jacob didn''t bother to argue with her on such a meaningless topic, so


    he went straight to the point and said, "I want Adams Mansion."


    La was shocked to hear this. She would not have the trump card to restrain Avery without Adams


    Mansion, so she could not give it to him no matter what.


    "Jacob, please believe me. Avery is good at acting."


    He shook her away when she leaned on him and said, "I know her better than you do. And I also know


    what kind of person you are. I don''t care about what you did. But it doesn''t mean I''m blind! La, I


    gave you everything you want. You''d better stop where you should stop. Don''t let Daniel''s death


    be meaningless! This is yourst chance!"


    She did not give up when he stood up and said, "But I''ve already asked people to go through the


    formalities."


    Jacob coldly looked at her with murderous intent and said, "I am noticing you instead of discussing it


    with you. Take good care of Ethan. Don''t do stupid things. If you go too far, I will not attend the


    engagement ceremony."


    After finishing speaking, he walked away. His tone was not harsh, but it made La depressed. After


    all, he had never talked to her in such a tone in the past two years!


    "Avery is a b*tch!"


    La threw everything on the table and walked upstairs with a gloomy face. She was so upset that she


    even kicked her cat when it passed.


    When she saw Gail, she got angrier. So, she pped her in the face and said, "You trash! You can''t


    even look after a child."


    Gail pursed her lips. Jacob had sent her here to care for Ethan, so La always scolded her first.


    Another maid had fed the honey cake to Ethan when Gail had gone to the bathroom. But La still


    vented her anger on her.


    Gail knew La''s personality well, so she didn''t dare to confront her but lowered her head and let her


    scold her.


    "I get upset when I see you! Get out! I don''t want to see you."


    "Yes."


    La looked at Ethan''s little sleeping face. He resembled Jacob very much. She thought it was


    because his father was Jacob''s cousin. But Ethan had hugged Avery and called her Mom. The scene


    was a thorn in La''s heart. So, she tried to wake him up.


    Ethan was in a daze and muttered, "Mom."


    "Good boy. Call me Mom again."


    La was excited because it was Ethan''s first call to her Mom. Ethan was far superior to Cynthia in IQ


    and many other aspects. Since Cynthia could call her Mom, she was sure he could do it too. But he


    was unwilling.


    After Ethan woke up, he found Avery was gone. When he saw La, his confused eyes instantly


    became calm. Then, he pursed his pink lips and refused to say a word.


    La anxiously said, "Baby, call me Mom."


    But he did not make a sound. When he put on a long face, he looked like Jacob.

 Chapter 107 Please Go Through the Formalities

    Chapter 107 Please Go Through the Formalities


    Chapter 107 Please Go Through the Formalities


    La waited for a while, but Ethan did not reply. So, she vented her anger on him.


    "You brat, I gave birth to and raised you. But you are unwilling to call me Mom! Instead, you happily


    called that b*tch Mom. What a fool! You are good for nothing but your face."


    Then, she turned him over and spanked him hard. Ethan didn''t know his mistakes, so he cried severely.


    When Gail returned, La stopped spanking him, threw him into her arms, and said with a threatening


    look, "He has quite a temper. Gail, I''m warning you. I will kick you out if you dare to tell others about it."


    Although Ethan was not Jacob''s biological son, thetter loved him very much because of his face.


    Moreover, Jacob felt guilty for the deceased child. La wanted to use Ethan to marry him, so she


    must not anger him for such a thing.


    Children''s skin was delicate. After La left, Gail found Ethan''s buttocks were red. After caring for him


    for a year, she had built a bond with him. So, her eyes immediately turned red. And she thought La


    was inferior to Avery, although she was Ethan''s mother.


    Gail wanted to tell Jacob about it. But after a second thought, she realized it was no big deal. La had


    just taught her son a lesson without causing any severe injuries. If Jacob argued with La for this


    matter, thetter would know she was his spy. La was narrow-minded, so she would not let her take


    care of Ethan anymore after knowing the truth. Therefore, Gail could only swallow the grievance and


    continueforting Ethan.


    On the roadside near the sea, John yed the surveince video recorded by the hidden camera in the


    vi. When Jacob saw La pour egg liquid on Avery''s head, the blue veins on the back of her hand


    popped out. Fortunately, Avery had fought back. So, he gradually rxed.


    But it was just an appetizer. La''s following behaviors were outrageous. When Ethan had an


    ident, she did not go to protect him but continued to ask people to ruin Avery''s face. He would not


    have been intact if Avery hadn''t saved him at all costs. After all, the stairs were steep.


    John was also shocked to see this and said, "Outsiders would think Miss Adams is Ethan''s mother if


    they see this. Why doesn''t Miss White care about her son? What a cold-blooded woman! Mr. Hill, are


    you sure you will marry her?"


    There were no surveince cameras in the bedroom. Judging from the videos in other ces, La''s


    attitude toward the children was not very warm or cold. But after watching this video, Jacob had seen


    how selfish she was. He leaned back on the chair, sighed, and said, "I owe her a lot. I have no choice."


    John didn''t know their past, so he wondered what had forced Jacob to marry her.


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    "I want to transfer Adams Mansion to Avery. Please go through the formalities."


    "Yes."


    When Jacob tightly closed his eyes, he repeatedly saw La pouring the egg liquid on Avery''s head


    and Avery rolling down the stairs with Ethan in her arms in his mind.


    John suddenly said, "Miss Adams fainted when she left. Fortunately, she soon woke up. Mr. Hill, you


    always say she is pretending to be sick. But I think she is sick for real."


    These words stabbed Jacob''s heart like a knife.


    He opened his eyes and coldly said, "Notify the White family I will postpone the engagement


    ceremony."

 Chapter 108 Isnt the Man Jacob

    Chapter 108 Isn''t the Man Jacob


    Chapter 108 Isn''t the Man Jacob


    John was efficient and immediately had the property notarized. Avery knew she had gotten the


    mansion because she had risked her life to protect Ethan, although she had not thought so much back


    then. He was La''s child, but Avery regarded him as innocent.


    Knowing the minor injury on her eyebrow bone had helped her regain Adams Mansion, she showed a


    self-mocking smile. When she closed her eyes, she thought of how La had forced her to kneel and


    couldn''t help clenching her fists.


    Avery had gotten back to Adams Mansion, and Jacob had not bothered her. So, she had been in a


    good mood for the past two days.


    She had asked Lee to investigate Martin and received some photos from him today. Isabe had


    washed some cheeriest for her, so she took them over. When she saw the images, all the cherries fell


    on the carpet.


    Isabe was eating cherries, so her mouth turned red. When she turned back and saw Avery''s pale


    face, she hurriedly asked, "What''s wrong? Has your stock dropped to its limit down?"


    Avery didn''t answer but broke out in a cold sweat with a bloodless face.


    "What''s going on? Does an evil spirit possess you? I''m timid. Please don''t scare me! Isabe muttered


    while picking up the phone from the ground.


    The screen was on, so she saw a photo. It was the scene of a car ident. Arge truck rushing from


    the green belt hit a ck car.


    "Isn''t it your dad''s car? Are you okay? Why were you looking at such a photo?"


    Avery recovered from the shock and tremblingly said, "Look at the other photos."


    Isabe also saw something wrong and seriously asked, "Isn''t the man Jacob?"


    In the next photo, Jacob quietly stood under a tree near the car ident. The dappled sunlight came


    through between the branches of the trees and shone on his handsome face, making him look cold and


    scary. And he remained aloof when watching the car ident.


    When Avery grabbed Isabe''s hand, she found her palm cold and sweaty.


    "Avy, calm down. You can call him to ask about it."


    Avery tremblingly said, "Do you think it is a coincidence?"


    "Well..."


    Avery said through gritted teeth, "It is not an ident. Jacob schemed it."


    Isabe said, "Maybe he just happened to pass by."


    Avery tightened her grip on Isabe''s arm and said, "When my dad''s ident happened, several other


    car idents simultaneously caused the traffic congestion. So, the ambnce failed to rescue him in


    time. If he had been treated in time, he wouldn''t have suffered such a sequ or stayed in the hospital


    for the past two years. Be, it''s Jacob. He schemed everything. He made my dad have a car ident


    and caused the other idents to dy the rescue. He wanted my dad to die in pain in the ident!"


    Isabe was at a loss for words. Then, she said, "But it is murder. Although Jacob is a jerk, I don''t think


    he would murder his father-inw."


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Tears rolled down Avery''s face. She was crying, but there was a bitter smile on her lips.


    "You don''t know him. He is unscrupulous."


    He had used the ashes of that family to nt flowers. So, it was not surprising that he dared to murder


    others.


    "I thought he just got revenge on my dad by bankrupting the Adams family. I have never expected the


    car ident to have anything to do with him. He is a devil! He is a murderer!"


    "Avy..."


    Isabe was eloquent but didn''t know how tofort her.


    This photo only showed Jacob had gone to the car ident scene. It could not prove he was the


    culprit. But Avery firmly bel

 Chapter 109 Determined to Take Revenge

    Chapter 109 Determined to Take Revenge


    Chapter 109 Determined to Take Revenge


    Avery waspletely disheartened. She had thought that Jacob wouldn''t be so heartless even if he


    was not a good person. But now she realized that she didn''t know him at all.


    "Be, you know what? On the day my father had an ident, I was at home preparing food because it


    was Jacob''s birthday..."


    Isabe handed her a few tissue papers to wipe her tears, but her tears kept running down her face,


    quickly wetting the tissues.


    "Jacob never celebrates his birthday because he shares the same birthday with his sister. Every time


    it''s their birthday, his mood is not good. In order to cheer him up, I tried my best. I remember clearly


    that I prepared a lot that day, but he didn''te back. Instead, I received the news of my father''s


    ident and critical condition."


    Avery held her chest, crying and gasping for breath. "I once thought that if our doomed fate had to be


    resolved with death, I would rather die. But now I regret it. Why is the one who''s going to die me and


    not him? Why did I get a terminal illness? Why is it so unfair?"


    "Avy, calm down first. Just because he appeared at the scene doesn''t mean he nned the ident.


    Who sent you the message? What if it''s someone with ulterior motives?"


    "This is a detective I especially hired to investigate my father''s case. I have no grudges with him, so


    why would he scheme against me? It was his sister''s birthday that day, so he wanted it to be the


    anniversary of my father''s death! Maybe he didn''t expect it to be dyed for so long, and my father


    managed to survive."


    Avery forced a bitter smile. "I used to think that he spared the Adams family because of me. Maybe at


    some point, he even wanted to kill me. Oh right, my child!"


    "He must have intentionally not saved me. My father didn''t die, so he wanted me and my child to pay


    for his sister''s life."


    Isabe hugged Avery. "Avy, don''t suddenlye up with conspiracy theories. I''m getting chills on my


    back now. Jacob loved you so much. No matter what happened, he would never want to kill you."


    "Be, you''re right. What do I owe him? Why should I sympathize with him for losing his sister and


    turning into this? Aren''t I the most miserable one? I lost my father, my child, and the home I relied on to


    survive. I let La trample on me again and again, let her pour egg liquid on my head, and kneel


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    before her. Why did all this happen?"


    Avery overturned her previous understanding, her expression bing extremely crazy.


    "He thinks he''s superior, able to control the life and death of others, right? I want to see if he can


    control my life and death!"


    Isabe looked at Avery''s crazy expression and felt a chill in her heart. "Avy, don''t be like this. I''m


    scared..."


    "Be, I will get it back. La and Jacob owe me, and I will make them pay for their actions! Baby, it


    must be you in heaven who let me know the truth, right?"


    Avery was like a soulless doll, walking step by step towards the bathroom, murmuring, "After I take


    revenge for you, I will go apany you. Wait a bit longer. Mommy wille soon."


    Suddenly, Avery stopped, turned back to look at Isabe, and said with a cold voice, "Be, La did


    all those terrible things. Why did my child die but hers is still alive..."

 Chapter 110 If Ethan Died

    Chapter 110 If Ethan Died


    Chapter 110 If Ethan Died


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    In Isabe''s heart, Avery was someone cheerful who had received a good education since childhood


    and had the right values and good manners.


    She never stooped to using any means. Although she was born into a wealthy family, she never looked


    down on ordinary people, and she was confident and noble, so it was not surprising that Jacob would


    like a girl like Avery.


    After all, even Isabe liked her a lot. Many times, Avery''s decisive and neat appearance made her feel


    ashamed.


    But the woman in front of her right now wasn''t like Avery at all. She was like a broken doll, with


    exquisitely beautiful eyes devoid of any emotions, making Isabe feel uneasy.


    "Avy, what nonsense are you talking about?"


    Avery cried andughed as if she had gone crazy.


    These few photos overturned and rebuilt her values.


    Avery now realized that kindness was the foundation for others to bully her at will.


    With tears streaming down her face, she said word by word, "He won''t help me find Leon at all. He just


    wants to have a reason to bully me. And I''ve been waiting for my father to wake up with all my heart."


    "Avy."


    "I''m like a dog he raised. asionally, when he''s in a good mood, he gives me something, and I have


    to be grateful and careful not to offend him. In his eyes, I should be like a clown. I''m obviously so


    painful, but I have to please him, while he can rub salt into my wounds at will!"


    "Avy, calm down."


    "Calm down? Be, how can you expect me to calm down? Clearly, all the misfortunes I''ve


    encountered are caused by them. Why should it be me who dies and not them?"


    Avery''s current state made Isabe feel chills all over her body.


    "Avy, please don''t do anything foolish. Yes, I admit that La is a despicable b*tch, but her child is


    innocent. Don''t have any evil thoughts."


    Avery lost her mother at an early age. She and her father depended on each other. In her mind, family


    was more important than anything else.


    Later, she had a child, and that child became her everything.


    She had thought that what Martin and her child encountered were idents, so she didn''t me Jacob


    for everything with an open mind.


    But now, things were different. The idents turned into deliberate murders. Jacob had hurt the two


    most important people in Avery''s life, so this matter would definitely not end well.


    To prevent a greater tragedy from happening, Isabe had no choice but to advise her earnestly.


    Avery smiled at her and said, "Be, what are you thinking? How could I harm the child?"


    "I hope not."


    Avery looked at the bright sun outside the window, the snow on the trees melting in the sunlight, and


    the water dripping from the eaves.


    Drop by drop.


    Like umted hatred and disappointment, each drop formed a small stream.


    Avery murmured, "I''m just curious. When my child died, Jacob didn''t show any sadness and didn''t even


    bother to look at the small body. If the dead one is Ethan, his son who looks so much like him, would he


    feel a little bit sad?"


    Hearing this, Isabe was frightened, and a chill ran down her spine. She quickly grabbed Avery''s


    hand, persuading her carefully.


    "Oh my poor Avy, please don''t have such thoughts. It''s all my fault for saying those things. Reborn for


    revenge is only a plot in novels, and we don''t need that. Jacob and La are despicable, but Ethan is


    innocent, and you once had a child as well..."

 Chapter 111 Square Box

    Chapter 111 Square Box


    Chapter 111 Square Box


    After listening to Isabe''s words, Avery''s face became even more excited. Her beautiful eyebrows and


    eyes also had a hint of ferocity as she sternly said.


    "Of course Ethan is innocent. Then what about my dead child? Is he not innocent? Shouldn''t Ethan be


    the one who died instead?"


    Avery covered her painful heart and looked extreme. "If Ethan hadn''te to this world, my child


    wouldn''t have died."


    "You''re crazy. How can you have such extreme thoughts? Avy, listen to me. Although I may seem


    carefree, I truly believe in fate. Everyone has a predetermined fate in this world. Your baby just


    returned to heaven early to be an angel. Perhaps he''s watching over you when you look up, Avy.


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    He wants you to live well and not do anything that will make you regret it for the rest of your life. Think


    about your pain. You''re so kind, so you wouldn''t want others to go through the same, right?"


    Avery turned to look at her, her gaze piercing as she said word by word, "Do you know how I''ve spent


    this year? Why could La''s family be so happy when my family was destroyed? Why could Jacob do


    whatever he wants?"


    "I really want to make them taste the pain I''ve endured a thousand times over."


    "Avy." Isabe looked at her with concern.


    Suddenly, Averyughed. "Don''t look at me like that. I won''t do anything until my father wakes up."


    "Avy, I know that unless I have experienced hardships myself, I shouldn''t advise others to be kind. I


    only hope that you can live peacefully. You must stay calm."


    "Don''t worry. I''m calmer now than ever."


    Isabe was extremely worried and didn''t know what Avery was nning in her heart. She felt helpless.


    When she left, she heard Avery humming a song. It was that luby.


    She remembered when Avery was pregnant, not only did Avery buy a lot of toys for children, but Avery


    also downloaded many lubies.


    She said to Avery teasingly, "The child hasn''t even been born yet, and you''ve already learned so many


    lubies. Be careful not to hypnotize yourself."


    Avery touched her belly, a gentle smile on her lips. "It''ll be toote to learn after giving birth. By then, I''ll


    definitely be in ast-minute panic. It''s my first time being a mother, so I have no experience and have


    to prepare well. Actually, he can feel it. Every time I hum a song, the baby behaves well and doesn''t


    kick me. When he''s born, he''ll definitely be a caring little boy who loves me."


    "You''re so beautiful, and it''s good to inherit your or his father''s good looks. I can''t wait for the little guy


    to arrive."


    Avery longed for it day and night, but he never came into this world.


    She didn''t know that on the other side of the ocean, in these few days when Jacob didn''t bother her,


    Jacob had just experienced a catastrophe.


    A man wearing a mask jumped off a high bridge, and bullets shot from behind him like rain into the


    water.


    A ssh of blood dyed the surface of the water red.


    "He can''t escape. Chase him."


    Jacob emerged from the river, his whole body soaked. He quietly sneaked onto the shore while


    clutching his injured right hand.


    In his hand, he tightly held a square box. There was a hint of satisfaction on his face under the mask as


    he whispered, "Daniel, can you see it? I''ve retrieved it for you."


    Cold snow slowly fell from the sky, and Jacob carefully put away the box.


    He repeatedly touched the box, which Daniel exchanged for life, and softly said, "Don''t worry. I will take


    care of your wife and daughter for you."

 Chapter 112 Truth of Her Fathers Heart Attack

    Chapter 112 Truth of Her Father''s Heart Attack


    Chapter 112 Truth of Her Father''s Heart Attack


    A few days ago, Jacob had found Leon but did not tell Avery. This time, he went abroad not only for


    some things he needed to do but also for an important reason - he wanted to personally bring Leon


    back home.


    Avery would be very happy to see Leon.


    As he noticed the unintentional smile forming on his lips, Jacob quickly dismissed the thought.


    What did her happiness have to do with him?


    He had found Leon for her purely to control her life and death, and to torment her even better.


    After staying abroad for a few more days, Jacob suddenly received news of Leon''s disappearance.


    They had alreadymunicated beforehand, and he had even sent Martin''s pathology report, to which


    Leon gave a very professional opinion and agreed to perform the surgery.


    But when he really came to pick up Leon, Leon mysteriously disappeared.


    "Mr. Hill, I think Leon is a bit strange," John reminded him.


    Jacob''s expression returned to normal, but his eyes were gloomy. "We''ve been deceived."


    Clearly, Leon deliberately revealed his whereabouts to Jacob. He had agreed beforehand, and Jacob


    personally came to pick him up, but something went wrong and Leon disappeared without a word.


    Obviously, he was ying with Jacob.


    "He''s the first person in the world to refuse the Hill Group." John silently prayed for Leon.


    Jacob''s expression turned cold. "Spread the news on the dark web. The Hill family will offer a reward of


    15 million dors for Leon''s whereabouts, dead or alive."


    "Yes, Mr. Hill, but what about Mrs. Hill..."


    John knew that Avery and Jacob''s rtionship was not good at the moment. Martin was the bridge


    between the two. If Jacob broke his promise to her, their rtionship would only worsen.


    "She... Let''s talk about it when we return."


    It had been a few days, and Jacob didn''t know if the wound on her eyebrow had healed. Would it leave


    a scar?


    Just the thought of it made Jacob eager to see Avery immediately.


    "Let here to pick me up."


    "Yes, Mr. Hill."


    At this moment, Avery was taking care of Martin in the hospital.


    Jason conveyed Jacob''s message to her, and Avery suppressed the hatred in her eyes, answering in


    the calmest voice, "Okay."


    Martin was being taken care of by the nurses, lying in bed as if he were just sleeping. However, he had


    been relying on medication and nutrition to survive these days, and his body had clearly be


    thinner.


    When Avery wiped his arm, she noticed signs of muscle atrophy and even a few strands of white hair in


    his hair.


    A father was always the towering figure in his children''s hearts. When one day the children discovered


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    signs of their fathers aging, their hearts would be filled with mixed feelings.


    "Dad, whether you wake up or not, I will avenge you!"


    She wouldn''t let it go until she settled this ount.


    Avery rambled on about many things and only left when she saw the sun gradually setting. She had


    intended to go to the nurse station to give some instructions, but a young nurse suddenly stopped her.


    "Miss Adams, I remember that when Mr. Adams had a heart attack, you came to check the visitor


    registration form. I was too busy and forgot to mention it. There was a person who visited Mr. Adams''s


    ward that day. I chased after him to have him register, but he hurriedly left."


    Avery raised her head abruptly. "What did that person look like?"


    "He was a man, tall and estimated to be 5.55 feet tall, wearing a hat. I didn''t see his face clearly. He left


    through the secure passage, where there is no surveince."


    Avery pointed to Jason smoking in the nearby smoking area. "Is that person simr in build to him?"


    The nurse nodded.


    Obviously, it was either Jason or John.


    Avery sneered. They were truly Jacob''s loyalckeys!

 Chapter 113 Met Ben

    Chapter 113 Met Ben


    Chapter 113 Met Ben


    Jacob failed to kill Martin in the first car ident, so in the second one, he wanted to anger Martin to


    death. However, Martin didn''t die and became a vegetable.


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Avery clenched her fingers bit by bit, and her eyes were filled with immense hatred.


    As the sky darkened, Jason took her to the airport.


    Avery had a simple meal at the airport. It no longer mattered whether her father could wake up or not.


    What mattered was that as long as she was alive, she wouldn''t let them off easy!


    Anyway, she couldn''t live long. She could make a few more people suffer with her.


    Avery rested in the lounge for a while, looking at the flight schedule. She arrived five minutes early so


    that Jacob would think she was still as foolish as before, waiting here all along.


    The weather in Astrie had been good these past two days, with clear skies and no snow. Therefore, the


    ne arrived on time.


    When Jacob walked out of the VIP channel, Avery was about to approach him when she noticed


    someone standing beside him.


    Although she had only seen that man once, she would never forget him in her lifetime.


    Ben.


    He was the one who took Lily away from the Adams family back then, the father of La.


    Jacob and Ben walked side by side. Her mother couldn''t forget Ben for so many years and left


    everything behind to be with him, so Ben was naturally extraordinary.


    To be fair, Martin and Ben were equally good-looking, but Martin had an elegant temperament while


    Ben seemed more like a sharp knife.


    Just like now, he was already staring at her with a sharp gaze.


    Avery''s heart sank, and the hairs on her back stood up as if she were being stared at by a wild beast.


    Back then, she was so young. She didn''t know if he recognized her.


    As it turned out, not only did he recognize her, but he also stopped in front of her. His deep voice rang


    out, "Miss Adams, are you waiting for someone?"


    For a moment, Avery didn''t know how to face him.


    This was a grudge between the elders, but for a long time, she felt that he had taken away her mother,


    making her a child without a mother.


    "Yes," Avery replied in a calm voice, ncing at Jacob.


    Ben restrained the killing intent in his eyes. Perhaps feeling guilty towards her, he softened his voice


    and said, "Your mother often mentioned you in the past few years. Now that we''re all in Astrie, the


    doors of the White family will always be open for you. You cane and reunite with your mother


    anytime."


    "Okay."


    Avery looked at Jacob. Hisplexion was paler than before, with faint dark circles under his eyes,


    indicating that he hadn''t rested well these past two days.


    Now that Ben was his father-inw, Avery was somewhat curious about how he would treat his ex-wife


    in front of Ben.


    After all, Ben seemed to be a tough and upromising person. If Jacob dared to mistreat La, Ben


    would probably attack him directly.


    Avery remained silent, waiting for Jacob''s reaction.


    As it turned out, promises of love and sweet words were no match for reality.


    He only nced at her before diverting his gaze, treating her like a stranger.


    Before parting, Ben politely said goodbye to her, while Jacob walked past with an expressionless face,


    his long legs striding forward.


    It was as if a cold gust of wind swept past, and she was embarrassed.


    Avery understood that he didn''t want to expose their rtionship in front of Ben. Only after they left did


    she walk out from another door.


    Just as she opened the car door, a forceful hand pulled her into an embrace.

 Chapter 114 Her Act

    Chapter 114 Her Act


    Chapter 114 Her Act


    Even without looking, Avery knew who it was. The man in the back seat wore a nicely tailored suit that


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    entuated his perfect shoulders and waistline.


    The buttons on his shirt reflected a glimmer of light in the dark night, just like his aggressive eyes.


    It was just a silhouette, but highly recognizable.


    The scent of cedar on his body entered her nose, creating a hint of ambiguity in the cramped back


    seat.


    She suppressed the urge to push him away, focusing on preparing for her next n.


    "Where have you been?" She spoke first to break the silence in the car.


    When she let go of him, the good thing was that she no longer paid attention to his every move. She


    wouldn''t check histest updates on Instagram or click on his profile to see his new status over and


    over again.


    If it weren''t for Jacob sending someone to pick him up, she wouldn''t have known that he had been


    abroad.


    "On a business trip," Jacob answered concisely.


    He had wanted to mention the incident with Leon but felt that it would dampen the mood to bring up


    such a topic now.


    Now she was leaning against his arms, and her warmth was transferred to the surface of his thigh.


    In this cramped space, the intimate position made his heart uncontrobly ignite with heat.


    He couldn''t wait to do something.


    His slender fingertips moved along her delicate neck, leaving behind more warmth wherever they


    touched.


    Finally, his fingers rested on her brow bone as he carefully examined her face. His voicecked the


    usual coldness as he asked, "Is your injury healed?"


    In the dim light from outside, he could see a small scar on her brow, barely visible unless he looked


    closely.


    His rough fingertips gently rubbed her injury, and his breath lightly brushed against her forehead.


    "Thank you for that day."


    She had saved Ethan, so he showed her an unusual gentleness.


    Avery suddenly became curious. What would his expression be like if she killed Ethan?


    It was certainly not as gentle as now. Just thinking about that day made her feel a sense of anticipation.


    She wanted him to experience the feeling of losing a loved one.


    Her tone was light. "It''s nothing. I was once a mother too."


    The arm around her waist tightened abruptly. Avery continued, "Has Leon been found?"


    A hint of worry appeared between Jacob''s eyes. He didn''t hide anything and recounted the situation.


    "I have already offered a reward, and we will find him soon."


    These words sounded like excuses to Avery. She had already expected this result.


    He was determined to bring Martin to his death, so how could he really find Leon''s whereabouts?


    The promise he made in the past was just a way to restrain her.


    She never expected Jacob to be so convincing in his act.


    A mocking look filled Avery''s eyes.


    Jacob didn''t get her response and knew that she must be disappointed. He said again tofort her, "I


    will definitely find him."


    "Okay."


    Avery didn''t want to argue about this boring topic and took the initiative to change the subject. "It''s


    Ethan''s birthday banquet in a few days. Could I attend?"


    Jacob knew that the death of their child was a wound in her heart, and Ethan''s birthday was the


    anniversary of their child''s death.


    "You..."


    Avery raised her head, and in the night, the lights from countless households twinkled in her dark eyes.


    She licked her dry lips. "It''s been a year, and I want to move on."

 Chapter 115 Shower Together

    Chapter 115 Shower Together


    Chapter 115 Shower Together


    The look in her eyes was reflected in Jacob''s piercing gaze, and a faint halo danced on his handsome


    face, making it half light and half shadow.


    Just like his contradictory nature, sometimes an angel and sometimes a devil.


    Avery was uncertain when she proposed this. It was the first birthday party he and another woman held


    for their child.


    Their engagement banquet was postponed, and La, in order to dere her identity and status to the


    world, put the first birthday party on the agenda and sent out invitations to celebrities, wanting to make


    a big ssh.


    Clearly, Avery''s identity as an ex-wife was not suitable for attending.


    Although he didn''t say anything, his inherent arrogance was constantly exerting pressure, making


    Avery even more nervous.


    Even she didn''t realize that her clenched palms were sweating.


    He stared at her seriously for a while beforezily saying, "Okay."


    With the affirmative answer, Avery''s tense body rxed quietly.


    She dared not show too many emotions in front of Jacob. His deep eyes seemed to be able to see


    through her calctions with just one nce.


    The car soon arrived at the Hill Mansion, and she knew what he had in mind.


    Jason had already opened the car door for her. There was no snow tonight, but the wind was strong,


    and the biting cold wind prated her body from all directions.


    Jacob didn''t walk as fast as before, but stopped not far away, seemingly waiting for her.


    He didn''t go forward again until she got out of the car. Avery followed behind him at a steady pace.


    She didn''t have a good impression of the Hill Mansion, but for the sake of her n, she had toply


    for now.


    The door on the second floor opened, and reluctantly, Avery followed in, still wearing her shoes.


    The moment her toes stepped into the room, her body was pressed against the wall. "Ja..."


    Before she could finish her words, she was overwhelmed by his powerful aura.


    He showed no mercy, and his kiss was like a storm as if he wanted to devour her whole.


    Avery couldn''t understand why he didn''t go find his new lover upon returning to the country but instead


    stayed with her, his enemy.


    Wasn''t he supposed to be disgusted with her?


    While she was lost in thought, Jacob had already unzipped her down jacket, and sure enough, there


    was a sweater inside.


    Without the protection of the down jacket, she instantly lost her sense of security.


    Struggling to separate from him, Avery ced her hands on his chest. "Mr. Hill, I know you''re in a hurry,


    but please be patient."


    In the darkness, Jacob''s hoarse voice came, "Avery, I''m very patient tonight."


    Even if she were an onion, he had plenty of time to peel off heryers.


    "Let me take a shower together. I''ve been in the hospital all day."


    "I don''t mind."


    He was such a pervert.


    She pushed him hard. "Just wait for a moment."


    Avery trotted into the bathroom, calcting how to politely and tactfully refuse him.


    As the door was about to close, a slipper forcefully wedged itself at the edge. The next second, Jacob''s


    tall figure squeezed in.


    "Let''s shower together."


    He casually took off his suit jacket, revealing a white shirt underneath.


    His slender fingers unbuttoned his shirt, loosening the cor slightly. In an instant, he lost his restraint


    and politeness, bing casual and wicked.


    His pitch-ck eyes stared at her face, and he said, "Judging by your expression, do you have any


    objections?"


    Avery quickly found an excuse. "I... don''t..."


    Before she could finish her sentence, he forcefully pulled her into his embrace. Her soft body instantly


    lost control, and she weakly grabbed onto his shirt. He supported her waist to barely stabilize her


    shaking body.


    After steadying herself, she subconsciously moved away, but he gradually forced her to the edge of the


    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    washbasin.

 Chapter 116 Attend the Banquet

    Chapter 116 Attend the Banquet


    Chapter 116 Attend the Banquet


    Jacob ced his hands on both sides of her, his tall body slightly leaning forward, imprisoning her


    within his controble range.


    Jacob loved the feeling of being in control and superior.


    And she was like prey, with nowhere to escape.


    He looked down at her, his eyes filled with aggression. He lifted her chin with one hand and kissed her.


    "Even if you have any objections, keep them to yourself."


    He was dominating, unreasonable, and arrogant.


    Avery wanted to escape his confinement, but he lightly lifted her waist, causing her to be ced on the


    table.


    She didn''t know what part of him she identally touched in her haste, causing Jacob to stop.


    It was then that Avery noticed that his left arm was stained with blood.


    The blood was like plum blossoms blooming in the snow, gradually staining the white gauze.


    Avery finally found an excuse and hurriedly pushed Jacob away. "You''re injured."


    Jacob instinctively wanted to avoid her gaze. "It''s nothing, just a minor injury."


    "With so much blood flowing, how can it be a minor injury? The wound must have reopened.


    Rebandage it quickly."


    He raised an eyebrow. "You do it."


    Bandaging his wound was better than having sex with him.


    With this excuse, Avery didn''t give him the chance to make love with her that night.


    ......


    In the blink of an eye, it was Ethan''s first birthday banquet.


    The dinner was held on a cruise ship, a location personally chosen by La. She probably wanted to


    show off her achievements to Avery.


    A year ago, she won Jacob on the cruise ship.


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Even now, when Avery saw the vast blue ocean, she could still recall Jacob''s back as he fearlessly


    swam toward La.


    And the feeling of gradually sinking into the sea and being swallowed by the water was so helpless.


    As night approached, Jason arrived as promised to pick her up, as noisy as ever.


    "Mrs. Hill, it''s very lively on the cruise ship tonight. There are many performances and even a fireworks


    show."


    His intention was for Avery to have a good time after a difficult year, but he overlooked the fact that


    today''s festivity was for Jacob and La and had nothing to do with Avery.


    Avery casually chatted with him without much interest. She was thest one to board the ship.


    Jacob had considered her feelings, fearing that she might encounter people from the White family and


    feel embarrassed.


    Jason was used to seeing Avery in a down jacket, so when he saw her unexpectedly wearing a gown


    today, his eyes lit up. "Mrs. Hill, you look beautiful today."


    She had never apanied Jacob to any events in the three years they had been together, so she


    had never had the asion to wear a gown.


    Today, she had dressed up specifically for this asion, even changing into high heels. Soon, her


    presence attracted the attention of men and the jealousy of women.


    Many people didn''t know her identity and many men approached her.


    Sarah widened her eyes in anger. "She''s still unting herself shamelessly, which is so disgusting."


    "Sarah, why do you have so much resentment towards her? I think she looks fine. She''s beautiful, has


    a good figure, and her attire isn''t inappropriate."


    "Humph, it''s Mr. Ethan''s first birthday banquet today. She''s wearing a white gown and a white veil. Is


    she here to mourn?"


    "Tut-tut, Sarah, don''t talk nonsense. If La hears this, she''ll definitely shut you up. Don''t say such


    things on such a joyous day."

 Chapter 117 Still out of His League

    Chapter 117 Still out of His League


    Chapter 117 Still out of His League


    Sarah was still reluctant, unhappy with the fact that Avery could always be the center of attention


    whenever Avery showed up.


    Andrew walked up in a gentlemanly manner. "Hi, Avery! It''s really rare to meet you on an asion like


    this."


    "Hello, Andrew!" Avery politely greeted him. "I used to hate going to this kind of event. Andter, after


    my family went broke, there was no chance for me to attend them."


    "Come on, Avery! You can just casually throw around one hundred million. If you didn''t even have the


    chance, then nobody on this ship would do." Despite knowing the rtionship between Avery and


    Jacob, Andrew did not spill the beans about it and just secretly winked at her.


    Avery was well aware that Andrew had found out something by checking the surveince earlier.


    Just when Avery was about to speak, Sarah''s voice dripped with sarcasm as she chimed in, "I told you,


    Andrew. With Avery''s stunning look, she must havetched onto a rich old guy. Avery, I haven''t heard


    of any old geezers kicking the buckettely. How could you curse your husband before he''s dead?


    That''s just downright nasty."


    In Sarah''s opinion, Avery was keeping her husband''s identity under wraps because Avery had married


    an old man. "If her husband were a rich brat, I don''t believe she wouldn''t show off," thought Sarah to


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    herself.


    "Sarah, stop talking sh*t in front of everyone!" Andrew shot daggers at Sarah.


    It pissed Sarah off. "Andrew, why the h*ll are you always protecting her? Do you want to marry her


    when she bes a widow, huh? Your father won''t let you marry this kind of woman."


    "You''re going too far, Sarah!" Andrew snapped. Then, in a gentlemanly manner, he suggested, "Avery,


    why don''t you head inside first? It''s freaking cold out here on the deck." This was not a good ce for


    them to have a chat.


    Avery couldn''t be bothered to talk with Sarah, nodded, and walked away. Back in school, Sarah had


    also pestered Avery relentlessly like a mad dog.


    "Andrew, you have a crush on her, right? Back in school, you even secretly wrote love letters to her. I


    knew it!" Sarah snarled.


    Andrew looked at Avery, who had walked into a distance. She was out of his league, no matter back


    then or now.


    Back in those early school days, Andrew was just one of those who had a crush on her.


    He had not really fallen madly in love with her or anything. He had just palpitated for her in the school


    days.


    When Andrew entered society and worked his a*s off every day, he no longer had those pure feelings.


    Those simple, pure feelings had been buried deep within, and there was no way he was ever going to


    fantasize about it again.


    Now that Andrew knew Avery''s identity, he naturally had to show some more respect. He exchanged a


    few words with some folks and then chased after Avery.


    Spotting Avery, La felt even more pain, and her face darkened.


    As soon as La closed her eyes, she couldn''t help but think of the ridiculous scene where Avery had


    smeared La''s face with batter.


    Lily, on the other hand, gave a big smile upon seeing Avery approaching and hurriedly made her way


    over to Avery.


    "Avy, I''m so happy that you cane. Why did you suddenly have your hair cut? But my dear, you''re


    such a natural beauty. You look gorgeous with both long and short hair."


    Lily was extremely enthusiastic. When Avery was a kid, she had craved this kind of motherly love.


    When Avery was sick and feverish at that time, all she wanted was her mom''s embrace.


    But Lily had left her alone and gone abroad, ending up as La''s stepmother.


    Avery had moved on from that phase a long time ago and even had a problem with Lily.


    "Does it even matter to you if my hair''s long or short?" Avery cast a casual nce at Lily. "Mrs. White,


    you haven''t even bothered sending me a hair tie over the years. Don''t you feel embarrassed when you


    pretend to be a caring mother in front of me now? Anyway, when I hear your sudden caring words, I''m


    so da*n embarrassed that I even feel sick."

 Chapter 118 Jack Hall

    Chapter 118 Jack Hall


    Chapter 118 Jack Hall


    "What did you just call me?" Lily looked at Avery in disbelief.


    "Mrs. White, have you forgotten that you and my father divorced over a decade ago? Now that you''re


    married to Mr. White, I should just call you Mrs. White, shouldn''t I? What''s wrong?"


    Avery had never been so indifferent previously, and she was still kind of nice to Lily just after Lily


    returned to the country, unlike she was now. It seemed as if Avery had turned into a sharp-tongued


    person within a short time.


    "Avy, you''ve changed. How can you say something like this? No matter what, I''m your mother," Lily


    sighed.


    "Yes, I have changed. It''s only now that I realize how nasty and selfish people can be. If I had


    understood this earlier, I wouldn''t have wasted years missing my mom on dark nights and waiting for a


    person who is nevering back."


    "Avy, I''m sorry. I''m back now, and I''ll try my best to make it up to you, for real," Lily promised.


    Avery looked at the face in front of her, and honestly, she couldn''t really remember what her mother


    had looked like back then.


    There were some signs of aging on Lily''s facepared to her in the photos, but her appearance


    hadn''t changed much. Nheless, she gave Avery a totally different feeling from the mother in


    Avery''s memory.


    "When you wanted to ditch me, you left me alone. And now you im that you want topensate me.


    Mrs. White, have you ever thought that I don''t even need your da*npensation? When I needed


    warmth the most, you weren''t there. Now, I''ve gone through all the hardships on my own. Even if you


    were to give me tons of warmth, you''d never be able to melt my hard heart."


    "Avy, my dear...." Lily wanted to exin.


    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    Avery cut her off. "Mrs. White, your daughter is right over there. I don''t deserve to be your daughter."


    Some people in this world were born for love, and Lily just happened to be one of them. She didn''t love


    Martin, so she could just leave everything behind when Ben came to pick her up.


    Over the years, Avery had never heard from Lily, not even getting a phone call or any caring words


    from her.


    So many years had passed. Now, Lily finally remembered she had a daughter and wanted to give her


    the so-calledpensation.


    But Avery no longer wanted that.


    Avery looked at the splendid hall that was full of noises.


    Those seemingly respectable people all seemed to have wicked hearts.


    At this point, Avery didn''t need any da*n family affection. Nor did she need love.


    She just wanted to do one thing.


    She wanted to make Jacob suffer and be trapped in a lifetime of pain.


    At the thought of that scene, Avery couldn''t help but smirk.


    Jacob had noticed Avery since she showed up. She wanted to attend the banquet, so he had prepared


    a few dresses for her.


    There were colors such as pale pink, bright red, sky blue, and creamy yellow, but no white.


    Avery wore a well-cut white floor-length gown, her hair gelled back with a white veil on her head.


    The veil was made of some transparent material, with shiny diamond fragments falling from it. When


    the lights shone on them, they sparkled brightly.


    Avery wore a pair of diamond earrings that were simple yet ssy like a lonely white rose in the rain.


    It made people pity her and want to get close to her, but they also knew they might get stabbed by her


    thorns.


    She was like some masterpiece that one could only look at from afar but never touch.


    Feeling Jacob''s gaze, Avery shook her wine ss and smirked at him.


    "Are you Avery?" A clear suddenly rang out.


    Avery shifted her gaze away from Jacob and checked out the man next to her. It was a young man in a


    white suit around her age, looking so noble as if he were the favorite little son of a king.


    Maybe he wasn''t the most powerful, but he was definitely the most handsome and refined one.


    "Who are you?" Avery asked.


    Seeing Avery looking at him, the man got a little nervous and quickly exined, "I''m Jack Hall. We met


    when we were kids. Remember? Your family''s cat chased me up a tree, and I was too scared toe


    down."

 Chapter 119 Whiskers

    Chapter 119 Whiskers


    Chapter 119 Whiskers


    Avery remembered it after hearing what Jack said. She had seen many weirdos, like Jacob''s health


    freak buddy who soaked goji berries in his thermos in a club where people mixed champagne with ice


    cubes.


    Moreover, that weirdo wore an eye mask and soaked his feet in some herbal water while bbering, "If


    we don''t take good care of ourselves now, we will fall sick soon." when others held some hot chicks in


    their arms.


    Besides that guy, Jack was the weirdest person Avery had ever seen. Jack had been terrified of any


    animal with sharp teeth and fur ever since he was a kid.


    Back then, when Jack came with Rudolf to celebrate Martin''s birthday, Jack ended up getting chased


    by a cat and stuck up in a tree, too scared toe down.


    A lot of kids wereughing at Jack under the tree. Only Avery grabbed that white cat by the neck and


    looked at him with a grin. "Don''t be scared. I got it! Just give me your hand, and I''ll help you get down."


    "Oh, Jack! Are you still scared of cats now?" Avery recalled that moment and couldn''t help but burst out


    "To ovee this fear, I''ve kept a bunch of cats at home, and now, I''m no longer afraid of them. So,


    how''s Whiskers doing?"


    It cast a glum look on Avery''s face. Whiskers was a thirteen-year-old cat. When the Adams family went


    broke, Avery was pregnant. Later, Martin had an ident. By the time Avery went to pick up Whiskers,


    the Adams house was already empty, and Whiskers was nowhere to be seen.


    "She''s gone. Maybe she''s be a stray, or maybe she''s already dead," Avery responded.


    When Avery married Jacob, she had wanted to bring Whiskers with her. But Jacob hated furry critters,


    so she never brought it up.


    Seeing the disappointed look on her face, Jack whispered, "Two years ago, I found a white cat. It looks


    quite old. I''m not sure if it''s the Whiskers you''re looking for."


    Finally, Avery''s face lit up. "Do you have a picture or something?"


    "Yes."


    Jack quickly whipped out his phone and showed a photo of a white, long-haired cat chilling under a red


    plum tree, staring at the blossoms with its deep blue eyes.


    "That''s Whiskers!"


    Avery got a little excited. Whiskers had lost a chunk of her ear because a rat bit it off when she was out


    for fun, and that was her most distinctive feature.


    "When I found this cat wandering around the street, her ears kind of reminded me of the ones I saw


    when I was a kid. Hence, I decided to take it in, and it really turns out to be your cat, Avery. I have a lot


    of videos of Whiskers. Do you want me to show them to you?"


    Avery sat down on the circr sofa, staring intently at Whiskers in the video.


    "It''s clear that you''ve been taking good care of Whiskers. She''s no longer young but still so lively, and


    her fur is so shiny," remarked Avery.


    Jack grinned. "Whiskers is a good girl. She loves staying under the plum tree as if she''s waiting for


    someone. I used to wonder what she was thinking, but now I realize she has been waiting for you,


    Avery."


    Avery fixed her gaze on the white cat under the plum tree, tears welling up in her eyes. She gently


    glided her fingertips across the cold screen as if she were touching Whiskers'' soft body.


    "It''s my fault. I lost her."


    She lost the Adams family, she lost Martin, she lost her baby, and she even lost Whiskers.


    "Don''t worry, Avery. Whiskers has never gone through any hardships. When I have some free time, I


    can send her back to you."


    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    Avery shook her head. "Nah, just keep her. I can''t take care of her right now."


    "All right? May I have your contact information? Then I can send you videos of Whiskers from now on,"


    asked Jack.


    Avery initially wanted to decline because she was not nning on surviving and leaving the cruise ship


    today, and she thought it was pointless to give Jack her contact information.


    But Jack had helped take care of her cat for so long. She was too embarrassed to say no.


    Then, Avery pulled out her phone, exchanged contact information with Jack, and friended him on a


    social media tform right there.


    La, who was watching this whole scene, found it extremely ironic. She mocked and whispered in


    Jacob''s ear, "See? I told you that Avery is a sl*t. It hasn''t been long since you divorced, and she''s


    already friending another dude."

 Chapter 120 Shes Only 21

    Chapter 120 She''s Only 21


    Chapter 120 She''s Only 21


    "Shut up!" Jacob snapped.


    "Jacob, I''m the only perfect match for you. Avery is just after your money. She can be with anyone for


    money," said La.


    Jacob disregarded her and walked away.


    La was pissed off and walked in the other director with a ss of red wine and whispered something


    in Sarah''s ear.


    Sarah used to talk sh*t but never actually doing anything nasty, so she looked a bit nervous. "D-Do we


    really have to do this?"


    Laughed. "Sarah, I''ve always trusted you and believed you can make great achievements. If you


    can handle this sh*t for me, I promise your family will y an important role in Love La Hospital."


    "Don''t worry, La. I won''t let you down," Sarah responded.


    La smiled, feeling satisfied. Money talked, and bullshit walked. That was reality.


    "Avery, you have nothing left now. Let me see how you''re gonna fight against me!" thought La to


    herself.


    Avery and Jack sat together for a while. Jack, being a considerate dude, said, "The show hasn''t started


    yet. The buffet on this cruise ship is dope. Avery, would you like to grab some grub together? There''s a


    lot of stuff I haven''t told you about Whiskers."


    Avery checked the time and found it was indeed still early. There couldn''t be a formal dinner at this


    point.


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    "Sure," she responded.


    Then, Jack and Avery headed to the buffet restaurant, and Jacob couldn''t take his eyes off Avery.


    "Avy, how dare you!" Jacob yelled inwardly.


    He already regretted letting Avery out. He knew as long as she was around, all eyes would be on her.


    Jacob scoffed. "Find out where the f*ck that dude came from."


    "Yes, Mr. Hill."


    Melodious violin music was sounding in the restaurant, and there were thousands of kinds of food from


    different countries. Jack went to the dessert section and hooked Avery up with some mousses. "Avery, I


    remember you used to like cakes the best."


    "You got a good memory, but as I''ve gotten older, I can''t handle these sweet things anymore," Avery


    replied.


    "Avery, are you kidding me? You''re just 21, in the prime of your life," Jack eximed.


    Back in the day, Avery skipped a few grades and graduated way before her peers.


    In her country, one could get married at 18.


    Avery was stunned when she heard her age. "So, I''m only 21."


    "Yeah, at this age, most people haven''t even graduated from college yet. Avery, this is the time to


    shine. You''re not old at all."


    Jack beamed, radiating that youthful energy only a teenager had.


    Avery was only a couple of years older, but she felt like her heart was already dead without any sparks.


    Avery looked down at the stuff Jack picked out. Indeed, they were the cakes she used to love three


    years ago.


    It had been only three short years.


    What the h*ll had she been through?


    "Avery, look! It''s snowing! How beautiful!"


    Jack was full of energy. A moment ago, he was still talking about food, but the next second, he was


    pointing at the window with a smiling face.


    He excitedly dragged Avery to the deck, where the snow was quietly falling under the warm yellow


    lights.


    Avery reached out, and a snowke fell on her hand.


    She remembered that on the same dayst year, it was snowing heavily.


    La stood next to her on the deck, smirking arrogantly. "Avery, let''s make a bet. If we both fall into the


    sea at the same time, who do you think Jacob would save?"


    Just thinking about that sh*t made Avery''s heart ache.


    She gripped onto the railing, her eyes full of pain.


    Jack became concerned upon seeing her expression.


    "Avery, what''s wrong?" he asked.


    Avery snapped out of that painful memory and looked down at the endless ocean. In the darkness, it


    looked like a monster that could swallow everything.


    Avery tried to cover up the pain in her eyes and spoke in a softer voice, "Jack, Whiskers doesn''t have


    much time left. She''s already an old cat."


    Confused, Jack looked at her. "Well, I''ll take good care of her. Don''t worry."


    "If she dies, please do me a favor and bury her under the plum tree at the Adams house," said Avery.

 Chapter 121 Sweet Pretty Boys

    Chapter 121 Sweet Pretty Boys


    Chapter 121 Sweet Pretty Boys


    Jack didn''t know how to respond to her. It was clear as day that she was making arrangements for the


    cat''s funeral, but when he saw the emptiness in her eyes, it made him feel like she was preparing for


    her own demise.


    "Got it, Avery," Jack responded.


    "Remember to bury her under the biggest tree in the garden. Every winter, it''s covered in blooming


    plum blossoms with snow. It smells so good, yo. I''ll wait for her there," whispered Avery.


    Nobody would think that she would wait for the cat there as a dead person.


    "Alright, Avery. When you''re free, you can swing by and visit her," said Jack.


    Avery reached out and took off her diamond earrings, handing them over to Jack. "I came out in a hurry


    today, so I didn''t bring many things with me. Can you please give this pair of earrings to Whiskers?


    She''s liked shiny little toys since she was a baby cat."


    "Alright. Avery, if you don''t want toe to my ce, you can just send me the address. I can visit you


    with Whiskers. Trust me! She''d be darn happy to see you."


    "No, thanks!" Avery didn''t have much time left.


    When Jacob followed them, he happened to see Jack holding onto Avery''s hand and dragging her to


    the deck. Jack and Avery stood side by side on the deck, both dressed in white, with snowkes


    twirling around them, which created a really beautiful scene.


    It reminded Jacob of a few years back when Avery casually messed with his hair. "Why do you always


    rock this kind of bossy president''s hairstyle? It''s so boring. Sometimes, you may just let it loose and


    make yourself look a bit younger."


    Jacob suddenly asked, "Am I getting old?"


    John nced at the energetic and youthful Jack. "Mr. Hill, you''re just mature. You have the


    temperament those boys don''t possess."


    "But she dislikes me for being old," Jacob sighed.


    John tried to hold back hisughter and thought, "Man! Mr. Hill is starting to show signs of being a


    resentful woman recently."


    "Mr. Hill, you''re thinking too much. You''re only twenty-seven, in your prime. Mrs. Hill likes a mature man


    like you instead of those young and inexperienced boys. You''re the type that attracts youngdies the


    most."


    Right when John finished his sentences, two young girls walked past them with giddy excitement. "I


    finally asked my dad to get me two XO''s concert tickets. Let''s go together in a few days. Man! I really


    love Archer. He''s such a sweet, pretty boy."


    Jacob furrowed his brows. "Wait! Even brandy can hold concerts now?"


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    John coughed softly with his fist against his mouth. "Uh, well, XO is a popr group that blew up upon


    its debut in Coraluna."


    Jacob kept on furrowing his brows. "A sweet boy? Even sissy boys can hit it big now?"


    Jacob was a jack of all trades. He could even fly fighter jets and control submarines, dominating the


    business world.


    However, he knew very little about the entertainment circle.


    "Mr. Hill, the star that girl referred to, is not really a boy. She just used that term to describe her young


    idol."


    "Young idol?" Jacob seemed confused.


    John let out a deep sigh. "Well, I mean those young actors with a boyish charm, looking all innocent


    and attracting fans who call them ''my sweethearts,'' ''pretty boys,'' or some other sh*t like that."


    Jacob stared John down with anger in his eyes, making John''s heart skip a beat. "D*mn! Did I mess up


    the exnation and piss Jacob off?" wondered John.


    "But why did you say Avy liked the type of person I am? She''s having a st chatting with a sweet,


    pretty boy now," snapped Jacob,


    John was speechless.


    After making so many exnations, he actually got himself into a mess.


    Avery had no clue what Jacob was torn up about. She just felt his intense gaze prating through the


    window, aimed right at her.


    Coincidentally, a wave hit the cruise ship, making it sway, and Avery''s body leaned to the side.


    "Avery!"


    Jack quickly grabbed onto her waist, and Avery fell right into the arms of the young man.

 Chapter 122 Something Amiss

    Chapter 122 Something Amiss


    Chapter 122 Something Amiss


    Jack''s chest wasn''t as strong as a mature man''s. He seemed kind of weak.


    Thinking of Jacob''s possessiveness, Avery left Jack''s arms and kept a distance from him as soon as


    she steadied herself.


    "Thanks! It''s quite cold out here. Let''s get inside."


    Avery walked into the restaurant and noticed that Jacob was nowhere to be seen.


    As soon as she took a seat, Jack intended to walk away to get some food for her. She agreed because


    she saw Andrew walk in.


    Andrew, holding a drink, sat across from her in a gentlemanly manner. It looked like they were just


    shooting the breeze like ssmates did.


    Avery lowered her voice and asked, "Andrew, did you find anything?"


    "Yeah, I got a message before we got on this ship, but I didn''t have time to tell you earlier. It''s just like


    what we thought. Someone changed your medical report. Even though he kept his head down the


    whole time, my people managed to snap a few pictures. Take a look and see if you know this dude."


    Andrew sent Avery the cropped and zoomed-in photos.


    They were still kind of blurry, but Avery could make out the general outline.


    "Hold up, this dude...." Avery whispered.


    "Do you know him?" Andrew asked.


    It was a strange face, and Avery didn''t know him.


    But she had a good memory. She had seen this guy somewhere previously.


    "Where did I see him before?" wondered Avery.


    "What''s wrong? Did you remember something?" Andrew whispered.


    Something suddenly urred to Avery, and she thought, "Luminary Asylum!"


    On the day Avery went to visit Jane, a few security guards came out of nowhere and restrained Avery


    when Jane freaked out. The dude who had injected Jane with some sedative was just the guy in the


    pictures.


    "I...." Avery tried to speak but chickened out, scared of someone overhearing.


    "Andrew, you''ve done me a really big favor this time. Can you help me check again? I suspect


    someone''s targeting me."


    If she made any kind of move, it would only alert the enemy. But no one would suspect Andrew.


    Andrew was smart and got it straight away.


    He didn''t stay for too long and kept a smile on his face. "Okay, Avery. Keep in touch!"


    "Sure thing, Andrew," responded Avery.


    After saying bye to Andrew, Avery started thinking of Jane''s death. It seemed like it wasn''t an ident.


    Someone was scared Jane would spill something because of Avery''s visit, so they made it look like


    Jane had killed herself.


    And Dr. Wood''s eyes were really odd when he looked at Avery.


    Since Avery''s father''s case was pretty much set in stone, why was it still being kept under wraps?


    Avery started thinking about all the sh*t that happened in the past month. It hit her that nothing was just


    happening by chance. Instead, all of it was nned out.


    The person behind all this knew about her and Jacob, even about her stomach cancer.


    Avery thought, "Divorce, the tombstone, Martin, Jane, and the changed reports... So, there must be


    something wrong with Martin''s case."


    Just the thought of it sent a chill down Avery''s spine. Maybe that person had been setting s*it up for the


    past two years.


    When Avery thought of Jane''s innocent face and the news saying Jane had offed herself, Avery''s heart


    tightened up.


    Maybe that girl died because of Avery.


    Avery clenched her phone tight, looking all determined.


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    For Martin, for Jane, and for herself, Avery was going to find out the truth, no matter what.


    Avery sent Andrew all the information she had on Jane, Dr. Wood, and Luminary Asylum and wanted


    Andrew to dig around secretly.


    Just then, Avery got a new message on her phone from Jack, the dude she had just added. She hadn''t


    even bothered to make a note for him.


    Jack''s profile picture was the white cat Whiskers, although he had kept several cats.


    Avery checked the message. "Avery, I feel so unwell."

 Chapter 123 Getting Drugged

    Chapter 123 Getting Drugged


    Chapter 123 Getting Drugged


    Avery was confused and wondered, "Jack was grinning and iming to bring some seafood to me just


    a while ago. What happened?"


    She quickly asked where he was and rushed over there.


    Jack was weak and leaning on the couch. His face was red like a tomato, and even his voice sounded


    like a kitten''s. His dark eyes were clear as he stared at her as if he was pleading.


    "Avery, I''m freaking hot," Jack said.


    Avery reached out and touched his forehead. It was very hot.


    She asked, "What else is bothering you besides having a fever?"


    Jack had just stayed in the cold wind for a short while. Even if he caught a cold, it wouldn''t hit him that


    fast unless he was just sick.


    Avery used to be a student in medicine. She started thinking about all the diseases with fever


    symptoms.


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    Jack started loosening his tie, impatiently unbuttoning his cor and revealing his charming throat.


    And then, he put his hand on Avery''s hand and took it.


    He said, "Avery, it feels like I''m freaking on fire."


    Finally, Avery understood what was going on and withdrew her hand from his hot palm.


    She asked, "What did you eat?"


    "Just now, while I was getting the seafood for you, I saw some freshly squeezed juice and poured two


    sses of it. I drank half of one and started feeling ufortable. I intended to rest a bit and then go


    to find you, but my body just kept getting hotter and hotter. Avy, I''m feeling so da*n awful. Am I gonna


    die or what?"


    Avery stared into his clear eyes. He had just be an adult, and he was like a mix between a boy


    and a man, appearing innocent.


    He probably had no clue about the real reason.


    "No, you won''t. Just wait a moment. I''ll get a doctor for you."


    Avery looked at the two sses of juice on the table. One was empty, and the other was still full.


    She figured out right away that someone was trying to set her up.


    Without even having to think about it, Avery knew who was behind it, and she thought, "La, are you


    so scared of me? You brought this sh*t upon yourself."


    When Avery was about to call John, Jack pulled her into his hug. His eyes started wandering as if he


    was high on drugs, and he started mumbling, "Avery, I don''t want a doctor. I just want you. When you


    put your hand on my forehead, I felt so much better. Just touch me!"


    Avery was dumbfounded and thought, "Man! This dude is as clingy as a kitten."


    She whispered, "You fool! I don''t have any medicine. Only a doctor can help you."


    Jack had already lost his mind, man. He dragged her onto the couch and nted a kiss on Avery''s


    neck.


    He had a sweet smell like bergamot, just pure and clean like a teenage boy''s.


    But Avery felt really uneasy with this unfamiliar smell. "Jack, calm down. I''ll call and get a doctor right


    away."


    "I don''t want a doctor. I only want you. Avy, you smell so freaking good!"


    Avery raised her hand, ready to smack some sense into him, but when she looked at his innocent face,


    she couldn''t bring herself to do that. After all, he got into trouble because of her.


    Before Avery could give that p, Jack intended to kiss her on the lips.


    Suddenly, a loud thud sounded.


    Before Jack could touch Avery''s skin, someone knocked him out, and his limp head fell on Avery''s


    shoulder.


    As Jack slumped down, Avery caught sight of Jacob''s cold face.


    "Avery, how are you going to exin this?"


    Jacob was gazing down at her, his eyes filled with wrath as if he was about to re up.

 Chapter 124 His Heart Flutters for Her Again

    Chapter 124 His Heart Flutters for Her Again


    Chapter 124 His Heart Flutters for Her Again


    Jacob took a quick look at Jack, who was in the way, grabbed him, and shoved him aside. Then, Jacob


    even gave Jack a kick, waved his hand, and coldly ordered, "Get him out of here."


    Perceiving something amiss, John dragged Jack away and closed the door for Jacob and Avery.


    Jacob leaned in closer to Avery, and as he did, a chill came over her. It was so spine-tingling.


    He clenched his teeth and ran his fingers across Avery''s face, his voice icy cold. "Do you know what I


    hate the most?"


    Avery stared into his angry eyes. "Betrayal and scheming."


    Jacob grabbed Avery by the chin, his grip firm. "Avery, I told you not to try and piss me off before."


    Avery had wanted to spill the beans about her discovery, but the evidence she had wouldn''t hold up. It


    only proved that her report had been tampered with, and she couldn''t produce anything solid.


    In the end, Jacob would only me her for making up more bullsh*t stories. Hence, Avery swallowed


    the words she was about to blurt out.


    The day when the truth came out, she would give him a good p in the face.


    Clearly, Jacob wasn''t in the mood to listen to any of that bullsh*t right now.


    Avery had initially thought that maybe La was the person behind all this sh*t. After all, no one else


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    had a motive.


    Previously, La had made Avery kneel and tried to ruin Avery''s face at Willowbrook.


    It was pretty clear that La''s tactics were still stuck in the shallow realm of women fighting for


    attention. It was a whole different ball game from that of the mastermind behind this whole scheme.


    Moreover, La probably had no clue that Avery had stomach cancer. If La knew, she would''ve


    found another way to deal with Avery instead of resorting to these childish tactics.


    In Avery''s mind, La was no longer the prime suspect. Avery nced around and wrapped her arms


    around Jacob''s neck.


    Her sudden movement caught Jacob off guard. It had been a long time since he saw her smile like this.


    She looked pure and gorgeous like a flower in the rain with the godd*mn filth and hatred washed away.


    It made Jacob''s heart flutter for her again.


    Like a seductive devil, Avery whispered in Jacob''s ear, her voice sweet. "Can you clean up the spots


    he dirtied?"


    ...


    Meanwhile, Sarah was excited as she told La, "La, we made it."


    La walked away from a few women who were kissing her a*s and lowered her voice. "Are you


    sure?"


    "Absolutely. I saw that guy down the juice with my own eyes, and not long after, Avery went into the


    room. She didn''te out for a good while. Let''s go there in a few minutes. It''s gonna work, no doubt."


    La let out a sigh of relief and patted Sarah on the shoulder. "Good job!"


    Sarah kept on kissing La''s a*s. "La, I got another idea."


    "Go on then," La responded.


    "Since you want to ruin that bitch Avery''s reputation, perhaps we should just drug her with more


    medicine and ruin her life forever."


    La looked at her with approval. "Keep going."


    "People on this cruise ship today are all big shots. Everyone is well aware of how nasty this circle is.


    They''d just gossip about that b*tch during meals and forget about her in a few days. The b*tch won''t


    learn the lesson, and I''m sure she''ll continue causing trouble in the future," Sarah said.


    La asked, "What should we do then?"


    "I have a few friends who are anchors. I''ll get them to do a live broadcast and let their fans watch all


    that. Just imagine! It''s a piece of news about a rich yboy''s scandal on a cruise ship. I''m sure it''s


    going to spread like wildfire all over the country. Since we''re going to do this, let''s go all out," Sarah


    responded.


    La knew very well that this was the age of social media. Whatever went down on their cruise ship


    was going to grab everyone''s attention.


    If Avery got caught in bed with someone, it wouldn''t just make Jacob hate her. Her reputation would be


    ruined, and she''d never be able to hold her head high again.


    "That''s really a good idea. Sarah, I didn''t misjudge you."


    La was really excited. She couldn''t wait to see Avery being cursed by everyone.


    "La, I''m going to contact my friends right away. Don''t just stand around. Get all the gossip-mongers


    over here. Let''s see how that b*tch is going to handle this."


    The more La thought about it, the more excited she got.


    She had never been so humiliated in her entire life. Today, she was going to make Avery pay a high


    price.


    La walked over to Lily, who was surrounded by a lot of people. Lily quickly extended her hand.


    "La."

 Chapter 125 Astonishing Revelations

    Chapter 125 Astonishing Revtions


    Chapter 125 Astonishing Revtions


    Despite all these years of wholehearted devotion from Lily, La never regarded her as a mother.


    Ben and Derek had an arranged marriage. After their marriage, he was very distant towards Derek.


    Derek, often mncholic, eventually passed away when La was still young.


    Her death gave Ben the opportunity to remarry, and La med all of this on Lily.


    As a result, she tormented Lily, both openly and in secret, even scheming to make Lily have a


    miscarriage, rendering her unable to bear children.


    On the surface, they maintained a facade of harmony, but only La knew how much she despised


    Lily. Moreover, she was also Avery''s mother.


    Her anger towards Avery was also directed at Lily.


    In the past, she wouldn''t have bothered with Lily. Yet today, she had broken that precedent and allowed


    Lily to take her hand and lead her.


    In public, they presented an image of a loving mother and obedient daughter.


    Lily felt a subtle happiness in her heart. After all, for all these years, La had ced the me for her


    mother''s death on her. However, she was also a mother herself and couldpletely understand


    La''s feelings.


    She poured all the missing motherly love for Avery onto La. No matter how La treated her, she


    believed that one day La would understand her.


    Now that La had begun to ept her, Lily felt immensely honored.


    The onlookers quickly praised the two, and when La saw that it was about time, she took the


    initiative to speak, "Mom, where is Avy? She''s been on the ship for so long and hasn''te over to


    greet us."


    "That child has always been stubborn since she was little. How could she be as sensible as you? If she


    wants to be alone, let her be."


    Thinking of Avery''s icy demeanor, Lily also didn''t want to call her over and put a damper on the lovely


    atmosphere.


    "How can that be? If Avery has any grievances against Mom, I''ll talk to her. Mom has always missed


    her, especially on this joyous day. It''s a perfect day for you to reunite."


    Lily couldn''t resist La. If La and Avery could reconcile, she wouldn''t have to be caught in the


    middle, feeling torn.


    "Alright, where might Avy be?"


    "Over there. Let''s go find her."


    Leading a group of middle-ageddies, La walked over, chatting andughing.


    Sarah, on the other hand, gathered a group of inte celebrity girls, and everyone started their live


    streams.


    When the grand and luxurious cruise ship came into view, the audience in the live stream couldn''t help


    but exim.


    "So this is the world of the wealthy? Truly, it''s a kind of happiness we can''t even imagine."


    "No wonder celebrities are willing to fight tooth and nail to marry into it. Just the emerald jewelry


    shed in the video on that high societydy is worth seven figures."


    "Some people are born in Rome, unlike usmoners who are born to toil."


    The host looked at the barrage with a smile. "Dear viewers, next, I''ll take you to visit the buffet


    restaurant. There are over a thousand types of ingredients, so everyone, keep your eyes wide open


    and take a good look. Many of these ingredients are not avable outside, and the restaurant''s


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    decoration is also incredibly luxurious."


    They intentionally created a sensation, but in reality, they were all incredibly excited. As they Captured


    an affair live on the scene, the live stream chat was going wild.


    La, not seeing the figure of Jacob in the crowd, smiled and didn''t mind. In any case, things were


    about to get intense.


    She signaled to a small live-streamer, who quickly stepped forward.


    "Dear viewers, the moment to witness a miracle has arrived!"


    With an excited heart and trembling hands, the small live-streamer, with mixed feelings and


    nervousness, pushed open the door.

 Chapter 126 Being Caught in the Affair

    Chapter 126 Being Caught in the Affair


    Chapter 126 Being Caught in the Affair


    As the door swung open, La was still holding Lily''s hand, smiling happily. Her voice was gentle.


    "Mom, we''re family after all. In the future, Avy can oftene to our house."


    "La, I''m relieved that you think this way. I was afraid that you and Avy wouldn''t get along."


    Lily had no idea what scheme La was plotting. She was still dreaming of reconciling with Avery.


    No one knew just how excited La was at this moment. On the way here, she had imagined countless


    scenarios of Avery looking disheveled.


    When they saw the people inside, everyone was stunned.


    Even La''s smile froze on her face.


    On the sofa, the two were entangled.


    Jacob took off his coat, leaving only a white shirt. Some buttons were undone, exposing arge


    expanse of skin.


    Compared to his usual meticulous and reserved demeanor, this disheveled and wanton appearance


    was incredibly rare.


    In his arms, he held a woman, and in the instant the door opened, he pressed her face into his chest.


    All everyone saw was the woman''s slender waist and the exposed skin of her arms, as fair as snow.


    No one knew that he still had lingering feelings for his ex-wife, thinking that he was caught in an affair.


    In the world of high society, this was quitemon. After all, many men appeared gentlemanly, but


    behind closed doors, they were no different from yers.


    But he was Jacob!


    Over the years, there were women who tried to get close to him, but in the end, their hands and feet


    were broken, and they were thrown out.


    La was his only publicly announced fianc¨¦e, and he conveyed a strong impression of a loving and


    devoted husband to the public.


    So, the man known to the world as a fine gentleman was actually having an affair with another woman


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    at his son''s first birthday party, which...


    Sarah had already recognized the person he was holding as Avery, and her face darkened on the spot.


    After all, La had also relied on Jacob as her strong support. Now, she had directly involved herself in


    Jacob''s affairs, and this had backfired.


    Not to mention the shares, the Lee family was in jeopardy!


    The most pitiable one was La. She had even gone to the extent of having inte celebrities start a


    livestream. Initially, there were only a few thousand viewers in the stream.


    But now, things took a turn for the worse as the barrage ofments exploded.


    "Damn! What happened to the seafood feast? What kind of plot is this? Well, I''m just a curious


    onlooker!"


    "Isn''t that Mr. Hill! Known in society as the epitome of self-restraint, and now he''s... this is too much!"


    "Although Mr. Hill''s looks are unquestionable, isn''t the woman he''s holding not Mrs. Hill? The image I


    had of him as a cool, aloof, handsome guy is now gone."


    The live stream room''s poprity kept skyrocketing, and the inte celebrities were in a panic. They


    didn''t dare to meddle in Jacob''s affairs. One by one, they quickly shut down the livestream.


    Quick-witted individuals had already taken screenshots of the scene, and it instantly went viral across


    the inte!


    The atmosphere in the room became eerily strange. La had never imagined that the borate


    scheme she had worked so hard on would end up making her theughingstock.


    Not even half of her face was visible as she looked at the woman in Jacob''s arms.


    She thought, "Jacob, do you love her this much?


    Do you love her enough to ignore our reputation and stand by her?"


    Lily also recognized that the woman in his arms was Avery. For a moment, her mind was in a daze.


    She had only returned not long ago and didn''t know about any grudges or entanglements between


    Avery and Jacob. All she knew was that she was Jacob''s ex-wife, a subject everyone avoided.


    She had thought that Jacob must detest Avery to the core, but it didn''t seem so now.


    Those who were hoping for a spectacle had various expressions at this moment.


    Those looking at La had sympathy, mockery, and pity in their eyes.

 Chapter 127 Betrayal and Redemption

    Chapter 127 Betrayal and Redemption


    Chapter 127 Betrayal and Redemption


    La was originally full of passion, but now it was as if she was drenched from head to toe with a basin


    of water, her whole body freezing, and even her blood seemed to have forgotten to flow.


    She found her body uncontrobly trembling, and her heart was faintly aching.


    After a while, she managed toe to her senses. "What... what are you all doing?"


    The familiar opening line, coupled with the trembling voice, exposed her inner unease.


    Avery, originally intending to lift her head and see if herplexion was as pale as it used to be, knew


    that the feeling of being lifted high and then ruthlessly dropped was not pleasant.


    Soon, the incident of Jacob secretly enjoying his own affair at his son''s first birthday party would


    explode on the inte. She would make sure that Jacob and La would face ruin!


    The hand ced on the back of her head felt like an iron arm, not allowing her to move a fraction. This


    made Avery very dissatisfied.


    Jacob held Avery, and everyone was waiting for his exnation to La.


    His first reaction was to take the suit jacket nearby and cover Avery''s exposed skin.


    Then he picked up Avery and looked down at La, the coldness in his eyes so evident.


    "You will pay for your foolishness."


    After saying this, he left with long strides, without exnation, and without anyfort.


    There was only boundless arrogance.


    It made La feel like a joke tossed aside.


    If he didn''t even exin to La, then he certainly didn''t need to exin to anyone else.


    The anticipated showdown and the confrontation with the secret lover did not happen. From start to


    finish, Jacob left with dignity and arrogance. Instead, he left La, the instigator, in an awkward


    position.


    As the crowd dispersed, there were one or two mocking remarks, "Did she really think Mr. Hill would


    dote on her so much?"


    "She must be feeling extremely awkward about this. If my boyfriend dares to cheat, I''ll give him and the


    vixen a p each."


    "Tsk, if your husband were Mr. Hill, would you be willing? It''smon for men in this circle to act


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    foolishly. Do you really want to lower your status for a little vixen? Crying and making a scene won''t


    work in front of someone like Mr. Hill. If you make a mess of it, he''ll just dump you. If you''re not


    interested in bing Mrs. Hill, there are those who would dly step into that role. By then, you


    won''t even have a ce to cry."


    "True, Miss White gathered her friends, obviously wanting to see other people''s jokes, but


    unexpectedly, she became the protagonist herself, which is really pitiful."


    ...


    Just a minute ago, she was the envied Mrs. Hill.


    Just a minuteter, she became the pitiable scapegoat of the masses.


    How did ite to this?


    Sarah knew that she had caused a big disaster. How could she have known that the old man she


    cursed at for so long was Jacob?


    She stammered, trying tofort La, "La, I''m sorry, I also..."


    "Smack!"


    La pped Sarah''s face hard. This p contained much grievance and anger she felt.


    Sarah''s face was swollen on the spot, and she didn''t dare to say a word.


    "Get lost!"


    Sarah covered her face and ran away. Lily only then came to her senses, intending to console her.


    "La, you..."


    La red at her fiercely. "Do you have the right to speak here? Do you think my dad likes you, so


    you''re really my mom? You? Are you even worthy?"


    "La, how can you talk to me like this?"


    "I always talk to dogs like this. If you don''t want to end up being hit like her, then get lost.!"


    This incident exploded across the inte at a speed akin to a skyrocket. Editors were brought in to


    work overnight, and in just ten minutes, it quickly spread across various tforms.

 Chapter 128 A Tale of Secrets and Sacrifice

    Chapter 128 A Tale of Secrets and Sacrifice


    Chapter 128 A Tale of Secrets and Sacrifice


    La went wild in the room, as different as night and day from the scene of Avery now in Jacob''s


    embrace.


    When there was no one around, Avery finally poked her head out from his arms.


    On the snow-flurried deck, carried by Jacob''s cold voice. "Does this make you happy?"


    Jacob wasn''t stupid. With Avery''s personality, how could anything happen between them in a ce like


    this?


    He had sensed it before the situation even started, and he could have refused.


    But today, he didn''t want to.


    He just hadn''t expected La to be so foolish, digging a hole for herself.


    Avery blinked at him. "Why aren''t you happy? Originally, it was her, La, trying to scheme against me.


    You''re not feeling sorry for her, are you?"


    Jacob''s eyes were pitch ck, filled with displeasure. He red at her and said her name with a dark


    expression, "Avery, risking your reputation just to teach her a lesson. Have you really won or lost?"


    Jacob was not one to easily reveal his emotions. Avery''s actions had shattered his pride in his self-


    restraint. He let out all his emotions at once.


    "Have you ever considered that by doing this, while you might embarrass her indeed, but you''re not


    really changing anything substantial? Everyone knows how dirty this circle is. It''s just a passing joke.


    Her status is unshakable."


    "But you''ll be branded as the secret lover. If I didn''t cover your face in time, you would be famous from


    now on. How will you live in the future? You might win for a moment, but you''ll lose for a lifetime."


    Facing his furious eyes, Avery was still smiling.


    "You''reughing? Do you even realize what kind of consequences this might lead to?"


    "Worst case scenario, I''ll be insulted and cursed by tens of thousands. What''s the big deal? If I really


    end up in that situation, Jacob, shouldn''t you be happy? Why are you so angry instead?"


    Avery seemed to have hit a nerve. Her hand on his neck was cold, but the corner of her lips held a


    gentle smile. "You don''t hate me to the bone, do you? Worried about me?"


    Jacob tossed her aside from his arms, somewhat exasperated. "Tormenting you is my personal matter.


    What does it have to do with anyone else?"


    Facing the cold wind, Avery suddenly raised her lips.


    "Jacob, if one day you find out that my father isn''t the real culprit who harmed your sister, will you regret


    what you''ve done to me?"


    It was like a stone hitting the water, sending up countless ripples.


    Jacob approached, his voice chilly. "What do you mean?"


    The more he tried to conceal, the more certain Avery became that there was something fishy about


    Grace''s death. It was just that the person who could do something under Jacob''s nose was definitely


    not an ordinary person. She couldn''t reveal the truth now.


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    Avery evaded the question and looked towards the sky. "Look, the snow tonight is so beautiful."


    "Avery, did you hear what I said?"


    Jacob didn''t like this kind of weather. He preferred the sun to be shining, with everything full of life.


    Not the north wind swallowing everything, leaving only one color in the world.


    Avery caught a cold snowke in her hand. Her face seemed to be smiling, but it sent shivers down


    one''s spine.


    She stood in front of him with a serious expression. "Jacob, today is our baby''s death anniversary.


    Have you thought about him at all this past year, even for a moment?"


    Jacob''s hand on her shoulder tightened, his lips pressed tightly together. "Avery, after all, he was our


    child."

 Chapter 129 Unraveling Secrets and Emotions

    Chapter 129 Unraveling Secrets and Emotions


    Chapter 129 Unraveling Secrets and Emotions


    However, Avery smiled gently. "I thought he was just using you as a pawn to get back at me."


    "Why would you think that?" Jacob''s brows furrowed. He couldn''t shake the feeling that something was


    off about Avery tonight.


    He had wanted to say a few more words, but with La causing a scene like this, he would have to


    clean up the mess she had made.


    Waiting for him was not only the tearful La but also the hellish White family.


    He handed the room card to Avery. "Go back to your room and change your clothes."


    As long as she changed her clothes, no one would know it was her just now. As for the rumors on the


    inte, Jacob could easily handle them.


    He didn''t know what Avery was plotting in her heart. In order to ease the previous embarrassment, the


    fireworks originally scheduled for ten o''clock were set off two hours early.


    In the freezing weather, the fireworks shot up, attracting arge crowd of onlookers.


    The deck, covered with a thickyer of snow, was bustling with people.


    The dazzling fireworks disy momentarily made everyone forget the previous awkwardness, all


    enjoying this beautiful moment.


    Even though they held high positions, no one could refuse a fleeting moment of beauty.


    Except for Sarah, who was crying with her face covered, Andrew stood by her side, being a gentleman


    and consoling her. "You''re already this old, so it''s time to use your brain."


    Sarah was now deeply regretful. The p from La wasn''t important; what was important was Avery.


    "I had no idea that the man behind her was Mr. Hill. If Mr. Hill finds out that I nned this, not to


    mention my shares, the Lee family will be truly finished!"


    "That''s why I said you''re foolish."


    "ke!" Sarah hadn''t thought of this aspect. Naively, she thought that Avery was Mr. Hill''s kept woman.


    Even if she were a kept woman, she would be Mr. Hill''s woman.


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Who didn''t know that Mr. Hill was especially protective? Sarah stomped her feet in anxiety, her face


    filled with worry. How would she handle things from now on? She was sure she wouldn''t be able to


    survive in this circle.


    Just then, she saw Avery appear in the corridor. She held both resentment and fear towards Avery. She


    just couldn''t spare her with her words. "Don''t think that by snaring Mr. Hill, you''ve climbed to great


    heights. Mr. Hill is just ying around. You''ve offended the White family; you don''t even know how


    you''ll end up."


    She still didn''t know that Avery was Mr. Hill''s ex-wife.


    Andrew truly admired her for being so foolish. However, Mr. Hill had kept his identity hidden for so long,


    so he couldn''t reveal it now. He quickly stepped in front of her. "Avery, she always speaks without


    thinking. Please don''t mind her."


    Avery nodded at Andrew, and the secret between them was understood without being spoken.


    Her gaze fell on Sarah, her voice soft but devoid of any warmth. "Can''t I choose to live or even choose


    to die?"


    Sarah was intimidated by the coldness in her eyes and didn''t know how to respond.


    Sarah whispered, "ke, why do I find her so strange? What did she mean by what she just said?"


    "I don''t know. I just have a bad feeling about it."


    "Bang!"


    The fireworks continued to rise, illuminating the night as bright as day.


    Ethan didn''t like such noisy ces. Since it was getting a bit rowdy, La had someone take him back


    to his room. It was time for him to sleep.


    Gail carried him back to the room. However, Ethan pointed towards the cake not far away, babbling.


    "Mr. Ethan, you can''t eat sweets at night, or you''ll get cavities."


    Ethan didn''t listen to her words. The cake looked just like the one his mother made. Since he couldn''t


    see his mother, couldn''t he at least have a few pieces of the cake she made?


    Gail had no choice but to put him down andpromise, "Mr. Ethan, I''ll get it for you. Just wait for me."


    As soon as she left, Ethan saw Avery in the corridor, and his big eyes lit up.


    Mom was here!

 Chapter 130 The Birthday

    Chapter 130 The Birthday


    Chapter 130 The Birthday


    Ethan eagerly looked forward to meeting Avery day and night, stumbling towards her.


    Avery smiled and reached out her hand to him. "Good boy, do you want to leave with me?"


    Ethan didn''t know what she meant, but since she reached out her hand to him, he just grabbed it.


    Without hesitation, he ced his chubby hand in Avery''s palm and let her pick him up, wrapping his


    arms around her neck.


    He rubbed against her like a little puppy and affectionately called out, "Mommy."


    Avery looked at him tenderly. "Silly sweetheart, I''m not your mommy."


    At this time, everyone gathered at the bow of the cruise ship to watch the fireworks on the water, and


    she held the child unhindered.


    Avery carried him back to her room, where there was a small cake. She put a birthday hat on the child,


    lit the candles, and gently sang him a happy birthday song.


    Ethan didn''t know what she was doing, but he smiled when she smiled.


    Avery took out an emerald lock from a small box. It had a unique and cute shape, with a translucent


    emerald and a small carved word for "Ethan" on it.


    "This is what I prepared for my baby. Since you are called by his name, I will give it to you."


    The little guy reached out to grab the lock, and his smiling face resembled Jacob''s.


    Avery hung the lock around his neck and kissed Ethan on the face. "Baby, happy birthday."


    She affectionately looked at Ethan, thinking that if her own child hadn''t died, today would have been


    like this.


    Avery cut two pieces of cake and even picked out the cream and fruits for Ethan. He held the spoon but


    didn''t know how to eat, so he waved his chubby hands around helplessly.


    Otherwise, he would lower his head and lick the te, getting a little bit of cream on his small nose.


    Avery gently looked at him. "Look at you, making a mess everywhere."


    Sheughed while eating the cake, but tears couldn''t stop flowing from her eyes.


    Seeing her shedding tears, Ethan tried tofort her by babbling, "Waa wa... "


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    Avery wiped away her tears randomly. She held Ethan''s body gently and said, "Baby, I used to have a


    baby too."


    Ethan didn''t understand what she was saying, so he reached out and wiped the tears off Avery''s face.


    "But he went to a faraway ce. I miss him every day. Ethan, why are you La''s child?"


    Avery sat down with him and didn''t care whether he understood or not. She spoke incessantly, "I was


    also a little princess when I was your age. I had parents who loved me, but one day, my mother left. I


    chased after the car, running until I fell, but I couldn''t catch up to my mother. My father treated me well


    and raised me. Then I fell in love with a man and had a baby with him. Later, my father got sick, our


    family fell apart, the baby was gone, and even my loved one became an enemy. Am I such a failure?"


    The child hugged Avery tightly, and her tears rolled down onto Ethan''s neck.


    Ethan didn''t know why she had so many tears, but he knew that he didn''t want this woman in front of


    him to cry.


    "Mommy, no, no," he struggled to pronounce, unable to say more.


    Avery wiped away her tears and, ording to the original n, carried Ethan to the deck on the


    second floor.

 Chapter 131 Ethan Is Missing

    Chapter 131 Ethan Is Missing


    Chapter 131 Ethan Is Missing


    The harsh sea breeze blew as Ethan hid from the wind in her arms, with snowkes swirling around


    them.


    Avery pointed to the distant sea and said, "My baby disappeared in this area. He was not as fortunate


    as you. When he was taken out of my belly, he had no breath. He had never seen the sun of this


    world."


    "Little one, do you think it''s cold for him alone at the bottom of the sea? Will you apany him? It


    might be a bit cold when you first go underwater, and the water will quickly spread to your lungs. You


    will feel like your lungs are about to explode, experiencing intense pain and difort. You will want to


    call for help, but you won''t be able to utter a single word. Slowly, you will lose consciousness and sink


    into darkness..."


    "In the end, you will disappear forever in this world, leaving behind an indelible scar for his entire life.


    You are his beloved son, and if he loses you, he will surely be heartbroken, won''t he?"


    Avery pinched his cheek and smiled self-mockingly. "You won''t be like my own child. From conception


    to departure, he was all a tragedy."


    She held the child''s hand and walked step by step towards the edge of the cruise ship. "Ethan, look,


    the snow tonight is as heavy asst year. You must be very cold alone in the water, right? Don''t be


    afraid; Mommy has brought you a ymate."


    The bottomless sea resembled a monster, roaring viciously with its wide open mouth, wanting to


    devour everything.


    Avery smiled gently at Ethan. "I''m sorry, my dear. I will repay you in the next life."


    When Gail took the cake and turned around, there was no trace of the little one by her side.


    Since the child learned to walk, he often wandered off. Luckily, with his arms and legs, he couldn''t go


    far.


    She chased after him with the cake in hand, calling out, "Mr. Ethan, where did you hide?"


    Looking at the empty corridor, Gail felt fear at that moment.


    It only took her a few seconds to fetch the cake. How could a child who had just learned to walk


    disappear from such a long corridor? She looked at the railing; Ethan shouldn''t be able to fall off.


    But in panic, Gail had to consider other possibilities. She dropped the cake and ran frantically towards


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    the bow of the ship.


    She quickly found Jacob and said, "Mr. Hill, Mr. Ethan is missing!"


    La pped Gail''s face. "I told you to put the child to bed. You can''t even watch over one child! If


    something happens to my son, I will feed you to the fish!"


    Jacob gave her a cold nce, then turned to John. "Check the surveince."


    Gail was already in a panic. "I was gone for only a moment to get the cake, and Mr. Ethan disappeared.


    Could he have fallen into the sea?"


    "No." Jacob denied it outright, "His body cannot squeeze through or fall from anywhere high unless it''s


    intentional."


    Intentional?


    Who on this ship would darey a hand on his son? Unless...


    Avery''s face shed in his mind.


    It was impossible. She loved Ethan so much; she would never do anything to the child.


    Jacob''s figure had already disappeared from the deck.


    Everyone on the ship panicked. The cruise ship was so big. If he really fell off the ship, he wouldn''t


    even be able to call for help.


    However, Jacob went straight to the top floor. Was it possible that Avery took the child there? That was


    where the incident happenedst year.


    He used all his strength to run this distance, and the snowkes danced around him, blurring his vision.

 Chapter 132 Give Up the Plan

    Chapter 132 Give Up the n


    Chapter 132 Give Up the n


    "Look, the snow tonight is so beautiful."


    "Jacob, today is our baby''s memorial day. Have you ever thought about him for even a moment


    throughout this year?"


    "I thought he was just a pawn for you to retaliate against me."


    Jacob realized btedly that he assumed her target was La, but he had overlooked Ethan.


    She deliberately chose today to make Ethan a sacrifice in memory of her child.


    In this way, she could also seek revenge on Jacob and La.


    Jacob felt both anxious and furious. Avery never changed; she had never let go of extreme thoughts!


    In just over a minute, Jacob''s heart went through a rollercoaster of emotions, and his palms were


    sweating.


    He rushed upstairs in one breath. The current round of fireworks had already finished, and the next


    round was being prepared. The whole world seemed to be suddenly paused, with only the sound of his


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    running footsteps.


    The second-floor deck was empty. When Jacob reached the edge, the ocean was still roaring, fiercely


    hitting the ship''s hull and sshingrge waves.


    He couldn''t see anyone there. Did he arrive toote?


    Jacob felt as if he had fallen into an icy cave. He was freezing from head to toe.


    Suddenly, a voice of excitement and tears came from downstairs. "Mr. Ethan, how did you climb up


    here? You scared me! I found him, I found Mr. Ethan!"


    Upon hearing this voice, Jacob felt like he had just escaped death. His tall body slid to the ground.


    The hot sweat that covered his body turned cold as soon as the wind blew, and he held his chest as if


    his heart was about to jump out.


    He covered his face andughed. For the first time in his life, he tasted the ups and downs.


    From hell to heaven, it was just like this.


    He didn''t see Avery crouching behind a barrel at that moment, looking at the steadily falling snow in the


    sky.


    At the critical moment, she gave up her n to make Jacob suffer.


    To be fair, she couldn''t bear taking Ethan''s life.


    He was so young and shouldn''t be held responsible for their sins.


    How terrible must she be to harm a child like that?


    While reproaching herself for her cowardice, she also felt ashamed of her actions.


    She turned all her guilt into an exnation. Perhaps there were many misunderstandings between her


    and Jacob.


    Ethan should not have paid the price for these misunderstandings.


    Her original n was to die with Ethan in the sea, but now she had one thing left unfinished.


    She needed to uncover all the truths from back then!


    When Jacob left, she returned to her room with a tired body.


    Ten minutester, Jacob appeared in her room.


    His arrival indicated that he had guessed that she had taken Ethan away. When she left, she didn''t


    remove the lock from his neck.


    That was a design he personally made; how could he not know its origin?


    On the table in the room, there was a half-cut cake and extinguished candles.


    Avery had prepared herself to be tortured to death by him. She had given up the best opportunity, and


    what awaited her next should be a torment worse than death.


    Jacob''s footsteps grew closer, and the room fell deadly silent.


    Avery looked up and saw Jacob sitting at the table, eating the remaining cake.


    Not saying a word, he took the cake spoonful after spoonful.


    He clearly wasn''t someone who enjoyed eating cake.


    He didn''te to interrogate her but to eat cake.


    As he put down the fork and wiped his lips with a tissue from the box, he then walked towards Avery.


    The moment had finallye.


    His leather shoes stopped in front of her, and a heavy voice came from above her head. "One day, you


    will realize that your decision to give up today was the most correct choice of your life."

 Chapter 133 Mr. Ethan Has Been Abducted

    Chapter 133 Mr. Ethan Has Been Abducted


    Chapter 133 Mr. Ethan Has Been Abducted


    He left behind a perplexing remark for Avery to ponder and then left.


    No reprimands, no madness, not even a single inquiry.


    What did it mean by her most correct choice?


    The door mmed shut, and a new round of fireworks ignited. Avery watched the fleeting brilliance of


    the fireworks, reminiscent of her own barren life.


    Apart from brief moments of brilliance, all that remained was endless destion and darkness.


    While everyone immersed themselves in the festive atmosphere, Avery suddenly heard a woman''s


    scream.


    "Mr. Ethan!"


    Did she mishear it?


    The next moment, Avery saw several men rushing past her room door, one of them carrying Ethan!


    Avery had no idea what had happened, but by the time she reacted, she was already chasing after


    them.


    Ethan''s mournful cries echoed through the corridor, yet at this moment, everyone was absorbed in the


    fireworks feast. Even most of the security guards were busy setting off fireworks.


    It seemed that Gail had injured his leg and couldn''t run, so he could only watch helplessly as his child


    was taken away.


    Apparently, there was more than one person on this cruise ship scheming against Ethan.


    Avery was d she had changed out of her formal dress earlier, allowing her to catch up swiftly.


    She unleashed the speed she had during her high school days whenpeting in short-distance


    races. In the instant when several people were about to escape on a speedboat, Avery realized there


    was no time to waste. She disregarded everything and leaped onto the speedboat.


    As they fled for their lives, little did they know that an additional person had suddenly appeared on the


    speedboat. It was a breathless woman.


    Avery''s current physical condition was far fromparable to her high school days. After all, back


    then, she could finish a long-distance runningpetition without taking a break.


    Even though she wanted to appear fierce in front of the group, all she could manage was panting and


    gasping for breath as she said, "You... huff... put him down... huff..."


    She couldn''t even finish a sentence, clutching tightly to the edge of the speedboat, fearing she would


    be thrown off.


    She herself was amazed at how she managed to catch up with them with such a weak and sickly body.


    It turned out the world was lenient toward beautiful women. When they first saw an extra person on the


    speedboat, everyone became tense. They all raised guns and aimed at Avery''s forehead.


    Little did they know that Avery fainted beforepleting a single sentence.


    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    The man nearest to her even reflexively caught her.


    "Sir, there''s a woman. What should we do? Should we throw her overboard to feed the fish?"


    Dim light fell upon Avery''s innocent face, the white down jacket swaying in the wind, entuating a


    sense of sickness and weakness.


    The man in charge fixed his gaze on her face, his eyes deep and heavy. "No need; let''s go."


    The speedboat quickly left the cruise ship, apanied by one person''s mockery. "Is she serious?


    Sending her head from miles away."


    Gail watched everything unfold from inside the railing, feeling anxious and furious. Despite her bleeding


    leg, she crawled out of the corridor and was only discovered by security guardster.


    "Mr. Ethan has been abducted!" Gail crawled towards Jacob, disregarding her own leg injury.


    La was the first to p her. "How on earth could my son be abducted? I entrusted you with taking


    care of him, yet time and again..."


    "Shut up!" Jacob interrupted impatiently, his face dark and annoyed. Gail''s injury from the wooden


    barrel was obvious, clearly different from the previous false rm.


    "What exactly happened?"

 Chapter 134 Set up a Dragnet

    Chapter 134 Set up a Dra


    Chapter 134 Set up a Dra


    Gail recounted the incident, and upon hearing that Avery had also jumped onto the boat, La''s first


    reaction was to me her.


    "I knew she had ulterior motives. She must have had someone kidnap our child! Jacob, you must


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    rescue Ethan!"


    If Jacob didn''t have a policy against hitting women, he really wanted to rip La''s mouth apart.


    No one would utter such absurd words.


    He suppressed his anger and ordered, "Drag her out."


    John had already started investigating, and when Jacob saw Avery chasing after the criminals without


    hesitation, it stirred something inside him once again.


    He knew better than anyone that if Avery truly wanted to harm Ethan, she would have done it earlier.


    She genuinely cared for the child, to the extent that she followed him even though she knew the other


    party had a gun.


    John looked worried and lowered his voice. "Mr. Hill, could it be that your identity has been exposed?


    So they abducted Mr. Ethan in an attempt to use him as leverage?"


    Jacob pursed his lips, emanating a chilling aura.


    "No," Jacob outright denied.


    Jacob extracted footage from the surveince cameras showing them firing their guns. Although they


    had altered their appearances, the handguns were still noticeable.


    He zoomed in on the video and said, "Look, they''re using MK23 pistols. This type of handgun was


    issued to special forces units in the past. It possesses overwhelming firepower, simr to the ''Desert


    Eagle,'' but it has a significant drawback itsrge size. Even without a suppressor, it is inconvenient for


    one-handed shooting. They wouldn''t choose such a heavy and outdated weapon."


    "Secondly, look at how these two boys are running away. Their movements don''t resemble those of


    well-trained special forces during an evacuation. So it can''t be them. When those people take action,


    they would directly threaten me with the lives of many people, not just a child."


    "If it''s not them, then who dares to go against the Hill family?" John felt puzzled.


    Jacob stood tall, gazing into the distance at the vast sea with unwavering determination. "They have


    put in a lot of effort to target my family. It''s either for their lives or for wealth."


    "That''s right. Miss White had several press releases bought for this birthday banquet, especially for the


    fireworks disy that cost her tens of millions. It''s inevitable that some people would take risks and try


    to kidnap Mr. Ethan."


    John sighed, "Miss White disclosed the details of the birthday banquet. Originally, our security team


    was supposed to handle it, but Miss White insisted on entrusting it to her uncle. If it were just


    embezzlement, it would be one thing, but unfortunately, such a major incident urred, and even Miss


    Adams got involved."


    When Avery was mentioned, Jacob''s brows furrowed. If the other party only wanted a ransom and


    didn''t intend to harm Ethan temporarily, Avery following them would actually put herself in danger.


    The other side had obviouslye prepared. Unlikend, which was covered in surveince cameras,


    it was difficult to escape the eyes of the sky on the sea.


    Even mobile phones had no signal on the open sea, let alone finding a person.


    Jacob''s biggest fear was that the other party would choose uninhabited inds, making it even more


    challenging to investigate.


    Over the next two hours, he made numerous phone calls and set up a dra.


    Despite doing all of this, he couldn''t rx for a moment. A strong sense of worryced his features.


    The child was so young and had never been away from his family. Avery was also a fragile woman.


    Just the thought of it made Jacob furrow his brows, his expression growing even darker and more


    uncertain.

 Chapter 135 Callan

    Chapter 135 Can


    Chapter 135 Can


    Before dawn, the cruise ship docked early, and the guests had no idea what had happened. How could


    the trip end prematurely?


    As the others were being escorted off the ship, La erupted on the spot.


    "Why aren''t you sending someone to find Avery? It''s this despicable woman who conspired with


    outsiders to kidnap my son. She..."


    John felt the urge to p her upon hearing these words. He kicked the person in charge, Can, into


    the room.


    La was furious at this sight. "What do you mean? Why aren''t you looking for Avery? What are you


    arresting my uncle for?"


    "What am I doing? I should be asking you what you''re nning," Jacob sat on the sofa, his expression


    extremely grim, as he tossed a stack of documents onto the table.


    "I spent 15 million dors to organize Ethan''s birthday banquet. How much did he get?"


    Can was the only brother of Derek. After their mother passed away, the White family treated him


    kindly. However, due to his gambling habit, things weren''t going well for him.


    This time, La insisted on having him organize the first birthday banquet for Ethan, clearly wanting


    him to skim some profit from it.


    "It''s understandable that you care about your uncle and want him to earn some money, but have you


    considered that he doesn''t have the ability to execute such a task? To save money, he used ingredients


    that weren''t fresh, and even the professional teams I spent a fortune on were reced by random


    people with no security experience. They were setting off fireworks while watching the fireworks


    disy, causing serious safety hazards!"


    "Mr. Hill, please listen to my exnation. I..."


    However, Jacob had already stood up, his tall figure blocking the bright light from above. His eyes


    radiated anger as he moved towards Can step by step.


    "To save money, you used the existing chefs but drove away their apprentices and hired cheap


    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    Can tried to exin while standing up, "I... I did it to save some money for you, Mr. Hill. Money


    doesn''t grow on trees..."


    Jacob kicked him in the shoulder, causing Can to beg for mercy in pain.


    But when he looked into Jacob''s furious eyes, he couldn''t utter a word.


    "If it weren''t for your greedy attempt to hire people without checking their backgrounds, those people


    wouldn''t have easily gotten on board! If anything happened to my son, go feed yourself to the sharks!"


    La looked at the price list and the actual quotations. The price of eggs alone was five times higher


    than the market value.


    She knew her uncle could be greedy, but she didn''t expect him to stoop so low just to make money.


    "Uncle, you''ve really killed us this time!" La threw the quotation sheet onto Can''s face.


    Can still wanted to exin himself. "How could I have known it would turn out like this? I made sure


    they received training. This disappearance of Mr. Ethan has nothing to do with me..."


    Jacob gradually applied more force to the foot on Can''s shoulder. With a chilling aura emanating


    from his entire body, he stared at this middle-aged man driven by self-interest. "If you try to argue one


    more word, do you believe that I will cut out your tongue?"


    Can quickly covered his mouth, trembling in fear.


    Jacob despised Can for being responsible for the abduction of Ethan and Avery due to his


    ipetence. He wished he could torture Can to death.


    John approached from the darkness, wearing an ominous expression on his face. "We checked Miss


    Adams'' phone location, but there''s no signal. As for the speedboat, it didn''t return to the port; instead, it


    headed into the deep sea."


    The worst had happened. The sea was unpredictable, cutting off all tracking leads.

 Chapter 136 The Enemy of Her Enemy

    Chapter 136 The Enemy of Her Enemy


    Chapter 136 The Enemy of Her Enemy


    La hurriedly ran over and said, "It''s Avery. Just investigate Avery. At the very least, we still have


    Martin. Threaten her with Martin, and she will definitely return Ethan."


    Jacob stopped in his tracks and turned to look at La, his eyes flickering.


    "Jacob, I..."


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    "La, sometimes I really wonder what''s inside your head."


    Jacob slightly leaned down and whispered in her ear, "If it weren''t for Daniel''s sake, I would really want


    to open you up and take a look."


    The dark voice frightened La, causing her to tremble. She looked at Jacob in fear, but all she saw in


    his eyes was anger and disgust as if everything was burning.


    This man was on the verge of losing control. He exerted all his strength to restrain his anger.


    But his eyes didn''t hide his disdain and fury towards her.


    "You better pray that nothing happens to them. Even if Daniel crawls out of the coffin, he won''t be able


    to save Can!"


    Jacob disappeared from the room, and the overwhelming killing intent gradually faded; even the air


    became much fresher.


    La''s back was covered in cold sweat. Wasn''t it Avery who did this?


    What happened to her child?


    Jacob stood in front of a map, and John analyzed, "There is an archipgo nearby, with records of


    over three hundred inds, including some uninhabited ones."


    "Exclude densely popted inds and focus on remote inds with steep terrains and scarce


    resources. Be discreet and use drones for reconnaissance without making any noise."


    "Understood."


    "Have the fingerprints on the bullet been extracted?"


    John hurriedly replied, "Yes, they have been extracted. Wepared them with the fingerprint


    database and haven''t found any relevant individuals for now."


    "If we can''t extract fingerprints, then focus on the bullet and the MK23. Inquire on the ck market, as


    this kind of gun is bing rare."


    "Yes, Mr. Hill."


    "Interrogate everyone who has had contact with the criminals rigorously, see if we can find any clues.


    Also, keep an eye on their movements. If it''s for money, they will soone knocking at our door."


    Jacob''s eyes narrowed. "I want them to regret ever crossing paths with the wrong person."


    ...


    Avery woke up from a daze, her memory freezing at the moment she lost consciousness. "Ethan, how


    is that child?"


    She abruptly opened her eyes and found a dagger pressed against her neck.


    "Don''t move." The person holding the dagger warned in a hoarse voice.


    Only then did Avery realize that she was in a run-down wooden cabin. It shouldn''t be far from the


    seaside, as she could hear the sound of waves crashing against the rocks.


    Using her peripheral vision, she saw a man dressed in ck standing beside her. The de against


    her neck was dangerously sharp, and Ethan was not in the room.


    She had to keep her nerves tense and spoke, "I won''t move, don''t do anything rash."


    "Tell me, what were you doing boarding the shipst night?" the man interrogated.


    Although Avery didn''t know the origin of these people, she knew one thing very well.


    The enemy of her enemy was her friend.


    "For this child," she said firmly.


    "As far as I know, you''re neither the child''s biological mother nor the nanny. Did you risk everything and


    board the ship for someone else''s child?"


    "Someone else''s child?" Avery sneered coldly. "To be precise, it''s my enemy''s child."


    Before the man could continue his questioning, Avery told her story, word by word. "Two years ago, I


    had a happy family. I had a loving man until another woman appeared. She became pregnant with my


    husband''s child, and on a snowy night a year ago, she pushed me, who was also pregnant, off the


    cruise ship."


    "Later, I lost my child and my husband. My father became a vegetable due to illness. Our family went


    bankrupt while she became Mrs. Hill and held a first birthday party for her child."


    Avery gritted her teeth with hatred, and the man didn''t expect that his casual question would elicit such


    a melodramatic story.


    "You are..."


    Avery closed her eyes and said slowly, word by word, "Jacob''s ex-wife."

 Chapter 137 Take Action

    Chapter 137 Take Action


    Chapter 137 Take Action


    A sneer sounded in Avery''s ear, "It is said that Jacob is devoted and unchanging, but no one ever


    mentioned his ex-wife."


    Avery clenched her fingers tightly, her face filled with sadness. "In his eyes, I''m just a disposable


    ything. Naturally, he wouldn''t let anyone know about my existence. Last night was the anniversary of


    my premature son''s death. I secretly boarded the ship intending to take Ethan away, but I didn''t expect


    you all to beat me to it."


    "Your own son died; why did you try to steal someone else''s child?" the man asked.


    Avery spoke word by word, her face full of grief. "To have his son apany mine in death! Do you


    know what kind of life I''ve lived this past year? I couldn''t sleep at night. Every time I closed my eyes, I


    could see myself lying on the operating table. I..."


    As she became emotional, Avery burst into tears. Her tears fell onto the cold de and dripped onto


    the back of the man''s hand.


    The man moved the de away. "Why are you crying? I haven''t done anything to you!"


    Avery let out her grievances, regardless of who the man was. She loudly denounced Jacob''s


    despicable behavior.


    Outside the door.


    Carl held a stalk of catnip in his mouth, looking mischievous as he whispered to Randy beside him,


    "Hey, do you think the boss has taken a liking to that woman? He actually guarded her all night."


    "Nonsense, do you think Frank has never seen a woman before? I think he must find her suspicious


    and was afraid she would escape. That''s why he guarded her all night."


    "If she was suspicious, we could have fed her to the fishesst night. Besides, even if shees back,


    we can just tie her up with a rope. Does he really need to stay awake all night? He must have fallen in


    love at first sight with her. To be honest, I''ve never seen such a beautiful girl before."


    "That woman should be awake now. Let''s go and see. The boss is probably interrogating her cruelly.


    Just don''t end up killing her."


    The two of them removed their masks and pushed the door open, but what they saw left them


    dumbfounded.


    Their usually imposing boss was now standing helplessly at the bedside, trying tofort the crying


    woman. "The dead cannot be brought back to life. Your tears won''t change anything."


    And the woman who cried uncontrobly not only wiped her tears on his coat sleeves but also blew her


    nose onto them.


    "Jacob is a bastard, right?"


    "Yes, a bastard. Aplete scoundrel."


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    "Why am I suffering so much? Wah..."


    Although her crying seemed a bit exaggerated, it looked miserable against the backdrop. In contrast,


    their usually imposing boss even seemed helpless, holding a w knife in his hand.


    Seeing Carl and Randy standing by the door, the boss''s expression changed instantly. In a cold tone,


    he said, "Come over here andfort her."


    Carl had a nk look. "Boss, do you want us tofort the woman you made cry?"


    Randy tried to be more gentle. He fumbled in his pocket for a while and took out a small grass-made


    rabbit, cing it in front of Avery. "Here, stop crying. If you don''t cry, you can y with this bunny."


    Carl patted him on the head. "Who do you think she is, a child that needsforting?"


    Avery saw two boys, about twelve or thirteen years old, standing in front of her. Their masks couldn''t


    hide their foolish expressions.


    Just a moment ago, the man holding the gun was cold and distant, but the next moment, he was


    Did they really take Ethan away? For what purpose?


    Avery wiped her tears and looked at the man standing by the bed with teary eyes.


    He was very tall, and his face was covered by a half-section mask, and his mood could only be judged


    by his thin lips.


    She tentatively asked, "That child took the life of my child. I hate him to the core. Can you give the child


    to me?"

 Chapter 138 Demand Ransom

    Chapter 138 Demand Ransom


    Chapter 138 Demand Ransom


    "No." Randy quickly interjected, "We still need to keep him to demand ransom."


    After speaking, Randy was hit on the head by Carl again. "You''re so straightforward. Can''t you keep


    your mouth shut?"


    Avery couldn''t believe that someone could be so bold as to risk threatening Jacob for ransom.


    Probably even before they could deliver the message, Jacob''s men would have already found their


    hideout and dealt with them.


    "How much are you nning to ask for?" Avery further inquired.


    Carl replied, "He''s so wealthy; we should at least ask for two hundred thousand."


    Avery looked at him in disbelief. "Two hundred thousand?"


    They were willing to take such risks for just two hundred thousand? Jacob probably thought they were


    mocking him.


    Feeling uncertain under her gaze, Carl became less confident. "Isn''t he supposed to be very rich?


    Surely he cane up with two hundred thousand? How about... one hundred thousand then?"


    Avery was speechless. She even developed a sympathetic feeling towards these kidnappers.


    If they were only asking for one hundred thousand, Jacob probably would have left them with intact


    corpses. But after seeing their demand for a ransom, they would deserve to be thrown to the sharks.


    Seeing Avery fall silent, Randy weakly spoke up, "Um, what if he doesn''t even have one hundred


    thousand? Maybe we can manage 40 thousand?"


    Hearing their continuously decreasing demands, Avery sighed helplessly.


    "Oh my! Bro, I''ve heard that these rich people seem wealthy on the surface but actually owe the bank a


    lot of money. Could it be that Jacob is a penniless guy? Then we would be at a loss if we kidnapped his


    child, wouldn''t we?"


    Unable to cry anymore, Avery sincerely advised, "How about... you try increasing the ransom a bit?


    Otherwise, I''m afraid Jacob will think you''re deliberately insulting him."


    Carl held up four fingers. "Then let''s make it four hundred thousand. Would that be too greedy?"


    Avery clutched her chest. Where did these kidnapperse from?


    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    "Add more!"


    "One million."


    "Be bolder."


    "Ten million?" Carl was almost unable to stand after saying those words.


    "One hundred million."


    As Avery uttered these two words, Randy sat down on the ground. "Bro, how much is one hundred


    million? Is it more than all the grass in the mountainsbined?"


    "Miss, are you joking with us?"


    Avery felt a bit frustrated. "Do you know how much money they spent on fireworksst night?"


    Carl thought seriously for a moment. "I watched those beautiful fireworks for a while. It''s a pity we


    couldn''t take them with us. Otherwise, we could have shown Grandma and Grandpa. Frank bought me


    two firecrackers for five dors in the past. The fireworks disy must have cost several thousand at


    least."


    "Add another zero."


    "Several, several tens of millions?" Carl also sat down next to Randy, his mouth wide open, unable to


    close it for a long time.


    Avery had figured out their bottom line. It was clear that these two kidnappers had no experience and


    were even a bit naive.


    "I''m curious; how did you two manage to get on board like this?"


    Carl hurriedly answered, "A while ago, when Frank went ashore to buy supplies, he overheard that


    Miss White spent a lot of money on her son''s first birthday party. We thought we could make a big


    score, and coincidentally, they were recruiting security guards for the cruise ship, so Frank applied."


    Avery found it hard to believe. John would never casually hire people without knowing their


    backgrounds.


    Avery was shocked. "It was that simple?"

 Chapter 139 Negotiation

    Chapter 139 Negotiation


    Chapter 139 Negotiation


    Carl was happy. "Yes, as soon as I heard that we could bring a few people on board for free and just


    take care of the meals, Can agreed happily. We ate a lot in the kitchen, it was really delicious. I even


    packed some food before leaving."


    Avery now understood why these mediocre people could seed.


    Can never expected someone to dare cause trouble on the cruise ship and even kidnap Ethan.


    They didn''t expect the security to be sox, allowing them to seed easily.


    It could only be described as a perfect opportunity.


    "So you did this for money. What about the child?"


    "The child is with my grandma. He has a huge appetite. He drank a lot of milk every time," Randy


    When Avery asked them, Frank, who had been silent beside her, stared at her intently.


    "Is that all the questions?" A low voice came from.


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Just as Avery was about to speak again, she saw the man twirling a w knife in his palm. After a sh


    of white light, the de was ced against her neck.


    "Tell me, who are you exactly?"


    Avery felt a chill down her spine. Although these two teenagers were a little stupid, this man was not.


    The eyes behind the mask seemed to be observing her secretly like a snake. When she rxed for a


    moment, the man bit her neck.


    "If you dare conceal anything, I''ll kill you right now. No one will know if you die here." The man''s cold


    voice came out word by word.


    The man stood against the window, blocking the sunlight that spilled in from outside with his tall figure.


    His emotions were hidden beneath the mask; she could only see his tightly pursed lips and the


    overwhelming killing intent in his eyes, sending shivers down Avery''s spine.


    Perhaps her attempt to rx her guard and use small talk had raised suspicions. These two kids were


    obviously not bad people. Birds of a feather flock together, and she was taking a chance.


    "I haven''t lied. I still have photos of him and me together on my phone."


    She took out her phone and opened the photo album that she didn''t want to look at in front of


    everyone.


    There were many pictures of Jacob that she secretly took before, whether he was working, sleeping, or


    drinking coffee.


    There were also one or two photos of him asleep while she made funny faces next to him.


    All these photos conveyed one message. They were happy in the past, with him working and her


    messing around.


    There was also a series of photos she took during her pregnancy, but by then, Jacob was no longer


    present. Only she was holding her big belly, with a faint smile on her lips.


    "My story doesn''t contain a single lie, but there is indeed one thing I lied about. Although I hate Jacob


    and La, their child is innocent. When I saw you carrying the child and leavingst night, without


    thinking much, I decided to follow."


    Avery took a deep breath and said, "I don''t want to harm the child; I want to save him. I didn''t expect


    my physical strength to give out and faint."


    Indeed, her words finally gained the man''s trust. He nced deeply at her and put down the knife.


    "You are kind."


    "I originally wanted the child to jump into the sea, but at the critical moment, I gave up. I can''t bring


    myself to harm a child. Since your target is not the child but the money, I think we can cooperate."


    Avery looked directly into the man''s eyes with a clear gaze. "I hate Jacob. I know him better than


    anyone else. I can help you get the money and ensure your safety in return. On the other hand, you


    give me the child, and I will ensure his safety."

 Chapter 140 Take Care of Ethan

    Chapter 140 Take Care of Ethan


    Chapter 140 Take Care of Ethan


    "Deal."


    At first, Avery thought he agreed too quickly, but when she pushed open the small door and prepared


    to find Ethan, she was amazed by the scenery before her.


    Thendscape was beautiful, with a clear blue sky, azure sea, and lush green mountains.


    It was an ind surrounded by the sea as if it had been abandoned by the world.


    So he didn''t need to threaten her because there was no signal there. She could scream all she wanted,


    but no one would hear her.


    As long as they had no intention of harming Ethan, Avery didn''t n on doing anything dangerous.


    In the instant the wooden door was pushed open, Ethan was crawling on the ground, chasing a little


    cat.


    His clothes were already dusty, but he looked extremely happy, giggling.


    He made sounds like "meow".


    "This child doesn''t have the temperament of a young master at all. He''s quite obedient. I really like


    him."


    Avery said, already rushing towards Ethan with open arms. Ethan happily called out, "Mommy!"


    Carl was puzzled. "Is this really not your child?"


    Avery felt a bit sad and said, "He''s young, so he calls anyone ''mommy.''"


    "That''s not necessarily true. The nanny tried to feed him because she was afraid he would be hungry,


    but he didn''t even spare her a nce."


    Avery recalled that the child seemed to have called her "mommy" the first time they met.


    She wondered if her own child, who died before he was born, had somehow been reincarnated into


    him, which exined their close bond.


    Avery held the child tighter and kissed his cheek twice, saying, "As long as you''re safe, everything''s


    fine."


    "Don''t worry. We never mistreat him. I couldn''t even bring myself to eat the little cake I stole; I gave it to


    him instead," Carl reassured.


    Avery had a good understanding of their living conditions. The ind had no basic infrastructure, such


    as electricity, inte, or signal reception.


    They only had sr panels that they purchased from the outside world, providing limited electricity for


    lighting at night.


    Fortunately, the ind was rich in resources, including freshwater sources. The few residents there


    lived off thend and relied on natural resources for their livelihoods.


    They didn''t even take the small pendant hanging around Ethan''s neck.


    These people were actually kind-hearted.


    While she was contemting, Ethan suddenly blushed, and Avery, who had never taken care of a child


    before, worriedly asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Ethan seemed to exert force, and the next second, she heard a "plop" sound. Avery felt warmth in her


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    palm and smelled an unpleasant odor.


    "Oh, the little guy has soiled himself." Carl pinched his nose, causing his face mask to deform.


    Lois came out beside them, saying, "Miss, give him to me. I''ll clean him up."


    Subconsciously, Avery didn''t want to hand over the child. "I''ll do it."


    Lois poured hot water into a basin. It was Avery''s first time bathing a child, and she fumbled clumsily.


    However, Ethan didn''t be impatient; instead, he happilyy on her leg,ughing.


    After washing, Lois used a cloth cut from clothes to dry Ethan and put a diaper on him.


    Lois, in her fifties with white hair, rough fingers, and wrinkled face, smiled kindly and slightly awkwardly,


    saying, "Miss, please don''t mind. We don''t have those fancy things from the city here. We can only use


    diapers as a substitute."


    Carl had already taken off his face mask, revealing a handsome face. He earnestly exined, "Lois


    was afraid of hurting the little guy, so she even cut up her own warm clothes. She only has one set,


    which Frank gave her on her birthday."


    Avery looked at the faded floral diaper that had been washed numerous times and felt a mix of


    emotions for a moment.

 Chapter 141 Island Life

    Chapter 141 Ind Life


    Chapter 141 Ind Life


    She forced a smile. "This is good enough."


    In just half a day, Ethan had transformedpletely. He took off his branded clothes and wore the


    clothes of Sherri''s child, which had been worn by countless children and patched up multiple times.


    But at least they were thick and warm.


    Ethan didn''t feel ufortable at all, and he followed Avery like a shadow.


    asionally, he would be curious and want to chase after cats or pull at the roadside grass.


    Everything here seemed novel to him.


    Avery had initially boarded the ship with a determination to die, but in just half a day, she had already


    adapted to the ind life.


    There was no advanced technology like in the city, but it was much cleaner.


    In the sea breeze, she held Ethan in her arms. For a moment, she wanted to settle down there.


    But she was fully aware that, even though this small ind was not marked on any maps, it would only


    be a matter of time before it was found.


    Sooner orter, Jacob would reach this ce.


    There were only dozens of households on the ind, and the residents were all simple and honest.


    Carl told her that they kidnapped Ethan for ransom so that they could enjoy their lives on the ind.


    The children here had never attended school and spent their whole lives fishing at sea. If they fell ill,


    they could only resign themselves to fate. Several vigers had died in agony at the hospital gate


    because they couldn''t afford medical treatment.


    Avery found it ironic. La spent 15 million dors celebrating Ethan''s birthday, while these ind


    children drooled over the stolen cake from the kitchen. Each of them took a small bite and licked their


    lips to savor it.


    What was good and evil?


    What was right and wrong?


    As night fell, Avery caught a whiff of the aroma of food. Carl''s eyes sparkled with excitement.


    "Avy, consider yourself lucky. Lois cooked rice for you. We are in for a treat."


    Avery was speechless. The excitement in his eyes pricked her heart. They could eat rice for every


    meal, but it was a rare delicacy on this ind.


    Growing up in an affluent family, Avery knew that there were many poor people in the world. However,


    experiencing it firsthand waspletely different.


    With Ethan in her arms, she arrived at the door and found Randy drawing on the ground with burned


    charcoal.


    To her surprise, the drawing was quite good. "Have you learned how to draw?"


    Carl said proudly, "We don''t even have a teacher here. Frank taught us how to write, and Randy


    learned to draw by himself. It''s not bad, right?"


    "Yeah, it''s beautiful." Avery sincerely praised.


    "Frank bought him a notebook and a pencil, but he refused to take them, saying that writing and


    drawing on the ground wouldn''t cost any money. If Randy lived in a big city, he would definitely be a


    great artist."


    A sense of pride animated Carl''s face, but Avery''s heart sank deeper.


    Lois cooked potatoes, unknown vegetables, and meat for them.


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    No wonder when she chased after them, each person was carrying a sack.


    Those things were stolen from the kitchen. To them, the ingredients were of great value.


    Carl''s and Randy''s eyes were fixed on the meat, but they didn''t touch the tableware. Frank put the


    He kept the vegetables to himself and said in a nd tone, "Let''s eat."

 Chapter 142 A Change of Mind

    Chapter 142 A Change of Mind


    Chapter 142 A Change of Mind


    Avery stared at therge chunk of meat in her bowl, unsure of what to say.


    Carl and Randy, who were still growing, praised Lois''s cooking skills.


    Noticing that she didn''t eat, Frank exined, "The ingredients on the ind are limited, so you''ll have


    to make do."


    Carl bit his lip and, though reluctant, put his portion of meat into Avery''s bowl.


    "Avy, you look pale and should eat more."


    Avery''s heart ached even more as she looked at the pile of meat in her bowl.


    For someonecking love, even the slightest kindness could light up her world.


    "I''m sorry. I''m not hungry. You guys enjoy your meal."


    Avery held onto Ethan and left. In winter, the ind seemed even more deste in the pale moonlight.


    Before long, someone sat down beside her. It was the taciturn Frank.


    "If you''re hungryter, you can''t find any food."


    "I know, but I''m really not hungry."


    The man took out a piece of mousse cake from behind, which had been slightly deformed from the


    bumpy journey.


    "You must be unustomed to the food in the mountains. These should suit your taste."


    Avery didn''t refuse. Instead, she let the sweet and sour taste of the strawberry spread across her


    tastebuds.


    "Are people here always so hospitable to hostages?" she whispered.


    "You''re a guest rather than a hostage."


    Frank propped himself by putting his hands on the ground. Gazing at the moon, he muttered, "I know


    you look down on us. In the eyes of pampereddies like you, we''re dirty souls. But even so, we still


    live on, fighting against all odds."


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    "No, I never look down on you. Frank, we need to talk."


    The man gazed at her and said, "Alright."


    Avery picked up the yawning child and got up. "I''ll put him to bed first."


    As soon as they entered the room, Carl brought in hot water. "Avy, Lois said people from the city value


    cleanliness, so we boiled some hot water for you."


    Avery smiled gently. "Thank you."


    "No worries. We may not have delicious food, but we have enough water."


    Carl secretly took out a piece of chocte from his pocket and continued, "I took this earlier. It''s so


    tasty. Since you haven''t had dinner, you must be hungry. Please have it, and don''t tell Randy."


    Hearing footsteps, Carl hurriedly stuffed the chocte into Avery''s pocket. The neer was Randy,


    with a thick nket in his arms.


    "It''s cold at night. Lois asked me to give you an extra nket. Let me make the bed for you."


    Met with her silence, he quickly exined, "It''s made of wild cotton that Lois picked and sewed. It''s


    been washed clean and is very warm. It''s not dirty."


    "I know. I''m just grateful."


    Avery patiently put Ethan to sleep. After leaving his parents, the boy was surprisingly well-behaved by


    her side. He hadn''t cried once, and he soon fell asleep.


    Carrying a smallmp, Avery left the room. Frank was still waiting for her.


    His clothes were thin, but he didn''t seem to feel the cold at all.


    Avery turned off themp and sat beside him, wrapping her down jacket tightly around her.


    "After spending a day here, I really like the ind. Although it''s not big, the residents here are all


    simple. You aren''t bad people."


    Half of Frank''s face was hidden behind a mask, and a self-deprecating smile tugged at his lips. "Isn''t a


    kidnapper demanding ransom considered bad?"


    Avery''s gaze remained firm. "I''ve changed my mind."

 Chapter 143 Finding Solace

    Chapter 143 Finding Sce


    Chapter 143 Finding Sce


    Frank looked at her, confused. Instead of looking at him, Avery gazed into the distance and continued,


    "To be honest, when I said I would help you, it wasn''t out of sincerity. Once you get involved with that


    person, there''s no way toe out unscathed."


    "When you receive the ransom, you will fall into his trap. Not only you, but everyone on this ind will


    be in danger."


    Upon hearing these words, Frank subconsciously touched the knife hidden by his side. Avery ignored


    his action and continued, "But then I saw that each of you, despite living in poverty, have a positive


    spirit.


    "Perhaps it''s an elderly person in the vige who died because he couldn''t afford medical treatment.


    Maybe it''s Randy, who wants to learn how to draw but can''t even afford a pencil. Or it could be Lois,


    who cut up her softest piece of clothing to make diapers for a stranger''s child. Suddenly, I understand


    you. You''re not from here, are you?"


    "No," Frank replied sinctly.


    "You want to help them as much as you can, and now I feel the same way. This ce is beautiful and


    shouldn''t be tainted by worldly affairs. It should continue to bask in the sunlight."


    "What do you mean?" Frank was patient. On this day, he treated her as a guest instead of discussing


    how to ckmail Jacob.


    In fact, it was this kindness that made Avery change her initial intention of teaching them a lesson.


    "What you want is money, and it doesn''t have to be from Jacob."


    She looked into his eyes and stressed his tone. "I have money. It''s not a lot, but it should be enough to


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    help you guys."


    "How much do you have?"


    "one hundred million dors."


    Frank was stunned. Did she call that not a lot?


    Under Frank''s inquisitive gaze, Avery chuckled. "I know you must be wondering how someone could be


    so foolish to willingly give money to strangers. I only told half of the story. Would you like to hear the


    other half?"


    "Yes, please go ahead."


    Amidst the sea breeze, she gently recounted the events.


    After hearing her out, Frank said immediately, "I''ll help you kill him."


    She chuckled. "Killing him won''t prolong my life. I don''t have much time left. I donated one hundred


    million dors to charity before, and now the rest of my money has found its owner. In fact, it is his


    money. Let me pay the ransom for him."


    Frank fell into silence. Avery continued, "Don''t provoke him. He''s a madman. Madmen are not scary in


    this world. What is terrifying is a madman with money and power. Perhaps you think this ce is


    isted, but it''s only a matter of time before he finds it."


    "Don''t you hate him?"


    "I loved him and hated him. At one point, I even thought about taking revenge on him by killing his


    child. But after spending a day here, I suddenly feel much calmer."


    Avery extended her hand, sensing the fleeting sensation of the sea breeze passing through her


    fingertips. "I think I''ve finally found my resting ce. Frank, can I use the one hundred million dors to


    buy a grave here?"


    She decided to be buried on this ind after she found out the truth, got her revenge, and ended things


    with that personpletely. How nice it would be!


    Frank knew about cancer very well. He had buried several seniors on the ind. Their deaths had


    been painful.


    He never expected that this frail woman in front of him also had such an illness. No wonder she fainted


    when she jumped onto the speedboat.


    She was just too weak.


    "Alright." Frank agreed to this pact of life and death.


    "Let Ethan stay with me for another week, and then we''ll send him back."


    "Okay."


    Frank suddenly reached out and pulled her up. "Come with me."

 Chapter 144 Nurturing Care and Unexpected Gifts

    Chapter 144 Nurturing Care and Unexpected Gifts


    Chapter 144 Nurturing Care and Unexpected Gifts


    Avery had no idea what he was up to, but she picked up themp nevertheless. The faint light of the


    He took her to the kitchen, tied an apron around his waist, and quickly prepared the ingredients. He


    mixed the rice with eggs, peas, and bacon.


    The man towered above her, with only the dim light from themp to guide him as he expertly chopped


    vegetables and stirred-fried the dish.


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    mes leaped up from the bottom of the pan, licking at its surface and casting a dancing light onto


    Frank''s metallic mask.


    Avery was reminded of Jacob, who would make her a bowl of spaghetti or a te of fried rice


    whenever she was hungry, no matter howte at night it was.


    In no time, the fragrant rice was served in front of her, and Frank added some vegetables to decorate


    the te.


    "Dig in. No matter how long you can survive, I hope it''s longer than you think."


    Tears welled up in Avery''s eyes as she lowered her head to eat.


    The stranger''s care felt like a giant blue whale, opening its huge mouth to engulf her and making her


    temporarily forget the betrayal that she had experienced.


    Frank''s knobby fingers gently rubbed her head. "Even if there is only one day left, live well."


    "Yeah."


    The following days were simple yet happy. Avery epted Frank''s assignment to gather the children


    on the ind and teach them how to read.


    Ethan was always nearby, pulling the tail of a kitten, waiting patiently for her ss to finish so he could


    follow her around.


    "Mommy, pick me up," he said as he opened his arms with a smile.


    At first, Avery corrected him and asked him to call her "Auntie". But as time went on, she got used to it.


    "Honey, let me check on you. Did you fall again? Your face is dirty."


    Avery gently cleaned his face. Ethan giggled and kissed her cheek.


    "Avy, can you tell me why nes can fly in the sky?"


    "Avy, is it true that people can dive deep into the sea? Won''t they suffocate?"


    "Avy..."


    The children on the ind were all very kind to her. Avery had already nned everything out. They


    have been living on this ind for many years, and they were technically illegal immigrants.


    The first step was to purchase the small ind to prevent outsiders from developing it and destroying


    their way of life.


    The second step was to authenticate everyone''s identity.


    Andstly, to send the children to school on the maind.


    With a new purpose, Avery felt that living was not as difficult as before.


    The New Year was approaching, and Frank went out of the ind to buy supplies.


    Carl and Randy waited at the shore, eagerly anticipating his return. When Frank came back with a boat


    full of goods, they jumped up and joyfully helped him carry everything home.


    Aside from necessities, there were fruits, snacks, and even diapers and milk powder.


    Avery was surprised. "Why did you buy these things?"


    "So, you don''t have to change diapers at night," said Frank as he handed her a package. "And these


    are for you."


    Avery blushed when she saw the package. It contained some undergarments, a set of skincare


    products, and hand cream.


    This man was taciturn, but he was more attentive than anyone else. He even asked her about her


    usual medication before leaving.


    "Are these what you take?"


    "Yes, thank you."


    Frank awkwardly turned around. "No worries. I''m just giving you some interest in advance."

 Chapter 145 The New Years Eve

    Chapter 145 The New Year''s Eve


    Chapter 145 The New Year''s Eve


    Frank also bought a new set of clothes for Ethan.


    The children were all happy, shouting, "It''s the New Year."


    Avery didn''t expect that she would spend New Year''s Eve on a special ind with a group of strangers.


    And Ethan was in her arms.


    After dinner, as soon as it got dark, the children gathered to set off fireworks. Even Ethan had two


    sparklers stuffed in his hands.


    Avery had taken many photos of him in the past few days, and her phone had run out of battery.


    Luckily, Frank came back with a charger connected to a sr panel. Her phone was then charged up.


    As Avery pressed the shutter, the corners of her mouth curved up.


    For a moment, she forgot about the pain of being imprisoned by Jacob. She just wanted to indulge


    herself in happiness.


    "Avy,e and set off firecrackers with us."


    "Sure."


    Firecrackers soared into the sky, and beneath the dazzling fireworks were the joyful faces of the


    children.


    Unlike their joyous days, in the study room of the Hill Mansion...


    Jacob smashed the ashtray in front of him onto the ground. So far, no news hade from his


    First, the identities of those people couldn''t be traced, and secondly, their whereabouts were unknown.


    He thought the other party would quickly make demands, but to his surprise, it had been five days


    without any follow-up.


    He couldn''t understand why the other party would take such a risk to abduct his child but note to


    him to negotiate for greater benefits.


    Not only was the whereabouts of the child unknown, but Avery, who had followed them, was in an


    unknown condition.


    Jacob''s eyes were bloodshot. In the past few days, he had slept for a few hours.


    But finding those people with no leads was mission impossible.


    If the other party was his enemy, he would have been informed of Ethan''s death.


    If it was kidnapping, why hadn''t they demanded ransom after a whole week?


    It was New Year''s Eve tonight, and everyone was celebrating with their loved ones, while he went up to


    the terrace alone, allowing the snowkes to cover him.


    "Mr. Hill, you should rest." John put a coat on him.


    Jacob looked at the swirling snowkes under the streetlight, a touch of loneliness passing over his


    gaunt face. His voice was hoarse. "John, what should I do if something happens to them?"


    What should he do?


    At this moment, anyforting words felt like daggers, tormenting his wounds.


    John could only repeat, "God will bless Mrs. Hill and Mr. Ethan. They will be fine."


    Jacob lit a cigarette, smoke swirling in the wind and snow. His voice was low. "I thought I would be


    happy if she died. But when she jumped out of the window, I realized I was wrong. I''m more afraid of


    her leaving than anyone else."


    John didn''t respond. Jacob answered himself, self-absorbed, "She once asked me if I would be happy


    if she died. I didn''t have a chance to tell her that I didn''t want her to die. I want her to live well!"


    By now, Jacob had be somewhat mentally unstable. He clung tightly to John''s hand, saying, "I


    haven''t told her the truth about the child yet, John. Do you think she sensed it, which is why she risked


    everything to save Ethan every time?"


    "Mr. Hill, you''re exhausted. You need to get some rest."


    John sighed helplessly. "I know you''re deeply concerned about Mrs. Hill''s and Mr. Ethan''s safety, but if


    you copse, who will be able to save them if the criminals appear?"

 Chapter 146 Reunion

    Chapter 146 Reunion


    Chapter 146 Reunion


    At first, Jacob thought it was probably just some audacious kidnappers. But as time passed, his


    confidence waned, and a fear crept into his heart. He was afraid that his enemies were behind all of


    this.


    He feared that one day there would be a box at his doorstep, containing the lifeless bodies or some


    body parts of them.


    The current situation was like throwing a stone into a deep well, with no echo or clue as to what was


    happening beneath the surface.


    Jacob''s once admirable patience andposure crumbled over time. He dared not sleep, for


    whenever he closed his eyes, the images of the bloodshed he had witnessed before would transform


    into Avery and Ethan.


    On the seventh day, Jacob finally copsed. He hadn''t eaten or drunk anything for days, nor had he


    slept. He watched the surveince footage repeatedly until his eyes turned bloodshot, but none of the


    people he had dispatched had brought back any useful information.


    Early on New Year''s Day, John discovered Jacob unconscious in the bathroom and immediately called


    the family doctor.


    No one expected that Avery would sneak back to Astrie with Ethan.


    Ethan thought that Avery had brought him to another ce to y, unaware that this time it would be


    their farewell.


    The past few days had seen heavy snowfall in Astrie. The branches wereden with snow, and Avery


    made a snow rabbit on a chair, bringing smiles to Ethan''s face.


    This child was truly adorable, and Avery adored him to the extreme.


    Reluctantly, she stroked Ethan''s head and said, "Honey, it is time to say goodbye. Be a good boy and


    go home to find your mother. Grow up well."


    Ethan felt that something was amiss, but Avery handed him a balloon which immediately caught his


    attention.


    Avery swiftly let go of the child. Feeling her intention of leaving, Ethan discarded the balloon and ran


    toward her, shouting incessantly, "Mommy, Mommy..."


    He hadn''t run more than a few steps when he stumbled and fell heavily into the snow. But even so, he


    didn''t give up. Ignoring the coldness of the snow, he crawled toward Avery with all his strength.


    He didn''t understand what he had done wrong that his mother suddenly didn''t want him anymore.


    "Mommy!" He could only watch as Avery quickened her pace and soon disappeared from his sight.


    Madison heard the sound, wondering how there could be a child crying in such heavy snow.


    She followed the sound and was astonished to see Ethan. "Mr. Ethan..."


    She couldn''t believe that she would find Ethan on her way to buy groceries. Jacob had searched every


    corner of the city without sess.


    "Oh, Mr. Ethan, your father has been anxiously looking for you."


    Madison picked up Ethan while informing John about finding the child.


    Only after witnessing this scene did Avery make a hasty departure.


    Jacob''s high fever refused to subside, and he kept muttering Avery''s name.


    Madison joyfully brought the child back. His eyes were still glistening with tears.


    "My precious baby, don''t cry. Go and see your father." Madison wiped away his tears.


    As if feeling something, Jacob slowly opened his eyes. When he saw Ethan, he thought he was


    dreaming.


    "Daddy!" Ethan called out to him, and Jacob immediately held the child in his arms.


    Bliss overwhelmed his heart as he looked at Madison. "What happened?"


    Madison pped her thigh and excitedly began her storytelling, "Mr. Hill, I had a dreamst night. I


    dreamt that I found an egg, and guess what was inside the shell? It was Mr. Ethan. So, I reckoned that


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    I would find him very soon, and lo and behold..."


    Jacob furrowed his brow. "Why don''t you cut to the chase? Get to the point."

 Chapter 147 Desperate Pursuit

    Chapter 147 Desperate Pursuit


    Chapter 147 Desperate Pursuit


    Madison hastily recounted the process of how she found the child. The furrows on Jacob''s brow


    deepened. "Did you see anyone else besides him?"


    "No, when I found him, Mr. Ethan was crying with a balloon in his hand. Oh, and he kept calling for his


    mommy."


    Mommy?


    Ethan had never called La "mommy," so the person he referred to couldn''t be La. It must be


    Avery.


    John, who had already gone ahead to search for clues, reported immediately, "Mr. Hill, I checked the


    surveince footage. Mr. Ethan was brought back by Mrs. Hill. She deliberately left him on the way


    where Madison usually goes shopping for groceries so that Madison would find him."


    "Was anyone with her?"


    "No."


    "Keep digging."


    Jacob grew even more puzzled. Could it really be as La said? Did Avery deliberately abduct Ethan?


    If it was to extort him, how could she return the child without making any demands?


    Jacob quickly dismissed this idea. The child was still wearing the pendant she had sent.


    If she wanted to harm Ethan that night, she wouldn''t have gone through the trouble of taking him away.


    It wasn''t her.


    Then why didn''t the kidnapper harm her and the child?


    Jacob couldn''t figure it out. He decided to call her and find out the truth.


    However, he found that Avery''s phone had been turned off.


    Jacob sat up with a start. What did Avery mean?


    He had people locate Avery and found that she hadn''t returned to her apartment or contacted Isabe.


    Instead, she had just withdrawn a sum of cash.


    Could it be that someone was threatening her?


    Had she made a secret agreement with someone?


    But the amount of cash was only a few hundred thousand dors.


    What kind of kidnappers would demand such a small sum for the richest man''s son?


    Jacob found it more usible that Avery nned to escape.


    After all, mobile payments would easily expose her location, whereas cash would not. There must be


    something she was nning.


    That d*mn woman was nning to run away again. He should have chained her up.


    Jacob gave the order, "Seal off all exits. Don''t let her leave!"


    He ced the child in Madison''s arms and instructed, "Take good care of him."


    "Mr. Hill, where are you going in your current condition?"


    Jacob grabbed his coat and rushed toward the door. He coughed softly, saying, "I''m going to bring that


    ignorant woman back."


    Jacob''s face was pale. He asionally pressed his fist against his lips and coughed softly. As he


    watched the bustling pedestrians outside, he realized from the bank surveince footage that Avery


    had withdrawn the money without any coercion. She even went to the mall afterward.


    What kind of kidnapper would allow his hostage to go shopping?


    Furthermore, Avery, just like Ethan, seemed to have gained weight and appeared in good spirits, unlike


    her previously sickly appearance.


    Jacob had a strong intuition that she had been living well these past few days.


    "Mr. Hill, I have already ordered people to check it out. We found out Mrs. Hill didn''t buy any tickets.


    Don''t you think you''re overthinking it? Maybe she just wanted to go shopping."


    "Who would go shopping carrying several hundred thousand dors in cash?"


    Jacob lit a cigarette, his arm resting on the window sill, as wisps of smoke enveloped his gloomy


    handsome face. "From her cing Ethan on Madison''s usual route for buying groceries to her payment


    in cash, it indicates one thing. She is avoiding me."


    "We have already sent people to search the mall. Mrs. will be found soon, and then you can ask her


    about everything."


    The cigarette was almost burnt to its end, within three centimeters of his fingertips, a dangerously close


    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    distance. Jacob''s eyes gleamed with a calm fury. The thought of Avery trying to escape again filled his


    heart with rage.


    "Escape? Let''s see where you can escape to."

 Chapter 148 The Showdown at the Harbor

    Chapter 148 The Showdown at the Harbor


    Chapter 148 The Showdown at the Harbor


    Avery emerged from the underground passage next to the mall and saw that it had suddenly been


    sealed off. Just as she expected, Jacob had no intention of letting her go.


    Jacob must have thought she was still inside the mall, so he ordered it to be sealed off, blocking her


    escape route.


    Little did he know that she had already changed her clothes and left through a secure passage.


    Arriving at the designated meeting ce with Frank, Avery went to the market closest to the harbor to


    buy the things she needed.


    Jacob searched for a long time but couldn''t find her. Suppressing his anger, he checked every ignored


    surveince footage and finally spotted Avery at an intersection.


    Despite only seeing her back, Jacob recognized her as well as the man who was walking closely


    beside her.


    He punched the monitor, shattering it into pieces.


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    The sound of the broken monitor startled everyone. John looked at his bleeding hand and hurriedly


    said, "Mr. Hill, your hand!"


    "Go to the harbor."


    Jacob connected the dots and realized that they might be hiding on one of the inds.


    He didn''t know what agreement she had made with that man, but the man hadn''t harmed her or the


    child.


    The inds had limited resources, and she took out hundreds of thousands of dors in cash to


    purchase supplies.


    So, her mode of transportation wasn''t a ne or a train, but a maritime vehicle that could stealthily


    navigate the seas.


    Seeing Jacob''s fierce gaze, John exined, "Mrs. Hill saved Mr. Ethan. That''s a fact. Maybe she''s just


    in a difficult situation."


    "If she were coerced, she would have left signals for help."


    Jacob had considered this possibility, but she had been free to move around the entire time, so it would


    have been easy for her to ask for help. But she didn''t, which showed that she did it willingly.


    She had longed to leave him for a long time, and now she had found another man.


    Jacob was having a fever, his eyes burning red, but the chilling air emanating from him couldn''t be


    ignored.


    "Mr. Hill,pared to that, I think you should seek treatment. Your body temperature is approaching 39


    degrees."


    Jacob''s eyes were filled with fury, and his voice was icy. "Floor it."


    Avery handed over the purchased items one by one onto the speedboat. She knew that Jacob was still


    searching the mall, but why was her heart so uneasy?


    Seeing her pale face, Frank couldn''t help but ask, "What''s wrong? Is your stomach acting up again?"


    "No, it''s just anxiety. We shouldn''t linger. Let''s go quickly."


    As she ced thest set of painting materials on the speedboat, she heard the screeching sound of


    brakes and saw a Bentleye to a halt at the harbor.


    Avery''s vision darkened, and her heart raced. She urged, "Go, go! He is here."


    Frank started the speedboat when Jacob''s voice resounded. "Avery,e here."


    Avery looked at him across the seawater. "Jacob, please let me go. I''ve already returned Ethan to you.


    You''re about to get engaged soon, so why don''t you just give up on me?"


    Jacob''s eyes were bloodshot. Defying the cold wind, he said, "I''m giving you onest chance. Come


    here."


    What responded to him was the sound of the elerated speedboat. Like a devil, he put his hands on


    the railing and looked down at her.


    "Avery, where do you think you can escape to?"

 Chapter 149 Stay on the Island

    Chapter 149 Stay on the Ind


    Chapter 149 Stay on the Ind


    She could no longer see his expression clearly, but she felt that the man was smiling.


    After speaking, he coldly looked to John beside him and asked, "Is the speedboat not ready yet?"


    He would never let Avery leave. As soon as he finished speaking, his vision darkened, and his body


    suddenly copsed.


    After days of sleeplessness, not eating or drinking, coupled with a high fever, it was not unexpected for


    Jacob to copse.


    John sighed helplessly as he watched the speedboat gradually drift away.


    "Mrs. Hill, run away."


    Jacob''s words kept echoing in her mind. Even though the speedboat had already gone far away, her


    body still felt cold.


    She sat motionless in a curled-up position as if her soul had been drained out.


    Frank squatted in front of her and handed her a cup of coffee, which only had a little warmth left. "If


    you''re scared, I can take you back."


    Avery took a sip, and the sweetness dispelled some of the darkness in her heart.


    "I don''t want to go back." Avery tightly gripped the cup, feeling pitiful like an abandoned puppy.


    "He will lock me up and not let me leave that room," she said.


    Frank furrowed his brows, looking somewhat puzzled.


    "Why does he have such a strong possessiveness towards you, even though he has found someone


    new?"


    "Rather than possessiveness, it''s more about hatred. He believes that my father caused the death of


    his sister, but isn''t he also involved in what my father has be today?"


    Avery felt so sad that she couldn''t breathe. "I shouldn''t have targeted his son. In the end, I not only


    failed to harm him but also put myself in danger. I''m truly useless."


    Originally, she wanted to make Jacob suffer for the rest of his life, but she didn''t expect to put herself in


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    danger for Ethan. These past few days, she even managed to make Ethan gain weight.


    "I''m just a useless person who messes things up. I should have perished with him instead of being


    tormented by his nightmares even after leaving him."


    Frank reached out and touched her head, his eyes filled with pity.


    "You are a kind and good girl. You did nothing wrong. It''s this world that treats you unfairly."


    Even though he was usually extremely cold, his voice was warm at the moment.


    "Don''t worry; our ind is not easy for him to find. This archipgo has hundreds of inds. Even if he


    manages to find us, the people on our ind are very united. As long as we hide you well, he will never


    find you in his lifetime. Over time, he will naturally forget about you."


    Would it really be like that?


    Whenever Avery closed her eyes, she could only see Jacob''s eyes filled with hostility.


    "Ah!"


    Avery woke up again in the middle of the night. It had been two days since she left Jacob, but she still


    had nightmares every night.


    Every night, she dreamt of running endlessly, unable to escape Jacob''s clutches.


    He followed her like a shadow, transforming into a poisonous snake that tightly coiled around her.


    Avery looked at the pitch-ck room, with the sound of waves crashing against rocks echoing in her


    ears.


    Although she had returned to a peaceful ind, why was she still unable to control the fear that Jacob


    brought her?


    Even though Isabe had gone back to his hometown during the holiday and Jacob couldn''t pose a


    threat to her, Avery still couldn''t sleep.


    The reason she wanted to stay on the ind was to cut off all ties with Jacob and to uncover the ns


    of the person behind the scenes.


    That person in Astrie knew her every move. While hiding there without Jacob''s knowledge, once she


    endured this period, that person would lower his guard. She could secretly return to Astrie to uncover


    everything, catching him off guard.

 Chapter 150 The Day on the Island

    Chapter 150 The Day on the Ind


    Chapter 150 The Day on the Ind


    Staying on this ind, her mood would be much better.


    For whatever reason, she didn''t want to leave for now.


    She opened her eyes and watched as the sky transformed from darkness to light, with a pale glow of


    dawn appearing on the horizon. Avery strolled around the ind.


    Everyone treated her kindly, warmly inviting her to their homes for breakfast and thanking her for the


    supplies she brought.


    Randy had already started painting on the beach with the art supplies she had purchased.


    His handsome face was filled with excitement. "Avy, is it beautiful?"


    Although he had never formally studied painting, he possessed a talent that otherscked. Even in


    ck and white, his drawings were stunning, and adding colors made them even more vibrant.


    Avery nodded with delight. "You paint beautifully."


    With such talent, if he could acquire more knowledge, he would surely achieve great things in the


    future.


    "You taught me well, Avy. Will you stay on the ind forever?" Randy''s eyes sparkled with charm.


    "Yes," Avery''s voice sounded obscure. Even she herself didn''t know how long she could stay.


    She didn''t know whether Jacob or death woulde first.


    "Avy, yourplexion is not good, and you''ve been gloomy these past few days. Are you worried


    about Ethan?"


    "He can eat and sleep well, and he''s being taken care of by a lot of people every day. There''s nothing


    to worry about," Avery replied.


    As the following days remained calm and uneventful, with no suspicious individuals arriving on the


    ind, Avery gradually rxed her guard.


    This sea area was vast, and besides the indigenous inhabitants, no one else knew about the existence


    of this ind, which wasn''t even marked on the map.


    Even if they used drones for surveince, the strong winds and harsh weather conditions at sea made


    long-distance flights inconvenient.


    At least it wouldn''t be a matter of days for Jacob to find her.


    A smile returned to Avery''s face. She had already made a n. Once she ousted Jacob''s patience,


    the mastermind behind it all would also lose patience.


    On this ind, Avery found a sense of self-worth. Every day, she taught children how to read and write,


    taught Randy how to paint, and asionally followed Lois to learn shoemaking on sunny days.


    Frank would go fishing with the vigers and sometimes wouldn''t return for several days, but each time


    he came back, he brought a bountiful catch.


    During the glorious sunset, as everyone savored the joy of harvest, Avery noticed that something was


    off with Frank''s hand.


    "Are you injured?" she asked.


    Frank instinctively hid his hand behind his back and replied in a low voice, "It''s nothing."


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    She pulled his hand out and discovered arge cut in his palm, with fresh blood trickling down.


    Under Avery''s gaze, he felt slightly embarrassed and turned away, exining, "It''s just a minor injury. I


    identally cut my hand while pulling up a big fish."


    "A wound this big can''t be considered minor," she said.


    Fortunately, when she restocked supplies, she bought a first aid kit. "Come with me."


    Under the evening sun, the two sat by the door as Avery patiently bandaged his wound. The golden


    light cast a warm glow on his face, adding a touch of tenderness to his voice.


    "Be more careful in the future," Avery finished wrapping up the wound, but she noticed that he was still


    staring at the bandaged area.


    "What''s wrong? Did I not bandage it properly?"


    "No," the man slowly lifted his head, and the sunlight gave a faint halo to his dark eyes, making his


    voice sound gentle.


    "You''re the first person ever to bandage my wound."


    Avery gently averted her gaze. She didn''t know anything about Frank''s background, just like the people


    on the ind didn''t know about his past.


    In her moment of trance, Frank grabbed her hand. "What are you doing?"


    "As a token of gratitude, I''ll give you a gift."

 Chapter 151 Are These Yours

    Chapter 151Are These Yours


    Chapter 151 Are These Yours


    Frank quickly pulled her into the woods, where there was a tree house that Randy had taken her to


    several days ago.


    However, Frank swept away the fallen leaves and led her into the secret underground base.


    It was dark underground. He lit the oilmp, and the gentle light illuminated the entire base instantly.


    Avery was shocked when she saw the things stored inside.


    "Are these yours?" She pointed to the guns and weapons hanging on the wall.


    Frank nodded slightly without exining too much. He picked up a small pistol and put it in Avery''s


    hand.


    "The truth will always only be in the hands of the strong. No matter what happens in the future, you


    need weapons for self-defense."


    Avery touched the heavy pistol with a slightly nervous expression. She swallowed and said, "You are


    giving it to me?"


    Frank''s eyes under the mask looked serious, and his voice was cold, "If you can''t escape, I hope this is


    yourst way out."


    He pointed the gun at his chest and said, "Point it at your enemy''s chest, pull the trigger, and shoot him


    dead."


    It turned out that he knew very well every night when nightmares awakened her. He never said


    anything, but it didn''t mean he didn''t care.


    "If you don''t want to have a nightmare, just cut off the source of the nightmare."


    Avery nodded fearfully.


    "Now, I''ll teach you how to use it." Although Frank was injured, it did not affect his movements.


    His slender fingers flexibly dposed the gun, and he said. "Before you shoot, you have to get to


    know it so that you won''t identally hurt yourself."


    "I see."


    Avery epted his kindness because she couldn''t be sure if she would encounter dangers in the


    future.


    Her current physical strength was too weak, so she knew that it would be nice to have a way to protect


    herself.


    After a short while, she learned to disassemble and assemble the gun, and Frank was impressed.


    "You did a good job. Now, let''s practice."


    He took Avery to the shooting range and said, "Do you see the aim? Aim and pull the trigger."


    It was the first time for Avery to hold a gun. She wasn''t sure whether she was excited or scared, but her


    arm shook uncontrobly.


    Her body was against Frank''s warm chest as Frank was hugging her from behind. He pressed his palm


    against her hand and said, "Don''t be afraid. Find the target, and then shoot like this...."


    Boom!


    The harsh sound of a gunshot was deafening. The sound was so shocking that her heart almost


    stopped beating when she heard it up close for the first time.


    She froze nkly, and her body was shaking unconsciously.


    "Just like that, remember?" Avery could fear Frank''s warm breath in her ear, and she finally came to


    her senses.


    Only then did Avery realize that Frank almost held her whole body in his arms, and even his palm was


    close to the back of her hand.


    Avery subconsciously wanted to distance herself from him but Frank was quicker than her.


    In only a second, Frank had already moved away from her, keeping a distance from her. He said in a


    low and hoarse voice, "Try again. Remember not to panic. Your hand must not shake, and your aim


    must be urate. If you are going to shoot someone, there''s nothing to fear. Either he dies, or you die,


    so you must be ruthless! Being soft-hearted won''t help."


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Frank''s words hit the nail on the head. It was true that her failure in life so far had something to do with


    her sentimentality. She was too weak.


    Whether it was La or Jacob, they had walked all over her.


    Thinking of this, she became firmer and raised her arm again.

 Chapter 152 Think About Your Past

    Chapter 152Think About Your Past


    Chapter 152 Think About Your Past


    "Yes, that''s it. Keep your eyes firmer. If you can''t be cruel enough, you will still be the one who gets hurt


    next time. Think about your past."


    With a bang, Avery pulled the trigger, and her arm went numb. She was not used to such strong recoil.


    Although it didn''t hit the bull''s-eye, it still hit the target.


    "Well done. You can do it."


    Frank stood behind her again, adjusted her posture to the best, and then gently whispered, "Avy, I hope


    you can be your sun from now on. You don''t need to borrow anyone''s light. You are born with


    wings and should soar freely in the world. Why should you crawl on the ground?"


    Avery looked at the target in the distance as if it were herself.


    She wondered when she had changed from her shining self to the submissive and controlled pushover


    she was now.


    Even she was disgusted with herself, let alone Jacob.


    Boom!


    The bullet flew forward and hit the bull''s eye.


    "Look, this is what you should look like." Frank let go of his hand, "There are enough bullets."


    Avery looked at Frank and subconsciously wanted to ask him about his identity.


    Thinking everyone had their secret, Avery changed her mind and said softly, "Thank you."Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    She came here every day for the next few days. Frank did not hide anything, teaching her many


    fighting methods and means.


    He even took her to hunt hares and grouse in the mountains. Avery was undoubtedly brilliant and could


    learn anything, even with guns.


    In just a few days, she was able to hunt alone. Initially, she was reluctant to hurt a rabbit, but now she


    could skillfully skin rabbits, disembowel the fish in the wild, and then make a fire to grill the fish.


    This was a life she had never experienced so far. Frank had a lot of experience in wilderness survival,


    which made her very interested not only in his face but also in his past.


    Days like this made her forget her anxiety and the panic Jacob had caused her.


    Following Frank around in the mountains every day, she felt that her physical condition was much


    better than before when the side effects of chemotherapy had made her out of breath, even if she


    walked a few steps faster.


    There was no Inte here, and it felt like being isted from the world, which made Avery feel very


    fulfilled.


    She even went to sea with Frank, sailing on the rough sea and enjoying every happy day wantonly.


    She often saw groups of dolphins,zily breaching whales, and turtles covered with barnacles in the


    vast sea.


    Frank told her that everything on the ind would revive when spring came, and all the flowers would


    bloom. The fish resources would be abundant at that time, and the ind would be particrly


    beautiful.


    Avery suddenly looked forward to spring flowers blooming.


    "Why are you dazed?" Frank put a freshly washed apple in her hand.


    Only then did Averye to her senses, and she said with a smile, "I was looking at the cherry


    blossom tree. It should be blooming in a few days. I suddenly longed for the spring flowers here. What


    a beautiful scene it would be."


    Frank nced at her face calmly and said, "Well, it''s beautiful. I''ll check out the fish cages I put up a


    few days ago to see if there are any fish."


    Avery almost forgot that this was the first fish trap she had knitted a few days ago, and she didn''t know


    if it could catch any exciting creatures.


    "I''ll go with you." She bit the apple and followed Frank. She had be very familiar with the ind


    these days and followed Frank to find where the fish cages had been ced.


    One of them was ced a bit deep, so Frank took off his shirt and jumped into the sea without thinking.


    Avery was impressed by his physical fitness. Nowadays, she would cough if she stayed in the wind for


    a while. Although it was the beginning of spring, the temperature was rtively low.


    Just as she was thinking, she heard a ssh, and Frank emerged from the water.

 Chapter 153 Its A Harvest

    Chapter 153It''s AHarvest


    Chapter 153 It''s A Harvest


    A naked and muscr body caught her eye. Frank''s skin was darker than Jacob''s, an authentic bronze


    color.


    He had broad shoulders and a narrow waist with well-defined chest muscles. Like Jacob, he also had


    some wounds on his body.


    Frank looked wild and masculine when the water drops flowed down his well-structured belly.


    He was holding a fish basket, and the sun cast sparkling light on the sea behind him. Although his face


    could not be seen, it could be seen from his thin lower jaw that he was pleased.


    "It''s a harvest."


    Frank climbed ashore barefoot, and the seawater flowed down the legs of his military trousers. As he


    moved, his abdominal muscles were well disyed.


    Avery looked away unconsciously, "I''m going to make a fire to grill the fish."


    "Well, I''ll take care of the internal organs. We got lucky, and there are a few crabs."


    Avery quickly picked up dead branches and dry firewood. She hurriedly came down holding the


    firewood and suddenly found her stomach churning.


    "What''s wrong?" The man carving up the fish walked over quickly, squatting on the ground and looking


    at Avery nervously.


    Avery just retched. She stroked her stomach and looked pale, "It''s nothing, just a little sick in the


    stomach. It''s an old problem."


    "Does it ache badly?"


    A drop of water fell on her face. Avery raised her head and looked into the concerned eyes of the man


    under the mask. Water droplets kept dripping down his hair.


    Only then did she realize that she was almost wholly held in the arms of the half-crouching man. The


    heat from his body mixed with water vapor went straight to her body, and the atmosphere became


    slightly ambiguous.


    Although there was no physical contact between the two, such a close distance still made Avery


    ufortable.


    Frank seemed to realize this and hurriedly backed away. Avery replied, "No, just a little nauseated."


    Lois learned she was not feeling well and came to see her. She asked in a dialect, "How are you


    feeling? Are you sick?"


    Avery shook her head, knowing that it was her old problem, and she happened to have finished her


    stomach medicine and painkillers.


    "I''ll make you something light. Frank, go buy some medicine from the surrounding inds."


    "Frank, I''ming with you." Carl wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and followed.


    Frank hurriedly left with Carl. Lois took Avery''s hand and said, "Don''t worry. The resources on the


    nearby inds are not rich, but you can still buy stomach medicine."


    Avery looked at the sky. It was sunny today, and even the sea breeze was very gentle. Avery somehow


    felt very nervous, feeling that something big would happen.


    The flower buds of the cherry blossom trees on the hillside would bloom in a few days. Randy said that


    the ind would be surrounded by brilliant cherry blossoms when the sea breeze blew.


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    On a moonlit night, they could hang a smallmp under the cherry blossom tree to admire the moon,


    and the scenery would be breathtaking then.


    Avery, who originally had beautiful fantasies, now had no intention of waiting for the flowers to bloom.


    Frank, who had arrived at a nearby ind, found that the atmosphere on Shuttle Ind was different


    from usual as soon as hended there. There were several helicopters on the ind.


    The inds nearby were barren, and there were usually few tourists. How could there be helicopters?


    Carl had always been a sociable person. He grabbed a handful of snacks from his pocket and asked a


    passerby, "Sir, what''s going on? Some rich man ising here to spend money?"

 Chapter 154 We Must Get There Before Them

    Chapter 154We Must Get There Before Them


    Chapter 154 We Must Get There Before Them


    "Hey, you know what? I heard several helicopters have been flying nearby in the past several days.


    The people inside are all wearing ck clothes and sunsses, just like we see on TV."


    Frank was startled on the side. Jacob must havee here.


    He hurriedly entered the small drugstore nearby and bought the necessary items. Carl hurriedly came


    in, "Frank, it''s bad. The helicopters took off. They seem to be flying towards our ind."


    Frank took the things and said with a cold face, "Let''s go quickly. We must get there before them."


    Carl looked at the helicopters above their heads and chewed a snack in frustration, "Damn, what can


    fly is indeed faster than what can swim in the sea. They have covered such a long distance in such a


    short time. Frank, hurry..."


    Carl tried to urge Frank to go faster but found that he was stepping on the gas as hard as possible.


    The boat flew across the sea, and arge ssh of water rose from the bow. The speedboat had


    exhausted its full strength.


    Frank stared at the helicopters in the sky with a cold look in his eyes.


    The difference between a helicopter and a speedboat was as significant as the natural chasm between


    Jacob and him.


    Even though he tried his best, he couldn''t catch up with Jacob.


    But even so, he was still going to rescue Avery.


    On the ind, Lois specially cooked a pot of light porridge for Avery and cooled it a little before serving


    it to Avery.


    "Young girl, eat some while it''s warm. Whether you have children or not, your body is most important.


    You have to eat some even if you don''t want to."


    "Thank you, Lois." Avery took a sip, but she felt very nervous.


    Before she took another sip, there suddenly came the sound of propellers circling from the sky. Randy


    spotted the helicopters in the sky.


    "Avy, look, there are so many helicopters."


    Avery panicked and dropped the bowl in her hand to the ground.


    She held on to the door and murmured, "He''sing. He''sing..."


    Avery had spent some peaceful time here, knowing that this day woulde sooner orter.


    Randy quickly grabbed Avery''s hand and ran towards the woods, "Avy, don''t be afraid. They can''t be


    sure you are on this ind even if theye. We talked with other vigers in advance, and no one will


    betray your whereabouts. If you hide, they will leave naturally if they can''t find you."


    But Avery felt even more uneasy.


    That was Jacob. He didn''t like surprises the most.


    If it was just searching, he could disperse the helicopters to the surrounding inds, saving time, but


    several helicopters had arrived simultaneously.


    This showed that he was very confident that he could find her. If she hid, would it cause trouble to the


    people on the ind?


    While she was thinking worriedly, the helicopters hovering above had found a ce tond.


    "Stop looking. Go and hide in the mountains. Don''t worry. They won''t be able to find you here."


    Avery hid in the cabin and took out the telescope to monitor the situation.


    When these helicopters suddenly appeared on the ind, they attracted everyone''s attention. The


    helicopters parked on rtively tnd, one after another.


    The cabin door opened, and John and Jason looked around the ind with their sunsses on. The


    remaining bodyguards appeared in neat rows, wearing body armor and holding guns.


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    After confirming that there was no danger, John guarded the cabin door.


    Avery felt nervous. Could it be that Jacob came in person?


    As she was thinking, she saw a little hand stretching out from the cabin door.


    Then she saw Jacob. He was wearing a ck wool coat, looking slender and tall. In his arms was


    Ethan, who was wearing a ck and white panda jumpsuit.

 Chapter 155 It Seems This Is It

    Chapter 155It Seems This Is It


    Chapter 155 It Seems This Is It


    Avery finally realized why Jacob was so sure of finding her. Although Ethan couldn''t speak, he was not


    stupid. He had lived on the ind for a week, and he knew the ind!


    So Jacob didn''t need to waste time searching ind after ind. He just needed to find the ind that


    made Ethan most emotional.


    Like now, Ethan was excitedly waving his arms and legs before getting off the helicopter and shouting,


    "Mom, mom, cat, cat..."


    He was saying all the words he knew.


    Jacob held Ethan with one hand and said with a cold smile, "It seems this is it."


    Everyone was prepared. After all, a gun had been seen here before, and they did not dare to take it


    lightly.


    Jason put away his usual yful smile and said something on the walkie-talkie. Soon, warships


    appeared on the sea and surrounded the ind from all directions.


    Snipers were in position high up, and other special forces wearing body armor descended from the


    helicopters down the ropedder into the forest one after another.


    Avery hadn''t expected so many people to be dispatched because of her!


    She had known that the Hill family had an unusual status, but she had never expected that the man at


    the top of the business empire could quickly summon the army, navy, and air force.


    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    More and more ships, helicopters, and special forces werending on the coast.


    It was just a matter of time to find where she was.


    Ethan was so excited that he struggled out of Jacob''s arms. Jacob confirmed that there was no danger


    nearby and then let go.


    "Good boy, go find your mother." Jacob''s eyes were filled with confidence.


    Avery, where are you?


    Ethan gave full y to the role of a military dog. He was very familiar with the ind''s environment.


    Jason kept shouting, "Mr. Ethan, slow down. Don''t fall."


    Ethan twisted his little butt and walked forward quickly. He fell asionally, but he quickly got up and


    continued running.


    When he saw the civet cat, he ran over, babbling, "Cat."


    Jacob gave John a look. John quickly followed the kitten to a house where Lois was cleaning up the


    debris on the floor.


    John took out Avery''s photo and asked politely, "Madam, have you ever seen this woman?"


    Lois shook her head and spoke in a dialect that John didn''t understand.


    Ethan stumbled to the door and ran straight towards Lois, "Meemaw..."


    Lois tried to exin, but a tall man approached her with a terrifyingly cold face.


    Jacob said sincerely, "Madam, I don''t mean to offend. I''m just looking for my wife. I hope you can


    cooperate, or..."


    Jacob added word by word, "I don''t know what kind of rude behavior I would do to you."


    The intense pressure sent a chill down Lois''s spine. Even so, she waved her hand and exined that


    she had never seen this woman before.


    But Jacob could read a person''s mind with just one nce.


    His son was very familiar with the ind. He had followed the cat directly here without looking at the


    houses beside it.


    Eight out of ten, this was where Avery was.


    Ethan didn''t understand why the older woman, who had been so nice to him before, didn''t even look at


    him today. Jacob touched his head and said softly, "Baby, where is Mommy?"


    Ethan no longer dwelled on it. He changed direction and went to the room where he and Avery had


    lived.


    Lois tried to stop, but Jason''s tall figure blocked her way, "Madam, excuse me."

 Chapter 156 Tell Me Where She Is

    Chapter 156 Tell Me Where She Is


    Chapter 156 Tell Me Where She Is


    Jacob pushed open the wooden door. The room was furnished, and the furniture was all made of wood.


    In addition to a small bed, there was a drawing board next to it.


    The picture showed cherry blossom trees under the moonlight, and the ind looked particrly quiet


    under the moonlight.


    The painter was very skilled, and Jacob could tell at a nce that Avery painted it.


    At this moment of certainty, he felt ecstasy in his heart. He finally found her.


    A thick pile of paintings was next to it, and Jacob checked it calmly.


    In the paintings, the men returned from fishing under the sunset, and the faces of the women and


    children were filled with smiles.


    Some teenagers were weaving grasshoppers with grass, some were painting in the morning sun, and a


    man wearing a metal mask was leaning against a cherry blossom tree.


    Maybe she was careless when she painted it, but the painting meant something more in Jacob''s eyes.


    It was this man who took her away.


    Jacob''s face turned colder. Holding the painting, he walked up to Lois and said coldly, "Madam, tell me


    where she is?"


    When Avery watched Jacob enter Lois''s house, she was excited and about to return.


    A hand grabbed her wrist tightly. When she came to her senses, she saw that Frank had rushed back.


    Avery''s face was full of panic, "He''s here!"


    "I know. Don''t be afraid." Frank touched her head tofort her, "I''ll take you away. Come with me."


    Avery felt panicked and confused. She quickly followed Frank and took a shortcut to leave the ind.


    There was a speedboat parked there. As long as she stepped on the speedboat, she would be free.


    But could she be free?


    She looked back and saw that someone had discovered her trace and reported it to Jacob immediately.


    Jacob''s angry voice came from the loudspeaker, "Avery, if you dare to escape, I will burn this ind!"


    The nightmare she had been having for many days became a reality, and Jacob''s voice haunted her


    like a nightmare.


    Avery''s psychological defensepletely copsed, and she trembled, "I have to go back."


    Frank said thoughtfully, "There is still a chance of survival if you leave now."


    "How many lives will it take to exchange for my chance of survival? This ind does not exist on the


    map, and even the residents on the ind do not have any identity information. Have you seen those


    warships? He only needs to im that the people on the ind are all extremely vicious terrorists, and


    they can open fire without him taking any responsibility."


    Frank frowned and said, "Who the hell is he?"


    "I don''t know." Avery only knew that on the night he rescued her from the sea, Jacob was wearing


    camouge uniforms, and a warship not far away prated a pirate ship.


    Amid the mes, Jacob was wearing a mask with the pattern of an evil ghost totem on at that time.


    During their several years of marriage, he would asionally leave on "business trips" for some time,


    maybe a few days, perhaps a month, and there was no news from him then.


    He had more than one wound on his body, including stab wounds and gun wounds.


    He had never told her, and she had never asked.


    She only vaguely knew that the Hill family had the same background as the White family.


    She had never cared who Jacob was.


    If she left, all the people on this ind would be implicated. Her way forward had been cut off by


    herself, and she could not go.


    While she was hesitating, Jacob had already walked over. He stood on the high slope, looking down on


    everything like a king.


    "Avy, I told you, you can''t escape."Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

 Chapter 157 We Are Friends

    Chapter 157We Are Friends


    Chapter 157 We Are Friends


    Avery looked up at him. The sun was shining on him, but her eyes were so cold.


    There was anger, ridicule, and contempt in his eyes.


    "Jacob, what do you want from me? Do I not even deserve to live my own life?"


    Obviously, they were divorced, but this man was even more possessive of her than before the divorce,


    and it had even reached a perverted level.


    Jacob''s eyes fell on the big hand holding her wrist tightly. Frank caught his eyes and subconsciously


    blocked Avery behind him.


    The eyes of the two men met, and Frank didn''t look intimidated at all, "You are divorced, and she


    doesn''t want to go with you."


    Frank''s actions and words thoroughly angered Jacob.


    Jacob looked at Frank with deep eyes, and he seemed very unhappy.


    Even the surrounding air sounded noisy with the impending rain, and the sea wind was stirring wildly,


    blowing Avery''s slightly longer hair.


    She looked pale and was hiding behind a man. Although the man had a good figure, his shabby ck


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    jacket was already in tatters.


    Jacob suddenly felt very unhappy. The man was no match for him. Why had she run away from him


    repeatedly just because of this man?


    Jacob habitually took out a cigarette and lit it. He stood therezily and proudly.


    "Who are you to her? Who do you think you are to interrupt when we talk?"


    Frank was speechless but quickly answered, "We are friends."


    "Friends?" Jacob sneered, "Avery, you befriended a kidnapper. You''re something."


    The word "kidnapper" sounded particrly harsh.


    "Jacob, things are not what you think. I can exin about the child."


    Jacob narrowed his cold eyes and said, "Come up."


    This game was over.


    The overwhelming he dropped made it impossible for Avery to escape.


    Frank knew what awaited Avery was a living hell if she left with Jacob.


    "Don''t go." He held Avery''s wrist and tried to make a final struggle, but he didn''t know that this action


    thoroughly angered Jacob.


    There was a gunshot. Avery was used to the sound of gunshots, so she didn''t scream.


    The bullet was fired at Frank''s feet. If Avery hadn''t been in front of him, the shot would never have


    Avery hurriedly broke away from Frank''s hand. She knew that the more she resisted and got closer to


    Frank, the more miserable they would be.


    Standing beside Frank, she said gratefully, "Thank you for yourpany during this period, but... it''s


    time to say goodbye."


    Frank wanted to step forward, but Avery refused, "Don''te over."


    She walked towards Jacob step by step. Frank clenched his fists tightly but did not dare to move rashly.


    Several snipers were targeting him around. As soon as Avery left and Jacob gave the order, Frank


    would be killed immediately.


    How could Avery not know what Jacob was thinking? He had never been a soft-hearted man.


    Moreover, Frank had kidnapped Ethan and injured Gail.


    So before he gave the order, Avery rushed into his arms. Knowing Jacob preferred a soft approach,


    she whispered, "Don''t hurt him, please. He is a good man."


    Jacob looked down at her with an undisguised sarcastic look in his eyes.


    "You''re begging me for another man. Avery, you''re something."


    He held her hand, and his palm was so close to hers. His palm was so warm as if he was going to burn


    hers.

 Chapter 158 Ill Go Back With You

    Chapter 158I''ll Go Back With You


    Chapter 158 I''ll Go Back With You


    The warmth of his palm seemed to spread from the back of her hand to every inch of her body, and


    Avery felt terrified.


    "Jacob, everyone on the ind is very nice. They cared for me and didn''t hurt Ethan and the others.


    Ethan liked it here very much. As for the kidnapping, it''s a misunderstanding, and I can exin it..."


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    She did not struggle from his grasp but said pleadingly, "I''ll go back with you. Can you let them go?"


    Jacob''s fingers, holding a cigarette, gently stroked her head, and his voice was cold, "Avy, why do you


    always make me angry? How could we have gotten to where we are today if you were so good?"


    Avery endured the humiliation; an awkward smile appeared on her pale face, and tears welled in her


    eyes.


    "Okay, I won''t run away from now on."


    "You said this yourself. What if you run away again?"


    Avery looked at him without saying a word, and she looked pitiful with tears in her eyes.


    He held the cigarette between his index finger and middle finger and pinched Avery''s chin. The burning


    cigarette butt was only an inch away from her skin.


    She could feel the warmth of the cigarette butt. As long as she moved, she would be burned by the hot


    cigarette butt.


    Avery could only maintain this gesture while Jacob said in her ear word by word, "Avy, if you run away


    again, I will make this ind disappear. I will do what I say."


    In humiliation, Avery closed her eyes and cried, "Yes, I know."


    The next second, he kissed her lips aggressively without mercy.


    She didn''t want to. There were at least hundreds of people around.


    The sea wind blew fiercely. He reached out and pulled herpletely into his arms.


    The cigarette butt in Jacob''s hand fell to the ground as he deepened the kiss with force.


    Avery couldn''t help feeling very embarrassed and humiliated. It was not that Jacob didn''t know it, but


    so what? He was trying to use this method to let Frank know whose woman she was.


    A man could be childishlypetitive sometimes.


    Jacob was finally willing to let go before Avery suffocated. He nced at Frank coldly and left with


    Avery triumphantly.


    Avery knew this was the beginning, and Jacob would not let her go so quickly.


    "Mommy!" Ethan ran towards her from a long distance away.


    After stumbling to Avery''s feet, Jacob reached out and picked him up, "Go y by yourself."


    Ethan pouted in dissatisfaction but did not dare to protest and only looked at Avery pitifully.


    Little did he know that Avery could not protect herself, and she could do nothing to help him.


    Jacob threw the child into Jason''s arms and took Avery into her room.


    The moment the door closed, Avery was pressed against the wall by Jacob.


    Avery subconsciously wanted to struggle, but her one hand was sped by Jacob and raised above


    her head. His leg squeezed between her legs, and she couldn''t move.


    Jacob pinched her chin with his fingers hard and lowered his voice in her ear, "Have you fallen in love


    with that kidnapper?"


    Such harsh words annoyed Avery, and she stared at him angrily.


    "I don''t like him, but I hate you."


    Hearing "I hate you," Jacob was instantly annoyed and looked down at her with cold eyes, "What did


    you say?"

 Chapter 159 Youll Pay for Your Betrayal

    Chapter 159 You''ll Pay for Your Betrayal


    Chapter 159 You''ll Pay for Your Betrayal


    Avery knew she couldn''t escape today, so she decided not to be as cautious as before. She met


    Jacob''s eyes and intensified her tone.


    "I hate your arrogance and your vtility. It was you who dumped me, and now it''s also you who are


    pestering me. You said my father owed your sister a life. My family went bankrupt, my father was


    critically ill again and again, and I sacrificed my marriage and my child. Isn''t that even enough to pay


    you back? If not, then kill me!"


    As Avery spoke, Jacob''s eyes grew increasingly colder. Avery was so nervous and agitated that her


    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    heart was pounding violently in her chest.


    "When you were happy, you offered me 150 million dors and drove me away, and when you were


    not, you came back to me. Jacob, I''m a person, not your ything. Do you know why I''d rather stay on


    a deserted ind than go back to the bustling city? It''s because, here, everyone sees me as a human


    being. They respect me and make me feel the meaning of my life."


    Jacob tightened his grip because he thought Avery had fallen in love with another man.


    "Just because someone is a little nice to you, you betray me and disobey me for him,pletely


    forgetting our agreement. You''re as naive as ever."


    Avery frowned and wondered if Jacob had trouble understanding what she had said.


    "No, I never...."


    Jacob continued, "Do you know who he is? Do you know what he wants? There''s no such thing as a


    free lunch in this world. You know how you''ll end up if you trust him too much."


    Avery was very displeased with the way Jacob had described Frank. "Yes, I don''t know his past or what


    he''s up to, but at least I''m sure that he won''t hurt me like you do."


    Seeing her fiercely defending another man, Jacob waspletely enraged.


    Like a fierce beast, he snarled. "As I said, if you do something wrong, you''ll be punished. You''ll pay a


    high price for your betrayal."


    After finishing speaking, Jacob let go of Avery and intended to leave. Avery knew that something bad


    was happening.


    She did not care about her own life, but she was concerned about Lois, Randy, Frank, and all the


    people on the ind.


    Avery hurriedly wrapped her arms around Jacob''s waist from behind and pleaded humbly, "Jacob, I''ll


    go back with you. Don''t hurt anyone else, please!"


    Jacob kept a straight face, his eyes filled with icy coldness. "It''s toote."


    With that, he reached out and began to pry Avery''s fingers away from him one by one. "Avery, if that


    man dies in front of you, will you finally behave?"


    Avery really regretted voicing her mind impulsively.


    Jacob had given her a way out, and as long as she obeyed him, he would let off everyone.


    "No, Jacob. Please! I was wrong. I really realize it."


    She tried to hold his hand, but Jacob just grabbed her hand and dragged her out.


    Frank, who was surrounded by several people, didn''t dare to move at all. He was afraid that even his


    slightly heavy breath would cause others to pull the trigger.


    Frank always had amazing endurance, and he knew Jacob had ns for him. Otherwise, Jacob would


    have attacked him upon their first meeting.


    Frank was waiting for the right opportunity to make a move, but it wasn''t now.


    Avery had been taken into the room by Jacob and might have to suffer a lot. However, Frank couldn''t


    do anything, even though he was anxious.

 Chapter 160 But He Must Die

    Chapter 160 But He Must Die


    Chapter 160 But He Must Die


    Frank knew how crazy Jacob was. If Frank showed excessive concern for Avery now, it would only


    harm her.


    Soon, the door opened, and Frank saw Jacob dragging Avery out. Although she was frail, Jacob


    showed no mercy.


    Frank instinctively wanted to walk up to Avery, but John coldly reminded him, "Don''t move."


    Frank looked at Avery with a worried face. Avery opened her mouth but didn''t speak.


    Jacob had a shiny ck pistol in his hand as if he were the mighty God who could casually control the


    fate of others.


    "Avy, look! He''ll die because of you."


    Avery was scared out of her wits, unsure of what to do to stop Jacob from killing Frank.


    If she begged Jacob, it would only provoke him, but if she stayed silent, he would also kill Frank.


    Avery thought to herself, "God! What should I do?"


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    At that moment, a clear voice sounded. "Go to h*ll, you je*k!"


    It was Carl''s voice. It was unknown how long he had been hiding and waiting for the opportunity.


    He had learned marksmanship from Frank but was prohibited from using guns because it was


    dangerous.


    Carl naively believed that if he killed Jacob, the crisis would be over, and Avery would be free from then


    on.


    There followed a gunshot. The bullet did note from Jacob''s hand, but from Carl''s gun. At that


    moment, Carl was in an unnoticed corner.


    The gun was aimed at Jacob, but Carl was clearly not good at shooting and missed the target.


    With a swoosh, the bullet went straight toward Avery''s chest.


    This unexpected turn of events caught everyone off guard. No one had noticed that the boy actually


    had a gun.


    When Avery could see the bullet, she was already pulled into Jacob''s arms.


    The familiar fragrance on his body surrounded her. Just like Jacob''s personality, the scent was steady


    and cold.


    Not only did his tall figure shield her from the wind and snow, but it also blocked the bullet.


    "Jacob!" Avery anxiously looked at him. At that moment, she panicked and focused all her attention on


    Jacob. "Are you okay? Did you get hurt?"


    Avery moved out of Jacob''s embrace and breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the bullet piercing the


    ck wool coat and hitting the bulletproof vest underneath.


    At that moment, all the snipers turned their guns on Carl, and Avery hurriedly said, "Don''t shoot him!


    He''s just a kid."


    Jacob ran his cold fingers across the tears at the corner of her eyes. "A young beast with fangs is still a


    beast. Avy, if I hadn''t put on a bulletproof vest today, either of us would have died."


    Leaning close to her ear, he whispered, "Showing mercy to your enemies is just being cruel to


    yourself."


    Jacob''s tone was soft, devoid of any emotion, but Avery knew he was extremely angry.


    Jacob went mad easily when it came to matters concerning Avery, but when facing others, the angrier


    he was, the calmer he seemed.


    Avery clung to him, her voice softened, and she pleaded, "Jacob, Carl didn''t mean to hurt me. He''s still


    just a child. Please don''t hurt him."


    Ethan didn''t understand why Avery was crying so miserably, and seeing her cry, Ethan began to cry as


    well, as if he had been unjustly treated.


    "Dad! Mom!" Ethan''s crying disturbed Jacob''s thoughts, and he rushed towards Jacob.


    Jacob picked up Ethan, feeling bothered by Ethan''s and Avery''s crying.


    "Okay, I''ll spare the kid." Jacob stared coldly at Frank. "But he...."


    Jacob stared daggers at Frank and coldly continued, "Must die."

 Chapter 161 Go Ahead and Kill Me

    Chapter 161 Go Ahead and Kill Me


    Chapter 161 Go Ahead and Kill Me


    Avery shook her head and continued to plead, "Jacob, I...."


    Jacob held Ethan in his arms and wiped Avery''s tears, his voice cold. "Avy, if you plead for him once


    again, I''ll shoot him one more time. Do you want to give it a try, huh?"


    Avery immediately fell silent as she knew that the freak Jacob could do anything.


    She could only weep silently. Jacob softly said, "Every tear you shed for him will be his blood."


    Avery felt a heavy weight in her heart, unable to utter a word despite the thousands of words in her


    head.


    All she could do was shake her head continuously as Jacob reached out to wipe her eyes. "Be good!


    Don''t look at it! From today on, we can get back to how it used to be."


    Carl, who was restricted, cursed and yelled. Randy appeared from somewhere and said, "If you want to


    kill someone, just kill me. Let Frank go! He just wants to improve the conditions on the ind. He''s a


    good person. Even when we took your son away, we didn''t harm him in the slightest, and we even gave


    him the milk that we couldn''t bear to drink."


    Randy had also appeared in Avery''s paintings before. Jacob snapped, "F*ck off!"


    Randy, the usually obedient young man, remained motionless. "If you truly love Avy, you shouldn''t hurt


    her friends. This behavior isn''t love. It''s harm."


    Jacob finally looked directly at Randy, and a wicked smile appeared on Jacob''s face.


    "Who told you I love her? The more she suffers, the happier I am. If killing you all can make her suffer,


    it''ll be really great."


    Randy couldn''t understand how Jacob could speak such cruel words. Despite Jacob''s chilling


    demeanor, Randy bravely retorted, "If you hated her, you wouldn''t have immediately protected her from


    danger. Bullets fly fast, and your first reaction would have been to let her face the consequences on her


    own instead of pulling her into your arms."


    Randy''s incisive remark pierced through Jacob''s facade, leaving Jason, who was next to them, wide-


    eyed with surprise.


    Jason thought, "This seemingly weak young man is quite brave. Even I don''t dare say such things to


    Jacob."


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    "You can''t hide the love in your eyes. If you didn''t love Avery, you wouldn''t have personallye all the


    way to look for her. If you didn''t love her, you wouldn''t see Frank as a rival. Even a boy like me knows


    that if one falls in love, one should be deep in love. Even if you don''t love her, please don''t hurt her.


    When you hurt her, don''t you feel sad?"


    Jacob let go of Ethan and walked up to Randy step by step. The crowd tensed up and broke into a cold


    sweat for that young man.


    As Jacob approached, Randy was scared out of his wits, but he didn''t back down.


    Jacob, who was half a head higher than the thin Randy, towered over him with an aura of dominance


    that made everyone uneasy.


    "Are you lecturing me, huh?" Jacob sneered, pointing his gun at Randy''s head. "If you want me to


    spare him, use your life as a bargaining chip."


    Jacob had little interest in Randy. Instead, he was quite impressed by Randy. After all, few adults dared


    to meet Jacob''s eyes and talk to him so boldly, let alone teenagers like Randy. Jacob just said that to


    reveal the disgusting side of human nature, and he believed that this brave teenager would soon be


    tearfully begging him for mercy.


    Randy, however, was undeterred and said, "Sure. Go ahead and kill me."


    There was no hesitation in his tone.


    There followed a loud bang.

 Chapter 162 Take Her Home

    Chapter 162 Take Her Home


    Chapter 162 Take Her Home


    Everyone''s heart shot upwards into their throats as the voice came out of Jacob''s mouth, and the


    young man''s brows furrowed.


    Jacob put down the gun, a sh of admiration in his eyes. "Not bad. You''re a man, but his life can''t be


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    reced by anyone."


    With that, he went toward Frank, but at that moment, Frank quickly raised his gun and aimed it at


    Jacob''s forehead.


    "Don''t move!" Several guns were aimed at Frank from all around. It turned out that Frank had been


    biding his time.


    "I''m just a worthless man. If my life can exchange for Mr. Hill''s, it''s not a loss." A rare smile appeared


    under Frank''s mask.


    He looked at Avery with his deep eyes as if saying, "From now on, you''re free."


    Frank knew very well that the moment he fired, bullets woulde at him from all directions, and there


    was no way for him to escape.


    Avery was dumbfounded. She had never anticipated this sudden turn of events.


    She had only known Frank for half a month, so how could she allow him to die for her?


    "No! Don''t shoot!" Avery ran towards the two of them frantically.


    Frank''s gun pointed at Jacob''s forehead, but Jacob showed no sign of fear. Instead, Jacob''s shining


    eyes were filled with excitement and craziness.


    "Or, we can make a bet. Who do you think will survive?"


    Avery shouted, "Frank, don''t shoot! Please don''t shoot!"


    Once the gun was fired, no one knew what consequences would follow. The only thing she could be


    sure of was that it would definitely be a tragedy.


    Before Frank could shoot, Avery had already stood in between the two men.


    "If you make a move, you''ll have to kill me first."


    Jacob frowned, very displeased with Avery''s sudden intervention. "Take her away."


    Avery rushed over and hugged Jacob, warm tears falling down on his neck. She trembled and


    whispered, "Stop! Please stop! I agree with all your demands. I won''t escape anymore. I really won''t.


    Please let them go."


    The petite woman in his arms shook uncontrobly, tears streaming down her face. The chilly sea


    breeze blew on his face, waking his senses for a moment.


    Seeing her cry so pitifully, Jacob felt his heart being pricked, and there was no joy, only endless pain.


    It seemed like it had been a long time since he had seen her smile.


    "Am I holding on to her to seek revenge, or is it my possessiveness acting up?" he wondered.


    Regardless of the reason, at least he didn''t want to see her cry anymore.


    He asked in a soft tone, "Do you really understand your mistake?"


    Avery tugged at his coat, her disheveled hair flying in the wind, tears in her eyes as she nodded


    repeatedly. "I do. I really do."


    His slender fingertips tucked the stray strands of hair behind her ear, and his eyes carried an unusual


    tenderness. "Then as you wish."


    Avery looked at him in disbelief and thought she had heard him wrong.


    Jacob bent down to pick up Ethan and reached out to Avery, the sea breeze lifting his clothes, with a


    few strands of hair slipping down in front of his forehead.


    The sunlight cast a soft glow on him, and she saw gentleness in his eyes.


    "Am I dreaming?" she wondered.


    Avery didn''t dare to question his thoughts but quickly ced her hand in his palm.


    As their fingertips touched, with a slight force from him, she fell into his embrace.


    "Let''s go home," he said coldly, bursting Avery''s bubble, and she had no choice but to follow him.

 Chapter 163 Kiss Her on the Lips

    Chapter 163 Kiss Her on the Lips


    Chapter 163 Kiss Her on the Lips


    As Avery passed by Carl and Randy, the two children looked at her with reluctance.


    Avery gave them a faint smile as afort.


    Frank said nothing and watched Avery board the helicopter, knowing that this was not a good


    opportunity to kill Jacob.


    Jacob couldn''t die here, and Frank couldn''t bring trouble to the ind.


    But once Jacob was off the ind...


    A hint of fierceness shed across Frank''s eyes, and coincidentally, Jacob turned around at that


    moment as if sensing something.


    The two men locked eyes like a lion and a tiger, ncing at each other. Their gazes met and parted in


    an instant.


    They both understood that today was not the end.


    Avery left the small ind without time to say goodbye. She looked back at the small wooden house


    and the giant cherry blossom tree. Then she saw Lois standing at the door, the neighbor''s olddy, the


    children all watching her leave.


    At some point, Frank had disappeared, the sunlight only capturing his silhouette. He was like a lone


    wolf, gradually retreating into the forest.


    "Goodbye, my little ind," Avery murmured in her head.


    Avery closed her eyes, feeling regretful that she couldn''t wait for the cherry blossoms to bloom.


    And the fact that Jacob had brought her back so openly, it was bound to be discovered, and her n


    was ruined.


    "What''s wrong? Can''t bear to leave?" Jacob''s deep voice sounded in her ear.


    Avery was very cautious about her words now, fearing to provoke Jacob with the wrong sentence.


    She shook her head, not knowing how to answer for a moment.


    The truth would anger Jacob, but he could see through a lie in an instant.


    Her fear of him had gone to her very marrow, and she didn''t even know what to say.


    It seemed that Jacob also realized this. He leaned in towards her, and Avery reflexively trembled, like a


    startled cat, watching him with a guarded expression on her face.


    Seeing her startled look, Jacob reached out and pulled her into his arms. Avery didn''t dare to struggle.


    She just leaned on his chest without moving, listening to his strong and steady heartbeat.


    She shrank her body, unable to fathom Jacob''s thoughts. She had no idea how he would torment her


    next.


    The nended on the tarmac of Hill Mansion, and Avery was inexplicably filled with fear.


    Even her legs were trembling as she stepped off the ne, and Jacob''s gaze fell on her trembling


    figure.


    Avery seemed very like a stray cat in the wild, wary of humans after enduring their abuse.


    Whenever Jacob looked at her, her eyes were filled with fear.


    Just like now, even though he had done nothing but cast a sidelong nce at her, her body trembled a


    little.


    Although Avery had returned, she had be even more sensitive and timid than before.


    She would carefully check his expressions and dared not freely speak her mind.


    This added a great deal of anxiety to Jacob.


    Avery stared after him, feeling as though he was angry again, but she hadn''t done or said anything.


    "Then why is he angry?" she wondered.


    She discreetly touched the pocket where she hid her slingshot, hoping that she would never have to


    use it.


    As soon as they entered, Madison took Ethan off to y, and Avery followed Jacob upstairs.


    As she stepped inside, the door closed behind her.


    The room was dimly lit, the ckout curtains drawn, with only a sliver of light. She watched the dust


    dance in the beam and Jacob''s rolling Adam''s apple.


    His face was shrouded in darkness, so Avery couldn''t see any expression on his face.


    Her lips and neck were exposed to the sunlight, and a rough hand brushed against her lips, making


    them warmer.


    She didn''t know what new torment Jacob hade up with, and just as she was about to speak, his


    long fingers slid down from her lips to her delicate corbone.


    In the darkness, his breath grew heavier, and Avery had no idea what he was going to do.


    Just as she was about to speak, he turned his head and leaned down towards her. His face briefly


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    shed in the sunlight, and then he pressed his lips against hers.

 Chapter 164 Dont Touch Me

    Chapter 164 Don''t Touch Me


    Chapter 164 Don''t Touch Me


    Avery''s eyes widened in shock.


    These days, she had imagined countless times what Jacob would do if he caught her.


    But it never urred to her that he would do such a thing.


    He was like a traveler in the desert, desperately seeking water. Finally, he found a clear spring,


    carefully kissed it, and savored it, fearing he might lose it.


    Avery''s heart raced.


    She saw the man''s trembling eyshes in the sunlight, covering the expression on his face, making


    her unable to discern his thoughts.


    Jacob had long been as gentle as he was now.


    As she was lost in thought, Jacob suddenly bit her lips hard, sending a sharp pang.


    Jacob''s voice was cold and hoarse. "Are you thinking of him again?"


    To be honest, she was constantly thinking of Jacob. How could she have the time to think of anything


    else?


    Avery retorted with a cold face, "No. How many times do I have to tell you that we''re just ordinary


    friends?"


    "Heh!" He sneered.


    It was obvious that, in his eyes, she was a cheating wife, and he was unwilling to believe anything she


    said.


    Not only did he not believe, his emotions became even more extreme. His fingers caressed Avery''s


    face, his voice deep. "Has he touched you?"


    Avery widened her eyes again, seemingly not expecting him to say such a thing, and her voice grew


    even colder. "No! You''ve gone too far!"


    Each of his words felt like a knife cutting into her heart, and the wounds on her body with salts on them


    paled inparison to the pain in her heart.


    "He touched your hand." Jacob, like a paranoid child, slid his fingers down, entwining them with hers.


    Avery opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.


    She didn''t know how to exin.


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    All she could do was suppress her emotions and not let herself anger Jacob.


    But herpromised stance was also a provocation, and Jacob bent down to pick her up and walk


    towards the bathroom.


    Avery instinctively grabbed the front of his shirt, and the unpleasant memories came to her mind,


    causing her body to tremble instinctively.


    "Is he going to go crazy again?


    Jacob gently ced her in the bathtub and said in a soft tone, "Don''t be afraid. I''ll wash you clean."


    "Another damn cleaning!" she roared in her head.


    Avery thought of the feeling of cold water sending a chill down her spine. She shook her head


    frantically. "Jacob, no. Don''t treat me like this."


    The shower turned on, and steam rose in the bathroom.


    Fortunately, this time, it was warm water.


    Jacob began to remove her clothes with his fingers one by one.


    Soon, there was only underwear left on her.


    They had clearly done more intimate things before, but it had been two years since he had touched her.


    After experiencing all the ups and downs, Avery held a mix of love, hate, and anger toward him.


    And she felt disgusted by his touch.


    "Don''t touch me!" She crossed her arms over her chest, refusing Jacob''s approach.


    Jacob watched as the woman sitting in the bathtub with her arms around her knees, tears in her eyes.


    Clearly, she resisted his touching.


    He lowered his head, his cold eyes staring at her.


    "What? I can''t even touch you now, can I?" Jacob sneered.


    Avery noticed the man''s face turned sullen and his eyes were terrifyingly cold.


    It seemed he had deeper misunderstandings, and just as he rose without saying a word, there was


    clear contempt in his eyes.


    Most likely, he was going to do something bad.


    The ones who would suffer were not her but those around her.


    With this in mind, Avery grabbed Jacob''s wrist.


    "Don''t leave."

 Chapter 165 The Passionate Kiss in the Bathroom

    Chapter 165 The Passionate Kiss in the Bathroom


    Chapter 165 The Passionate Kiss in the Bathroom


    Jacob stopped in his tracks, looking at Avery without saying a word. Apart from the sound of water


    flowing, the bathroom was in dead silence.


    The hand on Jacob''s wrist was warm and damp, and there was tension between the two of them.


    Avery could only say something she didn''t truly mean. "Don''t go."


    Jacob grabbed her by the chin, his voice cold. "Even now, you''re still pleading for him."


    Avery felt a sense of frustration. No matter what she said, there was only one thought in Jacob''s mind,


    and that was she cheated on him.


    However, the unfaithful one was Jacob.


    Avery felt irritated again. At the thought of Carl''s and Randy''s youthful faces, she sighed softly.


    Then, she stood up from the bathtub and, disregarding her wet body, took the initiative to embrace


    Jacob.


    The water on her body slowly wet Jacob''s white shirt, yet he didn''t step away.


    Avery held onto him cautiously, gently kissing his Adam''s apple with her red lips. Then, she felt him


    tensing up.


    "Jacob, I didn''t cheat on you." Avery''s soft voice quivered uncontrobly,cing with sorrow and


    frustration.


    Jacob wrapped his arms, which were hanging at his sides, around her body and kissed her


    passionately.


    Avery frowned.


    It had been two years since they had made out with each other. Avery used to love and like to lean


    against his chest so much, but now she only felt disgusted when she thought that Jacob had also done


    such things with La.


    Just as Avery reached out to push him away, Jacob''s phone rang.


    The set ringtone for La echoed in the bathroom.


    Avery breathed a sigh of relief. She had never found La so endearing before.


    Jacob wanted to continue, but the ringtone kept echoing in the bathroom like an urging spell.


    Annoyed by the disruption, Jacob let go of Avery.


    With impatience, Jacob answered the call. Avery didn''t know what La said, but Jacob frowned


    harder and harder and then ended the call in displeasure.


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Reaching for the bathrobe hanging nearby, he draped it casually over himself with a little resignation.


    "I have to go out for something. Wait for me at home," he said.


    Avery felt a wave of relief in her heart after hearing that.


    Noticing the hint of joy in her eyes, Jacob added in a solemn tone, "Do not go anywhere!"


    Watching his hastened departure, Avery finally rxed her tense body.


    Thank goodness he hadn''t managed to have sex with her.


    Avery didn''t know when it had begun. The man she had once deeply loved now made her nauseous at


    the mere touch.


    Avery dispensed multiple pumps of body wash.


    The bathtub was full of bubbles.


    She scrubbed herself repeatedly in the bathtub, ridding every inch of her body touched by Jacob.


    The warm water thoroughly soaked her body. Through the misted ss, Avery stared at her blurred


    reflection.


    She had managed to escape today, but would she be able to escape tomorrow?


    Jacob was even more despicable than before.


    Back then, he had shunned and hated her, but at least she had been free.


    Now, it seemed like Jacob had added a chain to her body and mind.


    Avery didn''t rise from the water until her skin turned red.


    Since she couldn''t escape, she had no choice but to press forward.


    Avery immediately called Andrew. "Andrew, have you found out anything?"

 Chapter 166 The New Clues

    Chapter 166 The New Clues


    Chapter 166 The New Clues


    Ada had been away for so many days, and logically, Andrew must have found some clues for her.


    Upon hearing her voice again, Andrew showed concern about her health.


    He asked, "Avery, are you okay?"


    After what had happened on the shipst time, Andrew had been worried about her. He had called her


    several times afterward but got no response.


    Avery responded, "Sorry for making you worry. I''ve been out of touch for a while due to some personal


    matters, but everything''s fine now."


    Only then did Andrew rx. "I''m d you''re okay. I did manage to find some results regarding what


    you asked me to investigate. Can we meet to discuss it in detail?"


    Avery sighed. She hadn''t even solved the trouble regarding Frank. If she went to meet Andrew, she


    wouldn''t be sure what crazy things Jacob would do.


    "Andrew, to be honest, I''m afraid of alerting the enemies. I suspect someone is keeping an eye on me.


    Your investigation hasn''t attracted any attention, has it?"


    Andrew shook his head. "Don''t worry. I know what to do. Dr. Wood no longer works there. She resigned


    the third day after Jane''s death."


    "She resigned? What about that man?" Avery frowned. No wonder that doctor had shown her hostility


    when they had crossed paths.


    Andrew replied, "He resigned a day before Dr. Wood did. Through detailed investigation, I found that


    that guy was an interim employee who had joined the asylum with the help of Dr. Wood. He even used


    a false name."


    Avery asked, "What about Dr. Wood? She has a valid medical license. It can''t be fake, right?"


    "Dr. Wood was originally named Daisy Wood. She studied medicine at the same university as us, but a


    few years ahead. After graduating, she pursued further studies abroad and just returned this year."


    Andrew paused for a while before continuing, "I also found something interesting. She once received


    financial assistance from your father."


    Avery froze, realizing that this was no coincidence.


    "Besides this, do you have any information about Daisy''s family and friends or anything else rted to


    Jane?"


    "No rush! I''ll tell you little by little." Andrew reassured her.


    "Daisy grew up in a single-parent family. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she lived with


    her mother. After her mother''s passing a few years ago, she went abroad, and she hasn''t contacted her


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    father for many years."


    Avery couldn''t discern any clues from this background. She wondered, "Could my father have harmed


    Daisy as well?"


    Avery recalled the list she had seen before. Daisy''s name was not on it.


    "I could only find so much information about Daisy. I don''t even know what happened to her after she


    resigned. Jane''s parents immigrated abroad." After a pause, Andrew added, "By the way, after Jane''s


    death, her parents didn''t return to the country. I found out that Jane was always neglected by her


    parents because she was a girl, and she was often subjected to physical and verbal abuse. She was a


    solitary person andter dropped out of school due to pregnancy."


    Jane''s pale face came into Avery''s mind again. "Is her child still alive?"


    If Martin had made Jane pregnant, finding that child would lead to DNA evidence.


    Andrew sighed, "I''m sorry, Avery. Jane dropped out shortly after bing pregnant, and I couldn''t find


    out what happened to her during that period. It''s been said that she had an abortion, but I had some


    check several public and private hospitals, and there was no information matching Jane having had an


    abortion during that time."


    Avery''s eyes lit up as she thought of how Jane kept repeating that her child had been taken away. "So,


    her child is probably still alive."


    It provided Avery with a new crucial lead, and she felt hope again.

 Chapter 167 Not Her Child

    Chapter 167 Not Her Child


    Chapter 167 Not Her Child


    Avery was in a great mood and repeatedly thanked Andrew, "Thank you, Andrew. You''ve helped me a


    lot."


    Now, as long as she found Jane''s child and let him do a paternity test with Martin, she could prove that


    Martin was not a despicable person.


    "Avy, don''t worry. I will continue to search for that man. However, it seems that he has already prepared


    well for being investigated and has done a great job in covering his tracks, so I won''t be able to find


    anything for a while. It will take some time."


    "Rat-a-tat."


    Madison''s voice came from outside, "Mrs. Hill, have you finished washing up?"


    Avery hurriedly hung up the phone with Andrew and then put away her phone before opening the door.


    "Yes."


    "You must be hungry. The meal is ready. Change your clothes ande down to eat."


    Madison was as warm as always. Avery''s stomach ached slightly again, so she didn''t refuse and went


    downstairs.


    "Mom, Mom!"


    As soon as she came downstairs, she heard Ethan''s voice. Ethan, who was ying with toys, wiggled


    his butt and ran towards her.


    All of Avery''s unhappiness disappeared at this moment as she held Ethan in his arms. "Baby."


    Ethan smiled at her with drool running down his mouth, looking very adorable. Avery thought of what


    Jacob had said, and she was d that she didn''t act impulsively back then.


    After adjusting his little jade lock, she carried him to the dining table.


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    During the week on the ind, she had already gotten used to taking care of the child.


    Madison smiled aside and said, "Look at how happy Mr. Ethan is. Those who don''t know will think that


    Mr. Ethan is your own child."


    Madison was used to being casual and straightforward. After she finished speaking, she quickly


    covered her mouth. "I''m sorry, Mrs. Hill. I didn''t mean it."


    "It''s okay."


    Both Avery and Ethan ate happily. After they finished eating, Avery suddenly realized something.


    If Jacob had been called away by La before, how could she have the mood to eat anything? She


    would have watched him leave with tears in her eyes, waiting for him all the while.


    She would have waited until it was dark and her stomach hurt.


    It seemed that she had slowly let go of her love for Jacob.


    But she wasn''t happy for long because John soon stood at the door, looking hesitant as he spoke,


    "Mrs. Hill, I''m here to pick up Mr. Ethan."


    Avery''s smile froze on her face, and she gently let go of Ethan''s hand.


    Yes, Jacob wasn''t hers, and the child wasn''t hers, either.


    John walked to her side and whispered, "Mrs. Hill, I''m sorry."


    After speaking, he took the child away. Ethan''s crying and shouting could be heard, and Avery wanted


    to go forward and grab his hand.


    But she thought about her identity. What was she to Ethan? What right did she have to keep him?


    In the end, Avery could only let her hands fall weakly to her sides and watch as Ethan, crying with tears


    and snot streaming down his face, left.


    Madison finished washing the dishes and left the vi, leaving Avery alone in the spacious house.


    There were guards at the entrance of the vi. She seemed to be given great freedom, but in reality,


    she was imprisoned here.


    Avery stood in front of the big floor-to-ceiling window and looked at her clear reflection inside. She


    forced a wry smile, realizing that whether it was in the past or now, she had always been alone.


    But this time, she no longer had anyone to wait for.


    Back in her room, she sat with her knees hugged to her chest, and watched the sky get dark. A full


    moon was hanging in the sky.


    Avery thought of the people on the ind. At this time, Carl and Randy should have already fallen


    asleep.


    It seemed that she should have a good talk with Jacob.


    In the small hours, the bedroom door was pushed open by someone.

 Chapter 168 Have You Seen Enough?

    Chapter 168 Have You Seen Enough?


    Chapter 168 Have You Seen Enough?


    After dealing with the people from the White family anding back, Jacob thought Avery would be


    waiting for him in the living room.


    Just like many times before, no matter howte he came back, he could always see her sleeping on


    the sofa in the living room.


    She would always leave a light on.


    But today, when he pushed open the door, the room was pitch ck and Avery was not on the sofa.


    He drank some alcohol, feeling slightly intoxicated.


    In the past, at this time, Avery would have already greeted him,ining while making him sobering


    tea.


    Although she would nag, it was what he liked the most.


    Unlike now, although there was heating in the room, he felt cold.


    Pushing the door open, he could faintly see a lump on the bed under the light from outside.


    She was already asleep.


    Shortly after Avery fell asleep, she was pulled into a warm embrace, and the air was filled with the


    smell of alcohol, causing her to wake up from her dream.


    "Did you drink?"


    Hearing her sleepy voice, Jacob unwillingly said, "Avery, you''ve changed your heart."


    Averyughed as if she heard a joke. "Are you kidding? Aren''t you the one who changed your heart


    first?"


    Jacob held her tightly in his arms. He had less hostility and like arge dog.


    His deep voice was tinged with drunkenness and sounded in her ear, "I didn''t change my heart, never."


    Avery thought he was just talking nonsense after drinking. After all, his and La''s son were already


    one year old. What right did he have to say he didn''t change his heart?


    But she understood Jacob''s personality. At this moment, she could only go along with him, or she


    wouldn''t be able to sleep tonight.


    She didn''t dare to move and could only quietly curl up in Jacob''s embrace, afraid of angering him.


    Doing so indeed made Jacob very pleased. His hand around her waist tightened, and he even rested


    his head on Avery''s shoulder.


    "Avy, I finally found you after so much effort. Don''t run away again, okay?"


    She hadn''t heard his coaxing tone for a long time.


    If it were two months ago, she might have been ttered, but now her emotions were calm, without any


    fluctuations.


    She knew very well that he was just drunk, and he would return to his original self when day broke.


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    They couldn''t even be courteous to each other, only fighting to the death.


    That night, Jacob tightly held her as if he had found a precious treasure that had been lost and


    regained.


    There were no cold words, only tenderness.


    He quickly fell asleep, but Avery was used to sleeping alone. Having a hot body suddenly beside her


    made it difficult for her to fall asleep for a long time.


    Her mind was full of Jane''s death.


    After confirming that Jacob was already sound asleep, she slowly slid out of his embrace.


    Putting on a coat, Avery cautiously walked to the study.


    She didn''t know whether to call him unfaithful or devoted, but the password was still her birthday. It


    never changed.


    Avery reopened the safe and took out the file folder that she had only nced at in a hurry that day.


    There must be something she had overlooked. Grace was dead. There must be some connection


    between Grace, Martin, and Jane.


    This time, Avery didn''t rush to look at the information about other people but focused on Grace''s file


    folder.


    For Jacob, Grace''s death was a taboo. In the past, Avery didn''t even dare to mention it, so that night,


    she didn''t carefully read anything rted to Grace.


    In the safe, besides some toys from Grace''s childhood, there was only this one brown paper bag.


    Avery wondered if after her death, her whole life would also turn into a stack of paper that counted her


    past in detail. Then she would bepletely forgotten by people after ten years.


    Grace''s adoptive parents had died many years ago. Her adoptive parents were dead, but she still had


    friends.


    It was impossible for a person to leave no trace in this world.


    Avery used her phone to take pictures of the documents one by one, believing that the truth must be


    hidden within them.


    When she was nervously taking the photos, a cold voice suddenly came from the door, "Have you seen


    enough?"

 Chapter 169 Morning Kiss

    Chapter 169 Morning Kiss


    Chapter 169 Morning Kiss


    Avery looked up and met Jacob''s eyes. He was standing by the door. He hadn''t taken off his clothes


    before going to sleep, so his shirt was wrinkled and the cor was pulled open.


    Jacobzily leaned against the door. Although his hair was a bit messy, it didn''t affect his sharp charm.


    Avery was already guilty, and her rtionship with Jacob wasplicated and constantly entangled.


    She had upset him earlier, and the first reaction that came to Avery''s mind when she thought of the


    people on the ind was fear.


    "I... I can''t fall asleep." She exined in a panic and watched him approach her step by step.


    She sat on her knee. Jacob''s tall figure blocked the light from above, casting a shadow over her.


    His gaze was clear. The scent of alcohol had dissipated, and his pitch-ck pupils showed no


    emotions, making it difficult for her to understand his feelings.


    Avery tried to put the documents back in a panic, stammering, "I was just looking around."


    A hand grabbed her wrist, hot and powerful.


    Avery''s heart tightened, and she instinctively begged for mercy, "I''m sorry. I shouldn''t have touched


    your sister''s files. Please don''t be angry..."


    Jacob held her hand and looked down at her. When did she start looking at him without love or hatred


    in her eyes, only endless fear?


    "It''s veryte." His voice was low and hoarse.


    Avery looked at him in confusion.


    He took the documents from her hand and leaned down to carry her in his arms. "You have plenty of


    time during the day to look at them."


    Avery widened her eyes in shock. Did Jacob mean she could freely enter and leave the study? And


    even look at anything of his?


    Seemingly aware of her thoughts, Jacob said lightly, "I didn''t change the password because I didn''t


    intend to hide it from you."


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    Avery was ced back on the soft bed, and his strong arms wrapped around her waist again, tightly


    imprisoning her in his embrace.


    His muffled voice came from above, "Now you should rest."


    Avery stared at the silver buttons on his shirt, and a cold silver light shed across them in the night.


    At such a close distance, she could clearly hear Jacob''s heartbeat.


    She waspletely confused and couldn''t guess Jacob''s thoughts at all.


    "If you don''t want to sleep, I don''t mind continuing what we didn''t finish during the day."


    Avery trembled in fear and quickly closed her eyes, not daring to make any more movements.


    She could only assume that Jacob was out of his mind.


    Jacob stared at Avery in his arms who was motionless and curled up like a small shrimp, and a hint of


    deep meaning appeared in his eyes.


    It had been a long time since the two of them had embraced each other while sleeping. When Avery


    opened her eyes, she saw Jacob''s handsome sleeping face.


    At this moment, it felt like time had turned back three years, and she could see him as soon as she


    opened her eyes.


    A few strands of hair softly fell on his usually smooth forehead. With his eyes closed, he looked


    harmless without indifference.


    There was a faint blue stubble on his tightly clenched jaw, and even in his sleeping state, his brows


    were furrowed.


    She instinctively raised her hand to smooth out the wrinkles between his brows, but as she lifted her


    hand, she remembered that they had divorced a long time ago. She was about to retract her hand


    when he opened his eyes at that moment.


    Their eyes met, and she saw tiny specks of dust floating in the air.


    Her hand stiffened in mid-air, and it felt awkward whether she retracted it or not.


    While she was hesitating on how to resolve the current awkwardness, the hand around her waist


    tightened, and he suddenly leaned down. His thin lipsnded on her lips without any warning.

 Chapter 170 Lets Make a Deal

    Chapter 170 Let''s Make a Deal


    Chapter 170 Let''s Make a Deal


    Avery was startled for a moment, and her first reaction after sobering up was to push Jacob away.


    It was not for any other reason, but because he touched her after touching someone else''s body, and


    Avery only felt disgusted.


    Her struggle had no effect at all. Hisrge hand covered the back of her head, and he deepened the


    kiss.


    Avery frowned and wanted to bite him, but he discovered her attempt and tightly held her cheeks with


    his hand.


    There was a natural difference in physical strength between men and women, and Avery could only let


    him do as he pleased.


    When she thought she would suffocate to death, Jacob finally let go of her.


    Avery red at him with red eyes like an angry little rabbit.


    Jacob''s expression turned gloomy and cold. "What''s wrong? Can''t I touch you?"


    Before she could answer, his fingers on her cheeks gradually applied more strength. His lowered eyes


    were filled with coldness.


    Avery frowned, wondering why he was acting like a lunatic.


    "Let go!" She struggled to pull his hand away. "If you want to have sex, go find La. She''s your


    fiancee."


    "Avery, it seems like you''ve be rebellious."


    Jacob was angered by her actions and grabbed her.


    After the lesson she learned earlier, Avery didn''t dare to resist too much, afraid of making him angrier.


    She was forced to endure it. Seeing that she had given up resistance and her eyes still carried a hint of


    humiliation and anger, Jacob released her and went to the bathroom.


    Avery rubbed her sore cheeks. Jacob''s temper had be even more unpredictable than before.


    She silently reminded herself not to provoke him again.


    Ten minutester, the refreshed man walked out of the bathroom, with steam still lingering on his head.


    He didn''t even nce at Avery as he walked past Avery toward the wardrobe.


    Avery knew that irritating him would only put her in a more passive situation.


    She opened the other side of the wardrobe and took out a suit. "Wear this."


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    It was a charcoal gray suit, dignified and stylish, without the dominance of ck. It was suitable for his


    schedule today.


    Jacob approached her step by step. She thought he would refuse her goodwill, but he ced one hand


    on her side, causing her to instinctively retreat.


    He advanced step by step until her leaning body was pressed against his soft clothing, and he trapped


    her in the narrow wardrobe.


    Avery felt a bit nervous and at a loss as she met his eyes.


    "You..."


    Jacob''s hand caressed her cheek. "It''s been a long time since you picked clothes for me."


    Avery''s heart stirred. This man always managed to easily touch her heartstrings.


    "Weren''t you the one who was not going home?" Her voice sounded reproachful and helpless.


    Jacob leaned down and kissed her lips. Avery could only embrace his neck to steady herself.


    The cramped space made her breathless, but she didn''t dare to push Jacob away again and was


    forced to ept his kiss.


    Jacob couldn''t say for sure whether his feelings for Avery were more love than hate or more hate than


    love, but he was certain of one thing.


    The woman he once thought he could let go of had been deeply imprinted in his heart.


    Although there was deep enmity and obstacles between them, he wanted to break through those


    obstacles and embrace her once again.


    His mind was filled with only one thing, to kiss her, possess her, and make her belong only to him.


    Jacob''s lowered eyes were filled with deep affection, like tendrils wrapping around her.


    In a hoarse voice, he said, "Avery, let''s make a deal."

 Chapter 171 Just Kill Me

    Chapter 171 Just Kill Me


    Chapter 171 Just Kill Me


    "Deal?" Avery looked at him in confusion.


    She had nothing now. What could she use to make a deal with him?


    The cramped and narrow space with stagnant air made her feel suffocated like a fish out of water, and


    ayer of sweat formed on her back.


    He leaned slightly forward, and a drop of water fell from the end of his hair onto her face, bringing a


    moment of coolness.


    Jacob''s expression turned serious. "Stay by my side, and I will settle the grievances between me and


    the Adams family."


    Avery pondered over the words "stay by my side" repeatedly. Her clear gaze met his dark eyes, and


    she calmly asked, "What kind of identity should I stay with?"


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    Jacob paused before speaking, "Besides being Mrs. Hill, I can give you anything."


    Avery asked word by word, "So do you want me to be your mistress?"


    These words displeased Jacob, and he rubbed the ce between his eyebrows, trying to exin,


    "Except for theck of status, we can be like before."


    "Before..." She chuckled, knowing that she should show weakness and behave well to negotiate better


    with him, but the condition Jacob proposed infuriated her and gave her a headache.


    It felt like a huge gas-filled balloon about to explode on the spot.


    Avery''s hand, propped against the wardrobe, found something. She smiled and approached him. "Can


    you really give me anything?"


    It had been a long time since he had seen her bright smile. It was only then that Jacob realized that,


    rather than hating her, he longed to see her smile.


    As if bewitched by her, Jacob nodded and said calmly, "Yes, what do you want?"


    Avery got closer and closer to him, and her red lips touched his ear. "I want..."


    As he imagined her kissing his Adam''s apple, Jacob swallowed his saliva.


    Avery fiercely threw the tie box she had found at Jacob''s head.


    "I want you dead. Why don''t you just die for me? You b*stard, I really don''t understand why you could


    say such cold words. Are you out of your mind? You divorced me and now want me to be your


    mistress. You really are a scumbag, and you think too much."


    Jacob didn''t realize he was hit directly. He winced in pain, and Avery grabbed his cor and continued,


    "If you love me, why would you cheat on me for La? Now you want to get engaged to her but still


    pester me. Or is it that you just have this kink and find cheating exciting?"


    Her attack didn''t anger Jacob, but her words touched his bottom line.


    "Avery, shut up."


    "F*ck you! Jacob, you''ve caused the destruction and bankruptcy of my family, and thea of my


    father. Where do you get the audacity to say such absurd things? Today, I must kill you!"


    Jacob was furious, and he lifted Avery out of the wardrobe with one hand. Avery took the opportunity to


    punch and kick him.


    "Do you want me to be your mistress? You''re ugly and delusional. You''re the most hateful jerk I''ve met


    in my life. Are there no other men in the world? Do I have to be with you?"


    Avery''s face turned red with anger as she cursed, "Instead of being a mistress, I''d rather be your


    mother. I should have stuffed you back into the amniotic fluid when you were born."


    Jacob''s face also turned red from her words. Anger surged in his ck pupils, and he raised his hand


    to strike.


    Filled with anger, Avery straightened her neck, wearing a defiant expression on her face. She


    eximed, "Go ahead! It would be better if you just killed me!"

 Chapter 172 Hurt Again

    Chapter 172 Hurt Again


    Chapter 172 Hurt Again


    Avery closed her eyes and prepared to be hit, but the anticipated pain didn''te.


    When she opened her eyes again, all she saw was Jacob picking up the neatly arranged gray suit


    prepared by her and leaving. He mmed the bedroom door with a deafening sound.


    Avery was left alone in the room, and her body weakly slid to the ground.


    She was too focused on throwing a tantrum to notice that her body had been soaked in sweat. Her


    body was still trembling, and she didn''t know whether it was because of anger or fear.


    The look in Jacob''s eyes just now was really terrifying. She thought she wouldn''t survive tonight.


    She had never scolded him like this before. Perhaps no one had done such a thing, not to mention her.


    Avery touched her chest. Her heart was still beating rapidly and hadn''t calmed down yet.


    A few minutester, Madison hurriedly ran up. looking at Avery''s pale face, she sighed helplessly. "Mrs.


    Hill, what did you do just now? I have never seen Mr. Hill so angry."


    Only then did Averye back to her senses. She brushed the hair covering her face and smiled


    helplessly. "It''s nothing. We just had a fight."


    As soon as Madison heard this, she became dissatisfied and quickly sat beside Avery, advising her,


    "Mrs. Hill, although Mr. Hill has been cheating on you, I always feel that he has no feelings for that


    tease. Even when you weren''t here, he woulde back to the Hill Mansion every day to sleep."


    "Just take the incident of you and Mr. Ethan disappearing for example. Mr. Hill stayed awake for


    several days without eating or drinking. He was in such good health but ended up falling ill. You


    probably have no idea how many days he was sick. It''s only in the past two days that he''s started to


    look a bit better."


    Madison ced her hands on Avery''s shoulders. "Don''t me me for being nosy. I''ve watched Mr. Hill


    grow up. You are the only woman he brought home, and his feelings for you are really extraordinary.


    He should be beaten and punished for doing something wrong, but you shouldn''t extinguish the


    genuine affection he has for you."


    "Genuine affection?" Avery thought of Jacob''s face and sneered. "I can''t afford such genuine


    affection."


    "Mrs. Hill..."


    "Stop, Madison. I know what I''m doing." Avery didn''t want to hear Madison speak for Jacob anymore.


    Madison sighed deeply. "Mrs. Hill, I''m just thinking for your sake. You know Mr. Hill''s temperament. If


    you confront him head-on, in the end, the one who will suffer is you."


    Avery was startled.


    She didn''t like any word of what Madison said just now, but she agreed with herst sentence.


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    "I can see Mr. Hill''s feelings for you. I''m afraid that after all this, he won''t let you leave anymore. If you


    continue to confront him, the only one who will benefit is that tease. Mrs. Hill, life is long. If you can''t


    choose, why don''t you livefortably? You''re walking a path that will only make both of you


    unhappy."


    Avery thought of the ind and the unfinished investigation.


    If she was constantly imprisoned here by Jacob, she would only have a dead end.


    "I understand, Madison."


    "It''s good that you understand. In fact, men are all boys deep inside. You just need to treat them like


    they were boys. Mrs. Hill, don''t let that tease take advantage for no reason."


    Avery still held the box she used to hit Jacob. She had nned to talk to him, but now this hit might


    Sure enough, in the afternoon, Avery saw a piece of news on her phone.


    The postponed engagement banquet between the Hill and White families was scheduled at the end of


    this month.


    In the picture, Jacob was wearing the gray suit she had chosen, looking serious, while La was


    smiling and holding his arm.


    They looked like such a perfect couple, and Avery''s healing wounds felt like they were torn open in an


    instant.

 Chapter 173 Deliver the Food

    Chapter 173 Deliver the Food


    Chapter 173 Deliver the Food


    Seeing her pale face, Madison quickly took her phone away.


    "Mrs. Hill, why are you looking at these? Aren''t you afraid of getting eye strain? If you want to look at


    something, look at some handsome young men. I heard that the members of the recently debuted XO


    Group twist their waists more seductively than women."


    Originally, Avery was feeling a bit depressed, but Madison''s words made herugh. "Madison, do you


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    know about this?"


    Madison put her hand on Avery''s shoulder and advised, "Mrs. Hill, even the smartest person in the


    world is not perfect. We all have to take some detours in life to understand what is right and wrong.


    Don''t punish yourself for other people''s mistakes."


    Avery was a bit surprised that Madison was taking her side.


    "Mr. Hill can divorce you, and he can also divorce her. So, just wait a little longer. I''m sure..."


    Avery interrupted her, not wanting to hear the rest. "Hmm, I know. Prepare some ingredients. I''ll cook


    tonight."


    Madison''s eyes lit up. It was rare for Avery to take the initiative to please Jacob.


    In her eyes, the two of them were still the perfect couple, and Jacob was just being impulsive and


    wouldn''t be with La for long.


    "Alright, I''ll call Mr. Hill and tell him about it right away."


    Avery turned off her phone and got up, her face already serious and cold.


    She looked back at the past two years. The Adams family was gone, and her father was in aa.


    The reason she became like this was not solely because of Jacob but also because she was too


    immersed in love and had forgotten about everything around her, giving others an opportunity.


    Time was running out, and she couldn''t waste any more time arguing with Jacob.


    She would put away her hostility and put on a mask. Wasn''t this also a form of growth?


    The President''s office.


    Everyone was under great pressure and didn''t even dare to breathe too loudly, afraid that Jacob would


    exile them to the border if they weren''t careful.


    John stood by Jacob''s side, holding a thick stack of documents. Jacob''s knitted brows hadn''t rxed


    since morning.


    "Mr. Hill, the news of your engagement with Miss White has spread all over the Inte."


    Jacob looked down at the documents in front of him without answering, but John knew that Jacob


    wasn''t really reading them.


    He had been staring at the same page for five minutes, and the documents were even upside down.


    "We just received a call from the Hill Mansion..."


    Jacob''s eyes flickered, and he coldly asked, "Does she want to go out?"


    She had just had a big fight with him this morning, so she was probably causing another scene and


    asking to leave.


    "No, Mrs. Hill personally made dinner. Madison asked if you wanted to go back and eat."


    Jacob''s face, which was cold just a second ago, visibly softened. He snorted coldly and said, "Tell her


    I''m busy."


    After thinking it over, John advised him, "Mr. Hill, Mrs. Hill has been through a lot in these past two


    years. She looks thinner than before. Just treat her better."


    Jacob pointed to the red mark below his chin. "Do you think she''s gentle?"


    "She has realized her mistake and took the initiative to reconcile."


    Jacob mmed the document in his hand onto the table. "Should I agree just because she wants to


    reconcile? Does she really think I can''t live without her? Even after she ran away, I didn''t me her.


    What else does she want?"


    Jacob''s mind was filled with images of Avery and Frank holding hands on the ind. He suppressed


    the surging hatred in his eyes and let out a long breath.


    He mmed the table hard. "Even if I jump off the Hill Group building, I won''t go back and eat her meal


    tonight."


    John conveyed his opinion. Five minutester, Jacob''s private phone rang. John didn''t know what


    Avery said, but the coldness on Jacob''s face visibly decreased.


    "It''s up to you." He hung up the phone, and a smile appeared on his lips.


    Meeting John''s inquisitive gaze, he cleared his throat and exined, "She insisted on bringing the food.


    I didn''t ask her toe."


    John was speechless.

 Chapter 174 Went to His Office

    Chapter 174 Went to His Office


    Chapter 174 Went to His Office


    No one knew Jacob''s preferences better than she did. It was not difficult to please him, but the difficult


    part was whether he gave her the opportunity.


    For example, during that time in the past, she had prepared dinner countless times and waited for him


    again and again, but he still hadn''te back in the middle of the night.


    When he was heartless, she could do nothing to change his mind. No matter what she said or did, she


    couldn''t see him.


    This phone call was her trial, and it was clear that he was no longer as heartless as before.


    After preparing dinner, Avery took a car to hispany.


    Avery held the food box and pondered seriously. The mastermind behind all this knew everything about


    them, which meant that person was likely to be around Jacob.


    Who could it be?


    Obviously, it was not Jason and John. Madison was too careless to keep secrets. Could it be someone


    from hispany?


    Before the divorce, Avery had never been to hispany. At that time, she thought he was protecting


    her well enough, but now she realized it was just a joke.


    His engagement with La was well-known by the public, and the news about the two of them was


    everywhere.


    As for her identity, it hadn''t changed much. Whether in the past or now, they were in a secret


    rtionship.


    Avery took the president''s elevator to the top floor. At this time, most of the people in thepany had


    already left work.


    Only his secretary''s office was still working overtime with him.


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    Avery paused and stayed for a few seconds at the door.


    He had a total of six secretaries, four males and two females. She could probably recognize them.


    When she looked inside, she happened to make eye contact with the woman sitting at the corner desk.


    The woman raised her hand to adjust her sses, and the reflective lenses made it difficult for Avery to


    see her expression clearly. She felt it was strange instinctively.


    "Mrs. Hill, the CEO''s office is right ahead." John gestured for her to enter.


    Everyone inside was busy, and Avery couldn''t see much from just a nce. To not alert the enemy, she


    quickly left.


    "Rat-a-tat."


    The sound of knocking came, followed by an extremely cold voice from inside, "Come in."


    John opened the door for her and quietly stepped back. The people in the secretary''s office quickly


    went forward. "John, who was that youngdy just now?"


    It was worth noting that Jacob had always been disciplined in this regard. Apart from business


    cooperation, no woman had appeared at this time before.


    John reached out and tapped James''s head. He was the only lively one in the secretary''s office.


    "Stop with the nonsense. Is the work done?"


    James touched his forehead and muttered in a low voice. John nced at everyone. "Focus on your


    own work."


    "Yes, John."


    Everyone''s eyes were filled with gossip, but no one dared to discuss it.


    Avery looked up at Jacob who was writing swiftly. How ironic. She only came to his office after the


    divorce.


    He seemed to be immersed in his work and ignored Avery. She ced the food box neatly aside.


    The sky had already darkened, and the city in the distance was lit up with countless lights, flickering


    like stars.


    Jacob''s handsome face appeared even colder under the fluorescent lights, and his jaw was tightly


    clenched.


    He didn''t even nce at her, and the atmosphere in the room was dead silent.


    Avery couldn''t figure out his thoughts. He didn''t even hit her when she insulted him like that in the


    morning, so he wouldn''t hit her now.


    With courage, Avery walked step by step toward Jacob. The closer she got, the more she could feel his


    powerful aura.


    Although he didn''t say a word, his presence was intimidating.


    Avery walked behind him, intending to patiently say a few kind words. But when she saw the back of


    his head, Avery instinctively reached for the ashtray beside her.

 Chapter 175 Pretend to Be Subservient

    Chapter 175 Pretend to Be Subservient


    Chapter 175 Pretend to Be Subservient


    The ashtray was heavy, and she had some difficulty holding it in one hand.


    She even spected in her heart whether the blood flowing from Jacob''s head would ssh onto her


    face if this ashtray fell.


    When she realized that she had such an idea, Avery was startled.


    At this moment, Jacob turned his head and looked at her; their gazes met.


    Before he spoke, Avery quickly said, "Why did you smoke so much?"


    The moment Jacob saw her, his first thought was that Avery wanted to use an ashtray tomit


    murder against him. Upon hearing her say this, he dispelled his doubts.


    He maintained aposed expression with a cold demeanor and replied, "Is it any of your concern?"


    The contemptuous tone filled with disdain; Avery put down the ashtray, deciding that if she were to take


    action next time, she would need a sharper tool.


    She suppressed her displeasure and reached out to pull at Jacob''s hem, whispering, "That... what I


    said this morning was too much. I apologize for it."


    Jacob''s gazended on Avery''s face. Her originally fairplexion appeared somewhat pale under the


    cold light. She had no makeup on, presenting a clean and natural look.


    Though beautiful, it seemed tock vitality.


    Yet she was undoubtedly someone to be cherished.


    In the past, Jacob couldn''t resist when she tugged at his clothes and acted coquettish. Whenever she


    did this, he was willing to take off even the stars in the sky for her.


    "Where''s the food?" One sentence helped ease the tension between them.


    "Here it is." Avery followed this opportunity and quickly pushed the dishes in front of him.


    There was a heart-shaped tamagoyaki, teriyaki chicken curry rice, vegetable sd, and a bowl of soup.


    They were simple home-cooked dishes but perfectly suited to his taste.


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    It had been a long time since Jacob had eaten her homemade bento. His gaze lingered on the heart-


    shaped tamagoyaki.


    He remembered the first time she made a bento for him in the kitchen. She was clumsy, but her face


    was filled with seriousness.


    That day, she burned her hand with a fewrge, shiny oil blisters, but she didn''t mind and cheerfully


    brought thepleted dish to him, saying, "Here, this is what I made. Even if it''s not delicious, you


    have to bear with it."


    Back then, she was always smiling. Unlike now, even when she stood beside him, there was no trace


    of confidence on her face, only caution and carefulness.


    Seeing that he hadn''t spoken, Avery cautiously asked, "I kept it warm, so it''s not cold. Try it."


    She handed him the fork, and Jacob did not refuse.


    The long-lost vor spread on his taste buds, easily transporting him back to familiar memories.


    "Is it delicious?" she asked nervously.


    Jacob felt a sense of suffocation in his heart. When did she be so subservient?


    "Weren''t you cursing up a storm earlier?" he looked at her.


    Avery pursed her lips. "I''m sorry, I lost control of my emotions back then."


    "Have you eaten?"


    Avery thought about how she ate in the kitchen until she huped, and with lowered eyelids, she said


    softly, "Not yet; I''m afraid the food will get cold."


    Jacob pulled her onto hisp. "Let''s eat together."


    She pretended to be at a loss. "But..."


    A spoonful of soup was brought to her lips, and Avery sipped it, sticking out her tongue. "It''s hot..."


    Looking at her teary-eyed and pitiful face, like a helpless little puppy, Jacob blew on it and fed her


    again. "Not hot now."


    "Oh." She obediently drank it, hoping she wouldn''t hup.


    Just as she thought that, an uncontroble sound erupted from her throat.

 Chapter 176 You Owe Me a Wedding

    Chapter 176 You Owe Me a Wedding


    Chapter 176 You Owe Me a Wedding


    In the quiet room, her hups broke the silence, and the air seemed to freeze. This hup couldn''t


    havee at a worse time.


    Avery awkwardly looked at Jacob. "Um, let me exin."


    In a moment of urgency, she blurted out her inner thoughts, making the atmosphere even worse.


    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    She cautiously nced at Jacob and noticed that his ever-changing face didn''t show any displeasure.


    Instead, there was a faint trace of tenderness in his eyes.


    Was she mistaken? How could he possibly feel sorry for her?


    "If you''re hungry, eat more," Jacob took a big spoonful and stuffed it into her mouth.


    Avery blinked. Did he think she hupped because of anger?


    She had clearlye to bring him food, but in the end, she ended up being fed.


    "I''m full, I really am," Avery felt like she was about to throw up.


    Jacob frowned unhappily. "Look how skinny you''ve be. Why are you only eating so little?"


    As heined, he fed her another spoonful. Avery''s cheeks puffed up like a little squirrel.


    At this moment, the door was pushed open, and a woman wearing sses and formal attire stood at


    the doorway. "Mr. Hill, we need you for this document..."


    The woman didn''t expect to see this scene. Jacob, who rarely smiled and always avoided women, was


    actually holding Avery in his arms, feeding her, and treating her with such high regard. The secretary


    was stunned.


    Avery tried to swallow the food forcefully but choked on it due to her haste. Her face turned red,


    "Water..."


    Whileining, Jacob handed her the water, saying, "You''re already an adult, how could you choke


    on food?"


    Avery hugged his neck with both hands, rubbing her face against his, and pouted. "I got scared."


    That sweet voice was just like before. Jacob trembled, feeling as if feathers were tickling his heart.


    Avery''s breath was in his ears. Without looking at her, he nced at the shocked secretary and said,


    "Who let you in? Get out!"


    "Sorry, Mr. Hill." The secretary quickly closed the door and left.


    Although Avery held onto Jacob''s neck, her peripheral vision remained fixed on the secretary without


    shifting for a moment.


    In her eyes, anyone around Jacob was suspicious.


    Since the enemy''s goal was to drive a wedge between her and Jacob, that person naturally wouldn''t


    like seeing her so close to him. Unfortunately, she couldn''t discern much emotion from the secretary''s


    face.


    As the door closed, Avery let go of her hand. "Your secretary is quite audacious. She didn''t even inform


    you beforeing in."


    Her voice carried a tinge of jealousy, and strangely, Jacob felt a lot happier.


    "We don''t pay too much attention to such details when there''s an urgent matter."


    Avery jumped off hisp. "I''m full now; you eat."


    She looked like a jerk who dumped someone after enjoying hispany.


    Avery stood in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling window, her figure appearing infinitely smaller.


    Jacob stared at her back, feeling a mix of emotions.


    Avery looked at the bustling city lights outside, without a single one belonging to her.


    Jacob put down his fork and walked behind her, asking in a deep voice, "What are you thinking?"


    Avery''s voice was calm. "I was thinking about your engagement banquet with La. I heard she chose


    a hundred-acre cherry blossom field. When the cherry blossoms bloom, the scene must be incredibly


    beautiful."


    She slowly turned around, looking up at Jacob. "Speaking of which, you still owe me a wedding."

 Chapter 177 Her Request

    Chapter 177 Her Request


    Chapter 177 Her Request


    When saying these words, Avery went through all the sad events that had urred in her life. She


    would only reveal tears when looking at him.


    She knew she couldn''t confront Jacob head-on anymore. After all, she was his former confidant; no


    one understood his temperament better than her. Using a gentle approach to ovee the strong was


    the best strategy.


    Her voice was calm, devoid ofints or interrogations, with just the right amount of glistening tears


    in her eyes.


    Tears could make people repulsed, but when used effectively, they could be a sharp weapon.


    Just like now, Jacob felt a dryness in his throat and a sense of guilt.


    "I know," Jacob lowered his head, his brows filled with tenderness.


    His hands fell on Avery''s shoulders as he licked his lips and said, "I know we''ve been through too much


    in the past, and we can''t go back. Everything rted to Grace is settled from now on. You stay by my


    side, and I will take good care of you in the future."


    This could be considered a significantpromise on his part.


    Avery sneered inwardly. Was it so easy for him to dismiss everything after the way he had hurt her?


    To avoid affecting her own ns, Avery put on a wounded expression and gently leaned against


    Jacob''s embrace.


    Jacob felt unprecedented nervousness due to her initiative.


    After all, this woman had threatened him earlier in the morning, saying she would throw him back into


    the amniotic fluid. Yet now, she had turned back into such a gentle being in the evening.


    During the two years they had spent together, they had mostly been on edge. Such moments were


    incredibly rare.


    He even tensed up, waiting silently for Avery to speak.


    "Jacob."


    That address felt like a cat scratching his heart, and Jacob responded with a sound.


    "Let''s have a good talk."


    "You speak."


    Avery''s hands encircled his waist, just like before when she used to act spoiled towards him. She


    gently recounted her story on the ind.


    "At first, I was only trying to save Ethan. Butter, I genuinely fell in love with that ce. Nobody hurt


    me there; everyone on the ind was kind-hearted. I really want to help them."


    She cautiously raised her head to observe Jacob''s face, making sure there was no hint of hostility


    before she continued, "Carl is a lively child; Randy has great artistic talent, and Lois only has one set of


    warm underwear but gave it to Ethan as a diaper."


    "What do you want me to do?" Unexpectedly, Jacob became quite agreeable.


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    A trace of excitement appeared on Avery''s face as she exined her ns.


    "I understand," he said.


    She looked at him with anticipation. "Then you..."


    "Developing the small ind is fine, but on one condition."


    There were stars flickering in Avery''s ck pupils.


    "You tell me."


    The tall and handsome man leaned slightly towards Avery''s ear beside the clean window. Word by


    word, he said, "I want you to stay by my side forever and never leave."


    Avery trembled slightly.


    Although he was the one who had initially proposed a divorce, he still wanted her to stay.


    She couldn''t understand Jacob at all.


    Considering she had only a few months left, she nodded without hesitation.


    "Alright."


    Her forever would onlyst for a few months.


    Jacob, however, felt uneasy because of her quick response.


    He wanted to ask a few more questions but feared that it would make both of them ufortable,


    bringing up the topic from this morning.


    Tightening his grip on Avery''s waist, he said, "If you dare to leave again, I will burn down that ind.


    You know I''m not joking."


    His body was burning hot, but his voice sounded chillingly cold.


    Avery calmly tugged at the fabric around his waist and said, "Jacob, I have one more request."

 Chapter 178 Assistant

    Chapter 178 Assistant


    Chapter 178 Assistant


    It was rare for her to take the initiative to make amends, and Jacob naturally agreed.


    "Hmm?" Unconsciously, his tone rose, and his mood improved a lotpared to before.


    Avery spoke seriously, "I don''t want to be trapped at home like a waste. I gave up my studies before


    and have been only sad for the past two years. I want to start anew."


    "Tell me."


    Jacob was in a good mood at the moment and was also very patient.


    Avery said word by word, "I want to work by your side."


    In the past, she had immersed herself in his affection and contentedly became a housewife.


    It didn''t matter if she remained unseen, but she had no idea about Jacob''s circle and didn''t even know


    whom she might have offended. She was truly a failure.


    If she never stepped out, she would continue to be manipted by that person.


    Avery''s mind had never been as clear as it was now. For these past two years, there had been a


    hidden hand secretly pushing things forward.


    For example, initially, she thought the rtionship between her and Jacob was only because of La.


    Now she realized it wasn''t the case. That person forced them to divorce, further deteriorating the


    rtionship between her and Jacob, leading them to this point step by step.


    The photos she receivedst month only fueled the fire. Avery nearly killed Ethan.


    If she hadn''t held back that day, it would have been over between her and Jacob. He would surely have


    tortured her to death.


    What a vicious n!


    Understanding everything, Avery started to hide her sharp thorns.


    She needed to use Jacob''s help to find that hidden hand. To avoid alerting the enemy, she couldn''t tell


    Jacob about her n.


    Jacob pondered, his eyes scanning her face back and forth, as if trying to figure out what she was


    thinking.


    Avery looked directly into his eyes and said frankly, "If you don''t trust me, keep me under your watchful


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    eye; it''s the best solution I can think of. I want to learn some useful experiences from you to revive the


    Adams family. Who else in this world is more suitable than you?"


    It was a good excuse, and Jacob wouldn''t suspect anything.


    "If you have truly made up your mind, I have no objections."


    She was right. What else could she do under his watchful eyes, aside from attracting attention from


    others?


    Avery pouted, not sure what came to her mind. "The only thing I''m worried about is the White family.


    Considering our current rtionship, I''m afraid they won''t ept me."


    Before, Jacob had always stood unconditionally on La''s side. If La cried or caused a scene,


    wouldn''t her n fail?


    Jacob reached out and touched her head, his eyes shing with an undeniable coldness. "Whether


    they ept you or not, it''s not up to them to decide."


    His voice was resolute. "I have the final say."


    Avery rubbed against him in his arms and said, "Jacob, you''re really kind."


    Jacob lowered his gaze to the small furry head in his embrace. He felt that something wasn''t quite


    right, but he couldn''t figure out what exactly it was.


    Avery seemed to have changed overnight.


    Was this sudden change because she genuinely understood, or did she have ulterior motives?


    Forget it; even if she had other intentions, what kind of tricks could she y right under his nose?


    "Can Ie to work tomorrow?" Avery looked up, her little face full of seriousness.


    "What position do you want?" Jacob asked.


    He didn''t mind giving Avery everything she wanted.


    Avery licked her tender lips and said, "Assistant, the kind that stays by your side."

 Chapter 179 As You Wish

    Chapter 179 As You Wish


    Chapter 179 As You Wish


    Jacob''s pupils locked onto Avery''s clear eyes, as he tried to see through her thoughts from her face.


    "What do you really want?"


    Avery now was too unusual, and he had no idea what she was plotting.


    She had be well-behaved, and Jacob felt somewhat uneasy.


    "I said it before; I want to start a new life, not spend my whole life in darkness."


    Avery gently tugged at his sleeve; her voice muffled as it came from his embrace. "Is it possible?"


    "Just like this?" Jacob''s throat tightened, unsure of what to say at this moment.


    "Or what? Or are you willing to let me go live in another city?"


    Jacob coldly gripped her waist. "Don''t even think about it."


    Avery smiled bitterly in his arms. He had said long ago that even if she were to die, she would only die


    by his side.


    She closed her eyes.


    "Then, as you wish."


    "As you wish."


    The voice in her mind ovepped with Jacob''s voice.


    Avery raised her head and smiled at him, "Have you eaten enough? Do you want to eat a little more?"


    "No need; you should go back and rest."


    Avery broke free from his embrace with a serious expression. "How can that be? From now on, I will be


    your secretary. I have to adapt to your rhythm in advance."


    Jacob nced at her deeply, and Avery looked serious. He couldn''t find any ws.


    "As you wish."


    After saying that, he returned to his seat, while Avery was tidying up the food boxes on the side.


    Out of the corner of her eye, Avery saw him make a phone call, and soon, John came in and stood


    respectfully to the side.


    "Mr. Hill, Mrs. Hill."


    "She will be my personal assistant from now on. You arrange it."


    In John''s astonishment, Avery smiled slightly and said, "Thank you, John. I hope you will keep my


    identity a secret."


    "Yes, Mrs. Hill."


    "I''m afraid you''ll have to change that address."


    John and Jacob locked eyes, and Jacob nodded at him.


    "Yes, then excuse me, Miss Adams, please follow me."


    Avery hurriedly followed John out. Jacob stared at her figure for a while. Regardless of her intentions,


    he decided to keep her under his watchful eye, knowing that she wouldn''t cause any trouble.


    With this in mind, Jacob resumed his work. He didn''t know why, but his mood had improvedpared


    to before.


    Avery walked with John to the corridor where there was no one around. Only then did John speak, "Are


    you sure about this?"


    "Instead of being locked up to death, it''s better toe out and work. At least this way, I can get some


    fresh air."


    Avery shrugged helplessly and said, "I''ll have to trouble you in the future."


    "Don''t mention it."


    John brought Avery into the secretary''s office and gave a brief introduction to everyone.


    The sudden arrival of a personal secretary left the others somewhat stunned, but they still warmly


    epted Avery.


    "I will arrange your workstation tomorrow. Tonight, familiarize yourself with the others," John said.


    "Okay."


    After John left, all six people in the office cast their gaze upon her. After all, she was the person who


    had been following Jacob. Despite their curiosity, no one asked a single question.


    "Miss Adams, I will briefly tell you about Mr. Hill''s habitster," said Asher Ronald, the one who took full


    control in John''s absence.


    He held a stack of documents and stood upright, not appearing as someone schrly but rather more


    like a soldier.


    "Thank you, Asher," Avery expressed her gratitude.


    Asher introduced the others, "This is James, Orion Everly, and Cassius Everly."


    Beforeing here, Avery already had some understanding that James and Asher were brothers,


    while Orion and Cassius were cousins.


    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Asher''s hand fell on thest two female assistants. "This is Juniper, and this is Calliope."


    "Hello, everyone. My name is Avery. Please take care of me from now on."


    Avery introduced herself graciously, but her eyes closely observed the expressions on each person''s


    face.

 Chapter 180 Take Action

    Chapter 180 Take Action


    Chapter 180 Take Action


    If the mastermind truly hid behind Jacob, his secretary would be the biggest problem.


    Avery hoped to see some clues on their faces, but both of them had cold and decisive personalities.


    They simply greeted her briefly and immersed themselves in their work.


    Avery touched her wrist. Could it be that she was wrong?


    She wasn''t in a hurry either. Starting with Juniper, Jacob''s secretary, Avery moved closer to her.


    Juniper''s attitude towards her was neither warm nor dismissive. Avery spent nearly two hours


    interacting with everyone but didn''t notice anything suspicious.


    They worked until 9 PM, and John finally gave permission for everyone to leave.


    As soon as Calliope finished work, her stiff face instantly broke into a smile. She rubbed her waist and


    made a phone call to a friend. It seemed like she was going to a bar and asked someone to reserve a


    table for her.


    As Avery observed Calliope looking at her, Calliope raised her chin lightly and said, "Join us? There''s a


    newly opened bar with lots of handsome guys. Let me treat you."


    Avery didn''t expect Calliope to be so friendly and quickly waved her hand. "No need; I still have some


    documents to organize. I haven''t even memorized Mr. Hill''s preferences yet."


    Calliope withdrew her gaze from Avery''s face and replied, "Alright then, another time."


    In the blink of an eye, Calliope swiftly left, leaving the room in a hurry. Asher sighed and exined to


    Avery, "Stay away from her. Every day, she''s either flirting with young, handsome guys or older men.


    Don''t let her influence you."


    Avery smiled awkwardly and shifted her gaze to Juniper''s face.


    Juniper''s face wasn''t remarkable, aplete contrast to Calliope''s enchanting appearance.


    She was like the diligent student in ss who wore sses and had average looks but always ranked


    in the top ten academically.


    Juniper calmly packed up her things in an orderly manner. Her desk was neatly arranged, almost as if


    she had OCD. Each document had to be perfectly organized.


    Sensing Avery''s gaze, Juniper looked up. Behind her sses, their eyes met. She spoke in a t tone,


    devoid of any emotion.


    "Is there anything else?"


    It was like talking to an emotionless robot.


    Although there were no fluctuations, Avery felt chills down her spine.


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Avery maintained an innocent smile on her face and said, "Juniper, I just think your earrings are really


    beautiful, so I took a few more nces. Where did you buy them?"


    Earrings were the only essory that Juniper wore. They were small, shaped like a rose with a


    diamond in the center, emitting a dazzling light.


    "These were customized as a year-end bonus from Mr. Hill two years ago," Juniper replied calmly.


    "Oh, I see. Then I''ll work hard and hope to receive a year-end bonus this year, too," Avery said, raising


    her clenched fist.


    Juniper nced at her, picked up her bag, and left the room. Ashermented, "Don''t overthink it.


    She''s always been cold."


    Avery gently asked, "So, Juniper has always had this kind of temperament?"


    "Yes, she hasn''t smiled much since she joined. Although she appears cold, she is efficient in her work."


    After chatting for a while, Avery was thest to leave the office.


    She didn''t go far and waited in the underground parking lot.


    Jacob rolled down the car window and spoke coldly, "Get in."


    Avery apanied him back to the Hill Mansion, an experience they hadn''t had in the many years


    they knew each other.


    On the way, Avery''s mind was filled with various thoughts. The secretaries in the office had different


    personalities, and it seemed like everyone had some problem.


    "Do you regret it?" Jacob had been tapping on hisptop since getting into the car. He pushed up his


    silver-rimmed sses on his nose.


    He nudged the frame and said, "Now you have a chance to regret it."

 Chapter 181 They Were Pawns

    Chapter 181 They Were Pawns


    Chapter 181 They Were Pawns


    As Avery raised her notebook, which recorded all of Jacob''s preferences, she said, "Here, I haven''t


    finished memorizing yet. Mr. Hill, you prefer three cubes of sugar in your coffee, steak cooked to


    medium rare, and you like cherries, blueberries..."


    Avery closed the notebook and looked at Jacob with a serious expression. "I remember these are the


    fruits you dislike the most, and you only eat steak cooked to medium rare. As for coffee, you never add


    sugar."


    If it weren''t for Jacob earnestly warning her not to get anything wrong, Avery would have thought


    someone was deliberately tripping her up in the workce.


    This list of preferences waspletely opposite to Jacob''s actual habits.


    Jacob took the notebook from her hands. "You don''t need to worry about that."


    His preferences were not meant to be figured out by anyone other than Avery. No one else knew his


    true likes and dislikes.


    "You just need to follow the instructions."


    The glow from theputer screen inside the car illuminated Jacob''s face, making his facial features


    appear even colder.


    Suddenly, she felt as if she had never truly understood the man she shared a bed with.


    Jacob, in the workce, was undoubtedly a stranger.


    Avery nodded. "I will get used to it."


    Frowning, Jacob looked at her serious little face. Was she really nning to be his secretary?


    In just one day, she had undergone such a significant transformation.


    Recently, due to their disappearance, Jacob had umted arge amount of work. Even when he


    went home, he was either attending video conferences or reading emails.


    After taking a shower, Avery sat on the bed with herptop. Fortunately, she was temporarily released


    from her constraints.


    She quickly searched the inte, specifically looking at Jacob''s schedule on the day of Martin''s


    ident.


    It was Jacob and Grace''s birthday on that day, so there shouldn''t have been any official engagements.


    However, the G20 Business Summit was held on that day, and as the chairman, he had to attend and


    deliver a speech.


    Whether it was from thepany or from the Hill Mansion to the event venue, he wouldn''t have taken


    the route of the ident.


    Either he was the mastermind behind it all, wanting to witness Martin''s death firsthand at the scene of


    the ident, or Jacob had no choice but to take that route.


    On the day of Martin''s ident, there were several other idents apart from his. Searching for them


    wasn''t difficult.


    Soon, she found news reports about the ident scene. Among these reports, Avery saw two other


    idents on Crestway Road.


    Although they weren''t as severe as Martin''s, they still caused traffic congestion.


    Coincidentally, one short video captured Jacob''s car.


    Even with just one frame, Avery quickly captured it. The video was posted half an hour before Martin''s


    ident.


    And this road was the most optimal route to the scene. Jacob, appearing here, indicated that he


    originally intended to go to the business summit.


    He changed his route due to the ident and ended up at the scene of Martin''s ident.


    Seeing this, a chilling sensation ran down Avery''s spine.


    Her previous spection had be a reality. There was indeed someone who had beenying the


    groundwork since two years ago!


    Both she and Jacob became pawns on that person''s chessboard.


    Even her father''s ident was orchestrated by that person to frame Jacob.


    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    That person wanted to use her anger towards the child to seek revenge on Jacob, thuspletely


    breaking their rtionship.


    If she hadn''t changed her mind at thest minute, Ethan would already be dead.


    What a ruthless person.


    The door opened, and Jacob appeared at the entrance. He nced coldly at her and said, "Am I


    seeing a ghost?"

 Chapter 182 I Believe You

    Chapter 182 I Believe You


    Chapter 182 I Believe You


    As soon as Jacob entered the room, he noticed that Avery''s face had lost all its color, appearing visibly


    pale and sickly.


    Her hands seemed to be trembling slightly. With aposed expression, Jacob strode towards Avery.


    "What are you looking at?"


    Avery didn''t hide anything. What caught Jacob''s attention was a gruesome scene of a car ident on


    her phone. It wasn''t surprising that she looked so terrible after witnessing such a bloody sight.


    "What''s there to see in these things?" Jacob thought she had stumbled upon a video by chance,


    intending to close it, but something felt off. This wasn''t a recent car ident.


    Avery turned off her phone and asked nonchntly, "Were you present at the scene when my father


    had the ident?"


    Jacob was unaware of Avery''s initial motive to harm Ethan. When Avery suddenly brought up the


    incident, he lowered his gaze and met her eyes. "Yes."


    "That day, we were supposed to go to themerce event, but we encountered an ident and took a


    different route. Unexpectedly, we witnessed your father''s ident."


    Just as Avery had expected, everything was manipted behind the scenes. She almost became a


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    scapegoat for murder.


    The person behind the grave incident made Jacob misunderstand her intentions, and the car ident


    made her misunderstand Jacob''s actions.


    How did they end up being pushed into this situation step by step?


    How ruthless that person was!


    Seeing Avery''s silence and increasingly gloomyplexion, Jacob also sensed that something was


    amiss. "You don''t think I orchestrated all of this, do you?"


    He grabbed Avery''s shoulders, his expression extremely serious. "Avery, stop your unrealistic and wild


    thoughts. If I wanted to harm him, he would have died a thousand times over."


    Jacob''s tone was chilling. "Even if I were to take action, I would never involve innocent people or use


    someone else''s life to cover up the truth. If I want, I have a hundred, even a thousand ways to kill


    without leaving a trace."


    Before he could finish, Avery suddenly rushed into his embrace, her hands tightly holding his waist. "I


    believe you."


    Jacob pinched her chin, forcing her gaze to meet his own. Like an enraged beast, he stared coldly at


    Avery.


    "I don''t know what you''re plotting in your mind. Yes, our breakup wasn''t dignified, and I haven''t been


    good to you in these past two years. I understand if you hate me and me me. Avery, we can''t go


    back to the past, and I know that very well."


    He gripped Avery''s hand tightly. "Even if we bear deep resentment towards each other or walk on a


    thorny path, I can''t let you go because of this concern of yours; no matter how much I despise and hate


    your father, I won''t wish for his death."


    Avery''s wrist throbbed with pain from his grip, and his gaze burned like fire, making her cheeks flush


    and her heart pounding.


    Jacob revealed his innermost thoughts word by word. "Because I know one thing very clearly. If he


    dies, it will sever all connections between us. That''s why I won''t let him die. At the scene of the


    ident back then, I was the first to call for an ambnce."


    Avery was greatly shocked, not expecting him to do such a thing.


    Having said this, Jacob let out a deep sigh. "Whether it''s in the past or present, I never intended to kill


    him. So put away your thoughts, as I won''t stoop so low."


    If it were before, Avery would never have believed it. But at this moment, she understood everything,


    and even if Jacob didn''t say it, she knew it in her heart.


    She opened her mouth, feeling the impulse to let everything out at this moment.

 Chapter 183 Unspoken Trust and Hidden Agendas

    Chapter 183 Unspoken Trust and Hidden Agendas


    Chapter 183 Unspoken Trust and Hidden Agendas


    The thought shed through Avery''s mind momentarily, and soon, Jacob''s disdainful face filled her


    thoughts.


    She knew Jacob had ridiculed her countless times for being maniptive; it was very likely that


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    speaking up now would only invite his scorn, as he might think she was trying to exonerate her father.


    Moreover, speaking to Jacob without uncovering the truth first could alert the mastermind behind the


    scenes and lead to unexpectedplications.


    Therefore, she suppressed the thought once again.


    Whether there was a mastermind or not didn''t affect her rtionship with Jacob. His infidelity was a


    fact.


    Compared to before, Avery managed to keep her cool, responding dully.


    With the answer she wanted, Avery''s mind cleared even more.


    She clutched Jacob''s clothes tightly; uncovering the truth became the only thought sustaining her will to


    live.


    "Thank you for calling 911."


    "There''s no need to look at the things of the past. Go to sleep."


    Jacob thought Avery was just scared, and holding her, he fell into a deep sleep.


    Strangely, Avery never mentioned La in front of him again, and the two seemed to have returned to


    their old ways.


    But this was just a facade. When Jacob fell asleep, the docile Avery in his arms suddenly opened her


    eyes and shifted her body away, almost to the edge of the bed, unwilling to have any contact with him.


    Jacob kept his word; the next morning, Avery was greeted by a familiar voice. "Wow, what a beautiful


    house. Randy, can you draw it with your paintbrush?"


    The boy beside him timidly pulled at him. "On someone else''s turf, you should restrain yourself. Don''t


    forget how terrifying that person can be."


    Before Avery coulde downstairs, she ran down at the sound of this voice, and the boy''s bright face


    appeared before her eyes.


    "Avy!"


    Avery hurried downstairs, her face a mixture of shock and joy. "Howe you are here?"


    "Yesterday, a lot of people came to the ind. Some were measuring, some were wandering around,


    and some brought us a lot of supplies. This morning, we were brought over. Avy, wasn''t it you who


    arranged this?"


    Avery didn''t expect Jacob to act so quickly. She nodded in a hurry. Jacob''s voice came from around the


    corner. "Are you happy now?"


    The two instinctively shielded her from Jacob, not expecting to encounter him here.


    "Don''t be afraid. He won''t hurt me."


    Avery saw the coldness in Jacob''s eyes. She took the initiative to link her arm through Jacob''s. "Why


    did you bring them here?"


    "Aren''t you concerned about these twods?" Jacob pointed at Randy. "I have arranged their school


    admissions. Since he has a talent for drawing, he should go to an art college for further study."


    "As for this troublemaker, the police academy will suit him well."


    Avery did not know what price he had paid to get the two of them in, but the fact that he thought of this


    made her feel quite good.


    "Thank you." She was truly grateful.


    Jacob adjusted his cuffs. "Your job application has been handled by HR. Come to work on time in three


    days."


    After speaking, he left without even having breakfast, seemingly leaving the time for them.


    Avery found that he seemed different, somewhat reminiscent of the past.


    As soon as he left, the two became chatterboxes, firing question after question.


    When alone, they secretly passed Avery a note with a phone number on it.


    Avery dialed the number, and a familiar male voice came through. "It''s me."


    "Are you alright?"


    "Yeah." Frank''s voice was still indifferent.


    Avery told him about the ind. Frank was not surprised. "I knew you would keep your word."


    Avery bit her lip and shared her concerns. "Frank, can you do something for me? Right now, I can''t


    trust anyone but you."

 Chapter 184 Echoes of the Past

    Chapter 184 Echoes of the Past


    Chapter 184 Echoes of the Past


    Frank agreed to Avery''s request without hesitation.


    Carl and Randy spent half the day reminiscing with Avery. "Avy, after you left, Frank also left the ind.


    He must havee to Astire. If you need his help, you can contact him privately."


    "Do you know his background?" Avery found Frank to be very mysterious. He was a man with so much


    ammunition, and she still didn''t know what Frank looked like to this day.


    The information Andrew dug up was certainly limited, but Frank was different; perhaps he had special


    channels to uncover more.


    Moreover, Frank''s identity was mysterious enough that the mastermind behind the scenes was


    unaware of his existence.


    "Frank drifted onto our ind a few years ago. When he arrived, he was barely alive, saved by Lois. It


    seems he had no family and just settled down on our ind. But I think Frank must be a formidable


    person; his marksmanship is very urate."


    Remembering this, Carl scratched his head sheepishly. "Avy, I was too nervous that day. I almost shot


    you by ident. But your ex-husband treated you quite well, as his reflex was to protect you."


    The boy, brave and outspoken, didn''t hold back praise where it was due despite his dislike.


    Avery didn''t want to dwell on this topic, patting his head. "You''ve been given a special opportunity; you


    must study hard to stand out in the future and make Lois proud."


    "I know, Avy."


    Before starting her new job, Avery took the two kids to a renowned local art exhibition, which was


    Randy''s first close encounter with such artworks.


    He was greatly impressed, not even knowing where to look first.


    Carl, unable to understand such emotion, shrugged. "They are all bookworms, and he looks like a


    painting-worm. What''s so good about these boring paintings? To the point of being unable to move?"


    Averyughed lightly. "If you don''t like paintings, of course, you can''t understand this subtle feeling."


    With them, Avery temporarily forgot her vengeance, as if she returned to the carefree days on the


    ind.


    Seeing Randy standing in front of a painting for a long time, she approached. "What are you looking at


    so intently?"


    Randy then came back to his senses, his eyes gleaming with delight like twinkling stars in the sky.


    "Avy, look at this painting. It''s so cleverly done."


    Avery looked up and was stunned. "This painting..."


    It was a depiction of a sunrise in the mountains, the sunlight breaking through like a hatching egg,


    casting golden rays down, and draping everything in ayer of gold.


    Verdant hills rolled beneath a canopy of emerald foliage while birds unfurled their wings against the


    sky. A lone squirrel perched on a gnarled branch, clutching a pine cone close, as wisps of smoke


    danced upwards from a quaint cottage nestled far off. Nearby, the melody of a mountain stream


    whispered secrets as it cascaded down the cliffside.


    The picture seemed to epass all of creation, a scene bursting with life, making one feel the beauty


    of existence.


    "Avy, do you know who painted this? The person who painted this must have a broad vision and a


    beautiful heart."


    Avery murmured with pursed red lips. "This is... my work."


    "What? Avy, you painted this?" Randy had seen Avery''s current style, which waspletely different


    from the painting in front of him.


    Avery herself had almost forgotten that she was once a student of the meticulous painting master


    Booker Foerster.


    Children of wealthy families receive good cultivation from a young age, and she happened to have a


    talent for everything, bing Booker''sst disciple.


    This painting was her work at the age of thirteen, and to her surprise, it had been included in the


    exhibition.


    As she thought back to her once-glorious achievements, they seemed starkly contrasted against her


    current state of destitution.


    All this was because of a man, which was quiteughable when said out.


    As her words faded, Avery heard a stir nearby, as if some important figure had arrived.


    Carl, biting on a lollipop, pointed not far away. "Avy, isn''t that Ethan?"


    Avery looked up to see a familiar figure.


    It was Jacob, La, and their child, making up the family of three, with La holding their child in her


    arms and smiling beautifully as she was arm-in-arm with Jacob.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

 Chapter 185 Confrontations and Concealed Alliances

    Chapter 185 Confrontations and Concealed Alliances


    Chapter 185 Confrontations and Concealed Alliances


    Randy positioned himself protectively in front of Avery. "Avy, don''t look."


    Carl, on the other hand, cursed loudly, "I take back what I said about him being a man. Betraying his


    own wife, he''s nothing but scum. Avy, don''t look at that kind of trash, or you''ll jinx yourself."


    Avery''s heart ached for a moment. Even though Jacob kept her close, holding her in his arms night


    after night, it couldn''t change the fact that he was going to marry La.


    La, eager to solidify her status, unted her affection with Jacob, thus appearing frequently in public


    spaces.


    She hadn''t expected to encounter Avery there, but in front of Avery, she clung tightly to Jacob''s arm,


    using this way to assert her victory.


    This method, though simple, was very effective.


    Jacob watched Avery walk away with the kids to Zone B, and he pulled his arm away from La.


    Jacob used to be polite to her, but now, he wouldn''t even bother with basic courtesies.


    La''s face, heavily made up, twisted with distaste as she lowered her voice. "Are you going to see


    that wretch again? Jacob, don''t forget. I am your fianc¨¦e now!"


    Jacob looked down indifferently at La''s desperate actions. He had once cared about family ties and


    their childhood acquaintance.


    Apart from being obedient to La, he had always treated her with respect.


    Having seen La''s true nature, he found even a second nce at her repulsive.


    "You want me to put on an act for you, and I''ve done it," Jacob replied coldly, devoid of any pity in his


    eyes.


    "Now everyone thinks we''re a loving couple."


    As she watched Jacob''s retreating figure, La''s face was contorted with rage, her chest roiling with


    towering hatred.


    She had a bad feeling that this man''s hatred for Avery was diminishing, turning into love instead.


    She had struggled so hard to get to where she was today. If things continued this way, she would


    definitely lose Jacob for good.


    La, burning with rage, stepped aside and dialed a mysterious number. A gender-ambiguous voice


    came through. "I''ve considered your previous proposal, and I agree."


    "Miss White is a smart woman," the voice said, amused.


    "What do you want me to do?"


    "It means Miss White will have to suffer a bit."


    "As long as it makes Jacob change his heart, I can bear some suffering." La''s eyes were filled with


    hate. "This time, I want herpletely defeated!"


    "As you wish, Miss White," the ambiguous voice said with a chillingugh.


    ...


    The lighting elongated Avery''s shadow, casting her in a solitary and lonesome silhouette.


    Until her body unexpectedly collided into someone''s embrace, Avery looked up to meet Jacob''s deep


    gaze.


    They were in a blind spot of surveince, unnoticed by anyone.


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    Avery calmly stepped away, her voice indifferent. "Jacob, you shouldn''t havee. If someone takes a


    photo, you''ll have to spend money on PR again."


    She was clearly looking out for him, and the emotion in her eyes was so muted that it seemed almost


    indifferent, preventing Jacob from sensing any care she might have for him.


    He suddenly realized thatpared to the calm Avery now, he missed the jealous Avery of the past.


    "Is that what you care about?" Jacob''s voice was noticeably cold.


    Avery puzzled. "A good lover''s standard is to be obedient and not trouble their employer."


    Jacob''s hand tightened on her shoulder, and he scoffed, "Lover? You do have self-awareness."


    Avery''s heart still couldn''t help but feel a momentary sting.


    "What else? You''re going to be engaged to Miss White. What did they call this situation in ancient


    times? A concubine? I don''t even qualify for that. Nowadays, there are many names for it: the other


    woman, mistress, lover. Which do you prefer, Jacob?"

 Chapter 186 Unveiled Facades and Escape Room Panic

    Chapter 186 Unveiled Facades and Escape Room Panic


    Chapter 186 Unveiled Facades and Escape Room Panic


    Avery, normally sopliant, exuded an indefinable petnce that left Jacob feeling ufortably


    blocked. He had brought her back from the ind, and with his nature, he should have kept her


    confined by his side. Restraining his own desires, he granted her freedom, catered to her every wish,


    and even took special care of those two boys.


    He had thought that after all he did, she would be as happy as before, her eyes sparkling like stars. But


    now, her eyes were like a clear, stillke; no matter what he did, he couldn''t cause even a ripple.


    His cold gaze fell upon Avery''s serene face. "Avery, you''d better know where to draw the line."


    Jacob''s voice was tinged with uncontroble anger. "Even if I marry her, it won''t affect your status in the


    slightest."


    His words sounded like charity.


    Averyughed, her derision unmasked. "She has already obtained the title of Mrs. Hill. What status of


    hers can I affect?"


    Without waiting for Jacob to respond, Avery straightened his cor and did not delve into the topic any


    further.


    After all, a scandal would be hard to settle, and she would have to waste more effort on pleasantries.


    "That''s enough. Go be with your fianc¨¦e. I understand my current position and won''t make things


    difficult for you."


    With that, she stepped back. "Thank you for not holding a grudge against Carl and the others."


    Jacob opened his mouth and watched as Avery disappeared from his sight.


    Avery had returned, but her heart had not.


    It was like beating the air.


    He told himself that she loved him so much, and she was just temporarily upset.


    She would soone back, bing once again the girl whose eyes held only him.


    Avery took the children to many ces, and the two boys never stopped talking.


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    She smiled as she touched their heads. "Study hard, and this city will surely have a ce for you."


    "Avy, we won''t let you down," Randy raised his little fist.


    "Avy, with such talent, why didn''t you be a painter?" he asked, puzzled.


    Biting her straw, Avery replied, "Painting is just one of my hobbies. I prefer medical studies. But


    because of someone, I gave up what I loved most. For that person, I''ve be what I am now and


    can no longer paint the way I did at thirteen. So, don''t be like me, love-struck and foolish."


    The sweetness of the milk tea could not mask the ache in her heart, and her stomach twinged in


    sympathy.


    Lately, she hadn''t been vomiting blood, but her stomachache was not quick to fade. After taking some


    painkillers, she took the kids to y an escape room game.


    Though she was only a few years older than Carl, her maternal instincts overflowed. She wanted the


    kids to experience everything they had missed out on.


    Even if they didn''t like sweets, Avery insisted, arguing they had to have what other kids had.


    Before entering the escape room, Avery reassured them, "Don''t be afraid. I''ll protect you."


    Three seconds in, as a pale figure jumped from a bed in the stark dorm room, Avery screamed, "Ah!


    Run!"


    Without a second thought, she grabbed a hand and bolted.


    After running a good distance, she realized something-in a rush, she hadn''t seen who she grabbed and


    might have left the other behind.


    Oh no, did she grab Carl or Randy?


    As Avery turned to check, she came face-to-face with a ghastly pale visage, hair hanging long and


    limp.


    "Ah!"


    Heaven help her. She had brought the NPC with her?


    Before she could finish her scream, a hand covered her mouth and dragged her into a nearby cab.

 Chapter 187 Secrets in the Shadows

    Chapter 187 Secrets in the Shadows


    Chapter 187 Secrets in the Shadows


    Trapped in the dimly lit closet, Avery shivered with fear, regretting her decision toe here. As her


    trembling intensified, a familiar low chuckle echoed suddenly through the pitch-ck space.


    Could thisughter belong to someone she knew?


    At that moment, a prop light flickered on, casting a ghastly green glow over a pale face. Before Avery


    could scream, the familiar voice came. "It''s me."


    Stunned, Avery swallowed hard and cautiously called out his name, "Frank?"


    "Yeah," came the reply, his usually stern voiceced with mirth.


    "Sorry to greet you like this. I didn''t know you were so easily frightened."


    In truth, he had no intention of scaring Avery; his disguised appearance was merely to evade


    bodyguards.


    Little did he know that upon their encounter, before he could even speak, Avery would grab him and


    run.


    Avery patted her chest. "You know, scaring someone like that could frighten them to death."


    Frank had never seen her this scared, not even when they first met, and he held a knife to her throat.


    This side of her seemed much more alive.


    "Let''s get to the point. I''ve got some leads on the person you asked me to investigate," Frank shifted


    the conversation, quickly sharing his findings with Avery.


    "What did you find?"


    "The Brian you mentioned hasn''t just returned from abroad recently. He travels asionally for


    business trips."


    As expected, there was something off about Brian. The mastermind had nted pawns around both


    Jacob and herself.


    When she was desperate and out of options, Brian was a chess piece ced by her side by that


    person, and the findings of the so-called detective, Lee, were nothing but what the mastermind wanted


    her to know.


    The report Jacob held was dubious, with its mixture of truth and lies. Martin, lying unconscious in a


    hospital bed, veiled the entire truth.


    Knowing Martin''s significance to Avery, the mastermind would save this critical piece for a decisive


    move.


    "Can you find out who''s behind Brian?"


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    Frank frowned, his face smeared with white makeup. Yet, as she looked closer, she could discern his


    sharply defined features, the kind that suggested a strong, assertive presence.


    Without the disguise, he would undoubtedly be a handsome man.


    "The time is too short to uncover anything yet, but give me ten days to two weeks. I''ll have an answer


    for you."


    In reality, it wouldn''t take that long, but he deliberately extended the timeframe for safety.


    "Beyond Dr. Wood and Brian, Frank, I need another favor from you."


    Without hesitation, he answered, "Tell me."


    "Find a better sanatorium for my father. His current ce is no longer safe. He could be discarded at


    any moment. I need to move him without anyone noticing. There must be spies around both me and


    Jacob, so I can only trust you."


    Avery felt a pang of guilt for constantly imposing on Frank without familial ties.


    She added, "I have only one hundred million dors left. I can''t take it with me when I die, so I''ll leave it


    to you as payment for your help."


    Frank gave her a deep look, his eyes reflecting a hint of disdain. "Our deal was the ind. Your word is


    enough for me."


    Avery nodded. "I might need one more thing from you."


    "Hm?"


    "Take me away from here; I want to investigate Jane. That girl is shrouded in secrets."


    "Take me away from here. I want to investigate Jian An. That girl harbors many secrets."

 Chapter 188 A Visit to the Forgotten

    Chapter 188 A Visit to the Forgotten


    Chapter 188 A Visit to the Forgotten


    Having changed into a different outfit for the asion, Avery followed Frank out of the back door.


    What amazed her was Frank''s skill in disguise; he simply applied something to her face, easily altering


    her features.


    Ayer of dark powder made Avery appear a decade older in an instant.


    Frank''s face, much like hers, was transformed into that of a middle-aged man, concealing his true


    appearance.


    The two of them visited Luminary Asylum again. Avery, pretending to be a distant rtive of Jane,


    found the director, while Frank did not show himself.


    Avery was dumbfounded. Even without electricity, there were barbs on the fence-how did Frank


    manage that?


    They split up. Avery exined her reason for being there, and the director''s face showed a trace of pity.


    "Ah, this child is so pitiful. She''s been here for so long, and her parents have never once visited, and


    her body remains unimed to this day."


    Avery had thought the body was already cremated, but to her surprise, it was still at the funeral home.


    The image of Jane''s youthful face shed in her mind. Some people live pitiful lives, only to end up


    even more tragic in death.


    "Don''t worry, director. We will take her back and bury her properly. Her parents are abroad, and it''s


    quite troublesome for them toe back to the country. I''m here to handle her affairs. Are there any of


    her belongings left here?"


    "Alright, I''ve kept all her belongings. Come with me."


    As Avery passed the hospital room she had visitedst time, she stopped. "May I go in and take a


    look?"


    "Go ahead. After her death, the other patients were moved out, and the room has been vacant."


    Avery pushed open the door. The room, now even more stark than before, contained nothing but a bed


    and a dresser, its walls whitewashed to a bleak pallor.


    Sunlight filtered through the window, casting a glow that stirred up the dust in the air.


    The bleak room was a mirror of Jane''s deste life.


    "This niece of mine is truly pitiable. She excelled at school, yet who could have known she''de to


    this," Avery sighed.


    The director agreed, "Indeed. She was such a beautiful young girl."


    "Besides us, has anyone elsee to visit her?"


    "Not even her own family, let alone others. Oh, there was a boy who looked a lot like her who came


    once, but his visit agitated Jane so much that it caused her to have a breakdown. After that, he never


    came again."


    At this, Avery''s expression changed. "What did this boy look like?"


    "He was quite tall, with darker skin, and looked like a college student."


    "Director, we can look up the visitor records, right?"


    "We can, but why do you want to see that?" The director looked at Avery skeptically.


    Avery sighed again. "There''s no point in hiding it now, and don''tugh at me, director. The reason my


    poor niece ended up like this, driven mad, was because she was deceived and became pregnant at


    school, forcing her to drop out. I want to see who did this to her. Her parents don''t care, but I''ve been


    fond of her since she was little. If it weren''t for being abroad and unable to return sooner, I would have


    "Well, I''ll look it up for you."


    The director quickly found the name in the visitor records: Payne Baker.


    He also handed over Jane''s belongings to Avery, who thanked him profusely.


    "It''s the least I could do. It''s about bringing things to a close," the director said, waving it off.


    Avery continued to inquire, "I heard my niece was well taken care of by her attending physician while


    she was alive. I would like to thank her in person."


    "No need for that," the director replied, "Dr. Wood has already resigned."


    Feigning surprise, Avery said, "Is that so? That''s a shame. I heard she was a very good doctor."


    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    "Dr. Wood was indeed a good doctor. She looked after Jane for the past two years. Perhaps she


    couldn''t ept Jane''s sudden death. But we have to respect other people''s decisions," the director


    remarked.


    After a few more fragmented questions, Avery bid farewell to the director and went directly to the


    funeral home to im Jane''s body.


    Upon hearing her intent, the staff cautioned, "Well, this female corpse died from a fall. Since the


    rtives didn''t pay for the funeral services, she was just put in the freezer without any cosmetic


    preparation. And after two months, the body has dposed, so you''ll need to be prepared for that."


    While speaking, the staff led them to the room where the bodies were kept, casually mentioning, "Most


    of these are unimed. If nobody ims them after a while, we''ll take care of it. You''re in luck; this


    body is still here."


    Stopping, he pointed to a cab behind him. "This is her. Do you want to have a final farewell? If not,


    we''ll proceed with the cremation."

 Chapter 189 A Final Farewell Amidst the Dead

    Chapter 189 A Final Farewell Amidst the Dead


    Chapter 189 A Final Farewell Amidst the Dead


    Avery, visiting such a ce for the first time, found the room chillingly cold. The frigid air crept up from


    her feet, enveloping her entire body as if countless eyes were watching her back.


    Just standing there took all her strength.


    "Don''t be afraid," Frank''s low voiceforted her. Avery, her hands damp with cold sweat, said, "We


    want to say goodbye to her."


    "Alright, but don''t take too long. I''ll wait outside."


    Once the staff member left, a cold breeze startled Avery into Frank''s arms.


    He wrapped his arms around her, sighing faintly. "You really aren''t cut out for this ce. Wait outside


    for me. I''ll be quick."


    "But..."


    "Dead bodies are nothing new to me. What kind of corpse haven''t I seen?" Frank was serious.


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Avery insisted on staying, so Frank suggested, "Then don''t open your eyes. I''ll describe it."


    "Okay."


    She stepped behind him, focusing on the dark patterns on his ck jacket. Feeling his arm muscle flex,


    he grasped the lever and pulled it smoothly, revealing the body with a foul stench hitting them.


    Avery, already feeling nauseous, gagged.


    She tried to look up, but suddenly, a hand covered her eyes.


    The warmth of the man''srge palm blocked out all the light.


    "Don''t look," Frank''s voice came. "the body... it''s quite gruesome."


    Avery remembered the mosaic-covered image of Jane in the news, indicating much bloodshed.


    But the reality was far worse. Days had passed, and even in the freezer, the body had gruesomely


    dposed.


    Frank didn''t describe further, letting her long eyshes tickle the palm of his hand. It was like the


    delicate brush of a small animal''s soft fur.


    Only he could be so detached in front of a corpse.


    "What''s wrong?" Avery asked.


    Frank snapped out of his reverie and said, "Just a moment."


    He guided Avery to face another direction and said, "Close your eyes and wait a few minutes."


    In the quiet room, the sound of rustling could be heard, prompting Avery to clutch her clothes and ask,


    "What are you doing?"


    "Checking her body."


    Frank''s voice was steady, but Avery''s legs trembled with fear. Even though she knew he was doing this


    to confirm if Jane had aborted the child.


    "There are stretch marks on her abdomen. Miscarriages are usually better within the first 1 to 3


    months, as by four or five months, the baby is already formed. The presence of stretch marks means


    they appeared in theter months; the child wasn''t aborted. Wait, let me check further."


    Her voice shaking, Avery asked, "How will you confirm?"


    "Only stretch marks and no cesarean scars. I need to check her cervix, but it''s dim here. Can you shine


    a light for me?"


    Nearly paralyzed with fear, Avery questioned, "You understand this?"


    She was medically trained and understood, but how did Frank know?


    "I''ve studied anatomy. I know a bit. Just close your eyes and shine a shlight for me."


    With her hesitating, he urged in a low voice, "No time to find a medical examiner. We must hurry while


    the body is still unprocessed."


    Avery nodded. "I understand, but I..."


    She turned and caught a glimpse of the body, her stomach churning violently. "Ugh..."

 Chapter 190 Unseen Courage

    Chapter 190 Unseen Courage


    Chapter 190 Unseen Courage


    Avery had seen the body of an elderly family member who passed away, which waspletely


    different from the tragically deceased body in front of her.


    Even though she didn''t get a clear look at Jane''s face at that nce, Avery was still scared to the point


    of retching.


    Frank patted her back to help her catch her breath. "Are you okay?"


    "Sorry," Avery apologized.


    "It''s normal for people who haven''t seen a body before, let alone one that has undergone cadaveric


    spasm. I understand."


    "Why aren''t you afraid?"


    "You stop being afraid once you''ve seen enough," Frank said indifferently, his deep-set eyes harboring


    an elusive expression. "Besides, the living are more terrifying than the dead in this world."


    Avery didn''t know what this man had been through. He was only a few years older than her but was


    shrouded in mystery.


    Such eyes could only belong to someone who had been tempered by hardship.


    Perhaps she wasn''t the only one who had suffered in this world. Avery overcame her fear inside and


    turned on the shlight.


    "I''ll hold the light for you. You check quickly."


    "Okay." Frank instructed softly, "Close your eyes and leave the rest to me."


    To not dy the process, Avery quickly closed her eyes.


    A hand was ced on her wrist, and Frank''s voice came from beside her ear. "Excuse me."


    He held her wrist and walked over to the corpse. In the cold room, the warmth of his hand was


    particrly intense.


    Avery then heard the rustling sound, probably Frank taking off the corpse''s trousers.


    Fortunately, the trousers in the psychiatric hospital were loose, and he didn''t need to use much force to


    pull them down.


    Despite not seeing it, Avery could tell what he was doing.


    She held the shlight high.


    "It''s done," Frank reminded, "Don''t open your eyes, and wait until I put the body back."


    Avery couldn''t wait to ask, "How is it?"


    "Her cervix wasterally torn."


    "Normally, the cervix of a woman who has never given birth is round, so it seems she really did give


    birth to a child."


    "Yes."


    Frank took Avery away, paid for Jane''s funeral expenses, and had her properly buried.


    "It''s been dyed for so long, and she can finally rest in peace. After all, I caused her death. If it


    weren''t for me, perhaps she wouldn''t have died so early."


    Frank shook his head. "Not necessarily. I found out that she had been injected with forbidden drugs


    before her death, causing her to be mentally confused. Even without you, she wouldn''t have lived much


    longer."


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    "She said someone took her child. Who could that be? Could it be that her parents took the child


    abroad?"


    "We can''t conclude just yet, but today, we''ve obtained quite a few clues. Leave the rest to me. I''ll take


    you back first. By the way."


    Frank took out a mobile phone from his pocket. "From now on, contact me with this phone."


    If she frequently contacted Frank, it would eventually be discovered, considering how easy it was for


    Jacob to track hermunication records.


    "Thank you."


    "If you can help the people on the ind, that''s the best reward for me."


    Avery returned to the secret room and left with the two children.


    Carl''s face was deathly pale, obviously frightened.


    On the contrary, the frail Randy was calm and even supported Carl when they came out. "It''s all fake.


    You were so scared that you jumped into an NPC''s arms."


    Avery thought of this scene and found it amusing. "I didn''t see thating. Carl is such a scaredy-


    cat?"


    "Avy, you didn''t see it. Carl just got scared into making whimpers. It was hrious."


    "Shut up!"


    The two of them scuffled, their cheerful atmosphere dissipating the sadness of Jane''s death.


    A car stopped by the roadside, and the window rolled down to reveal Jacob''s cold face. "Get in."

 Chapter 191 She Didnt Care

    Chapter 191 She Didn''t Care


    Chapter 191 She Didn''t Care


    Avery was somewhat surprised. She hadn''t expected him toe and pick her up.


    Although she had entrusted everything to Frank, Avery still felt a bit nervous when she got into the car.


    She always felt like Jacob could see right through her with a nce.


    As soon as she got in the car, he asked out of the blue.


    "Did you have fun?"


    "It was alright, a bit scary. Carl was so frightened that he whimpered."


    When she said this, her expression was still calm. Jacob ndly withdrew his gaze from her.


    He had deliberately arranged for Avery to spend time with these children, hoping she would be as


    cheerful as she used to be.


    But the reality proved that not only their feelings for each other couldn''t be returned, but also Avery


    herself.


    In the past, when the two of them sat together, she would hold his arm and chatter non-stop, her mouth


    hardly ever resting.


    Unlike now, she sat upright, her fingers gripping the armrest, her eyes looking out the window.


    She only answered his questions. When she didn''t speak, it was as if a huge gap was separating them.


    The silence was suffocating, and neither of them spoke along the way.


    Avery could feel Jacob''s gaze on her. She was getting cold feet, wondering if he had discovered that


    she had sneaked out.


    After all, he had just sternly warned herst night that developing the ind and ensuring living


    conditions were fine.


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    He had one condition, which was that she must never see Frank again.


    She had readily agreed but broke her promise the next day. She had no idea what Jacob was thinking.


    He remained silent, and his gaze on Avery felt like torture.


    They arrived at the Hill Mansion and he didn''t make things difficult for her, so Avery finally breathed a


    sigh of relief.


    Jacob spoke coldly, "I won''t be home for dinner tonight."


    "Oh, okay." Avery opened the car door to get out.


    Her wrist hurt as she was pulled back. She fell into Jacob''s arms, and her palm was weak as she


    leaned against his chest.


    She looked up at him, her eyes filled with confusion.


    "Hmm?"


    With a dark look in his eyes, Jacob said word by word, "Avery, I said I''m going to have dinner in the


    White family."


    Avery nodded. "I know. Don''t worry. I won''t call to rush you."


    In the past, she had serious psychological issues because she was so insecure. If he didn''te back


    by six o''clock, she would bombard him with phone calls.


    In the end, he would get annoyed and turn off his phone.


    She would keep reheating the cold dishes, pacing anxiously around the room like an ant.


    Her mind would be filled with wild thoughts.


    Even she herself found her past self annoying, not to mention Jacob.


    Of course, back then, she was rightfully Mrs. Hill. Now that she had seen her ce clearly, she


    naturally wouldn''t obstruct Jacob anymore.


    In the past, even the air seemed to carry shackles, making it hard for her to breathe.


    Now that she didn''t care so much about him, Avery felt like she had regained her freedom.


    On the contrary, Jacob was not used to it. For a time, Avery was as tense as a bowstring, not even


    allowing his normal social interactions.


    As soon as she heard he was going out for dinner, she would look at him anxiously, holding his hand


    and begging him to spend more time with her.


    Unlike now, her face was calm and unconcerned.


    His hand gripping her wrist involuntarily tightened, causing Avery to frown in pain.


    "It hurts! I didn''t stop you. What are you doing?" Avery said in displeasure.


    Jacob said in a deep voice, "So wouldn''t you care if I slept somewhere else?"

 Chapter 192 Her Indifference

    Chapter 192 Her Indifference


    Chapter 192 Her Indifference


    Without a second thought, Avery responded, "Are you noting home tonight?"


    Jacob found that her serious demeanor betrayed a hint of excitement. He was threatening her by not


    going home, but was she actually quite happy?


    Indeed, Avery was a bit happy. After all, she had shared a bed with Jacob for the past few nights, and


    he almost had sex with her several times.


    Regardless of what Jacob thought of her, all she wanted now was to stay as far away from him as


    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    possible.


    Jacob reached out to grab her chin, his thumb gently caressing her lips. "Are you hoping I won''te


    back?"


    Reflecting on how she had been a nuisance in the past, Avery earnestly replied, "Of course. You''re


    La''s fiance now. Your engagement is imminent, so you can''t quarrel because of me. If there are


    rumors about you and me, it will also impact the stock price of the Hill Group."


    After saying this, Avery patted his hand and promised him, "Don''t worry. I won''t bother you like I used


    to. I promise you''ll have a peaceful night."


    Having made such a sincere promise, Avery hoped that Jacob would appreciate her understanding and


    stop tormenting her.


    She thought her ttering words would please Jacob. Little did she know that he looked unhappier and


    grabbed her chin with more strength.


    Was she not convincing enough? Avery furrowed her brows in thought.


    Jacob saw no hint of regret or sadness in her eyes. He withdrew his hand and coldly said in her ear,


    "As you wish! Tonight, I''ll stay at the White family."


    "Alright, then I''ll go home for dinner first."


    Before he could spot any signs of sadness on her face, Avery swiftly got out of the car the moment he


    let go.


    Her departing figure showed no signs of sorrow, did it?


    They had been divorced for less than three months. Had Avery already moved on from him?


    From the rearview mirror, Jason saw Jacob''s cold face and cautiously asked, "Mr. Hill, are we leaving


    now?"


    Jacob took a deep breath. "What did she do today? Who did she meet?"


    "Nothing much. She just went to an art exhibition, did some shopping, and spent the afternoon at some


    youth amusement facilities. She didn''t meet anyone."


    Jacob frowned. "Keep an eye on her."


    If he hadn''t confirmed that nothing happened between Avery and that man on the ind, he would


    have suspected that she had fallen for someone else.


    His feelings for her were strong enough to ovee even hatred. As time passed, he found it


    increasingly difficult to live without Avery.


    But Avery waspletely different. Her dependence on him was zero, and her eyes no longer sparkled


    when she looked at him.


    He nced at his phone. When they were on good terms, she would constantly message and call him.


    No matter how busy he was, he would find time to reply to her.


    Even when their rtionship soured and he treated her coldly on purpose, she would still send him at


    least a dozen messages a day. But now, he didn''t receive a single call or message from her all day.


    Realizing that he was no longer the most important person in Avery''s life, Jacob felt as though his heart


    was being tightly squeezed.


    How could he know that Avery had be so cautious, fearing that she might upset him no matter


    what she did?


    All she wanted was to stay as far away from him as possible. Why would she risk upsetting him?


    Did she have the right to dictate his actions in her current status?


    Furthermore, her heart felt as though it had been ced on a frying pan, slowly being cooked over a


    small fire by Jacob and La over the past two years. Any stubborn belief she once held had long


    since vanished.


    She returned to her room without looking back, skipping dinner.


    Every time she closed her eyes, she thought of the corpse she had seen.


    Avery could only hope that Frank would uncover the truth soon.


    After taking a bath, she went to bed, oblivious to Jacob''s frequent nces at his phone.


    He had already said that he would spend the night in the White family. He didn''t believe that Avery


    could remain indifferent!


    By now, she should be calling him.

 Chapter 193 Force Him to Marry

    Chapter 193 Force Him to Marry


    Chapter 193 Force Him to Marry


    After drinking for a while, a loud "thud" echoed from the table as Ben angrily mmed his wine ss


    down.


    Ben fought his way through battlefields, which was why hemanded respect without showing anger


    and emanated a strong sense of cold dominance. He was not a man of many words or smiles, and he


    said coldly, "Eat or leave!"


    Lily quickly grabbed his arm, trying to smooth things over with a smile. "What are you talking about?


    Jacob seldomes here. Who do you think you''re snapping at? Do you think he''s one of your new


    recruits?"


    She then turned to Jacob and said with a smile, "Jacob, don''t mind him. He''s been in the military for so


    long and still thinks he''s in the army after retiring."


    La quickly added, "Dad, Jacob is usually very busy. He might have some work to handle. Please


    understand."


    Ben used to view Jacob favorably, but ever since he found out that Avery was Jacob''s ex-wife, he felt


    somewhat ufortable in his heart.


    After all, they were in the same circle. Ben knew very well how many people Jacob had mobilized to


    find Avery and Ethan.


    The men in the White family all had bad tempers. Ben directly said, "The child of you and La is no


    longer small. I asked you to marry her, but you insisted on getting engaged first. You not only keep


    putting off the engagement but still haven''t gotten your marriage papers. Do you want to marry my


    daughter or not? Give me a clear answer today."


    "Dad, don''t be so fierce. We''re all family. We can talk this out slowly."


    "Yes, yes, calm down. Don''t scare Jacob."


    In this matter, Lily and La were on the same side.


    Alberto, who had been silent, mmed his fork onto the table. "Enough of your womanlypassion.


    You two shut up!"


    When Alberto spoke, Lily shivered, not even daring to look him in the eye.


    "I have no objection to you being married before. Which man doesn''t have a few women when he''s


    young? Since you''re divorced, you should cut ties with your ex-wife cleanly. What''s this lingering


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    connection about?"


    Alberto, despite his old age, spoke with a loud and strong voice, "So tell me. What do you take La


    for?"


    All eyes fell on Jacob. He calmly put away his phone, his gaze lingering on the screen for a moment.


    There were still no messages from Avery.


    Jacob sat upright, his presence not diminished at all in front of the two heads of the White family. He


    had the air of ater taking the lead.


    "Mr. White, Sir White, since I promised to marry La, I will surely do it. As for Avery, you should know


    her current situation."


    Jacob''s voice showed no emotions, making it hard to tell if he was hiding any feelings.


    "The Adams family is bankrupt, and she saved Ethan all by herself. In terms of emotion, she is my ex-


    wife. In terms of reason, she is Ethan''s savior. Should I just sit back and ignore her?"


    His words were reasonable, but Alberto snorted and said, "There are many ways to take care of


    someone. I heard she''s been living with you these days. I can''t guarantee you won''t rekindle old


    feelings. The White family is not some small family. I don''t care how you yed before, but now, you


    must give an exnation to my granddaughter."


    Ben added, "Anyway, you''re getting engaged soon. From today on, you''ll live with La."


    Jacob wanted to say something else, but they looked at him at the same time.


    Alberto spoke authoritatively, "You young people care about choosing auspicious dates. March 14th is


    a good day. Get the marriage papers with La."

 Chapter 194 He Wouldnt Come Back

    Chapter 194 He Wouldn''t Come Back


    Chapter 194 He Wouldn''t Come Back


    The two of them spoke one after another, leaving Jacob with no room to refuse.


    Moreover, it was now a foregone conclusion that he and La were to be married.


    La was acutely aware of the delicate nature of Jacob''s feelings for Avery during this period. She


    clutched at the corner of her clothes, fearing that Jacob would voice his regrets.


    Jacob picked up a ss of wine with his well-defined fingers and calmly replied, "Yes."


    The tension in La''s heart finally eased, and she smiled again. "Grandpa, Dad, I told you Jacob


    wouldn''t let me down."


    Alberto gave him a deep look. "I hope so."


    Ben reminded Jacob, "Avy is, after all, the biological daughter of Lily. She can be considered half a


    White family member. Even if you don''t take care of her, the White family will. I''ll arrange her matters.


    Starting tomorrow, I don''t want to see any more entanglement between you two."


    Jacob''s fingers, holding the wine ss, paused. His eyes darkened, but in the end, he said nothing.


    He had only told Avery that he wouldn''t go back out of spite, but now he really couldn''t go back.


    He was trapped in the White family''s vi and forced to live in a room with La.


    As the night deepened, La took a bath and deliberately changed into a sexy silk nightgown. She


    slowly approached Jacob who was sitting by the sofa.


    Jacob only showed her his back. Even when sitting, his back was always straight.


    His one hand rested on the armrest, the other tightly gripping his phone. His brows furrowed with worry.


    La could clearly feel that he was not the same towards her as before, so she spoke cautiously.


    "Jacob, are you waiting for an important call?"


    Jacob didn''t even look up. "Hmm."


    "Well, it''ste. You should go wash up, and I..."


    Her face flushed as she said shyly, "I''ll wait for you here."


    Under the dim night, an owl flew past from the tree, making a "cooing" sound.


    The Hill Mansion was long established, surrounded by an excellent environment. The asional


    appearance of wildlife was normal.


    Avery had barely fallen asleep and had not yet reached deep sleep when the sound of the bird


    awakened her.


    At this time, Jacob would usually have been back. Recently, Madison didn''t sleep here and she was the


    only one in therge vi.


    The room was pitch dark. Only the courtyard was lit with a warm yellow light.


    As soon as she opened her eyes, she saw a huge owl standing on a tree outside the floor-to-ceiling


    window, its eyes glowing faintly.


    The image of Jane''s dead body once again surfaced in Avery''s mind. She was fine if she didn''t want to


    think about it, but once she did, it seemed as if Jane was everywhere.


    She even imagined the scene of Jane jumping off the building, just like the feeling she had experienced


    before.


    The sound of the wind whistled in her ears, and then a body fell heavily to the ground, blood flowing


    everywhere.


    "Ah!"


    Avery was soaked in a cold sweat from fear. At this moment, she regretted allowing Jacob to stay out.


    She reached for the phone on the bedside table, her fingers already on the dial button, but soon Avery


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    reacted. What was she doing?


    She turned on the projector and selected a TV series, got out of bed to find some snacks, and then


    settled down in the master bedroom, waiting.


    Jacob should be back, right? Madison said he never spent the night outside before.


    As long as she just waited a little longer, he would be back.


    But she watched until midnight, her eyes sore from the strain. The owl outside didn''t leave, staring


    straight at the screen.


    It was already four in the morning, and she realized one thing. Jacob wouldn''te back.

 Chapter 195 The So-called Mothers Love

    Chapter 195 The So-called Mother''s Love


    Chapter 195 The So-called Mother''s Love


    She had thought she didn''t care anymore, but now, at this moment, she realized she couldn''t


    After so many years of love, she couldn''t just give up on it in a matter of months.


    She hugged her knees, resting her head on them, her mind filled with images of Jacob and La on


    the bed, her heart aching.


    She stayed like that until dawn, enduring the whole night.


    Avery looked at the empty bed beside her,ughing self-deprecatingly.


    The phone on the bedside table rang, and she quickly answered it. It was Lily, repeatedly asking Avery


    toe over. She said she had made breakfast that Avery liked, and Ben also wanted to see her.


    Avery hung up the phone coldly, but her legs wouldn''t obey hermand to get out of bed.


    It had been many years since she had eaten her mother''s breakfast.


    In her memory, Lily was very virtuous and cooked delicious dishes. Although she rarely cooked herself,


    every time she did, it would leave Avery amazed for a long time.


    When she finally realized, she was already at the White Residence.


    Servants weed her, and Lily was as noble and graceful as ever.


    It was clear that Ben treated her well, as most of the time they met, she had a smile on her face.


    Unlike the days by Martin''s side, she seemed expressionless.


    Love and indifference could both be reflected on her face. At that time, she treated Martin and herself


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    with coldness, even cooking only when she was in a good mood.


    Avery had always sensed the atmosphere between her parents from an early age, so she tried to be


    obedient.


    Even though she loved eating the food her mother cooked, she never asked for Lily to attend every


    parent-teacher meeting.


    She thought that if she did better in school and was more obedient, the rtionship between her dad


    and mom would be better. Maybe they would apany her to the amusement park on her birthday.


    In the end, what Avery received was still separation.


    When Lily saw her standing at the door, she rushed over and took her hand. "Avy has arrived. Come


    quickly, are you hungry? Come and have breakfast."


    Ben didn''t look as serious as usual, smiling as he said, "Yes, give it a try. Your mother specially


    prepared it for you. Avy, I''m also surprised about your father''s situation. If you don''t mind, you can


    consider me as a half-father. The White family is also your home."


    It was apparent that Ben wasn''t lying, but Avery showed no reaction.


    Some barriers couldn''t be crossed even if she spent her entire life trying.


    As she was eagerly pulled to the dining table, Lily pushed a bowl of pasta in front of her. "Try it; I


    remember you loved this when you were little."


    Avery didn''t touch it. Since childhood, her favorite breakfast was pizza, not pasta.


    Lily presented a few more dishes-fried eggs, toast, and cereal.


    Avery''s lips twitched as she put down her fork. "If there is no love for me, there''s no need to pretend to


    love so much."


    "Don''t you like it?" Lily muttered, "I shouldn''t have remembered wrong."


    Beside her, Ben coughed and covered his mouth with a fist. "These are all what La likes."


    It felt like a knife tearing at her heart.


    That was her biological mother, but...


    She remembered everything about her stepdaughter but couldn''t even recall what her own daughter


    liked to eat.


    Even if she remembered just one dish, it would ease her mind a little.


    As she stood up to leave, she turned her head and noticed the door to the master bedroom downstairs


    was open.


    Jacob and La walked out, one after the other.

 Chapter 196 The Confrontation

    Chapter 196 The Confrontation


    Chapter 196 The Confrontation


    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Although the matter between Jacob and La was already a done deal, knowing it and seeing it with


    her own eyes were two different things.


    Avery stared intently at the man walking out of the room, their gazes meeting.


    Jacob''s eyes showed a hint of surprise; he opened his mouth as if wanting to exin something, but in


    the end, he didn''t say a word.


    Lily exined, "Jacob, how did you sleepst night? If you''re not used to it, I can have someone


    customize a suitable mattress for you. After all, you''ll be sleeping here often after getting married.


    Consider this ce your home, and feel free to ask for anything you need."


    At this moment, La also yed the role with a gentle smile on her face. "Mom has thought of


    everything. Jacob and I really couldn''t sleep wellst night."


    There was a blush on La''s face as she spoke, clearly implying something else.


    Avery finally understood the meaning behind this breakfast gathering.


    It turned out that Lily didn''t actually miss her. She deliberately called her over just to test the waters.


    She wanted to make Avery realize the difficulties and ept the reality.


    How ironic it was.


    Lily was now wearing a smile, fawning over her stepdaughter. She remembered everything about her


    stepdaughter''s preferences, yet she couldn''t even recall what kind of breakfast she liked.


    Perhaps her own birth was an ident from the start.


    In the past, Avery believed that there must be some reason behind it all, as no mother in the world


    would not love her own daughter, right?


    Now, Avery realized that such women truly existed in this world.


    It was because of thisck of love that she never knew her own preferences.


    And La was the daughter of the person she loved, so naturally, Lily would do everything possible to


    please her.


    Avery looked at the four of them, feeling like an outsider from beginning to end.


    Betrayal by Jacob wasn''t the most painful thing; the most painful thing was having the knife pulled out


    of her chest by a woman whom she had yearned for over a decade.


    Before she could even catch her breath, that woman aimed the knife directly at her heart again.


    Again and again, it repeatedly tortured her wounded soul.


    Avery coldly withdrew her gaze from them. Even a single nce at the people standing there made her


    feel disgusted.


    "Mrs. White, I wish you all the best in achieving your desires. Now that you have a new life, please


    refrain from disturbing me anymore."


    After saying that, Avery turned around decisively to leave, but Lily hurriedly grabbed her hand.


    "Avy, you misunderstood me. Mom only did this to resolve the conflicts between you and La. As Ben


    said, we are family."


    Avery sneered, "Myst name is Adams, not White."


    "Avy, why are you still so stubborn, just like when you were a child? Can''t you be more tolerant?"


    Lily scolded with a stern face, "If you could manage your marriage well, how could it havee to the


    point of divorce? Now Jacob and La are already together; you need to ept the reality and stop


    clinging to the past."


    Avery''s anger caused her stomach to ache and her temples to throb. She even felt as if she was


    experiencing auditory hallucinations.


    Were these the words a biological mother should say?


    Avery clenched her fists, forcing herself to calm down. She looked straight into Lily''s eyes and said


    each word slowly, "So, in your eyes, it''s my fault for persistently clinging to Jacob? Everything is my


    fault?"

 Chapter 197 A Well-intentioned Lie

    Chapter 197 A Well-intentioned Lie


    Chapter 197 A Well-intentioned Lie


    Lily answered without any hesitation, "Isn''t it true? I heard that you are still living together. Avy, do you


    really understand what divorce means? You''re still young, and it will not only bring trouble to yourself if


    you continue like this but also make Jacob and La subject to gossip."


    Avery couldn''t distinguish whether it was her heart or stomachache anymore. It felt like tiny ants were


    viciously gnawing at her organs, causing her excruciating pain.


    Avery endured the pain and forced a smile, though thousands of words were on the tip of her tongue.


    "So this is how you see me."


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    "Mom, don''t say that about Avery. After all, she''s still young. It''s normal for her to be a bit immature.


    Since we are family, we should be tolerant of each other. It''s okay with me."


    At this moment, La appeared particrly magnanimous, while Avery seemed petty.


    Lily was full of righteousness as she said, "La, rest assured, Avy is my own child. I will naturally give


    you an exnation and will not let her ruin the rtionship between you and Jacob."


    Avery felt as if her organs were bleeding, and there was a strong smell of blood in her throat.


    But she didn''t want to reveal her weakness in front of these people, so she tightly suppressed it.


    The smell of blood spread in her mouth, and she was about to speak when Jacob''s cold voice


    interrupted, "Avery didn''t ruin anything; I wanted to take care of her."


    "Jacob, I know you are kind-hearted and righteous. You don''t need to defend Avery. She has always


    been a liar since childhood, and I know her character too well. As long as she wants to do something,


    she will use any means necessary to achieve her goals."


    Avery''s knuckles turned white, and even the corner of her clothes was distorted by her grip.


    She didn''t even want to exin anymore. Yes, she pretended to be sick when she was a child.


    It was because her ssmates said that when they were sick, their mothers would take leave from


    work and stay at home, not only taking care of them gently but also making their favorite food for them.


    So she pretended to be sick, hoping to get her usually indifferent mother to pay more attention to her.


    Even if it was just cing a hand on her forehead, showing a slight trace of concern in her eyes, or


    asking a caring question, it would make her happy for a long time.


    Unfortunately, her trick was instantly exposed.


    She didn''t give up and deliberately took a cold bath all night, causing a high fever.


    Avery thought to herself that this time, her mother would definitely take good care of her, and she


    wondered if she would be able to eat the cake made by her mother.


    She had already decided that she wanted to eat the bear-shaped cream cake made by her mother.


    But Lily walked up to her bed, looked down at her flushed face from above, and spoke in an extremely


    cold tone, "At such a young age, why haven''t you learned your lesson? Pretending to be sick again?


    Send her to school." She gave the order to the butler.


    "Madam, I can see that Avery''splexion looks very bad. It''s possible that she is truly sick."


    "Hmph, how could she get sick when she is so healthy? She must be pretending to be sick to avoid


    going to school. No need to send her today; let her go on her own."


    After saying this, Lily left, ignoring her desperate cries.


    Just like the day she left, she never turned back again.


    She could clearly determine the truth just by cing her hand on her forehead, but she was unwilling to


    do such a simple action.


    When she fainted on the snowy ground, the butler picked her up, and Avery softly asked, "Do you think


    my mother really loves me?"


    The butler''s heart ached, and he couldn''t find words to respond. "Miss, there is no mother in this world


    who doesn''t love her own child."


    "Well..." Avery smiled happily. "This time, I didn''t lie to her. Can you please tell her that I''m really sick


    and I want to eat the cream cake she makes?"

 Chapter 198 She Saw Her Mother Clearly

    Chapter 198 She Saw Her Mother Clearly


    Chapter 198 She Saw Her Mother Clearly


    However, she had left early in the morning, indulging in a beauty treatment, enjoying afternoon tea, and


    attending a music concert.


    When the butler called her, she responded coldly, "Why are you calling? I''m not a doctor. If she''s sick,


    just see a doctor."


    Avery was in a foggy state of mind, dreaming about cake all the time.


    She kept asking for the cream cake throughout the day until her fever reduced. Looking at the heavy


    snowfall outside and the butler holding a bear-shaped cake, she smiled brightly.


    "This must be made by my mom, right?"


    "Yes."


    Later, Avery found out that the cake was made by the chef, and her mother hadn''t taken care of her or


    even asked about her.


    As time passed, Avery looked at the face in front of her, which ovepped with her memories.


    To be honest, that cold face seemed somewhat harsh to her.


    In order to see her mother smile, Avery heard from ssmates that parents loved children who


    excelled academically.


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    So, she worked harder than anyone else and became the top student in her ss from childhood.


    She always felt that if she just tried a little harder, maybe her mother would pay more attention to her.


    Even if she asionally fell to second ce, she would tirelessly strive to climb back to first.


    The persistence she disyed, she realized, was not pride in her mother''s eyes but nothing.


    Suddenly, Avery burst intoughter, aughter that sent shivers down people''s spines. Jacob furrowed


    his brows, wanting to say something on her behalf.


    Lily continued, "Avy, La is a good girl. She finally has her own family. Please, for Mom''s sake, can


    you let go of Jacob? Mom really doesn''t want to see her upset anymore."


    "Heh, it''s the first time I''ve heard that a good girl would intervene in someone else''s marriage. Mrs.


    White, when you were feeling sorry for her, did you ever consider how I felt when she intruded into my


    family?"


    "I don''t know about your past, so I can''tment on it. But since you''re now divorced, you should draw


    clear boundaries. You just turned 21 this year, and I can send you to study abroad. You have a wide


    future ahead of you."


    Lily reached out and touched Avery''s face. "You''re my daughter, and I sincerely hope you find


    happiness too."


    Avery reacted strongly, pushing her hand away. "Don''t touch me!"


    She was like a little hedgehog, standing all her spines on end.


    If she had known all along what her mother, whom she missed over these years, was like, would she


    still have yearned for all those years?


    "Mrs. White, all you need to pursue in this life is your own happiness. As for me, you have never loved


    me, so there''s no need to pretend to feel guilty. It''s truly disgusting."


    "Avy, I am your mother, after all. How can you speak to me like this? Obviously, your father didn''t teach


    you well."


    "Don''t mention my dad. Anyone in this world can mention him except for you! Mrs. White, stop using


    your so-called morality to manipte me. The rest of my life has nothing to do with you!"


    Avery stared at her coldly. "The biggest mistake I made in my life wasing to you that day."

 Chapter 199 Bleeding

    Chapter 199 Bleeding


    Chapter 199 Bleeding


    Avery closed her eyes, her mind full of memories of being behind Lily since childhood.


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    Back then, she was so young and didn''t understand why her mother was always unhappy. She always


    thought that her mother would be happy as long as she stayed a good girl.


    Over the years, whenever she thought of her mother, she would excuse Lily, thinking that her mother


    only left because she didn''t love her father.


    She thought that there must be a good reason for her mother to leave her.


    Her mother remained gentle and kind in her memories. Avery thought her mother would miss her


    deeply, just like she missed her mother.


    Now it didn''t seem to be the case.


    Avery took a deep breath, swallowing another surge of blood in her throat.


    When she opened her eyes, her gaze was clear, and she spoke in a stressed tone, "Mrs. White, from


    now on, our rtionship is over. You can consider me as never being your daughter, and I will consider


    you as never being my mother."


    Lily smacked Avery across the face.


    "Avery, do you know what you are saying? You are such an ungrateful daughter. How did I raise you?"


    Lily clutched her chest, ring at Avery. "How did you be like this?"


    Ben hurried over to support Lily. Lily was his beloved woman, and he naturally stood by her side.


    "Avy, your mother did all this for your own good. Don''t you know about her heart problem? How could


    you make her so angry? Come and apologize to her."


    Normally, La would enjoy the spectacle, but with Avery present, how could she miss the opportunity


    to disgust her?


    She held Lily and used Avery, "Miss Adams, I know you hate me because you think that I stole


    Jacob away, but you shouldn''t make your mother so upset. Mom, are you okay? Butler, bring a ss of


    water."


    Avery had been pped, but everyone med her for everything.


    What was wrong with this world?


    Lily''s forceful p messed up Avery''s hair, which covered half of her face.


    The blood trickled down her chin and sttered on the cold floor. Jacob was the first to notice and rush


    over.


    "Are you okay?" A concerned voice sounded above her.


    Avery slowly lifted her head, and her nose kept bleeding.


    Different from a normal nosebleed, the blood kept flowing, which was shocking.


    "Throw back your head." He quickly stuffed several pieces of tissue into her nose.


    But the bleeding didn''t stop at all, and soon the tissue was soaked.


    Lily was startled and ran over in a panic. "Avy, how could this happen? I didn''t even touch your nose.


    I..."


    Lily wanted to hand her tissue, but Avery knocked off her hand.


    "Don''t touch me!"


    Avery said to Ben, "Mr. White, I need to use your bathroom."


    "Go ahead," Ben hurriedly said, feeling some regret in his heart. Clearly, this was a matter between the


    mother and daughter. Why did he interfere?


    Avery locked Jacob out as well, and as soon as she lowered her head, the blood dripped into the sink.


    Not only her nose, but her throat was also filled with blood.


    She spat out a mouthful of blood and looked at the water that had turned red. Was she about to die?

 Chapter 200 Choose

    Chapter 200 Choose


    Chapter 200 Choose


    Standing at the door, Jacob furrowed his brows. Not long ago, he had arranged for Avery to undergo a


    full-body check-up. She should be fine.


    However, the amount of blood flowing from Avery seemed to exceed that of a normal nosebleed. It


    looked horrifying.


    Seeing his worried look, Lily came to her senses and said, "Don''t worry. Avery liked to feign illness


    since she was little."


    La chimed in, "Mom, I never expected my sister to be so scheming, trying to seek attention in this


    way."


    "Yeah, she was bad-natured at birth. She bes so arrogant because her father has spoiled her."


    Lily turned to look at Jacob and continued, "Jacob, you must not be deceived by her. She has always


    been in good health. How could it be possible for her to have a nosebleed from just a light touch on her


    face? I didn''t even touch her nose."


    "Alright, enough. How could a nosebleed be faked?" Ben cut in.


    "What can''t be faked these days?" Lily retorted.


    "I''m wondering if Avery is really your daughter," Jacob said, coldly staring at her.


    Lily was taken aback. "Of course."


    "I thought La was your biological daughter." Jacob''s words were so ironic that Lily couldn''t maintain


    herposure and didn''t know how to respond.


    Just as she was about to speak, the door lock turned, and Avery appeared at the door.


    There was arge patch of mottled bloodstains on her chest due to her inability to dodge quickly


    enough, and her nose was temporarily plugged with tissue.


    Her thin face looked even paler now, and she looked as if she were about to fall at any second.


    Feeling no guilt, Lily asked, "I didn''t touch your nose just now. Did you pretend?"


    Her mother questioned her instead of expressing her concern.


    Avery didn''t want to say a word. She pushed Lily aside and walked outside.


    This kind of maternal love was something she shouldn''t have expected from the beginning.


    Jacob grabbed her wrist and said, "Wait. I''ll have someone take you to the hospital."


    Avery''s steps faltered slightly as she looked at Jacob''s concerned face. Perhaps in the past, she would


    have been very happy, but now she only felt endless disgust.


    Fundamentally, Jacob and Lily were the same kind of people, with no difference at all.


    He couldn''t give her anything, yet he pretended to care.


    She stood upright and looked seriously at Jacob.


    "What if I want you to apany me?"


    As soon as these words were spoken, it was like a heavy drumbeat with a tremendous sound.


    Jacob frowned. "Avery, don''t make a fuss."


    Avery still had a strong smell of blood in her throat. She smiled, asking, "Jacob, what if I want you to


    choose between La and me? Who will you choose?"


    Ben stared intently at Jacob, and Alberto had appeared at a certain point.


    He forcefully struck the floor with his cane. "That''s exactly what I want to say. Jacob, are you going to


    leave with her or stay? Old love and new love, you always have to make a choice."


    Jacob finally understood that Avery''s temporary obedience from a few days ago had concealed her true


    intentions at this moment.


    Ben also reminded him, "Think carefully before you answer. If you choose Avy, I will announce the


    cancetion of your marriage to everyone."


    "Dad!" La stomped her feet. Only she knew the truth, and she didn''t want her efforts to go to waste.


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    "Shut up! The marriage hasn''t even begun, and he''s vaciting. If you marry him, who knows what it


    will be like? Both your dad and I are doing this for your own good."


    Alberto continued, "Alright. With everyone bearing witness here, I want a definite answer from you


    today. If you choose Avery, I won''t make things difficult for you. A real man should take responsibility.


    But if you continue to entangle with my granddaughter after choosing her, don''t me me for being


    hard on you."


    All eyes were on Jacob. Who would he choose?


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