ã€ŠWhen Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)ã€‹


 Chapter 1

    After college, I left my penniless boyfriend, chasing dreams and dors with a wealthy heir abroad.

    Two yearster, I was sent packing back home, only to find my ex had made it big. He went to great lengths to marry me.

    Everyone said he was head over heels, ready to let bygones be bygones.

    Little did they know that he turned the table on me, changing lovers like shirts in a twisted revenge. He''d confront me, demanding why I wasn''t jealous, why I didn''t care.

    I''d only smile back. "Why should I care when I''m gonna die anyway?"

    On our third anniversary, Clyde Patterson set off fireworks by the beach with Ka Osborne while I curled up on the couch, endlessly dialing his number.

    "Sorry, the number you are calling is not avable..." The robotic voice echoed again, and I passed out.

    When I awoke, I was in a hospital bed, the doctor hesitating before me.

    "How long do I have?" I asked calmly.

    He gave a bureaucratic sigh. "With surgery now and regr chemotherapy, there''s still hope."

    I stared nkly at the ceiling, replying, "This is my second rpse."

    Pain pierced through me, sweat beading on my forehead.

    "Ms. Crawford, a new drug could inhibit the cancer cells. Each dose is $50,000."

    "If you could keep up with the medication for six months after the surgery..." He stopped, knowing I couldn''t afford it.

    I was Mrs. Patterson, the CEO''s wife, but I was penniless, dying my treatment further.

    Pulling myself up, I dressed. "Let''s schedule the surgery first."

    The surgery was a few thousand dors. Maybe I could manage that.

    Clutching the pendant around my neck, I felt an indescribable bitterness.

    Back home, I first thanked my neighbor, Brenda.

    She looked at me sympathetically. "Don''t mention it. It''s Rocky you should thank. I wouldn''t have known you had fainted if it wasn''t for his barking. Good thing the ambnce came in time. You young folks need to look after yourselves."

    Rocky, my adopted Labrador, was my savior.

    One month after Clyde and I married, he brought another woman home. Their unabashed actions, loud as if to ensure I heard, were a p in my face.

    Heter justified it. "You reap what you sow."

    After a huge fight, I left home distraught, finding Rocky abandoned with distemper outside a vet clinic.

    Our eyes met in shared despair. Both of us got thrown away, clinging to life reluctantly.

    I traded my gold ne to save Rocky. Then, he saved me.

    Choking up, I couldn''t bring myself t him. "Brenda, I might need to pitalized for a while. Could

    to pet

    yuh for a while. C

    you please look after Rocky for me?"

    Knowing Brenda''s pet dog passedst year, I was sure she''d help. Sure enough, she agreed, urging me to take care of myself.

    Watching them leave, at least I knew Rocky would be cared for after I was gone.

    But returning home, I realized I had overestimated my resources. The surgery''s cost was beyond my reach.

    Clyde was generous with expensive

    clothes, bags, and jewelry, but

    behind closed doors, every dress jewelry for events required his approval. He imed I never

    el.ne

    contributed to our home and didn''t deserve unrestricted ess to its luxuries.

    When ncing at my phone, thepany gossip chat was abuzz with Clyde and Ka''s spectacle.

    [Is Mr. Patterson serious this time? Doesn''t he change lovers monthly?]

    [Definitely. Ka''s been with him for nearly three months, right?]

    [They celebrated Valentine''s Day by the beach with fireworks. It was so romantic. Did you see Ka''s diamond ne? Blinded by its sparkle!]

    [Wasn''t Valentine''s Day also when Mr. Patterson got married? Weren''t we all there?]

    Iughed at the irony. My colleague

    remembered our anniversary, yet Clyde did not. I had hoped to settle things amicably, to part on good terms Facing the cold dinner on the table, I stepped out, realizing didn''t need him, just the money.

    When I arrived at the Patterson Group, Ka was basking in attention, unting the ne Clyde had given her.

    "Ka, Mr. Patterson spoils you. That must''ve cost tens of thousands!"R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

    "You kidding? That''s from M''s new collection, easily over a hundred thousand."

    Ka adjusted her hair smugly. "Well, he insisted, saying nothing''s too expensive for me."

    I watched from the office doorway, the irony biting. I was dying and without a penny for my surgery while Clyde easily splurged on his mistress.

    Ka''s eyes met mine with disdain. "Which department are you from? Don''t know thepany rules, huh?"

    Herpanions nudged her, whispering. "Ka, that''s the boss''s wife, Mnie Crawford."

    Her arrogance faltered, then red again, "This is the famous campus belle, Mnie? What a joke."

 Chapter 2

    I looked like something straight out of a horror show then. Three months back, the cancer came knocking again, and I''d withered away to nothing but skin and bones.

    Then there was Ka, pure and pretty as a picture, with her round face and bright eyes, a spitting image of the college me.

    Compared to her, I wasn''t just in Jane. I was like the walking dead. But what could I do? I was probably on myst leg.

    A colleague whispered a warning, "Mr. Patterson adores his wife. Don''t stir trouble. Otherwise, you might bite off more than you can chew."

    See, everyone thought Clyde was head over heels for me. But no one knew he''d rather see me dead.

    Ka scoffed but quickly stered on a smile. "Mnie, Mr. Patterson''s in the middle of an important video call. No interruptions. If you need anything, I can pass the message to him for you."

    She meant she could waltz into Clyde''s office anytime, unting it in my face. Her smile was pretty if you ignored the scheming in her eyes. And that smile did remind me of a younger me. No wonder Clyde saw her as something special.

    Clyde''s flings and assistants came and went, but it was more about gauging my reaction. At first, I''d fight back and argue with him. But I realized the more I did, the bolder he got. So, I pretended to see nothing. Even when he''d unt his affairs right before me, I could calmly shut the door behind

    them.

    But he never brought Ka home or let me meet her. Yet, I would hear about their escapades through office gossip like movies, candlelit dinners, and matching outfits. I knew this was different. He was in love, not just ying around. I''d been through it all before in my youth.

    I settled myself in a chair, then fixed my gaze on Ka. "No worries. I''ll wait for him here. And could you get me a coffee? Two sugars, cream, thanks."

    Ka didn''t expect myposure. Her face twisted in annoyance. "Who do you think you are, asking me to get you coffee?" "Who are you, exactly?" I looked at her calmly, emotionless.

    She was stunned, face turning red. That arrogant attitude was all too familiar. Poor Clyde, finding someone so simr to me.

    But someone immediately brought me my coffee, earning a brown-noser sneer from Ka as the colleague hurried off.

    I chuckled lightly. "So, Ms. Osborne, you also know you''re not exactly front-page material?"R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

    Something in my words struck a

    nerve, and Ka exploded in tears. "Who are you calling that? The real homewrecker is someone who

    doesn''t get any love! Mr. Patter

    hasn''t loved you for ages. Clinging to him is your fault! Look at you. Who could love that?"

    She stormed over, intending to drag me up.

    I shook my head, pitying her youthful arrogance. I wasn''t there to quarrel.

    My heart was dead when Clyde brought home two blondes the day after our first anniversary. Getting worked up for him was a waste of my dwindling life.

    Colleagues intervened as Ka grabbed my coffee cup, which crashed to the floor, shattering. Ka cut her hand, tears immediately flowing.

    I nced down at the coffee stain on my ck outfit, grateful it wasn''t too noticeable.

    "Mnie, I didn''t think you''d be this cruel! Why resort to violence?" Clyde''s voice rose, and there he was, cradling Ka close.

    Her wound was superficial, barely

    bleeding, but Clyde was beside

    himself with worry. "Are you a

    heartless? Get the first aid kit now!

    Call my doctor, get him her

    ASAP!"

    I watched the drama unfold, and Ka was smirking victoriously. What was she so proud of? Was she proud of being loved by a man like that?

    Perhaps my indifferent stare pricked at her, for her tears flowed anew, her voice quivering.

    "Mr. Patterson, I''m sorry. It''s my fault for upsetting Mnie. But how can I control my heart? Is it wrong to fall in love?"

    Her tears were beautiful, each one shining with sorrow.

    Clyde wiped Ka''s tears away and then red at me. "What are you even doing here? You stoppeding to the office, didn''t you?"

    I chuckled, surprised he noticed. Standing up, I looked down at the pitiful pair. "Clyde, I want a hundred thousand dors in my ount by today. Or else..."

    "Or else what?" He red as if I were his worst enemy.

    I smiled, pointing at the diamond ne around Ka''s neck. "That should count as marital property. Legally, I''m entitled to a share. You have half an hour. If the money''s not in my ount, I''m calling the police. Your move."

 Chapter 3

    Before we walked down the aisle, Clyde and I had a prenup. He wanted a partner, and I was more interested in financial security. Each month, Clyde would transfer $200,000 into my ount, assuring me I could ask for more if necessary.

    He often remarked that he knew my love for him was conditional on financialforts. Otherwise, why would I have left him years ago for that wealthy heir from Silicon Valley, only to return after a two-year hiatus?-

    Clyde remained clueless about the true identity of the "wealthy heir" everyone discussed until then, but he believed I was just another gold digger. Despite the monthly allowance, I rarely asked for money. Yet, even with $200,000 a month, I often scraped by. To prevent my cancer from returning, I relied on expensive medication and tests, which drained my finances.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    Today marked only the second time I''d asked Clyde for money since my mother''s funeral.

    Back then, he didn''t hesitate to hand over one million dors.

    But this time, he gently brushed Ka''s hair as if he hadn''t heard my request, soothing her with tender words. After Ka calmed down, he looked up at me with a cold smirk and said, "Want money? Fine, but first, apologize on your knees. You hurt Ka. You owe her an apology!"

    Faking surprise at first, Ka quickly switched to a smug smile. She tugged at Clyde''s sleeve, acting coy. "Oh,e on, Clyde, let it go. I''m not that hurt. Maybe Mnie didn''t mean it."

    "It doesn''t matter. Mnie needs to apologize. You''re my priority," Clyde said, cing Ka gently on the couch before pulling out his checkbook and scribbling a figure. "Apologize, and this five million dors is yours."

    I stared at the check, feeling momentarily relieved from the pain. Clyde had a history of inviting women over to humiliate me, but that was always behind closed doors. In public, no matter his antics, I was still Mrs. Patterson.

    This time, for Ka, he was using money to degrade me, to make me bow my head. He knew I wouldn''t ask unless it was necessary. He wanted to crush my dignity to make me despise myself, and only then would he be satisfied.

    Standing there, I could feel everyone''s eyes on me, their disdain, suspicion, and pity.

    Ka stared at me with defiance, reminding me of her earlier words, "The real homewrecker is someone who doesn''t get any love!"

    Hand on my heart, the actual pain I was in was sting past the emotional mess I was in.

    "No thanks," I said, turning to leave the office and their judgmental stares behind me.

    He wanted to torment me because he hated me. But it was about more than just my pride then. If he knew the money was for life-saving treatment and still refused, he''d probably feel vindicated.

    Exhausted, I made my way home, my body on the brink of copse. The pain from my cancer was relentless, a familiar enemy.

    Remembering my mother''s ste

    I forced myself to take some mtonin, hoping for even a moment''s reprieve.

    My phone buzzed with a message from the doctor.

    [Ms. Crawford, we can schedule your surgery for the next Monday. Pleasee by to make the payment in the next few days.]

    I checked my phone, no bank alerts or iing funds. Closing my eyes, I epted the reality that Clyde wouldn''t help.

    Perhaps sensing my silence, the doctor sent another message, suggesting a deposit to secure the surgery date. I didn''t respond. Without money, how could I proceed?

    Lying in bed, I tried to empty my mind, nning to sell my designer bags the following day if necessary. Right then, I needed rest to survive the operation.

    In and out of sleep, I dreamt of a time when was the cherished daughter of the Crawford family, and Clyde was just an orphan boy. I had convinced my father to sponsor him through school despite him not meeting the financial aid criteria.

    Later, I pursued Clyde despite his coldness and repeated rejections.

    One night, when I got harassed at a bar where Clyde worked, he called my name for the first time, "Mnie, don''t be afraid."

    He got beaten up protecting me, but he made sure I was safe.

    Clinging to him in the hospital, I refused to let go, fearing he''d vanish if I did. "Clyde, you scared the hell out of me. You have to take responsibility now!"

    He managed a weak smile and agreed.

    Eventually we fell for each other, even with everyone doubting us. Right before graduation, he sold his prized software to buy me a decent birthday present, a diamond

    ne that brought me to tears.

    I was furious he sold his software, which was his half-year''s work, but he smiled and said, ¡°My Mnie deserves the best in the world."

    Woken by the notification sound, I saw $100,000 transferred to my ount.

    With tears streaming down my face, I quickly messaged the doctor. [Tomorrow, I''lle toplete the admission process.] Finally, I had the funds I needed.

 Chapter 4

    Clyde hadn''t returned home the previous night, choosing to stay with Ka.

    The office grapevine was buzzing with gossip about the two of them.-

    [Mr. Patterson is over the top, isn''t he? Making a big deal over a tiny wound and rushing Ka to the hospital.]

    [Have you ever heard of a man''s sweetheart? Mr. Patterson was beside himself with worry.]

    [Did Mnie storm into the office today to catch a homewrecker red-handed?]

    [The boss''s wife is apparently after money but just asked for $100,000. How pathetic. Ka''s ne, I looked it up, worth $190,000.]Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    I closed WhatsApp with a sneer ying at the corner of my mouth. The idea of the boss''s wife getting pitied was indeed a joke.

    Woken up by the noise, I couldn''t fall back asleep and decided to start packing my things.

    It wasn''t my first rodeo with surgery. I packed my personal belongings with practiced ease.

    Everything in our home was top-notch. Clyde had an eye for quality. Even the bed linens and tissues were the most expensive. I unapologetically crammed them into my luggage. Hospital charges were high, and I wasn''t about to waste a dime.

    Even though I now had $100,000, what if something happened during surgery?

    Hospital bills could skyrocket, and it was better to be safe than sorry.

    My jewelry collection, which I could wear at any time, was pathetically small. Standing before the jewelry cab, I decided against smashing it open. Breaking it would likely mean losing my chance at surgery altogether.

    Atst, I picked out a pair of gold studs and a small, pitiful diamond ring. Clyde had said it was the engagement ring he nned to use to propose when he was broke. Buying such a ring must have taken him ages to save for.

    I carefully slipped the ring on, feeling a mix of emotions. The ring would depreciate when sold, and selling it wouldn''t fetch much, especially with its crude craftsmanship. But having something was better than nothing. Who knows, it might save my life in a crunch.

    With everything prepared, I pondered where to find an affordable yet reliable caregiver when daylight broke.

    The doctor called me, sounding excited, "I''ve spoken with the admissions department. Juste over toplete the formalities."

    "You can start by paying a $30,000 deposit. We''ve reserved a double room for you, and you can share a caregiver with the other patient."

    Aware of my financial constraints, the doctor had thought of every possible way to save me money. I thanked him as I dragged my suitcase out the door.

    Feeling my departure, I heard Rocky whimpering from my neighbor''s home. Brenda opened the door, and Rocky dashed toward me, whining around

    me.

    I crouched down, holding back tears, and hugged its big head. "Be good. I''ll be back soon, and you need to stay strong."

    Rocky had to stay strong even if I couldn''t make it home.

    Brenda hesitated, then said, "Wait a moment."

    She went inside and returned with a silver cross. "I got this for you in the church the other day. May God bring you safety and health."

    Looking at the cross with a faded string, I nodded with a smile. Brenda was kind-hearted, and Rocky would do well with her.

    I entered the elevator, clutching the cross tightly. Maybe with God''s blessing, I could extend my life a bit longer.

    Following the doctor''s directions, I

    got through the hospital admission

    stuff real quick. Thinking about the

    surgery the next day, I felt more at

    ease lying in the hospital bed.

    I dreamt again, this time, of waiting for Clyde at the school gates as he returned from his part-time job, bringing my "favorite" pies.

    Those pies were awful, reeking of

    artificial voring, but they were

    cheap at a dor each. Clyde always beamed with joy when seeing me relish them, looking incredibly handsome.

    The familiar ringtone woke me, and I answered the phone instinctively. "Clyde, I want the blueberry ones today. Make sure you queue up early, okay?"

    There was a pause on the other end before a gentle response came, "Okay, wait for me."

    I turned over and fell back asleep, happy to have had a pleasant dream for once.

    Waking up the following day, I felt refreshed. The nurses even joked that good spirits meant a sessful surgery.

    But the doctor looked at me solemnly. "It''s normally cool, but for today''s operation, isn''t there any familying to sign off?"

    I lowered my head, feeling irritable inside. I had no family left, only Clyde.

    Seeing my desperate look, the doctor sighed and advised me to think it over as the surgery was imminent.

    I nced at my phone, feeling unexpectedly anxious. Was something going to go wrong this time?

    The phone rang again. It was Clyde.

    I answered almost reflexively, my voice filled with joy, "Clyde!"

    "Mnie, are you messing with me? Didn''t you say you wanted pie? Where are you? Gone off to die?" His irritated voice made me speechless.

    So, yesterday wasn''t a dream. Clyde had called me and even bought the pies.

    Tears welled up in my eyes, and thinking of the doctor''s words, I choked out, "Clyde, I am currently..."

    "Clyde, these pies are so yummy. No

    wonder you insisted on queuing up for them!" Ka''s voice came, through the phone, and I instinctively hung up.

    He had finally brought her home.

    I slipped on my shoes and walked into the doctor''s office. "Doctor, I''ll sign for myself."

 Chapter 5

    The doctor looked at me for a long moment before reluctantly pulling out the consent form for the surgery. "Are you sure about this? It might be tricky to deal with if anything happens during the operation."

    "Doctor, I trust you, truly." I grabbed the pen and quickly signed my name on the dotted line. My life, my decision.

    The doctor still seemed he had something to say, but suddenly, the office door burst open.

    A group of people stormed in, shouting and causing chaos. Someone pushed me hard, throwing me off bnce, and my head mmed into the corner of the desk. All I felt was a wave of darkness as something warm and wet trickled down my forehead, blurring my vision.

    The room was inplete disarray, everyone yelling at once.

    "What kind of chief surgeon are you? We paid a fortune only to be told a second operation is needed?"

    "I swear, you''re all scamming us for money. Didn''t you say you''ve got the tumor removed? Why is it back?"

    "Con artist doctor, sacrificing morals for money. I ought to teach you a lesson myself!"

    Struggling to stand, I felt someone step on my clothes, pinning me down.

    Eventually, security arrived, and the chaos subsided.

    Suddenly, someone screamed, "There''s blood. Someone''s hurt!"

    I could feel everyone''s gaze turn to me.

    As people stepped back, a nurse rushed to help me up. "Ms. Crawford, are you okay? Let''s get that wound treated."

    But she was too weak to support me properly. The doctor came over and helped me up. His sses got shattered, his usually neat hair was a mess, and his face bore scratch marks. He''d got beaten in the fray.

    I wanted to smile, but my body felt too weak.

    He sighed, "I''m sorry you got dragged into this mess. Looks like we''ll have to postpone the surgery."

    I shook my head, wanting to tell him it was okay. Living another day or not didn''t make much difference to me anymore. No one cared whether I lived or died.

    When the police arrived to take statements, I was starting to feel better.

    The female officer looked at me with pity. "Your condition seems bad. The troublemakers have been under arrest. You might want to consider seekingpensation. We''ve contacted your family. They should be here soon."

    I was surprised. "My family?"

    The officer added, "Yes, though it seemed your husband''s secretary took the call. Don''t worry. He''lle."

    I looked down, doubtful.

    Would Clydee? Maybe he would show up if the police called.

    I wasn''t the only one affected by the incident. Two other patients were in the office, but only the doctor and I were injured.

    A patient nearby remarked on my bad luck. Out of everyone, I was the worst off. I nodded silently. When I finally had the funds for surgery, it had to be postponed. Whether my body could wait, I didn''t know.

    Seeing familiesforting their loved ones in the emergency room, I felt a pang of envy.

    The doctor''s wife and daughter were by his side, their eyes red with worry while heforted them. I envied that warmth and support.

    Once upon a time, my family was like that, too, but my parents were gone.

    I sniffled, trying not to hold onto hope. To my surprise, Clyde showed up with Ka in tow.

    After getting a stitch on my forehead, the doctor kept chattering. "Lucky it''s hidden by your hair. It would''ve been a shame for such a pretty girl to have a scar."

    Looking at my reflection, all skin and bones, I wondered what beauty he saw.

    That was when Clyde arrived.

    "Mr. Patterson had to postpone a video conference for you, really showing your priorities."

    The doctor frowned but said nothing.

    "Why are you in the hospital?" Clyde stood over me, looking down.

    "I need to get admitted." I wanted to say it was for cancer surgery, but the words died on my lips. There was no need to exin.

    Clyde snorted, "Admitted for a stitch? You''re too much, Mnie."

    "Always causing trouble for Mr.

    Patterson. One call from you, and he postpones crucial business. Who''s going to cover thepany''s losses" Ka stepped beside Clyde, ying the part of the concerned partner perfectly.

    When the police mentioned calling Clyde, I gave Ka a meaningful look. "The call wasn''t from me. You know that."Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    Panic flickered in her eyes, but Clyde seemed oblivious, his gaze growing colder toward me.

    "Mnie, I underestimated you. To garner sympathy, you''d stoop so low." He leaned in, his eyes narrowing. "Even using a dog, you''re something."

    Confused, I smiled back, wondering if he finally noticed Rocky was at Brenda''s home.

    Clyde was pissed. "Mnie! What''s so funny now? I never knew you were like this."

    He reached out to grab my cor, but the nurse intervened. "Who are you? Do you not realize Ms. Crawford..."

    Before she could finish, Ka pulled at Clyde''s sleeve with a look of difort. "Mr. Patterson, I think I''m allergic. It''s getting worse."

    Clyde examined her arm, noticing the redness, and immediately showed concern. "I told you about the dog. Let me get you to a doctor."

 Chapter 6

    As I watched them walk away, everything suddenly clicked. No wonder Clyde never brought Ka home. He was worried about her allergies to dog hair.

    The young nurse looked like she was about to call out to him, but I stopped her.

    "Ms. Crawford, is that your husband? That''s not right," she said, clearly outraged.

    The nurse was young, probably fresh out of college, and filled with a sense of justice.

    I shook my head. "It''s fine. We''re getting a divorce. If he had stayed, I might''ve died sooner."

    Anger could be a woman''s worst enemy. Maybe it was because I''d been bottling everything up for the past three years, but my cancer came back.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    The drama ended, and the doctors resumed nning the surgery. Perhaps feeling guilty about me, they checked my vitals and, finding them barely eptable, scheduled the surgery.

    Maybe it was my neighbor Brenda''s cross that worked. The doctors had said my chances were slim since it was a recurrence, but the surgery went incredibly smoothly. I guessed God''s blessing meant I got to live a bit longer.

    I was suddenly grateful to Clyde for making me angry. If he had been too nice, I might''ve died sooner.

    In the ICU, the pain was so intense that it was like my scalp was tingling. It wasn''t my first surgery, but it hurt more, maybe because I knew there was no one to feel sorry for me. The first time I had surgery in Aurora, at least my mom was with me.

    Thinking of her made me tear up. If only I had listened more to what she said, maybe she wouldn''t have died so early.

    The monitoring nurse gently wiped away my tears, whispering, "The surgery went well today. The pain from the anesthesia is normal. It''ll pass." Sympathy was evident in her eyes. I could guess why. Today, I must''ve be the talk of the hospital, not because of the cut on my head, but because my husband left with his mistress, ignoring his wife, who was undergoing cancer surgery.

    But I no longer cared. Surviving was all that mattered. In the days following the surgery, no one reached out to me, and I couldn''t be bothered to care. Thedy in the next bed and I shared a caregiver, saving me some money.

    In the quiet of the night, I''d asionally check my phone. Clyde never reached out. No calls, no messages. But I kept seeing updates from him and Ka. Ka loved to share by posting on social media a lot.

    In the gossip group without her, she was the main topic.

    [Mr. Patterson spoils her rotten, huh? Because of an allergy, they''re off to Westbridge for a vacation?]

    [While we''re ving away here, they''re out enjoying spa treatments by the sea!]

    [We''ve got our troubles. Sure, but at least we''re not as bad off as our boss''s wife.]

    [Can you believe Mr. Patterson is openly cheating, and she doesn''t seem to care?]

    Whenever they mentioned Clyde and Ka, it brought me into the conversation. In their eyes, I was the woman with a cheating husband but putting up with everything for the sake of money.

    But they seemed to have forgotten I

    was once a sought-after designer at thepany. And when I first joined, Immediately added this gossip group. They didn''t know who I was then, so they shared everything with me. But it seemed no one remembered I was still there.

    Just as I was about to turn off my phone, a call came from a business partner. I hadn''t managed the project for months and had no idea what they wanted.

    As soon as I answered, theyunched into a tirade. "Ms. Crawford, if the Patterson Group doesn''t want to continue our partnership, that''s fine, but this dy is uneptable."

    "Mr. Patterson won''t answer his phone, and no one at thepany is stepping up. What about our project? Who''s going to cover our losses?" The more they talked, the more agitated they became. Eventually, I understood Clyde had taken Ka to Westbridge and neglected many responsibilities, including the project I used to oversee.

    After letting them vent, I spoke weakly, "I''m sorry. I''ve just had surgery and am not handlingpany matters."

    With years of experience, I realized appearing vulnerable was the best approach. It wasn''t my fault, so why should I take the me?

    The caller seemed stunned, softening their tone, "You had surgery? You''re in the hospital?"

    "Yes. If you can''t reach Mr.

    Patterson, try contacting his

    secretary. Sorry, but I can''t help you."

    I hung up the phone and nced at the photos Ka had shared Quietly, I turned off my phone.

    Clyde was always thoughtful and careful to avoid peanuts due to my allergy even picking them out of

    dishes. And taking Ka to the beach to stop her dog hair allergy seemed just as reasonable.

    The pain surged, and I bit my lip hard, telling myself it was nothing. But the next day, the pain worsened. The doctor said it might be a side effect of the recurrence.

    The doctor suggested, "Ms. Crawford, about the medication, I still rmend using it for six months, given your history of recurrence. You can''t always count on being lucky, right?"

    The doctor''s sincerity was evident, but the treatment might be beyond my means.

    Overwhelmed by pain, I finally called Clyde.

    But Ka picked up the phone. "Hello? Clyde''s in the shower. Can I take a message?"

    Hearing Ka''s voice made the pain in my chest worse.

 Chapter 7

    Clyde guarded his phone like a fortress. It was off-limits for anyone but him.

    Yet, there we were for the second time. When the cops called, Ka answered. It was the same story when I tried reaching him.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    "If it''s no big deal, I''ve gotta go. We''re busy," Ka said, her voice dripping with a smugness that made it clear she relished emphasizing "we" as if I needed a reminder that they were together.

    "Tell him to call me back after his shower," I managed, my voice trembling from rage and pain, which amused Ka greatly.

    "He''ll be too busy after his shower to call you," she retorted, her tone light and taunting. "Whatever it is, you can tell me. It''s all the same."

    I couldn''t help but smirk at her audacity, even though the pain made it hard to focus on the conversation.

    "Ka, your little trip to Westbridge with him is from marital assets. Those cozy pictures of you two are evidence of an affair during the marriage. Or would you be keen on returning that money if I pursued legal action?"

    That seemed to hit a nerve. Ka''s voice pitched as she snapped back, "Mnie, don''t push it! Calling me names won''t change the fact that Clyde is over you. Dream on. All you care about is money. You are a selfish gold-digger. Clyde regrets marrying you every single day. You want money, heh? Dream on. You could be dying, and he wouldn''t spare you a nce."

    The call ended abruptly, her words leaving a bitter taste as I stared at the dark screen of my phone. A part of me wondered why I was even fighting to stay alive. Shouldn''t I be pleading for help instead?

    "Mnie? Mnie!"

    The curtain around my hospital bed flew open, revealing Jade Scott, disbelief etched across her face. "Why are you here? Did you have surgery? What happened? Did you rpse? I thought they said it wouldn''te back after the surgery."

    Jade bombarded me with questions, leaving me speechless.

    Finally, while Jade caught her breath, I asked, "Why are you here?"

    She nodded at the bed next to her where her grandma was lying. "My grandma is here. I bolted here right from the airport."

    "And you? What''s going on? You''re sick and didn''t tell me? Where''s Clyde? Was that Clyde''s mistress on the phone? He''s sunk that low?"

    The room fell into an uneasy silence, the weight of her words hanging in the air. My condition meant I couldn''t leave the hospital even if I wanted to. When she saw my silence, Jade''s frustration grew. "Why didn''t you call me? You can''t handle this alone."

    I reached out, taking her hand in

    mine, fighting back tears. Jade had been my college roommate and one of my closest friends. I had

    considered calling her when I found out my cancer had returned, but she was in the midst of a critical internationalpetition.couldn''t distract her.

    Attempting a smile, I said, "The surgery went well, didn''t it?"

    She squeezed my face gently. "You look awful. Don''t force a smile. And Clyde? He didn''t even show up for your surgery? What a jerk."

    I''d heard simr sentiments before and quickly changed the subject. "You''re here at the perfect time. I need a favor."

    I took off my earrings and ring, gesturing toward my bag. "Could you pack these up and sell them? The bag was seventy thousand new. Find a decent buyer for these. The jewelry might not fetch much."

    I nned to repay her generosity with the most expensive bags from my collection as soon as possible.

    Clyde''s call came through as I contemted which bags Jade would prefer. The moment I answered, his tirade began. "Mnie, expecting money without working? You''ve got some nerve."

 Chapter 8

    I retorted, "Your skin is thicker than an old leather jacket. You jetted off with your mistress on holiday and ditched work I wouldn''t dare pull that stunt." When those words left Clyde''s mouth, I knew what was unfolding. It looked like the client finally caught up to him. If my memory served me right, the project ns were set in stone ages ago. Their reaching out to me likely meant they wanted some revisions.

    I was on top of this project a few months back, but life hit me like a freight train, and my work was thest thing on my mind.

    I couldn''t recall if it was Ka hanging on Clyde''s arm back then, but someone was, and clearly, he couldn''t care less about me. He handed my responsibilities over to someone else and even had the nerve to dock my pay. I used to get a paycheck, but I''d got zilch.

    He probably thought I was dead broke, desperate enough toe crawling back. But he was dead wrong. I wouldn''t back down, especially when I was in the right.

    When we were dating, he could never win an argument with me. Then, weakened by illness but with a mind sharper than ever, he''d got no chance. I fought back. "Oh, so only pop up when there''s a problem, huh? Around when there''s work, disappear when there''s nothing to do?"

    "A man of your caliber failing at a single project, Mr. Patterson? Needing to summon your wife to clean up your mess?"

    "Or can''t you live without me, huh? Spare me the disgust."

    I''ve been feeling better these days, and with some cash to fund my treatments, I''m standing on firmer ground, especially after I checkedst night. It wouldn''t be against thew even if I broke into his safe and took everyst dime. We never signed a prenup, so technically, half of his wealth was mine.

    At worst, I''d be used of damaging my property, and the cops couldn''t care less.

    What would be the better option, dying from this disease or putting up with his lectures? I guessed thetter would be better. At least that way, I wouldn''t die.

    I felt emboldened, and my voice grew louder. Clyde didn''t expect me to stand up to him like that after biting my tongue for three years, leaving him at a loss for words.

    I was about to hang up, done arguing, when he sneered. "ssic Mnie, finally revealing your true colors, huh? Thought you could keep up the act? iming you''re in the hospital, ying the sympathy card? You''re truly something."

    "Clyde, I''m in the hospital now." I regretted the words as soon as they left my mouth. He wouldn''t believe me.

    And sure enough, hisughter grew louder. "Stop the drama, will you? I checked with the doctor. A single stitch, and you get hospitalized? Think that''ll make me worry? Dream on!"

    I closed my eyes, pain clutching at my chest.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    A scratch on Ka, Clyde rushed her to the doctor, but my stitch was nothing to him.

    Why didn''t he ask why I was at the doctor''s office in the first ce? Why didn''t he inquire about my visit to the oncology department? Why didn''t he wonder why the police, not me, called him?

    He wouldn''t ask if he didn''t care. All

    he saw was a trivial stitch, making

    him abandon a crucial client

    meeting and causing Ka an

    allergic reaction.

    I took a deep breath and replied emotionlessly, "Fine, I''m off to sleep. How else will I dream?"

    He exploded. "Wait! This project was always your job. You''re fully responsible for this mess."

    "I quit." I hung up, fed up with hismanding tone.

    A few minutester, he was ringing me up again.

    By the third ring, I snapped. "Clyde, what''s your deal? I said I''m out. Why the endless calls?"

    The nurse rushed over, worried I might aggravate my wound.

    Clyde cursed something

    undecipherable on the other end

    before coldly saying, "You initi

    this project, and you''re seeing it through to the end."

    Yelling seemed to have lifted my spirits, and I calmed down a bit. Indeed, the project was mine, nearly finished except for the construction. And with work came pay.

    After a few seconds, I asked, "How much are you paying? You never gave me my cut for thest project."

    I hadn''t seen it through then, so they withheld my share.

    Clyde red up. "Mnie, is money all you care about? Is money that important to you?"

    I could almost see him grinding his teeth in frustration, especially when he was mad at me, pronouncing my name with such bitter rity.

    I replied indifferently, "Yeah, what else?"

    Money meant life to me. Without it, I might as well be dead, and painfully so at that. If money didn''t matter, did he think he did?

    I closed my eyes, waiting silently for his response.

    After a long minute, he finally spoke. "Alright, if it''s money you''re after, the whole profit from this project is yours!"

    I sighed in relief and added, "Don''t forget my base sry and overtime."

    "You''ll get it all!" He hung up, seething with rage, but I felt much better.

    It was great. With the project''s earnings, I wouldn''t have to break into that safe after all.

 Chapter 9

    Havingnded the gig, I didn''t want to waste any time. After all, I had to make money. Post-operation, my mind was still super sharp even though my body was all weak.

    When I called Lina, her voice trembled with emotion. "Mnie, you finally reached out. I thought you''d forgotten about me!"

    Last year, Lina joined us as an intern before bing my assistant. She was a bit of a free spirit but earnest and dedicated to her work. Most importantly, she could handle istion, a necessary trait for design work, making her perfect for the position.

    Before leaving thepany, I had arranged for someone to look out for her, but it seemed she wasn''t doing well. I cleared my throat, instructing her to bring me the ns and designs for the Radiant Systems project.

    She hesitated. "Mnie, didn''t you drop that project? I''m not sure they''ll hand them over if I ask for the files."

    I said, "Just say Clyde asked for them. Also, tell HR I''ll work from home for the next few days, and you''re my assistant again."

    I needed my people around when I returned to work. I couldn''t afford to go solo as before. Besides, I might need to keep working indefinitely to afford my medical bills.

    Lina was dumbfounded when she arrived at the hospital. "Mnie, you get hospitalized because of the tumor..."Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    I extended my hand weakly. "The files, please. Don''t worry. The surgery went well. I''m not dying anytime soon."

    But I knew my condition might recur. All I could do was cherish each day and strive to make ends meet.

    With tears streaming down her face, Lina handed me the files and aptop. "I figured you wouldn''t have brought yours. Use mine for now. How are you supposed to work like this? Mr. Crawford is out of line!"

    Her sobs grew louder as shemented how Clyde had abandoned all his responsibilities to be with Ka.

    "They''re scuba diving, cruising... Ka is posting about it all over social media. And here you are, hospitalized, and he''s off ying with his mistress? Men are all jerks!"

    I tapped her head lightly with my pen. "Don''t lump all men together. It''s just Clyde who''s the problem."

    After a while, she went out and returned with some fruits, trying to smile. But she hesitated to speak when looking at me.

    "You''ve peeled this apple down to the core," I noted.

    Embarrassed, she took a bite herself.

    "I''ll get another one for youter. Consider that practice. Mnie, aren''t you angry? Are you and Mr. Crawford getting a divorce?"

    I paused, unsure how to respond. Logically, I wanted a divorce. Our shared assets were substantial, but I only needed enough to cover my medical expenses.

    Emotionally, I didn''t want to leave. Despite everything, Clyde was the only one in my heart, though he never knew. Given my current state, what was there to exin? He wouldn''t listen anyway.

    I handed Lina the annotated files,

    instructing her to redesign them. "The Radiant Systems project must have caught the higher-ups''

    attention. We can''t afford any

    slip-ups. I can''t handle the deel

    now, so you''ll take over. My old desk in the Design Department should still be avable. Move there, but don''t tell anyone I''m in the hospital."

    Lina clutched the files tightly. "Not even Mr. Crawford? He must be unaware, right?"

    "He knows. No need to bring it up." I shut theptop with a stoic face. I had informed him of my hospitalization, but he likely didn''t believe me. I had no intention of exining further.

    Lina lingered in the hospital room, reluctant to leave until a nurse reminded her it was time.

    Before leaving, she turned back, handing me her phone.

    "Mnie, you might not care, but Mr. Crawford has crossed the line. How can he use the money you guys share to get Ka an apartment? That''s like two million, at least."

    I nced at Ka''s social media and saw the cozy, decorated loft apartment. It wasn''t a recent purchase. The caption read, "Our cozy home," with a photo that included Clyde''s profile in a corner.

    I smiled it away. "Get back to work. It''s more important."

    Lying in my hospital bed, feeling a fresh pang of pain in my chest, I wondered about Clyde''s generosity toward his lover. Was he genuinely in love with her?

    I remembered my mother, frail and ailing in a rental before she passed. Mrs. Crawford, once morous, reduced to living in a tiny apartment with nothing but a bed. She had wished to revisit our old mansion, but we were broke.

    I had begged Clyde, my husband, for a loan. And what had he said?

    Clyde said, "You and your mother don''t deserve my money. Be grateful you''re still alive. You should be atoning for your sins!"

 Chapter 10

    Ever since I started working, I''ve felt some of my old spark returning. But the best part? I finally had a paycheck.

    The day before, our finance department, in an unprecedented move, handed me a month''s base sry. To me, $20,000 felt like winning the lottery. I didn''t dwell on why they paid me for a month after just three days of work. After all, Clyde wasn''t short on cash.

    I immediately transferred half to Jade, who''d been ving away preparing nutritious meals for the two of us every day. Despite her decent sry, taking care of her grandma on top of everything else, including me, has been a real struggle.

    Unfortunately, she refused the money and gave me an earful in the hospital room. "What do you think you are doing? My meals aren''t just for anyone, you know. Don''t bother to transfer money unless you have a million or two to spare."

    I held my food tray, grinning at her.

    "Jade, I''m back at work and got my first paycheck," I chuckled.

    "What''s so funny? You haven''t fully recovered yet. Eat up. You''re such a pain sometimes." She roughly dished out some lobster for me, quickly wiping a tear when she turned her back.

    I devoured the lobster, tears welling up in my eyes, too. Jade''s terrible cooking was a waste of the lobsters. After a hearty meal, we fell into our usual chit-chat.

    Seeing me back at designing, she was worried. "Isn''t your condition supposed to keep you from overthinking? You should be resting, and Clyde..." Mentioning Clyde, we both instinctively stopped. He was both a taboo and an inevitable part of my life.

    I waved it off. "Working makes me happy. Having money makes me cheerful, better than lying in bed all day. It''s not like I have much else going for me besides this one talent. Who knows, I might not stick around long, but the buildings I design... they''ll keep standing tall."

    "Stop, don''t talk like that," Jade was superstitious, trying to ward off bad luck with her words.

    "You need to bulk up and get some resistance. You have to eat more lobsters. I''ll bring it daily. And get some for yourself, too."

    I nodded silently, but my mind was on my budget. Lobsters were expensive, and frankly, eggs and milk were cheaper protein. Luckily, now that I had a sry, I shouldn''t have to worry about affording food.

    Perhaps it was the uplift in spirits, but my recovery was going well. Before being discharged, I managed to finalize my design revisions.

    Lina rushed to the hospital, excited. "Mnie, you''re amazing. Your revision got approved on the first try. You have no idea the Design Department struggled for months only to get rejected. Everyone''s waiting for you to lead when you get back. You''ve got to recover fast."

    She babbled about how much everyone missed me, but I knew better. In the Design Department, I was a walking disaster for everyone else. Clyde sometimes couldn''t separate personal from professional, often taking it out on the team because of me. I didn''t want my presence to be a burden again.

    But then, things were different. First, I needed to ensure I stayed alive.

    "Good to hear there''s no issue with Radiant Systems. It''s a big project." I started thinking about the finalmission, which could cover my medical expenses for half a year.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    That thought improved my mood, granting me another half year of life.

    Lina continued, "But they want to meet immediately to discuss with you in person."

    Seeing Lina''s troubled face, I knew

    why she rushed over after work. Since I initiated the design, it made sense for me to handle the talks. Others might not grasp the project''s nuances, potentially messing things up.

    I calcted the timing, asking her to schedule the meeting with the client three dayster at the office. Three days wouldn''t significantly impact the project, but for me, it was crucial. I needed to be discharged and rest at home a bit longer.

    Thinking about Rocky, my dog, whom I hadn''t seen in ages, made me miss the little guy.

    Before bed, the nurse showed me mytest reports, confirming my steady recovery. It seemed I was getting a second wind.

    But then, in the early hours, Clyde''s call shattered my peace. Even on vibrate, the phone sounded rmingly loud.

    I stepped out to the hospital corridor to talk, keeping my voice low.

    "Mnie, why is the Radiant

    Systems meeting set for three days from now? Do you realize how important this project is? How hard can it be to meet immediately? What are you fussing over? Do you think thepany can''t function without you?"

    Listening to Clyde''s barrage of criticism only drew a coldugh from me. He recognized the project''s importance yet couldn''t even pick up a call from them.

    I left the phone on the windowsill, staring out into the night. The hospital''s surroundings were eerily quiet, the dim lights barely cutting through the gloom.

    After a minute of silence, he realized I hadn''t said a word. "Mnie, are you even listening?"

    ¡°Are you still in Westbridge?" Picking up the phone, I asked indifferently.

    He hesitated, and then I heard Ka''s cheerful voice in the background. "Clyde, look, I caught a little crab."

    I nced at my phone and realized they were enjoying a midnight beach outing. How romantic.

 Chapter 11

    Clyde seemed to move further away with his phone before growling into it. "I''ll do whatever I damn well please. It''s none of your business." "Yeah, I''m not getting involved." I didn''t want to get tangled up with him over this issue.

    I should''ve made peace with it since he brought another woman home for the first time. Back then, I couldn''t even tell why I was so unreasonable, feeling heartbroken every day. I''d wanted to tell him the truth more than once. But I was always afraid he''d be heartbroken, devastated, maybe even driven to despair.

    I finally got it. Clyde wouldn''t be heartbroken over someone like me. So, there was no point in exining.

    But I had no clue which word set him off this time as he roared again. "Mnie, what the hell are you on about? What right do you have to tell me what to do? Let me remind you. I paid for everything in this house. You have no right to boss me around." Clyde continued, "And threaten Ka, huh? I''m telling you, she''s different. Don''t you dare mess with her! Get back to the office, or I won''t give you a penny more!"

    I thought he''d hang up, but he didn''t. Stubbornly, he waited for a response from me.

    After a long pause, I drawled, "Fine, but I''m charging overtime."

    "Damn, fine!" When the call ended, I heard Ka sweetly call him Cly.

    A nickname that was once mine alone belonged to someone else. I knew whatever Clyde had with Ka wasn''t just a fling.

    He confidently brought her to the office, openly showing off their rtionship. He allowed Ka to post their rtionship on social media and even taunt me.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    My heart was kinda heavy, but seeing the bonus he put in my ount perked me right up. It somehow bes easier to ept if I just thought of him as my boss.

    But then he sent a barrage of voice messages. I turned off my phone, no longer caring. I knew what he would say. It''d been the same old speech for years, and I was sick of it. I was a money-grubber in his eyes, so what was the big deal about taking his money?

    On the day I got discharged from the hospital, Jade had to go on a business trip and couldn''t take me home. She kept insisting that someone from her family should escort me.

    I lied, saying a colleague would pick me up, and even faked a selfie with a ride-share driver to ease her worries.

    When I arrived home, I heard Rocky''s whimpers as our neighbor, Brenda, hurriedly opened the door. "You''re back. That''s good. How are you feeling?" Brenda wiped her tears and gently took my hand, noting, "You''ve lost weight."

    "Being thin is in fashion now. It saves me the trouble of dieting, right?" I patted Brenda''s hand, finding sce in the warmth of a stranger''s touch. It warmed my heart as well.

    Rocky circled me, his tail nearly wagging into a propeller. I hugged his furry head and, for the first time in a while, I genuinely smiled.

    "Clyde, such a big dog, kind of scary." Ka''s shriek startled both me and Rocky.

    I looked at them, pushing a matching luggage set and dressed in lovers'' outfits. They looked like a married couple.

    Clyde frowned at me. "You''ve lost much weight?"

    "None of your business." I patted Rocky''s head, signaling him to quiet down.

    Ka seemed terrified, hiding behind Clyde, shivering. "Clyde, didn''t you say you''re gonna ditch the dog? Why''s it still here? Clyde, I just got rid of my dog fur allergy. Can''t we just give the dog away? Or, you know, leave it on the street..."

    "What the hell did you say? Say that again. I dare you!" I shielded Rocky behind me, ring at Ka.

    This woman, not content with taking my man, now wanted to cause harm to my beloved dog too?

    Sensing Ka''s hostility and my anger, Rocky barked nonstop at them.

    Clyde held Ka close, his gaze on me filled with dislike. "What do you think you''re doing? Mnie, since when did you start cursing like a shrew?"

    "Cursing her? haven''t started

    cursing yetm just stating facts! You are thinking of hurting my dog huh? You better check yourself first, you bitch. Repeat it. I dare you! My chest heaved with anger, and I felt a sharp pain, my breathing shaky.

    Clyde moved to intervene but immediately stopped as Ka clutched at him. "Clyde, she''s terrifying and so is her dog. Aren''t therews against keepingrge breeds in the city? Let''s call the potice. Aren''t dangerous dogs supposed to be put down?"

    Her words came with fear, but her eyes sparkled with provocation. I finally understood. Her allergies and her fear of dogs were just excuses. She knew I cared for Rocky and wanted to use that to hurt me. But she was wrong. I wouldn''t just be sad. I''d be furious.

    I handed the leash to Brenda and dragged Ka toward me with all my might. p! p! Those two ps held all the power I could muster, swelling Ka''s face instantly. Just as she tried to retaliate, Clyde stepped forward and pushed me away. "Mnie, you..." Apanied by a bark, Rocky broke free and bit Clyde''s arm, which he used to push me.

 Chapter 12

    "Rocky! Let him go, Rocky!" I clenched my teeth against the pain, hugging Rocky with all my might. Hearing my voice, Rocky finally let go but still growled lowly at Clyde.

    "Clyde, Clyde, you''re bleeding." Ka cradled Clyde with concern.

    I could see Clyde''s arm was in blood. Rocky had bitten down hard. As Clyde looked over, Rocky lunged again, but Brenda rushed over to help, barely managing to hold him back.

    "Ka, let''s get out of here." Clyde gave me a deep look, wrapped his arm around Ka, and left.

    Once I was sure they were in the elevator, I copsed on the floor, exhausted. The stitches from my surgery had burst open, staining my shirt red with blood.

    Brenda panicked, quickly kneeling to check on me. "Are you okay? Why''s there so much blood? I''m calling 911 right now. Don''t be scared." Rocky whimpered, nuzzling me with his head.

    I weakly patted him. "It''s okay, Rocky. I''ll be fine. Don''t panic."

    Rocky''s big eyes reflected my pale face, and at that moment, I thought I might die.

    I got rushed to the hospital, and my doctor hurried back upon hearing about my admission. He was supposed to be off today but returned after learning I was brought in again.

    "Mnie, what did I tell you before you left the hospital? You''re supposed to have a strong will to live, having survived two surgeries. How could you be so careless?"

    A nurse wiped away a tear stealthily, pretending to be angry at me. "If you keep this up, we''ll stop caring for you!"

    I smiled weakly. The young nurse was as unthreatening as ever. But I nodded in agreement, nheless.

    After staying in the hospital overnight, getting my wounds stitched up, and receiving antibiotics, I started to feel better. The doctor wanted me to stay for observation, but I had to rush out after receiving a call from the police station.

    I was surprised to hear Ka and my neighbor had gotten into a fight over Rocky.

    Rushing to the police station, I found my neighbor with her hair a mess but clutching Rocky''s leash tightly. "Nobody''s taking my dog. We''ve got all the paperwork!"

    Ka red venomously at her. "What good does paperwork do? Murderers have IDs, too, but they still get the death penalty! It is a mad dog. It attacked someone. You need to put it down!"

    "Ka, didn''t those ps teach you a lesson? How to behave?" I pushed her hard when she wasn''t looking.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    The police stepped in, but seeing my frail appearance, they didn''t reprimand me harshly.

    I patted Rocky''s head, trying to calm myself. "Officer, this dog is mine. All paperwork is in order, and he''s not mad."

    "No, officer. It''s a mad dog. It bit someone!" Ka looked at me with hatred, hiding behind the officer when I turned to her.

    The officers looked troubled. "If it bit someone..."

    I asked, "Officer, don''t you ask why a dog would bite someone? Or who it bit?"

    One officer looked at me seriously. "It bit her boyfriend. We have photos as evidence."

    "That''s my husband." My voice was loud, capturing everyone''s attention. I used to keep quiet, but not when it involved Rocky. But I didn''t want to fight inthe police station. Instead, I sat weakly on the ground, leaning against Rocky.

    What''s sadder than a woman dissed by her man''s mistress and about to lose her beloved dog?

    "Officer, my husband brought his mistress home and wanted to kill my dog to send him to the street. The dog bit him because the mistress bullied me, and my

    el

    husband got violent. Just yesterday,

    for me. The hospital still has my records."

    my neighbor called the

    Wasn''t ying the victim and speaking ambiguously something I could do, too? Especially when everything I said was true.

    Clyde indeed got violent, and I did get taken away by an ambnce Whether he pushed or hit me, let them guess. I clung to Rocky who whimpered as if crying.

    Bystanders started gossiping about Ka. Even the officers protecting her seemed to change their stance. She couldn''t take it anymore.

    That was when Clyde showed up at the station, his right hand still bandaged.

    He tried to help me up, but Ka pulled him away. "Clyde, are you okay? Shouldn''t you be resting?"

    He looked at her tenderly, then at me. "Mnie, it''s just a dog. If we get rid of it, all these problems go away. Why make such a fuss?"

    Someone muttered, "despicable couple." And Clyde''s expression darkened.

    His voice rose. "Mnie, can''t you hear me?"

    I looked up, smiling miserably. "Then let''s get a divorce. I''ll take Rocky and won''t bother you two anymore."

 Chapter 13

    "Mnie, what did you just say? I dare you to repeat it!" Clyde let go of Ka''s hand and stormed to where I stood.

    Rocky growled again, prompting the officers to pull him away quickly.

    I cleaned my tears and looked at Clyde coldly. "I said we''re getting a divorce. Are you deaf? You are acting like this even in the police station. We had nothing left between us, Clyde. Let''s have a good ending. Let''s divorce. I''ll take my dog and make way for your mistress."

    Tears rolled down my cheeks. I wasn''t sure if I was acting or if the pain was real.

    Something flitted across his eyes before he became enraged again. "You''re divorcing me over a dog? Am I worth less to you than a dog? I swear I''ll remove that mutt today, and nobody can stop me."

    I held Rocky close as Ka grabbed Clyde. She was practically gleaming with excitement. "Clyde, let it go. Why lower yourself to argue with a beast?"

    As Ka spoke, her eyes gleamed, all victorious-like at me.

    Brenda spat in disgust. "Shameless creature. Can''t you see, Clyde? It''s not about the dog. Mnie is divorcing you because of everything else, right?"

    The police station was buzzing with people, and bystanders began to interrupt.

    "The mistress mes the wife, and the husband defends the mistress? What a shame. Just get a divorce." "Such a big man, taking his anger out on a dog? That says a lot about his temper. Could be an abuser."

    "Youngdy, if ites down to it, file for divorce. Isn''t domestic abuse exempt from cooling-off periods?"

    As the crowd started to get riled up, the officers quickly intervened, ushering us into an office. I knew it was just a domestic dispute. Clyde might have moral issues, but that wouldn''t be enough to get him in real trouble.

    I saw a young officer rush over and whisper something to his colleagues, their expressions changing as they looked at Clyde. The Patterson family''s powerful heir was someone they didn''t want to offend. In the end, the police gave him a stern warning, and that was that.

    As we left, a young female officer looked at me with sympathy. "It''s hard to judge family matters, but... if you need to, consider filing awsuit."

    She didn''t say much, but I was grateful. It was the most help she could offer within her capacity. I nodded at her, then left the police station with Rocky and Brenda.

    Outside, Ka was fussing over Clyde. "Clyde, your wound''s reopened. It''s bleeding."

    The tiny bloodstain on his arm was nothingpared to what I had endured the day before. What was the big deal? I nced at them and walked away without a word.

    "Mnie, stop right there!" Clyde''smanding voice echoed, but I didn''t stop. Rocky tried to turn back, but I nudged him gently.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Clyde shouted, "Scum of the earth, why bother with it? Waiting to get bitten?"

    Rocky whimpered and nuzzled my leg. I patted his head and kept walking. I wouldn''t turn back for that scoundrel, not ever.

    Clyde seemed ready to follow, but Ka''s whiny voice stopped him. "Clyde, I''m having an allergic reaction again. It''s so itchy."

    Brenda looked worriedly at me, but I shook my head and hailed a taxi.

    There was no allergic reaction for the entire time at the station, and suddenly, she was itching, huh? Her skin was as sensitive as her personality. How fitting.

    Rocky wanted to stay with me when I got home, but I pushed him gently toward Brenda.

    Brenda began, "Mnie, my son''s settled in Aurorea and wants to bring me over."

    I clutched the leash tightly.

    "Brenda, then..." I didn''t know what to say. As a neighbor, she had done more than enough.

    But if Rocky stayed with me, there was always the risk he''d get hurt if I wasn''t around.

    Brenda stroked Rocky''s head and

    looked at me I know you and Rocky are close. You''ve raised him from a pup. You need thepany, especially now. But Mnie, your husband might kill him one of these days. If you can bear it, let him go with me."

    I stood frozen, unable to speak.

    Brenda didn''t have to do this, but she wouldn''t stand by and watch an innocent life get hurt. She waited patiently for my decision.

    As time ticked by and I heard Rocky''s soft whimpers, I decided. "Brenda, would you take him? I''ll cover the costs."

    Brenda asked, "Are you sure?"

    I cleaned my tears and nodded firmly. "I''m sure."

    It was better with her than with me.

    That day, made Rocky his favorite meal, my cooking skills aside. Apart from him, no one appreciated my culinary efforts. We spent the night together on the couch, my tears soaking his fur.

    "Rocky, so many people never get to travel abroad. You''re lucky. I''m giving you all my luck, buddy. You have to live a good life. When you''re gone, I won''t have any weaknesses. I''ll live better, I promise."

 Chapter 14

    The day after, Brenda told me she had sorted everything out, and that was when I realized she was supposed to leave early that morning.

    "Mnie, I''ve wanted to talk to you about this for a while," she started, her voiceced with a hint of hesitation. "But I was worried about how it might affect your recovery. I was on the fence about taking Rocky with me. I only went through with the paperwork because I thought, what if you couldn''t take care of him?"

    Brenda''s son had been urging her to move to Aurorea for the longest time, but she was in a dilemma because she was concerned for me and Rocky. To speed up her departure, her family even shelled out more cash.

    I insisted on giving her the money, but she shook her head at me. "Sweetheart, I know things haven''t been easy for you. Which family around here is short on cash? Only you."

    My financial struggles and my poverty were an open secret in our neighborhood. Clyde bringing women home was no news to anyone. To them, I was a pitiful, tragic figure.

    I never hid my troubles but also never spoke of them voluntarily.

    Maybe only Clyde thought he was being super good to me, what with all the money he''d given me, more than a lot of folks could bring in their whole lives.

    Leaving the airport and watching the nes overhead, I didn''t know where Rocky was, but I knew he''d be well-cared for and have a long, happy life. Returning home to the empty house, it felt devoid of warmth. Despite it being summer, the ce was chilling to the bone.

    The doctor had advised me to keep up my nutrition and take my medication with more chemotherapy sessions in the pipeline. I cooked myself pasta, but it was so awful that I left it untouched.

    Back in my room, lying in bed, I thought about how starting work the next day might help shake off this feeling of loneliness. Before I knew it, I had drifted off to sleep.

    That was until Clyde, reeking of alcohol, climbed into bed, startling me awake. "Babe, why didn''t you wait up for me?"

    He was drunk, his head bobbing against my shoulder, his voice carrying a tone of hurt.

    I tried to push him away, but he was pressing down on my sore spots without realizing it. "Babe, why have you lost so much weight? Why aren''t you eating? I saw the pasta you made for me. I ate it all. It was delicious."

    Clyde continued, "I bought you some cupcakes and iced coffee. Come on. Get up and have some. Eating more will help you gain some weight." He clumsily got up, fetching a bag from the doorway.

    When I saw the packaging, tears welled up in my eyes. It was from the cheapest bakery near our school, always bustling but not particrly good. I always chose the least expensive options to save money.

    Watching Clyde insert the straw into the coffee and bring it to my lips, I couldn''t help but take a sip. It tasted terrible, all artificial vor. But I smiled genuinely for the first time in what felt like forever.

    He ced the coffee on the table, gently wiping away my tears. "Once you''ve had my coffee, you''re stuck with me. No talking about divorce, okay? Who will buy you cupcakes and coffee if you leave me, dummy?"

    I stared at him, feeling dazed. Was he drinking because I mentioned divorce at the police station?

    His kisses then came, tentative at first, but soon, I returned them passionately, feeling as if my heart was finallyplete. He carefullyid me on the bed, his hand creeping under my shirt.

    "No, Clyde, stop!" I didn''t want him to see my wounds, nor did I want to be back in the hospital.

    He looked at me, confused, and then

    his gaze drifted to a dog hair on the pillow. He frowned slightly, picking it up and squinting at me. "Baby, is your aftergy gone? I''ll get rid of theContent from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    dog soon. No more distractions for us.

    UMS

    I felt as if something exploded in my head, my blood running cold. The allergy wasn''t mine. It was Ka''s.

    Pushing him away with all my strength, I pped hard on his face, leaving my palm aching.

    He was sober, looking at me with ice-cold eyes.

    I pointed to the door, gasping for breath. "Get out, you bastard. Just get out!"

    He licked his lips, sizing me up before adjusting his shirt. "You think I''m interested in you? I must have mistaken you for someone else. You''re repulsive as you are now."

    He grabbed his jacket, nced at the coffee on the table, and tossed it into the trash.

    The door mmed shut, and I finally let myself cry. Clyde, you bastard!

    Arriving at work the next day,

    everyone stared at me in shock. A sleepless night and recent weight loss made me look ghastly. But I had to work, even if I looked like a ghost. At least I was a living one.

    Ka walked in while I was briefing on the uing meeting. "Mnie, Mr. Patterson, I mean, Clyde, sent me to oversee your work."

    "You''re overseeing us?" I gave her a sidelong nce.

    Ka straightened her hair pridefully. "Yes, after all, I''m Mr. Patterson''s assistant. I naturally have the authority to oversee allpany matters." "Cut the crap. The team from Radiant Systems will be here any moment."

    "Mnie, bring out your previous creative proposals. I''ll be leading the meeting today."

 Chapter 15

    Right after Ka''s wordsnded, everyone in the office dropped what they were doing, their gazes shuttling between us.

    Lina couldn''t stand it anymore and stepped before me. "Ms. Osborne, you''re just a personal assistant. Do you think you should be meddling in the affairs of the Design Department? And do you even realize how crucial this project is?"

    "If it wasn''t a big deal, why would I be the one handling it?" Ka shoved Lina aside, looking down at me from her high horse. "Mnie, you''ve just returned to thepany. You''re not up to speed on many projects. Don''t just try to grab the spotlight. You''re just an employee here. Following orders is your job. Maybe it''s time you checked your attitude at the door."

    She extended her hand toward me, ying up the bossdy act.

    I ignored her, heading straight for the CEO''s office.

    Inside, a few people were reporting on their work, but I mmed my hand down on Clyde''s desk.

    "So, you''re letting Ka run the Design Department now. You sure about that?"

    Ka hurried back at that moment, looking pitifully at Clyde. "Clyde, Mnie isn''t willing to let me in, won''t hand over the materials to me, and we have a meetinging. What do I do? If the deal with Radiant Systems falls through, it will cost thepany a fortune. Mnie, can you take responsibility for that?"

    Ka yed the victim so well that one would think I was bullying her.

    But I looked at Clyde, ignoring her. He gestured for the others to leave the office as if fearing they''d get caught in the crossfire if they lingered.

    He then looked at me with a smug expression. "You haven''t been at the office for months. Ka has been working hard. What''s the issue with her leading you? She''ll be dealing with more tasks soon. The Design Department is just one aspect. Why don''t you mentor her and take the time to teach her?"

    I let out a coldugh.

    An intern, Ka, wanted me to be her guide. We were not even in the same department, okay?

    But thinking she had a strong backer, Ka quickly nodded vigorously. "Clyde, I''ll study hard and be your right-hand woman."

    I had enough of their disy, cutting in. "I''m the Design Director, not responsible for training interns. If you want me to teach her, that''s extra. Pay tuition fees to me."

    "What did you say?" Clyde mmed his hand on the desk, standing up abruptly.

    I held out my hand emotionlessly. "Tuition fees. Otherwise, get HR to find her a professional tutor."

    Clyde said "okay" several times, then red at me. "Are you only after money? Is that all you care about?"

    "Exactly." I withdrew my hand. "You don''t have to pay me directly. I want a raise since I''m doing the work of two people now."

    I knew the score. Clyde and I were over sentimentally. It might as well make it about money. He might fire me any day. Without the money, I might as well file for divorce.

    Clyde red at me for a long while, ignoring whatever Ka said.

    Finally, he squeezed out. "Fine, you''ll get your raise."

    I picked up his phone to dial HR.

    "Mr. Patterson, this is HR. How can I help you?" The HR assistant''s voice came through.

    I smiled at Clyde, whispering, "Some things are better implemented immediately."

    I didn''t want to stoop so low, but he was no gentleman. What if he reneged on the money?

    Clyde yelled into the phone, "Promote Mnie. Increase her base sry."

    Before he could finish, I grabbed my documents and left. As I passed Ka, I kindly reminded her, "The meeting is starting soon."

    Ka seemed stunned by my

    actions, still a bit slow on the uptake.

    I had no idea what Clyde and she discussed, but her eyes were red when she entered the meeting room. I had Lina prepare the meeting materials and handed them over to her. Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    "Ms. Osborne, our guests will arrive in half an hour. You better hurry."

    "No need for your concern. I''m Mr. Patterson''s assistant!" Ka huffily took the documents, scribbling notes fiercely.

    I didn''t know about her capabilities, but her eagerness to prove herself probably meant she wasn''t terrible. She''d likely perform well, especially since she was eager to prove me wrong.

    Unfortunately, I overestimated her.

    Having shadowed Clyde for months,

    I figured Ka would at least have a basic grasp ofpany meetings. But even with a simple presentation,

    she kept misspeaking, eftnes

    resorting to reading directly from my documents. Even then, she was

    riddled with errors, mispronouncing several significant terms and relying on Lina to correct her pronunciation.

    I was on pins and needles, wanting to intervene but constantly cut off by Ka.

    "Mnie, I''m leading this meeting." She stubbornly met my gaze, leaving me speechless.

    Finally, the representative from

    Radiant Systems, Mr. Hanley,

    interrupted, "Excuse me, Ms. Crawford, is this the level of seriousness the Patterson Group is bringing to the table? If Mr. Patterson isn''t interested in

    continuing our partnership ove

    perhaps

    we should discuss a breach of contract fee."

    The room went silent, save for Ka''s sobbing.

    She quickly got up, saying, "Mr. Hanley, I''m sorry. The Design Department only just handed me the materials, so I''m unfamiliar with the project yet. The materials given by Mnie were full of jargon I don''t know."

    Her words left everyone in disbelief. Was she out of her mind?

 Chapter 16

    "Fine, if the Patterson Group doesn''t value our time, I''ll be on my way then. Ms. Crawford, remember to send over thepensation or see you in court!"

    Hanley was fuming, and Ka added fuel to the fire. "Mr. Hanley, this isn''t my fault. It''s all Mnie''s doing..."

    I quickly stood up to apologize, "Mr. Hanley, you''ve got it all wrong. The Patterson Group values this partnership greatly. Ms. Osborne is Mr. Patterson''s executive assistant and might be unfamiliar with the project, but I can take over from here."Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    I added, "You''ve seen my proposal. We''re genuinelymitted."

    Hanley waved dismissively., "No need. We''re out of our league with the Patterson Group. Let''s call it quits."

    No matter how much I tried to keep him, Hanley and his team left.

    Before leaving, Hanley gave me a long, hard look. "Mrs. Patterson, I understand you''re in a tough spot, but that''s no excuse to neglect our partnership. This project got dyed far too long. The Patterson Group needs to give us an answer. Patterson embarrassed us like this. I can''t just go and exin it away. You figure it out."

    Then, I realized Radiant Systems had been displeased with Clyde''s attitude from the start. And Ka''s actions only confirmed Clyde''s disregard for them. Letting an intern lead a critical meeting and making mistakes was undoubtedly the Patterson Group''s fault.

    They wanted more than just the project. They demanded respect, a gesture from the Patterson Group. It would be bad for both if things turned sour between Radiant Systems and the Patterson Group.

    Back in the office of the Design Department, the mood was somber, and everyone deted.

    I wanted to offer some words of encouragement, but Clyde walked in with Ka in tow. "Mnie, you''ve messed up such a crucial partnership. Looks like you don''t really want your job, huh? Aren''t you the lead? What were you doing during the meeting?" Clyde started berating me the moment he entered.

    The rest of the office was dead silent.

    Ka was sobbing quietly behind him. "Mnie, if you didn''t want me to lead the meeting, you should''ve said so earlier. Why set me up?"

    "Set you up? It was your idea to lead." I was speechless at her audacity. She must think she was the heroine of a novel, expecting to triumph without effort. But she was sure it was all my fault.

    "If you hadn''t given me those professional drafts, how could I have made mistakes? Why couldn''t you simplify it so anyone could understand before handing it over? You knew I wasn''t from this field, yet you deliberately made it hard for me. Didn''t you think about thepany''s interests?" Her tant reversal of me was astonishing. I''d heard of thick-skinned people, but shameless was on another level.

    And whispers of discontent started bubbling in the office.

    "Knowing she''s not up to the job but still taking charge? That''s nuts."

    "Who''s setting up whom? The Design Department has been overworking for so long, and now, it''s all for nothing."

    "We haven''t even cried yet. What''s Ka crying for?"

    The Design Department was united in their frustration, and Ka shrank back beside Clyde.

    Clyde didn''t care what others said, his eyes burning with anger at me "Mnie, you''re in charge of this project. If something screws up, it''s on you. Find a solution, or you''ll regret it."

    Clyde left with Ka, and Lina looked at me worryingly. "Mnie, Mr. Patterson is being unreasonable. It''s not your fault."

    Did it even matter whose fault it

    was? He said it was my fault, so it was. But wasn''t about to take the fall for his mistress. I gathered al the materials and new design ideas and headed straight to Clyde''s office.

    Ka wasn''t there. I walked right in.

    "Don''t you knock?" Clyde frowned at me as I dumped the documents on his desk.

    I snapped, "These aren''t my mistakes, but I''m not dealing with it. All the files are here."

    He nced up, a cold snort escaping him. "Mnie, you''re the lead. What, should Ka be responsible for it?"

    I smirked, picking up on the bias. "So, you know it''s Ka who messed up, but you want me to take the hit?"

    "And why it were the most obvious thing in the world. I said before, Ka is mine to protect. So, you''ll shoulder this, Mnie. If you can''t handle it, forget about your bonus."

    not?" he looked at me as if

    I almostshed out but swallowed the harsh words back.

    I''d have to force him if he wouldn''t be reasonable. "The Patterson Group prides itself on fairness and integrity. If you make me take the fall now, it should disappoint everyone."

    He raised an eyebrow, signaling me to continue.

    I shed him the brightest smile. "As the lead, of course, I''ll take responsibility. But if it''s not my fault and I still have to take the hit, my bonus has to go up a notch."

    "Mnie!" His anger was evident, but my smile grew wider.

    I snorted, "Everyone needs to see Mr. Patterson reward and punish justly, not shielding anyone without principle, including your wife, me."

 Chapter 17

    Iid it all out on the table, and, in the end, Clyde grudgingly agreed, his temper ring. He used me of being blinded by money, and I didn''t argue with him. After all, I still needed to survive.

    However, since I had agreed to take responsibility, my first order of business was to track down the person in charge at Radiant Systems. He was looking to save face, and I was willing to swallow my pride for the sake of the project.

    I found Hanley was attending a dinner party that night, so I quickly changed and rushed over.

    The moment I entered the private room, Hanley''s face darkened. "Ms. Crawford, tracking me down here seems inappropriate. It is a private gathering."

    "I upset you today, so of course, I had toe and apologize." I poured myself a beer with a smile and downed it in one go.

    I shouldn''t be drinking, but I knew I couldn''t get out of it tonight.

    Hanley wasn''t the kind to make someone''s life hell over someone else''s screw-up, and I knew he couldn''t afford to push back their project.

    Seeing my state, he frowned. "Ms. Crawford, you''re so thin. If you''re not feeling well, you shouldn''t..."

    "Oh,e on, we finally have a beauty who can hold her liquor. Why are you stopping her?"

    A portly man stood up, looking at me with ill intent.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    I wasn''t familiar with these types of gatherings and didn''t know who he was, but he seemed on good terms with Hanley, likely anotherpany executive.

    Feeling embarrassed, I looked at him. ¡°Sorry, I''m not much of a drinker.¡±

    ¡°And as Mr. Hanley knows, I''ve just left the hospital. If it weren''t for apologizing to Mr. Hanley, I wouldn''t drink."

    My words gave Hanley enough face, and his expression softened significantly. He sized me up and asked with a furrowed brow, "You''ve lost too much weight. Was it a serious illness?"

    I was honest. "I had surgery and shouldn''t be drinking. To apologize to you, I even skipped my antibiotics today."

    "Ms. Crawford, you shouldn''t drink. Let''s discuss work matters at the office instead."

    Once Hanley spoke up, I knew I had managed to negotiate sessfully. He only needed me to show the right attitude, especially since I was still officially Mrs. Patterson.

    But a few others kept egging me on to drink, especially the portly man, who was leering at me. "Ms. Crawford, right? You had surgery, huh? Show me the wound, and I''ll let you off. How about that?"

    He reached to grab me, and I had to fight the urge to hit him with the bottle, stepping back.

    Suddenly, someone kicked the door open, and Clyde walked in expressionlessly, "Want to see my wife, huh? Let''s hear it."

    Seeing Clyde''s displeasure, Hanley quickly tried to smooth things over. "The guys are just a bit drunk, Mr. Patterson, no offense meant. We''re just concerned about Mrs. Patterson. She''s just left the hospital, after all."

    The others sobered up quite a bit and started apologizing to me.

    I quietly stood behind Clyde, looking down as he exchanged pleasantries with a few people.

    Eventually, he and Hanley shared a drink, and then he took me and left.

    I had only had one drink, but I still felt a bit drunk. Leaning against the car, I felt a pain in my chest again.

    Clyde sat beside me silently, like a block of ice, and I instinctively moved away.

    When we got home, he practically dragged me inside. Dropping my high heels, I copsed onto the sofa, dizzy.

    He seemed to stand at the door for a long time before finally asking, ¡°Where''s the dog?"

    Barely opening my eyes, I was surprised he even remembered Rocky.

    I said in a low voice, "Gave it away."

    "That''s marital property. You dared to give it away?" He looked at me, displeased, and I covered my eyes with my hand, not wanting to see his temper "I saved Rocky with money from my ne sale. It has nothing to do with you."

    Suddenly, Clyde grabbed my cor but rxed when he saw the ne on my neck.

    "Are you sick?"

    I pushed him away and went straight to the bedroom, wondering what had gotten into him.

    We had only shared a bed during the first month of our marriage. And after that, he rarely came home, leaving the bedroom all to myself.

    But he acted strange, suddenly hugging me from behind and then pinning me down on the bed.

    When he tried to kiss me, I instinctively turned my head, but he didn''t let go, forcefully turning my face toward him. "What''s up? In the hospital, hurt? Not willing to sleep with me?"

    His hand brushed my forehead, and then he scoffed, "Not even a scar, just looking for sympathy from men?"

    He remembered thest time I had hurt my head, but sadly, he didn''t bother to check my medical records.

    I looked at him coldly and snapped, "Am I not responsible for the project? I''m cleaning up the mess for your mistress!"

    At the mention of Ka, his eyes turned fierce, and he bit on my lips harshly. I tried to push him away with all my might, but I was no match for him.

    He sneered, "Resisting for what? If I

    hadn''te today, who knows whose bed you''d be in, pretending to I

    be so-virtuous? I see you''re willing to do anything for money! A woman for

    all men!"

    I paused and started hitting his chest with all my strength. But my efforts were futile, more like tickling him.

    Eventually stopped fighting and

    justughed at him. "Oh right, since

    your wife has to deal with your mistress''s fallout, she must be fair

    game for any man, huh? It''s not me who should be ashamed."

 Chapter 18

    It seemed every time Clyde and I had a day in, it ended with mming doors. He''s had a way of getting under my skin for three years, always spewing the nastiest stuff.

    Naturally, I gave as good as I got. It was just mutual destruction, right? Bring it on. I''d been through the wringer twice over. I was not scared.

    I couldn''t remember hisst insult, only that I turned over and fell into a deep sleep. Lucky me, with my frail health, otherwise, I''d never get any rest. The next day, Hanley showed up at the office, all apologies. "Ms. Crawford, I''m sorry aboutst night. My buddies had a bit too much to drink. They didn''t mean any harm. And, uh, I hope you could put in a good word with Mr. Patterson. He seemed steamed yesterday."

    Hanley seemed genuinely concerned, probably scared after seeing Clyde''s fury up close.

    Clyde''s reputation preceded him, being with different women, yet I was the one he called his wife. Everyone said he was deeply in love with me and that I hurt him, so he acted out. But he''d hurt me as much over the years. Did that make us even?

    I shook my head, letting go of our past dramas, and smiled at Hanley. "Mr. Hanley, you jest. I was out of line yesterday, and Mr. Patterson probably scared your friends. Please apologize for me."

    "And about our partnership?" My gaze sharpened. That was my genuine concern.

    Hanley said, "You and Mr. Patterson reached out. Naturally, we''ll continue our partnership. But let''s keep the unqualified out of this project, shall we?" The "unqualified" was a dig at Clyde''stest fling, Ka.

    Maybe to save some face, Hanley made his statement in front of the whole Design Department.

    Word got to Ka in no time.

    When Clyde called me into his office, I saw Ka''s face streaked with tears. "Mnie, how could you go behind my back to Mr. Hanley, getting me kicked off the team? I was the project lead."

    "Fine, you lead, I''m out." I rolled my eyes at her. "Clyde didn''t tell you he was there, too? Deal with him."

    The doc''s advice was to keep my spirits up to prevent the cancer from returning. With chemo waiting in the wings, getting bent out of shape wasn''t an option.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    I''d decided to adopt a no-nonsense attitude. Cross me, and I''ll p back.

    Unfamiliar with my temper, Ka tried to say more, but colleagues from the Administrative Department were already signaling to her.

    "Ka, it''s just one project. The Patterson Group has plenty more. Let it go this time."

    Once Clyde spoke, it got practically settled.

    Ka looked at him, unwilling to give up. "But I''ve organized the materials..."

    "Ka, be good." His tone wasn''t exactly warm but unmistakably suggestive.

    Ka blushed, looking down. "Okay."

    Watching their nauseating exchange, I couldn''t help but retch. I covered my mouth and rushed out of the office.

    Clyde started to stand, but Ka blocked him.

    When I returned after throwing up,

    Ka smugly blocked the office door. "Mr. Patterson is on an important call. No outsiders allowed. But Mr Patterson said you''re in charge of the Radiant Systems project. Don''t worry. I''ll step back."

    I was surprised she gave up like that, barely hiding her smirk.

    Ka snorted "Mr. Patterson said these deals often involve dinners and drinks with the big shots. He''s worried be taken advantage of, so he doesn''t want me in that position. It seems you''re better suited for it, Ms. Crawford."

    Her gloating made me want to be sick again.

    Mimicking her smirk, I replied. "Yeah, because only the best face for the Patterson Group should be out there."

    I wasn''t about to listen to her gloat any longer and turned to leave.

    Revising the project n went smoothly without the dead weight, though I still needed to inspect the site. Halfway through the construction, any change was challenging.

    Arriving on-site, Hanley looked solemn. "Ms. Crawford, we must scale back by at least two inches here. And we''ll need to recalcte these materials to minimize losses."

    I was deep into the blueprints and the site''s current state, feeling the headache build. Before I could take pictures, a mob armed with bats and shovels barged onto the site. "We won''t leave without an exnation today!"

    "That''s right! Your construction is disturbing our peace. You owe uspensation!"

    "If you don''t pay, forget about continuing work here!"

    Facing a protest was new to me, but Hanley seemed used to it, directing security to handle the situation. But as the two groups shed, someone fell to the ground, and chaos erupted.

    "They''re attacking us! Call the police!"

    "They''re out for our heads just ''cause we want somepensation!"

    As the shouts grew more absurd, I backed away fearing getting caught in the melee. My life was too fragile for front line battles. But the crowd seemed unstoppable, and someone charging with a shovel made me want to pull Hanley away for cover.

    Instead, my legs gave over

    fainted.

    and I

 Chapter 19

    When I opened my eyes, I found myself back in the hospital.

    It seemed fate had tied Greenfield Medical Center with me. The doctor looked at me, almost out of breath from exasperation. "Mnie, you''re something else. I''ve never had a patient who disregards advice as much as you do."

    I struggled to sit up, eager to defend myself. "Doctor, hear me out. It wasn''t my fault this time. I just passed out all of a sudden."

    "Working yourself to the bone every day and not taking your medications properly, it''s no wonder you fainted. An emergency got you this time, but if you can''t handle it, you shouldn''t be working. Ah, never mind. Just take care of yourself."

    My doctor stopped mid-sentence, knowing my financial situation made not working an impossibility.

    I nodded vigorously. I had a sry, and surviving wasn''t an issue.

    He nced at my medical records and whispered, "You''re due for an injection, which is quite pricey and needs booking in advance. Can you afford it right now?"

    "I can book it in advance. Should I make a payment now?" I looked at him hopefully, calcting how much I would earn from the recent project. Relieved at my response, the doctor told me there was no need for a deposit and proceeded to book my appointment. But with chemotherapy scheduled for the following week, he was visibly worried.

    The doctor sighed, "Your condition isn''t too optimistic. A third rpse isn''t out of the question, but you''ve got to stay positive. I suggest you start the chemo earlier and ensure you''re well-nourished. You''re too thin."

    I looked at my hands, as frail as bird ws, making me sad. Indeed, I was thin, but eating was a challenge. Yet, thinking about the toll chemotherapy would take on my body, I steeled myself. Maybe it was time to delve into those protein shakes Clyde had stashed away. What was his was mine, after all.

    The doctor gave me a few more instructions before leaving. Before exiting, he turned back. "Anything else I can help you with?"

    I mumbled, "Please don''t tell my family about this."

    I had no family left, just my husband, and thest thing I wanted was for him to worry. He''d probably think I was conspiring with the doctor. It would be better if he thought I was just being dramatic.

    With a nod of resignation, the doctor left the room.

    Hanley had messaged me earlier, saying he got caught up at the construction site and could only drop me off at the hospital. I was grateful for that much. After all, he even covered my medication upfront.

    When Clyde, who was my sole remaining family and my husband, arrived, I had received my injection.

    Ka was clinging to his arm, looking every bit the concerned couple visiting a patient.

    Seeing that I was okay and munching on an apple, she seemed displeased. "Mnie, we checked the surveince. The person was over ten feet away from you. Why did you faint? You weren''t trying to scam money, were you?"

    I continued to nibble on my apple, mumbling, "How clever. The CEO''s wife fainting to extort money is headline material. Why don''t you hurry and call your PR department?"

    "You!" Ka moved to confront me

    but halted, mindful of Clyde''s

    presence, and she feigned distress

    instead. "Clyde, look at her, always

    rushing to the hospital over nothing to grab your attention."

    I expected Clyde to echo her sentiments, but he remained silent, fixing his gaze on me.

    After what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke. "What''s going on? Are you sick?"

    "Yeah, seriously sick." My expression was nk, but inside, I felt uneasy.

    His quick arrival had reignited a flicker of hope within me. I was telling the truth, but clearly, he was skeptical.

    Ka quickly interjected, "I spoke

    with the doctor. They said you''re fine. It might just be heatstroke. Last time, you pretended to throw up in the office. The employees saw you vomited nothing. You''re just ying the victim."

    The insinuation was clear. I was pretending to be sick to get Clyde''s attention.

    I indifferently nodded, then turned to Clyde. "Don''t worry about whether I''m ying the victim. I did faint and got hospitalized, all during work hours."This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    Clyde looked at me with a heavy gaze. "What do you mean?"

    el

    ?

    I remained poker-faced. "It means it''s a work-rted injury. Make sure to cover it with workers''pensation. Mr. Hanley paid for the hospital fees upfront."

    I hated owing favors but didn''t want to pay out of my pocket. Thepany should cover it if it could be imed as a work-rted injury.

    Clyde''s chest heaved, and he struggled to find words.

    Meanwhile, Ka smirked triumphantly, unting her new watch, pleased with herself.

    My gaze swept over it, and I couldn''t help but smile bitterly. Clyde did prefer her, didn''t he? That watch must have cost a fortune.

    Satisfied with my reaction, Ka pouted and tugged at Clyde''s sleeve. "Clyde, maybe Mnie is going through a tough time. Let''s cover her expenses."

    The irony of a mistress advising my husband about my hardships made me inwardly scoff.

    Clyde red at me and said with a grunt, "Whatever."

    He escorted Ka out of the room, mming the door behind them.

    The smile froze on my face, yet a ripple of emotion stirred within.

    I had fainted, and he had rushed over. Did that mean he might check with finance to see what illness I had imed for my medical expenses?

 Chapter 20

    Clyde had finally agreed to let me file for employees''pensation, and I wasn''t about to save him any money. Plus, I had my reasons this time. Something about how Clyde looked at me today felt different, reminiscent of old times. That evening, I organized all the paperwork carefully and sent it to the finance department.

    It took Kristin half an hour to respond to my message.

    Kristin: [Is this your medical report? Mr. Patterson approved the reimbursement?]

    I replied: [Yes, I''lle to see you tomorrow.]

    I could imagine Kristin''s shock. After all, my illness was a secret to everyone at thepany.

    Kristin was a veteran at the Patterson Group, handpicked by Clyde''s grandfather to lend him a hand, so I trusted her, knowing she wouldn''t gossip. And I believed she would tell him the truth if Clyde asked her.

    I gently clutched my phone, fixing my eyes on my chat with Clyde.

    I wondered what Clyde would look like if he knew I was sick.

    The next day, I went to the finance office with my documents. Kristin was staring at me with the reimbursement forms,pletely lost for words. "Mnie, is this for real? I thought you were joking. Are you sure you want thepany to cover this?"

    I nodded firmly. Of course, I was sure. Otherwise, I''d be paying out of pocket.

    Kristin didn''t make it difficult for me. She showed me how to organize the paperwork. But when she saw my documents, she paused. "How young are you to be dealing with this? When did you have the surgery?"

    The doctor had rebandaged me just the day before to prevent my wound from opening, and it was all detailed in the report. If Kristin could see it, I was sure anyone who wanted to look into it could find out.

    I ignored her question but asked, "Did Clyde tell you he approved my reimbursement?"

    She nodded. "Said it counts as a work-rted injury."

    "He didn''t ask anything else?" Seeing Kristin shake her head, I had nothing more to say.

    If he had just asked one more question, he might have learned about my condition, but he didn''t. I let out a deep sigh, my hopes finally dashed.

    He didn''t care about me, nor was he interested in why I asked for reimbursement. My medical report had been sitting where he usually dropped his car keys for months.

    Back then, I had hoped he might act like the heroes in novels when they found out their wife was sick, filled with regret and turning over a new leaf. But he didn''t even nce at my medical report, which I eventually threw away.

    My rtionship with Clyde wasn''t a secret at thepany. And he had brought quite a few women around. Nearly everyone knew my husband was cheating on me. Yet, he never let go, and the office was rife with gossip.

    Kristin looked at my documents and then at me with sympathy. "Mnie, you''re talented and gorgeous. Why put up with this? You should be stacking your savings, you know? Just look at Ka."

    This time, I wholeheartedly agreed. Perhaps it was the wisdom of experience speaking. All love was transient. Only money was real. Finally, I understood.

    Suddenly, I envied Ka, who had the most clear-sighted view at the prime of her life.

    Before I left, I made Kristin promise not to tell Clyde.

    Kristin looked puzzled. "Maybe if he knew, he''d change?"

    I shrugged helplessly. "Clyde won''t change. He''d think I''m ying the victim. Better to leave it."Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    He would never know, and maybe that was for the best.

    After leaving the finance department, I saw Ka unting her new designer bag to others with pride.

    "It''s a limited edition. I''ve waited in line for a long time. You need to spend millions a year to get a slot."

    "Yeah, Clyde helped me reserve it. He chose the color. Pretty, isn''t it?"

    When I approached, Ka seemed to notice me, eximing dramatically. "Mnie, you came to finance for reimbursement? A few hundred bucks worth the trouble? Are you that hard up for cash?"

    She held her chin high, her eyes

    gleaming with triumph. Then, in a seemingly concerned whisper, she said, "After all, you''re still Mrs. Patterson in the name. Pinching pennies like this, you''ll make Clyde theughingstock."

    My gaze fell on her handbag, and I nodded earnestly. "You''re quite the big spender, richer than Mrs. Patterson here."

    "Hmph, don''t look down on people. It isn''t part of your marital assets." She emphasized "marital assets" particrly strongly, probably still smarting from a previous encounter.

    Her voice rose a notch again. "This bag, I bought it with my sry. I''ve been working hard, and Mr. Patterson gave me a bonus. Don''t get any wrong ideas. Clyde just helped me reserve it, but I paid myself."

    I couldn''t help butugh out loud. An intern managing to afford a luxury bag worth tens of thousands? Clyde must be loaded.

    "What are youughing at? Who do you think you''re looking down on?" Ka resembled a cat with its tail stepped on, ready to explode any moment.

    I wiped away the tears from

    laughing so hard and looked at her

    from head to toe. "Even for an intern working hard in bed counts as being industrious. Good job, indeed. Please keep up the good work, or who knows who''ll be next in line."

 Chapter 21

    Ka stormed out, tears streaming down her face, leaving everyone in the office shocked and staring at me.

    I grinned at the onlookers. "Looks like you''re all just ckers without your big-shot backers, huh?"

    I could tell they were astonished that I, the usual pushover, had finally stood my ground. I didn''t mean to make things tough for Ka, though.

    I would''ve been happy to live and let live if she hadn''t messed with me. However, she had other ideas.

    When I returned to the Design Department, I could feel the shift in how people looked at me. For a bigpany, they sure had a knack for gossip. When checking my messages, I saw a flurry of chatter about the incident.

    [Has Mnie been possessed or something? She''s been looking skinnytely. I hope she''s okay."

    [Maybe she''s just had enough? Who could put up with being cheated on for three years without snapping?]

    [Ka ran crying to Mr. Patterson''s office. I bet $100 Mnie will get an earful!]

    [I''ll put down $20 that Mnie gets off scot-free.]

    Everyone was betting, but most people figured Clyde would back his girl and go against me. It seemed their opinion of him was unanimous. Over the years, he''d seemed to have my back.

    But whenever it came down to me versus one of his flings, guess who got the short end of the stick? Yet, I didn''t get the anticipated dressing down. Things seemed oddly calm. Until, close to quitting time, Lina approached me in tears and with a stack of paperwork. "Mnie, the secretary said Mr. Patterson was too busy to see me, and these documents still haven''t been signed. The supplier called, saying they haven''t received payment and they''ll raise prices. What do we do?"

    I took the paperwork, frowning. "Why are there so many copies?"

    Lina exined, "Ms. Osborne kept finding issues with the format and the font... We had to keep revising. And after all that, she said it couldn''t be signed. What do we do now?"

    Lina was on the verge of tears, and Ipletely understood her frustration. Someone would have to answer for it if thepany faced losses. And a price hike from the supplier, even a small one, would cost us millions.

    I grabbed the documents and stormed into Clyde''s office. Ka was there, nibbling on a cupcake and cozying up by his side.

    "Mr. Patterson, you seem busy. Too busy to even sign the documents?" I slid the paperwork across his desk. "Since you haven''t signed off yet, finance hasn''t made the payment and now the supplier is talking about raising their prices. Let''s figure out who''s going to take the heat when the me game kicks off."

    Ka stood up, visibly shaken. "It''s after hours. Can''t Mr. Patterson have a break? Does he always have to be working?"

    "Say whatever you want. Lina has been trying to get this sorted for hours. It is on you." I said my piece and wasn''t interested in watching them feed each other cupcakes.

    I knew this mess started because of me, but I wouldn''t let Lina and the others take the fall. That was a responsibility no one could bear.

    Clyde gave me a cold look, then nced over the documents, his brow furrowing. He didn''t be the heir to the Patterson family by being a fool. I knew he could

    Spot

    the issue, and it was up to him to

    act.

    But I had overestimated him. With a sneer, he pushed the documents back to me. "This is your department''s problem. You handle it."

    "Sorry, but I''m the head of the

    Design Department. And everything''s documented. Lina''smunications with Ms. Osborne are all recorded. Maybe we should go through thepany''s internal investigation process and make it public to the board. How about that?"

    I gave him a wide, cheerful smile, then nced at Ka, who turned pale as a ghost. She probably only wanted to make my life difficult, not realizing the magnitude of the problem.

    The supplier wasn''t our regr go-to. We only partnered with them due to a sudden shortage. They had given us a bargain, and Patterson Group''s failure to pay on time wasn''t their fault for raising prices.

    Clyde reviewed the documents again. "How much are they raising the price?"

    I answered without hesitation. "Half a percent. It will likely increase our construction costs by about one percent."

    That got Clyde''s attention. He sat up, fixing his gaze on me.

    I wouldn''t lie about work matters, soExclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    I pulled out the budget documents. "And that''s just the immediate cost increase. If they refuse to continue working with us, the project will face dys and incur additional expenses."

    With each word, Ka''s face grew paler. I saw her attempt to speak several times but seemed lost for words.

    Clyde studied the materials, then rubbed his temples, a telltale sign he was stressed. A material issue wasn''t just about losing a few million dors.

    Finally, his eyes met mine again. "You''re in charge. Go negotiate with them."

    "I won''t. I''m the Design Director. It isn''t my responsibility." I tly rejected his suggestion.

    Not only was this outside my purview, but even if it weren''t, I wouldn''t take it on for nothing.

    At that moment, Clyde and I reached an unprecedented understanding.

    He asked, "You want amission?"

    I smiled brightly. "With possibly millions at stake, right?"

    He looked at me, augh escaping him despite his frustration. "Fine, go. If you manage it, you''ll get $500,000."

    My smile got wilder. "Deal, Mr. Patterson."

 Chapter 22

    I already knew the supplier from working with the Patterson Group a few times before, but we weren''t that close.

    When I arrived at their office, the air was thick with tension.

    "Ms. Crawford, what a surprise. You''ve got some free time on your hands now? Our little operation might be too small to handle a big fish like Patterson Group. Don''t you think so?"

    Jake Stone barely nced up,zily stirring his coffee as he spoke.

    I was well aware that the mess was on Patterson Group''s end, so I didn''t put up much of a fight. If there was one thing I''d learned over the years, it was how to y the underdog in negotiations. Sometimes, ying up the gender card did work in the business world.

    Especially since Jake was still around after hours, clearly waiting for someone from Patterson Group to show up. After all, no one else could supply on such short notice.

    Jake''s demeanor softened after a bit of smooth-talking, though he was far from satisfied. "We gave Patterson Group our best deal, rushed the job without extra charges, and now, you''re holding back payment? That''s hardly fair."

    "You''re right. This oversight was on us. But if you agree, we can process the payment immediately." I slid the paperwork across the table to him. "Mr. Stone, several big projects areing up for Patterson Group that require even more supplies. I know yourpany has plenty of partners, but wouldn''t a stable coboration benefit both of us?"

    Jake considered it for a moment, his interest piqued.

    Though just a branch manager, Clyde might be the future CEO. Securing a partnership with Patterson Group could guarantee steady profits for years. Seeing his interest, I showed him several sessful case studies and profit analyses.

    Finally, Jake was convinced. ¡°Ms. Crawford, you sure have a way with words. I had you pegged all wrong...¡±

    He trailed off, but I got the gist. Everyone thought I was too timid to say anything, even if it meant being known as the wife with a cheating husband.

    Iughed off the awkwardness. "Necessity is the mother of invention, right? Mr. Patterson sent me, so here I am. Luckily, you were willing to listen, or I wouldn''t have gotten a word in edgewise."

    ying the role of the wronged wife had its perks. It earned me sympathy in our circles, and Jake no longer saw me as a threat. However, he insisted that the Patterson Group partner with him on their next project as a condition for supplying goods at the original price.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    With that hurdle cleared, I was in high spirits. Once the delivery was on the way, I''d have a cool half-million in the bank, easing my financial worries.

    I was ready to celebrate with a good night''s sleep, but Clyde''s incessant calls woke me up.

    After hanging up on him several times, I finally picked up, thinking of the potential financial fallout if something happened to him.

    His voice rang out, "Come get me, Velvet Nights."

    "I''m sleeping. Goodnight." As I was about to hang up, Dailey''s voice came through, sounding desperate. "Come on, Mnie. Clyde''s lost it, calling everyone babe. He might lose it with me if you don''t show up."

    Dailey sounded genuinely

    ??? ?

    concerned. As one of Clyde''s few good friends, he''d always been decent tome. Reluctantly, I got dressed and headed out. I couldn''t let Clyde make a scene. As his wife, at least on paper, it was my mess to clean up.

    At the bar, Clyde was indeed drunk.

    Seeing me, he lunged forward. "Babe, you came! They''re all liars, saying you wouldn''te. I knew you cared."

    He smothered my neck with kisses, making my skin crawl, but I couldn''t push him away. Eventually, I let him be.

    Dailey sighed in relief. "If you hadn''te, I was about to knock him out. Scary stuff." Then, he looked me over. "No wonder everyone said you were the campus belle. You look like a fresh-faced college girl."

    I rushed out in my favorite white dress from college, Clyde''s first gift to me.

    Clyde shoved him away, protective as ever. "Back off. She''s mine."

    His possessive act made meugh. He was always like that with my admirers back in college, calling me his girlfriend.

    Lost in the memory, I got jolted back by Ka''s tearful voice. "Clyde."

    He stiffened, then quickly let me go. "Ka? You?"

    His gaze shifted between us, sobering up with a hint of disgust. "Mnie, this is pathetic. Dressing like Ka to win me back? You think I''d go home with you, huh?"

    Turning to see Ka in a white dress as I was, a mirror image of my college self, I wiped my neck where he''d kissed. "Clyde, don''t dial the wrong number next time. I won''t be picking you up. Never again."

 Chapter 23

    Ever since that day, my rtionship with Clyde had gone south.

    He stoppeding home, and I stopped asking where he was. Even at work, we acted like strangers.

    I was relishing the newfound freedom. Life without him was significantly lighter. Ka also stopped her provocations, though she always sported a smug look whenever our paths crossed.

    ''Just another jerk,'' I thought. If it hadn''t been Ka, it would''ve been someone else.

    After all, the world was all lookalikes. Finding another Clyde wouldn''t be hard. But I had bigger fish to fry than to dwell on their soap opera, especially since I was about to start my treatments.

    With Clyde''s approval, the finance department promptly processed my bonus. Armed with the cash, I felt empowered and splurged on some health supplements.

    After scheduling with my doctor, I took some time off work.

    Jade, always looking out for me, took off to keep mepany too.

    "The first session might hit you with heavy side effects. You might want to stay overnight for observation," The doctor cautioned as he administered the treatment.

    I noted his advice, watching the medicine trickle into my bloodstream, feeling a sense of life getting injected back into me.

    "Ms. Crawford, looking good. That''s a positive sign," he encouraged. "But you need to up your intake. Your body will burn through more, so make sure to replenish."

    Jade nodded along, having gifted me two boxes of gourmet protein bars, pretending they were from someone else. But she forgot the receipt underneath.

    Sitting beside me, she turned into a mother hen, chattering away. "Back in college, all you cared about was staying slim. Now, you better eat up. I''m taking you out for a hearty meal once a week, and if you lose any weight, I''m docking your pay."

    I rested my head on her shoulder, feeling the warmth andfort, my heart filling with gratitude.

    The side effects hit hard on me, like dizziness, nausea, and a parched mouth. My doctor said these were allmon and told me to make sure I got plenty of rest.

    Jade wanted me to crash at her ce, but as we were about to leave, Jake called.

    "Mnie, as the CEO''s wife, shouldn''t you keep your word?" he chided. "You promised us the next project. Why the sudden cold shoulder?"

    Jake''s words puzzled me. I had discussed coborating with hispany with Clyde, who had agreed. Why the change of ns?

    After pacifying Jake, I rushed back

    l

    to the office. @knew how vital our partnership with the Stone family was. Breaking a promise could tarnish the Patterson Group''s reputation. Clyde might be a piece of work, but the Patterson family had been good to me. I couldn''t stand by and watch theirpany suffer.

    Back in the office, I unearthed the new contract.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    "Apex Group? Who are they? Never heard of them," I questioned, looking at Lina.

    Lina shrugged. "No clue. Mr. Patterson decided on them today. It''s a new firm, not very big."

    I flipped through the contract and noticed the owner shared Ka''sst name. Things started clicking together.

    Barging into Clyde''s office, Ka tried to stop me but recoiled at my fury. "Uh, Mr. Patterson is..."

    "Move." I brushed past her.

    While on a call, Clyde frowned at my entrance, quickly wrapping it up.

    Ka looked toward him, ying the victim. "Clyde, Mnie just stormed in. I couldn''t stop her."

    He nced at me impatiently. "What''s it this time?"

    "I thought we were all set for the

    next project with Mr. Stone, like you agreed. Why are we backing out now?" Painting at the Apex Group''s name on the contract, I snapped, "Is this your handpickedpany? Or perhaps a rtive of someone special?"

    My gazended on Ka, her guilty expression confirming my suspicions.

    People with theirst name weren''t thatmon. Ka''s boldness grew with Clyde''s support. "Verbal agreements mean nothing without a contract." "Mnie, you''re just the marketing director. Thispany belongs to the Patterson family, not you." She sidestepped me, aligning herself with Clyde. "Are you part of the Patterson family now? Or should I start calling you Mrs. Patterson?" I must''ve looked threatening as Ka shrank back into Clyde.

    He tightened his embrace. "Mnie, Ka''s right. Company matters are beyond you."

    "The Patterson Group, breaking

    promises? Don''t you care about thepany''s reputation? Don''t you care about the implications for our other partnerships?" I tried reasoning, hoping to awaken his business acumen.

    e

    Despite Clyde''s ws, I thought he had always kept work separate.

    But he scoffed dismissively. "It''s not The Patterson Group breaking a promise, but you. What you promised Mr. Stone has nothing to do with the Patterson Group. Who do you think you are?"

 Chapter 24

    |

    Clyde''s words hit me like a freight train. After all these years together, he knew what strings to pull, leaving no room for excuses.

    I forced my eyes wide open, fighting back tears and refusing to let my eyes redden, especially not before him and Ka. I didn''t want to show weakness.

    I nodded and left the office without another word in the end. Clyde was right. I had no say in the matters of the Patterson Group, and I certainly couldn''t speak on its behalf.

    Everyone knew I was the unwanted Mrs. Patterson, and my promises were worth only as much as I could personally uphold. But I had to take responsibility for this mess. I owed Jake an exnation.

    When I arrived at his office, Jake smashed a coffee mug on the floor right before me. The mug shattered with a loud snap.

    "Mnie, this isn''t how we handle things. Do you know how much I''ve had to adjust our production schedule for the Patterson Group project?" Jake exploded. "Now you''re pulling the rug out from under me? Is this your way of saying you don''t want to work with me?"

    I was at a loss for words. The Patterson Group had decided to go with Apex Group, leaving no room for a deal with Jake. I kept apologizing, trying to calm his anger.

    But Jake was livid, standing up abruptly and shoving me toward the door.

    Suddenly, I felt something trickling from my nose, and then I saw the shock in Jake''s eyes. "Mnie, Ms. Crawford, Mnie!"

    I gently touched my nose and saw blood on my hand, momentarily stunned.

    Jake then yelled, "Call 911, now!"

    I wanted to tell him I was okay. It was probably just a side effect of some medication. But I couldn''t utter a word, copsing to the ground.

    I didn''t lose consciousness entirely. I was vaguely aware of people lifting me onto a stretcher, chaotic footsteps around me, and someone repeatedly calling my name.

    When I finally came to, night had fallen.

    Jake and his wife were by my bed. Seeing me awake, they hurried over.

    "Ms. Crawford, are you okay? How are you feeling?" Mrs. Stone looked genuinely concerned.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    I shook my head slightly and immediately apologized, "I''m so sorry, Mr. Stone. I couldn''t secure the deal, and now, you get caught up in this mess."

    "Let it go. I know it''s not your fault. You''ve had it rough." Jake waved it off, distressed.

    Losing such a significant contract would upset anyone. It was more than just a financial hit.

    Mrs. Stone gave me a ss of

    water, ncing disapprovingly at her husband. "Ms. Crawford, the doctor said it was a reaction to the medication, but they didn''t specify which one. Jake already called Mr. Patterson, but his secretary mentioned he''s too busy toe."

    Her eyes met mine, full of sympathy. I got the message loud and clear.

    Hours had passed, and Clyde hadn''t shown up. He probably wouldn''te at all. Either Ka hadn''t mentioned my situation to him, or he didn''t care to visit.

    I sighed, hiding my disappointment, and reached for my phone. "Mr. Stone, my visit wasn''t just to apologize. I''m here to make things right."

    gave him contacts of several

    I

    companies I had previously worked

    Ret

    with. "These folks all have projects, needing supplies, and I''ve spoken with them. They''re very interested in working with yourpany. Lkriow this mishap with the Patterson Group is our fault. Apologies are meaningless now. It''s up to you to renegotiate with them."

    Jake''s lips curled into a smile as he scrolled through the contacts I sent him. Then he sighed, "Ms. Crawford, why go through all this trouble for us?"

    I smiled, not sure how to exin. Jake and his wife knew my story, so they referred to me as "Ms. Crawford," not "Mrs. Patterson."

    The doctor confirmed it was a side effect of the medication. It was nothing serious.

    The Stones insisted on driving me home, but I refused. I was willing to appear vulnerable for work''s sake, but I didn''t want pity from anyone. Returning to the apartment felt suffocating.

    If I could, I would leave this ce. I was already nning my exit. When I opened the door, the cold emptiness of the living room greeted me. Seeing a figure on the couch, I instinctively grabbed a vase from the shoe rack.

    "Huh, you don''t recognize me anymore?" Clyde stepped forward, turning on the living room light.

    Squinting, I finally saw his furious expression. I didn''t engage, simply switching to slippers.

    But he grabbed my wrist, pinning me against the wall. "Why didn''t you answer your phone? What are you trying to do? Isn''t work your priority? Do you know how many things got dyed because you weren''t there? Can you take responsibility for that?"

    He seemed genuinely angry, his grip tightening to the point where I thought my wrist might break.

    I inhaled sharply, then red at him. "If you break my wrist, would that be considered assault? I could file for divorce for domestic abuse. Have you thought about how much you''d have to pay me?"

 Chapter 25

    "Mnie, when did you be so unreasonable? You think threatening divorce will make up for the losses from you abandoning your post?" Clyde shouted, "If it''s money you want, work for it. Don''t act as if you own the Patterson Group."Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Clyde''s grip loosened. His frown remained persistent, looking like I was making a fuss over nothing. His words baffled me, seemingly forgetting I was his wife, and naturally, I had a stake in thepany. But I didn''t want to argue.

    I shrugged. "When did I be so indispensable? How did the Patterson Group manage without me?"

    "If I''m that crucial, my sry is a joke. Too low." I pushed him aside, tossing my bag onto the couch.

    He disliked my attitude, gripping my wrist again, then paused. "You''ve lost weight again? Haven''t you been eating?"

    Surprised he noticed, I scoffed, unwilling to respond. I lost my appetite, and the doctor said chemotherapy might worsen it, but I had to eat, or I''d copse. Looking at my reddened wrist, I sighed softly. I was indeed too thin. I might have a fracture next time.

    "Mnie, can''t you stop this? You''re the head of the Design Department. There''s so much waiting for your approval. You can''t just leave work like this."

    Clyde''s annoying tone forced a retort from me. "So? Why didn''t you pick up Jake''s calls? Right, you didn''t take mine, either. Ka said you were busy."

    I faced him with no expression, seeing surprise and a hint of panic in his eyes, which quickly turned to anger. "Mnie, I had an important meeting this afternoon. Stop making a scene."

    "Why is it always someone else''s fault with you? Can''t you ever reflect on yourself? You were never like this in college. Why push everything onto the innocent now?"

    I watched him rage, feeling utterly calm. I seemed to have forgotten my college days. Did he even remember? Was I, then, not innocent? Did I deserve all this?

    Closing my eyes, I felt tears well up. College was different because Clyde believed in me unconditionally back then. When my thesis got falsely used of giarism, it could''ve been the best, yet I was under investigation.

    Everyone thought I, the rich girl, bought someone else''s work, especially since my user was a hardworking student from a poor background, making her words seem more credible.

    She insisted my thesis was a revision of hers, and even my advisor doubted me. I felt my world copsing. Whether I could graduate was one thing, and being falsely used was another.

    Only a few friends stood by me. Clyde was missing for a week, only asionally contacting me, until he showed up with video evidence and my discarded draft notes, proving my innocence.

    He had hacked into the school''s surveince with some ssmates to find evidence of the theft and dug through the trash for my notes. For a whole week, he barely slept, reeking when he finally appeared.

    bel.re

    But didn''t care. I embracenim

    tightly. He was my light, the one I''d always acknowledge.

    But at the time, his eyes held distrust for me, and I turned away.

    People change, a lesson I knew since childhood but only truly understood then.

    Suddenly, warm liquid flowed from my nose, and I covered it with a tissue, but blood seeped through.

    Clyde looked at me, panicked, quickly reaching for tissues. "What''s happening? What''s wrong with you?"

    His shaky voice and horrified look

    seemed genuine. He always confused me with his actions, bringing other women home, telling me he didn''t love me, and then

    showing concern when I least

    expected it.

    I pushed him away, covering my nose. "It''s your infuriating behavior. I''d live longer without seeing you. Otherwise, you and your flings might be the death of me."

    It was the truth. The doctor said stress could worsen my condition.

    Clyde''s face went through several emotions before settling on a clenched jaw. "Fine by me! Mel, even if you begged me, I wouldn''t care Don''t just talk about nosebleeds. Even if you were dying, I wouldn''t spare you a nce!"

    He grabbed his coat, mming the door behind him. As the door clicked shut, my already dead heart ached anew. I let the blood drip, staining my shirt.

    I thought, ''Clyde, don''t you know about self-fulfilling prophecies? Maybe your words woulde true after all.''

 Chapter 26

    The next day, I texted Clyde''s secretary, Gemma, to call in sick. I kept it vague, mentioning I had personal matters to attend to without diving into any details.

    Gemma''s response was brief, a simple "Okay," without further inquiry.

    Being Merritt Patterson''s right hand, Gemma was Clyde''s most trusted assistant. So, getting her approval was as good as getting Clyde''s.

    After the unpleasantness of the previous day, Clyde probably thought I was being petnt and throwing a tantrum. He didn''t mince his words when he texted me, stating I was absent for not taking a leave and that I''d lose my perfect attendance bonus for the month.

    After doing the math, the loss wasn''t as painful as I thought, so I didn''t fret much about it.

    Jade was already waiting for me downstairs early in the morning, holding some sandwiches. "I know you''re not feeling up to eating much, but you''ve got to try a bit. They say chemotherapy can take a toll on you."

    With a look of concern, she watched as I took big bites of the sandwich, finally breathing a sigh of relief before driving me to the hospital.

    I felt nervous during the chemotherapy, especially when I noticed a young girl with a bald head nearby. I instinctively grabbed Jade''s hand tightly. Jade saw the girl, too, her eyes filled with limitless sympathy.

    The girl''s mom seemed to catch our gaze and gave a resigned smile. "People lose their hair during chemo. We decided to shave it off first rather than wait for it to all be gone."

    The girl nodded vigorously. "Don''t worry, miss. You can wear a wig. You can find many pretty ones at the wig shop behind the hospital."

    She looked to be around seven or eight, blissfully unaware of the gravity of her situation, excitedly talking about the beautiful pigtails at the wig shop. Jade snorted, "Talk about a business opportunity. That shop must be making a fortune."

    I nodded, smiling. "Yeah, let''s check it outter."

    Jade opened her mouth as if to say something but just nodded silently.

    It wasn''t until after my treatment that she spoke up. "Mnie, you''re always the brightest star in my sky! I''ll buy you the fanciest wig!" Seeing the tears in her eyes, I nodded vigorously. "I want the most expensive one. Or you could grow out your hair and make me a wig."

    She touched her long hair and shook her head. "Spare my few strands, will you? I''d rather buy one."

    We caught each other''s eye and burst outughing, the sadness we''d felt just moments before temporarily forgotten.

    I didn''t immediately feel sick from the chemo, which was a relief.

    Passing by a barber shop, I asked Jade to stop. "I want to get a short haircut."

    Jade looked at me in horror, but after I reassured her that it was only a haircut, she agreed to apany me inside. My hair had grown since high school, only trimmed once a year.

    "Are you sure you want to cut it short? It''s such a pity," the barber asked for the third time, but I was determined. "Keep my hair, please. I want to make it into a wig. Your shop can arrange that, right?"

    Being close to the hospital, the barber understood my situation and nodded sympathetically.

    Jade turned away to wipe her tears secretly while I just smiled. It was just a haircut, not the end of the world.

    The barber carefully cut and preserved my hair, offering encouragement and sharing stories of cancer survivors.

    I knew that with proper care, my life wasn''t necessarily at an end. I only wanted to live it fully for as long as I could.

    Looking at my reflection, I

    remembered when Clyde was with me for a haircut. He used to love my long hair saying he''d work hard sol could rely on him. It didn''t matter. He didn''t love me anymore, so whether my hair was long or short made no difference.

    After the haircut, I felt refreshed, and even Jade seemed relieved. "Lucky for you. You can pull off any look. I bet you''d even look good bald."

    I rolled my eyes. "You''ll see my bald look soon enough."

    She looked sad again, but I hugged her. "Don''t worry. It''s just hair. It''ll grow back."

    Clyde''s call came through as we debated whether to eat beef steak or seafood.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    "Mnie, did you think taking a day off would solve everything? I don''t care where you are. Come back to work immediately!"

 Chapter 27

    I used to count the minutes until he''d call. But now, the name "Clyde" shing on my phone screen felt like a visual assault. Thinking about the handful of projects I had tethered to thepany, I dragged myself back to the office.

    As I walk into Clyde''s office, I spot Ka storming out, her eyes red from crying. She shot me a re filled with resentment as she passed by. Raising an eyebrow in confusion, I stepped inside and asked, "You needed to see me?"

    Momentarily distracted by my newly chopped hair, Clyde blurted out, "Why''d you cut your hair?"Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    Ignoring his question, I repeated, "Was there something you needed?"

    "Tonight''s dinner at the Patterson Mansion. You''reing with me," he said, his toneced with reluctance.

    Clyde always seemed out of ce among the Patterson family, though he was one of them. I knew bits and pieces of his past, orphaned and raised by his grandmother. He might not have left the small vige if he hadn''t been so excellent in his studies. I always felt he had a unique vibe, which attracted me. His identity remained a secret until desperation almost broke him.

    Three months after we broke up and I left for Aurorea, the Patterson family officially recognized Clyde and took him back to the family. Unfortunately, his grandmother was battling a severe heart condition, and he was busy taking care of his grandmother in the hospital and working in thepany. He worked as a programmer and didn''t make much. Meanwhile, I was dealing with my first cancer diagnosis amidst my family''s financial turmoil.

    The decision to leave the country and Clyde was forced upon me by my mother, who was also secretly fighting cancer. She wanted to spare us both from a future marred by illness and mutual resentment.

    I grabbed my mother''s hand in tears. "Mom, Clyde won''t despise me. He loves me so much. He won''t break up with me because I have cancer."

    My mother shook her head painfully, her eyes filled with sorrow. "Mel, Clyde''s grandmother is critically sick, and our family is in financial crisis. You must go abroad now."

    Hold

    I shook my head violently, refusing to leave Clyde I didn''t give up until my mother told me the truth that my grandmother and two aunts died of of cancer. Back then, I had no idea my mother had been diagnosed with cancer, which was why she got so desperate. "Mel, you may get the cancer, but look at our family... I know Clyde is a good guy. I also know you love him, but I don''t want you two to hate each otherter."

    My mother continued, "If you hold him off now, how aboutter? Will you two even have a future?"

    My mother''s words stunned me. Clyde might not disdain me for my cancer, but what if our children died of cancer, too? Would he hate me after learning the truth?

    Clyde always wanted a family, and I didn''t have the heart to ruin his hope. I was only twenty then and never thought I would die. I had cried my heart out for days. Seeing the debt collectors knocking on our door, I flew abroad under my mother''s arrangement.

    Before leaving, I gave Clyde my grandmother''s antique diamond ne through a friend, hoping he''d use it to pay for his grandmother''s medical expenses. He wouldn''t ept it if I gave it to him myself. Our break-up had been messy, fueled by misunderstandings and my mother''s harsh words, using him of being a gold-digger.

    Proud as ever, Clyde waited outside

    my house for days, leaving when rumors of me moving on with someone else reached him.

    Meanwhile, a chance encounter at the hospital connected him with his biological grandfather, Merritt, needing a bone marrow transnt. That event saved Merritt''s life and reinstated Clyde''s ce within the Patterson family.

    Having married Clyde and interacted with the Patterson family, I learned about the tragedy that struck when Clyde was three. His parents disappeared during a family hiking trip. The family paid a ransom but heard no more words from the

    kidnappers, so they gave up hope, thinking the kidnappers had murdered Clyde''s parents. But Clyde''s sudden reappearance after many years brought joy and tension within the family.

    Clyde detested the pretense involved in interacting with the Patterson family, a task which eventually fell to me after our marriage. His reluctance was palpable, much like that, as he reminded me of the dinner at the Patterson Mansion before leaving the room with disdain.

    Ka''s earlier tears made sense. As the current Mrs. Patterson, I was expected at family gatherings, a ce she had no im to. But the thought of dealing with the family''s dynamics made me almost as reluctant as Clyde.

    Yet, remembering Merritt''s kindness, I put aside my feelings. Attending the dinner was the least I could do to honor the man who had been like my grandfather.

 Chapter 28

    When the clock signaled the end of my workday, I hopped into a cab and headed straight for the Patterson Mansion. I knew Clyde wouldn''t be there to pick me up. As expected, upon my arrival at the Patterson Mansion, Clyde was already inside, looking out of ce among the lively chatter of the gathered crowd.

    Lucia greeted me with a smirk, pulling me inside. "I was just saying, our daughter-inw sure knows how to stretch a dor. Your bag must be at least five or six years old by now. Could it still fetch a few bucks in a yard sale? And look at you, someone might mistake you for an intern, oh dear..." Lucia had always had a sharp tongue. She had once hoped to set Clyde up with her friend''s daughter, but I had unexpectedly won Clyde''s heart instead. Since then, she never missed a chance to throw a barb my way.

    I smiled, letting herments slide. Most of the Patterson family were well aware of my situation and saw me as a bit of a joke.

    Suddenly, she seemed to remember something and quickly covered her mouth. "Oh dear, what am I saying? What you wear or use is up to Clyde''s permission, right? Otherwise, you can''t even open your wardrobe."

    It wasmon knowledge among the Patterson family, and their looks of disdain were all too familiar.

    Clyde''s face stiffened, and he stared at me with displeasure. I knew I was an embarrassment to him. But what could I do?

    "Lucia''s right. I have no right to use things around the house as I please." I kept my smile, nodding politely to Lucia and the others.

    Merritt, the elder patriarch, coughed loudly and waved me over. "Mnie,e sit down. I hear you''ve gone back to work. Why put yourself through all that hardship?"

    He was from the older generation, believing a woman''s ce was at home, not meddling in business affairs. Unfortunately for him, being a traditional housewife was thest thing on my mind.

    I sat beside him, listening as they discussed business matters.

    Laird Patterson scoffed at me, "A pauper''s daughter just doesn''t get it, making the elders wait for dinner."

    Lucia interrupted, "Exactly, she showed up at such an important family gathering without a proper dress or jewelry. What a sight."

    Clyde remained silent as his family criticized me, never speaking up in my defense. But I was done taking it lying down. I nced at the ne around Lucia''s neck and raised an eyebrow. "Having no jewelry is better than wearing fakes. Lucia, your emerald looks about as genuine as a beer bottle."

    When the Crawford family was affluent, I had seen my mother wear countless pieces of exquisite jewelry. I could tell a fake from a mile away.

    Only Merritt had made a name for himself among his generation. The others were living off his coattails. Laird had taken over the family business but was struggling, often looking for handouts.

    Lucia red at me. "What nonsense are you spouting? What would you know,ing from such a humble background?"

    Suddenly, felt nauseous and rushed

    to the bathroom. I figured

    chemotherapy wouldn''t be the ne

    but was wrong. After violently

    bad,

    throwing up, I felt weak and dizzy.

    Someone handed me a ss of water. I rinsed my mouth without a word of thanks.

    "What''s going on?" Clyde asked, his tone mixed with suspicion and concern.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    "Just an upset stomach," I said.

    He didn''t press further, instead asking the staff to bring me another ss of water. After drinking it, I felt slightly better.

    He watched me quietly, then asked, "Why didn''t you ask me to open the wardrobe?"

    Iughed coldly. "Clyde, don''t you

    find it ridiculous? I need your permission to wear my clothes. Each time I call Gemma, do you know how she speaks to me? You might not find it embarrassing, but I

    do.

    swneve

    I tossed the ss aside, no longer wanting to look at him.

    He grabbed my wrist gently, a softer approach than before. "No wonder you''ve lost weight. If you''re not feeling well, take a break. Why push yourself?"

    "You wouldn''t let me take a break, remember?" I said, trying to pull away, but he wouldn''t let go. He seemed to recall the incident, at a loss for words. We stood there, locked in a stalemate, until Evelyn approached with a smile, prompting Clyde to release me.

    "Mnie, don''t be too hard on Lucia.

    After all, you''re part of the Patterson family. It wouldn''t do to embarrass ourselves. It''s one thing among family, but what if outsiders were present? That would tarnish the Patterson name."

    Evelyn always had a way of veiling her insults with a smile. I returned the gesture, opting to remain silent.

    Once she left, Clyde''s gaze lingered on my neck, then he sighed. "Things will change from now on."

    I looked at him, puzzled.

    He added, "From now on, the wardrobe, the jewelry box, it''s all yours to use freely. No need for anyone else''s permission."

    I offered a faint smile. "No need. I don''t want it."

 Chapter 29

    Clyde seemed stunned by my indifference, his eyes filled with confusion as they met mine.

    It used to be me chasing after him, and then, all of a sudden, dering I didn''t need him anymore must have been a shock. But maybe he didn''t understand that my change of heart wasn''t so sudden.

    Suddenly, he became agitated, pinning me against the bathroom counter. "Don''t need me anymore? What''s that supposed to mean? You know Mrs. Patterson has a flurry of social events to attend. How can you ''not need''?"

    I looked at him coldly, devoid of any emotion in my gaze. When I needed him the most, he wasn''t there. And he insisted on offering himself when I''d moved past that need?Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    "What are you smirking about?" His frown deepened.

    I pursed my lips, letting out a soft sigh. "Clyde, why bother? If you''re looking for a presentable Mrs. Patterson, why not go with Ka? A ne of tens of thousands, thetest designer handbags, and your affection, she''s the most presentable. She''s the perfect Mrs. Patterson, isn''t she?"

    I pushed him away, annoyed, and returned to the dining table. There was no point in arguing any further. I was past the age of wanting to argue with him. In just three years, I felt like I had aged thirty. I was tired of fighting.

    Clyde followed, sitting down with a huff.

    Lucia looked at me with a forced smile. ¡°Mnie, how long have you been feeling nauseous? Have you been vomiting a lot?"

    Evelyn appeared concerned as well. "Are your periods regr?"

    I knew what they were insinuating. They thought I was pregnant, which wasughable.

    Before I could respond, Merritt pped the table with enthusiasm. ¡°Well, well, looks like the Patterson family might be expecting! It must be. It must be so!"

    Seeing his joy, I didn''t have the heart to shatter his illusion. But perhaps it was better to know some things sooner thanter to save from greater disappointment.

    I sipped my red wine under the astonished gazes of thedies and slowly spoke up, "No, I''ve just been having some stomach issues, not pregnant." Lucia visibly rxed, leaning back in her chair with azy posture. "I thought as much. After all these years without news, I thought the hen would finallyy an egg."

    Laird coughed loudly, silencing her.

    Evelyn chuckled awkwardly. "No worries. You''re both young. You''re quite thin, which might make it difficult to conceive. You need to take better care, and in time, it will happen."

    In reality, both families would like to see me remain barren forever.

    If Clyde had no heirs, the Patterson family would eventually be theirs.

    I understood that, and so did Merritt.

    Merritt

    mmed

    his fork down on

    the table, giving me a stern look. "Mnie, know you''re strong-willed, but you have to consider the future of the Patterson family. I only have Clyde as a grandson. You know your responsibility is significant

    Merritt was like that, clear about what mattered most, and not unkind to me, but deeply traditional. Once, I would have been willing to bear Clyde''s child. But at the time, even if I could, I wouldn''t want to.

    Seeing I remained silent, Merritt was about to erupt when Clyde suddenly spoke up. "Grandpa, please. Mnie and I are both busy, in the prime of our careers. Having a child now would indeed be disruptive."

    He grasped my hand tightly, preventing my escape. Before his family, I had to maintain his dignity, so I stopped resisting. But his following words chilled me to the bone.

    "Besides, I''m not ready for children just yet. I don''t have ns for that."

    I looked down, unwilling to see the reactions of others. Was it just about not wanting children or not wanting them with me? I still remember how disgusted he was using me of taking off with some rich guy from another country. How could he ever want a child with me?

    Tears welled up in my eyes, unnoticed.

    When we first got together, I had talked about wanting a happy family of three. Back then, he was an orphan without a family, feeling something was missing.

    I once said I wanted to be his family, and our child could be his closest kin. But he had hesitated. We had argued about it, and I felt he didn''t love me enough.

    Then, one day, he took me to a mall where we tried abor pain simtion. Hearing him scream, I was terrified. Then, pale and sweating, he hugged me tightly.

    He finally spoke, teeth clenched in pain. "How can it hurt this much?"

    I embraced him, whispering, "But I still want a child with you, our child, sharing our blood."

    We hugged silently for a long time.

    In the end, he cried. "Maybe we could do a C-section under general anesthesia. I''ll take care of the child. Just one, no more."

    I couldn''t help butugh through tears at his words.

    The dinner ended without further

    conversation to the car ride home, neither of us spoke. I had no idea what he was thinking. All I could think of was my mother''s face..

    Cancerran high in my family

    couldn''t take the risk. When we loved each other, I couldn''t bear to harm him or our child. Now that his love was gone, the thought was unbearable.

    Back home, I closed the door, silently watching his weary figure.

    Thinking of the Patterson family''s true colors, I swallowed hard and softly said, "Clyde, let''s get a divorce."

 Chapter 30

    "What''s gotten into you now?" Clyde didn''t even turn around, clearly not keen on diving into that conversation.

    I repeated myself, "Let''s get a divorce."

    He didn''t love me anymore. It seemed he had found his true love, and I couldn''t fathom why he was still clinging to me. Was it to get back at me for leaving him years ago? Weren''t three years of this charade enough?

    I had left for two years, and he had been parading his affair for three, making us even in my book. Leaving at the moment would be dignified for both of us, squaring all ounts.

    He finally turned with a harsh glint in his eyes. "Mnie, what game are you ying now? Divorce? I bet you''re just trying to get my attention. Haven''t I done enough?"

    I couldn''t grasp what he meant. What had he done? So, does bringing his mistress into our house and expecting me to join family dinners count or what? Sure, that was quite the honor, indeed.

    But before I could retort, nausea overcame me. I rushed to the bathroom, throwing up until I was dizzy. I hadn''t eaten anything beforehand, and soon, I was retching, feeling slightly better after getting it all out.

    Clyde was there, patting my back and handing me water. I could sense his anxiety, but I was too miserable to make out his words.

    Suddenly, he lifted me despite my struggles. "Stop moving. I''m taking you to the hospital. You can''t go on like this."

    "No, don''t!" I pushed against him, not wanting any part of a hospital visit.

    What was there to see? It was just the side effects of chemotherapy. It would get worse.

    But he seemed impatient, holding me even tighter. At the door, his phone rang with Ka''s ringtone. He hesitated before setting me down to answer

    it.

    "Clyde, are you done with me? You don''t love me anymore? But I still love you! So, you''re leaving me for Mnie and going to see your family with her, right? Clyde, I''m at a bar, and this guy is staring at me. I''m so scared." Ka''s intive voice came through, and Clyde froze.

    He looked at me, all torn up, but then he steeled himself and said into the phone, "Send me the address. I''ll be right there."

    I sat on the sofa, covering my forehead with my hand. I didn''t want to see Clyde or watch him rush to another woman''s aid.

    Clyde put on his jacket, his voice trembling, "Mnie, wait for me toe home. I''ll drop Ka off and take you to the hospital."

    I scoffed, not responding. I knew Clyde wouldn''t return. Dizziness washed over me, and my head felt heavy. I remembered the doctor mentioning the possibility of fainting if the side effects worsened. The headache intensified, my vision blurring as I saw Clyde heading out.

    "Clyde," I called out softly. He paused, then left.

    I chuckled at myself bitterly. Why would Clyde stay for me? In myst moments of rity, I called Jade. Hoping for that telepathic connection between best friends, I feared I might not wake up again.

    Waking up in the hospital the following day, I was grateful for having shared my home''s passcode with Jade in advance.

    Her eyes were red as she looked at me. ¡°That bastard Clyde, how could he leave you alone at home?"

    She was crying and cursing. That

    was when I learned Jade had been asleep and only saw my call when she got up at midnight. When she got to my ce, it was already the early hours.

    As expected, Clyde hadn''t returned. So much for taking me to the hospital, liar.

    I quietly lowered my head. "Jade, I''m sorry for worrying you."

    "Why are you apologizing to me? I''m the one who slept like a log!"

    The doctor came in for another check, looking at me with aplicated expression. "Ms.

    Crawford, you need to rest, and it''This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    best to have family around. Given this is your second rpse, we can''t take any chances. Someone should stay with you, especially during chemotherapy."

    Jade immediately raised her hand. "I can be that person. From now on, you''re staying with me. We''re moving you to my ce today."

    I was about to refuse when she red at me with teary eyes. "Either youe with me, or I stay with you, your choice. Or I''ll camp out at your office. Decide!"

    After a moment of serious thought, I did have other ces to go, but those ces scared me. I relented. "Fine, let''s head back to mine to pack some stuff first."

    Jade finally breathed a sigh of relief.

    After the doctor confirmed my condition wasn''t too severe, he allowed me to leave, emphasizing, "Your situation is unique. Some decisions might need making by next of kin."

    I shook my head. "I can write a power of attorney, leaving Jade in charge of my affairs."

    If I divorced Clyde, I''d effectively be without a next of kin.

    Jade drove me home, ranting about Clyde the entire way.

    But I just listened, offering no reply. I knew what kind of man he was. What was there to say?

    Yet, arriving home, we saw a pair of women''s slippers at the door. My white Chanel slippers were nowhere to be seen on the shoe rack.

    Ka emerged from my walk-in closet, three nes draped around her neck, her hands filled with my belongings.

    Her eyes gleamed with triumph while I looked at her coldly. "Who let you in?"

 Chapter 31

    "Who else but Clyde?" With a smug smile curling up the corners of her mouth, Ka took off her earrings. "Tonight, I''ve got a dinner to attend with Clyde. Can''t embarrass him, right? Got to dress to impress."

    "So, he asked me to pick out the clothes and the jewelry. After all, a lot of this stuff you haven''t even worn. I couldn''t say no. If we weren''t so pressed for time, I''d have had Clyde buy me something new."

    She casually tossed the earrings into her purse and adorned herself with jewelry right before me.

    Jade stepped forward, but I stopped her. "Jade, let it go."

    "Let it go? She''s walking all over us. I swear I''ll make her regret it!" Jade was ready to throw down, but I shook my head softly before pulling out my phone to call Clyde.

    Getting into a fight with Ka would make us look bad even if we were in the right. Especially since Clyde dared to bring his mistress into our home, I needed some answers.

    "If he''s okay with a divorce, even better. Saves us both the trouble."

    "The number you have dialed is switched off..."

    After several tries, Clyde''s phone remained off.

    A triumphant grin shed across Ka''s face, making it clear she had used Clyde''s phone to block me.

    She smugly adjusted her hair. "I know you need permission to use these jewels and dresses, but I don''t. Love and disdain are just that clear, huh? Think you can outdo me, huh?"

    Jade couldn''t take it anymore, tossing her purse aside as she stepped forward. "You little home-wrecker, I''ll teach you a lesson today."

    I pulled Jade back forcefully. "Jade, don''t!"

    "No, I''m going to..." Seeing my calm shake of the head, Jade paused.

    In the next second, I pinched my arm hard enough to bring tears to my eyes. Then I quickly dialed three digits, and my voice choked up. "Hello, 911? There''s a burry in my house. Pleasee immediately."

    About to roll her sleeves, Jade froze.

    While they were both stunned, I swiftly unlocked the door, pulling Jade out with me, and from outside, I locked the door. I immediately activated the electronic door lock''s security mode on my phone. No one could get in unless I, the App admin, unlocked it.

    Ka''s frustrated banging and shouting came from inside. "Mnie, you crazy woman, have you lost your mind?"

    "Mnie, Clyde will never forgive you for this!"

    "You better open this door now, right now!"

    I remained indifferent to her screams.

    Jade gave me a thumbs-up. "Mnie, that was brilliant."

    I shook my head helplessly. With people like her, physical intervention was the only answer.

    My health didn''t allow me to confront her directly, so it was better to let the police handle it.

    As long as I didn''t feel ashamed, the shame was on her.

    After about five or six minutes of her making a racket and realizing I wouldn''t open the door, Ka started breaking things. I could hear things shattering, and I couldn''t help but smile.

    That was perfect. Ka could be in jail if the damages were significant. Unfortunately, she was too cautious, only breaking a few items before stopping and starting to make phone calls, whining.

    I could hear her cooing to Clyde on

    the phone, ming me. But I remained expressionless until the police arrived, at which point my. eyes welled up with tears again, I''d gotten so good at this act that it was almost a shame not to put to use more often.

    The police and the property management confirmed I was the homeowner, and their attitude toward Ka grew harder.

    But Ka was as defiant. "Mr.

    Patterson sent me to fetch these stuff. They''re not Mnie''s. Why arrest me? And they attacked me

    wer. See? I got hurt. I''m the one

    who should be calling the police."

    She showed off her arm, marked by cuts from ss shards.

    Before I could exin, Jade was arguing with Ka, and we all ended up in the police station.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    And then Clyde arrived, fashionablyte. He immediately went to Ka, wrapping his arms around her andforting her.

    Then he turned a cold gaze on me. "Mnie, have you lost your mind? How could youy hands on her?"

    He looked heartbroken over Ka''s injuries.

    A nearby officer tried to mediate, "Sir, your girlfriend here has minor injuries, and the twodies insist they didn''t initiate any physical contact."

    "Are you suggesting she injured herself? How can you police even suggest that?" Clyde wouldn''t let anyone speak ill of his mistress and turned cold toward the officer.

    "Even if both parties are at fault, an investigationis needed. And your girlfriend trespassed first." The officer then looked at me, softening his tone. "Ms. Osborne ims she was in the house at your husband''s request. When will your husband be here? We can clear it up if it''s all a misunderstanding." Cont¨¦nt belongs

    Upon hearing the officer''s words, Clyde and Ka looked guilty and panicked.

    Jade red at them both fiercely.

    I offered a bitter smile, pointing towards Clyde. "Officer, that''s my husband right there."

 Chapter 32

    The police station was eerily quiet, as if all eyes fixed on us.

    Officer Lucy, who had spoken to mest time, had returned from field duty. Spotting us, she quickly pulled a colleague aside to whisper something.

    I knew with Clyde''s approval, Ka could pretty much get away with anything short of arson or murder. But I wasn''t ready to let it slide. After all, she chose to mess with me. And Clyde? He wasn''t keen on divorce.

    But the onlookers didn''t know their story and were naturally curious.

    Jade scoffed, "Mel, he''s only your husband on paper. Letting the other woman waltz right in? Scumbag, disgusting!"

    It must''ve been some special day because the station was unusually crowded. I tried to force down tears that weren''t there, bowing my head in feigned distress.

    At that, a few bystanders couldn''t hold back.

    "No way. So young and already homewrecking? Shameless."

    "She''s clearly after his money. The legit wife keeps it simple, but the mistress? She''s always dressed to kill."

    "That man''s got a look of a heartbreaker. No good, both of them."

    The bystanders, especially when sensing injustice, sided overwhelmingly with me.

    Clyde looked furious, fixing his gaze on me.

    Unable to bear the nder, Ka sulked visibly. "What mistress? The real mistress is the one unloved! You don''t know anything! They have no love between them. She''s just clinging to my boyfriend!"

    Her defense only fueled further disdain.

    Eventually, the police had no choice but to take us back to the office.

    "This matter is essentially a dispute without any financial loss, so..."

    "Officer, she smashed my vase, an antique. It''s worth thousands. Surely, that''s enough for a case."This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    I fiddled with my fingers, suddenly determined to make a point.

    The officer was stunned, momentarily at a loss for words.

    "What are you proud of? Clyde bought everything in the house. What have you got? Can you afford anything?" Ka continued to be defiant, confident in Clyde''s favor.

    I looked up at her, resigned. "Sorry, but even if I don''t earn a penny, that''s still marital property, and the mistress has no im on them. And you took my jewelry. Even if Clyde and I divorce, those jewels should belong to the wife, right?"

    The officer, almost reflexively, nodded in agreement.

    "Ka, the jewelry you took is worth hundreds of thousands of dors, maybe even grand theft?" Jade gripped my hand, visibly excited. She thought I''d always been too passive, not knowing I could stand up for myself.

    Raising an eyebrow, the officer seemed puzzled on how to proceed. "Try to settle this between

    s first. If that face

    step in."

    we''ll

    With the officer gone, the atmosphere chilled even further.

    Clinging to Clyde''s arm, Ka looked desperate as Clyde stared at me.

    And then, heughed, "Mnie, I knew it. You only love money."

    "Back then, you left with that rich guy and insisted on breaking

    Now, you want money again,

    can''t

    live without it, can you?"

    You

    I nodded silently, letting him believe what he wanted.

    But Jade couldn''t stand it any longer, standing up to point at Clyde. "Do you even realize what you did back then..."

    "Jade, stop," I quickly pulled her back, shaking my head softly, "It''s the truth. No need to say more."

    She hesitated, then fell silent. Better Clyde never knew the truth about back then. With things as they were, why bring up the past?

    Sensing something off, Clyde looked suspiciously at us. "What about back then?"

    "I left you for a rich guy. What more do you want to know?" I faced him emotionlessly, refusing to borate.

    "You!" He clenched his fists in anger.

    Ka quickly held him back. "Clyde, it''s all in the past now. Let it go."

    "Now, what do we do?" Ka''s voice quivered with tears, her eyes burning with resentment toward me.

    I smiled. "Of course, make you infamous. Maybe evennd you in jail."

    "Mnie, that''s too much!" Ka cried out, with Clyde trying tofort her.

    He looked at me, his eyes filled with resignation, "Mnie, she just went to our house. Why go so far?"

    I retorted, "She trespassed. No, you let her take my jewelry and dresses, right? Then you''replicit."

    Clyde seemed to remember my earlier mention of the jewelry, his face a picture of astonishment before turning to Ka.

    Ka, clearly panicked, blurted out, "There''s a banquet tonight. I, I didn''t want to embarrass you."

    She said nothing and everything at the same time. It seemed she had acted on her own, even deceiving Gemma.

    Clyde took a deep breath, his gaze finally settling on me. "I''ll give you $200,000. Let''s call it even."

 Chapter 33

    Right after Clyde''s words hit the air, the office fell into an eerie silence.

    Jade mmed her hands on the desk, standing up with a fierce look. "You''re siding with your mistress over your wife now? Hitting below the belt, aren''t you?"

    Looking like a deer caught in headlights, Ka pressed herself into Clyde''s embrace.

    And there I was, watching them, thinking how much they seemed to love each other. Out of all Clyde''s mistresses, Ka seemed to be the favorite. Ka''s earlier words echoed in my mind, saying the one unloved was the real mistress. I couldn''t help butugh out loud.

    Jade looked at me, worry etched all over her face. "Mnie, are you okay? You''re scaring me."

    I waved her off, wiping away the tears that had started from myughter. "I''m fine. $200,000, huh? Sounds good to me."

    I pulled out my phone, showing the PayPal ount. "Let''s make it happen."

    Clyde looked stunned, as if he couldn''t believe what was happening, his eyes mixed with confusion, hurt, and anger. He mmed his hand on the desk, standing up so abruptly that Ka nearly fell over. "Mnie, is money all you care about? Do you see nothing beyond dors?"

    I just watched him quietly, saw the police arrive to calm things down, saw Ka ying the victim, and watched Jade stand up for me. Suddenly, I didn''t want to say anything. There was a time I would''ve said Clyde was all I saw, but not anymore.

    I pushed my phone closer to him. "Keep talking. And it won''t just be $200,000 to fix this."

    He scanned the code angrily.

    As the payment confirmation beeped, I took a deep breath and stood up. "Officer, let''s drop this. I won''t press charges. Jade, let''s go."

    The money was in my ount. There was no reason to stick around and watch those two lovebirds.

    But Ka seemed to want thest word, blocking my path. "Mnie, I know you don''t like me, but you must understand you''re the loser in this rtionship. As Clyde''s wife, what did you do except for asking Clyde for money? Catching mistresses and calling the cops?"

    I looked at her with disdain, not understanding what made her say that shamelessly.

    "After all, he gave me that money willingly, but the jewelry you took from me was stealing." I grabbed her purse, spilling out all the nes and rings she had taken.

    I would have forgotten about it if she hadn''te over.

    I grabbed a stic bag from the desk and dumped the jewelry inside. "Officer, these belong to me. I can take them, right?"

    Before the police could respond, Clyde spoke up. "As Mrs. Patterson, they''re yours. As long as you''re not causing trouble, you''ll always be Mrs. Patterson, and no one can take that from you."

    Ka''s tears seemed ready to flow, but Clyde''s eyes were only on me. I smirked, wondering who he was trying to impress with that act of devotion. As I walked out, Ka fainted dramatically behind me.

    Turning back, I saw Clyde catching her in his arms.

    How sweet. It was like I was the viin tearing apart this tragic love story.

    el

    "Jade, let''s go. Didn''t you say we have packing to do?" Pulling Jade ready to jump into the fray again, away, I couldn''t stand sharing the same air with them any longer.

    Jade was still fuming as we got into the car. "Clyde''s such a jerk. What''s wrong with him? And Ka, trying to copy you like back in our college days? Sticking to her stand-in and pretending deep feelings, it''s disgusting."

    I listened quietly, soothingly patting her back.

    Jade was curious. "Mnie, how can you not be angry?"Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    I shrugged. "What''s there to be angry about? He paid. Isn''t it better to have money to sort myself out? I want the money, not the man. There''s nothing to be upset about."

    Jade looked stunned by my words, eventually driving off without another word.

    Back home, I quickly packed my stuff, dumping the retrieved jewelry on the coffee table. I didn''t need those just didn''t want Ka to take them. Then, I changed the locks and texted Clyde the new code.

    Everything settled, and Jade and I left.

    Jade suggested, "Mnie, stay at my ce. I''ve got my apartment now. It''ll be easier to look after you."

    I said, "No need. I have an apartment."

    I winked at her, leaving her visibly shocked. "When did you get an apartment?"

    I exined, "It''s not mine. It''s my Mom''s."

    She bought a small apartment in herst months in her name. It was small but home to someone I loved, so it was home to me, too.

    Worried I''d be upset, Jade insisted I shouldn''t stay there. Finally, she agreed to let me take a look and decideter.

    But when I walked into the apartment, it was a mess, dust covering everything.

    Jade quickly dragged me out, covering her nose. "Forget it. I''ll get someone to clean it up. You''re staying with me."

    I nodded, my gaze lingering on the room. It was small and dirty, yet it felt like home.

    My mom spent herst days there. It seemed it would be my refuge, too.

 Chapter 34

    I felt much better when I returned to Jane''s cozy, rented apartment. Without Clyde''s presence, everything just seemed right.

    Jade was all over the ce, ordering pizza, slicing some apples, and ensuring I was eating well and staying healthy.

    But when she was about to run out to get some fancy truffles, I quickly stopped her. "Let''s not waste money on truffles. Eggs will do just fine. Truffles don''t taste that good."

    "Are you saying my cooking sucks?" She squinted her eyes at me dangerously, but I bravely nodded.

    She pouted, "Look who''s talking. Let''s agree that neither of us will win a cooking show, okay?"

    Iughed genuinely, feeling light-hearted.

    Then I turned stern. ¡°Jade, I need you to find me a divorcewyer.¡±

    Jade stared at me before she spoke, "Are you sure you won''t tell him the truth? He''d regret it if he knew."

    I shook my head firmly, not wanting to say. The breakup was ugly. I didn''t want him to find me or feel guilty. Now that we lost even the initial affection for each other, why bother?

    "Mnie, if you guys divorce now, and he finds out the truthter, he''ll be devastated." Jade knew all about the love and hate between Clyde and me and thought I was being too harsh on myself.

    But I felt that knowing the truth would only make it worse for Clyde and me.

    "He doesn''t love me anymore. What, do you think we''dst on pity? Besides, I haven''t loved him for years. All I want now is to live well and focus on my treatment. Who knows? Maybe I''ll make medical history." I struggled with thest few words because they were a lie.

    I did hate him, but he was also in my heart. I didn''t know how much love was left, but it was there. So, divorcing at the moment while there was still a sliver of affection seemed like the best path for both of us.

    Jade hugged me, her eyes filled withpassion. She finally nodded. "Okay, I''ll find you the bestwyer. We''re over him."

    I silently lowered my head, regretting ever being with him. I should have never given him a chance if it weren''t for certain circumstances. Perhaps our messy breakup had turned me into his obsession. Now, he should be able to let go with someone else by his side.

    Clyde hadn''t contacted me all day.

    Caught up in his new life, he naturally didn''t have time for his wife in name only.

    I was happy to stay at Jade''s, even nning to split the rent with her. It seemed a good n to stay there long-term.

    Heading to work the following day, I feltpletely different. It turned out a patient could be energetic when in the right mood.

    But the vibe in the Design Department was gloomy, and nothing seemed to go right all morning. It wasn''t until Lina, close to tears, came to me that I understood the situation.

    "Mr. Patterson is nowhere to be

    found. He didn''t answer his phone, and now, the folks from Aspire World are here. What do we do? Several documents need Mr.

    el

    Patterson''s signature. And noblet

    from Aspire World has been greeted. Mnie..."

    My colleagues felt sorry for me and tried to keep Clyde-rted issues away from me unless necessary. We hadn''t sealed the partnership with hadn''t''s

    Aspire World, so everyone was on

    edge.

    I straightened my blouse. "I''ll handle it. It''s our department''s project, after all.¡±

    Lina bit her lip and nodded, her eyes welling up, looking like she was about to burst into tears.

    When I entered the meeting room and saw the scowling faces of our guests, I knew they were upset.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    "Mr. Jenkins, I''m truly sorry for beingte," I said, aiming for a smile at Bill

    project could secure my

    Jenkins. Landing the Aspire

    commissions for the next few years, so I kept smiling despite his

    grimace.

    Unfortunately, he didn''t seem inclined to make things easy, snorting in response. "You and Mr. Patterson must be too busy to remember an appointment with me, right?"

    Clyde had made another promise and forgotten. I was internally fuming but continued with my appeasing grin. "Mr. Patterson is tied up with something."

    ¡°Tied up? Call him now. Let''s see if he''s too busy to remember." Bill pointed at me, not caring about embarrassing me before everyone.

    I hastily pulled out my phone and dialed Clyde''s number.

    "Sorry, the number you have dialed is off."

    Realizing Clyde had blocked me, I felt awkward, "Mr. Jenkins, as you see, his phone is off..."

    Bill then showed me his phone, emphasizing how many calls he had made. "Look, I''ve called him over a dozen times. He''s just ignoring me!"

    His finger identally hit redial, and within seconds, the call connected.

    "Mr. Jenkins, I''m downstairs at thepany. Sorry for the dy. Please wait a moment."

    The room went deathly silent before Clyde walked in with Ka, and right then, Bill mmed his cup down. "Mrs. Patterson, are you ying games with me?"

 Chapter 35

    The coffee cup shattered into pieces, sttering shards that nicked my calf.

    Lina gasped from the side while Bill paused, stunned. I knew Bill was angry, but not out to get me.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    Then, Clyde burst through the door.

    Ka gave me a disdainful look and deliberately touched the diamond ne around her neck.

    Clyde''s face was a storm cloud as his gaze bore into me. "Told you to chat with Mr. Jenkins about the n, and you can''t even manage that?"

    He then turned to Lina. "What are you waiting for? Go fetch the first-aid kit."

    I stopped Lina, opting for a quick dab with some tissues. "It''s nothing, just a minor issue. Let''s focus on the project."

    Family embarrassments should stay behind closed doors. Clinching the deal was paramount.

    At least to me, the cut didn''t hurt one bit.

    Draped in thetest from the Lauren collection and sporting somewhat over-the-top luxury jewels, Ka shed Bill a sweet smile. "Mr. Jenkins, you know what? Mr. Patterson heard you wereing and specifically had me pick up a gift for you. He mentioned you lost a diamond from your penst time. It is the newest model, specifically selected for you."

    She pushed the gift box toward Bill, and Bill''s expression softened after inspecting the pen.

    Ka might not be the most socially adept, but a young, attractive secretary greeting you with a smile tended to soften even the most hardened executive.

    And considering she was Clyde''s darling? Even Bill could see Clyde''s softened stance toward her. She also brought fruits and drinks, acting every bit the hostess.

    Bill''s people cast odd nces my way, but I focused on introducing our project. The meeting ended with everyone satisfied, and I let out a sigh of relief.

    But right after our guests left, Clyde''s reprimand filled the air. "Mnie, how could you botch such a simple task? Isn''t project design your forte?" "I wasn''t aware of the meeting." I turned to him, my expression nk.

    The old Clyde never used to me others for his mistakes. ncing at Ka''s gleaming ne, I understood. Buying her trinkets had dyed their return. He couldn''t fault Ka, so I became his scapegoat.

    But I wasn''t willing to y that role. "Mr. Jenkins called you a dozen times, but you didn''t pick up. That''s not on me."

    It wasn''t my fault. Not only had Bill tried to reach him, but I was sure the Administrative Department had as well. But why didn''t he answer?

    My gaze fell on a sheepish Ka, the answer clear. Apany project couldn''t possibly weigh more than her tens of thousands worth of jewelry, could it?

    Clyde red at me fiercely. "Then why didn''t you use someone else''s phone to call me? Are you brainless?"

    Seeing him angry, Ka quickly tugged at his arm. "Clyde, let it go. We''ve got much work back at the office."

    She pulled Clyde away, throwing a triumphant look my way.

    I remained expressionless.

    "Mnie." Lina tugged at my sleeve, nodding toward the door.

    Several colleagues had been eavesdropping, scattering only when our eyes met. But I was used to it. They all knew Clyde''s reputation for frequentpanions, though Ke''d never brought them to the office. This time, it was just more public.

    My phone rang. Jade had arranged awyer for me. After a brief handover of work duties, I left the office. Divorce seemed like the only way out to avoid being med for everyone else''s mistakes.

    Meeting thewyer, I handed over all evidence, including two police reports and photos of Clyde with various women online.

    "We have plenty of witnesses. If needed, I can ess office surveince."

    Clyde and Ka''s office intimacies provided ample proof of his infidelity.

    Thewyer, Cindy, looked at me sympathetically. "This is indirect evidence at best. Proving infidelity is challenging, and catching them in the act is unrealistic. Given your husband''s substantial assets, a divorce settlement could be lengthy. I doubt he''d walk away with nothing."

    I shook my head. "I don''t need him to lose everything. I want a divorce but can''t leave with nothing."

    I hadn''t earned much over the years, but my future medical expenses were significant. Without a guarantee of keeping my job post-divorce, I needed a safety.

    Cindy nodded seriously. "Then it''s down to property division. Given your situation, securing half isn''t unrealistic, though it may take time."

    I continued, "My monthly medical expenses are at least thirty to forty thousand."

    "Considering a potential cancer recurrence and an ideal survival rate, if I could live another ten years, five million would suffice."

    Cindy looked at me incredulously. "Are you sure?"

    "Positive. I want a quick divorce. Everything else, including Clyde, I can do without."

    On my way there, I had decided. As long as I could secure a divorce, the rest didn''t matter.

 Chapter 36

    After discussing the divorce details with mywyer, I didn''t head back to the office. Instead, I went to the small apartment my mom used to live in. Jade had cleaned it, and everything inside looked just the way Mom left it, simple and unassuming, except for the nail scratches on the headboard, reminding the agony Mom went through. Thinking I might end up in simr pain, I found it hard to breathe and left the apartment.

    Jade workedte, so I made myself pasta and hit the sack early.

    But as I drifted off, Clyde called. I quickly hung up, but he followed up with a message on Messenger.

    It was just a drunk photo of Clyde, but Dailey was speaking in the background.

    "Hey Mnie,e to pick Clyde up. He''s losing it."

    Then I saw Clyde grabbing the phone and hugging Dailey. Clyde was never much of a drinker in college. I thought it was because he was frugal, but it turned out he turned into a lunatic when drunk.

    Dailey sent me the address, which I forwarded to Ka. Clyde didn''t want to see me anyway. He was only interested in his mistress.

    I went back to sleep, but an hourter, Dailey was frantically calling.

    Atst, he messaged me. [Mnie, you''ve got toe. Clyde''s in a fight, and we''re all down at the police station.]

    Suddenly, I was wide awake. Clyde was in a fight, heh? At the police station?

    I quickly got dressed when I called Dailey back.

    Dailey picked up immediately, shouting, "Sir, his wife''s on her way. She''ll be here any minute now! Mnie, please hurry. Clyde''s, um, please hurry!" I could hear the chaos at the police station through the phone, Clyde''s voice, Ka''s, and another familiar one, but I couldn''t ce it.

    Arriving at the station, I was stunned. Clyde was a mess with bruises on his face, scrapes on his arm, hair all over the ce, and his clothes stained. He didn''t seem to notice me, with his head hung low. Ka was beside him, crying and trying tofort him, but he sat silent.

    Across from him sat Vinson Russell, my college senior.

    I hadn''t seen him since I moved abroad, and there he was, the one Clyde had brawled with.

    "Vinson?" I shifted to get a better look at him.

    Vinson smiled gently. "Long time no see, Mnie."

    His shirt was torn, although he seemed unharmed except for a swollen hand.

    Hearing my voice, Clyde finally looked up, slurring, "You see him but not me? Look at what your beloved senior did to me! I''ll sue him!"

    Clyde tried to stand, but Ka quickly pulled him down.

    The officer nced at him, and his

    tone was sharp. "You started it, and... Now that the family is here, sortit out. Here''s the police station. I don''t care who you are, behave!"

    The officer''s meaningful nce shifted between me and Ka.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.

    I sighed, realizing Clyde''s antics were well known.

    Something in his words triggered Clyde, who surged up. "That''s between us. You''ve no right to meddle!"

    As Clyde lunged forward, Dailey and I pushed him back, with Ka wrapping her arms around him.

    I turned to Vinson, eager to change the subject. "Vinson, you''re not hurt, are you? Should we go to the hospital? Could there be internal injuries?"

    I knew Clyde could throw a punch, but Vinson was always quiet, never seen angry, let alone in a fight.

    Vinson shook his head, then snorted, "A cheater''s got no strength. Who''d lose to him?"

    His blunt words made me blush.

    Ka tried to stand, but I pulled her back. "And who do you think you are? Keep quiet."

    Ka red at me, but I ignored her, focusing on Clyde. "What''s it going to be? Detention orpensation?"

    Clyde looked at me incredulously, "Compensation?"

    I nodded sternly, then pointed at Vinson''s swollen hand. "Vinson hit you, and now his hand''s swollen."

    "Mnie, you''re my wife! And you''re siding with him?" Clyde''s disbelief was palpable as he roared. His face twisted in anger.

    I sighed softly, "Not for much

    longer." I took the divorce papers out

    of my bag." See if you want

    change anything in the gen

    e

    agreement. Send it to mywyer."

 Chapter 37

    Clyde''s gaze shifted as he eyed me, a storm brewing beneath the surface.

    But Ka, standing beside him, reacted with lightning speed, snatching the divorce papers from the table.

    "Clyde." She looked at him, eyes brimming with a pitiful plea. "Since Mnie has decided..."

    "Get out!" In a fit of rage, Clyde tore the divorce agreement to shreds, his eyes bulging with fury as he stared at me. "Mnie! You''ve got some nerve!"

    I smiled at him, having anticipated his reaction. Silently, I reached into my bag and pulled out another copy of the agreement. "It''s okay. I printed several copies. Tear them up to your heart''s content before you read."

    As I was about to hand over the document, I noticed the janitor giving me a weary look. I silently retracted the papers, opting not to cause more trouble.

    "Mnie, did you n on divorcing me from the start? I knew it. How could Vinson just suddenly return? You two must have been in touch all this time!" Clyde yelled, "He''s been after you since our school days, and he''s still not over you. So, you want a divorce for him? You want to leave me because of him!"

    Clyde''s gaze was so malicious that it looked like he wanted to tear me apart.

    Vinson immediately stood before me, shielding me from Clyde''s wrath. "Clyde, you''re being unreasonable! Do you think everyone''s like you? Cheating in marriage, having affairs, and shamelessly bringing them to your wife''s attention? If you were a man, you wouldn''t shift the me onto your wife!"

    It was the first time I had seen Vinson so angry, and I couldn''t help but stare at him in surprise.

    He turned to me with a gentle smile. "Don''t worry. Everything''s going to be okay."

    I nodded subconsciously.

    "Mnie,e here!" Clyde pointed at me menacingly and tried to grab me, but Vinson quickly stepped in and grabbed his wrist.

    That was when the police intervened, unable to stand by any longer. "What''s this? About to get physical? You''re going to hit your wife?" Ka quickly clung to Clyde''s arm. "Clyde, don''t be angry. Let it go."

    "Mnie, can''t you say something for your husband? Are you not his wife? Are you going to stand there and watch Clyde get beaten up?" Ka looked at me with such a sense of injustice, as if I was the one bullying them.

    I was genuinely impressed by her audacity. Even then, she showed no embarrassment. "Ka, whose wife are you again? Why are you here?"

    I intended to provoke her into silence, but instead, she became infuriated. "Mnie, don''t you know who am I with? huh?"

    "You clung to Clyde, desperate to marry him, and now, you''re just as desperate to divorce him, all to get Clyde''s attention? You two have no love left. Why can''t you let him go?"

    I shoved the divorce papers into her hands. "If you can speak for Clyde, you sign."

    Then I turned to the police and said, "Enough, officer. There''s nothing to mediate here. Just arrest him."

    Vinson nodded in agreement, "Yes, the other side doesn''t seem inclined to apologize."

    "Dream on if you think I''m apologizing!" Clyde tried to lunge at us again, but Ka and the police held him back.

    "Clyde, are

    Are yeady to be arrested? stubbornly meeting my gasovel

    Are you sure?" I looked at him coldly,

    and he suddenly fell silent,

    I sighed. "Or just pay up. It''s your choice."

    At the mention of money, Clyde red at me, teeth gritted, but eventually spat out, "Fine, I''ll pay!"

    Atst, Clydepensated with ten thousand dors and settled the matter.

    Ten thousand dors wasn''t much but it was a matter of pride for Clyde, clearly not pleased. An

    vel.n

    apology from Clyde was t

    so Ka apologized on his behalf.

    Always the gentleman, Vinson looked at Ka with disdain. "Miss, you can''t speak for him. But I won''t pursue it further. I don''t want to

    waste my time with such

    Cheating within a marriage means you leave with nothing. Be mindful of that."

    Humiliated by his words, Ka was red-faced and speechless.

    I didn''t even nce at them, my focus solely on Vinson. "Vinson, let me give you a ride. I drove here."

    He smiled and nodded, following me.

    But as we left, Clyde suddenly ran out, blocking our path. "Mnie, where are you going? Why won''t youe home with me?"

    His face seemed flushed, but it was hard to tell with all the bruises.

    In her high heels, Ka struggled to keep up. "Clyde." Her voice was weak, pitiful even. "Clyde, let''s go home. I''m cold."Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    I gave Clyde a cold look and said, "You take her home; we''re leaving."

    Ka tried to grab his hand but he swiftly shook her off.

    Clyde''s gaze hardened as he faced me, "No, I want you toe home with me. You''re not going anywhere."

    "Clyde!" Ka''s voice cracked, panic clear in her eyes.

    If Clyde went home with me, where would that leave her?

    That was clear to both of us.

    I looked at Clyde without emotion, "You should take her home. That''s not my home anymore, and I won''t be returning."

    Vinson had opened the car door for me. I quickly got in, not giving Clyde another nce.

 Chapter 38

    Vinson dropped his apartment address, and I punched it into my GPS.

    The ride was in silence except for the voice of the navigation. Neither of us spoke a word.

    It was too embarrassing, and I didn''t even know how to bring it up.

    When we pulled up to his apartment building, he finally turned to look at me. "Mnie, what''s going on between you and Clyde? I''ve been abroad these past few years. All I knew was that you two got hitched."

    I stared back at him, at a loss for words.

    What could I say? Could I tell him Clyde has been bringing home one woman after another for the past three years? And I''d had a cancer rpse and didn''t know how much time I had left.

    Ultimately, I shook my head. "Forget it, Vinson. I''m getting a divorce anyway. We might as well not talk about it."

    I felt that way. Divorce was inevitable, and my time was precious. I didn''t want to waste it on Clyde.

    Vinson looked at me for a moment before pulling out his phone. "Fine, let''s swap contacts. Send me your number."

    I quietly added him and watched him return to his apartment.

    But before he left, he sent me a message.

    [Whatever you decide, I''m here for you. Call me if Clyde gives you trouble. I''m here whenever you need.]

    Reading thosest few words, I felt a bit dizzy. Vinson had always been so understanding toward me. Back in college, when he found out I was chasing after Clyde, who paid me no mind, Vinson never stopped pursuing me. Everyone knew Vinson had a crush on me, but I pretended not to notice, keeping my distance on purpose. Yet, he never gave up.

    After I got with Clyde, I remembered Vinson drank a lot that day. Later, his roommate called me to check on him. I didn''t go, feeling it was inappropriate.

    Then, a message from an unknown number told me to reach out if I needed anything, promising to be there. Only after Vinson graduated did I find out that message was from him. He had chased me for so long, and I didn''t even have his contact.

    Shaking my head to clear it, I quickly drove off. I was a bit out of it, and if I ended up scratching Jade''s car, she''d totally flip out.

    I hoped to see her when I got home, but she wasn''t there.

    However, seeing the cupcake that suddenly appeared on the table made me smile. It looked like Jade hade home but had to rush off again.

    The thought of Jade and Vinson made my eyes well up a bit. It seemed I hadn''tpletely failed at life. Aside from picking the wrong husband, my friends and even an admirer like Vinson were great.

    Atst, I ate the cupcake and fell asleep on the couch.

    The following morning, I woke up with a crick in my neck and shuffled off to freshen up.

    That was when my phone started blowing up.

    Jade''s husky voice filled the air. "Mel, you better check the news. Were you at the police station yesterday? Is the news true?"

    A barrage of message notifications nearly deafened me. I clicked on the links sent by Jade, which were all about Clyde''s police station debacle from the day before.

    There were photos of him and Ka, but someone had also snapped pics of me and Vinson.

    [Patterson Group''s CEO and his wife had got caught with their lovers at the police station, Clyde was suspected of cheating, and Clyde''s faithful image shattered.]

    Most people online were being pretty sensible. They analyzed the situation and rified that Clyde was cheating.

    But a few were just causing trouble.

    [If the husband cheats, it''s the wife''s fault. Look how skinny she is. Holding her must hurt. Who could like that?]

    [Mrs. Patterson was also with her toy boy. Guess there''s no good in the wealthy, all ying the field, huh?]

    [I heard Mrs. Patterson was the desperate one. Mr. Patterson wanted out long ago, but she''s clinging to his money?]

    I had no idea who had started it, but I became the target of all nder.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    On the other hand, someizens hailed Ka as a woman bravely fighting for love. A mistress must be a formidable figure to be considered a role model. Seeing someone attacking me with the same tone as Ka, it felt like she was right before me.

    But I quickly closed the page and told Jade not to worry. "Clyde''s scandal will only hurt the Patterson family. It won''t harm me a bit."

    I said it out loud, and I believed it. Even when I arrived at work and sensed the changed nces from my colleagues, I carried on with my work, indifferent.

    Getting a divorce meant all these revtions might be for the best, sparing me from being ndered alone.

    When Ka strutted over to call me into the office, smirking like she''d hit the jackpot, she started bossing me around like she owned the ce.

    With others around Ka egging her

    on, I stood up and nodded. "Thanks for the effort. With phones and messaging so handy, you still fan the errand. Tough job being an assistant."

    I didn''t wait to see her reaction, heading straight upstairs. I could guess Clyde wanted to confront me about the online fiasco. But instead, he told me to go home and change. "Grandpa wants us at the Patterson Mansion now. Don''t dress too shabby."

 Chapter 39

    "No need. This outfit will do. I''m busy." I quickly shook my head, truly not wanting to return to that so-called home.

    The mere thought of Ka rummaging through my closet and picking out my dresses and jewelry made my skin crawl. Indeed, no matter how expensive things were, once they were tainted, they became utterly repulsive.

    He gave me a once-over before we headed downstairs, probably thinking my getup was passable.

    Plenty of colleagues threw nces my way. I knew what they were thinking. They probably figured I''d pulled some trick to get Clyde to be seen with me again.

    Ka was conspicuously absent from her usual antics. I remembered she was unting a new watch today, and it all made sense. She''d always been selfish, ready to step back if it benefited her, something she was better at than me.

    Oops, it was a nice watch, a Blue Balloon. It was worth over ten thousand.

    After arriving at the Patterson Mansion, Merritt was more pissed than I''d anticipated, giving Clyde a piece of his mind right before me.

    In the Patterson family, I was still considered reliable. Despite Clyde''s roaming eye over the past months, I''d remained a dutiful Mrs. Patterson. So, when trouble brewed, Merritt didn''t even question me, pinning it all on Clyde.

    Finally, Merritt''s gaze settled on me. "Next week, at the Patterson Group''s anniversary g, I want you and Clyde to be there. Make sure you dress to impress."

    I stared at him, baffled. The inte was buzzing with rumors of our divorce. Yet, he was soposed.

    But then, Merritt rified. "When Clyde married you, the press was favorable, and the Patterson Group maintained a positive image. We can''t let that image get tarnished. Every marriage within the Patterson family matters greatly. You have to remain ountable to the family legacy. Do you understand?"

    Neither Clyde nor I responded, but we knew Merritt was right.

    Supporting Clyde to this point hadn''t been easy for him. A scandal could devastate Clyde''s reputation, making Merritt the first casualty.

    "Are you listening? Do you understand?" Merritt''s voice rose, his cane thumping against the floor for emphasis.

    In unison, we responded, "We understand."

    With a few more instructions, Merritt finally let us go.

    On the way back, I was conflicted. Those events usually saw me as nothing more than a backdrop. Last time, he had brazenly taken a model to the g,pletely sidelining me.

    This time...

    I turned to look at him, and he was already looking back.

    "What''s on your mind?" He said with irritation, but I shook my head and looked away.

    There was nothing left to say to him. Attending the g would be my way of repaying Merritt for his kindness over the years.

    He seemed displeased with my silence, scoffing, "Just don''t cause a scene at the g. Behave as Mrs. Patterson should."

    I rolled my eyes. "Don''t worry. As long as your precious Ka stays in line, there won''t be any issues."

    I could easily y the part of aExclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    backdrop but Ka wouldn''t settle

    for being an essory. I didn''t

    forget the look in her eyes when she took the divorce papers at the police station.

    "Ka isn''t as troublesome as you think. She''s quite pure-minded." Clyde looked at me disapprovingly clearly not fond of me tainting his lover. "Do you really think everyone''s as calcting and money-hungry as you? Why didn''t you bring up the divorce before Grandpa?

    Suddenly, Clyde wasn''t the aloof CEO anymore, his nagging more annoying than a buzzing fly.

    I smacked the back of the seat. "Stop the car."

    The driver braked instinctively, and I got out. After a few steps, I took the divorce papers from my bag and tossed them into the back seat. "Clyde, if you want a divorce, sign."

    I hailed another cab, but Clyde beat me to it, closing the door first.

    "What are you doing?" I was shocked.

    When I chased him, he ignored me. Now that I was ready to leave, he had been clinging on for dear life.

    He hesitated, then said, "Come home with me."

    I rejected it without hesitation. "No, I''ll stay at Jade''s."

    Clyde pulled out a hundred-dor bill, tossing it into the cab before waving the driver off.

    The driver drove away.

    I snapped. "Clyde!"

    "Mnie! Do you want a divorce? Why won''t youe home? You left your jewelry on the coffee table. What''s that about?" He red at me as if I''dmitted a crime.

    I said, "I find it disgusting after someone else has touched it."

    I used his moment of shock to my advantage, quickly hailed the next cab, and urged the driver, "Please hurry. My ex won''t leave me alone."

    Seeing Clyde approach, the driver

    sped off, teaving him behind. The

    driver, a warm-hearteddy, gave me

    a pep talk and advised me on

    preserving evidence in case of

    domestic abuse.

    Looking at my reflection in the window, I did look like a victim of long-term abuse.

    After thanking the driver and insisting on paying, I stepped out with a lighter heart despite her refusal. The world still had its share of good people.

    I thought, ''See, Clyde? Even strangers are telling me not to look back. I don''t want to look back anymore.''

 Chapter 40

    Was it Merritt''s warning that did the trick? Clyde had been unusually quiet these days. Even at the office, he''d look the other way when our paths crossed.

    Just when I thought he was done making my life difficult, Ka decided to stir up some real trouble.

    Aspire World had sent representatives. And she, for some reason, didn''t bother to inform me and left them hanging in the conference room. When I got Vinson''s text, I found out he and his team had been at our office for over an hour.

    I rushed to the meeting room. "Vinson, you''re with Aspire World?"

    "I''m so sorry. My colleague didn''t tell me you were here. I would''ve been here immediately if you''d texted me sooner."

    Seeing him surrounded by his team, I could tell he held a position of authority. A part of me was secretly thrilled. If Vinson were in charge of the project, it''d be a cakewalkpared to dealing with Bill.

    A youngdy beside Vinson shot me a disapproving look. "Starting by name-dropping? Ms. Crawford, you made us wait this long. You think this will slide like that, huh? Last time, you made Mr. Jenkins wait, and now, Mr. Davis. What, is this your way of showing dominance?"

    I put on my best apologetic smile and kept saying sorry over and over. With Vinson smoothing things over, the atmosphere lightened a bit.

    That was when Lina walked in, armsden with a dozen cups of coffee and a box of assorted pastries. "Sorry, everyone, Ms. Crawford insisted this bakery was worth the hype, so I queued up. My apologies for the dy. I got a variety of the most popr vors and some pastries. Let''s enjoy these while we talk."

    I shot Lina a grateful look. She wiped the sweat from her brow and winked at me. The Aspire World team, mostly young folks, livened up with the offer of good food. "This coffee shop''s the talk of the town. I couldn''t even get inst time."

    "It''s easier tomunicate with the younger crowd, no generation gap, simr tastes."

    "Ms. Crawford did her homework. I haven''t seen these pastries in the store before."

    As I thought we were about to get down to business, oblivious to the room, Ka barged in. "Already digging in? Are we here for a meeting or a feast?" She sneered at the spread on the table. "Mnie, this is what you serve your guests? Store-bought cakes that cost a few bucks? Embarrassing."

    "Why don''t you order us a Michelin-starred meal then?" I took a long sip of my coffee, feeling utterly content.

    Before Ka could retort, Vinson interrupted, "Ms. Osborne, right? We''ve been here over an hour, and you''ve been saying Mr. Patterson was unavable. What''s your point in showing up now? Trying to intimidate us?"

    Vinson stood up, buttoning his suit jacket, his team following suit. "We''ll take our leave if yourpany isn''t interested in cooperating. Mnie, I''ll cover the coffee and pastries so no one uses you of misusingpany funds."

    "Mr. Russell must be joking. The Patterson Group can afford this little expense." Clyde entered with a forced smile, apparently unaware of Vinson''s role with Aspire World, making his entrance somewhat awkward.

    He nced at me with a hint of disdain. "What''s going on? Making our guests wait?"

    "It''s all Mnie''s fault. I notified the Design Department, but she had someone queue up for snacks, causing the dy. Last time, she made Mr. Jenkins wait. Seems deliberate to me." Ka was quick to clear her name and take a jab at me.

    Her amateurish act didn''t fool anyone. The Aspire World team members rolled their eyes.

    We''d all been in the corporate world long enough to see through such antics.

    But Clyde was blind to it, taking Ka''s word as gospel. "Mnie, be focused when discussing business. If Aspire World walks away, can you bear the responsibility? Will youpensate for thepany''s loss?"

    I was tired of his ignorance. I would have never pursued him if he had always been so dense.

    "Clyde, have you lost your mind? If I

    knew Vinson wasing, I''d have been at the door to greet him. Do

    you think I''d have him wait in the et

    meeting room?" I red at Clyde, adding, "Or maybe someone didn''t want us to get divorced, intentionally keeping me from meeting Vinson?" Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    After all these years together, I knew how to push his buttons. Back then, I hardly gave Vinson a second nce, and Clyde would be jealous for ages. Even if Clyde didn''t love me anymore, the idea of Mrs. Patterson caring for another man was more than he could stand.

    As expected, he exploded the next second. "Mnie! Leave now. You''re out of this project! Get out. Now."

    Ka smirked triumphantly behind him, but I rolled my eyes.

    Vinson''s calm voice filled the room as I was about to ensure I got my share of the initialmission. "If Ms. Crawford isn''t heading up the Design Department''s efforts, Aspire World will pull out of this coboration." He smiled at Clyde, "You didn''t think I came to the Patterson Group solely for you, did you?"

 Chapter 41

    Vinson didn''t sugarcoat his words, and Clyde''s eyes locked onto him. Then, out of nowhere, Clyde cracked a smile. "Ah, so Ms. Crawford''s talent caught your eye. Mr. Russell, you have a knack for spotting the good ones."

    "Well then, Mnie, let''s make this coboration work. Let''s keep allmunications within the office, shall we? It would be easier to manage any issues that way."

    Clyde''sst sentence carried a hidden meaning, but I pretended not to catch it. "Mr. Patterson''s right. Let''s get down to business and not waste any more time. After all, we''ve kept Aspire World waiting far too long due to some people''s blunders."

    Ka tugged gently at Clyde''s sleeve. "Mr. Patterson, didn''t we agree that I''d be involved in this project, too?"

    I knew she was eager to join the project. Not just for themission, but the bragging rights of having worked with Aspire World were too good to pass up.

    But I wasn''t about to give her that chance. "Sorry, this project doesn''t need direct supervision from the Administrative Department, right? Besides, you are not even a regr employee yet, are you?"

    Ka was still just an intern, not even a full-time employee yet. So naturally, she didn''t have the right to be part of such an important project.

    She red at me with frustration evident in her eyes. "This project was initially my responsibility, and Mr. Jenkins had said..."

    "You mean Bill? Sorry, but Mr. Jenkins is currently under internal investigation and won''t be managing this project." Vinson nced at Ka. "This financial case could have widespread implications. Ms. Osborne, you''re close with him?"

    At the mention of potential criminal involvement, Ka almost freaked out and turned to Clyde. "Clyde..."

    "Mr. Patterson, we''re about to start the meeting. Are you sure you want your assistant to sit in? Or are you nning to force someone on me?" Vinson had settled back into his seat, his team members pulling outptops to take notes.

    Clyde''s throat bobbed as he struggled, finally managing a strained smile. "You go ahead with the meeting. I''ve got work to do. Ms. Crawford,e to my office once the meeting is over."

    I nodded slightly, signaling my understanding, then took my seat. I knew what was on Clyde''s mind. He was worried I might go out for lunch with Vinson. But I wasn''t about to go along with everything he wanted.

    Without further interruptions, the meeting progressed much more smoothly. Vinson''s expertise in design had grown over the years, quickly offering constructive suggestions.

    I watched him excitedly. "You''re not doing design work anymore?"

    He shook his head, then nced at his team. "Thepany needs me elsewhere. I can''t focus on design work, but I can offer some ideas."

    His assistant interrupted, "Mr. Russell is the future of Aspire World. Where would he find the time for design work?"

    I stared at Vinson, and he cleared his throat awkwardly. "Today''s discussion went so well. Let''s all go out for dinner on me."

    His proposal was met with cheers.

    "Hooray! That''s why you''re the boss, the one and only Mr. Russell! I''m craving a steak buffet!"

    "Agreed. How about Golden Spoon? Let''s give our boss a feast he won''t forget!"

    "I''ll make the reservation right now."

    Vinson''s assistant looked at me eagerly. "Ms. Crawford, you shoulde, too!"

    Her colleagues nodded in agreement.

    "Bring your assistant as well. The more, the merrier."

    "Exactly, Mr. Russell can afford it. He won''t miss out because of two more people."

    Turning to Lina, her eyes sparkled with anticipation, and I eventually gave in When we all arrived at the restaurant, everyone went to grab their food, leaving me and Vinson watching the bags. This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    "I feel bad for making you pay for this."

    I was genuinely embarrassed. The Golden Spoon wasn''t cheap, and its buffet cost a fair bit per person.

    He shook his head. "They wouldn''t have saved money even if you hadn''te."

    "You seem to get along well with the team. That girl mentioned you''re the heir?" I was curious about Vinson.

    I didn''t know much about Vinson, just vague references to his family''s significant influence.

    He smiled meaningfully at me. "Why else would Aspire World insist on partnering with the Patterson Group? Clyde''s not exactly top-tier."

    The confidence in his eyes was the

    same as it had been back in college.

    He had always imed he was better than Clyde and that I would see his worth eventually. Finally, I could see it, but it didn''t change where we stood.

    Suddenly, a group of reporters with cameras charged at us. Vinson instinctively moved to sit beside me, shielding me.

    "Mrs. Patterson, dining here with this young man, does this confirm the rumors? Are you and Mr. Patterson leading separate lives?" "Are you supporting this young man, or is this true love?"

    "Mnie, we heard you stuck with the rich kid back then, pestering Clyde upon your return. So, have you found a new target now?"

    The gossip buzzed around us, but one of the reporters cut to the heart of the matter, calling me by name.

    I turned to face her, and she

    hesitated but raised her voice even

    louder. Mnie, they say you won''t divorce for the money. used of infidelity, do you still have the right to demand anything?"

 Chapter 42

    "The person you''re talking about is my legal husband, right?" I stood up, locking my gaze with the female reporter.

    I felt like I''d seen her before, and then it hit me. She was in Ka''s social media posts.

    There was a time when gossip in our group chat was all about a photo Ka shared, dining out at some fancy steakhouse with this journalist.

    I nced at her name tag. "I? So, you''re the BFF of my hubby''s fling, huh?"

    As soon as I dropped that bomb, all eyes in the room turned to her.

    Her face turned red, but she still retorted, "So what? That doesn''t change the fact that I''m a journalist with integrity."

    As the cameras turned toward her, she took a moment to fix her hair. "I know the real scoop because I''m close with Ka. She, Mnie, was desperate to marry Clyde, but the truth is, Clyde never loved her."

    "Now that Clyde wants a divorce, she''s shamelessly after his money. Shouldn''t someone call her out for who she really is? How dare that homewrecker parade around like she''s the victim?"

    Her righteous tone made me burst intoughter.

    I retorted, "Desperate to marry her? Did you even bother to check your facts? Clyde was the one who couldn''t leave me alone. For your information, I filed for divorce. If you''re so capable, ask him to hurry up."

    I couldn''t bother talking to her any longer, and soon enough, the restaurant''s security was escorting the reporters out.

    Noticing themotion, my colleagues rushed back.

    Lina was visibly furious at the reporters. "Are you seriously crashing our team dinner? With all these people here, why aren''t you taking photos of us?"

    The folks from Aspire World jumped to my defense.

    "We were here to discuss a partnership, and you''re ruining our meal?"

    "Calling our boss a ''kept man''? Get your eyes checked!"

    "Supporting a mistress over the rightful wife, are you all reincarnations of mistresses?"

    The young crowd from Aspire World had sharp tongues, and soon, the reporters slinked away defeated.

    I felt embarrassed. Everyone exchanged nces and burst intoughter.

    Despite the awkwardness, dinner was enjoyable, but the night brought less cheer. Even though the reporters had guessed the truth, none wanted to report it. The public wasn''t interested in the truth, only in juicy scandals. So, Clyde and I found ourselves trending again.

    [Patterson Group''s couple suspected of divorce]

    [Reporter used of being a mistress reincarnate]

    [Former Mrs. Patterson to take a share of Patterson Group stocks]

    The trending topics were

    outrageous, each more sensational than thest. I even found myself engrossed in fan fiction about us, marveling at how close some

    guesses were to reality. But

    no

    wasn''t the drama queen they painted me as. I was someone battling cancer, holding onto

    treatment for dear life.

    The following morning, Clyde called. I knew he wouldn''t let this slide. Neither would the Patterson family.

    As expected, Merritt saw the news and insisted that wee to Patterson Mansion right away.

    "I''ll pick you up. Let''s go together." Clyde sounded resigned, probably headache-ridden from the social media storm.

    I checked my phone, noting that

    some trends had been suppressed, which was likely the Patterson family''s doing. This time, I didn''t refuse. Showing up alone could only make Merritt more furious

    But arriving at Patterson Mansion, Merritt was livid, even taking his frustration out on Clyde with a few cane whacks.

    Clyde bore it silently, with Laird and Eaton''s families watching, not saying a word.

    "Look at the mess you two have made! What''s all this rubbish online?"

    "Our stock prices are plummeting. Do you even care?"

    Though Clyde ran a branch office, the whole Patterson Group was affected, and Merritt was understandably angry.

    Lucia eventually couldn''t stand it anymore and came over to me. "Mnie, you got caught dining out with a man? How careless can you be?"

    I nodded earnestly. "Yeah, it''s strange how a meal with seven or eight people can get twisted like this."This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    Only a few knew about my dinner with Vinson, and with Ka''s friend showing up, it wasn''t hard to guess who leaked the info.

    ring at Clyde, Merritt then turned to me. "Vinson is the kid from Aspire World, right?"

    I nodded. "Yes, Vinson. He''s also a senior to Clyde and me."

    "I don''t have such a senior!" Clyde looked pissed.

    Clyde''s sharp replynded him another smack from Merritt. "Since he''s a senior and a business partner, just clear the air publicly." "Vinson, taking his mother''s surname... So, it was him."

    To my surprise, Merritt knew Vinson.

    I was about to probe further when Clyde''s re silenced me, and he got another hit from Merritt. "What''s with that look? This mess is yours to clean up. You''ll stay at Patterson Mansion from today until thepany''s anniversary celebration is over. No arguments. That''s final."

 Chapter 43

    Silence fell over the room like a heavy winter nket as Merritt spoke.

    I tried to interject a few times, but Merritt''s icy stare sent me retreating into silence.

    Eventually, Merritt dismissed Clyde and me to our room. We always had a room at the Patterson Mansion, though it had seen little use. Clyde always had a penchant forpany, rarely finding his way back to the Patterson Mansion.

    Still styled to my liking, the room brought a lump to my throat. It was a stark reminder of how much had changed, yet everything remained the same. The joy we shared on our wedding day seemed like a distant memory, reced by a heavy sorrow hanging in the air.

    Initially, I believed the Patterson family weed me to be part of them with open arms. However, reality had a different n, pping me hard with its cold truth.

    After a shower, I copsed onto the bed, my phone buzzing with a reminder from the nurse about tomorrow''s chemotherapy session.

    Dreading the side effects, I messaged Jade, asking her to pick me up from Patterson Mansion the next day.

    Jade asked, [Back at Patterson Mansion? Is it because of the rumors swirling online?]

    She added, [Don''t worry. I''ll be there first thing in the morning. I won''t let the Patterson family push you around!]

    Apanied by a patriotic meme, her messages coaxed augh out of me, warming my heart in the process. It seemed Jade had been my unwavering protector since my return.

    Clyde emerged from the bathroom, coughing heavily. "Who''s making youugh so much?"

    I turned away, presenting him with my back.

    The only downside to this room? There was only one bed.

    His irritation was palpable as he prodded my shoulder. "Why the short hair? It doesn''t suit you."

    "It''s none of your business!" I snapped, shrugging off his touch and scooting further away.

    He lingered behind me with his gaze almost tangible against my back.

    I asked, "Are you going to sleep? I''m turning off the lights."

    As I reached for the remote, he grabbed my hand. His grip loosened, perhaps in fear of hurting me, but he didn''t let go. "Mnie, stop this nonsense. As long as you behave, you''ll always be Mrs. Patterson."

    He pursed his lips and let go of my hand.

    "You''re my wife. No one can take your ce. I''ll buy you clothes, and all the jewelry and bags will be yours too."

    I paused, puzzled by his words. He seemed embarrassed, his face turning a shade of red.

    It was a side of him reminiscent of better times, yet those days were long gone. He used to tell me not to be upset, admitting fault was his. He''d joke about aging from anger, fearing I''d see myself less beautiful.

    With a deep breath, I pushed those memories aside, finding a semnce of calm. "Clyde, do you even remember the origin of the jewelry Ka took?"

    His confused look confirmed my suspicion.

    n¨¦

    "The ne she wore was a gift from our wedding day. You said it matched the blue sky. The rings on her fingers? One was from our anniversary, the other a promise ring from our first week after dating. And the earrings were custom-made for my first birthday back home."

    He opened his mouth to speak, visibly swamped with guilt. Finally, in a low voice, he muttered, "I''m sorry."

    I waved it off. It''s fine. You''ve

    forgotten the significance of the ne and rings, and I no longer want jewels that someone else has worn. They''ve lost their value to me. If you truly feel sorry, transfer the equivalent in cash to my bank

    ount."

    I turned off the lights with a final note. "Make sure to mark it as a voluntary gift. I don''t want any disputes over whose money it is."

    His breathing grew heavy, a clear sign of distress, but I was too tired to care. The next day''s chemotherapy loomed over me, demanding rest.

    Yet, when Clydey beside me, sleep became a distant wish. His steady breathing behind me kept me awake, my heart aching with a mixture of pain and sorrow.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    I slipped out of bed, only to find I''d left my pain medication behind. Fearing waking Clyde would lead to a fuss, I curled up on the sofa, enduring the night''s pain until sleep mercifully took over.

 Chapter 44

    When I woke up the next day, I found myself still curled up in the armchair but covered with a thin nket.

    Clyde was sitting quietly on the bed, watching me. "You awake?"

    I moved a bit, feeling sore all over. It turned out even the most expensive armchairs were not perfect for sleeping, especially not these single-seaters. I twisted my neck, fearing I might have a stiff neck.

    He reached to rub my neck, but I pushed him away.

    Clyde said unpleasantly, "Mnie, what are you doing? Preferring the couch over sharing a bed with me? You''re my wife!"

    The word "divorce" almost slipped out, but I swallowed it back down.

    The Patterson Group was in chaos, and this was no time for harsh moves. Even though I was considering divorce, it needed to be handled discreetly.

    Bringing it up at the time would drive Clyde mad. It would be better to embarrass oneself at home than in public.

    I nced downstairs, spotting Jade''s car. Her call came in just then. "Mnie, I''m here. You up yet?"

    Checking the time, it was only 7 a.m. Jade must''ve been up since dawn. I felt guilty.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.

    I answered, "Give me ten minutes. I''ll take a shower and head out."

    "What''re you up to?" Clyde attempted to follow me into the bathroom, but I pushed him out.

    "Out with Jade for a check-up. Don''t worry." I locked the bathroom door firmly, wanting no intrusion.

    Clyde banged on the door in frustration but eventually backed off.

    After showering and changing, I rushed out of the room.

    Evelyn looked from the car outside to me. "Mnie, heading to the office this early without waiting for Clyde?"

    "Sorry, I''m taking a friend to the hospital." I hurried out after changing my shoes.

    I could feel Clyde''s gaze from the second-floor window but refused to look back.

    Jade yawned at me. "What''s going on? Did you stay over? They didn''t give you a hard time, did they? Merritt isn''t just siding with his grandson, is he?"

    I shook my head, not wanting to exin. After all, we were getting a divorce. I might as well repay the Patterson family for their years of kindness. Jade didn''t pry further, though she seemed in a hurry that day.

    I asked, "Jade, something urgent?"

    She shook her head, dismissing another call.

    "If you''re busy, go ahead. Don''t let me keep you from work." I noticed "Manager" on her phone, obviously work-rted.

    After dropping me off and confirming my number, she mentioned a bidding conference.

    "Go ahead. I''ll text you after my chemotherapy." I knew it was hard for Jade to attain the position, and I urged her to leave.

    She''d have been at the conference if it weren''t for my sudden message the day before. She repeatedly checked if I was okay before finally leaving.

    Alone during chemotherapy, the pain

    §Ö

    hit harder. My heart sank when I saw other patients as frail and pitiful as me. Maybe it was what watching life slip away felt like.

    After the session, everyone else had someone waiting. I was alone.

    The nurse, full of sympathy,

    el

    suggested rest a bit longer. But being alone in the hospital only made me feel worse, so I forced myself to leave. I''d never liked hospitals, too many bad memories, yet couldn''t stay away.

    As I hurried out, I stumbled, falling forward. I instinctively grabbed for a helping hand, which pulled me back up.

    "Sorry, thanks. I lost my footing there." Once steady, I looked up to find Vinson.

    "You here for a check-up? You don''t seem okay." He eyed me, reaching for my medical records.

    I quickly hid them in my bag. "Just low blood sugar."

    Seeing my pale face, Vinson seemed to believe me. He helped me sit and bought me a Coke. I sipped it, suppressing the nausea from chemotherapy.

    He seemed about to ask more, so I changed the subject. "What brings you here?"

    "A friend''s sick. Just visiting. And you?" His concern was evident.

    I fiddled with my hair, "Just feeling faint. The doctor said it''s low blood sugar."

    Then, feeling my hair fall out, my heart sank. Was my hair starting to fall out already after just the second round of chemotherapy?

    Vinson seemed to be saying something, but I was deep in thought.

    He asked with worry again, "Mnie, what''s wrong?"

    I clenched my fist, shaking my head. "Nothing. Maybe I should carry some sugar with me."

    He helped me up, taking the Coke

    from me.

    earlyped breakfast for an

    early hospital visit, huh? Let me take you out for a meal and get you some sugar."

    His warm smile somehow made me nod in agreement.

    Passing a trash can, I quickly threw my fallen hair inside. It looked like I''d need to shop for a wig soon.

 Chapter 45

    Vinson led me to a quaint vegan restaurant, a choice that left me visibly puzzled.

    "Why here?" I asked.

    "You seemed a bit off, maybe not up for anything heavy," he reasoned.

    He pulled a chair for me and poured a ss of water, its coolness somewhat reviving my spirits, though my appetite remained absent. Eventually, I settled for a bowl of oatmeal, eating it slowly.

    Patient and seemingly amused, Vinson watched me eat.

    Suddenly, he reached out with a napkin to dab at my lips. I instinctively pulled away, and he quickly withdrew his hand.

    He exined with a smile, "You''ve got oatmeal all over your face. Looks like you were hungrier than you thought."

    I took the napkin with an awkward smile, feeling a sudden chill down my spine.

    "Ah, Mnie, sneaking off from work for a date with the senior, huh?" Ka''s sneering voice broke the silence, earning an eye roll from me and a chuckle from Vinson across the table.

    Dissatisfied with my reaction, Ka sauntered over with Clyde in tow.

    "Only oatmeal? Mnie, feeling under the weather?" she prodded.

    "With Mr. Russell here, we needn''t worry, right? But aren''t you forgetting you''re a married woman? Out like this, it''s quite scandalous."

    Clyde watched silently, allowing Ka''s barbs to fly unchallenged.

    I wiped my mouth, nodding earnestly. "Well, you two aren''t exactly being discreet, unting your affair. Vinson and I are just having a meal. What''s so wrong about that?"

    Sometimes, I admired Ka for her sheer audacity. If I had been as bold back then, things with Clyde might not have soured so badly.

    Clyde finally spoke up, defending his darling Ka. "Mnie, watch yournguage. You''re going out with Vinson and you''re using others?" His ring almost set me offughing.

    "What should I say then? Adulterers? Sorry, my vocabry as a designer is limited, Mr. Patterson, my apologies." Grabbing my bag, I looked at Vinson. "Done eating? Let''s go."

    I was about to retort when I felt a warm trickle from my nose, a nosebleed, amon aftermath of my treatments. Frantically grabbing tissues to stem the flow, the blood wouldn''t stop.

    Vinson ushered Ka aside, taking me to the restroom while Clyde got held up by her.

    "Clyde, don''t worry. Maybe it''s just stress or something. I used to get nosebleeds as a kid all the time, Ka said casually, a tone that made me wish she''d share my current plight.

    It took a while for the bleeding to stop, leaving me dizzy.

    Touching my head, the sensation of losing hair hit me hard. The possibility of going bald, even partially, was something I found hard to ept despite the minor hair loss so far.

    Luckily, Vinson didn''t notice. Handing me water, he asked, "What''s going on? Low blood sugar plus a nosebleed?"

    I casually tossed the fallen hair away, silently apologizing to the cleaning staff, before taking a sip. "Just a bit of stress and low blood sugar. I''ll be

    fine."

    "Are you sure?" Vinson asked, skeptical.

    Knowing my exnation sounded far-fetched, I nodded firmly. "Who wouldn''t be stressed with a cheating husband? It''s nothing."

    My attempt at humor seemed to convince Vinson, who nodded in agreement.

    I turned to Vinson. "Vinson, I''d like some time alone. No need to see me out."All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Feeling overwhelmed, I left the restroom. Passing by Ka and Clyde, I didn''t spare them a nce, stepping out to hail a cab back to Jade''s ce.

 Chapter 46

    Taking the day off anyway, I decided to crash back into my room and sleep. The second round of chemo hit harder than thest, leaving me wondering whether it was out to kill the cancer or me. The side effects had me feeling sick for a while, followed by a nosebleed. It felt like an eternity of difort before I finally adjusted to the ordeal about an hourter.

    After a shower, I copsed on my bed. With Clyde out of the picture, the world seemed eerily quiet, and I drifted into a restless sleep.

    Unfortunately, Clyde''s persistence knew no bounds as he appeared at Jade''s ce.

    First, I heard the endless ringing of the doorbell, which quickly escted to pounding on the door. "Mnie, Mnie! I know you''re in there. Open up!"

    Thankfully, it was daytime, so no neighbors hade toin yet.

    Despite feeling awful, I managed to open the door. "What do you want?"

    He seemed stunned by my appearance, his mouth opening, and closing without a word for a moment.

    I tried to close the door, but he quickly stopped it with his hand. "Mnie, let''s talk."

    I considered mming the door on his fingers but eventually decided against it.

    When he tried to step forward, I blocked the entryway. "Let''s talk here."

    He hesitated, but seeing my insistence, he stuttered, "Mnie, are you sick? It wasn''t Jade who went for a check-up today. It was you, wasn''t it?"

    Suddenly, he seemed to put two and two together, though not quite sharp enough or perhaps not genuinely concerned. Had he bothered to visit the hospital or pull some strings, he would''ve known it wasn''t just a check-up. But he didn''t, choosing instead to confront me, proving he hadn''t even been to the hospital.

    I couldn''t be bothered to exin. "Yeah, just low blood sugar and too much stress. I''ll feel better in a couple of days if you and Ka keep your distance. If you finish talking, you might as well leave."

    I tried to shut the door, but he was far stronger than me, making it impossible. For some reason, he was adamant about not letting me have my way today.

    Leaning forward, he exerted pressure against the door. "Mnie, you forgot Grandpa wants us back at the Patterson Mansion. It''s not convenient for you and Jade to live together. Come home with me." He cleared his throat awkwardly.

    I made sure he couldn''t enter. Yet, he didn''t back down, as if determined not to leave without my agreement.

    Eventually, I caved, "Just wait at the door. I''ll be out in a moment."

    Having promised Merritt, I felt obliged toply. After all, thepany''s anniversary was around the corner, and we could part ways after that without much fuss.

    Besides, I didn''t want Clyde to cause a scene that Jade would have to deal with.

    The ride back was silent. I kept my eyes closed, resting, fearing I might pass out. Thankfully, the journey was uneventful, and upon arriving at the Patterson Mansion, only Evelyn was there. The rest of Laird''s annoying family had left.

    Seeing us arrive together, Merritt looked somewhat pleased. "Nothing beats a united front. You two looking cozy together will squash any rumors. Just ensure you''re ready for the anniversary celebration. No embarrassments."

    Evelyn watched us with a smile,

    asionally chiming in. Of course,

    she''d love for me, the sickly, non-pregnant woman, to remain Mrs. Patterson. Once Clyde was out of the picture, their families could easily divide the assets. Bus

    would be disappointed. Our divorce was imminent.

    I greeted them and headed straight to my room. I brought along pain medication this time, ensuring a peaceful sleep.

    But Ka wasn''t interested in sleeping, or perhaps she just wanted Clyde''spany.

    At around eleven at night, she called, crying. "Clyde, I had a nightmare. I''m so scared. Can youe over? I think I sprained my ankle. It hurts so much that I can''t move."

    Iy on the other side of the bed, motionless.

    Clyde carefully got out of bed, whispered a few words offort, and quickly dressed himself to leave the mansion.

    As he left, I happened to be downstairs getting water.

    Evelyn was also awake, opening her door as I passed, sharing a knowing smile. "Clyde''s heading out thiste? Couldn''t it wait till morning?"

    I just smiled and said nothing. We both knew the game. There was no point in lying.

    Evelyn came down and poured me a ss of warm water. "Mnie, men will be men. Don''t take it to heart. Affections are secondary. You know what truly matters. He''s trying you over and even ordered gemstone jewelry and aThis text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    nove win

    custom-made gown. You''ve got to

    give him credit for that."

    She leaned in, whispering, "A gemstone jewelry set worth over ten million, what could be more sincere?"

    She raised her eyebrows, smiling, then turned to head upstairs.

    I downed the water in one gulp.

    Evelyn was right. Wearing millions worth of jewelry, given my status, wasn''t so bad.

    With no love left between me and Clyde, it all came down to his spending.

 Chapter 47

    There came the Patterson Group''s anniversary party, a grand event that seemed designed to quash the swirling rumors. Thepany had even purchased several press releases, ready to go out, painting Clyde and me as the picture-perfect couple.

    However, leading up to the event, I hadn''t received the gown and emerald jewelry Clyde had promised. With no other choice, I returned home, where Clyde had kept his word. There was no need for remote gestures to receive a gown and jewelry this time.

    I selected a cocktail dress I''d bought for our engagement but never had the chance to wear, deciding against any additional jewelry. The ne Clyde gave me was enough.

    When Clyde arrived at the Patterson Mansion to pick me up, his frown was inevitable. "Why are you dressed like that?"

    He was wearing a modern suit, seemingly expecting it to match the gown he''d forgotten to give me. I didn''t bother asking about it.

    "Let''s not keep everyone waiting," I said, linking my arm with his, which eased his mood.

    My attire was extravagant, a custom design by a renowned international designer intended for post-wedding festivities that never happened.

    As we arrived at the event, whispers filled the air. Our outfits shed dramatically with Clyde''s in green, mine in burgundy. Yet, as the evening''s hosts, no one daredment openly.

    Clyde quickly mingled, a natural in social settings, while I excused myself, iming to feel unwell. My pale, frail appearance silenced any critics, allowing me some peace.

    That was until Ka arrived, drawing all eyes with her emerald gown and jewelry, making it clear they were for her.

    I couldn''t help butugh internally, seeing Clyde conversing across the room, oblivious to the unfolding drama. Was that his way of making a statement at the expense of thepany''s image?

    As I sipped my drink, pretending to ignore the surrounding murmurs, Ka approached, clearing her

    throat deliberately. "Mnie, you et

    decided to wear that? You know you''re Mrs. Patterson, don''t you?" she taunted, surrounded by her clique, including I.

    Their snide remarks ranged from my outdated dress to theck of proper jewelry, insinuating Clyde''s favoritism toward Ka.

    Before I could respond, Clyde was by my side, his demeanor dark as he addressed the uninvited critics. "It seems some guests have forgotten their manners. Who dares insult my wife at a Patterson Group event?"

    His righteous defense surprised everyone, given the well-known strains in our marriage.

    With tears welling up, Ka turned to Clyde. "They''re my friends."All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Clyde''s frustration was palpable, especially given the asion. Yet, he didn''t scold Ka. Instead, he focused on thest to speak.

    "My wife''s ne, a gift from my college days, holds more value than any jewelry here," Clyde stated, silencing the crowd and inadvertently sparking rumors of our ''true love.''

    Ka''s tears fell, but her defiance was clear, even as she used me of being indifferent to Clyde''s affections, pointing out my absence of a wedding ring at such a crucial event.

    Clyde''s stern rebuke, addressing her formally for the first time in my presence, shocked everyone, especially when the Patterson Group''s employees knew the situation.

    As Ka stood defiant, tears streaming, she clung to her narrative, using me of being in it for the money, oblivious to Clyde''s genuine feelings.

 Chapter 48

    Ka was sobbing her heart out, making me the viin out of a soap opera, breaking up the perfect couple. But she conveniently forgot I wasn''t clinging on for dear life but that Clyde wouldn''t sign the divorce papers.

    I had a million snarkyments ready, but with an audience this big, I couldn''t tarnish the Patterson family''s name.

    Clyde''s gazended on my hand, and instinctively, I covered it with my other hand.

    Ka sure had an eye for detail. Had she not mentioned it, I would''ve forgotten about selling the ring.

    Her reminder made everyone notice.

    "Mrs. Patterson isn''t wearing her wedding ring. Hasn''t been for a while, right?"

    "I saw her at a meetingst time. She wasn''t wearing it. I thought maybe the diamond was too big, inconvenient."

    "I heard Mnie wanted a divorce long ago. Is that true?"

    "How could Mr. Patterson not want a divorce? You''re joking, right? It seems more like Mnie won''t let go."

    Clyde shot a menacing look around, quieting everyone right away, except for Ka who kept crying. But he clearly didn''t care about her anymore.

    He grabbed my hand firmly, preparing for a showdown. I reflexively tried to pull away, but he held on tight. Still, Clyde had a sense of the bigger picture, merely giving me a sharp nce before pulling me close. "Ladies and gentlemen, my wife isn''t wearing her ring because I''ve ordered a new diamond ring. The old one was a bit embarrassing to bring out, something I made back in college. Today, I was nning to give her the new ring. Guess the surprise got spoiled."

    He pped his hands, and someone rolled in a six-tiered cake.

    I stared at him, incredulous. Apany anniversary, and he bought a cake? And it had to be my once-favorite strawberry cake. It was too bad that chemotherapy made me nauseous at the sight of cream.

    Clyde took a small ring box from beside the cake, getting down on one knee. His action left me in an awkward limbo, unsure whether tough. Was he practicing for my funeral in advance?

    Suddenly, someone from the crowd shouted, "Mr. Patterson, what''s going on here, a funeral?"

    Clyde quickly got up, chuckling awkwardly at everyone. "Sorry, I, I''m a bit nervous."

    The crowd erupted intoughter, and Clyde, blushing, got back on one knee and slipped the ring on my finger. It was indeed a massive diamond, looking like about 10 carats.

    Everyone around us apuded, some even chanting for a kiss. Then, Ka ran out, her high heels clicking loudly against the floor.

    I stepped back, silently refusing to kiss Clyde. We were on the verge of divorce. Holding hands and hugging was my limit.

    Ka''s exit led her friends to run

    away, too. Ka had no reason to cry. The diamond was decent, with the best eraftsmanship. Clyde must have had it rushed. No matter its value, it was probably worth a few million at most.

    But as Evelyn Rut it, Ka''s gemstone jewelry was worth at least tens of millions. How rare was gemstone? Top quality stuff. Prices would only soar. Ka truly hit the

    jackpot. Compared to Cyther

    women, including me, none had Ka''s deal.

    Looking back at my stress over not having money for treatment, I figured life just wasn''t fair.

    Clyde then inteced his fingers with mine, visibly moved. "My wife and I have loved each other for many years, and I believe we will continue to find happiness together."

    I looked down, skeptical. Years of acquaintance, sure, but years of love? He could keep dreaming. As for happiness, I hadn''t found it with him, and neither had he with me.

    His gaze shifted to a corner of the crowd, and following his eyes, I saw Vinson standing there.

    Vinson nodded at me, and I managed a strained smile.

    I just couldn''t bring myself to feel truly happy.

    Back in our dating days, Clyde''s antics seemed endearing. I pursued him at first, but he yed it cool. But once familiar, he turned clingy, getting jealous over the slightest attention from Vinson.

    At the moment, his act felt more like a performance. Clyde didn''t love me, yet he was putting on a show.

    Clyde nced at me, then at Vinson. "When we got married, Our senior Vinson couldn''t make it. Today, he''s here as a witness."

    Vinson nodded slightly, always smiling.

    Given the gossip online, the looks turning toward us were with spection.

    "So, Vinson was Mr. Patterson''s senior? Must be close with Mrs. Patterson, too. No wonder they had lunch together."

    "I heard Mr. and Mrs. Patterson were an item since college. The senior must''ve known."

    "Today, he witnessed it, too. Count us in, Mr. Patterson."Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    The mood was buoyant, as if oblivious to Ka and Clyde''s coordinated outfits. I discreetly slipped my hand away, then gingerly touched the ring. Was Clyde being thoughtful or thoughtless? The ring was at least two sizes too big, ready to slip off with any movement.

    Thinking of Ka''s slightly plump fingers, I clenched my left hand, worried the ring might fall and that Clyde would demandpensation. After all, it was never mine, just a temporary adornment.

 Chapter 49

    At the Patterson Group''s annual soiree, the evening unfolded with its usual ir despite the minor hup earlier. I, however, found myself nestled in a corner, the fear of losing the ring gnawing at me.

    Even in my self-imposed istion, folks kept approaching, eager for a chat. Being Mrs. Patterson, politeness urged me to smile, though my patience for small talk was wearing thin. Eventually, seeking refuge, I ducked into thedies'' room only to run into a thoroughly inebriated Eliana Chandler.

    Eliana and I shared an alma mater, but our camaraderie ended there. Since freshman year, she seemed to have it out for me. It wasn''t until a roommate spilled the beans that I understood why. Eliana had harbored feelings for Clyde, but I had unwittingly beat her to the punch.

    She gave up on Clyde because her pride was hurt, and turned to bothering me instead.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.

    I attempted to ignore her, but she snagged my arm, her words slurred yet cutting.

    "Mnie, running away, heh? Feeling guilty?" she taunted.

    "Eliana, you''re drunk," I tried to deflect, struggling to free myself. It was a stark reminder of how powerless I felt, unable to shake off even a drunken Eliana.

    Her grip remained firm as she sneered, "Quit your act, bitch! You once dumped Clyde for some rich guy, and now you''re back? What, the gold digger wasn''t enough, and you had to return and marry him, too? You don''t love him, and why didn''t you go to Aurorea with the rich guy? Why must you stick with Clyde?"

    Her usations stung because they spoke the truth I wished remained buried. While I had my frantic thoughts of recording her tirade for potential ckmail, Vinson, a senior from our college days, intervened.

    "Miss Chandler, you''ve had too much. Let me help you to the lounge," Vinson offered, easily prying Eliana''s hand off me.

    Momentarily confused, Eliana pushed Vinson away upon recognition. "Vinson, are you out of your mind? She left with some rich guy to Aurorea, and you''re here defending her? How can you have a crush on her? She''s a liar."

    Eliana paused and added, "Oh, right. You went to Aurorea long ago. Sure, you didn''t know what happened then. Here, let me tell you..."

    Unphased, Vinson summoned a waiter to escort Eliana away. I offered him a sheepish smile, apologizing for the scene. He wiped his hands, casually mentioning he remembered me leaving for Aurorea with my mother, not some wealthy suitor.

    Caught off guard, I nced away. "I should get going."

    Vinson gripped my wrist softly before I could leave, fearing he might hurt me. "I was at the airport that day, spotting you with a middle-ageddy. Guess it was your mother, right?"

    His eager gaze fixed on me. I swallowed hard, struggling to exin it. Everyone believed I had chased luxury abroad, unaware of the life-and-death stakes of my trip, known to only several close friends.

    Before I could respond, Ka burst into the scene, her anger palpable. "Mnie, what''s this about?"

    Vinson let go of my wrist while I rubbed it awkwardly.

    Ka had changed into a less splendid dress, holding up bags of expensive garments and jewelry, a gift from Clyde.

    "You have left, right? What brought you back?" I washed my hands quietly, Ka''s presence a thorn in an already tense moment.

    Ka took a deep breath. "Mnie,

    you shouldn''t be cozying up to other

    men if you''re not leaving Clyde.

    xel

    Since you and Clyde are back together, please return these garments and jewelry to him. They are too expensive, and I can''t ept them."

    She didn''t hand the bags to me. Nor did I take them. Her act, however, was transparent, and I refused to take the bait.

    As I turned to teave, Clyde and his

    associates approached. Ka

    suddenly ran forward, dramatically dropping the bags at my feet, simting an ident. "Mnie, don''t be so mean. I''ll give you all these things if you dislike me."

    The sound of something shattering filled the air, her crocodile tears fooling no one. I retched, the drama overwhelming me, and fled back into the bathroom.

    When I emerged, Clyde was inspecting a broken gemstone bracelet, his expression a mix of confusion and concern. Ka yed the martyr, ming herself for my alleged fury and the ident.

    "Clyde, it''s a big day today. Please

    el

    don''t be mad at Mnie. It''s all my fault," Ka sobbed, ensuring all eyes were on her, the perfect picture of contrived innocence amidst the wreckage of a carefully nned evening.

    S

    Won

 Chapter 50

    Ka''s eyes twinkled with mischief as she nced my way, masking any hint of sorrow beneath a veil of smug satisfaction.

    I nearly apuded her for her talent. She could have made a living on Broadway, yet she chose to y the other woman. What a waste of potential.

    In no time, a crowd had gathered around us, exchanging nces that were all too eager to witness the unfolding drama.

    "Ms. Osborne, you let go of the bags. Mnie didn''t even have a chance to catch them," Vinson stepped before me, his gaze darkening as he faced Ka.

    Ka''s lips twitched into a barely contained smile as if she had been waiting for him to speak up.

    Covering her mouth in a faux shock, Ka mused, "Oh, you''re Mnie''s... Of course, you''d take her side."

    Her words were intentionally vague, drawing curious looks from the crowd toward us.

    Despite our efforts to clear the air about our rumored affair, skepticism lingered.

    Clyde handed Ka a jewelry box with a huff. "Your testimony doesn''t count. How do we know you two aren''t conspiring against Ka?" "Partners in crime!" I couldn''t help but stare at Clyde as if he had lost his mind, especially since he seemed to have forgotten Merritt''s explicit instructions for today. Hadn''t it been for my connection to the Patterson family, I wouldn''t have bothereding to this anniversary party.

    Ka stepped forward, her eyes brimming with feigned innocence. "I can''t afford to pay for such expensive jewelry. It was an ident. Even though it was a gift from Clyde, I had no intention of keeping it. It''s too extravagant."

    I nodded silently. Yes, Ka didn''t intend to keep it and nned to shift the me to me instead.

    "Clyde, do you trust this woman over Mnie?" Vinson''s disgust was palpable, his voice rising.

    I tugged at his sleeve. "Forget it. He won''t believe anything you say."

    With no surveince in ce and Ka having blocked everyone''s view, I knew proving my innocence would be challenging. The only person who could vouch for me was not trusted.

    Yet, Ka persisted, "We can''t let this go. What about the damaged jewelry?"

    I knew she was looking for a way to shift the me to me. I offered her a smile, "Aren''t these considered marital assets? Why are you so upset?" Thinking about involving the police crossed my mind, but I decided against it, considering it might only escte the situation.

    When the topic of marital assets came up, Ka''s chest rose and fell with barely contained anger.

    "What''s all thismotion? Don''t you know what day it is?" Leaning on his cane, Merritt made his way over and whacked Clyde with it.

    Seeing Merritt for the first time, Ka forced a smile, attempting to y nice. "Mr. Merritt, I was just..."

    "What nonsense are you spouting? Who gave you the right to make a scene here?" Lucia''s sharp voice cut through, sending Ka stumbling. Ever graceful, Evelyn supported Merritt. "Youngdy, don''t ever go around fussing over nothing. The Patterson family dislikes fussbudgets. The rightful Mrs. Patterson is right here. And you are?"

    At that moment, Lucia and Evelyn stood united in their disdain. Perhaps they were worried about the family fortune if a younger, healthier wife were to bear children.

    Merritt red at Clyde. "Aren''t you supposed to be entertaining the guests?"

    With Merritt''smand, the crowd dispersed back to the banquet hall.

    I resumed my role as the dutiful Mrs. Patterson. Thankfully, the anniversary celebration concluded without further incident.

    But Merritt''s anger was palpable when we returned to the Patterson Mansion. "Clyde, kneel!"

    Clydeplied, kneeling with a straight back.

    Merritt opened the jewelry box with disappointment and anger. "You said this jade was for Mnie. Why was it on that little tramp? And this dress, does she even deserve it? Are you trying to mock me?"

    Merritt red up. "Clyde, why weren''t you with Mnie at the anniversary, giving the dress to that woman instead? Think about what the press will say tomorrow."

    Clyde remained silent, only murmuring an apology after

    ncing my way. I realized then something was off. Ka''s dress

    ???

    seemed ill-fitting, looking like it wasnt for her. Perhaps it was all a setup by Ka?

    Even with Clyde''s shorings, he wouldn''t risk messing up thepany''s anniversary with a prank.

    But then again, Ka''s boldness was a product of his indulgence.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Turning away from him, I faced Merritt. "Merritt, this is between Clyde and me. Let us handle it."

    I couldn''t bear to see family discipline taken further. I remembered how Merritt had disciplined Clyde before for his indiscretions, leaving scars that had yet to fade.

    Merritt sighed, reluctantly letting us go.

    On our way home, neither of us spoke. Before entering the house, I stopped Clyde. "This is for you."

    While handing him the engagement

    ring I''d clenched throughout the drive, I made my stance clear. "It wasn''t for me. I won''t ept it. The bracelet wasn''t my fault, and won''t pay for it. Let''s leave it at that."

 Chapter 51

    Clyde''s grip tightened around the engagement ring, and his eyes reddened with emotion. "Where''s your wedding ring? Why aren''t you wearing it? Mnie, what''s this about?"

    I shrugged, at a loss for words. Should I tell Clyde about the days when I was so broke that I couldn''t even afford to see a doctor?

    I knew Clyde would soften, but I didn''t want his pity. Our marriage had hit rock bottom. Now that I had some money, I just wanted a shred of dignity. "Mnie, do you have any idea? I made that ring with my hands. I picked the diamond from many others and crafted it myself! I always thought I''d propose once I got a job and saved some money. Mnie!" His voice roared, tinged with a hint of choking emotion.

    I stared at him, overwhelmed with sadness.

    He appeared so wronged by my doings, but wasn''t I? I had wondered why the wedding ring looked so cheap. Did leaving him mean I didn''t deserve a beautiful diamond ring? But he never told me he made the ring himself.

    I touched my bare ring finger, bowing my head. Perhaps it was all these misunderstandings that had brought us to this point.

    I remained silent, and Clyde grew angrier.

    He gave me a tight hug, his eyes turning red. "Mnie, don''t I mean anything to you anymore? You won''t even wear our wedding ring. All you care about is money. Doesn''t love mean anything to you? You weren''t like this before. No!"

    I closed my eyes, finding his words absurd. Was love about bringing other women home and humiliating me? If his love was so valuable, was mine so cheap that he could trample on?

    When I opened my eyes, I was devoid of emotion. "Clyde, we''ve been out of love for ages. Why bring this up now? We had something real once, but it''s over. Let''s split on good terms. I''ll email you the divorce papers. Think it over and then get back to me."

    The Patterson Group''s anniversary was over, and a quiet divorce seemed most fitting.

    He still clung to me. His gaze grew fierce as if he could devour me.

    I pushed him away, but he stubbornly slipped the ring onto my finger. "You can''t just think about divorce! Let''s start over and work on our rtionship! If you don''t like that one, wear this one. It''s a solitaire, expensive enough for you?"

    I looked down at the ring andughed. "Clyde, why are you being so ridiculous? Why insist I have it if it wasn''t for me?"

    He gripped my hand tightly, refusing to let me remove the ring. His gaze was stubborn, just like him. "I told you, all those jewels were for you. It was Ka... anyway, I''ll make it up to you. I can buy you another one. They were all for you. You know everything. Why pretend?"

    I let Clyde hold on, looking at him coldly. They were all for me, but Clyde never told me. Maybe he also told Ka, giving her a chance. He didn''t even ask why I wasn''t wearing his custom jewelry, as if he never noticed I wasn''t wearing our wedding ring.

    "Let go." I loosened his grip and held out my hand. "Clyde, am I pretending not to know, or are you pretending not to let go? The ring isn''t even my size. How can you im it was for me?"

    I let the ring drop to the floor. He stared at me, speechless. There was nothing he could say.

    I ignored him, changing my dress in the walk-in closet.

    When I left, Clyde was still in the same position, not bothering to pick up the ring. I didn''t care anymore and walked out the door.

    Upon returning to Jade''s ce, I felt

    utterly drained, like all my energy drained. But Jade looked worse, sitting before herputer, her hair a mess, her pajamas buttoned wrong, and it seemed she''d been drinking. This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    I asked with concern, "Jade, what happened to you?"

    "Mel, oh Mel..." She turned and hugged me, soon covering me in tears and snot.

    "Who''s crossed you?" I patted her back until she calmed down a bit.

    "My bid project design is a mess, and there''s a meeting tomorrow. What am I going to do? The design data is all wrong." She continued to sob as I nced at herputer.

    Jade was top-notch in her field, rarely making mistakes. However, after reviewing it, we found the data had ws.

    ¡°Mnie, if anything is wrong with this design, I''m done for." She slumped over the desk, feeling totally disheartened.

    I looked at theputer screen,

    then flicked her forehead. "Stop

    crying. If there''s a problem, we''ll find

    it. We might not be geniuses, but

    we''re as good as any expert if we work together."

    I didn''t wait for her response, grabbing the papers to look for errors.

    She looked at me, rubbing her forehead. ¡°Mel, neither of us were ever geniuses, remember?"

    I nodded absentmindedly, "Fine, we''re two dunces, but together, we''re as good as a mastermind. Enough talk. Get on with the files!"

 Chapter 52

    One night, we barely caught a wink of sleep.

    Jade''s design was brilliant, thoughtful, and eco-friendly to boot. But somewhere along the line, a minor misstep led to a gaping w in the final design. It wasn''t until Ibed through everything from the beginning that I spotted the root of the problem. "Look here. You didn''t make this change, did you? The measurement is off by an inch."

    Jade pushed up her sses, squinting at the screen before mming her hand on the desk.

    "No way. Who messed with my design? No wonder the numbers were all over the ce! Somebody must''ve fiddled with the file when I wasn''t looking. I thought I''d identally deleted the original file!"

    I had suspected as much but hadn''t said anything until then.

    With no time to figure out who messed up, Jade got straight to fixing the data, and I was there to help her out.

    After a few hours of hard work, we finally got all the files in order as dawn broke.

    With a hoarse voice, Jade hugged me tight. "Mnie, I''d be toast without you. You saved my ass out of the mess. You are my savior!"

    "Don''t be silly. We''re best friends." I patted her head, only to have my hand swatted away as she grimaced, her throat too sore to even speak. Running on no sleep and dealing with a headache, I decided to call in sick.

    Lately, it felt like Clyde deliberately kept me from taking on more at thepany. The Design Department had been unusually quiet.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    Jade seemed worse off than I was, barely able to stand, yet she couldn''t miss the bidding meeting.

    After a brief discussion, she let me, her guardian angel, take her ce. "Since you''ve taken the day off, give me a hand."

    I encouraged her. "With your brains, we''ve got this in the bag."

    She was the lead designer, and no one else was as familiar with the project. She was worried about potential oversights. Her raspy voice, coupled with her powerhouse demeanor, was quite the mismatch. After some thought, I felt confident enough in my understanding of the project to start preparing.

    But arriving at the bidding meeting, I saw Vinson and Clyde with their teams. I instinctively ducked my head, and of course, Jade saw them, too, heaving a heavy sigh.

    As the Patterson Group''s Design Director, stepping in for Jade would cause a stir. I could feel one particrly icy stare from Clyde.

    Jade patted my shoulder, her voice harsh, "I''ll go."

    I nodded. It was Jade''s call to make. When Jade started speaking onstage, the audience was visibly shocked. But she powered through, presenting the entire design n with her gravelly voice.

    Even though the Patterson Group''s design was thorough, it just couldn''tpete with Jade''s lower cost estimates.

    Vinson''s team seemed eager butcked experience, failing to grasp certain aspects. In the end, Jade won the contract with her superior expertise. She came off stage and wrapped me in a tight hug. "Mnie..."

    "If you keep talking to me with that voice, I''ll mute you for good." I pushed her away, popping a throat lozenge into her mouth.

    She clung to my arm, yfully whining. "Mnie, my hero, my champion..."

    Her husky voice made my skin crawl.

    As we were leaving,ughing and joking, Ka, oblivious to the room, followed us out.

    "Mnie, you''re with the Patterson Group. How can you support anotherpany? And as Design Department Director, isn''t this like betraying your own?"

    Her re was full of resentment, backed by a few from Design Department III.

    Perhaps their sour mood was due to not winning the contract as they grumbled.

    "Exactly, we all know how talented you are. Instead of helping us, you assist thepetition?"

    "It''s like you want us to look bad. Maybe Mnie even shared our designs with them."

    "No wonder we lost!"

    As Clyde approached, Ka turned

    to him, ying the victim. "Just

    yesterday, unting your ro

    1.n

    with Clyde, and today, helping anotherpany. That''s too much. Don''t the Patterson Group and Clyde mean anything to you?"

    Clyde stopped in his tracks, looking at me, waiting for a response.

    I was speechless. Design Department wasn''t my responsibility, and we had no ovep in work. It was a sector Clyde established several months back for smaller projects. The

    Patterson Group probably didn''t care much about this project, so Clyde handed it to them.

    And theirck of sess was somehow my fault.

    But I wasn''t in the mood to exin. Instead, Kturned to Ka. "Clyde Your Clyde means nothing to me. But that broken bracelet is a different story. That was worth millions. Don''t forget to pay up."

 Chapter 53

    "Mnie, you broke the bracelet! And it was a gift to me! And why should I pay you? You haven''t made a dime for the Patterson family!" Ka yelled hysterically, her nerves frayed.

    I shrugged. "Then, wait for the Patterson family to call the cops."

    It didn''t matter to me if they reported it. But the idea of scaring Ka amused me. At the mention of calling the police, Ka''s face went through several shades of panic.

    The jewelry was a gift to her, and she ended up stealing and breaking it, a serious offense.

    Besides, the Patterson family was there that day. There was no way she could talk her way out of this.

    But as long as Clyde didn''t pursue it, she thought she was safe. Realizing that, Ka turned her puppy-dog eyes toward Clyde. "Clyde, I did it for thepany! Mnie is the head designer. How can she work for outsiders? And she knows so manypany secrets. What if she leaks them?"

    She cleverly avoided mentioning the bracelet, showing some smarts.

    "Ms. Osborne, you really know how to y the victim-breaking the Patterson family bracelet and not owning up to it, and now you''re ming Mnie," Vinson and his team approached, greeting me warmly.

    Vinson red at Ka and Clyde. "Since they''re not divorced, doesn''t half of Clyde''s money belong to his wife? Why shouldn''t she ask forpensation? Mnie is still Mrs. Patterson of the Patterson Group. Why would she leak her family''s secrets?"

    Ka''s colleagues looked at each other, unsure of what to say. If some otherpany''s head designer might leak secrets, the boss'' wife of the Patterson Group had no reason to.

    Sure, my rtionship with Clyde wasn''t great, but who would pick a fight with money?

    Seeing no support from anyone, Ka turned to Clyde with a look of grievance. "Clyde, look at them, ganging up on me. I don''t believe it if you think there''s nothing between them!"

    She tried to drive a wedge between Clyde and me, but her n fell t.

    Clyde ignored her,ing straight to me. "Let''s go. There''s a project we need to discuss."

    Without waiting for anyone''s reaction, he pulled me away.

    When we nearly reached the door, Ka had hurried after us. "Clyde, wait for me, will you?"

    Her high heels click-cked as she stumbled behind us.

    Clyde didn''t look back. "Go back first. We don''t need you."

    Then he pushed me into the car, ordering the driver to leave. I saw Ka shaking her fists in frustration in the rearview mirror, but Clyde''s expression remained stoic.

    He kept silent, and so did I, resting my eyes.

    Clyde did take me to discuss a project, a new overpass in the suburbs. Clyde had caught wind of it early and was ready to take action. This time, he didn''t push drinks on me but drowned himself in them, getting visibly drunk noon,

    He reached out. "Mnie, help me."

    Seeing how tall he waspared to my smaller frame, I stepped back and pulled out my phone to call the driver for help.

    Clyde looked hurt, but I only nced at him before turning away. If we were heading for divorce, there was no need for closeness.

    Back at the office, I ignored the still-drunk Clyde and went straight to my work desk. Since I wasn''t taking a leave, I might as well get some work done.

    That was when Jade''s call came

    through, her voice a mix of sobs and screams. "Mnie, my project got stolen, and they''re recing me! Just because he''s the boss''

    e

    u

    brother-inw? He''s taking t

    the

    project I''ve worked on for months!"

    Her crying was intense, her voice hoarse, suggesting she got reced by a rtive of her boss and her important design stolen.

    I asked, "Jade, where are you? I''m on my way."

    Finding her at a caf¨¦ near her office, I hurriedly left.

    Jade wasn''t one to cry easily. It must''ve been something serious.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.

    As I opted for the stairs, impatient with the elevator, I overheard Ka on the phone. "Just steal the

    documents while she''s off guard, et

    Then, align with the boss''

    brother-inw, and you''ll have a promising future. Don''t worry. Once that bitch Jade gets fired, you''ll get your cut."

    I held my breath, waiting until she left the stairwell before descending.

    Given Ka''s grudge, Jade seemed the likely target.

    Fury red up inside me at Ka''s nerve, not just hassling me but going after my friend too..

    Clenching my fists, I quickened my pace. Ka would face consequences if she dared mess with Jade.

 Chapter 54

    I dashed out of the taxi and made a beeline for the cafe. By the time I arrived, Jade''s eyes were red from crying, and she stuttered through her exnation.

    After winning the bid today, a colleague secretly informed Jade that the boss had got her reced.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    The boss nned to wait until everything was smooth sailing before letting his brother-inw take over, depriving Jade of her deserved bonus. "We''re talking about a bonus of $700,000, seven hundred thousand! Asshole! He sweet-talked me into joining thepany, only to set me up like this!" Her sobs grew heavier, her voice even more hoarse.

    I gently patted her back, asking, "Did they get the confidential designs, too?"

    The Design Department''s documents were top secret. Even though Jade trusted me deeply, she had personally double-checked many ssified materials just the day before.

    Without being a core designer, it was impossible to ess these materials.

    Jade angrily mmed her fist on the table. "Someone tampered with myputer and copied most of the designs, but I kept the core parts to myself."

    I nodded, understanding that we could work something out if they didn''t have everything.

    The phone rang, and Jade visibly bristled when she saw the caller ID, but she answered on speaker.

    "Hey, Jade, I heard you weren''t feeling well and took the day off. Take a few more sick days. I know it''s hard for you to talk right now. Don''t worry about the project. My brother-inw''s just returned from abroad and dabbles in design. He''ll cover for you for a bit. Make sure to rest up. Don''t sacrifice your health for work."

    Seeing the caller ID as "BOSS," I knew it was the scoundrel Jade had mentioned.

    Jade hummed in acknowledgment with a nasal tone, then hung up.

    We exchanged a look, both understanding the boss'' insinuation. The project had won the bidding, and with the design phaseplete, it only needed supervision. Her position usurped by the boss'' brother-inw meant Jade would return to virtually no role.

    Jade hit the table again. "I won''t hand over the design."

    I nodded quietly, agreeing she didn''t need to take responsibility for this project since she got reced.

    But it wasn''t something we could easily shrug off. We needed a n to ensure Jade wouldn''t take the meter on. With the boss'' directive, it was clear he didn''t expect Jade back at the office.

    We both were on leave, so we eventually decided to head home. We had nned to indulge in a hearty meal to vent our frustrations, but then Clyde called.

    His voice came through, "It''s the birthday of Uncle Laird''s grandson. The family''s gathering for dinner."

    Thinking of that lively little rascal made me instinctively want to decline. But Clyde seemed to anticipate my response, quickly adding, "I''ve picked up the gifts, and Granddad wants us all together."

    Bringing up Merritt meant I had no choice but to go. I nced apologetically at Jade, who nudged me.

    Jadeforted me. "Go. I could use a nap anyway. Don''t worry."

    After ensuring she would stay put, I left, only to find Clyde waiting downstairs. "Didn''t want you to bail, so I came to get you."

    He drove himself this time without a chauffeur. I didn''t y hard to get but took the passenger seat.

    He seemed pleased with my action, and his tone softened, though tinged withint. "Howe you''re back all of a sudden? Weren''t you heading to the office?"

    I answered, "Jade''s got cornered at work. I had to be there for her."

    Clyde snorted, "You''ve always been good to her, sticking together like sisters since school."

    I sighed inwardly, remembering how he''d made simr remarks during our school days.

    My circle of friends wasn''trge, and it only dwindled after we started dating. Without Jade, I doubt I could have endured chemotherapy.

    But I didn''t want to dwell on this with him, quickly changing the subject. "What''s your take on Design Department III?¡±

    I genuinely saw no need for it.

    Design Departments I and II under my management were industry elites. Adding a third department seemed pointless, especially given their apparentck of skill.

    "Had a chat with York. He thinks we should also take on smaller projects for expansion''s sake. It made sense to me. You don''t think much of these rookies, so I didn''t burden you with them."

    "York''s idea?" I eyed him suspiciously, and he nodded.

    York Patterson was Clyde''s elder cousin, Laird''s son, and father to the birthday boy.

    Clyde''s family rtions wereplex, but he got along reasonably well with this cousin. Yet, I''d always found York scheming, never quite liking him.

    A flicker of insight crossed my mind

    but slipped away before I could

    grasp Considering Ka might be involved in Jade''s predicament, I asked, "What did Ka study?"

    I vaguely remembered someone mentioning her field didn''t align with ours.

    Clyde thought about it. "History? Tourism? I can''t quite recall. Why do you ask?"

    A car ahead braked suddenly, forcing Clyde to stop abruptly, cursing under his breath, my question seemingly forgotten. I gazed out the window, feeling something amiss.

    When we got to Patterson Mansion, the pieces of the puzzle started to slowlye together.

 Chapter 55

    Merritt had a soft spot for kids. It was a pity that he only had one grandson, Clyde.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.

    York''s little kid was turning two, prime cuteness overload, and everybody doted on him. Even though it was a family banquet, their birthday bash wasvish. Lucia always had a snide remark about me not having kids while others tried to smooth things over.

    I tried to enjoy the lobster and abalone, telling myself it tasted better when it was free. After a hearty meal, I found sce in a corner, glued to my phone, not in the mood to deal with the Patterson family.

    All smiles, Evelyn came over with a cup of tea. "It''ll help with the digestion," she suggested, sitting beside me, seeming to have something on her mind but struggling to start.

    Setting the tea aside, I urged, "Out with it, Evelyn."

    She gave an awkwardugh, then pulled out her phone. "Mnie, I''ve always preferred you. You know when to step back and step up. Clyde''s blind, but he''ll see the light, especially with such a sluttish woman."

    Her phone disyed two photos of Ka dining out with a man.

    Without hesitation, Evelyn forwarded them to me. "These mistresses aren''t loyal anymore, always looking for more men, especially with Clyde being married. Do you think Clyde would dump her if he found out?" Patting my shoulder, she left.

    The man in the photo seemed familiar. Zooming in, I recognized him as the guy trailing behind Jade at the bids, his conspicuous red birthmark on his left hand a dead giveaway.

    Could he be the one Ka was conversing with over the phone? And the one who betrayed Jade? Things started to make sense if he was part of her team.

    As I left the Patterson Mansion, my mind was buzzing, trying to connect dots between events that seemed unrted at first.

    Sensing my preupation, Clyde chose silence over conversation.

    At a crossroads, I asked him to stop. "Jade''s been down. I''m worried about her."

    Avoiding a confrontation about our marriage, I used Jade as an excuse.

    He hesitated, then turned left, dropping me at Jade''s.

    Bursting into Jade''s room, I found her venting over a game.

    Snatching her phone, I demanded. "Is this guy from yourpany?"

    Jade''s anger froze upon seeing the photo. "Yeah, Hank. But what''s he doing with Ka?" We were both stumped after sharing the call I overheard and the photos Evelyn gave me. It was all too suspicious.

    Deciding to investigate further over the weekend, we hit a snag at the restaurant from the photo. There was no reason to ess their security footage without involving the police, which wasn''t an option.

    "Look who it is, the dynamic duo! What brings you to my restaurant?" Eliana''s voice rang.

    Jade and I exchanged nces before pulling her aside.

    "What''s the n? Kidnapping, ckmail, murder?" Eliana stood defiant as if challenging us.

    We exined the situation and emphasized Ka''s role as Clyde''s mistress. Visibly irritated, Eliana snapped into action. "What do you want? Spit it

    out."

    Humbly, Iid out our predicament

    knowing Eliana''s fondness for Clyde.

    Eliana''s demeanor shifted at the

    mention of a favor, smirking at the opportunity to help.

    Eliana was at her wit''s end as she exposed all the scheming, pointing out Ka''s betrayal. "Ka''s such a snake..."

    "Consider it done. Just wait." She marched off, turning back, and yfully urged us to order something while she worked her magic.

    True to her word, Eliana returned swiftly with footage of Ka''s secret meetings with Hank, including cash exchanges.

    "Why would she target me?" Jade pondered, baffled.

    Sipping her coffee, Eliana nudged me for an exnation.

    Apologizing, I admitted, "It''s my fault. If not for me, Jade wouldn''t be in this mess."

    Eliana mmed her cup down, her gaze hardening. "Mnie, don''t be so defeatist. Ka''s the issue, not you."

    Jade red in disagreement.

    On her feet, Eliana seethed, "You''re

    letting Ka win? Uneptable! I''ll send you the video if she tries anything But you better deal with her. I didn''t lose to you back ing

    college to watch see Ka walk all over you now. You have to win, or else!"

 Chapter 56

    After uncovering the mole within thepany, Jade leveraged her extensivework to ess the office surveince footage.

    Located at the entrance of the Design Department, the camera quickly revealed that Hank had sneaked back into the officete at night the day before the data mishap, meddling with theputers.

    Given the shared nature of many projects within the Design Department, merely logging into thepany''s ount allowed for modifications, exining why Jade hadn''t initially caught on to the issue.

    Moreover, taking advantage of the team''s celebration over a sessful project bid, Hank had sneaked into the office, plugging a USB drive into Jade''sputer. Though he had attempted to disguise his actions, the birthmark on his left hand gave him away.

    Fuming, Jade gritted her teeth. "That son of a bitch, Hank! After all I did to cover for himst time, he backstabs me like this!"

    I held her hand, urging her to calm down. "Jade, you must realize something. The material Hank stole was for your boss." That was the real kicker. Hank was merely a pawn, and her boss was the true viin. Tall poppies were the first to get cut down.

    Jade''s exceptional capabilities earned her colleagues'' trust after joining thepany for less than a year, as evidenced by the team showing up for her bid presentation. However, such prominence often made one a target of their superiors'' envy, especially in a family-run enterprise that had hired her on a high sry, presumably with ulterior motives.

    While clutching her fists in anger, Jade''s eyes reddened. "No, Mnie, I can''t let this slide. It''s not my fault, and I''ll clear my name even if they fire me."

    Her voice was hoarse, but her anger was palpable.

    I looked down, inwardly agreeing with her stance.

    The designers'' work was withoutpensation, a clear case of leveraging cheapbor.

    When Jade and I returned to thepany, her team gathered around. Plugging the USB into the conference roomputer, the video of Hank altering and stealing data was unmistakable. All eyes turned to him.

    Hank instinctively looked to his current boss, who sneered at Jade arrogantly. "So, Miss Scott, I heard about your data mishap almost derailing the project. What''s this about now? This footage is so grainy. You''re not suggesting Hank stole your data, are you?"

    "What else?" Jade''s voice was raspy.

    The truth was in front of everyone, yet some refused to acknowledge it.

    When the boss arrived, his fury was evident. "Jade, what''s this? Didn''t I tell you to go home? This project belongs to thepany, and you''re apany designer. What''s wrong with using your designs for the team? Starting right now, you''re out of the Design Department. You''ll be working in logistics from here on out."

    It seemed they had nned to dispose of Jade under the guise of her recent illness.

    As Jade was about to protest, I stepped before her. "Most of this

    solo work Although she''s an employee, she hasn''t got

    project''s core designs were J

    compensation for her work, and thepany has no right to use her designs withoutpensation."

    The other party scoffed, "Go ahead and sue. When it''s settled, the project will have long finished. Let''s see what you can do then."Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    Realizing they intended to y dirty,

    several colleagues and I held Jade back, preventing her from

    confronting them. I had anticipated this scenario. Such a shameless boss had likely nned to fire Jade.

    But these fools hadn''t realized Hank hadn''t copied the core Design Department files. They were still gloating over their perceived victory.

    "Fine then. Thepany needs to put out a statement saying this project has nothing to do with Jade anymore, and she won''t be held responsible for

    it."

    "Fine!" The boss seemed almost excited by the challenge, sweeping his hand dramatically, "Well, if that''s the case, Jade no longer needs to stay with thepany."

    I was about to reason with him when Jade, through gritted teeth, said, "Fine."

    She gave me a resigned look, then shook her head. At that moment, I realized she had lost faith in thepany. Staying on was pointless.

    Back home, I received a message from Eliana, who had reviewed the footage again and discovered Hank hadn''t just tampered with data but sold a wealth ofpany information to Ka.

    I quickly called Lina, who sent me the Design Department III project files.

    Jade immediately noticed something was off. "Why are these designs, which I discarded, now with the Patterson Group? Did Ka buy my designs from Hank?"

    After pondering briefly, I stood up, grabbing my coat. "Jade, get your documents ready. We''re going to the police."

    Even Jade''s discarded designs

    weren''t up for grabs. It seemed

    Clyde had intended for Ka to take over the Design Department III, and she was eager to make her mark. Unfortunately for them, ignorance in one field didn''t trante to skill in another.

    When we arrived at the Patterson Group with the police, Ka was still sweet-talking Clyde.

    "Clyde, the L brand just released a new handbag. They called me about it. Let''s go and check it outter?"

    Ka reluctantly let go of Clyde''s hand as the secretary ushered us in.

    The police officers turned to Ka. "Ms. Ka, you''re under suspicion of stealing business secrets. Pleasee with us."

 Chapter 57

    The cops had all the needed evidence, and Ka was at a loss for words.

    After all, the Patterson Group was currently using designs that Jade had created. It was an undeniable fact, supported by Ka''s previous coborators, who could vouch for those submitted designs.

    Ka wept pitifully in the police station, but I remained expressionless.

    Clyde was extremely restless, frantically calling the Patterson Group''swyer to try and get Ka bailed out.

    After hanging up, he red at me, seething, "Mnie, how can you be so cruel?"

    "No crueler than your mistress stealing trade secrets." I rolled my eyes at him, then grabbed Jade, who was about to explode. Arguing with Clyde in the police station was thest thing we needed.

    Massaging his temples, Clyde didn''t argue back, seemingly conceding Ka might indeed be capable of such a deed. His thought process baffled me. Having been in the industry for so long, he was well aware of the taboos. How could he let Ka off the hook like that?

    I looked away, letting him rant until the cops intervened.

    "Sir, your assistant has indeed stolen trade secrets. I would advise against threatening theinant," one officer warned him, adding, "Especially since she''s your wife."

    It seemed our frequent visits had made our story well-known among the police.

    A mistress copying the designs of the legit wife''s friend sounded less like business trouble and more like a messy love triangle.

    I faced Clyde with a stoic expression. "Jade is the victim here. These are her designs, not herpany''s. You might want to get Ka toe clean. After all, confessing might lighten her sentence."

    If Ka was convicted, she was looking at time behind bars. It wasn''t a minor issue. Though discarded by Jade, the designs could still be valued at millions on the market, enough to put Ka into prison for years.

    The awkwardness was palpable when Clyde''swyer arrived, but he still apanied Clyde to talk to the police bravely.

    I wasn''t privy to what they discussed, but the police hoped for a resolution.

    Once in the interrogation room, Ka''s tears flowed freely, yet her gaze at me was thick with resentment. "I had no idea. Hank said those were his designs. I merely bought some blueprints for thepany. Clyde, someone''s jealous of us and is framing me. Please, don''t believe her."

    She was such a clever girl, avoiding

    the topic of the designs and focusing on a supposed romantic

    dispute. Such a heartbreaking tale of a woman sacrificing everything for love, only to be suppressed and framed by the legit wife.

    "We''ve also sued Hank. Let''s see what he has to say. Anyway, we have evidence." I cut off Ka''s sob story. "The tech department can read lips from that video, right? If you think I''m framing you, sue me. Cut the drama."

    I was tired of Ka''s act, so I pulled Jade out of the room. Since they weren''t interested in settling, we

    didn''t want to linger. On his part

    Hank detailed everything. It was all Ka''s doing. He even recorded every meeting with her.

    With undeniable evidence, Ka had no room to argue, resorting to pleading with Clyde.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    As Clyde approached us, visibly upset but still standing up for his mistress, he said, "Mnie, Jade, can we talk?"

    "Mnie, are you okay?" Somehow aware of the situation, Vinson rushed over, stepping before Clyde. "What''s the n, Mr. Patterson? Trying to throw your weight around here?"

    Clyde clenched his fists but eventually let go. His gaze returned to me. "Making a big deal out of this helps no one. If Jade sues the Patterson Group, it could ruin her career."

    "Clyde, are you admitting you had Ka do this?" My voice was sharp, my body trembling.

    If it were him, a divorce would be the least of his worries.

    Clyde met my gaze without flinching, almost pityingly. "Do you think so?"

    His demeanor reassured me. If our marriage ended in total ruin, I would be devastated.

    He softened his tone, whispering, "But the project did use Jade''s designs. I''ll take responsibility. I owe Jade an apology."

    "How will you take responsibility? Jade has lost her job and designs. You think an apology can fix everything?"

    Clyde was always good at apologizing, having written me countless letters of regret during college.

    He inhaled deeply, reluctantly looking at Jade. "We''ll buy the designs at market value and throw in an extra 10% aspensation."

    Jade and I remained unmoved. Letting Ka off easy wasn''t an option!

    Seeing our silence, Clyde finally said through gritted teeth, "Jade can join the Patterson Group, heading Design Department III."

 Chapter 58

    When Clyde dropped the bomb, Jade and I were stunned into silence. Landing a gig at Patterson Group''s Design Department wasn''t something one could waltz into. Jade had vented to me before about how she''d bombed the interview not once but twice.

    But then, for the sake of Ka, Clyde wasn''t stepping back. He was pushing Jade to take charge of Design Department III. Design Department III wasn''t top-notch, but parachuting someone into a department head position was unprecedented, especially since a department head at Patterson Group wasn''t just any run-of-the-mill designer elsewhere!

    Jade was excited, yet she looked at me, seeking my take. I got it. She got tempted.

    Cool as a cucumber, Vinson eyed Clyde. "Mr. Patterson, you''re quite the generous benefactor for your mistress, huh? Dropping principles just like that?"

    Clyde cleared his throat, trying to look all high and mighty.

    "Jade''s designs have been recognized by Patterson Group. She''s the best fit to oversee the projects in Design Department III. I''m considering thepany''s best interests here and her future." Clyde stressed the word "future" with such gravity, his gaze fixed on me. He knew what mattered to me most.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Jade was one of my few true friends. There was no way I''d leave her hanging. He was sure I''d bend this opportunity for Jade''s sake. And after all, it was Jade''s career on the line. Clyde had yed his cards right. I bit my lip, torn.

    Sensing my hesitation, Clyde seemed to rx. "I''m a man of my word. Join ourpany, and your best friend bes your boss. No one will shortchange you. If Jade''s unused designs got picked up, that speaks volumes of her talent. Design Department III has beencking proper leadership. Jade, think it over."

    His eyes were earnest, looking like he believed in Jade''s prowess.

    I looked down, unsure of what to say. For any designer, Patterson Group was a golden opportunity. After years of hard knocks and getting the short end of the stick at herst job, Jade was understandably bitter.

    Starting over would be difficult, especially with her history quickly spreading through the grapevine. Butnding a role at Patterson Group could turn her fortunes around, a p in the face to those who doubted her. But when thinking of letting Ka off the hook, my fists clenched at the thought. Ka dared to mess with my friend, crossing a line for me.

    Suddenly, Jade''s hand covered mine, intertwining our fingers, and shook me gently.

    She nced toward the door, and I got her.

    "Clyde, we need to mull this over. We''ll get back to you," I said, pulling Jade with me as we left the police station, with Vinson trailing behind. Clyde followed a few steps before stopping. I closed my eyes briefly, knowing he wouldn''t leave with his sweetheart still in a bind.

    But with Ka tangled in the investigation for possibly the next 24 hours, she was in for a tough time.

    Vinson drove us back, offering Jade to join hispany''s budding Design Department. "We have many projects that could use your talent, though we''re just starting."

    He was just as sincere, but Jade politely declined after some hesitation.

    Back at her ce, Jade copsed onto the couch, looking at me with puppy eyes. "Mel, what do I do?"

    "Take the money, of course," I said without missing a beat.

    No matter if she ended up working at Patterson Group or not, thepensation was set in stone.

    Those were all small project

    designs,ting only around two hundred thousand, not much in the grand scheme. But joining Patterson Group for just a few years would embellish her resume significantly, not to mention theworking opportunities.

    Thinking about my likely divorce from Clyde soon, I turned to Jade with a smile. "Patterson Group''s Design Department is the best,

    handling projects your previous

    company couldn''t. I know your worth. A few years there could

    broaden your horizons. It''s a solid

    choice."

    Jade shot up from the couch, ring at me. "Mel, what are you saying? You want me to roll over?"

    I knew her real dilemma was about

    me. Wrapping my arms around her, I spoke from the heart. "We''re not twelve years old. Don''t be so headstrong. Patterson Group is the best path forward. And once I''m divorced, I won''t stick around there. You''ll have a brighter future ahead. Do you get me?"

    With the Patterson Group focusing on team efforts and no realpetition for my director role, Jade had a shot at the top if I left. She stared at me, tears welling up. "Mel..."

    She hugged me tight. Iughed, patting her back. Then, suddenly, everything went dark, and I felt myself falling backward.

 Chapter 59

    Feeling the cold rush of liquid into my veins and catching the distinct scent of antiseptic, I instantly knew I was in the hospital. Maybe the stress over Jade''s situation had weakened me further. I was prone to nosebleeds and fainting spellstely.

    No wonder the doctor insisted I needed someone by my side. Without Jade, I probably would have been a goner several times over.

    When I finally opened my eyes, I saw Jade had dozed off beside me. I struggled to reach for a ss of water, but a forceful hand beat me to it, handing it to me.

    "Awake? How are you feeling?" Vinson''srge hand rested on my forehead, its warmth easing my dizziness.

    After gulping down some water, I felt a bit more energized.

    Jade suddenly looked up, her hair a mess. "Mnie, why did you faint again? Haven''t you been eating right?"

    Her voice was hoarse as a raven. I quickly stopped her from speaking further.

    "Enough, if you keep talking, you''re going to wreck your throat. I''m fine now, aren''t I? It''s just, you know, the chemotherapy..." I abruptly stopped, realizing Vinson was still there. How could I reveal my condition to him?

    Jade awkwardly attempted a smile. "Well, he called, and I panicked... He knows now."

    She resignedly bowed her head as if bracing for my scolding.

    Turning mechanically to Vinson, I saw sympathy and reluctance in his eyes.

    Vinson asked, "Why didn''t you tell me? No wonder you''ve been fainting and bleeding. Mnie, don''t you consider me a friend?"This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    I was at a loss for words, and the atmosphere grew tense.

    Thankfully, the doctor arrived just in time, reiterating my care instructions. He looked me over and shook his head. "I''ve told you, you''re too thin. You have to eat more. I understand it''s hard to eat at times, but you should try to eat some to prepare for your next chemotherapy session, okay?"

    I nodded weakly, knowing I couldn''t stomach much.

    Vinson caught the doctor before he could leave, asking earnestly, "Is the fainting due to the chemotherapy?"

    The doctor frowned and nodded, replying, "Your wife went through surgery all by herself. No matter how busy, you should care for your family." Mistaking the situation, Vinson didn''t correct him but just agreed repeatedly.

    Finally, he turned to me, "He didn''t know?"

    I nodded. There was nothing to exin.

    Vinson didn''t press further but helped with my discharge and drove us home. He made sure I had his number for emergencies before he finally left.

    Jade watched him walk away, feeling a bit sad. "Imagine if you had ended up with Vinson instead..."

    "Impossible." I was sure of it. How could I have loved anyone else when I was so in love with Clyde?

    But then, everything had changed.

    The HR department called Jade in the afternoon to ask about her start date. She looked at me, and I took the phone, telling them we''d go toplete the paperwork immediately.

    It was better sooner thanter. Who knew if Clyde would change his mind? He was utterly unreliable.

    After arriving at thepany, we went straight to Clyde.

    He wasn''t surprised to see us epting the settlement. "Why didn''t you answer my calls? You were doing it on purpose, huh? You deliberately made Ka sufferin jail. Mnie, I never thought you could be so cruel!"

    His voice was hoarse, his eyes shadowed with fatigue. He hadn''t slept well.

    Checking my phone, I realized it was on silent.

    Jade began to exin, but I pulled her aside. "Let''splete the paperwork."

    "Mnie, you''d care for your friend like this. Why demean your husband?" Clyde suddenly blocked our path, anger ring.

    I was baffled, "Demean you? Clyde,

    you''ve got it twisted. How many women have you brought home since we married? You''ve

    embarrassed me over and over for

    Ka, your mistress. How dar

    use me of demeaning you?"

    you

    I had more to say, but a sharp pain in my chest stopped me. I pushed past the stunned Clyde. "If you want to save your mistress, transfer the money. Otherwise, the deal is off."

    Afterpleting the paperwork, I messaged Clyde, telling him to go to the police station.

    When we arrived, Clyde had picked up Ka, who was sobbing in his arms. "Clyde, why did it take you so long?+was so scared. I did all for you and thepany. Why can''t Mnie just let me be?"

    Clyde stroked her back, his affection palpable.

    Watching the scene unfold, I couldn''t help but smile, thinking it should make him more agreeable to the divorce.

 Chapter 60

    Since Clyde had hiswyer bail Ka out, and we were now open to settling, it made sense that she could walk free.

    Seeing thewyer''s pale face, I couldn''t help but feel sorry for him. Cleaning Clyde''s messes over the years must have been a real pain.

    But Jade didn''t beat around the bush after receiving Clyde''s favors. She signed the peace agreement without hesitation.

    The cops added a few more words of caution, having Ka sign a promise letter before finally letting her go.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    But no sooner had we stepped out of the station than Ka''s tears stopped, reced by a malicious re. "Mnie, I always knew you only cared about money. Is Clyde''spany worth less than this petty cash to you? You''ve never loved Clyde. You''ve been scamming him from the start! You''re just a gold digger. What makes you think you can stand by Clyde''s side? You''ll only bring him ridicule!"

    Standing behind her, Clyde didn''t utter a word but looked at me with a profound gaze.

    I nced back at him, offering a sarcastic smile and thinking, ''Do I not love him? My love for him is so strong that it nearly cost me my life. But now, I''m sure my love for him is fading away, soon to be gone.''

    "Tell that to him, and while you''re at it, have him sign the divorce papers." I pulled Jade away, refusing to nce back at Ka.

    Knowing Ka must be fuming made no difference to me. I couldn''t care less at this point. She still didn''t get it. It wasn''t me who couldn''t let go. It was Clyde. Everything would settle down once Clyde and I divorced.

    Infuriated by my words, Ka yelled, "Mnie, you don''t even wear your wedding ring. Is that to signal to other men that you''re avable? I know you were the campus belle with numerous suitors, but so what? You''re despicable, always searching for something better!"

    I stopped in my tracks, looking at them on the steps. Despite the weariness, Ka''s round face and big eyes, not to mention the dimples she deliberately entuated, really did resemble me. She must have realized it, too. She resembled me enough for Clyde to fall for her, so she even changed her makeup to look less like herself.

    Iughed mockingly. "Go ahead and find someone if you can. Get Clyde to divorce me first."

    "Mnie!" Clyde and Ka called out my name, making it sound tainted to my ears.

    Clyde stepped forward, grabbing my left hand. His eyes filled with disappointment when he saw no trace of the ring. "Mnie, why aren''t you wearing the ring? You know I made it myself! Does our love mean nothing to you? You care about dors only, don''t you?"

    "Can you live without money? Is today the first day you noticed she''s not wearing the ring?"

    Jade yanked my hand away, shielding me behind her. "You spend so much on your mistress, even defending her when she broke thew. But yourwful wife, struggling even to afford medical bills, had to..."

    I quickly covered Jade''s mouth with my hand. "It''s just low blood sugar. No big deal. Don''t make a fuss and embarrass us."

    I would never let Clyde know my

    condition if Ka tried a bit harder, we could get divorced, and there was no need to burden him with guilt, preventing him from letting me go

    I knew Clyde well. Even if he hated me, he wouldn''t just ignore it knowing I was sick.

    But I needed him to let go, not cling on.

    Realizing she might have said too much, Jade red at Clyde fiercely, then swiftly led me away. Once home, she asked with teary eyes, "Why didn''t you tell him? He deserves to feel guilty!"

    I understood she defended me, but I

    no longer wished to bring it up. "Jade, you must understand Ka isn''t the first, nor will she be thest. It''s pointless to make him feel guilty. It''s better to leave him sooner rather than having him guilt-trip without divorcing, right?"

    I rested my head on her shoulder, whispering, "I just want to live my remaining days, never knowing when the illness might return."

    Secretly, I had researched my

    condition If it came back a third

    time, I would be dying. Though there were rare instances of living another twenty years or so, I had never been that lucky.

    That night, Jade held me as we slept, crying quietly behind me several times. I pretended not to notice, forcing myself to sleep.

    Clyde showed up at the Design Department unannounced the next day at work. "Come to my office."

    I nodded, gathered the documents for him to sign, and followed him upstairs.

    Ka wasn''t at her desk, probably taking a day off. After such an ordeal, a break was only natural.

    Noticing some luxurious handbags on the ground, I smirked. Clyde had even prepared gifts for her. A constion prize? Quitevish indeed. "Here, I''m giving this back to you." Clyde''s voice broke the silence. Turning around, I saw him pushing a jewelry box toward me. Seeing my hesitation, he opened it, and I caught my breath. There, lying silently, was the wedding ring I had Jade sell earlier.

 Chapter 61

    As I looked at the ring that had been mypanion for three years, my throat tightened with emotion. The joy I felt when I first wore it was equal to my sorrow.

    Clyde could never truly understand how I felt, and I had no expectations for him.

    "Mnie, I''m sorry. I didn''t know you were hypoglycemic. You must have been scared. That was why you sold the ring, right? I''ve had Gemma transfer a million dors into your ount. You can use it however you like and don''t need to pawn anything anymore."

    Clyde stood up, looking at me with deep affection, even attempting to slip the ring onto my finger again. I stepped back immediately, my eyes void of any emotion.

    He had found the ring ording to Jade''s instructions and even redeemed it for me, but he never bothered to find out what was wrong with me. I wasn''t sure whether to be happy or sad. It seemed he wasn''t so concerned about my condition, yet he pretended to show deep affection.

    Seeing my reluctance, he pulled arge diamond ring from his pocket, the one he gave me for our anniversary. "I bought this ring for you. It''s only too big because you''ve lost weight, it wasn''t meant for anyone else."

    He stubbornly pushed the ring into my hand. I hesitated as I looked at the ring. He seemed to make sense, but I didn''t care anymore.

    I put the ring back into his pocket. "I can''t ept such an expensive ring."

    After all, we were getting a divorce. Keeping such an expensive ring felt inappropriate.

    He seemed angry but immediately restrained himself, taking out our wedding ring. "I know you''re nostalgic. The big diamond isn''t practical for everyday wear. This one is better."

    I went to the point. "Clyde, since I sold it, I don''t want it anymore. You don''t have to return it to me."

    I took the ring and put it on the table.

    The ring meant nothing to me, just like this marriage.

    When Clyde was about to say something, Ka burst into the room without knocking. "Clyde, do you like my dress? And this is thetest handbag. The white is just so cute. And this bracelet is finally in stock! Look, how shiny."

    "Ms. Crawford, what are you doing here?" Her smile faded as she nced at the rings on the table, then scoffed. "So, you''re here for the ring, huh? How could I forget Ms. Crawford loves money? Do you also want to take that gemstone jewelry? Gold-digger?"

    I looked her up and down, noting her expensive clothes, bracelet, and handbag, and I couldn''t help butugh. "Ms. Osborne, bought them with your sry? Is an assistant''s sry that high?"

    Her face turned green in anger, and she pitifully clung to Clyde''s arm. "Clyde."

    She spoke his name so sweetly that it was enough to melt anyone''s heart.

    Clyde fixed his gaze on me, pondering.

    Seeing no support for her, Ka grabbed the ring from the table and slipped it onto her finger. "Perfect! See? Fits perfectly! Mnie, it''s as if this ring was for me. You waste all the effort Clyde puts into you you heartless woman!"

    I watched as Clyde went to her, taking her hand. I turned and pushed open the office door. It seemed everything was tailor-made for Clyde eAgirl looked somewhat like me, and even the ring size matched the old me. It seemed it was time for the original to exit the stage.

    Before entering the elevator, I saw Clyde running toward me. I hurriedly closed the elevator doors. It was Jade''s first day on the job, and I couldn''t miss it.

    Arriving at Marketing Department III, the atmosphere was awkward. It was my first time there, and I couldn''t name them, although I had seen many of these people before.

    After a brief introduction of Jade, there was scattered apuse. I knew the idea of a parachuted leader was hard for everyone to ept, especially since this department seemed to have a close connection with Ka.

    One of the young men looked at Jade with disdain and a hint of fear. I guessed he was the one who had stolen Jade''s design, which exined his guilt.

    Jade seemed undeterred and

    enthusiastic. Everyone, we''re all part of the same department now, and I hope to get along with you all. Today''s my first day at work, so how about I buy everyone a drink tonight? It''ll be a good opportunity to get to know each other." Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    She smiled warmly, but the others seemed hesitant.

    I quickly tried to smooth things over. "Ms. Scott didn''t mean anything by it. She only wants to get closer to everyone. If today''s not good, we can pick another day."

    A girl nearby handed me her phone, and I saw Ka had invited the department for dinner.

    "Sorry, Ms. Scott, but the manager, Ms. Osborne, mentioned that she was hanging out with us this morning, and we all agreed, so..."

    All eyes turned to me, and I nodded in understanding. "Today is definitely too short notice. Let''s schedule for another day. I''ll take Ms. Scott and colleagues from the Design Department I and II out now. That''s settled then."

 Chapter 62

    The folks at Design Department III looked under the weather, but I didn''t let it bother me and returned to my office.

    It wasn''t long before I got a message from Jade.

    [Someone''s trying to cozy up to me. It seems these coworkers want to join us but can''t bring themselves to snub Ka.]

    [Don''t worry about me. Ka''s little schemes can''t touch me. Rest assured.]

    I sent her a gif in response, then turned to ask my coworkers what they were in the mood for. The Design Department crew was mostly young, and even the more seasoned designers had a lively streak. It didn''t take long for everyone to settle on heading out for some fondue.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Located on the fourth floor of Crestview Mall, the ce was a haven for various eateries. So, after work, our group made our way to the fondue restaurant.

    As we arrived, Ka and her team from Marketing Department III strolled up in their time.

    Ka mocked. "Mnie, dear, or should I say, Mrs. Patterson, this is what you treat everyone to? Oh gosh, such poor taste. Isn''t this what students would go for? How cheap can you get?"

    I was used to her snidements and didn''t pay much mind. Clyde had indeed transferred a million to me. Without that, I might have had second thoughts even about the fondue.

    Lina led the charge with a roll of her eyes. "We love fondue, thank you very much!"

    My colleagues interrupted to support.

    "Looking down on fondue, dare you never have it again!"

    "You''re so rich. Why don''t we see you treating anyone?"

    "What''s the Administrative Department doing here in the Design Department? Trying to win hearts, heh?"

    Ka looked at them disdainfully. "You eat whatever your boss eats. We''re off to the top-floor restaurant."

    I knew the top floor housed one of the most extravagant Western restaurants, where the average cost per person could easily hit a couple hundred bucks.

    Somewhat troubled, I bit my lip as I looked at her. "Ms. Osborne, you''re not nning to use my marital asset to treat everyone, are you? Wouldn''t that make it my treat?"

    I smiled at her colleagues behind her. Some averted their gaze while others returned the smile. It seemed not everyone in Design Department III was on Ka''s side.

    "Clyde gave it to me, so it''s mine. You have no..." She cut herself off as I took out my phone.

    I cut her off. "I certainly have the right, seeing as I''m still Clyde''s wife. If you dare use our money, I''ll dare to call the cops. After all, it''s not your first time at the police station, right? Once bitten, twice shy. I get it. You''re not scared."

    Since we were past ying nice, I figured there was no point in holding back on her feelings. Even if she ended up being Mrs. Patterson, it had nothing to do with me anymore.

    Ka stormed off, and I took my group to a joyful fondue feast.

    Lina reported while we ate. "Ka only let each person order one steak, and there were no desserts. Just juice, no wine allowed. Ha, they''re allining in the chat they might as well have stayed home with pasta."

    There was a newbieint chat I didn''t know, and even folks from Design Department III were venting. Compared to our fondue, the photos they shared in the chat made everyone agree that I had made a wise decision.

    Jade nudged me, showing me her phone. Several from Design Department Ill had added her on social media and even invited her into their chat group. After they witnessed Ka''s behavior, their actions seemed to have shifted some allegiances.

    After the meal, Ka was drunk and all over me in the car, dering her affection and promising to protect and provide for me. Under the curious gaze of the driver, I awkwardly disentangled myself, but she clung on.

    Eventually, I dragged her out of the car and into the bedroom, where she suddenly burst into tears. "Mel, you''re so good. Why did you have to get sick? That jerk Clyde, how dare he mistreat you? Once I''m strong enough, I''ll take him down!"

    Jade waved her fists a bit before copsing. I removed her shoes and watched her with frustration and resolve, determined to help her secure her position at thepany.

    I rmended apany I had previously coborated with to Jade the next day. By noon, she had sealed their first major project, energizing

    everyone.

    Jade ran into my office, wrapping me in a bear hug. "Mnie, look, I secured this contract myself. Oh my god, you''re amazing."

    Seeing her nearly speechless with excitement, I pushed her away, slightly annoyed. "Come on. It''s just one contract. There''ll be more. What''s the big deal? Wipe that drool. You''re killing me."

    She offered me a coffee and eagerly helped with a few tasks. As she asked a bunch of questions about the partnership, her excitement was obvious. Then, she left, still clearly thrilled.

    But I hadn''t told her about my chemo session scheduled for the next day. She had her career and life, and I couldn''t keep relying on her.

    The next day, Jade was off early to the office while I took a leave to go to the hospital. My frequent absences had be the norm for HR since I used to be off work frequently.

    But I hadn''t expected to find Jade in trouble again after I returned from chemotherapy.

 Chapter 63

    Lina''s voice almost broke through the phone, her words tumbling out in a rush. "Mel, where are you? Can you get to the police station? The cops took Ms. Scott away and said she was under serious suspicion, something about her old job calling the police on her. People saw it, Mel. It''s all over the ce. They''re saying Ms. Scott will get fired."

    My heart skipped a beat, and I didn''t notice my dizziness anymore as I stumbled into a cab. I felt slightly better but still light-headed when I arrived at the station.

    Vinson spotted me and rushed over. "You have been to the hospital?"

    I nodded, not bothering to hide it.

    He casually picked a strand of hair from my shoulder, a silent acknowledgment of my hair loss, something I couldn''t hide for much longer.

    He tossed the hair in a nearby trash can before helping me sit. "Don''t worry. Jade''s fine. Her old job''s trying to stir up trouble, but they have no real evidence."

    "Is this about that bidding project before?" I had a hunch, and seeing Vinson nod rxed me a bit.

    When Jade left, I ensured the otherpany provided irresponsible discharge proof,plete with a leader''s signature and seal.

    When I saw Jade''s ex boss and his brother-inwter, they were both fuming. "It''s all because she quit. The project gets stalled, and now there''s been a major ident! The project''s design is wed, millions in damages, and they want her to pay!"

    Their self-righteous indignation made me almostugh.

    Noticing me, the boss grimaced. "There arews in this country. It''s not up to you to decide. Jade has to pay! If she doesn''t, it''s jail. She''s responsible, one way or another."

    Jade hadn''t returned from questioning yet, so I pulled out the proof I had kept in my bag. "Jade got terminated, went through arbitration, and gotpensated ording toborw, all on record with thebor department. She didn''t quit voluntarily."

    "Also, this is signed by her supervisor, proving from when she left, she wasn''t responsible for any of thepany''s projects or entitled to additional fees."

    I was about to hand the proof to the officer when they lunged at me, trying to snatch it.

    Almost instinctively, I turned but still got shoved hard. Already feeling dizzy, I nearly fell forward, but Vinson caught me in time while the cops detained the two men.

    "You alright? Need to go to the hospital?" Vinson''s concern was palpable, but I shook my head. I couldn''t leave with things unresolved.

    Vinson said with concern, "Chemo''s side effects are hitting hard. Maybe you should..."

    "What the hell is going on here?" Clyde''s angry voice cut through, but Vinson''s arms around me didn''t loosen.

    Weakly, I leaned in Vinson''s arms, hardly able to stand.

    "Mnie!" Clyde made to approach, but Ka held him back. "Clyde, here''s the police station. Keep it cool."

    Ka''s eyes flickered toward me with jealousy, "Mr. Russell sure is protective of Mnie, huh? So much for keeping a professional image."

    Vinson barely minded them, his concern solely for me. "Can you hold on a bit longer?"

    I nodded again.

    Noticing something off, Clyde pulled a candy from his pocket. "For low blood sugar, I always carry candy."

    Vinson hesitated, but I grabbed it, tearing off the wrapper and popping it into my mouth. He''d think I just had low blood sugar. Clyde''s smirk lightened my mood considerably.

    When the Patterson Group''swyer arrived, so did Vinson''s pick.

    Clyde was visibly irritated with us. "Jade''s with the Patterson Group. She should use ourwyer."

    "And why weren''t you here when you knew she was in trouble? Just now, while Jade and I were in the meeting room, you were busy with your little fling upstairs." Vinson nced dismissively at them and then back to me.

    No wonder Vinson was at the station. It turned out he had been in a meeting.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    Clyde looked at me. "Mnie, you''re her friend, you decide."

    His look said it all. He''d be furious if I didn''t choose the Patterson Group''swyer nced at the Patterson Group''swyer, nodding. "Let''s go with Kemp. He''s got the experience."

    I meant no disrespect, but Ka was instantly irritated. "What''s that supposed to mean?"

    I shot her a look, too tired to engage further.

    But Ka wasn''t ready to let it go. "Mnie, you''re always causing trouble for thepany. Your friend barely starts, and she''s in the police station. How dare you keep working

    here? "You broke an expen working

    bracelet but didn''t pay, use stealing trade secrets, causing thepany a $200,000 loss, yet you have the nerve to stay. Why should I leave thepany?" I snapped back, watching her face turn beet red, my dizziness suddenly gone.

 Chapter 64

    Ka was at a loss for words, simply sitting quietly to the side, holding Clyde''s hand.

    Meanwhile, I was patiently waiting for thewyer to get everything sorted out. The legal department at Patterson Group was top-notch, so dealing with these kinds of issues was a piece of cake for them.

    "Want something to drink? Something sweet?" Clyde suddenly approached me, looking a bit awkward.

    He genuinely thought I might be having a sugar low.

    Vinson stood up instantly. "No need, I''ll go get it."

    Clyde shot him a fierce re before taking the seat Vinson had just vacated. He pulled out a few pieces of candy from his pocket and handed them to

    me.

    "If you''re having a sugar low, you should always carry some candy with you. Just pop one if you feel faint."

    "It''s all your favorite vors. I''ll get you some imported chocte another day."

    At that moment, I was indeed taken aback. Back in college, Clyde wasn''t flush with cash, but he always managed to pull out various snacks from his pockets. I''ve always had a sweet tooth but was also concerned about my figure, so I always hesitated to indulge. He never gave me too much, just a little bit, even selecting the choctes carefully.

    Just as I was about to take the candy from his hand, Ka''s voice, filled with difort, rang out.

    "Clyde, I think I''m having an allergic reaction. It''s so itchy."Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    She squirmed ufortably, then stretched out her arm.

    Her arm was indeed covered in scratch marks and had swollen up. Remembering how she imed to be allergic to dog hair and insisted on sending Rocky to the pound, my gaze towards her turned colder. I had clearly seen her ying with a colleague''s Corgi before. To upset me, she really would do anything.

    Clyde, noticing the scratch marks on her arm, panicked and hurriedly stuffed the candies into my hand.

    "Ka, stop scratching or it''ll leave a scar. Let''s go to the hospital."

    He remembered I was still there, only when he reached the door. Turning back to me, he said, "I''ll be right back, wait for me."

    I didn''t respond, just looked towards the interrogation room. Because I knew, he wouldn''te back. It was always like this.

    Vinson, passing by the two, scoffed and then handed me a milkshake.

    "It''s your favorite. And here''s some water; if you''re hungryter, I''ll go grab something to eat."

    I smiled, surprised he remembered my favorite milkshake. Truth be told, I didn''t really care for that milkshake; I drank it often in school because it was cheap. Three bucks a bottle, even Clyde could afford it. I could feel Clyde''s gaze grow heavier, but I pushed the milkshake aside, opting for a bottle of water instead.

    "Vinson, I don''t like that milkshake anymore. It makes me feel sick."

    Clyde seemed about to approach, but Ka held him back.

    "Clyde, it itches."

    Clyde then nodded, leading her away.

    It wasn''t until the evening that Jade''s issue was finally resolved. Naturally, she was unrted to the case; the other party was just

    Vel

    unwilling topensate and tried to pin the me on her. Jade came out and hugged me tightly.

    "Mnie, I just remembered, you had chemo today, right? Why didn''t you call me?"

    A lump formed in my throat, leaving me speechless. She had been through questioning and was still worried about me?

    Vinson patted us both. "Now that it''s over, let''s go eat. You must be starving?"

    Jade nodded enthusiastically. "Tomorrow, I need to get some grapefruit leaves to cleanse the bad vibes."

    We left the police station in high spirits, discussing what to eat on the way. Suddenly, I noticed a familiar car in the rearview mirror. Taking a closer look at the license te, it indeed was Clyde''s. He actually came back?

    "Mnie, how about we go for a hot pot? Let the fiery spice chase away all the bad luck!"

    I nodded with a smile, though my eyes kept darting back to the rearview mirror. Vinson seemed to notice Clyde''s car following us, making several turns, but it seemed like he couldn''t shake him off.

    The three of us ended up spending over an hour at the hot pot restaurant, and Clyde''s car remained parked outside.

    Suddenly, a heavy rain began to pour down without any warning. Clyde rushed out of his car, grabbed an umbre, and ran to the hot pot restaurant''s entrance. Jade saw him too and looked at me worriedly.

    "Clyde... sigh, let''s go."

    I nodded slightly, knowing we probably wouldn''t be able to go back to Jade''s ce tonight. Seeing mee out, Clyde quickly held the umbre over

    me.

    "Be careful not to get wet; the rain''s heavy."

    Jade tugged at me, but I didn''t move. I knew Clyde must have something he wanted to say to me.

    "Vinson, you go ahead and take Jade home. I need to talk to him."

    Hearing this, Clyde let out a long sigh of relief. Vinson looked at me, then, without saying anything, left with Jade Clyde, holding the

    umbre, escorted me to the covet

    then quickly ran back to the driver''s seat. Watching him sprint through the rain, he looked just like he did back in college. Whenever it rained, he would alwayse to pick me up from my dorm or the library.

    Ret

    He was always so careful not to let me get wet, tilting the umbre more towards me every time. I looked down at my clothes, indeed, not a drop of rain on me. He got in the car, vigorously wiping the rain off his face, and gave me a goofy smile. Instinctively, I reached out to touch his face.

    Then, the distinctive ringtone of a cell phone interrupted the moment.

    I immediately withdrew my hand.

    Ka''s timing couldn''t have been more perfect.

 Chapter 65

    Clyde quickly hung up the phone, a flicker of impatience in his eyes.

    He gave me an awkward smile and pulled out a ring box from his pocket, revealing our wedding rings.

    Before he could get a word in, I cut him off. "Clyde, I''ve told you before, I''m not taking something that someone else has already worn."

    He had personally seen Ka put on that ring, and now he expected me to wear it?

    Clyde''s hand froze, clearly unsure of what to do. He looked at me intently, then sighed, "Mnie, does it really have to be this way?"

    I couldn''t understand why he was upset. Wasn''t this situation his fault? Yet, thinking about my own actions, I lowered my head. I had my share in this too.

    "Clyde, let''s get a divorce."

    My tone was calm, as if discussing the weather. Once the thought of divorce took root, it seemed to consume me.

    Clyde angrily threw the ring onto the back seat. "Mnie, do you really want a divorce that badly?"

    "When Vinson came back, you talked about divorce. Do you regret not staying with him in college?"

    He was bringing up the past again, and my patience was wearing thin. I reached for the door to leave.

    At that moment, his phone rang again. Ka''s persistence was clear.

    Clyde''s eyes showed both irritation and a trace ofpassion.

    Ka remained important to him, and he just couldn''t ignore her call.

    After a brief hesitation, he answered. Ka''s tearful voice came through, "Clyde, my allergies are really bad. The doctor wants a family member here. Where are you?"

    As he answered, I got out of the car and into a cab.

    Clyde was Ka''s family, not mine. Once we divorced, he''d be free.

    When I arrived at Jade''s ce, she had already washed up and made me a cup of hot cocoa.

    "Drink this before it gets cold, and take a shower to avoid catching a cold."

    Her care was aforting contrast to the turmoil I''d left behind. I hugged her tightly and drank the cocoa in one gulp. With a friend like her, who needs men?

    That night, I slept unusually well. The next morning, I barely made it to work on time. Lina was frantic.

    "Mnie, Mr. Patterson isn''t here."

    "And?" I asked, puzzled.

    She handed me documents that needed Mr. Patterson''s signature from the previous day.

    "Ms. Osborne said he was busy

    yesterda

    and to get them signedet

    today, but he''s not here, and he''s not answering his phone."

    belongs to en.swnovels get

    These projects were under Clyde''s supervision, and his signature was essential.

    I went to his office but didn''t find him. Gemma, who rarely spoke to me, approached.

    "Ms. Crawford, Mr. Patterson has been unreachable all morning. Isn''t he with you?"

    "Do you think he''d be with me?" I retorted.

    Gemma acted more like a watchdog than an assistant, always keeping a close eye on my spending. We didn''t really click.

    After a moment of silent standoff, I called Clyde. Surprisingly, he answered quickly.

    "Mnie, are you looking for Clyde? He went to get my medical records."

    "You''re still at the hospital?"

    Ka sounded smug. ¡°Clyde insisted I stay for observation, and he''s staying with me.¡±Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    I demanded to speak to Clyde directly, but Ka''s attitude hardened.

    "Who do you think you are, ordering me around?"

    She hung up abruptly, and my subsequent calls were ignored.

    Gemma frowned as I received a message from Lina; Radiant Systems representatives had arrived.

    I couldn''t keep them waiting, not

    afterst time. Before heading to the meeting, I checked my phone onest time. Ka had posted a photo of Clyde taking care of her in the hospital.

    Closing my eyes, I epted the truth. Clyde wouldn''t being back. He had always been devoted once to me, now to Ka. His priorities were the same; it was just the person he cared about that had changed.

 Chapter 66

    When I returned to the office, I hesitated before heading to the conference room, feeling a bit uneasy.

    "Mr. Hanley, today Mr. Patterson he..."

    "Let me guess, he''s MIA again? Mnie, is Clyde pulling my leg? What does he think this partnership is, a joke?"

    Hanley was well aware that Clyde had bailed again, and after being stood up twice, he was furious.

    Despite my attempts to smooth things over, he had no interest in keeping the partnership going.

    I messaged Clyde and also shared what happened in our team chat. Though I was in charge of the project, I wasn''t about to take the fall for this mess. Clyde remained out of touch, not showing up at the office all day. My colleagues from the Design Department kept asking what we should do, but without any directives from the top, our hands were tied.

    Just when I figured Clyde couldn''t care less about a multimillion-dor deal, he surprised me by calling early the next morning, asking me toe to his office.

    "Mnie, look at the mess you''ve made! You''ve lost us a major project, and now you''re going to take full responsibility!"

    Confused, I looked at the documents he threw at me - it was a contract termination notice from Radiant Systems, stating that our negligence had caused the project to fall through, and we were liable for damages.

    "Mnie, you knew how crucial the Radiant Systems partnership was, how could you screw this up?" Ka chimed in, clearly upset.

    "Mnie, you''re one of us at the Patterson Group, how could you y into Vinson''s hands? Even if there''s something going on between you two, you can''t just hand over the project to him!"

    I slightly opened my eyes, finding it funny how they both wore the same shocked expression.

    I couldn''t help butugh. It turned out Hanley had gone straight to Vinson, and they struck a deal. Now, the Patterson Group wasn''t just out of a partnership; we owed money, no wonder they were fuming. But what did that have to do with me?

    "Clyde, are you out of your mind?" I retorted, tossing the documents back at him. "You disappear, and now you''re ming me? I didn''t realize you were so irresponsible. When did you be so two-faced?"

    I pulled up our chat history on my phone.

    "I messaged you, tagged you in the group chat, what more do you want? Should I have dragged you back from the hospital? No one''s going to cover for your negligence. If you don''t care about your ownpany, who will?"

    Clyde looked at his phone, puzzled

    and frowning Noticing Ka''s guilty face, I quickly pieced together what toe

    had happened. She had ess Clyde''s phone, so she could have deleted my messages. But she wasn''t smart enough to realize that deleting Clyde''s messages wouldn''t erase everyone else''s.

    "So, you couldn''t have called? It''s my fault just because I didn''t see a message?" Clyde argued with astonishing audacity.

    Ka exploded first, her voice trembling with rage.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "Mnie, you''re just trying to sabotage Clyde for your lover. Thepany shouldn''t have to pay for this."

    "Are you in it for the money? Did Vinson offer you something?"

    She red menacingly, while I simply sized her up. Dressed head-to-toe in luxury brands, she was easily wearing a fortune. Feeling unnerved under my gaze, she stepped back, and that''s when I spoke up.

    "I''m not like some people who get involved for money. Clyde, I did call. Whatever Ka told you, you can check with the phonepany."

    Picking up my phone, I left his office.

    e

    If he had any sense, he''d realize who was really at fault. If he wanted to pin this on me for Ka''s sake, I was ready to fight back. The more I thought about it, the more irritated I became. Realizing the person had loved for so many years was foolish was a bitter pill to swallow. In the past, his infidelity could be seen as retaliation for our messy breakup. But now, neglecting hispany and pinning his mistakes on others, I lost all respect for him.

    Before I could reach the elevator, he caught up with me. "Mnie, wait!"

    Not interested in his excuses, I hurried into the elevator.

    He reached out, causing me to stumble backward. Clyde quickly steadied me, his hand brushing through my hair.

    "Sorry, Mnie, I didn''t mean to be so rough. Are you alright?" His voice was filled with panic.

    Stabilizing myself, I noticed a clump of my hair in his hand, a harsh reminder of my chemotherapy treatments and the resulting hair loss.

    "Maybe if you put as much effort

    into your work, we wouldn''t be in this

    mess," I quipped, pretending to rub my head as if in pain. He tried to

    something, but I was already leaving The side effects of chemo were bing more evident Seeing my pale reflection and thinning hair in the elevator mirror, I felt a wave of sadness. I definitely needed to find a stylish wig soon.

 Chapter 67

    Clyde had really outdone himself this time, yanking my hair right from the top of my head.

    Now, I''m genuinely worried that my colleagues will spot my quickly balding head and turn me into thetest office joke.

    So, during lunch break, I made a solo trip to the wig shop behind the hospital. I remembered a little girl undergoing chemotherapy mentioning they had cute wigs.

    I used to be terrified of wigs, thinking they were somewhat eerie.

    But stepping into the wig shop, I was suddenly surrounded by hope. The ce was bustling, filled with all sorts of wigs, and surprisingly busy.

    The shop owner greeted me with warmth.

    "Hey there, what type of wig are you after? Got something specific in mind? Just so you know, our wigs are the real deal-no cheap synthetics here! They''llst you a long time!"

    Seeing her, about my age, with her shiny, long hair, I felt a pang of envy.

    But then, to my surprise, she took off her wig, revealing a bald head underneath.

    "Jealous? You can have it too. Our wigs are beautiful. You''re so pretty; you''d look gorgeous even bald. Don''t be afraid."

    Her enthusiasm was infectious, and after much deliberation, I chose a short wig simr to my current hairstyle.

    She mentioned that wigs are all the rage abroad.

    "Every year, we make a good sum from exports. It''s just not as popr locally yet. You know, a lot of young girls are rocking wigs these days, so there''s no need to feel self-conscious about it at all!"

    Seeing my concern, she cautiously asked, "Chemotherapy, right? I''ve been there too, don''t worry."

    I was shocked. She looked healthy, even a bit plump, not at all like someone who had undergone chemotherapy.

    "I look chubby, right? You need to eat well. Diseases that wear you down can make you lose weight fast."

    "But don''t worry, a few months after chemotherapy, your hair will start to grow back. I''ve been through it. It took about two to three months for me."

    I couldn''t believe it. She had gone through the same ordeal?Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    She patted my shoulder, "Rpse, huh? But it''s okay. I''ve been living well for five or six years now. Worth it."

    "Believe in medicine, work hard, save up, and you''ll be fine, right?"

    Looking into her hopeful eyes, I choked up and nodded.

    "I''m also a second-time survivor."

    "Then we''re really meant to meet. How about I give you a discount? And throw in a haircut?"

    She noticed my thinning hair.

    I hesitated, not sure where I could get a haircut.

    But she just pulled out a razor from the counter. "No big deal, I''m good at buzz cuts."

    Her humor lifted my spirits.

    But as my few remaining strands of hair fell, tears welled up in my eyes.

    Thankfully, she quickly fitted the wig on me.

    "Look how pretty! Almost like your real hair, perhaps even better!"

    "If you ever get tired of short hair,

    het

    come back, and I''ll get you a long even in different colors.

    ''re gorgeous." Content Belongs

    She then put on a pink ponytail wig herself. "Doesn''t this look cool? Like Harley Quinn?"

    I nodded, smiling, feeling much better.

    But returning to the office, I kept worrying the wig might fall off.

    1

    Thankfully the fit was perfect, and after a few head shakes, I was confident it wouldn''t budge. My colleagues didn''t notice a thing, and I finally rxed.

    Before leaving, Jade approached me, wanting to treat me to dinner.

    "Mnie, that project you rmended is kicking off. Let''s celebrate together."

    After reviewing my workload, I agreed.

    We need to enjoy life while we can, or it''s all for nothing.

    The entire team showed up for dinner, no one missing.

    But Mack seemed down, drowning his sorrows in drink after drink.

    Jade whispered, "Ka took credit for my design."

    I understood then. The money I had to pay back Jade partly came from Mack''s expected bonus.

    But since it wasn''t his design, he had no right to that bonus. Staying in the

    Design Department was alrethe

    more than fair.

    But Mack didn''t see it that way. After a few drinks, he started listing his contributions to thepany.

    Finally, he turned his anger towards me.

    "Ms. Crawford, Mrs. Patterson, you think you''d be a director if not for Mrs. Patterson?"

    "You were out for months, and thepany didn''t fire you, and now you''re back like nothing happened? Shameless!"

    "Mnie, mark my words, don''t think you can keep your position forever. You''ll see!"

 Chapter 68

    "Mack, what''s your problem?" Jade stood up abruptly, trying to push him away. But Mack seemed undeterred, continuing to advance. Eventually, two of our male colleagues had to drag him away, ending the dinner on a sour note.

    As Jade was paying the bill, she couldn''t help but vent, "He''s seriously messed up. It''s not like you''ve had much conversation with him, what''s his deal?"

    To tell the truth, Mack and I had barely exchanged a few words, yet he held this inexplicable resentment towards me.

    I heard he was a graduate from a prestigious college, even had some achievements to his name, and then he transferred to ourpany. But upon joining Patterson Group, apany teeming with talent, he quickly lost his edge. Everyone here graduated from top universities, their resumes gleaming with awards and achievements. Even Jade had worked on numerous international projects, her skills and experience equally impressive. It was understandable for Mack to feel bitter. It seemed he harbored a strong sense of male chauvinism, unable to stand the idea of women like us leading him. And to top it off, he seemed to get along well with Ka?

    "Hey, where did Paul disappear to? I was hoping to catch a ride with him," a female colleague suddenly whispered, making Jade and me realize someone was missing. A male colleague mentioned he might have gone to the restroom, but I didn''t pay much attention and just followed Jade to hail a cab home.

    But the next day, a crisis hit the Design Department.

    When I arrived at work, myputer was infected with a virus, spewing endless pop-ups and files, bing unresponsive, and eventually crashing. When I attempted to reboot, I realized that all data, including several key project files, had been erased. It wasn''t isted to myputer alone; others faced varying degrees of virus attacks as well.

    Panicking, I turned on myptop only for it to be bombarded with spam emails, its data also destroyed. I instinctively shut it down.

    Lina, visibly anxious, said, "Mel, what do we do? We''ve lost so many files."

    Stunned, I remembered I had backups on my personalputer, but now, with both devicespromised, what were we to do? With the partnership project with Aspire World nearingpletion, losing the final designs meant potentially derailing the entire project. After some thought, I decided to meet with Vinson.

    Patterson Group prided itself on cybersecurity, investing heavily each year. A sudden breach in the Design Department suggested sabotage. Before leaving, I instructed the department to immediately review security footage and secure any salvageable data to prevent further losses. Despite the chaos, everyone managed to organize and start salvaging what they could.

    Meeting with Vinson, I briefly exined the situation.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    "Should we call the police?" he hesitated. The project facing issues from the start was not a good sign.

    "No, I think an internal investigation first, and also..."

    el

    "Cut the ''and also,'' Vinson, let''s go," Eliana suddenly burst in, startling us both. She grabbed Vinson, urging him to leave through the employee exit, having already cleared the way. Vinson hesitated, but she pushed him out. ,

    Kon

    "Go! Don''te back." After closing the door, she sat in Vinson''s chair, hiding the documents under her. Before I could process her actions, the door swung open again.

    "Today''s special episode is catching cheaters! I''m here to expose Mrs. Patterson of Patterson Group''s vile deeds!" A piercing female voice announced. Eliana and I turned to see i at the door with her phone aimed at us.

    "I, what are you doing here?" I recognized her immediately.

    "You, why are you here? Where''s Mr. Patterson?" she stammered, caught off guard.

    Eliana, annoyed, pushed her phone away, "Who are you? Security!"

    I, obviously not expecting this turn of events, stood frozen, phone still recording. Eliana doused her with a cup of water.

    "Get out! Causing trouble in my family''s restaurant, are you crazy?"

    Now it made sense why Eliana pushed Vinson out; she sensed someone was plotting against us. Grateful, I nced at her, receiving an eye roll in return.

    "I, if you don''t want me to call the police, leave now. Don''t disturb me and my friend''s dinner."

    "You''ve always been against me for your friend, but this is nder," I charged, pushing against me. In a sudden burst of madness, she pushed me hard.

    "It''s impossible. I saw Vinsone in. You two must be having an affair!"

    "Cheating within marriage and not

    divorcing Mnie, you''re

    disgusting!" She frantically searched the room, and as security tried to escort her out, she violently broke free, grabbing my arm.

    "It has to be a secret meeting. I''ll expose you!" In her struggle, I grabbed my wig, pulling it off as security dragged her away.

    And then, the world went silent.

 Chapter 69

    "River, Mnie?"

    Eliana was the first to snap out of it. She quickly grabbed I''s phone and tossed it aside.

    Then she yelled at the security guard, "What are you waiting for? Get them out of here! Now!"

    I was just holding my head, tears streaming down my face, realizing my wig had indeed fallen off. Ever since I began wearing the wig, I had fretted about it slipping off. Now, having it forcibly removed and shown on live broadcast was a nightmare.

    I couldn''t bear to think about what the inte might say or think about me.

    After everyone had left, Eliana frantically tried to fix the wig back on my head, but it just wouldn''t sit right. She was on the verge of tears; I quickly took the wig from her.

    "Let me do it."

    Eliana looked at me, guilt written all over her face, "I''m so sorry, I should have stopped her earlier. It''s all my fault, I was too focused on getting her to slip up."

    Looking at my reflection in the ss of the booth, I quickly adjusted the wig.

    "It''s not your fault, you''ve helped me a lot already. Thank you, truly."

    "If it weren''t for you, I''d be theughing stock by now, who knows what stories they''d be spinning."

    I looked at her sincerely, but the guilt on her face only deepened.

    "Mnie, is this some kind of new trend? You looked better with long hair, you know."

    Suddenly, her eyes widened, and she guided me to sit down.

    "Mnie, did you shave your head, or is it due to an illness?"

    "Bald... You, you don''t have cancer, do you?"

    Seeing her eyes brimming with tears, I gently squeezed her hand, then slowly nodded.

    She stood up, pacing back and forth in the booth.

    ¡°Right, I remember during our graduation year, you visited the oncology department. My grandmother was hospitalized, and I think I saw you there. Then you went off to Aurora, and something happened to your family during that time. You didn''t run off with some rich guy; you were sick, weren''t you?"

    I didn''t expect Eliana, who often seemed a bit clueless, to connect the dots so quickly. I lowered my head, silently confirming her suspicions.

    Even Eliana, who disliked me, could piece it together, so what about Clyde? Could he have figured it out too? For some reason, this thought brought a flicker of hope to my heart.

    After saying goodbye to Eliana and returning to the office, Clyde came straight to my office. He stared at my hair for a long moment before speaking in a hoarse voice, "Come to my office."

    We stood at opposite ends of the elevator, silent.

    Once back in his office, I saw Ka with red-rimmed eyes.

    "Clyde, you have to believe me, I didn''t send I, I swear."

    "It was Mnie who bullied herst time, she harbored resentment. She just wanted revenge, to stir up viewership, it had nothing to do with me."

    Her tears made her look even more pitiful, as if she had even put on lipstick for effect, constantly leaning towards Clyde.

    I sat emotionlessly on a chair.

    Clyde suddenly turned cold, "Leave us."

    "Clyde..."All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "Out."

    I could tell Ka was fuming; Clyde usually doted on her, never speaking a harsh word. I didn''t understand his change of attitude, and suddenly, I didn''t want to.

    Ka left the office in a huff, and Clyde sat down, his gaze fixed on me. "Mnie, your hair..."

    When I came to the office earlier, Lina had told me everyone knew about the live broadcast incident, and many had screenshots of my

    bald head. Actually, seeing the wet

    pictures, I felt a sense of relief. This way, I didn''t have to worry about hiding my baldness anymore. And looking at those screenshots, I didn''t look too bad.

    I''ve been feeling bettertely, eating well, and even gained some weight. I adjusted my wig, facing him with a neutral expression.

    "You called me here just to ask about this? If there''s nothing else, I''ll be going."

    "Mnie, what happened? You used to love your long hair."

    "I don''t understand, even if you wanted a short haircut, why go bald?"

    He was getting frustrated, his words tumbling out incoherently. I smiled at him, not knowing what else to say.

    Eliana had noticed something was

    off, but he hadn''t, was he still the

    Clyde I knew? I suddenly lost weight, frequented hospitals, often fainted, and now, hair loss... Everything pointed to one answer, yet he was clueless. Knowing he no longer cared was strangely liberating.

    ¡°Clyde, remember? You pulled out my hair, made a bald spot too ugly to bear."

    "I figured I''d just shave it all off. Wigs these days look pretty real, you didn''t notice, did you?"

    I spoke casually, without any hint of evasion.

    He looked at me skeptically. "Really? But you used to..."

    "You said ''use to''. I liked long hair before, now I don''t, what''s the issue?"

    "People change. What I liked before, I don''t like now. Isn''t that normal?"

    Clyde was left speechless by my insinuations.

    I stood up to leave, and he finally spoke.

    "Mnie, I won''t let that reporter bother you again, I won''t let anyone bully you."

    "I will protect you, you don''t have to worry."

    I didn''t look back, just waved my hand dismissively.

    "No need."

 Chapter 70

    Back at the office, my colleagues cast curious nces my way. Lina approached, visibly trying not to stare at my head.

    "Mnie, are you okay? That reporter was way out of line."

    I touched my head yfully. "Pretty convincing wig, huh? Next time I''ll go for Harley Quinn pigtails."

    Lina couldn''t help butugh, though worry still flickered in her eyes.

    "Mnie, why''d you go bald? You don''t need to shave it all off for wigs, right?"

    I repeated the exnation I''d given Clyde earlier, and everyone seemed to finally get it. After all, someone had noticed a patch missing from my head that day, but no one really questioned it further.

    Vinson picked me up after work. Jade, fresh from a meeting outside, rushed over and gave me a tight hug.

    "Mnie, you''ve been through so much. Has that reporter lost her mind?"

    "I won''t let her get away with this! Should we call the cops? This is outrageous!"

    I patted her back, telling her not to worry. I had indeed gone off the deep end, but I suspected there were plenty of benefits driving her madness. Her phone, thetest model costing a fortune, along with her luxury bag and shoes, all screamed bribery. If I wasn''t wrong, those were likely financed by what should have been our joint assets. Clyde seemed to have left work early too, hurrying over.

    "Mnie,e home tonight, I.......¡±

    "It''s fine."

    I didn''t want to dwell on it, simply getting into the car.

    To my surprise, Eliana was also in the car, waving at me. Now that everyone in the know was here, I couldn''t help but feel a bit speechless. I had wanted to keep things under wraps, yet here we were.

    The car ride was filled with chatter about what to eat, thankfully steering clear of my health issues, which eased my mind a bit. We finally settled down when we reached the restaurant. Eliana, sitting across from me, kept staring.

    ¡°Ah, to be beautiful is to be just, huh? Even bald, you''re stunning, Mnie. That''s just unfair."

    I smiled reluctantly, replying, "Still, better with hair, right?"

    "It''s fine, it''ll grow back. Once you stop the chemo, it''ll sprout right back up."

    Eliana seemed nonchnt, even offering me arge piece of steak.

    "My cousin works at Aurorea Pharmaceuticals, focusing on cancer drugs. He says with today''s tech, cancer''s not the big bad wolf it used to be." "You''re doing great. Just keep eating well, and I''ll introduce him to you."

    "There are so many cancer survivors now, many live to a ripe old age. You''ve got to at least try to outlive me, bnce things out, you know?"

    Eliana and Jade went on, their words

    a mix offort and

    encouragement. Vinson, meanwhile, remained quiet, diligently serving me food. Looking at the mountain of food in front of me, I covered my te, ¡°Really, I can''t eat all this."

    "No worries, you need to eat up now."

    Eliana added a chicken leg to my te, saying, "Protein, good for you."

    ¡°And about introducing you to that doctor, it''s not for free."

    She looked cunning, and I just shrugged.

    "No money, and my life''s not looking too promising either."

    Both she and Jade rolled their eyes before Eliana mentioned, "My family''s chain needs a redesign, plus we''re building a new five-story restaurant. You''ll handle the design as repayment."

    "Give me The Patterson Group''s lowest bid, don''t let that jerk profit from me."This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    I agreed with a smile, knowing Eliana''s gesture was more about supporting my work than the cost itself.

    After dinner, we left the restaurant in good spirits, only to find Clyde waiting outside. We tried to ignore him, but he called out to me.

    "Mnie, let''s go home together."

    "It''s okay, I''m with Jade."

    I replied, devoid of emotion. I half-expected him to insist, but he didn''t.

    "Wait, I''ve got something for you."

    He hurriedly opened his trunk, revealing severalrge gift boxes.

    "You''ve lost weight, so I thought you could use some nourishment, and I brought these for hair growth. You''ve always cared about looking your best. Eat well. Health is what matters most."

    The others watched as I took the gift

    boxes, expressionless. Indeed, they

    were supplements, something I needed, Since we hadn''t divorced yet, I felt oddly justified in epting them, as long as it wasn''t a ring. These gifts couldn''tpare to a single bag from Ka.

    Seeing me ept the gifts, he sighed in relief, then added, "If you find the time,e home. I can pick you up whenever."

    I remained silent, following Jade to

    her car. This time, I didn''t look back

    at Clyde in the rearview mirror. Some decisions, once made, don''t need revisiting. Our rtionship, perhaps, was better off ending here.

 Chapter 71

    Eliana did indeed show up at Patterson Group the very next day, insisting that I be the one to handle her project, or she would walk away from the coboration.

    I convened a meeting immediately, bringing Jade along to the conference room.

    Eliana''s mood seemed to brighten a bit at the sight of us, but then she quickly grew frustrated again.

    "Mnie, that Ka, can you handle her already?"

    "She''s just so annoying. Can''t Clyde see through her? Is he blind?"

    That''s when I learned that Ka had tried to suck up to Eliana and ended up getting a tongueshing for her efforts.

    But to my surprise, Ka cried and then turned around to me Eliana.

    "Is Clyde out of his mind? Why did I ever fall for him? Was I blind?"

    "Really? Why did you fall for him back then?"

    "Because he was really something back in the day, and pretty handsome to boot."

    I replied without much emotion.

    Eliana was taken aback by my response, mainly because I was stating the obvious.

    Back then, Clyde was always a source of positivity, lighting up every room he entered with his energy. But now...

    I pulled out some files, "Jade will be in charge this time, with me assisting on the design side."

    Eliana looked like she wanted to say something, but after ncing at Jade, she held her tongue.

    I exined, "Eliana, it''s not that I''m shirking. I didn''t mention it at dinner yesterday, but I''ve had a major setback with a project I''m coborating on with Vinson. The data got deleted, and I''m really stretched thin."

    Besides, I was nning on leaving eventually. It was time for Jade to stand on her own two feet.

    Eliana didn''t make things difficult for us. The meeting went smoothly, and we ended up signing the contract.

    Back in my office, I started investigating the data deletion incident.

    The Design Department''sputers were infected with a virus, which had spread from myputer through the internalwork.

    Since myputer contained the most critical files, the loss was significant.

    But what couldn''t wait was the case with Aspire World.

    I headed to the security department first, wanting to check the surveince footage.

    The person there looked uneasy, "Ms. Crawford, I''m sorry, but there was a system upgrade, and a lot of the footage got deleted."

    "An upgrade? Why upgrade overnight?"

    I already had my suspicions.

    As expected, I was told that Ka hade by with some people, iming it was Clyde''s request.

    Everyone knew about Ka and Clyde''s affair, so no one questioned it, and the staff proceeded with the upgrade.

    The system was indeed updated to

    thetest version, but the footage from several days had been erased, making it nearly impossible recover. ,

    to

    ton

    Feeling deted, I returned to my office, fearing that the investigation was at a dead end.

    I had my suspicions, notably Paul''s sudden disappearance that day, which was peculiar.

    However, it seemed Mack was quite friendly with Ka. Could he have provoked me deliberately, then taken his chance?

    But I had seen him mixing whiskey and beer that day; the chances of him being sober were slim.

    As I was mulling this over, Larry from Design Department timidly knocked on my door.

    "Come in."

    "Mnie, I''m gonnae clean, please don''t be mad. Dock my pay, just don''t fire me, okay?"

    His guilt-ridden face immediately set off rm bells. Could it be him?

    But Larry was usually diligent at work. Sure, he was a bit yful and asionally cked off, but that was it.

    I nodded slightly, "Come clean."

    He sent me a video file, exining, "Mnie, I''m so sorry. I was upgrading my game, had it on auto-y."This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    "And somehow, the live streaming

    Rel

    feature got activated. But don''t worry, I left myptop in the

    never brought it into the offiway,

    The video showed the hallway from a low angle, revealing someone entering the office at night, likely a man judging by his height and build.

    However, the angle was too low to make out the intruder''s face.

    Larry continued to apologize, insisting he hadn''t brought hisptop into the office and wasn''t responsible for the virus.

    I sighed, "If only it was in the office, we might have seen who it was."

    Larry nodded silently, looking at me cautiously.

    Then, an idea struck me, "Larry, you can make amends by helping me out."

    Soon, everyone knew Larry hadn''t shut down hisputer or turned off his webcam that day.

    "Just get the tech department to enhance the image quality, and we should be able to identify the person."

    Larry''s voice was loud, filled with an eagerness to redeem himself.

    I decided it was time to act, "Just give me the original video. I''ll go to Clyde and ask him to get someone to enhance the image."

    Larry and I exchanged looks before I took the prepared USB drive and left the office.

    But my luck was running low today; the elevator was under maintenance.

    Fortunately, I was only on the third floor, so I headed for the stairwell.

    Before I could exit the stairwell,

    hurried footsteps approached from

    behind As I turned around,

    something hit me on the back of the

    head, and I cked out again.

 Chapter 72

    Before I could fully wake up, the scent in the air told me I was back in the hospital, and it seemed to be the same room I remembered.

    I moved my hand slightly and then slowly opened my eyes, to see Clyde rushing over to me.

    "Mnie, how are you feeling? Anything hurts?"

    His eyes were filled with concern, reminding me of our college days.

    "Can''t you just carry some sugar for your hypoglycemia? Didn''t you open the stuff I bought for you? There was a box of choctes in there, easy to carry around."

    He unwrapped a piece of chocte and popped it into my mouth.

    Then he tried to give me a bottle of water, but I just set it aside.

    The doctor walked in, looking exasperated at me.

    "Mnie, what were you thinking? Didn''t I tell you about keeping your..."

    "Doctor, I''m sorry, I should have just carried some sugar with me."

    The doctor nced at Clyde but didn''t say anything further.

    He knew I didn''t want anyone else to know about my condition, so he wouldn''t spill my secrets.

    Clyde was panicking, "Doctor, is hypoglycemia this serious? Can she just faint anytime?"

    "It wasn''t a faint. Someone knocked me out." I didn''t want Clyde to keep pestering the doctor, so I quickly brought up what happened today.

    I thought having Clyde get the footage would prompt Ka to act.

    But I was attacked first, proving my luck was as bad as ever.

    Touching the back of my head, I then removed my wig to reveal a significant bump.

    "I was hit here. We should probably call the cops. I suspect someone intentionally infected myputer with a virus and stole my video evidence."

    After giving a brief rundown of events, Clyde''s brows furrowed in concern.

    "I''ll call the police right away. Don''t worry; I won''t let anyone hurt you."

    His vow sounded so earnest, yet I couldn''t even muster a smile.

    Trouble found me even within the safety of the Patterson Group, and he hadn''t noticed I was attacked, making me doubt his protection.

    Before he could call, his phone rang.

    Hearing the other side, Clyde stood up immediately.

    "Mack confessed? He attacked Mnie? Where is he now? Did he confess to everything? Alright, I''m heading to the station right now!"

    After hanging up, I had my shoes on and was ready to go.

    "Let''s go. I''m involved in this; might as well sort it out myself."

    Clyde, however, was reluctant, insisting I stay back for a check-up.

    But I was equally persistent.

    "Myputer data is linked to several projects. I must go, in case he has backup data."

    Seeing my determination, Clyde finally agreed to apany me.

    The fact that Mack was behind this felt odd to me.

    But all I could think about was if Mack had copied my project materials, we wouldn''t have to worry about the project''s progress.

    At the police station, Mack had indeed spilled everything.

    Not only did he confess to

    intentionally infecting the Design et

    Department''sputers with a virus, but he also admitted to attacking me out of guilt.

    "Ms. Crawford, a forensic team will examine your injuries soon. You can also press charges and seekpensation.¡±

    ¡°He''s facing charges for stealing trade secrets and assault. We''ll see what the court decides."

    After giving my statement to the police, I asked to see Mack, but he refused.

    "He said he couldn''t stand the idea

    of a woman being a director and harbored resentment, not wanting you toplete such an important project."

    "And he doesn''t want to see you or anyone from thepany. I think you should consult awyer aboutpensation soon."

    Mack, just a designer, couldn''t possibly afford topensate for the entire project and was likely facing jail time.

    Yet, I felt there was more to this than just him acting alone.

    "Officer, he was drinking with us that night,pletely wasted. How could he possibly return to the office?"

    The officer checked his notes, "He imed he was faking it. There

    many in the business world wheret

    can

    21 tContent from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    hold their liquor, you wouldn''t know."

    ¡°He went home then doubled back to the office, thinking you''d never suspect him.¡±

    "And why did he confess?" That was what puzzled me more.

    With no evidence pointing to him, and even having an alibi proving his absence from the office, why confess?

    "He was afraid he had killed you. After all, killing the boss'' wife would mean a definite death sentence, better to confess."

    This reasoning seemed usible, yet something felt off, and I couldn''t pinpoint what.

    As I finished questioning, Clyde hurried over.

    "Are you okay? Does your head still hurt?"

    I shook my head, then whispered, "Something''s not right. I think there''s someone else behind Mack.¡±

    "Are you sure? Any evidence?"

    After thinking for a moment, I said, "He was definitely drunk that night, and with everyone there, timing doesn''t add up."

    "And then there was Ka that night..."

    Before I could finish, Ka burst in.

    "Clyde, Clyde, are you okay? I heard there was trouble at thepany."

    Her arm was bandaged, seemingly injured, which exined her absence from the office today.

    I wanted to say more, but she wedged herself between us.

    Then, looking shocked at her arm, she choked up and grabbed Clyde''s sleeve. "Clyde, my wound reopened, Clyde...¡±

 Chapter 73

    Ka really seemed to be in a rough spot, looking all worn out and pale, with her spirit nowhere to be found and blood on her arms.

    I had no clue how she got injured, but seeing her in such a sorry state, I bet even Clyde found it hard to turn her away.

    I stepped back, silently giving them some space.

    Clyde shot me a nce, then coldly offered, "I''ll have my driver take you to the hospital."

    "Clyde, please, I want you with me. I''m scared," she whimpered, snuggling into Clyde''s embrace with an ease that suggested they had been close like this before.

    Tears streamed down Ka''s cheeks like there was no tomorrow, drawing looks from the crowd gathering around. Clyde finally caved.

    "Mnie, I''ll go with her to the hospital," he said.

    I nodded, not wanting to make a scene.

    Watching them leave, the young officer I had met before peeked out again.

    "Ms. Crawford, you are... remarkablyposed," she remarked.

    I just smiled and shook my head. What else could I do? I''ve gotten used to it over the years.

    Seeing a familiar face, I quickly caught up with her.

    "Officer, I have a feeling this wasn''t all Mack''s doing. There''s something fishy going on."

    I shared my suspicions again, but the officer seemed troubled.

    "Ms. Crawford, the case is technically closed. The evidence we have forms aplete circle, and with Mack''s confession, it''s pretty much wrapped up. Unless he changes his story, it''s hard to reopen the investigation."

    ¡°And it''s unlikely that he could bear such a big crime alone."

    "But if you have any other evidence, you should bring it to us," she added.

    I shook my head, feeling a bit disheartened.

    There are no coincidences in this world; most are the result of human action. But without ess to Mack, I was stuck.

    Instead of heading home, I went straight to Vinson. The Aspire World project couldn''t be dyed any further; I knew postponing it would cause significant losses.

    When I arrived at Aspire World, Vinson was still in a meeting, so I waited in his office. It was a spartan space, nothing fancy, much like Vinson himself.

    I found myself reminiscing about college days. Even when he pursued me, he never went for the grand gestures.

    Instead of flowers, he''d bring bags full of snacks for my dorm mates, iming it was to help me carry them up. Daphne was definitely one of his biggest fans back then.

    Even during finals, it was Vinson who''d prepare study materials and send them to our dorm electronically. For graduation, even though he couldn''t make it back in time, he still sent gifts for everyone in my dorm.

    As I was lost in these memories, Vinson walked in.

    "Sorry for the wait, things have been hectic. Have you been waiting long?" he asked.

    I awkwardly exined the situation to him.

    Mack hadn''t backed up the data, meaning we had to redo the design and calctions from scratch.

    "I can remember part of it, but there are many details that need the team''s input," I admitted.

    Although I was the lead designer, the Aspire World team had put in a lot of effort, and there were many details I wasn''t fully familiar with.

    Vinson considered me for a moment, then asked, "Did you get a CT scan? You might have a concussion."

    I had almost forgotten about the assault. Truth be told, I did feel a bit dizzy, but I knew the project was important.

    Seeing my condition, Vinson insisted, "Let''s go to the hospital for a check-up first. We can talk about workter."

    Thankfully, the hospital visit

    confirmed it was just a minor injury, and there was no serious damage to my head. The attacker clearly didn''t intend to kill. This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    Vinson breathed a sigh of relief, then broached the subject of work again.

    "Maybe someone else from yourpany can take over. I''m worried about your health."

    I quickly objected, knowing it would take longer for someone else to get up to speed, potentially dying the project even more.

    He seemed to understand, "How long do you think it would take with overtime?"

    "If the team coborates, or if Jade could help, we could wrap it up in a week, including the final review," I suggested.

    "Though Jade''s pretty swamped with her own projects, like the Chandler family''s restaurant design."

    Vinson then offered, "How about I help out?"

    "You?" I was taken aback, then remembered we had the same major.

    "Yeah, I was your senior,

    remember?" he said with a yful wink. "might be a bit rusty, but can manage. Ms. Crawford, care to lead the way?"

    His offer brought a smile to my face. Vinson had always been capable, a stand-out even back in school.

    To expedite the project, I ended up workingte into the night at Aspire World''s Design Department, with Vinson jumping in to assist.

    By the time we looked up, it was already past midnight.

    "Mnie, let''s call it a night. It''s gettingte, and you need to take care of yourself," Vinson urged.

    "Just one more section, and I''ll be done," I insisted, my eyes glued to the screen, till someone grabbed my hand.

    Clyde''s displeased voice filled the

    What''s this? Thinking of

    seem

    1

    ship to Aspire World? You

    pretty dedicated to your work."

 Chapter 74

    Clyde looked like he was on the verge of boiling over, suppressing something fierce.

    I pulled my hand away and rubbed my wrist.

    "Quit the drama, you know what''s up with Mack. The Aspire World project can''t be dyed."

    "If you don''t wanna do overtime, you''re wee to cover the Aspire Worldpensation yourself."

    I was sure, despite his frustration, he wouldn''t jeopardize the work.

    After all, we''re talking about apensation that could skyrocket to millions. Nopany would want to fork out that kind of money unless absolutely necessary.

    As expected, he didn''t push further, just mumbled under his breath.

    "You could move to the Patterson Group offices, you know. Aren''t those fancy offices big enough for you?"

    "I''m just worried about screwing up, okay? Is my hard work worth nothing, only to be trashed again?"

    I stared him down, already set on digging to the bottom of this matter. Otherwise, Jade would keep facing obstacles at thepany.

    "What do you mean? Mack got caught, didn''t he?"

    Clyde seemed lost, so I shook my head.

    "Mack is just a fall guy. I don''t know why he took the me, but it wasn''t just because he hated me."

    "That night, Ka went to the security department pretending to be you, then deleted all the footage during a so-called system upgrade. So, no clue who got into the office."

    "But I''m sure, Mack was stered. With that level of booze in him, not just him, even a bull would''ve hit the floor."

    "And all those designs Ka bought were under Mack''s name, so she''s my prime suspect."

    I wanted to bring this up at the police station today, but Ka interrupted.

    Guess she''s not dumb, probably made sure the security was on her side. But Clyde''s still the boss, they might not all listen to her.

    I figured Clyde was savvy enough to look into it.

    After all, this concerns the Patterson Group''s reputation. If word gets out, who''d want to work with us?

    But Clyde immediately denied it, "No, she was with me that night, at..."

    He caught himself, realizing he was about to say too much.

    I knew the drill. What else do a man and a woman do togetherte at night? ying poker?

    Seeming to sense my irritation, he tried to rify, "Ka couldn''t have gone to the Design Department that day, also she..."

    "It''s fine. You trust her, I''ll do my own digging."

    This was somewhat expected, and I wasn''t too disappointed.

    I just wanted to clear the air, and clear my name.

    If things go south, I won''t be taking the fall.

    Clyde tried to approach, but I stood up.

    "Drop it, no point hashing this out. Vinson, shall we call it a day?"

    I didn''t want to argue about Ka anymore.

    Clyde had his fair share of flings, but Ka seemed to be in a league of her own.

    Arrogant, brainless, a bully, vain...

    Yet, Clyde was smitten.

    It reminded me of what Eliana once said, "Why did I fall for him? Was I blind?"

    As I moved to leave, Clyde grabbed me again, this time with anger in his eyes.

    "Mnie, cut the crap. You''re just trying to get with Vinson! If not for him, would you have botched the Radiant Systems project?"

    I couldn''t shake off his grip, so before Vinson coulde over, I kicked out.

    Not the most dignified move, but effective. Clyde stumbled back and let go. "Get off me, it''s disgusting."

    I didn''t spare him another nce, following Vinson to the elevator.

    Heading downstairs, I eyed the nearby hotels, deciding to stay close by for Jade''s sake.

    Vinson seemed to catch on, leading me to the nearest hotel.

    "Thepany has rooms here for clients year-round. You can stay here for now; it''s convenient."

    It seemed reasonable, so I headed upstairs.

    Vinson didn''t follow me to the room, but our trip to the hotel together was the talk of the town the next day.

    I didn''t expect I to be so bold.

    Her previous stuntnded her a

    week in detention, and now she was

    after me, snapping photos of met

    and V

    Vinson entering the hote

    She must have known Vinson left immediately, but aimed to smear my reputation regardless.

    And she went all out this time, not just posting pictures of me and Vinson, but also of Clyde and Ka.

    Beside showcasing Clyde caring for Ka in the hospital, she even used some of Ka''s social media pictures.

    Her posts implied Clyde and I were each ying our games, even listing Clyde''s past flings.

    Of course, she didn''t forget to mention Ka was Clyde''s true love.

    Being a journalist, she had her ways of digging up dirt.

    Several women seeking their moment

    past

    tions with Clyde, s tin the spotlight, iming et

    coming out of the woodwate

    Amid the flood of surgically altered faces online, I couldn''t remember if I had seen any of them before. I''s posts were quickly taken down, but she reposted the same content across various tforms.

    The inte never forgets, and soon major tforms picked up the story.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    This time, the Patterson family''s reputation was truly dragged through the mud.

 Chapter 75

    I never really took the whole debacle to heart. It was the Pattersons who should''ve been sweating bullets, not me.

    Clyde''s scandal was bound to ding the stock market, and the Pattersons'' fortune would take a hit.

    After all, it''s just me now. No family left to fret over.

    But just as I was leaving the hotel that morning, a group of guys blocked my path.

    "Ma''am, the boss wants you back home," the lead guy, Merritt''s chief of security, informed me. Seems Merritt Patterson got wind of the scandal too. After thest incident, he''d been unusually fixated on online chatter.

    I hopped into the car without protest and shot Vinson a quick text to say I''d be skipping work. I also messaged Clyde: not my circus, not my monkeys.

    As I arrived at the Patterson Mansion, Merritt looked like he''d swallowed a whole bottle of antacids. The man was not in good shape.

    "Mnie! Look at the mess you''ve created!"

    Lucia charged at me as if she was going to take a swing. I sidestepped, and she nearly took a tumble.

    "You dare dodge?"

    "If I didn''t, you''d be up for assault."

    I faced her with a nk stare.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    To an outsider, you''d think she genuinely cared for Clyde. In reality, she just couldn''t stand me.

    Evelyn came over, trying to defuse the situation with a puzzled look. "Mnie, there''s got to be some misunderstanding. Why would you and that Russell kid end up in a...?" She couldn''t even bring herself to say "hotel room."

    I nced at the fuming Merritt. "Nothing happened between us. He just lent me his room key and left the hotel. There''s surveince footage to prove it."

    It wasn''t hard to verify with all the 24/7 shops around. Clearing my name was easy. Clearing Clyde''s, however, was another story.

    Lucia, still smarting from the earlier snub, jumped in. "Just because you say so? What good is surveince? Everyone alreadybels you as fickle!"

    "And why no kids after all this time married to Clyde? Didn''t want to have his babies?"

    "Did Clyde ever wrong you? Remember when you were abroad, and your family had that ident? He almost..."

    "Lucia! This is my family matter. Stay out of it!"

    Clyde rushed in, immediately shielding me.

    But my gaze remained locked on Lucia. What had Clyde done for me when I was in trouble?

    I bit back the questions, knowing it wasn''t the right time.

    Clyde faced Merritt, then knelt. "Grandpa, I was looking for Mnie

    el

    too, yesterday. There''s nothing going on between her and Vinson."

    W

    "I know what kind of person Mnie is. But you? What''s this with you and Ka?"

    Merritt attempted to rise, leaning on his cane, but Laird quickly supported him.

    "Uncle Merritt, it''s normal for men to y around a bit," he chimed in, barely hiding his schadenfreude.

    "But if it affects thepany, that''s another story. Especially after thest scandal."

    Lucia, seizing her moment, added, "Uncle, this is serious. Shareholders are asking questions. How are we supposed to know?"

    Merritt, boiling with rage, banged his cane on the floor. "Enough!"

    "Clyde, you have three days to clean up this mess. And you two need to start a family. Nothing silences rumors like a baby."

    The topic of kids came up again, and I couldn''t help but lower my gaze, wishing to avoid that conversation entirely.

    But there was another solution no one dared mention. Divorce.

    Clyde

    leave me for Ka,

    girl"

    proving his love for a mon, over a marriage of convenience. The

    public eats up a love story that.

    After being lectured by everyone, Clyde finally took me home.

    On the way, Lucia''s words nagged at me. "Clyde, she mentioned you looked into my dad''s ident?"

    "Yeah, it was an ident."

    He was emotionless, clearly not eager to dredge up the past.

    I sensed there was more to it but let it go when he changed the subject.

    "Don''t worry, I''ll handle this. Just y along for now."

    "Ka... I''ll deal with her."

    It was the first time he''d ever mentioned handling his affairs. He usually kept me out of it.

    He reached for my hand without

    looking at me. "I know you''re upset,

    I we''re r

    in a rush. The baby

    Wk

    thing, we can talk about itter."

    As we pulled into the garage, he gave me a gentle look.

    I pulled away, "Clyde, I can''t just....."

    "Let''s go home."

    He was out of the car and headed for the elevator before I could respond.

 Chapter 76

    When I got home, Clyde made a beeline for the guest room, not even giving me a chance to speak.

    It was his way of shutting down the conversation, a tactic he often resorted to since our school days. Whenever he encountered a topic he didn''t want to discuss, he''d retreat to process it alone beforeing up with a solution.

    I wasn''t a fan of his silent treatment, but at most, it only eversted a night.

    Ignoring his mood, I decided to pack some clothes and stay at a hotel for a few days, at least until I could wrap up the Aspire World project.

    What I hadn''t anticipated was the police showing up at our office the very next day, right after Clyde dropped me off.

    "Mnie, good morning. We need you toe with us for an investigation into a missing person rted to I," one officer said, his tone emotionless.

    "I''s missing?" I was stunned. I had just seen her ount spewing nder about me online yesterday.

    The officer nodded. "She''s been missing for 48 hours and ispletely unreachable."

    "What does that have to do with my wife? She has an alibi for those 48 hours."

    Clyde stepped in front of me, putting himself between me and the officers.

    "Mr. Patterson, your wife is a person of interest in this case. We need your cooperation," the officer insisted.

    Before Clyde could retort, our colleagues began to gather around, sensing the drama. I quickly touched his arm to calm him down. "They''re just asking for cooperation. I''ll go with them."

    "Tell everyone to get back to work. It''s nothing."

    Reluctantly, Clyde released me, his protective stance softening only after Gemma rushed over, looking panicked.

    "Mr. Patterson, there''s an urgent situation that needs your attention," she said, her eyes darting nervously to the officers and back to us.

    I nudged Clyde. "Business first."

    ¡°I''ll be right behind you once I''m done, don''t worry."

    With that, Clyde hurried off with Gemma, and I followed the officers to the station where I provided my alibi for the time of I''s disappearance.

    "Officer, I''ve been swamped with work recently. And frankly, I doesn''t have anything I''d want to ckmail her for," I exined.

    She still needs Ka to give her money, so she definitely wouldn''t have enough money to be kidnapped.

    The officer, still skeptical, showed

    me a photo of a man and asked if recognized him. I was uncertain. ? felt like I had seen him before but couldn''t ce him.

    "That''s the man who took I!"

    "You''re saying I hired him? But I honestly don''t know him."

    "You were just hiring the kidnapper. Tell me where the victim is."

    The voice of the police suddenly rose, but I became even more puzzled.

    I have seen this person before, but I really can''t remember, and what does it have to do with I?

    "Sorry, I don''t know him"

    "Why don''t you start with this person and see if he has a grudge against I or if he has taken money from anyone?"

    At this point, I knew I had to be honest, but I really didn''t know this person either.

    The police tried to intimidate me

    further, but it was clear to me that while I had targeted me and Clyde with false usations, we had no reason to abduct her.

    "Mnie, stop beating around the bush. We have evidence!"

    "You were seen with this man at yourpany''s caf¨¦ and the hotel, and you gave him money."

    ¡°That''s impossible,¡± I countered, knowing well I hadn''t given anyone any money, let alone a kidnapper.

    The officers then presented a bag of jewelry, iming it belonged to me and was pawned for a significant sum.

    Laughing at the absurdity, I

    exined, "Sorry, officer, but you

    clearly don''t understand my

    household. Those jewels? I couldn''tAll rights ? N?velDrama.Org.

    even ess them without mye

    husband and his secretary''s permission."

    "And for the record, I''ve had issues with Ka before, even involving the police. Plus, I haven''t been home recently."

    The officers exchanged nces, clearly doubting their stance as one rushed out, presumably to verify my story.

    Thinking about Ka once going to my house to get my jewelry, I always feel that this matter may also have something to do with her.

    When Kemp, my attorney, arrived without Clyde, I was told about a major incident at a construction site that required Clyde''s immediate attention.

    "Don''t worry, they can''t hold you for more than 24 hours without solid evidence. I''ll talk to them," Kemp reassured me. "Where''s Clyde?" I asked, sensing something was off, especially recalling Gemma''s panicked expression earlier. Clearing his throat, Kemp finally admitted, "There''s been a serious ident at the site. There are casualties."

 Chapter 77

    Thewyer worked his magic swiftly, given the police had nothing solid on me. So, I was released in no time.

    Still, by the time I stepped out, the sky had already turned pitch ck. Hours had gone by, and I had no clue how things were faring on Clyde''s end. ¡°What in the world happened at the construction site? Which supplier messed up this time?"

    I was acquainted with most of our partners, having worked closely with many of them alongside Merritt Construction, so a mishap of this magnitude seemed improbable.

    Moreover, our sites were always under the watchful eye of safety officers. The reason Merritt Construction had earned its ster reputation was precisely because of our emphasis on safety and efficiency in our projects.

    A mishap, if not swiftly and effectively managed, could tarnish our reputation in no time.

    Thewyer shook his head. "Mr. Patterson asked me to assist you first; he''s dealing with it with another colleague. I haven''t had the chance to get in touch yet."

    "But it appears several sites encountered substandard materials. There was an ident on the downtown project site during overtime work tonight. A worker fell from a height and died instantly. Quite a few workers caught it on video, so there''s no escaping this one."

    "The media is not painting us in a favorable light, and the PR department is under a lot of pressure..."

    Kemp had been with thepany for ages. The serious, tense look on his face told me Merritt Construction was in for some trouble.

    Any ident involving injury or death could significantly impact the entire project, and it wasn''t just aboutpensating financially.

    Clyde, known for his decisive and sometimes ruthless business tactics, had made a fair share of enemies. It wouldn''t take long for someone to exploit this situation.

    "I need to go to thepany to check some documents. You deal with the victim''s family. I''ll catch a cab."

    After Kemp dropped me off, I hurried to the office.

    Numerous documents needed immediate review; any loophole could spell disaster for us.

    Today, of all days, I felt a persistent twitch in my right eyelid. Ever since my illness, I''d be superstitious, sensing an impending crisis.

    Little did I expect, upon reaching the office door, to spot a shadowy figure inside, rummaging around in the dark.

    "Who''s there?"

    Instinctively, I grabbed a broom by the door and dialed security as I flicked on the lights, ready to strike, only toe face to face with Ka.

    She looked momentarily panicked but regained herposure upon seeing me.

    "What the heck? You scared me to death. Clyde sent me to get some documents."

    I noticed she was clutching several files, which she quickly tried to hide behind her back.

    "Clyde sent you? What are you doing snooping around in the dark? And why are you in the marketing department fetching files? How''d you even get the key?"

    Recalling that one of the material batches was supplied by Ka''s family''s factory, I wasn''t surprised to find her here.

    She jingled the keys in her hand. "Clyde gave them to me. What else?"

    I recognized the keychain; indeed,

    only

    to Clyde. His ID was the

    with ess to all

    but my suspicions only offices,

    W

    "Don''t believe me? Call him. He''ll vouch for me."

    She seemed genuinely confident now, dialing Clyde''s number herself.

    Unfortunately, there was no answer.

    I tried calling him too, to no avail.

    Impatiently, Ka pushed past

    "These documents are crucial,

    especially now. Do you have anl

    idea a man died on site? Don''t get in my way."

    But I stood firm, blocking the door.

    My gut told me letting her leave would only spell trouble.

    However, how could I, weakened by illness, stand a chance against the pampered Ka?

    She managed to slip past me shortly.

    "Ms. Crawford, what''s going on?"

    Security had arrived, and I urgently instructed, "Stop her, she''s stealing files."

    With the news of Merritt Construction''s mishap spreading like wildfire, the security guard immediately detained Ka.

    Infuriated, she red at the guard. "Do you know who I am? Dare to stop me?"

    The guard hesitated, looking between us.

    "I am Clyde''swful wife, a shareholder of Merritt Construction, and the head of the Design Department. I''ll take responsibility!"

    Ka''s defiance only made me more anxious, solidifying my resolve not to let her leave.

    ring fiercely at me, she yanked the files out and scattered them in the air.

    "Want the files? Here, exin this to Clyde!"

    As the guard helped collect the papers, she hurried into the elevator.

    Ignoring her, I gathered the

    documents, all rted to projects partnered with Apex Group - it was

    clea Ka''s family''s factor was

    the issue.

    was

    The guard looked at me worriedly. "Mrs. Patterson, Mr. Patterson won''t me us, will he?"

    Everyone knew Ka was Clyde''s favorite, even more than me, his actual wife.

    I shook my head, reassuring him. "Don''t worry, I won''t let you take the fall."Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    "But I need today''s surveince footage, especially of Ka''s movements. Miss one, and you''re out!"

 Chapter 78

    I was frantically sorting through documents while continuously ringing up Clyde, but eventually, his phone just went dead.

    My heart sank. I checked in with Gemma, who thought Clyde had probably gone home to grab some files, prompting me to rush back to our apartment.

    "Clyde, are you here? Clyde?"

    The ce was dark, no signs of anyone being home.

    But spotting the shoe prints in the living room, I was certain Clyde had been there.

    I hurried into the bedroom, and there he was, unconscious on the bed, unresponsive no matter how much I shook him.

    Feeling his wrist, I sighed in relief finding a pulse.

    With the Patterson Group facing such turmoil, something felt off. If Clyde was in trouble now, it could spell disaster for the entire firm.

    I quickly dialed 911, then reached out to the building''s management.

    "I''m Mrs. Patterson, Clyde''s wife. He''s been attacked in our building. I need ess to all the security footage now!"All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "The woman he brought home is a prime suspect. If you try to cover for her, you''ll be joining her behind bars!"

    It was my first time leveraging my status as Mrs. Patterson, and it took the other end by surprise. They immediately started to apologize, promising to check the security footage right away.

    I couldn''t figure out why Clyde was unconscious, but a faint scent of perfume lingered on him, strikingly simr to Ka''s, my once favorite fragrance. I had bumped into Ka earlier, enveloped in that very scent.

    When the paramedics arrived, I followed them into the ambnce.

    After the doctors examined him, it turned out Clyde had ingested a significant amount of sleeping pills.

    The doctor looked at me ufortably, "Mrs. Patterson, given the rumors about yourpany... we thought maybe your husband..."

    "No way, that''s not him."

    I firmly dismissed the suggestion. Clyde was neither cowardly nor irresponsible.

    With a crisis at the site, his priority would be to console the family of the deceased and investigate the cause. The idea of him taking his own life was unthinkable to me.

    The doctor nodded, handing me a consent form.

    "He needs his stomach pumped, and there might be other procedures needed. We need your signature."

    Holding the pen, my hand trembled, but I took a deep breath to steady myself.

    I knew what Clyde meant to the Patterson family, and I couldn''t let him die on my watch.

    This was the first time I was signing

    something as his wife, apart from our marriage certificate. I

    instively touched my left ring finger, feeling its emptiness, a sourness in my heart.

    When Jade called, the building management had already provided her the security footage. Sure enough, Ka hade home with Clyde but left an hourter.

    "Mnie, should we call the police? What did you need at your ce?"

    "Check the surveince in the jewelry cab. It turns on automatically if someone opens the cab."

    That was something Gemma had installed as a precaution against me, never imagining it would be crucial evidence.

    Jade followed my instructions but found the camera destroyed, memory card missing.

    "That''s a big loophole," I realized, telling Jade to stop tampering with the surveince system.

    If Ka was behind this, she might have known about the camera and prepared ordingly, perhaps even wearing gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints.

    "Mnie, you think Ka did this? I saw the footage; she was definitely here."

    Jade could draw the same conclusions I did.

    I asked her to change the locks on my door before returning home.

    Meanwhile, Clyde had his stomach pumped but remained unconscious.

    The doctors suspected other drugs might be involved, so immediate awakening wasn''t possible, pending further tests.

    Ensuring his vital signs were stable, I finally breathed easier.

    As long as he could wake up, we could handle anything.

    But with Clyde out, the site issue couldn''t be ignored.

    The project manager had called me earlier, saying the victim''s family had brought the press to make a scene, and to my surprise, York had beaten me there.

    Watching the live stream, York looked prepared, his suit crisp, hair slicked back.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, the

    Patterson Group will handle this

    situation with the utmost care," York

    dered, pledging a resolution.

    within three days on behalf of the

    company, even offering to

    personallypensate if necessary.

    York, the Laird''s son, whom I never had `faith in, seemed to be

    overing his bounds. Despite

    Clyde''s belief in York''s decency, my instincts told me otherwise.

    The fact that York, an outsider, dared to speak for the Patterson Group while actual project managers were on site was outrageous.

    Turning off my phone, I looked towards Clyde, still in a deep slumber.

    "Once this mess is sorted, you can rest all you want. But for now, could you please wake up?"

 Chapter 79

    The dust had settled on the construction site for now, so I wasn''t needed there. My top priority was to stay by Clyde''s side at the hospital.

    But I never expected York to show up out of the blue.

    "What''s going on here? It was just a minor hup. How could Clyde even think of giving up on life?" he asked, bewildered.

    "How do you know he tried to give up and wasn''t, say, poisoned?" I squinted at him, sensing something off.

    York hade prepared, ready to pin me, a clear sign of trouble.

    Soon after, Laird and Lucia hurried in, both quick to point fingers at me.

    "Please leave. Clyde needs his rest. Do you not want him to wake up?" I stood, gesturing towards the door, knowing well that my slight frame wouldn''t stop them. But we were in a hospital; eyes were everywhere, and the staff moved in and out of the room, ensuring they couldn''t overstep.

    York looked at me, pain evident in his eyes. "Mnie, I know you''re hurting, but with the Patterson Group in chaos, we can''t be leaderless." "And what do you propose? You wanna be the leader?¡± I met his gaze, catching a sh of malice he couldn''t hide.

    Things had escted, and it seemed they were done pretending.

    Over the years, York had been expanding his influence, constantly vying for projects with Clyde. Despite his attempts to join the Patterson Group''s management, Merritt had always refused.

    Merritt believed in keeping the business out of purely family hands, especially since Clyde and I hadn''t had children yet. He felt uneasy, knowing well that money could turn brothers into enemies.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    Merritt''s foresight was proving true; Clyde''s incident had barely urred before these vultures swooped in.

    Lucia stepped forward, ring. "If it wasn''t for marrying you, would the Patterson Group have faced such turmoil?"

    "With Clyde down, do you really think you can take over the Patterson Group? You''re not even a Patterson by blood!"

    Laird chimed in, equally furious, ¡°Exactly, you''re an outsider."

    "But I''m hiswful wife, am I not?" I replied calmly. "Regardless of myst name, I''m his spouse, his legal guardian, and co-owner of our shared assets."

    "As long as Clyde is alive, even in aa, you have no right to step into the Patterson Group''s management, do you?"

    Once the fox''s tail is revealed, it''s not so easily hidden again.

    As Laird advanced, Merritt entered, leaning on his cane, silencing the room.

    ¡°What''s all thismotion? The doctors said Clyde would wake soon. What are you doing here?"

    With Merritt''s word, the room fell silent, all heads bowed.

    He looked at me, "You''re aware of the site issue?"

    I nodded. If York knew, how could I not?

    "Uncle, we can''t let her, an outsider, control the Patterson Group. She''s up to no good."

    Laird rushed to Merritt, desperate.

    "Look at York; if not for him, would Mnie, alone, have stood a chance at the site? She''d have been terrified." "York is just looking out for his brother, not wanting the Patterson familypany to fall into outsider hands." "Nonsense!" Merritt struck Laird. "Clyde will be awake soon. He''s not gone!"

    "Besides, Mnie is his wife. Not only does she own half thepany, but she also has rights to shares. Do you?"

    Merritt''s early precautions against letting

    os en Catter Seize control were

    ear.

    No matter their entreaties, he kept at bay. Content belon

    to

    "Fine, even if Clyde doesn''t wake for a few days, Mnie can handle everything."

    "Any concerns,e to me. I''m not out of my mind yet!"

    With Merritt''s final word, the challengers scattered, leaving the room.

    Once alone, Merritt turned to me, "What happened?"

    I spared no detail, sharing the supply issues at Ka''s family factory and her sneaking around our home andpany.

    Merritt''s anger was palpable, but he calmed after a moment.

    "What''s your n?"

    "I''ll hand the evidence to the police, quiet the online rumors through our PR, and visit the victims'' families. We can''t let this drag on. I''ll be at thepany tomorrow."

    Merritt nodded, ¡°Good, keep Gemma close. She''s capable. Anything arises, I''m here.¡±

    Acknowledging Gemma''s efficiency, despite her disdain for me, I finally breathed easier.

    Leaving Clyde still asleep, I ventured out for coffee, only to find the

    vending machine on the fourthed neo

    Sve

    empty. As I headed to the fifth floor, amotion caught my ear.

    Was that I''s voice? Racing towards the sound, coffee in hand, a scream pierced the air, followed by a thud.

 Chapter 80

    I was peering out the window when I saw it - a woman with long hair tumbling down to the ground, surrounded by a spreading pool of crimson. Looking back to where she''d fallen from, there was no one in sight.

    Below, the gathering crowd let out shrieks of horror. ncing down again, I caught someone pointing up at me, shouting, "The killer, the killer''s still up there!"

    Almost reflexively, I ducked away from the window, thinking to dash downstairs to see what was happening for myself, but I ended up face-to-face with the cops.

    "Mnie, stop right there! You''re under suspicion for the murder of I. You are being detained. Drop anything you''re holding!"This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    Four officers had me surrounded in no time, and I was so stunned I couldn''t even move.

    One of the female officers stepped forward, took the coffee cup from my hand, and sealed it in an evidence bag before pping handcuffs around my wrists.

    It was surreal. Just a dayter, and I was back in an interrogation room at the police station, this time with handcuffs on.

    I tried to exin that I had only heard I''s voice and hadn''t actually seen her. They could check the surveince footage, I said.

    But the cops just sneered. "The hospital''s surveince system was down for upgrades today, during your husband''s emergency. You must have heard that."

    I racked my brain but couldn''t recall any such thing.

    "No, I didn''t know about that. My husband was in surgery; why would I care about the hospital''s surveince?"

    "Mnie, cut the act! We have concrete evidence against you. Even without the footage, we can prove you killed I! You are the murderer!"

    It was the middle of the night, and the halls were deserted.

    The fifth floor, where the patient rooms were located, was especially quiet, with no staff at the nurses'' station to vouch for me.

    Then the police produced a phone with a pink case.

    "This is I''s phone. The kidnapper, Jarvis, has been using this to contact you."

    "I don''t know any Jarvis, and I didn''t have I''s contact," I protested, panic setting in. Where was all this evidenceing from?

    But as I remembered I hadn''t done anything, a calm settled over me. I had to clear my name; I couldn''t stay locked up here.

    If Clyde didn''t wake up, the Laird family would surely take action soon.

    And by then, even if I could prove my innocence and Clyde woke up, it might be toote.

    They handed me the phone, and I was shocked to see messages from Clyde''s number to I''s phone.

    The messages outlined where to

    take her after the kidnapping, even instructing Jarvis to bring her to the hospital today. There were threats too, warning him toply or " would harm his daughter,plete with a photo of a little girl

    Staring at the unfamiliar child, I was lost. What was going on?

    ¡°No, I don''t know Jarvis or this girl. And Clyde...Clyde was sedated at the time, in surgery."

    "And why would I have the kidnapper bring I to the hospital? It doesn''t make any sense!"

    I tried to reason with them, but the cops seemed unswayed.

    "It makes perfect sense if you were using Clyde''s phone while he was unconscious."

    "And Jarvis'' daughter was found in an apartment registered in your name. What do you have to say now?"

    I was dumbfounded, speechless. Someone was framing me, but who?

    All I''d been worried about was Clyde; I hadn''t checked if his phone was with him.

    Then it hit me. "Ka was at thepany stealing files today. I have surveince footage as proof, and thepromised material is from her family''s factory!"

    "She could have essed my home, stolen my jewelry to give to the kidnapper. It must be her! She drugged Clyde!"

    My thoughts were scattered, but I tried toy out everything I knew.

    Anything could help prove my innocence.

    "I never even met I. You can check fingerprints or DNA; they''ll show I''m innocent."

    "That only proves your suspicion," the officer countered, pulling out a report. Forensic rushed a DNAparison. We found your hair and skin cells on I''s body, and even traces of your perfume."

    "Mnie, I''d advise you to give up hope of escaping this. It''s better to confess early - you know the drill. Think it over carefully!"

    Left alone in the interrogation room, I waspletely bewildered. How could this happen?

    After hours of repetitive questioning and my repeated denials, I was exhausted.

    Finally slumping in my chair, I muttered weakly, ¡°Officer, I had cancer surgery recently..."

    As I began to lose consciousness, I thought I saw the door open and someoneing in to uncuff me. Through the crack in the door, it seemed like Vinson was there.

    I wanted to smile at him, but I didn''t have the strength. Slowly, I closed my eyes.

 Chapter 81

    When I slowly came to, I didn''t need to open my eyes to know I was back in the hospital.

    But this time, there were no familiar faces by my side, just cops.

    The doctor''s expression turned even more grave during the examination. "Ms. Crawford, I''ve told you before, this is a recurrence. You need to take care of yourself, otherwise..."

    "I know, another rpse might be terminal."

    I looked at the doctor calmly, saying, "Sorry for the trouble, again."

    The doctor opened his mouth to say something, nced at the police, but ultimately held back. He only mentioned my condition was critical, that cancer cells could spread at any moment. Honestly, I''d been living on borrowed time for months. Perhaps, there really was no need for me to do much more.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.

    I understood he was speaking in my defense, and I nodded at him gratefully.

    My situation wasn''t hard to investigate, and the police must know I had no reason to kill I. After all, I was already nning to divorce Clyde, and over the years, he had countless affairs. If I cared about reputation, I would have divorced him long ago.

    Thedy cop lightened up a lot, promising me they''d find out what really happened.

    I requested a newwyer and wished to see Jade, to grant her authorization.

    Seeing me bald in the hospital bed, Jade broke down in tears. The doctor was right; my condition was severe, there was a chance I could pass out at any time.

    My newwyer was one of Vinson''s trusted men. The day I got arrested, he was the one who apanied thewyers to the station. With many issues now falling on Kemp''s shoulders at the Patterson Group, and his team not specialized in homicide cases, a change was indeed necessary. I also had thewyer prove that Jade would take care of everything for me when I couldn''t handle things.

    "Mrs. Patterson, what about the duration?"

    "No limit, I trust her."

    I didn''t know how long I could hold on with my condition, so I left everything for Jade to handle. After dismissing thewyer, Merritt came to visit.

    The suspicion of murder hadn''t been lifted yet, and the inte was rife with spection, even suggesting that I had orchestrated Clyde''s poisoning. I was painted as a viiness, desperate to seize control of the Patterson Group by any means, causing thepany''s stock to plummet. Indeed, if Clyde never woke up, the Patterson Group would be mine. Unfortunately, they didn''t understand that in my condition, having enough money was all I could ask for. I didn''t need the Patterson Group.

    "Clyde said you have hypoglycemia, is it that severe?" Merritt eyed me curiously, somehow having managed to enter the room alone.

    I nodded and tried to get my energy up. "I''ve had a lot on my tetely, have been kind of freaking out, not getting enough sleep. I did it on purpose."

    He seemed to take my words at face value, even nodding in agreement. "Retreating to advance, smart. Don''t worry, Gemma will get a doctor to help, so you can stay in the hospital as long as possible."

    True to Clyde''s grandfather, even his tone was simr. They all believed I was faking it, but I had no need to exin. However, there was something I needed him to be aware of.

    "Merritt, Jade knows my safe''sbination, and she has some surveince footage; there''s definitely something off with Ka."

    "Do you mean she drugged Clyde, or she kidnapped I?"

    As expected, Merritt could think of many possibilities, but I shook my head. "Beyond that, her appearance in Clyde''s life is suspicious."

    "Dressing simrly to my college days, even her looks, and her qualifications didn''t match the job. She should''ve been screened out before the interview phase."

    "Plus, she seems to interfere with the Design Department a lot. I think there''s something fishy."

    Although I was unconscious, my brain never stopped working. Waking up, I could connect the dots, and everything pointed to Ka being the key issue.

    When Jade visited, she told me Ka had disappeared, but with everything in chaos, no one noticed where she went. With Clyde in aa, her absence was too conspicuous.

    After my reminder, Merritt started to see the discrepancies. He frowned, seemingly tackling a difficult problem. "Alright, I''ll look into it."

    "But Mnie, there''s something you

    must understand." He looked at me intently. "The Patterson family cannot have Clyde as its only sessor. The amount of sleeping pills he took was significant, but it shouldn''t affect his health. However, he can''t remain childless. Once he wakes up, I need you two to have a child within a year, do you understand what I''m saying?"

    I swallowed hard, having anticipated his request. Three years without a child, Merritt always had this thorn in his side. Clyde were to have an ident, then truly, there would be no one to follow up. I could

    understand the old generation''s mindset.

    But with my current health, conceiving a child was nothing short of a fantasy. I closed my eyes for a moment, then said, "Merritt, I''m sorry, I can''t have children."

    When I opened my eyes again, there wasn''t a trace of surprise on Merritt''s face, probably aligning with his suspicions. My voice was

    hoarse, "I''ve discussed divorceel.ne

    Clyde, not asking for half his fortune, but he hasn''t agreed yet."

    Merritt looked at me for a long time before nodding. "Good child, you''ve been through a lot. The Patterson family won''t let you down."

    "We''ll handle the divorce on your behalf."

 Chapter 82

    Even though I was confined to a hospital room without ess to my phone, I could still piece together that the Patterson Group was embroiled in a major scandal.

    Mr. Patterson was in aa, there had been a fatal ident at the construction site, and Mrs. Patterson was used of murder...

    Any one of these headlines would be enough to send social media into a frenzy.

    My hospital room was under constant police surveince, which meant that if I was proven guilty of murder, I''d be treated as a high-risk criminal. When Jade and thewyer came to visit, they brought more bad news.

    "York''s wielding a power of attorney signed by Clyde, iming he''s now the acting CEO. He''s taken control of everything."

    "With Clyde out cold and you in this mess, what are we going to do? He''s already meddling with HR."

    "I argued with him, but he just threw it in my face that you''re a murderer. He said the Patterson family would disinherit you, cutting all ties. The nerve of that guy!"

    Her anger was palpable; clearly, she''d been through a lot these past few days.

    And all this seemed to confirm my suspicions.

    York had always yed the role of the benevolent older brother, but now, with his brother barely cold, he was seizing power. And everything was falling into ce too smoothly for it to be a coincidence.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Especially when I heard that York had signed off on several projects in the Design Department, holding all the documents, my suspicions deepened. "It''s impossible. The old guard in departments one and two wouldn''t defect in uncertain times."

    I knew my team well. Without any real influence, York wouldn''t be able to win them over.

    Jade looked disheartened as she said, "But he''s got control over the key projects'' designs and even changed the system passwords. I can''t ess anything."

    This rmed me. These projects were crucial for the Patterson Group''s strategy for the next five years.

    York had only been with thepany for a few days and had already zeroed in on its lifeline, taking control of all designs. He must have nted a mole.

    But Mack had already been exposed. Who else could it be?

    Paul''s face shed before my eyes, but without solid evidence, I could only warn Jade to watch out for him.

    As visiting hours ended, Jade looked at me with teary eyes.

    "Mnie, you need to take care of yourself. Take the meds like the docs say and don''t be scared of chemo. If something happens to you, we''re screwed."

    I nodded silently, a sudden idea striking me.

    If something happened to me, at worst, my shares would be divided, but what if Clyde was in danger?

    "Jade, have Vinson find someone to keep an eye on Clyde. Make sure no one takes advantage of his condition. And go see Merritt, exin the situation at thepany."

    She nodded, not fully grasping my n.

    But with time running out, I couldn''t afford to exin further, simply hoping my allies weren''t fools.

    The policewoman coughed, reminding me, "The doctor said you need rest to avoid a rpse."

    I gratefully looked at her before lying back down, feeling a wave of weakness.

    Despite my frailty, I couldn''t let things continue to spiral.

    Not just for my college sweetheart Clyde and Merritt, who had helped my mom and me.

    And then there was the day Lucia mentioned Clyde had been investigating my father''s ident. For some reason, I felt indebted to him.

    Debts of gratitude are the hardest to repay.

    Days went by in a blur until the officer who had escorted me to the station arrived at my room.

    "Mnie, you''ve been cleared of all charges. The surveince will be lifted, and you''re free to move around. Two interns on duty were caught cking in the emergency exit, smoking. They saw you rush to the scene after hearing screams."

    A wave of relief washed over me as I repeatedly thanked them.

    Even as a suspect, I didn''t want to be confined to a hospital when the Patterson Group needed me.

    "We still need some information

    about Ka. Please, cooperate. She''s disappeared, with significant sums transferred to and from her mstra

    overseas ounts. Share any clues

    you have."

    I eagerly shared my suspicions, especially about the construction site incident.

    "The construction materials were likely substandard products supplied by Apex Group. The documentation is with my colleague Jade, secured in a safe."

    The officer nodded, asking, "Does she have ess to your ce?"

    "Yes, she knows the code."

    I didn''t hide the fact that she was Clyde''s lover, assuming the police were aware.

    "She arranged I''s kidnapping and stole the jewelry. We''ve secured the surveince footage."

    "A witness saw her with a little girl at your apartment."

    "And check on the missing jewelry."

    Confused, I told the officer, "A friend visited my apartment. The storage card is missing."

    "The surveince automatically

    uploads via WiFi. Clyde''s secretary

    Gemma found the footage and

    handed it to the police. Her efforts, including finding a witness at the hospital, helped clear your name."

    I was stunned. Gemma, who had always been cold to me, had helped?

    Looking towards the door, Gemma stood there, as professional as ever. She pushed up her sses, her expression stoic.

    Yet, I thought I saw her wipe away a tear.

 Chapter 83

    The police had just left when Gemma briefly filled me in on the office chaos before dashing back, not even waiting for my word of thanks. As for me, I was far from okay. The doctor suggested I stay for more observation, but staying was out of the question for me.

    Staggering, I made my way to Clyde''s room, shocked to find him still unconscious after all this time.

    The nurse looked at me with pity. "Mrs. Patterson, true love shines brightest in dark times. He''ll surely remember your kindness once he wakes."

    I forced a small smile, wishing he wouldn''t remember at all. Remembering might just make him refuse the divorce again,plicating matters even further.

    Beneath the calm surface, the Patterson family was anything but peaceful.

    With no children from Clyde, Merritt would never let me continue as Mrs. Patterson.

    Honestly, Ka shouldn''t have sided with an outsider. She could''ve easily taken my ce as the esteemed Mrs. Patterson.

    I didn''t need Merritt digging into everything; I could make a pretty good guess on my own.

    York had his eyes on the Patterson empire, but Merritt and Clyde kept him at bay, leaving him and the Lairds without a chance.

    So, he roped in Ka, who resembled me from my younger days. He knew about the strain between Clyde and me and used it to taunt me.

    If we divorced and I took some of the shares, he could slowly devour the Patterson empire.

    But he hadn''t expected us to stay married and even secure several major deals.

    That''s why he stooped low and used dirty tricks, roping Ka and others into his sneaky n.

    Looking at Clyde''s peaceful face on the hospital bed, I felt a surge of weakness.

    From our dating days to now, it seemed like Clyde was always the one pulling us through everything except for that time we went abroad.

    I gently held his hand, saying, "Clyde, it''s my turn to be strong. Please wake up soon; I can''t hold on for too long."

    Perhaps it was the sudden release of my pent-up tension, but I ended up falling asleep right beside his bed.

    Feeling someone stroking my head, I swatted the hand away irritably, only to see a slightly embarrassed Clyde. "Uh, your skin looks really nice." I rolled my eyes at him, checking the time and realizing I waste for work. His timing couldn''t have been better.

    While the doctor conducted his checks, I questioned Clyde. "Did you give York full control over the Patterson Group? He''s acting like he owns the ce."

    Clyde pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "I don''t remember doing so, but there might have been a moment when I was conscious. I can''t recall signing anything."

    I hadn''t been with Clyde throughout his entirea, so jumping to conclusions was out of the question.

    York''s actions were suspicious, though, and I decided to investigate thepany myself.

    Clyde wanted toe along, but I informed him that Merritt was on his way and quickly called Merritt.

    "Merritt, he''s awake. I''m thinking of bringing him to Patterson Mansion for now. Could you send some more security our way?"

    "Yes, we''ll say he''s too weak to return to the office and that I''ll take charge in the meantime."Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    With Merritt''s approval, I felt a little more at ease.

    With Clyde around, thepany''s moles wouldn''t dare make a move, but I knew they''d be restless without him.

    If we didn''t root out the corruption, thepany would only deteriorate further.

    Donning a wig, I returned to the office to find it in utter chaos.

    People were arguing everywhere. I approached, curious at the sudden silence that fell upon my arrival.

    "Ms. Crawford, I''ve been with thispany from the start. I''m a manager; you can''t just fire me!"

    "I''m handling multiple projects. How can you just kick me out?"

    "Mrs. Patterson, you''re Mr. Patterson''s wife. You must stand up for us, the long-serving employees!"

    Most of thoseining were the backbone of the Patterson Group, having battled alongside Clyde and Merritt for years.

    Turning around, I saw York and Laird among the crowd.

    Their surprise was palpable, but York quickly approached. "Sister-inw, you''re free of charges? That''s wonderful."

    "There''s a lot to handle in thepany. You should be with Clyde; I''ll take care of things here."

    His smile was seemingly genuine, but the underlying threat made me ufortable.

    Laird, puffing out his chest, added, "Women should be at home, taking care of their husbands and children. Can Deven bear a child, yet you want to run apany?"

    His words were harsh, drawing everyone''s attention to me.

    I simply smiled. "Whether I bear children or not, I remain Mrs. Patterson, Clyde''swful wife."

    "He''s awake now and has stated he

    av

    gave no such authorization to you. So, whatever decisions you''ve made are void. I suggest you and your people kindly leave."

    Hearing this, the disgruntled employees rallied to my side, ring at the intruders.

    "unting your authority as if you

    own the ce? We''ve got the realet Youatterson right here; who are

    Mrs.

    o dictate terms?"

    "Causing dys in our projects, can you afford the losses? Do you have the money topensate?"

    As the insults grew increasingly bitter, York''s face reddened, and he hastily produced a document. "Clyde wrote this himself. How can you say it doesn''t count?"

 Chapter 84

    The employees behind me fell silent, their eyes widening in disbelief as they stared at me. If he truly had authorization, even they might be out of a job.

    I stepped forward, nced at the document in his hand, and let out a scoff, "You call this a signature? It looks like a child''s doodle. Clyde was out cold at the time. Who knows how you got this signed? Was awyer present? Could any medical staff vouch for its legitimacy? Clyde himself said he didn''t authorize this. You dare to forge his signature?"

    Clyde doesn''t remember, so as far as I''m concerned, it never happened. He was barely conscious; even if it was his signature, it wouldn''t hold up. I knew it, and so did York.

    York red at me venomously, "Clyde signed this himself. You think I''d dare to break thew so tantly?"

    "Since you im he''s awake, I''ll just go and confront him myself. Let''s go!"

    He sure knew how to save face, actually walking off with his tail between his legs. As Laird tried to shoulder past me, Jade swiftly pushed him aside.

    "Jerk," she muttered under her breath.

    I quickly tugged at her arm. She still had to work at the Patterson Group, after all. It was better not to make enemies unnecessarily.

    With that drama behind us, I told everyone to go back to their desks and start their day. There werepensations to arrange for the victim''s family,wsuits to file against Apex Group, and a public rtions nightmare to handle, especially with the mess York had made of thingstely. I needed to clean it up, and fast.

    Merritt called to tell me Clyde was back home, which finally put my mind at ease.

    "Mnie, why don''t youe back to Patterson Mansion? I can send someone for you."

    "Merritt, I''m staying at a hotel near the office for a while. There''s too much work."

    He didn''t press further after hearing my reason. Seeing as Clyde and I were headed for a breakup, it made sense to steer clear of the Pattersons. Jade almost always stayedte with me, worried about my health, even sharing my hotel room. Somehow, my work performance had actually improved, and my appetite was returning.

    Especially when we won the bid for the overpass project, I was over the moon. This project had been in the Patterson Group''s pipeline for months. The original design hadn''t been right, rejected several times. Recently, I''d been tweaking the proposal in my scant free time, leading the project to a sessful bid.

    Jade wanted to celebrate by taking me out for barbecue, but I hesitated.

    "Let''s just work through. They need a detailed summary of the proposal, and I think..."This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    "The bid''s won, we can rx a bit. My treat, let''s get some ribs!"

    After ensuring everyone else had left, she dragged me out. Before leaving, though, I activated a security feature on myptop that would turn on the webcam if anyone tried to enter a password. Fool me once, shame on you.

    Pet

    We''d barely ordered when my phone buzzed with a security alert. Sure enough, someone was tampering with myputer. All the crucial data was on thatptop, locked in my drawer, and yet someone had managed to open it?

    Checking the app, I saw Paul at my desk, on the phone.

    "Just remotely crack the password, will you? I''m paying you five hundred for this. Hurry up before anyonees back. Idiot!"

    He plugged something into theputer and managed to break into my system. I didn''t make a scene; instead, I quietly called Clyde''s security to head upstairs, while Jade and I rushed back to the office.

    By the time we arrived, Paul was already detained. He looked at me furiously, "Ms. Crawford, what is this about? I just came back for some documents."

    "Coming to the director''s office for documents? That''s bold."

    A guard handed me a device. "Signal jammer."

    I smirked at Paul, saying, "Quite prepared, aren''t we? So, how long do you think you''llst in jail?"

    Paul was always concerned about

    his image. He appeared nonchnt

    but was highlypetitive. He''d initially led the overpass project butcked the skill to secure it. Seeing me seed where he failed must''ve been a bitter pill to swallow. Berhaps he wasn''t trying to sabotage the project out of malice but rather out of a desperate desire not to let Patterson Group seed.

    He scoffed, "Go ahead, call the cops. They won''t find any evidence. You haven''t lost any data."

    Nodding, I agreed that at most it would be considered attempted crime. My system was secure; he wouldn''t have had time to find any crucial data or designs. Yet, seeing his smug look, I couldn''t help butugh.

    "Paul, you and Mack''s little scheme you didn''t think no one would find out, did you?"

    His eyes widened in shock. "What do you know?"

    I set the jammer aside, meeting his gaze with a cold stare.

    "Come clean now, and you might just see a way out of this."

 Chapter 85

    Paul was gasping for air, panic clearly etched into his features.

    "No, it wasn''t me, it was all a misunderstanding, I swear!"

    I looked at him and sighed softly.

    "Paul, with the experience you got, you could bag a director''s job somewhere else with no sweat. We''ve been colleagues. I know you''re not the mastermind behind this. Why ruin your life over someone else''s scheme?"

    Jade was beside me, signaling frantically. I knew she wanted to call the cops, but I shook my head. Calling the police now would make it harder to uncover the truth and might even tip off the real culprit.

    I needed to get more information first. If York was indeed behind this, I needed solid evidence.

    Paul squinted, pondering for a moment, then turned his gaze to me.

    "Mnie, you''re Mrs. Patterson. Can you promise not to call the police?"

    "What do you think?" I wasn''t about to make any promises to scum like him.

    Defeated, he slumped to the ground.

    "I''ll confess. Ka put me up to this. She said if I could bring you down, she''d be Mrs. Patterson, and I''d be the director of the Design Department. She bought some design drafts to use under my name. I refused, so Mack took the fall."

    "It was you who released the virus and attacked me, wasn''t it?"

    I watched him without any expression, and he nodded miserably.

    "Yes, I was confused. I have evidence of Mack taking money, and after I threatened him a bit, he confessed. But there''s someone behind Ka, I''ve heard her receiving strategies over the phone."

    My interest piqued. So, there was someone behind Ka.

    "Who was it? Was it York?"

    Paul shook his head. "She said the Patterson Group would eventually belong to that person. I don''t know who."

    The trail seemed to go cold, yet it felt like we were on to something.

    The Patterson lineage now only had Clyde. If the Patterson Group was to belong to someone else, who could that be?

    Jade frowned, sitting beside me, equally puzzled.

    Paul looked up at me, his eyes begging.

    "Mrs. Patterson, for old times'' sake, please let me go. Please don''t call the police. Just consider me a bad fart you let out; I swear I won''t do anything like this again!"

    ¡°Onest question, why did you trust Ka so much? You know Clyde had his fair share of women.¡±

    Indeed, Clyde had been involved with numerous women. Since our marriage, I had seen no less than twenty.

    And that didn''t even include the young stars and models he never brought home. How could Paul trust Ka? Paul coughed awkwardly.

    ¡°I... Ka and I knew each other from before. She used to... work as a whore at a bar."

    "What?" Jade eximed. I was too shocked to speak.

    Paul, as if resigned, spilled everything.

    Ka had been working as a whore even before she graduated, making quite a sum. She and Paul were regrs to each other.

    "She quit a couple of years ago,

    rumor has it she got pregnant and even has a daughter. That''s when we lost touch. But she... she had photos from back then, and she

    ckmailed me!"

    A sudden realization clicked for me, connecting all the dots.

    If the kidnapper had a daughter and was threatened, but Ka could easily take the girl, something was off.

    What if the child was hers, and the kidnapper was her boyfriend?

    By the time the police arrived, I had gotten most of my answers.

    I had already messaged Jade to call them. The station was nearby, so they arrived quickly.

    Seeing the officers, Paul struggled desperately.

    "Mnie, you broke your word, you said no police! You traitor, how could you deceive me!"

    I looked at him emotionlessly, saying, "Trust you? I''d be mad to trust someone like you."

    I quickly ryed his confessions to the officers.

    "Mrs. Patterson, we appreciate your cooperation. We''ll apprehend the suspect soon. And the kidnapper, Jarvis, has confessed. He''s Ka''s ex-boyfriend, and the kidnapped girl is Ka''s daughter."

    None of this surprised me; it was almost exactly as I had guessed.

    But why would they contact each other again after having a child?

    "Did they divorce, or what?"

    "They split because Ka caught Mr. Bill''s eye."

    The officer''s tone was peculiar, and I immediately understood. "Clyde?"

    "Not sure, we only know the man''sst name is Patterson. We don''t have a first name. She left her ex f?r a wealthy man, then used their. daughter to ckmail him. Jarvis wouldn''t havemitted the crime otherwise."

    Though the officer said this, his eyes told me he suspected Clyde as well.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    However, Ka''s involvement was too strange, not to mention the mysterious figure behind her.

    ¡°Can you tell me when Ka caught this big shot''s attention? I need to know if it was Clyde.¡±

 Chapter 86

    The police officer seemed a tad conflicted but eventually nodded, signaling that they''d keep me updated.

    As they escorted Paul away, I naturally followed.

    "Officer, what Jarvis pointed out about me before must have been directed by Ka. I''d like to know what he has to say."

    "Can I identify this person?"

    Being directly affected by the incident, the police didn''t make it too hard for me.

    Especially since uncovering the mastermind behind Ka was crucial, it was better to uncover the truth sooner.

    Without solid evidence, the Patterson family wouldn''t take the word of an outsider like me.

    Upon entering the surveince room next to the interrogation chamber, I finally got a glimpse of Jarvis.

    He looked drained but noticeably more at ease, probably knowing his daughter was safe.

    The police questioned him about Ka, and he spilled everything.

    "Turns out, some rich guy with thest name Patterson took a fancy to her. Once she got the money, of course, she didn''t want me or the kid. It must be Clyde, who else would shower her with so much cash? I only went after her because I saw her bestie''s posts about her being the other woman, unting her wealth! Her daughter couldn''t even afford preschool, so of course, I demanded child support."

    It wasn''t Ka who approached him but the other way around.

    However, having climbed the socialdder with Clyde, Ka naturally wanted to erase her past, even disowning her daughter.

    From shock to indifference, my emotions had run the gamut.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Ka was quite the character; Clyde wasn''t a fool. Being deceived by her for so long only proved her cunning.

    Jarvis was a mess, crying, "She even threatened to call the cops on me, saying she''s rich and the police would only believe her, ensuring I''d be arrested."

    "I can''t go to jail. What about my daughter?"

    The interrogating officer mmed his hand on the table.

    "Jarvis, cut the act. Tell the truth! Are you after the money for your daughter?"

    "Don''t think we''re clueless. Your past deeds? Forgotten already? Bettere clean."

    The twist caught me off guard. Jarvis hesitated before confessing his past wrongdoing.

    It turned out he had identally killed an elderly man in his vige.

    Unfortunately for him, the elderly man was already in poor health and seemingly died from the shock of the collision.

    After begging the family for forgiveness and agreeing topensation, the police weren''t notified.

    Back in the day, an elderly person''s death was handled with a simple funeral in the countryside, and that was that, though he had to provide monthly living expenses for the family.

    "The family''s insatiable. Iter found

    2.1.1

    out the old man was diagnosed with terminal cancer and had just months to live. I initially gave them a hundred thousand, but they demanded a thousand every for their child''s college fund. That was bearable, but now they want five thousand a month. Where am I supposed to find that kind of money?"

    Jarvis'' sob story meandered until the police steered him back.

    "So, Ka ckmailed you with this?"

    He nodded vigorously.

    Ka was from his hometown, and they had dated. Their breakup was precisely because of this incident.

    "I was desperate. I can''t go to jail; my daughter is only two! Ka then offered me money, promising wealth and no more worries if I obeyed her. I had no choice. She even mentioned that once her backer came into power, she could send my daughter abroad. It was all for my child, for my child!"

    I couldn''t listen anymore, feeling for their daughter caught in the middle.

    Her photo, with those round eyes and fairplexion so like Ka''s, was etched in my mind.

    Ironically, despite his ims of doing everything for his daughter, he had not once inquired about her welfare during the interrogation.

    I left the surveince room, heading to the hallway.

    The policeter informed me that I wasn''t killed by Jarvis. He was merely responsible for delivering her to Ka.

    Hospital security footage backed up his alibi; he didn''t have the chance tomit the crime.

    And from Paul, more was uncovered.

    He had an arrangement with Ka: sess would immediately be reported and rewarded with half a million.

    The police tried to trace Ka

    through a call he made to her, but she was cautious, keeping the call under thirty seconds and using international transfers to pay Paul, leaving no trail.

    Finding Ka seemed increasingly difficult.

    Though cleared of any suspicion, the real puppeteer behind the Patterson family''s troubles remained unidentified.

    Jade gently took my hand, "Mnie, the doctor said you shouldn''t worry too much."

    I reassured her with a pat, indicating I was fine.

    Worry was inevitable, but if sacrificing my well-being could solve the Patterson family''s issues, it seemed a fair trade.

    At that moment, I found peace.

    Facing an inevitable divorce from Clyde, I decided to embrace my final role as Mrs. Patterson wholeheartedly.

 Chapter 87

    After the police had no further need of me, I hailed a cab back to Patterson Mansion. Given the scandal that had engulfed the Pattersons, staying with Jade was no longer an option. Besides, Clyde had only been feigning illness, requiring daily updates on the business to keep his remote control firm. As I pushed open the mansion''s grand doors, an unexpected sight greeted me.

    There, seated on the living room sofa with a brazen tilt of her chin, was none other than Ka. Her hand rested on her belly, her eyes brimming with triumph.

    In those brief seconds, my brain seemed to short-circuit, unable toprehend the scene before me.

    Lucia lounged on the couch, passing Ka an apple with a disdainful nce in my direction.

    "Some hens can''ty eggs, it seems. Ka''s carrying Clyde''s baby. Isn''t it time she was given her due recognition?"

    Laird chimed in, "A Patterson child can''t be born out of wedlock. It''s time to acknowledge the lineage!"

    Their back-and-forth was cut by York sipping coffee quietly, though his sidelong nces at me didn''t go unnoticed.

    Merritt watched the unfolding drama with a cool detachment.

    Clyde approached, taking my hand, attempting an exnation, but Laird interrupted.

    "Clyde, you''re thest of your line. You can''t let it end with you!"

    "In the old days, Mnie could have been sent away for not bearing children within three years!"This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    Frozen by Laird''s words, Clyde turned angrily.

    "This isn''t the past! My family''s affairs are none of your concern!"

    I gently withdrew my hand from his, not interested in his exnations.

    Smiling, I took a seat in a corner.

    "Just back from the police station. They seem interested in Ms. Osborne."

    Ka shrank back, fear in her eyes, which only irritated Lucia further.

    "Mnie, what are you implying? Do you really want a Patterson child born behind bars?"

    "You''ve always been like this. If you can''t have a child, you won''t let anyone else have one either. If you were capable, would Clyde need to look elsewhere?"

    "Lucia, this is a family matter. Stay out of it!" Clyde interjected, trying to shield me from further insults.

    But I wasn''t really angry. I had never intended to bear his child.

    Laird scoffed, "With your frail health, can you even bear a child? This might be yourst chance!"

    I caught a look from Merritt. He hadn''t spoken, but his understanding was clear.

    Ka''s involvement with Clyde had been orchestrated by Laird''s family from the start.

    Tears streaming down her face,

    Ka pleaded, "Mnie, I know you

    don''t like me, but the child is

    innocent. You wouldn''t want to see

    Clyde''s line end, would you?"

    "Clyde, don''t you want me and our baby? You''ve always wanted your own family."

    Her words hurt not just Clyde, but me too.

    I know Clyde wants children and a home.

    Clyde, an orphan in the past, had only one wish: to have a family member who was connected by bones and blood, to be with the one he loved.

    I struggled to keep my tears at bay as Ka knelt before us, her tears flowing freely.

    "Sorry, Mnie. I never meant to frame you. It was just that you were there."

    "I went too far. She exposed you,

    humiliating Clyde and causing the

    Patterson Group''s stock to

    plummet. I just wanted to teach her a lesson..."

    "I don''t know how I identally pushed her. I was too scared at the time and ran away in a hurry. I didn''t expect the police to arrest you. I''m really sorry."

    Her casual confession of causing harm left me stunned, more so as Laird''s family moved to protect her.

    Lucia helped her up, "Why kneel? You''ve done a great service to the Pattersons. Crying during pregnancy is harmful to the baby." They put on quite the pitiable act.

    I pulled out my phone, ready to dial 911, but Merritt''s cane came down softly on my device.

    He shook his head gently at me.

    I hesitated, then nodded, putting the phone away.

    Ka was carrying Clyde''s child; Merritt wouldn''t ignore that.

    "Take Ms. Osborne to the guest room," he instructed the butler.

    Lucia signaled Ka, who understood immediately and followed the butler upstairs.

    It was clear they intended for Ka to stay.

    Just as Ka entered her room, the Eaton family arrived in haste.

    "Not so fast, Uncle. That child might not even be ours. The Pattersons can''t just ept anyone''s child!" Evelyn eximed.

    Eaton, usually quiet, was visibly upset, "Exactly, my wife''s right."

    He pulled out numerous photos and documents from his bag. "Uncle, there''s something off about that woman, seriously off!"

 Chapter 88

    "Is there a problem, Ethan? You''re not suggesting you want to sabotage the baby''s arrival, are you?"

    "Trying to snatch someone''s inheritance now, are you? That tant?"

    Lucy didn''t hold back, lunging to snatch the photo from Ethan''s grasp.

    Eva wasn''t about to be outdone, lifting the photo high out of reach.

    "Clyde and Mnie expecting a baby should be cause for fireworks, but the woman carrying it might not be carrying a Patterson heir!" "Look at this photo. This woman''s been around, slept with who knows how many men, and the cops found out she''s got a daughter!" "This kind of woman, how many times has she schemed against Mnie? You really think she''s carrying Clyde''s child?"

    Eva came over to me, gripping my hands tightly.

    "Mnie, don''t you worry. Ethan and I, we''ve got your back."

    "In our eyes, you''re the only Mrs. Patterson that counts. No one else!"

    Lucy, seizing the moment,unched into a tirade.

    York, meanwhile, just watched, keeping his silence.

    I knew all too well Ethan''s family wasn''t genuinely on my side. It was all because I couldn''t bear a child, and now their son returning from abroad saw a chance to step into the Patterson Corporation.

    The Lairds must have their own agenda, using the name of that child to achieve their own goals wasn''t off the table.

    I stayed silent, knowing this wasn''t a ce for me to speak.

    Besides, I was soon to be no longer part of this family, right?

    "Enough! What''s with all this disgraceful noise?"

    Merritt mmed his cane down, and the room fell silent.

    Ethan, begrudgingly, spoke up, "Uncle, this child might not even be a Patterson. You can''t be serious!"

    Eva muttered under her breath, "If we could find out, so could the press. Uncle, do you really want the Pattersons associated with a woman of her...reputation?"

    That hit a nerve with Merritt, touching on his greatest concern.

    When Clyde proposed to me, the family was against it, believing my bankrupt family wasn''t a match for the Pattersons.

    But Clyde stood his ground, and eventually, Merritt didn''t object too much, given our college sweetheart history.

    But recing me with Ka would surely meet with universal objection.

    Her pasting to light, with the inte''s sleuthing prowess, would spell scandal for the Pattersons, uncovering her history with men, her child, and her past as an escort.

    "Enough, everyone go home. We''ll handle our affairs privately."

    "Clyde, Mnie, upstairs with me."

    Without another word, Merritt headed upstairs.

    Clyde and I exchanged looks, supporting each other as we followed.

    Behind us, the Lairds continued their uproar, held back by the staff.

    After all, this was Clyde''s family matter, not theirs to interfere.

    Both families had their motives, clear even to an outsider.

    "Clyde, is the child yours?"

    In his study, Merritt cut straight to the chase.

    Clyde nced at me, guilt in his eyes, "I''m not sure."

    "I''ve only been with her twice, and we were careful."

    His voice was barely a whisper, yet it echoed in the study.

    I breathed deeply, maintaining myposure.

    I had seen him with others before; what was this inparison?

    He reached for my hand, but I pulled away.

    Whether it was once or twice with Ka, it made no difference to me.

    And there were certainly others besides Ka.

    Merritt pondered for a moment before looking up at Clyde.

    "So, there''s a chance. They wouldn''t dare lie about something this big."

    "Even if there''s only a 1% chance the child is yours, we can''t ignore it. Understand?"

    I knew what he meant. Merritt had

    always wanted Clyde to have an bet take the risk. Content beuldn''t

    to secure his position. He his position. He couldn''t

    SWO

    But Ka hadmitted murder, and that troubled me.

    to

    "Merritt, she killed I..."

    "I''ll handle it. We can''t have a Patterson heir born in jail."

    Merritt waved the concern away as if it were nothing.

    I stayed silent, realizing there was no changing the situation.

    With the Patterson influence, protecting Ka wouldn''t be hard.

    After I''s death, her family seemed to disappear, likely silenced by Ka, ensuring her bold move against the

    ferns.

    But then Clyde spoke, his voice "No, Mnie and I

    this one." Content belon Willet r own children. I dont

    to

    He clenched his fists, looking at Merritt, a trace of defiance in his eyes.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    He tried to reach for me again, but I avoided his touch.

    Merritt frowned at our interaction, then sighed deeply.

    "I''ll settle Ka''s issue. It won''t affect her child''s birth mother, but Ka won''t be weed here."

    "Mnie, you''re still the only Mrs. Patterson. That won''t change."

    My eyes widened in disbelief.

    "Merritt, but we agreed..."

    Merritt raised a hand to stop me, then sternly told Clyde, "Step outside, I need a word with Mnie."

 Chapter 89

    "Grandpa, why can''t I just..."

    "Leave, now."

    Merritt''s tone was tinged with frustration, and Clyde knew better than to argue.

    Clyde nced at me, then at Merritt, before finally exiting the study.

    As soon as he left, I hurriedly spoke up, "Merritt, didn''t we agree?"

    We had an agreement that he would help me with the divorce, that he wouldn''t make things difficult for me. But what was this?

    Was I supposed to be some kind ofdy of the manor, expected to turn a blind eye while my husband brought home another woman? Even if Ka wasn''t even in the running!

    "We did agree, but circumstances have changed."

    Merritt seemed to age right in front of me, constantly massaging his temples.

    "Mnie, you''re a good kid. This mess is indeed Clyde''s fault. He''s been reckless over the years."

    I kept my head down, not saying a word. Everyone in the Patterson family knew about his recklessness, but they were his flesh and blood. I was just an outsider.

    Seeing that I remained silent, he sighed again.

    "Clyde''s not fully recovered. Ka didn''t just give him sleeping pills; there was a toxin involved."

    "She poisoned him?"

    The thought of Ka being pregnant and potentially making Clyde infertile made my skin crawl. Her child would be the sole heir to the Patterson legacy.

    He nodded, "We only found out recently. The toxin won''t affect his health too much, but it will definitelyplicate having children."

    "The doctor said it would take at least two years to metabolize the toxin, and with treatment, Clyde can''t father any children for three years."

    I understood his implication. Given the Lairds'' stance, anything could happen in these three years. He couldn''t take that risk.

    So Ka''s unborn child wasn''t just her bargaining chip; it was Clyde''s too.

    I took a deep breath and looked up at him determinedly.

    "Merritt, then let''s proceed with the divorce. Let Ka marry into the family. Regardless of who''s backing her, her promises won''t exceed Mrs. Patterson''s status."

    "She''s a pragmatic woman. She''ll weigh her options and won''t coborate with outsiders."

    I was already on the path to divorce, and now with Ka pregnant, it seemed like everyone could be satisfied.

    Ka despised me, but not Clyde, nor the Patterson family. She likely couldn''t wait to be Mrs. Patterson.

    It seemed like a perfect arrangement to me, and I couldn''t fathom Merritt''s hesitation.

    But Merritt scoffed disdainfully, "Her? Dream on about entering our doors in her next life."

    "Mnie, I''ll repeat myself. You''re the only Mrs. Patterson, and that won''t change."

    "I''ve seen your capabilities, and I understand your heart. No one is more suitable to stabilize things than you, so you and Clyde cannot divorce."

    This was aplete departure from what I had anticipated. I wanted to argue, but one look from Merritt told me it was futile.

    Ka''s background indeed made her unsuitable as a match for the Patterson family, something I had overlooked.

    I clenched my fists, striving to keep my voice steady.

    I

    "Merritt, I appreciate what you did

    for my mom and me back then, but Clyde and I no longer have feelings for each other. It might be best to divorce."

    "No, it wasn''t me who helped you then, it was Clyde. I won''t take credit for that."

    Merritt lifted his gaze, revealing the past.

    When I went abroad, Clyde made a scene at my house for ages and then fell ill.

    His grandmother fell sick, and he dragged himself between home and the hospital, which was when the Patterson family took him back.

    Merritt had since devoted himself to grooming Clyde, recognizing his potential. Unfortunately, Clyde''s heart was always with me.

    "I found out you had gone abroad.

    Back then, Clyde was surrounded by wolves When your dad got into trouble, he couldn''t leave to find you, only begging me to protect your mom."

    "Without him, your mom would''ve been killed by those people long ago. She survived until your return, all thanks to Clyde."

    I caught the loophole in his story, "Those people?"

    "Clyde investigated your dad''s death but was obstructed. He never gave up over the years."

    "You say there are no feelings between you and Clyde, I don''t believe that. At least, his feelings for you are undeniable. You owe him." Merritt''s gaze deepened as he looked at me.

    "Mnie, I don''t understand the affairs of you young people, nor do I want to. But the Patterson Group cannot bepromised."

    "Clyde''s parents both fell victim to schemes. Since you owe him, you should be the one to protect him."This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    My heart was tumultuous, struggling to find peace.

    I had suspected foul y in my father''s death and even in our family business'' sudden financial troubles.

    But back then, I was preupied with studies and love, clueless about corporate affairs. Then I fell ill.

    It seemed everything was interconnected, ultimately trapping the Crawford family.

    And my mother''s survival was all thanks to Clyde?

    Suddenly, many overlooked details rushed back to me.

    The imported medicine for my mom, her ess to high-end hospital rooms, and the specialists we could call on at any time...

    I bowed my head, unable to argue.

    "Mnie, I know you value loyalty and rigs. So, let''s not divorce anymore, at least

    noousness. So, let''s not

    l

    not until the child is three years old."

    Hearing Merritt''s words, I slowly nodded.

    "Merritt, I understand."

 Chapter 90

    Leaving the Patterson Mansion, the Laird and Eaton families were still lingering.

    Merritt told us to head out first, mentioning that Ka was staying over at his ce and he''d handle the rest.

    Frankly, I was over listening to their bickering. Merritt had made his decision, and there was nothing more to be said.

    Sitting in the car, Clyde cautiously asked, "Heading back to Jade''s?"

    "Let''s just go home."

    I stared out the window, avoiding his gaze.

    He seemed taken aback for a moment, then quickly nodded.

    "Alright, let''s go home. It''s best we head home!"

    Throughout the drive, he kept trying to make conversation, but I was in no mood to talk.

    He wanted to know what Merritt and I had discussed, but I didn''t want to share.

    Truth be told, I had many more questions, but I was just too exhausted.

    As soon as we got home, he wrapped his arms around me tightly.

    "Mnie, I know you''re mad at me, but please, can you give me another chance?"

    "Let''s not divorce. As long as we don''t divorce, you can do whatever you want, okay?"

    He rambled on in my ear, and I was truly annoyed.

    "Fine, we won''t divorce."

    "What did you say?"

    "If you want a divorce, that''s fine too."

    I looked at him expressionlessly, then he suddenly perked up.

    ¡°Honey, you gotta believe me, I''ll treat you right, no more drama.¡±

    "Thank you, babe, for giving me another chance. I really appreciate it!"

    He hugged me tightly, kissed me fiercely, and then quickly dug into his pocket, pulling out our wedding rings.

    "Babe, since we''re not divorcing, shouldn''t you..."This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    Before he could finish, I slipped the ring back on.

    "Are we good now?"

    Clyde nodded dumbly, and I finally headed to the bedroom to look for my pajamas.

    The familiar yet foreign feeling of the wedding ring on my finger reminded me it had been resized to fit perfectly. Clyde was always good with details like that.

    When he cared, it felt like you had the whole world.

    But when he didn''t...

    I shook my head, randomly picking out a nightgown and underwear.

    Staying elsewhere wasn''t an option anymore, given how the media might spin it.

    But I wasn''t going to share a bed with Clyde, especially not one Ka might have slept in.

    Seeing my actions, Clyde panicked.

    "Babe, you said you''re staying, right? You''re not leaving?"

    "I''m not leaving, I''m going to take a shower, then head to the guest room."

    I grabbed my change of clothes and went straight to the bathroom.

    I could tell he lingered outside the bathroom door for a while, but he never came in.

    Even if he had, I would have kicked him out.

    Just the thought of him having a child with another woman nauseated me.

    The moment Ka''s pregnancy crossed my mind, I actually threw up.

    "Babe? Mnie? You alright?"

    Clyde started knocking on the door, his voice tinged with worry.

    Feeling his urge toe in, I quickly wrapped myself in a towel, not wanting him to see the scars across my chest.

    I had lied to him once, iming it

    was a

    Cyst removal. He believed it

    then, but I doubted it would work

    again without raising suspicion.

    Clyde cracked the door open just a bit.

    "Mnie, are you feeling sick? Did you skip meals and now your stomach''s upset?"

    "Yeah."

    I slowly got up, turning away from him.

    "Could you get some soup?"

    He agreed immediately and left. I leaned against the wall, standing there for a long while.

    I moved into the guest room. He didn''t stop me and even considerately changed the sheets and duvet for me.

    But looking at the soup on the table, I had no appetite at all.

    Lying in the guest bed, I tried counting sheep, remembering the doctor''s words that if it recurred a third time, I might not survive.

    The next day at work, Jade sneakily called me out, and I briefly shared what had happened.

    She went silent for a good fifteen minutes.

    "Jade, I''m staying at Clyde''s. Maybe you can pick up my stuff from your ce when you have time."

    "No way!¡± Jade immediately objected.

    "He''s not a good man, and now there''s Ka and her baby. Why would you go back there?"

    She lowered her voice, but still, a few heads turned our way.

    I pulled her to the end of the hallway, making sure we were alone before speaking, "Clyde has been

    veli

    investigating my father''s death. I think there was foul y involved."

    "My mother has always been protected by him. I owe him for that. The Patterson Group needs me as Mrs. Patterson to stabilize things. I can''t leave."

    Jade looked at me, her eyes filled with not just sympathy but also pity.

    "Mnie, are you really going to raise someone else''s child? You''re Mnie."

    I lowered my head. The old Mnie was long gone.

    Gone when my parents died, when Clyde married me and then insulted me, and again on the operating table for the second time.

    Just as I was about to speak, an annoying voice chimed in.

    "Ms. Crawford, Ms. Scott, what are you whispering about instead of working?"

    Ka stood there, smug, with York trailing behind her.

    Seeing my disregard, she stepped forward, visibly irritated.

    ¡°Mnie, I''m talking to you. Can you at least pretend to be useful to the Patterson Group?"

    "If you''re just here to ck off, you might as well leave."

 Chapter 91

    I didn''t pay her any attention, instead, my gaze shifted past her to York standing behind.

    "What brings you here?"

    Our families were almost at each other''s throats, knowing too much about each other''s dirtyundry, and yet here he was, daring to step into thepany?

    York just shrugged, "Given all the drama at Patterson Group these days, and Clyde... not being in the best of health, it''s only natural for me to step in and lend a hand as his cousin."

    "No need to get worked up. Grandpa gave his blessing. Maybe you want to give him a call?"

    I had no clue how Merritt managed to strike a deal with York, but York''s confidence suggested it was the real deal.

    Ka stepped forward again, blocking my view.

    "Mnie, I was talking to you."

    "And in what capacity might that be? Ms. Osborne?"

    Her file still listed her as a junior assistant, practically without any real power.

    The only leverage she had was the baby she was carrying.

    My eyes fell on her belly, and she instinctively covered it, stepping back, visibly pregnant.

    "Ha, I''m Clyde''s senior assistant, about to be promoted. Soon enough, my word will be as good as Clyde''s around here. You''d do well to listen!"

    She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper only meant for me, "Merritt said prenatal influences are crucial. I need to be around thepany. After all, my baby is Clyde''s only heir, the future of Patterson Group."

    "Best of luck with that dream," I replied with a smile, then walked away with Jade by my side.

    She was making bold ims over an embryo?

    Three years might seem long, but if Clyde were to get his health in check, he could have thirty kids a year if he wanted. There would be no shortage of heirs vying for control of Patterson Group then.

    "Mnie, are you okay?" Jade asked, concern evident in her eyes.

    I shook my head. "Let''s get back to work. This is nothing, doesn''t bother me a bit."

    I kept telling myself not to sweat the small stuff, almost convincing myself it didn''t get to me.

    The doctors said my condition was mostly stress-induced. If I could find happiness in my marriage, maybe I wouldn''t rpse.

    So, I decided to ignore everyone and everything that pissed me off. Maybe I''d live a bit longer that way.

    During lunch, I was nning to catch some sleep in the office when an unexpected visitor showed up.

    A young policewoman I''d often seen at the station was standing at my office door, now dressed like a college student, waving at me.

    I hurried over, "Officer, what brings you here?"

    She handed me her card, saying, "Call me Freya is okay. Mnie, you''re on your lunch break, right? There''s something I need to ask you about."

    I nced behind her, noticing she was alone, which struck me as odd.

    She quickly added, "I''m here on a personal note, you can say no."

    I smiled, shaking my head, "Let me treat you to lunch. The diner across the street is pretty good."

    Considering how she''d spoken up for me a few times at the station, it felt wrong to refuse her.

    But I was not prepared for the bombshell she was about to drop.

    "Yourpany''s Paul flipped his story today. He ims none of it was Ka''s doing. Said he acted out of spite, because he couldn''t stand you as a leader. Even admitted to framing Ka, thinking it''d get him off the hook since she''s your husband''s..."

    Freya hardly touched her food, just kept sipping her juice.

    "He said the money came from an overseaspany, wanting to steal Patterson Group''s designs. He figured since it wasn''t the same country, selling the designs was no big deal. But that''s where the trail goes cold." Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    I wasn''t surprised; if Merritt said he''d handle it, then Ka would be off the hook.

    But Freya''s next words truly shook me.

    "Also, Jarvismitted suicide this

    morning. He suddenly wanted to confessst night, iming the kidnapping of I was all his idea, even pushing her down the stairs. The forensic team found his skin cells under her nails. Still, that doesn''t prove he was at the scene, could''ve been from a previous altercation."

    Even knowing Merritt''s hand in this, the loss of a life still sent shivers down my spine.

    Freya nodded, "Too many doubts, but with him gone..."

    "What about his daughter?"

    I remembered he and Ka had a daughter.

    Freya looked at me, somewhat helplessly. "She was taken in by rtives, but we could tell they weren''t going to treat her well. However, I heard a charity donated enough to cover her expenses through college."

    Her gaze fixed on me, "Mnie, do you know anything about this?"

    Her question sounded more like a statement, her tone implying she knew I was in the know.

    I looked away, shaking my head. "Sorry, I don''t."

    She seemed to anticipate my response, not pushing further. Before leaving, we exchanged phone numbers and social media.

    "Mnie, I know it''s tough for you, and you''re a good person. If anythinges to mind, you can reach out anytime, no matter howte."

    Faced with her piercing gaze, all I could do was nod, feeling a pang of guilt.

 Chapter 92

    All afternoon, my mind was elsewhere, haunted by Freya''s words.

    Merritt certainly had a knack for things; not only had Ka''s evidence vanished into thin air, but even the buzz online seemed to have been scrubbed clean.

    In the Patterson family, a child''s mother must be spotless, after all.

    When Clyde walked into the office, I was zoning out in front of myputer.

    Freya''s face shed before my eyes again. She seemed to have such a passion, such a sense of justice for everything and everyone.

    Even though she knew I was in on the secret, she didn''t press me but decided to investigate on her own.

    Cops like her are rare indeed.

    "Mnie, ready to head home? I''vee to pick you up."

    Clyde''s smile was gentle, his voice much softer than usual.

    Colleagues who hadn''t left yet turned to stare at us as if they''d seen a ghost.

    Three years of marriage, and this was the first time he''de to the office to pick me up. Despite working in the samepany, he had always ignored me. There were always other women by his side,ing to pick him up.

    Ignoring the gossip-hungry nces from my colleagues, I packed up and stood. But before I could walk over, Ka had alreadytched onto Clyde''s

    arm.

    "Clyde, let''s go home." she said in a sweet tone.

    Now living in the Patterson Mansion, she clearly felt superior, her words a challenge thrown my way.

    I pretended not to notice, sitting back down to call for a ride.

    It was peak hour, and the wait for a car was long.

    Clyde, breaking his usual pattern, pushed her away. "Ka, please have some dignity. You go to your home, I''m here for my wife."Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    If he had shown this attitude towards Ka from the start, I might have been touched.

    Now, it all just seemed hypocritical, reminding me of how he had pushed me aside to go after Ka instead.

    Many were about to leave but now lingered at the door, eager for drama.

    Ka, trying to save face, quickly invoked Merritt. "Your grandfather asked you to take good care of me. Don''t forget, upsetting me affects the entire Patterson family."

    She didn''t outright say she was pregnant, but her actions and tone made it obvious, sparking whispers among the onlookers.

    "Merritt said so? Maybe Ka really has risen in rank?"

    "Shouldn''t be, Mr. Patterson came for Mnie, right? Maybe Ka''s bluffing?"

    "What if she''s pregnant? Look at how she''s holding her waist."

    Ka was indeed thin, her posture revealing nothing of a pregnancy.

    Yet her actions throughout the day were clearly meant to broadcast she was pregnant with Clyde''s child.

    Clyde, pulling her aside, also brought me along.

    At the end of the corridor, he red at her fiercely. "I told you, just have the child and you''ll be set for life. Stop causing trouble!"

    "If you dare stir things up again, or mention this to anyone, I''ll make sure your family suffers!"

    His expression was terrifying, making Ka step back in fear.

    She immediately looked at Clyde with a pitiful gaze, "Clyde..."

    Cort to You''re better off restinget o the logistics deporte

    tomorrow."

    A demotion for Ka meant menial tasks in logistics.

    I couldn''t help but nce at Clyde. He was indeed ruthless.

    Without giving Ka a chance to retort, he pulled me towards the car.

    Only in the car did his mood seem to settle.

    "I saw that young cop looking for you at lunch?"

    "Yeah, we had lunch together."

    He was bound to know about anyone looking for me; I had no intention of hiding it.

    The Pattersons, bold in their actions, should fear no investigation.

    I ryed the story without embellishment or exaggeration.

    Clyde pulled the car over, closing his eyes for a moment before looking at me with a pained expression. "Mnie, don''t hate me."

    "I don''t hate you, really."

    My gaze was soft, seeing through him to the boy who used to help my parents, and that was enough for me.

    He sped my hand tightly, apologizing for letting Ka be pregnant.

    But I didn''t care anymore because

    had wronged him too. I would never

    be

    able

    to give him children in this

    ¦Í¦Á??

    lifetime.

    "Clyde, let''s just go home." Eager to change the subject, I avoided further apologies. "What''s York''s angle in visiting thepany? Did your grandfather mention him?" "Yeah."

    Clyde seemed disheartened, parking the car in the garage before speaking again. "York was someone grandfather groomed as a sessor, but then I came back."

    I hadn''t expected such a twist, no wonder York had suddenly acted out.

    With Clyde''s business flourishing, York would never have a chance at leading the Patterson Group.

    "Don''t worry, you''re his blood kin, grandfather won''t hand the

    company to someone else. Maybe he''s just bncing Ka and York against each other."

    It seemed the most logical exnation I could muster.

    But Clyde shook his head, deted.

    "Grandfather just wants a suitable sessor. He cares a lot about appearances."

    "If it''s his flesh and blood, all the better, but if not, it seems that doesn''t matter either."

 Chapter 93

    Clyde''s gaze held a touch of sadness when he looked at me.

    I had never imagined the Patterson family would be like this. Merritt''s regard for Clyde was, after all, because he truly had the capacity to shoulder the Patterson Group.

    But soon, I let go of my concerns. Such a massive corporation naturally needed a capable leader, or it would have crumbled long ago.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    Thinking back on the grandfather''s words and realizing I owed Clyde, I couldn''t help but offer words offort, "Don''t worry, I''ll help you through this tough spot."

    "Mnie!"

    Clyde gripped my hand tightly, and I awkwardly patted his, subtly withdrawing mine.

    "Let''s head home, I''m exhausted."

    I was indeed worn out. Given my current health, making it this far was already pushing it.

    Clyde followed closely behind, just like back in our school days.

    Yet, my heart felt calm, asionally drifting to the thought of Ka''s unborn child.

    I had lost my appetite, and when Clyde ordered some porridge, I barely took a few bites before setting it aside.

    Clyde looked at me worriedly, saying, "Skipping meals with your low blood sugar is going to make you faint even more easily."

    I smiled at his remembrance of my condition without a word.

    He then offered me a box of fruit slices, "You should at least eat some fruit, right?"

    "You need to take care of yourself. Let''s do it together, and one day, we''ll have our own kids."

    His gaze was intense, rendering me speechless.

    I wanted to tell him I wouldn''t have his children.

    Let alone my inability to conceive, even if I could, I wouldn''t bear his child.

    But the words never left my lips.

    "What are you nning to do about Ka''s child?" I suddenly asked, catching him off guard.

    He seemed lost for a moment before steadying his gaze on me, "I''ll start with a DNA test. Technology''s advanced enough now that we don''t need to wait for the birth."

    "And then?" I asked, emotionless.

    "If the child wasn''t mine, I wouldn''t admit it and would hold her responsible.¡±

    "What if it''s yours?"

    I asked without much emotion.

    I suspected the child was his. Ka was keen on bing Mrs. Patterson, using her leverage as best as she could.

    Considering the time Ka and he had been together, I doubted they were always careful.

    Clyde ran a hand through his hair in frustration.

    "Mnie, believe me, it was only twice with her, and both times, we had been drinking, I..."

    He seemed at a loss for words.

    "Yeah, I believe you."

    I didn''t believe him at all...

    He was never one topromise himself. The women around him over the years could form a beauty

    pageant, and he was to nor

    less?

    UMS

    novel?get

    Especially with Ka, who always acted high and mighty around me Without Clyde''s affection for her," where would she get the confidence?

    I pressed further, "What if the child is yours? What then?"

    Clyde sighed deeply, pounding the table before hanging his head low.

    "Mnie, if the child is mine, I''ll take responsibility."

    Who this "responsibility" referred to, I wasn''t sure, but I knew it wasn''t me.

    Merritt had said, no talk of divorce until the child turns three. And after that?

    Clyde could have more children, and naturally, it would be my time to step aside.

    I nodded emotionlessly.

    He was right to take care of his child.

    Lifting his head, Clyde''s voice cracked, "You know I grew up without parents, just my grandma."

    "Even if the child is Ka''s, I can''t bear the thought of my child growing up without a family." "Mnie, do you understand?"

    "Clyde, I do." I truly did.

    Back in school, he and his grandma relied on each other, never once living off my wealth.

    Just as he started making strides in his career, his grandma fell ill, and we were breaking up... His words now madeplete sense to me.

    If Clyde neglected his own child, that would be the real tragedy.

    The next day, we went to work together, attracting curious nces.

    Lina approached me with a conspiratorial whisper, "Mnie, Ka''s been transferred to logistics."

    I nodded, already aware from Clyde''s mention yesterday.

    Lina buzzed with excitement, "People were saying she was pregnant, but now there''s talk she just sprained her back pretending."

    "If she was really pregnant, Mr. Patterson wouldn''t have her working, right? Looks like he''s done with her."

    I remained silent, not wanting to dwell on the topic.

    Without Ka''s antics, my work progressed smoothly.

    However, York''s interference in the marketing department, particrly his desire to take over the Design Department''s projects, caught me off guard.

    Especially with the Aspire World coboration, he boldly imed full responsibility.

    "I know Ms. Crawford has been leading this, but Grandpa appointed me to oversee key projects, so I mustply, right?"

    His smug demeanor was all too clear, using Merritt''s name to pressure me.

    The Design Department colleagues were visibly upset, but I gestured for them to calm down.

    Then, turning to York, "You understand design? Great, why don''t you take the lead, and I''ll assist." "With the recent incidents of designs being misced, you should join in, right now."

 Chapter 94

    York, of course, didn''t have a clue about design, and since I was the only director of the Design Department, with the whole department united behind me, there was no way he could wedge himself in. In the end, he had no choice but to slink away, defeated.

    I wasn''t sure if he''d run to Merritt toin, but I knew I wasn''t going to back down.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    If I did, with those two key departments under his control, Clyde''s position would be hanging by a thread.

    Just before clocking out, I got a call from Eliana, as fiery and proactive as ever, getting everything arranged for me.

    "Mnie, your lucky break is here!"

    She buzzed with excitement over the phone for a good ten minutes before finally revealing that her cousin, the one working on cancer research, hade back from abroad.

    "I just found out he returned yesterday, and I''ve snagged him for dinner tonight. We''re all meeting up!"

    Before I could even agree, she sent me the address.

    Thinking this might just be the opportunity I needed, I agreed to meet them.

    When I mentioned meeting Eliana to Clyde, he wasn''t too pleased.

    "Why did you have to invite her? I thought you two didn''t get along?"

    "Who told you that? We''ve been close since college," I retorted, not a hint of guilt in my voice, leaving Clyde speechless.

    Eventually, I exined that Eliana was also an important client we couldn''t afford to neglect, and he reluctantly agreed.

    Now that Clyde and I had to maintain this loving couple fa?ade,muting together every day, I was honestly feeling a bit suffocated.

    Finally having some personal space was a huge relief.

    Arriving at the restaurant, I spotted a man in a striped shirt and sses sitting next to Eliana. No matter what she said, his expression remained stoic, much to Eliana''s frustration.

    "Warren Chandler, you''re on my turf now. Can you manage a smile?"

    "I don''t trade in smiles."

    As I approached, the man with the stoic face dropped this line, nearly making me trip over my own feet.

    Eliana greeted me warmly, "Mnie, why didn''t you wait for us to finish before showing up?"

    "At the Patterson Group, do you even need to clock in? Who''d dare say anything if you just took off?"

    I rolled my eyes at her before turning to the man beside her.

    "So, this is the doctor you mentioned?"

    "Warren, my cousin, works at Aurorea on cancer drug research. The man who holds your fate in his hands has appeared!" Eliana''s smile was radiant, while I felt a bit awkward.

    Warren, on the other hand, didn''t seem to react, simply starting to eat.

    "Let''s eat, my cousin''s brain needs its nutrients, or it''ll crash soon."

    Warren didn''t seem offended, actually nodding in agreement.

    Their interaction was quite interesting, lightening my mood considerably.

    However, dinner was interrupted when Eliana had to rush off to a friend''s emergency, leaving me alone with Warren.

    He remained unfazed, which helped me rx a bit more.

    He inquired about my condition, my family history, and the possibility of a second surgery.

    We were having a decent conversation when suddenly, a drunken man grabbed my arm.

    "Well, if it isn''t the bald beauty of the Patterson Group? I''ve seen your videos."

    The man was drunk obviously.

    His friends tried to pull him away, apologizing to me, but he persisted, grabbing onto me.

    "Bald beauty, why bother with a wig? Come on, let me see the real you."

    Just as he was about to pull at my hair, Warren grabbed his hand.

    Without a him in

    herd, Warren punched

    let

    gut. It didn''t seem like

    or punch, but the man

    in pain, unable to

    I stared at Warren, amazed, as his friends

    dragged the drunket

    e others in the rest

    actually apuded.

    Warren calmly wiped his hands, "He has liver issues. That pain is no joke. Better get him to a hospital."

    "Value your life. Don''t bother women."

    After the incident, my nerves were frayed, but Warren offered to review my medical case and discuss

    ele

    treatment options, which eased my worry.

    His stoic demeanor had me bracing for a rejection at any moment.

    Yet, before I even got home, my phone rang. Merritt instructed me to return to the Patterson family home immediately.

    Eliana also sent me a message.

    Apparently, the video of Warren dealing with the drunk had gone viral, and I was caught in the crossfire.

    Aware that another scandal wouldn''t do me any favors, I tried to keep a low profile at the Patterson Mansion.

    However, upon arrival, Ka and Merritt immediately started on me.

    "Mnie, you represent the Patterson family. You should know better than to behave like this."

    "Mel, why are you out with strange men again? Isn''t this a p in Clyde''s face?"

    Their tag-team nagging suddenly made me snap, despite Clyde''s desperate eye signals.

    "If you want me to keep ying Mrs. Patterson, stay out of my personal life."

 Chapter 95

    Perhaps Merritt hadn''t expected me to stand my ground so firmly, a flicker of surprise crossed his face.

    Ka, on the other hand, looked smug. Me shing with Merritt was exactly what she wanted.

    Before Merritt could get angry, I jumped in with an exnation, "A college buddy invited me out for dinner, her cousin just got back from abroad."

    "Last time, when I caught me in apromising situation, a drunk called me a sassy nun and tried to rip off my wig. Her cousin was just trying to help, what more do you want to know?"

    "Do we need to summon I''s spirit to find out who put her up to this, to smear my name?"

    Merritt wasn''t the type to act on impulse. Looking at Ka by his side, I had a hunch.

    Sure enough, Merritt''s expression soured, and his gaze toward Ka wasn''t as warm as before.

    "Clyde, what''s Mnie talking about? Ghosts and spirits, and here I am, pregnant!"

    Ka put on a scared face, trying to inch closer to Clyde, but he sidestepped her.

    He stood up, took my hand, and said, "Grandpa, if it''s all a misunderstanding, we should head back."

    Without hesitation, he led me away.

    He was silent the whole ride back, but his pursed lips said plenty.

    He didn''t bring it up, and I didn''t offer any exnations.

    Believe it or not, it was all the same to me.

    Eventually, he couldn''t hold back. "Didn''t you say you were meeting Eliana?"

    "Her cousin just got back. We had dinner, and Eliana had to leave early."

    He seemed to choke on my exnation before finally mumbling, "Her cousin doesn''t seem like good news, knocked a man out with one punch."

    I looked at him, speechless. Had he forgotten he could do the same back in college?

    Finally, I sighed, "He''s a doctor. That guy had liver issues; he didn''t even hit him hard."

    After saying that, I felt my exnation was pointless and decided to drop it. But Clyde clearly wasn''t convinced, continuing to probe.

    When we got home, I couldn''t take it anymore.

    "Clyde! He''s a doctor. I''m dying, and he was here to see me. Are you happy now?"

    He was taken aback for a moment, then looked at me impatiently.

    "Mnie, why do you always do this? What''s the point in cursing yourself? Even if you''re upset, there''s no need to say that. Ever heard of a self- fulfilling prophecy?"

    I closed my eyes, no longer wanting to argue, and headed straight for the room.

    I had warned him plenty of times. He had many opportunities to understand my condition, but he never took them.

    He had time to track down where our wedding rings ended up, time to confirm which hospital I visited, but never bothered to check which department I was in.

    He didn''t care about this and I was truly exhausted.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.

    When Clyde knocked on my door, I was already fed up.

    "Stop looking for me. I''m really tired. I''m taking a few days off work."

    Clyde lingered at the door before finally uttering a "fine."

    The next morning, as soon as Clyde left, I headed to the private hospital where Warren worked.

    His family had a legacy in medicine, with several chain hospitals back home.

    I had mentioned wanting privacy for my treatment, and he immediately made arrangements.

    After reviewing my case, Warren''s expression finally changed.

    "You''re both lucky and unlucky. It''s rare for someone to have a sessful surgery after a second rpse, and those who do rpse a second time are few.

    "The cancer cells can be eradicated for now, but it''ll take a toll on your health. There''s no magic cure yet. "However, the new drug I was researching in Aurorea could help patients like you. Are you willing to try?"

    I nodded eagerly, not wanting to give up on any ray of hope.

    Remembering Eliana''s words, I asked cautiously, "Eliana mentioned you were working on a new drug."

    "That''s for if you rpse a third time, and it''s still in clinical trials."

    I was speechless, realizing that blessings and cursese hand in hand. My chances of recovery weren''t looking great. My gaze fell to my t belly, and I hesitantly asked, "Will I rpse again?"

    "It''s uncertain, let''s start with medication to control it."

    "Can I have children in the future?"

    Warren adjusted his sses, replying, "Yes, you can, but there''s no guarantee it won''t affect the child."

    He spoke in a way that was frustratingly nonchnt, but I didn''t dare get angry with him.

    "If your body is in good condition after proper care, maybe there''s a possibility in three years."

    "Will the child inherit cancer?"

    This was my biggest concern.

    Warren nced at my file again, saying, "Your family''s situation is

    unique. There''s no definitive research proving cancer is

    I

    hereditary, but with a family history, the child''s risk of illness significantly increases, like in your case.

    His blunt words were harsh, but knowing I had no family left, it prepared me mentally for what was ahead.

    He prescribed some medication and watched me silently.

    "If you''re nning on having children, take good care of yourself and be mindful of the medication. I''m working on gic research to try and spare your child from suffering."

    His words gave me a sliver of hope, only for him to douse it immediately.

    "As I said, in three years, if there''s no rpse. Given your current

    condition, trying for a child now I n¨¦o

    would be fatal for both. Don''t even think about it."

 Chapter 96

    Honestly, the thought of having kids wasn''t exactly on my immediate to-do list. But after losing all my family, I suddenly got why Clyde was so fixated on the idea back then.

    At least he had a grandmother who treated him like her own. Me? I''ve got no one.

    If I could find someone to love or maybe have a child of my own, that would mean having a family again.

    The thought of fertility clinics abroad and sperm banks sparked a new hope in me.

    Who says you need a man to have a child? If I want one, I''ll have one. If not, then not.

    Right now, my priority''s supporting Clyde, getting my health in check, and uncovering the truth behind my dad''s death.

    When I got home, Clyde was there, not at work, but cooking dinner.

    "Why are you home?" I asked.

    "I came back for some documents. Saw you weren''t here and thought I''d make you dinner. Didn''t you say you were feeling off?"

    I nced at the shoes by the door, realizing he''d worn his sneakers out, probably to go grocery shopping.

    This morning, all I could think about was getting to my appointment,pletely missing these little details.

    "Where''d you go? Thought you weren''t feeling well?"

    He watched me cautiously, but I didn''t want to say a thing.

    Everything that needed saying wasid out yesterday. It''s just that he didn''t believe it.

    He looked like he wanted to press further, so I swiftly changed the subject.

    "What if you''re not at thepany and York pulls some stunt? What''s Merritt thinking, letting you twopete? And he''s trying to meddle with the Aspire World project, too. I''ve pushed back, but he might try again."

    Ka''s just a thorn in my side at thepany, but York''s a different story.

    Merritt bringing him in? That''s practically a deration of war.

    I don''t know what their deal is, but York''s arrival can''t be simple.

    Clyde''s expression turned serious with the mention of work.

    "Grandpa said he''s just here to help. I can''t say much; after all, I''m not the majority shareholder."

    I nodded, knowing most of The Patterson Group''s shares were still firmly in Merritt''s grip.

    Even the 3% stake given to me at our wedding was more symbolic than anything, promised to transfer only if we had kids.

    "Let''s start by vetting our partners more carefully. We can''t have another Apex Group fiasco."

    Though the previous issue was temporarily resolved, who knew when it might re up again?

    With Ka around, simr problems were bound to resurface.

    "Don''t worry, I''ve sent someone to check. It''ll be fine."

    Clyde had anticipated these issues, easing my concerns.

    Yet thinking of our current projects, I tentatively asked, "What about the overpass? The Patterson Group can''t handle such a massive project alone."

    "Aspire World''s team is capable, and they have the funds, what do you think?"

    The project had passed the design

    phase, but construction and paperwork were still huge hurdles. With The Patterson Group stretched thin, partnering with Vinson would be ideal.

    But I knew Clyde had reservations, likely unwilling to coborate.

    As expected, Clyde rejected my suggestion outright.

    "I won''t partner with Vinson. This project is ourst cooperation."

    His tone was almost petnt.

    We were all in the same circle; not coborating was unrealistic.

    Yet he red at me, "I won''t give Vinson a chance to get close to you. He''s

    ha een after you since school, gill intentions."

    I sighed, removing my wig, causing Clyde to freeze momentarily.

    I shrugged, "See, even you''re taken aback. Imagine him?"

    "I''m not exactly a beauty anymore, so rx."

    "That''s not the point!" Clyde hurriedly tried to fix my wig, failing to get it right.

    Finally, he deted, pulling me into a hug.

    "Mnie, don''t be with him. You promised me, no divorce."

    "Don''t worry, I''m not the type to cheat." I replied, my tone indifferent.

    I could feel Clyde stiffen before pushing me away, his eyes wounded.

    "You still can''t forgive me, can you?"

    "What do you think? If you were me, would you forgive yourself?"

    After saying that, I headed for my room.

    Managing to coexist peacefully was already my limit.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.

    He blocked my path. "Mnie!"

    Then, his phone buzzed. I was relieved, but then we learned of a supply issue.

    The manager from our confirmed supplier had vanished with the

    money, leaving us without mael

    feral projects. Content`

    "Damn it, now of all times? Several projects are waiting on these supplies!"

    I had warned Clyde not to rely solely on one supplier. It''s always smarter to diversify.

    "Mnie, I need to travel to find another supplier. You..."

    "No, I''ll go."

    I stopped him. "With York at thepany, I can''t rest easy. You need to hold down the fort."

    "I''ll find us a supplier. Trust me."

 Chapter 97

    Understanding the gravity of the situation, I immediately went back to my room to pack my bags and informed Lina she''d be joining me on this business trip.

    Having already touched base with our local suppliers, it was clear none could meet our demands in bulk. Our only option was to look out of state.

    Initially, Clyde was against me making the trip alone, but with York stirring up trouble and jeopardizing several projects, Clyde had no choice but to stay behind.

    Unfortunately, even in neighboring states, only a handful of factories could offer limited supplies, making the venture cost-ineffective.

    Just as I was hitting a wall, Vinson called with a lead on some stock at an incredibly low price.

    "Only thing is, it''s in Eclipse City. Transport costs are gonna be a bit higher, and it''s not the easiest ce to reach."

    "We should definitely check out the goods in person for our first deal. When can you make it?"

    Eclipse City, mostly essible through winding mountain roads, posed a significant challenge for transportingrge quantities of building materials, indeed increasing costs.

    After running the numbers, considering transportation and potential losses, I felt the risk might be worth taking.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    "Vinson, get in touch with the factory for me. I''m down to take a look."

    "Great, I''ve already set up a partnership with them. See you at the airport tomorrow," Vinson said, hanging up before I could even respond.

    I thought about messaging him for details but eventually decided against it. Having a familiar face in such a remote location was somewhatforting.

    Our journey to Eclipse City was no easy feat, revealing firsthand the transportation difficulties.

    After a bus ride and an additional hour on a tractor, Lina and I were nearly sick to our stomachs.

    The driver chuckled at our difort, "You''ll get used to it. Be grateful for the tractor. Without it, who knows when you''d make it here!"

    Despite the challenging ess, the site had its advantages: ample space, lowbor costs, and government support. But that one stretch of road was a major bottleneck for transportation.

    Just as I was considering backing out, Vinson stepped in.

    "Their materials are top-notch, and with government backing, it''s a solid long-term partnership."

    "Aspire World doesn''t need a huge supply right now, or I''d have signed a contract already. If we team up for transport, we could cut costs in half. What do you say?"

    Gratefully, I nodded.

    I understood there was no real need for Aspire World to go to such lengths for supplies, but the quality and price of the materials werepelling enough to make the extra shipping costs seem manageable.

    That evening, chatting with Clyde over video, he seemed upset.

    "You''re staying in a prefab house? Isn''t it leaking? And what about wildlife? Spiders the size of dinner tes?"

    I retorted, "With today''s technology, can''t you give mountain regions a bit more credit?"

    Embarrassed, he chuckled and scrutinized my screen until he caught sight of Lina, which seemed to put him at ease.

    "Both of you be careful out there. The factory''s offer sounds good, but for a long-term deal, it''d be best if they handled the shipping..."

    Clyde and I were on the same page; it wasn''t feasible to make this trip every time. It was both inconvenient and time-consuming.

    But finding a production partner and

    negotiating had already been an ordeal, and that treacherous dirt road didn''t seem like it was going to improve anytime soon.

    As Clyde and I were discussing potentially funding some road repairs to ease future shipments and possibly negotiate better terms, Vinson knocked on my door

    "Mnie, are you asleep?"

    Clyde, who was almost dozing off, immediately looked alert and annoyed. "You didn''t want me toe, but you''re here with him?"

    Lina had opened the door by then, and Vinson was partially visible through the camera.

    I sighed at Clyde, "Without him, we wouldn''t have found this ce, let alone..."

    Suddenly, my call dropped, and I couldn''t get any signal back.

    Lina, who was browsing social media, also lost her connection.

    "Is the signal always this bad here? Didn''t they have WiFi?"

    Just as I was about to try again, a sudden thunderstorm hit, pouring rain with no warning, and the lights flickered off.

    "Mnie, I''m scared. This ce isn''t haunted, is it?"

    Lina clung to me as I tried to soothe her.

    "Stay here; I''ll check it out," Vinson said, quickly leaving.

    He returned after a few minutes, "Pack up, we''re staying with a local for now. Andslide blocked the road back, and this prefab isn''t safe in this weather. Hurry."

    Without a second thought, I started packing, while Lina choked back tears.

    "Mnie, we''re not going to end up trapped here, right?"

    "I won''t let anything happen to you, trust me."

    I meant tofort her, but then I got a metaphorical p on the head.

    Vinson red at me. "If you''ve got nothing helpful to say, then don''t." His stern look made me shut up instantly.

 Chapter 98

    Finally making it to a viger''s ce after a rough journey, I was greeted with warmth. Their cozy two-story home was inviting, but my body betrayed me, falling ill.

    Already frail, the travel had worn me down, and a fever had taken hold, leaving me delirious.

    When Clyde called, it was Lina who answered. I didn''t catch their exchange, but his urgency was palpable.

    Two dayster, as the rain ceased, my fever persisted. Vinson, taking no chances, hoisted me onto a tractor.

    "We''ve got to get you to the hospital for a shot, or you''ll be out of your mind with fever."

    He borrowed a military coat from our host, wrapping me in it before pulling me close to his chest.

    Looking up at his profile, I was suddenly reminded of Clyde.

    During our junior year, after three nights without sleep, I''d copsed from exhaustion. It was Clyde who''d rushed me to the infirmary, concern etched on his face.

    And now, in this moment, I saw that same concern on Vinson''s face.

    I reached out, touching his chin, whispering, "Clyde, you need a shave... you look... scruffy."

    Vinson paused, then tightened his hold on me.

    Awakening to a patchy wall, it took a moment to ce myself.

    Only when I saw Vinson, stubble and dark circles under his eyes, did I remember where I was.

    "Vinson, what happened to me?"

    "Just a fever brought on by exhaustion. Keep pushing yourself like this, and you''ll make it a hat trick."

    He gruffly tucked me back into bed, making sure I was covered.

    A somewhat balding doctor entered, giving me a once-over before fixing Vinson with a stern look.

    "Your wife''s been through two surgeries already. Can''t you let her rest? You look well-off enough; she shouldn''t have to work."

    Before I could interject, Vinson bowed slightly in apology.

    "Sorry, my fault. I shouldn''t have let her overdo it."

    The doctor''s stern face softened. "A second recurrence isn''t trivial. We can only do so much here; for a thorough check, you''ll need a big-city hospital."

    Turning to me, he added, "You seem like a hard worker. But what''s more important, work or health? Take a break from work starting today."

    The small-town doctor had a way of being stern yet caring, ending his visit by sharing some homemade pork trotters, iming they were good for protein.

    I stared at the trotter, unsure, while Vinson chuckled beside me.

    "Not feeling it?"

    "It''s all yours."

    He didn''t mind, peeling off the fat and offering me the lean parts.

    I took them, a bit embarrassed but grateful.

    Vinson, undeterred, enjoyed his share.

    But when the topic of transporting materials came up, I hesitated.

    "I''ll help you get it back. Just have Clyde cover the costs."

    "Should we tell him about your condition?"

    Vinson, done with his meal, started cleaning up.

    I shook my head. "Vinson, let''s not. Just say I''m still supervising on-site."

    He didn''t argue, promising to handle the transport once he was sure I was okay.

    I managed to send Clyde a video, downying my condition, leading to an immediate wave of concern from him.

    "Should I fly over? I''m really worried about you."

    "No need, I''ll be back soon after supervising. Don''t worry."

    It seemed our rtionship had found a semnce of the early days of our marriage; not perfect, but peaceful.

    That peace shattered when Ka

    appeared on camera, back in

    home, prompting me to cutthet

    call

    coldly, ignoring Clyde''s attempts at exining.

    Feeling trapped and frustrated, I knew Ka''s presence meant my marriage was on borrowed time.

    I gently closed my eyes, took a few deep breaths, and then I felt better.

    Ka may not leave after giving birth, which is when I would divorce.

    I''d thought my worries in Eclipse City

    were

    suspin work-rted until aBelonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    Su nurse began lurking

    el.ne

    around my hospital room.

    Initially dismissing her, her repeated and shaky demeanor when

    she

    to administer my showen

    raised my rms.

    "Nannie not around today?"

    Her nervous nce behind her sses didn''t go unnoticed.

    "Nannie had to... I''m covering."

    As she fumbled with the syringe, Vinson intervened, seizing her hand.

    "Stop! Who are you?" His re was fierce, protective.

 Chapter 99

    When Nurse Nannie walked in, I could feel the tension spike in the room.

    "Lily, what brings you here for injections? Did you check in first?"

    "Um, Nannie, I, I just..."

    Lily was stumbling over her words, clearly flustered, while Vinson had a firm grip on her wrist.

    "I saw you injecting something from your pocket into the vial. Hand it over!"

    His tone was icy, not caring whether Lily struggled or not, he reached straight into her pocket.

    To everyone''s surprise, there was indeed a vial in there. Nannie''s face turned pale as she handed it over.

    "Lily, the patient is allergic to this medication. Didn''t you know?"

    All eyes turned to Jenny as she just copsed onto the floor, bursting into tears.

    "I''m sorry, I''m so sorry, I..."

    Seeing her like this, I guessed she was manipted.

    I softened my voice, "Lily, right? We don''t know each other; you wouldn''t harm me. But someone paid you to do this, right?"

    She nodded then shook her head in desperation.

    "Ms. Crawford, I swear I didn''t know anything."

    I continued to reassure her, "Since the needle hasn''t been injected, it''s considered an attempted crime. Just tell us who''s behind this, and you''ll be fine."

    "I can also testify that you were coerced. This wasn''t your intention."

    I knew these badgeless nurses were interns. To intern in a small town like this, I suspected Lily didn''t have a high level of education.

    If this got out, no hospital would hire her.

    After pondering for a moment, she finally handed me her phone.

    "It was this number that added me on WhatsApp, then transferred me money. The first time, I was asked to add a bit of Vitamin C to your IV, then some sugar syrup. Both times I was paid."

    "And the third time, they asked you to add a lethal drug?"

    Seeing the bunny avatar, I had my suspicions about who it was.

    If I remembered correctly, Ka''s private WhatsApp had the same avatar.

    She probably thought I was as good as dead, not even bothering to change her ount.

    "I just wanted to earn some extra money. I didn''t know about your allergy..."

    "Bullshit, didn''t you check the patient''s file?" Nannie seemed really upset, starting to grab Lily to call the police.

    I stopped her, after all, I was unharmed, and Ka was a key figure in the Patterson family. It would likely be swept under the rug. Better to gather all evidence and then tackle all charges at once.

    I took the transaction records and chat screenshots, and had Lily write down everything that happened, sign it, and even add her fingerprint. Then, I let Nannie take her away for a stern talking-to.

    Vinson stayed silent by my bed until the nurses left, then finally spoke. "Ka?"

    I nodded.

    "Not calling the police?"

    I nodded again.

    "Why?" His voice carried a hint of confusion.

    I sighed silently, replying, "She''s pregnant, with Clyde''s child."

    That single sentence left Vinson speechless.

    Knowing the significance of this child for families like the Pattersons and the Russells, he understood.

    He sat by my bed, trying to hold my hand. I pretended to fix my hair, avoiding his touch.

    "Mnie, I''ll protect you. You don''t have to be afraid."

    "I''m not afraid." I looked down, avoiding his gaze.

    Understanding my situation, I knew it was better not to owe any emotional debts.

    The next day, I booked a flight back to the city with Lina to return to thepany. When Ka saw me, she red viciously.

    "Ms. Crawford, taking a leisurely half-month business trip without a care in the world."

    "Did my business trip increase the

    of logistics? That''s realet

    sing. My desk is pret

    pretty

    dusty, isn''t it?" Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    My response was dripping with sarcasm.

    Clyde rushed over, immediately standing by my side.

    "Ka, what are you doing here instead of at your desk?"

    "Clyde!"

    Ka looked at him with feigned innocence, then back at me with resentment.

    "This woman spends so much time away with another man, who knows what they''ve been up to?"

    "Why are you still defending her? You should know I..."

    She stopped mid-sentence, her hand instinctively touching her belly.

    I silently apuded her; she had secured her golden ticket with that pregnancy.

    Seeing her gesture, Clyde''s lips twitched, but he held back any harsh words.

    Ka smiled triumphantly at me,

    "Must have been nice, spending avet

    that time with Mr. Wilson. You

    el

    probably didn''t want toe back,

    huh?"

    Clyde, already wary of my association with Vinson, looked even more displeased.

    I nced at Ka, then at an angry Clyde, and simply smiled.

    "Right, if I had returned earlier, how could you two enjoy yourselves at my ce, right? But be careful, Ka. They say the first trimester is the most delicate. Wouldn''t want anything to happen to the baby."

    I snapped my fingers towards her belly, then walked away.

    "Mnie!" Clyde called out my name with fury, but I didn''t even break stride.

    I kept telling myself, just a little longer, and once the baby was born, I could leave.

 Chapter 100

    Clyde bombarded me with calls, even reached out to the office, insisting I visit him at his workspace.

    Lina gave me a troubled look, "Hey, maybe you should check on him?"

    "Tell him I''m swamped. If he needs something, he cane down here."

    My fingers danced nonstop on the keyboard, not pausing for a second.

    Earlier, Ka cornered me in the lobby, obviously trying to make her pregnancy public knowledge - and the baby was Clyde''s.

    But she didn''t have the guts to say it outright, so she provoked me instead.

    However, I kept my voice so low, only the three of us knew what was being said.

    As for Clyde being mad, I couldn''t care less.

    If he could bring someone home while I was out busting my ass making deals, couldn''t I throw a few words around?

    I wasn''t upset, but he sure was.

    He still drove me to and from work every day, not speaking a word, which suited me just fine.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    Materials delivered, project underway, it seemed like everything at Patterson Group was looking up, except York wasn''t having it. When he stormed into the Design Department, he demanded to be involved in the bridge project I was managing.

    "No way. You think you can design? Then show it. Otherwise, back off."

    My tone was icy, a clear dismissal.

    It was public knowledge that York and I didn''t see eye to eye, and frankly, I didn''t care.

    He was just another one of Merritt''s inserts, and I couldn''t let him meddle in such a crucial project.

    A Patterson heir needed victories, and this win wasn''t going to be York''s; I''d rather go all out for Clyde.

    But Merritt stepped in, directly ordering York to oversee the project without any real power.

    Negotiations with severalpanies went south because of him, nearly pushing me to a breaking point until Clyde stepped in.

    "Let''s head home, we''ll talk there."

    He practically dragged me out.

    Back home, I drowned my frustrations in a gallon of ice cream, finally feeling a bit calmer.

    Clyde looked at me, hesitating to speak.

    "Out with it."

    I red at him, cracking open another ice cream.

    "There are plenty ofpanies we could partner with. If you don''t agree with his proposal, and he doesn''t agree with yours, when will this project ever start? Who knows design better, him or me? Who''s the director here? I have the final say on the bridge design, not you or the Patterson family. Just because you pay my sry doesn''t mean I have to nod along with everything!"

    I always stood my ground when it came to work.

    Having a non-expert lead a team of professionals was a surefire way to waste time and sink the project.

    York wanted to involve some underqualifiedpanies he was chummy with, which was a line crossed for me.

    Clyde nodded, "Okay, I get it. But we still need to find the right partner."

    "Aspire World. They have the

    credentials, the team, and affordable suppliers. They''re the obvious choice!"

    This just made me angrier.

    Anyone with eyes could see Aspire World was the best fit. But Clyde wouldn''t budge, and York blocked them, even denying Vinson a meeting!

    "No, I said no dealings with Vinson!" Clyde huffed, slumping on the couch, tantly ignoring me.

    No matter the exnation, he refused to see reason.

    "He''s up to no good with you, taking you to some godforsaken mountainside. I don''t buy it!"

    His stubbornness was immovable.

    Just as I was about to lose it, Ka''s call came through.

    Clyde barely uttered two words before jumping up.

    ¡°Ka, don''t be scared. I''m heading to the hospital now."

    He left without looking back, not even a word to me.

    Standing there, I deted, wondering why I was even fighting so hard.

    When Vinson called, I was still in a daze.

    It took me a moment to understand he was inviting me to dinner to discuss the partnership.

    Without thinking, I agreed.

    This project was my baby, our

    team''s pride. Clyde aside, we needed

    a solid

    partner, maybe my swan

    song at Patterson Group.

    Arriving at the restaurant, I was hit by an intoxicating aroma.

    "Why this private room?"

    It was the most secluded one, usually not Vinson''s pick.

    He seemed resigned, "Who knows? It''s unusually busy today, this was all they had."

    I didn''t overthink it and took a seat.

    But soon, I felt dizzy, noticing Vinson''s flushed face.

    Recalling the aroma, I pinched my arm to stay alert and quickly called Eliana.

    But my rity was fading, managing only to whisper, "Help.¡±

    Not long after, the door burst open.

    Seeing Eliana and Warren, I cked out, realizing toote I''d been set up.

    The next thing I knew, a scandalous video of me and a man in that room spread like wildfire online.

 Chapter 101

    When I finally came to the private hospital, I felt my brain was still rebooting. Seeing Eliana''s worried yet somehow disdainful face was a relief. At least someone had saved me.

    With her cheeks flushed with anger, Eliana stared at me and eximed, "Mnie, you''re unbelievable. You were drugged and nearly choked me to death!"

    "I''m so sorry. I had no idea what I was doing," I apologized, shaking my head vigorously, not wanting to imagine what I might have done to make Eliana blush like that.

    Eliana flicked my forehead lightly. "You owe me one, big time."

    I promised, "I''m forever in your debt. I swear..."

    She cut me off, thrusting her phone at me. "Save the promises forter. Deal with your mess first."

    The video on the screen left me dumbfounded. It indeed was me, stark naked, in the arms of a man whose face was blurry in the dark, his profile vaguely resembling Vinson. And to my horror, the scene of our entanglement was none other than a restaurant''s private dining room.

    I didn''t need to read thements to know the inte must have gone wild, just like I did.

    "You said you saved me, and he, I..." I stammered, my words jumbled in confusion. I instinctively touched my body, earning an eye roll from Eliana.

    "I got there just in time. What are you looking for?" Eliana took her phone back. "Thinking they''ve got something on you? With deepfake technology, who can''t fabricate evidence?"

    I numbly nodded, beginning to grasp the full extent of the trouble brewing. Despite tforms swiftly removing the content, I knew the underground cirction was relentless. A five-minute video was enough to ruin my life.

    Grabbing my phone, I saw it had blown up with calls. From close friends to the curious, everyone had reached out.

    Worriedly watching me, Eliana mentioned, "I''ve spoken to Jade about this and told her not to worry. I''ve also secured the restaurant''s surveince footage, but only the part where I escorted you out. The rest has been tampered with. Should I clear the air for you? The restaurant is a friend of my dad''s."

    I clutched the phone, silent, possibly guessing who was behind it, but shocked at their audacity. ¡°Eliana, can you find out why only that dining room was avable?"

    Eliana answered, ¡°I asked. With all the rooms booked, orders ced, and payments made, no one showed up. It was all paid in cash. The person wore a cap and mask, unable to recognize. Even if you could see..."

    She didn''t finish, but I understood. Even with a clear view, the wealthy could easily dodge me.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Clyde''s call came through just then, and I hung up directly. I could almost hear his words by looking at the forty-something missed calls.

    Puzzled, Eliana answered her ringing phone. "Hello? Yes..."

    "Is Mnie with you?" Clyde''s voice came through, prompting Eliana and me to exchange looks before I silently nodded.

    Eliana replied, ¡°Yes, she was drugged, and I brought her to the hospital."

    Within minutes, Clyde rushed into the room. He hugged me tightly, and I struggled, gasping for air. "Are you trying to kill me? Clyde! Murder is illegal!" He quickly let go, asking, "Are you okay?"

    Eliana winked at me and swiftly exited the room.

    Clyde pressed, "Why were you out with Vinson again?"

    I said helplessly, "Someone set me up."

    "I knew!" Clyde roared, surprising me.

    Despite having seen the video, Clyde still believed me. He buried his face in my shoulder, his expression pained. "Mnie, what am I going to do with you?"

    We had argued before, and it always ended with him not knowing what to do with me, eventually giving in.

    Usually, it was my fault, even though I''d never admit it. It was different this time.

    I repeated it. "Clyde, it''s a setup."

    "I know that." Clyde looked at me, eyes red and filled with grievance and anger. You shouldn''t have been out with Vinson. I told you. We''re not doing business with him. If you hadn''t gone, none of this would have happened. Do you realize how this

    you

    affects thepany? Ha 19

    seen what they''re saying online..."

    "Clyde, do you hear yourself?" His words erased the fleeting moment of solidarity: I looked at him, devoid of emotion. He wasn''t the sunny college boy anymore. He was Mr. Patterson, heir to the Patterson family fortune.

    Clyde continued, "Mnie, given the media''s impact on our business..."

    I cut him off. "Clyde, whether I met

    l

    with Vinson or anyone else, those out to get me would have found a way. The Patterson Group''s reputation isn''t tarnished by my actions but by those stirring the pot, which you know."

    Seeing his eyes filled with hurt and a hint of rage, I knew he didn''t see it my way. He wished I''d stay home, at the office,muting together, ying the part of the enviable yet scorned Mrs. Patterson.

    "Clyde, I''m tired. Let''s get a divorce..."

    Before I could finish, Vinson burst through the hospital door. "Mnie, are you okay? Did the drugs do any permanent damage?"

    "Vinson, you bastard!" Hearing Vinson''s voice, Clyde suddenly lunged at him, fists flying.

 Chapter 102

    "Clyde! Stop it right now!" I tried to get out of bed but barely had the strength. Probably, Vinson felt the same. Just as Clyde''s fist was about to strike, Warren suddenly appeared, grabbing his elbow.

    I couldn''t see what he did, but Clyde yelped and immediately withdrew his hand.

    Still poker-faced, Warren quipped, "Mr. Patterson, you''ve got a weak constitution and should get that checked."

    "You''re the weak one here! Screw you!" Clyde couldn''t care less about saving face, shouting back in defiance.

    Warren looked at Clyde calmly. "I''m not weak. I get my check-ups yearly and keep a healthy lifestyle. Only those who y the field end up weak."

    I stared at Warren, his face unchanging except for a slight curl at the corner of his mouth, showing he enjoyed the banter.

    Before Clyde could retort, Warren added, "I saved Mrs. Patterson. Go easy on me, Mr. Patterson, will you?"

    "You?" Clyde looked at him incredulously.

    Warren adjusted his sses. "Yes, the two of them got drugged. Eliana and I sought help just before it got worse. This poison''s strong, even more so for someone like Mnie..."

    "Dr. Warren!" I quickly interjected, sending him signals with my eyes.

    Warren nced at me emotionlessly and pushed up his sses again. "Mrs. Patterson is too slim, and the poison acted fast in her. Luckily, I had the antidote. In essence, I saved her life, and indirectly, Mr. Patterson''s as well."

    Hearing that, I finally breathed a sigh of relief.

    Clyde seemed to want to ask more, but then his phone rang.

    Seeing it was Merritt calling, I braced myself for a scolding. Sure enough, Merritt summoned us both immediately back to Patterson Mansion together. Eliana peeked from behind Warren. "You''re still weak."

    I had already put on my shoes. "It''s okay., Clyde will take care of me. Sorry to trouble you to look for more evidence. The video alone isn''t enough." Eliana nodded quickly. "Do you have any enemies? What about Vinson?"

    Vinson just looked at me, silent.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    I nced at Clyde, taking a hard swallow, "Ka, maybe. She''s the only one I can think of." Maybe York, too, but that was not for outsiders to know. Clyde didn''t say much and just led the way out. In the car, he finally spoke, "How can you be sure it''s her?"

    I just smiled, not replying. How could I not be sure? It wasn''t her first time framing me.

    But Clyde believed Ka. I sighed silently. After all, they had kids together, so it made sense.

    Clyde seemed upset, but seeing my indifferent attitude, he didn''t know what else to say.

    I just closed my eyes, knowing a tough battley ahead. Sure enough, arriving at Patterson Mansion, the whole Patterson family was there. Merritt sat beside Ka.

    "I always said, not having kids, and now that you have, how can you just enjoy yourself?" Lucia was the first to use me.

    Laird and York joined in, insinuating Icked morals.

    Ka stood up, supporting her

    waist. "Mnie, the Patterson family

    can''t cover for you this time. Your face is in the video. Doing such things in the restaurant''s private room, you''ve humiliated Clyde" Her voice tried to soundpassionate, but her eyes betrayed her glee.

    "The video''s not me." My tone was cold, unwilling to exin further.

    Ka immediately retorted, "If not you, then who? Could the video be fake?"

    Lucia stood before me, pointing at my nose. "Your body and face are in it. It''s all over the inte. You''ve disgraced the Patterson family!"

    Evelyn pulled her aside, continuously

    signaling e. "Mnie, I know you''re

    a good girl. Surely, you wouldn''t do this. Is there some

    misunderstanding? Or were you framed?"

    Evelyn was clever and insightful, her gaze inadvertently shifting toward Ka.

    Everyone in the family knew what was happening, each harboring their motives.

    Merritt remained silent, just watching me.

    Clyde stood by my side, mouth opening but no wordsing out.

    I chuckled self-deprecatingly, not expecting Evelyn, with her agenda, to speak up for me.

    I said expressionlessly, "I can prove my innocence."

    "Mnie, you don''t think a few witnesses and a video can prove it''s not you in that video, do you?" Ka''s voice came with sarcasm, making me nauseous again.

    Suppressing the urge to vomit, I took a deep breath and began to remove my jacket, reaching for the buttons of my shirt.

    Evelyn instinctively grabbed my hand. "Mnie, what are you doing..."

    Then she followed my gesture

    toward the surgery scar on my chest, slowly releasing her grip and ring fiercely at Ka. Evelyn

    stepped aside, and I only opened half of my cor.

    I heard a servant gasp.

    Lucia pointed at me, speechless, and Merritt closed his eyes.

    It took Clyde a few seconds to react, quickly draping the jacket over me.

    I looked around, emotionlessly stating, "You''ve all seen the video. This scar should prove it''s not me, right?"

 Chapter 103

    Due to theplexity of my earlier surgery, a less invasive method wasn''t feasible, resulting in scars that remain prominent, some appearing quite red and rming.

    In reality, they only saw a fraction of it. The lower scars would''ve probably scared them even more.

    Lucky for Clyde, he had Ka by his side, or he might''ve noticed something was off with me.

    I had a good look at the woman in the video. Sure, our builds were somewhat simr, but there were ws. To ensure "my" face was in the video, she always faced the camera, her chest in view, inadvertently proving it wasn''t me in the footage.

    Evelyn briskly walked over, buttoning up my shirt and ring at Clyde. "How can you not trust your wife but believe what others say? Shouldn''t you be the first to defend Mnie''s innocence? If you had just told everyone from the start, Mnie wouldn''t have had to go through this humiliation."

    All eyes were on Clyde, and he stumbled over his words before saying, "I didn''t know."

    "You didn''t know?" Evelyn looked at him incredulously. "Wasn''t Mnie''s surgery a major one? You didn''t know? Don''t family members have to sign on for surgeries?"

    Everyone knew I had no other family. Clyde was it.

    Clyde looked at me, his voice hoarse as he finally asked, "Mnie, when did you have the surgery?"All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "The day you and Ka went public." I tossed his shirt aside, staring at him nkly. "While you and she were setting off fireworks at the beach, and she announced it on social media, that was when the doctor told me I needed surgery."

    "Why didn''t you tell me? If you had told me earlier, this wouldn''t have happened!" He clenched his fists, stepping closer with a look of anger as if it were all my fault.

    I smiled at him bitterly. Even at this moment, he dared to question me.

    I retorted fiercely, "I called you, but you didn''t answer. I asked you for money, but you sent me away because Ka had a cut on her hand. While I was in surgery, you two seemed to have returned to our ce, right? You even bought her my favorite cupcakes. And then, you seemed to have also bought her a diamond ne or earrings, I can''t remember."

    My gaze fell on the beautiful diamond ne around Ka''s neck. Then I looked back at Clyde. "It was just a surgery. At worst, I could have died during surgery, but clearly, that''s not as important as your time with your mistress."

    I meant to mock him, but my words sounded more indifferent and detached than intended because I was merely stating the facts. For months, there were so many signs that I was not well, but Clyde never noticed.

    Why? Because he didn''t care.

    No one spoke. Only Clyde looked at me, his eyes red with emotion.

    Evelyn cautiously asked, "What kind of surgery was it? Those scars look severe."

    "Thyroid nodules got a bitplicated," I replied, the excuse I had prepared early on. It seemed usible enough, given I was the long-suffering Mrs. Patterson, agitated to this point.

    "Damn it, Clyde, you..." Merritt hurled the coffee cup at Clyde in rage.

    Beside him, Ka looked down, her lips pursed, lost in thought.

    Clyde tried to exin, "Grandpa, no, Mnie, listen, at that time, I..."

    "You still have the face to exin?" Merritt moved to hit him, but others quickly held him back.

    I shrugged. "It''s good to clear the air

    1

    now. In front of everyone here, I''ll repeat it. Clyde, let''s get a divorce. Since you''ve had a child with someone else, and the Patterson family has epted that child, it''s time I stepped aside."

    I then turned to Merritt, who was breathing heavily and bowed deeply. "Merritt, I''m sorry. I''ve let you down But no matter who Mrs. Patterson is, I no longer wish to be her. I''ll repay what owe the Patterson familyter, but right now, I need to save my own life. If I continue to get framed like this, I will die."

    Having made myself clear, I felt somewhat relieved. I wouldn''t bear burdens that weren''t mine or interfere in matters the Patterson family needed to rify.

    After all, ndering me was ndering the Patterson Group, and they knew the principle of shared honor better than anyone.

    As I turned to leave, Evelyn tried to stop me but halted at the look on my face.

    Just before reaching the door, I turned to see Ka, her face alight with glee.

    "Ka, how did you know the video was shot in a private dining room?" I asked.

    While seeing her face turn pale, the rest seemed shocked momentarily before ring at her. I smiled slightly and walked out the door.

    It was up to the Patterson family to decide their next move. If they chose to protect Ka, I had nothing more to say. Our paths had diverged, and I''d paid my debt.

    I heard Clyde calling after me, but I

    no longer wanted to listen. Driving his car back home, I began to pack my belongings. I had previously mentioned divorce but couldn''t go through with it for various reasons. But it seemed I was finally free to leave.

    As for what I owed Clyde, leaving him and preventing further damage to the Patterson Group might be the best repayment.

 Chapter 104

    I knew Merritt would have Clyde stick around to hash things out and might even give him a piece of his mind.

    Scrolling through my phone, I noticed the video had been less viral. The Patterson Group''s legal team had even released a statement, which said they''d contacted the police, and the authorities confirmed the video was a deepfake, not me. But they didn''t mention how I got drugged and rescued by Eliana and her gang.

    Eliana called, offering to set the record straight publicly, but I declined. How the Patterson family handled it meant they knew Ka was behind it, but they protected her.

    Walking into my room, I yanked open a drawer and pulled out the divorce papers. I had printed dozens of copies, signed my name on two, pressed my fingerprint, and left them on the living room couch. I had hoped Clyde would return and sign, but he never did that night.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.

    I booked a small van on an app the following morning and nned to move. I didn''t have many belongings, just some personal items. I left all my jewelry, taking only clothes, shoes, and daily necessities.

    Then, spotting a red leash in the corner, I thought of my Rocky living happily abroad, my eyes misting over before tossing the leash into the trash. I didn''t need Rocky to remember me. It was better off living happily with Brenda. And Clyde didn''t need to remember he once had a dog that defended him at every turn, let alone that I was ever there.

    Then, I called Jade. "Jade, did you tidy up the apartment for me?"

    After Ka brought her kidnapped daughter to my ce and the police had dealt with the situation, I never went back, leaving Jade to take care of it. Jade said, "I got a cleaning service to tidy up and reced the old lock with a coded lock. The old one was useless. Mnie, where are you now? Are you moving there?"

    "Yeah." I didn''t hide it, briefly exining over the phone, and Jade immediately offered toe over.

    I didn''t refuse this time. I thought I was ready to leave, but when the time came, I felt a profound sense of loss.

    When Jade arrived, the van was already downstairs. The driver, a youngd, enthusiastically helped me with my luggage.

    Before leaving, I nced at my left ring finger, took off my wedding ring, and ced it on the divorce papers. At the door, I touched the ne around my neck. My throat tightened, and I removed the ne with shaky hands, cing it with the ring. Those were thest ties to Clyde, and I didn''t need to keep them.

    Looking at me with sympathy, Jade put her arm around my shoulder. "Mnie, everything will get better."

    "Yeah, everything will get better," I repeated softly, convinced everything would get better without Clyde.

    The apartment was small, with only one room, and there was nothing much to clean. The cleaningdy did an impable job, even cleaning out the corners.

    "If Ka put this much effort into her

    work, she''d be golden," Jade

    muttered as she helped me unpack "But people prioritize differently, and look, she''s reaping the benefits now. The bitch meets the scumbag They''re perfect together. Let''s hope they stay locked together forever and spare the rest of us."

    I chuckled, shaking my head, and noticed Clyde was calling me. I hung up.

    He had sent me dozens of texts. Sighing, I opened them, saw a 59-second voice message, and texted back without listening.

    [Clyde, divorce is the only option.]

    [Think it over and text me, or I''ll file for divorce.]

    Then I switched off my phone, not caring if Clyde would lose his mind over it. I never got Clyde. Marrying me brought him no benefits. It seemed had had enough

    punishment if it were all for revenge for something in the past. These

    three years were no easier than those he suffered.

    I used to think he might still love me, but after everything, it was clear he didn''t. Maybe I was a passing fancy for him, or he realized he didn''t love me But whatever the reason I saw no point in clinging to him.

    Jade busied herself nning the small room''syout and was full of ideas. "We need a partition here for some privacy."

    "I''ll get you a nice wardrobe for your beautiful clothes."

    "And afy sofa is a must. Who wants this old thing? I''ll order a new one right away."

    "And this bed and mattress... uh-oh..."

    She lifted the mattress, and we both started coughing from the dust.

    Suddenly, I noticed something odd under the bed ts. The bed was a fishbone pattern, and something was in the middle.

    Crawling under the bed, I found a notebook taped with clear tape.

    Struggling, I pulled out the notebook, and Jade came over to help me dust it off.

    "What''s this? Not the cleaningdy''s ledger, I hope?"

    While seeing the familiar handwriting on the cover, my eyes welled up in tears. When I opened the notebook, Jade and I were shocked to find it was my mom''s diary. More urately, it was her investigation diary!

 Chapter 105

    My mom''s handwriting was elegant yet bold, a testament to her strength in script. I ran my fingers over her diary, feeling the lump in my throat grow as tears threatened to spill.

    But as I flipped through the pages, I was stunned by the revtions inside.

    "Several of our projects were undercut at thest minute. There''s a mole. The cash flow crisis has something to do with Galen, but he''s vanished." "The night before Leon died, he received a message from Galen Brown, iming he wasn''t the one who embezzledpany funds and wanted to meet to exin. That very night, Leon got hit by a semi-truck."

    "The truck driver, Ma, was diagnosed with terminal kidney failure just days before his ident, and oddly, he divorced his wife, leaving her everything right before the crash."

    Each entry was brief, but the implications were terrifying.

    I had always suspected something was amiss with the family business, but being away at college, I was out of the loop. Then my dad passed, and I was in surgery in Country Aurorea. I returned home, believing it was all a tragic ident.

    Yet, my mom''s diary painted a sinister picture of a conspiracy in the shadows, threatening to strangle the life out of the Crawford family. The mention of someone tailing Mom sent shivers down my spine.

    Standing beside me, Jade was speechless as we digested the details.

    As a listedpany, the Crawford family''s business, though not a giant like Patterson Group or Aspire World, was nevertheless prosperous. We were sitting ducks if someone had their sights on us.

    "Mnie, didn''t Talbot end up buying out yourpany?" Jade finally broke the silence. "Haven''t you been in touch over the years?"

    Her reminder sparked a realization. The Crawford family business wasn''t gone. It just wasn''t ours anymore. After drowning in debt, Talbot, who hadn''t been in touch for years, acquired thepany.

    Thinking of Talbot and Crawford Group, my memories grew foggy. Talbot was my dad''s half-brother, making our rtionship distant at best. Family gatherings ceased after Grandpa''s passing, leaving us estranged. I didn''t know much about the disputes among the elders, only that our fortunes never seemed to intertwine after our rise to prosperity.

    "Didn''t see his family at your Mom''s funeral, right?" Jade asked, recalling the day she rushed back from an overseas project to attend.

    Aside from me, there was no other family present.

    But if my memory served right, Talbot''s business dealings were thriving, even partnering with the Patterson Group.

    I asked, "Jade, remember our ountant, Galen Brown?"

    Mom never discussed these matters

    with me. Galen had been with thepany for long and was older than my father, always treating me kindly And I always liked him as a family friend. It was hard to believe he could get involved in thepany''s financial troubles.

    Yet, when tragedy struck my parents, Galen was conspicuously absent.

    Jade thought it over. "The bald man? The one who always brought you snacks?"

    I nodded.

    Jade looked surprised. "He was Galen Brown?"

    Another nod followed by silence.

    He was the man from Mom''s diary, a family friend for over two decades. Galen often picked me up from school, always with snacks for me and my dorm mates.

    "Good people can hide dark secrets," Jade said, her voice tinged with difficulty.

    Her words pierced the bubble of denial I had been living in. It broke my heart to ept that someone we trusted for so long could betray us.

    "People scatter when the tree falls," she continued. "Remember howpanies rallied to help when your dad wanted to donate to the school?"N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    "But when your dad had his ident, where were they? I thought your dad was well-liked."

    Jade voiced my doubts. Dad was

    renowned for his integrity and charity work. Our family''s reputation should have garnered support during our crisis. Yet, when we

    needed it most, we were alone.

    After Jade left, Mom''s diary entries haunted me. I dug out my uncle Talbot''s contact from my phone, a number I hadn''t dialed in years. Feeling like he was a stranger, I hesitated before making the call.

    After a few rings, a confused voice answered, "Mnie? Is that you?"

    Clearing my throat, I replied, "Uncle Talbot, how have you been?"

 Chapter 106

    The pause on the other end of the line was palpable, and then, his tone lightened, almost as if he was smiling through the phone. "It''s been ages, Mnie. I''ve been doing quite well. What''s new with you?"

    "I''m doing good, Uncle Talbot. Um, I justnded a bridge project. Interested?" I was at a loss for words. It felt like thest time I saw Talbot, I was just a kid.

    Our families weren''t what you''d call close, especially after Grandpa passed, pretty much severing what little connection there was.

    My parents are peaceful, so I never truly knew what happened between them. I only knew Mom kept telling me to steer clear of Talbot and his family and keep my distance.

    After Grandpa died, they gained most of his estate and the family business. Dad''s not one to fight over money with his flesh and blood, so there must be more to the story. But they never told me.

    The Crawford Group my dad built from scratch was a testament to his hard work. But being in the same industry, the Patterson Group and the Talbots always had some dealings, and with them taking over Dad''spany, the dynamics within the Crawford family had changed.

    Talbot smiled. "I heard about the bridge project. Congrats. But you know how tricky these inter-state coborations can be."

    I could tell he was intrigued but trying not toe off too eager. After all, me calling him out of the blue did have a whiff of suspicion about it.

    I cleared my throat. "Uncle Talbot, I''m scouting for the right partners, gathering info from various sources."N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    Talbot''s response was neutral. "Heard you might be splitting with Clyde?"

    His knowledge about my personal life, far away in Ironvale, caught me off-guard.

    He sighed, "So, the Patterson family is giving you a hard time?"

    It sounded like he was positioning himself as my fallback. And he was right. Without someone in my corner, divorcing Clyde would leave me pretty vulnerable.

    I didn''t confirm or deny but steered the conversation back to the bridge.

    Finally, he said, "Your proposal isn''t bad, Mnie. But I need to think it over. And if you split with Clyde, you won''t leave me hanging, right?"

    His tone was probing, and I didn''t hide the truth. "I might be divorcing, so I''m looking out for myself. About the coboration, working with you makes more sense since we''re family."

    My reasoning was wless, but Talbot was cautious, stating he''d consider it.

    I heard the Crawford family''spany had been thriving under his leadership in Ironvale, bing a leading enterprise in recent years. With Dad''s former team by his side, it was no surprise Talbot found sess almost immediately, turning profits as soon as he took over. Still, he seemed wary of me, offering no solidmitments.

    I fell asleep while pondering the diary entries mentioning Talbot''s odd behavior.

    Jade dragged me out on our lunch

    break to shop for furniture the following day. "How can you live without furniture? They deliver and set it all up. Don''t worry about the cost. Your best friend''s got money!"

    Jade was on a roll, making a name for herself within the Patterson Group.

    Seeing her effortlessly secure deals made me genuinely happy for her. Maybe, with me gone, she''d make it as a director.

    But just as we picked out a sofa and wardrobe, Clyde stormed in, furious. ¡°Taking it easy during work hours, I see."

    Jade argued, ¡°Mr. Patterson, can''t we step out during lunch?"

    Jade stood before me, but Clyde fixed his gaze on me. "Buying furniture? You''re nning to move out?"

    His eyes zed with anger as if he

    could barely contain himself. After a moment, he softened his tone. "Mnie can we not do this? I''ve said it before. We''re not getting a divorce. The online stuff will blow over. The Patterson Group will hold the tform ountable"

    ¡°Hold the tform ountable?" I rolled my eyes at him, thinking of Ka and their unborn child. "Right, the tform is at fault. Theizens are at fault, but not the person behind it."

    "Your child''s mother will never be at fault. It''s always my fault, isn''t it?"

    I tried to leave with Jade, but Clyde blocked our path. "Mnie, you know... Just give me some time. I''ll give you the answers you want. I''l find out who''s behind this and clear your name."

    Jade stepped forward, but I held her back. "You don''t know who''s behind this? Or maybe you''re nning to destroy evidence? Find a scapegoat?"

    ¡°Sorry, Mnie, it''s not the right time. Just wait a little longer, okay?" Clyde looked down, his face filled with remorse.

    I scoffed. Wasn''t I the one who had been wronged here all along?

    And then, time was what I couldn''t afford to waste.

    I sighed. ¡°Clyde, let''s end this amicably. Just sign the papers. These things take time."

    ¡°Mnie!¡± He pushed past Jade, grabbing my hand.

    Then, Freya stepped in, her gaze sharp as she addressed Clyde. "What''s this, Mr. Patterson? Domestic violence in public? Quite the man of power, Mr. Patterson. Impressive."

 Chapter 107

    Freya might not have been tall, but her stance as a police officer gave her an air of unwavering justice.

    Clyde''s face darkened as he released his grip. "Officer, I just wanted a word with her."

    Freya scoffed, "A word about what? It seemed to me that you were abusing someone."Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Jade and I exchanged nces, finding Freya''s unreasonable yet adorable demeanor amusing.

    Clyde stepped forward, clearly displeased. "Officer, I was merely speaking to my wife. Is that something the police need to get involved in?"

    "Your wife? Oh, how could I forget? I thought the woman you hugged at the station, Ms. Osborne, was your wife!" Her voice was loud enough to catch the attention of many shoppers around us, even amidst the midday crowd.

    Unphased, she even raised her voice a bit more. "I''ve seen you at the station several times, and you never stood by Mnie. Now you''re sticking with her. What for? Divorce? It''s not to prove her innocence, huh? The cyber unit saw through the video as a fake in a heartbeat, and you''re telling me the tech department at Patterson Group couldn''t?"

    Perhaps Freya was one of those cynical cops, bursting like a firecracker with indignation.

    Clyde was speechless, caught off guard by Freya''s questioning.

    "Officer, did you need something from me?" Wanting to ease the tension, I quickly pulled Freya aside.

    She nced at me. "Aren''t you, the person involved, going to report this?"

    I asked, "Didn''t Patterson Group file a report?"

    Freya rolled her eyes at Clyde, leaving me speechless.

    So, Clyde hadn''t reported it and just sent a legal notice? Was that supposed to be for the general public, or what? My head was buzzing, vision slightly blurred.

    Jade quickly supported me. "Feeling dizzy?"

    I waved it off. "Officer, this matter... The Patterson Group will handle it internally."

    Clyde approached with a nk expression, instinctively standing before me. "I''m her husband. I can handle this without police intervention."

    "That won''t do. The other party is spreading offensive videos and ndering others. The police cannot ignore this." Hands on her hips, Freya looked defiantly at Clyde.

    "Let me tell you. Thew is vast and misses nothing. Don''t think the Patterson family can cover the sky with one hand."

    "I''m just here to gather information. Don''t interfere with my investigation."

    She tried to push past Clyde, but he didn''t budge.

    Clyde questioned, "Going at it alone doesn''t seem right, does it?"

    Caught off guard, Freya then turned to me, saying, "I''m friends with Mnie. Is there a problem with me asking her? Whoever spread those rumors, I''ll see them brought to justice."

    I nodded awkwardly, not wanting to discourage her.

    Before leaving with Jade and Freya, Clyde stopped me.

    Impatient, Freya red at him. "Clyde, your wife almost got killed here, and I''d advise you to gather evidence instead. Covering up couldnd you in jail, too!"

    We hurried out of the mall and quickly ushered Freya into Jade''s car.

    She looked uneasy. "I was just passing by."

    "I understand, thank you, Officer Freya."

    Freyained, "I just can''t stand the way Clyde acts. He''s so indifferent to you, that kind of..."

    Before Freya could finish, Jade cleared her throat loudly.

    Freya licked her lips, not mentioning the incident

    the car. "Mnie, if you know

    somethin, and moved to exit

    something or have evidence, why not give it to me? I know you''re a person of integrity. But for your own sake, you shouldn''t let these people manipte you, right?"

    She paused, not closing the car door but staring intently at me.

    I shook my head helplessly. "Sorry, I don''t have any evidence. But I can tell your investigative direction might be right."

    Freya already suspected Ka, so letting her investigate seemed like a good n.

    The Patterson family always covered their tracks well, leaving no evidence behind. So, it would likely lead back to Ka if there was a problem.

    I returned to the office with Jade, and the atmosphere was oddly tense.

    Suddenly, Ka''s ranting voice echoed from someone''s phone, drawing my attention to the gossip group.

    Ka was stopped by security at the

    entrance, trying to push her way in amidst a crowd of onlookers, no longer caring about her image and wailing.

    Lina leaned in, whispering, "Mr. Patterson fired her as soon as he returned and even offered herpensation. Isn''t this crazy?"

    Before I could grasp what was happening, whispers filled the air.

    "Mr. Patterson went through with it. Didn''t the receptionists livestream it?"

    "Did Mr. Patterson fall out of love that quickly? I thought Ka wouldst at least six months!"

    Without thinking, I rushed to the elevator, feeling something wasn''t right. When I reached the lobby, Ka had fallen to the ground. "Clyde, you bastard! You have no right to fire me!"

    "I''m carrying your child. I''m the savior of the Patterson family. I have to stay!" Ignoring Clyde''s furious re, she continued to plead. Suddenly, Ka''s eyes locked on me, her emotions spiraling. "Mnie, you wretch!"

    "Mnie, Mnie!" She stretched her hand as if to grab me.

    Stopping thirty feet away, I watched in horror as blood trickled down her leg.

 Chapter 108

    "Blood! She''s bleeding!" Someone eximed, causing Ka to notice the blood on her leg.

    Trembling, she reached for her leg, and the sight of blood on her hands nearly made her faint. A security guard quickly steadied her.

    Seeing her in such a bad situation, I stepped forward, pulling out my phone. "Hello, 911? In the lobby of Patterson Group, a pregnant woman is bleeding..."

    Before I could finish, Ka lunged at me, catching me off guard and knocking me to the ground.

    Thud! My body hit the floor hard, feeling like it was breaking apart.

    Ka roared, "Mnie, how dare you push me? You bitch! You hurt my baby! You pushed me. I''m calling the police. I''m going to report this!"

    Ka ripped off my wig and tried to hit me, but Clyde grabbed her hand.

    "What are you waiting for? Get her to the hospital!" Clyde''s voice was cold and angry.

    I was still dizzy, my vision darkening when Clyde quickly helped me to my feet.

    By then, I saw York rushing to Ka, scooping her up, and sprinting out the door.

    Clyde asked with concern, "Mnie, are you okay? Are you hurt?"

    Clyde wanted to check my injuries, but I bit my lip and hurried him along. "To the hospital, together."

    Clyde exined, "York''s already on it."

    York''s n was clear as day, using Ka to stir the pot, hoping it would lead to my divorce.

    After all, a Mrs. Patterson like Ka was nothing but embarrassment, more beneficial in his quest for power. York''s wife was from a reputable family, and with a son to inherit the business, he felt superior to Clyde.

    In York''s eyes, he seemed a more qualified sessor. Other than not being as closely rted by blood andcking Clyde''s abilities, he saw himself as the better choice.

    Clyde squeezed my hand tightly before lifting me into his arms. "We''re in this together." Arriving at the hospital, other than some pain in my arm, I was starting toe around.

    The Patterson family was quick on their heels. Merritt, Talbot, and Eaton all arrived in haste.

    Seeing me rush in, Lucia approached with a fierce re. "Mnie, you truly are vile. How could you? That child was a Patterson."

    Laird snorted coldly, "This isn''t over between us."

    I was clueless about their usations. They talked as if I could magically push Ka from thirty feet away.

    Merritt looked at me sharply, clearly angered. That was the grandson he had been longing for. If anything happened, everyone would pay the price.

    "Grandpa, Mnie had nothing to do with this." Clyde stepped forward, shielding me. "Don''t worry. Everything will be okay."

    The nurse announced, "The patient''s family needs to sign. She needs a forced abortion."

    As the nurse rushed out, everyone''s gaze instinctively turned to Clyde.

    I frowned, sensing something was off. Ka was usually lively and young. How could she miscarry just like that?

    Later, Ka was out in the bed, looking different than I expected Her face bore hatred when she looked at me. "Mnie, why did you push me? Didn''t you know I was pregnant?"

    "Doctor, maybe we should get the patient a CT scan. I think she''s crazy." I looked at Ka

    expressionlessly, "I was thirty feet

    away when you fell. ming he is

    absurd. There''s a cure for detusions. Don''t lose hope."

    My words left Laird and Lucia visibly angered.

    "Mnie, what are you saying? Have you got no heart? You hurt Ka''s baby, a Patterson child!"

    "We have surveince in thepany. I couldn''t have pushed you. It isn''t on me. If you think this is unjust, call the police." I stepped back, unwilling to argue further.

    Even if they called the police, what then?

    The CEO''s wife of Patterson Group used of magical assault on a mistress''s child? Who would believe that?N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    Just as I was about to leave, Ka leaped from her hospital bed straight at me. "Mnie, you will pay for my son''s life!"

    I instinctively covered my freshly

    fitted wig, and Clyde was already before me, dragging Ka back. "Have you had enough? Are you out of your mind? Mnie didn''t harm your child. You brought this upon yourself! I''ll give you enough money tedisappear forever. Don''t bother my wife again!"

    Not just Ka, but I was stunned, too. Clyde was defending me, asking Ka to leave.

    Seeing no sympathy in his eyes, I almost believed him. He just lost a child, yet he was soposed?

    Ka''s tears fell, her gaze empty. "Clyde, our son..."

    "Just an embryo, and how sure are you he was mine?" Clyde''s emotionless voice echoed, sending a shiver through Ka.

    Then she turned her venomous gaze on me. "Mnie, it''s all your fault! You bitch. I will make you pay for my child''s life. You''ll get what''sing to you!"

 Chapter 109

    "Say one more word, and I''ll have you gone with that piece of rotten meat!" Clyde hugged me and wouldn''t let Kay a finger on me. He nced back at Gemma. "Take care of things here."

    Then, he scooped me up in his arms and marched out of the hospital.

    "Clyde, wait!" Several onlookers turned our way, and I felt my cheeks burning with embarrassment, trying to push him away.

    But he only held me tighter.

    "Move again, and I''ll kiss you!" He gritted his teeth, daring me.

    I clutched my wig, ring back at him. "My wig''s falling off!"

    He paused briefly, then lifted my head higher without releasing his grip.

    The car ride was tense, with Clyde''s mood palpably low.

    We sat in silence until he finally broke it as we neared home. "The kid''s not mine."

    I hummed in response, not caring either way. The child was gone, and with it, Ka''sst leverage. Just thinking about her furious gaze earlier sent shivers down my spine.

    Clyde parked the car and immediately locked the doors. "Mnie, I won''t ept the child. I told the hospital I want a DNA test."

    I looked into his determined eyes,

    confused by his deration. He''d

    admitted he had slept with Ka, so how could he be so sure the child wasn''t his? And with the life already gone, I didn''t see the point of a DNA test. I hummed again, which seemed tirk him.

    Clyde sighed deeply. "Mnie, if the child isn''t mine, I''ll pursue legal action. I''ll protect you from now on. I swear you won''t get hurt again." I watched him, emotionless. "Do you know why people make promises? Because they can''t keep them. Those who can don''t need to swear."

    I unlocked the car door and stepped out, knowing Clyde wouldn''t let me go. So, I headed straight upstairs to our apartment.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    I had nned to head to my room, but he followed and forcefully put a ne around my neck. "Mnie, I''ve said it before. I''m not getting a divorce. It was your birthday present. You wanted it, so you can''t throw it away. Anyway, you can''t give it back."

    He stormed out, mming the door behind him, making the ne feel heavier than ever.

    I thought Ka couldn''t stir up trouble with the Patterson family around. But I was wrong. The following morning, Jade''s call woke me up. She rambled on, and I finally understood that I was the talk of the town.

    Someone had leaked a video of me, the rightful Mrs. Patterson, allegedly causing Ka''s miscarriage in rage, with Ka, wanting us to die together in the hospital. It was cleverly edited, showing me

    vel.ne

    approaching Ka and her bleeding, followed by a clip of her attacking me.

    The scandal had it all, like the wife, the mistress, a miscarriage, and hair-pulling. It was sensational, impossible not to go viral.

    Anticipating chaos at the office, I quickly got ready and headed out with Clyde.

    Arriving at the office, we saw Freya and an older policeman.

    "Mnie, um, Mrs. Patterson, Ka has filed a report using you of deliberately harming her and causing her miscarriage. We need you toe with us to the station for questioning." Freya''s expression was neutral in her uniform, but her eyes hinted at another unfolding drama.

 Chapter 110

    ?

    "Are you saying my wife is getting dragged away because someone called the cops?" Clyde stepped forward, ready to confront Freya, but I held him back.

    A police call, especially a serious one like that, meant an investigation was inevitable.

    "Get awyer." I looked from Clyde to Jade, "You take the lead on the Design Department meeting."

    "Freya, we should head out," I said.

    Freya''s presence at the office was a clear sign of trouble. She wouldn''t be there otherwise.

    Freya nodded at me, and I followed the officers, wondering what proof I could muster to show my innocence. But no sooner had we stepped outside than a swarm of reporters descended upon us.

    "Mrs. Patterson, is it true that you orchestrated your love rival''s miscarriage?"

    "Did you act first to secure your inheritance against the unborn child?"

    "Are you guilty of premeditated murder? Any regrets?"

    The officers tried to shield me, but the reporters were relentless. Someone yanked off my wig in the chaos, leaving me bald once again.

    Freya quickly shielded me and hurried me into the car. When we reached the station, my wig was long gone. Rubbing my bald head, I felt oddly at peace with it.

    "Ms. Crawford, we''re aware of the situation, but we appreciate your cooperation," Freya poured me a cup of hot coffee. "Should we have someone bring you a wig?"

    I shook my head. There was no point in hiding anymore.

    "My skin''s been glowingtely. Maybe bald is in," I joked.

    During the questioning, they reviewed some footage.

    Freya sighed. "How could you have pushed her from thirty feet away? What does she think you are, a superwoman?"

    Her partner cleared her throat loudly, a reminder of the professionalism expected in their line of work.

    I understood that Freya had crossed a line, but her point was undeniably clear.

    Looking at the other officer, IBelonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    rified, "She was bleeding before

    reached her. I was the first to call for

    an ambnce. Her miscarriage has nothing to do with me."

    "In family disputes, the truth can be murky, but we won''t wrong an innocent person when the evidence is clear," the officer assured me.

    Just then, wailing filled the entrance of the station. Upon hearing that familiar voice, my headache intensified.

    "Because she''s Mrs. Patterson, she gets to kill my baby? Is there no justice? I may be the other woman, but my baby was innocent!"

    I was only there to cooperate and could leave with the questioning over. But seeing Ka at the door, I was frightened.

    The officers had to help Ka enter. Ka tried to lunge at me, but Freya and another female officer blocked her.

    Ka yelled, "Why aren''t you arresting her? Are you all in this together? Crooked dealings! Just because she''s Mrs. Patterson, did my baby deserve to die for nothing?"

    Ka seemed intimidated, not daring to respond, but looked at me timidly. I kept my expression neutral, curious to see her next move. The police investigation had surprisingly gone smoothly, and with no connection between the miscarriage and me, I was free to leave.

 Chapter 111

    I couldn''t make heads or tails of it. I might drop dead any second and didn''t fear a do-or-die battle. But Ka? Why was she doing this?

    Clyde had a thing for her once. If things had stayed smooth between them, snagging the title of Mrs. Patterson would have been a cakewalk for her. Without lifting a finger, she could have effortlessly ousted me. Yet, she chose the most annoying and dead-end path.

    When she stepped out of the police station and turned to kneel before me, I stumbled back in shock.

    Ka began in tears, "Mnie, I know you despise me, but you shouldn''t have gone after my child. Clyde and I are truly in love. Why would you harm our baby? You''re relentless in your pursuit, but why involve my innocent child? You can''t bear one yourself, so you begrudge me mine?"

    Her tears grew into a torrent of genuine sorrow.

    I looked on coldly. "I didn''t harm your child."

    The paparazzi swarmed us, cameras shing non-stop. As I left, Ka clutched at my jeans. "You can''t go, you murderer!"

    "Let go of my wife!" With hiswyer in tow, Clyde rushed over and forcefully pried Ka''s hands off me.

    He seemed about to argue, but I cut him off. "Think of the public image. Let''s go."

    Only then did Clyde notice the surrounding cameras and TV station logos. He hurriedly ushered me into the car and drove off, regardless of the reporters before.

    His face was stormy, a clear sign of his foul mood, which kept the reporters at bay. "Our apartment isn''t safe right now. Let''s head to the mansion. The security''s tighter there. You might want to take a few days off. It''s best to stay indoors.¡±

    This time, he didn''t discuss it with me. Instead, he just dropped me off and left.

    I knew the mess wouldn''t be easy to clean up and could even tarnish thepany''s name.

    That Ka managed to break away from the Patterson family and even find reporters meant York must be involved.

    Sure enough, my phone was blowing up with news about me. Even my past, supposedly running off with a rich kid after college, was being detailed as if it were fact.

    Everyone seemed convinced of the narrative, yet no one delved into who this rich kid was, why I left with him, or where we ended up.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    In front of the cameras, Ka painted me as the homewrecker, the unloved interloper.

    Somehow, she had her share of deluded fans who believed stepping into someone else''s marriage was an act of love, rallying to send me behind bars.

    The story flipped just as I was about to switch off my phone and catch some sleep.

    Online, someone exposed Ka for

    kidnapping her ex-boyfriend''s

    daughter in a bid to frame me for murder. Then came the news of her ex''s suicide, and her scandalous past as a streetwalker during her coll¨¨ge days was dug up.

    Rumors were swirling about Paul illegally using designs from the Patterson Group-likely my

    §Ö§ä

    designs and selling them for profit, with Ka suspected as the mastermind behind the whole scheme.

    The Patterson Group''s official ount even posted the entire scene of Ka''s tantrum at the door, proving my distance from her throughout, clearing me of

    1

    involvement in the child''s demise.

    But what truly floored me was Clyde posting a paternity test report on the official ount, proving Ra''s miscarried child wasn''t his.

    Besides the document, Clyde''s message was clear. "I have only one wife, Mnie. No one can frame her!"

    I read those words repeatedly, my eyes welling up in tears, wondering why Clyde hadn''t remembered I was his wife before all this.

 Chapter 112

    When Eliana called, her voice was bubbling over with excitement. "Mnie, you owe me big time. I found the video that''ll clear everything up. I posted it on my ount. You better hit that like button pronto."

    ncing at my phone''s dwindling battery life, I scrambled for my charger.

    Eliana was more capable than I''d imagined. She found the restaurant video and even footage of her half-carrying me out of there.

    Worried people might doubt her, Eliana hunted down footage from several businesses across the street. Different angles, same timeframe, there she was with Warren, helping me and Vinson leave.

    On her social media, Eliana also exposed how I had deliberately targeted her family''s restaurantst time, all to spin lies about me.

    As for why I would do such a thing, Eliana didn''t have to spell it out. The online detectives were on the case.

    Over the phone, Eliana was ecstatic, practically fishing forpliments. "Mnie, tell me if I have the makings of a Sherlock Holmes?"

    "I am justice incarnate! The dazzling moon goddess, Eliana! Your savior in shining armor!"

    I ttered her. "Alright, guess I''ll just have to offer myself in thanks. How''s that sound?"

    I couldn''t help butugh along, but then she suddenly scoffed. "Mnie, you''re trying to use me, aren''t you? You''re not eyeing Warren''s medical skills, trying to keep me around for a lifeline, huh? Not that I''d mind! Lol..."

    Had she not mentioned it, I might have forgotten about my illness for a moment. I ran a hand over my bald head, regretting not buying a few more wigs from the boutique owner.

    Getting a suitable wig, not to mention styling it, wasn''t as easy as it seemed.

    After hanging up with Eliana, I noticed the tide of onlinements had shifted dramatically.

    "Apologize to Mnie" was trending. People weren''t just demanding apologies from Ka but also from Clyde. And I''d received plenty of messages of apology as well.

    Suddenly, it dawned on me. Bing an influencer might cover my medical expenses if I had enough time.

    As I was warming to the idea, Ka''s call came through. I hesitated but eventually picked up.

    "Mnie, I''m going to kill you, you

    wretch! Wretch!" She was clearly beside herself with rage. I could barely make out her words through her screaming. I quietly hung up, convinced there was no reconciling with her. At this point, I figured our next meeting would likely be in court. She sent a barrage of evil textster, but I didn''t read them. They were just angry rants, nothing more.

    With things seemingly settling down, I thought about heading back. I tried pick up.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    calling Clyde, but he didn

    He eventually texted me not to return to the Patterson Mansion.

    I sighed. It looked like Merritt was headed for a full-blown tribunal.

    Clyde''s actions were a direct blow to his reputation, admitting to infidelity, being cuckolded by his mistress, and entangled in a legal battle.

    Freya sounded rushed and hung up swiftly. My hand froze on the doorknob, and I decided to heed the police''s advice.

    Clyde also texted me, advising me to stay in the penthouse. And he would have anything I needed delivered to the door. Thinking of Ka''s furious face made me uneasy.

    Then the doorbell rang, catching me off guard. I nced at the video inte curiously.

    "Mrs. Patterson, Mr. Patterson has ordered you a delivery."

 Chapter 113

    "Got the wrong address, huh?" I was puzzled. Clyde had just texted me, saying he''d sent over some food.

    My stomach growled. After a busy day without a bite, I realized I was starving.

    The delivery guy confirmed Clyde''s name and phone number. "Can you confirm, please?"

    "I guess..." I was at a loss for words. Maybe Clyde was being his usual thoughtful self?

    Recalling our college days, his gestures of care brought a slight smile to my lips.

    However, seeing eggnt in the delivery, my least favorite food, I felt disappointed. Had Clyde forgotten again? He might relish eggnt, but I certainly did not. But hunger made me less picky, and the food from this ce didn''t taste too bad after all.

    Perhaps it was the sudden release from a day''s stress, but I felt unexpectedly drowsy. Living in a spacious apartment had its perks, yet without Rocky, it felt incredibly lonely.

    The doorbell rang again as I was about to drift off.

    "Good evening, your fruit delivery is here!"

    "Would you I mind opening the door? I''ll bring the fruits up for you." Carrying two boxes of fruits, the delivery person looked worn out.

    I thought Clyde should have known better. The nearby grocery store offered delivery.

    Clyde, who rarely lifted a finger for household chores, probably didn''t have the store''s contact. Resigned, I went to open the door.

    "Mrs. Patterson, can I leave these at the door?"

    Seeing cherries, strawberries, and watermelon in the boxes, I wondered if Clyde had lost his mind. Was the fact that we didn''t catch Ka reason enough to stockpile like it was the end of the world?

    I nodded. ¡°Just leave the fruits here. It''s fine."

    The delivery person handed me the bill, looking slightly embarrassed.

    "Mrs. Patterson, sorry, we couldn''t cut the watermelon, so it''s over the weight limit. You didn''t answer your phone. Would you like me to take it back, or would you prefer to pay the difference?"

    Seeing the delivery guy drenched in sweat, I couldn''t help but feel sympathy. "I''ll cover the difference. How much is it?"

    The delivery person answered, "It''s $10.99. Here''s the receipt. You can pay via your phone."

    I took the receipt, turning to grab my phone. Something felt off when the delivery guy stepped inside.

    I paused, my hand on my phone, and quickly dialed 911, but then I saw him pulling out his phone.

    The delivery guy added, "Here''s the

    if there''s any issue wel

    guaranteepensation."

    Thinking of how much effort it might be for him over a few bucks, I finally rxed. "Okay, ten bucks and..."

    Suddenly, he sprayed something on my face.

    I felt dizzy, but he steadied me. "Top-notch stuff, huh? Can you still stand?"N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    My body felt out of control. I was weak, yet I remained upright.

    He sighed in relief and whispered, "Walk out with me, lock the door, and smile."

    My lips twitched into a smile, but my body swayed. I followed the delivery guy into the elevator, my vision darkened, and I passed out.

    Then, a familiar perfume wafted over me, sending a shock through me. Ka was in the car!

 Chapter 114

    The elusive Ka, who the police couldn''t find, was right in front of me. And it looked like she had someone kidnap me. Feeling my gaze, Ka, sitting in the passenger seat, turned around. "Awake, huh? You sure have a strong constitution."

    She looked at me with a smirk, and as the car jolted, I couldn''t help but retch. "Stop the car, stop the car, for heaven''s sake! I''m feeling sick!"

    I ended up throwing up thesagna I had eaten earlier.

    With a look of disgust, Ka dragged me out of the car and turned to the driver. "Did you overdo it with the drugs in the food?"

    The driver shook his head slowly. "No, I measured everything precisely. Could mixing the two cause side effects?"

    The driver was the same guy who had delivered fruits to me earlier. It seemed these two were so afraid one drug wouldn''t do the trick that they used two.

    After emptying my stomach, I got dragged back into the car.

    Eventually, we stopped at what looked like a construction site, and the man dragged me into a nearby metal shed.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    He threw me onto the floor, and Ka waved him off. "Go back and get some food. This woman is not dying on us just yet." She crouched down, pinching my chin. "Tsk, look at you, as thin as a rail. Pretty? Hardly. I don''t get what Clyde sees in you, so madly in love. Ha!"

    Ka''s face twisted into something ghastly, utterly void of color. She just had a miscarriage, and there she was, kidnapping me? I couldn''t wrap my head around it.

    Seeing I remained silent, she wasn''t annoyed. Instead, her smirk widened. "Why stay married if you don''t love Clyde? Why marry him in the first ce? But, lucky for me, how else could I have caught Clyde''s eye?"

    I looked at her more closely and realized that without makeup, Ka didn''t look as much like me as I initially thought.

    Since I met her for the first time, Ka had been deliberately imitating me. But who had put her up to it?

    I said, "Clyde and I are about to get divorced. We''ve signed the papers."

    "Impossible!" Ka suddenly lost it, grabbing me by the cor. "Mnie, stop lying to me. You''d divorce him? With your love for money?"

    "Haven''t you seen the divorce papers? He won''t divorce me because of your pregnancy, not wanting you to bear the stigma of ''the other woman.""

    I was incredibly thankful to Jade at that moment. I''d be lost if not for those melodramatic shows we watched together.

    Sure enough, Ka''s expression changed. "No, it can''t be."

    "The Patterson family can''t have a mistress as itsdy, so Clyde nned to wait for the baby to be born to silence his grandfather.. kept myposure. "You know we''ve been over for a long time, right?"

    Ka always believed Clyde loved her, which was myst leverage for self-preservation. "If you y your cards right, you''ll be Mrs. Patterson. Clyde loves you, doesn''t he?"

    I thought I had yed my cards right, at least enough to ensure Ka wouldn''t harm me.

    But then she exploded. "Clyde loves me? He never loved me! He only loved the version of me that was like you!"

    She was nearly screaming, and at that moment, I was stunned. The version of me that Ka knew was different from who I originally was. Why would she think that?

    Whileughing bitterly, herughter grew louder, then abruptly stopped. She looked at me with hatred. "Clyde never loved me from the start! I was just a stand-in. A stand-in!"

 Chapter 115

    "No, you''re not just a stand-in."

    At that moment, my mind raced. If she was a stand-in, it meant I was dying any minute.

    I tried to convince Ka. "Since I married Clyde, he''s always had a parade of women, but you..."

    "But I was the one who looked most like you, right? York said so, too." Ka circled me, my hands trapped, head spinning, unable to muster my strength. "I used to be a whore. After my baby was born, and I couldn''t find a decent job, I returned to that life."

    Ka continued, "York, always acting all high and mighty, had a thing for naive college girls. He took one look at me and was totally smitten."

    Before I knew it, Ka had a switchde in her hand, gesturing with it as she spoke. "Then, he ced me close to Clyde. At that time, I thought Clyde had fallen for me. You had no idea how happy I was. I thought I''d hit the jackpot."

    "I thought the Patterson family all liked someone like me, that Clyde was head over heels, showering me with gifts. He spent a fortune on a pair of sandals, something I couldn''t imagine!" She went on about how Clyde doted on her and how she went from a club girl to his princess.

    I knew Clyde could be like that, spoiling a girl rotten when he was in love. But his affection for Ka didn''tst because he never slept with her.

    "I used to think he was so pure, in love with my soul since he was married. But then you showed up at thepany, and the moment I saw you, I almost puked!" Ka slid the knife back and forth across my neck. "You were so skinny, a ghost of yourself, but I could see the resemnce, especially after I did my makeup, even more so."

    Ka kept talking. "That''s why York said Clyde would like me. That''s why York chose me. It all made sense! I looked like you in a white dress. York showed me your picture, and it was uncanny. Clyde never touched me. I drugged him twice, but all he did was call out for you! Mnie! Mnie!" While feeling the sharp de trace a line of blood on my neck, my nerves tensed. In this condition, any infection could be a death sentence. Caught up in her emotions, Ka rambled on about her love for Clyde and how he didn''t return her feelings.

    Then, she looked at me. "I was carrying York''s child, and he told me to pin it on Clyde. My child, just like me, is unwanted and unloved! So, he''s gone. He''s gone!"

    For the first time, I saw genuine sorrow in Ka, her chest heaving with pain.

    I closed my eyes. "You know your child''s fate wasn''t my doing."Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    She knew it deep down. If the child were York''s, it would never be born. York''s wife was a force to be reckoned with. There was no way she''d allow a bastard child toe into the world. Not to mention, there were Merritt and Clyde to consider.

    "I know it was the Patterson child, but what does it matter now?" She wiped her tears away forcefully. "Clyde''s after me. So is the police. Now, I only want the money and to leave the country."

    She grabbed my cor forcefully. "You''re my ticket out. What''s this?"

    Perhaps due to her tugging, my shirt buttons came undone, revealing scars beneath. Without hesitation, Ka tore open my shirt further, slicing through my undergarment.

    The next second, she gasped, "What''s this? Is this surgery?"

    The horror in her eyes suddenly turned to amusement.

    Holding the knife, Kaughed like crazy. Clutching her stomach, she stared at me. "So, that''s how it is. That''s how it is!"

 Chapter 116

    I closed my eyes, refusing to see Ka''s contemptuous smile. I knew she had figured everything out.

    Folks like Eliana could easily guess my plight. The not-so-normal ones, like Ka, could see it, too, as long as they weren''tpletely clueless.

    "No wonder you wear a wig. No wonder you''ve started chemotherapy, right? I guess you''re not far from kicking the bucket, huh? No wonder you''ve been missing work and asking for so much money. I know cancer treatment costs a fortune, tsk..."

    She caressed the scar on my chest, and I dared not move an inch. "Oh, you''ve had surgery twice, a recurrence? How are you still alive? No, you can''t die until I get to leave the country, Mnie. You truly are my good dear Mnie."

    She fastened the buttons on my shirt, her eyes gleaming with madness. "Mnie, I''m not just after money now. I want Clyde to live with guilt for a lifetime. When your cancer came back, Clyde was all over me. When you were in surgery, he was by my side. And during your chemo, he was nning to put down your dog for me. Hrious!"

    I closed my eyes, refusing to look at Ka, who had lost it.

    But her words were all true, painfully true. If Clyde found it out, I had no idea how he''d react, but guilt would surely consume him. I had kept the truth from him to spare him that guilt. Knowing I was on borrowed time, Ka''s treatment of me had softened somewhat.

    When the delivery guy brought food, she even fed me chicken noodle soup. "Eat up and call Clyde. Tell him I want fifty million, or you''re dead." "No, tell him, if he doesn''t pay up, I''ll start cutting off your fingers, toes, ears, and every part of you. That way, you''ll live a bit longer, right?"

    I ate the food emotionlessly because I needed the energy. Even if I were nning to escape, I''d need the strength.

    The delivery guy had ced some rocks in front of the door. "Ka, what''s with the rocks?"

    Ka stepped back with a look of disdain and popped a couple of pills into her mouth. "To block the door. Keep others froming in. Make her block the door, too."

    She swallowed the pills, standing at the farthest end of the room.

    Once the delivery guy had finished,

    she kicked the phone over to me. "Call Clyde. Tell him I want fifty million straight to my offshore ount. He knows the ount. That was his idea of providing for me, so thankful for that."

    As the phone connected, the delivery guy quickly put it on speaker and ryed Ka''s demands.

    Ka added, "And I can''t be made a criminal here. Clear my name online and tell everyone you made this all up. You have one hour, or Mnie''s pinky is getting mailed to you."

    ¡°Ka, I dare youy a finger on her!" Clyde''s roar filled the room as Ka swiftly hung up.

    "Time it right. Don''t let the cops trace this call."

    "He wouldn''t call the cops, would he?" The delivery guy leered and started to feel up Ka, who pushed him away.

    Ka got pissed. ¡°Enough, get out. I have things to discuss with her."

    Reluctantly, after a lewd squeeze, the delivery guy left.

    She was beyond reason, but her n was horrifyingly wless. If I were to die of cancer and the truth came out, Clyde might lose his mind.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    I turned away, refusing to meet her gaze any longer.

    When the phone rang again, she lifted it with a triumphant smirk. "See, I told you. Clyde loves you the most."

 Chapter 117

    "Put Mnie on the phone. I need to make sure she''s okay." Clyde''s voice was emotionless, and Ka nodded at me, urging me to talk. "I''m fine. Don''t worry about me."

    I tried to keep my voice steady, but Clyde got frantic. "Mnie, are you okay? Did she hurt you? Where are you...''

    "Clyde, are you out of your mind? How can I let her tell you where she is?" Ka waved a knife in front of me as a warning to keep quiet. "Just clear things up on Twitter. I can''t leave the country with a warrant on me. It was not my fault, anyway. Tell people you did it all. Tell them Ka is the woman you deceived, the woman whose child you made her lose, the most innocent one. Remember?"

    "Fine." Clyde''s response was terse, and I could sense his teeth grinding through the phone.

    "Half an hour, I want to see some goodments about me online." Her voice was gleeful as the call ended.

    That half hour was torture.

    Ka got called out, leaving me alone in the room. I had chicken soup, which gave me the strength to look around. It seemed to be an abandoned quarry, a ce I vaguely remembered being closed off due to some ident. Half an hourter, Ka returned with my phone. "Look, Clyde did it. Isn''t he amazing?"

    Her tone was mocking, filled with bitterness. "Clyde loves you. Look how he''s taken all the me. He''s such a good husband. He''s been in love with you but just realized how much you mean to him. Disgusting."

    On the phone, Clyde''s statement indeed reversed everything he had previously said. Not only did he im the child was his, but he also dered his love for Ka, iming he had never loved me.

    Theizens believed they were a match made in heaven and forced into a difficult situation. Some condemned him, suggesting I should get the entire Patterson Group.

    No matter what, Ka was satisfied as long as she was innocent. And she had the police withdraw the warrant.

    "Pretty impressive, huh? Mr.

    Patterson can handle anything. But Mnie,te love is worthless. He''s just a jerk. Now that you''re nearly out of the picture, he decides to y the loving partner? What''s next, love from beyond the grave?"

    I just looked at her, speechless.

    She knew everything. Why didn''t she focus on making money from the start?

    Ka didn''t care about my silence,

    venting her resentment nonstop. She called Clyde, asking him toe alone if he wanted me alive "Clyde, if you want Mnie alivee alone! But don''t worry Once I''ve got the money, you can take her. I swear on my dead child

    Clyde had no choice but to agree.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

 Chapter 118

    Ka seemed to hate the rusty trailer I was in, finishing her call and not lingering a moment longer before she stormed out the door.

    The ce reeked of mold, and the excessive rocks littered everywhere didn''t help, covering the ce in dust. I wasn''t a geologist, but I could tell something was off about them.

    Struggling to keep myself upright, I finally sumbed to sleep with a rock as my pillow. But before falling into a deep slumber, I heard hurried footsteps approaching from outside.

    Ka and the delivery guy, each grabbing one of my arms, hoisted me up, with Ka pressing a switchde against my lower back.

    She turned to the delivery guy. "You head to the car and block them off. Bear it in mind. You won''t see a dime if I get caught."

    Still seemingly groggy, the guy nodded and dashed outside with a clenched jaw.

    Ka swiftly popped two pills into her mouth and swallowed hard.

    I eyed her suspiciously, but she gave me a wry smile. "Life-saver. You won''t be needing these. But how did you notify Clyde? Why would hee looking for you?" Her gaze fell on my ne, and she snatched it away. "Damn! You''ve been wearing this ne forever. When did you fit this with..."

    When Ka handed the ne to me, I noticed something ck embedded in the diamond for the first time. Ka smashed the ne on the ground, and a tiny ck device dropped. No wonder I felt the ne was heavier. Was it a GPS tracker?

    The realization that Clyde had been tracking me stirred anger and relief. Was he keeping tabs on me? Yet, that very action may have just saved my life.

    Suddenly, gunshots rang out from

    outside, and acting on instinct, Ka pulled me closer, pressing the de against my throat. "Mnie, bcan''t run anymore."

    She nced around. There was only one door, swarmed with cops.

    Ka chuckled. "Mnie, let''s make a bet, shall we?"

    I asked in confusion. "On what?"

    Ka smirked. "Whether he loves you or not."

    There was a hint of sorrow in her tone, but it quickly turned intoughter. "Mnie, he doesn''t love you. Otherwise, how couldn''t he

    notice your cancer? But he doe

    you. To investigate your dad''s death, he sometimes went days without sleeping. All these years, he kept digging. That''s devotion."

    My heart skipped a beat, aplex feeling washing over me. Clyde had been investigating my family''s issues. Then why hadn''t he told me?

    I looked curiously at Ka. "Why tell me all this? Trying to move me, hoping I''d reconcile with him?"

    "Yeah, I told you it was a bet. So, does he love you or not?" Her expression twisted, showing a mix of ferocity and determination.

    "I bet Clyde won''t realize he lovesContent from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    I

    you until you''re dead!" She then drifted her gaze to the stones nearby, bursting intoughter. "Mel, lots of these rocks in the abandoned quarry are radioactive. The pills I took were anti-radiation. While nning your kidnapping, I thought of bringing you here. I hoped you''d get cancer, and look, God did hear my prayers!" Her voice grew more cheerful. "You''ve rpsed twice already, and with this radiation, isn''t a third time inevitable? Mnie, you''re going to die! Isn''t that just fantastic? I''ll be watching from heaven as you two are forever separated. Thinking about it, it''s blissful, isn''t it?"

 Chapter 119

    "Mnie! Hold tight. I''m here. Don''t be scared!" Clyde''s voice was raspy, filled with urgency felt even through the metal walls of the rusty trailer. Through the window, I saw him running toward me with the police in tow.

    Remembering Ka''s earlier threat, I shouted, "Don''te in. Those rocks are radioactive. Stay back..."

    "That''s enough out of you!" Before I could react, Ka hit the back of my head hard with the butt of her knife, causing me to stumble and fall. She yanked me back up, waving the knife menacingly in front of my eyes. "Mnie, want Clyde to join you in death? Wouldn''t that be romantic? Like Romeo and Juliet, neither of them had a happy ending!"

    Sheughed in a twisted way and pped me hard across the face. "Shut it! Say another word, and I''ll cut you up piece by piece!"

    She dragged me to a corner of the room and shouted out, "Clyde, if you want your wife back, tell the cops to back off! It seems you don''t care about her life, calling the cops like that! Everyone back off, or I swear I''ll kill her. I really will!"

    Ka''s taunts grew louder, a clear sign of her desperation.

    Clyde made a few attempts to rush in, but fortunately, the officers held him back.

    I believed the ce got abandoned for a reason, and if the police records indicated as much, they''d stay out.

    As expected, a negotiator''s voice called out a few minutester. "Ka, you''re surrounded. Release the hostage and surrender your weapon. And you might still have a chance! The radiation from those rocks is dangerous, and a hazmat team is on the way. The sooner youe out, the better your chances!"

    Ka scoffed at the police''s words. "Mnie, do they think I''m an idiot? Why would I walk out? I''m already a goner. I killed I,mitted countless crimes, and stole your jewelry. I''m facing a dead end. But don''t worry. I won''t take you with me. You need to live and wait for the third rpse." Kaughed again.

    I closed my eyes, knowing she spoke the truth.

    The police wouldn''t go in because of the radiation risk.

    Ka had prepared her poison, intending to take out me and the unfortunate soul who had helped her.

    Suddenly, the door was kicked open, and Clyde burst in. "Ka, let her go!"

    He pushed aside the rocks blocking the door, and several officers braved the danger to follow. "Mr. Patterson it''s too dangerous! Get out, and we''ll find a way to save your wife."

    Clyde ignored the officers, his focus solely on me.

    "Clyde, get out. All of you, get out!" I shouted, desperate to keep him away from the radioactive rocks, but he charged forward regardless.

    "Perfect, then we''ll all die together!" Ka raised her knife, aiming straight for my throat.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    With every ounce of strength, I struggled to pull away.

    Clyde grabbed the de with his bare hand, and I wasn''t sure whose blood sttered on my face.

    Bang! A gunshot echoed, and the grip on me loosened, sending me tumbling forward.

    "Mnie!" ignoring his bleeding

    hand, Clyde pulled me into his arms.

    "It''s okay now. We''re leaving this

    ce right now. It''s all right. I promised I wouldn''t let anything happen to you, and I meant it!"

    I held his hand, tears streaming down my face. Seeing the

    dangerous rocks on the ground

    pushed him away. "Let''s go. There''s radiation here!"

 Chapter 120

    I shoved Clyde aside andnded hard on the floor.

    Seeing Ka''s lifeless body next to me, a bullet wound between her brows, I realized that death in real life bore little resemnce to the dramatic scenes portrayed on TV.

    There wasn''t much blood, but her eyes were wide open, staring toward the door, unblinking in death.

    Paramedics in hazmat suits rushed in, pulling Clyde away from the scene.

    Summoning thest of my strength, I crawled to Ka''s side and fished a pill bottle out of her pocket.

    As the police led me away, Clyde broke free and ran toward me. "Mnie, Mnie, are you okay? Please tell me you''re okay."All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.

    He was a mess, with tears and snot mixing as they dripped onto my face.

    This time, I didn''t push him away. Instead, I opened the pill bottle and shoved two pills into his mouth. I wasn''t sure if they''d work, but Ka was too cautious about her life for them to be useless.

    The ce was swarming with officials, all set to examine us and enforce quarantine.

    Upon hearing only the hospital where Warren worked had the necessary facilities and istion units, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. "Let, um, let Eliana''s brother check..."

    Those were what I said before my consciousness faded, fighting to stay awake.

    Ka''sst n echoed in my mind. Indeed, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. If Clyde knew about my illness, he''d uncover why I had left before. And with Jade and Eliana knowing the truth?

    Hospital staff, d in protective gear, bustled around me. I felt faint, my thoughts a chaotic tangle, until I spotted Warren. Reaching out to him, I felt a moment of rity.

    He looked down, his expression unchanged, but his eyes showed a hint of disdain as he gently pushed my hand away with his clipboard. "The patient is alert. Radiation exposure isn''t too severe. Use medication for now. You can rest now. I''ve got all your concerns. Don''t worry."

    A young nurse looked at him with admiration. "Dr. Chandler, can you read minds? Did you hear her say anything?"

    Warren nced at her with an indifferent face. "A bit. I can also read faces. She had a stroke of bad luck, but stepping into our hospital seems to have lightened it. The impending doom has gone.

    Hearing his words, I finally let the darkness take me, a smile on my lips. At the Chandler family''s hospital, Clyde had no clue about my condition. When I woke up, Warren''s poker face greeted me again. "You''ve been eating a lot of health supplements, haven''t you? You''re not in bad shape." He reviewed my file, but his serious gaze made my heart skip.

    I asked, "There''s a ''but,'' right?"

    He nodded. "Mnie, the radiation hasn''t majorly affected the others, and the pills you gave Clyde worked well. But for you, well, you''ll need regr check-ups, understand?"

    His words trailed off, but I got the message. Ka''sst wish mighte true. I might rpse for the third time.

    Warren reassured me. "Don''t worry. Even if it happens, with my exceptional skills, I can save you."

    I nodded at his deadpan expression. "Thanks, I feel reassured. And Clyde? How is he?"

    The memory of him charging in brought tears to my eyes again.

    Just then, Eliana walked in. "Clyde? What could be wrong with him? He''s alive, jumping around like a monkey and wanted to see you!" Eliana rolled her eyes. "Don''t worry. Some nuisances live forever. He''s not going anywhere."

 Chapter 121

    "Looks like the cops are keeping him busy with a statement. I think he''ll be over soon. Got your story straight for when he shows up?" Eliana rushed in so hurriedly that her hair was a mess with bangs stuck to her forehead in a way she couldn''t seem to fix.

    I nced down, shaking my head slightly. "No need. Please keep this between us."

    "You''ve got to be kidding me. You..."

    Eliana was about to continue but got cut off by Warren. "We''ll respect your wishes, but you do know he''s your husband," Warren reminded me gently, his voice carrying a weight of concern.

    I knew what he meant. Legally, Clyde had every right to know the truth.

    "I''ve given Jade power of attorney. She''s handling my affairs. Don''t worry. I''ll be divorcing him soon anyway. Then he won''t be my husband anymore." "And who''s your husband then? This poker-faced doc?" Clyde barged in, one arm in a sling, shoving Warren aside as he locked eyes with me, red- rimmed and watery. "He''s just a doctor. Why are you talking to him so much?"

    Clyde fumed. "I tore up our divorce papers at home and deleted the digital ones, too. How are you going to sign them now? I told you. I''m not divorcing. I even got radiation trying to save you. Look at my arm..."

    He raised his arm in a disy of self-pity.

    Warren stepped forward, unraveling the bandage around Clyde''s neck.

    "Mr. Patterson, you don''t need to elevate your arm for a hand injury. It''s not good for your cirction," he said, a hint of humor in his voice.

    Eliana and I couldn''t help but exchange looks and burst outughing.

    "Fine, Warren, let''s give them some space," Eliana said, nudging Warren out of the room.

    I was left somewhat awkwardly facing Clyde.

    "I''m not divorcing. You owe me. Look at my hand. It''s all internal injuries from the radiation."

    He even started coughing, ying it up.

    I reached out, grabbing his hand. "Clyde, thank you. But this was reckless. You are the heir to the Patterson fortune..."

    "And you''re still my wife!" He pulled me close, nuzzling my neck. He was always like this in college. Sometimes, he was a protector and a big boy needing constion.

    The thought of his reckless bravery made my eyes well up again.

    Just then, the Patterson family made a fashionablyte entrance. Laird and Lucia eyed Clyde up and down. "Only your hand is injured?"

    Lucia''s question was barely out when Merritt raised his cane in warning.

    I stood by my hospital bed, holding Clyde''s hand, smiling warmly at Lucia. "Lucky for us, and thanks to your blessings, Clyde and I are okay. You were praying for us at home, right?"

    Remembering Ka''s mention of York, I nced behind them, noting York''s absence. With Clyde in trouble, he''d have to steer thepany.

    Lucia gave a nervousugh, avoiding my gaze. "Of course, of course."

    Laird cleared his throat a few times before speaking. "That damn Ka, carrying a child that isn''t a Patterson and then kidnapping you, it was

    outrageous. Did she act alone ano

    was someone behind it? Is someone targeting the Patterson family?" N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    Merritt nodded along, and everyone''s eyes fixed on me.

    I said, "She drugged me. I was too out of it to remember anything."

    "Did you not catch a single word? You were out the whole time?" Lucia stepped closer with anxiety written all over her face.

    I shook my head.

    Freya walked in with another officer as Lucia was about to press. "Folks, we''re here to take Mrs. Patterson''s statement. If you''re not involved, please wait at the door. Thank you."

 Chapter 122

    I had everyone clear out this time. Clyde seemed reluctant, but after some insistence on my part, he finally left.

    Freya looked at me, concern written all over her features. "Are you okay? I cane backter when you''re feeling better."

    I confirmed, "It''s now or never. I''m fine."

    Considering I had been drugged and exposed to radiation, I was doing pretty well.

    Hearing my reassurance, Freya began to take notes.

    Ka had probably nned to leave the country from the start, so she talked openly about everything without reservations. Later, realizing she was on borrowed time, she held nothing back. She wanted me to know Clyde had my back, hoping we could reconcile and then push Clyde into the abyss.

    I closed my eyes, recounting everything Ka had told me about York.

    As I spoke, Freya''s expression darkened. She asked, "Apart from her testimony, do we have evidence?"

    I shook my head. Even if I had any evidence, which I didn''t, it was doubtful the police would find anything.

    Too much time had passed, and tracking down a streetwalker for proof was nearly impossible. Even if we could prove York had been in contact with Ka, what then?

    Freya sighed. "Even so, we can''t charge York with a crime. Theoretically, he hasn''t done anything. And without witnesses or evidence..."

    I nodded, aware of all she said. York had been careful for years. Even if he slipped up, catching him would be a challenge. All I could do was speak the truth. The rest was up to this determined young officer.

    "Mnie, your case is officially closed. Ka''s gone..." Freya hesitated, aware of the toll this ordeal had taken on me.

    But I understood. With Ka gone, pursuing anything further was pointless.

    After Freya left, Clyde returned,

    looking worn. "The Patterson family is in trouble now. Next time Grandpa calls, say you''re feeling unwell and won''t return to the Patterson

    Mansion, okay?"

    He tucked me in carefully before sliding into bed and wrapping his arms around me. "Mnie, I''m beat. Let''s catch some sleep." "Okay." I gently held his hand and fell asleep beside him soon.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    I was unsure how much time had passed when the door to the room opened. Instinctively, I opened my eyes, only to see my uncle Talbot. "Oops, sorry, sorry. I knocked, but no one answered..." Talbot cleared his throat awkwardly, and Clyde woke up, looking dazed.

    "Talbot," Clyde muttered, quickly getting out of bed and facing Talbot expressionlessly.

    I sat up. "Uncle Talbot, what brings you here?"

    "The news of your ident was all over the inte. How could I, asz your family, note?" He scrutinized Clyde and me, cing a gift beside us. "Seeing you both fine is a relief. I can rest easy now."

    Talbot didn''t stay long, but his gaze shifted between me and Clyde, looking like he was trying to ascertain something.

    Clyde was noticeably cold and even

    hostile toward Talbot. On the other

    hand, I was visibly nervous and desperately in need of my family''s support in what seemed like an impending divorce. Clyde was displeased with how I acted eventually ceasing to speak

    altogether.

    After Talbot left, Clyde fixed a stern gaze on me. "From now on, avoid contact with the Crawfords, especially Talbot."

 Chapter 123

    "Clyde, have you ever had any dealings with Talbot? What do you know?" I prodded, hoping to see if Clyde would be upfront with me. Merritt mentioned Clyde has been investigating for years, and Ka said the same thing. So, had hee up empty-handed?

    Why did he harbor such hatred toward Talbot if he hadn''t uncovered anything? I guessed Clyde might have found some clues, but not enough to press charges.

    Maybe he didn''t want to worry me, so he kept it to himself.

    Clyde helped me lie down, his face expressionless. "Talbot didn''t show up for our wedding, hardly cares about you, and suddenly, he''s here? He must have an ulterior motive. We haven''t been in touch for years and don''t need to start now. He''s maniptive."

    Clyde just told me to rest up, dodging the subject.

    Whenever I tried to ask anything more, he''d skillfully change the topic. "The police found your ne at the scene. The diamond should be fine. I''ll get you a new chain. After all, we can''t lose that ne. It was my gift to you."

    "Or was it your way of keeping tabs on me?" I tilted my head to look at him, feeling mixed emotions. I hated being monitored, even if it was by Clyde. But without his ne, it might have taken much longer to find me.

    Who knows, when he found me, would I have been dead or suffered another breakdown?

    Clyde''s face turned red, and he pretended to focus on peeling an apple. "You keep talking about divorce, yet keep getting into trouble. I worry about you. The ne won''t have a tracking device this time, but could you consider getting asmartwatch? One that could track your location just in case you need help."

    Watching him nearly peel the apple to its core, I took the knife from his hand and quickly peeled it myself. "Why don''t you just get me one of those kids'' watches? Then I can y Tetris whenever I want."N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    I handed him the neatly peeled apple, and he took a big, almost aggressive bite. "That works. Or, you could stay with me forever. We''ll never be apart again."

    His gaze was intense, filled with an emotion I knew well.

    Just as I was about to look away, he held my chin up. "Mnie, I won''t divorce you. Dream on. I can''t let you go. You''ve always been the one I love the most."

    Clyde added, "I''ve made many mistakes before, thinking you''d abandon me, and I had to punish you. But was wrong, so wrong. When you got kidnapped, I lost my mind. can''t live without you. Please give me one more chance, just one, okay? We won''t divorce. From now on, it''s just you and me."He seemed desperate to prove his sincerity, his speech quickening with urgency.

    Seeing my silence, he leaned in for a kiss, but I put my hand up to stop him. "Clyde, I can''t have children. Is that fine with you?"

    I looked straight at him, suddenly wanting to hear his response.

    He paused with his expression

    confused. "Mnie, with the

    l

    advanced technology, you don''t have to worry. Once you''ve recovered and I''ve detoxed, we can think about having kids again only want our children, our own. Okay?"

    He hugged me tightly, and I could feel his heart pounding against his chest. But I just closed my eyes, feeling no future for us.

 Chapter 124

    Clyde had only injured his hand. Other than that, he was fine. Ka had got some imported medicine, costing thousands of dors per pill. No wonder it worked wonders.

    As for me, I needed regr check-ups to ensure I was in good health. When I left the hospital, Jade and Eliana waited at the entrance with flowers, cheering, "Let''s celebrate Mnie''s discharge. May God bless her forever!"

    I quickly put on a hat and a mask, pretending I didn''t know these two clowns, but they caught up with me.

    Clyde seemed over the moon, insisting on keeping the flowers at home. It looked like the kidnapping had brought Clyde and me closer, almost like when we first married. Everything was great except that we weren''t hitting the sheets.

    After resting for several days, I returned to work, only to find everything had changed. Almost everyone greeted me warmly, their eyes no longer filled with disdain.

    After all, I was the Mrs. Patterson that Clyde had fought so hard to get back.

    It confirmed the office rumors that I was Clyde''s true love. No one saw me as the gold-digger anymore but the cherished Mrs. Patterson. Some even said ours was a love story that blossomed after marriage, with Clyde being the prodigal son who had finally seen the light.

    I paid no mind to the gossip, focusing instead on the overpass project. Because of my ordeal, the project had fallen behind schedule, but there was no room for further dys.

    When Vinson dropped by the office, I was stunned. He had lost weight, looking utterly exhausted. He had texted me during my absence, inquiring about my well-being but never mentioning his own.

    When thinking about it, I found it was odd. Knowing what had happened to me, Vinson should have visited, but he didn''t.

    "Sorry, I had some trouble with a project overseas and just got back. How are you holding up?" Vinson asked.

    It became clear he was juggling too much, running himself ragged.

    I answered with a faint smile, "You can see for yourself. I''m fine now. Don''t worry. Here to discuss the overpass project?"

    Before bringing up the project, Vinson gave me a once-over, ensuring I looked good.

    Everyone knew the significance of

    the project. it pulled off

    sessfully, it could improve our

    chances in future bids, not to

    l

    ±¸!!

    mention the lucrative profits. We

    might have started coborating if it

    weren''t for Clyde''s interference.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    Thinking of Clyde made me sigh.

    "Vinson, I do recognize your capabilities and those of Aspire World. Ideally, we should join forces, but Clyde... Let''s go to see him together. The Patterson Group is still his domain."

    Vinson nodded. "Your husband is quite the handful."

    I let out a sheepish chuckle. That was putting it lightly.

    Clyde was normally all calm and collected, but for some reason, he was really butting heads with Vinson.

    Approaching Clyde''s office, I was surprised to find a stunning woman dressed provocatively, leaning across the desk,ughing and chatting with Clyde.

    "Mel, watch out for this one. She''s trouble," Lina warned, clutching a stack of files and giving the woman a disdainful look.

    "Who is she?" I frowned at the woman. Her profile seemed familiar, but I couldn''t ce her.

    Lina scoffed, "Don''t know her. She ims to represent the Crawford family from Ironvale. Anything to do with you? Anyway, she''s fishy. I saw her trying to fall into Mr. Patterson''s arms on arms on purpose. Ka was gone, and now, herees another temptress. Keep your eyes on her, Mel."

 Chapter 125

    Clyde must''ve said something funny because the woman suddenly burst intoughter, her gaze drifting toward the office door. Her eyes lit up, and she quickly came over to open it. "Mnie, what are you doing standing out here? Come on in."

    Her familiarity threw me for a loop.

    Vinson nodded at me. "Mr. Patterson has guests, and I''lle back another day. Take care."

    I knew it wasn''t the best time to discuss business with outsiders present, so I had Lina escort him out.

    Stepping into the office, I cautiously asked, "Mr. Patterson, who might this be?"N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    "Mnie, don''t tell me you''ve forgotten me. I''m your cousin, Lisa Crawford!" She looked at me, somewhat displeased, and she pouted and gave Clyde a sideways nce. "I told you Mnie''s got a short memory for her family. Here I am, and she doesn''t even recognize me."

    Her tone, somewhat whiny and akin to Ka''s, confused me more. But I knew the name Lisa. She was Talbot''s youngest daughter, with an older brother named Tammie Crawford.

    "I''m so sorry, Lisa. Thest time I saw you, I was in elementary school. I don''t remember, especially since you couldn''t make it back for Grandpa''s funeral, saying you were tied up. I honestly don''t remember you." I kept my professional smile as I faced her, understanding she came on behalf of the Crawford family to discuss a partnership with the Patterson Group.

    The bridge project was lucrative and a chance for fame, something they wouldn''t miss. Talbot''s visit was likely due to Clyde''s interest in me, prompting them to try it.

    Lisa turned to me, looking slightly embarrassed. "I''m sorry. I was indeed busy then. And I''m only two years older than you. It wasn''t up to me back then, right?"

    She was already making excuses, followed by a bunch offorting words.

    I just watched her, thinking she

    missed her calling as an actress. If Ka was innocent, Lisa was the

    maniptive woman in disguisene

    Perhaps it was her privileged upbringing, but she also had the forthrightness of a spoiled heiress.

    However, looking at her makeup and outfit, I realized she was imitating me, just like Ka did, except that she missed the point that I rarely dressed so provocatively. Firstly, my figure didn''t allow it, and secondly, my scars didn''t, either.

    But for her, just looking like me was enough, especially since we''re cousins. It made it easier for her to get close to Clyde.

    I guessed her intent but kept silent, holding the documents at the side.

    Clyde looked awkward. "Mnie, didn''t we have dinner ns..."

    I''ve booked a restaurant. Let''s have a family dinner. We''re all family here." Lisa cut him off. ¡°Mr. Patterson, you wouldn''t refuse me, would you?"

    She lowered her head, looking

    slightly aggrieved. Noticing her

    ne, remarkably simr to the

    one Clyde had given me, it was clear

    she''d made an effort. After all,

    e

    Talbot and my father shared a resemnce, as did Lisa and I to our

    father, adding to the simrity.

    With her insistence, Clyde and I naturally couldn''t refuse.

    She tried everything to charm Clyde, even ordering his favorite dishes. Clyde remained a gentleman, speaking little, with only Lisa seemingly enjoying the conversation.

    When it was time to pay, Lisa looked at me sheepishly. "Mnie, I don''t like staying in hotels. Theyck a homely feel. We''re family, so I hope to stay at your ce for a few days. You wouldn''t mind, would you?"

 Chapter 126

    Lisa locked her eyes on Clyde as she spoke. I couldn''t peg down Lisa''s personality since our paths rarely crossed, but it was clear she had a bit of a cunning streak, albeit not overly so. My interactions with Talbot and his family were minimal, leaving me puzzled about her current vibe. Yet, her tant pursuit of Clyde, devoid of subtlety, made it obvious she was there for him.

    Maybe Clyde''s reputation as a charmer made Lisa so confident. Regardless of her reasoning, I wasn''t keen on having her around.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    "Lisa, I''m afraid this isn''t a good idea," I said.

    "How so? Don''t you two live in that huge apartment? It''s hundreds of square feet, and you can''t spare some for me?" She pouted at Clyde. Her coquettish demeanors were strikingly simr to Ka''s.

    Clyde leaned closer to me in response.

    I found myself in a bind. "Clyde and I don''t live together. If you want to stay at the apartment, ask him."

    I told her I stayed in the apartment left by myte mother, and Clyde lived elsewhere.

    Under the table, Clyde''s hand squeezed mine, though my face remained expressionless.

    "If you want to live with him, you ask him," I said, loud enough for those nearby to hear.

    The attention shifted toward us, making it awkward for Lisa to insist on staying, yet her eyes sparkled with hope as she looked at Clyde. "So, are you two heading for a divorce? Already living separately?"

    "Nowadays, divorce isn''t a big deal, but you''ve got to think about the family''s interests, right?" She didn''t even look at me once, focusing all her attention on Clyde.

    As far as my family was concerned, I

    was the only one left. She saw

    fas

    el

    herself as the future Mrs. Patterson,

    already nning her role in the

    Crawford family''s future, boasting

    about their recent sesses.

    "Clyde, Mnie might not be your ideal wife, but you''ve been together for years. Even though I''m her cousin, I must speak fairly. Mnie can be truly stubborn, oftencking flexibility..."

    "Lisa, haven''t you and Mnie been out of touch for nearly twenty years? How would you know her character?" Clyde casually wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Mnie is my wife, and divorce has never been on the table. You seem eager for her to be a divorcee, don''t you? Criticizing my wife in front of me, no matter how well the Crawford family is doing, is just in rude."

    Lisa was shocked by Clyde''s sudden hostility, panic evident in her eyes.

    "No, Mr. Patterson, you''ve got it all wrong. I just thought if young people find they''re notpatible, divorce isn''t the end of the world."

    "Your concern is unwarranted. Sorry,

    but we''ve got another engagement. We''ll be taking our leave." Clyde grabbed my bag and took my hand, leading me away. I offered Lisa an awkward smile, noting the frustration in her eyes. Clyde was a ma for drama.

    As we hastened to the car, Clyde finally slowed down. "Mnie, about earlier..."

    Before he could continue, I got into the car, leaving him momentarily stunned and visibly irked.

    I blurted out, "Are we going home or not?"

    At the mention of home, his face lit up with a smile, though he still huffed as he got in.

    "If you dare bring up divorce in public again..." He huffed once more, unable to finish his sentence. I just smiled and looked out the window, amused by the scenario.

 Chapter 127

    Neither of us would hold grudges, which made sorting through issues much easier.

    Lisa''s arrival was odd, and she didn''t even try to hide her agenda. We both sensed something was off.

    "When was thest time you got in touch with Talbot? It''s been years without any contact. He visited you at the hospital, and your cousin Lisa suddenly came to my office. What are they up to? I feel it''s not just about the bridge project." Aside from matters of the heart, Clyde was sharp as a tack.

    I didn''t hold back from him. Except for the diary my mom left behind, I told him everything.

    "You''ve met Galen a few times. He''s picked me up from school before, a real bean counter. I can''t imagine him betraying my dad. But something was fishy about what happened back then, and even the police couldn''t find him. It''s all too strange."

    Since Clyde was also digging into my family''s past, I figured we should pool our resources.

    He stared ahead in silence for minutes before finally speaking up. "What made you start looking into this?"

    I suddenly found myself at a loss for words. Before, my illness was severe, and then my mom got sick when I returned home. I didn''t have the headspace to investigate. Then my cancer rpsed, and with Ka''s drama, I lost all interest in digging deeper.

    While gazing out the window, Warren''s words popped into my head unbidden. He said I had a shadow over my spiritual brow, a sign of blood and disaster.

    It seemed the best therapists for us were fortune tellers.

    I cleared my throat and whispered, "I dreamt about my mom. She said there was something fishy about my dad''s situation. I don''t want her to be restless, so I thought I''d ask Talbot."

    Clyde turned to look at me, and sure

    enough, he didn''t press any further.

    After all, everyone believed in messages from the dead, so he didn''t have anything to retort with.

    Was he supposed to talk to the spirit medium or something?

    Seeing he remained silent, I prodded, "Do you think something was fishy about what happened to my family back then?"

    By then, Clyde had returned to the Patterson family and must know something. But he kept mum all the way home until he pulled me aside. "Mnie, if you dreamt of your mom again, tell her I''ll look into it.

    Remember to stay away from Talbot and his family."

    I was nearly breathless with frustration, giving him a speechless look. "Do you think that''s under my control?"

    Wishful thinking, I wasn''t psychic. Besides, I was bluffing anyway.

    He cleared his throat awkwardly several times. "Just don''t get involved, and don''t contact them, got it?"

    I pressed, "Clyde, do you know something you''re not telling me?"

    His guilty expression made me suspicious. knew Clyde''s ways. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have aContent from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    handle on the Patterson family''s et

    internal affairs, forcing Laird to desperate measures over the years. But he kept telling me not to ask too much, trying to change the subject.

    I couldn''t take it anymore. "Clyde, Merritt already told me. You''ve been investigating my dad''s death and even protected my mom..."

    My voice choked up, unsure how to continue. I was afraid Clyde would ask why I didn''te back when I was in Country Aurorea and why I didn''t help my family. But thankfully, he didn''t ask anything but looked at me hesitantly.

    Finally, he sighed and pulled me into his arms. "Mnie, it isplicated. You don''t have to get involved. Just trust me, okay? Someone else is behind the scenes, and I don''t want you to get hurt. You understand?"

 Chapter 128

    I wanted to keep probing Clyde about his investigations, but his phone suddenly burst into incessant buzzing. Visibly annoyed, Clyde nced at his phone, and his face darkened even more. "Mnie, it is all your fault!" He handed me his phone with a scowl, and upon seeing the texts from Lisa, I was at a loss for words.

    [Clyde, I''m back at the hotel. It''s so creepy being here all alone.]

    [The hallway is deserted. Ugh, I don''t even feel like stepping out now.]

    [I brought only this nightgown. Do you know where I can grab some pajamas?]Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    Lisa pushed the envelope, attaching a sensational picture. The silk lingerie was practically sheer, hinting more than it concealed.

    I faintly remembered Lisa from our fourth or fifth grade when she was a little tomboy dressed like a fairy from children''s TV shows. How had she changed so drastically?

    The phone rang with Lisa''s call, and Clyde tossed it at me. "I''m not dealing with this. She''s your cousin. You handle it."

    "Take the call. I''m off to shower. Don''t even think about giving it back to me!" Clyde dashed off to the bathroom like a man on a mission, leaving me speechless as the phone rang endlessly.

    Lisa seemed convinced Clyde preferred bimbos, watching the phone battery drain as it buzzed relentlessly until I finally turned it off. Clyde had crafted his persona, and he should deal with these unwanted suitors.

    So, I turned my attention to myputer, beginning my search into the Crawford family''s recent history.

    Talbot had been making moves, taking his veterans to Ironvale and kicking their business into high gear. The Crawford family had undertaken several critical projects, earning a reputation and substantial yearly profits.

    Lisa had lived abroad and only returned home a few years ago. Her social media was about the high life, the epitome of a wealthy heiress lost in luxury.

    But considering her bizarre behavior

    today, I couldn''t shake the feeling that something was up with the Crawford family. Unless Lisa had fallen for Clyde at first sight, she was likely eyeing the Patterson family''s influence and wealth.

    el

    However, the Crawford family had recently secured a big project, so it didn''t seem thepany was in trouble. What was going on? Online searches only revealed positive news, leaving me with more questions than answers.

    The following day at work, not only did Vinson show up, but Lisa did, too. Both came to discuss a potential coboration on a bridge project, and Clyde sent them straight to the conference room.

    Vinson''s team waspetent, making Lisa utterly unprepared byparison. She kept ying the family card, insisting being rtives made them the ideal partners.

    Vinson smiled, staying silent, and I didn''t want to interfere, hoping Clyde would see through Lisa''sck of preparation. But how would we dig into past events if we didn''t partner with her?

    Clyde tapped the table. "Severalpanies are interested in partnering with the Patterson Group, but I''ll only choose one. More partners mean more chaos."

    That was also my take. Partnering with only onepany seemed more manageable.

    Lisa jumped in. "But surely, keeping it in the family is more reliable, and the Crawford family is professional in these matters."

    She kept raving about the Crawford family''s professionalism without showing any real proof, making me shake my head in disbelief.

    I said, "I think Aspire World is a better fit. Their team is strong, and they have the financial stability to ensure the project''spletion."

    That had been my stance from the beginning, setting aside personal connections for the more capable team of Vinson. "Mr. Patterson!" Lisa''s whining voice rang out.

    Clyde sat up straighter and said, "Ms. Lisa does have a point."

 Chapter 129

    I turned to look at Clyde, utterly baffled by his actions.

    Meanwhile, Clyde grabbed the documents and stood up. "Ms. Mnie, pleasee to my office. The rest of you, please wait here for a moment."

    Clyde didn''t even nce my way before leaving the conference room. I shot Vinson an apologetic look before following Clyde out. Back in the office, I immediately closed the blinds. "Clyde, what are you thinking? Don''t you know what Aspire World is all about?"

    "I do. And I know all about Vinson, too! He''s been chasing you since college, and you''re married! Like a bad penny." Clyde spat out, tossing the documents onto the desk with a clench of his teeth. "I don''t want to work with him. He''s too annoying."

    Seeing him so mad, I patiently went over the pros and cons once again.

    But Clyde remained silent, just staring at the documents in his hand. He knew what I was saying, and he was just being stubborn.

    Finally, I gave up. "Fine, the Patterson Group is yours, not mine. My opinion doesn''t matter."

    I''d said all I could, good and bad. If Clyde wasn''t buying it, there was nothing more I could do. Thinking about my health condition and how I couldn''t afford to get angry, I didn''t want to look at Clyde anymore. Maybe I could live a few years longer if I didn''t see him.

    Just as I turned to leave, I saw a sh of red at the door. Was Lisa eavesdropping?

    Suddenly, an idea struck me, and I quickly turned back to face Clyde. "Clyde, you''re not nning to coborate with the Crawford family for Lisa, are you? You''re really disgusting."Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    "What are you talking about? Are you out of your mind?" Clyde mmed his hand on the desk, ring at me fiercely.

    I pointed toward the door, signaling Lisa was also at the doorway.

    "Drop the act. You think I can''t see how you two look at each other?" I raised my voice deliberately and moved closer to Clyde.

    I winked at him, whispering in a voice only the two of us could hear, "Why don''t you test her?"

    Since we were going to investigate

    Talbot and his family needed to be involved. Lisa had presented herself on a silver tter, and I wouldn''t let the opportunity slip.

    Clyde looked at me incredulously before grabbing my hand, his voice low, "Are you crazy? You want me to flirt?"

    I nodded silently. Clyde''s good looks could charm anyone, woman or man alike. Over the years, he''d also had his fair share of male admirers. Clyde''s grip tightened slightly, and then the office door swung open.

    "Clyde, please don''t argue because of me. It would weigh heavily on my conscience." Lisa''s voice sounded pitiful, making my skin crawl.

    I jerked my hand away from Clyde''s,

    and his expression instantly

    .ne

    changed as he said coldly, "I''m the

    CEO of the Patterson G

    and I

    decide who we partner with!"

    "And I''m the Head of the Design Department at the Patterson Group. The overpass project was my design, and I hold the patent!" I had put in a lot of effort to secure that patent, and at that moment, my value was apparent.

    Even Clyde was momentarily speechless, but I saw a hint of amusement in his eyes and quickly signaled him.

    He then straightened up. "You, get out. I need to speak with Ms. Lisa alone!"

    I rolled my eyes at Lisa before leaving the office. Before closing the door, I saw Clyde, with an awkward smile, starting to speak in officialese.

    "Ms. Lisa, I apologize for the distress earlier."

    I made a face at him and quickly shut the door.

    He was ying his part.

 Chapter 130

    Back in the meeting room, I told Vinson to head back first and wait for some good news. Clyde had agreed to feel out Lisa for me, so a coboration with Aspire World was in the bag.

    Vinson spoke, "You don''t have to stress about this. If it doesn''t work out, there''s always next time."

    Vinson considered my feelings as always, but I just shook my head. "Head back. Don''t worry. We''ll nail this coboration."

    It would be out of my mind to miss a partnership with a top-notchpany like Aspire World.

    It turned out Lisa had been in Clyde''s office all afternoon.

    When they left work together, the office buzzed with rumors.

    Our picture-perfect marriage facade was crumbling, and everyone sighed as they watched.I was secretly thrilled, sensing a breakthrough might be around the corner. Lisa was no match for Clyde''s wits.

    I grabbed Jade and Eliana to dine out.

    Jade gave me a look that said a thousand words. "Your cousin, is she out of her mind? Flirting with your husband?"

    "No way! Clyde''s got no ss? Thank goodness I got out when I did." Eliana clutched her chest, visibly shaken.

    I waved it off. "No worries, girls. I asked him to test Lisa. Why did the Crawford family suddenly show up after nearly two decades? Smells fishy." Jade knew about my mom''s diary and fell silent.

    However, Eliana was intrigued. "You mean Talbot and his family? Their influence in Ironvale is no joke. My family''s restaurant has worked with them. I had no idea you were rted."

    I nodded. "Talbot and his family are influential. But why did they suddenly seek out the Patterson family for a partnership by crossing state lines? And if it''s about seducing Clyde, why so brazenly? Why not more subtly, behind the scenes?"

    That was something I couldn''t figure out, either.

    Lisa had never got involved in business affairs. It was clear from meetings she was clueless.

    If genuinely seeking a partnership, the Crawford family would back her with a professional team, not let her bumble through it.

    But Lisa''s intentions were too

    obvious. They couldn''t possibly be

    expecting me to drop dead

    suddenly stepping in as recements, could they? Three

    heads are better than one. We figured the Crawford family must be in trouble and seeking a marriage alliance as a solution.

    el

    As for the nature of their trouble, Eliana volunteered to investigate. "My family''s restaurant chain in Ironvales celebrating its anniversary. I''ll have folks dig around. Don''t worry. My staff are great at gathering intel. They''d dig what you want!"

    I felt guilty for relying on Eliana so much.

    We weren''t close in college, and at that moment, she was helping me out, and I didn''t know how to repay her.

    I offered, "How about I give your people a generous bonus? It doesn''t feel right having them work for nothing."

    "I pay them. Why not give me a big

    bonus?" Eliana looked at me,

    don''t want to owe meet

    half-joking, half-serious. "Or,

    I nodded earnestly. "I feel I can''t ever repay you."N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    Eliana rolled her eyes and sent me several messages on WhatsApp.

    [Warren''s working on a new drug that needs patients like you for data. Want to try it? It''s approved abroad.]

    [Make a few more trips to the hospital, and consider it your way of repaying me.]

    [If his research could cure cancer, I''d save lives.]

    I sighed, "So, you help me a bit, and suddenly you''re taking all the credits?"

 Chapter 131

    The following day, I went to the hospital to see Warren. He seemed irked upon learning that Eliana had spilled the beans about the experimental drug. "Can''t tell a cold capsule from an anti-inmmatory, and she''s sending you over?" he scoffed.

    "I mentioned it just once, and she remembered. She''s got a good memory and cares about me," I defended.

    Warren quickly skimmed through my medical report and took off his sses more dramatically than usual.

    "Mnie, the radiation you were exposed tost time has me worried," he confessed, his tone grave.

    That was the first time I''d seen him without his sses, and he seemed more authoritative, his balding head notwithstanding.

    Sitting across from him, I felt a twinge of anxiety. "Is iting back?"

    "It''s uncertain, but the odds aren''t great." He didn''t sugarcoat his words, especially when indicating that several markers in my reports were off, chilling me to the bone.

    I had hoped my body could withstand a little more, at least long enough to uncover the truth behind my father''s death. But then, even my survival seemed up in the air.

    "You are too weak. Chemotherapy involves radiation, too, and the kind from those minerals has done you no favors," Warren exined. "You''re kind of like a glitchy app right now-still going but might crash any minute. I think you should be in the hospital so we can keep an eye on things constantly. If anything goes wrong, we can handle it right away. With me on board, you''re in safe hands."

    Warren rarely spoke with such gravity. I knew my situation was dire. I did some digging myself. Radiation from those stones had led to leukemia and cancer in many miners. My exposure might''ve been brief, but as someone prone to rpses, my odds were worse.

    I remained silent, and Warren didn''t press me.

    That was a big deal. I had to talk with someone, but I had no one.

    After contemting my situation, I shook my head. "I can''t be hospitalized."

    That was my line in the sand. Hospitalization would mean Clyde finding out everything. And with my condition public knowledge, any investigation I hoped to pursue would be hampered.

    Warren pondered and then pulled out a document. "This is an experimental drug from Aurora Labs I''ve been working on. It might shield you from some radiation effects in clinical trials. But, look here, there are side effects."

    The list of unfamiliar medical terms made me frown.

    He borated, "Aside from vomiting, fainting, and nosebleeds, it might affect your central nervous system, but we''re unclear on the specifics." "Could it trigger a third recurrence?" I asked carefully.

    Warren nodded. "Doubt it. It''s used to offset radiation effects."

    Upon hearing that, I breathed a sigh of relief. If Warren deemed the risk minimal, it was so.

    "Fine, I want to give it a shot." With a

    §Ö

    chance to avoid a recurrence, I was all in. After all, chemotherapy came

    withats risks. Given my condime

    had no choice.

    I

    After signing the agreement and leaving his office, I started to figure out how to sneak out for bi-weekly check-ups.

    Lifting my gaze, I saw Lisa slumped in Clyde''s arms, clearly too much for him.

    Lisa caught my eye first and clung tighter to Clyde.

    "Clyde, can''t you carry me? I''ve seen it in movies," she pleaded.

    Clyde''s face turned red, his voice shaky, "Sorry, I''m not much into working out... I can''t lift..."N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    "It''s not that you''re heavy. I''m just, um, weak," Clyde stammered awkwardly.

 Chapter 132

    I couldn''t hold it in and burst outughing.

    Clyde finally noticed I was there, instantly letting go, and Lisa nearly toppled over.

    But quickly, she wrapped her arms around Clyde''s neck again. Then she exaggeratedly opened her mouth as if she had just noticed me. "Mnie, I''m so sorry. Clyde said he''d take me out for a day, but I''ve twisted my ankle. Are you okay? He didn''t mean to leave you behind. It''s all my fault. I''m such a klutz."

    She leaned into Clyde''s shoulder, looking sad, while Clyde rolled his eyes so hard that I thought they''d stick that way. He gave me a look that screamed, "Help me," without saying a word.

    I struggled to keep a straight face as I helped her up, eyeing her fine ankle, and couldn''t help but think she could''ve at least pretended to have heatstroke or something more convincing.

    "It''s okay. You''re my elder cousin, which makes you Clyde''s rtive. He can''t just ignore you, right?"

    After all, Clyde and I were the same age, and Lisa was older than Clyde. Women cared about their age, and Lisa''s face fell immediately.

    Lisa protested, "Mnie, I skipped grades. I''m only two years older than you."

    "Exactly, so you''re my elder cousin." I feigned innocence, giving her an ignorant look. I''d been perfecting it since grade school.

    When we got to the ER, the doctor''s face fell. But given the high fees of the private hospital, he still managed a professional smile. "Thisdy just twisted her ankle. A bit of rest, and she''ll be fine."

    "Just rest? It hurts, though." Lisa looked up at Clyde with watery eyes.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    Meanwhile, Clyde was busy with his phone, running out of patience.

    He was like that. He couldn''t stand being near women he disliked, as if they were from another pl.

    Lisa pretended to be in tears. "Clyde, I think it might be fractured."

    I was totally speechless. Clyde isn''t a doctor, after all.

    The doctor sighed, handing over a form. "Then let''s get an X-ray to be sure."

    "Family members can pay and take the patient for the scan." He handed the form to Clyde, who pretended to be on a call and stepped out.

    The doctor looked at me. I sighed and took the form. While ncing at Lisa''s fine ankle, an idea struck me.

    "I''ll go find Clyde. Let him take you for the scan." I rushed to the door, meeting Clyde''s irritated gaze.

    The next second, I clutched my head, copsing into his arms.

    "Mnie, Mnie!" He looked at me worriedly, and I winked at him.

    He got the hint immediately. "I''m taking you home. You''re having a hypoglycemia episode."

    I was speechless, thinking he could''ve figured out a better excuse.

    Hypoglycemia, in a hospital, and we had to go home?

    Lisa stopped her act, hurrying out. "What about me? I need the scan!"

    "I''ll call

    Mnie home now." Clyde carried me off like we were escaping a fire.

    rabter. I need to t

    I could see Lisa stomping her foot in frustration, apparently forgetting she

    was supposed to have a ''fracture

    who

    ankle.

    Once in the car, Clyde sighed, eager to get us away from the scene.

    Suddenly, he turned to me. "What brought you to the hospital anyway?"

    I paused and quickly patted my bag. "I had to get a follow-up for myst radiation check. I''ve been losing weight, remember? Dr. Chandler prescribed me some anti-radiation meds."

    Clyde didn''t dwell on it. "Next time, let mee with you. Don''t go alone."

    I nodded silently, not wanting to exin any further.

    Clyde fumed. "Lisa''s getting cheeky, thinking she can trick me. What''s your n?"

    "We''ll see how far she''ll go." I stared out the window impassively, feeling like a storm was brewing.

 Chapter 133

    The night turned tempestuous with lightning tearing through the dark sky, followed by the roar of thunder, and then the heavens opened up, pouring rain like there was no tomorrow.

    Gazing out the window, I had this sinking feeling that sleep would elude me tonight.

    As soon as the rain started, Clyde''s phone rang.

    He handed it over with a totally resigned look. "Your turn. I don''t want to deal with this woman. Just take the call. Or better yet, get one of those voice- changing apps."Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Seeing Lisa''s name shing on the screen, I couldn''t help but wonder about her obsession with Clyde. What was the rush?

    I rolled my eyes at Clyde, hit the answer button, and switched on the speakerphone. I reached around to give Clyde a yful pinch in the side.

    "Ouch!" He red at me while Lisa''s voice came through, "Clyde, what''s wrong?"

    ¡°N-nothing, just hurt my hand trying to pick up the call hurriedly." He grabbed my hand tightly and pulled me beside him on the couch.

    "Ms. Lisa, what''s the matter?"

    "Oh, what''s the rush? You can call backter. Did you hurt yourself? I''ll make it better when I see you." Lisa''s voice was flirtatious, clearly in high spirits.

    But in the next moment, her tone shifted to one of self-pity. ¡°The thunder is so loud, and the wind... I''m scared, Clyde. Can youe over and keep mepany? It''s all Mnie''s fault. I said I hated hotels, but she insisted I stay in one. The house is so big. Why can''t she make room for me? Oh, god..."

    I couldn''t help but roll my eyes.

    How is that on me? If she wanted to stay, she needed to talk to Clyde about it.

    Clyde squeezed my hand. ¡°Uh, it''s unsafe to head out right now. The streets are flooded."

    I almost burst outughing. Clyde could easily navigate those puddles in his SUV. But catching his warning nce, I wisely kept silent.

    ¡°Oh, I was just babbling. How could I possibly ask you to risk it?" Lisa''s voice was thick with a feigned sob. "It''s enough to know you care. Can we chat for a bit?"

    "Sure, yeah..." Clyde was about to drown in difort, but I kept reassuring him, nudging him to keep the conversation going with Lisa.

    Five minutes in, Lisa began to take

    jabs at me. "Mnie has always been rebellious, hasn''t she? Beautiful and pursued by many. You''ve had your share of suffering chasing after her, right?"

    "She only hangs out with kids from wealthy families. Back when we were poor, she wouldn''t even look my way. That''s why she probably doesn''t remember me."

    "She''s still after money, isn''t she? Look at what she wears. You''ve bought her everything."

    Lisa had a way with words, never hitting the nail on the head but making her insinuations clear.

    Clyde and I exchanged silent nces, and he winked at me. "Yeah, well, women always want something, don''t they? That''s why can''t let her near the business. You know her family friend, Galen, the former ountant for the Crawford family, huh? I''m always worried she might mess with my finances."

    I squeezed his hand back, marveling at his ingenuity.

    His voice carried a tone of faux grievance as he yfully bit my fingertip.

    "Galen? The Crawford family''s old ountant?" It seemed to take Lisa a moment to recall who he was, then she scoffed. "Don''t worry Nobody will side with Mnie, especially not Galen."

    Clyde immediately pressed. "Why''s that?"

    Lisa smirked, "Because he won''t show up anymore."

 Chapter 134

    ?

    "Why?" Clyde blurted out almost instinctively, and my heart skipped a beat alongside.

    The case involved a huge sum of money years ago, and the police never managed to track down Galen Brown. So why was Lisa so sure he wouldn''t show up now?

    "He, he... hemitted a crime, didn''t he? He did something wrong, of course he''d stay hidden."

    Lisa''s voice was tinged with uncertainty, fueling my suspicions even more.

    The Lairds shouldn''t have had any dealings with ourpany, let alone know Galen Brown.

    Especially since Lisa had been abroad all this time, how could she be aware of what was happening back home?

    I narrowed my eyes slightly, and Clyde coughed softly.

    "Are you sure about this? Mnie has been pushing for a divorcetely, wanting a hefty chunk of my assets."

    "If Galen helps her, I might lose everything."

    "You guys are really getting a divorce?" Lisa sounded almost excited, to which Clyde nomittally hummed in response.

    She then sighed in relief. "Just rx, no one''s going to help her. Just keep an eye on her, that''s all."

    "Oh my, it''s gettingte. I need my beauty sleep. Goodnight!"

    She hurriedly ended the call, and Clyde and I exchanged nces, each seeing the meaning in the other''s eyes.

    "Let''s not dig deeper for now. We don''t want to spook anyone."Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    Clyde''s voice was low, his gaze fixed on the phone screen, my feelings simrlyplex.

    Galen Brown had been loyally serving our family for years, one of my father''s few true friends.

    He watched me grow up; I couldn''t believe he would do such a thing.

    But why did Lisa know Galen Brown? And how could she be so sure he wouldn''t appear?

    "Do you think Galen might have fled abroad? Or maybe he''s already..."

    I made a throat-slitting gesture.

    Apart from these scenarios, I couldn''t think of any other possibilities.

    "He didn''t leave the country; I

    checked. There are no exit recordet

    for

    him either." Content bound , and the police bet

    SWO

    t

    to

    "However, his wife and kids left for Aurorea, probably around the same time you did."

    He said this with a hint of resentment in his eyes.

    I chose to ignore his look, "So, what do we do now?"

    He gently ruffled my hair, then pinched my earlobe.

    "You, just take care of the project and yourself."

    "I''ll give Lisa a chance to cast her sights on my charms. You take the day off tomorrow."

    "What?"

    I didn''t get his n, and he didn''t offer any more details.

    The next day, I slept in, only to be woken up by Eliana''s call.

    "Mnie, it''s the afternoon, and you''re still asleep? Aren''t you working today?"

    I nced at the clock-past four in the afternoon. It had been ages since I''d slept this well.

    "I took the day off. What''s up?"

    "I''ve dug up some dirt on the Crawford family. Let''s meet up; I''ll head to your neighborhood." That statement jolted me awake. So, the Crawford family was indeed in trouble.

    I quickly got ready and headed to a local diner nearby.

    Eliana eyed the food with disdain. "Given this is a high-end neighborhood, this food... it''s awful."

    "I''ll treat you to something better next time. Now, spill-what did you find?"

 Chapter 135

    "Half a billion dors?"

    My jaw dropped. Was Lisa some kind of angel? Half a billion?

    Eliana reached over, pushing my jaw back up with a smirk.

    "The Crawfords have quite the appetite, so it''s no surprise they haven''t found a suitable match for a merger."

    ¡°And let''s be real, her cozying up to Clyde, it''s pretty obvious what she''s after. The Mrs. Patterson title is worth way more than a few hundred million, right?"

    "So, you better take care of yourself, secure your golden goose, and don''t forget to give me that discount on the restaurant redesign, okay?"

    She then pulled out two bottles of vitamins from her purse, "Warren asked me to give these to you."

    Holding the bottles, I felt a mix of gratitude and concern.

    I hadn''t known Eliana and her brother from the Chandler family for long, but they had been nothing but kind to me.

    "Alright, enough with the mushy stuff. Remember to go for your check-ups every week. You need to stay alive if you''re going to keep digging. I''ve heard from my dad, there was something fishy about what happened to your family''s business. But it was out of his field, so he didn''t have much detail. Having dealt with the Patterson Group, you''d know that the cash flow doesn''t just stop overnight. There must have been some warning signs. Your dad... I''ve met him. He seemed sharp enough to notice if something was wrong. I bet there was a mole."

    I nodded silently. Indeed, it had to be Gale. But why would Galen do such a thing?

    He had been in charge of the Crawfords'' ounts, so he''d be the first one to face questions if anything went wrong.

    Thinking about how he had moved his family abroad, I grew worried. Could he have known trouble wasing and secured a way out for his kids, just like my mom did?

    "Eliana, thank you. I owe you..."

    "Pay me back by living a long and healthy life," she quipped, then kicked me under the table before pulling out a file.

    "I know you''re busy, but my family''s nning to build a new headquarters in Ironvale. Youmust design it."

    "I''ll also dig around for info on the Crawfords for you. Ironvale is their stronghold, after all!"N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    "Oh, and I''m expecting the friends and family rate, not a penny more, or I''ll be on your case!"

    I chuckled, eagerly serving her more food.

    Eliana might be tough and not the most tactful, but she was genuinely caring.

    She even mentioned that a few managers from the Crawford family had quit to work at her family''s diner in Ironvale and offered to introduce me to them.

    Thinking about some of the

    management practices of the

    Crawford family in the past, el

    also

    to

    a little excited.

    Belongs

    If they can tell the truth, it will be much easier to investigate.

    We spent hours discussing the project over dinner, and before

    Wit, it was dark outside. I received a call from et

    I

    "Babe, can you pick me up?" Clyde''s voice was slurred, as if he had been drinking.

    Then I heard Lisa''s sugary voice in the background.

    "Clyde, why aren''t youing over? My head is spinning."

    Her voice was so overly sweet that it made Eliana visibly shudder.

    Clyde lowered his voice, repeating, "Come get me."

    He hung up quickly, and I received a text with a hotel address.

    Eliana leaned in, ¡°Oh my god, a love hotel? Mirrors everywhere and all sorts of... essories?"

    I didn''t have time to question her detailed knowledge, grabbing my purse in a hurry.

    "Sorry, I need to go get him."

    "I''ming too. I''ll drive, I''m super fast!"

    Eliana''s excitement was palpable, and I just nodded, resigned to her joining this unexpected adventure.

 Chapter 136

    When we got to the hotel, the receptionist wouldn''t give us even a hint about which room Clyde was in.

    Eliana tossed her hair back and banged on the counter.

    "Where''s Sam? Get Sam out here!"

    The receptionist looked terrified and quickly went to find someone.

    Soon enough, a person who looked like a manager came jogging out.

    "Ms. Chandler, my dear, why didn''t you tell me you wereing..."Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    "Cut the crap. I''m here to catch a cheater. Where''s he?"

    Eliana nodded in my direction, and I quickly pulled up a photo of Clyde''s ID on my phone.

    The manager nced at the photo, then back at Eliana with a troubled expression.

    "Ms. Chandler, we have to respect the privacy of our guests..."

    "It''s him. They''ve been ying dangerous games. If something happens to him under your watch, you can kiss your job goodbye!" Eliana''s tone was chilling; I was scared, and I could only imagine how the manager felt.

    He quickly gestured to the receptionist.

    Without even checking the system, the youngdy blurted out, "Top floor, 1901, thedy requested a full suite..."

    Eliana pulled me toward the elevator, then turned to the manager.

    "Sam, pretend I was never here, got it?"

    As the elevator doors closed, I could see the manager bowing repeatedly to her.

    "You..."

    Seeing Eliana''s excited expression, I swallowed all the questions I had.

    When we reached the door of 1901, Eliana rolled up her sleeves and knocked forcefully.

    "Who is it?" Lisa''s annoyed voice came through.

    Eliana quickly put on a sweet smile and said, "Ma''am, the bottle of wine Mr. Patterson ordered is here, please open the door. And the hotel has sent over aplimentary luxury kit for you two."

    Her voice was so sweet it scared me.

    Lisa slowly came to open the door, and Eliana kicked it open.

    We were just in time; Lisa had just taken a bath, and Clyde''s clothes were still neatly buttoned.

    He seemed to notice me, then immediately reached out.

    "Honey!"

    I walked over, frustrated beyond belief, only to be grabbed by Lisa.

    "Mnie, you''re getting a divorce, and

    ChYou''re

    S??hing my moment?

    d I are consenting

    What are you doing here?" Cont

    Went

    "Crashing the party." Eliana already had her phone out, aiming it at Lisa''s face.

    "No, I''d better call it drugging.

    n

    Clyde''s not in his right mind, you bring him back to your room, what are you nning? Oh my, the Crawford family''s heiress drugging Mr. Ratterson, trying to climb the socialdder through seduction!"

    Eliana''s tone was so exaggerated, it left both me and Lisa dumbfounded.

    I gave her a thumbs up, then quickly helped Clyde up.

    "Can you walk?"

    Getting him to stand was a struggle, let alone walk.

    Clyde nodded groggily, leaning on me as we left the room.

    In the elevator, Eliana was fuming.

    "My phone''s dead! Should''ve bought a power bank; of all the times to let me down."

    I breathed a sigh of relief, thankful her phone was dead. If that video got out, it would be mortifying.

    Eliana dropped us off at the

    apartmentplex and gave

    security guard a crisp $50 billet

    me get Clyde inside.

    WY

    The moment he copsed on the couch, I finally felt relief wash over me.

    After politely seeing the security guard out, I was about to close the door when Clyde hugged me from behind.

    "Babe, I almost got taken advantage of. Babe, I feel so awful, she drugged me."

    His voice was pitiful, but his body was clearly not feeling sorry.

    Feeling him press against me, I pushed him away.

    "Clyde, sober up!"

 Chapter 137

    Unfortunately, Clyde waspletely out of it.

    He kept lighting me up like a firecracker and yelling my name over and over.

    Realizing he was under the influence, I slowly closed my eyes, thinking maybe letting go just this once wouldn''t hurt.

    The next morning, I woke up to an intense heat, finding myself enveloped in Clyde''s hug.

    Blinking my eyes open, I saw his face and instinctively pulled at my pajama top.

    Thankfully, I had the sense to change into a long-sleeved top and pants before losing consciousnesspletely. He mustn''t have noticed anything.

    Sure enough, when Clyde woke up, he affectionately nuzzled my face.

    "Honey, I almost lost itst night," he murmured.

    I turned away, not wanting to deal with him.

    He almost lost it, but I felt like I had truly lost something. His antics had nearly done me in.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    Seeing my irritation, he didn''t get mad but instead nted a firm kiss on my face before getting up to make breakfast.

    After freshening up, I found him juggling work calls and frying pans.

    Clyde''s cooking skills were leagues above mine, thanks to his grandma''s teachings.

    In no time, breakfast was served, and he looked at me with those puppy-dog eyes.

    "You had a rough night. Eat up. Just look at you, all skin and bones. For my sake, you need to eat more."

    Remembering the events of the night before, I blushed and looked down.

    Sometimes, it''s true what they say about not being swayed by a pretty face. I should''ve locked him in the bathroomst night.

    But after what happened, it seemed to have brought us closer somehow.

    Clyde was all smiles these days, especially at work, making frequent visits to my office.

    People began to whisper that the queen had regained the king''s favor.

    But I couldn''t shake off the worry, especially about the scars he might remember from that night.

    He had kissed them, apologizing over and over.

    Thankfully, he was drugged.

    And when it came to business, Clyde no longer opposed partnering with Vinson.

    "Aspire World outshines thepetition in every aspect, they were my top pick from the start."

    He boldly imed during the meeting, while I avoided his gaze.

    He also announced a partnership with the Crawford family, and Lisa looked at him with adoration.

    "Ms. Crawford, I''m sorry, but the

    Crawford fa

    dfamily doesn''t have the et

    necessary qualifications for the project."

    "But since you''re here, I won''t let you leave empty-handed."

    Clyde cleverly chose some minor

    forations for the Crawford Lisa around. Content R but it was enough to k

    to

    After all,pared to Laird, Lisa was an open book, possibly a source of valuable information.

    We had discussed this strategy early on, and Lisa was visibly moved at the meeting.

    "Clyde, I knew you wouldn''t let me down."

    "Don''t worry, the Crawford family will follow your lead. I''m all ears."

    After the meeting, Clyde pulled me into a secluded stairwell.

    ¡°Babe, you see her? Always trying to seduce me. I''m terrified.¡±

    ¡°What if she''s a siren out to drain my life force? You''ve got to protect me.¡±

    He hugged me tightly, and I resigned myself to his embrace.

    It seemed our rtionship had softened, and he was back to his college days of asionally acting spoiled.

    Just as he was about to steal a kiss, Jade appeared from the lower floor, and we all froze.

    Jade cleared her throat awkwardly.

    ¡°I, uh, I''m taking the stairs for exercise... and, uh, temporary blindness, yeah..."

 Chapter 138

    ?

    Clyde cleared his throat loudly, regaining his serious demeanor. He straightened my shirt for me, then gave my shoulder a reassuring pat. "Keep up the good work, and don''t let the project ck," he said.

    Then, with a swift turn, he was off, leaving me standing there awkwardly as Jade burst into uncontrobleughter.

    "What''s going on with you two? Made up already? Talk about a quick change! Has Clyde been possessed or what?"

    She came over, mimicking Clyde''s gesture with a p on my shoulder.

    "Keep it up, haha!"

    I rolled my eyes at her and spilled the beans about what had happened that day.

    Jade acted as if she already knew, dismissing it with a wave of her hand.

    "Well, he was drugged, no big deal. He was so out of it, only calling out for his wife. If I didn''t know his backstory, I''d think he was some kind of romantic lead."

    I sighed, knowing Eliana would gossip about this.

    Luckily her phone was dead, or I''d be utterly mortified.

    But a part of me was relieved; my rtionship with Clyde seemed to be mending, making the investigation seem a bit lighter.

    However, this good mood didn''tst. At the end of the day, Clyde approached me, his expression grave.

    "Granddad wants us to head back to the family home. You free tonight?"

    Since the incident, Clyde and I hadn''t gone back.

    I still had reservations about thest time the Lairds spoke, and how could Merritt not see their connection with Ka? Unfortunately, without evidence, Ka''s death couldn''t pin anything on anyone.

    And bringing up York''s involvement could at best act as circumstantial evidence, or it might just backfirepletely.

    The thought of Merritt demanding answers made me shudder.

    Clyde quickly reassured me, "If you don''t want to go, we won''t."

    "No, let''s go. We ought to exin ourselves."

    What was bound to happen, would happen. We couldn''t avoid the Patterson Mansion forever.

    As expected, upon our arrival at the Patterson Mansion, Clyde was made to kneel again.

    "Look at the mess you''ve made. You

    have a

    Yousife at home, yet you''re out

    causing trouble. Can''t you keep up"

    yourself in check?"

    "After creating such a scandal, you two didn''t evene back. Were you trying to kill me with worry?"

    "Now that the main culprit is gone, it''s time you came back to exin yourselves! Is running away ever the solution?"

    Lucia was stirring the pot as usual, while Evelyn tried to mediate.

    This time, I remained silent, listening as Clyde tried to defend us.

    "Granddad, I realize my mistake. From now on, I''ll only be with Mnie, no more fooling around."

    "We''re not getting a divorce. We''ll manage thepany well, I promise."

    Hearing him say this seemed to soften the old man''s demeanor a bit.

    "You''d better stick to your word, or else, I''ll make you wish I had!"

    Merritt brought up the subject of children again, making me sink lower.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    I couldn''t have children, especially with my current health.

    Recalling how Clyde had previously mentioned wanting kids tightened a knot in my chest. Clyde stood up, helping me to my seat, while I just wanted to leave as quickly as possible.

 Chapter 139

    I nudged Clyde''s hand gently, and he immediately grasped my implication.

    "Grandpa, we''re bothpetent, and besides, thepany has other managers as well," he reassured.

    "Yet, no amount of managers can rece family. Your brother is still a Patterson by blood," he stated, making his intentions crystal clear - York had to be involved.

    I looked up, meeting York''s smug gaze head-on.

    "Don''t worry, I''ll dedicate myself to this. After all, I''ve managed thepany for a considerable period before," he boasted. "Besides, I''m now a shareholder in the Patterson Group. It''s only right that I help manage it."

    The moment York mentioned his shares, Clyde and I tensed up. Technically, the Patterson Group was still under Merritt''s control, with him holding the majority of the shares.

    Now that York also had shares, wasn''t this setting him up topete with Clyde?

    Merritt coughed lightly, "York has indeed been a great help to you both. This is his reward."

    "But don''t worry, I''ve already made arrangements with thewyer for Mnie to have 10% of the shares once she gives birth, starting with 3% now despite the troubles this time."

    "How can that be?" Lucia chimed in, instantly regretting her words before swiftly changing her tune. "Merritt, since it''s about giving birth, why not wait another three years? It would look better to include the child''s share as well."

    I knew her game. She probably thought Clyde and I wouldn''tst three years, leaving me with nothing.

    It was always like this with Merritt. At our wedding, he said I was a shareholder, iming the shares were being "managed" for me.

    Then it was about having a child first to get the shares.

    And now, this. I leaned back on the sofa, expressionless, facing him.

    "Since York has received his shares, shouldn''t Clyde''s share percentage also increase? I don''t need any shares, but as the CEO, it doesn''t look good for Clyde to be gossiped about, does it?"

    Clyde squeezed my hand, signaling me to hold my tongue.

    Speaking out now was tantamount to making enemies, but I wasn''t afraid.

    Clyde had worked hard for his position in thepany for years. Why should York reap the benefits without effort?

    Merritt pondered for a moment, "Alright, I''ll give you 3%, and another 2%, making it 18% for you two as a couple."

    "Merritt, that''s not eptable. Clyde

    already has so many shares, how could. Lucia seemed to want to argue further but was cut off by

    York.

    UMS

    vel.ne

    "Merritt''s shares are his to distribute as he pleases," York interjected smoothly. "After all, Clyde is his grandson. I understand that my 2% is already more than generous."

    is already more than ute

    His smile was warm, betraying no hint of dissatisfaction.

    However, his look towards me carried an unmistakable undertone.

    What good coulde from a man who wouldn''t even spare his own child?

    As Clyde and I left the Patterson Mansion, neither of us spoke a word.

    This was going to be a tough battle, with York undoubtedly causing trouble in thepany moving forward.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Reaching the parking lot, we remained in the car.

    Clyde rolled down the window as he asked, "What''s on your mind?"

    "We''ll face whateveres our way. He''s definitely going to meddle with the overpass project."

    York''s intentions were clear; he needed to prove his worth now that he waspeting with Clyde for the inheritance.

    The overpass project involved significant external rtions, something he wouldn''t overlook.

    Sure enough, the next day York showed up at the office, making a beeline for the Design Department.

 Chapter 140

    I gave a tight-lipped nod, a faux smile stered on my face. "Wee."

    Sparse apuse trickled through the office, its enthusiasm as thin as morning fog.

    Everyone still had fresh memories of the time he''d overhauled the team, making more than a few enemies in the process.

    But York, he had a knack for winning people over. In just a few days, by treating folks to breakfast and afternoon coffee runs, whispers of his generosity began to circte.

    After all, he wasn''t just eyeing the small pond of the Design Department. He had his sights set on the vast ocean that was the Patterson Group. Jade, sipping her icedtte, couldn''t help but vent.

    "How loaded is this guy? One day it''s a buffet, the next it''s Starbucks for everyone. If he keeps this up, I might as well hand over my department head title to him."

    I handed her my own icedtte, staying silent. An enemy that moves in silence is plotting something big.

    And sure enough, during the tripartite meeting that afternoon, York dropped his bombshell.

    He wanted to switch out our current suppliers and construction crew.

    "With a project as big as the overpass, their quotes are sky-high. This isn''t good for our profits."

    "I''ve done my homework. These suppliers offer quality partnerships at a 10% lower cost. Take a look," he said, distributing the documents with a challenging nce at Clyde.

    "For a project of this magnitude, Mr. Patterson, you should really be more hands-on. You can''t just take your subordinates'' word for it."

    "Subordinates? Mnie? She''s not just the head of design, she''s my wife. Half of the Patterson Group belongs to Mnie. Her choice of partners is undoubtedly the best."

    Clyde tossed the documents aside without a nce.

    Vinson, however, scrutinized them, his expression growing darker.

    I also picked up on the surprisingly low quotes from several suppliers, which raised my suspicions.

    Aspire World owned some of these factories, and undercutting their market prices seemed impossible.

    Despite the evident red gs, most

    were swayed by York''s argumentet

    thed by York''s met

    The lure of profits blinded them to the risks.

    "Mr. Patterson, we can''t just take these documents at face value for such a crucial decision. We should discuss this further. Safetyes first, especially with prices so below market."

    I didn''t outright reject the proposal, and surprisingly, York didn''t argue.

    Vinson''s investigation turned up no red gs.

    "The suppliers are fully certified, never had issues in over twenty years. It''s just this discount..."

    We didn''t need him to finish. We sensed the catch.

    Clyde frowned. "I checked too. No issues. They''re aiming for a long-term partnership."Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    I shook my head. A long-term

    partnership didn''t justify

    a loss, especially for such

    large

    suppliers.

    Would their workers not eat for a year after taking on such a project?

    The three of us sat in silence in the office, struggling to find a logical exnation.

    After a long pause, Vinson spoke up.

    "Aspire World''s factories can cut prices by 10%, but we''ll need an additional two projects aspensation."

    I couldn''t believe it. This would significantly cut into hispany''s profits.

    But securing two additional projects might bnce the scales.

    After a moment of contemtion, Clyde nodded.

    "Fine. I''ll bring up this proposal at tomorrow''s meeting."

    He turned to Vinson, his voiceced with determination. "But don''t even think about making a move on my wife!"

 Chapter 141

    At the meeting the following day, Clyde brought up the idea of entering into a full-fledged coboration with Aspire World.

    "York''s suggested manufacturers aren''t bad, but we''ve never worked with them before. Safety first," he said. "Mr. Russell is willing to give up ten percent of the profits. I think a partnership would be more beneficial for both parties."

    Aspire World''s reputation preceded them, and the offer to relinquish a tenth of their profits essentially meant a ten percent increase in earnings for the Patterson Group.

    Seeing everyone nod in agreement, York mmed his pen down in frustration.

    "Mr. Patterson, what''s this about? I''ve done my homework here."

    "Well, I have the right to choose differently, don''t I?" Clyde responded, his curiosity piqued rather than showing any sign of annoyance.

    "Or have you already made a deal on the side, just waiting for the Patterson Group to send the money?"

    "York, you''re only here temporarily. You don''t actually think you run the Patterson Group, do you?"

    York was left speechless, ring at Vinson with resentment. If it weren''t for Vinson stepping in with a matching offer, his n might have seeded. Suddenly, Lisa spoke up, "Doesn''t seem right to me. If we''re coborating with threepanies, and Mr. Russell has all these projects, what about the Crawford family?"

    Her naivety was evident, daring to speak up at such a moment.

    I just took a sip of my coffee, catching Clyde''s nce before he turned his attention back to her with a smile.

    "Ms. Crawford, regardless of who I partner with, it won''t affect our dealings with the Crawford family. Our rtionship is... unique."

    Their overt flirtation made everyone look at me, but I just shrugged it off as if it were the norm.

    Honestly, I was used to it. Clyde had been seen with numerous women before in my presence.

    The room seemed to sympathize with my situation, some shaking their heads slightly.

    Lisa shot him a shy, flirtatious look before turning to me.

    "Mnie, this wasn''t your idea, was it? You''re not just trying to help an old friend by pushing Clyde towards Aspire World, are you?"

    I knew she was being snide but couldn''t be bothered to exin.

    "So what if it was? Any issue with

    that?" I cocked my head at her. "Aren''t you also an ''old friend'' L haven''t seen in over two decades? Why else would I choose to coborate with you?"

    She clearly didn''t know me well enough to speak out of turn.

    Fortunately, most at the meeting supported the coboration with Aspire World, so the matter was settled.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    But Lisa wasn''t ready to let it go.

    "Mr. Russell, I heard you used to chase after my sister. Is that true?"

    "Mnie must have been quite the heartbreaker in college, right? I bet the line of guys chasing her was out the door."

    Vinson just smiled warmly, "Yeah, someone like me, who was way back in the line, hardly stands out."

    His words were an indirect acknowledgment of my poprity in college, which only irritated Lisa further. Before she could continue, Vinson steered the conversation back to business.

    "The offer is verypetitive, but I want to inspect some of the materials on-site. Shall we?" "Absolutely!"

    I didn''t hesitate to agree, then noticed a chilly gaze from behind.

    Turning around, I saw Clyde watching me intently.

    She kept casting seductive nces at Clyde.

    I pretended not to notice anything.

    How could her n to charm work if I was always around?

 Chapter 142

    Back home, Clyde was on my case, thinking I was nning to leave without saying goodbye. Truth be told, it was clear to everyone that Lisa had her sights set on him.

    She just hadn''t found the right moment yet, and my leaving was her golden opportunity.

    Clyde, still fuming, drove me to the airport.

    "You better not chat up Vinson, don''t you dare hang out with him alone, don''t you "

    "Chill! I''m going for work, not some fancy holiday. If it makes you feel better, I''ll flirt with Lisa."

    I rolled my eyes at him, but that just made himugh.

    "The best you can do is flirt with me. Looks like I have to y the pretty boy card for my wife''s sake. How tough my life is!"

    He grabbed my hand and yfully bit my finger.

    With a ton of work waiting for him, he dropped me off and hurried back to the office.

    I thought Lisa would take her time to make a move, but as soon as my nended, there she was, already cozying up in Clyde''s office.

    The moment she arrived, Clyde fired up a video chat with me.

    Lisa was dressed to kill today, in a silk dress that looked like it might slip off at any moment.

    Clyde pretended to work at hisputer while Lisa yed the doting visitor, now bringing him coffee, now offering fruits.

    After a bit of small talk, Clyde got straight to the point.

    "Lisa, don''t you think this is inappropriate?"Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    He finally snapped when Lisa tried to feed him a slice of peach.

    Lisa paused, then ate the peach herself.

    "There''s nothing inappropriate about it. You''ve seen it, I''m into you."

    She sat directly across from him, gazing deeply into his eyes.

    "The Crawford family, you know, it''s all about strategic marriages. I

    wasn''t thrilled when Dad push nep

    me

    into this, but seeing you changed my mind."

    "It was love at first sight, you know? The moment I saw you, I knew you were the one."

    I quietly started recording the screen, not wanting to miss the juicy details.

    Clyde coughed awkwardly, "I''m married, Mnie''s your cousin."

    "You didn''t marry her for love." Lisa confidently said, "She went abroad with some rich man. Would she have married you if you weren''t loaded? Clyde, I know why you married her. We''re both Crawfords;

    1

    switching sides isn''t really a big deal,

    is it?"

    She fixed her bangs, a look I hadn''t seen since my sophomore year. Clyde had always said bangs hid my true beauty and had since banned them.

    It seemed the Lairds hadn''t lost interest in my family over the years of no contact.

    Perhaps they thought I posed no threat, which is why they ignored me.

    She was so sure of herself, but Clyde tly rejected her proposal.

    "Yeah, I married her for revenge, but marry you? What''s in it for me? To mess around is one thing, but I don''t marry just anyone."

    The moment he mentioned "messing around," Lisa''s face fell.

    She could y games with others, but the idea of being a ything herself was out of the question for a Crawford heiress.

    That''s why she set her sights on Clyde to maintain her status.

 Chapter 143

    "Really?" Clyde took a sip of his coffee, his expression unreadable.

    Lisa''s face grew solemn. "Absolutely. My brother''s a gambling addict. He''s running thepany but also skimming money off the top. My dad would never have involved me in the business if it weren''t for the cash crunch."

    "You can check it out. It''smon knowledge in Ironvale. He owes Vegas millions, and right now, he''sying low abroad."

    "As for my dad, he''s nothing but a sanctimonious hypocrite."N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    "He''s made plenty of enemies with his ruthless ways. When the chips are down, I''m the only one who can carry on the Crawford legacy."

    In that moment, I realized I didn''t know Lisa as well as I thought.

    I had pegged her as a bit of an airhead, but it looks like both Clyde and I were fooled.

    Clyde tapped the table in a steady beat, not uttering a word.

    Lisa, unfazed, simply smiled at him.

    "And you two haven''t had kids, right? The gic history in Mnie''s family is troubling. Her mom had cancer. You wouldn''t want a child with those risks, would you?"

    Her words made my heart clench.

    I wondered if the Crawfords knew about my family''s history, or if she was just guessing.

    Clyde shrugged. "Doesn''t matter. With today''s medical advancements, even surrogacy is an option."

    He seemed indifferent, which left Lisa speechless.

    Narrowing her eyes at Clyde, she said, "You''re not still hung up on her, are you? Your college sweetheart? I don''t buy it."

    Neither did I.

    Clyde chuckled, his fingers idly tapping the table.

    "Remember Galen Brown I mentionedst time? He''s managing a fund for Mnie."

    "No way!" Lisa''s face fell. "Impossible. I told you, he wouldn''t dare show his face."

    "Well, that''s news to me. But when Mnie''s grandfather passed, he left a nice little nest egg for her family, which really helped their business thrive."

    "Her dad then set aside that first pot of gold into a fund for her. If I had to guess, Galen Brown''s managing it."

    This was news to me.

    When did my family get a fund?

    Lisa seemed just as confused. After a moment, she firmly shook her head.

    "That can''t be. Otherwise, why did she and her familye to you for money when her mom died?"

    My grip on my phone tightened. So, they knew everything but chose to watch from the sidelines. Clyde just shrugged. "How should I know?"

    "You should know that although I''m the CEQ, the shares are controlled by my grandfather. If Mnie wants a divorce, it won''t be easy forher to just walk away."

    "You''re just a CEO with a crumbling Crawford empire behind you. What leverage do you have?"

    Lisa bit her lip, then stood up abruptly.

    "I''ll look into this, Clyde. You''re a smart man. Don''t let immediate gains cloud your judgment."

    Lisa left the office, and after a couple of minutes, Clyde looked towards the camera.

    "Saw all that?"

    I nodded. "Was that on purpose? What if they check and find out I don''t have a fund?"

 Chapter 144

    "Mnie, the car''s here, let''s go," Vinson called out, but I noticed Clyde looked visibly angry.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    "Pretty cozy, aren''t you, Mnie?" he sneered.

    "And what should he call me, Clyde? Mnie Crawford or Mellie?"

    I rolled my eyes at him, noticing with a mix of amusement and exasperation that he seemed to get more jealous with age.

    "If he ever dared to call you that again, I swear I''d be over there in a sh to give him a piece of my mind!"

    Clyde huffed, "I told you, you''re not allowed to..."

    "Don''t worry, I won''t be alone with him unless it''s for work. No personal talks, and I''ll check in with you every day, okay? How does that sound, my very own President Patterson?"

    He tried to maintain his gruff demeanor but couldn''t help but crack a small smile.

    "Liar, liar, pants on fire!"

    Just then, his secretary knocked, and he swiftly switched back to his stern tone. "Come in." And with a blink towards the screen, he said, "Gotta hang up now." Seeing the call had ended, I couldn''t help but smile too.

    It felt like overnight, Clyde and I had returned to our old, harmonious selves.

    Back in our school days, we would chat on Messenger untilte at night.

    Bing a CEO had turned Clyde into this cool, aloof figure, but deep down, he was still the same Clyde.

    Quietly, I put away my phone and followed Vinson to the car.

    Surprisingly, Vinson had been quick to act, already starting the road repairs.

    "I also bought some shares, consider it an investment. We''re going to need a lot of materials moving forward."

    We trudged through the muddiest parts, finally arriving back at the factory.

    Vinson pointed ahead, "We''ll have to stick to the old ways of transportation for now, but once the road''s done, things will speed up." "The local council''s even talking about giving us an award for solving the vigers'' transportation issues," he added with a chuckle. Looking out at the countryside, my mood lifted.

    I looked up at the sun, basking in its warmth, when suddenly everything went ck, and I fainted.

    Waking up, I was confused about what had happened.

    It had been a long time since I''dst

    ted and I generally

    to be in good health,

    belongs to en.sw

    But seeing Vinson''s worried face, I knew something was wrong.

    "What happened to me?" I asked, trying to sit up, but Vinson rushed to support me.

    "The doctor said you were overexerted. Didn''t you sleep through the entire flight?"

    "And

    tak about the medication you''re

    doctor''s unsure of its

    omes. I''ll go call the d

    swno

    r in

    The doctor who once brought us chicken soup walked in with a grave expression.

    "Youngdy, didn''t I tell you to take it easy? It''s not just about the surgery or chemotherapy; your levels falling again. Don''t you care about your life?"

    He handed me the test results, and I sighed upon seeing the numbers.

    "Doctor, I was kidnapped... and then exposed to radiation."

    I didn''t hide the incident or the medication I was using from him.

    After a long look, the doctor finally sighed. "You''re lucky to be alive."

    "You need to be hospitalized immediately. You''ve got a fever, and we need to stabilize your condition."

    After the doctor left, Vinson looked at me, concern written all over his face.

    "Mnie, are you sure you don''t want to tell him about your condition?"

    I closed my eyes and shook my head.

    Every time this came up, I remembered Ka''s words.

    Did I want Clyde to feel guilty for the rest of his life? No, that wasn''t what I wanted.

    "Vinson, you should head back. The doctors and nurses are here; I''ll be fine."

 Chapter 145

    Lying in the hospital bed with nothing but time, I often found myself flipping through my mom''s old journal.

    She had her fair share of suspicions. Like why did Galen Brown betray us? Why, after I left, did Galen''s wife and daughter vanish too?

    I left because of my illness, but what about them?

    Given the close bond between our families, it would have made sense to leave together. Yet, Galen never even hinted at it, which was outright suspicious.

    And there was the mysterious call Galen made to my dad before disappearing. No one knows what was discussed.

    The driver involved in the ident that killed my dad was another puzzle. His family suddenly came into arge sum of money.

    My mom tried to dig into it, finding out it was a donation from a charity. Nothing seemed off on the surface, but why specifically to his family among so many others in need?

    All these mysteries, and my mom couldn''t pursue them any further when she fell ill.

    The photos stuck in her journal showed happier times - our family and the Browns, all smiles. I remember Galen''s daughter, Geneva, who''d be in high school by now. Where could they be?

    I wondered if Galen had fled the country, perhaps starting anew with his daughter. It felt right to dig deeper.

    Stuck in the hospital in Aurorea, my connections were limited, unlike Vinson.

    When I messaged him, he didn''t ask questions; he just started looking into it.

    After three days of injections, my fever finally subsided.

    The doctor emphasized the importance of rest, and I agreed, though I knew resting wasn''t going to fix everything.

    Jade called just as I was nning my discharge.

    "Mnie, when are youing back? Your cousin''s practically moved into your husband''s office."

    "People at work think she''s taking over your role. Don''t you care?"

    "Why don''t I go on your business trips so you can keep an eye on your husband?"

    I kept up with the office gossip daily.

    Lisa wasn''t exactly likable, or

    It was just the persona shaybe

    that

    adopted.

    She never bothered to please anyone she deemed irrelevant, focusing all her efforts on Clyde.

    Everyonebeled her as the homewrecker, but without Clyde''s intervention, there wasn''t much else to be said.

    Especially given Clyde''s history of fleeting rtionships.

    Ka''s situation had left everyone wary, unsure if Ms. Crawford would be the next Ka.

    "You''re not talking! Didn''t you and Clyde make up? Why the suddenck of interest?"

    "You''re not thinking of divorce, are you?"

    Jade''s mention of divorce left me speechless.

    I had considered it, not wanting to drag Clyde down.

    But leaving him would mean losing my connection

    el

    chance of uncovering

    the truth about my parents

    family and any chance of

    "Let''s not talk about divorce now. I''ve got to go."

    Eager to avoid further discussion on the matter, I hung up.

    Turning around, I noticed Vinson silently standing at the door, unsure how long he''d been there.

    "You guys made up?"

    His tone had a hint of disappointment, but I quickly changed the subject.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    "Vinson, did you find out anything about the person I asked you to look into?"

    Seeing my reluctance to discuss my personal life, he didn''t press further on the matter.

 Chapter 146

    "Back to her hometown? I don''t remember her having much in her family."

    My father told me that Galen Brown and his wife knew each other in the orphanage. They didn''t have any rtives in their families.

    Now why would their daughter Geneva even bother returning since Galen Brown is missing and his wife had passed away?

    "She got expelled from school."

    Vinson got someone investigated and found out that Geneva Brown had been living on her own in Aurorea for years.

    She seemed to live a better life before as she had enough money to get by even if her mother passed away.

    But life had been hard on her for the past six months. She started stealing money at school and even got caught shoplifting with her ssmates.

    In Aurorea, that''s enough to rack up a pretty serious record, even though she''s not yet 18.

    The school finally had no choice but to expel her, leaving her with nowhere to go but back home.

    I couldn''t help but think of Geneva''s image: big eyes, clever and sensible with two faint dimples.

    She was always so bubbly and cheerful.

    It''s sad, really, how quickly people can change.

    But back then, what I had been through for the past few years also changed me a lot.

    "Can we find out when she''sing back? Where she might go?"

    Vinson pulled out his phone and sent me a message.

    "I''ve got the flight and time all checked out for you, so will you go back?"

    "I''ve booked you a flight this afternoon. How are you feeling?"

    Geneva ising back tomorrow afternoon and probably to the old house where she used to live.

    Galen Brown''s assets were likely confiscated now and I was wondering where else she could go.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    Thinking I might get some clues from her, I looked at Vinson with gratitude. "Thanks."

    He just shrugged his shoulders without saying much more.

    I knew he cared about me, but there was nothing I could give in return.

    If only I

    a few more years to live,

    Otherwise nee

    maybe then I''d have a chance to repay him. looks

    to another lifetime.

    it''s

    I saw the groundbreaking ceremony being posted in thepany group chat on my arrival at the airport.

    The overpass project was getting a lot of attention. Even the housing prices of a few neighborhoods developed by the Patterson Group were on the rise.

    To my surprise, not only Clyde, but also York and Lisa were there too.

    She stood by Clyde''s side as if she were thendy.

    Especially when she linked arms with Clyde for photos, plenty of people took screenshots and maybe they thought I''d been cuckolded again.

    It was quite frustrating to be in my position.

    But while others might not see it, I could.

    Because whenever Clyde was annoyed with someone, he clenched his jaw tight.

    Seeing him trying not tough, I couldn''t help but chuckle myself.

    Turns out, the charm offensive isn''t all that effective. It has to be genuine.

    And when I rushed home, I witnessed a scene that truly shocked me.

    Lisa was right in front of me, at the door of my apartment dressed in a red silk dress with a sheer white coat draped over her shoulders. "Clyde, it''s so scary staying in a hotel all by myself."

    "Don''t you get scared living in such a big apartment alone? Let me stay with you tonight."

    "Mnie''s not here, just let me in."

    Clyde blocked the doorway, refusing to let her in.

    She was already reaching out to touch Clyde''s chest.

    I suddenly burst intoughter.

 Chapter 147

    "What are you doing here?"

    Lisa looked at me with impatience, adjusting her dress.

    I couldn''t help but envy her figure. I took a second look, which made her step back, eyeing me warily.

    "Mnie, don''t you have your own apartment?"

    "But this is also my ce, isn''t it? I own half of this loft."

    I pushed her away with annoyance and Clyde quickly let go of his arm to let me in.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    Turning back to Lisa, I said, "Cousin, youe to my ce dressed like that, it''s not what I think, is it?"

    Ever since I saw through her game, I started ying my game too.

    Anything I cared about, she was sure to ruin it.

    I couldn''t figure out why she should see me as an eyesore.

    But my sarcastic remarks seemed to do the trick. She didn''t stay any longer. Apparently she still wanted to save her face.

    Watching her enter the elevator, Clyde immediately closed the door.

    "Babe, she wants to break in. But over my body!"

    I looked at him, speechless, "Clearly, it was a close call."

    He hugged me and sniffed me over.

    "Why do I smell disinfectant on you? Did you go to the hospital?"

    His keen sense of smell surprised me. I mumbled something of airport disinfection, and he didn''t question it further. Clyde grew quiet when referring to Geneva.

    "Galen Brown hasn''t shown up for years. Lisa insists Galen Brown won''t show up again. Something''s off."

    "She went back to dig deeper and said that Galen Brown couldn''t have your funds, so I just cooked the book."

    Clyde had been busy. Not just with work but also with cooking the book.

    In Europe, personal funds like these weremon, and the Crawford family wasn''t sure if it was true.

    That''s where I came in, much to Lisa''s annoyance.

    And what bothered me was picking up Geneva tomorrow.

    It had been years since west met

    I was

    sure if she''d even

    recognize me or who would cel

    to

    get her anyway.

    Especially she''s been abroad for

    years and everything elbet

    wondered how much of her

    childhood she''d remember

    I purposely dressed in a white tee and jeans, just like during my college days and then headed to the airport.

    Thest time we met was back in college, so I hoped maybe she''d recognize me.

    But I didn''t expect to see that Lisa came to her after she was out with her luggage.

    They seemed to know each other well, chatting andughing.

    I came to them and they were both halted and stunned.

    Lisa gave me a cold look, "Geneva, let''s go. Ignore her." Geneva stared at me, suddenly her eyes filled with fury. "Mnie? How dare you show yourself before me again?" "You troublemaker, there''s not one good in your family!"

    "Geneva, what''s gotten into you?"

    "I''m here to pick you up, your parents... you should stay with me first."

    I couldn''t understand her change of attitude to me as she used to call me ''Mellie'' affectionately.

    Grabbing my cor. Her lip and nose piercings made me realize everything had changed.

    ¡°Geneva, my parents are gone too."

    My eyes teared up and Geneva paused.

    Then she released my cor with disgust and said, "Serves you right!¡±

    She shoved me aside, dragging her luggage away.

    Lisa looked at me indifferently, then hurried after Geneva.

    "Geneva, wait for me, you can stay with me first."

 Chapter 148

    Lisa and Geneva left, leaving me standing there. I really had no idea what just happened.

    I wanted to get Clyde to do some but he was worried about tipping them off.

    We spoke with one voice that the fund''s key was with Galen Brown, so I had to track him down too.

    Only then would our lies hold water.

    Letting them know I was after Galen Brown seemed like a good idea too. It might prevent them from messing up with Geneva.

    I thought Lisa would keeping to the office and continued to try to seduce Clyde, but she hadn''t shown up for days.

    Two dayster, she finally called Clyde, saying she had gone back to Ironvale.

    "What? She left? What about Geneva?"

    I was anxious. If Geneva was taken away, it would be fucking difficult to find her again.

    She was now my only clue to finding Galen Brown so I couldn''t afford to lose that.

    "Geneva went to Ironvale with her. Looks like the Crawford family is setting her up. Got any ns?"

    Geneva was my only clue to finding Galen Brown, and I was not about to give up on her.

    "Vinson did some investigation for me. Geneva was getting a monthly transfer from abroad. Five thousand dors each time."

    "We couldn''t trace the ount, but the transfer was stopped a few months ago, and that''s when she started stealing."

    That was also when Lisa said her brother had begun gambling away money.

    It was likely the Crawford family funding Geneva, but why would the Crawfords do that?

    Clyde ruffled my hair. "Alright, stop worrying about it. She''s still in the country, we can find her."

    "You need to rest. Have you lost weight? You seem thinner."

    He picked me up, gauging my weight.

    "You''ve definitely lost weight, Mnie. You''re not trying to go for a skinny look, are you?"

    "Bullshit. We''ll all end up skeletons!"

    I swatted at his head, telling him to put me down.

    He nibbled at my shoulder yfully. "What are you talking about? We''re still young."

    "If there''s been an injustice, I''ll make sure you get the justice you deserve."

    I silently reached out to pat his back, suddenly at a loss for words.

    All these years, he''d been investigating what happened to my family.

    It''s not that he didn''t care for me. Maybe we both just didn''t know how to express.

    But I hadn''t expected Lisa to return the very next day, bringing the Crawford family''s project with her.

    "Clyde, my dad asked me to show

    Pason Group want to scale? you these project files. Doesn''t theet

    f here?"

    "You know how much we can get from this project. Way more than what we can get from the crossover project."

    She shot me a smug look.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Clyde gave me a knowing nce before handing over the files.

    "The design needs adjusting but there are rectifications. What do you think?"

    I noticed there were indeed issues after I read the files.

    The design had initially passed inspection, butter it failed to meet environmental standards. Now the

    t was suspended &

    Unless there was a change in policy or the Crawfords had offended someone.

    I gave her a meaningful look, "Doesn''t the Crawford family have a design team?"

    Lisa awkwardly flicked her hair, "The qualified designer... left for another job."

    I avoided looking at her any longer. I was surprised that the Crawfords were left without a skilled designer.

    I, again looking at the design, set the files on the desk.

    "Can''t tell much from the files alone and I think a site visit would be necessary."

    Clyde and I stood gazing at each other and then turned to Lisa with smiles.

    "Cousin, would you wee a visit from me to Ironvale?"

 Chapter 149

    Talbot was desperate to establish this cooperation, so he booked a flight ticket for Clyde and only included Lisa in the n. Clyde hurried to book a flight ticket for me as well while reading the message on his phone.

    "Nothing to do with me. I did not ask her to do this for me."

    "I''m not a design expert and it''s of no use for me to go there. Consider it as keeping youpany."

    He gave me a sly grin, while I just rolled my eyes at him.

    It became clear to me: Talbot and his family were eager to seek cooperation with the Pattersons.

    Still, I couldn''t shake off a worry, "If we all leave, what about York..."

    He''s bound to stir up trouble.

    Clyde responded indifferently, "He can make no move if we don''t give him a chance."

    He winked at me, obviously having a n up his sleeve.

    I was surprised to see Eliana also rushing over on my arrival at the airport.

    "Mnie, that''s really low! Why didn''t you call me?"

    Apparently she must have rushed over from the office as she was still in her business attire.

    "Where are you headed?"

    I asked, puzzled.

    She pushed her suitcase aside, "Off to Ironvale, of course. Have you forgotten? You owe me a design, and Jade''s project has kicked off. I need to supervise the construction, don''t I?"

    She nced at Lisa beside me and then pulled me aside.

    "I''ve spoken with folks from the Chandler family. Some senior Crawford family employees are around and maybe you could meet them?"

    She blinked her eyes and I pinched her cheek, touched by her.

    She was creating opportunities for me while also serving as my shield.

    Upon Townsville, Talbot came to the airport to pick us up in person.

    Lisa, clutching Clyde''s sleeve, introduced him, "Dad, this is Clyde."

    The group engaged in a warm chat, as if they were oblivious to my presence.

    Only at thest moment did Talbot''s gaze on me.

    "Mnie, why so silent? Come on and get in the car. I have prepared a bunch of delicious food for you."

    I nodded but I could not even give him a smile.

    I felt like a luggage handler as everyone else moved ahead.

    Then Clyde stopped to help me with my luggage, his smile betraying a hint of guilt.

    I snorted and boarded the car first.

    Talbot''s hospitality towards Clyde confirmed our suspicions.

    Only a plutocrat like the Pattersons could

    for ther such substantial funding

    for the project and help

    son. N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    swno

    his

    Talbot had our luggage ced in separate rooms after we arrived at the vi.

    Clyde''s face fell instantly.

    "Talbot, what''s the meaning of this?"

    First taken aback, Talbot then wore a knowing look.

    "Aren''t Mnie and you... Perhaps it''s better to stay in separate rooms."

    "Right, Mnie?"

    I nodded emotionlessly, turning away from Clyde''s furious gaze.

    The game just began and we must y till the end, so we needed to create an opportunity for Lisa. Talbot burst intoughter when he saw me do that.

    The tension continued until bedtime when my door was suddenly knocked on.

    As I opened it, Clyde broke in.

    "Mnie, you are really a game yer, huh? Making me stay out, are you?"

    He pinned me against the door, leaning in for a kiss.

    Suddenly, a knock sounded from the next room, and Lisa''s sugary voice called out.

    "Clyde, are you asleep yet?"

 Chapter 150

    I was watching Clyde with a mix of amusement and curiosity as he shook his head vehemently, right before Lisa actually walked into the next room. Clyde and I looked at each other, and after what felt like an eternity, it seemed like she had no intention of leaving.

    "Got any top-secret files in there?" I teased.

    Clyde quickly denied it, his eyes wide with a mix of shock and horror. "Just some spare clothes. She''s not some kind of... weirdo, is she?"

    I couldn''t help but push him away in disgust. I already imagined the bizarre scenarios running through his head.

    He made himselffortable on my bed, saying, "Well, I''m not going back there. I''m sleeping here tonight."

    "I''m not dealing with a bitch in my room, no way!"

    I had to admit that his stubbornness was somewhat amusing.

    Reluctantly, we both ended up lying on my bed, though I couldn''t help but wonder what Lisa was up to.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    "Do you think she''s still there? You don''t have anything... strange in your room, do you?" I asked with suspicion, noticing his eyelids began to droop.

    With a tired gesture, he wrapped an arm around me. "Let''s sleep. We''ll find out in the morning, right?"

    I thought Lisa would leave at some point during the night, but I barely slept and the door to the next room never opened again.

    Only around 5 AM, I finally heard the door open followed by the sound of her yawning.

    I quickly got up and pressed my ear against the door trying to catch any sound from outside. It seemed like the household was still asleep, but Lisa was making quite a bit of noise.

    Clyde grumbled in his sleep, and I kicked him awake.

    "Stopining. Let''s go back now."

    He got up, groggy and disoriented. "She left?"

    I nodded. We made our way out and found out she was leaving. Clyde then returned to his room.

    At breakfast, Talbot was unusually warm towards Clyde.

    "Sleep wellst night? I got you a new mattress. Hope it wasfortable."

    His gaze kept darting between Clyde and Lisa; she blushed and kept her head down.

    Noticing my tired look, Talbot seemed even more pleased. "Mnie, did you not get enough sleep?"

    Before I could respond, Lisa huffed

    Senf the trouble of

    "If you can''t sleep, just use

    t over something."et

    upset over something."

    She flicked her hair yfully, leaving me utterly confused.

    What could she possibly have been doing alone in Clyde''s room? Solo disco?

    But Talbot seemed delighted by engaging more in conversation than usual.

    As Clyde left for the office with him, Talbot even made a point of telling me to catch up on sleep.

    Back in my room, I was confused by Lisa''s smugness.

    I was about to lie down when there was a knock on the door. It was Lisa, and I instinctively tried to close the because she would noe to me out of good intentions.

    But she raised her voice, "Mnie, let''s talk. You can''t just hide away forever."

    Her words attracted the attention of the household staff, adding to my confusion. She pushed past me and quickly locked the door behind her.

    I saw her leaning against the door and I could not help but ask, ¡°What the hell...¡± "Shh."

    "There are no hidden cameras here right?"

    Oh my god, the pictures of me changing my clothes passed and it was creepy.

    She rolled her eyes. "Why would we have those? I''m worried about eavesdroppers." "Mnie, let''s make a deal."

 Chapter 151

    Lisa put away her look of satisfaction and looked at me seriously.

    I watched her, puzzled by her unpredictability.

    Leaning against the bathroom counter, she fixed her eye on me. "You know my family favors sons over daughters, right?"

    I nodded.

    It was a known fact. Her brother always received more affection and attention than she did.

    Still, the Crawfords were wealthy and I figured Lisa''s life wasn''t too shabby.

    She was far better off than most girls at least. She wore all sorts of jewelry and lived the life of a pampered heiress.

    Lisa idly yed with the running water and her voice seemed to be casual but yet deliberate. "My father was never good to my mother or me. He always wanted sons, but my mother couldn''t have more children after me."

    My mother was in bad condition when giving birth to me. Later, it turned out my father had fertility issues, making it nearly impossible for them to have more kids."

    "He''s been He''s been fooling around with so many women over the years, but he still has no son. Serves him right!"

    Her tone turned venomous with a stern look.

    That''s when I learned the reason for Lucia''s death that she had sumbed to depression and ended her life abroad.

    That exined why Lisa never returned because she couldn''t bear to see her father and brother.

    "You''ve probably forgotten what Tammie Crawford is like. Just a rich asshole, really."

    "He got into gambling because I set it up. I wanted to ruin him just like he and my father ruined my mother."

    Lucia had stumbled upon her husband''s affairs multiple times and endured his and her son''s verbal abuses, which led to her depression.

    In the end, she wanted to see her son onest time, but Tammie refused, feeling ashamed of her and cursing her to go to hell.

    Betrayed by both her husband and son, Lucia couldn''t take it anymore and jumped off a building in front of Lisa.

    There was a flicker of sadness in Lisa''s eyes, but it was mostly overshadowed by rage.

    "After she died, no one cared about me anymore. I figured I might as well stay away, especially since Talbot was still sending me money."

    "But I never expected him to arrange

    a marriage for me. Any idea who he''s been setting me up with? From an 80-year-old man to someone gay just looking for a sham marriage Marry me off to anyone who gave him money."

    Suddenly, she lifted her dress to reveal a horrific scar on her back.

    "I refused, and this is what I got from his belt. Some of the marks have healed."

    She quietly redressed. "He started it, and now it''s time for him to pay."

    Looking at her, I realized I never truly knew Lisa Crawford.

    She always appeared so morous, even a bit aloof with an air of privilege. But her story was filled with so much sorrow.

    She shook her head. "I don''t want Clyde."

    "At first, I thought Clyde was not a good guy as he just catted around. If he made out with me, I could make it to the upper ss."Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    I did not know how to respond, being really shocked.

    It was a game of wits far beyond my skills.

    Impatiently, she scoffed, "You''re so clueless."

    "Let''s make a deal. You and Clyde help me take over the Crawford estate, and I''ll help you find Galen Brown. How about that?"

 Chapter 152

    ?

    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    Lisa had already known Talbot''s n when she went abroad.

    He was indeed plotting against my family and she had bumped into Galen Brown a few times. She even became friends with Geneva Brown.

    But once she went abroad, she stopped meddling in these affairs. Nevertheless, Geneva trusted her and asked Talbot to transfer money to Geneva every month, which only brought them closer.

    "Geneva didn''t steal anything. My dad set her up. Just to force her to be back."

    "I know you''re after Galen Brown. I don''t care what you''re going to do with him. I juts want to take Talbot down."

    I didn''t fully trust her until Clyde came back, and I spilled everything to him.

    He seemed to be puzzled and gave me his phone. There was an investigation report about Lisa.

    "I felt something was off for her and asked someone to do the investigation. Sure enough, there was something fishy."

    "Those photos of her online are all for show. Probably just to keep her dad and brother in the loop. She''s been anything but idle abroad."

    Lisa had been using the identity ''Kristen'' to pursue dual master''s degrees in Business and Psychology at a foreign university, exining why Clyde couldn''t fool her.

    "Moreover, she already owns a business overseas. Now she''s back. Not only is she pressed by her father, but she also wants to take her revenge." The investigation conducted abroad was not easy, but Clyde''s people managed to uncover the fake identity of ''Kristen.''

    She was a formidable woman. An embodiment of both beauty and brains running a sessfulpany overseas. But I could not trust her.

    "She is so scheming. I think we need to be cautious."

    "I can''t trust anyone from the Crawford family."

    We might share the same surname and roots, but Talbot is far more different from me.

    Clyde agreed and suggested we take more time to consider our next steps.

    As we were brainstorming ways to test Lisa, she knocked on my door again.

    "Clyde, I was just looking for you. I''ve prepared red wine, mind to join me in my room?"

    She was wearing a sexy nightgown

    when she sauntered in and swiftly

    shut the door behind her. Then

    pulling out her phone, she rapidly

    showed me a dozen photos.

    "This is evidence Galen Brown gave to Talbot, including their conspiracy to embezzle your dad''s project funds and some transaction records."

    "I couldn''t steal the originals for you. I just snapped these photos. Some are a bit blurry."

    "Talbot''s always on high alert. I''ll try to get clearer shots next time. For now, take these."

    I zoomed in on the photos and I indeed noticed that there were contracts signed by the two men and even some advance payment checks. "Galen Brown hasn''t shown up because Geneva is under Talbot''s control."

    "But he''s not dead. As long as Talbot pays Geneva, Galen hands over some of the original evidence around New Year''s each year."

    Lisa sat on my bed and looked sharply at me.

    "I''ve shown my sincerity. So, are we going to team up?"

    She gave me so much information that it was hard for me to take in.

    Lisa shook her head.

    "They''re all mailed from abroad. I''ve always suspected Galen Brown is overseas."

    "Otherwise, Talbot wouldn''t have forced Geneva toe back. It''s topel Galen Brown to show himself."

 Chapter 153

    I stared at the photograph, still struggling to believe it.

    "So, what''s your n?"

    Now that she had shared everything, it was clear she was seeking a partnership.

    "Let''s start with the current project. We can''t afford any dys, and it''s a significant opportunity for me to shine at thepany."

    Lisa didn''t hide her ambition. She had sent Clyde over precisely because she wanted to secure the project for herself.

    Cooperation between twopanies naturally requires a leader.

    Talbot wouldn''t take the lead himself and Tammie was abroad. Then the leading position naturally went to Lisa.

    However, Talbot didn''t trust her either.

    "He''s cautious and won''t make a move until thest moment. Despite my hints, he refuses to let me get involved." she said.

    "Obviously, he''s waiting for his son to be back and take over thepany. Too bad his son can''t make it back."

    She leaned back in her chair, "Tammie''s living a high life abroad only because Talbot is still footing the bill. But what happens when the money runs out?"

    "With Mr. Patterson''s help, I can secure the project, ensuring there''s enough for everyone."

    Lisa had even figured out how to distribute the benefits. She was well-prepared.

    Clyde pondered for a moment before shaking his head.

    "You''re skilled in project management, but you won''t be able to topple the Crawfords. Your dad is safe for now."

    I felt the same way. Even if Talbot was out of the picture, he wouldn''t just roll over and die.

    Then Lisa couldn''t take over thepany and was she thinking of assassination?

    But then she smiled. "That''s why we need to find Galen Brown. We can send Talbot to jail after we get the evidence. He''ll be in jail for a decade or so. Tammie will then be debt-ridden. He won''t be able to return and the Crawfords will be mine."

    "Maybe not. Talbot might be sentenced to death."

    Her smile was chilling, "Too many sins... he won''tst long."

    It was clear she had no family love for Talbot, only hate.

    I could tell it because every time she mentioned him, her body involuntarily shuddered with loathing.

    "This isn''t enough to get him jailed."

    Clyde pointed at my phone with a straight face.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    Lisa''s smile widened. "Of course. Otherwise, I would have done it myself without your cooperation."

    "So, Clyde, I need your help to demonstrate my value to him, convincing him to hand over some businesses to me."

    "He''s got a new mistress who''s said

    to be pregnant. He''s all in, waiting

    Pen

    for his new son. If we don''t take over thepany now, it''ll only get harder."

    "You said he couldn''t have kids?"

    My head was spinning with theplexity of it all.

    Lisaughed again. "I said you were naive, and it turns out you really are."

    "Just because he can''t have kids doesn''t mean others can''t."

    I couldn''t believe what I was hearing, and she even winked at me.

    Lisa''s proposal was tempting, and I found myself intrigued.

    Standing up, she looked at Clyde and me. "Mnie Crawford, don''t worry. I''m just borrowing Clyde for a bit."

    Without waiting for Clyde''s reaction, she left my room.

    As she opened the door to leave, she turned to Clyde, "I''ll be waiting then."

    Her act was wless, leaving no room for doubt.

    It seemed everyone was sure that Clyde and I would be divorced and Clyde and Lisa would get married.

 Chapter 154

    Clyde and I looked at each other.

    Lisa''s proposal was tempting. Teaming up could indeed make the investigation easier.

    Not to mention how much she hated Talbot.

    We decided to cooperate temporarily. It seemed like a win-win situation.

    Clyde, somewhat disgruntled, eximed, "Does this mean I have to y the pretty boy?"

    I shoved him towards the door with all my might.

    "Who''s even looking at you? What ''looks'' are you talking about?"

    He probably remembered Lisa''s words and left in a huff.

    Clyde barely stepped out when Eliana Chandler called.

    "I needed to see you. We need to talk."

    Her tone was upbeat. Seemed like she had got some clues.

    I rushed to the Chandler family''s restaurant, finding Eliana in high spirits.

    "Mnie, over here, quick!"

    When I got closer, I noticed the table was littered with documents with only two cups of coffee.

    "Look at what I''ve got for these past days. Impressive, huh?"

    I scrutinized the documents, taken aback.

    She had unearthed the Crawford family''s ventures in Ironvale over the years, even highlighting several failed projects.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    "That Talbot guy, a total buffoon. He was on the brink of bankruptcy before taking over your family''s business."

    Eliana pointed at several documents. "These are enough to make him bankrupt. If it weren''t for your family''s misfortune, he''d never achieve his current sess."

    "He''s bitten off more than he can chew by taking on numerous projects. He''s practically broke now and that is why he approached Clyde, the perfect sucker."

    I looked through the documents and I noticed some mishaps.

    It was evident that Talbot wasn''t cut out for business, as he made several mistakes in decision-making. But luck was on his side. The solid

    l

    foundation of my family''spany enabled his business to develop rapidly.

    Eliana then pointed to several profiles. "These folks used to work for the Crawford family and now they''re with us."

    "Talbot valued rtionships over skills in employment, pushing out all thepetent ones."

    "This guy was the project''s designer. Everyone knows he was unfairly dismissed, tarnishing the Crawford family''s reputation."

    I picked up the profile - Jared, a familiar face.

    He used to be the head designer for the Crawford family, known for his skill and integrity. Working with Talbot for so long was a testament to his capabilities.

    Talbot''s decision to let him go was indeed foolish.

    "Did you know? This project''s profit was supposed to be in the range of seven to eight hundred thousand dors. Really not wise of him to

    push away Jared."

    Eliana kept up her critique, but I sensed Talbot''s reason for dismissing Jared wasn''t solely about money.

    Moreover, Jared and Galen Brown used to be on a good terms. Perhaps he knew some inside story?

    But Galen Brown''s profile made me confused.

    Eliana took the profile up, "You know, Galen Brown''s involved not only in your family''s case but also in an unsolved mystery." Turns out, before the police could reach Galen Brown following my family''s incident, his neighborhood caught on fire.

    The fire started in Galen Brown''s house and three people died. However, Galen Brown''s body was never found.

    Rumors suggested that he hadn''t made it out, while others spected that he was burned to ash.

    "Mnie, don''t you find it odd? There should have been some DNA evidence, right?"

    "I believe he''s still alive."

    Deep down, I always felt he was still alive.

    If not, who supplied Talbot with those documents?

    And Geneva, she got back also because Talbot suspected Galen Brown was alive.

    Finding him might just unravel the truth behind everything!

 Chapter 155

    Talbot couldn''t let Galen Brown remain a looming threat. He was determined to dig deeper.

    He would mail the evidence each year. There should be traces left even if they were mailed from abroad.

    If Talbot couldn''t trace anything, it meant Galen Brown was exceptionally good at concealing his location and identity.

    It was possible he was living abroad, or maybe he was just among us, yet we were unable to reach out to him. He gave them to someone overseas and asked the person to send them back.

    When I thought about how Geneva might have been part of it and knew some of the secrets, my heart practically leaped into my throat.

    Now that she was back, she was under Talbot''s watchful eye. Getting close to her wouldn''t be easy. We''d have to rely on Lisa.

    "Why don''t you meet with some of my family''s old associates? Maybe they know something."

    "They all worked for the Crawford family. Could they know something useful?"

    Eliana pulled out a few profiles, but I shook my head after a quick nce.

    "No. They weren''t core members. It''s unlikely they''d know anything substantial."

    "I''ll head back and discuss with Clyde. We''ve teamed up with Lisa now."

    "What? You''re not thinking of stepping down, are you?"

    Eliana looked at me as if I''d lost my mind.

    I quickly filled her in on the situation, including Lisa''sck of interest in Clyde, which had herughing so hard she could barely breathe. "See, not everyone''s as blind as we are."

    "I had a bit more sense, at least. I cut my losses early. You, on the other hand..."

    I was speechless and could not figure out exactly what made herugh. She seemed to have forgotten her own college infatuation with Clyde.

    But she was right. I was the one who ended up marrying Clyde after all while she had moved on.

    Back at the Talbot''s residence, Lisa was already deep in conversation with Clyde in his room.

    The servants seemed to have an unspoken agreement that when Lisa was there, they left them undisturbed.

    As I arrived, a servant announced loudly, "Miss Mnie, you''re back."

    Her voice echoed, almost painfully loud, clearly ensuring the message reached upstairs.

    Lisa, looking annoyed as she opened the door, said, "No big deal. You''re not a guest."

    She returned to Clyde''s room without shutting the door, a hey had something to

    sign

    with me. I hurried upstairs. Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    me. I hurried upstairs Met

    "Any clues?"

    Since she offered to help, I expected some solidmitment.

    Lisa closed the door to make sure no one was listening. "I saw my dad''s bodyguard near Geneva''s apartment. Looks like they''re

    watching her, probably pressure

    Galen Brown to show up. Talbot mentioned today that my granddad had some money go missing once."

    She finally looked at me. Seemed to ask where that money had ended up.

    Of course, I couldn''t sell Clyde out, so I just shook my head helplessly.

    "I didn''t know at first. After my dad passed away, my mom mentioned the money before me, but that''s it."

    What I said was mostly true. My dad''s sudden departure left many unresolved issues.

    My granddad had a decent fortune, most of which, rumor had it, went to Talbot.

    "That figures. I always said granddad was partial!"

    "The Crawford family is strapped for cash and will want that money, so watch your back."

 Chapter 156

    When Lisa dropped that bombshell, both Clyde and I were taken aback.

    Her words lingered in my mind. Although Talbot was a scoundrel, I didn''t think he would darey a finger on me.

    But clearly, Clyde wasn''t on the same page. His face had turned a shade darker.

    Lisa didn''t stick around. Her mood evidently soured as she left.

    I, on the other hand, couldn''t shake off her warning. It seemed Talbot was indeed desperate for cash.

    And as for the trust fund...

    I turned to Clyde and said, ''You''re pretty slick, you know? You make a good case for yourself."

    "That''s not what matters," he said, his voice taking on a rare edge of seriousness. "What matters is that you need to be careful."

    I looked at him, puzzled. "Why?"

    "Because of the trust fund," he said, as if that exined everything.

    I was even more confused.

    He sighed, "Talbot needs money, and now you''ve got this trust fund, possibly being managed by Galen Brown. Doesn''t that put you in danger?"

    "With Galen Brown in the picture, and you directly involved. What''s stopping him from getting his hands on the money?"

    It took me a moment, but then it clicked.

    Right, if I had ess to the funds, I could potentially solve a major financial crisis.

    After all, the Crawford family was in dire need of cash as several projects needed investment.

    But if I were in danger, the money wouldn''t end up in Talbot''s hands, would it?

    "You''re my husband, so if anything happened to me, you''d be my primary beneficiary," I pointed out.

    No sooner had I spoken than Clyde flicked me on the forehead.

    "All this talk of dying, can''t you focus on the living?" he chided.

    "Apparently, you''re my wife. But have you forgotten what you told Lisa?"

    My eyes widened in disbelief.

    Indeed, I had told Lisa we were considering divorce, but she knew we hadn''t gone through with it.

    "Does Talbot think we''re actually going to divorce?" I asked, aghast.

    Clyde nodded, clearly frustrated.

    "If we divorce, and with no parents or grandparents on your side, who inherits your trust fund?"

    I fell silent, realizing that as Talbot, Talbot would indeed be my first-in-line.

    With the Crawford family dwindling, my fortune would either go to him, Tammie, or Lisa.

    "Talbot wants Lisa and me together

    all the

    Heave. Do you see his game?

    us divorced ASARD

    Clyde grew more agitated as he spoke, and I quickly tried to smooth things over.

    If Talbot was indeed banking on this n, it seemed foolproof from his angle.

    If we

    to

    to

    divorced, my money would go and Clyde''s Patterson Group daughter. He''d win

    way.

    belongs to en.s

    But considering the current circumstances, I shook my head.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    "He sent Lisa to seduce you, so he probably won''t harm me, especially not

    how much the trust

    fund holds."

    "But he must think it''s a fortune, or why else would your dad keep it a secret from your mom?"

    The money was mine alone, not a joint asset shared by a wife and a husband.

    Yet, I still believed in my father''s integrity.

    Clyde took my hand with aplex tone.

    "I''ve said it before, I won''t divorce you. We''re in this together."

    "But you need to be careful. Haven''t you thought about how your dad died?"

    My heart skipped a beat.

    My father had died in an ident. The thought of meeting a simr fate if I were to divorce...

    I couldn''t bear to think any further.

 Chapter 157

    I became a third wheel when I was on an on-site investigation with Clyde and Lisa.

    It was hard to tell if they were just putting on a show or if they had genuinely fallen into their roles,pletely ignoring my existence as Mrs. Patterson.

    Everyone seemed to orbit around them, as if they were the true couple in this scenario.

    Especially Talbot, who stood by with a grin on his face, "Aren''t they just a match made in heaven? Mnie, don''t you think so?"N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    I really wanted to ask him if he was speaking in tongues.

    He asked me if another woman and my husband make a good pair? Seriously?

    But I choked down my words, making him believe that Clyde and I would never reconcile. It made him act all the more recklessly. Seeing my mood sour, his grin widened.

    "Mnie, you''re still young. Remarriage is quitemon these days. No need to fret."

    "Clyde''s clearly over you, and I think it would be less painful to just ept it sooner rather thanter.¡±

    "And don''t worry about being left out in the cold after your divorce. Talbot''s got your back. With Talbot''s support, what''s there to fear?"

    I shot him a cold look, saying nothing for a while.

    So, God damn you, Talbot. Already began scouting out the next option for his daughter?

    Indeed, Clyde was different with hypocrites or those old men with one foot in the grave.

    If Lisa ended up with him, that did not seem too bad.

    Too bad, Lisa looked down on Clyde.

    I actually felt a bit smug when I heard someone think of him like that.

    But now, all I could do was to y the role of a wife about to be discarded, stamping my foot in frustration.

    "Help me with what? Help my husband divorce me? You''re really something, Talbot!"

    I didn''t keep my voice down so that everyone could hear.

    I saw Clyde trying toe over, only to be pulled back by Lisa. I just shook my head slightly at him.

    Since the investigation was ongoing, it was better to let Talbot distract everyone for now.

    As expected, Talbot didn''t care where I was heading and stayed back at the site.

    I immediately called a taxi to see Jared, hoping he might let something slip.

    But I did not expect Jared to have changed so much.

    He was disheveled with dark circles under his eyes and his clothes were wrinkled.

    He was eating alone in a diner when he saw me, startled.

    "Mnie? Is that really you?"

    I nodded, sitting across from him.

    "Mr. Jared, it''s been a while. I heard about what happened."

    Jared shook his head, "That''s nothing to do with you, kid. It''s all Talbot''s doing."

    Just mentioning Talbot filled him with indignation.

    He hadpleted the project design

    With all his heart. Only to bet

    as the bidding was over.

    out of thepany by Talbot

    "You know what he said? He fired me for beingte four times this month But I was practically living at the office those days! He''s just pushing me over!"

    "I''m already preparing to sue him. He

    thinks he can get away with not ne Celongs tomer

    giving me my share? In his dreams!"

    Jared rambled on and I just listened quietly, not saying much.

    Eventually, he nearly broke down, "I''ve been with him for so many years. Done so much for thepany."

    ¡°If I knew he''d turn out like this, I would have stuck with your dad and fought it out till the end!¡±

    He mmed his fork down, and my heart skipped a beat.

    "Mr. Jared, what do you mean by that?"

 Chapter 158

    Things at home had be a blur, but one thing was crystal clear-we were t broke.

    And it seemed like every day someone would knock on our door asking about my parents.

    I was sick, literally and figuratively. I was on the edge of sanity, especially with breaking up with Clyde hanging over my head. There was just too much to handle right now.

    Looking back, our family business had got so many projects. Bankruptcy seemed to be impossible.

    There must''ve been signs that these senior employees could sense.

    I fixed my eyes on Jared. "Mr. Jared, what really went down? There was something more, right?"

    His eyes darted around, struggling with something, before he finally let out a sigh.

    "We had this one deal that could''ve been our lifeline. Your dad wanted me to go all in, and I..." He shook his head. "Mnie, I wanted to fight back. Believe me, I did."

    "But Talbot, he suggested waiting for the ship to sink and then jump ship to join him."

    That was when it hit me. Talbot had been wooing my dad''s crew much earlier than I thought.

    Not just Jared, but other senior employees as well.

    The investigation into my dad and the car ident made everyone panic, and my mom was trying to hold the fort alone.

    "Your mom seldom stepped into thepany''s business because she couldn''t understand it. Talbot proposed a better deal. He proposed handing over the project to him, rather than going down with your mom."Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    "Mnie, you know my situation. My daughter just started high school and I had bills to pay..."

    Jared couldn''t look into my eyes, his head bowed.

    I could understand his predicament, midlife crisis hitting with responsibilities at every corner. No one could be expected to stick by my dad through thick and thin.

    "Mnie, can you forgive me?"

    His eyes were murky, the spark of his younger years extinguished.

    I didn''t nod, just looked at him indifferently.

    "Mr. Jared, I''m not here to dig up the past. I''m interested in your current projects."

    "Talbot got the Patterson Group to take over, and I''m tasked with redesigning."

    I didn''t hold a grudge. Everyone was living only for themselves. But forgiveness wasn''ting easy either.

    I was not here to figure out the right from wrong. I needed his help with something else.

    Mentioning the project made Jared bristle.

    "Hmph, if it weren''t for him, we

    wouldn''t be in this mess. He cut corners to save money. Switched materials and altered designs. No wonder it got rejected. And to top it off, he offended the wealthy investor."

    Disdain flickered in Jared''s eyes.

    I remained expressionless, but my ears perked up.

    G at best and some

    Eliana''s research hinted that the family''s qualifications

    bee

    were

    even borrowed.

    If there was a thorough

    investigation, it''d unravel aunt

    Yet, Talbot still won multiple

    ?????

    projects. Clearly, something was amiss.

    He nced around before whispering, ¡°How do you think the Crawford Group wins so many deals?"

    "Someone in high ces. Even mediocre designs get approved."

    "But your cousin was in fund trouble. He embezzled the public funds. Then the wealthy investor was upset."

    I leaned in closer. "Who''s the wealthy investor?"

    He dipped his finger in water and wrote on the table the name of Bill. He quickly wiped it off.

    "Talbot had been cooperation with him for years when your dad was still alive."

    ¡°Both of them rise and fall together. There''s definitely something fishy going on!"

 Chapter 159

    After exchanging numbers with Jared, I set off to find Eliana.

    Neither Clyde nor I had much of a socialwork here, but the Chandlers were a different story.

    With their family-owned diners spreading across several states, Eliana had resources that could ease any investigation.

    It wasn''t long before one of her contacts reported back.

    "There are two Millers in the licensing department, but given their ages, it seems like this Garfield Miller, now a high-ranking official there, is our guy. Several of the Crawford family''s projects were green-lit by him, and he seems to be on good terms with Talbot."

    I hesitated as I looked over Garfield''s information.

    His high-profile connection to the Crawford family made me wonder-was it really a secret to others?

    Suddenly, I noticed the spouse section listed a name, Marilyn, which sounded vaguely familiar.

    "Marilyn? What does she do? Is she in the same department as him?"

    "Marilyn? Mnie, haven''t you heard of her? She was the one who gave that lecturest year, the nephrology expert. Her posters were all over Ironvale. She''s quite well-known."Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Eliana googled her name on her phone.

    Seeing Marilyn''s specialty, I had a sinking feeling.

    The truck driver who killed my dad was suffering from end-stage renal disease, barely hanging onto life, and died before any legal actions could finalize. He left behind no assets, makingpensation impossible.

    Ultimately, the insurancepany paid out, but the driver had no previous connection to my dad. There was no evidence of premeditated harm. I had wondered if my dad had been rushing because he was onto Galen Brown''s trail.

    But now, things seemed to be connecting in a disturbing way.

    Could all this tie back to Talbot somehow?

    Before I could piece everything together, Clyde''s call came through.

    "Babe,e...e home." His speech was slurred, his words unclear.

    "Home? Where are you now?"

    "Clyde, I''ll take you back to your room. Come on, don''t be like this, my dad''s still here."

    Lisa''s voice in the background was a clear signal-they were at home. Eliana''s eyes widened with a look of "I knew it" as she stared at me.

    Neither of us trusted Lisa, but in that moment, I knew I had to go back.

    Eliana, always up for watching drama unfold, drove me home.

    Upon arrival, I found Clyde and Lisa struggling on the stairs, with a few

    ss trying to help him to his room, yet he refused to go in.

    Lisa seemed frantic, "Clyde, let me help you inside. What are you doing?"

    "What''s going on here?"

    I stormed ?ver, furious. It took Clyde a moment to recognize me, but then he copsed into my arms and whispered, "Take me away"

    "Mnie, what''s the problem? Tessa was just helping Clyde to his room."

    Talbot approached, visibly annoyed, and shot Lisa a look.

    I shielded Clyde protectively, "Helping him to his room or nning something sinister?"

    "Did it really require so many of you? Your intentions couldn''t be more obvious!"

    They dared to drug Clyde in broad daylight; who knew what they''d do next. Maybe they nned to

    vele

    fabricate a scandal topletely entangle Clyde and Lisa.

    I turned to Eliana at the door, "Eliana, help me out. Clyde and I aren''t staying here any longer!"

 Chapter 160

    Eliana hurried over to help, and together we struggled to lift him into the car.

    Talbot was about to bring people over to stop us, but Eliana had already hit the gas and sped away.

    "No way, she really had the guts to drug Clyde? Since when is Clyde a sought-after prize? Doesn''t look all that appetizing to me."

    "My wife would know if he''s tasty or not!"

    Clyde, who had been unconscious just moments ago, suddenly woke up, ring at Eliana with displeasure.

    Eliana hit the brakes hard, and our heads bumped together.

    I punched Clyde lightly, "She''s driving, don''t scare her!"

    Clyde grunted, "If it wasn''t for Lisa''s lousy idea, I wouldn''t have had to pretend to be drunk."

    "Her dad, Talbot, is crazy, letting his daughter drug me for a video. Does he have a screw loose?"

    "Was Lisa picked up from a dumpster? Not his real daughter? Doesn''t seem like it!"

    I understood Clyde''s point. Even in the toughest situations, some lines just shouldn''t be crossed, and Talbot definitely went too far.

    But he never really cared for Lisa, thinking a marriage alliance for profit was worth more than a simple video; he wouldn''t care.

    Eliana dropped us off at a hotel her family had ties with before taking off.

    And Clyde and I started to debrief today''s gains.

    It turned out Lisa wanted to bring Geneva along, but Talbot''s men were guarding the girl too closely, making it impossible for Lisa to get her out.

    "Lisa also mentioned Geneva''s phone was being monitored, she didn''t dare ask too much."

    "She just told us to hurry up and divorce, fearing Talbot couldn''t wait any longer, otherwise, he wouldn''t have had her drug me."

    Thinking about what Jared had said today made me worried.

    Talbot''s actions meant he must have had a fallout with Garfield.

    First, he restricted his construction projects, and then he moved against thepany.

    But the two have been entangled for a long time; it wouldn''te to blows so quickly.

    If Clyde got involved, Garfield wouldn''t dare target bothpanies.

    I shared the investigation''s findings with Clyde, who also fell silent.

    This issue seemed tooplex, far beyond mere personal grievances.

    "Do you remember any projects your family had at the time?"Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    "Or did your parents ever mention something to you, maybe about Galen Brown or project-rted stuff?"

    I shook my head, "I''m not clear on

    thepany''s affairs, and after

    het

    went to Country Aurorea, my mon

    hardly ever talked to me about home."

    At that time, I was undergoing surgery, and she probably didn''t want to worry me.

    Moreover, my cancer was spreading

    fast, living each day o

    had no energy to inquire about the family business.

    to

    Just thinking about my dad''s death, which I couldn''t witness, made it hard for me to breathe.

    I walked over to the window and opened it, feeling as gloomy as the weather outside.

    Clyde licked his lips and didn''t ask any more about my family.

    My going abroad was a taboo topic for both of us, bringing silence whenever mentioned.

    "Clyde, I''m thinking of letting Jared hang around the Patterson Group for a while."

    "He told me all this today clearly with an agenda; he must know more."

    I don''t believe he spilled the beans just out of guilt.

    Now that I''m here, I''m bound to investigate the past. We''ve all been

    in the business for so long; no 1.9

    us are fools.

    of

    Clyde nodded. "That''s fine, but be careful dealing with these people."

    "You''ll handle the project design; don''t let others interfere."

    "We''ll both stay away from the Crawford family for now; it''s time to give Talbot the cold shoulder."

 Chapter 161

    On a stormy night, filled with ps of thunder and heavy rain, Lisa bombarded Clyde with several calls and flirty texts. Finally, I picked up the phone and gave her a piece of my mind, which got her to finally hang up.

    I could almost picture Talbot sitting beside her, his face red with anger.

    The thought of him pushing his own daughter to do such things made my skin crawl. How could a father be like that?

    Considering Lisa''s wish to see him behind bars, or worse, didn''t seem all that unfathomable anymore.

    There''s an old saying, "Like father, like son," but if the father''s heart is cold, the children''s will be too.

    The next day, Clyde went solo to negotiate a deal with the Crawford family''spany, while I sought out Eliana for some assistance.

    I had asked her the previous night to dig into whether Ironvale had seen a simr pattern of terminally ill patients involved in fatal idents, and, shockingly, there was.

    "Mnie, you don''t think there''s some sort of organization like in those TV dramas, do you? Life imitating art...it can''t be real, right?"

    "Is it like, paying people tomit murder because they''re dying anyway, nning to leave their families some money before they pass?"

    Eliana looked at me, eyes wide with fear, which only mirrored my own as I sifted through the data in my hands.

    Over the past three to four years, Ironvale indeed had four or five such incidents.

    Not just involving big rigs, but personal vehicles too.

    And almost all the drivers were terminally ill patients with just a few months left to live, suffering from various diseases beyond just kidney failure. Eliana pulled out more reports.

    "Mnie, look at this, these three patients were all treated at the same hospital, and Marilyn is the director there!"

    Holding those documents, my hands trembled slightly.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    Eliana''s fears aligned closely with mine.

    If people were being roped intomitting murder in return for a sum of money for their families, they''d probably see it as a fair deal.

    That''s why the driver who killed my dad was so determined, having divorced early on.

    This way, his family wouldn''t have to paypensation or worry about repercussions on the children.

    And since he and my dad likely never crossed paths in decades, even a police investigation would probably turn up nothing.

    Especially since my family''s case was inter-state.

    Clutching the documents, a shiver ran down my spine as I felt closer to the truth.

    "Eliana, can you check if these victims had any beef with the Crawford family?"

    "Or with Garfield." Eliana looked at me steadily.

    We were on the same wavelength.

    Traffic system investigations were easily essible, and within an hour, Eliana''s contact provided us with the information. Indeed, the deceased had eitherpeted with the Crawford family on projects or had disputes over coborations.

    "Eliana, drop this now. Buy a ticket and go back. Don''t meddle further and don''te back, got it?"

    Now that the situation was clear, and it undoubtedly involved Talbot and Garfield, I couldn''t let Eliana get tangled in this. They were bold enough to do this; her investigation might get discovered.

    I grabbed the documents, ready to leave.

    She caught my sleeve, "Turning your back on me now? Done with seeking help?"

    I wanted to exin, but she wouldn''t hear it.

    "If you''re thinking of exining, save it, Ms. Chandler doesn''t give up halfway through."

    "I remember an auntie at our diner

    who might have kidney issues. I''m nning to apany her to the hospital tomorrow. Join me, will you?"

    Her grip on my sleeve was firm, the other hand already dialing on her phone.

    "Lady, it''s me. Thepany''s

    hosting a

    tomorrow, 70% of treatment costs covered. I''ll apany you to the hospital, okay?"

    Vdney disease screening

 Chapter 162

    The next day, bright and early, Eliana showed up at the hospital with an elderlydy in tow. Unsure if Marilyn would recognize me, Eliana nned to have me wait outside just in case. Finally getting through the long line, Eliana came back fuming with the registration slip in hand. "Can you believe this? A scalper sold a specialist''s appointment for a grand?"

    "If I knew this was such a cash cow, I''d bring awn chair and camp out here daily."

    Listening to her rant, I couldn''t help but feel a knot of anxiety in my stomach.

    If my dad''s situation was indeed tied to Garfield, then wouldn''t Marilyn recognize me too?

    Eventually, we decided I''d wait in the hallway while Eliana checked if there was anything off about Marilyn.

    Eliana''s appointment wasn''t until noon, and it was a good while before she and the elderlydy reappeared.

    "How did it go?"

    Eliana steadied the elderlydy, signaling me to step aside.

    "Thedy is alright, regr medication and rest should do her good."

    "Dr. Thompson''s patients are mostly terminal cases. Most people I saw were there out of desperation, and surgery might not even help."

    "But Dr. Thompson is kind. She''s warm to everyone, regardless of their financial status, unlike other specialists."

    She gave me a meaningful look, and I nodded in understanding.

    If patients came from all over, the chances of their crimes being linked back to them were slim. Besides their illnesses, the police wouldn''t find any connections.

    Moreover, these individuals must''ve sought treatment far and wide, making it impossible to link their crimes directly to Marilyn.

    Especially since Marilyn was known for her equal treatment andpassion. If I were in dire straits, I''d probably go out of my way for someone who cared for my condition too.

    Just as we were about to leave, someone bumped into me.

    "Sorry, I''m off to a surgery, my apologies."

    A pleasant female voice rang out. As I turned, the woman paused, a flicker of panic in her eyes.

    I recognized her immediately as Marilyn from the photographs.

    In the next moment, she continued apologizing, pretending not to know me, and hurried off towards the surgery room.

    Instinctively, I wanted to follow, her nce confirming she definitely knew who I was.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    "Ouch~"

    Suddenly, a janitor cart almost tipped over, and I, along with a few bystanders, rushed to steady it.

    The janitor, an old man, bowed repeatedly, "I''m so sorry, I wasn''t paying attention."

    His voice was raspy and unpleasant,

    and his posture bent, not helped by the ugly scars, possibly burn marks, on his hands.

    A nurse quickly came over, "Emory, are you alright? We''ve told you

    before, you don''t need to clean this

    area Just taking care of the trash is enough."

    The old man waved off the concern, apologizing again and even helping me brush off my now dirty clothes.

    I was certain I had never heard his voice before, nor did I recognize him.

    Yet, there was something oddly familiar about him.

    "Sir, are you alright? Your hand is bleeding. Let me help you get that checked."

    "No need, I''ve got more floors to clean," he insisted.

    I moved to examine closer, but the old man quickly wheeled his cart away.

    I stood there, puzzled, watching him go.

    Eliana followed my gaze, "You know that old man?"

    I shook my head. I didn''t know him, but something felt eerily familiar.

    And I was sure I saw him

    deliberately tip the cart towards me.

    Was

    she trying to stop me from following Marilyn? But why?

 Chapter 163

    Back at the hotel, the more I thought about today''s events, the more they seemed off.

    Even if Marilyn was looking for terminally ill patients, why did she need to know who I was?

    Or was this whole thing orchestrated by her from the start? Was my dad''s ident an inspiration for her macabre scheme? Choosing hospital patients with no hope left to do her bidding?

    And then there was the peculiar janitor today, always seeming to dodge me.

    Yet, he carefully removed a piece of stic stuck to my clothes and patted me down after.

    Such a casual gesture, but who does that if they''re not familiar with you?

    Then, his burned hand and hisst name - could it be?

    Suddenly, it hit me why she was named Geneva; it was after Galen Brown''s wife''sst name.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Geneva, a name that brought joy, just like how Geneva had once exined the meaning behind her name.

    Could it be that this man was Galen Brown himself?

    The thought of possibly having encountered Galen Brown had me rushing to confront him at the hospital. Why hadn''t he left the country, and why hadn''t he sought me out? What was he still doing in Ironvale? Question after question whirled in my head, driving me insane with the need for answers.

    I had barely opened my door when Clyde walked in, looking somewhat exhausted.

    "Where have you been? Weren''t you at the hospital today?"

    I quickly shared my suspicion about possibly running into Galen Brown.

    He looked at me, skeptical, "Are you sure? Hospitals are pretty strict about who they hire, they check everything."

    "But what if someone''s selling fake identities? And a janitor might not be scrutinized as much as medical staff, right?"

    I had thought about it; the reason Galen Brown had evaded discovery could be because he was hiding in in sight.

    If he was still around, keeping an

    averyone, he could intervene if threatened Geneva aete

    provide evidence to the police.

    "We need to go back to the hospital. What if he disappears?"

    I was so close to the truth, I couldn''t wait.

    But Clyde stopped me. "You said Marilyn knows you, and so does Galen. It''s not wise for you to go. Your frequent appearances could spook them. I''ll have someone else check it out."

    I realized I was being too impatient and sat down, albeit reluctantly.

    But the next day brought disappointing news; the janitor had taken leave.

    "He told the hospital something

    came up

    back home and neededet

    four days off. Since he never asked for leave before, they allowed i

    "Here''s his ID and everything checked out. It''s not Galen Brown," he showed me the photo of a stranger.

    Lisa arrived at the hotel while we were at a loss for what to do next.

    "What''s up? Missed me? Or why not move back?"

    Herughter broke the tension before she shared the reason for her visit.

    "Geneva wanted to check out the arcade, so I took her today."

    "She told me she received a package earlier this year with her old clothes in it. She thinks it was from her dad."

    "I also suspect Galen Brown isn''t dead, and he might still be in the country."

    Clyde and I exchanged a nce, neither of us speaking a word.

    If he was still around, then perhaps that old man was indeed Galen Brown.

 Chapter 164

    Staying domestic seemed far safer than venturing abroad.

    Galen Brown was a smart cookie, having run circles around the Talbot crew for years.

    Seeing theck of surprise on our faces, Lisa got steamed.

    "You two don''t seem shocked. Hey! We''re in this together, spill it if you''ve got something!"

    She mmed her hand on the table, "Mnie! Out with it, or I swear I''ll hop into bed with your husband!"

    Clyde shrank behind me, while I deftly changed the subject.

    "I''d like to meet Geneva. Any chance you could arrange that?"

    I was certain Geneva held key insights, but now wasn''t the time to let Lisa in on the Galen Brown situation. Geneva and I used to be on good terms. If she truly despised me, there had to be a reason behind it. She wasn''t unaware of my family''s past. She was in middle school back then, not a little kid anymore.

    Either she''d gotten the wrong end of the stick, or she was doing this on purpose.

    Lisa shrugged, "She''s not your biggest fan, always harping on how much she dislikes you."

    "My dad''s people are keeping an eye on her. You getting close might be a long shot, plus she might not spill even if she sees you." "If you trust me, let me do the talking."

    I nodded in agreement. It wasn''t about trust; she was my only option.

    If I got anywhere near Geneva, Talbot would be on high alert, possibly even catching wind of my hospital visit.

    If Galen was indeed the old man in question, his knowing Geneva was in Talbot''s clutches could spur him into action.

    Though Talbot''s motives were murky, I had a hunch it tied back to past events.

    "You''re curious about the past, but she was young, might not know much," Lisa pointed out.

    "Maybe you should seek out Galen Brown. He''s got your trust fund, after all."

    Lisa eyed me keenly as I looked away.

    The trust fund was a fabrication by Clyde, likely setting Lisa up for disappointment.

    But my fictional wealth didn''t impact our alliance.

    After hashing out our next moves, Clyde and I watched her sprawled on the couch.

    "What''s this? Kicking me to the curb once I''ve served my purpose?" She raised her ss.

    "Aren''t you leaving?" Clyde snapped back, clearly irritated.

    Lisa pouted, then quickly switched to a grin. "Clyde, what''s up? You''re gonna kick me out just like that?"

    "Iy awake at night thinking of you, and all I get are cold shoulders. It hurts, you know."

    Clyde ducked behind me again, and

    suddenly remembered him joking about a ghost in the room. Lisa, always in red, did resemble a vengeful spirit.

    Seeing Clyde''s cowardly stance, she finally stood up with augh.

    "I''ll be around, especially with Talbot breathing down our necks."

    "Last time''s drugging didn''t cut it,

    who

    s what he''ll try next?

    Tammie''s probably at her lim n your backs. G

    so

    "And about that project, remember to let me handle it."

    With that, she gracefully picked up her purse, walked to the door, turned back, and said, "Mnie, if you''re divorcing him, let go gracefully. Why cling to him?"

    "Mrs. Patterson might share a surname with ''River'', but it''s Clyde''s choice in the end, isn''t it?"

    With a huff, she finally closed the door behind her.

    I walked to the door, spotting two shady figures in the safety corridor.

    Clearly, Talbot trusted no one, not even his own daughter.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

 Chapter 165

    The Patterson Group and the Hamilton family were on the cusp of a crucial coboration. The Hamiltons'' bank ount was running on fumes, and they were desperate for a lifeline.

    Finding someone with deep pockets and a design team ready to hit the ground running was no easy task. Ironvale, despite its strengths, just wasn''t up to the challenge.

    Even if it were, any sensiblepany would think twice before shaking hands with someone like Talbot. His past partnerships were littered with casualties - if they weren''t financially crippled, they were at least left licking their wounds. Everyone knew getting involved with him was akin to ying with fire.

    My dad always said Talbot was too much of a bulldozer in his dealings, and that wasn''t the way to buildsting business rtionships. But did he listen? No, he brushed off my dad''s advice as overly cautious, if not outright cowardly.

    Now, without a dime to his name and a reputation that had others steering clear, Talbot was in a tight spot. If I hadn''t stepped in, he''d probably be trying to pawn off his daughter Lisa by now.

    During the negotiations, Talbot''s usual arrogance was nowhere to be seen. He meticulously outlined the project''s benefits - government backing, funding, and all the necessary paperwork ready to go. Under normal circumstances, businesses would be tripping over themselves to get a piece of the action.

    But the project was a tough nut to crack, especially with Jared gone. The Hamiltons'' Design Department was like a ship without a captain.

    Despite the project''s allure, no one was eager to shoulder the responsibility. Now, it wasn''t just about the Patterson Group financing the project; they had to absorb the risk too. Naturally, Clyde Patterson wasn''t going to let that slide without a fight.

    After several rounds of talks, Clyde came out on top.

    "Mr. Patterson, we''re practically family. Do you really need to drive such a hard bargain?" Talbot was visibly struggling to keep hisposure, likely not used to being on the back foot.

    Clyde, sipping his coffee leisurely, replied, "Even brothers settle their ounts clearly. Don''t you understand that, Mr. Hamilton? Besides, at best, you''re an inw, not direct family. Best we keep things straight."

    Talbot''s frustration was palpable, but he held back, probably remembering Lisa''s warning that they were running out of options. In the end, he caved to Clyde''s stern conditions.

    Just as they were about to sign the contract, Clyde added another stiption.

    "There''s one more thing I need - not for the contract, but as a gentleman''s agreement from Mr. Hamilton."

    Through gritted teeth, Talbot managed to ask, "What''s the condition?"

    "Lisa will be our point of contact for this project. I deal exclusively with her. Anyone else, and the deal''s off."

    Clyde nced meaningfully at Lisa, who was trying to look nonchnt while enjoying a piece of apple pie.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    "Come on, Dad, didn''t you say I

    1

    needed more experience? Who better to learn from than Mr. Patterson? Besides, he''s specifically asking for me," she said, her@yes yfully challenging me.

    I couldn''t help but smirk. The girl had a ir for the dramatic.

    Talbot hesitated, concerned about the project''s scale and Lisa''sck of experience.

    "I might be inexperienced, but I''m

    not alone I''ll have the team, and I be working directly with Clyde," Lisa said, brushing off her father''s concerns as she took another bite of herpie, giving Clyde a teasing look.

    Clyde clenched his fist, struggling to hide his irritation

    I had to cough to hide myughter. It was clear that in this battle of wills, only the most determined would prevail.

    In the end, Talbot agreed to Clyde''s terms.

    He left me in charge of the Design Department to fine-tune our ns while Clyde and Lisa went on-site to assess the project.

    This move, seemingly designed to separate Clyde and me, yed right into my hands.

    Upon joining the Design Department, I was greeted by a mix of familiar and new faces.

    "Everyone, I''m Mnie, the new

    Director of Design for the Patterson

    Group. I''m looking forward to

    working with all of you and learning from your experience," I introduced myself, ready to tackle this new challenge head-on.

 Chapter 166

    A few heads turned in surprise as I walked in, but quickly looked away.

    The strangers gave me odd looks, while those few who knew me avoided my gaze.

    I figured if they were ying the ignorance card, I''d let it slide and just focus on my job.

    But it seemed like the Design Department hadn''t been managed in ages. Trying to get anything done was a Herculean task.

    I knew Jared had what it took. He wasn''t exactly a prodigy, but his meticulous nature and wealth of experience made him capable of handling projects of this caliber.

    The rest of the Crawford n, however, left much to be desired.

    Aside from a few old-timers loyal to the Crawfords, the team was pretty much amateur hour.

    And it was clear some weren''t too thrilled about me snagging the project so smoothly.

    "Ms. Mnie, what on earth are these drawings? You have to follow ourpany''s guidelines," Sandra grumbled as she mmed the files on my desk.

    "I get you''re Mrs. Patterson, but is this how the Patterson Group operates? Can you not increase everyone else''s workload?"

    I nced at my files and pushed them aside.

    "If you can''t understand them, find someone who can. The software''s the same worldwide, what''s there not to get?"

    Sandra, a veteran in the Design Department, probably one of Talbot''s old guard, had been giving me the cold shoulder since I arrived.

    Getting any document from her was like pulling teeth, and she''d asionally slip me the wrong materials.

    If I hadn''t already reviewed the designs, I might''ve fallen for her tricks.

    Myeback really got under her skin. She ended up storming off, but not before mming the files down on the table.

    "I don''t care who you are, you need to follow the rules. If you can''t finish, don''t even think about leaving."

    She was clearly out to make trouble, but I wasn''t in the mood to argue.

    Better to work overtime now than deal with project issuester.

    Just as I was about to dive back into the paperwork, two hours into my overtime, Lisa called.

    "Mnie, Clyde''s been hurt. You

    need toe to the hospital," sheet said, her voiceced with pavel:

    background noises adding to the urgency.

    She texted me the address, and I rushed to the hospital, leaving my work behind.

    Lisa gave me a knowing look when I arrived, and that''s when I noticed Talbot lurking in the corner.

    "How''s Clyde?"

    "He got hurt trying to save me. He

    1

    lost a lot of blood," she sobbed,

    dabbing at her dry eyes with a tissue in a disy of forced elegance.

    "Clyde cares about you. Of course, he couldn''t stand seeing you hurt."

    "A man protecting the woman he loves is only natural. Clyde''s a real man!"

    Talbot consoled his daughter, throwing me a sharp nce.

    His worldviewpletely baffled me.

    Was he really pushing his daughter into being the other woman, seeing the wife as an inconvenience?

    Ignoring their drama, I went straight to the nurses'' station to handle the paperwork.

    That''s when I bumped into Marilyn.

    She paused upon seeing me, then approached with a smile.

    "Are you rted to the patient from the construction site ident?"

    I nodded, pretending not to know her. "And you are?"

    "Oh, I''m one of the doctors here. No worries, the injuries are pretty minor, just surface stuff. With the right care he should be back on his feet in a couple of weeks."

    I feigned concern. "But with all that dust at the construction site, isn''t there a risk of infection? Should he be hospitalized?"

    Marilyn was patient and kind, her voice soft and reassuring. She assured me that hospitalization was an option if it would ease my worry.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    My eyes caught her name tag, and I looked at her skeptically.

    "Dr. Marilyn, you''re from the nephrology department, aren''t we in surgery?"

 Chapter 167

    Marilyn paused for a moment, then quickly exined, "Doctors are swamped these days, especially the surgeons. Your ent doesn''t sound local. Are you here on vacation or for work?"

    I was caught off guard by her initiating the conversation, but I decided to be upfront with her.

    Lies have a way of unraveling; honesty is the best policy.

    "Talbot is my uncle, and we''re here for a coboration between the Patterson Group and the Crawford family. My husband was probably injured on the construction site."

    She nodded thoughtfully, "I see, so you''re a Johnson as well."

    "Do you happen to know..."

    "Ouch!"

    A familiar voice rang out as the janitor''s cart overturned again.

    This time, several bottles shattered, drenching Marilyn in their contents.

    Her face immediately turned cold, tinged with a hint of disgust.

    "Such carelessness could have hurt a patient!"

    "We''ve told the hospital time and again not to rely on those who are past their prime. Honestly."

    She kept wiping her clothes with a tissue, clearly a bit of a germaphobe - not umon among doctors.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    Marilyn probably lost interest in probing further, muttering about her bad luck as she returned to her office.

    I stayed behind to help the old janitor clean up.

    I was about to pick up the shards when the old man stopped me. "Be careful with your hands."

    He swept the floor meticulously, checking my shoes and pants for any ss pieces before he continued on his way.

    His actions choked me up. Only those who truly care would go to such lengths.

    Galen was always meticulous, my dad used to say. Without his attention to detail, he wouldn''t have made such a skilled ountant, let alone manage a bigpany.

    Thest time, he was just as cautious removing stic wrap from me...

    As the janitor pushed his cart away, I called out softly, "Galen."

    He paused for a moment but didn''t stop, limping away.

    I didn''t chase after him this time, but I was sure this man was Galen Brown.

    Perhaps the fire had changed him, his appearance, and his voice.

    Maybe he was here for his de

    Finding him could lead us to the truth about what happened back then.

    swnofr

    The hospital was packed, so I didn''t hang around long and rushed back to the patient''s room.

    Clyde had woken up, his spirits lifted slightly at seeing me.

    Seeing his

    and hisms and legs bandaged my eyes welled up with tears yds,

    t belongs to

    He smiled at me, but the pain made him wince.

    Lisa rushed over. "Clyde, are you okay? Where does it hurt?"

    I was on the verge of tears, but her presence somehow held them back.

    Why was my emotional resilience so lowpared to hers?

    Clyde shot her a look before turning back to me.

    "Mnie, when did you get here?"

    "Just now."

    I didn''t dwell on it, instead turning to Lisa and Talbot.

    "Talbot, Lisa, you guys can head back. I''ll stay."

    "That''s not right. Clyde got hurt saving Tina; she should be the one to take care of him."

    Talbot nudged Lisa, who clearly looked annoyed, her expression full of disdain.

    But in a split second, her demeanor changed, "Right, Clyde saved me, I should definitely stay."

    "Mnie, you go back to work. I''ll stay with Clyde."

    I had no patience for her theatrics, so I just sat on one side of the bed while she took the other.

    As soon

    stood

    up with a look of disgust, as if

    albot left the room, Lisa

    the hospital bed was contaminated.

    Seeing Clyde''s mood sour, I blurted out before they could start another argument.

    "I think I saw Galen Brown!"

 Chapter 168

    Sarah motioned for me to keep quiet with a finger to her lips, then quickly made her way to the door.

    After making sure the coast was clear, she asked, "Are you sure?"

    I shook my head, then nodded.

    "Can''t be too sure, but I have this gut feeling it''s Galen."

    This time, I didn''t hold back and shared my suspicions about the janitor being Galen Brown.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    Sarah wasn''t surprised; instead, she nodded in agreement.

    "That makes sense. He''s been sending stuff from abroad, probably got the addresses mixed up and ended up sending them to my ce."

    "Or maybe he''s been using contacts here to ship things back because every time, the evidence arrives with gifts."

    It didn''t take a genius to piece everything together.

    But Galen refusing to acknowledge me probably meant he had unfinished business.

    Sarah pondered for a moment before tentatively suggesting, "Should I use Jenny as bait?"

    "If Jenny shows up at the hospital, he can''t possibly ignore his own daughter, right? They haven''t seen each other in years."

    I quickly shook my head.

    "No way, your dad''s been keeping a close eye on Jenny. We''d blow Galen''s cover if we did that."

    "He''s been at the hospital for years, probably digging up some evidence. We can''t afford to let him get hurt again."

    Thinking about the scars on his hands made me shudder.

    If Jenny and her mom hadn''t left, could it be that their whole family would no longer be here?

    If everything was as I suspected, and Talbot could go as far as harming his own kin, what''s stopping him from hurting a stranger? Sarah slumped into a chair.

    "You always think of others, burdening yourself with worries. You''re not cut out for heavy responsibilities!"

    Her words echoed the doctor''s. Was I really overthinking?

    I lowered my head; it was just that my conscience wouldn''t allow me to act otherwise.

    Unexpectedly, Jenny was admitted to the hospital that same night.

    She had indulged in a street food binge, and something must have disagreed with her system, leading to food poisoning.

    Upon receiving the call, Sarah was about to rush over but then settled back next to Clyde''s hospital bed.

    "I''ve got the important task of

    seducing your husband to attend to;

    you go take care of Jenny. It''s

    perfect timing."

    I saw Clyde tug at the nket with force as I nodded and left the room.

    This was a golden opportunity!

    By the time I arrived at the ward, Jenny looked pale, as if she had lost weight.

    "Family member, huh? Kids might

    not know

    tter, but adults should

    Eating all that junk food and now she''s ended up with food poisoning, severe diarrhea."

    "Let''s wait for theb reports to see if there''s anything else. Don''t leave, alright? Keep an eye on her."

    I agreed repeatedly and waited for the doctor to leave before approaching the bed.

    "Jenny, how are you feeling? Want some warm water?"

    She turned her head away, refusing to look at me.

    Undeterred, I got her a ss of water and watched her drink it before heaving a sigh of relief.

    "You don''t have to pretend to care, you and your parents are all the same, hypocrites!"

    She red at me briefly before covering her head with the nket.

    I stood there, suddenly feeling awkward.

    After a moment, I cleared my throat, "I was abroad at the time, unaware of what was happening with your family."

    "If they did something wrong, I apologize on their behalf. But you know the kind of people my parents are..."

    "What kind? The kind that turns their backs on those in need!"

    Jenny''s emotions suddenly red, and she threw off the nket, ring at me fiercely.

    "Rich enough to send you off to have fun,

    mut too poor to pay for my

    treatment. We were

    t back!" Content belongo

    to

    "Do you have any idea how miserably my mom died? Do you?"

    to

 Chapter 169

    I stared at Geneva in shock. "Didn''t your mom go through a bone marrow transnt? How could she still pass away?"

    I remembered Lisa had mentioned something about it, which meant her mom should have undergone the procedure in Aurorea.

    Geneva looked back at me, equally shocked, and then her eyes filled with rage.

    "So you did know! Your family knew my mom was sick, and yet you didn''t lend us the money! Why?"

    "Every time you came over, my parents weed you with open arms. How could you be so heartless, going abroad for a vacation, just watching my mom die?"

    "My parents treated you like a daughter, and I considered you my sister. Why couldn''t you help us out? Why?"

    Tears streamed down her face as she trembled uncontrobly. I wanted tofort her but didn''t know how to exin.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Peeking outside the hospital room to make sure no one was eavesdropping, I returned to her side and slowly unbuttoned my shirt.

    The moment she saw the surgical scars on my chest, she was too stunned to cry.

    "You, you..." She pointed at me, speechless.

    I ced her hand over my chest. "This is from my first surgery in Aurorea. And this one is from a more recent operation back home."

    I quickly buttoned up my shirt, my voice shaking.

    "My mom passed away from cancer, something you probably didn''t know. When I went abroad..."

    "You had cancer? Breast cancer?"

    Geneva''s eyes widened, filled with guilt.

    I silently nodded. "I didn''t go abroad for fun, nor did I run off with some rich kid. I had no choice."

    Fighting back tears, I gently held her hand.

    "Geneva, if my parents had known about your situation, they would have helped. I don''t understand why you''d think otherwise. And about going abroad, I had no clue. I checked, and we left just a day apart. Something''s not right."

    It was better to clear the air.

    Geneva wasn''t a child prone to overreacting.

    After crying for a bit, she quickly pieced together the reality.

    "It was Talbot who told me your family refused to help because were being sent abroad,

    drained all your resources eget

    "He lent us money, asking my dad to help him in return, but then my dad..."

    I hugged her, unsure how to console her.

    If that person was Galen, then he

    was

    ovel

    e his daughter?

    But why didn''t h

    Was he afraid Talbot would interfere?

    Thinking of her mom''s death, I asked again, "Why didn''t the surgery happen?"

    "There was no match abroad, and the match we found here refused to donate, so..."

    Geneva clung to me, sobbing about facing her mom''s death alone in Aurorea.

    Having faced my own mortality in Aurorea, I understood her pain.

    "Talbot refused to donate but still gave you living expenses, right?"

    "What?"

    Geneva looked at me in disbelief. "Was it him? Was he the match?"

    "I''m not sure, Lisa told me."

    We fell silent, both sensing something amiss.

    Suddenly, I saw a figure at the door, not very tall, in hospital attire.

    Instinctively, I ran to the door, but the person had vanished.

    I was certain it was Galen.

    Just as I was about to search for him,

    t appeared, c

    a

    basket of fruit.

    Swo

    "Mnie? What are you doing here?"

 Chapter 170

    I quickly masked my shock with a re of anger.

    "I want to ask you. Why did Clyde get hurt?"

    "Talbot, even if you''re hell-bent on setting your daughter up as the other woman, this isn''t the way to do it. I''m your own niece, for heaven''s sake!"

    My voice wasn''t exactly a whisper, and with the hospital corridor bustling with people, it wasn''t long before we drew stares.

    Talbot''s face darkened as he quickly pulled me into the hospital room.

    He tossed the fruit basket on the floor in a huff, "What kind of attitude is that?"

    "The same kind you''re giving me! You''re my uncle, and you''re already plotting my divorce? Are you eyeing the Patterson family fortune?"

    I wasn''t about to lose the battle of voices or presence.

    Seeing me stand my ground, red-faced and stubborn, seemed to soften him a bit.

    "Mnie, everyone knows you and Clyde are heading for a divorce. Better to keep it in the family than benefit strangers. Don''t worry, I''ll make sure you get a lion''s share of the assets."

    His eyes shifted, clearly not as altruistic as his words suggested. He was fishing for information about that non-existent trust fund.

    I slouched on the couch with a dismissive smirk, "Of course, there was no prenup. Why would I let anyone else benefit from the Patterson fortune?" "And what about the inheritance your parents left you? Clyde''s going to end up with that too?"

    He didn''t even know about my cancer diagnosis and was already sure I''d die before Clyde?

    I squinted at him disdainfully.

    "My money''s locked tight. The trustee''s whereabouts are unknown, Clyde won''t see a dime."

    Talbot seemed to breathe easier, thinking he confirmed the existence of a trust fund, possibly linked to Galen. With that in mind, his next move would likely be pushing for a divorce and, if his track record was anything to go by, worse.

    Thinking of his underhanded tactics, I clenched my fists.

    Geneva had been silent throughout, exchanging a silent nce with me that conveyed her understanding.

    She red at Talbot with unspoken venom but quickly looked away when he turned, pretending to be uninvolved.

    "Geneva, you might want to be more careful with what you eat. Last time it was food poisoning, what about next time?"

    His tone

    sonas affectionate, like a

    caring

    Seeinder, but his eyes were

    her as nothing more th

    n to lure out Galen.

    Tired of his act, I stood up.

    a

    "Talbot, maybe you should check on Clyde. Isn''t he the son-inw youz wanted? Tell him if he wants a

    divor?¨¨, he can hand over half of the Patterson estate, or I''ll drag this out till the end."

    Only by pretending I wasn''t ready to give up my title as Mrs. Patterson could the charade continue.

    I ushered Talbot out and quickly shut the door behind him.

    Geneva looked up, her eyes brimming with tears.

    "It''s all him, isn''t it?"

    I shook my head, "I''m not sure, but all signs point to him."

    "My dad''s death might also be linked to him."Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    "Mellie, what do we do now?"

    Geneva grabbed my hand, her eyes filled with anxiety.

    "All these years, I thought he was a good man. Did he give me r

    because my dad had something him? My dad''s still alive, isn''t he?"

    Meeting her gaze, I found myself at a loss for words.

    Finally, I just patted her hand.

    "Just take care of yourself. Leave the rest to me."

 Chapter 171

    Geneva shook her head with conviction, "No, this involves my parents. I have to step in."

    "Mellie, wasn''t it him who matched sessfully and then threatened my dad? Is that what happened?"

    "I saw the news, iming there were issues with your family''s books, but those ounts were managed by my dad..."

    She didn''t finish her sentence, but we both understood the stakes involved.

    Some matters seem tangled at first, but as soon as you unravel a thread, the whole web bes clear.

    Galen was always cautious. It was unlike him to leave such a ring error.

    The sudden betrayal, after years of close family ties, indicated a significant upheaval.

    Lying dejectedly on the hospital bed, Geneva spoke again.

    "Mellie, all these years, I''ve resented you the most. Thinking of you living it up, while I had to rely on charity, it made me bitter. I resented you too, for never reaching out in Aurorea. I had no friends, and arranging my mom''s affairs was incredibly tough. Alone in Aurorea, I didn''t know whether to go back home. Then, they falsely used me of theft..."

    Tears fell silently as she recounted the past, a painful chapter in her life.

    I silently wiped away her tears, unsure how to offerfort.

    Perhaps our shared hardships made us understand each other better, knowing that such wounds only heal when you find your way out on your own. "Talbot matched but then backed out, leaving us stranded abroad, wanting my mom to die far from home."

    "My dad was under his thumb, and he ruined your family. He''s scum!"

    Geneva sat up, fists clenched with fury.

    I quickly embraced her, stroking her hair to calm her. "Geneva, what goes aroundes around. He''ll get what''sing to him."

    "And when will that be? Does everyone have to die before he faces retribution?"

    Geneva trembled with resentment, her voice thick with grievance.

    I soothed her, reassuring her that Talbot would face justice, which slowly calmed her down.

    The door swung open, and Lisa''s sarcastic voice filled the room.

    "Oh, what do we have here? A disy of sisterly affection? Neglecting your own husband?"

    She closed the door and kicked a fruit basket aside.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    "Stingy, only bringing apples and pears. Couldn''t even spring for cherries?"

    "Why is he here? To spy?"

    Lisa sat on the bed, handing Geneva a wipe with disdain.

    "So, you two cleared the air?"

    I nodded, and she turned to Geneva.

    "Your family''s drama isn''t my concern. We''re on the same side here."

    "Alright, my dad sent me to rece you, probably worried Geneva might spill you better head out, Clyde''s getting discharged."

    W

    After giving Geneva a few more words of advice, I left the room.

    Clyde had alreadypleted his discharge formalities, with Talbot still trying to persuade him.

    "A hotel is no match for home. If you''re unhappy with anything, I. can

    chelt. You shoulde bet

    home. It''s not safe out there.

    "It certainly isn''t safe." Clyde snorted disdainfully, looking down on Talbot.

    "Mr. Crawford, thought we were keeping things clear between us. I didn''t expect you to be pulling any hidden moves. We won''t take on a project with issues. Maybe we should put our coboration on hole."

    r cob osta §ß§Ö§ã§ä

    UMS

    He looked up to see me at the door and walked out.

    "You didn''t even know how to care for your injured husband. What''s the use of you!"

    Clyde winked at me, then quickly walked away.

    I gave Talbot a nce before following Clyde out.

 Chapter 172

    Clyde''s expression finally softened after we got into the car.

    "Man, ying the role of a tough guy really suits you, doesn''t it? Didn''t I do a good job back there?"

    "Yeah, thumbs up for you."

    I silently gave him a thumbs-up. "So, how did a great actor like you end up getting hurt?"

    Clyde coughed awkwardly, seemingly a bit embarrassed.

    "Would you believe me if I said I got into a fight?"

    "That''s hard to believe."

    I stared at him in disbelief. I really couldn''t.

    Back in school, Clyde was known for being formidable.

    He had a reputation for dealing with anyone who bothered me, and now he''s Mr. Patterson. How could he have been beaten?Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    He nced at me sheepishly, then quickly puffed out his chest.

    "There were like a dozen of them, okay? Considering that, this is just a scratch."

    "So, you got hurt because you were protecting Lisa?"

    I raised an eyebrow at him, and he hurried to exin.

    It turned out that not all the people involved in the construction project were willing to leave; some were forced out.

    It''s hard to imagine that kind of thing still happening.

    At first, Talbot''s iron-fisted approach worked, especially with the backing from powerful allies. The opposition had no choice but to leave, epting minimalpensation.

    But then, led by someone, they decided to make a stand.

    After all, each family was short of over a million inpensation, so naturally, they didn''t want to back down.

    Except for a few households, which only had elderly couples and didn''t show up, the rest brought rtives and friends.

    Met

    Just today, while Clyde and Lisa were doing their rounds, someone thought Clyde was one of the big shots from the Crawford family. group surrounded them, and a brawl broke out between the security guards and the protesters, resulting in several injuries.

    "Talbot must have pocketed a lot from this. I did a quick calction, and about two dozen families were forced out like this."

    "Some families, with no one to fight

    for them, just swallowed the loss

    But those with children and a bit of influence showed up today to cause trouble."

    "You, as the lord of this project, how much are you going to take? Your methods are really unsightly!"

    I silently calcted the totalpensation for the two dozen families. Talbot was indeed making a fortune!

    "What about the police? Didn''t theye to take a report?"

    "They did, but they brushed it off, clearly not interested in digging deeper."

    Clyde''s attitude confirmed that the police weren''t keen on intervening.

    Indeed, beyond the assault, which was a matter for the police, everything else would have to go through legal proceedings. Moreover, the Crawford family had influence in many parts of Ironvale, making it an even tougher situation to handle.

    I had thought about meeting with those who caused the disturbance with Clyde, hoping maybe to find some evidence of Talbot''s crimes, but then something happened that evening.

    Eliana''s trembling voice came through the phone.

    "Mnie, you... you might want to stay indoors, there''s been another incident!"

    "The people who protested at the Crawford family''s construction site today were involved in a car ident, dozens died!"

    "The news is calling it an ident, but it doesn''t look like one to me!"

    Seeing the news link she sent me, Clyde and I exchanged a look of shock.

    A van and a truck collided, with the van going significantly over the speed limit, resulting in the death of everyone involved in both vehicles. Eliana kept urging me over the phone, clearly terrified.

    "Mnie, are you listening? Don''t go out if it''s not necessary, just... just stay safe for now."

    "Maybe you should head back. This ce doesn''t seem safe."

    "I''m not fully aware of the situation on the ground, but I managed to find out about the truck driver. I saw him at the hospital the other day!"

 Chapter 173

    "Have you seen him before?"

    I was a bit puzzled. Eliana had only been to the hospital with me once. What were the odds?

    "Oh, it was that day when I was taking Aunt Carol to the Nephrology department. This guy was right in front of us in line."

    "He even got down on his knees in front of the doctor, saying he''s got his elderly parents and young kids to feed, just a big rig to his name. If something happened to him, his whole family would starve."

    "I just thought it was too much of a coincidence, so I took a good look at him. He had this red mark on his left cheek, just like the guy in the news!"

    I scrolled through the news on my phone, and sure enough, the truck driver had a red mark on his face.

    Thinking back to Marilyn''s shocked face when she saw me, and recalling Eliana''s investigation report, I took a deep breath.

    "Eliana, you need to head back. Pull back the people you''ve got investigating this and just send me what they find."

    "No way! I can''t just give up halfway. You still need my help!"

    "You have to go back! I have a favor to ask of you."

    I knew Eliana was loyal, but this wasn''t the time to be proud. If she got into trouble over this, I wouldn''t be able to rest.

    Hearing my plea, Eliana finally asked, "What do you need?"

    After thinking for a moment, I said, "Jade Scott has also been helping me look into my dad''s case, but she''s just an ordinary person. I want to get the details of what happened back then."

    "Head back. I''m officially Talbot''s niece; he won''t do anything to me. You go back and speed up our investigation."

    Eliana double-checked with me a few more times, making sure I really wanted to proceed with the investigation. After my repeated confirmations, she finally agreed.

    "Fine, I''ll head back tomorrow. I''ll leave the Chandler family''s manager to you. If you need anything, just contact him."

    "Alright, Eliana, thank you."

    There was a moment''s pause after I thanked her, and then she mumbled something before hanging up.

    I turned to Clyde, who was looking seriously at his phone.

    I pulled up the information Eliana had gathered earlier.

    "Clyde, what do you think our chances are if we go to the police?"

    "No chance." Clyde tly rejected my suggestion.

    "There are plenty of traffic deaths every year; it doesn''t prove anything. The police have already

    el

    investigated. Overturning the case is gonna be super tough, especially since you''re not rted to the victims. You have no standing.

    I understood what he was saying, but I still wanted to try.

    With my own capabilities, solving this was next to impossible.

    He sighed, "Looks like Talbot and Garfield have smoothed things over. Looks like the project can go ahead without redesigning." The very next day proved Clyde right.

    Talbot invited us to go fishing, saying he had a distinguished guest he wanted us to meet.

    Arriving at the reservoir, I saw Garfield dressed casually,plete with a sun hat, looking every bit the rxed elder statesman.

    "Is this your niece and her husband? They make a really good-looking pair!"

    He looked at us with a smile, while Talbot nodded in agreement beside him.

    "Not just that, old Garfield, they''re

    also partners

    that Clyde here is a bit hesitant, a little worried."

    esthers on this project. It''s just

    Garfield sized up Clyde and then settled himself on a small stool by the water''s edge.

    "Mr. Patterson is young and promising; it''s good to be cautious."

    "But here in T city, Leon Crawford

    ?Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    and I call the shots. You can trust us

    with your project. We''ll define

    support private enterprises participating in the development."

    With that, he cast his fishing line out, the float bobbing gently in the water.

    I couldn''t help but notice he hadn''t baited his hook. Was he expecting the fish to jump on willingly?

 Chapter 174

    It seemed like a simple invitation for a fishing trip, but there was more brewing beneath the surface than just bait and tackle.

    Garfield, ever the leader, had a way with words, quoting ssics and not missing a beat.

    In essence, he assured us that the project was a surefire sess, promising government grants to sweeten the deal for both the Crawfords and Clyde.

    But fishing was thest thing on their minds, proven by their empty hooks at the end of the day.

    In contrast, I, the rookie, reeled in several big catches, earning a meaningful nce from Garfield. "Mrs. Patterson, looks like you''ve got beginner''s luck on your side," he said, giving her a meaningful look.

    I maintained my professional smile, engaging in pleasantries while hiding my true feelings. The thought that these men could be behind my father''s death filled me with a silent rage, wishing I could feed them to the fishes.

    At the dinner, while they were busy toasting and drinking, I stuck to soda, thinking the deal meant we were safe from harm. Yet, Clyde and I were drugged.

    Feeling groggy, I initially med the room''s heat until Clyde''s urgent grip on my hand signaled trouble. I excused myself, supposedly heading to the restroom, but quickly dialed Lisa.

    Before I could speak, she warned, "Talbot''s pulling the same old tricks, drugging you two. I''m on my way, don''t move."

    "Okay, I''m in the restroom. Hurry," I replied, suddenly trusting Lisa more than ever.

    By the time I returned to our private room, Lisa had arrived, ready to take control. "You got this?" she asked, seeing me barely keeping awake.

    Talbot and Garfield soon left, leaving us under Lisa''s watchful eye. "Don''t worry, dad. My people are on it," she assured him.

    I couldn''t catch the rest of their conversation, my head pounding with pain. Once the door shut behind them, Lisa rushed over, "Mnie, you still with us?"

    "Yes," I managed, shaking my head to clear the fog.

    Her driver entered, ready to escort us to the hotel for safety, but suddenly, Clyde began convulsing, vomiting without consciousness.

    "Call 911, now!" Lisamanded, springing into action.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    By the time the ambnce arrived, Clyde was unconscious, and Lisa looked utterly lost. Meanwhile, I regained most of my senses, apanying them to the emergency room.

    Doctors and nurses rushed about as

    Lisa and waited anxiously. "The patient''s having a severe allergic reaction, struggling to breathe," one doctor announced, preparing for a stomach pump.

    Peering through the door, I saw Clyde''s pale face, lifeless on the bed as medics performed CPR. My fists clenched in fear and anger.

    "No stress, good folks have their guardian angels looking out for them. He''ll be alright." Lisa tried to

    reassure me, though her trembling too.

    hands told me she was

    "Besides, troublemakers like Clyde are tough to kill."

    As we sat in the cold hospital corridor, could feel Lisa''s fear. In that moment, both of us were united by our concern, the earlier schemes and betrayals momentarily O forgotten.

 Chapter 175

    After what felt like an eternity, Clyde''s stomach was pumped, and he was finally out of danger.

    The doctor wiped the sweat from his forehead, "Family members? Don''t worry, he''ll be fine once he wakes up." "From now on, he must stay away from whatever he''s allergic to, or we might be in the same situation again."

    I couldn''t stop thanking the doctor and turned to look at Clyde in the hospital bed, my heart finally settling down. By the time Talbot rushed in, it was already daylight.

    He nced at Lisa, who looked guilty beside me, and then at me.

    "Mnie, how''s Clyde? He''s okay, right?"

    "I mean, I had no clue he was allergic to anything. Was it something he ate yesterday that triggered this?"

    I threw the food he brought straight to the floor.

    "You didn''t know? You poisoned him and you didn''t know?"

    "Do you want me to call the cops, maybe get the press involved?"

    I red at him, truly angry this time.

    Even if he wanted Lisa to get ahead, he shouldn''t be scheming against Clyde time and again.

    "Poisoning, really? That''s low, even for you!"

    "Talbot, let me make this clear, Patterson Group is pulling out of the deal. Now leave!"

    I walked to the door and opened it, facing both of them with a cold expression.

    Talbot looked at Lisa, and finally, she stepped forward.

    "Mnie, we''re practically family. Why the hostility? Kicking up a fuss like this in Clyde''s hospital room? That''s really not cool."

    She reached out to grab my arm, but I jerked away.

    "Clyde''s not yours to summon. If you can make him divorce me, do it. If not, get out!"

    "And you, drugging people and selling out your daughter, shame on you!"

    My voice was loud, and with the hospital room door open, many patients and their families turned to look.

    Clyde''s emergency had already attracted attention yesterday, and now they were all eager for more drama.

    Talbot wasn''t used to this kind of treatment and stormed off in a huff.

    As Lisa passed by, she gave me a meaningful look and mimed a telephone gesture.

    I nodded slightly, understanding her message.

    Once they were gone, I finally breathed a sigh of relief.

    Clyde was still unconscious, but his vital signs were stable.

    Sitting by his bed, I gently held his hand.

    "Clyde, I''m sorry." I had nothing else to say but apologies.

    If it wasn''t for helping me investigate, he wouldn''t have had fo

    OT City or get "t

    ford family mess. C

    W

    in the

    If it wasn''t for helping me, he wouldn''t be lying here unconscious.

    Silently wiping away my tears, I eventually fell asleep beside his bed.

    When I woke up again, I was the one lying in a hospital bed.

    Lisa looked at me coldly. "Mnie, what''s going on with you?"

    She checked the hallway to make sure no one was listening, then came back. "Cancer? Just like your mother?"

    I was startled, instinctively looking down at the hospital gown I was now wearing.

    The doctors must have gone through my medical records.

    Lisa sat beside me, visibly upset. "Clyde doesn''t know about this?"

    I shook my head, and she sighed.

    Vel

    "So, you''re not divorcing him because you want to leave the foundation to him? I really don''t get you. After all the times he''s betrayed you, you still love him this much?"

    "Don''t tell him. I''ll take care of the Crawford family for you."

    I looked at her steadily, and after a moment, Lisa opened her mouth, then deted and nodded.

    "Fine, I''ve sorted things out with

    §â§Ö§ä

    hospital, and Talbot won''t find out But you... never mind, callN?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    need anything. I''m leaving

    you

 Chapter 176

    Clyde had finallye to, though he was still a bit under the weather.

    When he came to visit me in the hospital, he wrapped me in a tight embrace.

    "Mnie, I''m so sorry. I never should''ve dragged you into this mess. How''s the doc saying you''re doing? Is it allergies or what? You okay?"

    Lisa and I had our story straight, iming my fainting spell was due to someone slipping something into my drink.

    I gently patted Clyde on the back andforted him, "I''m fine now, really."

    Giving him a thorough once-over to assure myself he was just a bit weak but otherwise alright, I finally rxed.

    "Mnie, are you sure you''re okay? You seem thinner. Have you been skipping meals?"

    "Heard you''ve been by my side till you passed out yourself. Didn''t your blood sugar drop again?"

    He fished out a handful of candies from his pocket and ced them on my nightstand.

    "Got these from the nurse. She said they''re good for low blood sugar."

    "From now on, you''re keeping candies with you, okay? I''ll be checking.

    "

    I couldn''t argue with him, just nodded in resignation, though holding the candies felt bittersweet.

    He lingered around, making sure I was truly fine before he finally seemed to breathe easier.

    Then, with gritted teeth, he said, "That bastard Talbot, I''ll make him pay for this."

    "He will pay, but we need solid proof first."

    Clyde was silent for a moment before standing up.

    "Rest up here. The doc will look after you. I need to have a word with him."

    "If we''re going to work on this project together, Garfield owes me an exnation."

    I knew he was really steamed this time.

    Many had tried to get to Clyde, but Talbot was brazen enough to drug him.

    Noticing a shadow outside the door, I gave Clyde a few words of caution before he left.

    Iy in bed, pretending to be asleep.

    About ten minutester, the door quietly opened.

    As the person approached, I suddenly opened my eyes, brandishing the fruit knife I had been clutching. "Galen?"N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    Galen''s face was half-scarred from burns, the gruesome scars visible even behind a mask.

    But his eyes hadn''t changed - I had always said Galen had strikingly dark eyes, naturally captivating.

    Those eyes were a carbon copy of Geneva''s.

    Suddenly, my room door swung open again, and he quickly stooped to pick up a dropped tissue, then busied himself with the trash bag.

    Talbot, who hadn''t noticed anything amiss, just gave me a cold look. "Mnie, where''s Clyde?"

    "How should I know? Go find him yourself!"

    I red at him, "What, has he decided to drop the partnership now? After what you did, drugging him nearly to death, you think he''d still want to work with you opet you into his family? Dream on!"

    My voice rose slightly, intentionally keeping Talbot''s attention away from Galen, who was making a discreet exit.

    Talbot, clearly irked, ranted about me being a waste of the Patterson family''s significant influence.

    But his words didn''t bother me. I saw Galen toss something into the vase by the door as he left.

    Quickly getting out of bed, I shoved Talbot out.

    "Don''t think just because you''re older, I have to defer to you!"

    Then, I locked the door behind him.

    Talbot lingered in the hallway before storming off, fuming.

    I quickly texted Clyde, warning him Talbot was on his way to him.

    Then, I retrieved the note hidden among the flowers in the vase.

    The scribbled message read: "Be on the rooftop at 11:30 tonight when the cameras reset."

    Seeing the handwriting choked me up a bit.

    Galen used to have such neat

    and thinking of the

    burns on his face and hall cont

    W

    clenched the note tightly.

    I was about to uncover the truth atst.

 Chapter 177

    I didn''t sleep a wink all night, constantly checking the time on my phone.

    By eleven, I was already up, keeping an eye on the hallway.

    Lisa had arranged for me to stay in the VIP suite, conveniently close to the staircase.

    I counted the seconds in my head, and when I noticed the red light on the stairwell''s security camera flicker off, I knew the surveince system was updating.

    Taking advantage of the distraction, I quickly left my room and headed up the stairs.

    Two floors above my room was the rooftop. Pushing open the door, I gripped the pocket knife in my hand tighter.

    The wind was biting cold, and I wrapped my jacket tighter around me, scanning the area.

    Suddenly, the door shut behind me, and then I saw a hunched figure.

    "Galen?"

    I cautiously approached, and he spoke in a raspy voice, "Follow me."

    He led me to a corner of the rooftop, sheltered from the wind and prying eyes.

    Removing his hat and mask, I saw the scars on his face and instinctively covered my mouth to stifle my sobs. "Galen, how did you...?"

    "You know about the fire." He sighed, shaking his head, then sat down on an abandoned chair.

    "Mellie, it''s been a while. It''s good to see you."

    I nodded, at a loss for words.

    Was it good seeing him? He didn''t seem alright, did he? But then again, maybe if I hadn''t seen him, things could''ve been worse.

    "Galen, you''ve seen Geneva, haven''t you?"

    Thinking about the figure I''d seen at the hospital door, my voice choked up.

    Nothing hurts more than a father and daughter being estranged for years.

    He nodded, his eyes soft with affection.

    "Geneva''s grown tall and beautiful. She used to look like her mom, but now she''s starting to resemble me."

    "Talbot must''ve been behind her food poisoning, the scumbag. He was just trying to lure me out."

    He punched the chair beside him in anger, then slowly calmed down.

    "Galen, have you been here all these years? What exactly happened? And about my dad..."

    As he looked up at me withplex emotions, I didn''t press further.

    The truth was probably not far from what Geneva had told me.

    It took Galen a good five minutes before he spoke again.

    "Geneva''s mom was sick. Talbot was a match and offered to help, but he wanted a favor in return."

    "Your family''s business was having minor financial troubles, nothing serious, but I..."

    The rest confirmed Geneva''s suspicions.

    Talbot ckmailed Galen into cooking the books, funneling thepany''s money into his pockets.

    Eventually, he arranged for their escape abroad, hoping to secure his family''s safety.

    "Talbot went back on his word. Auntie didn''t get the surgery."Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    I spoke evenly, unsure of how to feel.

    Galen nodded vigorously, "Yes, it''s all my fault, my punishment."

    He didn''t ask for my forgiveness, and I didn''t offer any words of constion.

    He was at fault, as was Talbot, but he was also a victim.

    Looking out over the rooftop, the city

    was

    life,

    x contrast to our ow

    B with lights, bustling discement. Content bow with

    "Mellie, every year I send Talbot a portion of the evidence of his

    to

    el

    conspiracy against your father, with the rest in a safe." Colongs

    to

    "There''s also some money left for Geneva. I don''t trust anyone else, but I trust you."

    He handed me a safe key and a small envelope.

    "Here''s a power of attorney, so you can retrieve the evidence."

    "And this USB drive contains

    evidence of the Crawford and Miller

    ''collusion. It''s all yourse

    now."

    Swno

 Chapter 178

    Galen gazed at me, his eyes deepening inplexity.

    "I thought all he wanted was thepany, not lives. I can''t believe he actually went through with it."

    "I''ve been at the hospital all these years, trying to uncover evidence of how they framed your dad."

    "That driver, Ma, was in thete stages of kidney failure, a patient of Marilyn''s. His wife, Effie Miller, is a distant cousin of Garfield''s."

    Over the years, Galen had indeed been investigating the incident from the past.

    The reason Clyde couldn''t find anything was that Garfield had erased all the traces.

    Without any physical evidence or witnesses, nobody suspected it was a crime that crossed state lines, and just like that, all leads were lost.

    But these past few years, Galen had been gathering clues while working at the hospital.

    Ma died, and his wife and kids received arge sum of money.

    At the time, Garfield had donated the money under the guise of helping a widow and her orphans. He didn''t just give them money; he also secured Effie a job and sorted the kids'' schooling.

    Effie, who was nearly broke and selling blood to make ends meet, suddenly came into a lot of money and naturally didn''t question how her husband died.

    Listening to him, I clenched my fists.

    These murderers,pletely disregarding human life, would stoop to any level to achieve their goals.

    Thinking of Marilyn and Garfield''s sanctimonious faces filled me with rage.

    And considering the car ident a few days ago, it seemed these people were used to dealing with those who opposed them harshly-if you weren''t with them, you were against them, and thus, marked for death!

    Galen gently patted my hand, "Mellie, don''t act rashly. With evidence, we can bring them down."

    "The cases they''re involved in aren''t just this one. Your dad''s case was just the beginning for them, it''s like they discovered some heinous method."

    I nodded, the things Eliana was investigating probably tied back to my dad''s case as well.

    They targeted terminally ill patients,

    eem do their dirty work in

    for a hefty sum for their

    families.  t

    With Ma as an example, who wouldn''t want to leave their family better off?

    Especially in the face of terminal illness, after spending all the family''s savings, everyone is left with guilt.

    What''s a little more guilt if it means your family lives well after you''re gone?Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    I closed my eyes in silence, thinking maybe I would do the same in their shoes.

    Holding the evidence bag tightly, I asked, "Why haven''t you taken this evidence to the police?"

    "To the police? With Garfield around, do you think that would make a difference?"

    Galenughed helplessly.

    "Clyde has always been good to you,

    even back in college he was

    e

    devoted. The Patterson family has significant influence. If you have someone high up backing you, this evidence could be useful."

    "If not... Mellie, just take Geneva and live a good life. Let go of the past grievances."

    "Galen''s not got much time left, but I''ll make sure this gets resolved for you."

    His eyes were clear yet resolute, as if he had made a significant decision.

    A sense of foreboding washed over me.

    "Galen, what are you nning to..."

    Before I could get a clear answer, it sounded like someone was opening the door to the rooftop.

    "Galen, stay here, don''t make a

    sound. I''ll check it out," I whispered, tucking the evidence bag into my jacket and walked towards the rooftop door.

    Talbot barged through the door, his face seething with anger.

    "Mnie, what are you doing up here sote? Always stirring up trouble!"

 Chapter 179

    "Talbot, you''re sticking your nose a bit too far into my business, don''t you think? Since when do I need to report my whereabouts to you?" I pulled my jacket closer around me, aiming to leave the rooftop.

    Galen''s hiding spot wasn''t exactly Fort Knox, but thankfully, it was dark out. As long as I didn''t nce in that direction, Talbot wouldn''t spot him.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    But Talbot blocked my path. "Where do you think you''re going?"

    "What''s wrong with you? Can''t I go back to sleep now?"

    "I''m not a prisoner, am I? Since when did I lose my freedom?"

    I shoved his hand away with more force than necessary. The rooftop wasn''t exactly spacious, and it was only a matter of time before he''d realize someone else was up here.

    Sure enough, Talbot cast a suspicious nce around the rooftop.

    "Just you up here?"

    "Who else? Clyde went back to the hotel."

    But he stubbornly blocked the door, "Mnie, is that how you speak to your elders?"

    His tone was icy, almost angry.

    "Don''t think just because Clyde cares about you, you can do whatever you want. This is my turf."

    "If I want you dead, you wouldn''tst a day!"

    A sh of malice crossed his eyes, and I instinctively stepped back, thenughed.

    "Right, my situation is just like Tammie''s."

    "You think he could survive abroad without money?"

    "What? nning to kill me here? Kill Mrs. Patterson, and for the sake of the Patterson family''s reputation, they''d tear you apart!"

    I put on a brave face, standing my ground.

    If he decided to kill me here, it''d be a wrongful death.

    Even if Galen could intervene, our cover would be blown.

    I noticed Galen stepping out, and I quickly waved him off, signaling him to stay hidden.

    Mentioning Tammie only seemed to fuel Talbot''s rage.

    "Mnie, what do you know?"

    "That you''re desperate for money."

    I said nonchntly, "You''re just 1 dip into my trust fund to

    your son''s debts, right?

    "Now that Clyde''s backing out, you''re turning your sights on me, is that it?"

    Talbot paused, then his eyes filled with resentment.

    "That old coot, he really left all his money to your family!"

    "I knew he couldn''t be broke, leaving me with scraps and still feeling sorry for your family!"

    He paced the rooftop angrily.

    Then suddenly, he stopped in front of me, gripping my shoulders fiercely.

    "Tell me, is your money also in Aurorea? Is that why you went abroad?"

    "How much? How much do you really have!"

    "Talbot, do you really think I''d hand over millions to you? Who''s the crazy one here?"

    Seeing him try to push me towards the edge of the rooftop, I simply smiled.

    "Push me, and my money goes to Clyde. You think he''d give it to you?"

    He hesitated, then retracted his hand.

    I pushed him away and made my way to the rooftop door.

    "And without Galen, I can''t ess the money anyway. The keys are with him."

    "So, I can''t use that money right now. If you can find Galen, then we''ll talk."

    Opening the door, I saw Talbot following me, and my heart finally settled.

    He seemed to mull over what I had just said, remaining silent.

    It wasn''t until we reached the elevator that he spoke up.

    "Mnie, I don''t need your money, but I''ll for sure help you track down Galen."

    I snorted coldly, not saying much more.

    Right now, he''d probably prefer me

    with battling over maritet

    inheritance his to divide

    assets.

    As we entered the elevator, he

    continued, "But we can''t stop the et

    cooperation with the Patterson

    family. I''ll help you, but you need to help me. Deal?"

 Chapter 180

    ?

    "Thought you wanted me dead a minute ago, and now you need my help? Must be out of your mind."

    The elevator ride was quick, and as soon as the doors opened, I stormed out, mming the door behind me with all my might.

    I knew Talbot wouldn''t let this go, but he wasn''t about to show his hand just yet.

    Having Mrs. Patterson''s backing sure had its perks; for the moment, at least, he couldn''t touch me.

    The dimly lit hospital room immediately gave off a vibe that something was amiss.

    Someone had rummaged through my clothes and bag, and the bed looked like it had been hastily made.

    Talbot must have been here looking for something important, perhaps.

    Little did he know, the real important documents had just been handed to me by Galen.

    I yed it cool, pretending to be oblivious andid down on the bed.

    I could faintly sense someone approaching down the hall, probably Talbot, but I didn''t open my eyes.

    First thing next morning, I hit up Clyde, telling him over the phone I was craving some seafood to recharge my batteries.

    Clyde got the hint right away and came to pick me up.

    Once in the car, I handed over the stuff Galen had given me.

    "Galen''s beenpiling this info for years. Can''t really go through it in the hospital. Find an offlineputer and take a look," I instructed.

    "With this evidence, and the right testimony, taking them down won''t be hard."

    "Just, we can''t go to the local cops, you get my drift?"N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    I watched Clyde nervously, but he didn''t say much, just stuffed the envelope into his bag.

    "I get it. Talbot''s got too much pull around here, and then there''s Garfield backing him."

    "Don''t worry, I''ve been on your dad''s case for years, not just me, the police have their doubts too."

    I was taken aback, feeling a sudden surge of guilt. He had been investigating all these years?

    Remembering Ka mentioning how he''d given up sleep for the investigation, and Merritt saying he''d always been there for my mom, a lump formed in my throat.

    "Clyde..."

    "Don''t get all mushy on me. I''m your husband, it''s what I''m supposed to do."

    He squeezed my hand, "Weren''t we going to grab some seafood?"

    "Yeah, and there''s something else. want

    worried Talbot might target her

    Regardless of Galen''s actions, Geneva was innocent.

    oke care of Geneva. I

    She had already lost her mother; I couldn''t let her be put in danger too.

    Clyde nodded, "Food first, we''ll figure out the restter."

    I texted Geneva to join us for the meal.

    Talbot''s men kept a close watch on her but made no move seeing she was with me.

    I didn''t

    still be the beans about her dad s to en.swnovelo en

    alive, afraid she might inadvertently give it away.

    I just told her I''d be moving in with her and that she''d being

    with me after. Content belony ack

    to

    Geneva looked at me for a long moment before nodding her head.

    When I returned to the hospital, I went straight to discharge.

    But I didn''t expect to receive a call from "Galen."

    The voice, the mannerisms, it was almost identical to Galen''s.

    I paused, "Galen?"

    "Mnie, tracking you down was no easy feat. Where are you now?"

    The caller seemed agitated, but my heart sank further, sensing Talbot''s ploy.

    I cleared my throat, "I''m at the Talbot''s ce. You back in town?"

    "Galen, you in Ironvale? Or should Ie to you?"

    I feigned urgency.

    Lowering my voice, I added, "Galen, Talbot found out about the fund."

    "Better transfer all the money into my name as soon as you''re back."

 Chapter 181

    Mnie was taken aback by the bluntness. "You''re asking for money now?"

    "Come on, Mnie, you''re already Mrs. Patterson. Why are you still hung up on the trust fund?"

    "What else should I do? That''s money my parents left for me!"

    I was fuming, my voice rising with each word.

    "So, you''ve been MIA for years just to avoid paying up?"

    "Let me tell you, without me, you wouldn''t see a dime of that money! The trust is mine!"

    "If you don''t give me the money, I''ll report that you''re back in the country. Then you''ll be breaking thew, and I can apply to get the trust fund!"

    I wasn''t even sure if that was a legal move here, but it was worth a scare.

    Sure enough, he fell silent.

    After a minute, he sighed.

    "Mnie, I watched you grow up. Why would I want to take your money?"

    "I''ll meet you soon. Just stay put in Ironvale."

    He hung up in a hurry, and I couldn''t help but smirk.

    Talbot was a terrible actor.

    Why wouldn''t Galen call to check on his daughter?

    Ignoring his own flesh and blood and worrying about me, an outsider?

    Recalling his tone, I sneered internally. He probably went as far as to use a voice changer just to get the money.

    Too bad he didn''t realize Galen''s voice was ruined in that fire.

    Thinking of Galen''s current condition, I took a deep breath. It was a relief Talbot hadn''t discovered he was back in the country.

    Aware that Galen was right under his nose, I worried Geneva might be in trouble too. I quickly sent Clyde a text about the confrontation.

    Clyde called back immediately.

    "What happened?" he asked.

    After I recounted the story, Clyde was silent.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    It wasn''t hard to figure out; aside from Talbot, who else would want to test me?

    The mere mention of a trust fund threw him off.

    Lisa had

    that Tammie was pressuring

    1st met with me, warning

    him to desperation.

    "Lisa''s been feeling something''s off." Clyde''s tone was serious, hesitant.

    "Talbot hinted she doesn''t need to seduce me anymore, suggesting we don''t have to divorce."

    "Lisa''s focusing on thepany''s projects, suspecting Talbot''s nning something big."

    My heart Lisa knowing my illness, I a

    pped a beat, thinking

    hoarse voice, "Why?" V

    belongs

    to en.sw

    "Not sure, Lisa just cautioned us to be careful."

    a

    Clyde''s voice offered somefort, seemingly unaware of the full situation.

    As long as Lisa was on our side, we could handle anything.

    But why the sudden change of heart about our divorce?

    If we don''t divorce, Lisa can''t be Mrs. Patterson, and Talbot can''t

    can he?

    t his hands on my t

    Before I could puzzle it out, Clyde spoke again.

    O

    fund,

    "Mnie, the hospital janitor quit, and someone''s looking for you. Please, don''t go out."

    Someone seemed to be speaking to him, his voice urgent.

    "Better wait for me at the hospital, don''t go anywhere alone."

    "Mellie, are you ready to go? I''ve called an Uber."

    Geneva stood at the doorway, ready to leave.

    I thought it over, deciding not to stir the pot for now.

    "No need toe get me. I''m with Geneva, we''ll be fine."

    "He might''ve sensed something''s off. Keep a low profile, and don''t confront him."

    "Mnie, please, wait for me."

    Clyde''s voice was a mix of excitement and anger.

    I chuckled softly, "Don''t worry, I''ll take care of myself."

    "Focus on the project for now, and don''t forget to submit those documents to headquarters."

 Chapter 182

    Clyde was, of course, in on the secret of the documents I had to hand over. With solid evidence of their shady dealings now in my possession, it was high time they faced the music.

    Having seen one too many stories of collusion between bureaucrats and businessmen, I knew the importance of catching them off guard. Otherwise, they''d bounce back like weeds after a spring rain.

    After hanging up the phone, I finally left the hospital with Geneva by my side.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    "Mellie, you seem troubled. Is Talbot giving you a hard time again?" Geneva''s concern was evident as she tugged at my sleeve.

    I shook my head, at a loss for words on how to exin everything to her.

    All I hoped for was to quickly wrap up affairs here and take Geneva back, allowing her and Galen a shot at a happier life.

    Noticing my hesitation to exin, Geneva switched topics and pulled me off to a nearby diner.

    "We haven''t had a meal together in ages. Remember how you used to love barbecue, even though it always gave you the runs?"

    I paused, then burst intoughter along with her. My mom always forbade me from eating at such ces, but Geneva would sneak me out

    regardless. Especially after she started middle school and had more pocket money, she insisted on treating me, iming she didn''t want to owe me anything and avoid being teasedter on.

    Yet, my delicate stomach would betray me, leaving me sick all night.

    Observing the bustling diner, I couldn''t help but shake my head.

    "I heard they''re putting anti-diarrhea meds in the food now."

    "That''s perfect then! No worries about getting sick. Come on, let''s grab a table before they''re all taken."

    Her unyielding cheerfulness and constant conversation were her way of keeping my spirits up, and gradually, I let go of my worries.

    After all, I had done nearly everything I could. The rest depended on whether anyone would step up for justice.

    However, no sooner had we settled down than another call from the fake Galen arrived.

    Noticing Geneva busy ordering, I slipped into a corner to take the call.

    "Galen, what''s up?"

    "I''ll be heading to Ironvale soon. Besides the key, what else should I bring?"

    "You need toe in person? Isn''t it iris recognition?"

    I was clueless about the specifics; I was just mimicking what I''d seen in movies.

    The caller hesitated but didn''t probe further.

    He subtly inquired about the foundation, especially its current valuation.

    Impatiently, I replied, "Didn''t I tell you it''s about a hundred million? How that trantes to dors, I''ve no clue. And surely, there''s been interest umted over the years?"

    "You''re the ountant, why are you asking me?"

    My impatience only convinced him further.

    Hearing the figure of a hundred million, I could practically hear his sharp intake of breath over the phone.

    With that money, he could save his

    son

    To cover his debts, regaining

    his

    as a local tycoon without

    fear.

    Predictably, his tone became excited.

    swno

    "So, you''re nning to bring that money back home? You might face a hefty tax bill."

    "What should I do then?"

    "Best to leave it untouched for now."

    "And what am I supposed to live on?"

    I deliberately raised my voice, feigning annoyance.

    "Galen, you''ve been abroad too long. You have no idea how I''m struggling here. Clyde barely gives me any money!" "Without that money, I''m barely scraping by. No, I need it."

    Talbot alwaysbeled me a gold digger, convinced that my move to Aurorea was just to chase after wealthy heirs.

    Lisa''s smear campaign only solidified his belief that my clinging to Clyde was all about financial gain.

    He came up with a few excuses over

    the phone before finally saying, "This foundation is in your name, a pre-marital asset. Mnie, listen to your me. Don''t touch it now, or it''ll be marital property!"

 Chapter 183

    The thought of what Clyde had said to me earlier made my brow furrow involuntarily.

    It was all about the money, wasn''t it?

    If the money had been mine before we got married, then Clyde wouldn''t have a im on it.

    He was probably betting on me divorcing Clyde and then having someone bump me off. As my sole heir, he''d naturally inherit all the cash.

    But that would take time. After being married to Clyde for years, splitting assets and going through court battles would take at least a year or two. Waiting for Lisa to secure her position in the Patterson family and get the money to bail out her son? By then, her son would be long gone.

    He was getting impatient.

    But premarital assets were a different story.

    The funds were abroad, and they definitely couldn''t check my marital status there.

    All he needed was my death certificate to prove he was my heir, and with Galen''s help, getting the money wouldn''t be an issue. Especially with Geneva still in his clutches...

    The more I thought about it, the more usible it seemed. Why else would he keep insisting it was premarital property?

    I didn''t tell him much, just asked him to meet me in T city.

    But after hanging up and turning around, I realized Geneva was nowhere to be found.

    I looked around but couldn''t see her, so I asked someone nearby.

    "Excuse me, have you seen the little girl who was with me? The one with the braids."

    "She seemed to have gotten her period, borrowed a tampon from me, and probably went to the restroom," a girl at the next table pointed towards the bathroom, and I hurried over.

    With both key figures at this food stall, both of us were in danger.

    For some reason, I felt like something bad was about to happen. I instinctively turned on my phone''s location sharing and, without anyone noticing, slid the phone into my underwear.

    But I hadn''t expected to be knocked out the moment I reached the restroom.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    As I cked out, I couldn''t help but reflect. Ever since I returned to the country, getting kidnapped seemed to be bing a regr urrence.

    Maybe it was because of my cancer, but my metabolism was faster than most, which meant I woke up quicker too.

    When I opened my eyes, I could still smell the earth.

    I tried to move but found my hands and feet tied.

    No one was in sight, just soil flying from in front of me to my side.

    "That should be deep enough, right? She''s only about 80 pounds; this should do."

    "I think it''s over the top. Mr. Crawford is way too careful -

    for such a small wom

    tossing her out all the

    way

    Suddenly, two men jumped out from a hole in front of me, and I realized they had been digging a grave.

    One man came over, squatted in front of me, and touched my face.

    I suppressed the urge to recoil.

    "Damn, such a beauty. It''d be a shame to bury her without a bit of fun."

    He reached for my jeans but was abruptly kicked by the man beside him.

    "Get your head out of your ass and go find a hooker if you''re that

    La

    swno

    desperate. Don''t leave any marks on her!

    "In case the cops find her someday, don''t drag me down with you. She''s from a wealthy family!"

    The kicked man spat in disgust and kicked me.

    "Damn it, all this work and I can''t even touch her."

    Just as he was about to kick me again, a familiar voice cut through the air.

    "Who are you trying to touch?"

    Clyde''s furious voice rang out. I slowly opened my eyes to see him

    vering a fierce kick to the man''s

    swno

    Back in school, he was always fighting like this, known for his low blows, yet unbeatable.

    His bodyguards quickly followed, swiftly overpowering the two men.

    "Mnie, are you alright? I''m here, I''m here."

    Clyde pulled me into a tight embrace, and I couldn''t hold back my tears any longer, sobbing into his chest. "Clyde, could you untie me first?"

 Chapter 184

    "Alright, I''ll get you free now."

    Clyde''s eyes were rimmed red, his hands slightly shaking - a far cry from the tough guy who was throwing punches just moments ago. But in the next second, a roar of anger came from behind him.

    The guy he had knocked to the ground earlier got up, sneaked past the bodyguard unnoticed, and charged at us with a shovel in hand. "Clyde, watch out!"

    I tried to stand up, but it was toote. Clyde wrapped me in his arms, shielding me.

    I heard a loud bang.

    The sound of the shovel colliding with a head echoed, and I saw Clyde''s eyes fill with blood.

    "Clyde, Clyde, are you okay? Please, don''t scare me!"

    I struggled to prop Clyde up, but he kept slipping from my grasp.

    "Son of a gun, dared to mess with me, damn it!"

    The man kept yelling from behind as the bodyguard subdued him, but I couldn''t hear anything. All I could do was watch as Clyde slowly closed his eyes.

    The sound of police sirens filled the air, and I finally managed to shout, "Over here, we need help!"N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    The police quickly loaded Clyde and me into the car and rushed us to the hospital.

    Along the way, the officer asked me questions, but I could barely respond, my eyes fixed on unconscious Clyde.

    He had a huge bump on the back of his head, and I knew that was worse than any bleeding.

    "Do you know who hired them?"

    "Talbot, I heard them mention Mr. Crawford."

    "Officer, please, can you go faster? He''s got a serious head injury, he..."

    Tears blurred my vision, and I felt like I was talking nonsense.

    Clyde had saved me again, just like he always does, throwing himself into danger. Thinking about all the scrapes we''ve been through over the years, I felt like there was a lump in my throat I couldn''t swallow.

    I

    Upon reaching the hospital, Clyde was quickly wheeled into surgery, and as I tried to follow, a police officer stopped me.

    An older officer in uniform saluted me. I noticed he had three stars on his shoulder, a sign of high rank, and everyone around treated him with respect. "Hello, I''m Deputy Chief Henson. I''ve taken charge of Clyde''s case."

    I nodded nkly, not sure how to react.

    He patted my shoulder, "Mnie, right? You should get checked out, and then we can talk."

    "Don''t worry, we''ve got the best doctors here. Clyde will be alright."

    His voice was steady, instilling a sense of trust. I found myself nodding again and followed the nurse to get examined.

    I was only slightly bruised, but they decided to keep me in the hospital nheless.

    Henson came back, apanied by two other officers.

    "Mnie, I was aware of your family situation a few years ago. Clyde has been investigating since then."

    "He is stubborn. If he hadn''t persisted..."

    Henson told me apletely different story.

    When my father had trouble, Clyde had just returned to the Patterson family, and at that time Henson wasn''t yet a deputy chief.

    There was a major case back then; a

    criminal responsible for three deaths eventually fled to the Patterson Group headquarters and took

    Henson''s son, who had just joined

    the Patterson Group, as a hostage.

    It was Clyde who stepped forward, exchanged himself for Henson''s son, and helped the police subdue the criminal. That''s how our families got connected.

    "He always insisted there was

    something fishy about your dad''s death and kept investigating. Over the years, he''s passed all the evidence he gathered to me."

    "Just a few days ago, he sent me more evidence. We never stopped the investigation; we justcked evidence."

    "What about now? Talbot, and Garfield, and Marilyn..." My voice trembled as I stared unblinkingly at Henson.

    He snorted coldly, "They''re all facing serious charges. The police have already taken action."

 Chapter 185

    Clyde''s surgery was a resounding sess. The blood clots in his brain were meticulously removed, but he remained unconscious.

    "The brain damage anda are par for the course," the doctor had said. "Whether he wakes up is now up to fate."

    The Crawford family was all over the news, and Henson had moved swiftly, catching them off guard. Only Talbot had managed to slip away in the chaos.

    By the time Lisa arrived, she looked exhausted, yet there was a noticeable softness in her eyes.

    "I had already secured the evidence from Talbot''s safe and handed it over to the police early this morning. I''ve cooperated with their investigation. He won''t get away this time."

    "It''s like I''ve betrayed my own family. The police have been understanding, but any project approved by Garfield has been put on pause."

    Gone was her usual prideful demeanor, reced by a sense of relief.

    "But stay on your toes. Talbot''s still out there, and he''s slippery."

    "How did he even get wind of this? Garfield himself was in the dark."

    "My mom used to say he had an animal''s instinct for danger."

    Lisa''s tone was t, her gaze fixed on Clyde in the ICU.

    My voice came out raspy and strained as I managed to say, "Thank you."

    "For what? It was a mutual need."

    "The Crawford name''s taken a hit. We''re losing contracts and halting projects, not to mention the damages..."

    Lisa''s gaze met mine, her smile tinged with bitterness.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    "Talbot used dirty tricks to take your family''spany, Mnie. I can''t give it back to you."

    "I''ll do my best to keep it from bankruptcy. Starting over will be easier with the foundation we still have."

    I nodded, understanding her initial motives.

    After all, what use was thepany to me now? My parents were gone.

    Suddenly, a thought struck me, and I grabbed her arm.

    "What about Geneva? I haven''t seen her."

    If the police could find me so quickly, surely she must be safe too?

    With all the worry over Clyde, I''d forgotten about Geneva!

    Lisa shook her head. "We haven''t found her."

    "I suspect Talbot has a trick up his sleeve. We haven''t found Galen Brown either. Be careful."

    "He''s always had a knack for slipping through the. He might still be after your trust fund." "But the lead detective on the case is top-notch. I''m sure Geneva will be fine."

    Her reassurance didn''t sound entirely certain as she patted my hand.

    If Talbot could turn on his own brother, neglect his wife and daughter, what wouldn''t he do?

    After Lisa left, I stayed by Clyde''s

    side, watching him sleepet

    free of

    any visible distress

    Wove

    emotion.

    I spent nearly all my time in the hospital, waiting for him to wake.

    I had to believe in karma; I''d survived two surgeries, and I was sure Clyde would be okay too.

    Then, as I was about to grab a bite

    to eat, my

    phone buzzed. A

    had sent me a friend reque trans

    social media, with the note "Geneva."

    I quickly epted, and they sent me a video.

    It was Geneva, bound and restrained.

    Talbot''s voice echoed in the background.

    "Come find me, both you and Galen Brown, or I''ll chop her up and send her back to you piece by piece!"

    "Mnie, I''ve killed before. She won''t be the first."

    "I''ve got nothing left to lose. I want

    money Come with Galen Brown

    Call

    a

    cops, and you''ll be collecting

    es

 Chapter 186

    I was frantically tapping my phone, trying to initiate a video call, but the other end just wouldn''t pick up.

    I must''ve reyed the video a dozen times. Geneva was definitely alive, still wearing the outfit from our barbecue night.

    But the surroundings were too dark to make out anything clearly.

    I knew I should call the cops, but I was torn. What if Talbot''s guys were watching me? What if he decided to go through with his threats?

    Talbot had mentioned I should reach out to Galen Brown, but I didn''t even have his contact info.

    In a whirlwind of frustration, I found myself ascending to the rooftop for some air, and there he was-Galen Brown.

    "Mnie!"

    He was hiding out in the same spot where west spoke.

    I stared at him in disbelief, "Galen, you''ve been here the whole time?"

    He nodded, "It''s the safest ce. I know the hospital well enough to avoid the cameras."

    "I''ve seen the news online. What''s going on?"

    He seemed calm, a simple suitcase by his side, signaling his intent to leave.

    But suddenly, I felt a wave of panic, "Galen, Geneva''s in trouble."

    Since the police hadn''t released any information, and it wasn''t on the news, he was understandably out of the loop.

    Upon seeing the video, Galen Brown closed his eyes for a moment before firmly saying, "Call the police."

    I was taken aback.

    "Galen, but what if Talbot is watching us? What if..."

    He repeated, "Call the police."

    "Just get in touch with a cop Clyde knows. I trust Clyde, and I trust his judgment."

    His calmness was almost frightening, his eyes hiding an emotion I couldn''t decipher.

    Upon Galen''s insistence, I finally contacted Officer Henson.

    Honestly, just the two of us didn''t

    our

    own. He had taken Geneva, likely baiting Galen into a trap. Wentent

    a chance against Talbot on et

    The foundation Clyde had casually mentioned turned out to be Talbot''s breaking point. Meeting with Officer Henson, his demeanor grew serious, especially upon seeing Galen. "Galen Brown, you know what you did back then was criminal."

    "I know, and I''m ready to turn myself in, hoping the police can save my daughter."

    Galen''s voice was steady, as if he had resigned himself to his fate long ago.

    Officer Henson wasted no time in organizing a response.

    I handed Galen what appeared to be a sophisticated USB drive.

    "I told Talbot the ess key was with you, and I couldn''t touch the funds without it."

    "Just pretend this is the key. He won''t have time to verify it, and we can focus on saving Geneva."N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    The police also set up a decoy website, instructing Galen on how to log in and use it, just in case.

    Throughout the nning, Galen only

    nodded or shook his head,

    committing every word from the police to memory, asionally moving his fingers as if to engrain it all

    Just when everything was almost set, my phone buzzed again.

    Talbot had sent a location.

    "Bring Galen Brown within an hour, and if I see a third person, Geneva dies first!"

    His tone was chilling, edged with fury.

    My hands were trembling, but I managed to reply with a simple "Okay."

    Officer Henson gave my shoulder a reassuring pat, "Don''t worry, snipers will cover you."

    "If he tries anything... trust me, the police will keep you safe."

    I nodded, turning to Galen Brown. He

    3 me a smile, though his

    t seem more as a scars

    his eyes were kind, his voice soft.

    "Mellie, don''t be afraid. Galen''s here to protect you and Geneva, don''t worry."

    Something flickered in his eyes, then vanished just as quickly.

 Chapter 187

    Talbot was located in an abandoned building in the suburbs.

    I had heard from Lisa that Talbot had his hands in a few pies before, all of which crumbled for one reason or another. Not only did the investors lose their money, but the building remained uninhabitable, a concrete ghost.

    Despite the collective legal battles waged by the disgruntled investors, their efforts were fruitless.

    Years had passed-five or six at least since the project''s abandonment, and it seemed destined to be forgotten.

    I drove out to the site with Galen Brown, the surrounding area barren except for a solitary cell tower and overgrown weeds¡ªa hideout''s nightmare.

    As we got out of the car, my phone rang. It was Talbot.

    "Is that Galen Brown with you? Put him on the phone!"

    Galen, who used to tower over me, now stooped nearly to my level, his face and voice unrecognizable from the man he once was. Talbot had every reason to be suspicious.

    Clearing my throat, I replied, "Galen was injured in a fire. He lost his voice and... his face was damaged."

    There was a pause on the other end before Talbot snickered coldly.

    "So, you recognized Galen Brown right away, you traitor! Just like your father, always scheming!"

    "And here I thought you were so confident. You''ve got the fund, haven''t you?"

    Ignoring his rants, I pressed, "Where''s Geneva?"

    "Upstairs, seventh floor!"

    Choosing the middle floor was likely a strategic move for concealment.

    Looking around, there were hardly any hiding spots for a sniper, let alone the police. If they drove up, Talbot would notice immediately.

    My heart sank, but Galen gently took my hand, his voice changed, his skin rough, "Follow me, it''ll be okay."

    His reassurance calmed me.

    Throughout my childhood, he had

    always been there, a reliable

    presence besides my parents.

    Looking at his distorted hand now, I

    felt a surge of courage.

    Reaching the seventh floor left Galen breathless, and Talbot''sughter greeted us.

    "No wonder I couldn''t find you!"

    "You''ve

    been hiding in hospitals, haven''t you? I''ve seen you several without realizing it was you!"

    "You lot are like cockroaches, surviving everything. Why didn''t that fire kill you?" Talbot''sughter was manic as Geneva stood beside him, sobbing uncontrobly.

    Galen removed his hat and mask,

    fet

    res scars. Genevat . Content belongle

    her

    to

    ,her mouth gagged,

    Waving a gun in our direction, Talbot spat venomously, "Traitors, all of you."

    "Mnie, I tried to help you with your divorce, and this is how you repay me? You conspire against me?"

    ¡°I should''ve had someone take care of you in Aurorea, run you off the road before you married Clyde!"

    "I was too kind, letting you live!"

    He seemed lost in his delusions, ranting about his perceived generosity.

    I ignored him, inching towards Geneva.

    Suddenly, Talbot aimed the gun at me, "Don''t move, or I''ll shoot!"

    "Six bullets, enough for each of you twice over."N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    My legs trembled, frozen in ce.

    Then, Galen dropped to his knees, his voice raspy, ¡°Let the kids go, and I''lle with you."

    "You want the fund, right? I''m the only one who can ess it."

 Chapter 188

    Geneva couldn''t stop her tears, shaking her head in denial, struggling toe closer.

    Talbot pressed the gun against her temple, "Move again, and you''ll be the first I take down!"

    "Galen Brown, eager to save your daughter, huh? Fine, but I want to see the money first!"

    He then gestured with his gun towards me, "You and Mnie, in exchange for Geneva. Fair, isn''t it?"

    "Mnie, after all, is Mrs. Patterson. Even the cops tread lightly around her. With her by my side abroad, what do I have to fear?"Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    "Mnie isn''t your flesh and blood, you know who you should save."

    He burst intoughter again, and Geneva, scared, closed her eyes.

    Galen Brown crawled a few steps closer, his plea humble and desperate.

    "Let the kids go, and I can get you the money. What do you think I''ve been doing all these years?"

    "The key is with me, and I''m the primary holder. Mnie can''t touch the money!"

    "Talbot, the cops are on your trail. You can''t escape through normal means, but I can smuggle you out! Believe me, I''m in deep trouble too and can''t stay in the country!"

    Hearing this, a glint of hope appeared in Talbot''s eyes.

    "Right, how could I forget? You cooked the books, losing billions. You''re definitely facing a long stretch behind bars!"

    Galen Brown nodded, "That''s why I found a smuggler early on. How else do you think you haven''t caught me till now?"

    "I returned to the country just over two years ago, aiming to transfer the funds abroad. Trust me."

    Galen Brown''s expression was sincere, causing Talbot to waver.

    What better hostage than a fellow criminal also looking to flee?

    Taking me and Geneva would only slow him down, but Galen Brown would be a different story.

    I wanted to say something but saw Galen Brown shake his head at me.

    "The key, the key''s right here. Don''t believe me? Check!"

    "Abroad, nobody cares who Mnie is. As long as we have money, we can fake anything!"

    "Trust me, this money is ours, and we won''t have to serve time!"

    Talbot seemed tempted by the offer.

    Henson was skilled, initiating actions within a day or two, leaving Talbot unprepared.

    His being alone proved hisck of readiness.

    Galen Brown slowly stood up, holding a USB drive.

    "I''ll exchange myself for Geneva. the car and leave first.

    We''ll

    t chase you relentless t the hostages, the costet

    "Geneva, I''m your dad. You don''t want me to end up in jail, right? Help dad dy the cops, okay?"

    Galen Brown''s eyes finally sparkled when they met Geneva''s.

    Geneva shook her head, then nodded desperately, tears uncontrobly streaming down.

    Galen Brown gave me a deep look,

    and

    Spoof the corner of my eye, I

    the

    the police slowly ascending

    stairs. Content belonged t

    to

    I stood still, already nning my next move to rescue Geneva first.

    Galen Brown, meanwhile, cautiously approached Talbot.

    "I don''t want to end up in jail, or I would have exposed you long ago. We''re in this together."

    "Talbot, think about it. If you''re looking at a life sentence, where does that leave me?"

    "So, we should stick together..."

    Suddenly, his expression changed, and he lunged viciously at Talbot.

    "Go to hell!"

    Talbot was caught off guard.

    Bang!

    A shot rang out, and I instinctively

    ran to Geneva, dragging her aside et

    with all

    my might, then holding her

    tight in my embrace.

    Bang! Bang! Bang!

    W

    Several more shots followed, and I closed my eyes tight, my grip tightening with each sound.

    Until someone came over and tried to pull me away, I struggled reflexively.

    Then I heard the police''s voice, "We''re the police, you''re safe now."

 Chapter 189

    I lifted my head to see a fully armed police officer, someone I vaguely recognized from hanging around Henson.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    Nodding nkly, my fingers were pried open, allowing them to pull Geneva from my embrace.

    Geneva was desperately looking in one direction, making soft whimpering sounds.

    My gaze followed hers,nding on a scene painted in crimson...

    The sound of gunfire earlier, and now the sight of police blocking off the area, sent a sharp pang through my heart.

    "Galen, Galen!"

    Something clicked, and I stumbled forward, only to be stopped by the police.

    Galen Browny in a pool of blood, his now grayish clothes soaked red and punctured with holes.

    Talbot had taken a bullet to the head, lying on the ground with eyes wide open in death.

    Galen managed a weak smile at me, then reached out towards me.

    Geneva rushed over in a frenzy, "Dad, Dad! You can''t die!"

    "We just reunited, you can''t go, not now!"

    "Dad, mom''s gone, and now I only have you. You can''t leave me!"

    She desperately tried to embrace Galen Brown, but was ultimately pulled away.

    "Keep calm, we need to administer first aid."

    "Please, don''t interfere with the rescue efforts, they''re trying to save your dad!"

    But Geneva struggled fiercely towards Galen Brown, regardless of the police''s attempts to calm her.

    I walked over and held her tight.

    "Geneva, let them help him!"

    I yelled with all my might, and finally, she ceased her struggling.

    Watching Galen Brown being loaded into the ambnce, she turned and clung to me.

    "Mellie, my dad, my dad..." Her tears soaked my shoulder.

    Swallowing hard, recalling Galen''s condition just moments before, I patted her back.

    "Let''s follow them to the hospital, hurry."

    Galen had been shot in the chest, losing a lot of blood. I had a bad feeling.

    If we didn''t go now, there might not even be a chance forst words.

    Suddenly, memories of my mom''s

    passing shed before my eyes, and

    I dragged Geneva down the stat

    with me.

    The police didn''t stop us, but instead, helped us into the ambnce.

    Galen was spitting blood, his body convulsing.

    I closed my eyes, unable to bear the sight.

    Geneva''s cries echoed in my ears, while one of the medics suddenly spoke up.

    "Come closer, if you have anything to say, say it now. The patient is critically injured, hurry!"

    Geneva almost knelt beside the bed.

    "Dad, Dad!"

    Galen couldn''t utter a word, but he managed a weak smile and gently touched her hair.

    Then, he looked at me, managing to squeeze out a few words.

    "I''m, going down, to see your, parents."

    "Take care, of Geneva..."

    His eyes locked onto mine, hand reaching out.

    I took his hand, nodding firmly.

    "Galen, don''t worry, I''ll take care of Geneva as if she were my own sister."

    He smiled, blood trailing from his mouth, then his eyes slowly closed.

    "Dad!"

    Geneva''s heart-wrenching cry filled

    the air ade

    the medics resumed

    efforts, but I knew it

    belongs to enl

    I gently let go of his hand, which then fell back to his side.

    Geneva kept calling out to her dad, but there was no response.

    I held her shoulders tightly, my own tears and sniffles breaking through.

    I dared not cry out loud, instead, I

    silently supported Geneva, knowingt

    at least one of us had to remai strong.

    novels

    Sw

    From now on, it was just the two of us against the world.

    We had both be orphans, with no one else left in the world.

 Chapter 190

    Galen Brown was dead, and Talbot had hit him with five bullets.

    The doctor said most folks would''ve dropped on the spot, but he hung on, probably just to have ast word with us.

    Geneva was in tears, eventually passing out from the grief.

    I, on the other hand, had to choke back my sadness and get all the paperwork sorted.

    There were moments I nearly passed out myself, but I knew I couldn''t afford to fall apart¡ªnot with Geneva and Clyde depending on me.

    After I got back, Eliana kept on me, reminding me to get a check-up, that my meds were running low.

    All I could say was I''d deal with it once everything here was settled.

    Lisa was swamped too, showed up once then hurried off.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    The cops had been by a few times, just to take our statements since Talbot was already gone. It seemed like everything was winding down, just waiting on the final judgement for Garfield and Marilyn.

    But what I didn''t expect was the entire Patterson family showing up at Ironvale.

    I was in the middle of massaging Clyde when Merritt and the crew barged in.

    Seeing Clyde in his condition, Merritt''s eyes immediately welled up.

    "Mnie, how could you not tell us something this big happened!" Laird was the first to rush over, pulling me away and pushing me aside. Evelyn quickly came to my support, "Laird, Mnie''s not the criminal here. What are you doing? You wanna start a fight?"

    Lucia gave me a stern look.

    "Even hitting her doesn''t relieve our anger Clyde''s thest of our line. What if something happened to him?"

    "Because of her family''s troubles, Clyde''s even neglected thepany. If it weren''t for York, who knows what state things would be in."

    Laird and Lucia kept at it, but I silently moved back to Clyde''s side to continue the massage. The doctor had mentioned muscle atrophy from prolonged bed rest, and I was determined to prevent that.

    Right now, thepany, work-none of that mattered more than Clyde.

    Seeing I wasn''t responding, Lucia moved to confront me again until Merritt finally spoke up.

    "Mnie, what did the doctor say?"

    "The doctor mentioned Clyde suffered a brain injury. The surgery went well, but there might be nerve damage. It''ll take some time for him to wake up."

    "And how long is ''some time''? A month, two, a year, a decade?"

    Lucia sneered, "And what if he never wakes up?"

    "Then I''ll take care of him for the rest of my life."

    I fixed up Clyde''s left leg, then got to rubbing down his right leg with a bit of essential oil.

    Clyde''s legs were strong and muscr.

    If he had to lie here for months, I wondered if he''d be upset about his body fat percentage going up.

    As I massaged, my eyes started to tear up. The room fell silent, with only the sound of my hands working.

    Eaton whispered, "Uncle, should Clydee back with us?"

    Merritt nodded, "Arrange the ne, The Chandler family has also reached out. They have a neurology specialist ready to consult for

    Clyde."

    Hearing it was the Chandler family''s hospital, I breathed a sigh of relief. With Warren Chandler involved, we were sure to find the best possible care. This time, I didn''t go against Merritt''s wishes and joined everyone on the ne.

    But the day before we left, Merritt came to see me alone in the room. "Mnie, Clyde''s hurt again because of you. I need an exnation." Choking back tears, I didn''t know how to respond.

    Clyde was in this condition because of me. If he never woke up...

    I closed my eyes, and when I opened them again, I heard my own steady and firm. "I will take

    him

    of

    for the rest of my life''s t

    wr

 Chapter 191

    Before I left, I organized a modest funeral for Galen Brown.

    His life had been a tough one, to say the least.

    I knew he had long harbored thoughts of taking Talbot down with him, his words on the rooftop that day still echoed in my mind.

    Even though I couldn''t fix things, he was determined to find his own way out.

    At the end of the day, it was all about keeping his daughter safe.

    Geneva seemed to mature overnight, shedding her previously spoiled demeanor for a calmness that seemed uncharacteristic.

    "Geneva, would youe back with me? I promised your dad I''d look after you."

    I took her hand, genuinely hoping she woulde with me.

    We were the same, both without family now.

    But she shook her head, saying, "Mellie, I know you''re struggling too. I''ll continue my studies here in Ironvale, then head to college. Lisa will help me out."

    Lisa nodded in agreement.

    "Mnie, dealing with the Pattersons won''t be easy, especially with Clyde in his current state. You should focus on yourself for now. After all, I''m your cousin. Don''t try to handle everything on your own, especially when ites to your health, okay?"

    Her meaningful nce hit home. I understood her concern.

    My health wasn''t great, and with Clydeatose, the Pattersons were likely plotting their next move. Merritt had made his dissatisfaction with me clear, and I would face another tough battle when going back. Seeing Geneva''s determined look, I decided not to press her further.

    Given my own precarious situation, it was probably for the best that she stayed to focus on her studies and life. They dropped me off at the airport, promising to visit, though it was uncertain when we''d see each other again.

    Once on the ne, Lucia''s taunting voice filled the silence.

    "Such sisterly love. Heard your cousin could betray her own father, and your uncle managed to get your dad killed. Quite the family genes, so ruthless!"

    "Want to try me, Lucia?"

    I responded emotionlessly, sitting beside Clyde''s hospital bed, wiping his face.

    Even that short exposure had reddened his skin slightly.

    "What did you just say?"

    ?

    Lucia was about to explode, but Laird shot her a warning nce, and she sat back down, still mumbling, "Who knows if some people did it on purpose?"

    "With Clyde out, all his money and thepany would go to certain individuals."

    "Maybe they conspired together, one getting rid of her dad, the other her husband..."

    I ignored her ramblings as if she was just spouting nonsense.

    But suddenly, I noticed Merritt''s gaze on me, pausing momentarily.

    I continued to wipe Clyde''s face, pretending not to notice his stare.

    Even without Lucia''s insinuations, Merritt might have reached the same conclusion. I indeed looked suspicious.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    The silence on the ne was ominous; I knew everything would change once we returned.

    As expected, as soon as Clyde was

    admitted

    to the VIP ward, Merrittet

    spoke up, suggesting York

    temporarily take over the

    "I disagree

    mediately voiced r

    opposition. If York took over as

    ent, all of Clyde''s hard wo. ne?

    dbe in vain.

    "And who are you to disagree?" Laird and Lucia jumped in, pointing fingers at me.

    But my eyes were fixed on Merritt.

    "Merritt, Clyde might wake up soon. Changing leadership now doesn''t seem right. Won''t you wait for your grandson?"

    All I could hope for was a sliver of familial affection from Merritt, but he remained silent.

    "How''s my brother?"

    Suddenly, a male voice broke the tension, and I saw a flicker of something in Merritt''s eyes.

 Chapter 192

    Evelyn was like someone who had just spotted a lifebuoy in a stormy sea, rushing over with relief. "Fenton, howe you''re back early? Weren''t you supposed to be gone for another week or two?" "The tournament wrapped up, so I decided to head back earlier."

    "How''s big bro doing? I changed my flight as soon as I got the news. Is he awake yet?"

    Fenton was dressed like a typical college student, bursting with youthful energy.

    Pushing his suitcase and with a backpack slung over his shoulders, his face was full of life.

    His arrival seemed to break the ice, and even Merritt gave him a warm smile.

    "The doctors say your brother is still in the recovery phase."

    "Heard you were at an international debate tournament? How did it go?"

    Fenton sheepishly scratched his head, "Got second ce. The home team took the win."

    "But I snagged the Best Speaker award. Had to rush off, so I asked a mate to bring it back for me."

    "Second ce isn''t bad at all, considering it''s a globalpetition."

    Eaton looked at his son with visible pride, his smile growing even wider.

    Only Laird and his family seemed less than thrilled, exchanging nces among themselves.

    I wasn''t very familiar with Fenton; he had been studying abroad in Estoria for years.

    But it seemed he was quite the achiever, with Evelyn often going on about how he was fast-tracked by his university and winning international awards.

    Aside from the wedding day, this was only the second time I had met him.

    He looked at me, slightly surprised, "Mnie? Have you lost weight?"

    I just smiled and nodded, not saying much.

    The atmosphere lightened considerably, and Merritt seemed more inclined to chat.

    When the conversation turned to Fentoning back to work in the country, Evelyn visibly tensed up.

    "Fenton, you studied management, right? Ever think about what you''d want to do back here?"

    Evelyn quickly reminded Merritt, "He''s got a double degree; also studied economics." Merritt''s smile broadened, "A fine young man. Your grandfather would have been proud." "So, are you thinking of going into management, or heading into the financial sector?" Fenton seemed a bit embarrassed, then nced over at Clyde''s hospital bed. "Great-uncle, I initially nned to get some experience at my brother''spany..."

    His gaze shifted to me briefly before he trailed off, but I understood his implication. It seemed the Patterson family also wanted Fenton to join the Patterson Group.

    But it made sense. Even with a graduate degree,nding a good management position abroad can be tough.

    With a family business ready and waiting, as long as he waspetent, Clyde would surely value his talent.

    Evelyn looked at Merritt, "Uncle, you''ve watched him grow up. Now, with Clyde like this, maybe he could help Mnie out."

    "The old guard in thepany likes

    to

    their weight around, b also be a support for

    won''t be intimidated.

    I wasn''t oblivious to the Eaton family''s schemes, but having Fenton step into thepany seemed like a decent option for now.

    Fenton nodded, "I''ll stand in for my brother until he wakes up. I''m green, so I''ll need some guidance from Mnie. Once my brother''s back on his feet, I can assist him and earn the ropes."

    He was earnest and likable.

    Merritt pondered for a moment then looked at me.

    "Mnie, Fenton''s qualifications are a good match, and the kid''s got potential. Why not start him off in the marketing department?" "Merritt, your wish is mymand."

    With the Laird and Eaton family dynamics, I preferred to stay out of their games.

    If Fenton was genuinely here to help, that was great. If he had motives like York, they were wee to scheme amongst themselves.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    In any case, until Clyde woke up, I was determined to hold down the fort at Talbot.

 Chapter 193

    By the time Merritt banged the gavel, it was decided: York and I would exercise Clyde''s authority, while Fenton was off to the marketing department to start as an assistant manager.

    After everyone had dispersed, Fenton lingered behind.

    "Hey Mnie, what''s the real deal with Clyde? My mom barely mentioned anything and left it all hanging."

    "There''s a bunch of neuro specialists over at the medical school next door. I can ask his buddy to hook us up with a consult."

    He looked genuinely concerned, showing no signs of any ulterior motives.

    Seeing him still dressed in out-of-season clothes, I figured he must''ve rushed back here.

    "Your brother''s surgery went well. We just have to wait for him to wake up. We''ve got specialists on the case too, so no worries."

    "Really, no worries?" Out of nowhere, Vinson Russell showed up, sporting a pair of dark under-eye circles.

    I was taken aback for a moment when I saw him.

    "Dude, have you not slept at all?"

    He just waved it off, "Man, with Clyde being the big bro..."

    He stopped, sensing the connection between the person beside me and the Patterson family and chose not to continue.

    But I got it. During Clyde and my absence, York must''ve been up to his usual mischief.

    Vinson, trying to keep the project on track, must''ve been butting heads with him daily, hence theck of sleep.

    "How''s Clyde doing?"

    Vinson nced towards Clyde in the hospital room, then back at me.

    I shook my head, replying, "Everything seems fine, except he won''t wake up. Not sure if it''s a nerve issue."

    The memory of Clyde saving me that day made my heart ache.

    Vinson opened his mouth to say something but ended up just offering a few words offort.

    Fenton, tactfully realizing we had more to discuss, excused himself first.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    Vinson, deep in thought, asked, "A Patterson?"

    "Yeah, Eaton''s son. How could you tell?"

    I thought Fenton didn''t resemble York or Clyde much; he was more refined.

    Vinson shook his head, "He has that unique Patterson vibe, somewhat like York."

    I nced at Fenton''s retreating figure, not seeing the resemnce.

    Vinson didn''t dwell on it, quickly moving on to talk about thepany''s project.

    As expected, York had been meddling with the bridge project, even trying to sneak his people in.

    Fortunately, Vinson and Jade had been holding the line, keeping the project on track.

    "With Clyde out and your condition... York''s bound to make a move. Can you handle it?"

    "I have to."

    "Thispany is what it is today because of Clyde''s efforts. I won''t let his hard work be for nothing

    Through the ss, I saw Clyde''s frail body and felt a pang in my heart.

    No matter how much of that nutrient stuff they gave him, it just wasn''t the as real food. I kept wondering I he''d wake up.

    "You need to look after yourself too. How have you been holding up?"

    Vinson was asking about my well-being, but I just shook my head.

    "I''m fine. All that matters is Clyde waking up."

    Warren had warned me about the severe effects of radiation on my health, but I was still standing.

    I had even nned to take a leave of absence once Clyde woke up, confident I''d recover.

    That night, Iy down on the sofa next to Clyde''s hospital bed.

    The VIP room was a blessing; the sofa was almost toofortable.

    Looking at Clyde''s peaceful face, I

    drifted into a daze. He rarely fell int

    and bremembered staying up all night when he once had a

    But he was up and about the next day, yfully scolding me.

    Taking care of him had worn me out, and I ended up catching a fever the following day.

    I gently took Clyde''s hand.

    "Clyde, please wake up soon, okay?"

 Chapter 194

    I had the most bizarre dreamst night. It was as if Clyde hade back to life, only to chastise me for dozing off on the couch.

    But when I woke up, he hadn''t moved an inch from his position the day before.

    Eliana and Warren dropped by to check on him and offered me someforting words.

    Yet, deep down, I knew no amount of constion could help. It was up to Clyde to wake up.

    After ensuring the caregiver was all set, I finally headed to the office.

    The sight of me had everyone in the Design Department breathing a sigh of relief.

    "Ms. Crawford, if you hadn''t shown up, I would''ve keeled over from stress."

    Jade looked like she had lost ten pounds, dark circles heavy under her eyes.

    I was aware of the burden she shouldered with me gone, managing the Design Department on her own was no easy feat.

    "Tonight, dinner''s on me. A big thank you to all of you."

    "Three cheers for Ms. Crawford! Best boss ever!"

    "I''m going for the most expensive buffet! And I''m clocking out on time today!"

    The team erupted in cheers, but Jade pulled me aside and asked, "I can''t get away right now, how''s Clyde?"N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    I licked my lips, at a loss for words.

    "No wonder, York''s been strutting around like he owns the Patterson Group."

    "If it weren''t for Vinson, I''d be at my wit''s end."

    I had anticipated York causing trouble, but not to this extent.

    Not only had he altered a few design ns, but he also forcefully reced the suppliers Vinson had secured.

    Before I could review all the documents, the regtory department showed up, informing us that the project required significant modifications.

    "Sorry, there''s a major discrepancy between the construction and the design. The regtory bodies have warned you multiple times. Now, we gotta redo the project and send in new designs. We''ve gotta stop the construction for now."

    The official was stern, leaving me speechless.

    Such a significant project, and someone dared to tamper with the design?

    After politely seeing the official out, York emerged from his office.

    "Mnie, youe back to this mess, and you..."

    "Keep talking if you want to make this worse! I just got back, who dared to alter my design ns?"

    I whirled around, raising my voice.

    I''ve always maintained a stoic demeanor at work, never engaging in confrontations.

    Even when Ka tried to provoke me, I never let it escte in front of the team.

    But this was different. York was jeopardizing the entirepany!

    If the project failed, Clyde and I

    would d be

    held ountable, allowi

    York to wash his hands of

    the

    matter.

    York seemed taken aback by my outburst but quickly retorted, "I } the team revise the designs

    costs."  ot

    "Do you have any idea how much we could save on a project with a few tweaks? Millions."

    His words infuriated me, and even the Design Department colleagues red at him in anger.

    I stepped up to him, fuming.

    "So, saving millions justifies risking lives?"

    "Why don''t you just stack some plywood for a shelter? That''d save billions!"

    "Designers tread carefully, and you recklessly cut corners. Who gave you such audacity?"

    "Outsourcing the redesign of a

    crucial

    believe for a second that

    do you roject to an external team won''tnd you in hot water &

    As tensions rose, Fenton, clutching a stack of files, hurriedly intervened.

    "Guys, we can talk this out. Everyone''s watching. Come on, to my office, both of you. Let''s go!"

 Chapter 195

    "What do you know, kiddo?"

    York shot Fenton a venomous look before storming out of the office.

    Meanwhile, Fenton grabbed my arm and led me into his office.

    "Mnie, you know about the whole debacle with Uncle George wanting big bro to take over Patterson Enterprises a few years back, right?"

    I nodded. Clyde had mentioned it, and I had only found out about itter.

    Being a Patterson, Fenton was bound to know the ins and outs.

    He sighed, "He''s causing trouble because he feels slighted. Imagine having a mega corporation like that snatched from your grasp. Wouldn''t sit well with you, would it?"

    He poured me a ss of water, adopting an almost paternal tone as he tried to console me.

    "Big bro''s got his strengths, dad used to say he''s not too shabby at management, or else Uncle George wouldn''t have considered him."

    "But then there''s Clyde, dad''s golden boy, his pride and joy. Once he''s back in action, York doesn''t have a shot at sticking around in thepany." "Family scandal''s thest thing we need. Looks bad all around."

    Fenton, the whiz kid, had briefed me on several simr cases before.

    He wasn''t exactly a fan of the whole family business model Patterson Enterprises was running on, but at least the Patterson kids werepetent, so it wasn''t a total waste.

    Eventually, he got to the heart of the matter.

    "York''s gonna keep stirring the pot because he wants to take over, that''s clear as day to everyone, no use pretending otherwise."

    I looked at him, surprised by his bluntness.

    He waved it off, "Don''t look at me like that, Mnie. It''s an open secret. The only reason it''s not out in the open is that no one wants to rock the boat." "You might have reservations, but I don''t. Clyde''s got him beat hands down, no contest."

    I nodded, seeing his point.

    Even after the whole Ka fiasco, which clearly implicated the Lairds, Merritt turned a blind eye.

    Blood is thicker than water, and no one wants to stain their kin with scandal.

    Clyde was simply morepetent than York; otherwise, York wouldn''t have been grinding his teeth these past years.

    Us, on the other hand, weren''t seeing things as clearly as this fresh college grad.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    Then Fenton brought out somepany documents.

    "I''ve been busy this morning, went through these documents and spotted an issue," he pointed at Jade''s signature.

    "When you''re not here, Ms. Scott''s running the show solo, which is exhausting."

    "I''m not doubting her capabilities, but it looks like we''re short a senior designer."

    "With you taking over some of the CEO duties and looking after Clyde, the Design Department is understaffed."

    Flipping through the documents, I realized Jade had been handlinge almost everything in the Design Department to keep York at bay, hence her rapid weight loss.Obit my lip, feeling guilty.

    "So, got any suggestions? Should we hire externally or promote from within?"

    Fenton thought for a moment, and then he said, "How about I introduce someone? My senior from the same major. She had quite the reputation in school, won numerous awards for her designs. I think she was on my flight back here."

    "If we''re hiring, there''s going to be a probation period. If there was someone internally ready for promotion, you would''ve done so

    already, right? We''re obviously short

    on talent."

    "How about we arrange an interview? If Ie across a good candidate, I''ll let you know?"

    I mulled over Fenton''s words, finding his reasoning sound.

    But before I could agree, my phone rang.

    It was Warren, his tone t as ever. "Your husband''s awake."

 Chapter 196

    "Are you sure?" I was puzzled. Why was it him calling, not someone else?

    Warren let out a snort, "With his sweetheart next to him, how could he even think about Mrs. Patterson? Hurry up ande over. Your hubby''s acting all weird."

    He didn''t bother to rify, just hung up.

    Fenton and I stared at each other for a moment before he quickly grabbed his coat.

    "Mnie, let''s move it, chop chop!"

    That snapped me out of it, and I followed him as we dashed out of the office.

    All the way there, I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety.

    I couldn''t fathom what Warren meant by Clyde being off.

    Aside from going bald and having surgery, what else could be wrong with him?

    Could it be facial paralysis due to nerve damage?

    Or was it something like Stephen Hawking, where only his head could move, and nothing else?

    Lost in my wild guesses, we soon arrived at the hospital.

    Everyone was there in the room, and standing next to Clyde was a woman.

    She was gently wiping his face, then poured him a ss of water. Clyde looked at her with such tenderness, smiling softly.

    In that moment, I just froze, unsure how to enter.

    Fenton paused beside me before speaking up, "Rachel, what are you doing here?"

    That''s when everyone noticed us.

    Rachel quickly waved me over, her eyes wide.

    "Mnie,e here, quick!"

    Her expression was awkward, desperately signaling me with her eyes.

    But Clyde just kept looking at her, even reaching out to grab her hand.

    Rachel swiftly stepped aside, leaving Clyde looking a bit dejected.

    "Sweety, you''re not put off by my bald head, are you? Didn''t you

    being too long or too shortal alwaysin about my hal

    "My hair will grow back in a few days, don''t hold it against me!"

    I froze mid-step. The one whoined about his hair was me.

    Tentatively, I called out, "Clyde."

    He turned to look at me, nodding coldly before turning back to Rachel.

    "I''ve been asleep for so long, I could really go for some seafood chowder, Sweety."

    His whiny tone sent shivers down my spine.

    I was the one who made the

    seafood chowder. It was the only thing I could cook, taught by Clyde himself, who told me just to clean the ingredients and boil them. When did Rachel learn to make it?

    Rachel looked like she was about to cry, mouthing to me, "Help me." The room''s gaze fell on me, Lucia''s eyes brimming with mockery.

    "Oh, poor thing, thought you had a love

    se akehe ages. Turns out he

    swnow

    up not even knowing who you are

    "Can''t even recognize his own wife, Clyde, is your brain broken?"

    Clyde looked at Lucia, confused.

    "Lucia, mind your words, I''m not married yet. But if Sweety is willing, I wouldn''t be opposed."

    Rachel, on the verge of a breakdown, came to my side, then pointed at me.

    "Clyde, look closely, who is she? Take a good look, open your eyes wide."

    Nervously clenching my fists, I also looked towards Clyde.

    I had imagined a thousand possibilities, including him being paralyzed or disfigured.

    But never did I think he''d forget me.

    Clyde scrutinized me, visibly annoyed.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    "She''s Mnie, right?"

    A sigh of relief escaped everyone.

    But then he added, "Your roommate, right? I know her, always bringing you snacks, that one?"

 Chapter 197

    Everyone''s eyes were glued to Clyde in disbelief, and I felt as if my blood had turned to ice. Was Clyde suffering from amnesia, or were his memories all jumbled up?

    I approached him, cupping his face in my hands. "Clyde, look at me closely. Who am I?"

    "Mnie, have you lost it? My girlfriend''s right here!" he yelled, then turned to Rachel and said, "Babe, I swear I didn''t do anything! It''s all her fault."

    "This isn''t exactly my idea of fun, you know!" I retorted, just as he shoved me away. Rachel quickly caught me, then whispered in my ear, "What on earth is happening?"

    I shook my head; I was as clueless as she was.

    Fortunately, a nurse came to wheel Clyde out for a CT scan, and the room quieted down.

    Rachel and I exchanged bewildered looks.

    "I barely said two sentences to him when I got here, and he woke up, nearly gave me a heart attack."

    "He wakes up and ims I''m his girlfriend. I thought he was joking, so I yed along."

    "Do you think he''s developed some sort of psychological disorder?"

    Rachel had just returned from abroad and hade for a routine check-up when she stumbled upon Merritt.

    Their paths had crossed before over Clyde, and a casual inquiry revealed Clyde''s ident.

    "I didn''t expect to find you here..."

    "Rachel, seems like fate ties you and Clyde together; otherwise, he might have never woken up."

    I knew Fenton meant no harm, but his words stung. I had been by Clyde''s side for so long with no sign of him waking up, and then Rachel returns, and suddenly he''s awake?

    Rachel put an arm around my shoulder. "Mnie, don''t worry. Now that he''s awake, he''ll surely remember everything."

    I nodded, though I wasn''t convinced.

    The doctor''s examination showed Clyde''s physical functions were fine, but his memory seemed confused.

    Sometimes he remembered his college days, other times the period after being recognized by the Patterson family. Throughout it all, his girlfriend was always by his side in his memories, excluding the period I was abroad.

    When mentioned his girlfriend going abroad, he even casually said, "Rachel went abroad for further studies, right? I know."

    I was speechless; Rachel and I shared a dorm room, and I had no idea she went abroad!

    Merritt looked at Rachel thoughtfully.

    I

    "Rachel, I know this is a tough ask, considering you and Mnie are friends, and you''re friends with Clyde too. Could you look after Clyde? He seems to only recognize you now, won''t even take his medication otherwise."

    Rachel nced at me, a hint of reluctance in her eyes, but I nodded slightly.

    Getting Clyde back to himself was the priority. Everything else took a backseat.

    Fenton chimed in. "It''s just a mix-up in his memories, like tangled code. Just needs sorting out."Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    "The body is the most important asset for any revolution. Rachel, please help out."

    Rachel eventually sighed and

    agreed, though she made it clear if

    she found a job, she wouldn''te wet

    able to help with Clyde''s medication.

    "He''s an adult; he should be able toe to terms with this."

    "I can''t just do nothing when I''m back; I need to find a job."

    Fenton quickly added, "Mnie is hiring designers. Why don''t you apply, Rachel?"

    Rachel and were not only

    ssmates but also dormmates

    was familiar with her capabilities - not outstanding, but decent, and her overseas studies should have added to her experience.

    "Let''s arrange an interview then..."

    "No need for an interview for Rachel; she can directly join thepany." Clyde suddenly appeared from the room, casting a cold nce my way.

 Chapter 198

    For reasons beyond my grasp, Clyde has always harbored hostility towards me.

    I couldn''t figure out who he thought I was in his eyes.

    Back in college, Clyde wasn''t short of admirers. Despite knowing he had a girlfriend, girls were lining up, ready to throw themselves at him.

    Clyde was always one to keep himself to himself, naturally detesting the attention from these women.

    He never gossiped about these girls behind their backs; he''d just straightforwardly tell me he''d rejected someone today, without getting entangled in any drama.

    I used to admire his gentlemanly behavior, but now, I just wish he''d remember who I really was to him.

    But then, looking into his eyes, I sighed. It seemed I was the ssic case of being too close forfort, and now the trouble had found its way to me.

    I tried to exin patiently, "Thepany has rules; even a parachuted-in designer needs a legitimate reason."

    "Isn''t my girlfriend reason enough?" Clyde''s words nearly choked me.

    "Your girlfriend? I''m your wife!"

    "You''re not!" Hearing me im to be his wife made Clyde''s face turn red.

    "Even if you were, you must have done something shady while I was out cold! I only have one girlfriend. My girlfriend loves flowers, snacking, designing, traveling, cherishes romance. What do you love? Don''t say you love me! Mnie, stop bothering me, or I won''t be so polite next time." Rachel, standing by, had turned pale.

    Everyone knew she had avoided snacks in college to keep her figure, always eating measured portions.

    Due to her family''s moderate ie, she never joined in on school trips.

    And she had a boyfriend in her freshman year but ended things iming he was too romantic for her taste, unlike Clyde''s down-to-earth nature... Clyde was projecting all my interests onto another woman.

    Fenton stepped in to mediate once again.

    "Bro, have you lost your mind..."

    "It''s your mind that''s gone! Aren''t you supposed to be studying abroad?"

    Clyde was back to his junior year self, cold and dismissive to anyone he didn''t see eye to eye with.

    Fenton was at a loss for words. "I''ve

    §Ö

    graduated from my master''s! Bro you''re confused right now. I won''t stoop to your level, but thepany interview is still a must."

    "I''ve already been fast-tracked into thepany. Adding one more person would just cause unrest, and nobody would ept it."

    I understood what Fenton meant. It was one thing for Fenton and York from the Patterson family to be involved.

    But Rachel, this "girlfriend" popping up out of nowhere was too bizarre.

    We just

    uldn''t let the rest of the

    company catch wind of Clyde''s

    be

    issues, or we''d definitely

    for some trouble.Cent N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    Fortunately, Laird and his family were away today, and the grandfather would ensure no one spoke out of turn.

    What did it matter if Clyde had another woman by his side? Hadn''t it always been this way over the years?

    Besides, Ka had also arrived at thepany under mysterious circumstances...

    I was about to suggest skipping the interview when Rachel spoke up.

    "Clyde, I''ll go through the interview process. It''s only fair to treat everyone equally in thepany, right?"

    Her voice was soft, but it immediately soothed Clyde''s irritation.

    He took a deep breath, "Alright, you''ll have your interview tomorrow. I''ll arrange it."

    "Mel, don''t worry. It''s just a formality. Besides, I believe in your You''ve won several design

    l.ne

    college, no problem at al

    Went

    He reached out to hold Rachel''s hand, but she subtly stepped back, her face stern.

    I looked down, at a loss for words.

    The design awards in college were mine, but clearly, he didn''t remember that either.

 Chapter 199

    Rachel''s job interview went off without a hitch, especially when Clyde made a surprise entrance to back her up. His words were dripping with admiration for Rachel''s skills, clearly showing his familiarity with her. This left no doubt among the other interviewers about how to rate her.

    At the end, Clyde couldn''t resist throwing a smug look my way, while Rachel offered me an apologetic nce.

    And then there was Jade, who had rushed over the moment she heard Rachel was there.

    "Rachel, is that really you? Where did you disappear to after graduation? We''ve been trying to find you!"

    Reuniting with a college roommate always brought a special warmth.

    I couldn''t help feeling nostalgic, realizing it had been ages since I''d felt this happy.

    Rachel mentioned she got the job and insisted on treating us to dinner, an offer we dly epted. However, I hesitated when I saw her choice of restaurant.

    "Rachel, this ce is a bit pricey, don''t you think?"

    "Oh, really? I''ve gotten used to these kinds of restaurants while I was overseas. It''s fine."

    Rachel''s casual response left Jade and me exchanging looks, but we followed her in anyway. Rachel had clearly thrived in the years she''d been away, exuding the confidence of ady of stature, no longer the college girl who had to double-check menu prices.

    When the topic of her encountering Clyde upon returning home came up, Rachel shyly nced at me.

    "Mnie, I swear, I had no idea he would wake up. It''s like he''s imprinted on me, just like a chick to its mother after hatching."

    "Haha, you''re saying he thinks you''re his mom?"

    Jade, raising her ss, downed her wine in one gulp.

    "But honestly, Clyde is so smitten with Mnie, he''s risking it all, and then he doesn''t even recognize her?"

    I shook my head, "The doctor mentioned it''s amon case, nothing unusual."

    "Who knows when he''ll remember. We''ll cross that bridge when we get to it. It''s just good that he''s awake now; I''m content with that."

    I couldn''t me Rachel for what happened. How could anyone have predicted it?

    It just seemed like Clyde and I were fated for a rollercoaster ride.

    Jade was clearly enjoying herself, maybe a bit too much, frequently excusing herself to the restroom.

    Taking advantage of her absence, I raised my ss.

    "Rachel, I still want to thank you for back then. If you hadn''t given that ne to Clyde for me..."

    "Mnie, it''s all in the past, no thanks necessary."

    Rachel and I clinked sses, agreeing to never bring it up again.

    I was still grateful, though. When

    Clyde''s grandmother was ill, and et

    was in a rush to go abroad, I had i cash on me.

    to

    no

    The only thing I could do was leave Clyde with my grandmother''s pink diamond ne.

    Luckily, Rachel was there in our dorm to help me out, as Jade was busy with her ns to study abroad.

    Though Clyde''s grandmotherText ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    passed away, I felt

    relieved having been able to bol

    some way.

    Seeing how Merritt treated Rachel today, it was clear he knew about the ne incident.

    Regardless of who they thought had given the ne to Clyde, I felt fortunate.

    When Jade returned, looking a bit pale, Clyde followed, holding an umbre.

    "Mnie, it''s past ten, let me take you home. Looks like it''s going to rain."

    The distant rumble of thunder confirmed his words.

    Clyde, noticing the wine on the table, frowned.

    "Mnie, did you forget mixing red wine and beer makes you sick? It can be serious!"

    "Rachel, as her friend, I hope you''ll keep an eye on her. I don''t want my girlfriend to get hurt."

    With that, Clyde took Rachel''s hand, and they left the restaurant together.

    I was left behind, staring after them, stunned.

    He remembered the allergic reaction to mixing drinks, but he had

    forgotten the person who wagel neb

    was me.

    ¨¦n.swnovels

 Chapter 200

    Rachel''s first day was something straight out of a Hollywood movie, with Clyde, thepany''s golden boy, personally escorting her to HR, bypassing the usual intern phase andnding her a permanent position on the spot.

    This was an unheard-of move at Patterson Enterprises, but Clyde''s word wasw, and no one dared question it.

    Then, as if that wasn''t enough, Clyde took Rachel under his wing and introduced her around the Design Department like she was the next big thing. The looks I was getting from the rest of the staff told me all I needed to know about the rumors already flying.

    By lunchtime, the office chat was buzzing with gossip.

    "Didn''t Mr. Patterson just rescue Ms. Crawford from that car wreck? I thought they were an item."

    "Guess the boss has a thing for the new girl. New face, new interest."

    "Didn''t they go to college together? Bet they''ve been an item since then."

    "Is this some kind of soap opera? Both in design, and now he''s got eyes for the new hire?"

    I tried to ignore the chatter. After all, Clyde''s romantic escapades were legendary around here; one more rumor wouldn''t make a difference to me. The real trouble would start if word got back to the Patterson family.

    And sure enough, Merritt Patterson sent a car for Clyde and me toe to the Patterson Mansion. As we got in, Clyde made a point of shifting away from me, as if my mere presence was offensive. I scooted away too, keeping my distance.

    He let out a snort of disdain, and I had to roll my eyes. We were acting like kids back in elementary school, not adults who had supposedlymitted to spending our lives together.

    Arriving at the mansion, Merritt grilled Clyde about work, which he handled fine, but he got all twisted up when it came to me, dumping everything on Rachel''s shoulders.

    Merritt, looking exasperated, turned to me and said, "Don''t you remember? This is the woman you fought tooth and nail to marry."

    "That''s impossible. I don''t even like

    her,"

    head with such conviction, I

    3% shot back, shaking his et

    e my eyes to avoid road to

    them.

    "You don''t like her? But you were the one begging me to ept her. You even risked your life to save her, and now, after all these years..." Merritt''s voice faded out, too annoyed to go on

    Clyde looked at me suspiciously. "You didn''t put this idea in my grandfather''s head, did you?"

    I stepped away, disgusted at the thought of further engaging with him.

    Just talking to him made my head hurt.

    Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, Clyde clutched his head in pain. I rushed to find him painkillers, but he pped them out of my hand.

    "I won''t take them! You''re just trying to make me forget Mnie! She''s the only one I''ve ever loved. Give it up, Rachel."

    His words stung, but they also ignited a fire in me. After everything he''d put me through, his usations were thest straw.

    "Clyde, you''re delusional," I said, my

    voice icy. You chased me for

    months, used my mother''s illness

    against me to force me into

    marrying you. And now you''re

    ying the victim?"

    to

    Looking back at how relentlessly he chased me, calling it ''love'' with his twisted actions, I was boiling with anger.

    Clyde''s eyes flickered with something like recognition, but then he crumpled, clutching his head in agony.

    I stood there, torn between helping him and walking away from the mess he''d made of both our lives.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

 Chapter 201

    Clyde was stubborn as a mule, refusing to take his medicine even as he was drenched in cold sweat from the headache.

    "Call Rachel. Get her here, now, quickly!"

    Merritt pointed at me, his hand trembling.

    I didn''t waste a second and immediately dialed Rachel''s number.

    Turned out Rachel lived not too far from the Patterson Mansion, arriving in just over ten minutes.

    I handed her the medicine, and she rushed to Clyde''s side.

    "Clyde,e on, take your medicine," she urged, softening her voice.

    At that, Clyde finally turned to look at her.

    "Rachel, you... you came."

    "Yes, now take your medicine, don''t worry everyone."

    Clyde took her hand, swallowing the medicine she offered.

    Rachel then got him a ss of water and helped him over to the couch.

    It was clear Clyde relied on her a lot, and it made my heart ache, turning my head away.

    Merritt nced at me, clearing his throat lightly.

    "Mnie Crawford, he''s now..."

    "Grandpa, I know, it''s not his fault."

    I managed a weak smile, though I couldn''t really bring myself tough.

    Of course, I knew he was confused, sometimes thinking he was still in high school.

    But it was still hard to ept how affectionate he was now with another woman, mistaking her for me.

    Merritt sighed, not saying anything more, instead looking warmly at Rachel.

    "Rachel, I know this is difficult for you, but see, he only trusts you now."

    "Could you help out?"

    Hearing him say that, my heart skipped a beat, understanding his intention.

    Indeed, Merritt suggested Rachel stay here for a while, preferably to keep Clydepany.

    I clenched my fists, not wanting to hear any more.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    I knew, in his eyes, my worth was only because of Clyde''s affection.

    Now that Clyde''s affections had shifted, naturally, I was deemed worthless.

    Rachel suddenly pulled her hand away from Clyde''s grasp, looking nervously at me.

    "No, Clyde is Mnie''s husband..."

    "Rachel, I''m not, I''ve told you I''m not."

    "She''s deceiving you, I''m not

    get

    married. How could I be when I''ve e been waiting for you to return from abroad?"

    Clyde looked at her with deep affection, gripping her hand firmly again.

    Rachel struggled a few times but eventually let him hold her hand.

    Yet, she remained firm, "I cannot stay here."

    "I have business matters to discuss with Mnie. I must go."

    She stood up abruptly, nearly using all her strength to break free from Clyde''s grip.

    I could see her face flushed, seemingly also unsettled.

    Leaving the Patterson Mansion, I looked at her with some guilt.

    "I''m sorry, Clyde he... I''m really sorry."

    Rachel rubbed her sore wrist, shaking her head.

    "It''s nothing, he must really be out of his mind to act this way towards me."

    She looked down, seeming to recall something unpleasant, her voice tinted with sadness.

    Actually, Clyde was most familiar with Rachel among our dorm mates.

    Back when he was working part-time, he and Rachel worked together in the cafeteria.

    Whenever he brought me something, it was always Rachel who helped deliver it.

    Clyde always bought extra for my dorm

    d epting favors, alt

    .

    DS Fees, but Rachel always f

    ¨¦n.swnovels

    I always thought she was a girl with pride yet also insecure.

    Seeing Clyde like this today must''ve wounded her pride, and it was difficult for her to make a fuss.

    After all, no one wants to be seen as a recement for someone else.

    "I''m sorry, Rachel. When he''s back to himself, I''ll make sure he apologizes properly."

    "No need."

    Rachel''s tone was t,

    just staring out the window. I''ll resign tomorrow, don''t

    "Mnie, I''ll resign

    swhowool

    " ov

    ¨¦n.swnovels

 Chapter 202

    Rachel had been staying at a hotel near the Patterson Mansion.

    She didn''t even wait for me to try and talk her into staying, just jumped out of the car.

    I texted her that evening, telling her not to act hastily, but got no reply.

    I thought she was just angry. After all, the Patterson Group''s Design Department is renowned, and I figured she wouldn''t throw away such a great opportunity.

    But I was wrong. The next day, I received her resignation letter.

    "HR needs your signature, Mnie. If there''s no issue, I''ll resign."

    "We shouldn''t have bent the rules for the hiring process. Now, quitting is even more of a hassle."

    Rachel kept her head down, lost in thought.

    I tossed the resignation letter aside, "Rachel, think it over. Maybe Clyde will cool off by tomorrow."

    "Don''t you want to work with me and Jade like we did in college?"

    Back in college, our dorm was incredibly close-knit. Even though Rachel was somewhat of a loner, she''d still actively participate in our activities. We''dpleted assignments and designs together and even visited construction sites as a group. I thought we had a good rtionship.

    But she just kept shaking her head.

    "No, Mnie, just sign it. I''m leaving thepany."

    "For what reason?"

    Clyde suddenly barged into my office and tore the resignation letter into pieces.

    "Mnie, this is too much. You''re just a director; what right do you have to fire her?"

    Seeing Clyde act so cluelessly infuriated me. Men really are cutest when they''re knocked out cold.

    I picked up a piece of the torn letter, pointing at the words and saying, "Resignation. Have you lost your ability to read?"

    "It was my decision to quit, Mnie had nothing to do with it."

    Rachel stepped back, putting some distance between herself and Clyde.

    Clyde coughed awkwardly, then red at me again.

    "That''s because you forced her into

    of the one who brought Rachel

    this. into this

    company; she can''t

    dismissed."

    be

    "Mnie, don''t think just because you''re my wife in name you can do whatever you want. Thispany is Patterson, and you''re not the one to call the shots!"

    His voice was filled with anger, and with the office door open, a crowd had gathered around.

    The news about Clyde''s new

    romance had already spreadN?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    through thepany. Without even

    hearing their whispers, I knew they

    were gossiping about Clyde and Rachel''s rtionship.

    Rachel kept her head down, while Clyde stood in front of her in a protective stance.

    "Mnie!"

    "Clyde, are you done causing a scene? I never said she had to resign, and I won''t approve it."

    "If you want to continue this, please leave!"

    I kept telling myself he was really sick, that something was wrong with his brain, but I couldn''t help getting angry.

    Rachel hesitantly reached out and tugged at his sleeve. "Clyde, I won''t resign. Please, don''t be upset."

    Watching her gesture, I felt a bit dazed. That used to be my way of calming Clyde down...

    Sure enough, Clyde immediately turned to look at her.

    "You better not be lying! Even if she tries to push you out, don''t worry, I''ve got your back."

    Rachel pressed her lips together, then nodded at him.

    Clyde sighed in relief. "Alright, then get back to work."

    He gave me onest re.

    "Don''t worry, she won''t do anything to you. I''ve got your back."

    He took Rachel by the hand and left the office, and this time, she didn''t resist.

    Watching him settle Rachel at her desk and carefully adjust her hair, my eyes welled up with tears again.

    I angrily pulled down the blinds, not wanting to see this painful scene any longer.

    Clyde, I''ll remember everything you''ve done today!

 Chapter 203

    When Clyde made such a scene, everyone just went from specting about him and Rachel to being almost certain that Rachel was indeed his old me.

    "Rachel isn''t as pretty as Mnie, how could Mr. Patterson fall for her?"

    "It''s not just about looks with an old me, sometimes it''s the vibe, the connection."

    "I did some snooping, and it turns out Rachel has been by Mr. Patterson''s side through thick and thin, working part-time jobs together, spending every day together. They must be childhood sweethearts."

    "Coming from simr backgrounds, experiencing life in the same ways, no wonder they clicked."

    "This time, the bossdy has met her match. A high degree plus an emotional connection, I''d say Mnie, game over."

    Gossip spread like wildfire across the office, and it seemed everyone had forgotten Clyde got injured because of me.

    Even Lina came to probe, wondering if Clyde had reignited an old romance.

    Given Ka Osborne''s precedent, Lina warned me to stay cautious.

    But what was there for me to be cautious about?

    Clyde had reced me with Rachel, the girlfriend from his college days, while I became the vile woman trying to seduce him to climb the socialdder.

    He avoided me like the gue, making Patterson Mansion his new abode, seemingly forgetting he had another home.

    Clyde seemed to be reliving his dating days, showering Rachel with all sorts of treats.

    Custard buns, croissants, moltenva cakes, egg tarts...

    Every time, Rachel frowned upon seeing these sweets.

    Back in her freshman year, she was a bit on the heavier side, even wearing men''s clothing during military training because of it, which led to quite a bit of teasing.

    Determined, sheter went on a diet, swearing off these high-caloric foods.

    And Clyde had forgotten, those were my favorites, not hers.

    Even if Rachel didn''t indulge, Clyde made excuses, thinking her taste changed while she was abroad, which exined her slimmer figure. Clyde''s discontent with me grew more intense.

    Every time we had to workte, and Clyde came to pick up Rachel, he''d give me a piece of his mind.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    "Can''t you stop dumping work on others? You''re the only workaholic here! Design needs inspiration, not overtime. Don''t waste Rachel''s brain cells. Mnie, don''t think this will get you more face time with me At best, you''re just my wife in name."

    He didn''t hold back, even in front of other colleagues, sometimes even sounding resentful.

    opped asking Rachel

    to stayte and started ushering

    ¨¨ door as soon as workhet

    swno

    over.

    At first, Rachel refused Clyde''s rides, but gradually, she epted them.

    The day we were wrapping up a project with Aspire World, Rachel insisted on workingte.

    As expected, I ended up getting an earful from Clyde.

    Rachel finally snapped, mming the table as she stood up.

    "Clyde, can you stop being so unreasonable? You''re only affecting my work!"

    "I returned home with the intent of building a career, this is my chance!"

    Having barely participated in any

    projects since joining thepany,

    Rachel naturally felt frustrated.

    Having degrees and academic awards wasn''t enough for her to secure her position at the Patterson Group.

    Clyde looked at her, somewhat wronged, "I just don''t want you to overwork yourself."

    "Besides, with your talent, this kind of work should be easy for you, right?"

    "Remember in sophomore year, you won the national designpetition, you were..." "Enough! Clyde!"

    Rachel suddenly seemed to crumble, grabbing her bag in a huff.

    "Let''s just go home, stop talking."

    Watching her dejected departure, I too felt a wave of irritation.

    The one who won that award in sophomore year was me, he didn''t even remember.

 Chapter 204

    ?

    "Mnie, are you okay?"

    Jade squeezed my shoulder, trying to lend me some of her strength.

    All I could do was shake my head, at a loss for what else to do.

    Suddenly, Rachel''s anxious voice echoed down the hallway. "Clyde, Clyde, what''s wrong? The headache again?"

    I rushed out to see Clyde slowly sinking to the ground by the elevator doors, his face ghostly pale.

    Jade and I hurried over.

    "Clyde, what''s happening to you?"

    Just as I squatted down to reach for him, Clyde pushed me away and leaned towards Rachel instead.

    "My head''s killing me."

    His voice was so pitiful. Rachel stiffened for a moment before letting his head rest against her, pulling out a pill from her purse.

    "Take this, you''ll feel better. Don''t be stubborn, love, take your medicine."

    Clyde listened to her, quickly swallowing the pill.

    He clung to Rachel, a sight that was both striking and harmonious.

    I remained squatting there, feeling dizzy and disoriented.

    Jade helped me up, whispering words offort.

    Rachel coughed awkwardly.

    "Mnie, I got this from Merrittst time, worried Clyde wouldn''t take his medicine."

    I nodded, understanding.

    Clyde only trusted her now, naturally only taking medicine she provided. He treated me like I was poison, probably thinking I''d drug him!

    Colleagues were ncing our way, their looks filled with inquiry, curiosity, and more often than not, meaningful nces thrown between me and Rachel.

    I knew the rumors would be swirling again tonight, but I was powerless to stop them.

    At least, not yet ready to let the coworkers know about Clyde''s memory issues.

    After Rachel and Clyde left, my work pace significantly slowed down.

    Finally, Jade, seeing me zoning out, insisted on taking me home.

    "What are you nning to do?"

    Her tone was worried, but all I could do was shake my head.

    Clyde''s injury was to his head, what else could I do?

    "Mnie, don''t you find Rachel... a bit strange?"

    "Shouldn''t she be keeping her distance? And her tone earlier, it was so odd."

    I didn''t respond.

    I understood Jade''s point; if it were me, I certainly wouldn''t want to be anywhere near Clyde.

    But Rachel seemed to always be around him by design.

    Several times, the Design Department''s ns were

    delivered by her, even thally

    belongs to en.swnoventN?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    should have been Lina''s job.

    But Rachel imed she had less work and would feel useless if she didn''t do more.

    Knowing her pride, I didn''t think much of it.

    "Why don''t we get Eliana Chandler involved? Didn''t you say the hospital is owned by the Chandler family? Maybe there''s some old-timey Westem medicine, like a leech treatment or something, that could

    el

    fix Clyde right up?"

    I smiled wryly, "Yeah, maybe an old-fashioned remedy could snap him back to reality."

    The hospital''s neurology specialists

    had

    o Consulted on C ¨¨ been. Content bould

    it wasn''t as bad as.

    been.

    Warren Chandler even sent me some international cases, most people recover rity in about a month.

    A month was bearable.

    But seeing the gossip group''s photos that night, I dreaded the long month ahead. [Caught on camera, Mr. Patterson only wants Rachel. I bet Mnie is shattered.] [Wasn''t Mr. Patterson injured while saving her? Hope it''s not just a PR stunt.]

    [Mr. Patterson''s vor of the month changes so fast, no PR can save that!]

    [If it were me, I''d have divorced by now. Take the money and run, why stick around for cold leftovers?]

    The mention of divorce left a sour taste in my mouth.

    Maybe under these circumstances, divorce was indeed the best option.

 Chapter 205

    The very next morning, the HR manager sought out Rachel with urgency.

    "Rachel, here''s your transfer order. From now on, you''ll be working in the Administrative Department."

    "Administrative Department?"

    Rachel didn''t take the document, instead, she seemed quite displeased.

    The HR manager was in a tough spot herself.

    "Mr. Patterson demanded this transfer first thing this morning. I had no choice, and he even made me post it on the internalwork."

    "You might want to start packing up, Mr. Patterson is known for his short fuse."

    She nced at me cautiously, then back at Rachel.

    "Rachel, don''t make this hard on me, I''m just doing my job here."

    She left the file on Rachel''s desk before making her exit.

    Rachel, however, just tore the document to shreds and continued with her work.

    I approached her, tapping on her desk.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    "Can we talk?"

    Rachel gave me a resigned look before following me to the break room.

    "Mnie, it''s not that I want to transfer. I don''t want to leave the Design Department."

    "I know."

    Clyde always had his ways, keeping those he favored under his watchful eye, like Ka.

    Considering his current situation, I tried to be patient.

    "I know it''s tough on you, but his situation..."

    "Mnie, why don''t you transfer to the Administrative Department?"

    Clyde barged in, all fired up, and I could feel my hackles rising.

    He seemed to have lost all sense of reason.

    Seeing me with Rachel, he instantly assumed I was giving her a hard time.

    Especially with his agitated demeanor, my mood worsened.

    It''s like those irrational, dominating CEOs in novels who blindly favor the female lead.

    Ignoring thepany''s interests, showing tant favoritism...

    For some reason, I suddenly felt angry, my tone more confrontational.

    "Which part of this situation looks like I''m stopping Rachel from transferring?"

    "If you''re sick, go see a doctor, don''t take it out on me here!"

    If it wasn''t for the need to keep his

    condition private, I''d wish

    him!

    Is it in & there was something y

    Rachel stepped in front of me, probably to soothe Clyde''s emotions, her voice softening.

    "Clyde, it''s me who doesn''t want to go, Mnie has nothing to do with it."

    "Why do you always defend her? Just because you were roommates?"

    "Back in school, you always did this. Am I not as important to you?"

    Clyde was visibly upset, even shooting me a re.

    Rachel took a step forward, positioning herself right in front of him.

    "Clyde, I don''t want to be a secretary, I only love design."

    "I know, I understand, you''ve told me you''re not into studying, just passionate about design inspiration."

    "You could be my assistant, dabble in design asionally, you''re more than capable."

    He grabbed Rachel''s shoulders, and she visibly stiffened.

    My hand, clutching a coffee cup, paused at my chest.

    Right, those were also my words. I''m not an academic star, but I do have a knack for design.

    That''s why I love design; it allows me a bit of ease.

    But Rachel... She''s the epitome of a diligent student.

    She''s mentioned it to us in the dorm

    nevening why her c

    the grade even though

    she spends every day in the library.

    I silently lowered my head, not wanting to witness the scene any longer.

    Rachel shrugged off his hands, her voice tinged with sadness.

    "Clyde, I''ve told you, I don''t want to be a secretary or an assistant, please don''t push me."

    She sniffed, striding out of the break room withrge steps.

    Clyde shot me a menacing look before following her out.

    get

    The gaze of my coworkers fell on me, and downed the entire cup unsweetened coffee in one gulp. Snow, it didn''t taste as bitter

    anymore.

 Chapter 206

    When I got back to the office, Clyde had his assistant march straight into the Design Department with a stack of files and plopped right next to Rachel.

    "If you won''te up, I''lle down. Either way works for me."

    "What would you like for our afternoon snack? I''ve ordered cherries and strawberries. You love strawberry yogurt, don''t you? Got that for you too."

    Clyde, going out of his way to be nice, left everyone around us utterly gobsmacked.

    Especially when he mentioned Rachel''s favorite treats, all eyes turned to me.

    Everyone knew I had a soft spot for those "girly" snacks, something Lina once said showed my childlike spirit.

    Back in college, it was the same, and Clyde never missed a chance to tease me about never growing up.

    But whenever he made a little extra from his part-time jobs, he''d always remember to treat me to some dessert, a habit I ended up holding onto. Especially before the cancer came back, I would treat everyone to afternoon tea, almost always picking something with a strawberry twist.

    Seeing the bandage at the back of Clyde''s head, our colleagues immediately started specting in the group chat.

    [Did Mr. Patterson hit his head? Everything he ordered is Mnie''s favorite.]

    [Maybe, maybe, I''ve read novels like this. Amnesiac CEO, chasing his wife to the crematorium.]

    [Really? Do his orders still count then? Could he be legally irresponsible?]

    As my colleagues edged closer to the truth, panic set in.

    If people found out the CEO of Patterson Group was experiencing memory issues, it would definitely affect thepany. Clyde''s presence in the Design Department stirred up whispers.

    Finally, Lina couldn''t hold back.

    "Mr. Patterson, if you''re trying to woo someone, do you have to do it right out of the office? You''re disrupting our work." "And all these flowers, and snacks, why don''t you two go out to eat and not disturb the working atmosphere, huh?"

    With Lina breaking the ice, everyone else began to grumble.

    "Yeah, who are you showing off your lovey-dovey act to?"

    "Work is hard enough without having to watch the boss and his little sweetheart spread their love around." "Some people''s intentions really make you wonder, wasn''t she supposed to be Mnie''s good friend?"

    The

    Clyde with

    murs continued, leaving

    a sour look on his

    seemed he also knew he

    the

    wrong, as he offered not

    But Rachel couldn''t sit still any longer. She mmed her hand on the table and red at Clyde.

    "Just go!" Her eyes were teeming with tears, as if she was deeply wronged.

    I had just finished discussing a partnership and rushed out to smooth things over.

    "Alright, everyone, cut it out. This has nothing to do with Rachel."

    "And you''re the saint, huh? Why didn''t you speak up earlier?"

    Clydeshed out at me again, but before I could retort, he was already standing in front of me.

    "Mnie, don''t think I don''t know

    what you''re up to. You''ve been trying to seduce me since college! It''s me and Rackel who are the item here. T could never be interested in you, so stop ying your games in front of met Let me tell you, Mnie, back in school you..."

    "Clyde, that''s enough!" Rachel''s voice cracked with a sob, her tears nearly unstoppable.

    "Do you think I''m not embarrassed

    enough? Is it because you wantedet

    me to be your assistant? Fine, fl move my stuff right now."

    W

    Rachel cleaned her tears fiercely, then bent down to hurriedly gather her files from the desk.

    Clyde and I tried to help, but she refused us both.

    Finally, she stood at the door with a box in her hands, turning back to Clyde.

    "Mr. Patterson, aren''t you going back? nning to stay in the Design Department?¡±

    "Fine, I''m going back now, let''s go!"

    Clyde didn''t even nce at me, following her out immediately.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    The office finally fell silent.

 Chapter 207

    After Rachel left, the Design Department finally returned to its usual pace of work.

    I knew Rachel still wanted to shine in her field, and I''d asionally throw some minor design tasks her way. She epted them dly.

    But every time she came in to submit her designs, she looked worn out.

    Deep down, I felt guilty. The whole mess with Clyde was never meant to drag her in.

    Whenever I tried to apologize, she''d just wave it off.

    "It''s fine. I''vended a pretty good job now, haven''t I? No need for apologies."

    And so, I''d end up saying nothing.

    Just a weekter, the HR department buzzed with news again - Rachel had taken over Ka''s role, bing the executive assistant.

    If Ka''s promotion had shocked everyone, Rachel''s advancement even had the Pattersons talking.

    When Fenton approached me, worry was evident in his eyes.

    ¡°Mnie, I''m really sorry. I had no idea things would turn out this way, or I wouldn''t have rmended our senior to join ourpany. I heard atst night''s business dinner that my brother brought her along..."

    "It''s fine. She''s his assistant, it''s normal for her to attend such events with him."

    I kept my gaze fixed on the documents before me, pretending not to care.

    This wasn''t the first time Clyde had shown up with Rachel. While he used to be somewhat discreet with Ka, with Rachel, he was openly treating her like his girlfriend.

    Fenton kept apologizing, but I knew it wasn''t his fault.

    I wasn''t even sure whom to me.

    me Clyde? But he did it all to save me.

    It felt like maybe it was just my bad luck.

    My workload had increased, keeping me busy every day.

    Thepany was rife with rumors, most thinking Rachel was set to usurp my position, and that I''d be out on the street soon.

    Regardless of the gossip, I kept my head down and worked.

    Especially

    Inoveth York Patterson

    1

    asionallying out of the woodwork to hassle me, I found myself caring less and less about Clyde.

    As long as he was alive and well, that was enough for me.

    Thankfully, Fenton was always there to lend a hand, blocking York''s attempts to undermine me multiple times.

    I knew his situation wasn''t easy either, but there wasn''t much I could do.

    Except for the Pattersons, York hardly showed respect to anyone else.

    After finally revising the new proposal, I had to go to the construction site to verify the design.

    York volunteered, "Mnie, let me

    apany you. You''ve beenCcontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    looking paletely. Didn''t y

    lunch again?" Content h

    I nodded. "Not much of an appetite."

    you skip

    My appetite had been off for a

    despite being on medication to

    to

    l

    control the cancer. I couldn''t figure out why.

    I was pushing myself to work every day because stopping meant my mind would wander.

    Seeing Clyde''s affection for Rachel reminded me of what Ka once said: The one not loved is the other woman... Lost in thought, we arrived at the construction site where Vinson Russell had already started the initial checks.

    "You''ve lost so much weight. Haven''t been eating well?"

    Concern filled his eyes, but I just shook my head, trying to dismiss it.

    For some reason, the dizziness hit me again.

    "It''s nothing, let''s focus on the site..."

    I reached out to him, but my body fell backwards.

    When I woke up, I overheard the doctor and Vinson talking.

    "Her body really shouldn''t be going through pregnancy, this child is ill-timed."

    "Has her husband not arrived yet? The family seems quite irresponsible."

    Barely awake, I heard Clyde''s cold voice.

    "The child isn''t mine. Why should I be here?"

 Chapter 208

    I snapped my eyes open, only to lock gaze with Clyde''s impatient expression.

    "What''s your fainting got to do with me? Didn''t we say no contact unless it''s serious?"

    "You only called Rachel on purpose, fearing I wouldn''t show up, didn''t you?"

    Rachel, by his side, kept her head down, her thoughts a mystery.

    Lately, the two of them were inseparable, Clyde even driving her to and from work every day.

    Now, even my fainting spell had brought them together, looking every bit the perfect couple.

    I bet Vinson called him and when Clyde didn''t show, he reached out to Rachel.

    The doctor eyed him skeptically, "Are you her husband?"

    "Ha, if sham marriages count, then I guess I''m her husband in name."

    "But let me make it clear, the child she''s carrying isn''t mine."

    Clyde''s deration was so firm it even shocked the doctor.

    Fortunately, the doctor had seen it all and quickly regainedposure.

    "No matter whose child it is, the mom''s not doing too well. She needs to rest, and you, as her husband..."

    "Why should I care if the child isn''t mine?" Clyde''s gaze was icy as he looked at me. "Shameless."

    I stared back at him, disbelief written all over my face.

    Had there been misunderstandings between us before? What about now?

    He simply didn''t believe me, or rather, he chose to believe his version of me, not the person standing before him.

    Tears welled up in my eyes uncontrobly.

    Rachel stepped closer, gently tugging at his sleeve.

    "Clyde, don''t be like this."

    Her voice was softer, soothing Clyde''s temperpletely.

    He grabbed Rachel''s hand tightly, "Rachel, believe me, there''s nothing between her and me."

    "You''re the only woman for me; I could never touch her."

    I slowly closed my eyes, feeling as though my heart had turned to stone.

    He had only one woman?

    Maybe during our school days, but after we got married, he had his fair share of flings!

    "Get out." Biting back the anger, I managed to say through clenched teeth.

    Even if he had lost his memory or

    turned foolish, I couldn''t find it in

    to forgive him at this moment.

    Clyde seemed about to retort, but Rachel was already pulling him away.

    However, Warren walked in, stopping him in his tracks.

    "Why are you leaving? You''re her husband. I''ve told you before about her health issues. Can''t you.

    Seemingly remembering Clyde''s current situation, Warren shook his head.

    "Never mind, Mnie, how are you feeling?"Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    He didn''t spare Clyde another nce, walking straight towards me instead.

    His frown deepened as he looked over the medical report.

    "Mnie, aren''t you aware of your condition?"

    "As your doctor, I must remind you not to be reckless."

    I lowered my gaze, not knowing what to say.

    The doctor''s office felt overcrowded at that moment.

    Warren was about to speak again when Clyde suddenly interrupted.

    "I''ve said it before, the child isn''t mine."

    "All this panic, and for what? Who knows whose bastard she''s carrying?"

    "Rachel, let''s go. I don''t want to hear about this kind of thing again!"

    "Disgusting!"

    I looked up in his direction.

    His hand was tightly holding and they left shoulder

    shoulder, without looking back.

    I instinctively clenched my fists, unable to stop the tears.

    He called my unborn child a bastard?

    Even though I knew he was truly ill, I couldn''t find it in me to forgive him anymore.

 Chapter 209

    ?

    "Why are you crying? He''s just a jerk at heart."

    "It''s not worth it for someone like him."

    Out of nowhere, Warren produced a box of tissues and tossed a few my way.

    I disdainfully blew my nose with the tissues.

    "He''s out of his mind."

    "Then why are you still crying?"

    Warren kept his cool while throwing those words at me, and at that moment, I truly felt defeated.

    "Doctor, her situation isn''t good, you see..."

    "I''ve said it before, you y with fire, you''re gonna get burnt. It''s not my problem then."

    Warren seemed a bit upset, his frown deepening as he looked over my test results.

    "Alright, let''s go to my office, don''t disturb the other doctors."

    He escorted me to his office, and I asked Vinson to head back first.

    I wanted to deal with this on my own, without anyone else''s interference.

    "Buddy, you head back to the construction site, Fenton''s still there, and I''m worried he can''t handle it."

    "I''ve been telling everyone it''s just low blood sugar. Please, keep the pregnancy a secret."

    Vinson paused for a moment before nodding, telling me to contact him if I needed anything.

    Warren''s office was immactely clean, almost suspiciously so.

    He gestured to the chair across from him. "Sit."

    My hand instinctively went to my t belly, no sign of any bump.

    I had been undergoing chemotherapy, so irregr periods weren''t something I thought much of.

    What I hadn''t realized was that my missed periods were due to a pregnancy.

    Warren scoffed, "You should know, this isn''t the right time for a child."

    I nodded.

    "I warned you, at least three years."

    I nodded again.

    "The medication you''ve been taking could potentially cause birth defects!"

    Still, I nodded.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Eventually he ran out of steam and

    eline

    simply spread his hands, asking, "What do you n to do? Your husband''s not in his right mind; it''s up to you."

    I licked my lips and slowly closed my eyes.

    After a few minutes, I finally spoke.

    "I''ve been on cancer and radiation therapy drugs. Clyde and I were exposed to radiation, and he was also drugged." "Considering everything, it''s clear we can''t keep the baby. Terminating the pregnancy early is the best option."

    My voice was steady, as if I were talking about someone else''s life.

    Yet, I could feel warm tears sliding down my face. I was still crying.

    The child connected to Clyde and me by blood, yet we couldn''t bring it into the world.

    I gently caressed my belly, trying not to sob aloud.

    Warren watched me for a long while before pushing the tissue box toward me.

    "Crying won''t do your body any

    bet

    gegnant or not. Mnie, don''t

    bottle up your emotions. It''s not

    for your recovery."

    I fought back the tears, looking at him through the struggle.

    "Do I need to schedule the abortion?"

    He was visibly taken aback, maybe by my calmness, which seemed to unsettle him.

    He nced at my file again and sighed.

    "Wait for my call. Your case is special; we can''t just proceed with the surgery."

    "Eliana''s doing inventory at the nearby diner. I''ll have her take you home."

    "No!" I stood up quickly, "Dr. Chandler, I just need some time alone, please."

    He looked at me for a moment, then nodded.

    "I''ll call a cab for you. Refuse, and I''m calling Eliana."

    I didn''t refuse his kindness. I knew he was worried about me.

    Maybe my luck wasn''t all that bad. Apart from Clyde, people still cared about me.

    I didn''t cry on the way home, but the moment shut the door behind. me and leaned against it, I slid the floor.

    I couldn''t hold it in any longer and burst into tears.

    Why did it have to be like this? Why?

 Chapter 210

    After that day, Clyde and I were like oil and water.

    Even during office meetings, he''d find reasons to argue against any suggestion I made.

    Rachel would usually step in to smooth things over, and only then would Clyde begrudgingly consider my ideas, if only to keep up appearances. The office was buzzing with rumors that Rachel was on her way up.

    But the real shocker came at Merritt''s birthday bash. There they were, Rachel and Clyde, arm in arm, making a grand entrance. They were the picture of elegance in matching blue suits.

    Rachel, usually so reserved, was suddenly the life of the party, introducing herself to everyone as the senior secretary of the Patterson Group, leaving out any other details. But the whispers had already started.

    Seeing Clyde so happy, Merritt seemed to endorse this baffling turn of events.

    "Rachel, you''ve been taking such good care of him. Thank you," Merritt toasted, raising his ss to Rachel. Before she could take a sip, Clyde snatched the ss from her hand.

    "Grandpa, she''s been feeling under the weather. Let me drink for her."

    "Then you shouldn''t drink either. You''re still recovering." Merritt scolded, taking his ss and instructing a servant to bring Rachel some juice instead. Rachel wore a polite smile throughout, quickly averting her gaze when itnded on me.

    I felt a wave of nausea wash over me, probably from the pregnancy. I''ve been unable to control these bouts of nauseately.

    Warren was still finalizing my medical report, deciding when to schedule my surgery.

    Perhaps my retching was louder than I realized because soon enough, everyone''s eyes were on me.

    Evelyn rushed to my side. "Mnie, did you eat something bad?"

    "Or could it be... are you pregnant?" Lucia chimed in, her toneced with sarcasm.

    "We don''t even live together anymore, how could I be?" I wanted to say, but before I could, Rachel''s voice cut through the chatter.

    "Didn''t you know? Mnie is pregnant," she announced, not even looking at me but addressing Clyde and Merritt directly.

    "The Patterson family should take good care of her," she added, making everyone gasp.

    Evelyn gripped my hand tighter. "Mnie, is it true?"N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    Lucia stood frozen, unsure of how to react.

    Merritt was super excited at first, but then his happiness quickly changed to confusion. "What''s going on here?"

    "What do you mean, ''what''s going

    on''? The kid''s not mine," Clyde said, irritation seeping into his voice as he grabbed Rachel''s hand, pulling her behind him.

    Rachel simply lowered her head, letting him lead.

    ¨¦t

    Clyde''s cold stare pierced through me as he spoke harshly, "Mnie always ying the victim. You think by causing a scene, I''d acknowledge the child?"

    "Let me make this clear. The child

    you''re carrying is none of my

    Cve only ever loved Rachel.

    bother with your schemes."

 Chapter 211

    ?

    "Word on the street is Clyde had a girlfriend back in his college days, and it''s her, right?"

    "How could it be anyone else? He admitted it himself. The whole ''first love returning from abroad'' scenario ying out in real life? That''s a first for me."

    "But why did he go after Mnie in the first ce? It couldn''t possibly be because Mnie was desperate for a higher social standing, could it?" The buzz of conversation hit me like a wave, making my head spin.

    I tried to leave, only to be stopped in my tracks by Clyde.

    "Mnie, I have no clue whose child you''re carrying, but the Patterson family won''t stand for it."

    "I never liked you. You manipted your way into marrying me, but I''m willing to let bygones be bygones. Let''s get a divorce and save face for everyone."

    His words only fueled the rumors more.

    Once upon a time, Clyde and I had put on a convincing act as a loving couple.

    His heroics in Ironvale to save me were well-known, even making the news.

    But now, he seemed to have forgotten all that, pushing for a divorce.

    This led many to specte that our rtionship was a sham from the start, devoid of any real emotion.

    He was holding Rachel''s hand tightly, their fingers intertwined.

    Rachel fluttered her eyshes subtly before looking at me with an expressionless face.

    Her gaze sent a chill down my spine. What was going on with her?

    She knew Clyde was struggling with his memory, so why let him continue this charade?

    Suddenly, it dawned on me, but before I could process it, Merritt nearly fainted.

    He staggered towards me, gripping my arm.

    "Mnie,e with me to the study. The birthday party is over!"

    Eaton Patterson hurried to support him upstairs, and I followed.

    In the study, it was just me, Merritt, Eaton, and Evelyn.

    Their gazes were all fixed on me.

    "Mnie, what''s going on here?" Evelyn asked, guiding me to sit.

    "Based on the timing, this must''ve been

    ore Clyde lost his memory,

    right? So, the child has to be his, doesn''t it?"

    I nodded reluctantly, confirming their suspicions.

    The truth wasn''t hard to uncover. Clyde had been drugged, and I was the one who took him away.

    It wasn''t unusual for something to happen between a husband and wife, and Clyde remembered being with me that night.

    But now, he remembered nothing.

    Evelyn sighed in relief, then tensed up again.

    "Weren''t you two exposed to radiation, and didn''t Clyde get drugged?"

    I nodded again, looking up at Merritt.

    "Grandpa, doctors said Clyde couldn''t have children for three years, remember?"Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    "And the radiation had a significant impact on us both; it would affect the child too."

    "The doctors said the child would

    likely be born with abnormalities et

    and carrying to term might not be possible. I''ve already scheduled a procedure."

    Suddenly, Clyde burst into the room, Rachel following but staying by the door.

    Clyde scoffed at me.

    "I knew it wasn''t mine. Why else would she terminate the pregnancy?"

    "Expecting me to y the happy father? Get rid of this mess now. The Patterson family can''t afford this scandal!"

    I closed my eyes, unwilling to argue with someone not in their right mind.

    Merritt, speechless, pointed at him, unable to utter a word.

    Finally, Clyde approached the desk, locking eyes with Merritt.

    "Grandpa, know you care about me. So please, just let me have this. Rachel and I are the ones truly in love. I want a divorce from Mnie. Whether you agree or not, this marriage is over!"

 Chapter 212

    ?

    "Clyde, have you lost your mind? Do you even hear yourself?" Evelyn eximed, reaching out to grab him, but he shrugged her off effortlessly. Merritt was visibly livid, chest heaving, unable to muster a single word.

    Clyde''s gaze swept over us before he made his way to the door, taking Rachel''s hand once again.

    "I''ve said it before, I love only her, and I need to get a divorce."

    "I''ll have thewyer draw up the divorce papers and send them to you. Let''s end this amicably."

    With that, he left with Rachel in tow.

    I quietly closed the door behind them and took my seat again, feeling as if my heart couldn''t possibly bear any more sorrow.

    Evelyn opened her mouth to speak, struggling for words. "Don''t stoop to his level. When hees to his senses..."

    "But when''s that gonna happen?" I asked, head bowed,pletely emotionless.

    The doctor had said about a month, but now, as the month draws to a close, he''s only grown closer to Rachel,pletely forgetting about me. In his heart, I''m not the one he loves.

    Merritt took a few deep breaths, his heavy breathing audible in the silence before he finally spoke. "Mnie, he''s wronged you. Let him make it up to you. But this child..."

    "It needs to be terminated, Merritt. You understand."

    My eyes teared up as I looked at him, fighting back the tears.

    I knew all too well how much Clyde wanted a child.

    Even now, with a family of his own, he still yearned for a child of his own blood. Just like me.

    With no family left, I, too, longed for a child of my own. But the child within me couldn''t stay.

    Evelyn, unable to bear it, teared up as well.

    "Mnie, you''re both still young. You can try again in a few years."

    "People are having children in their forties these days. It''s not toote."

    I remained silent, my head bowed, uncertain if I''d even live to see my forties.

    The atmosphere in the study turned eerie

    If

    oy uncle and Lucia f

    seeing off the guests and joined us.

    Lucia shot me a disdainful look before quickly sidling up to the elder.

    "Uncle, you know how Clyde is. He was just as insistent when he married Mnie."

    "When a man falls out of love, he''spletely out. It''s better to let them divorce."

    I knew Lucia never cared for me.

    Whether Clyde married me or Rachel, it made no difference to her.

    But should Clyde be perceived publicly as fickle, it would tarnish his reputation and harm thepany, ultimately benefiting York and his family.

    Seeing no one respond, Lucia turned to me.

    "You never truly captured Clyde''s heart all these years. Otherwise, why would he look elsewhere?"

    "You were only after his money from the start. Just take your share and leave, why degrade yourself?"

    "Then, half of the Patterson Group should go to me, as per the legal stiptions of shared marital assets."

    I looked up at Lucia with a meaningful smile.

    "And thepany shares, Clyde''s

    assets

    by the time they''re dividetText ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Clyde might juste to his senses,

    right?" ok

    "Then, York won''t be able toy ims to thepany either, right?"

    I stood up, bowing slightly to Merritt.

    "Merritt, we''ll handle this without affecting thepany. As for your great-grandson..."

    I touched my belly gently, continuing, "Someone else will bear him."

 Chapter 213

    ?

    Leaving the Pattersons'' ce, I made a beeline for the hospital to find Warren.

    I knew deep down that carrying this child was like harboring a ticking time bomb.

    If I can barely stand up at a party without feeling like I''m gonna pass out, how on earth am I supposed to handle giving birth?

    And if the baby was indeed born with abnormalities, the child would be doomed to a life of suffering. I couldn''t bear the thought of my baby enduring endless pain.

    Warren, examining my recentb results, seemed torn.

    "An abortion is inevitable, but your body is just too weak right now. Your health indicators are all over the ce."

    "We could operate, but recovery''s going to be hell, especially since you''ve rpsed twice already."

    His words echoed my fears, leaving me sighing in resignation, at a loss for words.

    It seemed like terminating the pregnancy was the only viable option left.

    Warren took off his sses, looking visibly drained.

    "Mnie, I''m giving you a week to get yourself together. Take a leave if you must."

    "Eat well, drink plenty of fluids. Without your health, you''ve got nothing. Maybe light a candle for the little er on."

    His advice left me torn between tears andughter.

    "You''re superstitious, aren''t you?"

    "I respect everyone''s beliefs," he replied with a shrug, his expression turning serious as he gazed at me.

    "If he knew how much you''re struggling to save him, he''d forgive you."

    He meant the tiny being growing inside me a mere bundle of cells, yet already so profoundly connected to me.

    I wasn''t sure if Clyde, once awake, would remember any of this, but I knew it would break his heart.

    Sniffling, I managed to say, "Alright, then. Schedule the surgery for next week."

    Warren looked at me intently for a long moment before nodding.

    "I''ll be there to observe the surgery. I need to record the data."

    "You''ll need to stay in the hospital for a few days post-op. I need to ensure you''re recovering well."

    "And... what''s up with Clyde? His brain still not right? I''ve seen his case; it doesn''t add up."

    His words momentarily made me forget my sorrow.

    "Not add up?"

    He adjusted his sses, "Before I specialized in oncology, I spent two years in neurosurgery."

    "His condition should at most be a

    severe concussion, temporary

    confusion. With medication and

    gradual recovery, he should

    ¦¯¦«¦¯

    improve."

    "I''ve reviewed his test reports. There''s a 90% chance the major nerves weren''t damaged. He''s not faking it, is he?"N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    Warren''s serious demeanor made me silently shake my head.

    Why would Clyde pretend? He barely knew Rachel back in college.

    If anything, if they had been together from the start, I wouldn''t be in the picture.

    Even if Clyde had fallen for her while I was abroad, they would''ve been married by now.

    Yet, considering Clyde''s erratic behavior and his temper, I felt consulting a specialist was necessary.

    "Can we get a consult with a leading expert, preferably from abroad?"

    Warren winked at me, a sly smile curling his lips.

    "Lucky you, my mentor, a renowned neuroscientist, is giving a lecture here tomorrow."

    "I''ve already booked Clyde an appointment. A case like his doesn''te around often."

    He slid a document across to me, "Clyde''s experiencing mental confusion, and currently, you''re his primary guardian."

    "Just sign here. We need to

    document his condition for

    academic purposes, but rest

    assured, patient confidentiality is our top priority."

    Handing me the pen, he looked almost fox-like in his cunning.

    I found myself signing almost in a daze.

    Warren''s request was straightforward-Clyde''s r

    data would be openly used

    and analytical purposes.

    educational and analytos et

 Chapter 214

    Seeing the consulting doctors were all top-notch experts from both domestically and internationally, I felt a bit relieved.

    Just thinking that Clyde might get back to his old self after the consultation lifted my spirits quite a bit.

    When I returned to the Patterson family home that evening, I was all geared up to convince Merritt.

    But what I hadn''t expected was not only Clyde being there, but Rachel too.

    She was dressed in casual wear, clearly having stayed here for a while.

    She paused for a moment when she saw me, but quickly acted as if everything was normal.

    "Why are you here?" I was somewhat confused about the situation.

    Clyde suddenly came over, cing Rachel protectively behind him.

    "She''s my girlfriend, she can be wherever she wants!"N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    "This is my house, you leave!"

    Rachel took his arm gently, then softly said, "Mnie might need something, and she''s pregnant. Let her in."

    "It''s not my child anyway!"

    Clyde muttered, clearly displeased, but he stepped aside.

    His mood was really off, even vtile, and I couldn''t understand why.

    Clyde, even if he disliked someone, would never act like this; at most, he''d grumble behind their back.

    And after starting his career, Clyde was known to everyone as the stoic boss. Why the sudden change?

    Suppressing my confusion, I approached Merritt.

    "Merritt, Dr. Chandler''s mentor is a leading expert in neurology from abroad, and he''s returning home tomorrow. I''ve arranged a consultation for Clyde."

    "Consultation? Are you out of your mind?"

    Clyde cut me off, grabbing my arm and heading for the door.

    "Get lost, if you''re sick, go see a doctor. Why are you booking appointments for me?"

    "Clyde, she''s pregnant!"

    Rachel said, somewhat anxiously, but didn''t dare toe closer.

    Clyde at the moment was truly frightening, as if he was about to explode.

    "Clyde, you''re going too far! What are you doing?"

    Merritt quickly signaled to the

    servants, who separated us and

    carefully guided me to the

    t belongs to en.set

    I took a deep breath and then spoke in a lower voice.

    "Grandpa, he... I suggest we still go for the consultation."

    Crash-

    The vase behind me was smashed to the ground by Clyde.

    He pointed at me fiercely, "Mnie, don''t think I don''t know what you''re up to?"

    "You just want to make me think I''ve always loved you!"

    He held Rachel tight, "I''ve only ever t I her from the beginning, and

    loved

    you

    bear us apart." ( s to en.swnovel conne

    His emotions were high, his fingers turning white from gripping Rachel.

    Rachel seemed not to mind the pain, letting him hold her.

    Finally, she let out a sigh.

    "Clyde, don''t be like this, you''re scaring me."

    Hearing her say that, Clyde immediately apologized and started to massage her shoulders. Rachel showed no emotion as she pushed him away, then turned to Merritt and me.

    "Both of you, listen to me, if Clyde is this resistant, let''s not do the examination for now." "He can work and live normally now, without any hindrance. I think it''s quite alright." "What are you saying? It''s alright?"

    I couldn''t believe what I was hearing.

    When Rachel looked at me, there was a flicker of disdain in her eyes.

    "Mnie, I know you''ve been

    pampered all your life, expecting et

    everyone to revolve around you Now that Clyde isn''t, you must be feeling resentful."

    "But why bother? Isn''t it good the way it is now? Why provoke him?"

 Chapter 215

    I can barely remember how I ended up leaving the Pattersons''.

    Mr. Patterson told me to hold off on panicking; he thought he could figure something out, maybe even talk some sense into Clyde.

    But it was as if I was deaf to everything.

    Rachel had moved in with the Pattersons, Clyde was defending her, and the disdain in Rachel''s eyes...

    It hit me then. Everything clicked.

    If Clyde had epted Rachel from the start, and she had used some trick or another, it''s no wonder he wouldn''t want to remember me.

    I''m not sure if there''s a psychological term for it, but something felt off.

    I couldn''t fathom why Rachel would do this. Clyde had to wake up to the truth eventually.

    These thoughts haunted me as I went home.

    The next day at work, I waspletely out of it.

    I couldn''t understand why Rachel would do such a thing, as if Clyde and I had never wronged her.

    During the morning briefing, I misspoke for the third time and had to cancel it.

    Seeing me distracted, Jade pulled me aside in the hallway.

    "What''s up? I heard Clyde caused a scene at Merritt''s birthday bash yesterday?"

    I nodded.

    Then, cautiously, I asked her, "Did Rachel have something against me before?" "Huh?"

    Jade was totally taken aback by my question, almost speechless.

    I felt stupid asking it. We had shared a dorm for four years in college; if there was any bad blood, we wouldn''t have stayed in touch. But I couldn''t figure it out.

    Seeing Rachel and Clyde heading for the elevator, I rushed over.

    "Clyde, the specialists are leaving this afternoon. I really think you should see them."

    I thought maybe if Clyde got checked out, everything would be clear.

    Before Clyde could refuse, Rachel stepped in front of him.

    "Mnie, can you just stop? Clyde''s fine. Why do you insist he needs to go to the hospital?"

    Her arm was linked through Clyde''s, her eyes burning with anger at me.

    Jade, witnessing this, stepped in front of me.

    "He''s fine? The guy''s not even in his right mind!"

    "Rachel, are you insane? Don''t you know he''s Mnie''s husband?"

    "Clyde doesn''t love her anymore."

    Rachel looked down, whispering.

    Clyde quickly agreed, "It''s not that I don''t love her. I never did."

    "Jade,

    Aren''t you Rachel''s best

    Goethe one who''s sick. are you siding with Met

    "Best friend my foot! Mnie has always been my closest friend. What act are you putting on?"

    Jade was livid, rolling up her sleeves.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    "Clyde, have you lost your mind? Remember when you begged me to bring Mnie her favorite snacks, or to buy her a heating pad? Or when you couldn''t make it back and

    pleaded with me to bri

    umbre? You''ve forgotten who you dated for four years in college? Your own wife?"

    "Jade, shut up!" Rachel suddenly raised her voice.

    But Jade fired back immediately. "Only you can put on an act, huh? You''ve been after Clyde since college, and everyone knows it.

    When you found out Mnie was you

    into him, how many times did you try

    to sabotage her? You begged me never to tell, remember?"

    Jade''s revtions shocked everyone, including me.

    Everyone knew I was after Clyde, even Eliana eventually backed off.

    When did Rachel ever try to trip me up?

    Then it hit me, "So the reason Clyde never showed up for our date..."

    "It was her sabotage!"

    Jade was fuming, pointing at Rachel as if she wanted to punch a hole through her face.

 Chapter 216

    ?

    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    "Back in the day, I thought we were all in this together, roommates and all, giving her the benefit of the doubt. I never imagined she''d still be up to no good after all these years!"

    "Now that Clyde is vulnerable, she''s swooping in like a vulture. How shameless can you get?"

    Jade was trembling with anger, her hands turning ice cold.

    But what really chilled me to the bone was realizing there was this side to Rachel I never knew existed.

    I was aware Rachel and Clyde knew each other; after all, Clyde wasn''t exactly short of female attention.

    Back then, they both worked part-time at the campus diner, scraping together what they could.

    I never saw any harm in their friendship.

    In fact, I admired Rachel for her work ethic. In an age where everyone was too proud to roll up their sleeves, she was out there making an honest buck. That was more than most of us could say.

    But the thought that there was more to her story with Clyde never crossed my mind.

    "She''s got a thing for Clyde?"

    I looked at Jade, utterly baffled.

    Jade smacked me on the head. "You''re thest to know. Even Sean Murphy figured it out!"

    "We were all in the same dorm. Who didn''t see through her little schemes?"

    "You think Clyde stopped working at the diner for no reason? It was all because she wouldn''t leave him alone!"

    Jade''s voice shook as she spat the words out like rapid fire.

    Rachel tried to interject, but Jade shoved her aside.

    That''s when it hit me: there was a whole chapter in Rachel''s college life with Clyde that I was oblivious to.

    Back in our freshman year, we all worked together at the diner. Then Clyde quit, and not long after, Rachel quit too.

    I once asked her, thinking the diner gig was a smart way to save on food and focus on studies, why she left.

    She told me the pay was too low, and she wanted to pay off her student loans early.

    I thought she epitomized self-reliance, practically covering her own lunch expenses every day.

    Rachel''s face was ashen, her grip weakening.

    But she kept pulling at Jade.

    "Shut up, just shut up! You''re lying, all of it, it''s not true!"

    "How is it not true?"

    Jade pushed her away. "How many ''coincidental'' meet-ups with Clyde? Clinging to him for lessons? He wasn''t even a design major. What lessons could he give? And how many times did you deliberately buy the same clothes as Clyde, just to stir trouble with Mnie? Mnie

    was so good to you, buying anie

    lunch, covering your trips, and this is how you repay her? Our roommate and I have talked to you. Should we drag our other roommate into this too?"

    Jade''s voice grew louder.

    People around started to film, and that''s when I managed to suppress my shock, pulling Jade back. "Jade, enough, let''s not do this here."

    "Mnie! You''re too kind-hearted, single mean bone in

    body. Otherwise, college..."

    s

    "Clyde, Clyde, what''s wrong?"

    Rachel''s panicked voice cut through.

    I turned to see Clyde clutching his head, slowly crouching down.

    I quickly fished out some painkillers from my pocket.

    "Clyde, take this first, it''ll help with the pain."

    Rachel tried to knock the medicine out of my hand.

    But suddenly, Clyde grabbed me.

    His eyes were filled with conflict; he opened his mouth but seemed lost for words.

    I steadied my nerves, speaking softly.

    ¡°Clyde, just take the medicine first. It''ll help with the headache."

    "Don''t you trust me? It''s Mnie, Mnie."

    I looked at him firmly, fighting back tears.

    He repeated in a murmur, "Mnie? Mel?"

    I nodded vigorously, but in the next second, Rachel had thrown the pills away.

    "Clyde doesn''t need your help!"

    turned

    to Gemma. "Why are you standing there? Help Mr. Patterson

    to his office!" Content beaterson

    to

 Chapter 217

    ?

    "Clyde!"

    I tried to move forward but was shoved back by Rachel.

    "Rachel, what the heck are you doing? Mnie is his wife!"

    "But he doesn''t recognize her, he only recognizes me."

    Rachel red at us with venom, "Jade, you better take responsibility for your actions!"

    Before I could move again, she had already mmed the elevator door shut.

    Jade frantically pressed the elevator buttons, "Has she lost her mind?"

    "Mnie! What''s going on?"

    Fenton arrived just in time to see Jade gearing up to confront Rachel.

    I quickly grabbed her, "Jade, something''s off here, we need to think this through."

    Fenton came over to help, too.

    "Let''s head to my office; it''s too crowded here, and this might escte."

    I nodded in agreement, still in shock from the turn of events. Only now did I notice the crowd of colleagues who had witnessed the scene.

    Whether Jade was telling the truth or not, the word was bound to spread.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Once in Fenton''s office, I ryed the whole story, causing Fenton to frown deeply.

    He pulled out his phone, scrolled through it for a bit, then handed it to me.

    "Mnie, this is gonna be hard to keep under wraps."

    "Ms. Scott''s story seems credible, and if we''re not careful, the press might start investigating."

    Jade leaned in to see the flurry of messages from our colleagues, and we both froze.

    "No way! The boss''s amnesia, and the mistress takes over? What kind of soap opera is this?"

    "Look, I told you! When I first joined thepany, it was right when Mr. Patterson was wooing his wife. How could he forget?"

    "Amnesia plus old me trope, what''s Mr. Patterson ying at?"

    "I don''t care about their personal drama; I''m just worried if the contracts Mr. Patterson signed recently are still valid."

    Thestment made me wince.

    If Clyde was proven to have memory issues, many projects could be affected.

    Now, with Vinson Russell almost tied up in projects and battling York Patterson, my position in thepany was precarious. If ourpetitors got wind of this...

    I shook my head, "I''m going to find Gemma, see if she can quash this."

    "Everything else... Jade, you''d better stay in the office for now."

    "I''m sorry, Mnie, I just..."

    "No apologies, I know you meant well. I didn''t stop you, so I''m at fault too."

    I patted her shoulder and hurried off to find Gemma.

    But we were a step too slow.

    The Patterson Group''s CEO Forgets His Wife

    The Patterson Group''s Management Chaos Could Affect Multiple Projects

    In no time, Clyde''s amnesia was trending.

    Especially since the Ironvale case hadn''t been resolved yet. Back then, the news had rocked the entire inte, and now, people were reminded that Clyde had been injured while trying to save me.

    Our college days weren''t exactly low profile, and many knew about us. Suddenly, online criticism intensified.

    "Taking advantage of someone''s vulnerability is despicable. This

    I was Mrs. Patterson''s el

    roommate, what a soap opera plot!"

    "I can vouch, in college, Clyde had only Mnie for a girlfriend! Many tried to break them up, including me, and failed!"

    "I can attest too, Mnie and I were in the same department. Her roommate had nothing to do with Clyde."

    "Having such a person as the CEO

    The Patterson Group is

    inappropriate. What kind of

    of

    vel.neg

    character is this? I don''t buy the mental disorder excuse."

    "Agree with thement above. He''s had so many flings before; this must be a scam!"

    By the time Merritt Patterson found me, The Patterson Group''s stocks had plummeted.

 Chapter 218

    Rumors spread like wildfire, especially when there''s a grain of truth to them. The gossip mills were working overtime, painting Clyde as wanting a divorce, feigning amnesia to escape our marriage.

    Some saw him splurging on luxury goods with Rachel, others spotted him inspecting construction sites, or schmoozing with business partners.

    If he''s forgotten everything, why is it only me he can''t remember?

    The online consensus was quick tobel Clyde a yboy.

    Several B-list celebrities he''d previously been associated with jumped on the bandwagon, even iming intimate knowledge of our home. Then there was the resurfaced spat between Ka Osborne and Clyde, convincing the public he was a repeat offender, unworthy of trust.

    As the wronged woman, I garnered sympathy, while Clyde and Rachel faced vitriol. Yet, it was the Patterson family''s reputation suffering the most. "Mnie, why the rush?" I was scolded.

    "You know how much impact this online mess can have on the business!"

    This was the first time the patriarch hadshed out at me, and I had no words in my defense.

    Even Jade had mentioned, perhaps we both were at fault.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    But the damage was done. It was time to salvage what we could, not let the situation spiral further.

    Fenton, concerned for my wellbeing, had apanied me back.

    Seeing Grandpa''s anger, he quickly intervened.

    "Great-uncle, I was there. This isn''t Mnie''s fault."

    "Clyde''s been a bit out of sorts, still in the hospital. Maybe we should just try to keep things quiet for now."

    "And how do you suggest we do that? Admit he''s mentally ill?" The spection that Clyde might have intermittent psychiatric issues was already rampant.

    How else to exin his alternating recognition of me?

    I suspected Uncle''s hand in this, but had no way to rify.

    Clyde''s denial had said it all.

    Not all stories withstand scrutiny, and this could give our detractors more ammunition.

    Merritt nced between Fenton and me.

    "Fenton, I''ve heard you''ve handled PR abroad. What''s your take?"

    Fenton looked at me reassuringly.

    "Everyone knows these are just rumors. Clyde got hurt trying to save Mnie. A rification wouldn''t hurt. As for thepany''s affairs, better not to exin. Just show that the couple is still strong."

    With an apologetic nce, Fenton suggested, "I''ve heard from my. mom.

    Mnie, this might be

    perhaps the baby

    help."

    My eyes widened, and I asked, "You mean announce the pregnancy?"

    He nodded, saying, "Show your rtionship is strong, and with a baby on the way, plus some official press releases, we''ll be fine.

    "Keyboard warriors follow the crowd. Prove your rtionship is solid, and the rumors will die down.

    "I''ll divert the attention with some celebrity gossip, and soon no one will care about the Patterson Group''s drama."

    His n was sound. Announcing the

    pregnancy could, at least

    temporarily, shift the narrative. As

    long as those in the know kept quiet, this storm too would pass

    Yet, I couldn''t shake a feeling of unease.

    But Merritt was nodding along, making the final call.

    "Fenton, get in touch with the Patterson Group''s PR team and work out a n."

    "Let''s not terminate Mnie''s pregnancy just yet. At least, not until this blows over."

    I gently touched my stomach, feeling a deep sadness.

    My child, born into a battle to clear the name of a man who didn''t love his mother.

    But with no other options, I exhaled deeply, "Grandpa, I''ll do as you say."

 Chapter 219

    ?

    It was supposed to be next week that I''d go in for the termination, but this rification seemed like a good opportunity to handle things differently.

    I got in touch with Dr. Warren Chandler, asking him to cancel the original appointment and secretly schedule a new one.

    Over the phone, I could sense his disapproval.

    "Mnie, you know the state of your health. Postponing it might not be wise."

    "I''ve already consulted with the head of OB-GYN. We''ll go through the procedure together, don''t worry."

    "But now, the Patterson Group needs the child I''m carrying to clear the air..."

    I didn''t hide anything; he was not only my doctor but also a friend.

    Warren paused for a moment, "Alright, the date stays the same, no record of it. Let''s leave it at that."

    The call ended abruptly.

    He must be upset, dealing with a patient as stubborn as me, but I couldn''t me him.

    But I was out of options. I couldn''t just stand by and watch the Patterson Group keep going down this road.

    The press conference was quickly arranged, and I''m not sure what Merritt said to Clyde, but he agreed to it. In the meantime, Rachel seemed down. Every time I went upstairs, I found her with red, swollen eyes. We were past pretending, so I opted to ignore her.

    It seemed Merritt had said something; Clyde wasn''t treating her as well anymore.

    I had to discuss the press conference details with Clyde, just when Rachel burst out crying and ran off.

    Clyde hesitated, about to follow her, then stopped when he saw me.

    "What''s up?"

    "The press conference agenda."

    I dragged him back to the office, emotionless, as we went over the details.

    He furrowed his brow, "You used to be less cold."

    "We''re not close."

    I kept my eyes on the documents, avoiding his gaze.

    Trying to act indifferent was exhausting.

    Seeing my agitation, he instinctively reached for the pen I was spinning.

    "How many times have I told you not to do that? It''s distracting, you..."

    Our eyes met, his filled with surprise.

    He held the pen, seemingly puzzled by his own reaction.

    He always hated it when I spun pen,

    bayecially during exams,

    iming it was distracting

    But I couldn''t break the habit.

    Eventually, I almost stopped writine

    altogether, and he stopped

    commenting on it. Contenoyes

    I leaned in, about to ask if he remembered anything.

    "Mr. Patterson, may Ie in?"

    Searful voice broke the

    swho

    and Clyde snapped back to reality.

    "Come in, what''s wrong?" he replied.

    "You didn''t have lunch; the afternoon tea you love is here."

    Rachel acted like I wasn''t there, sitting next to Clyde and unpacking the food.

    "I got everything you like."

    I thought I was the only one who knew Clyde that well.

    But watching them enjoy their afternoon tea together, I felt like an outsider.

    "Mr. Patterson, I''ll leave if there''s nothing else."

    "I''ll leave the press conference agenda here. I''ll bring the ultrasound report with me."Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Clyde didn''t even nce my way, dismissively waving me off.

    As I turned to leave, Rachel suddenly spoke up.

    "Mnie, your child won''t make it, right?"

    I red at her, and she looked back, smug.

    "The grandfather said your child is unwanted, right?"

    "It''s none of your business."

    I stormed out, barely holding back my anger.

    Grandfather? She had some nerve.

    But knowing this was all with Merritt''s blessing, I closed my eyes briefly.

    Now Clyde favored her, whether he remembered or not, the Patterson family would ept her.

    Gently touching my barely-there bump, I realized there was no sign of it yet.

    Tears welled up, but I took deep breaths to calm myself.

    A child unloved by its grandparents, possibly malformed, indeed had no ce in this world.

 Chapter 220

    On the day of the press conference, Clyde and I were practically marites, reciting our prepared speeches ording to n. Every question from the journalists was pre-arranged, allowing us to respond with rehearsed ease.

    I even had my ultrasound scan on hand, proving the tiny life growing inside me.

    Most of the journalists, having good rtions with the Patterson family, didn''t press us too hard.

    Their questions were straightforward, some even touching on matters concerning Ironvale.

    Despite Clyde''s scatterbrained moments, his memory served him well, remembering all the answers after just a few nces.

    I stood by, forcing a smile, feeling somewhat superfluous.

    But I had no choice; with our child on the way, my presence was mandatory.

    To really make a ssh with the press conference, a bunch of media outlets were broadcasting it live.

    Watching the well-wishes stream across the big screen only deepened my sense of destion.

    Amid this facade of happiness, the congrattions felt hollow.

    Suddenly, a journalist made her way to the front, microphone held high.

    "Mrs. Patterson, are the rumors about your roommate online all false?"

    "Sorry, there are too many rumors online, and most of them are unfounded."

    I didn''t want to engage with her more than necessary; something about her rubbed me the wrong way.

    Her intrusion opened the floodgates, with other journalists starting to ask unapproved questions.

    "Mr. Patterson, was she the only girlfriend you had in college, or just the only one publicly?"

    "Mrs. Patterson, does Mr. Patterson''s past rtionships really not bother you?"

    "You were once kidnapped by one of Mr. Patterson''s ex-lovers. Don''t you hold a grudge? Why would you agree to have his child?" "Does Clyde truly love you, or is this all for show?"

    Some journalists seemed to thrive on the chaos, but others asked their questions with deliberate intent.

    Thinking of how York had been undermined at thepanytely, my gaze darkened.

    Clyde, understanding the need to present a united front, immediately adopted a colder demeanor.

    "Which outlet are you with? Don''t you use your brain before asking questions?"

    "Mnie

    She''sText ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    and

    are an open book.

    problem, direct it at me!" Covel

    probegnant; if you have a

    His words effectively shifted the journalists'' focus to him.

    But then, Clyde''s expression

    disying a single name:

    s his phone rang,

    Pavel

    I tugged at his sleeve subtly, but he dismissed the call.

    However, the calls persisted, soon reced by a barrage of messages. [Clyde, I have a fever. It''s really bad, I think I might die.]

    My grip

    as he, without a second thought, rushed out with his

    Clyde''s sleeve loosened

    s to en.swnovels are sea.ne

    "Clyde!"

    I acted quickly, grabbing his jacket.

    "Do you realize what you''re doing right now?"

    I tried to signal him with my eyes, begging him to notice the surrounding journalists.

    "Ran has a fever; she was already unwell yesterday. I have to go back to her!"

    He whispered, though I was sure the front row could hear given our proximity.

    "Clyde, you''re out of your mind!"

    I nearly roared, refusing to let go of his hand.

    ¡°And you''d have me ignore her life for your sake?"

    With a sudden jerk, Clyde wrenched his hand free and pushed me away.

    Already weak, I stumbled and fell backward.

    I watched him leave the press conference without looking back, while I crashed to the ground.

    Oddly, I felt nothing from the fall.

    Then, a gasp from a young journalist in the front row.

    "Blood! Mrs. Patterson is bleeding!"

 Chapter 221

    The moment I was wheeled into the hospital, I was utterly dazed.

    My hand drifted downwards, and sure enough, there was a lot of blood. But why didn''t it hurt? Why couldn''t I feel anything?

    Nurses kept reassuring me, urging me to take deep breaths, but why should I be reassured?

    It wasn''t until Warren Chandler''s stoic face came into view that I realized I was crying.

    "Dr. Chandler, my baby..."

    "We''ll handle the procedure, just a minor one. You just stay calm. Eliana has arranged for a hearty beef and vegetable stew for you after the surgery. It''ll help you recover... just sleep it off..."

    He and a few other medical staff pushed the gurney along.

    Looking up at his tightly pressed lips, I saw him anxious for the first time.

    Feeling my gaze, he looked down. This time, his usual sharp tongue was reced with a simple reassurance, "Don''t worry."

    A smile flickered across my face. "Tell Eliana not toe."

    Clyde was her unrequited love from college days, the one that got away.

    I knew she imed to despise Clyde, but deep down, she was still hung up on the college version of Clyde, just like me.

    Would she be disillusioned with love upon knowing what had be of Clyde now?

    Tears rolled down my cheeks, uncertain if they were for her or for me, as I slipped into unconsciousness under anesthesia.

    When I woke up, I knew the child was gone.

    It was a strange sensation.

    Even when my belly was t before, I could feel the presence of a child. Now, with the same t belly, I knew I had lost a tiny life.

    "Mnie!" Eliana and Jade''s faces appeared before me, both with puffy, red eyes.

    I mustered a weak smile.

    "What''s up..."

    My voice sounded terrible, like a broken horn, so I quickly shut up.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    Eliana burst into tears.

    "Damn it, Clyde, that idiot, how could he do this?"

    "Why didn''t someone just knock him out cold? Or better yet, knock some sense into him!"

    "He went too far, your baby, you..."

    Eliana''s sobs grew louder, while Jade, who was on the verge of tears, forcibly held them back.

    She gripped my hand tightly, "Are you feeling alright anywhere? Does your stomach hurt? Got any

    cravings? I''ll get you what ot

    Wevelget

    want."

    you

    I gently squeezed her hand in response, shaking my head.

    "This child was never meant to be kept. You both know my situation, right?"

    "It was inevitable. It''s alright; I''vee to terms with it a long time ago."

    Holding both their hands, I tried to soothe them.

    But Eliana''s crying only grew louder, eventually drawing Warren back in.

    "Eliana, enough is enough. Anyone would think you''re the one with a serious illness!"

    He walked over expressionlessly, checked my IV, and took my temperature.

    "You''ve got a slight fever. Your body''s like an old bike at this point; barely running and about to fall apart."

    "This miscarriage took a toll on your body, lost a lot of blood..."

    "Where''s the beef stew? Eliana, stop crying."

    Eliana reluctantly brought the stew over, its aroma filled with

    herbs, but I just shook my

    ingredients and a hint et

    "Try to have some liquid nourishment first; it''s good for you."

    "We''ll hold off on the radiation and

    the hospital." Content belowet go, and you''ll need to st

    to

    Warren rambled on more than he ever had before.

    Just then, Vinson Russell pushed the door open.

    "Are you okay?"

 Chapter 222

    ?

    Vinson looked like he had just dashed off a construction site, still d in his work gear, his face smeared with dust, and breathing heavily. But he couldn''t care less, "What''s up with Clyde?"

    "What else could it be? It''s all about that Rachel!"

    Jade clenched her fists, seething with anger.

    "Even if Clyde''s been a mess, he couldn''t have forgotten everything, could he?"

    "And that Rachel, knowing full well the situation, how dare she try to step into your shoes?"

    She and Eliana started ranting, while I closed my eyes, taking it all in.

    Rachel might have fallen for Clyde back in college, and perhaps that''s where her resentment towards me stemmed from.

    Every time I bought her lunch, making excuses for not wanting it or being unable to finish it, I could see a glimmer of resentment in her eyes.

    Back then, I thought she resented her ownck of means or her background.

    It never urred to me that she resented me.

    She might have felt I was insulting her with my charity, or that I was just discarding things I didn''t want onto her.

    Bit by bit, this resentment had sharpened into a dagger aimed right at me.

    Suddenly, I understood why she did what she did.

    Even if it was for a fleeting moment of happiness, she was willing.

    Her words at the Patterson family gathering still echoed in my mind. I was always the beloved one.

    She was blind to the tragic death of my parents, to the years of agony being married to Clyde had brought me. She even overlooked how Clyde humiliated me at the office for her sake.

    In her eyes, I deserved it all.

    Eliana and Jade continued to rail against Rachel and Clyde, but their words were bing a blur to me. Warren thought they were too noisy and sent them out to grab somefort food and essentials for me. Eventually, it was just Vinson and me left in the room.

    He sat by the bed, silent, just watching my hand as the IV dripped.

    "Vinson..."

    "Does it hurt?"

    We both spoke at once, then fell silent again.

    I shook my head, replying, "No, they gave me an anesthetic."

    I looked away, not wanting him to see my pain.

    How could it not hurt? The injection hurt, and it still hurts now.

    Even looking at the needle in my hand, I felt an unbearable pain.

    Remembering how Clyde once said he didn''t want me to have children because it would be too painful, knowing how much I feared pain, tears involuntarily streamed down my face.

    Clyde always knew pain was my greatest fear.

    Even though he strayed, when I was sick, he''d be by my side.

    But now, he couldn''t even offer me the basic respect, thinking everything I did was to lure him in.

    When that reporter called out to me, bleeding, I saw Clyde hesitate, but he didn''t turn back to look at me.

    I knew he saw Rachel in me.

    If anything happened to me, he would always put me first.

    Yet, even so, my heart ached as if pricked by needles.

    Vinson wrapped his arms around me, gently stroking my hair.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    "Mnie, let it all out. It''s okay to cry. Don''t worry, I''ll always be here for you. Don''t be afraid. Without Clyde, you still have me, and your friends. Don''t be afraid."

    I cried uncontrobly, wanting to vent all my frustration.

    Suddenly, the door to the room swung open, and Clyde''s voice,ced with sarcasm, filled the air.

    "Looks like I''vee at a bad time, huh? Seems like you''ve found someone tofort you. I

    name, Miss Mnie." Co My

 Chapter 223

    I managed to extricate myself from Vinson''s embrace just in time to see Clyde standing at the door, with Rachel shadowing him as usual. Wherever Clyde went, Rachel was sure to follow, clinging to him like a shadow to its owner.

    Vinson pulled out a tissue to wipe my tears away before positioning himself protectively in front of me.

    "What''s the murderer doing here?" he asked, his voice cold.

    Clyde seemed taken aback for a moment but quickly recovered with augh. "Who have I killed? Don''t throw around usations."

    Rachel, with her pale face and dark eyes fixed on me, spoke up with a dismissive tone, "Mnie, honey, that baby was never meant to be."Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    I stared back at her, then turned my gaze to Clyde. "Get out," I said firmly.

    Whether his memory was ying tricks on him or not, I didn''t want him anywhere near me. Vinson was right; Clyde was a murderer, having yed a part in the loss of our child. Even if the child was never meant toe into this world, Clyde was the final executioner.

    Clyde wrapped his arm around Rachel and said, "Do you think I would''vee if Rachel hadn''t told me about your miscarriage and asked me to check on you?"

    "Rachel''s sick herself, yet she insisted on visiting you. Is that the thanks she gets?"

    "Well, then, please, by all means, take your mistress and leave," I retorted.

    Vinson didn''t hesitate to push them towards the door, adding, "Careful now, or your little secret might just get out when the reporters show up."

    As Rachel was pushed out, her eyes remained fixed on me, but then she suddenlyughed, "Vinson, you really do care for her, don''t you? You''ve been after her since college, never dated anyone else. Were you waiting for her all this time?"

    She tilted her head, raising her voice, "So, is the child yours? That would exin your haste."

    "Clyde''s the real victim here, wearing the cuckold''s horns, all while bearing the brunt for the sake of thepany!"

    Curious onlookers and possibly reporters with their phones out were peeking in from outside.

    "Vinson, don''t waste your breath on her. There are reporters," I warned, trying to keep my voice under control despite my boiling anger. Had Rachel finally dropped her act, intending to drag us all down to destroy mepletely? Clyde stared at me for a long moment before muttering under his breath, "A miscarriage?" As Vinson moved to push him away, Clyde suddenly shouted, "The child wasn''t mine!"

    "I knew it! I had a DNA test; that child wasn''t mine!"

    "Mnie, you deceitful woman, to think you''d cheat on me! I want a divorce!"

    "And don''t expect a dime from me in the settlement!"

    With a loud bang, Vinson mmed the door shut and turned to me, exasperated, "He''s lost his mind right? Tell me he''s crazy, or I swear I''ll se it."

    I looked at him helplessly, realizing in that moment that Clyde had confused the DNA test he had done for Ka Osborne''s child with ours.

    Vinson gave me a fewforting words and assured me not to worry about thepany before he had to go.

    When Eliana returned, her face was etched with concern. "Where''s Jade? Wasn''t she with you? The Patterson Group''s in trouble again. She asked me to take care of you. You should eat something. My cousin will be here soon to check on you.

    Hearing thepany''s name, I immediately grabbed my phone.

    The message count in the work chat was overwhelming.

    Opening the most recent message, I realized the situation was dire.

    The news of Clyde causing my miscarriage had broken out.

    In just a few hours, the story had

    spread from the supposed presset

    conference Clyde and I had faked, to the actual push that led to my

    hours-long surgery in the hospital.

    Complete with pictures, including ones of Eliana and Jade waiting outside the operation room.

    Clyde''s reputation as a scoundrel was now cemented.

 Chapter 224

    ?

    I was just about to hit up Jade to get the lowdown on the office drama when Eliana swiped my phone right out of my hand.

    "Seriously, do you have any clue how wrecked you are right now?" she snapped.

    "Why the heck are you stressing about the office? Let Clyde deal with that mess."

    Warren strolled in then, his face a mask of stone, though his eyes flickered with irritation.

    "Keen to work? The Grim Reaper''s got a spot all lined up for you. Eager for an early promotion?"

    "Warren, that''s way out of line!" Eliana jumped in, protective as a mother hen, shielding me behind her.

    "She''s not got long left. Can''t you say something nice for once?"

    Rubbing my aching forehead, I couldn''t help but feel these siblings were here to twist the knife.

    "Eliana, cut it out. I''ve got a couple more years in me."

    Both Eliana and Warren turned to me, their faces clouding over.

    Warren, casting a nce at my medical reports, said, "Let''s get you admitted for a week. We''ll talk about discharge once you pass all the tests."

    "I haven''t lost a patient on my watch yet. Try me," he said, his face unchanging, yet his words carried a chillingly real threat.

    Eliana, baring her teeth, added, "You bet. I''ll be here every day to make sure."

    True to her word, Eliana stuck by me whenever she could.

    Jade would drop by now and then, always in a huff.

    "Rachel''s totally lost it. She thinks she''s the queen bee, acting all high and mighty!"

    "She''s going around calling herself a design prodigy. Like, please, who doesn''t know the real deal behind her so-called awards?"

    "She and Clyde getting cozy in the break room got leaked in the group chat. And guess what? She fired the person who posted it. Talk about not checking herself."

    I had seen that photo, too-the two of them, close together. Rachel, usually so reserved, had a soft smile while Clyde tenderly arranged her hair, bothpletely lost in each other''s eyes.

    It was getting hard to tell if Clyde saw me in her, or had always seen her in me.

    Eliana burst in, eyes wide with shock.

    "Guys, I''ve got a bombshell for you!"

    "Did it ever cross your minds, with Rachel applying for student loans and all, how she managed to study abroad?"

    "International tuition''s no joke, and selling her kidney wouldn''t even cover it. Guess who funded her?"

    Jade, clearly impatient, pped her hand, "Cut to the chase!"

    "The Pattersons."

    I asked, devoid of emotion. "How''d you know? And guess which Patterson we''re talking about?"

    Eliana and Jade both stared at me in disbelief.

    I sighed. "Merritt Patterson?"

    Rachel

    ne to Clyde. Even if

    I hadn''t

    explicitly told her, she ind

    imed it was hers.

    That ne was worth a fortune, easily fetching millions at auction.

    The Pattersons aren''t fools. Merritt, knowing the situation, would naturally want to avoid any entanglement with someone of her background, making sending her abroad the perfect solution.

    Seeing my nonchnt demeanor, the pair were not about to let it slide.

    I hadn''t nned on spilling the

    beans, s,

    Out now, it seemed p

    to keep it to myself, especially since Clyde was beyond reason, Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    Wr

    After I recounted the past events, Jade was speechless.

    Eliana mmed her hand on the table.

    "This is straight out of a soap opera-stealing someone''s life, shameless!"

    "No, I''m going to confront Clyde about this right now!"

    I quickly grabbed her, "No need. He doesn''t remember. Let it be."

    Now, Clyde''s feelings toward me were nothing but resentment. Even if the truth came out, what then?

    He''d only see it as my attempt to sabotage their rtionship. Why bother?

 Chapter 225

    ?

    During my recovery, it felt like the whole office decided to drop by. Some were genuinely concerned about my health, others just wanted to show their face, and then there were the gossip mongers, hungry for some juicy details.

    Eventually, Warren had enough. With a stern look that could freeze fire, he shooed everyone away.

    "Listen up! The patient''s in a fragile state. If any of you stress her out to the point of no return, don''t think the hospital''s taking the me. Who''s ready for a jail tour?" His words were like a cold shower, effectively scattering those who were only there for the gossip.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    I couldn''t help but give him a look. "Really? Wishing me dead now, are you?"

    "Would you rather be stressed to death?" He shot back, rolling his eyes before storming out of the room.

    With the room now to myself, I found some peace, though the outside world still crept in through the news on my phone.

    Clyde was topping the charts as the ultimate jerk.

    Even though Rachel went to the press with a video of Clyde denying his own child, it barely caused a ripple.

    He''s a known liar, who would believe anything he says?

    And then there was me, somehow looking pitiful yet photogenic in a shot taken during that press conference, lying on the ground. The image was strangely aesthetic. People said I looked "shattered," but little did they know, I had been in pieces for a while.

    Sympathy was the general sentiment online, with very few defending Clyde.

    On asion, someone would pity Clyde for marrying someone he didn''t love, only to be quickly silenced by the masses.

    The tide of public opinion was in my favor, but was I really the underdog here?

    Clyde''s reputation took another hit

    when, on the third day of my hospital stay, he was spotted spoiling Rachel in a luxury store, dropping over a million bucks like it was nothing. Rachel''s smile couldn''t have been wider, and even the sales staff and the paparazzi were thrilled.

    Especially when a store employee, interviewed anonymously, confirmed Clyde''s infidelity.

    "He used toe here with his

    ''secretary,'' the one who got shot by the cops for kidnapping his wife. Every visit, he''d drop tens of

    thousands without a second

    thought. And to think his wife, el

    couldn''t even afford her medical bills," the employee dished, disgust evident even through the voice distortion.

    But what really sank my heart was seeing Clyde buy Rachel''s favorites from a brand I adored. Despite her previous disdain for its "unchanging" styles there she was, choosing exactly what I would have picked out.

    UMS

    Clyde, clueless, even selected two bags in white - Rachel''s least favorite color to maintain but my go-to for its versatility and brightness.

    I turned off my phone, feeling irritated.

    Rachel was copying me, from her clothes to her preferences, only her personality was a stark contrast. Yet, Clyde seemed blind to the differences.

    A thought shed through my mind,pelling me to leave my room and find Warren, who was still buried in work.

    "Did the Grim Reaper drop by for a visit?" I joked, noticing how worn out he looked from too much coffee. He grimaced. "What now?"

    I hesitated for a moment before asking, "Is it actually possible to hypnotize someone? Like they do in the movies?"

 Chapter 226

    ?

    "Hypnotize? A snap of the fingers, and you cry when told to cry,ugh when told tough?"

    "Mnie, have you caught whatever bug Clyde''s got? Lost your marbles?"

    Warren looked at me as though I had two heads, and I just rolled my eyes and pulled out my phone.

    "Look, this is Rachel, her outfit and all, pretty much a carbon copy of my old style."

    "And the stuff she''s buying, it''s all right up my alley."

    "You think she''s trying to mimic you, to convince Clyde she''s you?"

    Warren pondered for a moment, his gaze shifting between me and the phone screen.

    I nodded vigorously.

    So, if Clyde''s noggin wasn''t scrambled, maybe, just maybe, it was some sort of mind trick?

    I know it sounds far-fetched, but isn''t it said that art imitates life, and sometimes transcends it?

    He gave me a look that screamed ''I can''t even'' before ncing back at the phone.

    "Did Rachel study psychology?"

    I shook my head.

    "Does she know Clyde was gonna get hit by that frisbee?"

    I shook my head again.

    "Is she a magician''s apprentice or something?"

    I rolled my eyes at him.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    Warren handed back my phone, "Alright, I''ll look into it. You just take it easy."

    I had more questions, but seeing the pile of files on his desk, I swallowed my words.

    Little did I expect that this seemingly juicy piece of gossip would thrust the Patterson Group into the eye of a storm. Online, Clyde was beingmbasted left and right, and past mistakes were being dredged up.

    "Mr. Patterson ditched our darling Suzie for some sh-in-the-pan starlet, and look how that turned out!"

    "He''s the one who took his mistress out on their anniversary, right? I remember his wife was all over the tabloids."

    "A tiger doesn''t eat its cubs, but this guy? Disowns his kid, even med for his death. Chilling."

    "With a CEO like that, can the Patterson Group''s buildings be anything but shoddy? No way I''m living there."

    It was clear there was a lot of maniption in the discourse.

    But this time, Clyde seemed to have

    crossed a line, even insiders

    confirming his misuse of

    a

    .

    No need to check; I knew the Patterson Group''s stocks were plummeting. Sales in several

    for

    projects took a hit and departments all over were in an uproar.

    The Patterson Group''s PR was scrambling to control the narrative, but to no avail.

    And this time, Merritt''s response was lukewarm at best, offering no rity for Clyde.

    On the fourth day of the fiasco, just as I got home from the hospital, I received a call from Merritt.

    "Mnie,e back for the board meeting this afternoon."

    After hanging up, I quickly checked thepany group chat where board members were ripping into Clyde. The drop in stock prices was hitting their pockets hard.

    Before, as long as Clyde''s antics didn''t hurt their profits, they turned a blind eye. But now? It''s uneptable.

    Feeling uneasy, I made my way to the office, where the conference room was packed with executives.

    As I entered, all eyes turned to me,

    especial

    Clyde''s, which bore a

    smet

    of resentment and anger that made me squirm in my seat.

    After a while, Merritt tapped on the table to signal the start.

    "Now that everyone''s here, let''s begin," he said.

    York Patterson nced at the man next to him, prompting him to stand.

    "Given the current state of our stock, a rification wouldn''t be amiss, would it?" he started.

    "Clyde''s past escapades were one thing, but now it''s affecting the wholepany. We need exnations!"

    His words opened the floodgates, and the room erupted with demands for ountability.

    "Absolutely, we need an exnation."

    "Personal affairs shouldn''t bleed intopany affairs! Mr. Patterson has gone too far."

    "When it starts affecting all our interests, it''s a different story. We''re innocent in this!"

 Chapter 227

    The air in the boardroom was thick with tension, a three-way standoff that had been brewing for years now.

    Clyde, with his years of running the show, had a solid base of support. People respected his hustle, admired how he''d turned the family business into a powerhouse.

    York, on the other hand, was a force of his own. His faction was loud, their presence undeniable, a testament to his charisma and knack for rallying the troops.

    And then there were the fence-sitters, the ones whose loyalty could be bought with the promise of profit. To them, it didn''t matter who sat in the driver''s seat, as long as the money kept rolling in.

    But amidst this power y, a peculiar silence loomed over Clyde''s recent troubles. No one dared mention his ident, the whispers of amnesia. In the grand scheme of things, personal woes were trivial, so long as they didn''t rock the boat.

    I found myself cornered at a table near the exit with Fenton, both of us silent observers to the unfolding drama. Fenton''s worried nce met my resigned shake of the head. Speaking up now would only paint targets on our backs.

    The argument reached its boiling point when Clyde mmed his hand down on the table, the sound echoing through the tension.

    "Enough! My personal life is exactly that personal! It has nothing to do with the board!" His gaze, filled with bitterness, locked onto me. "Mnie, this is all your fault! If it wasn''t for your relentless pursuit back then..."

    "Enough!" Merritt''s voice cut through, his cane rapping against the floor for emphasis, a clear sign of his displeasure.

    York''s snicker from the sidelines just added fuel to the fire.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    "ming others now? Weren''t you the one chasing after her?" "Shut it!" Merritt''s re silenced York instantly.

    It was clear Merritt''s intention was to maintain the family''s facade of dignity. Clyde could be a yboy,

    even despised for his fickle heart et

    but madness, amnesia? That wa

    off the table. Merritt was still

    weighing who was best to lead, ensuring Clyde remained

    untarnished was paramount.

    Taking a deep breath, Clyde bowed deeply towards Merritt. "Grandfather, I apologize for any damage my personal matters have caused thepany. I''ll take full responsibility."

    "How exactly?" York''s right-hand man was quick to challenge. "With losses in the millions, do you n to reimburse us personally? Money aside, what about thepany''s reputation?"

    The room buzzed with concern over thepany''s tarnished image and its future prospects.

    Clyde''s eyes briefly met mine before he dropped the bombshell. "I''ll divorce Mnie."

    The deration stunned the room into silence. My heart sank, my grip tightening on my hands beneath the table, a futile attempt to steady myself.

    I reminded myself this wasn''t the first heartbreak, but the public humiliation, his cold resolve it all made my resolve crumble, my body tremble uncontrobly.

    Ignoring the shocked stares, Clyde''s

    gaze returned to Merritt.

    "Grandfather, marrying the woman love doesn''t make me a scoundrel Proving Mnie''s child isn''t mine gives me a reason for my actions, diverting the public''s me away from both me and thepany..."

    "What?" I couldn''t hide my shock, my voice barely a whisper.

    There was a fleeting moment of struggle in his eyes, a hint of guilt, but it was quickly overshadowed by determination.

    "I never wanted to marry her; she forced herself on me."

    "Since you''ve enjoyed the privileges of being Mrs. Patterson, living a life of luxury, it''s only fair you contribute something to thepany, isn''t it?"

    His gaze, devoid of any warmth,

    filled only with disdain. "Mnie,

    besides, the child in your womb isn''t

    mine. Why else would you schedule an abortion? Let''s not y innocent; this was a transaction, nothing more."

 Chapter 228

    ?

    "Damn it, Clyde, you jerk!" Merritt''s cane was about to crash down on him, but there he stood, defiant as ever.

    "Grandpa, is there really no better way? All this gossip swirling around, just because she refuses to divorce! If she''d just agree to a divorce, whoever I''m with wouldn''t matter to thepany. She''s the one to me!"

    I closed my eyes in agony, telling myself over and over that he was truly sick, and not lightly either.

    But I couldn''t find it in myself to forgive him. Right then, I wished I could march over and p him silly. "Mnie..."

    Fenton''s voice was cautious, making me look up at him with teary eyes.

    "I''m fine."

    "Clyde, shut your trap!"

    Merritt hit him with the cane, then turned to the astonished crowd.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, my apologies. Our family drama has unfortunately caused you all losses."

    "Give me three days. I will provide a satisfactory solution. That concludes today''s board meeting."

    When Merritt spoke, no one dared to disobey.

    As everyone left, exchanging knowing looks, I sensed that the Patterson family was on the brink of upheaval.

    All members of the Patterson family, including myself, were asked to stay behind.

    Through the door, I saw Rachel standing outside, her eyes filled with worry.

    She had every reason to be worried. If Merritt didn''t agree to our divorce, she might be the one getting kicked out.

    But it was just that ne Clyde gave her back then, an act of kindness that had long since been repaid by her years abroad.

    Moreover, she was afraid I''d reveal the truth, so she never left Clyde''s side.

    Seeing his beloved looking so concerned, Clyde immediately pulled her inside.

    "Get her out of here!"

    Merritt was furious, but Clyde stood his ground.

    "Grandpa, this is between Rachel and me. She should be here."

    "Perhaps those who are soon to be no longer part of the Patterson family should be the ones to leave."

    Rachel gave me a smug look, her eyes gleaming with triumph.

    I looked at their intertwined fingers, then turned away, refusing to watch them.

    Even if I was no longer a Patterson, I remained a shareholder of the Patterson Group.

    York sneered at the couple. "Divorce, huh, Clyde? You sure you won''t regret this?"

    After saying that, he nced at me.

    Everyone here knew Clyde''s story, including Rachel. But she chose to live in denial, willing to ept

    anything just to have Clyde,

    el

    e, no

    matter the cost. N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    Lovel

    I looked down, waiting for the end, somehow feeling a sense of release. I was meant to divorce Clyde anyway; doing it now made difference.

    "Of course not!"

    "No need for a divorce."

    Clyde and Rachel almost spoke in unison.

    Clyde looked at Rachel in disbelief. "Rachel, don''t you want to be with me?"

    Rachel didn''t look at him, her gaze fixed on Merritt.

    "I''ve booked my ticket. I''m leaving for Estoria tomorrow and won''te back."

    "This mess isn''t Mnie''s fault, it''s mine. I''ve caused trouble for thepany, and I deeply apologize."

    She bowed deeply to Merritt, her voice choked with emotion.

    Clyde hurried to her side. "No, you can''t leave!"

    "I''ll divorce Mnie right away! Then we can get married!"

    "Rachel, I won''t let you go. You''ve left once before, you can''t go with someone else again, I won''t let you leave me, I won''t let you go to Aurorea!"

    His voice grew louder, then abruptly cut off as he copsed backward.

    Everyone rushed to his side, except for me.

    Clyde, who exactly is the Rachel in your eyes?

 Chapter 229

    ?

    Clyde copsed, halting any further conversation in its tracks.

    Everyone followed the paramedics out, leaving me alone in the conference room.

    Fenton was thest to leave, but he paused and turned back to me.

    "Hey, Mnie, aren''t youing?"

    I shook my head. "No, he wouldn''t want to see me."

    No matter his condition, he only wanted to see Rachel.

    Fenton nced outside, then approached me.

    "Don''t take it too hard, Mnie. Clyde... he''lle around."

    "When will that be?"

    As I watched everyone leave, my gaze was unfocused.

    If he neveres around, is this how it''s going to be forever?

    Remembering his words, using me of being at fault, sent shivers down my spine.

    I never knew Clyde could be so ruthless.

    Maybe ever since he took over Patterson Enterprises, he''s been a different person from the cheerful guy I once knew.

    Fenton hesitated before speaking, "Things will get better, right? Patterson Enterprises still needs him."

    I continued to shake my head, not sure if Patterson Enterprises still needed such a CEO.

    Memory issues, mood swings, prone to outbursts without regard for the asion.

    Not to mention his ruthlessness.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    "Regardless, you have shares in Patterson Enterprises. You''re still a shareholder."

    "He''ll see sense eventually. Don''t worry."

    I shook my head again.

    What do my few shares matter? Uncle''s family probably has more shares than I do.

    A woman with few shares and about to be ousted won''t have much impact on Patterson Enterprises.

    Suddenly, my phone buzzed. It was a message from Warren.

    [Rachel studied psychology abroad, but her skills might not be strong. Still, be cautious.]

    Seeing this message lifted my spirits.

    Rachel studied psychology? Could it mean she might have drugged Clyde or used hypnosis on him?

    I''d read online that hypnosis alone isn''t very effective, butbined with drugs, it''s a different story.

    However, these methods are controversial, and information online is scarce.

    "Mnie?"

    Fenton looked at me worriedly, but I quickly said, "Let''s go to the hospital."

    He seemed surprised but nodded quickly, "Right, the hospital first. We''ll deal with everything elseter."

    Clyde has always been healthy, no history of high blood pressure or heart issues.

    Logically, even with a head injury, he shouldn''t faint every time he gets agitated.

    It felt like I was close to the truth but still couldn''t connect all the dots.

    Upon reaching the hospital, Clyde had already regained

    consciousness, though he looked a bit dazed. Rachel was by his side, their hands intertwined even when the doctor came to check on him.

    Warren and I exchanged nces before entering with a poker face.

    "The patient needs blood work and a CT scan. We need the family''s cooperation."

    His voice was stern, like he was just going through the motions.

    But Rachel immediately objected.

    "CT scans have radiation, and you''ve already taken his blood several times. A person only has so much blood. Now that Clyde''s awake, let''s just watch and see. Too many tests arent good for him."She squeezed Clyde''s hand tightly, and he agreed.

    "Yeah, I''m fine. Just got a bit too emotional earlier. No need for tests."

    "We still need to do the biochemistry tests. Please cooperate."

    Warren didn''t say much more, simply signaling the nurse toe in for the blood draw.

    Rachel stood up to protest, but

    Warren said coldly, "We''re also running toxicology tests. Why are you always obstructing? If he''s been

    poisoned, can you bear the

    responsibility?"

 Chapter 230

    ?

    I was standing at the doorway of the hospital room, feeling that something about Rachel was off, more than usual.

    Clyde''s sudden fainting spell was bizarre enough, but why would she, if she truly cared for him, prevent him from getting checked out?

    After Warren spoke, Rachel seemed to freeze for a moment, then quickly masked it with a smile.

    "I''m not stopping him, just worried. Since a check-up is necessary, let''s go ahead," she said.

    "But I hope it''s not always about drawing blood; it''s not good for the body."

    She seemed all concerned for Clyde''s well-being, and even Warren nodded in agreement.

    But I caught a glimpse of worry in Rachel''s eyes.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    Then she saw me and quickly put on an indifferent face, edging closer to Clyde.

    I couldn''t quite figure out why she was anxious, but my mind started racing with possibilities.

    Clyde didn''t seem happy to see me. Spotting me at the door, his expression darkened.

    "We''re on the brink of divorce; no need to pretend you care," he said coldly.

    "You''re not well yourself, just lost a baby, you should rest instead ofying me on meter."

    Each word was a dagger, chilling to the bone. Fenton looked like he wanted to retort, but I stopped him.

    Clyde wasn''t usually this cutting; it wasn''t that he couldn''t be, he just deemed it beneath him to verballysh out.

    If he truly disdained someone, he''d act on it, like how he dealt with me once.

    Under their scornful gazes, I left the room.

    In that moment, I realized how strong I had be mentally, able to endure even when it felt like my heart was being ripped out. But I didn''t leave the hospital. Instead, I went straight to Warren.

    He was frowning over Clyde''s medical report.

    "Any issues? Poisoning?"

    Curiosity got the better of me and I leaned in closer, just in time to see him spread out the report.

    I was lost amidst the medical jargon.

    "If you could understand this, my years of medical school would''ve been in vain. He''s not poisoned, all his indicators are fine, recovering well. Could it be nerve damage? Surely, it''s not something supernatural?"

    Seeing Warren puzzled was a clear sign this was serious.

    I stood opposite him, silent, not wanting to disrupt his train of thoughts.

    After about fifteen minutes of silence, my anxiety grew.

    "Could it be incense, or some toxic substance in perfume? Or food ipatibility, like eating poisonous mushrooms?"

    I blurted out every dramatic scenario Jade and I had seen on TV shows, only to irritate Warren further.

    some drama series?

    "Think we''re in so

    None of that specifically drew

    blood in the room, fearing

    l

    novecan''t

    tampering, but found nothing unusual. Now, without a CT, force anything; maybe it''s psychological stress?"

    His uncertainty only fueled mine.

    Recalling the shovel hitting Clyde hard on the back of his head, nerve damage seemed usible.

    Without any conclusive answers, I decided to leave his office.

    Just as I was about to enter the elevator, Rachel approached me.

    "Mnie, I think we need to have a serious chat."

    Her face was expressionless, but her eyes were brimming with confidence.

    I had a hunch about what she

    wanted to talk about, but I just wasn''t?n the mood. "We have, nothing to talk about. Let''s keep it

    that way."

    Initially, I did ask her to keep a secret, but now, this felt like betrayal, on top of her stealing my husband.

    As I stepped toward the elevator, she suddenly blocked my path.

    "Mnie, do you really want to see him lose The Patterson Group to someone else? Let''s talk."

 Chapter 231

    ?

    Rachel dragged me to the small garden bench outside the hospital.

    She plopped down with a sigh and patted the spot next to her, "Have a seat."

    I reluctantly took the far edge, keen on keeping a buffer zone between us.

    She nced my way.

    "Mnie, you''re infuriatingly beautiful, even with a wig."

    Her randomment threw me off, and I didn''t quite know how to respond.

    But she didn''t seem to expect a reply, instead, she gazed up at the sky.

    "Reminds me of our first day at college, kinda overcast, but oddlyforting. Mnie, I was the first person at school to meet Clyde. The very first, no one knew him before I did."

    There was a hint of pride in her voice, a sparkle in her eyes.

    Back in our dorm, she always seemed a bit out of ce, and I hardly knew anything about her.

    Just that her family wasn''t well-off, she relied on schrships and student loans, even signing up for work-study programs from day one.

    But what I didn''t realize was that she and Clyde had shared a train ride to college on their first day.

    Clyde probably didn''t even remember, but he had helped a girl struggling with her luggage on the tform, and that girl fell hard for him.

    "We really hit it off,ing from simr backgrounds, both doing work-study in the cafeteria, both tutoring to make ends meet. He was always so cheerful and charming, always carried himself with such grace, despite everything. I thought we were alike."

    Her tone suddenly turned cold, her gaze turning sharp as she looked at me.

    "But then you showed up, and everything changed."Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Indeed, I was smitten with Clyde at first sight and had my dad sponsor him. But likewise, my dad sponsored Rachel.

    Since we were roommates, I, of

    course, pulled some strings for her. But she never saw it as me looking out for her; to her, it felt like a p in the face.

    ?n?

    "How is it fair that you throw around skin care products worth hundreds, while my monthly allowance is barely there?"

    "You waste food and treats like they''re nothing, tossing them aside, treating me like a dog!"

    Her anger boiled over, and she stood up, pointing usingly at me.

    "You had your damned dad sponsor Clyde, just to steal him from me, knowing full well I had nothing!"

    "You want to see me broken,

    unwanted, but guess what, I worked hard, I got my own sponsor, I don''t have to worry about loans or living expenses anymore, I don''t have to eat your leftovers!"

    I shook my head at her twisted expression.

    "Rachel, thepany sponsoring you, it''s a jewelry design studio, right?"

    "How did you know?"

    "It belongs to my grandmother."

    I said tly, "I knew about your pride, so I didn''t let my dad sponsor you directly." The Crawford family had a reputation for supporting students in need every year.

    But for publicity and to maintain a good image, those students often had toe forward, something I knew Rachel would never agree to due to her pride. So, I had my dad make

    2 discreet donation in the

    name of my grandmother''s studio to Rachel and another ssmate.

    Rachel was clearly stunned, disbelievinglyughing as she looked at me.

    "So what? You think your scraps of charity are some act of mercy? Always ying the saint, that petty cash means nothing to me." She furiously removed her earrings and threw them in myp.

    "Clyde just gave these to me, worth eighty thousand, easily covers whatever your family donated. I don''t owe you anything!"

 Chapter 232

    I picked up the earrings, a pair of pretty heart-shaped ones with diamonds, just the type I used to adore.

    I had bought from this brand after getting married, but that was before I ran into Clyde shopping with a young model. I haven''t stepped foot in that store since.

    Looking at Rachel''s ears, I noticed she had just gotten them pierced.

    Back in her hometown, she mentioned, only women of ill-repute got their ears pierced, so she never did. But now, she had.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    And she didn''t wait for her piercings to fully heal before wearing these ratherrge earrings.

    Because I once loved such bold and sparkly earrings.

    Little did she know, I had long stopped wearing earrings, let alone anything from that brand.

    I gently ced the earrings aside, only to hear her snicker.

    "Heard you sold your wedding ring for some cash, why the pretense? You''re not divorcing him just because you want the money, right? Clyde will pay up. I''d advise you not to meddle in our affairs. You''ve always been after his money, from the start. Take my advice and quit while you''re ahead!"

    I looked up at Rachel, her sense of superiority clear. I responded with a smile, "Rachel, are you sure I''m the one intruding? Are you certain I''ve always been after his money?"

    The truth is known to all, why deny it?

    If it was money I wanted, Clyde wouldn''t have been my choice from the beginning.

    I would''ve chosen Vinson Russell, or any other well-off suitor, perhaps even taken over my family''s business by now.

    But life is not filled with what-ifs.

    I just watched her silently until she looked a bit guilty.

    Yet, she still red at me fiercely.

    "So what? Clyde loves me now."

    "Are you sure?"

    My question visibly rattled her. She knew Clyde''s heart wasn''t hers.

    I continued, ¡°What will you do if hees to his senses one day?"

    "What if he remembers everything; have you thought about how he''ll treat you then?"

    I saw her shiver and then look at me with a mix of fear and rm.

    Thinking back to when Clyde

    oned dealing with another

    who was pestering hime

    We

    understood Rachel''s fear.

    Clyde has always been clear about his affections and aversions.

    Apart from his indecisiveness regarding me, he''s usually quite harsh with other suitors.

    If he ever came around, he would not spare Rachel.

    Being despised, even targeted, by someone you adore is indeed a frightening and heartbreaking scenario.

    I subconsciously touched my ring finger, worried that he might not spare me either.

    What would Clyde do if he truly remembered everything?

    I closed my eyes, not daring to ponder the consequences any further.

    Rachel and I sat in silence. We were both smart enough to know the unsaid truths.

    Rachel slumped beside me.

    "Mnie,

    u''ve always had

    everything, even Clyde''s love. I''ve

    thiad nothing. If fate has

    chance, I won''t let it s

    me

    away."

    She turned to me, her eyes no longer scornful, but filled with resentment.

    I couldn''t understand her hatred.

    Was it because I ''took'' someone who didn''t love her, or because my life seemed better than hers?

    If she knew I had died several times over and was now homeless, would she still hate me?

    "Mnie, just back off. He doesn''t

    3 you anymore. He loves r you anymore. Het

    Yes, that''s right, he loves

    swno

    Her words seemed more like a mantra for herself than a statement intended for me.

    Honestly, who Clyde loved didn''t seem to matter as much to me anymore.

    Maybe he loved me, or maybe the version of me in his memories.

    But at least for now, I was absent from his eyes.

    I looked down, thinking back to what Warren had told me.

    "Rachel, would you ever hurt Clyde?"

 Chapter 233

    ?

    I turned to meet her guilt-ridden gaze, and in that moment, I knew Warren was right all along.

    Clyde''s brain was damaged, but not to the point of affecting his nerves.

    It was highly probable that Rachel was behind it.

    But she was crafty, managing to fool everyone, even bypassing medical examinations.

    Maybe, as she imed, fate was on her side, granting her this one opportunity.

    She remained silent, so I pressed on, "Would you harm Clyde?"

    "He was poisoned by a lover before, a toxin that would take three years topletely metabolize."

    "To save me once, he endured radiation from a mine."

    "Are you bragging about how much he loves you?"

    Rachel stood up abruptly, her gaze filled with bitterness.

    ¡°So what if I am? He doesn''t remember any of it!"

    "Rachel, his body can''t take much more, physically or mentally."

    I didn''t want to be too blunt, knowing it could provoke her.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    After all, we had lived together during college for four years, and I knew her temperament well.

    Sure enough, upon hearing about Clyde''s condition, Rachel pondered for a moment before nodding solemnly.

    "As long as you step back, and he''s devoted only to me, I won''t harm him."

    Her gaze was emotionless as she looked at me, then turned to leave.

    "Rachel, what if he remembers everything? If he bes the Clyde of the past, can you guarantee you won''t harm him?"

    Hearing my words, she paused, then walked away without looking back.

    I sighed, realizing she wouldn''t let Clyde go. Her love came with conditions.

    She hoped for a future where I wasn''t a threat to her rtionship with Clyde.

    She wanted Clyde''s love all to herself, without any distractions.

    Even if Clyde woke up, he had to be solely devoted to her. She was asking for too much.

    If Clyde remembered, she would destroy him.

    Eliana came looking for me at the hospital, finding me still seated.

    "My cousin said he couldn''t find you, and you weren''t answering your phone. What''s up?"

    She quickly grabbed me, trying to pull me up, but I was somewhat frozen in ce.

    I didn''t know what Rachel would do next, my mind felt like it had crashed, unable toe up with any n.

    Eliana rubbed my hands, asking, "Mnie, how long have you been sitting here? Let''s head back to the ward."

    "The ward?"

    "Warren mentioned he wanted to start a new phase of treatment, don''t you remember his research on that medicine?" "Ah, it''s hard to exin, juste with me."

    I was practically dragged back to the ward by Eliana.

    It was the same VIP ward I had stayed in before, and I managed a bitter smile.

    "I''m practically a year-round resident here."

    "If you could just stay healthy, I''d hang a sign at the door, ''Reserved for Mnie.""

    Eliana was generous, but I quickly shook my head.

    I didn''t want to live in a hospital forever, no matter how nice the

    was, it couldn''tpare to free t

    Wooedom

    outside.

    Warren had already taken off his doctor''s uniform and was ready to leave. Seeing my pale face, he clicked his tongue.

    "Trying to fast-track your way to the afterlife?"

    Eliana nudged him, but he still looked at me disapprovingly.

    "Mnie, didn''t you say you wanted to repay Eliana? Just cooperate with my treatment, and consider it your good deed, ensuring a better reincarnation."

    ¡°Alright, sign here. This is for a clinical trial of a new medicine, it requires a contract."

    els

    "But don''t worry, it has been tested abroad for quite some time, the side effects should be within your tolerance, and the treatmentos promising."

    Seeing the contract required hospitalization, I hesitated.

    Given the Patterson family''s current situation, if I were hospitalized, Clyde would likely be a target.

 Chapter 234

    ?

    I really didn''t want to be admitted to the hospital, but at the same time, I was desperate to try the medication. In the end, Warren, looking as defeated as a coach after a tough loss, agreed to let me stay in the hospital for three days to monitor my reaction.

    He mentioned the side effects weren''t severe, probably minor for someone who had undergone surgery before.

    However, by the second day of medication, I was caught in an endless cycle of vomiting.

    Even though I hadn''t eaten much, I couldn''t stop throwing up bile.

    "Maybe you should stop taking the medication for now."

    Warren, reviewing my condition with a furrowed brow, seemed hesitant.

    "Your condition is really poor, you barely look like you''re holding up."

    "But if I get better, there''s a chance of rpse, maybe for the third time. I should stick with it."

    He had warned me before about the possibility of rpse after radiation treatment, and I was determined to continue with the medication.

    Given that this medication was still in clinical trials, side effects seemed like a normal expectation to me.

    Surviving was my top priority, especially with Clyde in his current state.

    However, taking a three-day leave from work led to issues back at the office.

    The overpass project was facing one problem after another, and my absence seemed to have dyed many design solutions.

    When Jade Scott called me, she was livid.

    "It''s your design, and Rachel is trying to take over, despite not having the qualifications. Has she lost her mind? Doesn''t she realize how risky it is to change personnel like this at thest minute?"

    That''s when I found out that despite Rachel''s education abroad, her qualifications weren''t universally recognized. Her trip abroad now seemed questionable.

    But dwelling on this wasn''t the priority. The project was time-sensitive.

    Barely holding myself together, I made it to the office, only to find Rachel arguing with Lina in the Design Department.

    "Rachel, you''re from the Administrative Department. What gives you the right to oversee our work? And your changes to the design could halt the project. Are you aware of that?"

    Lina was red with anger, but Rachel remained calm, her arrogance palpable.

    "I''m aware, but Mnie''s design has ws I couldn''t overlook."

    "Really? A design that passed departmental review has issues only you could spot? Quite the returnee."

    I leaned against the doorway, watching her with a sarcastic amusement.

    Rachel was taken aback upon seeing me, but quickly resumed her smug demeanor.

    "The review department just skimsN?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    through; of course, I had to make modifications for the detailed.

    issues. Your leave has disrupted thepany''s schedule, and you should take responsibility for that.

    Before I could retort, Clyde, ever the gant knight for Rachel, stormed over.

    "Mnie, are you picking on Rachel again?"

    Looking at his foolish expression, I lost any desire to engage.

    Jade stepped in front of me, "Are you blind or deaf? If you can''t speak sense, then shut it!"

    She used to be somewhat intimidated by Clyde, given his position as the boss.

    But now that Clyde had changed, Jade couldn''t care less.

    And there I stood, looking coldly at Clyde. "So, you let Rachel rece me?"

    I knew Clyde wasn''t that foolish; his memory was jumbled, not insane.

    Sure enough, he paused, ncing at a seemingly aggrieved Rachel before turning back to me with what he thought was a righteous gaze "Exactly! Your sick leave is holding back thepany. If Rachel is more capable, she should indeed take over!"

    His words left everyone in disbelief.

    Only Rachel, smugly, walked over and clung to his arm.

    "Mnie, I''m just thinking of what''s best for thepany. If you can''t fulfill your role, maybe it''s time you stepped aside, and let''s not make this any uglier than it needs to be."

 Chapter 235

    ?

    I couldn''t tell if Rachel was gunning for Mrs. Patterson''s spot or the role of the design director.

    This time, my colleagues rose to my defense without any prompt from me.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    "Look, Mr. Patterson, all three department projects are currently under Ms. Crawford''s wing. We can''t just switch gears like this."

    "Exactly," another chimed in. "We''ve just sealed the deal with Hightide Enterprises. There''s no way they''d agree to a sudden change."

    "And Rachel stepping in across departments? That doesn''t sit right. We''re about to wrap things up here."

    "Is she trying to pull a fast one? Undermine the project at the eleventh hour?"

    Wrapping up the project meant it was almost time for bonuses to be distributed.

    Switching me out now meant not only would my bonus vanish into thin air, but Rachel''s name would likely be the one emzoned on the final project design.

    Rachel knew this, and of course, so did Clyde.

    Clyde furrowed his brow, clearly in a bind, but Rachel''s gentle tug at his sleeve seemed to make up his mind for him.

    "Given Mnie''s health issues, she''ll take a step back for now. The Design Department will be Rachel''s to oversee." "Mnie, hand over all the project materials to Rachel. No need to hold anything back."

    My clenched fist rxed as I let out a simple, "Fine."

    Deep down, I had seen thising.

    Without Clyde''s backing, Rachel wouldn''t dare to be so bold.

    Even if his affection for me had once made him considerate, he wouldn''t have been this impulsive.

    My position as design director wasn''t just because I was his wife; it was a testament to my capabilities. Whether he was truly mad or feigning ignorance, I had no intention of squabbling with him anymore. Jade gave me a nudge, but I just shook my head.

    "Let''s follow the leadership''s decision. I''ll start the handover process now."

    My health was indeed failing, and if Rachel was eager to take over, I was willing to step aside.

    A smug look finally broke through Rachel''s indifferent facade.

    Standing triumphantly by my side, she even had the audacity to sound apologetic.

    "Sorry, it''s for the best interest of the

    company. We can''t let one person''s

    situation derail the project. And besides, there were ws in your design..."

    "Then feel free to amend or overhaul it as you see fit," I responded emotionlessly. "I''ve emailed you all the documents."

    "Just use the hard copies and the files on yourputer." Rachel''s frown betrayed her panic.

    I shook my head. "Sorry, myptop is personal property, plus it''s best to keep a paper trail for ountability."

    With my hands tied in so many projects, who knew what havoc she might wreak?

    Even with my health on the line, at least there was a chance for treatment and life extension.

    But if I were to be cornered, I might as well be facing a death sentence in prison.

    Rachel shot me a meaningful look, then smiled.

    "Alright then, Ms. Crawford, please desk. After all, you''ve just

    da rest

    Uriage. It''s best y

    the hospital." Content of

    I nodded solemnly, then gestured towards the documents on my desk.

    "I was the lead on this project, so I didn''t charge thepany extra for my patented designs. Now that I''m no longe in charge and without my bonus, I''d appreciate it if you could handle the transfer formalities.

    Without my consent, you can''t

    continue using my designs."

    Rachel froze for a moment, then hastily grabbed the documents, her eyes burning with resentment upon seeing all patents in my name. "Just you wait!"

    I knew she''d run straight to Clyde.

    If all the designs were mine, how could she possibly im her ce in history?

    Sure enough, within minutes, Clyde reappeared in the Design Department.

    "What''s the big idea now? You''re an employee here, and my wife, for heaven''s sake. What''s the harm in using your designs?"

 Chapter 236

    ?

    Remembering that I''m his wife now? Clyde was truly shameless!

    I shrugged, replying, "I know you''ve forgotten a lot, but you once swore you''d never take advantage of me. If you want to use my designs, why not just pay me for the patents? Are you trying to get a free lunch here?"

    With more treatments to pay for and no clue when Clyde and I would officially part ways, I had to n for myself.

    I never wanted to sell my patents to otherpanies, but dealing with Patterson Group seemed fine.

    As I nced at Rachel''s face, twisted in resentment, I couldn''t help but say, "Clyde, you know I''m out of the profit-sharing loop. If you don''t pay up for the patents, you''re basically mooching off me."

    Clyde frowned, looking over the patents for more than a dozen projects, about to say something, but Rachel beat him to it.

    "Clyde, since I''m running the Design Department, let me handle this."

    She shot me a vicious look. "We were ssmates, and I''ve studied abroad for years. My designs are up to par."

    I raised an eyebrow but kept silent.

    As long as Clyde was in his right mind, he wouldn''t let her start from scratch.

    Redoing the designs for all these projects? The team had spent a yearpleting them and negotiating contracts. How could she possibly redo all that?N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    Unless Clyde had lost his marbles, he wouldn''t agree to her proposal.

    After a moment of thought, Clyde indeed disagreed. "Let''s talk about thister, Rachel."

    He then looked up at me, saying, "You''ll get your patent fees."

    Rachel tried to protest, but Clyde simply patted her hand, signaling her to rx.

    Watching their intimate interaction, I kept my face expressionless.

    It was either use my patents to continue the projects or start the designs from scratch. Clyde knew what mattered more.

    I didn''t linger, grabbing my things and leaving the office.

    As I reached the door, I looked back, wondering why it felt like I might never return.

    Back at the hospital, I told Warren I needed to be admitted.

    He looked at me, expressionless as ever, "Tired of ying the underworld bureaucrat?"

    I nodded seriously.

    "Yeah, nning to get my health back on track, aim for a real civil service position before I hit 35."

    He eyed me for a long moment before a sly smile crept across his face.

    "I think you can do it."

    I rested in the hospital, content knowing Clyde had sorted the paperwork as requested.

    Not only confirming my withdrawal from the projects but also that some would no longer use my patents.

    When Lina brought me the documents, her face was full of apologies.

    "Mnie, all this effort was yours, it''s so unfair."

    "Clyde''s the boss, his word isw."

    I wasn''t too bothered by it anymore.

    It

    that I wished the Patterson

    any harm, but meddling

    further seemed pointless.

    Rachel was a professional designer after all; I figured she could manage the tasks methodically.

    But I hadn''t expected her to boldly alter designs for already signed projects.

    Especially the overpass project, which underwent major changes leading the contractors and the Aspire World team to halt work and demand an exnation from Patterson Group.

    This didn''t just stall the project; it led to an inquiry from higher-ups.

    By the time I caught wind of it, Clyde had already been summoned for a talk.

    Jade visited me in the hospital, shaking his head in disbelief.

    "Clyde really went out on a limb for her, taking all the me. He might even face jail time."

    "Lucky you got out when you did, or

    our whole

    a

    Design Department

    been dragged down. What

    tovi

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