Benny was stunned. '16 years old?'

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

She deserved to be with Stanley.

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

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

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

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

His mockery echoed loudly.

Jessica stood tall, looking down at Wendy with disdain.

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

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

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

'Indeed, what a coincidence.'

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cecelia laughed in disbelief. "Do you even know who Wendy is? Wendy is—"

Wendy quickly grabbed Cecelia's arm to stop her. "Cecelia, let's go."

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

With that, she led Wendy away.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jessica nodded. "Alright."

And so, Jessica and Benny left with Stanley.

-

Later, outside the bar...

"Mr. Hawk?" a voice called out.

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

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

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

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

Stanley paused. "A junior alumna?"

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

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

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

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

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

"Who is this junior?" she wondered aloud.

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

Stanley nodded. "Alright."

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

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

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

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

The request was pending approval.

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

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

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

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

"Stanley, Jessica, see you later," Benny said.

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

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

"To the office," Stanley answered curtly.

Jessica observed him quietly, love evident in her gaze. She broke the silence with a question. "Stanley, what was that with Wendy earlier? You're not interested in her now that she's grown more beautiful, are you?"

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

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

"Stanley, it wasn't like that. Wendy insisted on marrying you—I had no choice but to let her take my place…"

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

Jessica faltered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But three years ago, when he had been in a car accident and declared a vegetative state, with doctors pronouncing he would never wake again, how could she waste the prime of her youth on a man like that?

So, she had fled.

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

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

Doctors called it a medical miracle.

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

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

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

"Have you slept with Wendy?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stanley looked at Jessica but said nothing.

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

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

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

Stanley, of course, understood her intent.

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

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

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

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

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

Jessica frowned. "So?"

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

Jessica was momentarily stunned.

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

Disappointed, Jessica slid off his lap. She had pride, too—she would only give herself to him if he wanted her.

"When will you divorce Wendy?" she asked.

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

"Soon," Stanley said, his tone detached.

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

She pulled out her phone and opened WhatsApp.

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

She logged into her other WhatsApp account.

As soon as she logged in, her notification chimed repeatedly. The group chat 'One Big Happy Family' was bustling with activity.

Wendy opened it.

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

[Welcome back, Wendy!] Ernest added.

[Big hugs to Wendy!] Samuel chimed in.

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

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

[Not worth it,] Wendy replied.

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

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

[All right, you two, stop teasing her. Let's just say these three years were her trial by fire in the mortal world. Sorry, this is just too funny—I need to laugh it out. Hahaha!] Daryl typed.

Wendy was speechless.

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

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

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

Wendy replied with an 'OK' emoji.

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

Stanley was requesting to add her as a WhatsApp contact.

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

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

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

-

At Hawk Group…

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

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

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

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

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

Upon seeing the response, Stanley froze for a moment. Then, his thin lips curved into a smirk and he let out a soft chuckle.

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

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

This was certainly something out of the ordinary.

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

Stanley scoffed. 'Special indeed.'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zayn nodded. "Yes, sir."

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

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

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

Now, she was back.

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

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

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

-

The next day, Wendy arrived at the naturopathy center.

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

Two young women nearby were chatting.

"What's going on?"

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

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

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

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

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

He carried Jessica in his arms.

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

"Mr. Hawk, this way, please."

Stanley strode forward.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jessica gave Stanley a sweet smile.

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

The scene of the four of them together was harmonious.

Wendy froze at the door. She couldn't believe how small the world was—Samuel had assigned her the heart surgery case, and it turned out to be Jessica.

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

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

Wendy was caught off guard and met his gaze.

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

"I…" Wendy began.

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

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

Harry and Lilian noticed Wendy too.

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

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

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

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

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