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!"

No one welcomed her arrival—they were all trying to push her away.

Wendy found it laughable. Her cold, sharp eyes swept across Lilian, Jessica, and Harry's faces before she yanked her arm out of Stanley's grip.

A faint smile tugged at her lips as she said, "Fine, I'll leave."

'Remember this—it was you who told me to go!'

With that, Wendy turned and walked away.

Soon after, she came back. Tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, she asked, "Mr. Hawk, do you know why I came to the naturopathy center today?"

Stanley's gaze fell on her flawless, porcelain-like face, her soft peach fuzz catching the light, making her beauty even more striking.

Stanley's expression was cold, and it was clear he didn't care. His voice was harsh and distant. "Wendy, this is getting annoying."

Wendy stepped forward with a dazzling smile.

"I'm here to help you find a naturopath." She pulled a small card out of her pocket and handed it to him. "Here, this is for you."

Stanley looked down at the slightly yellowed card, which looked like something someone might slip through a door crack.

The card read, "Traditional Naturopath – Specializing in ED, premature ejaculation, infertility, and helping you rediscover your manhood. Contact: 138XXXX8888."

Stanley's usually stoic face cracked ever so slightly.

Wendy slipped the card into his suit pocket. "Jessica has a problem. Mr. Hawk, don't you as well? You both should really get yourselves checked out."

She turned and walked away without waiting for a response.

Stanley's hand, hanging by his side, clenched into a fist. This woman always managed to push his buttons.

Jessica broke the silence. "Stanley, let it go. Wendy isn't worth our time."

Lilian nodded. "Right. Why isn't Dr. Ceylan here yet?"

Everyone grew tense at the mention of Dr. Ceylan, who was Jessica's last hope.

Stanley glanced at his watch. The appointment time had passed, but Dr. Ceylan hadn't arrived.

Just then, a nurse walked in. "Mr. Hawk."

Jessica, Harry, and Lilian perked up. "Is Dr. Ceylan here?"

The nurse addressed Stanley. "Dr. Ceylan arrived earlier but has already left."

'What?'

Stanley looked down the hallway but didn't see anyone—only Wendy disappearing around a corner.

Stanley frowned. "I didn't see Dr. Ceylan."

The nurse explained, "Dr. Ceylan came, but decided not to stay."

"Why?" Jessica, Harry, and Lilian's expressions changed instantly. "Why would Dr. Ceylan leave without helping Jessica?"

The nurse apologized, "I'm sorry, but Dr. Ceylan refused to treat Miss Jessica."

Jessica's face went pale. Dr. Ceylan wouldn't treat her? Why?

Their earlier hope was doused like a bucket of cold water. Everyone was stunned.

Jessica lost it. "Why won't Dr. Ceylan treat me? Why?"

Harry and Lilian immediately comforted her. "Jessica, don't get upset. We'll figure something out and bring Dr. Ceylan back. You'll be okay!"

Stanley's sharp features hardened. He stared down the empty hallway, his aura radiating danger.

Outside the hospital, someone called out, "Wendy."

Wendy paused and turned around slowly. It was Lilian, who had followed her out.

Lilian approached her. "Wendy, this is for you."

Wendy glanced down—it was a check for 20,000 dollars.

"Wendy, Mr. Hawk doesn't love you. Stop clinging to him and give him back to your sister. Why can't you let her have him? Just divorce him and take this money to start fresh in the countryside," Lilian said.

Wendy found it absurd. If she hadn't secretly done a DNA test on Lilian and Jessica, she might have believed Jessica was Lilian's biological daughter. Yet, that wasn't the case.

Lilian was only Jessica's stepmother. However, Lilian adored Jessica and not Wendy, her actual daughter.

Wendy knew Lilian was obsessed with Harry, which explained her bias.

Wendy's gaze was calm as she looked at Lilian. She smiled faintly. "So, being Mrs. Hawk is only worth this much to you? Or is that all I'm worth in your eyes?"

Lilian froze, then hurriedly said, "Wendy, I'm your mother, and I'm doing this for your good. You don't belong here…"

'Mother?'

The word sounded foreign, and Wendy laughed softly.

"You already sent me to the countryside once, and now you want to do it again. You really are a great mother!"

Wendy didn't look at Lilian again. She stepped into a taxi and left.

Inside, she sat quietly in the back seat. She retrieved a candy from her bag, unwrapped it, and popped it into her mouth.

The cab driver glanced at her through the rearview mirror. She wore a simple dress, exuding an air of elegance and composure that commanded respect. On closer look, her skin was so pale it seemed translucent, and her figure under the dress looked fragile, as if a gust of wind could knock her over.

The driver, who had a daughter around the same age, smiled kindly. "Young lady, you really like sweets, huh?"

Wendy turned her head slightly, the breeze outside blowing her hair across her face. She smiled softly. "Yeah, a little sweetness makes the bitterness easier to bear."

-

Lilian stood frozen, watching Wendy's taxi leave.

Just then, someone approached. "Mrs. Crone."

Lilian turned to see Ted Whalen, the head of the naturopathy center.

Lilian immediately approached him. "Dr. Whalen, you have so many connections. Can you help us get Dr. Ceylan to treat Jessica?"

Dr. Whalen smiled. "Mrs. Crone, I know Dr. Ceylan personally. I can make the introduction."

Lilian's face lit up. "Really? Thank you so much, Dr. Whalen."

Dr. Whalen's gaze shifted to where Wendy had disappeared. A sly smile tugged at his lips. "Mrs. Crone, was that your daughter who came back from the countryside? She's stunning. For a second, I thought I'd seen an angel."

Lilian's expression turned cold, her earlier excitement fading into icy indifference.