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Ruth hardly looked her age. She seemed younger and more elegant than many women in their thirties.
Jameson thought that if she hadn’t been so domineering, maybe he wouldn’t have cheated and gotten mixed up with Natalie.
Ruth’s eyes were warm as she took the medicine to Richard.
Jameson, curious, sneaked after her to see who she was giving it to.
When he realized it was Richard, the man who’d been repeatedly targeting him, he erupted in anger.
‘So that’s why Richard kept messing with me–because of Ruth,‘ he thought.
Just like Madeline, Ruth was having an affair while still married. ‘How dare she shame me like this?‘ he thought.
Ruth didn’t stay long in the ward. After dropping off the medicine and giving some instructions, she stepped out, right into Jameson’s furious stare.
At the sight of him, Ruth’s face fell. Without a word, she slapped him so hard that his nose bled, cutting off whatever he was about to say.
“You’re insane! Why hit me?” he yelled.
Ruth sneered, unbuckling the belt around her waist. “Because you ask for it.”
Jameson flinched at the belt, remembering past beatings. “You’re a maniac. I cheated, but you’re no better–running around with another man!”
She whipped the belt across his back, making him yelp.
Inside the ward, Richard watched with satisfaction. ‘That old scumbag needs a beating. Go ahead, Ruthie. I’ll handle any trouble,’ he thought.
After Jameson fled, Ruth was still fuming, but she had to buy food for Ross. Buckling her belt, she left the hospital for a restaurant across the street.
Jameson was so spooked by the beating that he yelled about divorce, covered his head, and bolted. When he got back, Natalie’s allergic reaction hadn’t improved. She was so swollen that she looked like a balloon about to pop, which was beyond repulsive.
Natalie couldn’t stand her own appearance, her emotions totally unraveled. Those dense red spots terrified her.
“How could she suddenly be allergic?‘ Jameson wondered. She’d never had issues with red wine or steak. She used to eat and drink them all the time.
Thinking about Ruth speaking softly to Richard, Jameson felt a stab of bitterness.
At least he didn’t have to look at her for long. Learning Tim was also in the hospital, Jameson used visiting Danielle as an excuse, grabbed a fruit basket, and headed over.
Tim’s face flickered when he saw Jameson, but he quickly regained his composure. “Mr. Jean, what brings you here?”
“Just came to see Danielle.” Jameson set down the fruit. “Jason’s on his way back. He’ll stop by soon.”
But Danielle wasn’t in the ward.
“Where is she?” Jameson asked.
“Next door,” Tim replied.
Next door? Jameson didn’t pry.
As far as he was concerned, Jason and Danielle’s relationship was a sure thing. No need to hurry.
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About ten minutes later, Asson withved
He didn’t have a helicopten had had come back by car baily, but the long, rough trip had detayeri him.
Jason greeted Tim politely “th. Shally.”
Tim nodded slightly either cold nor warm.
When Jason didn’t see Danielle, he pressed his lips together, looking uneasy.
Jameson prompted. “Tim, who is Daniella visiting next door? Why hasn’t she come back?”
Tim flipped through a book casually. “She has to be willing to come back first.” He added deliberately, “I called her several times, but she wouldn’t listen. Her leg is in a cast, but she keeps sneaking next door. This brat is so frustrating.*
Hearing that, Jameson sensed something was off.
He thought, “Really? He doesn’t look the least bit frustrated. He’s too busy playing Phantom Epoch.
In the adjacent ward, Danielle sat by the bed, her fingers tracing Ross‘ brows and features. The man, who had been deeply asleep, suddenly opened his
eyes.
Their gazes locked.
Danielle casually pulled her hand back. “You’re awake.”
“Yeah.” Ross voice was hoarse. “Had a dream.”
“What about?”
“Dreamt a kitten kept scratching my face.”
Danielle looked away sheepishly, changing the subject. “Thirsty?”
“Yeah.”
She handed him a glass of water she’d prepared, fitted with a straw for easy sipping.
Just then, Jameson peeked in under the pretense of making a call and saw them.
When Ross finished the water, Danielle asked, “More?”
“No, thanks.”
She set the glass down. “Unbutton your shirt. I need to change your dressing.”
“Can’t use my hands. Help me.” It wasn’t a request but a command.
Danielle hesitated, then started unbuttoning. She suddenly remembered how she’d once begged to strip him, asking when he’d let her rip his clothes off
for sex.
Now she was undressing him, but no sex involved.
Jameson was stunned. Danielle was nursing Ross, who’d been seriously injured in Lightspring City saving her.
He’d thought Jason and Danielle’s engagement was certain, but now, he had to meet Tim immediately to cash in their deal.
‘No time to waste. I need to strike while the iron is hot, he thought.
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He spun around and saw Sheimaine and Joshua.
it had been weeks since Jameson last laid eyes on Shermaine, and how she felt like a total stranger, making him oddly uncomfortable.
Sharmaine’s gaze landed on him fat and cold.
Jameson felt an irrational twinge of guilt
As he started to leave, a group of doctors and nurses approached, lighting up at the sight of Shermaine. “Hi, Dr. Jean,” they called warmly.
Jameson’s face shifted. He wondered, ‘Why do these medical staff look at her like she’s a celebrity? Are they asking for her autograph?”
In the ward, Jason voiced the same plan as Jameson. “Mr. Shelly,” he said to Tim, “remember that promise? Time to make good on it.”
Tim set down his phone. “So impatient?”
Jason said, “ladore Dr. Shelly and can’t stand seeing her give other men her attention.” A perfect excuse.
Just then, Jameson walked in. “Tim, for God’s sake, my son saved Danielle. Let them be.”
From the doorway, Shermaine’s cool voice cut through. “Since when was Jason the one who saved Danielle?”
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At the sight of Shermaine, Jameson instantly frowned. Whenever she squared off against him, trouble was sure to follow.
He couldn’t let her wreck the good thing he’d planned for Jason. He’d checked with Jason. The crew they’d hired hadn’t been caught. They’d fled after the earthquake, so no one knew their plan. Shermaine had no leverage there,
Jameson looked pissed but forced himself to hold it in. “What are you doing here?”
“Just came to watch you fix up a nice marriage for your precious son.” Shermaine walked in and took a seat beside Tim
Jameson seethed but didn’t dare show it.
Tim greeted Shermaine warmly. “Sheary, long time no see.” When he came to Basterel, he’d wanted to meet her for a meal, but she was swamped, and he was tied up with business. They’d never found the time.
“Long time no see, Mr. Shelly,” Shermaine replied.
“When was our last meetup?” Tim asked.
Shermaine had a steel trap memory. “Two years back at Sterling University,”
Tim snapped his fingers. “Right. You were teaching a master’s class. I tagged along with Danielle. Even then I thought you were a Wallington pride, becoming a prodigy professor at Sterling so young.”
Shermaine smiled. Being a Sterling professor was just one gig. She had appointments at other top schools too. “You flatter me, Mr. Shelly. Just standard
stuff”
Tim boomed with laughter.
From anyone else, that might sound cocky. But from Shermaine, it felt totally natural. Like she said, just standard stuff.
Their chitchat left Jameson and Jason gaping.
“What the hell is Tim talking about? Shermaine, a Sterling University professor? That couldn’t be. How old is she anyway?‘ Jameson and Jason wondered.
Jameson had assumed Shermaine’d only gotten close to Danielle and even celebrities like Trance abroad by using her looks and schemes. But the reality was the exact opposite.
Shermaine wasn’t just a tech world legend. She was also a professor a top foreign university. How many people her age could claim that?
In Jameson’s 50–plus years, he’d never seen anyone else’s daughter this brilliant. Even his pride and joy, Jason, looked ordinary next to her.
Jameson had to admit that Shermaine was amazing–more than he could have imagined. But none of that mattered to him now.
By now, Jameson felt a flicker of regret, though he’d been lying to himself all along. ‘It’s okay,‘ he kept reassuring himself.
‘No matter how talented she is, she isn’t a man. That thought comforted him.
Tim steered the conversation back on track. “Sheary, when you said earlier that Jason wasn’t Danielle’s savior…”
“Exactly. Danielle’s real hero is my brother Ross.” Shermaine replied calmly with a smile.
Jameson snapped back, “Shermaine, even if you’re defending Ross, you can’t spout bullshit. Jason saved Danielle, clear and simple. How can you let
Ross‘ steal his credit?
“You’re being completely irrational, Shermaine.”
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But if anyone was spouting nonsense, Jameson took the prize.
AD
Chapter 323
Jason knew Jameson would have his back, so he stayed silent.
But any trace of hope was gone. He’d sensed danger the moment Shermaine walked in.
Jameson was cunning, trying to paint Shermaine as someone abusing Joshua’s protection. But no one there was dumb enough to buy that.
Besides, Tim had learned from Joshua last night about Jameson’s schemes. A marriage alliance was fine, but he’d never let Danielle marry Jason.
Shermaine crossed her legs, with a lazy smile on her lips but cold, piercing eyes. “Mr. Jean, do you really think you can pull the wool over everyone’s eyes?”
“At your age, that’s not naivety. It’s stupidity,” she added, her voice dripping with disdain.
Jameson had never been talked to like that. ‘How dare she point a finger and curse at me? This is unthinkable, he thought.
“What have I done to deserve these lies? You’re not just slandering your father. You’re insulting me. How did I end up with such an ungrateful daughter?”
In reply, Shermaine tossed a stack of photos at his feet. As they fanned out, Jameson’s face turned ashen.
Then, without warning, the ward’s screen–previously off–flashed on, playing a video of Jameson’s assistant bribing kidnappers. With the kidnappers already confessing, he had no leg to stand on.
Evidence? Shermaine always had it. Even if Jason deleted everything, she could recover it.
She said, “First you planned Danielle’s kidnapping so Jason could play hero, then you tried to have Ross killed. Now the proof is staring you in the face. What’s your excuse?”
Planning a kidnapping was still a crime.
As for offing Ross, Jameson had only wanted to maim him, not kill him.
‘But these guys went after Ross? How the hell did that happen?‘ he wondered.
Jameson’s face turned deathly pale. With Tim watching, he blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “Shermaine, this is a setup. I never did any of this. Your evidence is fake.”
How could he admit it? Confessing would kill Jason’s chances with the Shelly family and Danielle.
Jameson turned to Tim. “Tim, you’ve got to believe me. I had nothing to do with this. Shermaine’s jealous of Jason, so she’s trying to frame us.”
Tim let out a scornful snort, dropping all pretense of politeness. He’d been waiting for Shermaine to expose their lies, and now he felt downright satisfied, especially when she called Jameson an idiot. Tim couldn’t agree more.
‘Jameson’s a fool. Why throw away his good wife and kids? What else could he be?‘ Tim thought.
Tim had zero respect for Jason. The guy was rotten to the core, and his shady schemes were bound to blow up in his face.
Next to Ross, he didn’t stand a chance. If Jason took over Jean Group, it might as well belong to a stranger. Since the Jean family disowned him, he might
as well be one.
Tim snapped, “Shut your mouth. Do you think I don’t know about you? The cops will figure out who’s lying.”
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Chapter 324
‘What? Tim called the cops?‘ Jameson gasped, his face turning ashen.
“If you’re behind this, you can’t escape. I won’t let you or your accomplices off the hook. Tim adored his only daughter, and Jameson had violated his biggest taboo by targeting Danielle.
The police had been lying in wait. Moments later, they appeared at the door and stepped inside, addressing Jameson and Jason. “Please come with us to the station for questioning.”
Jameson still tried to shield Jason. “My son has nothing to do with this. Question me instead.” He wasn’t about to go quietly. Once at the station, he’d call his lawyer and deny everything. How could they prove anything?
Danielle hadn’t been seriously harmed, and he hadn’t ordered the hit on Ross. Only one person could have used his account to contact those guys- Natalie.
Natalie had tried to kill Ross behind his back. Jameson seethed. ‘How could she be so vicious, dragging me into this mess?‘
“Our investigation shows Jason wasn’t uninvolved in the kidnapping. Save your excuses. If you’re innocent, we’ll clear you,” the police stated.
Jason clenched his jaw, glaring at Shermaine with murderous rage. He wanted to strangle her. She was the reason he’d never get ahead.
After they left with the police, Shermaine felt a flicker of vindication for Ross, but it was far from satisfying.
This was just the first strike–barely a scratch. Next, she’d make them suffer.
She’d expected them to hold their nerves for a few days, but they’d rushed to Tim the second Jason returned, trying to snatch Danielle away.
‘Danielle belongs to Ross. Jason doesn’t deserve a second glance.’ That was what Shermaine had thought the first time she met Jason.
While the drama raged elsewhere, Ross‘ room was downright cozy, filled with a romantic buzz.
Danielle was unbuttoning his hospital gown, her hands trembling slightly.
Noticing, Ross smiled warmly, “Dr. Shelly, are you nervous?”
Danielle’s ears flushed. “You’re seeing things,” she huffed.
Looking at the delicate beauty before him, Ross figured she was shy. He teased, “Danielle, you weren’t like this before.”
She had no idea why she was jittery. Normally, she’d yank his clothes off without a second thought–eager to help.
Now she felt ridiculously timid. ‘It’s just taking off a shirt, for god’s sake, she thought.
Annoyed, she shot back, “Well, you weren’t like this before either.” With a sharp tug, several buttons popped off, exposing the bandage around his abdomen.
The gauze was stained red at the wound site. Even wrapped in bandages, his toned build was obvious.
Ross dropped his gaze. “That’s why I regret it.”
But Danielle wasn’t in the mood for sweet talk. Eyeing the injury, she said, “Less chit–chat. Stay put.”
He fell silent obediently.
As she unwrapped the gauze and applied new ointment, she saw his furrowed brow. “Does it sting?”
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“A little.”
She leaned down and blew softly on the wound, like calming a kid. “Almost done. Hang tight.”
Ross could take the pain, but her breath sent a tingle through him, making him smile softly.
Just then, Roy and Henry peeked in and saw the scene. Instantly green with envy, they thought, ‘First we had to swallow Joshua’s couple crap, and now we’ll be stuck with Ross and Danielle’s lovey–dovey bullshit too.‘
Once Danielle finished changing Ross‘ bandages and wrapping new gauze around his wound, Ruth came back with food. She found the others loitering outside. “What are you waiting for?”
“The air’s way too sweet in there. Our teeth can’t handle it,” Roy quipped.
Ruth snorted, catching the sarcasm. “You’ll survive. Let’s go in.”
They walked inside.
The moment Ross saw Henry smirking, his expression turned icy. He clearly saw Henry as a competitor.
He hadn’t forgotten how his grandmother set Henry up with Danielle, and how Henry never said no.
In the next room, Joshua had been quietly peeling an orange, feeding segments straight to Shermaine without eating any himself.
“I’m good,” Shermaine said.
“You talked so much earlier. Have some to wet your whistle,” Joshua said.
When Shermaine tried to protest, Joshua’s insistent look made her give in.
The fruit was sweet and juicy.
Joshua couldn’t seem to stop feeding her. “Hungry for a late–night snack?”
“Could go for something.”
“I’ll whip something up when we get home.”
“Sure.”
Before long, the whole orange was gone.
Tim cleared his throat pointedly, thinking, ‘These two lovebirds are so smitten. They’ll probably have kids next.‘
Meanwhile in the dermatology ward, Natalie nearly ripped out her IV when she heard Jason and Jameson hauled to the station. Panicked and seething,
she stormed over.
Jameson can sink or swim, but my son is off–limits,‘ she thought.
Just as Shermaine and Joshua headed toward Ross‘ room, Natalie appeared, with a mask hiding her blotchy, allergic face. “Shermaine, leave Jason alone. Touch him and I’ll ruin you!”
Shermaine gave her a disapproving look. “You’re all talk”
Furious, Natalie lunged, but Joshua blocked her easily, shoving her back. He said indifferently with a cold face, “Do you think I’ll just stand by and
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watch?”
No one laid a hand on Shermaine. Well, except in the bedroom.
མི་སྣ་་ནང་་་ར་
At the sight of Joshua, Natalie’s sanity snapped back into place, though fear still gripped her. “Shermaine, don’t think having a bodyguard makes you invincible. Remember my words. Cross me and I’ll drag you down with me, even
if
we both sink.”
“Pathetic,” Shermaine said coolly.
Natalie’s chest tightened with frustration.
Shermaine locked eyes with her, enunciating each syllable. “You and Jason,
Natalie longed to lunge and claw that mocking face, but terror held her back. Plus, her skin itched unbearably, driving her to flee.
neither
Of
fyou is escaping.”
slimy things squirmed under the skin like bugs, She bolted to the restroom, tore off her mask, and stared into the mirror. Half her face looked rotted as revolting bugs. Gradually they multiplied, crawling over every inch. With a scream, her eyes rolled back and she crumpled.
When Jason heard his mother had collapsed in the hospital, he knew her allergic reaction was no accident. Someone had spiked her food. His expression
my darkening, he grabbed a cop’s arm. “I’m reporting attempted murder. Someone tried to kill
mother.”
Chapter 325
The cop was thrown for a loop by Jason’s move. He was still a suspect himself, not cleared of charges, and now he wanted to press charges against
someone else?
The officer scowled. “Who are you reporting?”
“Shermaine,” Jason replied.
The cop thought, ‘Talk about bold. “Why accuse her?”
“I think Shermaine spiked my mom’s beef and wine this afternoon. That’s why she’s in the hospital in bad shape,” Jason said.
“Think? So you have no proof, just a wild guess.”
Jason’s expression turned grim. “Just do your job and check.”
The officer didn’t feel like humoring him, but professional duty won out. ‘If the investigation turns up nothing, he will be hit with false reporting and defamation,‘ he thought.
First, he verified Natalie’s condition–severe allergic reaction with hallucinations of bugs, now sedated and unconscious in the hospital.
But the probe came up empty. La Terraza Winery insisted their food hadn’t been tampered with from prep to table, and the hospital confirmed the allergy wasn’t triggered by food.
רש
With the hospital’s findings, the cop had no reason to keep investigating. He returned to give Jason the news.
“That can’t be right.” Jason exploded. “Shermaine had to be behind this.”
The cop maintained a stern expression. “This is the official conclusion.”
O
“Useless,” Jason spat, his face darkening. “My mom was attacked, and you can’t find squat. Maybe you’re on her payroll too.”
The officer wasn’t riled–just certain Jason was headed for a cell. False reporting was one thing, but insulting a cop’s honor? That was crossing the line.
So that night, the lawyer failed to get Jason or Jameson released. Both ended up in the police station.
Jameson’s testimony that night completely cleared Jason and Natalie, manning up to take all the blame for the crimes. He was staring down prison time but wasn’t too worried. After all, years in Basterel had given him connections to weasel out of trouble.
ཌ་ཞ་འཚོ་ཚན་ཆེ་ཕོ་ཆ
Besides, blood was blood. He couldn’t believe Ross and Shermaine would be that heartless. He’d call Janice tomorrow. His mother wouldn’t let
Shermaine put him behind bars.
But Jason had blown it, running his mouth and ending up in the police station. ‘The kid has no sense–nothing like Shermaine,‘ Jameson thought.
Looking at Jason now, Jameson felt nothing but irritation.
Still, he’d coddled the boy his whole life. “Jason, rein it in next time.”
Gone was the dutiful son. Jason was all snarls. “What’d I do wrong? Shermaine did this to Mom. The cops are useless. They found nothing. What else are they but losers?”
Jameson might be an idiot when it came to family, but he saw straight there. “Shermaine outsmarted the cops. If you had half her brains, would we be sitting here?
“Instead of reflecting on yourself, you let your temper take over. I’m seriously disappointed.”
The second Jameson thought Jason couldn’t hold a candle to Shermaine, he’d already lost completely.
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Jason went cold all over at Jameson’s words. His father was clearly impressed by Shermaine now, even implying she outclassed him.
Panic surged through him. He dropped his gaze. “Sorry, Dad. I messed up. I just wanted to protect Mom.”
Jameson patted his shoulder, but his touch held no warmth. “Jason, when you targeted Ross, you should’ve known Shermaine wouldn’t let it slide. Your mom brought this on herself.”
Jason had no comeback.
A scowl twisted Jameson’s face. “Natalie’s gone too far–pulling strings against Ross behind my back, using my name like it’s hers.”
Jason stared, stunned. He’d expected Jameson to forgive his mother’s actions out of love, but the opposite happened.
The next morning. Jameson’s lawyer showed up at Jean Villa, asking Janice to visit the police station.
News of the mess had spread through the family. Andrew tried pleading Jameson’s case, but Brandon stayed mum.
Janice took a sip of coffee. “He only remembers I’m his mother when he’s in trouble. Did he listen when I told him to ditch that mistress?”
The lawyer kept it businesslike. “Mrs. Jean, I’m sure Mr. Jameson Jean realizes his mistake.”
“Too little, too late.” Janice slammed her cup down. “I haven’t disowned him out of old sentiment, but he’s acting like a fool. He deserves every bit of
this.
“Tell him I won’t lift a finger. He can forget about my help.”
Back at the station, the lawyer repeated Janice’s words verbatim. Jameson felt a pang of disbelief. Once a mother’s trust was broken, she didn’t meddle. He bitterly regretted parading his relationship with Natalie.
If only he’d been more discreet, with Janice’s support, he could’ve avoided this mess.
Ross was still in the hospital, and during his stay, Shermaine had persuaded him to hand over authority. So she was still serving as acting CEO of Jean Group.
The first thing Shermaine did when she got to the office was start reviewing the company’s financial records. No one knew how much of the ten billion dollars Jameson had spent came from corporate accounts.
If any of it turned out to be company money, he’d definitely lose his position.
In the meantime, Ruth had moved out.
She’d signed the new divorce agreement and sent it to Jameson. Once he was released from the police station, the divorce would definitely go through.
When Jameson saw the agreement, he thought about how kind Ruth had been to Richard and felt a sharp ache. Holding the pen, he kept putting off signing.
“Mr. Jean, please sign as soon as possible. Don’t waste my time,” said Ruth’s divorce lawyer.
The new agreement stated that Ruth wasn’t asking for any money. She was leaving with nothing.
Jameson had no choice but to sign.
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If anyone was over the moon about Ruth’s divorce, it was Richard.
The day she moved out, he even showed up to lend a hand.
After unloading the last box, Ruth realized the place still needed some furniture, so she headed to the furniture store downstairs.
Richard tagged along like a loyal puppy.
A lovey–dovey couple ahead was too wrapped up in each other to watch where they were going. As they nearly crashed into Ruth, Richard pulled her close to his side.
Still not used to his touch, Ruth snapped, “Richard, what’s the big idea?”
He looked hurt. “Ruthie, I just didn’t want them to knock you over.”
Feeling bad for overreacting, she said, “Sorry.” Now single for real, she had no reason to hold back, but old habits were hard to break.
Besides, Richard had always been too respectful. When she said she wasn’t comfortable, he never crossed the line.
The man was a genuine sweetheart.
“Okay, Ruthie, I get it,” he said.
After picking out furniture, she stopped by the next–door supermarket to buy groceries, planning to make lunch and prepare nutritious meals for Ross.
She invited Richard to stay.
He was thrilled, still trailing her like a shadow.
At Jean Group, Shermaine’s return had certain executives on Jameson’s payroll on edge.
In just two days, she’d fired several top brass.
To add to the tension, Joshua showed up daily for lunch and never missed her quitting time, making it clear how much he adored her.
Executives unhappy with her authority kept mum. One wrong word to Joshua could mean trouble.
Joshua’s business style was cutthroat. Take Black River Company as an example. It was practically bankrupt, but the Wright family was still hanging on, too proud to file for bankruptcy.
Shermaine wasn’t just poring over company accounts. She was investigating Jameson’s personal finances, too. Her days of hard work finally paid off. She’d tracked down where most of that ten billion dollars had originated, along with years of expenses where he’d embezzled from corporate funds.
Joshua stopped by for lunch, but Shermaine, buried in work, could easily tune out even his presence–just like when she got lost in her numbers.
Seeing it was well past noon and she showed no signs of stopping, Joshua walked over and lifted her right out of her office chair.
Shermaine jolted. “Joshua, what’s going on?”
“Time to eat,” Joshua said.
“I’m not hungry.”
“Lunchtime’s here.” He carried her to the sofa, tilted her face up, and nipped her lower lip. “Sheary, don’t overdo it.”
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“I’m good,” she said bluntly
Thank goodness she was only a major shareholder in Oliger Company which she and Lily owned. If she had to run it, she’d he busier than him
“Let me finish these files first,” she said, trying to head back to her desk.
But Joshua pressed her against the sofa. “Still not hungry?”
“Nope.”
He didn’t reply, just deepened the kiss, his hands wandering to stoke the heat.
She wore a white silk blouse today to play the CEO role, paired with a black pencil skirt, her blazer hanging on the chair.
Seconds later, two blouse buttons were undone as he kissed her collarbone. “One last time, hungry now?”
Her lips were flushed and glossy, like ripe cherries. She arched an eyebrow. “Not in the slightest.”
Joshua laughed, nipping at her ear. “Sheary, you’re not being good at all.”
“When have I ever been good?”
“You were on my birthday.” Joshua brought up that night–how obedient Shermaine had been, letting him do whatever he wanted without protest.
The thought got his blood boiling, making him want to pin her down and have an intimate moment with her right there and then.
Shermaine looked him straight in the eye, yanking his tie. “Joshua, behave. Let me finish this document first.” She added, “Five minutes.”
Joshua had no choice but to give in, pecking her lips. “Ms. Jean, you need to keep your word. I’ll be timing you.”
As she pushed him away and sat up, her collar hung open, making Joshua’s Adam’s apple bob. His gaze grew hot.
Shermaine sensed his intention. “Don’t even think about it.”
“Oh, I am thinking.”
She stood and went back to her desk, resuming work.
Joshua sat on the sofa, tugging at his tie. The more he tried to suppress his thoughts, the stronger they became.
Shermaine in her business suit was just as irresistible as she’d been in that bunny costume on his birthday.
Exactly five minutes later, Shermaine kept her promise, joining Joshua in the company cafeteria.
Jean Group’s chef really knew how to cook.
When the two showed up, employees having lunch were stunned. Maybe because of the imposing presence of the two big shots, everyone felt restless while eating.
Jameson had just been bailed out of the police station. Without time to rest, he received a call from the company saying Shermaine was holding another shareholder meeting.
‘What’s Shermaine up to now, holding another shareholder meeting?‘ he wondered.
All in all, a very bad feeling welled up in his heart.
Without much time to take care of himself, Jameson went straight to the company.
Jason, who held shares, naturally went with him.
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After spending a few days in the police station, Paling and sleeping benity, he no longer forked high spirited at at
ben Jameson suived Sharmaine in her pan en radiated with authority that
howlng He snapped. “Sharmaine, what’s the print of calling this chareholder meeting
“You see in a minute,” she replied.
Jameson took his seat, determined to find but her game.
stready sired contrat
As shareholders trickled in, the meeting quickly turned to its main agenda, and Jameson realized it was called to oust him as chairman. His face paled
with shock as he stared at his daughter.
“All in favor of removing Jameson as chairman, please raise your hand,” she said, presenting evidence of his embezzlement.
To his horror, eight out of ten shareholders voted yes. Embezzling corporate funds was a grave offense, especially given the large amount involved. And even his majority shares couldn’t save him now.
He had to repay every cent or face a lawsuit from the company.
With overwhelming support for his removal, Shermaine didn’t bother counting. “Jameson, you’re no longer chairman of Jean Group. Repay the
misappropriated funds within three days.”
Jameson’s eyes reddened, his face twisting in fury. “Shermaine, do you want to destroy me?”
Shermaine’s voice was flat. “Aren’t these consequences of your own actions?”
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Shermaine’s words landed like a barrage of daggers in Jameson’s chest, piercing him with excruciating pain. He was consumed by misery.
How is this my own doing?‘ he thought.
He refused to accept it. He thought, ‘Why should my current choices be labeled self–inflicted? I
didn’t misjudge people.
‘How many
men could stand having a wife more successful than themselves?”
‘If Shermaine and Ross had been half as dutiful and compliant as Jason, would I have ignored them? Would I have treated them like strangers? How is this all my fault?‘
But Jameson overlooked a crucial fact–relationships were two–way. How could he demand from others what he himself hadn’t given?
Overcome with rage, he lunged to strike Shermaine, only to be blocked before reaching her.
This wasn’t the first time Jameson realized how daunting it was to cross his powerhouse daughter. He was no match for her.
After the meeting, Shermaine swept out in triumph. By the time Ross recovered and returned, she’d have purged most of the corrupt figures from the
company.
Jameson stayed in the conference room, utterly overwhelmed.
He’d embezzled five billion dollars. Failing to repay it would mean another lawsuit. Problems kept piling up.
‘Why did Shermaine come back after all those years? Things would’ve been better if she’d never returned,‘ he thought.
As this thought hit him, a wave of powerlessness washed over him, followed by dizziness. A warm trickle ran from his nose. When he touched it, his hand came away bloody.
He brushed it off as leftover effects from poor food and sleep in the police station.
With Jameson removed as chairman, Jason would never enter Jean Group’s inner circle. The shares he held were now worthless.
The two left the building in utter disgrace.
“Dad, I’m heading to the hospital to see Mom. You coming?” Jason asked as they left Jean Group.
“Go on your own. I’m not in the mood,” Jameson snapped, striding off.
At Yaleview Hospital, Natalie’s condition had stabilized, but the areas where the allergic reaction had flared now bore dark, stubborn scars.
Holding a hand mirror, she saw the blotchy marks–like permanent black birthmarks–and flew into a rage, smashing the mirror against the wall.
She thought, ‘How could I keep Jameson hooked looking like this? Even if I use that aphrodisiac perfume to stoke his desire, will he still find me
attractive?‘
Spotting Jason, she demanded, “What’s the update? Did you fix this mess?”
Jason hesitated before confessing, “Mom, Dad got removed as chairman. Shermaine did it.”
“What?” Natalie gasped, stunned. “That bitch had the right to do so?”
“Some of the ten billion dollars Dad gave you came from embezzled company funds. Shermaine found the evidence,” Jason explained.
Natalie’s face paled. Years of scheming had gone up in smoke. “Your dad’s a pathetic fool. Letting a nobody like Shermaine take him down. He couldn’t even marry me, and now he has lost everything.”
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Jameson, who’d initially decided not to visit, had a change of heart. Fueled by guilt and lingering attraction, he turned back, only to overhear Natalie. trashing him as a failure.
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Jameson stopped dead in his tracks at the door.
‘Is this really the same woman I know–soft–spoken, who once treated me like her entire world? How quickly Natalie revealed her ugly side now that I’m down on my luck,‘ he thought.
“Mom. cut Dad some slack,” Jason pleaded.
“What’s the harm in telling the truth? He’s a failure. If he weren’t, would I still be stuck in the shadows? Would you still get called a bastard?” Natalie retorted.
Jason wasn’t as resentful as his mother. He knew firsthand how well Jameson had treated him–light–years better than Shermaine or Ross.
As siblings, he already felt he’d come out on top.
Jameson stood stunned as if trapped in an unreal dream. Overwhelmed, he turned and walked away without entering.
For all her complaining, Natalie had no plans to leave Jameson. Looking like this, she doubted she could attract another man. Best to play it safe and wait.
Jason only blamed himself, hated that he wasn’t as powerful as Shermaine, and hated his repeated losses that had led him and his parents there.
He thought, ‘Why couldn’t Shermaine just die? And Ross–why didn’t he die in Lightspring City? How is he alive, and worse, how did he steal Dr. Shelly, the woman I want?‘
Like father, like son. He never once took responsibility for his own failures.
In the adjacent ward, Ross, with his extraordinary healing, was already on his feet within days, despite nurses warning that his stitches were still fragile and too much movement could reopen the wound.
Danielle had a huge circle of friends. After returning injured from Lightspring City, she had so many daily visitors that Ross barely got a moment alone with her.
As yellow leaves blew in on the crisp wind, Ross tossed aside his blankets, stood up, and headed straight to the next room.
At that moment, Danielle was hosting a friend who’d traveled far to visit her. Being from old–money families, they’d known each other since childhood, so the sight of them sitting together chatting was warmly intimate.
The man,
Conan Yaeger, was two years Danielle’s senior. As a pianist, he had an artistic air–refined, upbeat, and as agreeable as a spring day.
His face practically radiated kindness.
Standing outside, Ross watched Danielle take a peeled apple from Conan. She took a bite and said casually, “Thanks.”
“Since when do we need to be polite?” Conan grinned.
“Fair point.”
They’d been friends since toddlerhood. If neither had seen the other romantically, their families would’ve pushed for a relationship ages ago.
Outside the door, Ross‘ expression darkened. The primal possessiveness of a man for someone he liked was rising, making him feel as sour as biting into
a lemon.
“Mr. Jean, how many times have I told you not to keep getting up?” the nurse chided, spotting him by the neighboring ward. “You could rip your
stitches.”
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Inside, Danielle turned at the voice and saw Ross standing outside, wearing a clear scowl.
She took another bite of the apple. When she noticed Ross‘ eyes landing on Conan beside her, she smiled.
If I’m right, is Ross jealous of Conan?‘ she thought.
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“Mr. Jean, I must insist you return to your ward and rest immediately,” the nurse warned, playing her final card. “Or I’ll have to call Dr. Jean
Ross dropped his eyes, saying nothing as he turned and retreated to the adjacent room,
Inside, Conan noticed Danielle’s simile and asked curiously, “Is that the guy you like?”
“Yep,” she answered.
“You’ve always had a type,” he chuckled. It was uncanny–somehow there really was a man who seemed designed to her specifications, captivating her at every turn.
Danielle’s smile stayed put. “No, it’s just Ross now. I’d like him no matter what.” She’d spent days coming to terms with her growing feelings, but after so many rejections, she was waiting for him to make a move.
At nine that night, Conan finally left. With a cast on her leg, Danielle couldn’t walk him downstairs, only seeing him to the ward door
The moment Conan was gone, Danielle debated checking on Ross. Before she decided, her phone pinged with a message: [Come here.]
She tucked her phone away, grabbed her crutches, and headed to his room.
Ross was propped up in bed, a book on the nearby nightstand. When she sat down in front of him, he couldn’t hold back. “Who is he?”
“Childhood friend,” Danielle replied, her serene smile turning sly. “My dad loves him. He’s been trying to set us up.”
Though Ross had saved her life, Tim still disliked him because of his past rumors.
Ross frowned, pressing his lips into a tight line.
Danielle rarely saw him like this. Unable to resist, she shuffled closer, fiddling with the buttons on his collar to flirt with him. Unlike the shyness of days
before, she was a different person now.
“Ross, are you jealous?” she murmured, her fingers brushing his Adam’s apple as she toyed with his buttons. The softness in her voice made his chest tighten.
Ross didn’t flinch. He caught her hand and said flatly, “Yes. I am.”
“What’s there to do? You’re not my boyfriend, so you can’t be jealous.”
Ross felt a sharp pang. He wanted that title. “Danielle, let me be your boyfriend. Okay?” His warm voice dropped to a husky murmur as if luring her into a
trance.
Danielle nearly nodded yes but caught herself just in time. Inside, she was ecstatic.
Ross had finally made a move.
“Next time I want to kiss you, will you still push me away?” she asked.
Ross shook his head. The rejections before? He’d only held back because she tempted him too much. “Danielle, I’d love it if you kissed me.”
She pressed on. “If I want you, will you give yourself to me?”
“Once I heal, whatever you want is yours.”
‘Fair enough,’ Danielle thought.
She blushed but recovered quickly.
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She’d always been flirty with Ross. Earlier shyness was just because her feelings had grown too strong, leaving her tongus fier
“Stay put,” she smiled. “I’m kissing you.”
“Go ahead.”
Danielle leaned in, pressing her lips to his. The kiss was messy, but Ross wasn’t a saint. And Danielle’s boldness? It drove him wild.
When she pulled back, satisfied, she licked her lips.
Ross, ready to kiss her back, was left dazed–overheated, itching to drag her into his arms and keep kissing until he’d had his fill.
“Danielle,” he breathed, gripping her hand–clear intent to keep going.
She pecked the corner of his mouth, half–teasing, “Don’t move. We can’t risk your stitches.”
Ross thought, ‘She’s cruel–stirring me up and then leaving me hanging.
The company gave Jameson just three days to repay the embezzled funds. He had no choice but to sell off part of his shares, several properties, cars, and valuable collectibles, barely scraping together five billion dollars to cover the shortfall.
Now, aside from his unsold shares, his net worth
tanked, with liquid assets of less than 300 thousand dollars.
Still, he faced pending lawsuits from Tim and Ross. In just over a week, he looked a decade older.
Even though Natalie called him a failure behind his back, she was still his woman and the mother of his son. He couldn’t lose Ruth and then Natalie too. That would be a total disaster.
But after the allergic reaction, Natalie’s dark scars wouldn’t fade, and her temper grew increasingly volatile. She often lashed out at him, and now, simply because she didn’t get the food she wanted, she started hitting and cursing him.
Jameson had never tolerated such abuse from anyone except Ruth. He snapped, “Natalie, are you done yet?” His face turned icy as he slapped her back.
“How dare you hit me?” Natalie roared.
“Stop throwing baseless tantrums.”
“Don’t you realize I’m the one keeping this family afloat now? With those measly shares, do you really think you can bounce back?” Natalie yelled..
Jameson grabbed her hair and snarled, “That money came from me in the first place. How dare you talk back using my own cash? Who do you think you are? Look at yourself. If you keep this up, don’t blame me for getting rough.”
When Jason came home to the chaotic scene of shouting and destruction, he couldn’t stand it and stormed out again.
Thanksgiving arrived quickly–a time meant for family reunions.
Jameson tried to return to Jean Villa, but Janice turned him away, saying she’d never let him set foot inside unless he cut all ties with Natalie.
After weighing his options, he still couldn’t bring himself to abandon Natalie and Jason. They’d spent so many years together. Even with their relationship in shambles, his feelings for them lingered.
Then he received a document out of the blue–records of Natalie’s gender reassignment surgery at 18 in Moranta. The truth hit him like a punch. The woman he’d left his family for was transgender.
Instantly, nausea flooded his body.
Jameson felt a rush of heat to his head, his vision swam, and he
collapsed at home.
When Ruth learned Jameson had seen the files about Natalie’s surgery, the bitterness in her heart finally lifted.
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Richard thought Jameson got exactly what he deserved -no sympathy needed. After confirming that even if Ruth regained her memory, and held ver affection for Jameson, he finally relaxed.
At York Residence, Joshua was helping Shermaine pack. She was departing for Ustrana at dawn to attend a math conference. He wanted to join her, but work obligations kept him rooted.
Right now, Shermaine had just wrapped up a video conference in the study. After debriefing her team, she started to head to her room for a shower, only to have Joshua enter before she could stand. He scooped her into his arms and set her on the desk.
Resting his forehead against hers, he whispered a question in her ear.
AD
“Absolutely not,” Shermaine said sternly.
Wearing a bunny costume last time was her breaking point. Now Joshua wanted to have sex in such a formal setting? He was crossing boundaries more and more, constantly reshaping her perception of him.
Joshua took his time, kissing her palms and earlobes with deliberate patience. His voice was velvety soft. “Baby, just this once.”
Shermaine held her ground. Men shouldn’t be coddled. Her indulgence of Joshua was exactly why he kept making such outrageous requests.
His eyes were deep and alluring, crinkling with a smile that seemed to trap her in a starry night. Gazing into them, she felt utterly ensnared.
The intensity of his stare made her flush. She covered his eyes, but it didn’t faze him. His words still sent her pulse racing. “You leave for Ustrana in the morning for a week. I’ll miss you like crazy.”
Worn down by his persistence, she caved finally. “Fine, but make it snappy.”
She always lost her resolve with Joshua. No use overthinking. She wasn’t about to self–criticize.
Chuckling at his success, Joshua guided her hand from his face. “Sheary, you know me,” he murmured, leaning in to kiss her. “Speed isn’t my forte.”
Shermaine thought, ‘He’s once reserved, now bold.‘ She traced his jaw. “Forty minutes max.”
“Deal,” he smiled, lowering his head to claim her lips. His arm wrapped around her waist as he began what spring does to cherry trees.
The desk’s height was perfect–Shermaine seated on its edge, Joshua bending to kiss her. The scene was a poetic tableau, too entrancing to look away.
Outside, the full moon, flustered by the intimate shadows within, hid bashfully behind the clouds.
It was Thanksgiving Day.
Shermaine thought with a rueful smile, ‘Once you start, it’s never just a one–time thing.‘
They’d had sex in the study, then again in the shower.
A
Joshua had boundless energy. When she finally emerged, hair dripping, she sank into a chair in a cream nightgown. Joshua, in nothing but pajama pants, took a hairdryer and started drying her hair.
Joshua said, “Grandpa made you cookies this afternoon. Want to try them?” Shermaine had been too busy since she got back to eat.
“Let’s open a bottle of red wine, too,” she said.
“Got it.”
After drying her hair, Joshua went to grab the wine and cookies. The second–floor balcony had a hanging chair.
He poured the wine, sat beside her, and they clinked glasses.
From their spot, the bright full moon shone clear. A cool autumn breeze blew, and Joshua draped a blanket over her. “Don’t get cold.”
Shermaine shuffled closer. “Don’t just cover me. Let’s share it.”
Soon enough, she was sitting on his lap, wrapped together in the soft wool blanket. They ate cookies, sipped wine, and watched the moon. Shermaine was nestled in his arms, her eyes growing heavy, and she fell asleep.
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Joshua’s gaze was filled with adoration as he kissed her forehead gently, then carried her inside.
Elsewhere, the shattered Jameson woke in the hospital. He still couldn’t digest the truth. Nausea roiled in his stomach. He thought, ‘How could Matalie be transgender? It has to be a fake document Janice created to split us up. It must be.‘
AD
As Jameson dwelled on this, the doctor suddenly stepped in. “You’re awake, Mr. Jean.”
Jameson barely spared the doctor a thought at first.
But then came the bombshell. “Mr. Jean, your health is in decline. Your heart and kidneys won’t last more than a few years.”
“Wait, my heart?‘ Jameson thought. ‘What the hell is wrong with my heart?‘
His face went ashen. “How can my heart and kidneys be failing?” He had annual checkups. Every report said he was in good shape. How could this happen overnight?
“It’s tied to your long–term use of a rare narcotic,” the doctor said.
Narcotic? He’d never touched drugs in his life.
Jameson grew frantic. “I don’t do drugs. Are you sure you got the wrong guy, doctor?”
“Positive. This drug triggers an intense sexual addiction to a specific person, along with severe dependency.
“Is there someone in your life with a unique, intoxicating scent? Someone who gives you something to eat before being intimate?”
Jameson’s mind snapped to Natalie. He couldn’t remember when it started, but she’d made him chew a piece of gum before every kiss, claiming she was germophobic and hated the smell of smoke or liquor.
He’d never questioned it. He smoked and drank, so he figured she was just picky. He always chewed the gum.
No wonder he was never bored with Natalie. Every encounter left him electrified. The strange fragrance on her skin always sent his pulse racing. So that was why he couldn’t get enough of her–she’d been drugging him all along.
In an instant, Jameson felt a murderous urge toward Natalie. The woman had resorted to every sleazy trick to stay in his life.
He’d actually wanted to make her his legitimate wife, and she’d drugged him. If he died, she and Jason would inherit his estate.
‘My medical reports must have been tampered with. How else could annual checkups have missed this?‘ he thought.
Thinking of Jason–was he even his son? If Natalie was transgender, she might not have a functional reproductive system. That would mean Jason might not be his biological child.
Rage consumed him, but then came sudden palpitations and dizziness as if death were imminent. He grabbed the doctor’s hand in desperation. “Doctor, is there any hope?”
The doctor replied, “Your kidney can be treated. We can remove the damaged one. But as for your heart, you’ll need a transplant.”
Losing a kidney was already devastating, but a heart transplant?
“How risky is the surgery?” Jameson asked.
“Given your condition, very high. The success rate is under 15%. Years of drug use have severely weakened your heart. Without a transplan most three years.”
‘Three years? And such a slim chance,’ Jameson thought.
“Only 15%…” he muttered, face pale and sweaty, struggling to catch his breath through the palpitations.
“But if Dr. Jean performs the operation, your odds of survival increase significantly,” the doctor added.
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Jameson fell silent. “D–Dr. Jean?”
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The doctor continued, “Right, Dr. Jean isn’t on our hospital staff, but she’s a genius. We refer every unsolvable case to her,
“She’s done surgeries with success rates under 5%-never lost a patient. She’s a legend in medicine, our hero.”
The doctor was clearly a huge fan of Shermaine, his face flushing with excitement as he talked.”
Hearing how talented this Dr. Jean was, Jameson didn’t immediately link her to Shermaine. “That’s perfect. Can you contact her to perform my surgery?
“Her fee is 300 thousand dollars.” Shermaine discounted fees for those in need, but the reduced rates were known only to patients and their families.
“I can cover that,” Jameson said.
Though he didn’t have 300 thousand dollars, he could sell more shares. Plus, he’d given Jason 4.5 million dollars recently. He could demand it back.
At the thought of Jason, he was desperate to do a paternity test to confirm if the boy was his son.
The doctor said, “I’ll put in a hospital request, but I can’t promise she’ll accept.”
“Fair enough.”
That night, Jameson took his prescribed meds and checked out.
Instead of going home, he booked a hotel room.
He needed to find out who sent the document and if someone was plotting to split him and Natalie. He had to verify the truth before confronting her.
His critical health issues had to be Natalie’s doing. After all, he rarely cheated, and the drug must have killed his attraction to other women.
‘What a ruthless woman, using narcotics against me,‘ he thought.
Jameson spent the whole night unable to go home, haunted by his critical health diagnosis. He’d only live three years without surgery. Sleeplessness gripped him.
Meanwhile, Shermaine, the very Dr. Jean he was counting on, slept soundly. After breakfast with Joshua, she headed to the airport.
Joshua saw her off, helped check her luggage, and was playfully waved away.
“Be careful there,” he said.
“Got it,” Shermaine replied softly
“Call me every day.”
“Mm.”
Joshua kissed her forehead before leaving.
The professor, already at the airport, waved to Shermaine as they approached security.
After clearing it, they reached the boarding area, only to run into Roy.
Roy wore a white hoodie, baggy track pants, and JK–style sneakers, a casual look. His trendy long pink hair stood out.
His features were boyishly handsome–more striking than the average “pretty boy“-with deep–set eyes and naturally pink lips, giving him the classic
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manipulative heartthrob look.
“Milady, you’re going to Ustrana, too?” he asked.
“Yes,” Shermaine replied.
Roy beamed. “Which part?”
“I’m going to Loang.”
“Same.” Roy grinned eagerly and asked, “So, what are you going to do there?”
“I’m attending a math conference.” Shermaine introduced the professor beside her. “This is Professor Brown from Basterel University’s math department.”
was
Dustin Brown, vice president of the Wallington Mathematical Society, renowned figure in Wallington’s academic circle, having made significant
contributions.
Roy courteously greeted Dustin, a heavyweight in the math community. Dustin was typically tight–lipped, but Roy had a talent for winning over elders at least when he wasn’t misjudging them.
Despite being a math novice, Roy managed to chat animatedly with Dustin, even managing to upgrade their business–class tickets during the conversation.
It was worth noting that Roy’s esports team was competing in the same district as Shermaine’s group, and their hotels were just a street apart.
After a dozen–hour flight, they landed in Loang. The hotel they’d booked, one of Ustrana’s premier stays, provided a private car service.
Knowing the hotel car was already waiting outside, Shermaine led Dustin toward the exit.
“Milady, how about we ride together? I just canceled my hotel room and booked yours.
Want to grab dinner tonight?” Roy said.
Shermaine first asked Dustin if he had evening plans. When he said no, she turned to Roy. “Where do you want to eat?”
“You know Ustrana better. You pick.”
“Got it.”
As they reached the airport exit, a stretch limousine stood out like a sore thumb.
Even Roy, a trust–fund kid, couldn’t help double–taking. There was probably only one such car in all of Ustrana.
Shermaine frowned at the sight.
The door swung open, and Roy caught a glimpse of shapely legs in stilettos.
‘Damn. The passenger’s a woman,‘ he thought.
Molly stepped out.
Her shapely legs and hourglass figure wrapped in a black bodycon dress were straight out of a supermodel shoot. Her sizzling outfit drew everyone’s
attention.
She rocked a sleek pixie cut yet still oozed sex appeal. There was a bossy edge to her–like a billionaire female CEO straight out of a movie.
But it was her grayish eyes that gave away her mixed heritage.
Molly held a slim lady’s cigarette, a butterfly tattoo peeking out above her ankle.
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The second she climbed out of the car, she stalked straight toward Shermaine and without a word, threw a punch.
Roy had never seen a woman in a skin–tight dress and 3–inch heels fight with such effortless swagger.
Why the hell is she attacking Milady on sight?‘ he wondered.
Shermaine raised an eyebrow. After a few blocked blows, she stepped back, snatched a hair tie, and pulled her hair into a ponytail Molly, long time no see. Got an itch you need to scratch?”
Molly smirked, flicking her cigarette to the ground. “You know in Ustrana, only you have the guts to mouth off to me. Call it restlessness.
Shermaine pinned her wrist and pressed an arm to her neck. When Molly went limp, she released her, only for Molly to grab her waist like a hoodlum, eyeing her chest in disbelief. “Wait, your boobs are bigger than mine now? After a year?”
No matter how she measured up to Shermaine, she always came in second, except for her boobs, which she’d always bragged were bigger.
Shermaine gave an exasperated sigh.
‘It’s just a second breast development,‘ Shermaine thought. She said nonchalantly, “You can get it too.”
Molly asked, “Seriously?”
“Yeah. Find a man.”
‘Aman? What a hassle. Since when do men have that function?‘ Molly wondered.
Molly studied Shermaine’s expression. She didn’t seem to be joking. But the word “man” alone was enough to put her off.
“Trance told me you got engaged to some guy after returning home. Is this pretty boy the one?” Molly turned her gaze to Roy who had been chatting and laughing with Shermaine earlier.
‘He’s good–looking but definitely not a match for Shermaine. Too wimpy,’ Molly thought.
Roy hated being called a pretty boy. Normally, anyone who dared call him that would pay. He’d make them call him “daddy” until he was satisfied.
But when Molly said it, he wasn’t angry at all. Instead, his heart was pounding wildly when she looked at him, and a hot flush was racing through his body like a fire raging inside.
‘Oh, crap,‘ he thought.
He had never felt anything like this before.
Roy wasn’t new to dating, but he’d always been the one to get dumped. Breakups usually went like-“Go live with your games, you playboy.”
And there was that time when he didn’t realize Shermaine was the hacker who had completely outclassed him–he had been completely smitten, and Henry had made fun of him for ages, calling him a fool.
But once he found out that Milady was Shermaine, he’d accepted it pretty calmly.
He’d never felt such a strong rush of heart–pounding for any woman before.
Molly was like a love potion to him.
Shermaine shook her head and introduced, “Roy Shay, my husband’s best friend from childhood.” Seeing that Roy was staring blankly at Molly, she called him over. Since being with Joshua, she could spot romantic feelings at a glance. “Molly Hill, one of my few friends.”
Roy grinned brighter than a blooming sunflower and extended his hand. “Hello, Ms. Hill.”
The members of Roy’s esports team gawked at their boss. He was smiling like a cuddly golden retriever, all soft and meek, a stark contrast to his usual foul–mouthed outbursts. It was obvious he’d been hypnotized by Molly.
‘So Roy has a thing for fiery, sexy cat–like women? The catch is, such women are tough to handle. Roy’s a total pushover. Can he really manage?‘ they wondered.
If Roy caught wind of their thoughts, he’d snarl back, “You’re the pushover. Your whole family’s pushovers. I’m a puppy outside the sheets, a wolf in them!”
Molly thought his smile looked just like her husky, so she reached out to shake his hand. “Mr. Shay.”
Roy barely dared grip her hand. He was burning up, parched, and desperate for a swig of water. “Are you mixed race?”
“Yep.”
“Your eye color is stunning.”
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“Thanks.” Molly pulled her hand back. “Shermaine, which hotel are you at? I’ll give you a ride
“Hilton Hotel,” Shermaine replied,
Molly’s stretch Lincoln could seat six or seven.
She’d even arranged a luxury car for Roy’s team–a total CEO move.
The limo was stocked with pricey champagne and snacks. While Molly was on a call, Roy whispered to Shermaine, “Milady, how old is Ms. Hill? is the seeing anyone?”
“Twenty–six. Single.” Molly had always disdained men, likely due to her upbringing. In Ustrana, she’s the aristocracy’s most sought–after yet untamable socialite.
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‘She’s 26? That’s the same age as me,‘ Roy thought. Well, not exactly. He was actually 25, younger than both Joshua and Henry
He’d just fudged his age by a year on his driver’s license.
‘Only a year older than me. No biggie. The main thing is she’s single,’ Roy thought.
As soon as he hopped in the car, he chugged a bottle of mineral water. Anxious and parched, he unscrewed another and gulped it down.
Loang’s weather wasn’t hot. If anything, it was downright chilly. Up front, Molly watched Roy guzzle water. ‘Is this guy always this thirsty? He’s a walking contradiction,‘ she thought.
“How long are you crashing in Loang, Shermaine?” Molly asked.
“About a week,” Shermaine replied.
Molly lit another slim cigarette, crossing her legs. “Cool. Hit me up after your conference wraps.”
The second they pulled up to the hotel, Roy dashed for the restroom. When he came out, Molly was already gone. His mood took a nosedive.
‘Does she have WhatsApp?‘ he wondered. He wanted her WhatsApp so they could keep the convos going.
In her hotel room, Shermaine shot her family a “safe arrival” text, then facetimed Joshua. “I’m here.”
“Good. When’s that academic gig startin
Joshua asked.
“The day after tomorrow.” She squinted at his background. “Wait, are you on the island?”
“Yep.” He’d jetted over that afternoon right after she left for Ustrana. “Figured I’d supervise the builders for you.”
When Joshua first gave her the island, half of it was still raw land. Construction only kicked off after she handed over the blueprints.
It had been rolling for a while now, with some sections almost done. He’d swung by to check progress during his downtime.
“You’re turning into the perfect househusband,” Shermaine teased, eyes crinkling.
Joshua chuckled, “Heard Roy flew to Ustrana today too–same flight as you, right? Did you cross paths?” Their knack for accidental run-ins was borderline supernatural.
“Uh–huh,” she said. “He spent the whole ride grilling me about my friend. He wouldn’t let it drop.”
Joshua cocked an eyebrow. “Lucky bastard.”
‘Shermaine’s crew is always A–list, like Danielle. This Loang friend is bound to be just as badass,‘ he thought.
Joshua twirled the platinum ring on his finger and went on, “Besides Dr. Shelly, I haven’t met any of your other friends.”
“Doesn’t Trance count?”
“He’s a love rival.”
Until Trance got married, he’d always been a riyal to Joshua.
Shermaine chuckled, “I don’t have many friends. If you want to meet them, you definitely will at our wedding.”
“When exactly is “later“?” Joshua had long wanted to hold a wedding, to let the whole world know that Shermaine was his wife, the love of his life,
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But when they got their marriage license, Shermaine had said there was no hurry for a wedding, so he’d been patiently waiting locker to bring do the topic.
Shermaine finally gave a specific time. “Once Sheary Island is completely built, we’ll have the wedding.”
That wasn’t too far off.
If Joshua put more manpower into the project, he and Shermaine could hold their wedding next spring.
At Loang Airport, Kylie came out pulling her suitcase and wearing sunglasses. A blond, good–looking man was waiting for her at the airport exit, driving a black supercar.
The Loang Airport was really full of luxury cars today–first a stretch Lincoln, and now a flashy Lamborghini Veneno.
Kylie took off her sunglasses, threw her suitcase at the man, and got into the car directly.
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Chapter 336
Kylie came back to Ustrana for one thing only to kill Shermaine and get even. She’d never been dissed by a man like that before and treated like som
untouchable virus.
After loading the luggage, the man climbed into the driver’s seat and started the engine. “How’s the Immortality Project going at Wallington’s lab
“God, can you chill? You hit me with this the second I landed,” Kylie snapped.
The man said, “I’m just worried you’ll fuck up again. The organization’s counting on you for this mission. If you fail, they won’t let you slide like last time
In their Dark Organization, failure meant punishment, and the tougher the job, the worse the penalty.
Kylie’s mission was S–level. Blow this, and she’d be laid up for a year minimum. He didn’t want her taking that kind of punishment.
Kylie never wanted this gig anyway. This so–called Immortality Project was just some rich cancer dude named Joseph chasing a pipe dream to stay alive. Everybody wanted forever, but with today’s tech? It was straight–up fantasy.
Kylie knew her brain was leagues ahead of most scientists, but she wasn’t delusional enough to think she could whip up an immortality pill.
“Alright, I’ll drop it.” Klaus sounded almost pleading. “But what about Shermaine? How are you gonna handle her?”
The mention of Shermaine lit a jealous fire in her eyes. “She’ll take a permanent dirt nap at the Academic Exchange Conference the day after tomorrow. Get me some badass hitmen, Klaus.”
“I’ll hook you up. What’s in it for me?”
“I need a boytoy. You volunteering?”
“Fuck yes.”
Klaus had been into Kylie for ages. Why else would a top assassin like him baby her in the organization and even cover her ass?
When a guy went all out for a woman, there was always an angle.
Kylie didn’t actually like guys like Klaus, but he was too useful to ignore. She knew he had a thing for her, and she didn’t mind using her body to get what she wanted.
During her long stay in Wallington, Kylie hadn’t satisfied her physical urges. The two of them couldn’t resist when the urge hit. The car pulled over somewhere deserted, and they went at it right away.
The Academic Exchange Conference was set for 2 PM that day. In the morning, Molly showed up to grab breakfast with Shermaine, wearing a plaid blazer over a skin–tight leopard–print mini skirt.
In the dining room, Roy looked like hell. Partying too hard the night before had given him a cold. His pink hair was all flat, and he could barely keep his
eyes open.
“Morning, Milady, Professor Brown, Ms. Hill,” he said with a sniffle, plopping into a chair. “Milady, can you write me a prescription later
awful.”
“Sure, but eat something first,” Shermaine replied.
Molly cut in, “What meds do you need? I’ll send my bodyguard to get them.”
Shermaine listed a few names.
Molly motioned to the suited woman behind her, who headed out to the pharmacy.
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“Thanks, Molly,” Roy said, ditching the “Ms. Hill.” He flashed her a sweet smite with two little canine teeth, laying on the charm,
To Molly, he looked exactly like her sick husky–all needy and helpless. And it him her blazer. “Put this on, You’re shivering.”
was just a small favor. Seeing he was only wearing a thin hoodle she is
As soon as Molly took off the jacket, every guy in the room stared at her killer figure. Roy shook his head, “No, I’m good.”
Right on cue, he sneezed.
“Just put it on,” Molly snapped, throwing the jacket at him. Then she turned to the gawking men, barking in fluent foreign language, “One more look and I’ll rip your eyeballs out.”
The guys quickly looked away.
Molly gave a satisfied nod.
Roy took the jacket and caught a whiff of its fragrance.
It smelled incredible, almost dizzying.
He mumbled a “thanks” and pulled it on obediently.
Shermaine was used to Molly’s bossy streak. She calmly ate her breakfast while flipping through Loang’s latest morning paper.
Molly looked satisfied. “What time does the Academic Exchange Conference start?”
Shermaine replied, “2 PM.”
“I’ll be there to watch you shine,” Molly said.
Soon it was 2 PM Loang time. Shermaine arrived at the lecture hall with Dustin. The hall was massive. Shermaine counted around 300 people, from no- name researchers to math world heavyweights.
Kylie was also in the crowd, wearing a baseball cap and sucking on a lollipop. She’d snagged a corner seat. Shermaine didn’t spot her. Kylie wanted to see if Shermaine had really cracked the twin prime conjecture, a legendary math problem.
But the unexpected happened. When Shermaine walked in, several top scholars started trembling. They shot to their feet, gasping. “Pro–Professor Jean?”
‘Professor Jean? That Professor Jean?‘ they wondered.
Dustin turned to Shermaine, confused. ‘Are these legends talking about her?‘ he wondered.
He’d heard of Professor Jean, a young math prodigy, a rising star with fans at every elite university. But he’d never seen her and didn’t know her name or
face.
Shermaine nodded at them. “Long time no see.”
The crowd erupted in whispers.
They thought, ‘The mythical Professor Jean is actually a drop–dead–gorgeous Wallington native?‘
This time, she showed up as a Wallington native at the Academic Exchange Conference. They didn’t stand a chance of winning that award.
Molly slipped in through the back door, took an empty seat, and crossed her legs. Her old friend was about to take the stage, and she’d drop anything to
be there.
But the guy next to her reeked so badly that she wrinkled her nose. When she looked up, he was leering at her, his gaze straight–up sleazy.
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Molly figured this sleazeball wasn’t academic material. She narrowed her eyes. Something felt off.
Roy trailed in. The meds had worked, and he was back to normal. Seeing the guy next to Molly reaching behind her chair like he was gonna cop a fest Roy stormed over and swatted his hand away.
Pinching his nose at the stench, he said, “Molly, how can you stand being near him?”
Molly didn’t expect Roy to show up, let alone confront a possible hitman for her. “I can’t. Heading down a few rows. Coming?”
Roy nodded like a bobblehead.
Molly smiled, thinking, ‘So damn obedient, way better than my husky.”
The hitman cursed under his breath, thinking, ‘Damn Wallington brats, dissing me like that. If I hadn’t been on orders to hold fire, I would’ve put a bullet in their skulls.‘
Kylie missed the whole scene. She ground her teeth. Who the hell would’ve thought Shermaine was Professor Jean, the one who’d always outperformed
her?
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Kylie’s eyes went red when she realized Shermaine was Professor Jean.
She’d never in a million years thought Shermaine had this other identity. Professor Jeart was a total heavyweight in international academia, the exact role model Kylie had always dreamed of being, someone adored by thousands.
Next to Professor Jean, being a visiting professor at Harrod University didn’t mean jack.
‘Shermaine’s only 19. How the hell is she this good?‘ Kylie wondered.
First, she outshone Kylie in tech, and now she was killing it in academia too?
‘Why does Professor Jean have to be her?‘ Kylie thought.
She couldn’t wrap her head around it.
Watching the top academics stand up to greet Shermaine politely, Kylie felt like she was about to explode.
She was so jealous that she bit her lower lip till it bled. The taste of blood in her mouth mixed with a raging urge to kill. Only by putting Shermaine in the ground could she become the top dog in the world.
‘Yeah, Shermaine shouldn’t even exist. Why does she have to be better at everything? Life’s so freaking unfair,‘ Kylie thought.
Shermaine caught a flash of killing intent, but it was gone in a second.
She scanned the crowd of more than 200 people but couldn’t pick out who it came from. It was hard to spot someone disguised and hiding their vibe.
Still, she noticed a few sketchy dudes who definitely didn’t look like academics.
Meanwhile, Molly crossed her arms and gave her a raised–eyebrow look, throwing her a silent signal.
If Roy had his phone on him, the hot–headed kid would’ve kicked someone’s ass already.
But there he was, sitting next to Molly with their arms touching. She was dressed to kill in that leopard–print mini skirt, legs crossed, and her perfume was driving him nuts.
Roy felt his face heat up, blood pounding in his veins. Suddenly his nose started itching. He touched it and saw blood. Holy shit, he was nosebleeding.
Molly, sensitive to the smell of blood, turned to see Roy sitting there like a deer in headlights and staggering out with a hand clamped over his nose. He looked just like her husky when it got caught tearing up the couch.
She thought, ‘Oops, I did it again–projecting my dog onto him. But really, a nosebleed from just sitting next to me? So freaking innocent.‘
After catching Molly’s signal, Shermaine played it cool. When the top academics asked which big math problem she was there to tackle, she said flat–out, “The twin prime conjecture.”
The room went silent. That was one of the toughest unsolved problems. The professor supposed to present on it had bailed, admitting he couldn’t crack
- it.
But there was Shermaine, representing Wallington. This was about to put their academic scene on the map.
“You have a breakthrough? A proof?” someone blurted.
Shermaine raised an eyebrow and gave a casual “hmm.”
‘Figures, she’s our rockstar academic for a reason,‘ everyone thought.
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They could hardly contain their excitement.
Witnessing this was gonna be like watching magic happen.
Dustin was speechless. Shermaine, already a tech icon, had just dropped another bombshell.
He thought, ‘Wait till I call home. Word of Professor Jean will be all over Wallington’s academic grapevine by tomorrow.
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At 2:30, the Academic Exchange Conference kicked off. Shermaine had the twin prime conjecture solution in her pocket, but she had to play by the rules. Her talk was scheduled last.
Without her bombshell, the other presentations might’ve seemed impressive. But next to the twin prime problem, they were small potatoes.
Kylie flipped up her skirt and pulled out a silenced pistol.
She sprang to her feet and fired at Shermaine mid–conversation with the academics.
No one blinked. The silencer was dead quiet, and the hall was full of chatter.
Hitmen posted inside and out immediately sealed off the lecture hall.
Though the silenced round was inaudible to the crowd, Shermaine picked up the telltale whisper. It was aimed at her shoulder. They wanted to wound her first, figuring a bleeding target would be easier to take down, and then finish her off.
Classic Kylie move, but totally delusional.
“Duck!” Shermaine shouted.
The academics around her dropped to the floor like dominoes.
She twisted aside, snatching a pen from the table and hurling it like a throwing knife. That thing could puncture
the skin.
Meanwhile, the hitmen in the hall drew their weapons. The goon behind Molly had barely touched his gun when the smoking–hot woman he was eager to sleep with pressed a box cutter to his crotch. “One twitch and your dick’s history,” she smiled, all teeth.
Guys didn’t mess with threats to their manhood. He froze, eyeing his chance.
But she’d already palmed his pistol. “Shermaine, catch!”
Molly flung the gun over. Shermaine snatched it mid–air, hurdled the desk, and charged the hitman who’d fired at
her.
Kylie ducked the pen and let off another round, seething, but her shots went wild.
Some people bolted for the exits. Others cowered under desks.
Molly was a knife wizard. After disarming the hitman, she stabbed for his crotch.
He jerked aside just in time. The blade was buried in his thigh instead.
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“Bitch!” he snarled, swinging a meaty fist.
Kylie had never squared off with Shermaine before. One look at those moves and she was shook. Shermaine fought like a goddamn ninja..
Then Shermaine caught her scent, and when Kylie’s cap came off, those eyes gave her away. Shermaine smiled, “So you’re the psycho gunning for me.”
Kylie sneered, “You’d still be breathing if you hadn’t torpedoed my plans and stolen my thunder.”
Her voice turned deadly. “This is my turf. You’re not leaving Ustrana alive.”
“Your thunder?” Shermaine arched a brow. “Kylie, if you had game, you wouldn’t get wrecked by me everywhere.”
She added dryly, “Losers like you live in la–la land. And I could bounce from Ustrana whenever I feel like it.”
Even the cocky–as–hell Molly didn’t claim Ustrana as her crib. Kylie was straight delusional.
“Open your eyes,” Kylie snapped, face flaming. “My guys have this joint locked down. You’re trapped. Time to meet your maker.”
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But the fantasy crashed hard against reality.
Shermaine moved with cheetah–like agility, her explosive strength insane. Maybe being a doctor gave her an edge in targeting pressure points.
Every time Kylie attacked, Shermaine dodged like she was toying with her.
She caught Kylie’s fist mid–swing and twisted until bones popped. Kylie’s face contorted in pain, swinging her other hand, but Shermaine pinned that too.
“This weak? How the hell did you become a hitman?” The mockery dripped from Shermaine’s voice.
Kylie went beet red and tried to knee her in the gut, but Shermaine released her. She stumbled back as Shermaine landed a flying kick, sending her careening over desks. She rolled twice before slamming onto the floor.
Meanwhile, Roy stopped his nosebleed and left the bathroom to find people stampeding out along with armed
foreign guys.
Roy wasn’t some pushover. Everyone from their academy had combat training.
These goons were clearly part of the hit squad. Roy spotted bombs stashed in the corner.
Cold–blooded move. They planned to blow the place sky–high. He had to take them down and disarm the
explosives.
Klaus showed up to find Kylie facedown, Shermaine’s boot on her back.
Furious, he thought, ‘No one touches my girl.’ He charged Shermaine.
Molly clocked Klaus instantly–a top assassin for Dark Organization. ‘So they’re gunning for Shermaine?‘ she
wondered.
‘No, upper brass wouldn’t green–light a messy op like this.’
This has to be Klaus playing hero, using his hit squad to impress that two–timing bitch Kylie.’
But a top assassin? Shermaine could handle that. When Molly noticed Klaus‘ knuckle dusters had spikes, she
tossed over her combat knife.
Molly said, “I’ll go check what’s happening outside.”
Shermaine caught the blade and gave a small nod.
She rolled her neck. “You’ve got a lover here in Ustrana, but back home you were hitting on my man. ‘Two–timing slut‘ is too nice for you, Kylie.”
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Kylie grabbed her throat. Shermaine’s earlier choke had left her shaken. Hearing the insult, she yelled, “Klaus, don’t believe her lies!”
“Don’t worry, Kylie,” Klaus said. “One stupid comment won’t change how I feel about you.”
“Oh, really?” Shermaine strolled to the podium and tapped the screen. “Then take a look at this. I found some very
interesting photos on Kylie’s phone and computer.”
Kylie’s face went white. Her phone was encrypted. No regular hacker could get in. But Shermaine wasn’t just any hacker. She was a tech legend, always one step ahead in data work, and even able to implant advanced tech.
Soon, explicit photos and sleazy audio started playing. The people hiding under the desks cringed.
Despite their progressive attitudes, they still held strong to their integrity and a touch of romance. The idea of being objectified was totally unacceptable to them. It was disgusting, and worst of all, Kylie had been after more
than one person.
Of course, Kylie had disrespected Joshua. Once Shermaine found that out, she couldn’t just do nothing. Honestly, just seeing it made her angry, so this was her payback.
Klaus‘ expression kept changing. Finally, furious, he slapped Kylie hard. “Kylie, you’re such a goddamn whore!”
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Chapter 340
Kylie’s face turned ashen, then flushed as the stares of the crowd bore into her. Her most private secrets laid bare for all to see.
Shermaine actually used such a method to publicly humiliate her. Even if Kylie didn’t care about others‘ opinions of herself, she wished she could tear her apart to vent her fury. And then there was Klaus. Kylie still needed him, and she couldn’t let him turn against her.
The slap from Klaus had left her dizzy, but Kylie recovered quickly. “Klaus, why so worked up? Everyone has their quirks. Compared to sleeping around, is what I did so terrible?”
It wasn’t exactly outrageous, but Klaus hadn’t known that she had entertained so many men, and she even took pleasure in such strange ways.
Kylie met his gaze, deadly serious. “If you can’t accept me, then we’re done. But I can promise you this. When
we’re together, my heart will belong only to you.”
Klaus‘ anger evaporated instantly. Guilt flooded him. He stepped forward, hands reaching for her. “I’m sorry, baby. I shouldn’t have slapped you.”
“It’s fine. Kill that woman, and I’ll forgive you.”
“Consider it done.”
Shermaine watched, unimpressed, as Kylie wrapped Klaus around her finger in seconds. A scoff escaped her.
Klaus raised his pistol and fired, shattering the screen displaying Kylie’s compromising photos. Then, he holstered
the pistol and drew a combat knife instead. As a top assassin, he had never considered Shermaine an opponent.
Shermaine didn’t even flinch as he advanced.
People around her urged, “Professor Jean, run!”
She smiled, “Focus on protecting yourselves.” Klaus was just a top assassin. There was nothing to fear.
Kylie’s combat skills were mediocre at best. She had clawed her way to second rank through cunning and Klaus‘
favor.
Smiling smugly, Kylie watched with anticipation. With Klaus stepping in, she couldn’t wait to see Shermaine’s
gruesome end.
Molly had planned to deal with the assassins surrounding the building. But by the time she went outside, Roy had cleaned up most of them. The only thing left for him to do was disarm the remaining bombs.
Roy looked harmless and delicate. Molly had assumed he was some weakling. To her surprise, he was quite skilled.
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He dusted off his hands, feeling satisfied with the job done. From the corner of his eye, he spotted Molly leaning against the wall, watching him with interest. His previously fierce demeanor melted away in an instant. He flashed her a bright smile, revealing a pair of canines.
Molly walked over and noticed a few unruly strands sticking up from his pink hair. She smoothed them down. “Your hair is a mess.” It was the first time she had ever been this gentle with a man.
Roy was thrilled. Molly’s casual gesture sent his heart soaring. If she kept this up, he was pretty sure he would faint from sheer excitement.
Just then, one of the downed assassins moved, groping for a nearby pistol. “Go to hell!”
Molly had already sensed the movement the moment he reached for the pistol. She yanked Roy aside as a bullet slammed into the wall behind them.
In a swift motion, she kicked the assassin square in the face, sending him flying backward in a spray of blood before he collapsed, unconscious.
Roy’s hand was still in Molly’s grip. The intoxicating scent of her perfume was so close. He could already feel the warmth of an impending nosebleed.
Desperate not to embarrass himself again, he tilted his head back, willing the blood to stay put.
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Roy managed to avoid embarrassing himself in front of Molly. He subtly tightened his grip on her hand and said, “Thanks for saving me, or I’d have been shot.”
Molly gave a faint smile. “Don’t mention it.” She raised a brow and lifted her hand, signaling for him to let go.
Roy had barely held it for a moment, and now he was reluctant to release it. But to maintain his gentlemanly demeanor and well–behaved image, he loosened his grip. “They planted bombs. I have to go check them out.”
Molly raised an eyebrow in surprise. “You know how to defuse them?”
“Yeah.” Roy wasn’t as skilled as Shermaine or Joshua, but he had experience and technical in disarming bombs.
“Need help?” Molly asked.
“Of course!” Roy nodded, beaming.
Inside the venue, the academics who hadn’t yet fled had gone from trembling in corners to mustering the courage to cheer Shermaine on.
This was the first time in their lives they had been so fearless in the face of terrorists. All thanks to Shermaine, who had given them immense confidence and courage.
They had assumed Shermaine would be no match for Klaus, but her combat skills were extraordinary. The knife in her hand became a lethal weapon.
For now, Shermaine didn’t intend to kill Klaus. Yet every strike she delivered was devastating. Agile and precise, even when taking hits, she minimized damage. Gradually, Klaus lost ground.
As a top assassin, he had encountered opponents stronger than himself before. But Shermaine, who seemed
delicate and unthreatening, was far more formidable than he had anticipated. He had made a critical mistake- underestimating his opponent.
It reminded him of when Bruce Xavier first joined the Dark Organization. Klaus hadn’t considered him a rival, yet
every time they clashed, he lost. Bruce had left him with deep psychological scars, an instinctive dread lurking in
Klaus‘ mind.
Klaus hated Wallingtonian–their arrogance, aloofness, everything about them. They might not look physically imposing, but they were far from easy to deal with. Bruce was the leader’s most trusted right–hand man, and his
status in the Dark Organization surpassed Klaus‘!
Klaus couldn’t let him lose to a woman. He had promised Kylie he would kill Shermaine. Gritting his teeth, he
thought, ‘This time, I can’t let my guard down.‘
Kylie’s smirk vanished as she watched Klaus and Shermaine battle. Klaus was drenched in blood, swaying
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unsteadily as he forced himself to stand, his eyes bloodshot. With one final kick from Shermaine, he collapsed at Kylie’s feet.
Klaus coughed up blood, his chest burning from the kick. No point playing tough now. “Kylie, we’re pulling back He would kill Shermaine another day.
Kylie didn’t argue. She hauled him up, and they bolted outside, only to find their men already knocked out cold. With the situation this dire, there was no time to drag these unconscious men along. They had to retreat.
Once in the car, Klaus yanked out the bomb detonator. With one press of the red button, the building would be reduced to rubble. Without hesitation, he slammed his thumb down. However, nothing happened.
“Damn it!” Klaus snarled.
Kylie slammed her fist against the steering wheel, seething. She thought, ‘Why the hell is it so hard to kill Shermaine?‘
Their car hadn’t gone far before several black vehicles surrounded them, forcing Kylie to slam on the brakes. Moments later, a Bugatti pulled up behind them.
The moment Kylie saw these men stepping out, she recognized them as members of the Dark Organization, but
she had no idea why they were there. An uneasy dread settled in her gut.
Klaus struggled to look out, his vision swimming until he saw Bruce getting out of the Bugatti.
Bruce was slightly shorter than Klaus, but his sharp, handsome features carried an air of lethality. A cigar rested between his fingers as he casually tucked one hand into his pocket, his narrowed eyes sending a chill down Klaus‘ spine. He took a slow drag, saying nothing.
Before Klaus and Kylie could react, their car doors were wrenched open, and they were dragged out.
Klaus barked, “Bruce, what the hell are you doing?”
“Shouldn’t I be asking you that?” Bruce’s voice was calm, yet it carried an unshakable authority. He flicked ash from his cigar. “Using the organization’s men to stir up trouble? You’re quite bold. As a top assassin, you didn’t even bother to investigate your target before acting.”
Looking down at Klaus, Bruce shook his head in disgust. The Dark Organization’s top assassin had become this
reckless.
“Did you know Molly was there?” Bruce’s lips curled. “Oh, right. She’s one of the seven heirs competing for leadership.”
Klaus‘ eyes widened in shock.
Bruce then pinched Kylie’s chin, his fingers digging in painfully. Of everyone in the Dark Organization, he was the
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one Kylie feared most. “And you,” he murmured, his voice icy. “Who authorized your return?”
Klaus knew he had violated protocol today, but as a top assassin, he at least expected the leader to spare him some dignity. “I’ll explain to the leader. Bruce, let Kylie go.”
“Of course,” Bruce replied, releasing Kylie’s chin, his icy expression radiating disdain. “Funny you should ask. The leader sent me here. You really think I’d waste my time hunting down two useless pieces of trash like you
otherwise?”
He didn’t bother wasting another word on them, his tone growing impatient. “Take them back.”
Soon, the group vanished as inconspicuously as they had arrived.
Inside the venue, Molly gave orders to haul away the unconscious assassins.
Shermaine arranged for a new auditorium to be prepared. Once the equipment was set up, she announced that the symposium would continue as scheduled.
Then, they went to a nearby room. Molly prepped a first–aid kit. Shermaine shrugged off her jacket and sat down, starting to tend to her injuries.
A fight always left its marks. Shermaine had a shallow cut on her arm from blocking Klaus‘ blade. The wound wasn’t serious. It just needed antiseptic and a bandage for a few days.
Molly’s fingers paused at her neck. “Is this a hickey?”
Shermaine’s low–cut sweater revealed fair skin and a faint hickey Joshua had left before her trip to Ustrana. She could’ve applied ointment to fade it faster, but she had forgotten. Not that it mattered. She simply smiled and
nodded.
Molly crossed her legs and lit a cigarette. “Some guy got lucky.” Then, she murmured, “No wonder yours are bigger than mine.”
Shermaine finished bandaging her wound and chuckled, “You could find a man for a ‘second puberty.‘ It works better than any bust–enhancing cream.”
Molly gasped in surprise, “Shermaine, you’ve changed!”
Shermaine raised an eyebrow.
“You’re cracking jokes out of nowhere now,” Molly continued. “That guy must’ve corrupted you.”
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Shermaine didn’t admit, not even slightly, that Joshua had influenced her in any way. With a straight face, she countered, “I’m just stating facts.”
Molly stood with one arm crossed, the other supporting her chin. She thought, ‘Maybe I should try finding a man then?‘ But the mere thought made her grimace. She wondered, ‘Ugh. Those men aren’t even worthy of being my servants.‘
Dropping the jest, Molly got down to business. “I’ve dug up intel for you. Kylie and Klaus are assassins from the Dark Organization under my family’s force. I’ve already planned how to teach them a lesson.”
Shermaine gave a faint smile. “Their fighting skills aren’t all that great.”
“True.” Molly nodded, her tone dripping with disdain. “But if I want to secure my position as the family’s sole heir, having control over the Dark Organization would be extremely useful.”
The organization was fractured internally. Gaining its full support would be challenging, but if Molly could purge the dissident factions, her odds of becoming the next family head would skyrocket.
She thought, ‘Troublesome, but worth it. That position will be mine alone.‘
Shermaine knew her ambition. “Wishing you luck.”
Molly flashed a smile, tossing her hair with a confident, domineering charm. “I will succeed. No doubt about it.”
Her intellect and capabilities were unmatched. Unlike that stupid Kylie, Molly wasn’t arrogant enough to make an enemy of Shermaine. She played it smart, cultivating a mutually beneficial friendship instead.
Shermaine chuckled, patted her shoulder, and walked out.
The Academic Exchange Conference ran from 3 p.m. until dusk. Shermaine was the final presenter. When she finally took the stage, the entire atmosphere in the venue shifted. Every attendee straightened in their seats, expressions turning solemn.
Shermaine stepped up empty–handed.
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. “Genius. Those formulas must all be stored in her mind.”
Holding only a stylus, Shermaine cleared the previous scribbles from the electronic display with a swipe, then began writing out her first line of formula.
For the average scholar who’d come simply to learn, the content was far too advanced. They stared blankly, completely lost.
But among the academic masters present, reactions were very different. When Shermaine’s work stretched
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beyond ten lines, some of them tightened their grip on their pens. Earlier, they had heard about her attempting to prove this conjecture, but witnessing it firsthand felt like observing a miracle unfold.
Dustin swelled with pride. Once Shermaine finished, Wallington’s mathematics community would gain global recognition, and she herself would go down in history.
As time ticked by, the audience remained riveted, eyes glued to the dense formulas on the screen, afraid of losing track of her reasoning.
Finally, Shermaine wrote the concluding statement: [There exist infinitely many twin prime conjectures.]
Setting down the stylus, she flexed her wrist, stiff from writing for so long. “My proof of the twin prime conjecture is complete. Apologies for the lengthy presentation. Questions may now begin.”
Those who could follow her work were overwhelmed. Shermaine stunned them. She was so young. No
mathematician worldwide had achieved such feats at her age, let alone stood poised to claim the year’s top
awards.
One attendee said, “Professor Jean, how long did it take you to memorize this entire proof?”
Shermaine raised an eyebrow. “Geniuses never forget, you know.”
Another asked, “How long did the actual proof take?”
Shermaine replied, “I came across the conjecture with some prior references. Not long. About two weeks.”
A weighted silence settled over these senior mathematicians.
With the symposium concluded, Shermaine had fulfilled Dustin’s request. Now came the inevitable–interviews with math journals, media scrums, and private academic meetups.
Shermaine didn’t have to attend private meetings. Dustin would handle those on his own.
Exhausted, she returned to the hotel shortly after the symposium.
At the Dark Organization’s base, Klaus and Kylie faced punishment upon their return.
Klaus, already hanging on by a thread, was now barely alive.
Kylie’s family held some sway in Ustrana, so the organization spared her life, but when they dragged her out, she
was drenched in blood.
Bruce had overseen the discipline. As he finished, his phone rang. The assassin who had been sent to replace Kylie reported, “Bruce, there’s an issue with the Immortality Project.”
Kylie, who was carried past on a stretcher, flashed a faint, eerie smile.
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Back at the hotel, Shermaine showered and collapsed into bed. She woke the next morning and realized that she had forgotten to call Joshua before sleeping.
Reaching for her phone, she tugged the wound on her arm. A sharp sting made her frown. There were no missed
calls from Joshua.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
Shermaine threw on a robe and opened the door to find Joshua standing there. She smiled, voice softening.
“You’re here?”
Worry etched Joshua’s face. Roy had told him about the assassination attempt in Ustrana. Shermaine had handled
it, but she was injured.
The moment Joshua heard “injured,” his usual composure shattered. He had boarded a flight to Ustrana the same night. “Where are you hurt?” he asked immediately.
“Arm,” Shermaine replied obediently.
Joshua stepped into the suite. “Let me see it.”
It was just a minor injury, nothing serious at all. But two days apart had sharpened Shermaine’s longing. She shut the door, pinned him against it, and rose onto her toes. “Kiss me.”
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Shermaine rarely initiated. This was one of those rare moments.
The second her lips met his, Joshua pulled her closer by the waist, deepening the kiss. But his concern for her injury lingered. After a while, he broke away to examine her wound.
Shermaine shot him an annoyed glare. She had finally made a move, but he had actually stopped. Stretching out
on the bed, her figure alluring, she let out a soft huff.
Beside them, the first–aid kit lay open. Joshua carefully applied fresh ointment to her arm and wrapped it in a
clean bandage. “Anywhere else hurt?”
“No.” The minor scratches had already healed enough. Shermaine rolled off the bed. “I’m going to wash up.” –
Before her feet could touch the floor, Joshua pulled her back, settling her onto his lap. He buried his face in the curve of her neck, pressing soft kisses along her skin. “Stay. Let’s.pick up where we left off.”
Shermaine didn’t resist, though a hint of irritation remained. When her mood had been right, he had slammed the
brakes. She would be frustrated. But it was her problem. Joshua spoiled her, and combined with her morning
grumpiness, she had gotten petty.
Joshua’s gaze softened as he laid her back against the sheets, leaning over her with a teasing smile. “You don’t usually start things. Now that you did, let me give it to you. Hm, baby?” He kissed her as he spoke, trying to soothe
her mood.
Truthfully, Shermaine’s annoyance had faded when he tended to her. She just wasn’t used to acting so bratty. It
wasn’t like her.
Tilting her head up, she kissed him, fingertips tracing the lines of his face. He hadn’t shaved yet. The roughness prickled against her skin. “Was the flight exhausting?”
“Worth it.” Joshua’s palm warmed her back. “I just really missed you.”
Shermaine looped her arms around his neck, lips parting. “Me too.”
It was already noon after they were done.
After showering, Joshua towel–dried Shermaine’s hair. “I’ll be careful next time.” It was baffling–a five–star hotel room without even the most basic amenities. But then again… Shermaine had mentioned it was her safe period.
From the moment Joshua met Shermaine, he had known there was no such thing as a true saint in this world. If there was one, it was only because that person had never met the woman who could make him drop everything and fall completely.
But Joshua met. And he loved her deeply, beyond reason.
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Over lunch, Shermaine had a hearty appetite, sipping red wine and enjoying the flavorful pasta, “I’ve got three or four more days before I can head back.”
Joshua smiled, “I’ll wait for you.”
Shermaine nodded, feeling content.
In Loang, it was midday. Due to the time difference, Basterel was already cloaked in darkness, the clock striking 8
p.m.
Danielle’s call came through. “Sheary, I heard something happened to you in Ustrana. You alright?”
“Perfectly fine,” Shermaine replied. “Joshua is here.”
Danielle thought, Joshua flew in. He must’ve arrived today. No surprise, given how obsessed he is with her.
“And Molly?” Danielle asked.
Shermaine chuckled, “Busy playing power games.”
Typical Molly. Money and power were the only things that truly held her interest.
Danielle had met Molly through Shermaine. Fiery and headstrong–the polar opposite of Danielle’s calm demeanor. They still got along surprisingly well. Then again, with Shermaine around, even Molly’s temper had its limits.
Shermaine had nearly finished eating. She set her fork down. “How’s Ross? Is his wound healing well?”
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Danielle replied, “It’s healing fast. Ross has a strong constitution. He’s already up and walking. The stitches should come out in another week. The doctor is doing his routine check. Want to talk to him?” Her foot was still in a cast, likely for another two weeks.
“No, I’m having lunch. I’ll head out soon after,” Shermaine said. With Danielle’s care, she had no worries about Ross. Besides, they were in the middle of a budding romance, no point intruding on their time.
“Alright then, bye.”
“Bye.”
The call ended.
After the routine check–up, Ross was still sitting there, his hospital gown hanging loosely open. When Danielle came in using her crutches, she gently reminded him, “It’s getting chilly. Dress properly.”
Noticing her gaze lingering on him, Ross smiled, “Care to help, Dr. Shelly?”
Danielle would love to. Setting her crutches aside, she bit back a smile. Before fixing his buttons, she leaned down and pressed a kiss to his bandaged wound.
Visibly, Ross tightened his abs, his breath hitching as his ears flushed red. He hadn’t realized Danielle could affect
him so much. That kiss alone nearly triggered other reactions.
Danielle deliberately teased him, “I didn’t know you were this easy to fluster.”
Ross didn’t speak. His face burned hotter.
She tugged his gown, grinning. “Didn’t you date someone in high school? That ex even showed up at Sheary’s birthday. Didn’t she reach out again after that?”
To be honest, Ross barely remembered his high–school romance. If Amelía hadn’t reappeared, he would have forgotten her.
Now, with Danielle bringing it up, panic flickered instantly. Worrying she would misunderstand, he immediately explained, “I never liked her. She did reach out later, but I refused to meet.”
Danielle raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Then why did you date her?”
Ross hesitated. “There was another girl who kept chasing me. I had no choice but to use Amelia as a shield.” Using
someone like that clashed with his gentle demeanor, but he had to admit he had a darker, more calculating side.
He continued, “I know it was wrong, but Amelia benefited too, Lowe her nothing.” Even years later, he had no guilt about it.
Before Ross, Danielle had never dated anyone. Learning about his high–school romance had needled her. “But
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when we kissed, you were skilled. It didn’t seem like your first time.”
That one kiss had nearly spiraled out of control. Danielle had been too intoxicating.
Ross swallowed at the memory. “That was just male instinct, and I’m talented.”
Danielle smiled, eyes glittering. Her warm breath grazed his Adam’s apple as she braced her hands on his shoulders, peppering kisses along his jaw. “Fine. But don’t you have questions for me?”
Ross placed his hands on her waist. “No.” His gaze burned. “Danielle, I just want to kiss you.”
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Ross leaned in to kiss Danielle.
Danielle blocked him with a hand. “No. Your injuries aren’t healed yet.”
Ross insisted, “I can manage.”
“No, you can’t,” she said firmly. Kissing took effort. “Ross, you’ve got to listen to your girlfriend.”
Frustrated, Ross flopped back onto the bed. The heat inside him faded slowly. Injured and weakened, he was at
her mercy, but once he recovered, he wouldn’t let Danielle escape so easily.
Just as Dustin predicted, Shermaine’s performance at the conference once again stunned Wallington. The world
now knew her as Professor Jean, the prodigious scholar. Just that single revelation sent shockwaves through
academia.
In Ustrana, Shermaine had a media interview scheduled for 3 p.m., set to wrap by 5 p.m. The rest of the evening
was all Joshua’s. They could wander the city freely.
Joshua already knew Kylie was the one targeting Shermaine–the same person who had tried to kill her at Bastere!
University.
Kylie dared harm the person he cherished most.
The interview took place at Math Weekly’s headquarters. Joshua walked Shermaine to the entrance, draped a
scarf around her shoulders, and kissed her forehead. “Call me when you’re done. I’ll pick you up.”
Once she disappeared inside, he pulled out his phone and dialed. “I’m in Ustrana. We need to talk.”
Oblivious to her impending doom, Kylie lay in a hospital bed, her injuries fueling a volatile temper. Defeat at
Shermaine’s hands had left her brooding and hollow, still struggling to process the blow.
Klaus had already been disposed of by Molly. The organization would no longer tolerate his failures. Kylie, however, had family connections to thank for her survival.
Sarah remained unaware of Kylie’s double life as an assassin, the beloved granddaughter secretly steeped in blood
and crime.
“Kylie, no more reckless moves after this,” Kylie’s eldest brother, Clayton Bynes, warned. “Tomorrow, you’re leaving for Granatano to recuperate.”
Kylie rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed. “Yeah, yeah. Get out.”
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Before leaving, Clayton turned to the bodyguards. “Watch her.”
“Understood, Mr. Bynes,” they replied.
That night in Loang, Joshua stood waiting in a long black trench coat. The interview had already ended. As Shermaine stepped out of the building, she spotted him by the roadside, his silhouette striking against the night.
After saying goodbye to the professor, Shermaine walked up to him. “Let’s go get dinner, Joshua.”
They got into the car, and Joshua signaled the driver to move.
Their destination was an upscale restaurant on the 25th floor, offering a breathtaking view of Loang’s skyline.
Ustrana was a romantic country. Couples were hugging, kissing, lost in their own little world.
The steak was exquisite, and the wine was top–tier. The only flaw was that Shermaine wasn’t dressed for the
occasion. But the restaurant either had no strict dress code or had simply made an exception for them.
Shermaine enjoyed the meal thoroughly. When they stepped out, Joshua suggested a walk to help them digest.
They wandered into a luxury boutique, where Shermaine picked out clothes for Joshua.
After paying, she realized Joshua wasn’t in the store anymore. He had taken a call earlier and stepped outside.
She found him by the roadside, leaning against a silver sports car, cigarette in hand, deep in conversation.
The night air had turned chilly. Shermaine, shopping bags in hand, spotted a nearby café and decided to grab a
coffee.
The moment she stepped inside, a man grabbed her wrist. His voice dripped with lazy amusement. “Ms. Woods,
stop clinging to me. My girl might get jealous.”
Shermaine turned to see a handsome face smirking down at her. He said in Wallingtonian, “Please just play along.”
Expressionless, Shermaine pried his fingers off her wrist and said to the sweet–faced girl beside the man, “I don’t
know him.”
The man was Bruce. He frowned, clearly not expecting rejection. His gaze flicked to the ring on her finger, and understanding dawned. “My apologies!
Shermaine smiled faintly, shaking her head, “No harm done.” Then, she walked to the counter to order her coffee.
The sweet girl, Charlotte Woods, had watched the whole exchange. Bruce had dragged a stranger into his act just to push her away, only for the woman to refuse outright. Charlotte’s face twisted in anger, and she immediately launched into a scene.
Joshua finished his conversation with the man in the car. “My wife is waiting. Handle the matter. Call me if there’s
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an issue.”
Shermaine had already gotten her coffee. Joshua, aware she had stepped into the café next door, headed over. As he pushed open the door, a man walked out. It was Bruce.
Their eyes met. Bruce noticed the ring on Joshua’s finger, an exact match to the woman inside. He thought, ‘This is her husband? Not bad.’
Joshua motioned for him to step aside. Once Bruce moved, Joshua entered the café, his hand settling possessively on the small of Shermaine’s back.
Shermaine held two cups of coffee.
Joshua took the shopping bags from her. “Sheary, did that man just hit on you?”
Shermaine hadn’t expected him to notice while handling business. “He tried using me as a shield to ditch another woman. I refused.”
Joshua nodded, ruffling her hair. “Good girl.”
Shermaine chuckled, “He apologized once he saw my ring.”
“He’s got manners.” Joshua nodded.
Shermaine handed him a cup of coffee. “But someone is still tense.” Teasing, she added, “Joshua, are you that
worried I’ll run off with another man?”
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Joshua had no doubt Shermaine would never leave him. His only fear was other men coveting her. She was extraordinary and attractive. He had to stay vigilant.
He didn’t respond to her teasing, simply pinched her cheek before leading her out of the café.
The streets buzzed with traffic, shop windows glowing under bright lights. Leaning against a car, Bruce smoked a cigarette, idly twisting a light blue checkered handkerchief in his fingers. It embroidered with a single word “Jean.”
A wind chime tinkled. Bruce glanced back as the woman he had tried to drag into his mess earlier walked away hand–in–hand with that man. His gaze shifted indifferently, features obscured by cigarette smoke.
Roy had known that Joshua had already arrived in Ustrana earlier that day. Busy keeping tabs on his team, he hadn’t had time to reach out. But with evening settling in, his thoughts inevitably drifted to Molly.
After Shermaine and Joshua returned to their hotel, Roy knocked on their door. Shermaine handed him a cup of coffee. “When’s the match?”
“Day after tomorrow.” Roy slid two tickets across the table. “If you two are free, come cheer for us.”
“Sure.” Shermaine had never attended an esports event live. As their former coach, she was curious. Joshua, admittedly, had zero interest in gaming.
Roy touched his nose. “Hmm… Any chance you could give me Molly’s number?”
Shermaine raised an eyebrow. “You might not be able to handle Molly.”
“That’s fine.” Roy grinned. “She can handle me instead.”
Shermaine sighed. Molly disdained men as a rule. If Roy was serious, he would have a rough road ahead. Still, their personalities might oddly complement each other.
Seeing his determination, Shermaine saw no reason to dampen his enthusiasm. “Alright.” She relented, passing him Molly’s contact.
Roy saved the number, grinning brightly. “What does Molly like?”
Shermaine said, “Power and money. Her two favorite things.”
Roy mentally calculated his bank balance, already planning to hand it all over. “And what doesn’t she like?”
“People who defy her,” Shermaine/replied simply.
Roy thought, ‘Perfect. I’m obedient. As long as we get to be together, I won’t disobey her at all.‘
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“Thanks,” he said. He had never been this invested in anyone before. Just thinking about Molly made his heart
race.
Just then, Joshua emerged from the bedroom, crossing the living room to pull Shermaine into his arms. “Your bath’s ready.”
“In a minute.” Roy still had more questions.
Joshua’s gaze shifted to him. “Anything else?”
Roy immediately shook his head, chugging the rest of his coffee. “Nope! I’m heading back to my room now. See you.” As he stood, he glanced back one last time, struck with sudden envy at how happy Joshua and Shermaine looked together.
Joshua kissed Shermaine’s. When she didn’t respond, he nudged her. “What’s on your mind?”
“Roy might actually be a good match for my friend,” she mused.
“Brave of him,” Joshua remarked. Initially, he hadn’t realized who Shermaine meant by “friend“, but now, he knew.
The Carlton family, Molly’s family, held massive influence in Epea, spanning both business and underworld circles. The heirs were locked in a cutthroat battle for succession. Soon enough, the family wouldn’t be at peace.
Roy picking this moment to pursue Molly was risky. But then again, he wasn’t as naive as he seemed. When push came to shove, he might outmaneuver them all. Joshua wasn’t worried about him.
Shermaine smiled, “Fortune favors the bold.”
Joshua kissed her again. “Mm, you’ve got a point.” Then, he scooped her up from the couch. “Let’s share the bath,
baby.”
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Shermaine and Joshua had never taken a bath together before. Post–intimacy cleanups were always quick and practical.
Shermaine shook her head. “I’d rather shower alone.”
“You’ve been on your feet all day,” Joshua coaxed, already carrying her toward the bathroom. “Let me give you a massage. You’ll feel so much better.” He kicked the bathroom door shut behind them.
As it turned out, some precedents, once set, became Impossible to resist repeating.
Lately, Molly had been consumed by power plays and alliances, all while watching her back. Her siblings wouldn’t
hesitate to eliminate her for wealth and power. After all, she was the frontrunner, their father’s clear favorite.
On the day of the tournament, Shermaine and Joshua attended, Roy, however, was in low spirits. Molly had turned down his invitation the night before, and even his team’s victory couldn’t lift his mood.
“Are you having a celebration tonight?” Shermaine asked.
Roy shook his head. “We’ll hold it back home.”
“Let’s go.”
“Where?”
“To see your beloved.”
Roy’s gloom evaporated in an instant.
The Carlton family’s banquet was a spectacle of opulence. Molly met them at the entrance, draped in a cascading aqua–blue gown with a tailored blazer slung over her shoulders. Her gaze flicked to Joshua beside Shermaine.
After a brief appraisal, she whistled.
This was the man who had rendered even Shermaine’s “my boobs are bigger” advantage irrelevant. Shermaine had impeccable taste. Joshua was the prototype of male perfection.
As a businesswoman, Molly knew Joshua–a rising global force, ruthlessly efficient, sparing with words. “Pleasure finally meeting you,” she said.
Joshua gave a slight nod. “Likewise, Ms. Hill.”
They shook hands.
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Then, Molly’s attention landed on Roy. His grin widened the moment their eyes met, uncannily reminiscent of her pet’s eager expression.
“Come in,” she said. “It’s windy out here.”
The banquet hall teemed with high–profile guests. Molly handed them champagne flutes. “I’ll be pulled in all directions tonight, so enjoy yourselves.”
Shermaine nodded. She hadn’t planned to attend, but Molly had wanted to meet Joshua, and with Roy’s infatuation in the mix, she had brought them both along.
As Joshua entered the venue, all eyes turned toward him. In Ustrana, social obligations were unavoidable for
someone of his stature.
Shermaine winked at Molly. “Go handle your business. I’ll say goodbye before I leave.”
Molly took a sip of champagne, lingering. “No rush. I’ve got time for you.”
Within minutes, her assistant approached. “Ms. Hill, Kylie’s older brother is here.”
“What’s he doing here?” Molly frowned slightly.
“Kylie was abducted from the hospital last night. She’s still missing.”
A dry laugh escaped Molly. She thought, ‘So he thinks I took her?‘
Truthfully, she had planned to deal with Kylie. Shermaine had asked her to “resolve the issue” to prevent future harassment, but someone had beaten her to it.
Molly wondered, ‘Joshua’s protective streak strikes again.”
Twirling her wine glass, Molly ordered, “Keep him away from my father and the rest of the family.”
The assistant nodded. “Understood, Ms. Hill.”
“Wait.”
“Yes, Ms. Hill?”
“Is Bruce here yet?”
“Not as of now.”
Molly waved him off, lost in thought,
Shermaine asked, “You still haven’t won Bruce over?”
“I can’t even get a meeting,” Molly sighed, slightly annoyed. “I just hope my dear siblings don’t get to him first
tonight.”
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Her gaze then shifted to Joshua. “Efficient as always. You barely landed and already took out the trash.”
Joshua shrugged. “Apologies for the complication.”
“Not at all,” Molly said, straightening her blazer. “I’ll go greet that distressed guest.”
As she walked away, Shermaine teased, “Thank you, Mr. York.”
Joshua leaned in, his voice a low rumble. “Eliminating threats to my baby is a privilege. Besides…” He paused. “I’ve tolerated Kylie long enough.”
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“Enough about that unpleasant topic. Care to dance?” Joshua glanced toward the dance floor.
Kylie was indeed a mood–killer. Shermaine nodded, leaving Roy standing alone like a lost puppy. Pathetic, he thought gloomily before downing his drink in one go, ‘I’m all by myself!
Holding his glass, he decided. If he wanted something, he had to take action. With that thought, he immediately scanned the room for Molly.
The only time Joshua and Shermaine had ever danced was at their engagement party, and even that had been cut short because of Wendelyn’s interference.
On the dance floor, Joshua extended his hand. Shermaine placed hers in his palm, and they moved into the
rhythm of the music, her skirt brushing against his trousers, the air between them thick with intimacy.
Mid–dance, Joshua suddenly pulled Shermaine’s head against his chest, lips pressed into a thin line.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, puzzled.
He muttered, “Sheary, too many eyes on you.”
The banquet was full of beauties, but Shermaine outshone them all, drawing the attention of every young man
here.
Meanwhile, Roy finally spotted Molly in a secluded corner. Facing her was Clayton, Kylie’s older brother, demanding answers with a gun in hand.
Roy tensed, ready to intervene, but Molly acted quickly. She grabbed the barrel, kneed Clayton between the legs, and snarled, “I told you it wasn’t me. How many times do I have to say it? Annoying bastard.
“Your stupid sister pissed off the wrong person. If she gave the word, half the underworld would line up to finish.
the job.”
“Some professor isn’t worth this much fear,” Clayton scoffed.
Molly leaned in, sneering, “Wrong. She’s not just any professor. She’s Dr. Jean, the one Jacob Hughes has been begging to work with.”
Upon hearing this, Clayton froze.
“If you’re looking for revenge, take a dip in my pool and cool off first. Act recklessly, and your family will pay. By then, regret won’t save you.” Molly patted his cheek before shoving him away. “Be smart and walk away.”
With Clayton gone, Molly flicked her hair back and reached for a cigarette, only to find her lighter empty.
Roy stepped forward, flame already cupped in his palm.
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The flickering light illuminated her face, and he stared, thinking, ‘How can someone be this perfect?
Molly exhaled smoke, amused, “Why’d you come looking for me?”
“They went dancing,” Roy replied, sounding a bit pitiful. “Left me all by myself.”
Molly’s gaze lingered on his pink hair. She thought, ‘Poor guy. He can’t even third–wheel. She smiled, “You drink?”
“Yeah.” Roy nodded. In fact, his tolerance was terrible, but he wasn’t about to admit that.
“Then stick with me tonight. Play my shield.”
“Gladly.”
Roy couldn’t have been more thrilled.
His eagerness made Molly laugh. She thought, ‘Such an idiot but cute one.‘
Shermaine and Joshua only danced once before stepping off the floor. He couldn’t stand the way other men stared
at her.
As they exited, a businessman recognized Joshua and hurried over, visibly shocked and thrilled to see him at the
conversation wouldn’t end quickly. Shermaine rose onto her toes and
event. Soon, a crowd gathered, and the
whispered, “I’m going to grab some food.”
“Stay close,” Joshua murmured.
“Relax. No matter how much they like me, I’m still yours.” Shermaine’s lips brushed his ear as she added, “Unless I want to leave, no one can take me from you.”
Joshua knew that, but his possessiveness wasn’t rational. Just seeing another man talk to Shermaine for too long made his blood boil, especially abroad, where men were bolder, swarming her the second she stepped away.
But Shermaine had a foolproof deterrent. She would simply flash her wedding ring and nod toward Joshua. “That’s my husband.”
Grudgingly, these men would retreat.
While Shermaine was eating, her phone buzzed. Molly’s voice was urgent. “Shermaine, need a favor.”
Shermaine said, “Go on.”
Molly spoke quickly, “Bruce is on the balcony at your three o’clock. My eldest sister’s heading there. Block her until
I arrive.”
“No problem.” Shermaine set down her dessert and strode to the balcony, shutting the doors just as Molly’s sister approached.
The sound made Bruce turn. His eyes narrowed. He immediately recognized her, the one who had refused to play
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along last night.
Shermaine, however, didn’t recognize him. She smiled, “The view is lovely. Mind if I join you?”
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Bruce said nothing. Shermaine’s question was pure courtesy. Even if he objected, she wouldn’t budge.
The moment the glass door shut, Karina Carlton, Molly’s eldest sister, arrived. Spotting Bruce, she hurried forward, eager to win him over. His support would guarantee her succession as the next head of the Carlton family. But the door was locked.
Karina thought, ‘The woman blocking my way isn’t from my circle. Some random girl trying to flirt with Bruce?‘ Her patience evaporated. “Open the door. Now.”
Shermaine heard her but didn’t react.
Karina wasn’t one to wait. She signaled her bodyguard to shoulder–charge the door.
The glass shuddered under the impact. Shermaine turned, meeting Karina’s glare.
“Move!” Karina’s voice sharpened, anger leaking through.
Shermaine had no intention of letting this conversation happen. Molly’s request came first. She said, “There’s an order to things, Ms. Carlton. First come, first served.”
Karina’s eyes narrowed. “Who do you work for?” She rattled off names, but none earned a response.
“I don’t care whose pawn you are. Block me again, and you won’t leave this place alive,” Karina warned, her voice
rising. “Open the door now, and I might forget this.”
Shermaine wasn’t impressed, smiling, “Sorry to disappoint.”
Karina’s silence was deadly. A flick of her wrist, and the guards lunged.
Bruce watched as if this were entertainment.
A guard grabbed Shermaine, only for her to twist his wrist with a sickening crack before kicking him back.
“All of you!” Karina barked.
Shermaine dispatched them one by one, barely shifting her stance. She would hold this line until Molly arrived.
A breeze stirred as Bruce stubbed out his cigarette. He hadn’t expected her to be so skilled. Her movements were
precise and effortless. Then, as he stepped closer, a familiar scent hit him.
His gaze snapped to Shermaine’s back, a shadow flickering in his eyes.
The commotion here had drawn a crowd. Soon, Molly emerged from the guests, her voice icy. “Karina, is this how you treat our honored guest?”
Karina’s face twisted with disdain. “Honored guest?” she scoffed. “She’s just your lackey. And your lackey has
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pissed me off.” Her tone dripped with lethal intent as if she would shoot Shermaine on the spot.
She might have tried, too, but the moment she drew her pistol, a cold voice cut through. “Karina, stand down!“.
Karina froze. The speaker was her father, Fred Carlton, the current head of the Carlton family.
Then, Joshua’s voice rang out, calm but commanding. “Sheary, come here.”
Shermaine smiled and glided to his side, her hand resting lightly on his arm–a silent reminder to Karina that she wasn’t some disposable pawn but a guest even the Carlton family couldn’t afford to offend.
All thanks to Joshua. Not that she needed his name to command respect, her own would’ve sufficed. But she did enjoy being shielded by him.
Fred’s glare hardened. “Holster your gun. Now, apologize to Mrs. York.”
Karina’s jaw clenched. “Dad, I—”
Fred ordered, “Now!”
Grudgingly, Karina muttered an apology, her humiliation palpable. She hadn’t expected Fred to fear the man
beside Shermaine.
Shermaine accepted the apology gracefully. There was no need to escalate things for Molly’s sake. Yet through it all, Bruce’s gaze never left her.
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Joshua shifted, blocking Bruce’s line of sight to Shermaine.
Bruce knew it was rude to stare, especially at a married woman. But that faint, familiar scent he had caught from her lingered in his mind, unsettling him.
Shermaine had just glanced back at Bruce. She hadn’t paid him much attention before, but now that she thought about it, there was something familiar with his eyes. Odd, considering her usually impeccable memory couldn’t place where she had seen them before.
Joshua gave her hand a light squeeze, his brow furrowing.
Shermaine looked up. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Are you hurt?” Joshua bent slightly to speak closer to her ear. He was a grown man. There was no reason to act like a jealous teenager. Others might admire Shermaine, but she would always be his.
Shermaine shook her head. Those bodyguards had been all bulk, no skill.
Once Karina delivered her stiff apology, Fred dismissed her. She shot Bruce one last desperate glance, but under Fred’s stern gaze, she had no choice but to storm off in frustration. Any chance of winning Bruce over was long
gone.
Molly shot Shermaine a meaningful glance, which Shermaine acknowledged with a faint smile.
The familiarity between them was unmistakable. Fred wasn’t blind to it–but he said nothing. Molly had connections to someone of such formidable influence, even willing to intercept Karina for her, that spoke volumes.
Besides, Fred had long wanted to forge ties with Joshua. The York family was rarely associated with families like the Carlton family, who operated in both legal and shadowy realms. Joshua’s presence tonight was entirely Molly’s doing.
Fred offered Shermaine a few conciliatory words, oozing concern, even summoning a servant to bring out a prized bottle of wine as an apology.
Molly’s eyes lit up at the bottle. “Don’t waste this. This wine costs…” She flashed her fingers to indicate the price.
Its value lay in its age–older vintages commanded higher prices. Fred seldom served it to guests. Tonight was an
exception.
Shermaine accepted the glass, inhaled its aroma, and took a small sip. The rich flavor bloomed on her palate,
drawing a subtle but genuine smile.
“Mrs. York, you appreciate fine wine?” Fred asked.
Joshua chuckled, “The finer it is, the more she loves it.”
1/2
Chapter 350
“I have several exceptional bottles in my collection. Let me have them brought for her,” Fred sald eagerly.
Shermaine was about to decline when Joshua spoke, “We’d be grateful for your generosity, Mr. Carlton.”
Though Fred’s focus remained on Joshua and Shermaine, he didn’t neglect Bruce, handing him an equally exquisite glass.
Bruce rarely drank. Constant vigilance was his rule. Yet this time, he accepted. The wine’s scent, paired with the memory of Shermaine’s expression, compelled him to taste it. It was pretty good.
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