Steven sent me another message: "I investigated the school Lucy enrolled in. The tuition alone is 400,000 dollars per year. With other expenses, even living frugally, it would cost at least 600,000 dollars annually. Lucy's mother couldn't afford this."As I was about to ask who paid for her studies, Steven revealed the answer."It's interesting. While looking into Cindy, I came across a news item on the Devon Corporation's website."A few seconds later, Steven forwarded the post that caught his attention. The post stated that the Devon Corporation sponsored underprivileged students for studying abroad. This kind of corporate philanthropy is common, whether for reputation or other reasons. But in this particular list of sponsored students, I saw Lucy's name.Steven added, "Ms. Middleton, I think you need to reconsider if you and Cindy are really strangers. From the car accident six months ago to the truth we've uncovered, it seems Cindy harbors a deep grudge against you. Clearly, Lu

”He made me the beneficiary of the insurance policy? It seems like he’s doing it for my benefit, right? But what’s the point if I’m dead? I have no parents, no family—he’s my only relative. In the end, the huge insurance payout would go straight to him!"The thought sent a shiver down my spine, and I couldn't help but tremble. Tears started to roll down my cheeks, but I bit my lip, refusing to cry. "Wendy, Max is a monster! He doesn’t just want the baby dead; he wants me dead too!"Wendy tried to calm me down, telling me to sit somewhere.How could I calm down?Wendy said, "Jen, you need to stay calm. Listen to me, we don't yet know why Max bought such a large insurance policy behind your back. Without concrete evidence, we can't accuse him of anything. The law requires proof, you know that, right?""Secondly, you're alone in Johnsonville. If you confront him recklessly, I'm afraid you'll suffer. Max is already out of his mind! If you face off with him and he gets violent, what wi

I asked him, "How did you get here? You're not familiar with the car and driving so clumsily. You must be really brave.""I had a chauffeur.""Where's your chauffeur now?"Luke glanced at me sideways and said blandly, "I figured it would be best if no one else saw you like this, to save you from future embarrassment."I gritted my teeth. "Should I thank you for your thoughtfulness?""No need."I looked at him, smiling. "Luke, are you single?"He was taken aback for a moment, looked at me, and then calmly replied, "Yes."I continued smiling. "All these years, you've never had a girlfriend?"Luke's brows furrowed slightly, as if recalling something, and for a moment, an imperceptible hint of sadness crossed his face.Had he dated someone? Was he dumped? Still heartbroken?I thought I might have unintentionally touched a nerve. I wanted to jab at him, but not like this.But then the trace of sadness vanished, and he replied calmly, "Never.""Oh, with your looks, background, a

Seeing my hesitation, Luke interjected, "I promised Wendy I would help you. I've made that promise to her...""A promise is a promise; I've heard you say that twice already," I interrupted.Luke nodded seriously. "Exactly, so don't worry. If you want to talk, I am here to listen.""I can tell you," I sighed, trying to sound casual. "It's not really a big deal."Luke watched me quietly, patiently waiting for me to speak.So, I divulged everything—how Max drugged me, resulting in the death of our baby, and how he had taken out a substantial insurance policy early on.I thought I was composed enough, but as I spoke, particularly about the tragic death of the baby, I couldn't help but well up with tears. I didn't want to appear weak, so I tried to keep my eyes wide open, holding back the tears and the sting in my nose. Smiling through my tears, I asked Luke, "Luke, I know I am foolish for loving a jerk for so many years. But... why did Max have to do this to me?"My voice was hoarse

In the past, whenever I had a problem at home, I would always panic and run to my dad, asking, "Dad, what do I do? How do I handle this?"He would respond, "Jen, in all situations, stay calm. Being frantic won't help."Reflecting on this, I felt a pang of sorrow, as if my father's presence was still with me.I looked at Luke and asked, "Luke, my dad had another favorite saying. Do you know what it is?"Luke raised an eyebrow and confidently replied, "Of course."We spoke almost simultaneously:"Accept good fortune without excessive joy; face adversity without fear; enjoy peace without indulgence; confront danger without panic. A person who can remain calm amidst turmoil is deserving of the utmost respect."After we finished, Luke and I exchanged a smile.When Luke smiles, he looks very attractive. It's a stark contrast to his usual cold and distant demeanor. How do novels describe it? As gentle as a spring breeze in February? A ray of sunshine on a cloudy day?I thought, if he