The more Noah feigned surprise at Jeremy's accusations, the angrier Jeremy became. It was clear to him that Noah was lying just to get Avery's attention and the thought was infuriating."I can't believe you would stoop so low as to act this way out of jealousy," Avery said, facing Jeremy. "If Noah shows his call history and it proves that he did pay the doctor, what then?""I'll admit that I was wrong," Jeremy said grudgingly. "Until he provides proof that he's telling the truth, I'm going to assume that he's lying," Jeremy said, his voice firm. "I'm not going to let him take credit for something he didn't do, just because he's jealous of me."Avery sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I understand your frustration," she said, "but I think you're jumping to conclusions. I think you should give Noah the benefit of the doubt until he's had a chance to prove himself.""If he can provide proof that he's telling the truth, I'll happily eat my words," Jeremy said, and Avery could tell
Jeremy watched in disbelief as Lord Williams and his wife announced that they had approved of Avery's marriage to Noah - on the condition that he could secure a contract for their struggling company. The thought of his wife being used as a bargaining chip was even worse."Grandpa, you can't be serious," Avery said, her voice shaking. "You're going to force me to marry Noah?" She shot a pleading look at Jeremy, who felt like his heart was breaking. He had always known that Avery's family looked down on him, but to hear them say it out loud was more painful than he could have imagined. And the thought of his wife being traded like a commodity was too much to bear."This is your last chance to save our company," Lord Williams said, his voice cold and calculating. "If you can't do it, then we'll have no choice but to let it go under. And you know what that will mean for our family."Avery's face was pale, and Jeremy could see the terror in her eyes. "Why are you making it sound like sh
Furious, Avery let out a scream as she ran back into the living room. Her words rang with the sharp edge of a sword. "I'm not a tool, you can't use me like one!" The outburst, filled with intense emotion, reverberated throughout the room and caught Everyone's attention including Jeremy. He quickly turned back to see what was happening. Fuming with anger, Lady Williams shot back at Avery, her voice rising to a shout."Keep your mouth shut, Avery!" As Jeremy approached, the sight of him only fueled the fire in Avery's belly. Her eyes narrowed as her fury burned hotter still. "If my husband won't stand up for me," she growled, her voice thick with rage, "then I'll do it myself." Avery's words hurt Jeremy's heart. He knew how much she trusted him, and he wanted to tell her the truth Jeremy knew that if he told Avery the truth, it could put her and their daughter's life in danger.He had to think of a way to protect them both and also let Avery know that he was still on her s
"Jeremy, I just don't understand what your plan was or what you were thinking when you accepted that bet." Avery's tears flowed freely as she held his hand, her desperation palpable in her trembling voice. "You've risked everything, our relationship, our future. And for what? To prove something to my family? To take them down a peg? It's just not worth it. Not when our love is on the line." The truth of Jeremy's true identity remained a closely guarded secret, one that he felt bound to keep hidden for the sake of his mother and their shared past. Despite the intense love he had for Avery, the emotional wounds inflicted by his family were still too raw, the bitterness and anger still seething within him. He wanted to trust her, to confide in her, but his hesitation won out. The promise he had made to his mother, to honor her wishes and keep his distance from his father, was a heavy burden that held him back."Avery, I know you're hurting, and I'm sorry for that," he said, his voice
Jeremy took a deep breath.Initially, he had planned to keep Avery in the dark about the source of the money that had settled their daughter's medical bills. He had instructed the doctor to tell her that an anonymous benefactor had stepped in, but Noah's deceitful behavior had shifted his resolve. He had messaged the doctor on their way to the hospital, asking him to be honest with Avery, knowing that she would undoubtedly ask. "Say something, Jeremy," Avery snapped, her patience fraying at the edges as her husband maintained his silence. Clearing his throat, Jeremy began, his voice faltering as he set up into his fabricated explanation. "An old friend of mine...his father happens to be the director of this hospital," he stammered, the falsehoods slipping easily from his lips. "So I spoke to him about Mia's condition, and he kindly waived the bills." Jeremy's gaze shifted, his hands clenching and unclenching as he battled the guilt that threatened to consume him. Avery's br
Mrs. Williams scoffed, a harsh and mocking laughter filling the air. "There we go again, the proud but broke man," she jeered, her words dripping with contempt. "You think you de heavens restaurant are like those cheap restaurants you take Avery to every year on your anniversary? Where you are expected to spend peanuts here like you do on her," she taunted, clearly enjoying the discomfort she was causing. "Oh, Jeremy, if you weren't so full of pride, maybe you would understand how expensive a five-star restaurant can be. Instead, you waste your money, trying to make a show of wealth. Why don't you spend that money on your wife and daughter instead, so you don't end up back on the streets, begging for scraps like a dog?" Mr. Williams said, his face twisted in derision, cut in with a venomous remark. Jeremy, his expression unyielding, kept his gaze fixed on Avery. The hate and discouraging comments and insults hurled his way by the Williams held no influence over his behavior, for h
Avery wasn’t having any of it. She was fed up with her husband Jeremy, who was clearly more interested in being right than in being resourceful. “Jeremy,” she started, her voice tired and firm. “I think you’re taking this too far. It’s getting too much.”It didn’t make sense to Avery. If Jeremy had plenty of money, why would he keep splurging on her ungrateful grandparents? It wasn’t like they were ever going to appreciate the gesture. Jeremy was usually so frugal, always planning out every penny they spent. This sudden spending spree was really out of character for him. She had no idea what was going on with him, but she knew she wasn’t going to stand for it any longer.Mrs. Williams’ voice was as sweet as syrup, but Avery could hear the mockery in her tone. “Why stop him, dear? Let him spoil us. It’s not like we get to live this high life every day,” she chuckled. Then, turning to the chef, she snapped, “Hurry up and do what Jeremy told you. He’s trying to prove he’s not a total d
The restaurant had gone silent, all eyes fixed on Jeremy as he stood his ground. Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Peterson, and Steve were all frozen in shock, mouths slightly agape as they processed what Jeremy had just said.“Are you crazy?” Mrs. Williams gasped. “Do you have any idea how much that wine costs? You can’t possibly afford it!”Jeremy, still perfectly composed, met her gaze with a cool stare. “I’m fully aware of the cost, Mrs. Williams. And yes, I can afford it.”The revelation left the room reeling, a hush falling over the table as the three guests processed what Jeremy had said.“But how?” Mrs. Peterson finally managed to sputter, her eyes wide with shock. “How can you afford a wine that costs a hundred thousand dollars?”Jeremy, his words a sharp blade, pressed his point. “Or is that it, Steve?” he asked, his voice a quiet, dangerous whisper. “Are you afraid you won’t be able to pay me back?"Steve’s face twisted with rage. “I’ll pay you back, you arrogant bastard!” he spat, slam
"Who was at the door?" Jeremy asked, turning his attention to Avery as she stepped into the living room."A guy from the post office," Avery replied, her brow furrowed as she looked at the paper she was holding. "He gave me this letter addressed to you, and when I asked him who sent it, he said it was anonymous."Jeremy's confusion was evident as he received the letter, his eyes darting from Avery's face to the unassuming envelope. The anticipation of the unknown hung thick in the air, suffocating the room with tension."A letter from an anonymous source?" Jeremy echoed, his voice a tense whisper.Avery's brow furrowed in worry. "Babe, will we ever get the peace we deserve?" she asked, her voice shaking with fear. "This is disturbing. No one's supposed to know we're here, so why would someone send us a letter like this? I don't like it. I don't like it one bit."Jeremy held the letter between his fingers as if it were a poisonous snake and stared at it with a mixture of disgust and in
Mr. Smith's assistant entered his office, his footsteps quick and urgent. "Sir, they've arrived," he announced, a hint of apprehension coloring his voice.Mr. Smith gave a satisfied nod. "Did you give them the full treatment, as I requested?" he asked, his voice carrying the weight of his authority."Yes, sir," the assistant replied, a slight tremble in his tone. "Everything has been arranged, just as you specified."With a nod, Mr. Smith dismissed his assistant, his mind already turning to the next phase of his plan."Are you sure this is a good idea?" Mrs. Smith questioned, her voice tight with apprehension. "We're treating Jeremy and his family too well. It's bound to raise their suspicions about us."Mr. Smith gave a dismissive snort. "He's my nephew," he retorted, his voice edged with irritation. "Why shouldn't I treat him with respect?"Mrs. Smith's expression hardened. "That didn't stop you from letting your own sister die," she shot back. "What makes you think Jeremy will spar
Jeremy and his family arrived at Relagas Private Inn, only a few minutes away from their temporary lodgings. They were immediately greeted by a smiling gentleman who welcomed them with a warm, "Welcome Mr and Mrs Nathaniel!"Then, a little girl, who appeared to be about the same age as Mia, stepped forward and presented the couple with a beautiful bouquet of flowers."Wow, this is such a lovely welcome," Avery exclaimed, her voice warm with gratitude. "It's very unusual to receive such a friendly greeting from a business when it's not work-related."The smiling gentleman nodded in agreement, his voice polite and professional. "Ma'am, all of our international guests are welcomed like this. But your visit is especially important to us, as our CEO has prepared a special banquet for you and your family."Avery took the bouquet of flowers from the little girl, handing them over to Mia with a smile.As the family stepped through the grand entrance of Relagas Private Inn, they were greeted b
Mr Smith picked up the phone and punched in the number for reception. When the receptionist answered, he got straight to the point. "When is Jeremy Nathaniel due to arrive?" "He's due to arrive later this evening, sir," came the answer, courteous and polite. Mr Smith's voice took on an authoritative, commanding edge. "I expect to be informed the moment he arrives," he said, leaving no room for argument. "Absolutely, sir," the receptionist replied, the slightest hint of fear in her voice. Mrs Smith's voice rang out, her eyes never leaving the screen of her phone. "Darling!" she exclaimed, her frustration palpable. "It's confirmed. Jeremy Nathaniel is in New York." Her husband's gaze shifted to her, his brow furrowed in confusion. "What does this have to do with James?" Mrs Smith's expression grew grim. "Remember, James was the Kaiden's lapdog here in New York," she said, her tone grave. "And despite his best efforts to keep it quiet, we both know how much the Kaiden despise
Mr. Smith's expression turned grave at his wife's question. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice full of concern.Mrs. Smith fixed her husband with a steady, unwavering gaze. "Jeremy Nathaniel," she stated, her tone heavy with accusation.At the mention of the name, Mr. Smith's body tensed, his hands clenching into fists. He rose slowly from his seat, his posture rigid and defensive, as if he had just been caught in the act.Mr. Smith shook his head, his voice cool and collected. "What about Jeremy Nathaniel?" he asked, his gaze steady on his wife's face."That's the thing," Mrs. Smith responded, her words tumbling out in a flurry of excitement. "Jeremy Nathaniel, the same Jeremy Nathaniel we've been trying to keep hidden for all these years—he's here in New York. And he's booked a reservation at our inn. He's coming!"Mr. Smith seemed unconvinced. "The name is a common one," he countered."But that's not all," Mrs. Smith continued, her voice rising in urgency. "I checked the phone
Jeremy's only desire now was a peaceful, uneventful week with his family in New York. As soon as he returned to their hotel room, after Avery's discharge from the hospital, he picked up his phone and dialed Jefferson's number."Jefferson," he said, his voice tinged with the exhaustion of the past few days. "We need some serious downtime. A week of no drama, no excitement. Just pure relaxation.""Jefferson, I don't feel safe in this hotel anymore," Jeremy said, his voice weary but firm. "James knew where we were. We need a place that's off the grid. Somewhere secluded and private. I want my family to have the quiet, safe vacation they deserve."Jefferson's voice on the other end of the line was steady, reassuring. "You can count on me, boss," he said. "I'll find the perfect spot. Your family will be safe and comfortable, and they'll get the peaceful break they need."Jefferson's fingers flew across his smartphone's screen as he scoured the internet for an isolated and private inn. "Ral
The drive to the hospital was an agonizing blur for Jeremy, each red light and obstacle a cruel reminder of the uncertainty that awaited him. The world seemed to slow to a crawl as he trailed the ambulance, the only thing on his mind being the fragile life of his wife.The streets were a chaotic maelstrom, cars weaving around him, horns blaring, but he paid them no heed. With his heart racing and his mind consumed by worry, he pushed his foot harder on the gas pedal, willing the universe to get him to the hospital sooner."Avery, please, please be strong for me," Jeremy begged, his voice a desperate plea into the void as he chased after the ambulance. His heart felt like it was being twisted in a vise, and he clutched the steering wheel so tightly that his knuckles turned white."I need you, Avery," he whispered, the words tumbling from his lips like a prayer. "Please, just hold on." His eyes stung with tears, but he blinked them away, determined to stay focused on the road.Jeremy
"I'll kill you. I'll waste you" In a blind rage, James continued to choke Avery's limp body, oblivious to the fact that she was already unconscious. His teeth were bared, his breathing rapid and shallow. He seemed determined to snuff out the last vestiges of life from her.Then, the door burst open with a bang. Jeremy rushed in, his face contorted with shock and fury. He didn't hesitate for a second; he lunged at James, tackling him to the floor in a tangle of limbs. The FBI agents followed close behind, pointing their guns at James."You monster!" Jeremy screamed as he rained blows down on James, each punch fueled by his rage and desperation. His fists connected with James' face over and over again, his knuckles raw and bloody.The FBI agents rushed in, trying desperately to pry Jeremy off of James, but his fury was too great to be easily quelled. It took all of their combined strength to finally pull Jeremy away, his chest heaving as he fought for control. James lay motionless benea
After James discovers the hidden microphone and recorder, his expression darkens into one of pure rage, his jaw clenched so tight that Avery can almost hear the grinding of his teeth. He stalks towards her, his hands balled into fists."You fool! Who sent you?!" James roared, his eyes blazing with anger. Avery stood frozen in fear, unable to speak as she tried to back away from him."Answer me!" James thundered his voice like a thunderclap. Avery trembled as she struggled to find the words to respond. But the more she remained silent, the angrier James became, his fury reaching its boiling point."No one sent me... the microphone isn't working!" Avery stammered, her voice trembling with fear.James let out a bitter laugh, his eyes burning with hatred. "You must think I'm stupid. You won't leave this room alive," he snarled, his voice dripping with venom. "You've heard too much. I'll make sure you're sent home in a body bag."With each step he took closer to Avery, she could feel the