Ch. 551..560

Chapter 551

The doctor shook his head. "She's very old and sullering from multiple organ failure. Any form of treatment would only cause her more pain. She'll pass away in these two days." Genevieve could not help but lecl upset upon hearing that

She found a caregiver to take care of the old woman and reminded the caregiver to contact her if anything came up. Then, she took a cab to the resort.

Genevieve took a shower in the hotel room and slept for a short while. When she woke up, night had fallen.

At that moment, Jane texted Genevieve, informing the latter she was at the door.

Genevieve hurriedly went to open the door, spotting Jane carrying a makeup kit. "Aren't you helping Rachel with her makeup and styling? How come you're so fast?"

Aside from Bruce, the company had also invited two other celebrities to participate in Fantasy Film Festival.

One of the celebrities was Rachel Henderson. The styling team the company hired for her had done a terrible job of preening Rachel during her previous red carpet event. Outrageously, the styling company even requested an increase in salary this time.

The styling company suddenly went on a strike that morning after James rejected them. They told James to contact another styling company to take the job.

Even so, Genevieve did not panic. She asked for Jane's help as the latter was adept at styling

"I reached Baykeep in the afternoon and spent three hours on her styling. I just completed the task." Jane smiled faintly while entering Genevieve's room, carrying the makeup kit. Jane's mood significantly improved after she began working and interacting with others. She was not coughing as much as before.

Placing the makeup kit on the dressing table, Jane asked Genevieve, "Genevieve, I heard Mr. Dixon said you'll be starring in the opening performance of the film festival tonight. Which gown are you wearing?"

Genevieve took out a set of suits from her luggage. "This."

Seeing that, Jane was amused. "All the female celebrities are fighting to be the highlight of the event. They wanted so badly for the camera to focus only on them. Even Rachel's gown is a customized design by MM, scheduled to be launched during next year's spring or summer. You're only going to wear this set of suits?"

Genevieve shrugged and said carefreely. "They are all celebrities. I'm not. I didn't want to bring a gown mainly because it's very licavy." "Why don't-"

Jane knew Rachel brought extra gowns to standby. She was about to suggest borrowing one of the gowns from Rachel when the doorbell rang.

Opening the door, Genevieve saw Cooper standing outside, holding a transparent clothes cover in his right hand. Inside the cover was in pale green evening gown.

"Coop, how did you know I'm lacking an evening gown?" Genevieve received the outfit from him.

"We lived together for over ten years. If I couldn'ı ligure that much about you, those times we staved together would be in vain," Cooper uicred with a wcak smile. "Then, he shifted his kaze into the room.

Spotting Jane, le reckoned she was there to prcen Genevieve for the event.

"I'll be going to the restaurant first. You can come over after you're done styling." With that, he left.

Worried the makeup would be ruined if she wore the gown afterward, Genevieve changed into the evening gown first. When she turned around, Genevieve noticed Janc had her head lowered as she repeatedly fiddled with the things inside her makeup kit.

Genevieve could not help but ask, "Jane, are you all right?"

"Huh? I'm fine." Jane regained her senses and saw Genevieve had done changing into the evening gown. She told Genevieve to sit before the vanity and began to doll the latter up. The clock had already struck six o'clock when Genevieve was done with her makeup. She then went to the restaurant with Jane.

Noticing the foods served on the table were only salads, cherry tomatoes, and iced coffee, Genevieve turned to Cooper speechlessly. "I'm not a celebrity. Can't I have some meat?"

"You're performing onstage later. Your stomach will bloat if you eat too much." Cooper placed a plate of cherry tomatoes in front of her.

Genevieve did not want to be embarrassed in that manner in front of so many people, so she had no choice but to cat the cherry tomatoes reluctantly.

Cooper hastily mixed a bowl of salad and put the bowl next to Genevieve's hand. "You asked me whether I wanted to invest in a movie the other day. Why didn't you mention to me the male lead is Bruce?"

"What's the matter?* Genevieve asked.

Leaning against the back of his chair, Cooper took a sip of luis coffee. "I've had people investigate this matter. That movie's primary investor works closely with Coco's boss. The investor suddenly withdrew the fund because of Coco's boss' instruction. Coco's boss even met with the investors found by the producer."

Chapter 552

"I know someone is targeting Bruce" Genevieve munclice on the salad. "Still, clocs Coco's boss hold a deep grudge against Bruce?"

Jane, sitting next to Genevieve, said, "Coco is Bruce's ex-girlfriend."

Upon hearing that, Genevieve was momentarily dazed. Soon, clarity washed over her. It was not Coco's boss who was targeting Bruce. Instead, it was Coco hersell.

Even if Bruce had switclied to work under a clillcrcnt critertainment company. Coco still did not wish for Bruce to progress well in the cutertainment field.

Cooper tapped the tabletop with his fingers while gazing at Genevieve. "Gencv, why are you helping Bruce?"

"I owe him a favor," she said in resignation before pausing briefly. "You should know that I went to Imperial Club to look for Mrs. Hossler, right? I wanted to make a trade with her using the oil painting you gave me. However, Mrs. Hossler thought that wasn't a fair trade since Sylvie has the Zeigler family's support. Mrs. Hossler was acquainted with a film director who fancied Bruce and wished to invite Bruce to be the male lead in her new movie, so Mrs. Hossler requested me to liaise with Bruce."

Upon hearing that, Cooper frowned and uttered in displease, "He's getting paid for his role in the movie. Why is there a need for you, the company's boss, to beg him?"

"The theme of the movie is a little special, and the scenes involved are rather sensitive," Genevieve explained euphemistically.

Cooper understood immediately and did not probe further.

Shortly after, a waiter served a plate of steak on the table. Cooper ordered the food for Jane since the latter did not have to perform onstage. Therefore, she could cat without a care.

Genevieve could not control her cravings as she sneakily ate a piece of the steak when Cooper talked to Jane

After finishing their meal, Cooper went to the event venue first while Genevieve and Jane went to the red carpet area.

The attendees would wait for their turn according to the assigned time for the autograph and photography session.

Fantasy Film Festival was one of the four most significant film festivals in the country. Almost all the celebrities in the entertainment industry attended the event. A large group of reporters crowded in front of the red carpet, clicking incessantly on their camera shutters as the flashlights dazzled those standing on the red carpet.

A hostess dressed in an evening gown stood on one side of the red carpet, introducing the celebrities who went up the stage to endorse their autographs.

Realizing it would be some time before her name was called, Genevieve stood aside and waited.

She scanned her surroundings, and licr cycs quickly focused on a man amidst the sea of personalities.

He was standing in front of a fountain adorned with angel sculptures not far away from the event vemic, seemingly isolated in a different world. When seen from behind, his physique was broad and tall, but he appeared exceptionally lonely.

His solitude invoked a hint of sorrow to surge within lier. Genevieve also fclt a sense of familiarity as she stared at his ligure from behind.

Holding the hem of her gown, she walked up to his side. "Why are you standing here? Are you planning to make a wish?"

"I'm just looking around." Bruce replied.

He turned sideways to glance at Genevieve, noticing her wearing a pale green cvening gown. To his relief, she was merely showing some part of her shoulders.

"You look breathtaking tonight, Ms. Rachford."

"Of course. I'm performing onstage later." Genevieve beamed, noting him wearing a set of black suits.

Although the outfit was not custom-made, due to Bruce's towering build, magnificent facial features, and natural air of elegance, the clothes wrapped around his body appeared as if it was tailor- made for him.

Frowning, Genevieve commented, "You're dressed too modestly, unlike a celebrity."

Recalling something, she opened her handbag and took out a bird-shaped diamond brooch. Then, she stepped forward and affixed the brooch on his suit.

"This is a unisex brooch, so you'll wear it fine." Genevieve paused briefly before adding, "But this brooch is very expensive, so make sure you don't lose it and return it to me after the end of the opening ceremony."

Momentarily stunned, Bruce chuckled afterward. "Okay, Ms. Rachford."

His eyes were enchanting, like a starry night sky. When he gazed at her, his eyes seemed to sparkle passionately.

Genevieve could not maintain eye contact with Bruce without flustering, so she hastily averted her gaze.

They were in close proximity, standing face to face, to the extent of being able to appreciate each other's presence. Time seemed to have stopped moving at that moment.

However, it lasted merely a few seconds when a sweet voice broke the peaceful silence. "Bruce."

Chapter 553

Turning her head around, Genevieve saw a young woman trudging toward them while dragging the heavy hem of her gown.

She was wearing a pink strapless petal embroidercil gown from ES Fashion Ilousc. ller skin was not considered lair, but she was nie and chic. ller petal blusli makeup matched her outfit. Hanging around hier neck was a Teardrop-shapicul pink suppluire necklace.

The woman straightenedlicr back, Irving very liard to make herself look more elegant. However, her deliberate attempt gave her a comical appearance,

"Bruce, it's been long since we last mcu." The woman blinked her glistening cyes at Bruce like a pure, innocent lawn.

Genevieve suddenly felt nauseous.

Although she knew there were all kinds of female cclcbrities in the entertainment industry, that was the first time she had encountered one wlio disgusted her.

Bruce merely glanced at the woman and proceeded to ignore her.

At the sight of his response, that woman pouted her pink lips and said in a childish voice, "I've been filming on the set for the past two months, and I finally have the time to spare now to attend Fantasy Film Festival. Bruce, we haven't seen each other for so long. Why are you giving me the cold shoulder?"

Only then did she seem to notice Genevieve standing beside Bruce. "Who is this missy?"

Wearing a poker face, Genevieve replied frostily, "I'm not a missy. I am the CEO of Genevieve Orsi Productions. Please address me as Ms. Rachford."

As Coco heard that, her large, innocent eyes gleamed.

She thought Genevieve looked vaguely familiar. After Genevieve introduced herself, Coco recalled the slight resemblance between Genevieve and Sylvie. However, that statement was truc only in the past, for Genevieve and Sylvie looked entirely different now.

A few days ago, Coco utilized her connections to try forcing Bruce to be dropped out of his acting parts. Unexpectedly, Specter Corporation generously invested thirty million in that movie. securing Bruce's role.

Specter Corporation's person in charge seems to be Genevieve's brother.

At that thought, Coco did not dare to behave too arrogantly before Genevieve. Grinning adorably, she said, "I see. It's nice to meet you, Ms. Rachford. I'm...." Coco glanced at Bruce before casually stating. "Bruce's ex-girlfriend!"

At that, Genevieve was taken aback. Then she remembered Coco's manner of speech when the latter arrived earlier. She does sound like his girlfriend...

Rendered speechless, Genevieve sliol a quick look at Bruce. She wore a contemptuous expression that suggested Bruce should get his eyes examined for his poor taste.

"Ms. Rachford, please take your leave first. I wish to speak in private with Bruce." After saying that, Coco purposely added, "It will not be appropriate for you to listen in on our conversation." The last thing Genevieve wanted was to stay there and listen to Coco's squcaky and unbearably annoying voice, anyway.

Fortunately, the statl' was shouting Genevieve's name at that time because it was almost her turn to walk the red carpet. Bidding goodbye to Bruce, she left.

Bruce wanted to turn and leave as well, but Coco halted him and regarded him with a pitiful look. "Bruce, are you still mad at me?"

He took a few steps back to avoid her perfume from sticking to him.

Since they were standing in a relatively secluded arca, Bruce did not care to hide his true character. An icy aura enveloped his body. "Get away from me!"

Coco shuddered as she was frightened by him.

They had been in a relationship for a long time in the past, so she understood him very well. He had always complied with her wishes and never vented his anger on her.

Even when Bruce was released from the police station, Coco could comfort him with minimal effort when she visited him, unlike in the current situation.

Looking at him closely, Coco realized Bruce seemed to have changed. He became more mature, grounded, and was even giving off an air of nobility.

Not to mention, his stern expression and indifferent gaze added further to his charm.

"Bruce, don't be mad at me, okay?" Coco said aggrievedly. "I know I was too wilful back then. When you were busy filming, we didn't get to meet each other that much, and I'm an insecure person. I did not sue you on purpose. It was because you pushed me to the ground and fractured my leg. I was in pain. Bruce, let's get back together, hmm?" She looked up at him with her large adorable eyes. "We'll go shopping and watch movies just like before. You can hug me to sleep and call me baby."

After Coco was done talking, Bruce took out his phone from his pocket and stopped recording Then, he played the audio clip.

Seeing what he had done, Coco wiped the pitiable look from her face and gazed at him in utter disbelief.

She had never anticipated Bruce to use such a tactic.

Chapter 554

After the recording ended, Bruce said coolly. "Stay away from me from now on. If you dare to say another word, this audio clip will appear on Twitter iminciliately."

Coco suppressed her anxiety and churpeel, "hostil, then. Those fans will only think that you are still in love with me!"

Bruce did not hesitate as he uploaded the nudio clip so 'Twiller instantancously

Coco did not expect liim to be somerciful and true to his words. Morcover, Brucc had posted using his own Twitter account.

On the verge of losing licr mind out of anger, Coco attempted to snatch Bruce's phone.

Putting the device in his pocket, the man gazed down at her indifferently. "If you do not get lost right now, I still have some other things I can send to your boss'cmail." She did not know what other information he possessed.

However, after the incident a few moments ago, Coco had had a taste of his ruthlessness, so she did not dare to provoke him further. Coco left and hastily contacted her agency to handle Bruce's latest Twitter update.

The time was already half-past seven when Genevieve was done walking the red carpet.

She would be the first to perform onstage, so she headed straight backstage.

"Ms. Rachford."

A staff strode forward. He informed Genevieve of the time for her to go up on the stage and handed her a violin case containing a brownish-red violin.

The organizer had borrowed that violin from a famous violinist from Baykeep.

While Genevieve tuned the chords, she asked the staff, "Is there any pre-selected piece?"

"No. You can perform whichever piece you feel like playing."

Hearing the reply, she nodded. Then, she took out her phone and browsed a music application, managing to find a suitable piece in a short time.

When the host onstage was about to finish speaking, Genevieve exited backstage and walked toward the staircase on the side of the stage.

That was a venue that could fit over one thousand people. At that moment, all the lights were dimmed, with only a single spotlight left shining on the middle of the stage. Genevieve walked up the stage calmly. Holding the violin, she stood before the microphone.

She closed her eyes when she heard the staff begin counting down through the carpiece. Genevieve's fingers moved across the violin with perfect speed and precision as she started playing the instrument amidst the silent atmosphere.

All the whispers among the audience dice down which the pleasant music produced by the violin reverberater in the venue, stimulating everyone's aural laculty, Asimilar scene surfacce in the minds of all the spectators below the stage.

I rcligious teenage shepherd was falsely retsed or conmilling murder. On the day he was to be put to death, the shephen's sheep look luis place and lice instead. Therefore, the icenarer to longer believe in God. On the day of repose, be killed the judge and use the judge's blood to watcr a busli o roses. Then the iconager honorcaliis sliced with those roses.

Everyone was shocked to their cores by the utteralesperation and brutality of those scenes Nevertheless, the iconage shepherd exacted revenge for all the unfair treatment he suffered in the and the crowd felt satisfied and exhilarated when tlicy scrised the finale.

tting below the stage had furtiered their studies in music academics, but none of them could confidently say their music could touchi everyone's soul.

However, Genevieve succeeded in doing that

Everyone was deeply immersed in the piccc of music she played as their hearts ached for the teenage shepherd's misfortunes, and thicy cheered for the shepherd's transformation.

At the same time, she also highlighted the theme of the Fantasy Film Festival Award-becoming a better version of oneself.

The audience had yet to regain their senses even after the violin sound ceased. Suddenly. someone started clapping. followed by rounds of thunderous applause in the venue.

Genevieve then returned to the backstage. The staff who came to receive the violin from her exclaimed in excitement, "Ms. Rachford, you're so amazing!" *Thank you." Genevieve smiled faintly.

She went to the restroom afterward. When she exited the cubicle to wash her hands, Genevieve coincidentally stumbled into Coco, who had just entered.

Coco's tailor-made gown was too bulky, and the outfit was on loan, so she brought along an assistant to help her.

Genevieve's gaze darkened when she saw Coco. After she was done washing her hands, she took her time to dry kier hands.

When Coco came out of the cubicle to wash her hands, Genevieve walked up to her. "I know you are the culprit who nearly caused Bruce to be kicked out of the cast."

Coco turned her head sideways to look at Genevieve innocently. "Ms. Rachford, what are you say

Before Coco could finish the rest of her sentence, Genevieve grabbed Coco's hair and pressed her head into the sink. Then, she turned on the faucet to the largest volume, drenching Coco's hair with the freezing water.

In no time, the sink was filled with cold water. Coco flailed her arms and struggled mightily.

Chapter 555

Realizing what was happening, Coco's assistant immediately rushed to the rescue.

However, Genevicvc's hold on Coco was lim. The former forcefully pressed Coco's head into the sink. Genevieve only pulled Coco's licach out from ilic winter which the latter strugrlcd less. Gencvicve saw Coco's palc face and fear-stricken cyes through the mirror.

"Bruce is now one of my artists! I lis losses are the same as my company's. If you dare to use any underhanded means to stop him from filming or appearing in magazines again, I'll make you pay!"

Coco's heart broke when she saw how the water from her hair had gotten onto her haute couture outfit and ruined it.

Coco was shaking out of anger. "You dare to mess with me, Genevieve?"

Genevieve displayed a half-smile. "Why not? You're just a little celebrity! I can easily end your acting carcer! On the contrary, you are the one who should now mess with me!"

With that, she shoved Coco away and left the restroom in big strides.

On the way back to the venue, she recalled her warning to Coco just moments earlier while furrowing her brows in irritation.

At first, she wanted to choose a classical piece, but when she remembered Bruce's tragic encounter, she could not help but pity him.

Ultimately, she played another piece because she wanted him to become a better version of himself and stand under the spotlight by becoming the best actor again. She wanted everyone to call out his name when he held the trophy in his hand.

So many celebrities didn't have a breakthrough even after being in the entertainment industry for more than ten years, so why do I keep focusing on him?

Genevieve was perplexed, yet she could not figure out why she felt that way.

At that time, her phone rang.

She unlocked the phone and saw a WhatsApp message. It wrote: Ms. Rachford, your violin playing is excellent! Would you like to have supper tonight? Genevieve wanted to reply to turn him down, but in the end, she turned off her phone without replying

After Genevieve's breathtaking opening performance, the other performances after hers seemed less interesting. Once the opening ceremony was over, the audience left.

Rachel's dress trailed as she walked, so Jane helped hold her dress from behind..

The two left from the aisle at the side, but Jane accidentally bumped into someone.

The woman she bumped into was wearing a branded gold gown, and ler movements were charming. She was exquisitely beautiful, but it was obvious that she had gotten plastic surgery before. Jane had always paid attention to the news in the Chichtainment industry. Looking at Sylvic, Jane thought the latter lisci to look like Genevieve, but that was no longer the case after Sylvie's countless plastic surgery.

When Jane noticed that the son siela bumped into was Sylvic, she wanted to apologize. However, before she had the chance, the latter slappicchier.

Immediately, Rachel pulled Jane to her side. "Sylvic! She didn't bump into you on purpose! Why did you slap her! Rachel snapped

Sylvic sliook licr hand as it was numb from the slap and smiled. "I didn't want to slap her, too. Itt was unintentional."

After Sylvie had returned to lier roots, her strong background helped her have a successful carcer in the entertainment industry. No one dared to mess with her; if she did not like anyone, she would use underhanded methods to make things difficult for them.

Although Rachel was angry, she did not have any powerful background, so she could not protect Jane.

"Let's go," Jane said to Rachel. Right after that, the former lowered her head and coughed violently.

Sylvie saw Jane's face turn pale and mocked the latter on purpose, "Ms. Faulkner, I heard you're suffering from severe licart disease. Haven't you treated it yet? Look at how sick you are. You look like you'd faint after taking a few steps. What's the point of living so miserably like this?"

Hearing that, Rachel gritted her teeth. "Sylvie, you're going too far!"

Sylvie shrugged her fair shoulders. "Is it a sin to speak truthfully? Instead of enduring the severe pain from heart convulsions, isn't it better to die earlier?"

Just then, Cooper walked toward them and asked Jane gently, "Why are you still here?"

Cooper got out a little later because he went to ask for Genevieve's performance video from the videographer.

When he was leaving, he spotted Jane helping to hold a celebrity's dress, yet continued standing there, so he went to take a look.

Soon, he noticed the slap mark on Jane's check, and his gaze turned cold. "What happened?"

Chapter 556

Jane touched her face and said nothing. Therefore, Rachel spoke up. "Jane accidentally bumped into Sylvic when she was helping me with my dress, and Sylvie slapped her." Sylvie thought almost everyone had left the venue, so she did not expect Cooper to be there,

She was somewhat afraid of Cooper, so she lonce down the arrogant look in her eyes. "I rented this haute couture dress, and I was afraid it would be ruined after she stepped on it, so I slapped her without thinking

Right after she finished saying that, she tried to walk away with her assistant,

However, Cooper grabbed lice, and she stagrcred back a few steps, Shc bumped into Jane, resulting in the latter dropping the len of Rachel's gown onto the ground, which caused Sylvie to step on it.

Cooper glanced at the ground. "This haute couture gown is pretty expensive as well. Now that you've made it dirty, what should we do about it?"

The next moment, he asked Jane to get closer to liim as he locked both of Sylvie's hands. "Slap her the way she slapped you."

When Sylvie heard him, the color drained from her face. "Mr. Sutton, my granddad is General Zeigler!"

"So what?" He chuckled coldly before looking at Jane. "Come here and slap her."

Initially, Jane did not want to hold a grudge against Sylvie because she feared causing trouble for the company and Genevieve. However, Cooper's words gave her great courage. She decided not to hold back anymore. Walking forward, she slapped Sylvie's check.

Only then did Cooper let go of Sylvic. He wiped his hands with a handkerchief that he took out of his pocket. "Jane is Armand's younger sister. Even if Armand is dead, no one is allowed to bully her! If you dare to touch her again, it won't be as simple as her slapping you back. What are you still standing around for? Do you want to get another slap?" he asked in a cold voice as he shot her a glare.

Sylvie was furious, and her expression was dark. However, when she thought about Cooper and Genevieve's relationship, she had no choice but to do as she was told and leave with her assistant.

Couching, Jane mumbled, "Thanks."

"It's nothing, Slapping her back was the right thing to do since she slapped you first." Cooper put his handkerchief back into his pocket.

When he saw Jane's pale face, he said to Rachel, "She's not your assistant, so she's not obliged to help you all the time. Get your assistant here."

Immediately, Rachel nodded and called her assistant to come over.

Janc felt severe pain in her heart, and it was luan for her to breathe. Since she did not want anyone to pily lier when they saw how much pain she was in, she quickly made an excuse and Icft. CATCeller mouth and roughed so heavily as if she was

Once the stumbled into an elevator, coughing her lungs out.

Once slie felt a little beitet, she anxiously scarcieel lier bag for her mcelicine bottle. I lowever, the more she was in ally, the more chaotic it turned out. The moment she opened the bottle, it dropped to the ground and let pills for all over the place.

immediately, she squatted and swallowed a pill from the bottle before she picked up the rest of the pills from the carpet.

Due to the pain in her heart and hier pills on the ground, she suddenly burst into fears

I can't go anywhere because of my frail body, and I have to take my medicine every day and endure the otherwhelming pain nood and then. Syluic's right. What's the point of staying alive when I have to live lite

Jane's vision blurred from all the crying. When she heard the opening of the elevator, she hurriedly got up, about to leave with her head lowered.

When Cooper saw her in the elevator, he reached out and held her shoulder. "Where are you going if you're not returning to the hotel?"

She wiped her tears discreetly. Only then did she realize that she did not press the button for the first floor when she got into the elevator, so the elevator door opened the moment he pressed the elevator button.

Trying her best to sound natural, she replied, "I forgot something."

However, he heard the slight hoarseness in her voice. Pushing her hair back, she saw her red eyes. "Why are you crying? Did you meet Sylvie again in the elevator?"

"No. It's just." She wanted to find an excuse, but the moment she spoke, she could not help but start crying again.

She turned her face away because she did not want Cooper to see her crying face.

He looked at the soaked carpet and the pills she was clutching in her hand before he realized something

After he entered the elevator, he pressed tlic close button and pressed the button for the next floor.

He then untied the burgundy silk rose on his suit neckline and used it to wipe her tears. "I had stage three lung cancer before."

Chapter 557

Jane was wiping her cars at that time. The monicul Shichicard what lie said she froze and stared at him.

Cooper looked at the buttons on the elevator and continued, "It was considered latc whicul realized I had stage three lung cancer since I had to undergo chemoterapy, and there was no guarantee that my disease could be cured. I wasn't afraid of lying, but lowed Gency too much. I will wonic no one could take care oflicr and manage the company if I died. That was why I decided to try it, 110 matter how small my chances of recovery were. After that, I lied to lier by telling her that I was going on a business trip abroad. During that time, for more than a montli, I Wils undergoing chemotherapy at the hospital. It was really tough, but I survived it. However, recently fainted and went for a checkup at the liospital. The doctor told me there were signs of relapse of my lung cancer."

Janc used to think that Cooper was ruthless, decisive, and omnipotent as Armand in thc business world.

She did not expect him to be as pitiful as her.

Cooper said gently, "When you were forced to have a marriage of convenience with the Wood family last time, you didn't give up on living, and you've worked hard to live your own life, didn't you? You should do the same now. I've been looking for a doctor who can treat your heart disease. I'll let you know once I find him."

"Mm." Jane felt better in an instant, and the despair she felt cased up eventually.

When the elevator arrived on the first floor, she walked out with him.

"I only told you about my illness to comfort you, but don't tell Genev about it," Cooper chirped.

She nodded.

The resort was huge, and entertainment facilities were readily available. The film festival's opening ceremony was on the west section of the entertainment center while the hotel was on the north. Therefore, they had to walk for quite some time to return to the hotel.

It was already over eleven o'clock at night. The air was damp and cold, which made people shiver.

Cooper noticed that Jane was wearing a thin, long dress. Since he knew she had a weak body, he put his suit jacket on her like a gentleman.

His warmth lingered on the insides of his suit jacket. When Jane felt the exceptional warmth and smelled the subtle scent of cedar from the suit jacket, she felt a little dizzy.

Suddenly, she trotted toward him, getting closer to him.

"Coop."

Stopping in his tracks, he turned around. "Yeah?"

Gathering her courage, she gazed at him intently. "I like you. Romantically," she confessed.

Stunned for a moment, Cooper displayed a look of surprise. "Have you gone mad?"

She pursed her pink lips and mumbled, "No. I've fallen for you a long time ago."

Jane's biological motlier would always sigh when she brought Jane for checkups at the hospital. Jane's mother used to say to her, "Why is your body so srail when you're this beautiful? What's the point of being a beauty, tlien?"

After Armand brought Jane to Jadeborough, Cooper was the one who took her abroad to visit the doctor every time.

Despite the usual unfavorable results, Cooper always said, "It's okay. Humans can even build rockets, so why can't we overcome a mere heart surgery?"

Jane had already fallen for Cooper then, but she kept it hidden in her heart since she did not dare IO suy inything.

However, when she learned that he understood her, and his words consoled her again, she decided to tell him.

The man recovered from his initial shock, and his face now displayed an ice-cold expression. He said in a cold and heartless tone, "I'll only love Genev for as long as I live, so you'd better use your time doing something meaningful."

She knew he would turn her down, but she could not help feeling sad when he said it,

"Liking you is a very meaningful thi-"

He interrupted her before she could finish, "Jane, you're an intelligent woman. Don't make yourself look like a fool and struggle unnecessarily. I believe Armand didn't tell you something." After a pause, he continued, "Samantha is my mother."

After Cooper turned around and left, she was still frozen in place.

What did he just say?

Taking out her phone, she called Steven. Once she got a confirmation from him, she could not believe it at all and stood outside the hotel in the cold for a long time.

A little over thirty minutes later, she rushed into the hotel and knocked on the door of Cooper's room.

When he saw her, Cooper thought Jane wanted to return his suit jacket.

Instead, she said, "I know you love Genevieve, and I don't mind it at the very least. I only hope that I can spend what little time I have left with you." Hearing that, he frowned. "Did you forget what I told you just now?"

She conjured up all her courage and replied solemnly, "I remember, but so what? I love you and want to be with you. I don't care if it's immoral."

Cooper's expression darkened. "Jane, I only took care of you because of my relationship with Armand and because you saved Genev before. She wants me to take care of you, but I'm not interested in you. From tomorrow onward, if you still have feelings for me, I won't help you anymore. I'll get Steven to take care of you."

With that, he closed the door ruthlessly

Chapter 558

Fantasy Film Festival lasted for three clays. Besides having to perform in the film festival's opening ceremony. Genevieve was also the guest of honor during the awards ceremony. Other than that, since the housekeeper only had two days left to live, she decided to stay for a few more days in Baykeep.

For the past two days, she avoided any interaction with Bruce and explored Baykeep with Jane.

However, Jane was feeling down the entire time,

The opening ceremony of most film festivals was grander, so Genevieve dressed in a black suit on the night of the awards ceremony.

She was even invited to present the award for Best Supporting Actress, and coincidentally, Coco was the one who won it.

Upon seeing Genevieve, Coco recalled how the latter pressed her head into the sink that night, causing her to grit her teeth out of fear and anger.

However, she was an actress. Her vengeful glare toward Genevieve lasted only a second before she beamed as she turned to the audience and gave her speech.

After the awards ceremony, Genevieve left with the others.

Right after she walked out of the venue, she received a call from the hospital, learning that her housekeeper was dying. She walked over to the elevator in a hurry and bumped into Bruce.

At that time, Bruce was talking to Joash. When the former saw her, he froze and quickly turned his head.

Genevieve remembered that she had not replied to his message on WhatsApp that night. Since then, he had stopped disturbing her.

Although he understandingly avoided her, it made her feel guilty. She felt that she had done something wrong.

Walking closer to the elevator, she took the initiative and asked him, "Aren't you filming here? Did you rent a car? I have to go to the hospital for a while. Can I borrow your car?" Bruce's eyes glinted when he smelled wine off her body. "You drank carlier, so you can't drive now. I'll get Joash to send you there."

She nodded. "Thanks."

Once the door of the clevator opened, they walked into it.

As Bruce's minivan was parked in the open-air parking lot at the resort, Joash hastily went to drive the minivan over. Meanwhile, Genevieve asked Bruce to follow him to the hospital, saying she needed his help.

On the way to the hospital, Genevieve said, "I've been swamped with work these few days, and

there were too many messages on WhatsApp. I might've missed yours out."

"It's okay. I've been busy these two days with filming too," Bruce replied.

She felt relieved that he was speaking normally and did not look mad. "The elder I'm going to visit is my friend, but she's dying. I hope she can feel al casc as she takes her last few breaths, so later, please follow me into the ward and let licr see you."

"Okay."

Once they reached the hospital, Genevieve hurriedly brought Bruce to the inpatient department.

The elder's complexion was worse than how she looked when Genevieve visited her two days ago She lay on the bed quictly as she closed her eyes. It was as if she was waiting for death to arrive.

Genevieve walked over to the sickbed and held the elder's hand as she bent over to talk to the latter. "Perla," she called out gently.

Hearing that, Perla opened her eyes laboriously.

Genevieve pulled Bruce over without saying anything.

When Perla saw him, her eyes suddenly lit up faintly. "Y-You're here..."

As death was near, Genevieve thought Perla had mistaken Bruce for Armand. Therefore, Genevieve said to Bruce, "She looks like she wishes to talk to you. Help me keep her company for a while, would you?"

After that, she left the ward.

Perla raised her trembling hand and pointed at Bruce while breathing weakly. "Your eyes are as beautiful as Ms. Valentine's. I knew who you are right away."

Suddenly, Bruce knew who she was. "Is Genev the one who found you?"

Perla nodded with effort and smiled faintly. "After Ms. Valentine died, I blamed myself, and I've been living in atonement ever since. Ms. Rachford told me Ms. Valentine was still alive, and you were taken to the Faulkner family. But didn't you dic in a plane crash?"

She looked at him, puzzled.

Before Bruce could reply, she continued, "It doesn't matter who you are now, as long as you're alive. That's what matters."

When Bruce noticed Perla's weakening breathing, he hurriedly pressed the emergency button.

Seeing as she lifted her hand, Bruce leaned into her and held her hand. He put his ear to her face so that he could hear her clearly.

Perla continued, "Ms. Rachford is a good lady. Don't be like your father..."

"Yeah. I know. I'm really lucky to have met a woman who loves me so much. I love her too, and

I'll protect her well." Bruce replied softly.

Hearing Bruce's promise, Perla felt relieved. She did not have any regrets anymore. With that, she closed her eyes peacefully

Chapter 559

When Genevieve went back into the ward with a doctor and a nurse, Perla had already passed away.

The doctor asked the nurse to note l'erla's time of death and said to Genevieve, "She left in peace. You should plan her funeral now." After a minute, the doctor and the nurse left.

Genevieve noticed Perla's faint smile, so she guessed that Perla had a good chat with Bruce earlier, and she secreily let out a breath of relief. If Perla lefi ivithout any regrets, a little lie is nothing:

After they left the ward, Genevieve thanked Bruce, "Thank you for what you did earlier. You should go back to the resort first. I'll deal with the rest."

"I took a look at the nurse's report carlier. She seemed to be hospitalized for a few days now. Ms. Rachford, is this what you were talking about when you said you had things to take care of in Baykeep?" Bruce asked in a hoarse and low voice.

"Yeah," Genevieve replied, "She didn't have children, so she asked me to help her with her matters after she passed."

Bruce felt a lump in his throat. After a while, he said, "Let Joash handle it. He's a local in Baykeep. I think he has relatives who are engaged in funeral work."

With that, he dialed Joash's number and called the latter to go upstairs.

Indeed, Joash had a cousin who was engaged in funeral work. When he learned that Bruce was calling him about Perla's funeral, he called his cousin immediately.

Seeing that Bruce had gotten everything in order in an instant, Genevieve had no reason to reject his help.

It was too late, and the body needed to be cremated and buried the following morning. Therefore, Genevieve went back to the resort with him.

Bruce was staying in the hotel that night, but his room was not on the same floor as hers.

When she was about to get out of the elevator, she suddenly thought of something. Turning around, she said to Joash, "Send me your cousin's account number. I'll pay him."

Since arrangements had been made, she did not need to go to the hospital the following day.

Joash waved his hand. "Don't worry about it, Ms. Rachford. My cousin has a partnership with a cemetery, so it doesn't cost much. Please go and get some sleep."

Genevieve accepted his help and smiled. "Okay. I'll triple your bonus at the end of the year.'

"Okay. Thank you, Ms. Rachford!"

Joash was delighted wlien he thought about the bonus he would receive at the end of the year. However, when he pressed the button to close the clevator door, lic rcalized that it turned frosty in the clevator because of a certain man.

It was the first time Joash had scen Bruce that way, so he was terrified. "M-Mr. Gable, what's wrong?"

Narrowing his cyes, Bruce spoke coldly. "Don't speak to lice so intimately in the future. Also, why do you care if she sleeps or not?"

Joash scratched his head. "I only did that out of politeness!"

"If you speak more than three words to her in a sentence, I'll dcduct five hundred with cach word!" Bruce snapped.

"What!" Joash was dumbfounded.

I always blabber. If I talk more with Ms. Rachford, doesn't it mean my monthly salary is gone?

Joash realized something was off with Bruce. "Mr. Gable, are you guarding Ms. Rachford? Why don't you let me talk to her more?" Unfortunately, Bruce was wearing a mask, so Joash could not see the former's expression.

Bruce ignored Joash.

Once the elevator reached their floor, Bruce kicked Joash out. "Go back first. I'm going to eat something at the restaurant."

"Isn't it better to order room service when you're back in your roo-" Joash spoke halfway when he turned around, noticing that the elevator door was already closed. What's wrong with Mr. Gable? Why is he insisting on cating at the restaurant?

When Genevieve was about to sleep after she washed up and finished her skincare, the doorbell rang

When she opened the door, a waiter in a uniform who stood outside her door handed her a food jar. "Ms. Rachford, a man from Room 5368 ordered this for you." Bruce is staying in Room 3568, right?

She thanked the waiter. Walking back into the room, she uncovered the food jar. Some filled buns were on top of the food jar, and some fish stew was at the bottom. She had not calen much that night, so her stomach growled when she saw the food.

The buns were filled with cheese. It was delicious.

After taking a few sips of the stew, she took her phone and sent a message to Bruce. She wrote: The food tastes familiar. Did you make the buns?

He replied: Yeah. You can sleep beller on a filled stomach.

Reading that, she felt as if she was contradicting herself.

She had been avoiding him for the past two days, yet she was happily eating the buns he made at that moment.

Chapter 560

When Genevieve arrived at Jadeborough the next day, she received a text from Joash. He informed her Perla was already buried.

Genevieve thanked him and transferred a monetary gift to him.

On the way to the office, slie passed by a dessert shop named "Uniquc."

It brought back memories of the cake Steven gave her, which suddenly made her crave it. She told the driver to stop the car and walked into the dessert shop. Unfortunatcly, she could not find the two-layered chocolate cake she had eaten that day.

Hence, Genevieve asked a staff, "Doesn't your shop sell a type of two-layered chocolate cake?"

The staff smiled in understanding after hearing Genevieve's description. "That dessert was made by our boss. He only comes here once in a while. Why don't you try the others? They're quite good, too."

Genevieve was disappointed when she heard that.

In the end, she chose a red velvet cake. Upon reaching her oflice, she opened the packaging and tasted it.

Indeed, it was delicious. Still, it was not the same as the one she had caten that day.

Looks like Steven was just really lucky to be able to buy the cake personally made by the boss.

The sugary feeling in her mouth was too strong, so she wanted to get a drink of water. However, her mug on the coffee table was empty.

Thus, she picked up her mug and prepared to head off to the pantry. As she opened the door, she saw Jane standing there with a look of hesitance

Genevieve raised her brow. "Jane? Is there something you want to tell me?"

As she was saying that, she led Jane into the office.

Jane sat on the leather chair in front of the table. It took her a long time to muster her courage and informed Gencvicvc, "I like Coop."

"Huh? Who?" Genevieve was confused.

"Cooper." As soon as Jane said that, she quickly added, "Well, Coop is single, and I just think that it's pretty suffocating for me to keep hiding my feelings. Genevieve, if you"

Sensing what Jane was about to say, Genevieve shook her head. "He's just like a brother to me. I know Coop's an excellent man, and many girls fancy him." Genevieve never thought Janc, too, secretly had feclings for him.

Furrowing her brows, Genevieve said with difficulty. "Jane, Coop has a close relationship with the Faulkner family,"

"He told me about it, but I don't mind," said Janc with a determined and gentle gaze. "I like him. I've been surviving on medications since young. All I do is stay at home. I can't even leave the house. Spending time with him makes me feel really happy. I just hope I can be with the man 1 like while I'm still alive."

"Have you told him about this?" Genevieve asked.

Jane hummed in response and added dejectedly, "But he rejected me and told me to stop seeing him."

Hearing that, Genevieve was at a loss for words. "Should I give Coop a call?"

Jane quickly put on a smile. "It's okay. I just feel upset, that's all. I feel much better now that I've told you all this. I'll get back to work now, Genevieve. I won't bother you anymore." Complicated feelings surged in Genevieve's heart as she watched Jane leave her office.

TITIS

Truth was, Genevieve felt bad for Jane. The latter was smart and pretty, yet she had such a weak body. Genevieve really hoped Jane could find a man who could truly love her. She picked up the mug again and realized it was empty. Hence, she carried the mug and walked out to the pantry.

While brewing the coffee, she received a text.

Bruce wrote: Ms. Rachford, I've just arrived at Jadeborough. Do you want to come over for lunch today?

Genevieve wanted to go home and get some rest after settling her work.

However, the moment she picked up her phone to reject the offer, she recalled Bruce's delicious buns and fish stew from the other night. The mere thought of them made her drool. Quickly deleting her draft, she typed: I want to eat coconut milk chicken and braised pork.

It was after sending the message that she realized it was not polite to demand specific dishes when she was being invited for a meal. Before she could even withdraw her text, Bruce replied with an "okay."

Since he agreed to prepare it, Cenevieve dismissed her intention of withdrawing the text.

She finished her work at eleven-thirty and drove to Regality Gardens. First, she dropped her things at her place. Then, picked the most expensive boule of wine from the mini wine cellar. After all, it did not seem too polite to turn up for a meal without bringing any gifts.