Ch. 331..340

Chapter 331

Bell Enterprises was hit with chaos the moment Jay drove his Rolls-Royce into Central Building's car park.

"Apparently, Mr. Bell took the movie contract Ares Enterprises has been eyeing. Sir Ares must be here in Bell Enterprises to confront them for their disrespect." "Did Mr. Bell grow the heart of a lion? Where did he find the galls to steal from the lion's den? Mr. Bell is so screwed."

"If I look close enough, I can almost see Central Building engulfed by the warnings of impending bloodshed."

Standing by the window, Sean watched in tranquility a s the Rolls-Royce parked downstairs.

"What do you think he's here for today, Orchid?"

Pouring him a cup of coffee, Rose replied without thinking, "We stole Ares Enterprises' contract. I'm pretty sure he's here to confront us, no?"

Sean turned around with a smile. "I don't think so."

Rose lifted her gaze to look at him. "Then why is he here?"

Knocks sounded in the room...

Sean sent Rose a look. "He's here."

Suddenly anxious, Rose recollected her thoughts as she went to open the door with the newly poured cup of coffee in her hand.

Dignified and God-like, Jay stood outside the doors, his magnificent aura immediately overwhelming the originally light atmosphere of the office.

Recovering from her short daze, Rose scoured her jumbled mind for a means to deal with him.

"What's your name, handsome?" she asked, intentionally pulling on an infatuated expression.

She knew he disliked women who took the initiative to approach him first.

Jay's gaze locked onto Rose. "Orchid?"

Rose smiled sweetly. "It's an honor to be recognized."

Jay analyzed the Rose Doyle before him. Wavy long locks framed the woman's small face, and her skin was fair and smooth like china. Each long and curled grafted eyelash could be seen clearly as they fluttered, drawing his attention to her almond-shaped eyes that shone radiantly with energy.

Her tight-fitting off-shoulder top coupled with wide-leg pants only succeeded in accentuating the allure of her body as well as how beautiful and sexy she was.

Apart from her small face and her tiny waist looking similar to that of Rose's, Jay found no other evidence of her in the woman in front of him.

Feeling uncomfortable under Jay's scrutinizing gaze, Rose turned around to hand Sean his coffee.

"Your coffee, Mr. Bell."

Jay took a step forward, his long legs reaching Rose in easy steps. Then, he took the coffee from her hands.

Rose watched, transfixed. Jay seemed to take command over the place despite being the guest himself.

Then, Jay took an elegant sip of the cup of coffee in his hand. Placing the cup on Sean's desk, he spoke with an implicative undertone, "I can't believe you're having your secretary do such manual labor, Mr. Bell. What a waste of such heavenly beauty."

Sean smiled bitterly. "What are you trying to say, Master Ares..."

Jay turned to look at Rose. "Why not give her to me, Mr. Bell? It doesn't seem like you've been appreciating such beauty correctly anyway. I'll take care of her!"

Sean smiled again. "Did the sun rise from the west today? I've never seen you take a liking to women before."

Jay's gaze fell on Rose again.

Despite her aversion, Rose knew that any uninterested act of hers would reveal her true identity to him.

After all, every woman in Imperial Capital was weak to Jay Ares' charm.

Except for Rose Loyle.

Rose took a big breath and gave it her all. Her legs turned into jelly as she leaned heavily onto Jay for support. "So you're Master Ares? The rumors haven't done you any justice at all. You're more handsome than they say!"

Rose's slender fingers flicked mischievously at his sharp jawline.

Jay promptly removed her finger. His obsession with cleanliness rendered it impossible for him to accept the touch of another woman, at least not until he could ascertain that she was indeed Rose Loyle.

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Chapter 332

Thankfully, his disgust was well-hidden. His slender fingers elegantly pinched Rose's unruly fingers. Jay turned to stare at her petite hand before engulfing it within his larger one. The sense of familiarity returned.

Her slim and soft fingertips were caged in his hands.

Ecstasy sparked in his eyes.

Rose, however, complained internally. Why had he not pushed her away yet? To think that she had gone to this level of shamelessness too.

Giving up, she pushed herself further into his chest. Such an act coupled with her flimsy top and the fact that she had no cardigan on was hardly one expected of a dignified woman. Frost immediately pooled in Jay's eyes.

How could Sean have her charm clients with her sexual appeal? What atrocity.

Glancing up at him, Rose went even wilder and looped her arms around Jay's neck. The icy glint in his eyes drove her to believe that her plan was working...

She began saying in a coquettish tone, "Could Master Ares be here for The Moonlit Sky's screenplay today? You're a stingy man, aren't you Master Ares..."

Jay glanced hopelessly at the woman in his arms. Had she any idea how irresistible she was to him? Still, she slithered over him like a snake.

"Ares Enterprises couldn't care less about a mere screenplay." The arm around Rose tightened.

"I'm simply curious as to what fine specimen exactly you've hired as your secretary, Sean? One capable enough to steal Jean's business."

Held tight against his chest, Rose struggled to breathe as if the air was being forced out of her lungs.

"Now you know, Master Ares. I was the one who stole Master Jean's contract." Rose blinked innocently, though there was a hint of gloat in them.

Jay lifted her chin. "You're a capable one. Although I must remind you, success requires more than just a hot screenplay. You'll need top-notch actors as well."

"It's alright, Master Ares. We have our own top-notch actors at Bell Enterprises."

Jay smiled. "There's only one top-notch actor, silly."

Rose's smile faltered as she burrowed out of his arms.

Smoothing out the creases on his button-up, an arrogant smile spread across Jay's handsome features.

The smile may have been a small one, but it was one that reminded people of pear blossoms dancing in the spring breeze. It was a smile so warm and charming that one would easily lose themselves in it. Sean was exasperated. Jay was openly declaring war.

Now that Bell Enterprises had gotten hold of the screenplay, they had to fight Ares Enterprises for top-notch actors too.

It seemed like they were in for another difficult battle.

Right at that moment came a turnabout.

Jay spoke, catching them off guard, "How about we do it this way, Sean Bell? You give me your gorgeous secretary and you can have our top-notch actors."

Sean and Rose shared a knowing look.

'So this man did come with ulterior motives after all.'

Sean smiled. "You sure are lucky, Orchid. Master Ares has taken fancy to your talents."

Rose took in a cool breath. Had Jay truly come for her?

Was he here because he recognized her ability, or had he already seen through her identity?

"As flattered as I am, Master Ares, I'm bound to Bell Enterprises by contract. I can't leave right now." Rose would rather die before she let him hold her captive again.

Jay's sharp eyes drifted back to Sean. "A contract isn't a slave deed. How much to compensate for the breach of contract? I'll pay for the damages."

Sean's expression darkened. "This has nothing to do with compensation. Bell Enterprises requires Orchid's

exceptional skills, Master Ares!"

Rose quickly added, "Ares Enterprise is filled with all sorts of talents and I may not be needed as much as I am here. Not to mention, I'd much rather be the head of a dog than the tail of a lion. I'm happy here in Bell Enterprises."

"You're the first woman in Imperial Capital to reject me, Orchid."

As well as the only one.

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Chapter 333

His hooded eyes pierced frostily into Sean. Although Jay had yet to speak, Sean could already feel his soul shiver at the threat of impending death.

Before he knew what came over him, Sean blurted." You can have it, Master Ares. Be The Moonlit Sky's screenplay or my gorgeous secretary... Take what you want."

Jay stared at Bose while deep in thought. Her entire expression screamed how against it she was.

He would much have her somewhere he was familiar with than her constantly being on the run.

At least then, he could still protect her from afar.

"It's alright."

He may have voiced his rejection, but that did not stop his mind from silently plotting how best to coax her back to his side.

However, right then, Jean barged in.

Assessing the awkward atmosphere in the room, Jean walked over to whisper by Jay's side, "Jay, did you get the contract back yet?" Jay remained silent.

Jean wailed, "Oh, come on, Jay! My admiration for you, my dearest brother, flows like an unending river

surging to the sea. You can't let me down now!"

Jay's unpredictable gaze fell on Rose. "Did Baby Zetty cry?"

Jean was stunned. Jay was jumping a little too fast from topic to topic for him to catch up.

"Well she didn't cry, per se, but I wouldn't say she's in a great mood either."

At that, concern sparked in Rose's eyes.

In Jay Ares', however, mirth grew. "Maybe she misses her mommy."

"Who knows." Jean shook his head vigorously as if trying to rid his mind of the memory of the three little devils bullying him

"I don't like her."

The worry in Rose's eyes grew...

Surprisingly, Jay nodded in agreement instead of berating his brother. "Indeed, she's not as easy to get along with as my Baby Robbie, and at the same time, she's more of a troublemaker than Jens. Perhaps you should refrain from provoking her in the future."

Jean was shocked...

Was Baby Zetty Jay's biological child or not?

Was his doting on Baby Zetty back at the Tourmaline Estate all a facade?

"Relax, Jay. I'll make sure to stay as far from her as

possible in the future."

Jay let out a superficial smile.

At the same time, he was coming up with a plethora of ways to punish Jean. 'Nobody gets to dislike my darling daughter.'

Rose's expression began to grow frantic.

Afraid that she would break character, Sean faked a coughing fit.

With her spiraling thoughts interrupted, Rose was able to quickly recollect them and straighten herself.

Taking proud steps toward Jean, she beamed a smile of a person who had won a fight. "Is Master Jean here to confront us?"

Jean choked at the sight of Rose's attitude. "Don't pretend you're innocent when you've used dirty tricks to get what you want."

Then, he turned to act coquettishly with Jay. "Look at this, Jay. This woman's being too arrogant. You have to stand up for me. Do something." Jay did not know whether to laugh or cry.

He might never have it in him to punish her, even if she caused Armageddon.

"Jean, we're leaving." Jay turned around.

Jean's eyes widened in shock. "Just like that?"

Rose waved joyously. "Bye-bye."

Despondence was written on Jean's face.

Jean fumed in frustration as they left the Central Building.

"How could you allow the secretary to be so arrogant in front of us, Jay? Where did your imposing aura go? You could've finished her!"

Jay glared at his brother. "Get in the car."

Pulling open the car door, Jean plopped himself in the back seat.

Jay reprimanded, "Sit in the front."

Taking a good look at the luxurious interior of the car, Jay realized that there was no driver.

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Without a choice, Jean got out obediently before sliding into the driver's seat. Then, he began to complain, "Jay, you are a president of a big company with a net worth of hundreds of billions, yes? So pray tell,

why are you your own chauffeur?

"I'd have seven personal drivers if I were you. One for every day of the week."

"If every driver's going to be as annoying as you, I'd much rather drive myself, thank you very much," Jay replied.

Jean smacked his lips. "I don't know why I waste my time talking to sociopaths like you."

"Where to?" Jean asked.

"Grand Asia."

Jean turned to leave after sending Jay to Grand Asia.

However, Jay stopped him. "Come up with me. I'll teach you about Grand Asia's corporate culture as we go."

Jean wailed. "No, please, Jay. Show mercy and let me go. You know I've always hated studying since I was a child."

"Grandfather wants me to help you." "Oh, you can't possibly take his words to heart! Why

give yourself more work to do when you can just pretend it never happened after listening to him talk? You do know every teacher who has ever taught me gave the same comment, which is that I'm impossible to teach, right?

"At least you're well aware."

Jean smiled deviously. "That's probably the only virtue I have, Jay. Bye."

"Get back here," Jay coldly said.

"Oh, come on, Jay..." Jean shuffled back. "Are you sure you want to teach me?"

Let s go.

Dejectedly, Jean followed Jay to the ninth floor.

They stopped right before the reception desk and Jean began to chat with the pretty secretary. "Hey, little missy. After all these years working in Grand Asia, how are you still so pretty?" The secretary was overwhelmed by his praise. "Master Jean sure knows how to use his words."

"I'm curious, though. With Grand Asia's heavy workload and how frosty the president is, how do you not have bowel issues?"

Jay halted and looked back.

"Have you nothing better to do?"

Dropping his shameless act, Jean quickly followed after Jay.

"Why so serious, Jay? You're going to end up scaring the pretty secretary."

Upon entering the presidential office, Jay began to pile folders on Jean. "These are records of Bell Films' successful cases. Read through them."

Flipping open the folders, Jean jolted immediately. "It's in French?"

"Is there a problem?" Jay was beginning to feel exasperated with Jean's constant startling.

"Jay, the French may know me, but I don't know French." 1

"Then what did you learn studying abroad in France?"

"French blondes are really romantic, Jay. It would have been a waste of such expensive school fees without experiencing a few exorbitant romantic relationships. Wouldn't you agree?' Taking in Jay's killer gaze, Jean pleaded for mercy. "I can only speak it, I can't read it."

At that, Jay tossed him a dictionary. "Then look it up and translate it."

Jean felt dizzy as he sensed an impending headache coming the more he stared at the densely packed characters.

Throwing the dictionary away, he decided to riot against Jay. "Just kill me, Jay. It'd hurt less. You can't possibly expect me to translate this. No way, I can't do

it."

The corners of Jay's lips tugged into a sinister smirk.

'Dealing with you? Easy-peasy.'

"If I don't see the English version by sundown, you can spend dinner with your step-siblings tomorrow."

Jean paled.

"Fine, you win."

Sitting obediently at the office table, he began to translate word by word.

An indescribable look shone in his eyes as Jay watched Jean flip between reports and his translations.

The reason behind Grandfather's aversion to illegitimate children in the Tourmaline Estate was so he could protect Jean and the others.

Should the day Jean and the rest grow strong enough to hold their own, perhaps that would be the day the Grand Old Master could relax and admit them as family.

After all, there was nothing more Grand Old Master Ares wished for than to have every one of the Ares family present together.

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After a long day, it was finally time to clock out.

Pushing the folders off to the side, Jean stood up and stretched before walking toward the office doors.

Grayson stood there, blocking his way. "Master Jean, the president has specifically instructed that you're not to leave the company before translating everything that has been given to you."

Jean placed an affectionate arm on Grayson's shoulder and flashed him a perfect cunning smile. "Where's my brother, Grayson?"

Grayson replied, "My apologies, but the president's whereabouts are secret information."

Jean stared at the empty office. "I can probably guess without you telling me. Jay's not in Grand Asia anymore, is he?"

Grayson remained silent.

Jean's expression immediately shifted into something sinister. "Get out of my way, okay, Grayson?"

Grayson remained unfazed.

Jean raised a fist. "Imagine if I missed and hit you instead."

"You're welcome to try, Master Jean."

In the blink of an eye, Jean's fist soared to his target a

s if he was driven by lightning.

Grayson, though, was calm. With a slight turn of his face, he evaded the other's fist.

Thus, Jean's fist met the doorframe and he ended up wincing in pain.

"Oh?" His sly analyzing eyes stared at Grayson as he blew on his knuckles. "Trained for combat?"

"Ninth dan black belt, kickboxing champion, and longsword champion." Grayson listed humbly.

Jean stared at him before dropping his fist, feeling like a buffoon.

If he could not be threatened, then perhaps a softer tactic was the way to go.

Jean tugged coquettishly on Grayson's sleeve. "Sir Grayson... Gray... Grayson... Take pity on me and let me leave, please."

Jolting his shoulder out of Jean's grasp, Grayson felt goosebumps rising all over. Reaching out, he spoke monotonously, "Please go back, Master Jean." Dejectedly, Jean returned to sit on his office chair.

"Of all the things to learn from my brother, you've decided to copy his emotionless expression. Would it kill you to nod?"

Grayson ignored his comment.

At Horizon Kindergarten.

Opting for a more subtle vehicle, Jay sat silently as his glance darted from one passerby onto another. He was approaching the kindergarten gates from the confines of his locked car. He had no idea whether Rose successfully fell for his deceptive act that morning or not.

What he also did not know was that Rose had already gotten ahead by disguising herself as a frail old woman while waiting with the other parents for their kids.

Despite knowing it was a dangerous move to see her kids now, she could not help but feel worried for Baby Zetty.

She had assumed that Jay would treat Baby Zetty well. However, the conversation with Jean that morning implied that Jay still had his prejudices against Baby Zetty. This only spiked her concerns about how Jay was treating Baby Zetty.

Jay watched as the three adorable children came out, but he did not alight the car to pick them up.

Staring dazedly, Rose's gaze was fixed on how her children's shadows moved.

Watching the scene before him, Jay quickly pinpointed the odd one out to be none other than Rose Doyle.

Pushing open the doors, his long legs exited the car.

Jay made sure to walk past Rose.

She had a headful of white hair, deep wrinkles on her face, and yellowed skin-All of which was the result of her advanced makeup skills.

However, there was no disguising the youthful energy behind her onyx orbs.

An evil glint sparked in Jay's eyes as he turned to walk to the gates.

"Daddy!" Baby Robbie dashed over to Jay the moment he saw him.

Sparing a glance at Baby Zetty, Jay turned to leave after holding Jenson's and Baby Robbie's hands in each of his own.

Tears instantly streamed down Rose's face as she stared at the abandoned silhouette of Baby Zetty who followed behind them.

Turning around, she fled.

Seeing the slouched silhouette straightening herself after running a considerable distance away, the corners of Jay's lips tilted into a satisfied grin.

At that moment, he turned abruptly to pick Baby Zetty up with his arms.

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"Let's get you home, bubs."

Darkness shrouded over Garden Of A Diary.

Sitting quietly on the wooden chair in the patio, Jay became one with the night around him.

His only source of light being the diamond set watch on his wrist, its silver glow illuminating its hands.

The hour hand reached one o'clock.

Without an ounce of drowsiness, the hope in Jay's piercing eyes slowly dwindled as time ticked by.

Suddenly, a thud sounded off the side.

A lithe figure crawled up from the ground. Turning around, she was stunned in place with the sharp glare of a cell phone.

She lifted her arms to shield the flare only for her wrists to be caught by a pair of plier-like large hands the very next moment.

"Rose!"

Caught red-handed, Rose gave up on fighting back.

"Sir Ares, what are you doing awake so late at night?" she asked, evidently trying to get on his good side.

"Looking at the flowers," Jay replied.

Rose tilted up to stare at the starless sky. Who was he

trying to kid?

"What about you?" Jay asked.

Rose scratched the back of her neck and gave an awkward smile. "I must have been sleepwalking."

Jay was speechless."..."

"Are you awake now?"

Rose nodded. "The fall woke me up."

Then, she beamed a smile at him. "My apologies for interrupting you, Sir Ares. I'll be off now!"

She struggled to pull her hands out of his grasp as Jay did not seem to have any intentions of letting her leave.

"Come in and sit since you're already here anyway!"

Despite not wanting to leave, she would only do so after she had seen her kids. She plastered on an exasperated facade. "It'd be impolite of me to reject the offer when Sir Ares insists so." Jay held her hand as he trotted up the spiral stairs.

'Where on earth is this spiraling staircase bringing me to?' Rose pondered internally.

"Where are we going, Sir Ares?"

"You don't know?" Jay put on an expression of mock surprise. "Perhaps you haven't spent enough time at Garden Of A Diary."

Rose was left speechless this time."..."

Something felt off about the words he said.

The spiral staircase brought them straight to a secure room on the third floor. Upon entering, the room locked itself behind Rose.

Jay plopped himself on the chair in front of him. His actions, however casual they may be, oozed with arrogance and dignity.

"You've crossed my limit again, Rose Loyle." Jay leaned forward slightly.

Although there was neither a tinge of warmth nor emotion in his tone, Rose felt as if thunderclouds had gathered above her head, ready to rain fury upon her.

"How's Zetty doing lately, Sir Ares?" Rose missed Baby Zetty much more than she cared about the situation she was in.

"She's been crying every day for you ever since you left," Jay told her.

Rose's eyes burned with unshed tears. "Then did she tell you that she's actually your..."

Jay interrupted irritably before she could finish talking. "You threw your child to me so you could enjoy a life of freedom? Have you ever, for once, thought about the pain the child would be forced to go through?"

Rose lifted her gaze. "I thought you'd care for her, just like you do for Jens and Robbie."

"Of course, I'll care for her. She's my daughter," Jay replied.

Rose stared openly at him... "You knew?"

Out of a sudden, she roared, "Why did you mistreat her if you know that she's your daughter then?"

"You have no right to berate me right now. Not when you've left her behind without saying goodbye. How is abandonment different from this mistreatment you accuse me of?" Jay yelled angrily.

Feeling guilty, Rose murmured softly, "Isn't this what you've always wanted? You've come up with plan after plan to take my kids away from me. Aren't you supposed to be ecstatic now that I'm not fighting with you for them anymore?"

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"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Didn't you say you'd never abandon the kids again?" Jay stared intently at her.

Rose averted her gaze, not daring to lock eyes with him.

"Look at me." Jay's tone commanded obedience.

Rose had no other choice but to follow.

"I can look past any mistakes you make, but don't you dare abandon your children." Jay shut his eyes, suppressing as much of his emotions as possible.

Rose blurted out, "I won't abandon them." She said it with conviction.

Jay's eyes shot open to reveal a fiery gaze. His sharp eyes darted across Rose's serious expression.

"But you've already abandoned them, though?" he said coldly.

Rose's lips twitched to counter, though she remained silent in the end.

In her mind surfaced memories of Zayne. He was ever so vain yet shed his expensive status to start his business. She recalled the loneliness in her mother's eyes and the helpless despair in her father's eyes

as

her stepmother mocked him. This was the same man who had once shaken Swallow City with his greatness. Finally, she recalled her grandfather who loved her the most, lying in a cheap hospital since they had no money for better treatment...

This was all her fault.

She had no right to live for herself.

She would have the Severe family rise again at all costs!

She had no other choice but to devote herself to the business world, to mingle with members from all sorts of renowned families, if she wanted to succeed in such a difficult mission.

It was only with him that she would not worry about her children.

By the time she regained her honor, she would then fight him fair and square in court over the custody of her kids. "Why aren't you talking?"

Jay stared at her. It was obvious that she had much going on in her head judging from how her eyes kept shifting. Rose stared back with a subtle glint in her eyes." There'll come a day, Sir Ares, when I take back my children."

A sneer lingered at the corners of Jay's eyes. "Are you provoking me?"

Rose was fearless. "Yes!"

Jay stood up and walked toward her, his immense aura filling the small space between them.

"Good. Very good." His thin lips were pulled into a wicked tilt.

The little wild cat he taught had grown up, and she was clawing at him with her sharpened claws now.

From his mesmerizing voice, Rose could almost hear the telltale sounds of his teeth grinding against each other. He must be feeling frustrated.

At that moment, with bloodshot eyes, Jay gripped her wrists. "Tell me, what do you have to fight against me with?" His grip brought pain to her wrists.

Rose stared blankly at him. He had never been as irked as he was today when she provoked him just as fearlessly before. Disappointment seemed to accompany his anger.

"I'll start my own business, make friends with all sorts of celebrities, become rich..." She listed out the things she would do. Swiftly, it came to him. Was this not what he had taught her?

All traces of Jay's anger vanished, leaving just mirth i

n his eyes.

Rose was vexed. Abruptly, she roared with frustration, "I'll also marry a man great enough to rival you..."

The claim flared Jay's anger in his chest.

His grip on Rose's wrist tightened, the pain threatening tears to spill from her eyes.

"Ow, ow. Let me go."

Jay's tone grew menacing. "Who do you want to marry?"

"Why do you care? All you need to know is that he's going to be more gentle, more gentlemanly, and more handsome than you..."

"Sean Bell?" Jay felt himself go crazy at the thought of her leaving him for Sean Bell.

Rose had come up with it from the top of her head.

Seeing how the mention of Sean Bell had him in a frenzy, it dawned on her that there was no other man in Imperial Capital who could possibly rival Jay Ares. Sean Bell and his ilk were only second to Jay Ares

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She might as well claim so. "Yeah. So what if I like him?"

Jay's indifferent expression shattered instantly into hideous pieces.

"Have I indulged you too much, Rose Loyle? Is that why you've become so unruly?" His hand quickly reached for the back of her head, tugging hard to leave a painful tinge on her scalp.

With Rose forced to tilt her head back, his lips domineeringly attacked forward.

Rose's scalp was numb with pain as tears fell from her eyes.

Cold tears dripped onto the back of his hand like an ice shard into raging flames.

Slowly, Jay let her go. Staring back at the infuriation in her eyes, the raging fire within him quelled as every chunk of ice seemed to rid his heart of its warmth.

"Get out," He turned and rebuked.

Rose fled.

At the shut of the door, worry bled uncontrollably into Jay's violent eyes.

Like a wild beast with its mouth wide open, the night

threatened to swallow everything in its wake before conceding.

On the pedestrian walk was a petite figure. It was aimlessly floating and swaying about as it walked bleakly with its arms wound tightly around itself.

A tall figure followed behind, not too far nor too close.

The figure accompanied her all the way to Bell Enterprises' Central Building. It stood soullessly on the same spot even as it watched her enter the building safely. Central Building, the president's lounge.

Standing before the floor-to-ceiling windows, Sean stared with his arms crossed at the figure downstairs.

Mocking and sarcasm flared in his gaze. "Oh, Master Ares. Didn't you know the beauty of Helen caused the downfall of Troy?"

"Mr. Bell." Rose pushed open the doors.

"You were looking for me?"

Sean turned around to find Rose with reddened eyes." Did he bully you?"

Rose remained silent.

Puzzled, Sean glanced again at the ice sculpture downstairs.

"Did you two fight?"

Rose nodded.

"Who won?" Sean asked evilly.

He was not a busybody by nature, but he could not help the curiosity that came at the sight of both of them suffering such damage. Angry, Rose glared at him.

Sean laughed drily. "Fine, forget I asked. You don't look so good, so I'll assume he won then!"

Rose tore off the disguise she wore in front of Jay." Isn't this how love works? Whoever loves more loses."

Sparing the silhouette downstairs, Sean could never believe the same man who had never once lost when it came to business would end up losing when it came to love.

His gaze fell back on Rose's barren and decadent expression as he marveled at the magic that was destiny and fate.

He had followed her here, yet she did not turn back at all.

Had she turned around, it might not end up to be such a bittersweet love story that was filled to the brim with twists. "You're not right for each other." He concluded.

Rose slowly walked over and Sean immediately closed the curtains, his reflection overlapping hers on the thin fabric. "I know we're not right for each other." She forced out

painfully.

Sean was speechless,

Did a man like Jay need to marry a woman who was right for him?

Sean smiled. "And here we have another silly woman mad for love."

His smile quickly turned sour and bitter. "Forget him, Rose."

"Don't walk the same path my mother did. Giving her all for a man... Death became her only solace when he failed her."

The words were like salt rubbing on Rose's wounds." I'll do my best to forget him."

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Chapter 339

Downstairs, Jay had his gaze locked on the only bright window of Central Building. Two shadows approached one another, then merged into one following the rustle of the window curtains. Jay felt as if his heart had been gouged out.

He turned around and left dejectedly.

After that, Rose and Sean sat down and began to go over solutions for a pressing problem.

Jay returned to Garden Of A Diary. Ruffled by the events, he hid in the attic on the third floor and drank himself silly.

In the end, he fainted in the room from alcohol intolerance.

The next day, Jenson discovered that his daddy had fainted in the attic. He immediately dialed for Josephine.

Unfortunately, Josephine was still enjoying her vacation overseas and was too far to help.

Jenson had no other choice but to ask Grayson for help.

Not too long after, Grand Asia's ambulance charged into Garden Of A Diary and brought Jay away.

As the symptoms were severe, from his skin to his

respiratory tract, he was sent straight to the ICU.

Hearing of her brother's situation in Europe, Josephine immediately called Rose.

When the call could not get through, she texted her instead, imploring her to take good care of Jay.

With that, Josephine booked the next flight back.

Jay's absence the following two days in Grand Asia's important higher-up meetings shoved members of Ares Enterprises into a panicked frenzy. Suspicions and rumors detrimental to the company's development arose as well.

To minimize the damage caused by the president's unwellness, Grayson had every one of Grand Asia's senior managers feed the public with the same lie. The president had gone on a honeymoon with his wife.

Only such maddening news could cover up the fact that the president was sick.

After that, the topic 'Sir Ares Eloping With Beloved Woman' began to trend.

Scrolling through social media, Sean was shocked to stumble upon such news.

How could Jay have already found someone new when he was so besotted with his secretary? Not to mention such a high profile display of affection! Something was wrong!

Sean passed his phone to Rose. "Take a look, Orchid."

He was analyzing Rose's expression.

Suspicious, Rose took the phone and glanced at the screen. Upon reading the headline, she chucked the phone back at Sean's face.

"Who he likes and who he goes on a honeymoon with has nothing to do with me."

Sean smiled. "Why do I smell jealousy in the air?"

Rose glared at him.

Sean smiled warmly. "I can give you a day off if you're not feeling too well. Go take a walk."

Rose stood still. Removing her name tag, she patted the documents on the table. "These are the flow and quota statements of top-notch actors over the past three years. Don't say I never told you, Mr. Bell, but if you wish to steal from the lion's den, then you have to do it when it's not at home. Right now is the perfect timing!"

Sean beamed brilliantly.

"That makes sense."

Rose got up and left.

Returning to her rented apartment, Rose threw herself exhaustedly onto the large bed.

Closing her eyes, memories of the trending headline resurfaced uncontrollably in her mind.

Opening her eyes, she shook her head in an attempt to rid Jay from her mind.

Beneath her pillow was an abandoned cell phone.

Staring blankly at it, Rose let her mind wander as she pondered over why she had abandoned the sim card.

Now that Jay had a woman he liked, he would not bother her anymore, right?

Taking her phone, she placed the sim card that she scavaged out of the drawer back inside.

Turning on the cell phone, its display showed tens of missed calls and over ten unread messages.

Scrolling through, Rose realized all the missed calls were from Jay. The time stamps matched with the night she left Garden Of A Diary.

Her heart warmed unexpectedly. 1

Had he been worried about her?

Chapter 340

Chapter 340

Had he

She must be overthinking. How could he be worried about her? If anything, he was merely worried that his children would lose their mommy.

Tapping on the messages application, she found a message from Josephine Ares. 'Sister-in-law, Jay's been admitted into Grand Asia's ICU. Please take care of him for me.'

"How could this be?" Rose stared at the day the message was sent. That was three days ago!

Unease began to dwell in Rose's chest.

Fear filled her heart.

For a man who held himself with such indifference, just how much despair had he felt to drive himself to the point of lying in ICU?

She felt an unexpected clench in her heart.

Tears began to stream freely down her cheeks.

Suddenly, she dropped to her knees. Clasping her hands together, Rose prayed. "Please, God. Please, let him go. Exchange my life for his. Exchange my health for his. Exchange my fortune for his. Take my peace, safety, my health in exchange for his good health."

However, nothing she did seemed to placate the

anxiety within her. In a daze, Rose rushed outside.

Reaching Grand Asia Hospital, she was met with the sight of Josephine waving at someone inside Jay's Rolls-Royce. "Take care, Jay. Rest well."

The weight on Rose's chest lifted.

His life was no longer in danger.

Turning around, she walked away slowly.

The Rolls-Royce roared as it suddenly sped past her.

Rose was stunned...

Was that not a little too impolite?

He had just gotten better and now he was being arrogant again?

Bidding the Rolls-Royce farewell, Josephine turned back to enter Grand Asia's medical department.

Walking straight to the supreme VIP hospital room, her heart hurt at the sight of the handsome man lying on the bed. Linked to a saline drip, the frowning man had slimmed a considerable amount. "Brother." Sitting by the hospital bed, Josephine reached out to support his hand with hers.

Josephine's tears fell freely as she stared at the myriad of little spots left by needles on the back of his bruised hand.

"Seriously. You know you can't drink alcohol, so why did you?"

Jay blearily opened his eyes to reveal orbs that reminded one of the night sky. "Don't worry. This won't kill me," he forced out the words weakly.

"Just what happened between you and Sister-in-law, Jay? This is such a big incident. Why hasn't she come to see you?" Josephine asked gloomily.

"You told her about me?"

Josephine nodded. "Hearing about what happened to you shocked me. So I impulsively told her that you were sick without giving it much thought." Josephine was ashamed as she thought of how her impudence could have brought trouble to Ares Enterprises' doorstep.

"I'm sorry, Brother. I shouldn't have disclosed your medical situation."

The light in Jay's sharp eyes dimmed inexplicably.

She knew he was sick, then.

It had been three days. He had spent every moment thinking about her.

Even in the face of death, she was the only thing he could not let go of.

It was thanks to this yearning and this fear that she would be left to fend for herself alone that he managed to pull himself out of the grasps of death with the sheer force of will.

All while she hated him with every fiber of her being.

Did she even need him at all?

Slightly saddened, Josephine uttered, "I asked her to take care of you. Looks like I entrusted the wrong person."

"It's alright. She might not disclose it to the public."

He may not believe Rose Loyle, but he trusted Angeline Severe.

Even if she had given up on loving him again for every abominable thing he did to her in the past, he trusted that she would keep safe the love they shared during their youths instead of wiping out the love he had for her.

She would never harm him.