Ch. 581..590

Chapter 581

Fenna was taken aback by Nathan's sudden outburst. "I haven't done anything to Wanda," she hurriedly explained, "nor do I have the capability to do so.

"We were simply sitting in the living room, having tea together. She's the one who asked me to talk to you."

Nathan's voice was firm and deliberate as he spoke, "Your role has been reassigned. Please proceed directly to your new position and refrain from bothering Chubs in the future." "I wasn't here to see her," Fenna clarified. "I was actually looking for you."

"Why were you looking for me?"

"I don't want to be transferred, and I won't comply," Fenna began. She wanted to say more, but Nathan's furious outburst interrupted her.

"Fenna, do you honestly believe you're entitled just because I've been lenient with you? I'm not your brother; I don't have the patience to coddle you. Leave right away."

Fenna felt aggrieved, and tears welled up in her eyes. Her voice was choked with emotion as she said, "Nate, why are you treating me like this? After over a decade of friend-"

"Please, don't bring up friendship," Nathan cut her off sharply. "I'm friends with your brother, not you. You're only here because of him. I've shown you some courtesy out of respect for him. Do you honestly think I care about you?"

Nathan pressed on, his tone firm, "If Chubs' feelings are hurt, whether by you or your brother, I won't hesitate to end our friendship.

"As for the job transfer, it's either you comply, or I resign. Also, you are to keep your distance from Chubs from now on. Stay out of our lives."

Upon hearing this, Fenna hesitated for a moment, words lingering on the tip of her tongue. However, the call was abruptly disconnected on the other end and replaced by a busy signal. As Fenna set the phone down, she buried her face in her hands, tears flowing down her cheeks. Mila and Phoebe were utterly perplexed, exchanging bewildered glances with each other.

Mila then retrieved her phone, slowly tucking it back into her bag.

Meanwhile, Phoebe couldn't help but sympathize with Fenna. Despite her shortcomings, Fenna was simply a hopeless romantic at heart.

Attempting to console her, Phoebe suggested, "Ms. Hudson, you're still young and attractive. Why not pursue a relationship with an eligible man, get married, and start a family?

"Why do you keep clinging to Mr. Morrison? He's married and deeply devoted to Mila. It's an impossible situation."

Nonetheless, Fenna brushed off Phoebe's advice, tears clouding her vision as she retorted, "You don't understand me at all!"

Taken aback by Fenna's outburst, Phoebe responded, "You're right. Perhaps I don't understand your perspective. But is it justified to hold onto someone else's husband like this?"

"I've said it before; I don't need him

to marry me or reciprocate my feelings," Fenna explained. "I just want to be by his side as his assistant, taking care of him for the rest of my life. As long as I can see him every day, I'll be content. I'm not asking for anything more

Feeling a headache coming on, Mila rubbed her temples and sank deeper into the sofa.

Despite her efforts to reason with Fenna, she remained obstinate. Thus, she decided to refrain from offering any more advice.

Phoebe's attempts to counsel Fenna had similarly been in vain, leaving her frustrated. With a cold snort, she remarked, "I'm honestly at a loss for words."

Fenna's anger flared as she demanded, "Why are you speechless? How dare you criticize me? Take a good look at your own behavior."

Perplexed, Phoebe asked, "What did I do?"

Fenna retorted sharply, "Cole already has a fiancée in his hometown. Yet, you're constantly flirting with him and behaving so intimately. Even a blind person could see that you're involved in some kind of secret affair. So, who are you to judge me?"

Phoebe's expression darkened. She was stunned and stared at Fenna in disbelief.

Growing impatient, Mila scolded,

"Fenna, stop spouting nonsense.df

Cole truly had a fiancée, he would

have already told Phoebe. It's not your place to interfere and stir up trouble."

Standing up, Fenna let out a contemptuous huff. "Don't believe me, huh? Well, go ahead and verify it for yourselves."

Chapter 582

Fenna glared at Mila, her eyes filled with resentment. "Why couldn't you have stayed in Sunterland? If you didn't interfere, Nate wouldn't be treating me like this. I would still be his most reliable and competent assistant."

Feeling exasperated, Mila let out a cold snort, finding herself utterly speechless. She had no desire to prolong the conversation.

Indeed, the depth of Fenna's obsession made reasoning with her impossible.

Fenna snapped, "I won't cause trouble for you, but I won't abandon Nate either."

With that, she turned on her heel and walked away.

Exasperated by her remarks, Mila sank back onto the sofa, taking a moment to compose herself. Glancing over, she noticed Phoebe looking unusually despondent, her gaze fixed on her phone.

Sitting beside Phoebe, Mila gently wrapped her arm around her shoulders. "What's troubling you? You don't actually believe what she said, do you?"

Phoebe managed a bitter smile and shook her head.

"Why not just ask Cole directly? That would clear up any misunderstandings, wouldn't it?"

Phoebe forced another strained smile. "We're not even a couple, so what right do I have to confront him?"

Frowning, Mila asked, "But do you genuinely have feelings for him?"

Phoebe bowed her head, choosing to remain silent.

Mila couldn't help but sigh. "Cole, that clueless guy. I bet he's never even confessed his feelings to you, has he?"

Phoebe's sorrow deepened at her words, her head sinking even lower.

Mila wrapped her arms around Phoebe, offering comfort. "Don't let it get you down too much. When he's back from his busy schedule, we'll talk to him, alright?" A flicker of annoyance crossed Phoebe's expression as she replied, "I'd rather not bring up this topic. It'll make me seem desperate for him to be my boyfriend." "Alright, alright, you don't have to. I'll handle it," Mila reassured her gently.

As evening fell, Mila and Phoebe returned home after running their errands. Coincidentally, they spotted Cole at the entrance, inspecting his car's engine. Stepping out of the car, Mila took Phoebe's hand and led her toward Cole.

Phoebe was deeply embarrassed, a flicker of simmering anger evident within her. "Mila, let's not bother him. We should just go."

"It's alright, I've got your back," Mila murmured reassuringly.

From a distance, Cole heard their voices and looked up. When he spotted Phoebe, his face softened into a gentle smile as he made his way over.

"Good evening, Mrs. Morrison," Cole greeted politely.

With a gentle smile, he continued softly, "Phoebe, I visited a nearby town today with General Morrison and stumbled upon a delightful handicraft. I'll bring it to you later." Glancing into the distance, Phoebe replied nonchalantly, "No, thank you."

Cole was taken aback by her attitude, a puzzled expression crossing his face.

He wanted to approach Phoebe but hesitated, aware of Mila's presence. "What's the matter? Did I upset you?" he asked.

Mila gently intervened, "Cole, is it true that you have a fiancée back in your hometown?"

Cole was taken aback, his nerves getting the better of him. "No, that's not true. I don't have a fiancée. Who's spreading these rumors?"

A smile formed on Mila's lips as she took Phoebe's hand. "You see, Cole says he doesn't have a fiancée."

Phoebe immediately interjected, "It was Fenna who said it."

Cole was taken aback as a memory suddenly resurfaced. "Ah, that's ancient history," he explained. "Back then,

, my mom was concerned that I

was getting older and still hadn't

settled down with anyone.

"Fearing I might be too busy, she insisted on arranging a blind date with a woman from our hometown. Initially, I resisted, but my mom persisted and brought the woman to my workplace anyway. "Word got around, and before I knew it, I found myself reluctantly agreeing to meet her once, only to end up escorting them back home.

"Fast forward to today, that woman

is happily married with a

two-year-old child. Yet, my mom

е

never lets me forget it. She brings it

up every chance she gets, hoping I'll

regret not taking her advice."

Despite Cole's explanation, Phoebe's expression remained sour-her grievances unresolved.

Sensing Phoebe's lingering

frustration, Cole spoke softly,

"Phoebe, don't be upset. Fenna's obsessed with General Morrison and knows nothing about my personal life Please, ignore her nonsense."

Chapter 583

Cole's words struck a chord with Mila, frowning as she gazed silently at him. His stereotypical male response had truly unsettled her.

On the other hand, Phoebe sighed in relief, feeling some of her anger dissipate. However, she still felt conflicted, especially due to Cole's ambiguous attitude. Just as Phoebe was about to respond, Cole unexpectedly spoke up, "You've been my only girlfriend all along. There's no one else."

His declaration left Phoebe and Mila utterly stunned.

Mila frowned at Phoebe, her eyes silently questioning why their relationship had been kept under wraps.

Feeling increasingly wronged, Phoebe angrily demanded, "Cole, what are you talking about? When did I become your girlfriend?"

Confused, Cole replied, "Haven't we always been together?"

Phoebe simmered with frustration, feeling utterly drained. Mustering a faint smile, she retorted, "Me... your girlfriend? How did that even come about?"

Cole felt deeply wounded by her words. Growing increasingly frustrated, he insisted, "Aren't you going to acknowledge it?"

"What exactly am I supposed to acknowledge?" Phoebe shot back, her exasperation mounting.

Cole felt a mix of hurt and confusion. "You talk to me daily, send me messages, call me. Sometimes, you stay up until the early hours just to video chat with me.

"You've accepted all the kindness I've offered and treasured the presents I've given you. When I showed you the new house I purchased for us to live in after marriage, you described it as beautiful and cozy. "You even let me hold your hand when we crossed the road. Aren't we essentially in a relationship?"

Mila couldn't help but find amusement in the situation.

It seemed that Cole had been putting effort into their relationship for quite some time, yet Phoebe perceived their dynamic as ambiguous.

Each day, she hoped for him to confess his feelings, struggling with the uncertainty of their relationship.

Despite Cole's efforts to prepare for their future home, they still seemed to be on different pages.

Feeling a mix of anger and helplessness, Phoebe clenched her fists, saying, "But you never bothered to ask if I had feelings for you or if I wanted to be your girlfriend!"

Cole replied confidently, "I know you like me. Why else would you video chat with me until late at night?"

Phoebe couldn't help but chuckle in frustration. "So, in your opinion, how long do you think we've been dating?"

"About six months," Cole replied.

"Who dates for half a year without even so much as kissing?" Phoebe retorted.

Cole's ears instantly turned red, casting a shy glance at Mila beside Phoebe.

Mila intervened tactfully, "You two should talk it out. I'm heading home to see my baby."

With that, she made her way toward the main complex.

Once Mila left, Cole hastily took a few steps forward, his gaze betraying his shyness.

With a nervous tone, he confessed, "I wanted to kiss you too, but you avoided me twice, so I didn't dare to try again."

Phoebe pressed her lips together, feeling a flush creep up her cheeks.

Taking a moment to compose herself, she said, "I'm truly at a loss for words! I didn't even realize we were in a relationship; I thought we I were still in the ambiguous phase.

วา

"And yet, here you are, already considering me your girlfriend without even confessing your feelings. Given this situation, can you honestly blame me for wanting to keep my distance?"

Just then, Cole reached for Phoebe's hand, his nerves intensifying as his voice embled slightly. "Phoebe, i

have feelings for you. I've had them

ever since I first saw you.

"It's not just your looks; it's your wonderful personality-kind, outgoing, and beautiful inside and out. Will you be my wife?"

Phoebe's cheeks flushed crimson, her disapproval evident as she replied, "Why are you talking about marriage so suddenly? Isn't that a bit too quick?"

"G-Girlfriend works too," Cole stuttered, his breath becoming more erratic. After saying this, he pressed his lips together and took a deep gulp. Phoebe's complexion tinged with a rosy hue, and a shy smile graced her lips as she glanced at Cole, her eyes gleaming with affection.

After a brief moment, she murmured, "Okay, let me consider it. I'll give you an answer once I've thought things over." With that, Phoebe pulled her hand back and stepped into the car. Starting the engine, she drove off toward the garage. Cole's anxiety surged as he watched Phoebe, feeling a sense of unease creeping in.

Despite dating for six months and even searching for a house together, it seemed that it had all been a figment of his hopeful imagination.

 

Chapter 584

It turned out Phoebe had never harbored such intentions from the start.

Cole couldn't shake the feeling that they were back to square one, almost as though he had lost his girlfriend.

Turning toward Phoebe's car, Cole called out, "Phoebe, how much longer do you need to think about it? Can you give me an answer within the next half-hour?" Feeling troubled, he pulled out his phone and sent her a message. "Could you give me an answer before tonight? I won't be able to sleep otherwise."

Cole sighed heavily in anguish, his head hanging low as he trudged back to his car. He couldn't help but feel dejected as he began inspecting it once again. Meanwhile, Mila went up the stairs and pushed open the door to her bedroom. Removing her coat, she scanned the room and noticed the glass door leading to the balcony slightly ajar.

Just then, Nathan walked in, closing the door behind him and drawing the curtains. Approaching Mila, he said gently, "Welcome back, Chubs."

Mila moved closer to him, her voice filled with excitement. "Nate, I have something interesting to tell you about Cole and Phoebe_"

Before she could finish, Nathan swiftly wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her into a warm embrace. Leaning in, he pressed his lips against hers in a tender kiss.

"Mmm?" Mila was momentarily surprised by Nathan's sudden and passionate kiss, her hands pushing against his sturdy chest.

Without hesitation, Nathan seized Mila's wrists, guiding her backward until she was pinned against the wall. With a firm grip, he held her hands above her head, intensifying the kiss with passion. His kiss exuded authority, leaving Mila captivated and unable to resist as her body yielded to his touch. She gave in to his embrace, feeling her limbs lose their strength with each passing moment. Nathan's exploration of Mila's lips and tongue made her feel alive, sparks electrifying her body, leaving her weak with a growing, fiery desire.

Amidst the wet and suggestive sounds of their kisses, Mila's shy moans only added to the intensity of their shared passion.

As Mila basked in Nathan's advances, she suddenly felt his grip tighten on her wrist. Meanwhile, his other hand found its way to her waist, slipping under her clothes and tracing a tantalizing path upward. His warm, rough palm stirred a seductive heat as it explored her body, sparking a passionate frenzy within her.

"Mmm..." Mila's mind was torn between resistance and surrender, her desires pulsing through her body, unable to stifle a soft whimper.

Nathan's kisses ventured from Mila's lips, tracing a path over her cheeks before delving deeply into the hollow of her neck.

Mila's eyes remained closed, her breaths coming in shallow gaspsas she weakly murmured, "Nate, what are you doing? It's... it's not even dark yet. I've just returned, you... you shouldn't..."

Nonetheless, Nathan was overwhelmed by desire, unable to resist Mila's allure.

His warm lips and tongue gently

teased her earlobe as he huskily whispered, "I've missed you so much. Even at work, all I could think about was kissing you, sleeping with yott."

"Nate..." Mila tried to respond, but her body felt as limp as a sponge. If Nathan were to release his grip, she feared she would simply collapse to the ground, her legs unable to

support her.

Disregarding Mila's attempt to speak, Nathan silenced her with another kiss, skillfully undoing her clothes.

Mila lacked the strength to resist, yet deep down, she had no inclination to do so. She allowed Nathan to undress her, yielding to his touch without hesitation.

As Nathan gently placed Mila on the bed, she felt a mix of vulnerability and bewilderment, carried away by his actions into a state of ecstasy.

Lost in the whirlwind of desire, she fervently sought fulfillment, craving the satisfaction of her bodily senses.

Their passion surged like waves, a relentless ebb and flow of heat and longing.

As twilight dissolved into night, the room transformed into a furnace of intense excitement.

Mila had previously assumed Nathan's lack of physical intimacy stemmed from either sexual dysfunction or disinterest.

However, she was surprised to discover that his desires were actually rather substantial and intense.

Now, he was quick to initiate intimacy at the slightest opportunity.

Chapter 585

As night descended, a gentle chill permeated the air.

While the rest of the Morrisons retired to their rooms, Mila and Nathan emerged from their sanctuary.

Following a long session of intimacy, Mila found herself weakened by hunger.

In the kitchen nook, the maids arrived bearing plates of food.

Seated across from each other, Mila and Nathan exchanged affectionate glances, tinged with a hint of shyness.

Nathan served Mila a bowl of soup, his tone gentle as he asked, "Chubs, did Fenna say or do anything today that upset you?"

Mila shook her head in response, sensing his underlying tension.

Drawing from past experiences, Nathan was determined to prevent the situation from irreversibly spiraling out of control.

He continued gently, "If anything is troubling you, please don't hesitate to share it with me. Keeping it bottled up inside and facing it alone isn't the way to go."

Mila stirred her soup with a spoon, taking a moment to contemplate before asking, "What will you do if Fenna refuses to give up?"

Nathan's smile turned bitter. "Dealing with outright criminals is simple; it's the ones who walk the line between right and wrong that pose a challenge. They persist relentlessly, making it difficult to handle them. Sometimes, the most prudent approach is keeping one's distance."

"But what about Fenna's pos-"

"It's already been reassigned, regardless of her approval," Nathan replied.

Mila breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

Nathan served Mila a plate of food before asking, "How are things going on your end?"

Mila's face brightened with a smile, a hint of contentment shining through.

"Everything's sorted now. I plan to wrap things up at tomorrow's noon shareholders' meeting."

"Alright, I'll arrange for someone to accompany you."

"Will you be coming too?" Mila asked.

"Yes."

"Why is that?"

"Because of Lucas."

"Lucas is involved?"

"Indeed, Lucas Vega is Hugo Talerico, and vice versa. He's a highly dangerous individual."

Mila stared at Nathan in shock, her heart sinking with each passing moment, unable to calm down.

It seemed that Lucas had undergone a drastic transformation, altering his appearance and even his voice through surgery, rendering him unrecognizable.

Certainly, Oliver's existence only served to amplify this sense of dread.

"Alright," Mila replied softly, her voice calm and composed.

Before long, noon arrived on the following day.

In the depths of late winter, a biting chill permeated the air.

A convoy of over a dozen luxury cars glided swiftly into the Hoffis Corporation headquarters, their impressive array radiating grandeur and opulence.

Observing the scene unfold, security personnel from the building hurried out in frustration, aiming to intercept the approaching vehicles.

As the cars came to a halt, dozens of well-dressed, imposing men emerged, their stern countenances unsettling the security guards who approached them. These men, usually attired in military garb, now appeared formal and dignified in their suits.

Cautiously, one of the guards spoke up, "Who... who are you?"

At that moment, Zach emerged from the car. Observing his arrival, the security guards nodded with deference, offering a slight bow and addressing him politely, "M-Mr. Hoffis Senior."

Zach's expression remained stern, radiating an air of unquestionable authority. With a dismissive gesture, he signaled for the guards to move aside.

Wanda and Nathan stepped out of the car alongside Zach, positioning themselves on either side to closely guard him.

Meanwhile, Cole took the lead, swiftly moving forward to scout the way and press the elevator button.

With his entourage surrounding him, Zach made a commanding entrance into the corporation.

The employees, all under the impression that Zach had died, were utterly astonished to see him again.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Hoffis Senior," the receptionist greeted, her hand moving toward the phone to inform her superiors.

Just as she reached for the phone, a stern-looking man approached, startling her. Gripped by fear, she disconnected the phone line as he stood beside her, his gaze intense and menacing.

The receptionist trembled with fear as she witnessed the scene unfold.

Meanwhile, all three elevators were packed with people.

The group proceeded directly to the CEO's conference room.

Inside the expansive conference room, the shareholders' meeting was proceeding smoothly, with Avery deeply engaged in discussing the intricacies of the equity acquisition.

Suddenly, the door was forcefully pushed open, drawing everyone's attention.

Leading the charge was Zach, accompanied by his imposing entourage.

The shareholders were stunned, their expressions reflecting disbelief. "Mr. Hoffis Senior?"

"Wait, the former president isn't dead?"

"What... what's happening?"

At that moment, Avery's face was drained of color.

Observing the situation, Hugo discreetly rose from his seat and quietly made his way toward the rear exit.

Chapter 586

Zach's expression remained stern as he addressed the shareholders with authority, "It's been a while."

"Mr. Hoffis Senior, can you explain what's happening here?"

The shareholders bombarded Zach with questions, eager for explanations.

Zach motioned toward the lawyers standing beside him. "My previous will, power of attorney, and all documents related to the inheritance of my assets in my name have been nullified. My legal team has taken care of these issues.

"I haven't left a single cent of my fortune to my adopted son, so she..." Zach pointed accusingly at Avery, "...is merely a kidnapper, a fraudster, a white-collar criminal."

Avery's fists clenched upon hearing this. She glanced around, only to realize that Hugo had vanished without a trace.

Her face paled, drained of any remaining defiance.

As confusion rippled through the room, Avery's smirk grew colder, her teeth gritted in a final, desperate attempt. "You heartless old man, don't you care about the lives of your son, daughter-in-law, and grandson?"

Zach's fists clenched tightly, his rage simmering beneath the surface.

Nathan responded calmly, "Why don't you reach out to them and see if they dare to make a move?"

Avery erupted in anger. "You think I won't?"

Without hesitation, Avery grabbed her phone, eager to make the call. But to her dismay, she found no signal.

Undeterred, Avery grabbed another phone, only to encounter the same issue.

With panic rising, she gasped for breath as she reached for her assistant's phone.

To her surprise, she discovered that the signal on all the phones in the room had been locally blocked.

Defeated, Avery sank into her office chair.

With a silent signal from Nathan, two of his subordinates approached, swiftly apprehending Avery and escorting her out without a word.

As Avery was dragged away, she yelled furiously, "Just you wait! He'll kill every single one of you, mark my words!"

Once Avery was removed from the room, Mila anxiously scanned her surroundings and whispered to Nathan, "Nate, where's Lucas?" Nathan reassured her calmly, "Don't worry, he can't escape."

Mila nodded in relief.

With a forceful kick, Zach knocked aside the chair Avery had occupied.

He then positioned himself behind the table, his hands gripping its surface tightly. His stare was piercing, and his demeanor commanding.

"I, Zach Hoffis, am very much alive. And my company remains firmly under my control."

In those few words, he conveyed the bitterness and trials he had faced, his dominance unmistakable.

All three elevators were disabled, leaving Hugo stranded.

He frantically pressed the buttons but to no avail. Desperate, he turned to the fire escape.

As Hugo pushed open the door and stepped into the stairwell, he froze in shock at the unexpected sight before him.

Accompanied by four soldiers, Cole stood before Hugo, his expression grave.

In a composed tone, Cole said, "Lucas, don't assume that altering your appearance and voice will hide your identity from us."

In that instant, Lucas abandoned any pretense. He realized that facing Cole solo was already daunting, let alone with four armed soldiers supporting him.

Relinquishing his resistance, Lucas appealed to Cole emotionally, "Cole, we're like brothers, aren't we? Can't you show me some mercy?"

Cole scoffed at his plea. "I detest traitors to our nation; we can never be brothers."

Lucas defiantly retorted, "I haven't betrayed our country!"

"You betrayed General Morrison," Cole shot back.

"I was forced into it!"

Nonetheless, Cole remained skeptical, his heart heavy with emotion as he asked, "Who pressured you? Was it the

temptation of money? Or were net

threatened at gunpoint by

ov

Nightshade? Or maybe it was Oliver's influence?"

Lucas fought back tears, a bitter smile forming on his lips. "Life pushed me to a breaking point. The woman I loved rejected me for my

poverty, my lowly status, and my inability to spend time with her.

"My father fell critically ill, requiring expensive treatment that cost tens of thousands of dollars per day. After a year of medical care, there was no improvement.

"I exhausted all my savings to cover the costs. Despite General Morrison's financial support, I couldn't bear the thought of a lifetime of poverty.

"I felt trapped, yearning for a shortcut to wealth. Is it really such a crime?"

Cole's frustration erupted. "Yes, it's wrong, terribly wrong. Your current predicament is the consequence of your actions."

Chapter 587

Lucas' tearful smile lingered as Cole and his men approached to detain him.

During the search, they discovered a firearm in Lucas' possession.

The sight of the gun stirred something within Cole, momentarily disrupting his thoughts. In truth, if Lucas had drawn the weapon and attempted to flee, he might have had a chance. Cole found himself fixated on the gun, lost in contemplation.

In a low voice, Lucas confessed, "I've considered taking out General Morrison, but I never once thought about harming you. You've been the closest thing to a brother I've ever had." Tears welled up in Cole's eyes at Lucas' declaration.

Handing the firearm to one of his subordinates, Cole drew a deep breath to steady himself before addressing Lucas. "It's too late now," he said firmly.

"How did you manage to identify me?" Lucas asked, his curiosity piqued. "After all, I've undergone extensive plastic surgery to the point where not even my mother could recognize me."

Cole replied, "I didn't recognize you. It was General Morrison who saw through your disguise in an instant."

"General Morrison?"

Cole's smile held a hint of bitterness. "Isn't it ironic? The superior you were willing to eliminate at any cost reads you like an open book-your mannerisms, gestures, speech patterns-with just a glance." Lucas could only manage a wry smile in response, falling silent.

Cole's words were heavy with sorrow, his grief evident. "Lucas, you were once General Morrison's most trusted and capable assistant.

"He treated you like a brother, covering your father's medical expenses and often instructing me to send money to your family in secret.

"If you had asked for his help to get married, he would have gladly arranged everything without hesitation.

"Instead, you chose to betray General Morrison. Money blinded you, and you've deeply wounded him."

Lucas lowered his head, his eyes brimming with tears.

No words could mitigate the gravity of his actions. Redemption appeared to be beyond his grasp.

"If there's any semblance of conscience left in you, you'll reveal Oliver's location and expose Nightshade's plans and operatives in Norvania," Cole pressed.

Lucas gritted his teeth. "I can't do that. If I speak out, my family will pay the price."

"You're beyond saving," Cole thundered. "Get him out of here."

With that, the four soldiers restrained Lucas and escorted him out, with Cole closely following suit.

Soon enough, headlines across major news outlets and trending discussions were flooded with reports of Zach's comeback.

The unexpected reappearance of Norvania's wealthiest magnate ignited a nationwide frenzy, prompting reporters to swiftly cover the story.

In the days that followed, Zach regained control of his company and reclaimed all of his assets.

Meanwhile, Avery and Lucas found themselves incarcerated, confronting the prospect of spending the rest of their lives behind bars.

While in jail, Avery crossed paths with the impostor posing as Sally Hoffis, and the two swiftly forged a bond.

After their interaction, the fraudulent

Sally smiled and remarked, "I'll tell you this: Oliver's affection lies solely with his niece, even though they're not blood-related.

"To him, all other women are mere pawns, easily discarded once they've served their purpose. Don't cling to the hope that he'll come to your rescue. It's time to face the truth."

Avery's smile turned bitter. "So, that's the harsh reality, isn't it? I've been nothing more than a pawn all this time, and even my marriage was just another piece to be

manipulated."

"Indeed, Oliver is capable of such actions."

"It seems there's yet another unfortunate woman in his sights."

Intrigued, the impostor Sally asked, "Who's next in line? Who else has been manipulated?"

Avery regarded her cautiously for a moment before shaking her head. "I'm not sure."

The grand and opulent Hoffis Manor stood empty, lacking any sense of warmth. Apart from the maids and bodyguards, Zach was the only Hoffis left staying there. His wife had passed away, his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson were imprisoned, and his granddaughter had married.

Despite his riches, flourishing career, fame, and the esteemed accolade of being Norvania's wealthiest man, Zach was overwhelmed by a profound sense of loneliness. Seated in solitude at the grand dining table, he gazed at the intricate seven-course meal spread out before him.

In that instant, the extravagance of dining alone seemed empty and excessive, deepening his already melancholic state and robbing him of any desire to eat. Just then, Robert entered the room.

"Mr. Hoffis Senior, Ms. Hoffis has returned with Mr. Morrison and their son."

Upon hearing the news, Zach's excitement surged. A smile spread across his face as he hurriedly rose from his seat and made his way out to welcome them. Nathan walked in, cradling his son in one arm while gently guiding Mila with his other.

"Grandpa," they chimed in unison, greeting him as they entered.

Chapter 588

Zach's face lit up with a smile. His eyes moist as he said, "Nate, Chubs, you guys are here."

Zach looked at the tiny baby. He said, "Come, let great-grandpa hold you."

Nathan handed his son to him.

Holding the baby, Zach walked straight to the sofa. His mind was full of the adorable baby.

"Have you decided on the baby's name?" Zach asked with a low voice before sitting down. His focus was solely on the sweetly sleeping baby.

Nathan took Mila's hand and sat on the sofa. "Not yet," he replied.

Mila said with a smile, "Grandpa, Mom and Dad couldn't decide, so they asked you to name the baby."

"Jasper, how about that?" Zach casually suggested.

Nathan thought it over for a moment. He thought it was a good name. "Thank you, Grandpa. It's a great name. It has the meaning of pure, noble, and perseverance." Mila also agreed, "I like it too. Thanks, Grandpa."

Zach softly said, "Then let's call him Jasper, Jasper Morrison."

At this moment, the maternity nurse walked in with a backpack. She stood by the door.

Mila turned to her and said, "Bring the baby upstairs to rest."

The maternity nurse nodded, then walked toward Zach for the baby.

Zach looked at Jasper. He was very reluctant to part from him.

Nathan and Mila could see he was lonely and felt sorry for him.

"Grandpa, if you don't mind, can Nate and I move back in?" Mila asked.

Zach was excited. "Of course! This is your home. You're always welcome to come back."

"Okay. Thank you, Grandpa," Nathan replied.

Soon, he took out an invitation card from his pocket and handed it to Zach. "This is for you. It's from the President."

Zach took it. "An invitation?"

"His daughter is getting married, so he specially invites you to attend the wedding. We'll accompany you."

Zach smiled warmly. He said as he opened the invitation, "An invitation from the President himself... I'm honored. Who's the lucky man marrying the President's daughter?"

A maid brought tea and pastries

while they were in the middle of their conversation. Nathan took a bite and bad a sip of tea. "I don't know him, never seen this guy before."

Zach looked at the invitation.

The names Yale Xander and Lillian Kimmel were printed on the invitation.

Everyone knew that Donald's daughter was Lillian, but the name Yale was unfamiliar.

Zach pondered for a while. Confused, he asked, "Is there a prominent family with the surname Xander in Norvania?"

Mila smiled slightly. She replied, "In

Norvania, they emphasize equality for all. When officials or their

relatives get married, there's no

political review. It's really not good."

Nathan continued, "Although there's no political review, there's still some private investigation. Yale's background is relatively clean."

Mila leaned toward him, puffing up

her cheeks. She murmured,

pretending to be angry, "Just like when you married me, they

investigated my identity as Suzanne

thoroughly. But they still only

scratched the surface, not knowing it's a different person."

Nathan's expression turned grim. He was stunned, so he stared at Mila without saying anything.

Mila noticed the change in his expression and thought she said something wrong. She quickly asked, "Bringing this up upset you?"

Nathan couldn't help but smile. He caressed Mila's head and kissed her. "I'm not upset. Thanks for reminding me."

Blushing, Mila covered her mouth, signaling that they were still in front of Zach.

Zach smiled. He didn't find this polite and affectionate kiss awkward at all. He was also happy to see his granddaughter's moment of happiness. Nathan regained his composure and cleared his throat. He felt a bit embarrassed, so he apologized, "Sorry, Grandpa, my bad."

Zach smiled and replied, "It's okay. You guys can be more affectionate. I would like to see."

Chapter 589

Feeling a bit shy, Mila blushed. She found an excuse to leave the living room, "Grandpa, I'll go check on the baby. You guys can continue."

"Okay," Zach replied with a smile on his face.

Mila went upstairs to the baby's room to see her son.

Only then did Zach reveal a sad expression. He sighed as he said to Nathan, "You're still young, and you just married recently. There's no need to move back here just to accompany an old man like me. "I'm okay with living alone. When people get old, it's normal to feel lonely. I'm perfectly fine."

"At my parents' house, there are too many family members. Layla doesn't really like Chubs, so she's not comfortable living there. Living at Hoffis Manor, she'll be more comfortable," Nathan explained, trying to comfort him.

Upon hearing this, Zach's thoughts wandered toward Layla. His expression couldn't help but turn grim. "Was Layla the one that married Duke after getting rejected by you?" he asked. Nathan nodded.

"Nate, as a man, you must handle relationships with women around you properly. Whether they're friends or relatives, if any of them show signs of being strange, you should keep your distance," Zach advised, his tone serious.

"I'll keep that in mind, Grandpa."

"My granddaughter has always been possessive since childhood, you know?"

Nathan smiled as he replied, "I know."

But from another perspective, wasn't she also caring? That was why she was jealous, right?

Although not entirely sure of Mila's sincerity, he chose to believe that she loved and cared for him. That was why she was jealous and possessive of all his affection.

Lost in thought, Nathan couldn't help but look toward the baby's room.

Zach continued, "There's one more thing I want to ask from you."

Nathan snapped back to reality. He said earnestly, "Grandpa, you don't have to be so polite. Just tell me directly. I'll do it whenever I can."

Zach sighed. "My son, daughter-in-law, and grandson are all imprisoned. I hope you can rescue them," he urged with a hint of desolation.

Nathan reassured, "Grandpa, don't

worry. Even if you didn't mentionat, I would still rescue Dad, Mom, and Mila's brother. The police have been investigating, but it will take some time."

Zach's eyes were moist as he nodded.

...

Mila told her in-laws about them moving to Hoffis Manor.

The two elders understood her feelings very well and sympathized with Zach's situation. They thought Mila and Nathan should go back and accompany Zach.

It didn't take long for them to move out from Morrison Residence and into Hoffis Manor.

The entire Hoffis Manor was thoroughly searched. All possible monitoring devices were checked and cleared.

Cole brought the entire security team into the Hoffis Manor to strictly guard it.

Finally, the magnificent home regained its former bustling atmosphere and vitality.

Zach said he wanted to hand over the business to Mila so he could retire to look after the baby at home.

Mila refused since she didn't know how to handle the business. Plus she had her own mission and career

goals. After her maternity leave, she would return to work.

In the early morning, sunlight filtered through the tender buds of the trees and cast dappled shadows on the balcony.

It felt very warm.

After Mila woke up, she reached for

buy

the empty space beside the bed where Nathan usually slept. But then she heard the sound of water flowing from the bathroom.

She sat up and rubbed her eyes. After that, she walked lazily toward the bathroom.

She leaned against the bathroom door for a while before lightly knocking on the door. "Nate, are you in there?" she asked. "Yeah," Nathan replied. He then opened the door. A burst of warm air mixed with his scent rushed out from the bathroom. Before Mila could react, she felt a hand on her waist. Suddenly, she was pulled into a warm embrace.

She placed her hands on Nathan's warm chest. Their bodies were so close to each other. Then, she was brought into the bathroom.

Chapter 590

As the door closed, Mila couldn't help but blush. She could feel that he was shirtless, with water droplets on his body. She dared not look around. "From now on, just come in. You don't have to knock on the door," Nathan murmured, his voice hoarse. He gently continued, "There's no secrets between us."

"I didn't come in to watch you shower." Mila replied shyly, "I just wanted to ask you when the banquet starts."

"3:00 pm."

"Oh," Mila replied.

She continued, her face flushed, "You go ahead and shower. I'll go out first."

"Do you want to shower together?"

"No."

Nathan touched her cheek and looked at her with a warm gaze. "Not going to freshen up?"

"I will. After you finish, I'll freshen up."

Nathan whispered in her ear, "I'll continue showering. You can wash your face, brush your teeth, or use the toilet. It won't affect anything."

"This isn't appropriate," Mila said, embarrassed. Although they were husband and wife and had done the most intimate things, she still wasn't used to such blatant disregard for privacy. "I'll close the glass door. Is that okay?" Nathan coaxed gently.

Mila couldn't resist his request, so she agreed.

They were separated by a frosted glass.

He showered inside while she freshened up and used the toilet outside. She blushed throughout the process.

The feeling of being so intimate that they could share the same bathroom together was too surreal.

After Mila finished freshening up, she knocked on the glass door. "Nate, I'll go out first."

Nathan wrapped a towel around his waist after drying himself. He opened the glass door and looked at Mila intensely.

"Chubs," he called out with a slightly hoarse voice.

Mila was startled. "What's wrong?"

"Are you still tired?"

Mila immediately understood what he meant.

She had been going to bed early for the past few days. When Nathan returned home late at night, he usually didn't wake her up.

Even if she woke up, she was still groggy. Even if he wanted to have intimacy, she always felt tired and didn't have the energy to deal with him. She left him, an energetic man, to abstain from sexual relations.

"I'm okay," Mila replied. She knew he was usually very busy. When she woke up in the morning, he was already gone. Today, Donald's daughter was getting married, so he took a day off.

Nathan came out and lifted her up.

Mila wrapped her arms around his neck, then leaned against his warm chest. "Why did you shower so early in the morning?" "Just came back from half an hour of training, and I'm sweaty," Nathan explained as he walked out of the room.

"It's rare for you to have a day off. Can't you just rest at home? Why do you still have to exercise and force yourself too hard?"

Nathan carefully placed her on the

bed. He touched her smooth cheeks before complaining, "I have no

choice. I have too much energy I

need to release.

"My precious wife has a low sex drive, and I can't force her, so I can only exercise to let out my frustrations."

Hearing this, Mila felt guilty. She wanted to get up. Slowly, she propped herself up on his shoulders.

Nathan knew what she was going to do, so he moved away from her body. Thinking she didn't want it, he respected her decision.

Little did he know, Mila got up and pushed Nathan onto the bed. She then held his muscular arms and placed them above his head.

She straddled his waist in an extremely intimate posture, looking into his eyes from above.

Nathan was surprised and excited. His heart pounded as he looked at the petite and lovely woman on top

of him. He was hoping to be teased by her.

"It's not that I'm frigid," Mila said as her cheeks were slightly hot. She murmured, "I'm just feeling sleepy and don't want to move."