If he knew the truth, things wouldn''t be so harmonious.


    Remington held Liz close. "Well, once he finds out, I''ll let him beat and scold me however he likes."


    Liz raised an eyebrow at him, not believing for a second that he''d actually tolerate that. He wasn''t the type to endure anyone''s reprimands, and even if he were willing, no one would darey a hand on him anyway.


    "Sigh, it''s better if he doesn''t find out the truth," Liz said, frowning. "If he knew about Jolin and Hans Gardenia, I can''t imagine how devastated he''d be."


    Since waking up, Thaddeus hadn''t seen Jolin. He had asked about her twice, but Liz had brushed it off both times. Thaddeus probably knew what their mother was like and guessed that Liz had been bearing the burden alone while he was asleep. He simply patted her head and said, "You''ve worked so hard, my Liz. I''ve dragged you down." After that, he never mentioned Jolin again.


    Remington ruffled Liz''s hair. "He''s a grown man who''s survived death itself. There''s nothing he can''t get past. Stop worrying so much about him."


    Hearing this, Liz realized that Remington had somehow learned how tofort people. But just as she was feeling a newfound respect for him, the man''s tone suddenly shifted.


    "If you love worrying so much, why don''t you focus on your boyfriend, Ms. Madden?"


    Liz was utterly speechless. Toozy to argue with the king of jealousy, she pushed him away. She was just about to head to the bathroom when a pair of car headlights suddenly swept across the area downstairs.


    Oakridge Heights and its surroundings were usually very quiet and secluded. Headlights at this hour meant someone was definitely approaching the estate.


    Liz looked at Remington. "Who is it?"


    The man didn''t answer immediately. His gaze drifted toward the courtyard, the earlierzy warmth vanishing from his eyes, reced by a cold glint. "Just some annoying pests."


    If friends or family were visiting at this hour, they would have called ahead. It wasn''t hard to guess who these uninvited guests were.


    Thinking of little Ron sleeping in the bed, Liz''s rxed demeanor faded.


    "Go take your shower. I''ll head down and deal with it," Remington said softly, stroking her long hair.


    He turned to leave, but Liz caught his arm. "Let''s go down together."


    Remington raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"


    Liz let out a softugh. "Of course. Some people would hate to see


    together right now Why shou


    give them the satisfaction


    Remington leaned in slightly and intertwined his fingers with hers. "My girlfriend is right. This is much better."


    Liz smiled faintly and let him lead her downstairs. At that moment, the security guards at the gate called to ask for permission to let the visitors in. Once Remington gave the nod the ornate wrought-iron gates of Oakridge Heights slowly swung open.


    In the car, Ste West sat by the back window, her face pale. Looking at the quiet, luxuriously imposing estate in the night, her eyes burned with resentment. Such a prestigious ce should have been her future home: But because of Liz, that goal seemed to be slipping further and further away.


    Damn it.


    Suddenly, a stern, slightly raspy older voice echoed beside her. It was Martin West.


    "Put away that vicious look on your face!" he snapped. "What man would like a woman who wears her malice so openly? Useless!"


    Ste didn''t dare talk back. She quickly reined in her emotions and forced a faint smile. "I''m sorry, Dad. I slipped up."


    Martin nced at her before continuing. "Tonight is an opportunity. Figure out how to use it, and don''t disappoint me again."