Chapter 1 Chapter 1

In the dirty and messy backyard of Sea City mental hospital, Gale Warm stared at the meat and bones in front of the stray dog. She had not eaten for three days and would starve to death if that continued. In order to survive, she had to grab food from the dog's mouth! Ever since Shawn Wood threw her here two years ago, the only thing on her mind every single day was to survive. The Wood family is the wealthiest family in Sea City, and Shawn was the heir to the Wood family, which made him the most powerful man in Sea City. Gale still remembered how Shawn Wood strangled her neck desperately, staring fiercely at her, saying, "I want you to suffer for the rest of your life. You won't be able to beg for death. You will pay it all back what the Warm family owes me!" The more miserable she was, the more satisfied Shawn Wood was. Two years ago, Shawn's father had a car accident and was seriously injured. He was sent to the hospital for emergency treatment due to his critical condition. The emergency doctor on duty was Gale's father, Peter Warm. Unintentionally and mistakenly, Peter used the wrong medicine, leading to Shawn's father's death due to excessive blood loss. The police intervened and found that Gale's father was mainly responsible for the wrong treatment and was sentenced to life in prison. After hearing the news, Gale's mother suffered a cerebral infarction and went into a vegetative state. That was the day that marked the end of Gale's former life. She refused to believe her father would do such a thing, but no one listened to her. Shawn ordered that she be thrown into a mental hospital like a bag of garbage, and he also ordered that no one should take care of her, be it life or death. Since then, she has been treated far worse than a dog. However, she vowed to live on. Her parents were still waiting for her. Only by surviving can there be hope for the future! Suddenly, the sound of an unlocking lock interrupted her thoughts. "Gale, someone has come to pick you up!" said the dean. Gale was stunned and asked, "Who?" After her father was imprisoned, her relatives and friends avoided her. How could there be anyone to pick her up? "You'll see." She never thought that she could leave. Without Shawn's consent, who would dare to save her? Gale walked out of the mental hospital with anxiety and anticipation when a van stopped in front of her. Before she could see who it was, two or three big men jumped out of the vehicle and covered her head with a black sack! "Help me..." Before she could finish her sentence, they hit her head hard, and she lost consciousness. When Gale woke up again, she found himself tied to the big bed in the hotel, unable to move. 'What's going on? Where was this?' Gale had a bad feeling in her heart as she recalled what had happened before she was knocked out. A bald and fat old man rubbed his hands excitedly before her. "She's really pure. I like it!" It was only then that Gale understood that the dean had tricked her! No one came to pick her up, they gave her to this old man! "Don't come any closer..." She gritted her teeth and yelled, "Go away!""Serve me well, and I will not treat you badly..." The old man rushed over with a grinning smile while Gale retreated, thinking of a way to escape. She hurriedly shouted, "Wait!""What's wrong?" Gale pretended to smile tenderly and said, "Don't rush. Take your time. Untie me so we can have some fun together…""Okay, as long as you promise not to run away." As soon as the rope was untied, Gale kicked the old man fatally, and he howled in pain! She took the opportunity to run away! "Catch her!" She could only hear the sound of chasing footsteps from behind. If she were captured, she would be finished! Panicked, Gale saw an open door and broke in without a second thought, locking it behind her. She was gasping for breath when suddenly, a pair of hands appeared around her waist! It was dark when a deep hoarse man's voice rang out, "...A woman?" Gale felt his hot body and asked in a panic, "Who are you? What do you want!""To use you to get rid of the medicine on me." As soon as he finished, he picked her up and threw her on the bed. She could not see the man's face clearly, but she could smell the faint familiar fragrance on his body… This tone, this smell, actually reminded her of Shawn Wood! No, it is impossible for Shawn to be here! "Stop! Let me go!" Gale kept struggling as she cried out, "Don't...I'm not that kind of woman..." The man leaned in and whispered in her ear, promising, "I will marry you.""Umm..." He pressed his lips on hers. It was only almost dawn when the man finally fell asleep. Gale's body was sore all over. She thought she could escape the disaster, but she was violated nevertheless. Her life was miserable enough. When will her luck change? Although this man was thousands of times better than the old man and promised to marry her… Unfortunately, if she agrees to marry, she will drag him into Shawn's line of fire with her. She can not do that. Thinking of this, Gale picked up her clothes and quietly left the hotel. She was a little dazed as she stood on the street. In fact, she could take the opportunity to escape, but she knew that Sea City was Shawn's territory, and every pass was strictly guarded. Even if she escaped, where could she go? Moreover, mom and dad are here. There is no way she would leave them. In the end, Gale returned to the mental hospital. She had to figure out what the dean's conspiracy was so that she could protect herself in the future. As soon as she arrived at the door of the dean's office, she heard quarrels coming from inside. "That old man took a fancy to my daughter. How could I be willing to let him marry her? I have to hand over Gale!""But Shawn was the one who sent her here. How dare you do that!""Mr. Wood still remembers her. We have to rescue her now!" All of this was indeed the dean's plan! Gale clenched her fists angrily and was about to enter when the dean came out with a sad face. He looked up and saw her. Before he could celebrate, he saw the conspicuous hickey on her neck. The dean scolded, "B*tch, who exactly did you sleep with last night? I almost got killed because of you!" Gale had no idea who that man was, so she brushed it off as a nightmare. She coldly questioned the dean, "Why did you give me away?""What do you mean by giving you away? I think you are getting crazier and crazier! Quick, put her in the ward!" Gale gave the dean a cold look. "I'll go by myself." … Meanwhile, at the hotel, Shawn opened his eyes and sat up as he pinched between his eyebrows with his fingers. He looked at the big messy bed as the memories from the night before flashed in his mind. The girl's delicate and smooth skin, her thin voice, and her first... However, his bedside was empty. Did she run away when he fell asleep? It was completely different from the money-worshiping women who often chased him. He was tricked last night, and the woman just broke in and helped him with his problem. Shawn made a phone call. "Go and find out who was the woman who broke into my room last night.""Okay, Mr. Wood." Since he promised to marry her, he will keep his promise. Even if she ran to the ends of the earth, he would find her! Shawn rolled over and got out of bed, looking at the empty glass at the head of the bed. The stepmother had not given up. She kept sending women to him when she got the chance, and she even used such drugs this time. It seemed that the only thing that could stop his stepmother was to get himself a woman. "Mr. Wood, today is Alex Wood's death anniversary," the assistant reminded him when he got into the car. "Well, let's do as before." Once a year, Shawn went to the cemetery to pay his respect to his father and then went to see Gale, the woman he hated most. … In the mental hospital, a luxurious and expensive car was parked at the entrance. A man with long legs strode in slowly. The dean almost wet his pants with fright upon seeing Shawn. "Mr… Wood...""Where is Gale Warm?" Shawn said indifferently. "I…I…I'll call her right now!" The dean ran to the ward in a hurry and threatened Gale, "It's best to keep your mouth shut. If he knows you are not pure, we will die!" Gale was about to answer when she saw a tall figure appear. Shawn Wood. He is still as handsome and arrogant as she remembered, with a noble temperament and a sense of pride. Gale immediately tensed up in fright. "Mr. Wood.""Are you afraid of me?" He smiled mockingly. Yes, she was afraid. She was even afraid to breathe and dared not look at him. She lowered her head silently. Her stray hair fell on her cheek, tickling it, and she held back and did not remove it. "Gale Warm, it's been two years, and you don't seem to have changed. It's boring." It was clear that he had a deep and calm tone, but it came off as bone-chilling to her. She was not as embarrassed and haggard as he imagined, which caused his dissatisfaction. He had no idea she had made great efforts to live barely as a human in the mental hospital. In the first few months she came in, she looked like a pathetic beast. "So, this game is over." Shawn narrowed his eyes and said meaningfully, "You are free." Free? That was shocking. Gale clearly knew that he was thinking of a new way to torture her. She could not help trembling. She stepped back, and Shawn came closer. "I will put you right where I can see you and humiliate you at any time to relieve the hatred in my heart." He said coldly, "From now on, Gale, you will be a dog by my side." Shawn turned around, and his back was tall and straight. "Keep up!" She was puzzled. "Where to?""Civil Affairs Bureau!"

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

What?! Shawn picked her up with his big hands and threw her in the car. Gale retreated into the corner in horror. "Who are you going to marry me to... No, let me go..." She was a person, a living person, not an object to be sent around. He squeezed her chin and said, "I can give you to anyone I want. You have no choice." Gale wanted to cry, but she was afraid of annoying him, so tears were held back. Looking at Gale's clear eyes, which are full of tears, he felt a moment of pity. No, how could he be soft-hearted to the enemy's daughter, it's ridiculous! Shawn regained his indifference and tugged at his tie irritably. She grabbed hold of his shirt cuffs with her white and tender hands. "Please, don't..." Gale's tears fell on the back of his hand. "Anything but that. Please don't ruin me like this..." This was her first time begging him, and she had no idea if it would work. Her voice reminded her of the woman from last night. There were some similarities! But... how could it be her? She was locked up in a mental hospital, unable to go anywhere. He gently wiped away the tears from the back of his hand. "We have known each other for two years, and I finally heard you beg." Immediately afterward, he smiled cruelly. "Unfortunately, it's useless." Her hand fell from his sleeve. The phone rang. He took a look and found it was the call from his stepmother, Paula Zane. Paula asked, pretending to be concerned, "Shawn, I just heard you were in a hotel last night with a woman..." Before she could finish, Shawn interrupted, "That's right. We are on our way to the Civil Affairs Bureau.""This... ah? Are you planning to marry her?""Yes." He was very good at preemptive strikes. Paula kept bringing women to seduce him because she wanted a woman to spy on him. He could not let her succeed. He would continue to look for the woman from last night, but he must not let Paula know. The room was dark last night, and he could not see her face clearly. Otherwise, Paula would find a woman to pretend to be her, and he would not be able to tell the difference. The best way was to let Gale take over temporarily! She will atone for her sins by his side all her life. After hanging up the phone, Shawn raised his eyebrows slightly. "Gale, listen carefully. The person you're marrying...is me." Marry him? Gale could not believe her ears. Judging by his expression, it's not like a joke! … The Marriage Registry. Gale held the pen and hesitated to sign the paper. She never wanted to be Mrs. Wood, and she was not worthy to sit in that position. She would rather stay in the mental hospital than stay by his side day and night. The staff asked suspiciously, "Ms. Gale, are you doing this voluntarily?""I...""Of course." Shawn hugged her from behind, held her hand, and signed her name stroke by stroke. "My wife is just too excited." His broad chest was against her back, seemingly gentle but, in fact, forcefully! "Gale, if this marriage is not successful, I will throw you to the mountain to feed the wolves!" he whispered a terrifying warning in her ear. Gale was like a puppet under his control. After the marriage certificate was issued, he took it away directly. "Don't be delusional, Gale. You are still nothing." She bit her lip. "Marrying you is the beginning of the torture?""You can take it that way." Shawn stepped out. Temperley Hall was his private residence. It was located in a wealthy area, surrounded by mountains and rivers. Like a gorgeous gilded cage. Gale stood in the middle of the living room, wearing her whitewashed clothes and canvas shoes, like an ugly duckling who strayed into the castle. The servants whispered and discussed, "Who is this? She's dressed more shabby than us.""Shh, Mr. Wood brought her back himself." The housekeeper reprimanded, "You all want to lose your tongues? This is Mr. Wood's wife, the mistress of Temperley Hall!" God, Mrs. Wood was so plain! Shawn came over and indifferently instructed, "Go wash her and bring her to my room." She was shocked, he wanted to… No, he will find the bruises on her body! Even if they did not have physical relations, just staying in the same room with him would be enough to suffocate her! She whispered, "I can sleep anywhere, the utility room in the basement...or the floor!""Do what I want you to do!" He waved his hand, motioning for the servant to take her away, and walked to the second floor. She was so nervous that her palms were sweating frantically. She could not imagine what would be waiting for her next. She cannot be so submissive anymore... Run away! Out of all the strategies, the best would be to run! The bathtub was full of water, and the servant came and tried to take off her clothes. She said, "I'll do it myself. Just wait for me at the door.""But Mr. Wood ordered...""I won't tell him." After driving everyone away, Gale looked up at the small window. … In the Study, Shawn sat in front of the computer, video calling Dr. William. "Have the test results come out?" Dr. William coughed. "It's out...""Give it to me straight." William replied, "...Asthenozoospermia. I checked it three times." Shawn was tapping his finger on the tabletop and stopped suddenly when he heard it. When he got the medical report two days ago, he could not believe he had that disease. He immediately contacted the top male doctor abroad. Unexpectedly, the result was still the same. William added, "But Mr. Wood, I found something abnormal in the test.""Hmm?""I can be sure that you get this disease because you have been taking certain foods or medicines for a long time." Mr. Wood relaxed instead after hearing that. He smirked coldly. "Can it be cured?""Of course it can, Mr. Wood. I will prescribe medicine for you. It will take about three months. However, the best way is to find the cause and get rid of it. "Hmm." Shawn looked out the window, and he already knew what it could be. Since his father's death, Paula had used caring for him as an excuse to bring all kinds of stews and soups to Temperley Hall every day. If he did not drink them, Paula would nag and say things like it was your father's favorite. Shawn was so annoyed that he drank two sips every day. Unexpectedly... Paula had revealed herself to be so vicious. She wanted to use this method to prevent him from being able to conceive a child no matter how many women he had and cut off the Wood family! Knock knock! There were rapid footsteps followed by the housekeeper knocking on the door eagerly. "Mr. Wood! Bad news!" Shawn looked stern and asked, "What are you panicking about? Speak!" "Ms. Gale, she...she's gone!" The bathroom was clean, and the water in the bathtub was still; only the exhaust window was open, just enough for one person to wiggle through. Gale jumped out of the window and escaped! She was so brave! Shawn's face was extremely gloomy. "A bunch of trash, you can't even take care of a woman!" "Mr. Wood, your wife's phone is still here... there is a voice message in it." Shawn opened it and clicked on the voice message. "Shawn Wood, I have atoned for my father's alleged crimes for two years. We owe each other nothing. Let's never meet again!"

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

Boom! Shawn smashed the phone and furrowed his brows. "Go after her immediately! She can't have run far!" Temperley Hall was brightly lit that night, with vehicles and people coming in and out. Gale hid in the filthy sewers to escape the pursuit of Shawn's men. Taking advantage of the chaos, she ran down the mountain and went straight to the prison to see her father. "Father...""Gale! You're still alive!" Peter was very excited and burst into tears. "I thought you...""Dad, I came here to ask you about the truth of Chairman Wood's death?""I don't know either, but I'm quite sure that the medicine I used was right! Gale, do you trust me?""I believe it." Gale bit her lower lip late and nodded. So, Peter was wronged. She never owed Shawn, let alone atonement! "We were framed, but the matter is a foregone conclusion and can't be changed..." Peter sighed and said, "Gale, you have to protect yourself." Gale held the microphone and looked firmly at Peter across from the glass. "Dad, I will definitely find evidence and clear your name." After visiting the prison, Gale went to the hospital to visit her mother. Before she got to the hospital door, she saw three or four bodyguards in black! Gale immediately hid. Shawn was sure that she would come to the hospital, so he arranged for staff to wait at the hospital. Once captured, she would be tortured like hell! Gale was thinking about how to avoid the bodyguards when the huge electronic screen on the opposite side suddenly flickered on, showing Sea City Financial News. Shawn's handsome face matched his position as CEO and President. He was standing in the Wood Group Headquarters, wearing a black shirt, with a lazy but strong aura, the corners of his mouth curled slightly into a half smile. Next to him, a circle of reporters was interviewing him. "Mr. Wood, is it true that you are going to get involved in the entertainment industry?""Will your acquisition strategies be completed on time?""Mr. Wood, yesterday a paparazzi took a photo of you entering and leaving the Civil Affairs Bureau. May I ask where you are going..." Shawn raised her chin slightly and looked at the camera. "I went to get married." These three words instantly caused a ripple in the audience. President Wood actually admitted that he was married! Who was Mrs. Wood, who joined the wealthiest family in Sea City! The camera kept getting closer. His eyes were as deep as the stars, staring at the camera without blinking. The next second, Shawn said in a deep voice, "Mrs. Wood, you've had enough fun. It's time to go home." How sweet and tender it sounded to the observers. Only Gale knew that he was warning her! She felt cold all over looking at the bloodthirsty smile as if he was standing in front of her. Shawn turned around and left, and the bodyguards stopped all the reporters. If it were not to send a message to Gale, he would not have agreed to an interview! At the same time, Gale saw several nurses pushing a hospital bed to the ambulance, about to transfer the patient. That was her mother! Where are they taking her mother? "Mom!" Not afraid that she would be exposed, Gale rushed over immediately. She grabbed her mother's hand tightly. "Mom, I am sorry I could only come to see you now…" She was surrounded by bodyguards. "Madam, this is President Wood's order. Please don't obstruct it.""I won't run away, I'll go back now!" Gale begged bitterly, "Give my mother back..." Gale could only watch helplessly as her mother was taken away. Shawn knew too well where her weakness was. Any attempts to hurt her would be heart-piercing pain. After half an hour, Shawn stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window in his CEO's office with an unlit cigarette between his fingertips. His assistant, Fiona, knocked on the door and said, "President Wood, your wife is here.""Enter." Gale walked in with a pale face. Shawn turned his back to her. "You finally came back." She said humbly, "Let my mother go. You can do whatever you want to me.""I didn't want to touch her. Gale, it's you who was rude.""Sorry, I was wrong..." Shawn narrowed his eyes. "Do you think apologizing is enough?" Gale clenched her palm tightly, her nails digging in her flesh. "I promise I will never run away again." How could she ever escape his clutches? The life and death of her parents were all in his hands. What's more… Gale can only have a chance to investigate the truth of Alex Wood's death if she stays by his side! Shawn gestured for her to come closer, and she walked over obediently. He lowered his head and whispered into her ear, "Do you want me to break your left or right leg?" He spoke the harshest words in the softest tone. Gale's legs softened, and she was so scared that she could not stand still. "I... I won't do it again." Shawn clasped her slender waist firmly and said, "Next time, I'll break it myself!" He snorted coldly and let go, sitting lazily on the sofa, holding a cigarette in his mouth. Gale squatted beside him, picked up the lighter, and took the initiative to light a cigarette for him. "Mr. Wood." He didn't move. The temperature of the lighter was getting hotter and hotter, and Gale dared not let go for fear of making him dissatisfied. Her hands were hot and blistered, and there was a burning smell in the air. Then Shawn lowered his head and leaned over to light a cigarette. "If you want to save your mother, then do something to make me happy." Shawn blew a puff of smoke on her face. "Can you please men?" Gale was choked and coughed repeatedly, her face flushed. Her appearance made him smile deeply. As if she was his pet. However, before his laughter dissipated, Gale suddenly stood on tiptoe and lightly kissed his lips. She thought this should please him, right? She knew nothing about romance or seduction and had no idea what to do next. Shawn looked intently at the woman in front of him. She was so nervous that her eyelashes trembled. Her lips were soft and waxy, sultry without knowing it. He felt uncomfortable quickly. This was bad. She was the daughter of his father's enemy, after all! "Get out." Shawn pushed her away mercilessly, his eyes filled with disgust. Gale silently got up from the ground and left. What was even worse was that as soon as she left the office, she saw Fiona, who said, "Mrs. Gale, Mr. Wood said that the cleaning department is lacking...""I understand, I will head there." For her, being a cleaner is better than staying by his side. Fiona looked at Gale's retreating figure, shook her head, and sighed. She thought that Mr. Wood must have met true love and gotten married quickly, but she had not expected that his wife's status would be so low. Fiona added after reporting on her work for the day, "Mr. Wood, about Mrs. Warm...""Arrange the best top doctor to treat her." Fiona was stunned. "Are you deaf?""Yes, yes, Mr. Wood." Shawn was expressionless. "Don't let her know." He has done this to have a better hold over Gale. With her mother in his hands, she could only obey all his orders obediently. Shawn leaned against the leather seat and turned on the monitor. On the screen before him, Gale was wearing cleaning clothes, carrying a mop and a bucket, focused on cleaning. During the two years she was in the mental hospital, Shawn occasionally turned on the monitor to check her current situation, trying to soothe the pain of losing his father. However, he miscalculated. At first, Gale was really pathetic, but soon she found a way to survive and slowly adapted. Compared with the madness and messiness of other people, Gale was clean and tidy, calm and generous, like a flower that could emerge from the mud and not be stained. If there was no blood feud, in fact... Shawn secretly admired her very much. He was about to turn it off when suddenly another woman appeared on the monitor. It was Jenny Timothy, his nominal fiancee.

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

Jenny rushed into the building. Her aunt, Paula, broke the news of Shawn's marriage to her! She wanted to come and see who the vixen was. She must scratch her face, violently rip off her hair, strip her clothes, and throw them on the street! Jenny walked fast in high heels and completely ignored the fact that the floor had been mopped recently. She slipped on the wet floor and almost fell. Jenny screamed, "Ah!! Which one of you blind b*tches wants to hurt me!" The employees of Wood Group knew Jenny was unruly and easily provoked, so they all fled away. Only Gale was still working without a second thought. Jenny looked around and quickly found her. "You, the one mopping the floor, come here!" Gale raised her head and asked, "Are you calling me?""Yes! Kneel down and dry the ground!" Gale frowned. She stood still, which made Jenny angrier. "Can't you understand me? If I fell just now, I would definitely not let you go!" Gale looked at her. "First of all, you have to speak human words before I can understand.""You!""Also, there is a sign that reads 'Careful, wet floor'." Gale said, "Can't you read?" Jenny had not expected a mere cleaner would dare to challenge her! "You actually accuse me? Believe it or not, I'll fire you now!" Gale asked back, "You? Fire me? Who are you?" Jenny answered proudly, "I am the fiancee of Shawn Wood, Jenny Timothy!" 'Well, I'm Shawn Wood's wife.' However, Gale only said this in her heart. Jenny was clearly trying to one-up her. If Gale revealed her identity now, Jenny would definitely tear her apart. She could not afford to offend this woman. "Hey!" Jenny roared, "Cleaner, now you know who I am!""Oh, if I remember correctly, President Wood announced the marriage announcement this morning, and the bride doesn't seem to be you." Gale smiled slightly and said, "So you are nothing now." That hit Jenny's sore spot. "The news is fake. Shawn can't possibly marry someone else! Our marriage was arranged by Mr. Wood before he passed!" I see. No wonder Jenny was so confident. Gale suddenly patted her on the shoulder and comforted, "I hope you can regain your position as soon as possible. I have high hopes for you." After all, Gale did not want this role at all. If Jenny could take the position, she would just be so pleased. "Ah?" Jenny was confused by her reaction and looked at her strangely. "You support me?""I am extremely, very, in support of…." Before Gale's words were finished, Jenny happily waved behind her. "Shawn!" Shawn appeared from nowhere. Gale froze and turned her head slowly. She was a little guilty but felt mostly fear. Shawn should have heard her. She was afraid of what could come… Shawn went to them with a noble temperament that could not be ignored, and his face was extremely ugly. "Shawn, this cleaner almost caused me to fall and talked back to me. You have to help me teach her a lesson!" Gale lowered her eyes and bit her lower lip nervously. "What do you want me to do to her?""Let her kneel and wipe my shoes and the water off the ground." Shawn looked at Gale piercingly. "Did you hear that?""Do you hear him? Hurry up!" Jenny pretended to be a fox and a tiger. In front of Shawn, she was not qualified to say no. Gale responded, "Okay." She brought a clean rag, knelt on the ground, and carefully wiped Jenny's shoes. The marble floor tiles reflected her embarrassed appearance. Jenny smiled complacently. Looking at Gale's hunched back, Shawn snorted coldly, full of anger in his heart. So would die to be Mrs. Wood! Is it that bad to marry him? Even if she felt wronged, she could only suffer! Shawn walked past her, and the leather shoes deliberately stepped on her rag, crushing her fingertips. Gale kept her hand there, letting him step on it, hoping this would calm him down. "Shawn, are you really married?" Jenny chased after him like a dog. "You promised Uncle Wood to marry me..." Paula was the one who instigated his father to arrange this marriage for him because Paula and Jenny had a good relationship. Last night... Paula had actually planned for Jenny to climb onto his bed, but it failed! Shawn had no feelings for her at all. Shawn was too lazy to pay attention to her. "Yes, I promised my father. You can go to him for your complaints." Jenny had no words. He was trying to get rid of her! "Also, you are not qualified to point fingers at my employees." Jenny stomped her feet in anger. In Shawn's heart, she was not as good as the cleaner just now! The elevator for the president closed, cutting Jenny off from him. ... It was raining heavily after office hours, which increased Gale's workload. After she finished cleaning, she was so tired that she could not straighten her back. Shawn was very pompous, Fiona held an umbrella for him, and the driver opened the door for him. He and she were not from the same world. He glanced at Gale and whispered something to Fiona. Fiona came over, coughed, and said, "Mrs. Gale, Mr. Wood... asked you to walk home." It was a half an hour drive home. It was raining so hard, and Gale had no umbrella with her. If she just walked back... she would catch a cold and have a fever. "Okay." She nodded. Faced with Gale's indifference, Fiona could not help but say, "Actually, I think, Mrs. Gale, you can show weakness appropriately and beg President Wood for mercy." She just smiled. Blindly showing weakness would not get Shawn's sympathy. He just wanted to see her as miserable as possible. Gale put the canvas bag on his head and rushed into the rain. Temperley Hall. Shawn stood on the balcony, looking at Gale in the heavy rain. Her clothes were wet, and they outlined the curves of her beautiful figure. They were exquisite and delicate, and the underwear inside was faintly visible. His eyes dimmed. This woman did it on purpose! The more he looked, the angrier he became. Shawn grabbed his coat and went downstairs. Just as Gale rushed under the eaves, Paula just came out of it, and the two collided head-on. "Hey, you almost hurt me!" Paula glared at her and yelled, "A newcomer! Such a rash!""Excuse me." Apologizing, Gale was about to leave, but Paula stopped her and looked up and down. "Housekeeper, why did you find such a young and beautiful vixen to stay in Temperley Hall? Or... did Shawn ask you to do this?" The housekeeper reminded, "Mrs. Paula, this is Mrs. Wood, the mistress of Temperley Hall." Paula's expression changed immediately. "It's you? So it was you who foiled my plans that night!" She tried her best to plan for Jenny to climb onto his bed, but all her plans seemed to have paved the way for the woman in front of her! Gale looked puzzled and asked, "Foiled your plans?"

Chapter 5 Chapter 5

Realizing that she had said something wrong, Paula hurriedly covered her mouth. "It's nothing. Since you are part of the Wood family, you should know the rules. Look at how indecent you are!" Gale raised her hand to cover her body. "I'll change right now.""It's really embarrassing. I don't know what Shawn likes about you. Any girl in Sea City is better than you..." Fiona said contemptuously. Suddenly, a gray suit was draped over Gale's shoulders. It felt warm and smelled familiar. "No matter what she does, it's not your place to lecture her." Shawn took her into his arms, "Aunt Fiona, you are too lenient." Gale wanted to avoid it subconsciously, worried that she would get wet and dirty him. Shawn insisted on hugging her firmly, which made her even more frightened. Shawn clearly was not thinking straight… It was her who wanted her to go through the rain. Does he have a fever causing his confusion? When Paula saw him, she quickly put on a smile. "Shawn, I'm just setting some rules for my daughter-in-law.""My rules are the rules. She doesn't need to follow yours!" Paula's smile froze on her face. Gale was even stiffer. Shawn was actually defending her. Shawn hugged her deeply and thoughtfully and walked to the villa. "Housekeeper, see off the guests.""Yes." Gale was not used to it and dared not move. "Who was that just now?""It's just my stepmother.""Oh..." Gale replied a while later, "You must have offended her by speaking up for me just now." Shawn replied lightly, "What does that matter?""She is not qualified to bully you." Shawn pursed his lips lightly and said, "In the whole world, only I can bully you." Gale's heart trembled when he heard it. Even humiliating her was his right. No one else could. "You apologized to Paula just now, right?" Gale lowered her head and answered, "Yes.""Slap yourself." She stared blankly at him, not knowing where she had gone wrong. Is it because she apologized to Paula? Shawn did not explain and raised his brows indifferently. Gale gritted her teeth and slapped herself hard. It had to be loud, forceful, and have a red mark on the cheek to satisfy Shawn. Otherwise, there will be a second slap, a third... until he is satisfied. "That's right." Shawn pointed at the insulation box on the coffee table and said, "Go, open it." Gale complied. As soon as she opened the lid, she smelled a fragrant fragrance, which enticed her appetite. "This is…""The soup from Paula." Gale remembered that her mother used to make soup for her often, but in the future... she will never taste her mother's cooking again. The probability that a vegetative person waking up was too low. Gale suddenly wanted to cry, but she dared not, so she could only blink her eyes quickly to force the tears back. Shawn held Gale tightly and raised her chin. "Gale, drink." Ah? Is she forced to drink? Gale said, "It's not right...This is what Paula prepared for you.""Drink as much as you want." Shawn said impatiently, "From today onwards, you will drink all the soup she brings." He even picked up the spoon himself, scooped up the soup, and fed it to her. "I'll drink by myself...""Drink." No way, Gale could only open her mouth. An inexplicable smile flashed in Shawn's eyes. This soup was made for men. It can affect fertility, causing difficulty in impregnating women... That would be perfect for Gale to drink. She is a woman, so this soup has no effect on her.​​ Even if there is an impact, so what? Why would he care about her life and death.​​ Gale had no idea, and it happened that she was hungry too. "Signed it." While sipping, Shawn threw an agreement at her. She looked intently at the divorce agreement. She just got married and now getting divorced. What exactly is Shawn planning? "Three months later, we will divorce, and you will go out of the house. In the next three months, you must be a good Mrs. Wood." Shawn had absolute confidence that he would be able to find the woman who slept with him that night within three months. By that time, Gale's existence would be meaningless. He will marry that woman. That night, all her beauty... made him unconsciously start to miss her. "Okay, divorce." Gale agreed, "However, I have conditions." Shawn sneered deeply and said, "What qualifications do you have to negotiate with me? Want me to let your mother go?""No." She wanted him to... investigate the cause of his father's death. That was Shawn's sore spot, which cannot be touched or mentioned. Anyone who dares to open it will be courting death! Of course, Gale knew his temper, but she had no other way. She said cautiously, "Have you ever thought that maybe your father's death... is caused by someone else?" As she expected, Shawn's complexion quickly sank like a dark cloud. He kicked over the coffee table, and the soup spilled on the ground. "Gale, how dare you mention this!? You don't want to live anymore?!" Was she scared? Certainly. Gale still bit the bullet and carried on, "My father is an experienced doctor. At the juncture of life and death, he can't be careless enough to use the wrong medicine... ah!" Before she could finish her sentence, Shawn grabbed her neck. "Say one more word!" The air in her lungs was slowly thinning, and Gale was about to faint, looking up at his handsome face. Shawn's deep forehead bulged with blue veins, and the strength in his hand became stronger and stronger. "I will never stop having my revenge on your father. Gale, are you delusional to absolve your father? Dreaming! I will make your Warm family live a life of pain and sorrow!""I just believe my dad...""Shut up!" Shawn interrupted her fiercely, "The evidence is conclusive. Your father also pleaded guilty and went to jail. What else is there to say!""He was forced to confess... " A dark shadow appeared in front of Gale's eyes, suffocating her. She thought it would be good if she just died like this. She was relieved. Living was too tiring. However... Shawn let go. He said like a demon, "You won't die so easily. I want to keep you tortured day after day." Gale fell to the ground, tears falling unconsciously. It seems that she can only rely on herself to find out the truth about Alex Wood's death. Gale had no time to wallow in her sadness. She wiped away her tears, got up, lowered her head, and followed Shawn to the bedroom. "I'll just sleep on the floor." She was very self-aware. Shawn ignored her and stood by the window smoking a cigarette. Gale lay down on the floor, curled up into a ball, and closed her eyes. She was not bitter because sleeping here was a thousand times better than in a messy mental hospital. After finishing his cigarette, Shawn turned her head and found that Gale was already asleep. The bright moonlight fell on her cheeks, lining her snow-white skin, her long eyelashes cast shadows, and her lips were bright red and tender... He was tempted to kiss her. Shawn quickly looked away, entered the bathroom, and took a long cold shower before calming down. He actually had feelings for Gale! Damn it! Shawn shook his shaggy head, strode back to the bedroom, and grabbed Gale from the ground.

Chapter 6 Chapter 6

Gale woke up from his dream. She looked at him sleepily and asked, "What…what's wrong..." She had done nothing. Did she disturb him by talking in her sleep? Was she sleepwalking? Shawn's face became more and more ugly. Gale whimpered and said, "I told you I shouldn't sleep here. Sorry, I'll leave." She quickly bent down, picked up the pillow and quilt, and walked out. However, she had no idea her hair was a little messy because she had just woken up, looking rather attractive. Shawn pulled her into his arms before she could take more than two steps. "Are you trying to seduce me with a coquettish look? I'll give you what you want!""I... um..." Shawn leaned in and kissed her deeply. Gale was frightened and unconsciously opened her mouth slightly. He mocked. "Oh, so you want more?" Gale regained her senses, and she hurriedly closed his lips. He squeezed her chin so hard that she gasped in pain, and her lips opened as if she was inviting him. How could she kiss Shawn… They are enemies! "Even if you stand in front of me naked, I won't want you." Shawn bit her lips till he drew blood. "Gale, you are just my plaything. Dirty!" The blood dripped from the corner of her lips and landed on the back of his hand. Gale had no idea why he went crazy. She could only stand with her head bowed, with no right to resist. Shawn looked at her deeply and was upset. "Get lost." Before she could take more than two steps out of the door, she heard Shawn say, "Not that far!" Gale slept outside the bedroom door. She dared not fall asleep because she was afraid that she would provoke Shawn again, so she stayed half awake until dawn. At about eight o'clock, Gale heard footsteps at the door and immediately got up and stood up properly. The door opened, and Shawn gave her a glance. "Morning, Wood... Mr. Wood," she hurriedly greeted. Shawn was very upset when she looked refreshed, as though she had a good night's rest. He had not managed to sleep last night! He said coldly, "A lowly person is worthy of a lowly life. You are only worthy of sleeping at the door." Gale asked tentatively, "Then I'll sleep here in the future?""Certainly!" She breathed a long sigh of relief. Sleeping outside is more comfortable than sleeping on the bed with him...! Seeing her relaxed expression, Shawn became even angrier. "Follow me to the company. You should not be lazing around at home!" he ordered. "Yes." After breakfast, Shawn sat on a Rells Reyce and drove away. Gale walked to the Wood Group. It was past ten o'clock in the morning by the time she arrived at the office. Although everyone was busy, it was strangely quiet. Gale asked in a low voice, "Fiona, is there anything I can do to help?" If Shawn knew that she was idle, he would definitely lose his temper, so she should take the initiative to find some work to do. In the whole company, only Fiona knew her identity. "Um... He has not given any orders for the time being," Fiona said and glanced at the office, "President Wood seems to have eaten gunpowder today and has already scolded the three directors. I don't think he slept well. Why don't you buy a cup of black coffee and bring it in?""Okay." Gale passed a pharmacy when she bought coffee. The clerk was packaging some pills, and the faint medicinal smell wafted out. Gale stood in front of the counter, "Hello, can I please have some medicine.""Hold on." Ten minutes later, Gale returned to the president's office. She knocked on the door, and Shawn's irritable voice came out, "Come in!" There were also two company executives in the office, with their heads drooping after being scolded. There are broken cups on the ground. Gale squatted down and silently packed up the broken pieces of porcelain. "You came out with this sh*tty marketing plan after three months?" Shawn threw the documents on the ground. "I will give you five more days. If you can't finish it, you will voluntarily resign!""Yes... President Wood." Shawn leaned back on the chair and rested his head on his arm. The more he thought about it, the more upset he became. He raised his hand and swept everything off the table. Gale had just collected the broken pieces when suddenly a heavy folder dropped on her hand, cutting her hand. "Ah..." Hearing the voice, Shawn was stunned, and then he remembered that Gale had just come in. He stood up, only to see her squatting on the ground. Gale hid her injured hand behind her and said, "I'm here to bring you coffee." Shawn frowned deeply. Gale took out another packet from her pocket and said, "And... this.""What is this?" He picked it up and looked at it, and said with disgust, "It's ugly." Gale said, "It's a sachet I made. It contains a few herbs to help sleep and calm the nerves. You should be able to sleep well if you put it by your pillow." Shawn threw it directly into the trash. "It's unnecessary." In his opinion, Gale was mocking him for his insomnia last night. She was getting to him. That was not a good sign! Gale sighed. Her father had taught her how to make the sachet, and it had worked really well. She hoped that Shawn could sleep well so that his temper would also improve and everyone would not be worried. She gathered her courage and tried again, "You can try it for your sleep...""Go out!" Her kindness was disregarded. After Gale left, Shawn looked at the few drops of bright red blood on the carpet. She was injured. His eyes moved to the sachet in the trash can again. After a few seconds, Shawn turned around and made a phone call. "Have you found out who the woman was that night?""No..." He commanded forcefully, "Hurry up! Find her at all costs!""Yes, Mr. Wood. We have a few suspects, and we are going to continue our investigation!" Gale hung up the phone. He had to find that woman as soon as possible. Otherwise, something will happen sooner or later if he keeps Wen Gale by his side! She is a vixen, and she is the best at seducing men! Gale held her palm, walked to a corner where no one was around, and then slowly spread it out. The wound had closed up, and it was no longer bleeding, but it needed to be cleaned up and treated with medicine; otherwise, it would become inflamed. However...she had no money to buy medicine. The only money left on her was spent on the sachet, but Shawn threw it away without a second thought. She had to find a way to make some money. Gale decided to find a temporary job nearby, which was better than being an idler in the Wood family, which would aggravate Shawn. If Shawn needed her, she could come back any time. Gale wasted no time after making up her mind. Coincidentally, the restaurant opposite was recruiting dishwashers, and the wages were calculated by the hour. She went to the front desk and asked, "Excuse me, I saw that you are hiring..." Before she could finish speaking, she heard two voices behind her. "Isn't that the cleaner?!!""Oh, isn't this the honorable Mrs. Wood!"

Chapter 7 Chapter 7

There was no way out of the situation. Gale looked sideways and saw Paula and Jenny sitting by the window, looking and gasping in unison. She went out immediately as it was not a good idea to stay any longer. However, Jenny had no intentions of letting her go so easily! "Cleaner, wait a minute." Jenny stepped forward and forcibly pulled her to Paula. "Aunt Paula, what did you call her just now?""Mrs. Wood!""What!? S...She is Shawn's new wife?" Paula nodded. "Yes. When I went to Temperley Hall to deliver some soup to him, I saw her. I can't be wrong!" At that time, Shawn had defended her, embarrassing Paula. Paula was narrow-minded and vowed to take revenge one day. "Ahhh!!" Jenny screamed in anger, it could shatter windows. "She's actually that vixen!""But... Jenny, why did you call her a cleaner?""Because when I saw her, she was cleaning the floor in the office!" Paula could not believe it and questioned, "Really?" Jenny recounted what happened and added, "Shawn didn't help her at all!" It was not looking good for Gale. She remained calm and shrugged Jenny's hand off. "You have mistaken me." Jenny said, "Impossible! It's you! You were the lowly cleaner who cleaned my shoes!""Ms. Jenny, go to the hospital to see an ophthalmologist when you have time." Gale wanted to leave, but Paula stopped her. "Okay, Jenny is sorry for what she has done, but I'm your mother-in-law. Why haven't you greeted me when you saw me?""Paula, I didn't recognize..." Paula gave her a pointed look. This was not her first rodeo. Paula started to piece it together in her head and understood what was going on. So… it turned out that Mrs. Wood was not favored at all! Otherwise, how could she polish Jenny's shoes? Since Paula married into the Wood family, Shawn had not liked her and found all excuses to go against her. So, Shawn was putting on a show for her! Paula dragged Gale to sit beside her, "Well, since you're here, ugly daughter-in-law has to greet her in-laws.""I still have something to do, so I can't accompany you, Paula.""What did you call me?" Gale replied, "Well... my husband calls you that too." Shawn had made her slap herself because she apologized to Paula... She had not forgotten it. It was evident that Shawn hated this stepmother very much. Paula said meanly, "How dare you say that? How stupid do you think you are?""That's right. You are not allowed to call Shawn your husband!" Gale's face turned cold. "Look, I'll say it again, I'm leaving. Otherwise, I'll call the police." When she was in the mental hospital, she would make an effort to make herself look untouchable so that others would not dare to bully her. She could implement what she's practiced with Jenny and Paula and her years of practice told her that this would work. Gale walked out without looking back. Unexpectedly, Paula actually chased after her as soon as she walked out of the restaurant. They grabbed Gale's arms and dragged her to the car. "Let go!" She shouted to passersby, "Help! Help me!" Paula smiled and said, "This is my daughter-in-law. She quarreled with my son and ran away. I was about to take her home..." The passersby saw what was happening and looked the other way. Gale could not match their strength, so she was dragged into the car. Paula pinched her hard, "Hey, arrogant. I have to teach you a lesson today!" Gale said, "How dare you! If Shawn found out, he wouldn't let you go!" Jenny replied proudly, "You think Shawn will... offend Paula's family for you, a cleaner?""Yes!" The car whizzed away. ... In the Wood Group Headquarters's conference room, Shawn raised his wrist and glanced at the time after the meeting. "Mr. Wood, lunch is ready," Fiona said. He nodded and suddenly remembered something. "What about her?""Er... I'll contact her now." Fiona was famous for being kind-hearted in the company. Besides, Gale is still Mr. Wood's wife. As long as Mr. Shawn does not specifically instruct her to do so, she will not target Gale and let her rest. Shawn waved his hand deeply. "No need." Why was he looking for her? It seemed that he missed her! No, he was looking for her to torture her! "Yes, President Wood," Fiona said but secretly went to look for Gale quickly. After all, if President Wood loses his temper, the entire company will tremble. Fiona searched everywhere but could not find her. After checking the surveillance, she saw that Gale had left the company three hours ago. She gulped, bit the bullet, and reported to Shawn, "Mr. Wood… she…""Hm?""She's gone." Missing again? Shawn ate lunch calmly. "She wouldn't dare to run." Unless she really wanted her legs broken, unless she really wanted her parents to die. "But, your wife has been out of contact for three hours." Shawn held the spoon in his hand. What tricks was she playing? Shawn wanted to find Gale, and it was easy. Not long after, he received an email containing a photo of Gale with Paula and Jenny holding her arms. The corners of his mouth twitched slightly. It seemed that they wanted to play with fire. Shawn took a sip of water slowly and ordered, "Prepare the car.""Yes, Mr. Wood." ... The Timothy family had a holiday villa in the suburbs. As soon as the car door opened, Gale fell out in embarrassment, with her hands tied behind her. "Hahahaha, you look just like a dog," Jenny looked at her triumphantly and said, "Tell me, should I scratch your left cheek first or your right cheek?" Gale looked at the slender and sharp knife. "Jenny, you have the support of the Timothy family, and you understand that Shawn doesn't care about me... But have you ever thought that I belong to Shawn, and he hates his things being destroyed!" Shawn's desire to possess and control was well-known in Sea City. What he hated, he wanted to destroy it himself! What he liked, whoever dared look at it, was a crime! Jenny hesitated for a moment. "Oh, don't be frightened by her." Paula kept stirring the pot and said, "When she's disfigured, Shawn will lose his appetite when he sees her and toss her away. Your chance will come!" Jenny nodded and said, "Yes. Only I can marry him. I won't let other women go!" Gale suddenly burst out laughing. "You...what are you laughing at!" Gale replied, "Laughing at you, stupid! You are being used by Paula. She's getting you to do all her dirty work so she doesn't have to get her hands dirty. Stay out of it!" Paula cursed, "Shut up!""Did I get it spot on!" Gale's only way to save herself was to provoke the two of them and delay time. Shawn had a strong desire to control her. He should have discovered that she was gone! She had to wait until the moment he came!

Chapter 8 Chapter 8

"Yeah, Paula, we should do it together. Don't just stand aside and watch," Jenny said. "Jenny, I'm already old..." Gale immediately interrupted, "Look, Paula doesn't want to do anything!" As she spoke, she secretly tried to break free of the rope. Jenny also felt that Gale had a point. She handed the knife to Paula and said, "So...you cut the left side, I'll cut the right side." Paula agreed, "Okay. You make the first cat, and I will hold her down!""Alright." The two hit it off. Gale's wrists were all red with no luck from breaking loose. Paula came over and grabbed her head. "Stay still and it will hurt less. Jenny, come on!""This face is really fair and tender. No wonder you can seduce Shawn... I have to make a mess of it today!" Jenny approached with a grin. The knife got closer and closer and finally stuck to Gale's cheek. "As long as I exert force, your beauty will be gone..." Gale swallowed nervously, "You are really not afraid of Shawn!""He won't touch me with the Timothy family here." With that said, Jenny was about to make her first cut. At this critical moment, a deep and dignified familiar male voice came from afar. "Stop!" That voice... Gale was overjoyed and shouted with all her strength, "Shawn, save me!" The sound of rubber burning around the ground rang out. Before the car stopped, Shawn had already jumped off. He walked fast, the hem of his suit was raised high, and his eyes were full of anger. "Timothy family? What do you think they are?" Shawn raised his thin lips and threatened, "Tomorrow, I can make the entire Timothy family disappear from Sea City!""Shawn... ah!" Shawn kicked Jenny away without even looking at her. He went straight to Gale and picked her up. "Are you hurt?" She shook her head. "No, almost, but I was not." Shawn asked, "What are you running around for? You can't find a spot to sit in the entire Wood Group?""I..." She kept quiet, not wanting to tell him she was looking for a job and bumped into Paula and Jenny. "Shawn, why are you here?" Paula smiled and said, "I'm playing with my daughter-in-law." Shawn raised his brows and replied, "Play?""Yeah." He picked up the knife from the ground and threw it at Paula's feet. "Let's play with your face next.""What...""Cut it!""Shawn!" Jenny stomped her feet and said, "Why are you defending this woman!""Because she's my wife!" Shawn's eyes were colder than a knife's. "If I don't protect her, who do you expect me to protect? Do you expect me to protect you instead?" Jenny looked at Gale with jealousy. Gale could not express how she really felt on the inside. The reason why Shawn was so angry was that... the only person who could bully and humiliate her was him. No matter how much he hated her and wanted to torture her, he won't let others do it. He had to do it himself. Shawn sounded like he really cared about her, but she knew it was not true. Just as she was deep in thought, Shawn picked her up in his arms. Gale exclaimed and hooked her arms around his neck subconsciously. Realizing that this gesture was too intimate, she quickly let go. Shawn said coldly with an indifferent expression, "You should be glad she wasn't injured. Jenny, I'll punish you on behalf of your family! Go back home and think about what you have done for a month! You are grounded!""Paula!" He said to Paula, "Don't even think about getting a cent of your living expenses this year!" For Paula, this was the most painful punishment. After she married Shawn's father, she lived a luxurious life. Even if Shawn's father died, she could receive an exorbitant living expense from the family fund every month. Shawn cut off her one year's funding all of a sudden. She was so used to spending money. How can she survive? "No, that's the money your dad gave me.""Two years!""Shawn, y…you...""Three years!" Shawn always kept to his word. Paula and Jenny's life was in ruins. After returning to Temperley Hall, the housekeeper saw Gale's disheveled appearance and asked, "Ms. Gale, you are...""It's nothing. It looks bad, but I'm not hurt." Shawn sat on the sofa and tugged his tie. "You're not hurt? What's about the palm of your hand?" Gale was taken aback. It turned out that he had discovered it long ago. "Apart from causing me trouble, what else can you do?" Shawn looked at her with deep eyes. "I punish Paula and Jenny for you. Are you proud?" She quickly waved her hand. "N…No." He sneered and said, "Gale, no one can touch your face. If it is to be scratched... it will only be done by me in person!" Shawn looked at the fruit knife on the coffee table. Gale shivered a little late. "What are you waiting for? You can't read the room?" She had to hand him the fruit knife with both hands and defended in a low voice, "I... did nothing wrong today.""It's your fault for running around." Gale bit her lower lip and lowered her gaze. Shawn is her god, and she can only obey his orders. He traced the cold blade on Gale's cheek. "Gale, look, once you leave me, there are so many people who mess with you." Shawn gently patted her face with the tip of a knife. "I'm the only one who can torture you." She closed her eyes tightly, not knowing when Shawn... would raise the knife in his hand. Probably because she had been oppressed for too long, Gale actually refuted him, "Anyone who bullies me, I can resist, I can fight back. However, I can't resist you!""Because this is what you owe me!" 'No, I never owed you, nor did my family owe you!' Gale cried silently in her heart. The knife pressed down little by little, and with a little more force, it could cut through the skin. Ring! The landline next to her suddenly rang rapidly. Shawn picked up the receiver and answered, "Hello, Grandpa." Grandfather Wood shouted loudly, "Come over immediately! Now!""What's up?""Also, bring your newlywed wife!" The old man hung up the phone. Shawn looked at Gale. It was amusing that she was clearly panicked yet was trying her best to remain calm. "You're lucky." Shawn raised her chin with the tip of the knife. "I'll leave this face untouched for now, lest you scare my grandfather with blood." Grandfather? "Pack up and follow me." Shawn crossed his legs. "I will give you five minutes." Gale staggered up the stairs, changed her clothes and tied her hair as fast as she could. The old house of the Wood family. Compared with the luxurious castle style of Temperley Hall, the old house had a calm and atmospheric courtyard with a view of mountains and rivers. As soon as she entered the living room, Paula pointed at Gale and screamed, "Yes, Grandfather Wood, she is here! She is Dr. Peter's daughter! Shawn actually married her!"

Chapter 9 Chapter 9

Everyone's expression changed in an instant. "Shawn, you are simply unfilial!" Grandfather Wood trembled with anger as he yelled, "Her father killed your father, and you still..." Paula hurriedly comforted him, "Grandpa, calm down. Your body can't handle this. Alas, I came to you as soon as I got the news, and I had to discuss with you what to do about this!""Divorce! Divorce immediately!" Paula said hypocritically, "Shawn, I really don't want to be a drag. I mean… it's fine if you don't notify us of such a big event, but how can you marry the enemy's daughter?" How can Paula just take Shawn's punishment of three years without living expenses without a fight? She could not find anything to take Shawn down, so she sent investigators to find out more about Gale. Unexpectedly, this investigation revealed Gale's secret identity! Paula did not hesitate to tell the old man to pressure Shawn. She still wanted to add fuel to the fire, but Shawn swept over with a sharp look. She shut up unwillingly. Shawn replied, "That's right. She is indeed Dr. Warm's daughter, but how can the fault of the previous generation be imposed on the next generation?" Gale gave him a surprised look. This person... was too good at lying. Obviously, he was actually angry at her! Grandfather Wood tapped the cane heavily and yelled, "I think you are confused! Shawn, don't forget, you have an arranged marriage arranged by your father!""I only marry who I want to marry.""You…" Grandfather Wood clutched his heart and struggled to catch his breath. Gale stood next to Shawn from beginning to end. She knew she had to blend into the background. It was not her turn to speak, unless... Shawn motioned her to speak. To be honest, she could not understand why Shawn wanted to marry her. Gale thought so in her heart and murmured involuntarily, "Why don't you marry Jenny?" As soon as the words came out, she regretted it. Isn't this courting death! "Are you deaf? I just said I'm marrying someone I like.""Oh, you... like me?" Can she understand that? After two years of torture, does he have feelings for her? Shawn pursed her lips coldly and said, "Gale, you look down on yourself too much!""I'm afraid you will fall in love with me." Gale lowered her head and twisted her fingers. "It's inevitable that two people have been together for a long time will..." Shawn raised his chin deeply and said, "Heh. Do you think I'll touch you? Keep dreaming!" Even if all the women in the world were dead, even if she were naked and standing in front of him, he would not take a second look! Gale's head lowered. It seemed that she was too ashamed, but in fact... a slyness flashed in her eyes. Gale said that on purpose to make Shawn not want to touch a single strand of her hair in the future! So she would be safe. When confronting Shawn head-on, she had no choice but to outsmart him. Shawn said in a low and powerful voice, "Grandpa, there is no need for you to worry about it. Just enjoy your retirement. I will bring the Wood family to its peak.""Are you saying you will not divorce her?""Divorce is all up to me!""You vixen!" Seeing Shawn's resolute attitude, Grandfather Wood's anger moved toward Gale. "You killed my son, and now my grandson is seduced by you... Our Wood family must owe you in the past life!" Paula deliberately fanned the flames, "Grandpa, if you have something to say, just say it, don't use violence...""I have to kill this fox of a woman!" Grandfather Wood held his cane and waved it toward Gale. If he hit her, she would definitely be bruised for several days. A cane came down on Gale Gale blinked her eyes within a blink of an eye! She suddenly screamed and hid behind Shawn. "Ahh! My dear, save me!" Shawn was speechless. She can act! "My dear, I'm so scared." She pressed herself against his back and said pitifully, "You will be sad if I had gotten hurt, right?" Grandfather Wood waved his cane again and again. "Look, there it is! That's how she seduced you!" Gale kept holding Shawn in front of her, and the old man tried several times but could not beat her. In the end, he simply smacked Shawn's back with a cane. "All you do is go for beautiful girls! How useless!" Shawn was hit... Gale had not seen this coming. Her face turned pale, as if she had lost. She's finished! Shawn gave her a cold glance. "Thanks a lot, Gale!""I…" The phone rang suddenly. Shawn looked deeply at the caller ID and answered, "What's the matter?""Mr. Wood, I found the woman who broke into your room that night!""Where?""Sea City Mental Hospital!" How could it be... That's where Gale stayed for the last two years? Shawn held the phone and looked sideways at Gale. His eyes were too sharp and fierce, and Gale tilted his head to avoid his burning gaze. Shawn turned around and walked out, not forgetting to grab Gale's wrist. "Let's go!" There was a cracking sound from behind, mixed with Grandfather Wood's curses. Shawn jumped into the car, and Gale was about to sit in when he stepped on the gas pedal and flew away. Well... She was not deserving of riding in his car and had to walk. Her own legs were always the most reliable form of transport. The Wood family home was close to the suburbs with very little traffic. It was late at night, and Gale was a little flustered. However, she soon discovered a 'business opportunity'. Waste recycling. It was a high-end villa area. The trash cans were full of empty mineral water bottles and cardboard boxes. She had an idea to collect them and take them to the junk station. At least they could be sold for dozens of dollars! Gale rolled up her sleeves and started to work. She collected trash all the way home. When she was about to arrive at Temperley Hall, she found a waste recycling shop nearby and sold it for some money. She went home happily and found that Shawn had not returned. Strange...where was he? ... The rumbling sound of the sports car cut through the night sky, and finally stopped in the mental hospital. "Shawn!" Shawn stepped down with long legs and yelled, "Where is he?""In the dean's office." He kicked the door open and looked inside with burning eyes. There was a fat old man in his fifties kneeling on the ground, his nose and face bruised from being beaten. The dean stood in awe. A young woman stood beside the dean, with bright makeup, looking like a cheesy, foxy Internet celebrity. Shawn said lightly, "...It's her? Are you sure?" The woman that night was soft and lovely, and she was very beautiful without makeup, gentle, and clearly a virgin. The woman in front of him was different from what he had imagined. Could it be wrong? It seemed that...Gale's temperament was more in line with that woman. The subordinate replied, "Yes, Mr. Wood. She is the dean's daughter, Susan Fanning."

Chapter 10 Chapter 10

"How did you find out what happened?" The subordinate replied, "Mr. Wood, this is what happened. This old man took a fancy to Ms. Fanning at the dinner party, and he insisted that she sleep with him one night. Otherwise, the dean would be unable to leave. The dean was forced to send Ms. Fanning his way. Ms. Fanning would rather die than go through that. She escaped and inadvertently broke into your room while she was being chased." Shawn narrowed his eyes slightly and walked in. At this moment, the old man on the ground shouted, "Who are you? You dare to tie me up. Do you know who I am!""Oh?" Shawn raised his eyebrows deeply and asked, "Who are you?""Do you know the Wood family? The number one wealthy family in Sea City!""Heard of them." The old man was triumphant and said, "I'm one of the cousins of the Wood family, so be afraid! Let me go!""Is that so..." Shawn's leather shoes kicked him casually. "I'm the President of Wood Group and the head of the Wood family. Why haven't I heard of you?" The old man's eyes widened, looking at him in disbelief. "How dare you bring down the Wood family's name by showing off your power!" As he spoke, Shawn pressed his feet hard and kicked the man hard till he flew and hit the wall. The old man spat a mouthful of blood as he fell. He retracted his feet gracefully and slowly asked, "Your name is Susan?""Yes, yes." Susan was shocked and admired his powerful aura. "Mr. Wood, are you looking for me?" He was such a catch! She must find a way not to let this opportunity go! Shawn nodded lightly and said, "Well. After that night, I've been looking for you." Susan's expression was dazed for a moment. How could such a rich and powerful man look for her? She has never seen him in real life. She had only seen the heroic appearance of President Wood in the news and newspapers! Shawn asked after noticing Susan's blank expression, "Don't you remember?""Yes, she does remember!" Before Susan could answer, the dean next to her immediately answered, "Mr. Wood, my daughter is just too excited. I didn't expect you to come to her!" Susan tugged his sleeve. "Dad. This..." The dean said loudly, "Oh, don't hide it. I know that you ran away that night and was robbed of your innocence by another strange man. I just never brought it up. However, Mr. Wood is here to pick you up!" A smart person like the dean had already guessed what had happened! He knew who he sent was not his daughter Susan but Gale Warm! Gale ran away from the old man, but when she came back the next day, there were bruises on her neck. Given what had happened…The dean pieced it together, and he knew that Gale Warm had slept with President Wood! Susan was also clever. Seeing her father's constant winking, she immediately cooperated, "Yes, it's too embarrassing for a girl... That's why I left without saying goodbye.""I said I would marry you." Susan's eyes lit up as being able to stay by Shawn's side was a great blessing to her. Marry her? This was simply a blessing from the heavens! If she could marry into the Wood family, she would not have to work so hard, making short videos and trying to be an internet celebrity. She would instantly become the rich wife of a top wealthy family, having fun all day! "I thought you were just joking." Susan began her act. "After all, if my father can send me to the old man's bed, which other man can I trust..." She feigned tears and started to cry. The dean also acted on and feigned his misery. "Susie, I can't do anything either. I was the happiest when I heard you escaped. I thought, no matter what, I'll protect you!" The father-daughter duo was acting perfectly in sync. "I always do what I say." Shawn pursed his lips. "So I'm here to pick you up. Susan, are you willing to come with me?" Susan was waiting for his words, nodding eagerly. "Yes, yes! Actually, I've been thinking of you too!" Shawn frowned subconsciously. How could her reaction be so different from that night… At that time, she resisted and was afraid and left without saying a word, but now she was so proactive! "Mr. Wood, you are my knight in shining armor!" Susan took his arm and said, "With you here, my father and I will no longer have to be afraid of this old man!" Shawn put away his thoughts and hummed. Now that she had been found, he wanted to keep the promise. He will marry Susan, but it will only take some time. "Let's go." Shawn turned around. "Well, Mr. Wood, Susie and I have a few things to say." The dean rubbed his arms and said, "Look...""Alright." As soon as Shawn left, the dean held Susan's hand excitedly. "It's our lucky day!""Dad, tell me everything I need to know, or I will be exposed in front of President Wood!" The dean whispered to Susan's ear, told her everything he knew, and warned her carefully. "Understood!" Susan smiled. "Having this information is enough! Dad, I'm going to find President Wood!" She happily went to admire Shawn. Sitting on a sports car worth tens of millions, Susan could not help but take out her mobile phone and take various selfies, each of which had to be photographed with the car logo on the steering wheel. Shawn sent her to a property on the riverside, 300 square meters with a view of the most prosperous downtown of Sea City. Shawn handed her the key and said, "You live here and a servant will come tomorrow. Just tell me what you need." Susan took the key and was so happy that she had stumbled into this. "Mr. Wood, our fate is intertwined, and I will definitely serve you well in the future!" She rushed up to hug him but was pushed away by Shawn. He was obsessed with personal space and hygiene and was not used to interacting with people. "Mr. Wood...""It's getting late. You should rest first.""But, I want to sleep with you." Susan winked, her clothes slipped from her shoulders, trying to seduce him. "Let's relive that night..." Men usually take the bait. She had to sleep with Shawn as soon as possible to feel at ease since the woman that night was not her. Shawn furrowed his brows. If it weren't for the time and place, he would doubt... whether Susan Fanning was the woman he was looking for. Maybe it's been a long time since they had met, and she was too happy to be reserved. Shawn said, "It's not the time yet. I'll go first." He left without hesitation. ... Back at Temperley Hall. Gale had fallen asleep. She was still sleeping at the door of the master bedroom. From a distance, he could only see her long black hair. Shawn walked over and looked at her condescendingly. Gale slept soundly. She turned over lazily, and the collar of her pajamas suddenly opened a little, revealing her snow-white skin. Also, as his eyes gazed down to her chest... His throat tightened. How could he develop feelings for Gale so easily! If Susan was the one he was looking for, how could he not feel anything?

Chapter 11 Chapter 11

Gale was really a natural vixen! "Get up!" Shawn tugged at his tie and spoke sharply. Hearing his voice, Gale immediately opened her eyes and sat up. "You are back..." He just looked at her with deep eyes and kept quiet. "What's wrong?" She looked left and right and explained, "I deliberately slept in the corner and didn't block the door!""Have you had the soup yet?" Gale was stunned for a moment, "Huh?""The soup!" She shook her head and answered, "No. Do I have to drink it?" Shawn narrowed her eyes and said, "What do you think?" Gale got up and answered, "I'll go now." She had no idea what was wrong with him. He kept insisting on her drinking Paula's soup. 'What time is it... Can I go to sleep after finishing the soup?' In the kitchen, Gale held a spoon and looked at the bowl of seafood soup in front of her. Shawn stood beside her, supervising her. She closed her eyes and stuffed it into her mouth, only to smell the fishy smell, making it hard to swallow. Gale could not take another bite after finishing half of it. "Is this enough?""What do you think?""I..." Her stomach was churning before she could finish her sentence. Gale covered her mouth and ran to the bathroom quickly. She vomited so badly that she threw up all the food she had just eaten. Hearing the sound coming from the bathroom, Shawn frowned in disgust. This soup must be drunk to deceive Paula. The housekeeper came over and said, "Mr. Wood, there is a package for you today, sent from abroad.""Give it to me." Shawn opened it and found that it was the medicine that William sent him, which happened to be a course of treatment. He glanced at the bowl of soup again, smiled sarcastically, and swallowed the pill expressionlessly. He had found Susan. He just had to cure his illness and get the divorce three months later...Everything was in Shawn's control. Gale came out of the bathroom and clutched her stomach, still nauseous. What happened to her? Even if the seafood soup had been very fishy, ​​she would not have vomited so badly. The housekeeper suggested, "Mr. Wood, do you want to ask the family doctor to take a look at your wife?""She won't die!" Gale looked at the housekeeper gratefully and shook her head gently, not to anger Shawn for her. That night, Gale leaned against the wall and hugged her knees, and only fell asleep in a daze when it was almost dawn. Downstairs, the kitchen was busy, and the servants were cleaning. Susan came to Temperley Hall early. She was so excited that she could not sleep a wink. She put on layers of her best makeup to meet Shawn. "Where's Mr. Wood?" Susan walked into the living room and asked loudly, "Why is no one welcoming me? Do you wish to keep your job?" The housekeeper looked at her and asked, "You are...""You don't even know me. Are you really blind? I'm the future Mrs. Wood!" The housekeeper replied, "Temperley Hall already has a mistress. Are you going to be another one?" Susan's eyes widened. "What? Impossible! Mr. Wood himself said he wanted to marry me! If you don't believe me, go ask him!""Mr. Wood is still sleeping." Susan immediately rushed upstairs. She had to seize the opportunity, and she would eradicate whoever got in her way! The housekeeper hurriedly chased after her, yelling, "Strangers are not allowed to go to the second floor!" Susan did not care. She stormed toward the master bedroom aggressively. Gale was woken up by the footsteps. When she opened his eyes, she saw Susan's face before her. "It's you?" Susan looked at her. "I just thought you looked familiar.""Susan?" Gale also looked strange. She has met Susan several times in the mental hospital. The dean's daughter was not well educated and liked fashion and beauty. She was the kind of person who likes to act rich but actually isn't. At the very least, Jenny Timothy is still the daughter of a wealthy family. Susan asked, "Why do you sleep on the ground? I see. Mr. Wood asked you to watch the door, right? You suffered a lot when you were in the mental hospital" The housekeeper chased after him and explained, "This is our mistress.""What!? Y…you..." Susan was shocked. Gale actually married President Wood?! Dad told her that the woman Shawn slept with was Gale, but since Mr. Wood found Susan, it showed that he did not know that the person that night was Gale! So he put one and one together and thought they could continue to pretend and keep up the lie! However, Gale had become Mrs. Wood! How could that be? "Are you okay?" Gale said softly, "Shawn was sleeping inside. He would be angry if we disturbed his sleep, and we would go hungry for the day." Susan gritted her teeth and calmed down. No matter what, she will stubbornly pretend to be the woman that night. Gale better not try to take her place! Susan replied, "I'm looking for Shawn. I didn't think I would run into his watchdog. Get out of the way, I want to go in." Gale raised his eyebrows and answered, "Well, at least I am watching my own house. If you want to use that analogy, you've just broken into a private home early in the morning and barked loudly. That just makes you at most a wild dog that hasn't been vaccinated.""You dare scold me?""I didn't say you must be one, but I can't help it if you have to admit that you are." Susan had a secret. "Don't get ahead of yourself just because you are Mrs. Wood! The person Mr. Wood wants to marry now is me!" As she spoke, Susan pulled Gale's quilt, threw it aside, raised her hand, and slapped her in the face. Gale tilted her head and dodged. Seeing that she missed, Susan was not satisfied and slapped her in the face again, as if she would not stop until she was hit! Gale held her wrist quickly and ruthlessly, and the other hand quickly fanned back. She was not easy to bully! However, at this moment, someone said in a stern voice, "Gale, try if you dare." Gale was shocked, and all her movements stopped abruptly. Her palm was only one centimeter away from Susan's cheek! Shawn had no need to stop her. One sentence was enough to threaten her to stop. "Mr. Wood!" When Susan saw him, she acted aggrievedly and coquettishly, "Fortunately, you are here...otherwise, I would definitely be slapped in the face!" Shawn frowned slightly. "Why are you here?""I miss you so much that I can't sleep. Who knew this woman wouldn't let me in and called me a dog..." No rest for the wicked. Gale said nothing. She thought Shawn would not believe such superficial words. Who knew… Shawn said in a deep voice, "Ask her to apologize to you. Or, you can do whatever you want to her." She suddenly looked up at him and asked, "Really?""Why don't you believe it?" Shawn asked back, "Can you be compared to her?" Susan leaned on his shoulder and beamed happily. Shawn's taste was really unpredictable, it turned out that he really liked this type of woman.

Chapter 12 Chapter 12

Even Jenny was better than Susan! Was he blind or was he crazy? Susan said, "Gale, you have to apologize to me! Bark three times!" She said firmly, "No way." She could apologize but not bark. Susan immediately shook Shawn's arm and said, "Look. She doesn't want to...""Gale, I'll give you another chance to answer." She raised her head and met Shawn's narrow gaze. "No! Way!" His eyes darkened instantly. Is she rebelling against him? What a bad girl! Shawn bent over and pinched her chin. "Don't ask for trouble. Do you want to learn how to bark, or shall I give you three whips?""I'd rather be whipped." He snorted coldly and ordered, "Okay! Bring the whip!" The housekeeper offered it with both hands and sighed inwardly. Gale smiled bitterly. "No matter what, I'm still your wife in name. Shawn. Who is Susan that can humiliate me like this for her?""She is the person I tried so hard to find, and also the Mrs. Wood in my future life. Do you understand?" He said coldly, "How can you be compared with her?" It turned out that the person he loved was Susan. It's a bit unexpected, but she can only accept this reality. Gale closed her eyes, stopped talking, and silently waited for the whip to hit her. Three whips, no matter how much it hurts, the pain will pass. Looking at her pale face but full of stubbornness, Shawn clenched the whip in his hand tightly and held it high, with blue veins visible on the back of his hand. The expected pain did not fall on her. Gale opened her eyes, only to see Shawn leaving. "Hitting you will only get my hands dirty." He threw down the whip and ordered, "Housekeeper, execute it for me!""Yes, Mr. Wood." Susan was very unsatisfied that Gale was not punished, but seeing that Shawn's expression was extremely foul, she did not want to push it further. After all, she was still somewhat smart and could read the room. "Mr. Shawn, didn't you say you would marry me? Why is Gale your wife..." she asked, pretending to be aggrieved. "She's just a puppet.""Huh? What does that mean?" Shawn was very impatient, but when he thought that Susan was the woman from that night, he tried not to lose his temper. "Marrying Gale is only temporary. I couldn't find you at that time, and I needed someone to occupy Mrs. Wood's place, so I chose her." Susan nodded, thinking to herself, 'So that's what happened.' She was frightened to death, and she thought she would be exposed as soon as she replaced Gale. She asked again, "You will still keep your promise to marry me, right?""Well. I'll take care of everything before marrying you.""Looking forward to that day!" Susan can sit back and relax again. Gale looked at the thick whip and said, "Let's do it.""Mrs…""I know you'll be in trouble too." The housekeeper glanced at the stairway and after ensuring that Shawn had gone far, he raised his whip and cracked it. Crack! A huge sound echoed in Temperley Hall. Shawn ate breakfast gracefully, without moving his eyebrows. Susan listened to this sound, and her body and mind felt at ease. Gale, with me here, you won't have a moment of peace! Crack! The other working servants trembled and went about their own work. Gale looked at the housekeeper in surprise, "You..." With these two whips, the housekeeper hit the ground, not her! The butler said, "Shh, don't make a sound, lest you be found out. You are a good woman, and you are kind to us servants. I really can't do it.""If Shawn finds out, it's over!""I know. So I will whip you with the last one." Gale understood what he meant and nodded. If she had no scars on her, it would be too fake. She took the whip. Her back was burning with pain, and her skin was ripped open. Gale looked at the housekeeper gratefully. No matter how bad the world was to her, a touch of kindness always warmed her. "Mr. Wood, the punishment is complete," The housekeeper went downstairs and reported. He gave an indifferent nod. Gale stood by the side with her back slightly hunched because if she had stood up straight, it would hurt more. Fortunately, she was only hit once. One whip should not affect her collecting recycling. Susan suddenly said tenderly, "Mr. Shawn, I have one thing...I want to ask you for help.""Ask away.""I know that the Warm family is preparing a well-known brokerage company, right?" Shawn nodded deeply and answered, "The Warm family is ready to enter the entertainment industry." Susan said, "Then, can I ask for your help with my resume? They had been really picky. It would be much easier if I had your help!""Do you want to enter the entertainment industry?" Susan nodded again and again. "Well, this is my dream! And with you here in the future, others will not dare to bully me!" Shawn agreed, "Yes." This could be his compensation to her. Perhaps, Susan would soon reveal the other softer side of her, allowing him to regain the feeling he had for her that night. Shawn gave Gale a deep glance and said, "You will continue to do errands in the company.""Understood." They were really from different worlds. Gale was working hard to pick up scraps, earning a few dollars. Susan casually got into the entertainment industry... Becoming a star and making more money! What's more, there was Shawn who seemed to support her deeply! After Shawn left, Susan put away her sweet smile and showed her true colors again. "Refusing to bark, I see. It's alright. You will bark sooner or later. I will have you kneel in front of me and bark loudly." Gale could not bother to even look at her. She still had to walk to the Warm Group. If she were late, Shawn would be furious again. "You're ignoring me, Gale, stop!" Susan stood in front of her and said, "I advise you to divorce Mr. Wood as soon as possible!""It's not me who decides whether to divorce or not.""You just want to be his wife and are reluctant to leave." Gale chuckled lightly and said, "If you have the ability, ask Shawn to divorce me now. What's the point of coming here to force me?" Susan said through gritted teeth, "You... you'll beg me soon!" Her eyes were full of viciousness. Gale had no time to think of what she could do. It did not matter if she offended Susan. It would be fatal if she offended Shawn. Besides, she did not think Susan could actually do anything to her. Gale still walked to the Warm Group while picking up scraps. Today's harvest was relatively small, but it still sold for a couple of dollars. She had just put the money in her pocket, and when she turned around, she saw a familiar figure on the side of the road, which made her feel more ashamed than seeing Shawn. Gale tried to run away. "Gale, I followed you all the way."

Chapter 13 Chapter 13

Her footsteps stopped slowly, but she still dared not turn to face that person. Sam Carson walked behind her and said, "I saw you at the time, but I wasn't sure if it was you. However, it's really you, Gale." She was picking up trash. Moreover, her movements are proficient, like it was not her first time. Sam asked, "Gale...how did you fall to such a level? What have you been through all these years?" She used to be so bright, radiant and polite. She was his dream girl. Now, she has a layer of fatigue and vicissitudes on her body. "You recognized the wrong person." Gale lowered her head. "No, it's you, I recognize you even if you turn to ashes!" She laughed mockingly and turned around abruptly. "Yes, I'm Gale, your former fiancee! But now, we have nothing to do with each other, please continue to walk on your sunny path, and I will walk on my own!" Once, Sam and Gale had a marriage contract. However, after everything that had happened to the Warm family, the Carson family immediately unilaterally destroyed the marriage contract. In order to cut all ties between them, they quickly sent Sam abroad. That was the most difficult period in Gale's life. She was going back and forth to the prisons, hospitals, and police stations. She needed someone to help her. That person should have been Sam. However, she could not get through to his phone and could not find him. The door of Sam's family home was closed tightly, and the security guard chased her away... everyone closed themselves off from her. "No, Gale, listen to my explanation." Sam stretched out his hand to hold her shoulders. "It was my father's decision to send me abroad. He asked me to experience it before I marry you. He wanted me to build a successful career so I can give you a good life. To be the best husband I can be, I agreed to go abroad!""Could you not answer the phone when you go abroad? It's like you disappeared from the world. You don't even have time to talk to me?""The situation at that time..." Gale interrupted him, "Enough, I don't want to hear it anymore. It's all over." She was utterly disappointed with Sam long ago. Gale waved his hand away and turned to leave. "Hey!" She yelled, "Don't follow me! The last person I want to see right now is you!" Sam stood there in a daze, watching her disappear from his sight. "Mr. Carson, it's almost time for your appointment with Mr. Wood," the assistant reminded beside him. "Okay. Go and find out for me what Gale has experienced in the past two years.""Yes, Mr. Carson." When Gale arrived at the Warm Group late, she heard Fiona say, "Mrs. Gale, you finally showed up, and Mr. Wood is looking for you!""I'll go in right away." In the president's office, Shawn leaned back lazily on the back of the chair and kept looking at her. Gale felt uncomfortable by his gaze. "Is something wrong...""Undress." She was startled and said, "Wait... what?""Do you want me to repeat myself? Or, do I take it off myself?" Not sure what he was going to do, Gale bit her lip, unbuttoned her clothes, and slowly took off her shirt. "Turn around." She did so. On her soft, tender back, a long scar snaked from her shoulders to her waist, looking rather frightening. Gale trembled involuntarily, and thin goose bumps appeared on her skin. "You choose to suffer?" Shawn came over and put his fingers on her wound, feeling the thin calluses. "You don't know what is good for you?""The upright can be killed, but not insulted." He sneered, "Really strong-willed. You can survive this time, but what about next?" Gale replied, "Shawn, rather than abusing my body, you actually want to put my self-esteem and pride under your feet...""That's right! Mental torture is torture!" His fingertips sank into the freshly scabbed wound, causing Gale to shudder in pain. Shawn warned, "Don't provoke Susan, or you will suffer her punishment at her will. Did you hear me!""Heard it." There was a knock at the door, "Mr. Wood, the client you asked about has arrived.""Enter." He grabbed his clothes and threw them on Gale's face. "Go in and get dressed." She hurried into the lounge. The lounge was a private place connected to the office. It was very private and had everything. Gale looked around and found the medicine box. She was overjoyed. She can use medicine without spending a dime. Outside, Shawn sat on the sofa with his legs crossed, looking at Sam who walked in. Sam said politely, "Mr. Wood, I've admired you for a long time.""Sit." The Warm Group has many industries, and gemstones are one of them, which brings tens of billions of profits to the Warm Group every year. The top raw materials for gemstones in the country all come from the Warm Family. Shawn wanted to expand his company to include jewelry to supply to consumers directly. Carson's company owns a well-known jewelry brand called Fantastic Jewels, Sam took out a stack of drawings. "Mr. Wood, since you want to use your own resources to establish a jewelry brand, you must need top jewelry designers. This is the best-selling jewelry style of Fantastic Jewels every year. Please take a look at it." He wanted to cooperate with Shawn. He would create designs and brand influence, while Shawn provides resources, traffic and raw materials. Everyone wanted to cooperate with the Wood Group. Once partnerships were signed and sealed, their profits would double! Sam just returned to the country to take over the Carson Group, hoping to impress and start his career with a bang, so that his father and the board of directors will recognize him. Shawn took it. The office is very quiet, only the sound of paper flipping. In the lounge, Gale, who had finished applying the medicine, picked up the medicine box and was about to put it back in place, but she slipped and the box fell. Bang! Things were scattered all over the place. Sam also heard such a loud crash. Shawn, looking indifferent, continued to look at the jewelry design. Sam could not help but ask, "Mr. Wood, what was that sound?" He replied calmly, "It's nothing, it's just a mouse." Gale was stunned for two seconds, then quickly crouched down and started to clean up, creating another rustling sound. "Rats are a bit wild." Sam coughed and said, "Mr. Wood can buy a mousetrap." Shawn raised his eyebrows and replied, "Good idea." Gale placed the medicine box back, covering her pounding heart. After more than ten minutes, she could not hear any sound outside. She said to herself, 'It should be possible to go out...Just take a peek at the situation.' Gale walked to the door lightly, slowly pushed open a crack in the door and looked out. The reception area cannot be seen from this angle. She pushed the door open a little further, stuck her head out halfway, and looked to the right. There was no one there. She looked to the left... A black suit came into view. Gale slowly raised her head and saw Shawn looking down at her with a smirk. "What are you looking at?"