Actually, Wendy had suspected from the moment she arrived at the family estate that Jessica was the one who sent the photo.

Earlier, in the hospital room, she had gently prodded Jessica, coaxing the latter to admit the truth to Stanley. Wendy wanted to

hear Jessica confess it in her own words.

Stanley hung up the phone and looked up at Wendy.

Her gaze was cool as she let a mocking smile curve her red lips. “Stanley, I’m afraid you’re going to be disappointed. I didn’t send

the photo-Jessica did.”

Stanley furrowed his brow, his handsome features tense, but he didn’t say a word.

Wendy turned and started to leave. Just as she was about to pass him, Stanley reached out and grabbed her slender arm.

Reacting instinctively, Wendy wrenched her arm away, not wanting any physical contact with him.

“After you left, Grandma got so upset that she fainted. In her sleep, she kept calling your name. Maybe you should go check on

her when you have the time,” she spat

With that, Wendy walked out.

Just then, Zayn approached quietly. “Mr. Hawk, it seems Mrs. Hawk has misunderstood you. You didn’t just take Jessica’s side, did you? You were standing right outside the door, so even if Mrs. Hawk didn’t call you, you still heard everything, didn’t you?”

A man like Stanley, sharp and perceptive, would never simply believe one side of the story. He had remained calm and silent, deliberately stepping away from the room earlier to give Wendy and Jessica privacy. In truth, he had been standing just outside, observing, trying to figure out who was lying.

What he hadn’t expected was that Wendy had caught on, too. The way she’d subtly guided Jessica into revealing the truth was

impressive.

While Jessica thought she was teaching Wendy a lesson, she had been outplayed.

Zayn watched as Wendy walked out of sight and said with admiration, “Mr. Hawk, I don’t think Mrs. Hawk is as simple as she

seems.

Stanley had originally underestimated Wendy, seeing her only as a pretty face. Now, after seeing how she handled the situation, he had to admit she had impressed him. A girl from the countryside who was calm under pressure, with a sharp mind and a clever strategy-just how many sides did she have?

Stanley turned, his voice firm. “Head back to the estate.”

Zayn hesitated, then said again, “Mr. Hawk, Ms. Jessica will probably call you if she can’t find you.’

Before Zayn could say another word, he noticed the sudden, cold shift in Stanley’s expression. He fell silent.

+20 Bonus

Jessica had become too spoiled by Stanley’s affection, and now, she had crossed a line. She had successfully triggered Stanley’s

anger, and she had no idea yet. In fact, she was still basking in her own self- satisfaction.

Glinda was awake when Wendy returned to the Hawk family’s estate.

Wendy reached out and hugged Glinda, acting playful. “Grandma, you really scared me when you fainted earlier.”

Glinda patted Wendy’s back affectionately. “Don’t worry, Wendy. I’m not going anywhere. I was more worried that if I left, Jessica would try to take advantage of you.”

Wendy’s pale eyes reddened. The truth was, no one could bully her now.

But as she was wrapped in Glinda’s warmth, Wendy suddenly felt a pang of something deeper. She had never been loved like this before. Being loved made her feel vulnerable and delicate. Her eyes welled up with tears as she held Glinda even tighter.

At that moment, Freddy called out in an excited voice, “Mr. Hawk, you’re back.” Stanley had returned.

His gaze fell on Wendy, who was still clinging to Glinda, looking like a little girl. It was the first time he had seen her like this.

Wendy quickly pulled away from Glinda, standing up. “Grandma, I’m going to rest in my room now.”