Chapter 2: Chapter 2 Are You Tired of Playing with Me?
Julia Land parked her car beside the road, calmly denying Noah’s suspicions about her pregnancy, “I’m not pregnant, I’ve just been feeling a bit unwell in my stomach these past few days.”
Noah leaned against the wardrobe, his gaze indifferent, mocking, “Julia, you better not lie to me. It’s no longer popular to secure a rich wife’s position just because of a pregnancy.”
Julia’s heart twitched slightly, he actually thought that of her.
She touched her still flat stomach and said indifferently, “Director, how could I be pregnant? We used a ‘little umbrella’ that night. It should be of good quality, with no flaws.”
Noah raised an eyelid, “…”
The company had a half-day meeting in the morning.
By noon, Julia brought the coffee she had prepared into the office.
She placed the Winchester Place documents that Noah had requested a few days ago on the desk.
Julia’s gaze drifted over the Winchester Place documents.
Quarter Group had never been involved in the entertainment industry before.
Yet, Winchester Place was a major company in the entertainment industry.
She had just seen the news that Arabella Shaw had officially signed with Winchester Place today to become their signed artist.
Was he planning to acquire Winchester Place for Arabella, to become its major shareholder?
Julia did not leave the office immediately, deciding to talk to him about last night’s matter, “Miss Shaw has returned to the country.”
Noah stopped working, leaned back in his chair, his expression cool, “Mrs. Quarter, if it’s not your business, don’t meddle.”
That ‘Mrs. Quarter’ was a warning.
Julia paused for a few seconds, and not feeling sad would be a lie, but she still had to ask the questions that needed asking.
“She’s back. Are you thinking about divorcing me?”
Noah glanced at her lightly, “You can continue being Mrs. Quarter, after all, Grandma likes you.”
She still had one good use, which was to make Grandma Quarter happy.
Hearing this reply, Julia’s fingers curled in, both disappointed and sad.
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According to him, he still wanted to maintain this marriage.
Because Grandma liked her.
Noah, wanting to make Grandma happy in her last days, would not divorce her too soon.
What about her then?
Stuck between Noah and Arabella, turned into a joke?
Noah’s phone on the table rang, and Julia saw the caller ID on the screen: ‘Arabella.’
His note for her was ‘Secretary Land.’
And his note for his first love was ‘Arabella.’
Julia waited expressionlessly for him to finish the call, then reported about tonight’s Turner Family banquet.
Noah flipped through the Winchester Place documents, not looking up, “I have plans tonight, you’ll deliver the gift to Director Turner.”
“Okay.” She turned and left the office.
Noah watched her leave, then buried his head back in the documents.
**
Tonight was Director Turner’s 66th birthday.
The Turner Family had chosen to hold the banquet at Manton Hotel.
In the evening, dressed in a blue Haute Couture gown and carrying a gift, Julia went to the hotel.
“Secretary Land, thank you for coming, welcome,”
Director Turner said, shaking hands with Julia with a smile.
Quarter Group placed big orders and was a major client of Turner Corporation.
And Julia, being one of Noah’s capable secretaries, always received due respect from Director Turner.
“The Director had an urgent matter to handle and couldn’t come, Director Turner, may your happiness be as immense as the Eastern Sea, and your life as long as the pine and crane.”
Julia toasted with a smile.
Director Turner nodded in understanding.
He really appreciated Julia’s work capability, “I’m also very happy that Secretary Land could come.”
His words had just ended when his gaze paused slightly, and suddenly he became awkward.
Julia caught that moment of embarrassment from Director Turner, she subconsciously turned her head back to look.
She saw Arabella Shaw, clad in a white gown, walking into the banquet arm in arm with Noah.
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Julia’s faint smile froze instantly.
Was this the ‘urgent matter’ he had tonight?
“Uncle Turner, may you always smile broadly,” Arabella beamed brightly.
“Thank you.”
“Director Turner, may your happiness be as boundless as the Eastern Sea.”
Noah Quarter picked up a wine glass from the waiter’s tray and raised it to toast with Director Turner.
Arabella Shaw turned to Julia Land and greeted her, “Secretary Land.”
Julia Land’s lips slightly curled as she nodded, “Miss Shaw.”
The band hired for the banquet played a waltz.
Some guests had already invited their partners to dance the social dance.
“Secretary Land, did you come alone?”
“My male companion had a car accident on the way here.”
Arabella Shaw was momentarily shocked and expressed her concern, “Is he alright?”
Director Turner also asked worriedly, after all, it was his significant birthday celebration tonight, and it would be unlucky for a guest to have a car accident while attending.
Julia Land smiled and explained, “Director Turner, don’t worry, it was just a minor collision between their cars, and they were merely discussing compensation issues.”
Director Turner visibly sighed in relief, “That’s good, that’s good.”
After Director Turner went to greet other dignitaries,
Julia Land, with a stern face, walked away in her high heels, keeping her back straight.
She was going to write her resignation letter as soon as she got home tonight!
Arabella Shaw quietly asked in confusion, “Secretary Land, she doesn’t seem very happy?”
Noah Quarter’s gaze followed Julia Land as she left.
He saw Julia Land being invited to dance by Wesley Turner, Director Turner’s eldest son, and slightly frowned, “She’s not angry.”
She could still dance, what was there to be upset about?
Wesley Turner was notorious for playing around with women.
And she still went to dance with him.
Truly reckless.
Julia Land hadn’t expected that Wesley Turner would straightforwardly pull her by the hand to dance.
Since it was a banquet, it wasn’t appropriate for her to struggle too much.
This made Julia Land very displeased.
The strong smell of alcohol hit her nose.
Julia Land frowned and coldly said, “Mr. Turner, let go.”
Wesley Turner held her waist even tighter, with a determined smile, “Secretary Land, how about considering a switch to Turner Corporation? The salary is double that of Quarter Family’s, what do you think?”
Julia Land, feeling disgusted, coldly stated the fact, “You don’t have the final say in Turner Corporation.”
Wesley Turner was only into enjoying life and womanizing; he merely held a department manager title in Turner Corporation.
His face didn’t show any anger from being humiliated by Julia Land.
He always had patience when dealing with beautiful women.
His hand lingered, caressing the woman’s slender waist.
Julia Land’s expression changed, she lifted her foot and forcefully stepped down on Wesley Turner’s leather shoe.
The heel of her high-heeled shoe pierced through the leather and onto the top of his foot.
A pain shot through Wesley Turner’s foot, and his face contorted as he released her hand.
Julia Land quickly turned and left.
She left the banquet and walked out of the hotel.
“Julia Land! Stop!”
Julia Land frowned, regretting that her earlier step had been too light.
Wesley Turner grabbed her hand.
“Mr. Turner, don’t go too far,” she said with impatient coldness.
Wesley Turner stared at her cold yet bright and beautiful face, excited.
This kind of demeanor, cold yet possessing an enticing figure, was very attractive.
He had long lusted after her and laughed, “Why bother pretending, Secretary Land, the fierce woman act? I think Director Quarter is already tired of playing with you.”
Julia Land took a deep breath.
She flashed a smile, “Whether Director Quarter is tired of me or not, Mr. Turner, you can turn around and ask him yourself.”
Julia Land slightly lifted her delicate chin, gesturing for Wesley Turner to look behind.
Noah Quarter and Arabella Shaw were standing not far away.
He looked at her being entangled by another man and remained indifferent.
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Chapter 3: Chapter 3 Do You Want to be the Other Woman
He stood there with his ex-girlfriend, the woman clinging to his arm.
He just looked on as she was harassed by another man.
Someone had said that if a guy truly loves you, he will be possessive of you.
From across the warm yellow light, Julia Land felt a tearing pain in her heart.
Wesley Turner still thought Julia Land was lying to him and sneered vilely, “Director Quarter is entertaining a beauty right now. Don’t try to fool me, Secretary Land. Let’s go somewhere else to chat, what do you say?”
Julia Land looked at Noah Quarter and asked indifferently, “Chairman, Mr. Turner is asking if you are tired of me?”
She quietly watched him.
Waiting for his answer.
Noah Quarter, holding Arabella Shaw’s hand, walked past her without stopping.
2
At that moment, Julia Land understood that the answer no longer mattered.
Arabella Shaw turned around, smiling brightly as she explained, “Big Brother Wesley, Noah and Secretary Land just have a superior-subordinate relationship. Don’t talk nonsense, or I’ll be really upset.”
Wesley Turner nodded with a smile, “Alright, alright, I won’t talk nonsense.”
He saw that Noah Quarter had already left with Arabella Shaw and suddenly pushed Julia Land against the car, kissing her face.
“Wesley Turner, believe it or not, I’ll call the police!”
Julia Land, repulsed, pushed him away with all her might.
But her strength was no match for that of a grown man.
Wesley Turner hugged her slender waist, chuckling, “Secretary Land, feel free to shout louder. I’m not scared. Besides, calling the police is useless. I’m just touching and kissing, nothing more.”
3
Julia Land felt extreme anger and disgust.
He was about to kiss her again.
Julia Land’s eyes hardened, and she kicked upwards with strength from her knee.
“Ahh!”
Wesley Turner bent over, clutching his lower body.
In the late night, when it was quiet, Julia Land walked out of the police station with a cold face, accompanied by Alexander Strong.
Alexander Strong was also a secretary for Noah Quarter.
“Secretary Strong, could you take me to Wendell Hotel? Thank you for tonight.”
Alexander Strong glanced at her, then turned away, “It was the chairman who asked me to pick you up.”
Julia Land tugged at the corner of her mouth with just a cold hum.
Where was he when Wesley Turner was making advances on her? Now, she felt no gratitude.
Alexander Strong hesitated, then added an explanation, “Secretary Land… the chairman originally wanted to pick you up himself.”
Julia Land raised an eyebrow indifferently, “Oh, and where is he? Why didn’t he come?”
Alexander Strong shut his mouth, finding it awkward to continue.
Julia Land glanced down at her phone, only to see Eliza Quarter tirelessly forwarding posts from Arabella Shaw’s social circle to her.
She finally understood why Noah Quarter hadn’t personally come to pick her up from the police station.
Because he had gone to the hospital with his ex-girlfriend again.
Julia Land chuckled lowly with a hint of self-mockery.
She sent Eliza Quarter a message asking her to arrange a meeting with Arabella Shaw tomorrow.
When the car reached the hotel, Julia Land told Alexander Strong there was no need to walk her in.
She got out of the car, feeling utterly exhausted, and walked into the hotel.
The hotel lobby was quiet at that hour.
As she waited for the elevator, a tall man stood there, talking on the phone.
The elevator door opened, and the man stepped in first.
As Julia Land followed behind, her high heel suddenly slipped, and she instinctively grabbed the man in front of her.
The man steadied her with one hand.
His palm was burning hot.
“…Sorry, I apologize.”
Still shaken, Julia Land steadied herself and apologized to the man.
He was wearing a mask, and Julia Land could only see the deep black of his pupils.
Did he resemble the man she encountered in the car?
He had been holding a phone in his right hand, but it fell to the floor as he steadied her. His left hand, which had been holding a cup of coffee, spilled onto his white shirt.
What made Julia Land feel even more embarrassed was the strap on her left shoulder, which had slipped off.
She covered her left shoulder with one hand, pulling up the strap, her ears burning hot.
Tonight was nothing but misfortune.
“Sir, are you burned at all?”
She was just worried that the coffee in his hand was hot.
The man glanced at her and frowned slightly. Bending over to pick up his phone, he said to the person on the other end of the call in a casual manner “Let’s leave it at that,” and then hung up.
Julia Land apologized sincerely, “I’m really very sorry, I will compensate.”
James Thompson glanced at Julia Land again; she was dressed in a gown, her waist slender. He didn’t say much else, simply stating, “No need.”
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The man’s voice was deep.
He turned sideways, pressed the button for his floor on the elevator, and lazily stepped back a few paces.
Immediately, the distance between them increased.
Julia Land feigned composure and also pressed the button for her floor.
She lived on the tenth floor, while the man lived on the twelfth floor.
James Thompson looked thoughtful.
Last night in the car, when he saw this woman, he felt she looked familiar.
She resembled the woman who climbed into his bed a couple of months ago and clung to him demandingly.
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He thought for a moment and said lazily, “About the compensation, let’s talk.”
Julia Land stopped in her tracks upon hearing this, halting her step out of the elevator.
Twelfth-floor corridor.
The man had already unbuttoned his shirt stained with coffee, revealing well-defined abs, and he frowned, clearly uncomfortable.
If Julia Land wasn’t there, he probably would have taken off his shirt right away.
Julia Land dared not look toward the slightly open chest of the man, she could only raise her eyes to meet his gaze.
“Sir, how much compensation do you need? I’ll transfer it to you.”
“No need.”
James Thompson called Julia Land back only to confirm that sense of familiarity.
Julia Land watched the man with a puzzled look as he swiped his card to enter his room, “…..”
Completely inexplicable.
She watched as the door closed and turned to leave the twelfth floor.
**
Inside the South Card Cafe, soothing light music played.
Sitting opposite Julia Land was Arabella Shaw.
Arabella Shaw was a big star, wearing a hat and a mask, concealing her face.
She smiled and said, “Secretary Land, did you want to see me for something?”
Julia Land nodded, the corners of her mouth lifted in a barely-there smile, “Yes, there’s one thing.”
She put on a reserved demeanor, giving the look of a main wife sizing up her rival.
Julia Land was clear on one thing, if she wanted Noah Quarter to initiate a divorce, one way to do it was to provoke Arabella Shaw.
“Miss Shaw, I hope you don’t come to disturb the life between Noah and me. Since you chose to leave him back then, you shouldn’t look for him after returning.”
People in the circle knew that Noah Quarter once had a beloved ex-girlfriend.
However, Grandma Quarter didn’t like Arabella Shaw, so she couldn’t enter the Quarter Family’s door.
Back then, Arabella Shaw also didn’t want to give up her singing career. She chose to break up with Noah Quarter and go abroad to further study music.
“Miss Shaw, since you’ve given up your relationship with Noah, please give up for good, okay?”
Julia Land continued gently.
Arabella Shaw opened her eyes incredulously, “You and Noah… you guys…”
Julia Land nodded, “Noah and I have been married for two years.”
After she said this, Arabella Shaw was stunned and her eyes immediately reddened, “You and Noah got married?”
Julia Land felt like the villainess who tore apart the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, she said coldly, “Yes, we are married.”
At this moment, Noah Quarter, seated at the next table, overheard Julia Land and Arabella talking about the marriage.
His handsome face immediately turned gloomy, and his thin lips pressed together, his eyes sharpened.
The cafe’s design was excellent.
Each table was partitioned to create secluded booths.
He had initially told her not to tell anyone that they were married.
Julia Land was indeed brazen.
It was just a marriage based on an agreement after all.
Arabella Shaw furrowed her brows, still unwilling to believe it, “Secretary Land, you’re lying to me, right?”
Julia Land, “… I’m not lying to you, I’ll show you our marriage certificate.”
She was well-prepared and took out the red marriage certificate from her bag, opening it for Arabella Shaw to see.
Arabella Shaw removed her mask, revealing her beautiful face.
Arabella Shaw had a pure and pretty face, the legendary girl-next-door look, while Julia Land’s appearance was more glamorously beautiful.
“Secretary Land, last night when we were together, Noah didn’t tell me that he was already married to you. I could clearly feel that he still loves me.”
Arabella Shaw said somberly, referring to last night.
Hinting that they were together last night.
Julia Land kept her smile, nonchalant, “Men are all the same in bed. When he’s with me, he also says he loves me.”
Noah Quarter at the next table heard this and a cold chill surged through him as he contained his displeasure.
He already had the urge to strangle Julia Land.
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How dare she say such things!
Hearing this, Arabella Shaw covered her red lips, tears streaming down.
Julia Land, still finding the provocation insufficient, really worked hard for Noah Quarter to bring up divorce first, “Miss Shaw, I won’t stop you if you want to be the other woman.”
“Enough!”
A sharp male voice suddenly appeared.
Julia Land turned her head and was met with the imposing figure of an icy Noah Quarter.
He was visibly struggling to contain his fury.
Julia Land’s expression stiffened.
Chapter 4: Chapter 4 Stomach Discomfort
Noah Quarter had Alexander Strong take Julia Land back to Jade Gardens.
Julia sat in the car, looking through the window at the two people embracing outside the coffee shop.
He seemed to be comforting Arabella Shaw.
The corners of Julia’s mouth lifted slightly, carrying a trace of bitterness and relief.
The moment she had Eliza Quarter ask Arabella out on her behalf last night.
She had guessed that Eliza would surely tell Noah Quarter about their meeting at South Card Cafe.
And indeed, as expected.
Everything was within her plan.
Alexander drove and when he came to a red light and stopped, he looked back at Julia, “Secretary Land, you’re so smart. Why bother angering the BOSS?”
They had worked together for five years.
Alexander had witnessed how attentively Julia took care of Noah.
To take good care of Noah’s stomach, after work every evening, she would go to study the culinary arts.
She had developed skills that could rival a three-Michelin-star chef.
She tended to all of Noah’s needs with meticulous care.
Julia tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, her elbow propped against the window, her eyes bright.
She had never felt so clear-headed.
Why cling to the love of a man who didn’t love her?
She tilted her head and blinked her pretty eyes playfully, “Secretary Strong, I am being clever here.”
Alexander, “…Do you still have the mood to joke at this time?”
Noah was clearly very angry.
Julia smiled silently.
Her mood was good.
The two of them stopped talking.
There were bodyguards outside the villa at Jade Gardens, and Julia couldn’t run away even if she wanted to.
After Alexander dropped her off at Jade Gardens, he left.
Without Noah’s orders, Julia was not allowed to leave the villa.
In the middle of the night, the living room still played some boring TV show.
Julia had already fallen asleep on the sofa.
Noah looked down from above at the peacefully sleeping woman.
When she slept, she had an air of peacefulness, unlike the bright, aloof Secretary Land of the daytime.
He frowned slightly and bent over.
Julia was woken up by someone pinching her chin.
The grip was strong, and it hurt.
Julia’s groggy brain instantly became alert.
She opened her eyes to see the indifferent him.
He still had the faint scent of the same perfume as Arabella Shaw.
Julia frowned.
She felt a bit nauseated.
The house lights were off, only a small desk lamp and the television’s dim light cast shadows across the room.
Noah’s handsome half face was hidden in the darkness, and he spoke with a cold voice, “Julia Land, who gave you the audacity to spout nonsense in front of Arabella?”
Julia lay on the sofa, her eyelids drooping, silent—as anything she said now would be wrong.
“Have you become mute? Speak!”
He ruthlessly pinched her chin.
Her delicate and fragile neck was forced into an arc.
Julia, forced to tilt her slender neck back, looked at him and his indifferent expression.
Her chin was in pain, tears of reflex brimming in her eyes, yet her voice remained calm, “I just told her the truth, that we are indeed married, having registered our relationship. Did I say something wrong?”
His fingers clenched tight on her chin, the words that came out were cold and venomous, “Julia Land, it’s just a marriage certificate. Have you forgotten about the marriage agreement? Back then, you also signed the agreement out of greed for money, shamelessly.”
Julia Land knew her face must look terrible right now.
She blinked her eyes.
Despicable, so he thought she was despicable.
Julia Land bit her lip, chuckling softly, “It’s not that I’m despicable, it’s just that we both got what we needed.”
Noah Quarter spoke with disgust, “Secretary Land sure is articulate, using the dowry to support a childhood love. It seems that’s something only you would do.”
“What childhood love?” Julia Land asked with a surprised frown.
He sneered.
His well-defined hand slid from her chin down to her slender, fragile neck.
Julia Land’s body shivered.
Noah Quarter lowered his voice, “Your body isn’t half bad, which is no wonder Wesley Turner wants to poach you with a high salary.”
He lifted her clothes.
Julia Land, startled, pressed down on his hand.
Julia Land’s eyes were red with anger as she glared at him.
The man’s eyes were cold and indifferent.
While her face was ugly, her tone was chilly and mocking, “So, your love for Arabella Shaw is only this much, huh?”
Noah Quarter smiled ambiguously, withdrawing his hand, “You think too highly of yourself. I’m not interested in your body. If I hadn’t been feverish and drunk that night, I wouldn’t have slept with you.”
Noah Quarter squinted his eyes with a mixture of disgust and confusion.
That night two months ago, the first time they had been together, he actually had no recollection of it, yet he had been with Julia Land.
Maybe he was delirious with fever, and she took the opportunity to climb into his bed.
The man’s voice was clear and cold as if he loathed the memory of that night.
Julia Land took a stifling deep breath.
She got up, reached for his neck, and whispered near his ear with a light chuckle, “But you seemed very interested in me that night, one time after another.”
Her other pale finger brazenly rubbed against his belt.
Noah Quarter’s face darkened suddenly, his eyes deep with loathing. He pulled off the hand around his neck and stood up.
“Julia Land, stop doing unnecessary things. If Grandma Quarter didn’t like you, just based on what you did today, I wouldn’t hesitate to give you to Wesley Turner.”
Upon hearing these words, Julia Land truly realized she was a complete loser at that moment.
He could speak so easily of giving her away.
It also proved that over these years, he had not a single feeling for her.
“Remember to visit Grandma at the hospital tomorrow. Don’t say what you shouldn’t in front of her.”
Noah Quarter coldly adjusted his clothes, his eyes chilly, and he hastened his steps to leave.
**
In the hospital.
Grandma Quarter saw her beloved grandson and granddaughter-in-law walk in hand in hand, and her whole face beamed with joy, “Julia, come sit next to Grandma.”
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She looked at Noah Quarter, her eyes filled with kindness, “Noah, Grandma had a dream about a great-grandchild last night, a tiny one, very cute.”
Noah Quarter showed a faint smile, rare in his humor, “Grandma, we promise we’ll work hard.”
Grandma Quarter’s cancer had already spread.
So she only had a year or two left to live.
Noah Quarter wouldn’t let the old lady be unhappy over such matters.
Just humoring her.
“You two have been married for two years, how come there’s still no news?”
On the brink of death, the old lady inexplicably held a strong desire for a great-grandchild.
Julia Land didn’t speak, only pretending to be shy and lowering her head.
“Julia, don’t be nervous, Grandma is just talking. The child’s destiny with us hasn’t arrived yet, you both are still young,” Grandma Quarter rambled a bit, then turned to comfort Julia Land.
“Yes, Grandma, I know.”
Julia Land suddenly felt sick in her stomach, her face changed abruptly, and she ran to the toilet to vomit.
Grandma Quarter, hearing the sound of vomiting from the toilet, excitedly grasped Noah Quarter’s hand, “Could it be that Julia is… pregnant?”
Noah Quarter’s eyes darkened, and he chuckled lightly, “Grandma, she’s just got an upset stomach.”
Chapter 5: Chapter 5 A Bit Thrilling
“Are you sure? Have you been to the hospital for a checkup?” Grandma Quarter still wouldn’t give up.
Julia Land walked out of the bathroom, knowing only too well that she was feeling tense and uneasy at this moment.
“Julia, are you pregnant?”
Grandma Quarter asked with delight, looking at her stomach.
Julia Land shook her head with a faint smile, “Grandma, I did go to the hospital for a checkup, it’s just a little stomach problem.”
Grandma Quarter was slightly disappointed but knew that these things could not be forced, “Take good care of your health, and pay attention to your diet these days.”
Julia nodded, and while she was feeding Grandma Quarter some fruit, Noah walked out to take a call.
After she coaxed Grandma Quarter into eating the fruit and talked with the old lady for a while, she picked up the empty bowl and walked out of the ward.
Passing by the lounge, she overheard Eliza Quarter mocking her.
“Brother, I just overheard outside the ward that Grandma was pressing for a baby,” Eliza said with evident dissatisfaction, “Grandma is really senile, as if she’s even worthy?”
Noah Quarter glanced at Eliza with a warning in his eyes.
He didn’t mind her speaking about Julia but he wouldn’t tolerate any disrespect towards Grandma.
Eliza shrank her neck and stuck out her tongue, “Brother, I’m sorry, I just feel aggrieved for you.”
“She won’t be pregnant,” Noah stated flatly.
“I knew brother would understand.”
Eliza was pleased with the answer and left happily.
She opened the door and came face to face with Julia standing there, raising her eyebrows in contempt, “A woman bought for a hundred million is not worthy enough to carry the Quarter Family’s child. Stay in line, Julia, understand?”
This little sister-in-law loved to mock her as the hundred million bride.
Julia lowered her voice, speaking softly, “Eliza, your brother is impotent, of course, there will be no children, understand?”
“You!” Eliza glared furiously at Julia, “You disgusting woman, do not spout nonsense.”
Julia curled her lips into a smile, “Your sister-in-law is certainly not talking nonsense, it’s from personal experience.”
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Eliza’s complexion grew even uglier, “You shameless woman, you’re not fit to be my sister-in-law, you can’t hold a candle to Arabella.”
“Mhm, mhm, right, I can’t compare to your Arabella, but funny enough, I am now Mrs. Quarter.” Julia smiled.
“You!”
Eliza swung her hand, aiming a fierce slap at Julia’s alluring and despicable face.
That face, always flirting with men everywhere.
But Julia, quick on her feet, raised the empty bowl in her hand and blocked the slap.
Eliza’s delicate palm hit the bowl, and she cried out in pain.
The door to the lounge flew open, and Noah Quarter appeared at the door.
“Brother, she hit me with a bowl, look, my hand is all red!” Eliza claimed, red-eyed and playing the victim first.
“She hit the bowl herself,” Julia said calmly.
Noah Quarter’s gaze swept over to Julia, “Julia, remember your place.”
“What place?” Julia asked coolly.
“Eliza bears the Quarter surname.”
As soon as he finished.
Julia lifted her hand and crisply slapped her right cheek.
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The slap resounded loudly.
Her cheek reddened instantly, the force of the slap sparing no mercy.
Noah Quarter was momentarily stunned.
He had not expected her to hit herself.
Eliza glanced at Julia with smug satisfaction, “Tsk, tsk, tsk, brother, I’m leaving.”
With her high heels clicking, she proudly left the scene.
Julia, holding the empty bowl, prepared to wash it with an expressionless face.
“Wait,” he called out to her.
Noah Quarter eyed her with narrowed, sharp eyes.
Julia stepped back uneasily.
He pulled out his phone and made a call.
Julia listened to the content of the phone call, her heart sinking.
He hung up, “Secretary Land, let’s go for a gynecological examination now, what do you think?”
Julia felt her mind go blank for a moment.
Her whole plan of secretly trying to have a child to secure her position as Mrs. Quarter could be exposed immediately.
She had been planning to have an abortion in secret.
What to do now?
Her head was spinning.
Noah Quarter headed towards the elevator; seeing Julia remain still, he called out coolly, “Secretary Land?”
Julia used the excuse of an upset stomach and needing to use the bathroom to buy some time.
Clutching her stomach, she rushed to the restroom and considered how to resolve the situation.
In a desperate move, Julia sent a text message.
[Miss Shaw, Noah is accompanying me to the gynecologist for a checkup, we’re planning on doing IVF]
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After sending the text, Julia put away her phone with an expressionless face.
She didn’t believe Arabella Shaw could remain indifferent.
Julia Land squatted in the bathroom, dawdling for fifteen minutes.
During her time in the bathroom, Noah Quarter called to hurry her up.
Julia Land clutched her stomach, her breath weak, “I’ve had stomach issues these past few days, I vomit whatever I eat.”
She awkwardly changed the word ‘diarrhea’ to ‘that thing.’
Noah Quarter frowned, squinting his cool eyes, “Julia Land, you’d better not be playing any tricks.”
When Julia Land figured enough time had passed, she washed her hands and left the restroom to take the elevator to the gynecology clinic.
Noah Quarter was already waiting for her outside the gynecology clinic.
“Let’s go in.”
Arabella Shaw hadn’t come.
Julia Land felt both nervous and helpless.
She gradually calmed herself down. Let the chips fall where they may.
If she was found out, then so be it.
Just as they were about to open the door of the doctor’s office and enter, Noah’s phone rang.
“Arabella, take it easy, what happened… okay, I’ll be right there.”
Noah Quarter glanced at Julia Land with deep eyes while on the phone.
His gaze lingered on her still swollen right cheek, pausing for a moment, then he left without hesitation.
Julia Land interpreted Noah Quarter’s look as a warning to her.
She left the hospital and it was only from the entertainment news that she learned Arabella Shaw had encountered a very crazy fan.
She’d been brought down by the male fan and had fractured her arm.
No wonder Noah Quarter had rushed over so anxiously.
**
Julia Land ran into the man she had bumped into the night before again in the hotel elevator.
He was holding another cup of coffee.
She noticed his gaze resting on her still swollen right cheek and showed no intention of looking away.
She felt a bit embarrassed, but she didn’t avoid it, keeping a straight face, “I know I’m a great beauty.”
James Thompson’s lips curled into a smile, echoing with a hint of laughter. He took a sip of his coffee, his adam’s apple sensually moving.
He said, “You look familiar.”
Julia Land looked at the elevator’s ascending numbers, “…That pick-up line is really outdated.”
“I never need to pick up,” James Thompson laughed ambiguously, “I’m just telling the truth.”
His voice was casual and lazy.
Julia Land, puzzled, peered through the elevator’s mirrored surface at the man on her left; she had no recollection of this man.
Stranger.
Suddenly, the man walked towards her.
His presence was imposing.
Julia Land stepped back in fright.
“Is there a problem?” She looked into his deep eyes, asking stiffly.
He looked into her eyes, took off his mask, revealing a very delicate and handsome face.
Julia Land held her breath; they were too close, and she could smell the faint pine scent on his body.
“Do you really not recognize me?”
“I don’t.”
James Thompson straightened up, giving her a penetrating look.
The doors opened at the tenth floor, he stepped aside, and Julia Land hurried out.
Inside, she was somewhat puzzled; she truly didn’t recognize the man, yet he seemed to know her?
Julia Land had just finished her shower when she heard someone pressing the room’s doorbell.
It was the hotel service staff.
“A gentleman on the twelfth floor asked us to deliver this ointment for the face to Miss Land.”
“Thank you.”
Julia Land took the ointment, more confused than ever.
She hadn’t used this ointment on her face; after all, they were not acquainted.
That night, Julia Land had a dream about that night two months prior.
It was as if the air conditioning in the hotel suite wasn’t on that night; she just felt very hot.
Her body was sweating.
The man was gripping her waist.
Julia Land, her head cloudy from the alcohol, became even more muddled.
When she woke up…
Julia Land rubbed her forehead.
Tonight’s dream was a bit horrifying.
It was originally Noah Quarter’s face but, for some reason, it suddenly changed to the man she had encountered in the elevator.
1
Chapter 6: Chapter 6: Be Careful with Your Head
Julia Land hadn’t expected Arabella Shaw’s incident of being tackled by a fan to involve her too.
She had gone out for lunch when Noah Quarter’s bodyguard came to the restaurant and escorted her to Imperial View Gardens.
Imperial View Gardens was also a property owned by Noah Quarter, and their wedding house was Jade Gardens, which had been given by Grandma Quarter.
She rarely visited this place.
When she entered Imperial View Gardens and saw Arabella Shaw was also there, she felt an ominous premonition.
Julia Land had been standing for half an hour already.
At the table, Noah Quarter carefully fed Arabella Shaw.
Arabella Shaw’s right hand was fractured, and she wasn’t used to holding a spoon or chopsticks with her left hand.
3
So, he fed her.
“Noah, I’m full, I really can’t eat anymore,” Arabella Shaw leaned in close to him, quickly pecked his face with a kiss, and cooed, “Secretary Land has been here for quite a while.”
Noah Quarter pulled out a tissue to wipe Arabella Shaw’s lips.
He looked toward Julia Land.
“Bring the person in.”
As his command fell, a bodyguard pushed a middle-aged balding man into the room.
Julia Land looked on with puzzlement.
Noah Quarter asked indifferently, “Secretary Land, do you know this man?”
Julia Land glanced at the middle-aged man and shook her head, “I don’t recognize him.”
“And you?” he asked the middle-aged man, “Do you know her?”
The middle-aged man violently shook his head, “I don’t know her.”
Noah Quarter scoffed.
The bodyguard restraining the middle-aged man kicked his knees, causing the man to fall to his knees.
Julia Land pursed her lips, watching calmly.
“Secretary Land, I have already decided to stop bothering you and Noah, and yet you arrange for this man to harm me; you really are too malicious,” Arabella Shaw frowned, angrily questioning Julia Land.
Julia Land’s eyes flashed with shock, “Harm you? I don’t even know this man.”
Arabella Shaw appeared disappointed, “You still won’t admit it?”
Julia Land responded calmly, “Admit what? I don’t even know what happened.”
Noah Quarter looked at her coldly, then ordered someone to bring in a woman.
As the woman walked in, Julia Land immediately recognized her.
Ruby Steele was her junior college classmate.
Seeing his daughter being dragged in, the middle-aged man suddenly started crying and kowtowing, “I’m sorry, I was wrong; this has nothing to do with my daughter, I’m sorry; I was just trying to help Miss Land.”
Julia Land frowned, “Help me with what?”
Arabella Shaw spoke helplessly, her voice tinged with annoyance, “Secretary Land, you instructed this man to pretend to be my fan and to molest me in front of everyone, making me a laughingstock in the entertainment industry; your intentions are truly vicious!”
“I didn’t instruct him,” Julia Land finally understood what had happened, she looked at Noah Quarter, “I really didn’t; I wouldn’t do something like that.”
Noah Quarter stated flatly, “I only believe in evidence.”
His words weighed heavily in Julia Land’s chest.
Obviously, he didn’t trust her.
Julia Land straightened her back, “What evidence?”
As soon as she finished speaking, the bodyguard roughly pulled on Ruby Steele’s hair to take her away for a lesson.
“Ah! Dad, save me, Julia Land, help me!”
Ruby Steele felt an agonizing pain in her scalp.
“Yes, it was Miss Land who instructed me to do it; it has nothing to do with my daughter.”
Mr. Steele kept kowtowing, begging for his daughter’s release.
Julia Land asked, unruffled, “So just because you say it was me, it’s me?”
“Miss Land, you transferred two hundred thousand before to save my daughter; I was very grateful, and that’s why I agreed to do this bad thing for you.”
1
Mr. Steele began to apologize, “I’m sorry, Miss Land, I have wronged you.”
Julia Land looked at Ruby Steele, who had been silent all along.
Then she looked at the middle-aged man still apologizing on his knees.
She sneered, “You and your daughter owe me an apology; ‘The Farmer and the Viper’ indeed makes a good story.”
Julia Land had never met Ruby Steele’s father, Mr. Steele, but she would remember his face of feigned innocence this time.
How could some people be so unscrupulous and treat their savior with such ingratitude?
Half a year ago, Ruby Steele was hospitalized and needed surgery, her family had no money, so they started a fundraising campaign and sought loans from many people.
Julia Land had seen it; they were dorm mates in junior college and had a relatively good relationship.
She lent Ruby Steele two hundred thousand.
She never expected that lending money out of kindness would also lend itself to problems.
Ruby suddenly looked up, “Julia Land, I am grateful to you for lending me the money, but you shouldn’t have let my father do that kind of thing for you. I will definitely pay you back.”
1
“Just because you and your father say so, you think you can throw dirt on me?” Julia turned back, looking at Arabella Shaw, “Miss Shaw, I did lend Ruby two hundred thousand for her medical expenses, but that doesn’t mean I instructed them to do things for me, right?”
“This…” Arabella looked at Noah Quarter, hesitating, “Noah, what Secretary Land said is also true, this time it’s just a broken hand, let it go.”
Julia felt a lump in her throat, uncomfortable and stuck.
Noah poured a cup of tea for Arabella, his gaze sharp, “You take care of your hand. I won’t let go of anyone who hurt you. Leave this matter to me.”
Arabella’s eyes and brows curved, her face blushing.
And Julia felt a chill down her spine.
Ruby and her father were taken away by the bodyguards, with Noah going out to the balcony to make a call.
Arabella walked up to Julia, lowering her voice, “Secretary Land, all you got is a marriage certificate, what does it prove? Besides, Noah told me that his marriage to you was just a marriage of convenience.”
He actually told Arabella about the marriage of convenience.
Julia’s expression turned cold, “Whether it’s a marriage of convenience or not, the marriage certificate is real. As long as the two of us are not divorced, you would be the third party.”
Arabella shook her head hopelessly, “Secretary Land, Noah doesn’t love you, why bother holding on? You’d be better off letting go.”
Julia smiled, “If you can, persuade him to divorce me.”
She didn’t have enough money to pay the penalty for breach of contract.
Seeing the smile on Julia’s face, Arabella’s eyes also gleamed with amusement, “Secretary Land, feel free to visit here when you have the time. I now live here.”
He had actually brought his ex-girlfriend to live in Imperial View Gardens.
After he finished the call, Noah asked Julia to accompany him to the study.
Arabella watched Julia ascend the stairs, smiling softly.
But in her heart, she was thinking of another matter.
If Julia knew that she had slept with a stranger, she wondered if Julia would go crazy.
1
Arabella’s lips slightly curled up.
＊＊
Inside the study.
It was too quiet.
Julia pinched the palm of her hand, feeling a bit nervous, “It wasn’t me who instructed Mr. Zhu to lay a hand on Miss Shaw. I will clear this up and explain to Miss Shaw.”
1
This matter was actually hard to investigate.
The other party had used an ambiguous issue to set her up…
Essentially, they made it look like she was the one who had stirred up trouble.
Julia had a suspicion that this might have been orchestrated by Arabella.
Arabella was a woman who could even torture a newborn kitten to death—naturally, her heart wouldn’t be kind.
Four years ago, Julia had witnessed Arabella stomping a kitten to death with her high heels, just a few months old.
2
It wasn’t just her who had seen it; Grandma Quarter had seen it too.
This might also be why Grandma Quarter strongly opposed Noah’s marriage to Arabella.
1
In the quiet study, Noah approached Julia, making her feel very pressured.
He finally spoke, “I will send someone to investigate this matter.”
He didn’t trust her.
“Where have you moved to?”
He asked again, indifferently.
After a few nights, he finally learned that she had left Jade Gardens.
“A hotel.”
“Why did you move out?”
Julia remained silent for a while, taking a deep breath, “You and Arabella are together now. I didn’t want to stay there.”
Jade Gardens was the wedding house Grandma Quarter had given them.
She couldn’t possibly continue to live there, asking for misery.
The man’s deep eyes stared at her, “Julia, do you even have the right to talk about this?”
The moment she signed the agreement two years ago, she lost any right to do so freely.
Julia wanted to laugh, “I’m just moving to a different place to live, is that not allowed?”
“If you move out and Granny hears rumors, you won’t be able to bear the consequences,” he said with a cold smile, his words chilling, “Julia, don’t try to be too clever.”
2
His cool finger tapped her forehead.
“Watch your head.”
Chapter 7: Chapter 7 Can’t Help but Vomit
Miss Land felt a churning in her stomach and couldn’t help but vomit, splattering it onto the man.
1
Noah Quarter’s icy expression instantly stiffened.
He looked at the vomit on his body and glared harshly at her.
Julia Land covered her mouth to explain, yet she felt a slight sense of satisfaction, “I’ve been feeling unwell these past few days.”
Noah Quarter disdainfully took off his soiled clothing and threw it on the floor, revealing his well-built physique.
Before he left the study, he coldly warned her,
“Move back to Jade Gardens. If grandma finds out you’ve moved out, I won’t spare you.”
It was impossible for Julia Land to move back to Jade Gardens now.
She had one most important thing to do.
That was to find a safe place to get an abortion, otherwise she would continuously worry about being discovered.
Once Julia was determined, she took swift action.
She booked a flight to a third-tier city.
She caught the plane that evening and took a taxi to a small county, booking a small motel near Glory Hospital.
Once dawn broke and the doctors at Glory Hospital began their shifts, she went to register.
Julia felt a bit shy at that moment and specifically requested the nurse, “Please, gynecological clinic—I’d like a female doctor, thank you.”
The nurse was quite impatient, “Not everyone can demand a female doctor like you; currently, only Doctor Thompson still has appointments available. Do you want to register?”
Julia Land, “…Yes.”
That nurse was quite fierce.
She went to the second-floor clinic to wait and just when her number was nearly called, Alexander Strong called her.
“Secretary Land, why are you not at work again today?”
“I’ve already submitted my resignation notice; I am currently on annual leave.”
Julia Land added, “Secretary Strong, I’m currently traveling. I’ll be back next week to hand over my duties. Thank you for your understanding.”
She briskly ended the call.
Alexander Strong, “…”
He conveyed Julia Land’s words to the busy man,
“BOSS, Secretary Land has gone traveling and will be back next week. She said she’ll return next week to hand over her duties.”
Noah Quarter raised his eyebrows, lifted the coffee on the desk, and took a sip, dissatisfied with the taste, “Who made today’s coffee? Brew it again.”
Alexander Strong took the coffee away and had the assistant secretary make a new cup of coffee.
After changing the coffee four times,
the BIG BOSS barely refrained from asking for another one.
Alexander secretly mused that the BOSS probably missed the coffee made by Julia Land.
“Book me a restaurant for dinner tonight; I have a date with Arabella. Also, order a bouquet of roses.”
1
These words surprised Alexander.
Booking flowers too?
Could he have guessed wrong, and his BOSS’s heart still belonged to his ex-girlfriend?
Alexander pulled himself together and accepted the task.
Before leaving, he looked at the working man, “Noah, Julia Land has always performed well; you… better not regret this later.”
Alexander Strong and Noah Quarter were college classmates.
He was now speaking to Noah Quarter as a friend.
Noah Quarter looked up, his eyes cold, “Why should I regret it? I’ve always loved Arabella.”
Why would he feel regret?
Noah Quarter sneered.
Julia Land was unaware of the conversation between Alexander Strong and Noah Quarter.
The nurse opened the door, “Number 30, Miss Land?”
Julia Land nodded and walked in.
As she entered, she heard another nurse coyly say, “Doctor Thompson, you’re really naughty.”
So coquettish, so endearing.
Julia Land’s heart quivered.
She glanced at the doctor enjoying this attention, “…”
This time, she recognized him.
The man she had met in the elevator was a doctor?
Dressed in a white coat, the man was tall and sturdily built.
He stood at the wash basin, meticulously cleaning his hands.
His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing muscular arms tattooed with a black mamba.
The black mamba was entwined around a rose.
Julia Land, “…..”
It was her first time seeing a doctor with such a terrifying tattoo on his arms.
James Thompson, wearing a mask, saw Julia Land and raised his eyebrows.
“Why come to such a humble place for treatment?”
He sat back down, leisurely wiping his hands, and asked casually, “What seems to be the problem?”
After waiting for a while, he noticed the patient was uncooperative.
James Thompson raised his eyebrows, “Throat pain? Can’t speak?”
Julia Land, maintaining her composure, whispered softly, “I’m here to… have an abortion.”
James Thompson, “…”
Julia Land blinked, “…”
It was unexpected.
“How many times have you been pregnant? Have you had any children before?”
“First time, never had children.”
“When was your last menstrual period?”
“Seems like the end of April.”
“Have you tested with a pregnancy test yourself?”
“Yes.”
James Thompson asked about Julia Land’s medical history before saying, “I will perform an ultrasound for you.”
Julia Land nodded; already here, she didn’t want to waste more time.
She followed the nurse behind a curtain.
Shoes off, she lay on the hospital bed, her clothes pulled up to her abdomen.
A man in gloves came in.
He applied gel to her abdomen, sending a cool sensation through her stomach.
He was performing an ultrasound.
Julia Land’s skin was very white, smooth as jade cream, the cool gel moving on her belly as she breathed tensely.
James Thompson spoke softly, “Relax a bit.”
After the ultrasound, he spoke slowly, “You have two options: surgical abortion or medication abortion.”
Julia Land had researched this before, and spoke lightly, “I choose surgical abortion.”
Her voice was cold, yet her fingers trembled slightly.
James Thompson noticed her trembling fingers and raised his eyebrows, “The surgery can be done tomorrow afternoon.”
Julia Land took a few tissues to wipe off the gel on her stomach, “Okay.”
Seeing her hands tremble even more, he uncommonly played the good guy, “If you don’t want to abort, you could keep it.”
“The father would be abusive; the child would suffer if kept.”
Julia Land calmly arranged her clothes.
“…That’s tragic.”
The man stated the fact in a very flat tone.
Julia Land, “…Yes, it’s tragic.”
James Thompson pulled back the curtain and walked out.
Julia Land glanced at his broad-shouldered and long-legged silhouette, thinking about the face-swapping dream she had a few nights ago, “…”
Did she still have the potential to be a “bad girl”?
James Thompson was entering data into the computer while explaining the precautions for a surgical abortion in detail.
Julia Land listened attentively.
James Thompson stared at the two characters, Julia Land, pondering for a second.
Finally knowing her name, Julia Land.
He suddenly said leisurely, “I have a grand nephew, his wife’s name is also ‘Julia Land’.”
1
Actually, whether called a grand nephew or a cousin makes no difference; Noah’s mother and the Thompson family had a somewhat complicated relationship.
Julia Land, “?”
He just mentioned it casually; during a chat with some people from the second branch, he happened to hear them mention the name ‘Julia Land’.
He wasn’t close with people from the second branch, nor familiar with the grand nephew.
Julia Land looked at him, her beautiful eyes wide.
His surname is Thompson, and Noah’s mother’s surname is also Thompson.
Thompson family is in the Capital Metropolis, a circle Julia Land hadn’t seen, despite being with Noah for several years and not meeting other Thompson family members.
Could it be such a coincidence?
She felt vaguely uneasy.
“Doctor Thompson must be joking; I’m not married yet.”
Julia Land wrote unmarried on her medical records.
This wasn’t the time to reveal anything.
His glance at her was inscrutable.
Could the child in her belly, calculating the days, possibly be his?
1
For some reason, Julia Land felt a chill down her spine from that one glance from Doctor Thompson.
Chapter 8: Chapter 8 Subtle Atmosphere
The atmosphere in the examination room subtly froze for a second.
James Thompson’s smile was faintly discernible beneath his mask; Julia Land couldn’t see his smile.
Following her remark, he offered an apology, “So, you are unmarried? Sorry about that, although my niece-in-law is also named Julia Land, my big nephew is nothing but a dog.”
His tone was filled with strong disdain.
“…”
Julia Land didn’t know whether to feel happy or angry.
She was unsure about Doctor Thompson’s relationship with Noah Quarter.
Nevertheless, any man who calls his big nephew a dog,
whether an actual dog or a person,
seems to have a deep aversion to this dog from the tone of his voice.
He probably won’t disclose the fact that she’s getting an abortion, right?
“Do hospitals keep patient’s medical conditions confidential?” she asked.
James Thompson finished typing the last character on the computer, printed the form, and upon hearing Julia Land’s question, he laughed, “With money, it’s possible to buy the medical records you desire.”
Julia Land, “…Isn’t that a violation of professional ethics?”
It seemed indescribably unethical, yet what he said was indeed the truth.
Her luck with choosing hospitals was indeed terrible.
Last time she encountered Noah Quarter and Arabella Shaw, this time she met someone who is likely Noah Quarter’s uncle.
“Miss Land, the surgery is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon at three o’clock, you can take this form and proceed with the hospitalization formalities afterward,” he informed her.
With a distracted nod, Julia Land acknowledged the instruction.
“Before the surgery, remember to empty your bladder,” he conscientiously advised.
Julia Land paused for a moment, her face blushing slightly as she nodded, “Thank you.”
As she prepared to leave the examination room,
The nurse who spoke earlier in a coy tone, asked Doctor Thompson with a smile, “Doctor Thompson, I’ve made a lunchbox with love, would you like to try some?”
James Thompson stared at the computer screen, deep in thought and without lifting his head, he replied, “That counts as sexual harassment in the workplace, and I could call the police.”
For a moment, Julia Land felt embarrassed on behalf of the nurse and was shocked.
She left the examination room with a wooden expression.
James Thompson looked at Julia Land’s information sheet, his face shedding the previous nonchalant expression, the child in her stomach…
He sent a message to have someone investigate Julia Land.
In reality, he had encountered Julia Land two months ago.
In a hotel.
That night.
By some twist of fate, they had slept together.
That day, he was in Dunmore City, drinking with some friends.
They teased him about still being a virgin and said they had left a gift in his room to put an end to his virginity.
He came out of the shower to find a stark-naked woman on his bed.
James Thompson was not a saint without desires; he simply took a nonchalant approach to such matters.
That night, however, he was highly aroused.
She was very accommodating in her soft, submissive manner.
From the window to the sofa and then to the bathroom, her level of cooperativeness was exceptional.
Afterward, a day passed,
When he saw his friend’s gift intended to end his virginity was a cup that could relieve a man’s needs without the aid of his hand or a woman,
James Thompson was angry at the time—the woman had climbed into his bed and had been successful.
Unexpectedly, two months later when they met again, the woman didn’t recognize him.
James Thompson furrowed his brows; this coincidence was too much.
This woman just happened to appear before him while she was pregnant, which meant he had to be careful.
Calculating the timeline, the child in her womb might be his.
But it might also not be.
James Thompson rubbed his temples.
Everything would be clear once he got the information.
At midday, Julia Land found a small restaurant for lunch.
From her seat, she could see, across the street, a black luxury sedan parked and two muscular men in black suits standing beside it.
When the car door opened, Julia Land caught sight of the man who stepped out—
it was the doctor named James Thompson.
Even across the street, she could sense his stern demeanor, a stark contrast to the relaxed air she had seen before.
He seemed to sense someone looking at him, and he slightly turned his head, his dark eyes glancing towards the direction of the small diner.
Julia Land quickly picked up the menu to shield her face.
Assistant Winters, who got out of the car, respectfully handed over a file labeled Julia Land to James Thompson, “BOSS, when will you be returning to the capital?”
James Thompson shifted his gaze away from the diner and took the information, “No rush.”
Assistant Winters nodded, ready to depart.
However, just as he was about to get into the car, James Thompson called out to stop him.
“Send someone to check who took the surveillance footage from that night.”
James Thompson uttered an ambiguous sneer, never having anticipated that everything was indeed such a coincidence.
Julia Land turned out to be his grandnephew’s wife.
“Yes.” Assistant Winters respectfully got into the car and left.
**
The noodles Julia Land had ordered arrived.
Before putting down the menu, she glanced across the street.
The car had already driven off.
She put down the menu and started eating her noodles.
A large envelope was placed in front of her; Julia Land looked up to see James Thompson, “…”
James Thompson also ordered a bowl of noodles and sat opposite Julia Land.
“Miss Land, you’re not supposed to eat spicy food right now.”
Julia Land had added just a tiny bit of chili to her noodles; she didn’t buy James Thompson’s words, “I didn’t add much.”
James Thompson’s gaze fell on the large envelope on the table, which contained her information.
The information also noted her deep affection for his grandnephew.
Thinking of the abortion surgery he was to perform for her the next day, James Thompson slightly frowned.
It was the first time he had encountered such a situation.
Julia Land ate her noodles slowly; James Thompson finished his noodles and left while she was still eating.
He even paid for her noodles.
The following day, at three in the afternoon.
Julia Land was wheeled into the operating room.
She placed her hands on her stomach, feeling a momentary impulse to cry, a sense of finality settling over her.
“Don’t be nervous, you’ll be fine after a little sleep.”
As the anesthetized Julia Land temporarily lost consciousness, the last thing she heard was James Thompson’s voice.
Seeing that she had lost consciousness, James Thompson turned to ask the circulating nurse, “Has her family come?”
The circulating nurse shook her head, “Haven’t seen them.”
This miss came by herself for the abortion, not knowing which man was so despicable.
James Thompson’s gaze fell on the unconscious Julia Land’s face and then moved to her stomach.
He picked up the abortion tools, his gloved hand grasping her ankle.
He had been ready to proceed with the abortion but then stopped.
“Hold on a moment.”
“Doctor Thompson?”
“I’m going to step out and make a call.”
He stepped out of the operating room.
Leaning against the wall, James Thompson dialed Noah Quarter’s phone number.
Noah Quarter was puzzled to receive a call from James Thompson, as he was not very familiar with this uncle.
“Have you been intimate with your wife in the past two months?”
“???”
Noah Quarter was a bit bewildered.
James Thompson frowned, “Answer me quickly, I’m filling out a hospital questionnaire.”
Noah Quarter suddenly realized, oh, it’s a survey.
They have surveys in hospitals now?
Although Noah Quarter thought it strange, since it was James Thompson asking, he felt compelled to answer.
He remembered the blurry night he spent with Julia Land in a hotel room two months prior, “Yes.”
James Thompson’s eyelids lifted, a hint of coldness in his eyes, “Do you remember the date?”
Noah Quarter, “May third.”
James Thompson, “…”
How coincidental.
The night he had been with Julia Land was also May third.
That night, she couldn’t possibly have had the energy to seek out Noah Quarter afterward.
Moreover, that night… was her first time.
“What about after May third? Nothing since?”
“Nothing.”
Hearing this answer, James Thompson raised an eyebrow and said nonchalantly, “Your sex life isn’t very active, is it?”
Noah Quarter, “…Yes.”
He didn’t like Julia Land, naturally, he wouldn’t sleep with her, that night was just a fever-induced mistake.
1
James Thompson was now one hundred percent certain that the child in Julia Land’s belly was actually his.
2
He felt things were getting complicated.
She seemed to believe that it was his grandnephew that night.
James Thompson didn’t consider himself a good person, but he wasn’t vile enough to wreck someone’s marriage.
He hung up the phone and walked back into the operating room.
Chapter 9: Chapter 9: I Don’t Want You to Feel Wronged
After the effects of the anesthetic wore off, Julia Land woke up.
Julia turned her head and saw James Thompson standing by the window.
Upon seeing her wake up, James said, “You’re awake.”
The effects of the anesthetic had worn off, but she still felt a bit weak and limp.
She thought the abortion was already done.
Unexpectedly, James suddenly said, “The abortion isn’t done yet, the baby is still there.”
Julia frowned, “What do you mean?”
Her voice was hoarse and she was thirsty.
James came over, poured a cup of water, helped her sit up to drink it, and after she finished, he said, “Noah Quarter.”
Julia’s face turned slightly pale.
Indeed, he really knew Noah Quarter.
Expressionless, she asked indifferently, “Are you going to tell him? Even if you tell him I’m pregnant, it’s no use, he won’t want the child.”
“Not going to,” James pulled over a chair, sat down, and lazily said while looking at her, “I’m not close to him, I won’t tell him about this.”
James saw the wariness on her face.
He said with a relaxed attitude, “When I say something, I mean it.”
Julia didn’t say a word, just looking at him skeptically.
James chuckled under his breath.
“Don’t worry, I really won’t tell him. About the surgery, I’ve arranged for another famous doctor for you; he can be here tomorrow.”
James made a promise.
He said, “This child is related to me after all.”
What James meant by relation was that he was the baby’s father, but Julia thought he meant they were relatives.
Julia nodded, tentatively believing his words for the time being.
“Do you love him a lot?” the man suddenly asked.
Caught off guard by the question, Julia was stunned for a moment, “What?”
James repeated, “Do you love Noah Quarter?”
Julia smiled faintly, a self-mocking smile, “I’ve loved him for four years.”
Now she didn’t dare to love him anymore.
James looked down, quickly typed a line of text on his phone, and posted a question online: “How would she feel if she discovered that she had slept with a man she doesn’t love?”
The internet responded with a flood of answers, most of which were: “In unbearable pain,” “A nightmare for life.”
James felt a headache coming on when he saw these responses.
It seemed this matter had to be kept secret for the time being.
3
He twirled his phone, his knuckles prominent and fingers nimble and long, he looked at Julia very seriously and said, “I can take care of that Shaw woman for you, do you need me to?”
Julia was momentarily unable to react.
She had not expected that he also knew about Arabella Shaw and Noah Quarter’s affair.
She looked at James and saw that he was not joking.
“No… no need,” she replied dryly. She wasn’t familiar with James, and it seemed strange, “His heart is not with me, a melon forced to be picked from the vine is not sweet. But why do you want to help me?”
James smiled lazily, “Just consider it a good deed.”
“…”
She didn’t quite believe that.
Her marriage to Noah Quarter was merely a contractual agreement.
It was she who naively got emotionally involved.
James took a pen out of his lab coat pocket, grabbed Julia’s hand, and quickly wrote a phone number in her palm, “If you change your mind, you can contact me.”
Julia watched his retreating figure as he left the ward, then looked down at the number in her palm.
“Arabella Shaw is the love deeply buried in his heart; without her, he would only remember her more. I, Julia Land, am not so depraved to stoop that low. Just give me a little time, and I’ll excise him from my heart.”
Julia smiled faintly, took the remote control, and casually turned on the TV.
Suddenly, her body stiffened.
*
At that moment, the TV was on the financial news channel.
A live broadcast was happening in the Quarter Group meeting hall.
The person speaking on the stage was Grandma Quarter.
Grandma Quarter was the former chairman of the Quarter Group.
She sat in her wheelchair, smiling as she announced, “I am here to declare that ten percent of my shares will be given to my granddaughter-in-law, Julia Land.”
The crowd below immediately burst into an uproar.
Who is Julia Land?
Which family’s daughter is she?
When did Director Quarter get married?
Just yesterday afternoon the famous female singer Arabella Shaw was spotted on a date with Noah Quarter, Chairman of Quarter Group.
To everyone’s surprise, Grandma Quarter publicly released such a message today.
Lying on the hospital bed, Julia Land was utterly unaware of what had happened.
She had only passed out for two hours, only to wake up and find out everyone knew she was married to Noah Quarter.
Why had Grandma Quarter suddenly made the news of her marriage to Noah public?
And she had… given her shares of the stock.
Julia felt things were getting out of control.
She hurriedly searched for her phone and turned it on.
As soon as it was on, she saw many text messages.
Julia didn’t look at the messages; she waited for the press conference to end and immediately called Grandma Quarter.
“Grandma, why did you suddenly go public?”
She had already been preparing to divorce Noah.
The sudden revelation of her marriage caught her off guard.
Grandma Quarter’s voice was as kind as ever, “Little Julia, you’ve been wronged these past few days, why didn’t you tell me when she returned? If I hadn’t seen the news of Noah and Arabella dining together last afternoon, I would have been kept in the dark by you two.”
Julia touched her belly, her eyes unintentionally becoming slightly red.
For this child not meant to be, and for the feelings she had once invested.
“Grandma, I can’t take the Quarter shares.”
“Silly child, with the Quarter shares, you’ll have money in the future, and these shares are Grandma’s gift to your future grandsons and granddaughters.”
3
Once Grandma Quarter made a decision, it was very hard to change.
Julia rubbed her temples, planning to return the shares to the Quarter Family later.
After talking for a while, Grandma Quarter was tired, and Julia hung up the phone.
Just after hanging up, she received a call from Noah Quarter.
“Julia Land! You’re really something, aren’t you!”
Noah was very frustrated, his usually cold voice taking on a chilly edge.
“Congratulations, now everyone knows you are Mrs. Quarter with Quarter shares.”
He really hadn’t expected Julia to be so cunning.
1
Julia rubbed her temples, took a deep breath, “Noah, Grandma’s sudden decision, I had no idea, I will return the Quarter shares to the family.”
Noah Quarter laughed coldly, “It’s too late to say anything now, you’d better come back quickly so we can get divorced, the only wife I will ever acknowledge is Arabella.”
Julia no longer wanted to talk; since Noah had brought up divorce, at least she wouldn’t have to pay a penalty for breach of contract, “I’ll come back tomorrow.”
2
She hung up the phone directly.
Noah Quarter stared at the hung-up phone, irritably tugging at his tie.
Alexander Strong saw nothing, the nose saw the heart.
“Try to suppress those online news stories; I don’t want them affecting Arabella.”
Arabella Shaw was a big star, and now many online were calling her a home-wrecker.
Alexander nodded and left to handle it.
Sitting on the sofa, Arabella Shaw’s face showed a touch of pallor; she stood up, walked over, and hugged Noah Quarter around the waist.
Her face against his chest, her voice melodious yet fragile, “Noah, why does Grandma never like me? What did I do wrong?”
3
Noah Quarter smoothed out the anger on his face, holding her shoulder, his handsome face softening, “Arabella, don’t be sad, you’re good, it’s me who’s not good. If it weren’t to reassure Grandma back then, I would not have agreed to a marriage with Julia.”
Arabella Shaw tiptoed, gently kissing his jaw, “No, it’s my fault, I must not be good enough yet, but I don’t want to let go this time.”
As her kiss was about to land on his lips, Noah Quarter suddenly thought of Julia’s stunning and extravagant face for a moment.
2
He slightly turned his head away.
Arabella Shaw looked at him with teary eyes.
Affected by the tears of his beloved, Noah Quarter held her tightly.
“Stop crying,” he lifted her chin and cooed.
There was a rest area in the office.
Noah Quarter carried Arabella Shaw sideways, heading towards the rest area.
Arabella’s face blushed, her beautiful eyes filled with affection as she clung to the man’s neck, “If I get pregnant, will Grandma accept me then?”
“I don’t want you to feel wronged,” Noah Quarter laid her on the bed, “I want you in a wedding gown first, be good, you go to sleep first, by the time you wake up, the internet issues will be dealt with.”
Arabella Shaw bit her red lips; she really didn’t feel wronged.
As long as there was a child, that old woman should compromise.
Just as Noah Quarter was about to get up, Arabella Shaw pulled him back.
They had been dating in college, and their first time had already been given to each other.
This time back in the country, he had been restraining himself from going all the way with her, which made her very uneasy.
Arabella Shaw thought of Julia, her eyes closed, eyelashes trembling slightly.
She kissed his brow, “Noah, I’ve really missed you these past years, I have been missing you a lot.”
Seeing her trembling lashes, Noah Quarter ultimately did not push away her hand reaching into his clothes.
Chapter 10: Chapter 10 Feeling Disgusted That You Like Me
This afternoon, a drizzly rain fell over the small county town.
Julia Land, with one hand pulling a suitcase and the other holding an umbrella, stood outside the hospital waiting for a car.
Her figure appeared somewhat cold and lonely.
She had promised Noah Quarter to return and get a divorce, and she didn’t have time to wait for an abortion.
A car stopped in front of her.
An elbow with a black mamba tattoo rested on the car window, pinching a cigarette between two fingers.
The man sitting inside the car had a handsome and dignified face, with deep and well-defined features.
“Get in, where to, I’ll drive you.”
He extinguished the cigarette between his fingers and looked toward the woman holding the umbrella outside.
While Julia Land was hesitating to continue waiting for a car,
James Thompson had already opened the door, stepped out of the car with his long legs, and placed her luggage in the back.
Julia Land didn’t hesitate anymore; she reached out to open the door and sat inside, “To the airport.”
James Thompson started the car, one hand on the steering wheel, and passed a bag of food to Julia Land with the other hand, “The soup dumplings here are really good, try some.”
Julia hadn’t had breakfast yet. She accepted the dumplings, “Thank you, you’re quite nice.”
James Thompson smiled enigmatically.
It was the first time he had heard someone say he was nice.
If people who knew James Thompson heard this, they would probably die of shock.
Everyone in their circles knew that you could provoke anyone except for the Thompson family heir.
His scalpel could save lives, but it could also make life worse than death.
**
The plane landed at Dunmore City Airport.
Julia Land got off the plane and immediately called Noah Quarter.
“We’ll meet at the Civil Affairs Bureau at four to get divorced.”
After the divorce, she would go for the abortion.
Noah Quarter signaled to pause the meeting, his voice cold and expressionless, “I’ll be on time.”
Now there were only two hours left until four o’clock.
He hung up the phone and coolly addressed the assistant manager from the design department, who had just reported next quarter’s plan, “The focus for future markets is on AI, and I’m very dissatisfied with your report.”
The assistant manager silently suffered, “Chairman, I’ll have a meeting with the RD department again.”
At the entrance of the Civil Affairs Bureau.
Julia Land sat on her luggage, chewing on bread she bought from the convenience store.
As it neared four o’clock, a black sedan pulled up in front of her.
Noah Quarter got out of the car, and following him was Arabella Shaw.
Julia Land swallowed the bread in her mouth and spoke unclearly, “You two came together, are you planning to get a marriage certificate immediately after getting the divorce certificate?”
Arabella Shaw slightly lowered her head, revealing kiss marks on her fair neck, which were clearly visible.
Julia Land saw them, but her expression remained indifferent.
“Let’s go, they’ll be off work soon.”
Julia Land dragged her luggage and climbed the stairs.
“Arabella, wait for me in the car, I’ll be out soon.”
Noah Quarter said to Arabella Shaw, following behind Julia Land and indifferently going up the stairs.
Just as the two of them were about to sign the papers for the divorce,
the butler called to tell them that Grandma Quarter was waiting for them at Jade Gardens.
1
Noah Quarter’s expression hardened as he looked at Julia Land; the signatures were not yet on the divorce papers when he put down the pen, “Julia Land, is this your tactic?”
He pushed back his chair and left.
Julia Land rubbed her temples.
In his eyes, she had become a woman with deep scheming.
Arabella Shaw waited outside the Civil Affairs Bureau.
Seeing Noah Quarter coming out, she walked over with a smile and hooked his arm, “Noah, is everything done?”
“I’ll take you back to Imperial View Gardens first, I have matters to handle,” Noah Quarter’s mood was sour, but he controlled himself in front of Arabella Shaw, “Let’s go.”
1
Arabella Shaw felt a pang in her heart. She glanced at Julia Land coming out of the Civil Affairs Bureau and got into the car.
In the living room of Jade Gardens.
Sitting in a wheelchair, Grandma Quarter removed her reading glasses.
She watched as the two entered one after the other without speaking.
The butler took Noah Quarter’s coat and handed it to a servant.
“Grandma, why did you suddenly come?”
Noah Quarter sat closer to Grandma Quarter on the sofa with a smile.
“Starting today,” the obnoxious old crone that I am, will be living here.”
Grandma Quarter’s face was cold, clearly unhappy.
Julia Land’s brow furrowed, didn’t this mean that Noah wouldn’t be divorcing her for the time being?
Moreover, she would have to move back in and live with Noah.
“Grandma, as long as you’re happy, I’m going to go upstairs to change.”
Noah gave Julia a cold glance, signaling her to follow him.
In the bedroom.
Noah started to undo his shirt buttons and took off his clothes.
Julia stood by the door.
“You want your childhood friend to live a little longer, you better be smart.”
Julia’s face turned pale, “What do you mean?”
The man coldly stated a name, “Violet.”
Julia looked at him in fear and immediately took out her phone to call Violet.
Violet wasn’t actually her biological brother.
Both of them were children sent to the orphanage by adults on the same day.
One had the surname Land, the other, Violet.
In the orphanage, the two children, both surnamed ‘lu’, supported each other as they grew up.
Without Violet, there would be no Julia Land today.
Violet’s phone went unanswered.
Julia’s hand, clutching her phone, couldn’t help trembling.
Answer the phone, Little Violet.
“He can’t possibly answer your calls right now.”
Noah’s words sent chills all over Julia.
She also called the caretaker’s number, which also went unanswered.
“Tonight, you have to apologize to Wesley Turner. Secretary Strong will take you there. Julia Land, this is a warning to you.”
Julia bit her lip in anger and fear, glaring at the man before her.
“Noah, I want a divorce too, I want you to be with Arabella Shaw; what does Grandma’s decision have to do with me?”
Noah put on his clothes, walked towards Julia, his dark eyes fixating on her, “What, are you angry? Be good and your childhood friend might live longer, understand? Your behavior recently has been very unsatisfactory to me.”
Julia took a deep breath, her eyes reddening with anger, “I know now. These years, I, Julia Land, must have been blind to like someone like you.”
Noah felt a slight displeasure at her words.
“Julia Land, I’m only disgusted to be liked by you, you’re not even worthy.”
Julia wiped away the tears she didn’t realize had fallen, gave Noah a cold look, and turned to leave the bedroom.
“If you dare to stay in a hotel, I’ll have someone break one of Violet’s legs.”
He was serious.
Julia roughly wiped away her tears, coldly said, “I’ll go move my luggage back in.”
**
Come 7 PM, Grandma Quarter had already gone to rest.
Alexander Strong drove to pick up Julia.
Dressed in long sleeves and pants, Julia got into the car.
“Secretary Land, you look a bit pale. Are you sick?”
Alexander drove and struck up a conversation with her.
Julia was worried about Violet and couldn’t calm down, naturally unable to rest well.
“I’m fine, just haven’t had a good rest is all.”
“I’ll accompany you inside later.”
The place they were going to was the Charm Color Club.
This club was famously a paradise for the rich.
Wesley Turner, that man, was not something to be trifiled with.
Noah’s decision to let Julia apologize, even though Wesley’s nether regions were almost incapacitated, was despicable.
Noah’s decision was beyond Alexander’s power to change; all he could do was accompany Julia inside.
When they entered the private room, there were several tables of people playing Mahjong.
Others were flirting with hostesses over drinks.
Julia saw Noah teaching Arabella Shaw how to play Mahjong.
Chapter 11: Chapter 11 She Gave It to You to Play
“Who is this? Oh, it’s Secretary Land?”
Wesley Turner said in a mocking tone as he looked Julia Land up and down, noticing her long-sleeve shirt and trousers, and clicked his tongue.
Julia saw that Noah merely glanced at her indifferently; she composed herself and said, “Mr. Turner, about the last time, I truly apologize.”
“As long as you finish this bottle of alcohol, I’ll accept your apology.”
Wesley pushed a bottle of liquor towards Julia with an unfriendly expression on his face.
1
He had almost been ruined last time.
He couldn’t swallow his pride without teaching this woman a lesson.
It was a bottle of highly potent liquor; drinking it could endanger her life.
Alexander Strong chuckled lightly, “Mr. Turner, how about I drink half for Secretary Land?”
“That won’t do. If Secretary Land doesn’t want to drink, perhaps she can entertain us all with a striptease.”
A few young masters joined in the heckling.
“Yes, a striptease.”
Arabella Shaw blushed, rolled her eyes at Wesley, and chuckled, “Big Brother Turner, us girls really don’t want to watch a woman’s striptease.”
1
“If you won’t drink or dance, then how will you apologize?”
Wesley spread his legs apart, patted his thigh, and said, “Sit on my lap and accompany me to play mahjong—that should suffice, right?”
Julia had psychologically prepared herself.
Apologizing tonight wouldn’t be an easy task.
For the sake of her life, she couldn’t possibly drink the liquor.
Julia pinched the palm of her hand, silently psyching herself up.
She expressionlessly sat on Wesley’s thigh.
The whistles around her caused her heart to sink.
Noah’s indifferent gaze slightly moved; he furrowed his brows and said coldly, “Are we still playing?”
He was referring to mahjong.
“Play, play, play,” Wesley said as he wrapped an arm around Julia’s waist, his hand inappropriately touching, “I play six dots!”
Arabella inwardly mocked Julia, turned her pretty face towards Noah, and asked, “Noah, which one should I play?”
“This one.”
Noah pinched a mahjong tile between his forefinger and middle finger and tossed it onto the table; the tile struck Julia’s arm.
It was actually quite painful to be hit like that.
Arabella was slightly surprised, while Julia, with drooping eyelids, acted as if it wasn’t her that had just been struck.
“Julia, is your hand hurt?” Wesley suddenly called out ‘Julia,’ taking the opportunity to grab her hand and pull up her sleeve, his disgusting fingers rubbing her arm, “It’s a bit red. Your skin is so tender.”
Julia said coldly, “It doesn’t hurt.”
She jerked her arm away.
A conniving smile appeared on Wesley’s lips.
“Bring me a plate of grapes.”
Someone passed a plate of grapes to Wesley.
He picked up a grape, smiled at Julia, and said, “Julia, feed me grapes with your little mouth while I play mahjong.”
The people around laughed.
Julia subconsciously looked towards Noah.
She knew he was waiting for her to be the first to bow her head.
But just the thought of her brother still being in Noah’s hands made her resolve to go all out tonight.
Julia looked at the plate of grapes, her eyes faint as she half held a grape between her red lips, psyching herself up.
She imagined she was feeding a dog.
While Wesley ate the grape, he directly pressed on the back of Julia’s head, trying to touch her red lips.
Julia turned her head to avoid him.
“Don’t be shy.”
He licked his lips and said with a smile.
For a moment, Julia felt like crying, but she quickly calmed herself down.
“Mr. Turner, let me also try the beauty feeding grapes?”
For these young masters, sharing the same woman was a normal occurrence.
Especially since Julia was beautiful yet her demeanor was haughty, it evoked a compelling desire to conquer.
Alexander frowned; he looked towards the boss, and seeing that he wasn’t going to intervene, felt somewhat helpless.
Wesley Turner was generous, “Julia, go feed him a grape.”
Arabella Shaw looked at Julia Land’s pale face, scoffing and deriding in her mind.
She was certain of one thing, Noah couldn’t possibly like Julia Land.
However, because Noah was present, Arabella Shaw pretended to be kind and suggested, “Secretary Land could bow in apology, what do you think, big brother Wesley?”
After thinking it over, Wesley waved his hand, “Alright, for Arabella’s sake.”
“But I want her to turn around, her buttocks towards me, and bow at ninety degrees. If it’s not ninety degrees, she must do it again.”
“Hahaha, well done, young Wesley!”
When it came to humiliating people, Wesley Turner, a tasteless man, ranked first.
2
The spectators around them laughed and jeered.
Julia Land felt like a person without dignity.
She couldn’t resist.
Arabella Shaw blushed, gave Wesley Turner a glare, and turned to Noah Quarter, “Can we leave now? This is too boring.”
Right then, Julia Land scoffed, a sound that was somewhat abrupt.
Everyone stared at her in surprise.
Noah Quarter’s cold eyes fixed on Julia Land.
Julia Land smirked, “Have you all forgotten something? Grandma Quarter announced my status yesterday.”
“I am,” she pointed at herself and then at Noah Quarter, her smile seductive, “I am the wife of Director Quarter here.”
The room, which had been filled with mocking laughter, suddenly fell silent.
Noah Quarter’s expression turned icy cold.
Julia Land covered her mouth and chuckled, her smile willful and enchanting, “I never imagined Director Quarter had such a fetish, to offer his wife in name for others’ entertainment.”
1
The atmosphere grew even more bizarre.
Noah Quarter stood up, his eyes cold as ice, “Wesley Turner, tonight she’s yours to play with.”
With that, he left.
Arabella Shaw’s lips curled slightly up; she quickly followed Noah Quarter out.
Wesley Turner went to see them off, delightedly saying, “Alright, Director Quarter, take care.”
The situation had taken a dramatic turn.
Wesley Turner had initially given up after hearing what Julia Land had just said.
He hadn’t expected the Director to be so generous.
To offer his wife in name so readily.
This man was ruthless, merciless.
True love certainly was different.
“Julia, did you hear that? Director Quarter has given you to me to enjoy, don’t worry, I’m quite gentle with girls.”
Wesley Turner flashed a lascivious grin.
As Julia Land tried to leave the private room, Wesley Turner pushed her against the door.
Men were much stronger than women.
Wesley Turner, having been kicked by Julia Land before, knew her fiery nature.
He tightly grasped her slender wrists with both hands.
Alexander Strong tried to help Julia Land, but was stopped by other gentlemen in the room.
“Secretary Strong, Director Quarter has spoken; how dare you intervene?”
Wesley Turner slightly lifted his chin, “Gentlemen, keep an eye on Secretary Strong.”
Wesley Turner forcefully dragged her over and pushed her down onto a couch.
His hands eagerly roamed.
Julia Land felt disgusted.
A subtle pain began in her abdomen.
Julia Land spit on Wesley Turner’s face in disgust, “Disgusting, don’t touch me.”
Wesley Turner slapped Julia Land hard, his hand so strong that her ears buzzed and she was momentarily deafened.
“Secretary Land, it seems you still don’t recognize your own situation. I’ll give you a drink to make you behave.”
They had drugs that could turn a fierce woman into a promiscuous one.
Wesley Turner, panting, had someone help him hold Julia Land down, as he pulled out a packet of drugs and poured it into a glass of wine.
Alexander Strong, restrained by the others, could only watch as they pried open Julia’s mouth to feed her the drug.
Her clothes had already been ripped open, exposing her fair skin.
Goodbye, Ex-husband! I’m Pregnant with Your Uncle’s Child!
Author: Hu Jinjin© WebNovel
Chapter 1: Chapter 1 Go to the Hospital
On the day of their wedding anniversary, Julia Land went to the gynecologist alone.
In the hospital, she ran into her husband holding his first love.
The first love leaned against him, her voice soft, “Noah, thank you for accompanying me to the hospital for my painful periods.”
Her husband, feeling pity for the first love, told Julia to buy some chocolate.
Julia suddenly laughed, her hand moving away from her stomach.
Ironically, she was thinking about changing hospitals to have an abortion, not wanting to have this child.
—
Julia Land had come to the hospital to terminate her pregnancy.
She had registered and was waiting in line to see the doctor.
Around her sat several couples, the wives pregnant, husbands accompanying them.
In contrast, she looked somewhat pitiful, coming alone for an abortion.
Two months earlier, she had accompanied Noah Quarter on a business trip.
They attended a drinking party.
She got drunk and woke up the next morning alone in the hotel suite.
Clothes were scattered all over the floor.
Her clothes and one of his white shirts.
At that moment, Julia felt ecstatic.
After all these years, he had finally accepted her love.
She truly, truly loved him.
But this joy was brutally shattered the night before.
Last night, she tentatively asked him what if she was pregnant?
He casually stroked her stomach and chuckled, “If you’re pregnant, then just get an abortion, plus I couldn’t possibly get you pregnant.”
Such blunt and cold words.
They chilled Julia to the bone right then.
Regardless, she had been his secretary for five years and loved him for several years.
And his wife for two years.
Even raising a dog could develop some affection, right?
But after all this, what she got in return was such a ruthless statement.
Thinking about last night, Julia faintly smirked.
As her smile had not yet faded, she saw her husband walking over with a woman in his arms.
Julia tensed up suddenly.
She instinctively lowered her head.
“Isn’t that Secretary Land?” Arabella Shaw, wearing a mask, tugged at Noah’s clothes to have him come over, “I want to talk to Secretary Land for a moment.”
“You should see the doctor first.”
The man’s voice had less of its usual coldness and more gentleness.
“It’s been a long while since I’ve seen Secretary Land, just a few words.”
Arabella blinked her moist eyes and poked the man’s chest with her small hand, “I just fainted because of my painful period and low blood sugar, no need to worry so much.”
Julia realized someone was standing in front of her.
She looked up.
And saw her boss.
Nominally her husband.
Holding another woman, standing right in front of her with all frankness.
*
For a moment, Julia was dazed.
“Secretary Land, long time no see, you’ve become even more beautiful,” said Arabella joyfully.
When had she… returned to the country.
Arabella Shaw, Noah’s ex-girlfriend and first love.
Julia managed a forced smile as she stood up, politely saying, “It has been a long while.”
Arabella pressed her lips together and giggled softly, “Secretary Land, you’ve taken good care of Noah over the years, and you’re probably the only one who can tolerate his bad temper.”
That familiar tone when she mentioned Noah.
They had already broken up four years ago.
Julia smiled faintly, “It wasn’t hard; after all, the Quarter Group pays well.”
A nurse pushed a wheelchair over.
Noah gently seated Arabella in the wheelchair.
So a man’s gentleness depends on the recipient.
Julia pressed her lips together, feeling very uncomfortable.
Arabella, looking up at Noah, thanked him and then turned to Julia, “Secretary Land, are you also here to see the doctor?”
“No, I’ve already seen the doctor and am about to leave.”
Arabella coquettishly clung to the man’s sleeve, leaning on his arm, her voice soft, “I suddenly really want some chocolate, I really do.”
“See the doctor first,” Noah spoke with a hint of helplessness, then glanced casually at Julia, “Secretary Land, please go buy a box of chocolates and bring it to the fifth floor later.”
1
Julia felt a chill, wanting to scoff.
Was he really asking his wife to buy chocolates for his ex-girlfriend?
Julia suddenly laughed.
She could go to another hospital for the abortion.
Arabella gently tapped the man’s arm, looking at him helplessly, “Secretary Land must be feeling unwell since she’s at the hospital today, and yet you still have the nerve to ask her to buy chocolates, really.”
He responded coldly, “That’s her job.”
Yes, that’s the secretary’s job.
Hearing this, Julia lowered her eyelids, hiding the fleeting sadness in her eyes.
Her intrinsic pride wouldn’t allow her to lose too badly, she smiled, “Miss Shaw, as a secretary, this indeed is my job.”
She nodded at them and tightly clenched her purse, leaving quickly.
*
Julia went to a nearby supermarket and bought a box of chocolates.
She returned to the hospital and took the elevator to the fifth floor.
The elevator doors opened with a ding.
She instantly saw the two of them embracing outside the elevator.
Arabella was hugging Noah’s waist.
They were kissing.
1
Julia Land’s stomach churned, she covered her pale lips, unable to stop herself from leaning against the mirror inside the elevator to dry heave.
Their eyes met.
The elevator door closed again, and Julia’s eyes were filled with tears as she continued to dry heave in the elevator.
Fortunately, at that time, she was alone in the elevator.
Arabella Shaw looked at the closing elevator, puzzled, “What’s wrong with Secretary Land?”
She heard the sound of dry heaving.
Noah Quarter’s cool eyes deepened, thinking back to last night when Julia suddenly asked about having children, he seemed pensive.
Julia handed the box of chocolates to the nurse, asking her to deliver them to the fifth floor for Noah Quarter.
She drove home, and the first thing she did was pack her luggage, planning to move out the next day.
The two-year marriage contract, indeed, broke at the first blow.
The dream had to end.
Two years ago, Grandma Quarter had wanted to see Noah get married in her lifetime.
At that time, Noah had asked Julia if she wanted to enter into a contract marriage concerning pre-marital assets.
He even offered her money.
Julia had already been secretly in love with him.
Additionally, she needed a lot of money back then, so she agreed to this arrangement.
Even though it was a contract marriage, she had taken it very seriously.
She had thought that sincerity could be met with sincerity.
Only, Arabella Shaw’s return to the country this time made her thoughts seem laughable.
Damn sincere exchange.
**
At night.
She waited for him to return.
She forced herself to stay calm, waiting for him to come back to resolve things.
She waited from six in the evening until eight, during which she called him several times, but nobody answered.
Noah Quarter did not come back that night.
She received a forwarded photo from her sister-in-law, Eliza Quarter, which Arabella Shaw had posted on her social circle.
In the photo, her husband, was blow-drying Arabella Shaw’s hair.
The man was wearing a bathrobe.
Late at night, wearing a bathrobe, blow-drying his ex-girlfriend’s hair.
1
Julia stared at the photo, blinking her slightly sore eyes and silently smiled.
She expressionlessly pulled out the contract marriage document they had signed two years ago from the drawer.
Her gaze fell on the last clause.
“Whoever initiates a divorce within five years must pay the other party a penalty of two hundred million.”
1
When they got married, Julia had asked for a dowry of thirty million, but Noah had transferred one hundred million directly to her.
She calculated her finances, deducting the expenses for her brother’s chemotherapy, she still had ninety million left.
If she initiated a divorce, she currently didn’t have the two hundred million to compensate him.
Julia rubbed her face, put away the contract, changed her clothes, picked up her keys, and left the house.
*
Dunmore City had many bars.
Julia Land had never been to such places before.
Today, she ordered a drink here but didn’t drink it; thinking about the child in her belly, she eventually put down the glass.
Julia pulled at the corners of her mouth, wanting to drink to vent, but she didn’t have the chance.
She walked out of the bar, sniffed, and tears like a fool started to flow down.
Loving someone for several years, and in the end, it all turned to nothing.
Ahead was a taxi with the “available” sign lit, door open; Julia sat in, her nose heavy with a nasal tone, “Driver, to Jade Gardens.”
The driver looked at the rearview mirror at the woman and a man in the back seat, had they just had a fight?
The experienced driver kindly said, “We men should be a bit more considerate towards women.”
Starting the car, he drove off.
Julia then realized, turned her head, and through tear-red, misty eyes, saw a man sitting next to her.
The man wore a mask, obscuring his face.
“Driver, stop the car, sorry, I got into the wrong car.”
“…”
The driver pulled over to the side of the road; Julia apologized a few times before getting out.
She glanced at the man in the back seat.
He was also looking at her.
**
Noah Quarter only returned the next morning to change his clothes.
When he arrived, he saw several boxes of luggage in the living room.
“Who’s here?” he asked as he unbuttoned his shirt, his voice hoarse.
“My luggage,” Julia’s gaze fell on the red lipstick mark on the collar of his white shirt, her finger pointing, “A woman’s lipstick.”
He pulled his collar and saw indeed, a lipstick mark.
An unnatural expression flickered across Noah Quarter’s face.
However, he soon regained his cool demeanor.
He didn’t even feel like explaining.
Figures.
Julia laughed out loud.
Noah Quarter frowned, “What are you laughing at?”
“Nothing, I just saw a joke this morning, I’m heading to the office now.”
Julia, carrying her small handbag, walked out the door, instinctively changing into a pair of flat shoes.
Noah Quarter went upstairs, back to the bedroom.
He undressed and walked to the bathroom, only then realizing that she hadn’t prepared the clothes he wanted to change into.
Before, whenever he needed a bath, Julia would always prepare his clothes in advance.
With a faint look in his eyes, he walked back out of the bathroom.
While calling Julia, he walked to the wardrobe, “I forgot to ask you something.”
He pulled open the wardrobe drawer.
“Julia, you’re not pregnant, are you?”
His cold voice penetrated the phone, drilling into her ears, causing her heart to beat wildly.