Ch. 1221..1230
Always Been Yours Chapter 1221
When Oliver came back to his senses, he realized that he didn’t even have the opportunity to explain himself before the other shareholders removed him from his position. One of them even said, “Since Mr. Oliver isn’t the company’s president anymore, I’m sure he needs to take his leave since we’ll be discussing the company’s confidential matter, right, Chairman Hadfield?”
As soon as Francis and Oliver heard the shareholder’s words, their faces darkened.
Oliver stayed seated. He was already mad that they had removed him from his position, but now, they were even kicking him out. After all, no one had ever treated him in such a way. On the other hand, Francis was still rational and knew they could only agree to this even if they were reluctant to do so. After all, the Hadfield Family was at fault.
“Leave now, Oliver.” As Francis spoke, he gave Oliver a look. Looking at his father, Oliver knew what he meant. Although he was still dissatisfied, he could only stand up and leave resentfully.
Within half a day, the news of Oliver’s dismissal had spread through the business circle of Southend. When Edward heard the news, he immediately reported it to Nicholas. Then, he. asked in confusion, “How did you know Oliver had been embezzling the company’s fund, President Sawyer?”!
“Kieran heard about it by chance,” replied Nicholas with a smile:
It all started when Kieran was out drinking with one of his friends. His friend had brought a friend, which Kieran didn’t mind, and he invited the person to drink. However, the person was a lightweight and started slurring as soon as he had a few shots. Initially, Kieran and his friend didn’t mind and kept drinking as they talked. After that, they somehow started talking about Hadfield Group.
“Speaking of which, I wouldn’t have known that Hadfield Group was earning such a huge profit if it wasn’t for the post on the internet. No wonder Oliver could purchase houses and cars so frequently.” “I’m really surprised.”
Kieran was also surprised when he saw how much private property Oliver had when he saw the news online. After all, even he, the second- in-command of the Sawyer Group, wasn’t as wealthy as Oliver.
However, the drunk man interrupted their conversation and said, “Oliver doesn’t have that much money. He used the company’s fund to make his purchases.”
As soon as the man said that, Kieran and his friend were startled. Then, they looked at the drunkard in curiosity. “How did he do it?”
“Even if he were to use public funds, it is still a big amount of money. However, Hadfield Group seems to be functioning properly.”
When the drunkard heard their questions, he laughed and said, “Of course, there won’t be a problem. Oliver is a well-considered man. I heard from him that he has two accounts. One is for the public eye while the other is for the company’s own use.”
When Kieran and his friend heard the man’s words, they were no longer surprised. However, Kieran looked at the man in puzzlement and asked, “How did you know about these?”
“Oliver told me when he was drunk. That guy will answer any questions you ask him when he’s drunk. Because of this, I know lots of things about him.” The man looked at Kieran proudly.
At that moment, an idea flashed across Kieran’s mind, and he asked the man many things about Oliver. Nicholas finished recounting the story.
He snorted in disdain as he thought about how arrogant Oliver was. On the other hand, Edward
was dumbfounded. After all, he had seen many people set themselves on the path to ruin, but never one as shocking as Oliver’s. Never had he expected someone as smart as Oliver to spill the beans after being drunk.
At that thought, Edward felt shivers run down his spine and he mumbled, “Looks like I have to be cautious when I’m out drinking.”
Although Edward spoke softly, Nicholas still heard him. He smiled and didn’t think much about it. “Since Hadfield Group dismissed Oliver from his position, we don’t have to care about him anymore. You can go ahead with your work.”
Nicholas waved him off. After hearing his words, Edward nodded and thought, Oliver is doomed. He can’t cause any more trouble now.
At Muller Inc, Wanda also heard that Oliver embezzled public funds and was removed from his position. “What a useless man he is,” she said.
Always Been Yours Chapter 1222
Wanda cursed under her breath. Although Oliver wasn’t the one whom she loved, he was obedient and had some authority. However, now that he had lost his power, he was worthless and meant nothing to her! Wanda was furious since she didn’t have many connections.
However, there were two sides to every story. Although Wanda had lost a helper, on second thought, he wouldn’t keep pestering her anymore. After all, they had a different status now. Thinking about it, Wanda became delighted.
As Wanda gloated, Oliver left Hadfield Group in frustration and went to a bar. At this moment, he needed to relieve his stress and drinking was the best option.
“A bunch of old hags. Did they think that they could control Hadfield Group by dismissing me? I’ll return to the company sooner or later. That’ll show them!”
Sitting by the bar counter, he downed one shot after another. In the meantime, many women recognized Oliver and wanted to flirt with him. To their dismay, Oliver rejected them all.
However, these women reminded Oliver about something. Wanda, his fiancée, didn’t even give him a call after he got into such huge trouble.
The more he thought about it, the more furious he felt. Coupled with the alcohol in his system, he left the bar angrily and went to the Muller Residence. He ignored the servant who tried to stop him and barged into Wanda’s room.
“Show yourself, Wanda!” “I’m sorry, Miss Wanda. I tried to stop Mr. Oliver, but I couldn’t.” The servant apologized hastily as she stood behind Oliver.
Wanda ignored the servant and glared at Oliver. “What do you think you are doing, Oliver? Get out of my room!” she snapped.
However, Oliver seemed to not have heard her and just stared at her intently. Wanda had just finished showering and was wearing a silk nightdress that showed her curves. “You look amazing, Wanda.” As Oliver spoke, he stepped forward and tried to hug her.
When Wanda saw Oliver’s lewd face, she was disgusted and dodged him, which caused him to miss hugging her and almost fall. He looked at her with a darkened gaze. When he saw the disgust in her eyes, he flew into a rage.
“Don’t forget that you are still my fiancée, Wanda!” He roared as he slowly closed in on her. “As my fiancée, how dare you loathe me? Moreover, why didn’t you call me when I got into such huge trouble?”
Looking at Oliver, who was enraged, Wanda stepped back in horror. However, her back soon came into contact with the cold wall.
It was at this moment that Oliver reached out and strangled her. As he tightened his grip, he gritted his teeth and said, “I know you have been planning to call off the marriage since the beginning. You never wanted to marry me, and I know you have always loved Nicholas.”
Wanda was horrified as she stared at the madman.
“Calm down, Oliver. Let go of me!” She struggled while hitting Oliver’s arms, but it was useless. The servant was stunned too. Then, she came to her senses and quickly went up to save Wanda. “Let go of her, Mr. Oliver!”
However, as soon as she stepped closer, Oliver kicked her away, and the servant fell to the ground. Oliver ignored the servant and kept staring at Wanda angrily. “How can you be such a sl*t, Wanda? If you have never wanted to be with
me, why did you seduce me? You’re such a hypocritical and disgusting woman! No wonder Nicholas despises you!” His words were the last straw for Wanda.
Always Been Yours Chapter 1223
After all this time, she had not been willing to accept the fact that Nicholas rejected her. “That’s enough, Oliver! If you are going to go on a drunken rampage, do it at your own house! Don’t come to my house and create a mess!”
Then, she slapped Oliver across the face, trying to bring him back to his senses. Unfortunately, it only enraged Oliver even more.
Oliver grabbed her by the hair and slapped her back. “B*tch! Did you think that I wouldn’t hurt you? I’ll tell you what, don’t even think about calling off the marriage!”
When Wanda was slapped, she was dumbfounded and forgot to resist since she had never been treated this way by someone before. Luckily, the servant came back with Horace by her side just in time. When Horace saw what was happening, he was indignant. “Call the police!”
That night, Oliver was taken away by the police. When Francis and Belinda knew about this, they immediately rushed to the police station. After Francis got to know what happened, he was mad at Oliver, but he still had to apologize to Horace
“What happened today was all Oliver’s fault, Mr. Muller. I’ll teach him a lesson and give you an explanation for this!”
“I can’t accept this! After all, it looks like your family doesn’t take us seriously at all, especially Oliver! Not only did he barge into my house, but he even hurt Wanda!” Horace was mad at Francis.
When Wanda heard his words, her face darkened. “I want to call off the engagement!” She stared at Francis and Belinda as she spoke. “If Oliver dared to hit me even when we aren’t married yet, I can’t imagine what he will do to me after we are!” She would take this opportunity to call off the engagement with the Hadfield Family. It would be better off this way as Oliver couldn’t bug her anymore.
When Horace heard her words, he frowned but didn’t say anything to stop her.
Seeing that Horace had silently agreed to Wanda’s request, Francis and Belinda turned grim. After all, they planned to ease the pressure on their company by getting Oliver to marry Wanda since the Hadfield Group was in difficulty. However, they also knew things wouldn’t end well if they refused Wanda.
After pondering for a moment, Francis came to a decision. “I agree to cancel the engagement between the two families, Mr. Muller. However, I hope you can forgive Oliver for his actions. I know he feels resentment Francis’ last words reminded Horace that Wanda only agreed to the
engagement because she wanted to use Oliver. Thus, although it was Oliver’s fault for hurting Wanda, she started this.”
When Horace heard his words, his face turned grim, but he still agreed. “Fine. Consider the engagement canceled. I’m letting what happened tonight go.” At the end of the day, the Muller Family was in the wrong.
As Wanda and Horace were on their way back, Wanda was dissatisfied with how Horace was letting Oliver off the hook.
“Why did you not punish Oliver, Grandpa? He hit me! Shouldn’t he get punished for it? I want him to be sent to prison!”
“I have heard enough of this, Wanda! How long are you going to act like this?” Horace snapped at Wanda, who was getting unhinged. “You know better than anyone else as to why Oliver did it.
You started this by flirting with Oliver yourself! You reap what you sow; you deserve everything that happened today! Do you think that I don’t know what you’re thinking about? You are not the way you used to be. You changed because of Nicholas. You’re starting to become very extreme. To be honest, I regret bringing you back from abroad. Maybe I made the wrong decision by letting you come back!”
Listening to his criticism, Wanda bit her lips and rebuked, “I just want to do all I can to get the man I love. Is it wrong to go after what I love?”
At that moment, disappointment filled Horace’s eyes as he looked at Wanda, who was unwilling to admit her mistakes. “It’s not wrong to love someone. However, that person must be worthy of your love before anything else, and Nicholas is not that person!”
Then, he seemed to have made a decision and said in a determined voice, “You’re not suited to stay here anymore. I’ll get someone to order a flight ticket and send you back to your parents tomorrow.”
Always Been Yours Chapter 1224
“I’m not going back!” Wanda refused without hesitation as soon as she heard Horace’s words. “I’m already a grown-up, Grandpa, so you don’t have to intervene in my business!”
Never had Horace expected that Wanda would say such words to him. In that split second, he was so enraged that he couldn’t breathe. Then, his eyes rolled back, and he fainted.
Wanda was terrified. “Grandpa!” The driver saw what happened and immediately made a U-turn to go to the hospital. The next morning, at the Sawyer Residence, Remus was having breakfast when lan approached him.
“Old Master Sawyer, I have just gotten news that Mr. Muller fainted last night and was sent to the hospital.” “Fainted?” Remus was surprised and worried at the same time.
After Remus finished breakfast, he immediately asked lan to take him to the hospital. When he stepped into the ward and saw his friend’s pale face, he felt sad, “Why did you faint all of a sudden?” asked Remus.
When Horace saw Remus, he was still gloomy. “You came.”
Seeing his reaction, Remus asked in concern, “What’s wrong? Is it something to do with your body?”
When Horace saw that Remus was sincerely worried about him, Horace told him what happened after some hesitation. “The Hadfield Family caused trouble at my house last night.”
Technically speaking, he shouldn’t have told Remus about his family scandal, but he thought that this matter had something to do with the Sawyer Family, so he caved in. After all, if Remus had never implied that the Sawyer Family wanted to have an engagement with the Muller Family, Wanda would never have acted this way.
When Remus heard his words, he knew what Horace was implying and was at a loss for words. After some time, he sighed and said, “I thought the matter was dealt with after we reached an understanding. Wanda seemed fine after that as well. I never expected that she would become such an extreme person.”
“She takes after her father. They don’t give up easily once they put their minds to a goal.” lamented Horace. He didn’t know how to deal with Wanda either..
After some time, Remus left the hospital with a heavy heart. As he got in the car, he thought of something and said, “Bring me to Sawyer Group”
The driver nodded and started the car. When Remus entered the company, he didn’t ask the others to notify Nicholas and directly went to his office.
“Grandpa? Why are you here?” Nicholas was surprised at Remus’ arrival. With the help of his walking stick, Remus walked to the couch and sat down. “I went to visit Horace at the hospital just now.” He told Nicholas the truth.
Nicholas nodded. He had already heard the news of Horace being admitted to the hospital. “Is he alright?”
“He’s fine. He is just upset.” As Remus spoke, he looked at Nicholas with hesitation. Looking at his expression, Nicholas raised his eyebrow and asked, “Is there something you wish to tell me, Grandpa?”
After some consideration, Remus still decided to speak his mind. “Yes. I hope you can talk to Wanda for the sake of Mr. Muller. After all, you are the reason for her doings. I’m sure that
everything will come to an end if you talk to her.” He didn’t need to feel guilty about it since he was just asking Nicholas to persuade Wanda.
However, he never expected Nicholas to refuse immediately as soon as he heard his request. “I can’t do anything about this.”
Remus disagreed with his words and said, “Why not? She loves you. I’m sure she’ll listen to you if you talk to her.”
However, Nicholas was persistent. “If a person were to continue their wrongdoings even when they know it is their fault, they are hopeless. No matter how much others try to talk them out of it, it would be useless.”
Remus was rendered speechless. “Moreover, if Wanda was really repentant, she would have listened to Mr. Muller and gone abroad herself,” Nicholas added.
In the end, Remus could only return home because he wasn’t able to argue against Nicholas.
Always Been Yours Chapter 1225
After Nicholas walked Remus out the door, he thought for a moment before he asked Edward to get the car. Although he had refused Remus’ suggestion to talk to Wanda, he still had to visit Horace out of respect.
After Nicholas entered the ward, he stood upright beside the bed, looking elegant. “How are you feeling, Mr. Muller?” Nicholas asked respectfully.
However, Horace acted coldly toward him and said, “Can’t you see the state I’m in?” He was implying that Nicholas was asking a stupid question.
Nicholas didn’t mind his attitude and said calmly, “I can see that you are quite high- spirited. You should be fine.”
Horace almost choked on his own saliva, and he got even more upset. Then, he seemed to have remembered something and huffed. “Why are you here? Are you here to make up for things?”
“Make up for things?” Nicholas was startled. However, he soon figured out what Horace meant and frowned. “You must have misunderstood me, Mr. Muller. I don’t think that I owe anything to you or Wanda.”
Horace’s face darkened. “Judging by your words, are you saying that everything that happened has nothing to do with you?” He stared at Nicholas sharply
Nicholas didn’t recoil from his stare and stared right back at him. “That’s right. To be honest, it was your family’s own wishful thinking from the start. Never have I once said that I wanted to marry Wanda or anything that might be misconstrued. The woman I love has always been my wife.”
As Nicholas talked about Tessa, his facial features softened, and adoration filled his eyes. When Horace saw the changes in his expression, he felt upset.
“Is she that good?” After all, in Horace’s eyes, Wanda was perfect. He would never be able to understand how Tessa, a commoner, was better than his granddaughter.
Seeing the frustration in Horace’s eyes, Nicholas smiled and replied, “My wife is an outstanding person. She is a self-motivated and aspirational woman. I have to admit that Miss Muller is also an amazing woman, but they are not the same.” Then, he paused for a moment before changing the topic. “Moreover, this matter has been a mistake from the start. Since you didn’t cut your losses, you have to accept the consequences!”
Horace retorted, “Your Grandpa had a say in this too. If it weren’t for him, I would never have let Wanda near you.”
“You’re right. Grandpa indeed had such intentions before, but I rejected his request. My intentions were very clear. What’s more, everyone is their own person and shouldn’t be controlled by others, even if the people controlling them are the elders,” Nicholas rebuked calmly. Horace was rendered speechless.
To be honest, this has nothing to do with Nicholas since he has made his intentions clear from the start. It was I who didn’t stop Wanda even when I knew what she was like, thought Horace. To be honest, he was trying to push his luck to see if Nicholas would change his mind.
In the end, Horace sighed and agreed with Nicholas’ words. “You have a clear mind.” When Nicholas saw that Horace had let go of this matter, he nodded and left.
Right after Nicholas walked out of the ward, he bumped into Wanda who had bruises on her face.
When Wanda saw Nicholas walking toward her, she was stunned, but then she became furious. She blocked his path and questioned him, “What are you doing here? Are you here to laugh at me?”
“I came here to visit Mr. Muller,” Nicholas replied coldly as he frowned.
Wanda felt fury rise in her as she looked at his expressionless face. Then, she smirked and said mockingly, “Grandpa doesn’t need your fake pity, Nicholas. It’s better if you stay home with your wife!”
Always Been Yours Chapter 1226
When Nicholas heard what she said, he got a little angry. “I’m here because our families have been friends for generations!”
“That’s funny. So, you remember that now.” Wanda put on a mocking smile. “Why haven’t you thought about this when you were targeting my company heartlessly? You clearly don’t care about the relationship between our families then, so why are you pretending to care about it now?”
Nicholas’ eyes darkened, and he thought, It’s obvious that she still hasn’t realized her mistakes. She’s still acting so aggressively.
“Please allow me to remind you, Miss Muller. It was you who started it by causing trouble to my wife time and time again. You brought it upon yourself. Moreover, if it weren’t for our families’ relationship, I would have wiped out Muller Inc. from Southend a long time ago!”
Wanda was so angry that her face reddened, and she was breathing furiously. Up until now, she still didn’t think she was in the wrong.
“What have I done wrong? All I’m doing is fighting for the man I love! Why won’t you ever look at me even though I come from a more powerful family and I’m much better Tessa?” Wanda looked at Nicholas, unbending and unwilling to concede defeat.
Nicholas frowned when he heard her words. I have made it clear from the beginning. However, she refuses to accept the facts and keeps overstepping my boundaries!
“I’ve said it before, and I will say it again. Stop scheming. I never had feelings for you. Moreover, I’m married. Even if I’m not, there will never be anything between us!”
When Wanda heard Nicholas’ cruel rejection once again, she was humiliated. She was so emotional that her chest rose up and down heavily.
Nicholas ignored her. His patience for her had completely run out, and he was disgusted by how Wanda was so full of herself. “Since I’m not welcome, this will be my last time here. I won’t be visiting ever again.” After he was done talking, he turned around and left.
As Wanda watched him leave without hesitation, she felt empty inside and wanted to call out to him.
To be honest, those words only came out of her mouth because she was angry. She didn’t mean them, but then she noticed Tessa approaching them, so she swallowed what she wanted to say.
Not far away, Tessa was wearing an oversized pink hoodie that hid her baby bump and made her look youthful. Although she was holding a bouquet, her beauty still stood out.
When Wanda saw how youthful and beautiful Tessa was, she was filled with jealousy. She gritted her teeth when she saw Nicholas walking toward Tessa quickly.
In fact, Nicholas was surprised to see Tessa. He went up to hold her and looked at her softly. “Why are you here?”
“I heard you came to visit Mr. Muller, so I came too because I wanted to see how he was doing.” Tessa raised her head and smiled at him.
Looking at Tessa, Nicholas felt his frustration vanishing immediately. Then, he tucked her hair behind her ears and said lovingly, “You didn’t have to come all the way here. Just leave this to me. I don’t want you to get stressed over this.”
“I’m not made of porcelain, Nicholas. Moreover, Mr. Muller is an elder and the two families are on good terms, so it would be better if we visit him together to show that the Sawyer Family cares about the Muller Family.” She shot him a look, but the truth was that she was spying on Wanda, who looked grim, from the corner of her eye.
In fact, Tessa had said this just for Wanda to hear.
At that moment, she walked past Nicholas and stood in front of Wanda with a fierce look in her eyes. “I heard what you said earlier, Miss Muller. How could you say that? I wouldn’t agree with you.”
As Nicholas watched Tessa, who looked intimidating, a glint of happiness flashed in his eyes.
Always Been Yours Chapter 1227
Naturally, Nicholas figured out what Tessa was up to. Meanwhile, Wanda’s face grew even darker as she glared at Tessa, who was rebuking her. “What do you mean by that?”
She clenched her fists as she fired back at Tessa. “You keep saying that Nicholas doesn’t care about the relationship between the two families, but he wouldn’t have come here today! if he didn’t!” Tessa declared icily.
She paused for a moment and her tone grew sharper when she continued, “You, on the other hand, keep banking on the relationship between the two families as you carry on doing even more and more reprehensible things. Don’t you feel embarrassed of yourself? What makes you think you have the right to stand here and criticize someone else?”
Wanda was livid and she trembled with rage. “As if you know anything!” She glared at Tessa as if she was a predator who was about to pounce on its prey.
Tessa wasn’t afraid. She looked Wanda straight in the eye as she said, “I may not know much, but I know what it means to have a sense of
propriety. You know very well that Nicholas and I married, and yet you still keep trying to break us up. That’s called being shameless. Aren’t the Mullers supposed to be a prestigious family? I’m sure the children are raised with a strict upbringing. Mr. Muller seems like a sensible and reasonable elder, so I have no idea how the family produced someone like you who’s immature and lacks a sense of propriety!”
In all honesty, Tessa felt bad for Horace. On the way over, she heard the news that Horace was hospitalized out of his vexation at Wanda.
“Miss Muller, I know having a prestigious family background and family elders who dote on you gives you confidence and a sense of security, but it doesn’t mean you have the right to do whatever you want. Mr. Muller is protective of you because you’re his granddaughter and he loves you.
He doesn’t want you to suffer in any way, but what about you? Haven’t you besmirched your grandfather’s reputation enough and wasted his love for you?”
Tessa’s unrelenting castigation made Wanda feel as if all the most shameful sides of her were on display.
Everything Tessa said was true. Wanda banked on the fact that she came from a prestigious family and had a family elder who loved her dearly to fearlessly run amok time and time again.
However, though she was willing to admit this to herself, she could not accept being told off by someone else. Especially not by Tessa “Even if what I do is wrong, what gives you the right to lecture me?”
Feeling both ashamed and angered, Wanda fired back at Tessa through gritted teeth. This woman wouldn’t even have the right to stand in front of me if it wasn’t because Nicholas liked her!
Tessa seemed to know what the look in Wanda’s eyes meant as her gaze turned to one of pity instead. If not for anything else, then for Horace’s fiercely protective love toward Wanda.
It was clear that Wanda didn’t realize all of Horace’s good intentions. Tessa scoffed. “I might not have the right to lecture you, but I should have the right to talk about the way you keep plotting against me over and over again, right?”
This time, Wanda could not rebuke her. After all, her past deeds had been exposed, so she couldn’t deny it even if she wanted to Wanda turned scarlet, though there was no telling whether it was due to her anger or shame.
Tessa pretended to be unaware of this as she calmly continued, “You know, if we take into account the abhorrent things you did in the past, no one would say I did the wrong thing if I slapped you right here, right now. However, I don’t want to stoop to your level. It’ll only dirty my hand!”
She did not hold back at all. Wanda was so infuriated that she nearly broke her jaw from clenching her teeth. The veins along her neck were bulging as well. She never thought that Tessa would have the gall to humiliate her this way.
“Don’t think you can run your mouth and humiliate me just because Nicholas has your back, Tessa! At the end of the day, I’m still the Mullers’ daughter, and you’re just some woman who lucked out because Nicholas took a liking to you! That’s the only reason why you can flaunt yourself in front of me now. You’re nothing if you don’t have Nicholas!”
However, Tessa wasn’t angered by these words. She nodded in agreement and openly admitted it. “You’re right. I wouldn’t have the right to flaunt myself in front of you if I didn’t have. Nicholas, but there are no ifs and buts in this world. Nicholas chose me, and he never wronged you or the Mullers in any way.
All along, it was merely wishful thinking on your part, Miss Muller. You have no one but yourself to blame for everything that has happened to you!”
Always Been Yours Chapter 1228
Wanda was speechless. Once again, she could not think of anything to say in retort, and her breathing grew heavier. Fury would not even begin to describe what she felt. Yet, she could not take her rage out on Tessa. It festered inside of her and made her chest ache instead.
As Tessa observed Wanda, who was on the verge of fainting in anger, she abruptly changed the subject. “To be honest, I’ve got a question. Considering your identity and laudable qualities, I’m sure you must have a lot of admirers, right, Miss Muller?”
She stared evenly at Wanda. Wanda eyed her darkly and snorted. “What now? Have you finished criticizing me and decided to pretend to be nice and give me advice instead?”
“You could say that. I just think that with what you have to offer, I’m sure you can find someone who loves you and cares about you, so why must you keep obsessing over Nicholas? There are plenty of accomplished. people in this world.”
Tessa studied Wanda’s expression before adding, ‘Furthermore, if you insist on trying to get someone you can’t have, then not only do you end up with nothing but wounds to show for it, but you even become the despicable person that everyone else detests. Do you think it’s worth it?”
Wanda was stunned into silence. Is it worth it? She quietly asked herself.
Tessa looked at the silent woman in front of her. She could tell that her words did not go unheard, so she continued, “Regardless of whether or not it’s worth it, you’re still destroying yourself and hurting the ones who love you, so you should stop when you still can!”
She sincerely meant every word. Once Tessa finished speaking, she didn’t bother to see what Wanda’s reaction was. She stuffed the flowers into Wanda’s hands and said coolly, “Since Nicholas has already visited Mr. Muller, I won’t be going in. Please pass these flowers to him.”
Then, she turned to leave with Nicholas in tow. As for Wanda, she held the flowers and stared at them as they left. She ended up standing in place for a very long time…
After leaving the hospital, Tessa let out a long sigh. Nicholas stood beside his wife. When he saw her relieved expression, he asked, “Did you manage to let your anger out?”
“I wouldn’t say I was angry. I was just really tired of her.” Tessa shook her head.
She recalled the dark expression on Wanda’s face just before she left the hospital and asked hesitantly, “Did I go too far with what I said just now?”
Nicholas was amused to see his wife softening up so quickly. He gazed at her with gentle, adoring eyes. “Not at all. You spoke very well and said all the right things!”
“Are you sure?”
Tessa eyed Nicholas doubtfully. Nicholas nodded. “Of course. Didn’t you see? Wanda couldn’t think of anything to say in response. She couldn’t refute you in any way.”
Tessa’s worries dissipated at once. “I’m glad I didn’t go too far.” She patted her chest and smiled.
Nicholas’ gaze grew even warmer as he teased, “I’ve never seen you that way before. You do have a fierce, intimidating side to you after all.” “I was never weak in the first place.”
Tessa raised her eyebrows and shook her fists as she jokingly threatened, “I can be vicious in a fight, especially when I’m up against someone who’s trying to bully me!”
Nicholas grabbed the hand of his adorable wife and nodded solemnly. “You’re right. You’re the most fiercely protective person I know. You rolled up your sleeves and jumped right in when your stepmother and the others tried to bully your brother. You weren’t even afraid of the group of burly men.”
Tessa knew that Nicholas was referring to the time when Silas kidnapped her younger brother. She felt embarrassed by the memory.
She never thought that Nicholas would still be holding onto the memory of her aggressive side. It made her squirm in awkwardness.
“Well… I’m usually quite gentle, really, unless someone pushes the wrong button.” She looked up at him with affectionate eyes. “You’re the button no one’s allowed to push.”
Nicholas’ gaze softened as he chuckled with delight. “Mm-hmm. That’s what I like to hear.”
Always Been Yours Chapter 1229--By now, Tessa could tell that the man in front of her was teasing her. “You’re laughing at me!” She glared at him coquettishly. Nicholas held her in his arms and chuckled. “I’m not laughing at you. This is me being happy.” “You’re happy?”
Tessa eyed him curiously. Nicholas smiled. “You said I’m yours just now, and it’s the first time you declared that in front of someone else. You’re also the first person who ever came forward and protected me like that.”
His heart melted into a puddle of goo at the memory of the way Tessa admonished Wanda without hesitation when Wanda was screaming at him and mocking him earlier.
All along, he was the one who protected others. It was his first time experiencing what it was like to be protected by someone else, and it was by the person he loved with all his heart no less.
It was an amazing feeling. He felt as if he was on cloud nine. Tessa could hear the joy in Nicholas’ voice and her heart ached for him.
Everyone else thought that Nicholas was the epitome of someone strong and powerful, so much so that they overlooked the fact that he needed someone to protect him too.
With this thought in mind, she raised her bright eyes and looked at the handsome man in front of her as she declared mischievously, “Since you’re mine now, from now on, I’ll protect you.”
“I’ll be in your care then.”
Nicholas went along with her joke as his love for her blossomed.
His heart stirred at the sight of her breathtaking smile and he couldn’t resist lowering his head to kiss her.
Tessa was startled by the soft feeling against her lips.
By the time she came out of her daze, she looked at him and blushed. She then said with a smile, “Why did you kiss me so suddenly? We’re out in public right now. There could be paparazzi around.”
We’re on the street, and yet Nicholas kissed me without caring whether someone sees us or not! She looked around furtively. Thankfully, she didn’t spot anything suspicious, so she sighed in relief.
After all, she didn’t want anyone to post a photo of her and Nicholas being physically intimate online for all the netizens to see.
That being said, she was still overwhelmed by a warm sensation in her heart. She felt as if she swallowed a jar of honey. She had no idea how adorable she looked in Nicholas’ eyes.
Nicholas tightened his grip around her hand as he bent down and said, “Don’t worry. No one would dare take any photos of us without my consent. So what if we’re out in public right now? I have every right to kiss my wife.”
Tessa gazed into his soulful eyes and her smile grew even sweeter. Up in the hospital room, Wanda saw this very scene.
She saw the woman who had a glowing smile as she leaned into the man’s arms, and the sight of this felt too painful to behold. At the same time, she realized just how pitiful she was Oliver and Tessa’s words kept replaying in Wanda’s mind.
“It’s no surprise that Nicholas doesn’t like a woman as fake and loathsome as you, Wanda.”
“You have much to offer yourself, Miss Muller, so why must you keep obsessing over Nicholas? There are plenty of accomplished people in this world. You can easily find someone who loves you and cares about you.”
Wanda’s eyes glistened at the thought of these words. Horace noticed that something was wrong and came over out of concern. He spotted the lovey-dovey couple downstairs.
“Stop looking at them.” He tried to pull Wanda away, but she didn’t move.
Wanda was rooted to the spot as she stared unblinkingly at Tessa and Nicholas, who were still in an embrace. “Grandpa, do you think I didn’t get the love I desired because my mind is filled with nothing but schemes and plots?” she asked quietly.
Horace didn’t know what to say to his granddaughter. However, before he could say anything, Wanda started speaking again.
“If I’m sincere toward others in the future, do you think someone will love me and adore me like how Nicholas loves and adores Tessa?”
Wanda turned to look at Horace. Their gazes met. All of a sudden, Horace laughed. He could tell that Wanda’s attitude was finally changing, and he was glad.
“Of course. If you’re genuine and sincere, someone will love you the same way too.”
Always Been Yours Chapter 1230--Horace nodded with confidence in response to Wanda’s question, and at the same time, he felt grateful toward Tessa. Earlier on, when he saw Wanda running into Nicholas downstairs, he came down as well out of concern, but he ended up overhearing what Tessa said.
Tessa’s words were a little harsh, but Horace felt that she was pretty remarkable. She was able to knock sense into his stubborn granddaughter. It’s no wonder Nicholas likes her so much.
Why would Nicholas take a liking to his granddaughter when he had such a bright and positive young woman by his side?
However, Horace believed that Wanda would change for the better too after everything that happened. He glanced down at the couple who were leaving hand-in-hand before gently patting Wanda’s shoulder.
“Stop looking at them. Come. Let’s talk.”
Wanda nodded. She glanced at the couple one last time before sitting down beside Horace. Tessa didn’t know that Wanda had been enlightened by her words.
She happily followed Nicholas back to the car and left. Meanwhile, at the police station. Oliver was released after being detained for a day.
When he got home, he saw his parents sitting in the living room with grim expressions. “Mom, Dad,” he greeted. What he received in return was not his parents’ concern but his father’s slap.
Oliver had not seen it coming. He ended up stumbling to the floor. Even so, Francis was still furious as he roared, “Don’t call me Dad. I don’t have a son as reckless and impetuous as you!”
On the other hand, Belinda was distressed.
“He’s not a child anymore. You shouldn’t hit him. Can’t you just use your words instead?” Belinda chided as she came forward to help Oliver up.
That only made the flames of Francis’ fury spread to her. “It’s your fault for being so benevolent and soft-hearted that this rebellious boy behaves as if he’s above the law. Look at what he’s done!”
Francis glared at Oliver. He was heaving with rage.
Oliver had never seen his father this furious before. He was somewhat terrified.
Initially, he thought his father was mad because he had caused a scene in front of the Mullers. He was about to admit his wrongdoing, but his father lashed out again before he could.
“Why did you offend Sawyer Group time and time again for no good reason?”
Oliver was stumped when he heard this. How did I offend Sawyer Group time and time again?
“What are you talking about, Dad? At most, I only offended them twice, and the last time was during the gala. I didn’t do anything else after that.”
Oliver tried to defend himself. However, Francis didn’t buy it as he fumed, “Are you still trying to lie to me, you incorrigible boy? The company has already looked into everything. Sawyer Group is the reason behind. our series of unfortunate events!”
Oliver’s heart skipped a beat. He didn’t expect the company to investigate what happened in the past.
His conscience got the better of him. He
wanted to explain that it was Wanda who talked
him into doing those things.
However, before he could say anything, Francis voice rang out again.
“The company’s board of directors is doubting the Hadfields’ ability to lead the company because you gathered a bunch of reporters to defame the young Mrs. Sawyer, which led to the Sawyer Group targeting the company!”
“When did I ask any reporter to defame the young Mrs. Sawyer?” Oliver was dumbfounded. He had no clue what Francis was talking about.
However, Francis was infuriated by what he thought was Oliver’s refusal to admit his wrongdoing. “Are you still trying to act naive and innocent in front of me? I’m going to teach you a lesson right now!”
He raised his hand once more. Oliver hid behind Belinda in fright as he defended himself. “I’m not trying to act innocent. I don’t even know the young Mrs. Sawyer, so why would I defame her?
Furthermore, so many things were happening with the company at the time and I was up to my ears with work! Where would I find the time to do anything to offend Sawyer Group?”
Belinda shielded Oliver from Francis as she said, “I think Oliver’s telling the truth. He doesn’t know the young Mrs. Sawyer, so why would he offend her? I’m sure there must be a misunderstanding.”