Menu
Chapter147.
Inside and outside the room, both, men were shocked by Hazel’s firm and direct rejection.
She remained calm and continued, “Forcing two people to stay together without love is really what’s best for a child?”
Hazel
thought, “Hasn’t
already proven
Gabriel’s parents‘ marriage
marriage already
otherwise?”
But in the end, she held back, not wanting to hurt the old man anymore.
“Even if Gabriel and I are separated, our love for our children won’t diminish. “Jaxon and Joshua are already grown. Do you see anything wrong with them?”
Her words left Arthur speechless. He could only sit with regret, thinking about his son’s disastrous love life and his grandson’s cluelessness.
It was a bitter pill to swallow.
Gabriel leaned against the wall near the door, shadows from the dim lighting making his sharp features even more defined.
His face was unreadable, a deep silence settling in the air.
By the time Hazel left the room, Gabriel had already gone back to his private villa on the estate.
She was about to find the kids when she realized something was wrong.
It all started when…
Arthur had been upstairs entertaining guests in the lounge, leaving Andrew in charge of the reception.
Despite being forced into retirement, Andrew was still the former head of the Campbell family, so people gave him some respect. However, plenty of people mocked him behind his back, saying he had traded gold for dust.
Jade, in a striking red gown, stood beside him, looking every bit like a newlywed bride.
But deep down, she was bitter. She had never had a real wedding.
When she and Andrew got married, they had to do it in secret, like criminals sneaking around. And that had set the tone for the next twenty years of her life which was filled with submission and humiliation.
A few days ago, she had gone to the Campbell Group to apologize to Gabriel, but she didn’t even get past the elevator doors.
Andrew’s credit cards were still frozen, leaving him unable to pay for anything, so he had called her from overseas just to curse her out.
With no other option, Jade had emptied her own accounts to cover him, expecting to be repaid once his cards were restored. But the money never came back.
She was about to bring it up when Andrew took a phone call, frowning.
Then he told Jade to stay and mingle with the rich ladies while he quickly left the party. Jade’s calls barely registered as he walked away.
Seattle’s elite social circles were full of couples in arranged marriages, but at least those women were legally recognized as wives. Women like Jade, who clawed their way in as mistresses, were
(-) 07:40
28.8%
< Chapter147.
never truly accepted.
Still, a few women in the same boat as her saw some value in maintaining, friendly rses. Given that Jade was Gabriel’s stepmother, they still approached her warmly, curious to ask about Hazel and Leila’s backgrounds.
Jade sighed dramatically. “Oh, her? That’s my son Gabriel’s ex–wife,
“I wasn’t going to say anything, but honestly, that woman is unbelievable! She cheated on Gabriel, got pregnant with another
another man’s child,
man’s child, and that’s why he divorced
divorced her
Jade opened her phone, showing a grainy video from an anonymous email.
In the video, Hazel was moving between VIP tables in a bar, wearing the venue’s standard uniform–a button–down shirt and slacks. But her beauty made her stand out, the dim lighting casting an alluring glow on her face.
“A pretty face doesn’t mean much if her personal life is a mess,” Jade sneered, “Who knows what kind of diseases she’s carrying? Honestly, my grandsons have always been a little sickly, 1 wouldn’t be surprised if it’s because of her!”
Jade sneered and continued spreading rumors, “As for the little girl you saw, she’s the proof of her affair from back then!”
Upon hearing these words, everyone sighed with sorrow.
The ladies‘ circle thrived on gossip, especially when it was about the Campbell family. One by one, they perked up, eager to hear what Jade would say next.
Jade suddenly had the illusion of being the center of attention, as she noticed that everyone’s gaze was drawn towards her.
She pretended to sigh as she opened her phone and played the anonymous video she had received. The wealthy people around her were all drawn to it.
Jade deliberately chose a video showing Hazel in a flashy nightclub, weaving through men. She was wearing bunny ears and a revealing outfit, the kind typically seen on women working the
scene.
Her slim waist was almost exposed as she bent down to pour drinks, while behind her, a man ogled her figure, his hand almost touching her waist in an inappropriate gesture. The video abruptly cut off just before the touch.
The ladies, judging by Hazel’s outfit, immediately assumed she was being taken advantage of. Who knew what else had happened off–camera?
“Can’t believe the Campbell family chose someone like her for their heir,” one woman murmured.“No wonder they divorced after just five years.”
“Yeah, you can’t pick a wife too pretty. It makes them too wild.”
“If it weren’t for her giving the Campbell family two sons, I doubt they would have lasted even five
years. Who could accept a daughter–in–law like that?”
None of them questioned Jaxon and Joshua’s parentage. After all, the Campbell family would never let anyone outside their bloodline into their home.
And Jade, well, everyone knew how she had climbed up the ranks from being a mistress. Everyone knew the truth; they just chose not to say anything
07:40
28.8%
< Chapter147.
The women exchanged looks of disdain, and Jade couldn’t help but feel a rush of satisfaction. This bitch ruined the Zeller family’s legacy. There was no way she’d be happy with that man. At that moment, she spotted Leila playing outside with Jaxon and Joshua. A dark idea flickered in her mind.
Jaxon was kicking the ball around with Joshua.
Leila was chasing after them, tumbling on the grass but getting right back up. Eventually, she sat on a nearby sofa, exhausted.
Jaxon and Joshua, seeing her resting, felt assured.
Jaxon and Joshua kept playing nearby.
Jade saw her chance. She moved to a hidden corner, offering Leila candy. Want some sweets, little one?”
She held up a large smiley–face candy, her grin twisted like the witch in a fairy tale offering an apple.
Leila eyed her curiously. She recognized this woman as the one who’d been mean to her mom.
Jade’s offer went unanswered. Jade’s patience started to wear thin.
If Andrew returned and saw Leila missing, he’d be furious. She needed to act fast.
No matter how much she tried to entice her, Leila stayed seated, her bright eyes watching Jade’s
every move.
Finally, Leila, with a look of mock hesitation, glanced at the candy.
Jade’s heart leaped. Every time
Menu
Chapter147.
Inside and outside the room, both, men were shocked by Hazel’s firm and direct rejection.
She remained calm and continued, “Forcing two people to stay together without love is really what’s best for a child?”
Hazel
thought, “Hasn’t
already proven
Gabriel’s parents‘ marriage
marriage already
otherwise?”
But in the end, she held back, not wanting to hurt the old man anymore.
“Even if Gabriel and I are separated, our love for our children won’t diminish. “Jaxon and Joshua are already grown. Do you see anything wrong with them?”
Her words left Arthur speechless. He could only sit with regret, thinking about his son’s disastrous love life and his grandson’s cluelessness.
It was a bitter pill to swallow.
Gabriel leaned against the wall near the door, shadows from the dim lighting making his sharp features even more defined.
His face was unreadable, a deep silence settling in the air.
By the time Hazel left the room, Gabriel had already gone back to his private villa on the estate.
She was about to find the kids when she realized something was wrong.
It all started when…
Arthur had been upstairs entertaining guests in the lounge, leaving Andrew in charge of the reception.
Despite being forced into retirement, Andrew was still the former head of the Campbell family, so people gave him some respect. However, plenty of people mocked him behind his back, saying he had traded gold for dust.
Jade, in a striking red gown, stood beside him, looking every bit like a newlywed bride.
But deep down, she was bitter. She had never had a real wedding.
When she and Andrew got married, they had to do it in secret, like criminals sneaking around. And that had set the tone for the next twenty years of her life which was filled with submission and humiliation.
A few days ago, she had gone to the Campbell Group to apologize to Gabriel, but she didn’t even get past the elevator doors.
Andrew’s credit cards were still frozen, leaving him unable to pay for anything, so he had called her from overseas just to curse her out.
With no other option, Jade had emptied her own accounts to cover him, expecting to be repaid once his cards were restored. But the money never came back.
She was about to bring it up when Andrew took a phone call, frowning.
Then he told Jade to stay and mingle with the rich ladies while he quickly left the party. Jade’s calls barely registered as he walked away.
Seattle’s elite social circles were full of couples in arranged marriages, but at least those women were legally recognized as wives. Women like Jade, who clawed their way in as mistresses, were
(-) 07:40
28.8%
< Chapter147.
never truly accepted.
Still, a few women in the same boat as her saw some value in maintaining, friendly rses. Given that Jade was Gabriel’s stepmother, they still approached her warmly, curious to ask about Hazel and Leila’s backgrounds.
Jade sighed dramatically. “Oh, her? That’s my son Gabriel’s ex–wife,
“I wasn’t going to say anything, but honestly, that woman is unbelievable! She cheated on Gabriel, got pregnant with another
another man’s child,
man’s child, and that’s why he divorced
divorced her
Jade opened her phone, showing a grainy video from an anonymous email.
In the video, Hazel was moving between VIP tables in a bar, wearing the venue’s standard uniform–a button–down shirt and slacks. But her beauty made her stand out, the dim lighting casting an alluring glow on her face.
“A pretty face doesn’t mean much if her personal life is a mess,” Jade sneered, “Who knows what kind of diseases she’s carrying? Honestly, my grandsons have always been a little sickly, 1 wouldn’t be surprised if it’s because of her!”
Jade sneered and continued spreading rumors, “As for the little girl you saw, she’s the proof of her affair from back then!”
Upon hearing these words, everyone sighed with sorrow.
The ladies‘ circle thrived on gossip, especially when it was about the Campbell family. One by one, they perked up, eager to hear what Jade would say next.
Jade suddenly had the illusion of being the center of attention, as she noticed that everyone’s gaze was drawn towards her.
She pretended to sigh as she opened her phone and played the anonymous video she had received. The wealthy people around her were all drawn to it.
Jade deliberately chose a video showing Hazel in a flashy nightclub, weaving through men. She was wearing bunny ears and a revealing outfit, the kind typically seen on women working the
scene.
Her slim waist was almost exposed as she bent down to pour drinks, while behind her, a man ogled her figure, his hand almost touching her waist in an inappropriate gesture. The video abruptly cut off just before the touch.
The ladies, judging by Hazel’s outfit, immediately assumed she was being taken advantage of. Who knew what else had happened off–camera?
“Can’t believe the Campbell family chose someone like her for their heir,” one woman murmured.“No wonder they divorced after just five years.”
“Yeah, you can’t pick a wife too pretty. It makes them too wild.”
“If it weren’t for her giving the Campbell family two sons, I doubt they would have lasted even five
years. Who could accept a daughter–in–law like that?”
None of them questioned Jaxon and Joshua’s parentage. After all, the Campbell family would never let anyone outside their bloodline into their home.
And Jade, well, everyone knew how she had climbed up the ranks from being a mistress. Everyone knew the truth; they just chose not to say anything
07:40
28.8%
< Chapter147.
The women exchanged looks of disdain, and Jade couldn’t help but feel a rush of satisfaction. This bitch ruined the Zeller family’s legacy. There was no way she’d be happy with that man. At that moment, she spotted Leila playing outside with Jaxon and Joshua. A dark idea flickered in her mind.
Jaxon was kicking the ball around with Joshua.
Leila was chasing after them, tumbling on the grass but getting right back up. Eventually, she sat on a nearby sofa, exhausted.
Jaxon and Joshua, seeing her resting, felt assured.
Jaxon and Joshua kept playing nearby.
Jade saw her chance. She moved to a hidden corner, offering Leila candy. Want some sweets, little one?”
She held up a large smiley–face candy, her grin twisted like the witch in a fairy tale offering an apple.
Leila eyed her curiously. She recognized this woman as the one who’d been mean to her mom.
Jade’s offer went unanswered. Jade’s patience started to wear thin.
If Andrew returned and saw Leila missing, he’d be furious. She needed to act fast.
No matter how much she tried to entice her, Leila stayed seated, her bright eyes watching Jade’s
every move.
Finally, Leila, with a look of mock hesitation, glanced at the candy.
Jade’s heart leaped. Every time Leila showed interest, Jade’s hope grew. If she could control Hazel’s daughter, surely she’d be able to deal with that bitch.
Leila wondered why this woman wasn’t talking.
Leila stood up and took a few steps to
Menu
Chapter147.
Inside and outside the room, both, men were shocked by Hazel’s firm and direct rejection.
She remained calm and continued, “Forcing two people to stay together without love is really what’s best for a child?”
Hazel
thought, “Hasn’t
already proven
Gabriel’s parents‘ marriage
marriage already
otherwise?”
But in the end, she held back, not wanting to hurt the old man anymore.
“Even if Gabriel and I are separated, our love for our children won’t diminish. “Jaxon and Joshua are already grown. Do you see anything wrong with them?”
Her words left Arthur speechless. He could only sit with regret, thinking about his son’s disastrous love life and his grandson’s cluelessness.
It was a bitter pill to swallow.
Gabriel leaned against the wall near the door, shadows from the dim lighting making his sharp features even more defined.
His face was unreadable, a deep silence settling in the air.
By the time Hazel left the room, Gabriel had already gone back to his private villa on the estate.
She was about to find the kids when she realized something was wrong.
It all started when…
Arthur had been upstairs entertaining guests in the lounge, leaving Andrew in charge of the reception.
Despite being forced into retirement, Andrew was still the former head of the Campbell family, so people gave him some respect. However, plenty of people mocked him behind his back, saying he had traded gold for dust.
Jade, in a striking red gown, stood beside him, looking every bit like a newlywed bride.
But deep down, she was bitter. She had never had a real wedding.
When she and Andrew got married, they had to do it in secret, like criminals sneaking around. And that had set the tone for the next twenty years of her life which was filled with submission and humiliation.
A few days ago, she had gone to the Campbell Group to apologize to Gabriel, but she didn’t even get past the elevator doors.
Andrew’s credit cards were still frozen, leaving him unable to pay for anything, so he had called her from overseas just to curse her out.
With no other option, Jade had emptied her own accounts to cover him, expecting to be repaid once his cards were restored. But the money never came back.
She was about to bring it up when Andrew took a phone call, frowning.
Then he told Jade to stay and mingle with the rich ladies while he quickly left the party. Jade’s calls barely registered as he walked away.
Seattle’s elite social circles were full of couples in arranged marriages, but at least those women were legally recognized as wives. Women like Jade, who clawed their way in as mistresses, were
(-) 07:40
28.8%
< Chapter147.
never truly accepted.
Still, a few women in the same boat as her saw some value in maintaining, friendly rses. Given that Jade was Gabriel’s stepmother, they still approached her warmly, curious to ask about Hazel and Leila’s backgrounds.
Jade sighed dramatically. “Oh, her? That’s my son Gabriel’s ex–wife,
“I wasn’t going to say anything, but honestly, that woman is unbelievable! She cheated on Gabriel, got pregnant with another
another man’s child,
man’s child, and that’s why he divorced
divorced her
Jade opened her phone, showing a grainy video from an anonymous email.
In the video, Hazel was moving between VIP tables in a bar, wearing the venue’s standard uniform–a button–down shirt and slacks. But her beauty made her stand out, the dim lighting casting an alluring glow on her face.
“A pretty face doesn’t mean much if her personal life is a mess,” Jade sneered, “Who knows what kind of diseases she’s carrying? Honestly, my grandsons have always been a little sickly, 1 wouldn’t be surprised if it’s because of her!”
Jade sneered and continued spreading rumors, “As for the little girl you saw, she’s the proof of her affair from back then!”
Upon hearing these words, everyone sighed with sorrow.
The ladies‘ circle thrived on gossip, especially when it was about the Campbell family. One by one, they perked up, eager to hear what Jade would say next.
Jade suddenly had the illusion of being the center of attention, as she noticed that everyone’s gaze was drawn towards her.
She pretended to sigh as she opened her phone and played the anonymous video she had received. The wealthy people around her were all drawn to it.
Jade deliberately chose a video showing Hazel in a flashy nightclub, weaving through men. She was wearing bunny ears and a revealing outfit, the kind typically seen on women working the
scene.
Her slim waist was almost exposed as she bent down to pour drinks, while behind her, a man ogled her figure, his hand almost touching her waist in an inappropriate gesture. The video abruptly cut off just before the touch.
The ladies, judging by Hazel’s outfit, immediately assumed she was being taken advantage of. Who knew what else had happened off–camera?
“Can’t believe the Campbell family chose someone like her for their heir,” one woman murmured.“No wonder they divorced after just five years.”
“Yeah, you can’t pick a wife too pretty. It makes them too wild.”
“If it weren’t for her giving the Campbell family two sons, I doubt they would have lasted even five
years. Who could accept a daughter–in–law like that?”
None of them questioned Jaxon and Joshua’s parentage. After all, the Campbell family would never let anyone outside their bloodline into their home.
And Jade, well, everyone knew how she had climbed up the ranks from being a mistress. Everyone knew the truth; they just chose not to say anything
07:40
28.8%
< Chapter147.
The women exchanged looks of disdain, and Jade couldn’t help but feel a rush of satisfaction. This bitch ruined the Zeller family’s legacy. There was no way she’d be happy with that man. At that moment, she spotted Leila playing outside with Jaxon and Joshua. A dark idea flickered in her mind.
Jaxon was kicking the ball around with Joshua.
Leila was chasing after them, tumbling on the grass but getting right back up. Eventually, she sat on a nearby sofa, exhausted.
Jaxon and Joshua, seeing her resting, felt assured.
Jaxon and Joshua kept playing nearby.
Jade saw her chance. She moved to a hidden corner, offering Leila candy. Want some sweets, little one?”
She held up a large smiley–face candy, her grin twisted like the witch in a fairy tale offering an apple.
Leila eyed her curiously. She recognized this woman as the one who’d been mean to her mom.
Jade’s offer went unanswered. Jade’s patience started to wear thin.
If Andrew returned and saw Leila missing, he’d be furious. She needed to act fast.
No matter how much she tried to entice her, Leila stayed seated, her bright eyes watching Jade’s
every move.
Finally, Leila, with a look of mock hesitation, glanced at the candy.
Jade’s heart leaped. Every time Leila showed interest, Jade’s hope grew. If she could control Hazel’s daughter, surely she’d be able to deal with that bitch.
Leila wondered why this woman wasn’t talking.
Leila stood up and took a few steps toward Jade.
Jade immediately started talking, as if pulling Leila along.
But as soon as Leila got close, she dashed back to the sofa, giving Jade a cheeky smile.
Leila thought to herself, “This woman doesn’t seem too bright.”
In the end, Jade was left feeling like a toddler had just played her for a fool
ward Jade.
Jade immediately started talking, as if pulling Leila along.
But as soon as Leila got close, she dashed back to the sofa, giving Jade a cheeky smile.
Leila thought to herself, “This woman doesn’t seem too bright.”
In the end, Jade was left feeling like a toddler had just played her for a fool
Leila showed interest, Jade’s hope grew. If she could control Hazel’s daughter, surely she’d be able to deal with that bitch.
Leila wondered why this woman wasn’t talking.
Leila stood up and took a few steps toward Jade.
Jade immediately started talking, as if pulling Leila along.
But as soon as Leila got close, she dashed back to the sofa, giving Jade a cheeky smile.
Leila thought to herself, “This woman doesn’t seem too bright.”
In the end, Jade was left feeling like a toddler had just played her for a fool
