Heartstrings on Fire Novel Full Episode
Chapter 391-400

Chapter 391

Laura didn’t see that coming from Agnes.

But it does make sense

She’s been sharp as a tack since she was a kid.

Laying low all these years in this household, she was actually playing her cards close to her chest.

How else could she have slipped into being Mrs. Whitfield without a peep?

And got Jared wrapped around her little finger?

Laura went. “Since you’ve found out, I won’t beat around the bush anymore. Maybe Beatrice did all those things in a fit of pique, or maybe she’s green-eyed because you’re so outstanding. I just let her tell you that your mom’s death has something to do with Alyssa. I’m doing this for your own good. If I knew the truth and didn’t tell you, I’m afraid you’d blame me, even hate me later”

Agnes’ heart was racing. “What’s the real deal you know?”

Laura calmly said, “Actually, from the first time I saw Alyssa, I felt something was fishy. How should I put this, your mom and I were rivals back in the day, so i naturally cared more about her life.

At that time, your mom had already married your dad and left the showbiz, but she always had a nemesis, and that was Alyssa. Alyssa was the talk of the town in the entertainment industry at that time. Apparently, she and your mom were schoolmates and best friends. But then, they fell out over a guy named Michael Albert, who was your mom’s first love and whom Alyssa stole from her. Alyssa was head over heels for him, which led to her falling out with your mom. But for some reason, he didn’t end up with Alyssa. From then on, Alyssa and your mom were at odds

Even though Julia was out of the industry, Alyssa still wouldn’t let her off the hook, and caused her lots of trouble over the years. All these were well known in the entertainment circle. But then Alyssa got hitched, and their feud temporarily ended. But who would’ve thought, only two or three years later, Alyssa came back home after a divorce. Not long after she came back, there was a scandal about her embezzling charity funds. At the time, the scandal broke because the two million Alyssa donated under her own name vanished and later appeared in Julia’s personal account, which confirmed her guilt. Your father suspected this at the time. But unexpectedly, your mom confessed during the investigation, so that became the accepted truth, up till today”

After hearing this, Agnes was heartbroken, “Didn’t my dad do any investigation back then? He just let my mom confess and take the fall for everything?”

“Your dad did investigate back then, but what could he uncover given the clout of the Whitfield family? Besides, your mom committed suicide back then and your dad was devastated. What’s the point of uncovering any hidden truth?”

Agnes asked, “So why are you telling me all this now?”

“You and Jared have already tied the knot in secret. Plus, most of Alyssa’s past actions happened abroad, so we didn’t really pay much attention to this issue. Let bygones be bygones. The things from back then are too murky to investigate now. That incident might just have been a coincidence, might have nothing to do with Alyssa. Since you’ve married into the Whitfield family, your dad doesn’t intend to dig into the past. He just doesn’t want this to come between you and Jared.”

Frowning. Agnes said, “But you still managed to let me in on this.”

Chapter 392

Laura said, “Look, I’m just looking out for you. This whole thing is a real head scratcher. We can’t say for sure if your mom was the one who embezzled or if Alyssa set her up What’s done is done, as long as it doesn’t mess with your relationship But not long ago, Alyssa came to me, asking all sorts of questions about you and if you knew about your mom’s past. This caused a big row between your dad and me. I thought it’s only right to let you know, to keep you on your toes. fm womed if Alyssa really had a hand in your mom’s death, she might come after you, and your dad wouldn’t let me tell you He’s womed til affect you and Jared, plus, Starlight International Group is hanging on by the skin of their teeth thanks to the Tim Group’s help, we have to tread lightly

Agnes was taken aback, “What do you mean?”

Laura started to explain, “Your dad didn’t want to tell you this, but Starlight International Group didn’t get a bank loan, the Tim Group directly gave us a big sum of money to get us through the hard times”

Agnes was shocked.

Her father had given her the sum of money back

He said it was a loan from a Japanese bank that saved Starlight International Group, but she hadn’t expected it was the Tim Group that had stepped in Jared had never mentioned this.

Laura continued. “1 have a recording of a conversation I had with Alyssa, and you’ll understand once you listen to it”

recording

Laura pulled out her phone and played a recording

The recording began, Laura’s voice clear and direct, “Did you make that 2 million donation?”

Alyssa responded, her tone laced with regret, “I owe Julia so much more than just an apology for that year. All I wanted was for her to feel the sting of humiliatio for her to finally admit her wrongs to me. But I never imagined that she’d take her own life over a mere 2 million. The weight of that guilt has haunted me ever since, and facing it has been terrifying. Discovering that Agnes is Julia’s daughter life has a twisted sense of irony”

The recording ended there

Agnes could tell it was Alyssa and Laura’s voices.

Agnes was shaking all over

So the 2 million back then was indeed a trap set by Alyssa for her mother

Agnes was fuming

Laura said, “I know I’m your stepmother, and you probably won’t believe anything I say or think I mean well. You can totally ask Alyssa about this, I’m sure she wort deny it. But your dad is also right. What’s done is done, you’re already mamed to Jared.”

Agnes coldly said, “Cut the act. You brought Beatrice into the picture from the start, the aim was to leak the fact about my mom’s death and its link to Alyssa, sof start digging. You knew I’d confront you sooner or later, that’s why you recorded this conversation, waiting for me to fall into your trap, right? Your real goal is to use this old feud to mess with my relationship with Jared. Because Beatrice has feelings for Jared, you want me out of the picture so Beatrice can become Mrs. Whitfield, right? Even if Alyssa was the culprit back then, you don’t need to play the good guy in front of me. Everything that’s happening now, you’ve carefully orchestrated it, haven’t you?”

1/1

Chapter 393

Agnes ain’t no fool

Laura always plays the card of doing it for her own good.

But she spilled the beans without missing a beat.

Agnes had no idea how much of it was overblown.

But Agnes knew, a lot of it was Laura deliberately leading Beatrice on

She wouldn’t miss such a golden opportunity, would she?

Even though Agnes knew it was a trap, she had no choice but to jump in.

Laura suddenly burst into laughter

She elegantly fixed her hair, saying “Agnes, you’re much smarter than your mom.”

Laura stood up, walked over to Agnes: “Yes, I made Beatrice deliver the message so that I could secretly dig into the past and confirm with Alyssa. But the truth remains, she killed your mother, and you married Alyssa’s brother”

“What’s your goal?”

“My goal is simple, you should know it. Beatrice has a thing for Jared, but you got hitched with him. My silly daughter, I told her repeatedly to cool her jets, but she couldn’t resist making a move on you. Now look where it got her. We could have waited patiently for you to uncover the truth and cut ties with the Whitfield family But she was too impatient. Now she’s ruined everything. I know, now there’s hardly a chance for Beatrice to marry Jared. I have no other expectations. If you want to hold a grudge, hold it against me for being too scheming. Just let Beatrice off the hook this time, I promise she won’t cause you any more trouble in the future. As for your marriage with Jared, it’s up to you to weigh up. If you think the past is the past and it makes no sense to dig up your long-dead mother’s case, you can continue being Mrs. Whitfield, as if we never had this conversation today”

Agnes smirked. If Beatrice was half as cunning as you, she wouldn’t be behind bars now. Ms. Laura, does my father know what a manipulative person you are?”

Laura beamed, “Your father is a clueless guy. In his eyes, I might be the most innocent person in the world.”

Agnes chuckled, “TII drop the charges this time. Please discipline your daughter better, Ms. Laura. At least make her as cunning as you before she goes

wreaks havoc.”

“Agnes, even though you’re not my daughter, I kind of like you.”

Agnes didn’t want to play along with her anymore.

She turned around and left the study

Over there, Jared and Preston were having a chat on the balcony.”

Agnes was in a whirl of emotions

The man over there, her own father, was reluctant to uncover the truth about her mother for financial reasons.

Agnes had never despised Preston so much.

She even doubted if he ever loved her mother.

She could forgive him for letting her down in love.

But what Agnes couldn’t tolerate was his submission to the person who once killed her mother because of two million.

Jared had never been honest with her.

He knew the last thing she wanted was for the Whitfield family to become the protective umbrella of the Pritchard family

But he made the decision behind her back without discussing it with her.

Perhaps in others’ eyes, Agnes should be grateful.

out and

But maybe because of Alyssa, that two million felt like a venomous snake lurking in her heart, its scarlet tongue sticking out, ready to strike at any moment….

Chapter 394

When Jared caught sight of Agnes, he headed straight for her

Agnes looked out of sorts, as if she lost her spirit.

Jared, worried, asked, “What did she say? You don’t look well.”

Agnes managed a half hearted smile, “Jared, let’s go home. I want to go home.”

Preston walked over, “Agnes, why not stay for dinner with Jared? It’s not often you come back.”

Agnes’s voice had a cold edge. Tm not hungry, Jared, let’s go

Jared and Agnes walked down the stairs together.

The sound of Preston’s sigh echoed behind them

Agnes didn’t say a word all the way down.

Jared glanced at Agnes with a furrowed brow, then held her hand in his, “What did Laura say to make you so anxious?”

Agnes smiled, “Let’s let Beatrice off the hook, let her out tomorrow”

Jared frowned, “How can we let her off so easily?”

“She is still my father’s daughter. Now that she’s ruined her reputation and can’t enter the entertainment industry anymore, this punishment is enough.”

Jared was unconvinced, “Did Laura offer you any deal?”

“No, I just think the lesson is enough.”

Jared looked doubtful, but Agnes’ soft heart left him speechless.

“You’re too kind-hearted, you’ll get a raw deal sooner or later, Jared said.

Agnes forced a smile

“Jared, is your sister still in S City?”

Alyssa had started a clothing brand and a company in S City

It had been a while since Agnes last saw her.

Jared replied, “She’s been there lately, why the sudden interest?”

Agnes said, “I want to see her”

“She’ll definitely be back for Christmas Eve, Jared said.

“Okay” Agnes nodded.

After that, Agnes spent most of her time working on her thesis.

Due to the airing of the TV show “Cinderella,” she had gained some popularity on campus.

She generally stayed away from campus unless it was necessary.

Now, she spent most of her time in Jared’s office, writing her thesis and researching

Jared noticed

Agnes seemed to have become more dependent on him.

They were practically together 24/7.

Sometimes when Jared had a business trip, Agnes would insist on coming along.

Jared was pleased with Agnes’s change, but he also worried,

Agnes had something on her mind

Jared could tell.

But she wouldn’t say

Jared occasionally found her lost in thought.

He didn’t know what was wrong with her

After a meeting. Jared walked into his office to find Agnes standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, deep in thought.

Jared walked over, hugged her from behind, and kissed her hair gently, “What are you thinking about, do you still not want to tell me?”

Agnes leaned back into his arms, almost completely melting into his embrace.

She loved the smell of Jared, fresh and comforting

“Jared,” Agnes suddenly said, “I was wondering, why does the world change so unpredictably? It was clear skies just a moment ago, but look, the sky is now full of dark clouds. It looks like it’s going to rain”

Jared looked out.

Sure enough, dark clouds were gathering, and the sky was becoming gloomy.

Chapter 395

Jared hugged Agnes tightly, “Sure, sunshine and blue skies are beautiful, but there’s also a unique beauty to a downpour. Don’t sweat it, even if it’s raining cats and dogs in your world, I’ll be there to hold an umbrella for you.”

Agnes turned around and hugged Jared back

She was touched, but couldn’t help thinking, what if the rain was falling for him?

Agnes didn’t dare to ponder on that

Those days, with Alyssa still out of the picture, Agnes granted herself a blank space of rest

She didn’t dwell on past disputes, nor pondered if her mother’s death was mally related to Alyssa, she just totally got a kick out of her time with Jared in Century

Entertainment.

The more she hung out with Jared, the more it felt like she was stuck in the mud and couldn’t pull herself out.

During those days, Agnes wasn’t only consumed by her paper but was also digging into Michael’s past. Laura had once alluded that many bygone disputes revolved around him. Yet, Agnes’ attempts to uncover substantial details about him were largely unfruitful.

Later, Agnes decided to reconnect with her roots by visiting her former film school. There, she encountered a classmate of her mother’s, who had since risen to prominence as the head of the acting department. His version of history paralleled what Hamish had shared. Conversations about Alyssa and Julia’s past seemed off-limits to him. Yet, unintentionally, he let slip a piece of the puzzle: Julia had been in a long-term relationship with Michael, a childhood friend turned lover from her film school days.

Learning about their shared past, Agnes felt a pull towards her familial roots and chose to visit her grandmother’s residence. Jared had initially planned to accompany her.

But since it was year-end, he was swamped and couldn’t split himself in two, so Agnes went to the countryside alone, planning to visit her grandma on the way.

Her grandma was over the moon to see Agnes.

But when she noticed Agnes was alone, she immediately asked, “Where’s Jared, why didn’t he come with you?”

Agnes replied, “He’s really busy at the moment and didn’t have time, but he said he’ll definitely come visit you soon.”

Her grandma’s face showed a mix of disappointment and joy. “Well, if he’s busy, he’s busy. I’m not exactly dying to see him, I’m just an old woman.”

Upon entering the house, Agnes noticed that her grandma’s house had been fully renovated.

All the electrical and water facilities were updated, a new bathroom was added too.

The house was completely refurbished with some new furniture added.

A landline was also installed.

As soon as they entered the house, her grandma started complaining. I’m an old woman on the brink of death, and you people are making such a fuss over renovations. It’s a waste of money and effort.”

Agnes gently grasped her grandmother’s hand, assuring her, “Granny, you have many more years ahead of you. Let’s not talk like this. Jared did all of this because he cares about you. He knows you don’t want to leave the countryside, so he aimed to make your life here more comfortable, especially considering your leg problems. Fetching water from the yard isn’t always feasible.”

While her grandmother voiced concerns about the excesses, her inner contentment was unmistakable. The villagers had taken notice of Jared’s kindness, and many couldn’t help but feel a touch of jealousy.

As dusk settled, the comforting aroma of chicken soup wafted through the house, lovingly prepared by her grandmother.

Agnes had three bowls of soup and still wanted more

Her grandma sighed and said, “The way you eat really takes after your mom. Every time she came back, I would make chicken soup for her too, and she could always finish the whole pot by herself”

Mentioning her mother, Agnes’s hand paused for a moment, and then casually asked, “Granny, do you know someone named Michael?”

The mere mention of that name caused a visible shift in her grandmother’s demeanor. “You’re referring to that rambunctious boy from the orphanage, aren’t you? I remember him well. He was notorious for stirring up trouble and picking quarrels. His reputation was known far and wide, throughout the village and town alike. Last I heard, he found himself behind bars.”

Chapter 396

Tums out that guy really did know her mom since childhood.

Agnes continued to ask, “Granny, is there any story between my mom and him?”

The old lady found Agnes quite odd, “Why are you suddenly interested in this?”

“Something happened recently that involves this guy. Granny, I want to know everything about him, and his relationship with my mom. If you know anything, please

tell me.”

Agnes’ grandmother took a bite of her meal, put down her utensils, and let out a deep sigh, “Michael is just a small-time hoodlum, an orphan since childhood, grew up in the only orphanage in town. He was always a troublemaker, often picked fights, and was frequently taken away by the police. But, he was pretty nice to your

mom.”

Agnes was a bit surprised, “Didn’t you say that mom was very well behaved and gentle when she was young? How could she be related to such a person?”

Speaking of this, the old lady was deeply impressed.

“I don’t know how they met. All I know is that one time, that little ruffian walked your mom home after school and from that day on, he came by every day I thought he was pestering your mom, I chased him away several times, even called the police, but he still came around to walk your mom home daily. Later, I found out that your mom had run into some bullies after school, and Michael saved her. He walked her home every day to protect her. But I was worried, after all, Michael was just an uneducated little hoodlum, I feared he might have ill intentions towards your mom, I tried my best to stop their interactions, but to no avail. He persisted for three years, sending your mom to school every day, and picking her up afterwards”

Listening to this, Agnes felt a complex mix of emotions.

Scenes of her mother’s youth flashed through her mind.

Her grandmother continued. “For those three years, Michael pretty much came around every day, sometimes he even helped out with the farm work. I tried to shoo him away, but he wouldn’t leave. I thought your mom was too shy to break things off with him because of her gentle personality, but later I found out that they were actually dating”

Agnes was also shocked, “Was mom in a puppy love?”

“There’s no such thing as puppy love. At that time, your mom was already 18, the only college student in town, but she insisted on going to a film school. The tuition for that school was very expensive, I sold all the cattle and sheep at home and still couldn’t afford it. It was that little hoodlum who directly gavetwo thousand bucks, saying it was for your mom’s tuition”

Listening to this past story, Agnes felt like she had traveled back decades, as if she had experienced it herself.

That Michael must have really liked her mother.

“I initially refused to accept the money, I didn’t know how he got it, but he later assured me that it was money he earned from hard work. Your mom eventually accepted the money with peace of mind, that’s when I realized that they had been dating for a while, they were very close”

The old woman sighed deeply, “I was very anxious at that time. My elegant and beautiful daughter, how could she fall for an uneducated little thug? They didn’t seem to match at all. Apart from being good-looking, I really couldn’t see any other advantages he had. But one thing’s for sure, he was really good to your mom, very obedient.”

Chapter 397

“So, Granny, did you oppose their relationship back then?” Agnes asked.

“Of course, who wants to hand their daughter over to a thug? Sure, he treated your mom well, but with guys like him, you never know what they’re capable of. None of his friends were any good either, I was worried he’d be a bad influence on your mom. I opposed it, but it didn’t make a difference”

“Did Mom really like him?”

Her Granny’s eyes filled with a hint of helplessness. “Initially, I believed your mom was simply thankful to him. He was always there for her, picking her up from school no matter the weather I never imagined a girl as good as your mom would fall for someone of his type. Yet when I insisted she end things with him, she went without food for three days. That’s when it hit me she truly cared for him, despite his rough edges”

From an outsider’s perspective, Agnes felt moved hearing this

She could understand her mother’s feelings

Even though Michael was an uneducated thug, he was her mother’s hero.

“Later on, your mom went to the big city for university and Michael followed her. He promised me he’d find a decent job and turn his life around. He said he’d come ask for her hand in marriage once he made something of himself. I accepted him then, because I knew he genuinely cared for your mom. As long as he was around, I wouldn’t worry about your mom being bullied in the city”

As she said this, Agnes’ Granny seemed to remember something, her voice turning somber

“What happened then? Why didn’t Mom end up with him and chose Dad instead?”

Tm not entirely sure about the events in the city. What I do know is that your mom returned home one day and secluded herself in her room for an entire week. She neither ate nor drank, just sat in isolation. Michael arrived and spent an entire day and night kneeling outside her door, waiting. When she finally emerged, they had a lengthy conversation in the yard. It culminated with your mom ending their relationship. Michael was left standing there, visibly distraught and in tears. It pained me to witness his heartbreak, I tried asking your mom about the circumstances, but she remained tight-lipped. Soon after, Michael departed, and I never saw him again. Rumor has it he ran into legal troubles and ended up incarcerated. Surprisingly, within three months, your mom married your dad.”

Agnes’ Granny’s voice was full of regret as she continued, “Actually, I grew quite fond of that thug Compared to your dad, Michael did things for your mom that your dad could never match. But I heard later that Michael betrayed your mom, got involved with a girl from a wealthy family, and your mom was hurt. Your mom had a rough life, being abandoned by one man was hard enough, and then even your dad treated her like that. It’s no wonder…”

Agnes Granny couldn’t finish her sentence.

Although it happened many years ago, her daughter’s death still weighed heavily on her heart.

But she couldn’t reveal all this to Agnes.

Agnes was filled with anguish.

What Granny wanted to say was, it’s no wonder her mother, in her utter disappointment, chose to end her own life

Granny didn’t know the whole truth behind the incident.

“Let’s not talk about this anymore, Agnes, let’s eat. Your mom’s been gone for so many years, discussing these things won’t change anything. As long as you and Jared are happy, that’s all that matters. It would let your mom rest peacefully in heaven.”

Agnes felt heavy hearted

If it was really because of Alyssa’s trap that led her mother to end her life, Agnes didn’t know how to deal with it.

Could she continue with Jared?

Chapter 398

After hanging out in the sticks for a couple of days, Agnes made her way back to the hustle and bustle of the city

A new year was just around the comer

The whole city was buzzing with festive vibes.

On Christmas Eve. Agnes had promised to spend the holiday with the Whitfield family.

Preston had asked Agnes to come home for dinner the day before Christmas Eve.

It was the first time Agnes had seen Beatrice since she had been sprung from the slammer.

Beatnce’s gaze held clear resentment when she looked at Agnes, even more pronounced than before. Though she’d managed to keep her feelings in check, she didn’t address Agnes and instead retreated to her room.

Dinner was palpably tense. Aside from some sporadic business chatter between Jared Whitfield and Preston, silence dominated the room. Agnes would’ve preferred any fate over being there, if not for Preston’s insistence.

Deep inside, Agnes recognized the fractured state of their household. Preston was trying to mend relationships, hoping that dinner would be an opportunity for Beatrice to apologize. Yet, Beatrice’s actions spoke louder than words, She purposefully spilled wine on Agnes, mockingly saying, “Agnes, I’m sorry, I’m just clumsy Hope you understand.”

Preston’s patience snapped. Slamming his hand on the table, he exclaimed, “Beatrice, if not for Agnes’s grace, you’d be in jail now. How can you act this way? Don’t you ever self-reflect?”

Beatrice pissed off, tossed the cutlery, “Dad, if it wasn’t for her, would I be doing time? My reputation is ruined, and I can’t survive in showbiz, can’t even go to school. It’s all because of her. And you talk about her tolerance, does she have to put me six feet under to be considered ruthless?”

Agnes retorted coolly, “Beatrice, if we’re talking about being ruthless, I’m no match for you. If you hadn’t done those crazy things, how would you have ended up in this mess?”

Beatrice yelled out in anger, “All of this is because you took everything from me, Agnes, you took everything from me, you ruined me, I have nothing now, I’ll never forgive you, I hate you, why don’t you just drop dead?”

“Slap”.

The room was filled with a sharp echoing noise as Laura slapped Beatrice

Staring in shock, Beatrice managed, “Mom, did you just slap me?”

Laura’s voice was firm and laden with frustration. I hoped that might wake you up. You brought all of this on yourself, yet you dare to point fingers at your sister. it weren’t for Agnes and her husband’s generosity, you wouldn’t even be here acting so entitled. It’s disappointing to see you haven’t changed. Go think about your actions, no dinner until you do.”

Beatrice was at a loss for words. But the disapproving looks from everyone around her made her retreat, shielding her face, heading upstairs.

Throughout the ordeal, Jared remained stoically impassive.

Laura, her guilt evident, sighed, “This child is so lost. I’ll go talk to her. Please continue with your meal.”

She followed Beatrice upstairs, only to find the room in chaos. Breakable items lay shattered all around.

With a stern voice, Laura admonished, “How foolish can you be? Didn’t I make it clear? Stay calm and apologize to Agnes. What were you thinking downstairs? If you upset Jared again, the consequences could be dire. Hasn’t your time behind bars taught you anything?”

12.09

Chapter 399

Beatrice was in a frenzy, even going so far as to break the bedside lamp. “1 just can’t bear it any longer. Why does Jared favor Agnes over me? I love him deeply. But what has he given me? Heartbreak. If I can’t be with him, then nobody can. I’ll make sure of it.”

Laura calmly sat on the sofa, trying to reason with her “Who told you it’s impossible? You’re simply too impatient. Haven’t I told you repeatedly? A damaged reputation is only temporary. People will forget in time”

Beatrice, hearing her mother’s words, rushed to her, clasping her hand tightly. “Mom, is there still hope for me? Can I ever win Jared’s heart again? The disdain in his eyes is unbearable.”

Laura gave her a helpless look, “I already told you but you didn’t listen. I told you the timing wasn’t right and asked you to be patient. But what did you do? You didn’t just do those things, you left so many traces. How did I end up with such a stupid daughter?”

“Mom, I know I messed up. Help me, help me. I can’t let Agnes be so smug. If I can’t have Jared, ruining their marriage is also good. Seeing Agnes, I just want to tear her apart.”

Laura reached out and touched Beatrice’s face, “Honey, just wait. The real drama is about to begin. I’ll help you get back at those who humiliated you today”

“You always say that. But now Agnes knows about Alyssa Whitfield and her mother’s death, why is she still so close with Jared? Why are they still together? Why aren’t they divorced yet?”

“Don’t worry, we still have a trump card”

“What trump card?” Beatrice asked.

Laura whispered something in her ear

Beatrice looked shocked, saying. The Whitfield family has such an astonishing secret. If outsiders find out, the Whitfield family’s reputation will be ruined”

Laura smiled, “Tim would never let that happen. It’s about the Whitfield family’s reputation for centuries.”

Beatrice looked vicious, “Mom, this is a powerful trump card. If I reveal this…”

Laura scolded, “I said you were stupid, and you really are getting stupider. We must hold on to this trump card and not reveal it easily. With this, what you want is

within reach, isn’t it?”

A light bulb seemed to go off in Agnes’ head.

Yes, with such a trump card, even if she asks Jared to marry her, he would definitely agree, wouldn’t he?

Beatrice seemed hopeful. Her mood improved instantly. She hugged Laura “Mom, you’re really amazing. How did you find out about this?”

Laura said, “You don’t need to worry about that. I have my ways.”

With fists clenched and a sly smile, Beatrice mused, “Tll revel in seeing Agnes fall. Once Jared is out of the picture for her, she’ll be powerless. I’m eager to see her try and push me around then. I’ll ensure she’s utterly defeated.”

The dinner that evening was far from comfortable. Despite Preston’s efforts, his plan hadn’t come to fruition. He seemed to be lost in a constant state of contemplation, sighing repeatedly.

On the drive home, a somber Agnes broke the silence. “I can’t pinpoint when it began, but communicating with my father has become so strained. The warmth of family feels distant now.”

Grasping her hand reassuringly, Jared responded, “Agnes, remember that you and I are a family. I’m here to provide all the comfort and warmth you seek.”

Heartstrings on Fire Chapter 401

Chapter 400

Agnes glanced at Jared, feeling all kinds of strange emotions. She shifted away shyly when their eyes met. In a quiet voice, she asked, “Jared, what if, one day, we had to split up?” Jared scrunched his brow, and instantly hit the brakes, pulling the car over

Agnes was taken aback, “What’s up with you?” Jared said sterly, “Agnes, I don’t want to hear you talk like that, or even think like that. We’re married, and we’re a unit. I’m never getting a divorce in my life, and you better not think about it either”

His serious response scared Agnes, she said a bit lost, I was just joking”

Jared gazed deeply into Agnes’ eves, then drew her in for a kiss. Gently cradling her face, he whispered, “Promise me you won’t make jokes like that again.”

Agnes, caught in the whirlwind of emotions, could only nod.

As Jared pulled away, he shifted his focus back to the road. TII take you home first. Then, I need to pick up my sister from the airport.”

“Alyssa’s back from S City?” Agnes asked, regaining her composure.

“With Christmas Eve tomorrow, she wanted to be here to celebrate, Jared explained, Agnes realized she hadn’t seen Alyssa in almost two months.

Let’s pick her up together,” Agnes suggested.

Jared shook his head, “It’s late, and her flight might get delayed. You should head home and rest.”

Agnes didn’t push further.

She was aware that she would have to confront some unresolved issues when she saw Alyssa again. She wondered how it would affect her relationships with both Alyssa and Jared. She’d been using Alyssa’s absence as an excuse to delay facing the situation. But now, the day of reckoning was drawing near

Agnes got back to Maplewood Manor first, and Jared drove to the airport. The Whitfields had a chauffeur, but Jared always insisted on picking up Alyssa from her trips, no matter how busy he was. Their relationship was really good, which made Agnes feel conflicted.

Agnes had an uneasy sleep. When Jared got back at 2 AM, Agnes was still awake. She sleepily switched on the light, “You’re back?” Jared crouched down and kissed her hair. “Why aren’t you asleep yet?” “I can’t sleep” Jared chuckled, “Is it because I’m not here?” Agnes surprisingly nodded, “I want to sleep in your arms”

It was rare for Agnes to be so childlike and clingy. After Jared took a shower, he held Agnes in his arms, “You’re really something, honey, what will you do without me?” It was a casual joke, but it made Agnes feel like crying.

Yeah, what would she do without Jared?

Agnes curled up in Jared’s arms, closed her eyes, and began to cry quietly.

Jared must’ve been tired, he fell asleep quickly.

But Agnes couldn’t sleep, she looked up at Jared’s peaceful face

She felt like she hadn’t really looked at him in a long time.

This man still had an irresistible charm.

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