Chapter 5

The news that Jake, the CEO of the Stephens Group, had spent a fortune to win his lover's smile blew up on social media.

The Stephens Group's stock prices were affected, so the board members and business partners pressured Jake.

Surprisingly, Jake became even more defiant. He not only suppressed public opinion but also publicly declared that Ryann was his true love.

He then began taking Ryann everywhere with him.

He put his work on hold to indulge with Ryann in all the whimsical, youthful rituals of new love.

Gradually, public opinion changed. Many people were moved by their love story and accused Eva of being the third wheel in the relationship between Jake and Ryann.

Ryann boasted triumphantly. "Eva, what do we do? Everyone envies our love."

Eva was engrossed in a book recommended by Vernon. She didn't lift her head. "When love is fulfilled, your family ties will be, too. Your parents might come looking for you soon."

Before Ryann replied, Eva hung up the phone.

Just as Even put down her phone, it rang again. It was Ellen this time. "Eva, bad news. Jacob knows the truth. Get to the hospital as soon as possible."

Even rushed to the hospital and saw Jake standing with his head bowed at the bedside. Jacob Stephens, his grandfather, was scolding him.

Jacob said with disappointment as he saw Eva, "If you want to apologize, you'd better do it to Eva. You owe her the most in our family."

But Jake didn't think so. He turned to Eva with a dismissive snort. "Don't think you can use Grandpa to pressure me into loving you. Dream on."

He then left.

Eva sat by the bed under Jacob's affectionate gaze and didn't know what to say.

When Ryann had viciously accused Eva of perversion and emotional incest for loving Jake, the words had struck deep. Eva sank into a period of intense self-questioning. Jacob had discerned her distress. He gently drew out the story and helped her find her way out of that dark place of doubt with patient guidance and reassurance.

Throughout her marriage, she endured constant coldness and ridicule from Jake. Jacob reassured her of her worth, insisting that Jake was blind as he failed to see what a good woman she was. He told her that she was great and helped her rebuild her confidence.

However, although Jacob was kind to Eva, Jake was still his grandson.

He was the future and hope of the Stephens family.

Eva remained silent for a long while and finally said, "Grandpa, I'm sorry, but I want to leave the Stephens family."

Jacob coughed violently. It took him a long while to regain composure. He sighed deeply, "Jake is not lucky enough to be your husband. I've given him three years to understand his true feelings, but he remains oblivious. I can no longer help him."

Eva looked up in surprise.

Just then, the door to the hospital room was forcefully pushed open.

Ryann rushed in. She got down on her knees and said, "Grandpa, don't blame Jake. I came back to him initially. My depression has worsened, and I don't have much time left. I don't want to die with regrets. I will be with Jake just a few more years. Please fulfill my wish."

With that, she began to kowtow vigorously. Jacob trembled with anger and nearly fainted.

Eva quickly rang the emergency bell and rushed Ryann out.

After Jacob calmed down, he looked at Eva wearily. He then nodded in compromise. "I agree to what you said earlier. I will arrange for your departure in three days."