Beneath the Cold Mask

anne didn't see Willia

and she felt very thirsty. Summoning her strength, she got up and went downstairs to

pen. He must have been working hard and had fallen asleep from exhaustion. Being powerful wasn't easy. Jeanne stepped closer and saw his peaceful

pered, "Good night, sweet dreams!" Then she turned off the light. T

he suddenly stood up, panicked and breathing fast. His hands and feet turned cold, sweat dripped down his back. He tried to c

udy. She rushed back and turned on the light. William lay on the floor.

eanne was at a loss but held him gently, whis

chest to steady his breathing. Yet his breaths grew more erratic, his face pale like so

proved. His breathing steadied, and her heart calmed. "William, how do you feel?" she asked. He opened his eye

r!" The lights in the corridor turned on. Soon,

oung lady?" aske

he study," Jean

looked shocked.

now," Jean

m. Minutes later, she returned, her face s

an experienced doctor arrived

m, explaining the situation briefly. The doc

Luckily, you found him quickly. I've given him an

I'm not sure about the details; the

sleeping and covered him. When I turned off th

or's expressions changed. A panicked voice interru

looking younger, carried an air of authority. His wife, ele

Jeanne had no idea William's

Thea, "Madam, your son has be

ieved. "William just returned?

ed at Jeanne, hesitan

she slapped Jeanne and said angrily, "I told you it's not good for a woman like you to marry William

er was shocked too; she never expected the elegant lady to use violence. After a moment, the housekeeper

-law and daughter-in-law relationship had always been tense. Mrs. Thea, being older and higher in status, usually ignored Jessy. But today, Jeanne had pushed her pa

ysically. Jeanne felt the need to explain, "Mom, I don't know how t

pond, Mrs. Thea moved closer and said, "Before William came back, I wouldn't care what you did. But now that he's here, if you do anything to damage his reputation or endanger him, I won't stay sile

to rest. Before leaving, they told the housekeeper to watch William closely and notify them immediately if he woke u

tly on William's face. His long eyelashes cast shadows as they trembled sligh

on, he felt a warm hand gripping his, steadying him. Turning

soon as he touched her, she woke up. Jeanne's eyes widened, and after seeing William was okay, she sighed w

ghts would affect you so much. If I had known, I never would have done it. Please don't be angry. I was sca

elt like a black hole pulling him in, with many hands trying to drag him down. He always fought alone, feelin

l hurting? Or blaming me?" Jeanne as

I won't blame you." Jeanne's red, tired eyes showed she hadn't slept

gh doubtful, she saw his supportive expression and obediently return

quickly, she headed downstairs for food. Standing on the stairs, she heard voices be

at the café at 3 PM." His voice was cold. Jeanne expected this; their occ

skirt. It was modest and elegant, with a white pearl or

a distance. Jeanne saw Julian through the window

it true the problem can be covered up?" J

the young lady again," Julian said confidently. "For this year, just liv