Chapter 332 Hope, go to hell

On the hotel rooftop, the helicopter touched down.

A bunch of guys in black suits got out in a neat line, with Sawyer right behind them.

Then, a person with yellow curls, blue eyes, and super red lips stepped out. Rocking a white suit, he looked more elegant than out of place.

Sawyer gave a heads-up, "Mr. Warren, just a reminder, Jerry's not an easy guy to handle."

Sonny chuckled, "Now I'm even more curious about him."

Jerry had been chilling on the sofa with his legs crossed since Francis showed up.

From the smirk on his face, Francis figured he was texting someone.

Francis said, "Did some digging before I came. The gangs around here aren't exactly trustworthy. Keep your guard up."

Jerry didn't even bother looking up. "Thanks for the tip. I'll be leaving first and going back to accompany Hope."

Francis thought, 'Why did I even bother?'

"Jerry," Steven walked over, "They're here."

Sawyer and Sonny were right behind him.

Only then did Jerry put his phone away and look up. The smile and warmth vanished, replaced by a cold stare.

If the situation allowed, Francis would've clapped and commented on how fast Jerry could switch his expression.

Jerry glanced at Sawyer, unimpressed. "I underestimated you."

Sawyer, no longer the cautious and humble guy he used to be around Jerry, warned, "Mr. Hammer, don't push it, or it'll backfire on you."

Jerry sneered, "Should've shot you and fed you to the sharks back then, instead of letting you live to threaten me now."

Sawyer replied, "If you hadn't pushed me, I wouldn't be like this. Your ruthless ways have made you a lot of enemies, leading to payback."

Jerry was indifferent. "You can have your wife and kid, but you need to hand over the Harris family's assets. You seem pretty tight with the Warren family now, so you probably don't need the money."

The Harris family was a big deal in Maple Valley, with generations of wealth. They'd declined a bit and couldn't match the Hammer or Ortiz families, but they were still loaded.

Sawyer's closeness with Sonny was just a coincidence. He'd sent Sonny's dad to the hospital in time, but the illness wasn't life-threatening.

That small favor was almost used up when Sonny agreed to help Sawyer take down Jerry.

After their attempt to kill Jerry failed, Jerry was now demanding the Harris family's assets in exchange for Skylar and Kimberly.

The Harris family's assets were supposed to be their safety net abroad. No way they were giving that up.

Sawyer gathered himself and sneered, "Mr. Hammer, haven't you figured it out yet? You don't get to negotiate with me."

Jerry's eyes sparkled with sarcasm as he casually replied, "Oh, really?"

Sawyer hated Jerry's attitude the most. He couldn't understand why Jerry was never scared. Even in danger, with his throat being squeezed, Jerry stayed cool, unlike Sawyer, who mostly faked his calm.

"Where are my wife and kid?" Sawyer cut to the chase. With Sonny around, he figured Jerry wouldn't dare pull anything.

This wasn't Maple Valley, and the gangs here didn't care about personal grudges.

But Jerry was different. He leaned back on the sofa, his voice lazy, "What wife and kid?"

Last time, when he had no other choice, Sawyer claimed he had no wife and kids, pretending to give up on Skylar and Kimberly, thinking Skylar would understand.

Sawyer warned, "Jerry, you're on Sonny's turf now. Your arrogance will get you killed!"

Jerry picked at his ear. "Then let's see if you have the guts to kill me."

Suddenly, there was applause.

Jerry didn't even look. Sonny, that weirdo, made Jerry sick just by being there.

"Interesting indeed," Sonny said, staring at Jerry, making him physically uncomfortable.

Steven, Jerry's most trusted guy, had a knack for reading people.

Steven noticed Jerry's clear dislike for Sonny, even wanting to shoot him, and quickly spoke up, "Our condition is the Harris family's assets. Trade the assets for Skylar and Kimberly. If you don't agree, there's nothing to talk about."

Sawyer couldn't figure out where Jerry's confidence came from. "Look at the situation. I'll say it again, you don't get to negotiate. Hand over my wife and kid."

"Shut up," Sonny said, annoyed.

Sawyer felt like his throat was being squeezed, wanting to speak but unable to. He couldn't afford to piss off Sonny.

"Jerry?" Sonny tilted his head, resting his chin on his hand, smiling at Jerry, calling his name in a weirdly flirty way.

Jerry felt grossed out, thinking his name sounded dirty coming from Sonny's mouth.

Francis had been worried about Jerry, even though he knew Jerry must have a backup plan.

But now, this show was getting interesting.

Who would've thought Sonny actually seemed to like guys? Look at Jerry, that annoying demeanor of his was irritating but also kinda endearing.

Jerry noticed Francis's obvious amusement and shot him countless icy glares, like he was trying to pierce him through.

Francis, though, just picked up his wine glass and leisurely swirled it.

This show was definitely interesting.

Not wanting to drag this disgusting charade any longer, Jerry looked at Sawyer and said, "The Harris family's assets for your wife and kid. If you don't agree, get lost."

Sawyer couldn't believe what he was hearing.

But Sonny cut in, "You're really something."

Jerry thought having bugs crawling all over him would feel like this.

He hadn't expected there'd be such people in the gang. No wonder it wasn't thriving.

They were just lucky to be in a good spot. Back home, they'd have been locked up for reformation ages ago.

Sonny said, "I like you, and I need someone like you. Join me, and we'll rule this place together. I can agree to all your conditions."

Sawyer wanted to speak but was afraid of pissing off Sonny, feeling stifled.

It was only because of the Warren family's years of accumulation that Sonny, such a fool, could become a leader.

Jerry couldn't sit still anymore. He raised his hand and moved his index finger slightly.

His men immediately appeared, surrounding Sonny and the others.

The hotel lobby suddenly felt crowded.

Sonny spread his hands. "So there's nothing else to talk about?"

Jerry not only didn't want to talk but also wanted to make him mute.

"Steven," Jerry called out.

Steven took out the property agreement and placed it in front of Sawyer.

There was no way Sawyer would sign it. "Mr. Warren, I'll take my men to find my wife and kid. You handle them here."

Sonny looked at Jerry with anticipation. "Jerry, are you really not planning to be mine?"

Jerry's jaw tightened and his eyelids lifted slightly. His extreme disgust was evident.

In the next moment, he lifted his leg and kicked towards Sonny.

In an instant, the spacious lobby descended into chaos.

Steven shielded Jerry, and Francis joined the fight.

The hotel management didn't dare to intervene.

All that could be heard were gunshots.

Later, the police arrived. "Drop your weapons!"

The police separated the two groups, but Jerry was nowhere to be seen.

The next day.

I finished breakfast early and sent Jerry a message, asking what time he would arrive.

He replied close to noon.

Confirming he would arrive in the evening, I started preparing dinner with Ellen.

During this time, Claire video-called me. "Look, I'm making pizza. Come over and get it this weekend."

Seeing Claire so happy lifted my mood too. "Okay."

Claire looked at me for a bit and said, "Why do you look a bit off?"

I touched my face and smiled. "No, it's probably the lighting. I'm fine. Don't worry!"

Claire asked, "Hasn't Jerry returned from abroad yet?"

"He said he'll be back tonight," I replied.

Claire said, "Alright, I'm busy now. Take care of yourself. Get some rest, and don't hide anything from me."

"Got it."

After hanging up, I went to the bathroom to take a look.

Turning my head left and right, I did look pale and unwell.

I touched my lower abdomen. "Sorry, baby, for making you suffer with me."

"Can he understand what you're saying?"

I looked up sharply to see Jerry walking towards me, tears uncontrollably streaming down my face.

Jerry sighed and wiped my tears. "Did you forget what Mr. Griffin said? I'm back now, so why are you crying?"

I reached to lift his shirt, but he dodged sideways.

Jerry pinched my face and said, "I'm really hungry. Can we eat first?"

I thought my mood would improve automatically with Jerry's return, and my appetite would follow, but after a few bites, I couldn't eat anymore.

I really wanted to know what had happened, and whether he was hurt.

Seeing my unease, Jerry sighed, "With you like this, I can't eat either."

"Then eat later," I replied and tried to lift his shirt again.

This time, Jerry didn't stop me, and I saw the bandage wrapped around his abdomen. The red stain on the white bandage was glaring.

I said, "I knew you were lying to me!"

Jerry quickly pulled me into his arms, his voice low and soothing, "When I wasn't by your side, if I told you I was hurt, you'd only worry. I didn't mean to lie or hide it from you. Didn't I tell you as soon as I got back? Don't cry. Crying too much will make your eyes hurt."

I couldn't control my tears. "How did this happen? You're always so meticulous. What went wrong this time?"

Jerry gently wiped my tears and explained softly, "The Hammer Group needs to transform. I initially suspected there might be a problem with this deal, but I had no evidence. It wasn't until I got there that I realized it was a trap." 

"I thought, since I was already abroad, I had to catch the person who set the trap. Besides, I didn't know Sawyer's movements, and I couldn't rest easy. Someone like him, if left in the dark, would always be a problem. Now that you're pregnant, I want to handle things more gently," he added.

I understood. "You used yourself as bait."

Jerry's dry fingers wiped away my tear stains. "Smart."

I lightly slapped his hand away. "Stop joking around. If you knew it was a trap, how did you get so badly hurt?"

Jerry retorted, "It's not that serious. The bleeding is because of the flight. It'll heal in a couple of days."

I didn't believe him at all. "Come with me to the hospital."

Jerry knew he couldn't avoid it, so he obediently followed me to the hospital.

When Grant unwrapped the bandage, I was horrified. "Jerry!"

Jerry quickly responded, "I'm here."

I was both angry and heartbroken.

Jerry smiled at me, but sweat was already beading on his nose.

When Grant was treating the wound, I saw him frown.

Although he was trying to endure it, his instinctive reactions couldn't be controlled.

I turned around, facing away from him. Partly because I couldn't bear to watch, and partly because I was genuinely angry.

Jerry signaled Grant to hurry up.

Grant efficiently finished the treatment and left Jerry and me alone in the ward.

Jerry reached for my hand, but I pulled away. Hearing him hiss in pain, I quickly turned back. "Are you okay?"

"Just fine," Jerry replied.

Jerry grabbed my waist and pulled me into his arms.

I was about to struggle when I heard his hoarse voice, "Hope, it hurts."

I didn't dare move, even though I knew it was one of his little tricks.

"Serves you right," I said.

"Yeah," Jerry agreed, "I deserve it. So don't be mad, and take care of me, okay? I'm so pitiful right now."

Jerry rubbed his face against my neck like a dog seeking comfort from its owner.

I wasn't really angry, just heartbroken.

Now, how could I resist?

I looked up at him. "No next time."

"Okay, I promise," Jerry replied.

After we talked it out, we went home together.

Not having eaten enough at dinner, we bought some pastries on the way back.

I took a bite of the pastry Jerry fed me and asked, "Steven didn't come back?"

Jerry replied honestly, "He and Francis are handling the aftermath."

I paused. "There's something I need to tell you."

Before I could say anything, Jerry guessed, "You want to advise Elissa to stop chasing after Francis."

I said, "Don't try to change the subject. You just want to win that bet about who gets married first."

Jerry laughed and pulled me into his arms. "How do you know everything? But I have a question."

I asked, "What?"

Jerry asked, "Before, you wouldn't let anyone say a word against Elissa. Why didn't you say anything when Francis went too far this time?"

I pursed my lips. "Because I know Francis doesn't want Elissa to go abroad, and neither do I. You got hurt, which shows how dangerous it is. But Francis did hurt Elissa, and she said she won't chase him anymore. Happy now? You're going to win that bet."

As soon as I finished speaking, I saw Jerry raise an eyebrow and smile. "Are you proposing to me?"

Jerry was so shameless!

On the weekend, Jerry and I went to the Harris Manor.

Claire was already waiting at the door with the pizza.

"You look much better today," Claire said to me and then looked at Jerry. "Love is indeed the best medicine. As soon as you came back, she got better."

"Claire..." I felt embarrassed, as if I couldn't live without Jerry, but it seemed to be true. "I took Mr. Griffin's medicine. It's his medical skills that are good."

"Alright, as long as you're well." Claire didn't expose me and handed me the pizza. 

"Seeing you puts my mind at ease. Take care and go home." Claire understood that I didn't want to see Larry.

"Okay." Seeing that Claire was fine, I felt relieved.

After a few more words, Jerry and I left.

When we returned to Tranquil Haven, we saw Steven, whom I hadn't seen in days.

"Jerry, everything's taken care of," Steven said to Jerry and then looked at me, hesitating. "Hope,"

Jerry gave him a cold glance. "What? A few days abroad and you can't speak properly?"

Steven stammered, "It's just that Mr. Peterson got a bit injured."

Jerry immediately understood. "Is it serious?"

Steven thought, 'If I cooperate with Jerry to deceive Hope, she'll be angry. If I don't, Jerry will be angry. But Hope's anger is scarier than Jerry's.'

Steven replied, "Not serious, but he's hospitalized. Maybe waiting for someone to visit."

Jerry dragged out an "Oh."

I just watched the two of them, not saying a word.

Steven said what he needed to and left.

Jerry and I looked at each other for a while, then he asked, "Should I say it?"

I asked, "If I tell you not to say it, will you really stay silent?"

Jerry nodded. "Of course, I always listen to my wife."

I lightly hit him. "I'm not your wife."

After this trip abroad, Jerry spent more time at home, accompanying me to every prenatal checkup.

Whenever possible, he brought work home, which led to a bit of a problem. While I was happy he was with me, I had no time to design the wedding dress.

Under Elissa's urging, I had already come up with a rough design. But I didn't want Jerry to find out now.

As my pregnancy progressed, the symptoms worsened, and the dress design was put on hold.

At three months, I received a call from Madison.

Madison said, "Hope, I'm done with my work and can now help prepare for the banquet."

I didn't react immediately. "What banquet?"

Madison replied, "Of course, it's a banquet for you!"

Upon hearing this, I realized Madison was preparing to announce my true identity.

I knew she had been waiting for this day for a long time, and I also wanted everyone to know that I was her daughter, so she could attend my wedding as my mother.

I smiled. "Alright, when will it be?"

"After October 1st. Just wait for my message."

Calculating the time, I knew Madison was planning to personally oversee every detail, which made me feel very warm inside.

On the day of the banquet.

The continuous rain of the past few days had cleared, and the weather was exceptionally good.

Not only did the elite and powerful of Maple Valley come, but also many celebrities from afar, including popular stars usually only seen on screen.

The hotel entrance was filled with luxury cars and reporters.

Seeing all the cameras, I was a bit surprised. "Mom really went all out."

Beside me, Jerry casually agreed, "Indeed, this setup is really putting the pressure on me."

I thought Jerry shared my feelings, but then I heard him say, "For our wedding, I need to make it even grander than this."

I entered the lounge through the back door.

Madison's eyes lit up when she saw me. "You're so beautiful."

I was still nervous but also excited.

Madison felt the sweat in my palms and helped me sit on the sofa. "Rest for a bit. Juniper will come get you when it's time."

I nodded.

Before closing the door, Madison instructed Jerry, "Calm her down. She's pregnant. Even if it's been three months, she shouldn't be too stressed."

"Got it, Madison." Jerry agreed and sat down next to me. He asked, "What do you want to hear me say?"

"I don't know."

"Alright." Jerry suddenly squatted in front of me. "I've been comforting you since this morning, but it hasn't worked. Physiological reactions are uncontrollable. I do have an idea."

I actually believed him, mainly because I couldn't spare the energy to judge, and I did trust him. "What idea?"

"I'll propose to you," Jerry said.

I was silent for a moment.

The guests in the banquet hall were already seated, and the reporters were in place.

When Madison took the stage, the flashlights were blinding.

Madison said, "I'm sure everyone has heard some rumors. When I denied my relationship with Sarah, everyone was curious. Here, I want to clarify..."

Madison recounted Skylar's misdeeds and how Sarah's deceit kept her and I from recognizing each other.

Madison, being a well-known actress, could cry on cue, shedding just the right amount of tears.

Today, she chose a light-colored dress, willing to be my backdrop.

As I listened to her speak, my heart swelled with emotion. This was the moment we had both been waiting for.

But among the reporters, a woman wearing a mask had a pair of sinister eyes.

When Elissa came to the lounge to find me, Jerry had just stepped out to take a call.

Elissa looked me over and teased, "What's up? Why are your ears so red?"

I gave her a sideways glance. "What are you thinking? He just suddenly mentioned proposing."

Elissa asked, "Proposing? He's going to propose to you?"

"No," I muttered, "He always brings it up casually and then nothing happens."

"Jerry doesn't seem like that kind of person," Elissa began to analyze. "You're too important to him, so proposing has become a big deal. He's probably nervous too. It's not like running a company where there's a framework to follow. He's definitely trying to come up with a unique proposal for you."

Hearing this, I nodded. "You're good at analyzing other people's relationships, but when it comes to your own..."

Halfway through, I realized I had said something wrong.

Seeing Elissa's slightly dim expression, I couldn't help but say, "Francis got hurt. He probably wants you to visit. I didn't tell you earlier because I didn't want you to feel pressured."

"I've been to the hospital," Elissa replied calmly. "But I didn't go because I knew he was hurt. I was there for something else and heard about it, so I went to see him."

A hint of sarcasm crossed her face. "But unfortunately, I saw another woman by his side, feeding him apples, very intimate. She's probably his first love."

Elissa seemed indifferent, but I felt a pang of heartache and rubbed her head. "My bad. I haven't been there for you lately."

Francis's actions made me a bit angry too. "In that case, let's move on. If he has someone else in his heart and still doesn't reject you, he's not worth pursuing."

Elissa raised an eyebrow. "Exactly, I don't lack men. Finding a well-behaved and sensible one is easy. Alright, enough about my troubles. Today, you must be happy."

Just then, there was a knock on the lounge door and Elissa went to open it. "Juniper."

Juniper smiled at us. "Hope, it's time to get ready."

I followed Juniper to the waiting area.

Jerry finished his call and came to me. "Go ahead. I'll be in the audience."

"Okay," I nodded.

"Now, let me introduce my biological daughter."

As Madison finished speaking, the banquet hall doors opened.

Under many watchful eyes, I saw Claire's loving gaze and smiled at her.

My nervousness eased a bit, and I walked steadily towards Madison.

Just then, a sharp female voice pierced my ears, "Hope, go to hell!"