Isabelle Willow quickly raised her hand to cover her face, her face flushed hot. "It’s none of your business. I’m leaving." But Jude Crawford’s well-defined fingers reached over, gently pinched her face, holding it in his palm with interest as he looked left and right. "I didn’t do anything to you. Why are you blushing for no reason, Isabelle Willow? What kind of unhealthy thoughts do you have in your head?" "..." Although Isabelle Willow was used to his preemptive tactics, she was left speechless by his question. "Let go of me. I want to go back." She had to leave here immediately and wouldn’t come back again, no matter the reason. However, before Isabelle Willow could act, Jude Crawford already took a step forward, his broad and solid chest directly blocking her way, his tall figure casting a shadow over her. "What’s the rush, Isabelle Willow? Could it be that... you’re longing for a man?" Isabelle Willow was already forced into the corner by him. She looked up at him in shock. Just now... what did he say? She... longing for a man? Jude Crawford found her shocked and bewildered look amusing; she hadn’t changed a bit over the years. The once-renowned and aloof Isabelle Willow seemed like a goddess living in the clouds, untouched by worldly matters. But who would know she blushes easily in a man’s arms, dodging like a fawn. He loved teasing her – he did before, and he still does now. "Could it be that I guessed wrong? In the years you spent in Alani, there shouldn’t have been any men, right? At your age, you’re in your sexual prime. You’ve blushed several times in front of me; come on, admit it, how do you fantasize about me in your mind?" Jude Crawford raised an eyebrow. Isabelle Willow took a sharp breath—what sexual prime? Not at all! And, fantasy what, about what? How could he say such indecent words? She had no feelings for him at all. Isabelle Willow wanted to retort with confidence, but unsuitably, last night’s erotic dream suddenly popped into her head. Her gaze immediately faltered guiltily, and her voice weakened, "I didn’t! Don’t falsely accuse me!" At this moment, Jude Crawford lowered his body, bringing his deep, handsome face close to hers. The two were now very close, their breaths mingling. If he got just a little closer, he could kiss her. "Isabelle Willow, be honest. Don’t lie. Just admit it; I won’t tell anyone, and I definitely won’t laugh at you." Isabelle Willow clenched her fist and punched him hard. "I don’t want to talk to you now. Go away!" A few tender teasing smiles appeared in Jude Crawford’s deep eyes. Silly girl, after all these years, she still couldn’t even insult someone properly. Suddenly, Jude Crawford started coughing. What happened to him? She had just punched him, but why did he suddenly start coughing? "Jude Crawford, what’s wrong with you? Are you feeling unwell?" Isabelle Willow hurriedly asked. Jude Crawford let her go and stood up, but his coughing didn’t stop. He took a handkerchief from his trouser pocket and covered his mouth with it. The pressure in front of her vanished, but Isabelle Willow’s almond-shaped eyes were filled with tension and concern. She reached out and pulled his sleeve. "Jude Crawford, what’s really happening to you, you..." At this moment, Jude Crawford suddenly looked up at her, slowly curling his thin lips. "Gotcha, Isabelle Willow, you’re worried about me." Isabelle Willow froze; so he was faking it just now? "Isabelle Willow," Jude Crawford looked deeply at her, as if wanting to see into her soul, "have you ever loved me?" Isabelle Willow felt incredibly angry; when he was coughing, it seemed severe, and she was worried sick. He was actually pretending. He was as devious as ever, always liking to trick her. Now he asked, "Have you ever loved me?" Isabelle Willow clenched her fist, "Jude Crawford, you’ve asked this question for many years already, and my answer has never changed. No, I have never loved you!" After saying this, she turned and left, directly exiting the villa. Jude Crawford stood there, watching her figure disappear from his sight. Suddenly, many things welled up in his eyes, a storm of emotions, but upon closer inspection, it seemed thick and as if nothing was there. Jude Crawford started coughing again. He took out a handkerchief to cover his mouth. When the coughing stopped, there was already blood on the handkerchief. Butler Thorne’s expression changed drastically as he quickly ran over. "Sir, you’re coughing up blood again. I’ll get a doctor!" Jude Crawford raised his hand to stop him. "No need. I know my body well. I’ve held on for so many years. I don’t have much time left." Butler Thorne was astonished. "Sir!" ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ NoveI[F]ire.net Jude Crawford showed little emotion. This once legendary business emperor remained deep and calm, only his face showed a bit of paleness, revealing a hint of weariness. "Don’t let anyone know about my health." Jude Crawford walked into the study, taking out an item. Butler Thorne looked up, and his pupils instantly shrank—the words "Inheritance Division Document" brutally entered his eyes. Jude Crawford’s voice was deep as he spoke, "I’ve already drafted my will, dividing my movable and immovable assets. I’m relieved to leave the Crawford family and the entire Crawford Group to Hayden, as he’s the most like me. As for Zane..." Upon mentioning Zane Crawford, Butler Thorne’s nerves tensed, and he cautiously probed, "Sir, about Master Zane’s background..." Jude Crawford shook his head, muttering, "Zane is not my biological son, but his brows are much like his mother’s. When he was little, I wanted to be ruthless several times but couldn’t bring myself to." "Zane knew from a young age that I didn’t like him. I remember once he fell while learning to walk. He scraped his little hands on the ground. He saw me but didn’t ask for a hug. Instead, he hid his injured little hands." "Later, when I walked away, I saw through the glass that Iris came, picking him up tenderly. Zane looked at my departing back and then buried his face in his aunt’s arms, his small lips pouting in grievance." "As Zane grew older, he left home early. I knew he wasn’t close to Zelda Willow – how could Isabelle Willow’s own son be close to Zelda Willow?" "As Zane grew up, he resembled his mother more and more. He has an exceptional talent and passion for medicine, and his outstanding charm and aloofness are just like his mother, Isabelle Willow."