Chapter 8 The man gave a casual shrug and issued instructions to the medical staff . The procedure was carried out immediately . Half an hour later , I stepped off the operating table and stared at the tray , where a mass of distinguishable flesh and blood lay . My hands trembled as I clenched them into fists . Tyler Horton , you dont deserve the child I carried . Ill make you and Sarah pay a blood price . After the procedure , the man took me to a villa perched on a hillside to recuperate . A housekeeper helped me onto a luxurious , soft bed , and the man followed us inside . Beautiful view , isnt it ? This is my familys ancestral home , he said , standing by the large floor to ceiling windows that overlooked the mountains and lake . Ive been living overseas for years , so its been empty until now . السرية I looked at him in confusion , my voice weak . I dont understand . Why do you keep helping me ? He gazed out the window for a moment before turning to face me . We were in the same elementary school class . Dont you remember ? He winked playfully . I searched my memory desperately but came up blank . Im sorry , I admitted . He didnt seem surprised and brushed it off with a smile . Let me reintroduce myself . This time , dont forget . He walked over to the bed , his expression serious , and extended a strong , elegant hand toward me . 14:51 He Forgot It , He Regreted It Chapter 8 D My name is Jeff Vince . I hesitated , then reached out to shake his hand . The moment our hands touched , a long forgotten memory from third grade surfaced . A frail , newly transferred boy had been surrounded and bullied by a group of classmates . Without thinking , I had rushed in , pushing them away and shielding the boy behind me . What are you doing ?! Stop bullying him ! I had yelled . At that age , girls matured faster than boys . I was half a head taller than the rowdy boys and , as class president , held authority they dared not challenge . Whoa , the class presidents protecting the beanpole ! they jeered . Beanpole is her boyfriend ! Beanpole is her boyfriend ! Flushed with embarrassment , I had driven them off . Then , the timid boy hiding behind me had blushed furiously and shyly taken my hand . My names not Beanpole . Its Jeff Vince , he had said . Looking at the tall , muscular man before me , realization dawned . So , you were that Beanpole ! Jeff laughed heartily , his eyes sparkling . Im not a Beanpole anymore . Want to feel my muscles ? He leaned down , guiding my hand toward his chest , but I quickly pulled away , flustered . After the playful moment , Jeff grew serious . Not long after elementary school , my family went through upheaval . As the least favored grandson , I suddenly became the sole heir . I was sent abroad and only returned this year . 50.0 % Chapter 8 D I nodded . That explained why I hadnt seen him in so many years , But how did you recognize me so easily ? I asked , still puzzled . Youre unforgettable , he replied with a smile . Ive kept tabs on you , searching your name online from time to time . It helps that your name isnt common , and your exceptional pipa performances in competitions have been hard to miss . Ive even saved photos of your performances from childhood to adulthood . The idea that someone had quietly done all this without my knowledge left me speechless . I managed a faint smile . Some things are just fate , he said . Not long after I returned , I was passing by Charm Bund late at night and saw four men dragging two women out of a car . I vaguely recognized you as one of them . When I rushed over , you were already unconscious , and the other woman was ordering the men to hurry up and assault you . My teeth clenched involuntarily . I had thought that Sarah and I had been kidnapped together in Bede Alley , both victims . Jeffs gaze sharpened . There was only ever one target for the kidnapping : you . I clenched my fists tightly . Jeff continued , his tone cold . The rules of the underworld are simple : people who can be bought can also be bought out by someone else for a higher price . Uo Forget lt . He Regreted It Chapter 8 I offered ten times the amount and took you away , leaving her with those men . She screamed terribly , you know . Then why didnt I see you when I woke up ? I asked . Jeffs expression turned regretful . Thats the part I wish I could change . After getting you to the hospital , I had an urgent matter overseas that couldnt wait . I had to leave that same night and informed the Carlisle family about your hospitalization , The rest of the story I already knew . Jeff had assumed that notifying my family would ensure my safety . But he couldnt have imagined that the person who hired the four me to assault me was my own half sister . The Carlisle family had been turned upside down by Sarahs arrival . Soon after moving in , she earned my fathers full trust with her manipulative charm , even framing me for poisoning his coffee to sow discord . My mother , already frail , deteriorated rapidly and passed away within three months of Sarahs arrival . After my mothers death , the Carlisle home became a battlefield . Sarah turned it into her personal hunting ground , and even my own father became her unwitting accomplice , choosing to believe the daughter he barely knew over me , his child of more than twenty years . He ignored Sarahs affair with Tyler , tolerated Tylers abuse toward me , and said nothing . 3 Hatred rose from the depths of my soul , coursing through my veins like fire , burning through every fiber of my being . Degreted It jeff leaned over , his arms resting on either side of me , his gaze steady and commanding . Elizabeth , you now have a chance to take your revenge His deep , magnetic voice carried an almost hypnotic allure , awakening my deepest desires . I met his gaze and asked , What do I need to do ? spoke slowly , enunciating each word : Marry me . I stared at him , wide eyed , utterly stunned . In the latest episode of ReelTalk EP 37, titled "Confessions of a Casting Director" by CrushReel, dive into the behind-the-scenes world of bringing your favorite stars to the big screen. Casting Directors reveal the intricate process of selecting actors for roles and share insights into what they seek in fresh talent. Explore the nuanced themes and character elements that shape the casting decisions, shedding light on the unique aspects that influence the final choices. Discover the artistry and expertise involved in assembling the perfect ensemble to breathe life into each character on screen. What sets this episode apart is its candid exploration of the casting process, offering a rare glimpse into the meticulous craft of matching actors to roles. Uncover the passion and dedication that drive Casting Directors in their quest to create captivating performances. For an exclusive look into the world of casting and to learn more about this ongoing series, head over to CrushReel. Experience firsthand the magic of bringing characters from script to screen by delving into "Confessions of a Casting Director," available to read online at CrushReel.