While everyone was passionately discussing the news, a message appeared. "I'd like to know, too."The moment Mark saw those words, he had a bad premonition. He looked at the sender's name. It was Julian.He then looked at the name of the group chat. It was "Hughes Group."He was over. He was completely over.Didn't he send it to their gossip group chat? How did it end up in the company's group chat?He clutched his phone with trembling hands. Would this cost him his job?"Is it that obvious?" asked Julian.Mark heard Julian's voice behind him and turned around as his heart pounded.Julian's expression was as calm as usual. "Hmm?"Mark nodded as he replied, "Yeah."He then took a deep breath and continued, "Those who have worked here long enough can see it."Julian seemed thoughtful as he replied, "I thought I hid it well."Mark lowered his head."Everyone in the group is still waiting for your answer," said Julian as he gripped the handle of the office door. His cold ton
Shayne couldn't help but think that if he and Aralyn hadn't divorced, she would've been elated to receive this ring from him.Unfortunately, he couldn't go back in time.He looked down and felt increasingly lost.Didn't he like Luna? So, why had he been thinking about Aralyn so much lately?…When it was time for dinner, the private elevator reserved for executives happened to be out of service. Julian and I had no choice but to take the public elevator. Unfortunately, it was the end of the work day. As the elevator descended, the number of people in the elevator increased.I stood in the corner, but people would bump into me occasionally due to how cramped it was inside.Julian was worried that I would feel uncomfortable, so he got closer to me. He then placed his arm in front of me, creating a safe zone.I no longer had to be hit by stray arms, so I finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you.""You're welcome."…Julian had practically encased Aralyn within his arms. He
"That's good then," Shayne said to Luna. He liked how they were maintaining a distance between each other right now."I still have some work to deal with. Why don't you head home?"Luna placed the gift box into her bag, her face full of unconcealed joy. "Alright."Shayne watched Luna's retreating figure. His brows knitted tighter and tighter.Wasn't it commonly said that people spent money on those they liked? He had spent so much money on Luna, so he should like Luna. However, he was averse to having any intimate interactions with her.Shayne rubbed the diamond ring in his hand. He couldn't understand the reason.…I returned to the office after lunch. Alice was already awake. While I was eating, I thought about how to draw what happened today in a way that maintains the storyline while making it seem more interesting.As such, I planned to continue drawing once I sat back down on the couch."Don't work yet," Alice said, hugging my arm and leaning her entire body against mi
Julian didn't answer me directly. He merely asked, "She doesn't seem to treat you well either. Are you really willing to be friends with her?""She hasn't really been malicious toward me," I replied. After careful consideration, I continued, "Mainly, I suddenly realized that I don't seem to have any friends in this city. Alice is the first friend I've made."Julian raised a brow."You probably don't know this, but I came to this unfamiliar city for Shayne. Then I married him. Before I even had a chance to work or make any friends, I had a child. After that, I became like any other housewife, pouring all my energy into taking care of the baby and managing the household. I didn't have any free time," I calmly explained.With all of my time consumed, I naturally didn't have the mood to think of anything else. I looked at Julian and concluded, "So, I'm very happy that Alice is willing to be my friend."…As Julian listened to her, he suddenly thought Aralyn was like a modern-day R
Willow's expression was incredibly serious. She looked like a little adult.Julian pinched her cheeks, holding back his laughter. "But you're not a two or three-year-old kid anymore."Willow was still young after all, so she couldn't think of a retort even after she thought about it for a long time. She thus looked at me for help.I lifted her onto my lap and said, "But she's still going to kindergarten!"Willow nodded firmly as she agreed, "Mommy is right!"…When Shayne arrived to pick Zach up, he noticed Luna was there as well.He looked at her from afar. Half of her hair was tied back. She stood quietly, exuding an air of tranquility.In an instant, Shayne felt as if he had been transported back to a time before his divorce from Aralyn. Back then, he would drop Zach off when he went to work and pick him up once he was done working. Luna did the same as well. Inevitably, he'd have some interactions with Luna. Over time, the resentment from the past faded, and they grew clo
Although Shayne had never shared any intimate contact with Luna, she could sense that Shayne's feelings for her were gradually rekindling.Back then, she had confidently believed that as long as Shayne became single again, their relationship would experience rapid growth due to the lack of moral and social constraints.They would quickly fall deeply in love and be inseparable. Shayne would also only have eyes for her.However, after using every means at her disposal to facilitate the breakdown of Shayne and Aralyn's marriage, she realized that reality was completely different from what she had imagined.Luna furrowed her brows. Every time she wanted to take their relationship to the next step, Shayne would reject it. Only when she reverted back to just being a friend or even someone more distant did Shayne feel comfortable.She gently massaged her temples.She even started wondering if everything would've been better if she had been more patient back then and waited for Shayne
How many adults found themselves trapped in various predicaments? Yet, Willow, a little child, understood that simply running away would never solve anything. As long as one had the determination to step out of one's comfort zone and persevere, one could overcome difficulties and welcome a new life.My gaze gradually softened.Willow finished her practice for the day and walked over to me. Her spirits were low. "Mom, am I a bad kid?"I knew she was a sensitive child who was especially considerate of others. So, I smiled and asked, "Why do you say that?""Because people are willing to be my friend…" Willow said as she stretched her arms toward me. I picked her up.She rested her head on my shoulder and continued pitifully, "But I can't even talk to them.""That's just because you haven't overcome your mutism yet. It's not like you're ignoring her on purpose, right?" I asked her gently.Willow hummed softly in agreement.I continued, "Once you're able to talk with people normally
"Hmm?" Shayne asked absentmindedly.Luna had noticed Shayne's recent change in behavior. She could somewhat sense Shayne's wish to gradually distance himself from her until they became strangers once more.However, she hadn't gotten enough money from him yet, so she naturally couldn't allow that to happen.Luna needed him to dispel any thoughts of leaving her. Her tone was nostalgic as she said, "This park has been here since we were in college."Shayne felt as if the weight on his chest had been momentarily lifted when he recalled those youthful and naive days.Shayne smiled faintly and replied, "Yeah, back then, we were just broke students with no money for outings, so everyone always came to the park."Seeing him respond well to her statement, Luna continued, "Every time we walked side by side, our friends would tease us. They'd say we were a match made in heaven, so we should be together. They even worked hard to pair us together."Luna tilted her head back to look at the sk
Alice nodded. "Yes! Actually, you can talk to me about what she's done for you. Maybe from some small details, I can read her deep love for you."Confused, Joseph began telling Alice about everything that had happened between him and Avery.Each time Alice heard something, she would nod and say, "See? If she didn't love you, she wouldn't be willing to do those things for you!"The confusion on Joseph's face gradually turned into certainty.Seeing this, Alice smiled.Despite the complications along the way, her plan was about to succeed!Even though Avery might indeed have some special feelings for Joseph, Alice knew that Joseph's family had very high standards for a daughter-in-law.A woman like Avery—with no background—would definitely be bullied if she married into the family.At that point, it would be like the Wilson family was avenging Alice.The more Alice thought about it, the happier she got. However, she was also worried Joseph might reveal everything right away. "But
"Why?" Joseph asked in confusion.Alice suddenly felt exhausted. When she communicated with smart people, it was always just to the point. But when talking to Joseph, she had to explain every word."Because she knows your current situation! No one can help you, and you can only come to me. And my salary is so low. I wouldn't want to spend money on you. But she's different. She doesn't earn that much, but she's very generous when it comes to spending money on you.""That's true." Joseph's eyes instantly lit up. Then, he frowned."But I don't think she's ever spent money on me."Alice crossed her arms. "That's because you haven't mentioned it. Otherwise, she would definitely spend money on you."Though Alice didn't have much interaction with Avery, she was sure Avery would spend some money as long as it made life difficult for Alice.Alice suddenly felt smart for being able to use Avery's personality traits to set a trap for her.She signaled for Joseph to call Avery. "If you don
Joseph wasn't dumb, so of course, he understood the hint in Alice's words. "They would have to live through tough times with me?"Alice nodded. "Yes."Joseph couldn't say a word. It was only then that he realized that he seemed to have been living as a giant baby under his father's protection.When he was at home, with his father being kind and loving, everyone was willing to pamper him.Now that things had soured, no one wanted to have anything to do with him anymore.Joseph suddenly felt a bit incredulous."Although most of your fair-weather friends can't be relied on, one thing's for sure—someone will always be sincere with you," Alice continued.Joseph seemed to understand something as he looked at Alice. "You called me out here just to hint that you're the one who's sincere with me?"Alice almost laughed out loud from anger. She had called Joseph out to set Avery up!If she involved herself, she would be losing big time.Alice took a deep breath. It was stupid of her to
"That's right. At the time, the divorce happened so suddenly that even if I went back to my previous job, it would take a long time to start making money again. I had no resources to solve the immediate problem," I replied."Do you want to go back to your previous line of work?" Julian asked.Without even thinking, I shook my head. "Of course not. I have a job I enjoy more now, and it pays better. There's no reason to go back."Julian's smile widened.…When it was time for the lunch break, Joseph was already waiting in the café downstairs.Alice rushed over, and Joseph remarked sarcastically, "Look at you, all busy and important now. I waited for so long."Hearing that, Alice rolled her eyes at him. "Most companies have the same lunch hour. If you insist on coming this early, what do you expect me to do? Besides, I came straight here as soon as I got off work."Alice shot him a sideways glance. "That's already giving you enough respect. You'd better appreciate it."Joseph qui
"That's alright. I can treat you," Alice replied.As long as it meant making Avery suffer, spending a little money was no big deal.Even though Alice had started working and understood how hard it was to earn money, she could still afford something like this.Joseph swallowed and asked, "Can I order anything I want?"Alice recalled how Joseph used to spend money like water and worried that he'd order a massive amount of food, possibly exceeding her entire month's salary."As long as the total doesn't exceed 100 dollars, order whatever you want. If it's over that amount, I can't afford it. You'll have to pay for yourself."Alice figured it was better to be upfront to prevent Joseph from causing trouble later."You have a job now and even bonuses. Do you really have to be this stingy?" Joseph asked in annoyance.Without hesitation, Alice replied, "My salary isn't that high. You should be grateful I'm treating you at all. If you think I'm being too cheap, then forget it."100 dol
With that, she turned and walked out.Avery suddenly had a bad feeling about it. "What are you planning to do?"Alice turned back to look at Avery. "I don't need to tell you, do I? All you need to know is that since you came after me, I won't let you have it easy either."She straightened her back and walked away.Just as she reached the elevator, she saw Mark stepping out.She glanced up subtly.Mark gave a small nod. After silently reaching an agreement, Mark walked out of the elevator.Alice stepped in, taking the elevator to the top floor.Their project had just wrapped up, bringing in a huge profit. The other employees in the company, who had been idly coasting along, now saw how lucrative these projects could be. It far surpassed the company's usual earnings.One by one, they started to get tempted.Alice's direct supervisor had initially planned to take on another intense workload. But when they finally went to pick up a new project, they realized those same employees
Shayne lifted his head and stared at Maisy.Maisy felt that Shayne hitting Zach couldn't be brushed off so easily. Otherwise, people would think Zach was easy to bully and pile on him.Realizing this, she stepped forward and slapped Shayne hard. "That's payback for Zach. Now we're even."Shayne took a deep breath. "I've tolerated you again and again only because you're Aralyn's mother. Don't push your luck!"Maisy glared at Shayne coldly. "Hmph! She has nothing to do with you anymore, and neither do I. You don't need to consider anyone's feelings."With that, Maisy turned and walked away with ease.Shayne watched her departing figure, bitterness filling his heart.Maisy used to be fond of him.Every time he and Aralyn visited, Maisy would cook all his favorite dishes.Even Aralyn would get jealous and pout, saying, "Mom, you treat your son-in-law better than me now. I'm jealous!"Every time, Maisy would tap Aralyn's cheek gently and say, "You're a grown woman. Is this really
"If he makes a mistake, I will point it out. It's not your place to interfere. Do you understand?"Shayne was indeed in the wrong this time, and he felt a bit guilty. "I was afraid you were spoiling him too much."Maisy let out a cold laugh. "His father drives his mother away for the sake of a mistress, and in the end, even his father doesn't want him. He's so young, yet he's already gone through so much. It's justified that I spoil him."She only felt sorry for Zach. He had been through too much at such a young age. "Besides, being afraid that I'm spoiling him too much doesn't give you the right to lay your hand on him."Tell me, did you hit him because he did something wrong? If you can say what it was, and if he was truly in the wrong, I'd take your side no matter what."Shayne fell silent.Seeing his expression, Maisy immediately understood and became even more furious."He said he never contacted his mother," Shayne explained.Maisy was so speechless she almost laughed. "T
"Of course!" Zach answered without hesitation."All my classmates' parents are coming. Only mine are not. But since Noah and Ms. Harper are around the same age as Mom and Dad, the kids in my class might mistake them for my parents."That should make me feel a little better. And you're a family member, Granny. I won't be too different from the other kids."Maisy's heart ached at Zach's words. "Alright, don't worry. I'll be there."Getting Maisy's confirmation, Zach quickly jumped off his chair and took out his suit, handing it to Maisy. "This is the outfit I picked out earlier. I have to wear it! I look really good in it. Make sure to bring it in the afternoon, okay?"Maisy smiled at him lovingly. "Okay."Zach finally felt at ease. He slung his backpack over his shoulder and left.Maisy held onto the little suit and followed behind Zach.Zach looked at Maisy in confusion and asked, "Why are you coming too?"Maisy ruffled Zach's hair. "I'll send you to school and pick up some gr