Arianne forced a smile, “It’s fine, Mrs. West wasn’t aware. It’s alright. I can't have children. I’ve miscarried twice, and now I can’t get pregnant.”Summer shot Jackson a glare, “Why didn’t you say so? I’ve brought up a taboo because of you. I’m sorry, Mark. I’m sorry, Ari. It’s alright, you’re still young. Just take good care of your health and you’ll be fine. Keep your spirits up.”The atmosphere finally grew warmer when the dishes were served. Tiffany and Arianne had eaten a good portion prior to this so they weren’t that hungry. The pair disliked these kinds of social events. They shared a look and silently made a pact to go to the washroom together.At the washroom, Tiffany let out a long sigh, “I’m going nuts. My mom is a really good actress. She’s clearly been driving me insane, yet she’s claiming in front of other people that her heart aches for me when I’ve been working so hard. What a joke.”“It’s fine,” Arianne soothed, “It’s important to keep up appearances in front o
Arianne was shocked, “What did you say?”He fell momentarily silent before calmly explaining, “Remember that thing that Charles Moran mentioned? You overheard my conversation with Jude in the study too. That ba*tard is Ethan. He’s very dangerous, so you and Tiffany should stay away from him. Remember that incident back when you were still in university? That knife you took for me when that cafeteria lady’s crazy son suddenly attacked me? Ethan instigated him. Most importantly, he was the master manipulator behind the Lane family’s missing goods. That man who died in the fire was only a sacrificial lamb. Ethan suddenly started a company after leaving Tiffany and bought that unfinished building too. Where do you think that money came from? That’s all you need to know. I can’t tell you anything more. He’s done all of that to get me, but you have to know that he has an agenda behind everything he does. He’s not a normal person.”Arianne was having difficulties with digesting this revelat
Mary promptly shook her head, “This is an order from Mr. Tremont as well. Why don’t you talk to him yourself? I certainly wouldn’t dare make the decision on my own.”She wanted to talk to Mark but was terrified when she remembered that he was in a bad mood.In the shopping mall.Jackson and Tiffany felt a little empty and soulless. They had walked through the entire mall, but Lillian and Summer showed no signs of stopping. Jackson suffered most of all; as the only man among the four, his arms were going to give out soon.Just as Lillian was about to head into another branded clothing store, Tiffany couldn’t help reminding her, “That’s enough, Mom. Jackson and I are exhausted from working all day.”She knew that as long as she used Jackson’s name, Lillian would not go too far.As expected, Lillian reluctantly stopped, “You’re right. Let’s stop here then.”Summer smiled, “Then let’s meet up again some other time, Mrs. Lane. Jackson’s usually the one managing the company and I have
Arianne had no choice. She took her phone out and called Mark in resignation. No one picked up the phone for a long time. Just as she was about to hang up, Mark suddenly answered the call. She heard his hoarse and faint voice. “Hello?” She spoke perfunctorily, “Why didn’t you return home yesterday? Where are you now?” Mark was silent for a moment before he answered, “I spent the night at Jackson’s villa. I’ll be going to work from here.” She had nothing more to say. She threw a glance at Mary, silently asking with her eyes if she could end the call now.Mary mimed to her, asking her to confirm if Mark was really with Jackson instead of fooling around with other women. Arianne felt it was a bother to do so, but she wanted to quickly get this over with so she could enjoy her meal. She listened to Mary and said, “Send me a video.” Mark hung up immediately, but he sent her a short video that lasted around ten seconds. The video showed the interior of White Water Bay Villa that bel
Ethan started the engine of the car without asking for Tiffany’s workplace address. It was obvious he knew everything about her. “I was forced to break up with you at that time. I know it sounds rather ridiculous but it’s true. I was worried as well when I saw your family in trouble because I couldn’t provide you with the kind of life you’re used to. I decided to use all my money to invest in a project with my friends. You were unaware of it, but I even mortgaged the car you gave me for a bank loan.” He continued to say, “I didn’t want to burden you in case my investment fails. That’s why I broke up with you. There was no other woman. Who knew I’d succeed? I intend to expand my business after this. We can go back to living the life we had before. Tiffie, you were good to me in the past. It’s my turn to treat you well. It wasn’t my intention to hurt you. Can we start all over again?”During their time together, Ethan had never been a passionate man who would say such words. For him to
She pondered over Jackson’s question for a moment before she said, “Not yet, but soon. By the way, have you told your mom that we’ve broken up? I won’t be able to act with you anymore.”Jackson seemed to have lost his voice at this moment. He did not speak for a long time.Tiffany was slightly taken aback. “What’s wrong with you? You can’t stand seeing someone getting into a relationship? Just because you’re against marriage, it doesn’t mean that I am. Moreover, I’ve known Ethan for three years, we’re quite compatible.”He pursed his lips, “Close the door and come here.”Tiffany closed the door as instructed and went up to him. “What?”Jackson suddenly leaned over his desk and grabbed Tiffany’s shoulders. Their eyes met, and she could feel his firm hold on her shoulders. He said seriously, “You can’t return to him.”“What’s your problem?” Tiffany was truly confused. His expression alarmed her. After all, it was pretty scary to see a usually frivolous man becoming serious.“Yes,
Arianne was at a loss. “What should I do? Should I call Tiffie over and tell her the truth now? Would it be too cruel to do that?”Mark was rendered speechless by Arianne and laughed out of anger. “You’re right, it’s indeed very cruel. Why don’t you just let her fall hopelessly in love with Ethan and pretend you know nothing until Ethan dumps her after getting the land? Or maybe wait until she discovers the truth about Ethan after they’re married? Don’t you think that’d be even crueler? If that incident didn’t happen, the Lane family would still be very well off today, and John Lane wouldn’t have died so early.”Arianne understood that Mark was telling her that this was the best time to tell Tiffany, but she just could not bring herself to do it. She could not bear to see the disappointment and despair on Tiffany’s face when she discovered the truth. “I… I don’t dare to tell her… Tiffie will definitely lose her mind.”Mark pressed his lips and nodded. “Yes, she’ll definitely lose he
Arianne picked up her bag and rose from the sofa. “I… have to look for Tiffie now! What if Ethan proposes to her at noon and she just accepts it without thinking things through? That’ll be a horrible mess!”Mark was suddenly a little jealous of Tiffany for having Arianne’s full attention. It was a pity that he had only heard about but not seen the tears Arianne had shed for him when he got into a car accident.Naturally, Mark did not express his jealousy and dissatisfaction. It was not in his nature to do. “Why are you in such a rush? Aren’t you turning yourself in knowing Ethan is against me? Didn’t you make plans to meet her tonight? A shotgun wedding can’t happen in just half a day. Let’s go for lunch together.”“Alright.” Strangely, Arianne no longer felt as nervous when she listened to Mark’s relaxed voice as he casually suggested they go for lunch.People like Mark would definitely not dine at just any restaurants. The White Water Bay Café was one of the places that made him