As long as they were able to swap Rickard's phone with another one after it had been inspected, it should be fine. After all, there were so many phones present, even a genius would struggle to remember them all. Rickard remained silent for a while as he gazed into Hesper's eyes."This is very dangerous," he said, his voice filled with concern. If they were discovered, even if they were part of the Savatiers, they might be imprisoned indefinitely by Raheem, without any hope of seeing the light of day. However, if Hesper left now, there was a possibility of her escaping unscathed."You don't have to convince me," Hesper replied with a smile tugging at her lips as she held onto Rickard's hand tightly. "I have made up my mind. Regardless of the outcome, I will stand by your side."As Rickard observed Hesper's determined gaze, he fell silent for a moment. Meanwhile, upon hearing Raheem's request, Camille's expression changed slightly. She swiftly left the social gathering area and re
The crowd was already feeling disgruntled, so when they heard what Hesper said, they were all up in arms. They didn't have to come to the party, but the Mustafas invited them and wanted to check their phones. What was this disrespect?Master Mustafa was wheeled out when tensions rose and immediately apologized. "I'm sorry, ladies and gentlemen. I didn't plan this well enough, but the lost item is too important to our family… I'm so sorry for wrongly accusing Ms. Rivera of this. We just need to see your messages and nothing else."Hearing Master Mustafa personally apologizing, the crowd calmed down, but they were still tense. No one would like to suddenly be accused of being a thief and even have their privacy invaded by showing them their texts. No one was happy about it. Master Mustafa knew Hesper wasn't easy to deal with, but he didn't expect her to be even smarter than he thought. It wasn't the first time Master Mustafa heard her name. Ever since they arrived at the island
Ranfik's attitude toward him had drastically changed for the worse from before. If someone who knew what happened hadn't brought it up, Ranfik wouldn't have started an investigation. Remembering the oddity that happened recently, Nathaniel came to a realization. Ranfik had special feelings toward Hesper. Ranfik was going to roast him over a pit. Although Raheem trusted his judgment and acknowledged his ability, Ranfik was his grandson. They might abandon him after the failure today. Nathaniel turned around and said, "Master Mustafa, I can promise I don't have feelings for Hesper. I admit I have my own reasons, but what I feel for her now is only hatred."Raheem regulated his emotions and said in an ambiguous tone. "How will you prove that?""Since you're looking into my relationship with Hesper, I'm sure you found out that both my parents died due to the hallucinogen. The person who saw it happen but didn't help was Hesper's dad."When 'hallucinogen' was mentioned, Raheen an
Ranfik's expression was calm and he didn't look 'appreciative'. No one was buying that, so someone said, "You detained us, went through our phones, and now you're just saying thanks and think we'll let this go?"Hesper looked at Ranfik with amusement, as she thought he was put in the spot. He wasn't part of this, but now he had to be the one who solved the problems. Hesper was going to milk the situation because now that Ranfik had to take the blame, he would hate Nathaniel more. The crowd's anger dissipated after they were promised some compensation. The engagement party that started off cordially ended in chaos. Hesper didn't expect that ending, but this was undoubtedly beneficial to them. "I've imagined my wedding before and what came to mind was a business deal. Even my engagement party turned out this way." Camille walked forward, and Hesper felt guilty hearing that. "I'm sorry, I'll help you plan a proper wedding when you find someone after this."Using Camille's wedd
"I know he took your father."Hesper frowned and said, "How did you find out about that?... No, you snuck out to tell me where Ranfik took my father?""I can't tell you that." Sharmila pursed her lips and then shook her head. She then corrected herself. "I can't tell you yet, but I can confirm that my brother didn't hurt your father."Hesper frowned. Sharmila didn't seem to be lying, but it was too difficult for Hesper to change her impression of Ranfik and see him as a good person. "What proof do you have? Why should I believe you?"Hesper calmly looked at Sharmily. "If Ranfik doesn't plan to do anything to my dad, or should I say, he doesn't want to use my dad to threaten me, why did he take him?"Sharmila paused as if she knew something but couldn't tell her. After a long pause, she said, "My brother is just… protecting Uncle Ben. I know he wouldn't hurt him."Uncle Ben?Hesper was already surprised at the fact that Sharmila knew her father's existence, but she was shocke
Hesper was shocked to come to that realization, but she didn't show it. She was still outside, so someone might be observing them and new speculations might arise. After getting back to her courtyard, Hesper told Rickard about everything that happened. Hesper wouldn't believe that Ranfik was a good man because the medication given out for free was proof that he wasn't. When he had done that, all that was on his mind was winning and he didn't care about checking if it was reliable. Lots of people could have lost their lives because of this. He didn't care because he wanted to keep the status quo. Ranfik was still a capitalist wolf, so even if he was a good man, the rest of the world was too. "Although this address is suspicious, I should go check it out."Benjamin had always been in their hands. That was a ticking time bomb to Hesper, especially after Nathaniel started working with Raheem. Nathaniel hated Benjamin to his bones, so if he knew Ranfik was holding him, Benjamin
Even since Zoya knew Hesper, she never decoded such a simple IP address, so she sent another text just to be careful. Zoya: [Could it be a trap? Don't go alone. Have you told Rickard about this?]"..." Hesper was silent for a moment. Was she the type of person who would rush into things? She was curious about what she was like in Zoya's eyes. She confirmed that she told Rickard about this and that she wouldn't be able to go alone in her current health. Hesper wasn't that stubborn. After a few minutes, Hesper suddenly remembered she didn't tell Zoya that she had been infected with the hallucinogen. If they couldn't find a cure in time, she wouldn't make it. If she wasn't sick, she wouldn't have relied on Rickard so much, and maybe she might have gone to find Benjamin on her own after she got the information. However, although they were forced into this path, every step was still a choice they made. Rickard walked in with the medication and Hesper drank it all with a frown.
"...I have a feeling I shouldn't have shown up at this hour."'I have a feeling that your feeling is accurate.' Hesper didn't expect Lamarie to show up then, as it didn't look very smart. She always chose the worst time. She tapped her forehead while Lamarie ran away. Although the timing was terrible, Hesper knew why she showed up when she did. However, now that she had left, there was no way she could get her to come back, so Hesper just texted her and saw how long it would take her to read it. After thinking about it, when Lamarie rushed in and met Rickard, she probably didn't see Hesper lying in bed looking sick before she left again. Hesper calmed down, then Lamarie texted her back. Lamarie: [The Bernards sent someone over to say Delphine and Ermine were sent away by Master Bernard, and it happened a few days ago!]She didn't expect that this was what Lamarie wanted to talk about. However, Hesper also didn't imagine that even though the two had been kicked out a few d
He had never anticipated that he would end up loving her so deeply.It could be said that amidst all the misunderstandings and complexities, their journey together had taken many winding paths."I wouldn't risk getting into trouble just to set off fireworks for someone I didn't even like," Rickard said, his voice gentle. "You dummy."His words were soft, but as Hesper listened to his explanation, she cleared her throat, and her eyes turned bloodshot. She had never imagined that the person she had loved so intensely in her youth had, at some point in their lives, secretly admired her.Hesper attempted to smile but ended up with teary eyes. Seeing this, Rickard reached out and affectionately ruffled her hair. "If it's going to make you cry, I won't say anything more."Hesper pursed her lips. "If you don't want to talk about it, then don't."Rickard, despite understanding her reluctance, couldn't help but reflect on the past and openly admitted to the emotions he had felt in his you
They were flooded with memories, and Hesper couldn't help but admit that she had been through so much with Rickard. Her eyes welled up with emotion.The livestream ended, as they couldn't maintain constant surveillance of their lives. Even though they hadn't gone home yet, the crew had left.In the past two days, people had gotten to know them quite well, so the crew decided to give them some alone time.Hesper sat in the passenger seat and stole a glance at Rickard. She couldn't help but say, "I never expected that the only time you were seen as making a mistake in Grandpa's eyes was because of me.""There are many things you don't know," he replied. Hesper raised an eyebrow and asked, "Like what? Tell me."Suddenly, Hesper recalled the countless times Rickard had looked at her. Yet, during those moments, Rickard had always had feelings for Juniper. She knew that was the reality, so she never expected that Rickard might have had the same strong feelings for her as she had for h
Hesper glanced at Rickard, who remained emotionless, but she still reached out to hold his hand.[This is tough to see. Both of Rickard's parents are no longer here… Sigh.][Hesper immediately checked on Rickard. If I were Rickard, I'd love her so much.]Ernest shook his head and remained silent as he flipped to the next page. Most of the pictures were of Hesper after that. She hadn't realized she had so many childhood photos. Julian appeared in some of them, too.Before everything went sour.Rickard didn't have many pictures. As he grew older, he became quieter.Most of them showed Hesper standing next to Julian, but there was something off about them.[Did you notice... In many of those pictures, Hesper was looking at Rickard, and in others, Rickard was looking at her.][Oh my god, is this puppy love? I had no idea!][I remember Rickard had another lover.]Hesper had noticed, too, but there was no need to remind people that Rickard used to hate her, so she dismissed it as a
Hesper and Rickard entered the room and awkwardly informed Ernest that everything had been live-streamed just now. Ernest was shocked, but upon hearing that it was something people do, he nodded."It's fine. There's nothing that others can't hear."Hesper pursed her lips and glanced at Rickard before saying, "We didn't expect the Summers to come and see you. You should move in with us so these people will leave you alone."If Ernest lived with them, no one would dare intrude because they represented power and influence.Who would dare challenge them?"I don't want to get involved in your life. Renfew and Renarie would keep you occupied enough."Hesper understood that he had already made up his mind not to live with them, so she didn't press the matter further.She could understand his concerns, as many things might become inconvenient. Besides, Ernest didn't want to disrupt their lives either."We'll be heading to Fredonia soon, so even though we have filming to do, we wanted t
So what if the cameras were still recording?"Was my son's life not as valuable as your son's?"If he had grasped this earlier, recent events might not have unfolded. Jade had a point.The live chat fell silent. Though they lacked the full backstory, they could deduce what had transpired in the past.[I heard Rickard lost his parents when he was a child. I feel sorry for him.][His parents died because of that incident. It's no surprise if he harbors resentment.][Truthfully, this old man has no shame. If my child were responsible for another child's death, I'd beg for forgiveness.]Everything unfolding before their eyes was purely coincidental, and no one had control over the situation. They could only watch and terminate the livestream immediately if anything escalated.Fortunately, Jade received a stern talking-to and refrained from discussing the matter further, but Mrs. Summers did not fare as well. Hesper and the others bore witness to her irrational behavior.[This is e
"We've known each other for years, Ernest. I saved your life once, and now your descendants want to take my son's life!"As they approached, Jade Summers was angrily berating Ernest before him. Hesper's countenance immediately turned frosty as she walked over to Ernest."You should conduct yourself more appropriately, Mr. Summers Sr."Jade was taken aback to see Hesper, but he composed himself, took a deep breath, and fixed her with a hatred-filled gaze."If it weren't for you, none of this would have happened. You're just a woman. Since when do you get a say in the Duval family matters?"In the 21st century, people were all for equality. Besides, Hesper was no ordinary or unintelligent woman. Naturally, she had a voice in these matters.The viewers were inundated with comments when they heard Jade's words, and the live chat exploded.[Who is this guy? He looks old but lacks respect.][What's the argument about?][I sense some drama.]Rickard walked over. Jade had thought he
[Didn't Hesper mention that Mr. Duval Sr. took care of her? Maybe she did grow up well.][I'm certain she did. Hesper doesn't strike me as someone who would tolerate mistreatment.]Hesper and Rickard were under constant surveillance throughout the journey, and they hadn't allowed Benji to accompany them. Rickard was behind the wheel, with Hesper in the passenger seat.During the drive, they remained silent, but to observers, it appeared as though they were in harmony.Upon arriving at the ancestral mansion, Hesper noticed other cars parked around and cast a curious glance at Rickard. Visitors to Ernest's home were a rarity."Sir, Ma'am, you're back," a young housekeeper greeted them. It was the same person who had assisted Wendy earlier, but they couldn't recall her name. Nevertheless, Hesper had faith in her.Noticing the housekeeper's troubled demeanor, Hesper deduced that the guest inside was likely unwelcome. However, she couldn't fathom who would disrupt Ernest's life. Given
Rickard noticed something in Hesper's expression, prompting him to ask, "Is there something else you haven't told me?"Being intimately familiar with each other wasn't always without its challenges. Hesper could never conceal anything from him.She sighed and replied, "It's nothing. Just that Pennleigh will also be on the list."Rickard fell silent.Hesper was aware that sometimes Rickard might not appear bothered, but Pennleigh's presence did bother him.Observing Hesper's awkward expression, Rickard lowered his gaze and suddenly took on a pitiful appearance, like a big dog caught in the rain.Yet, she knew he was merely putting on an act. Still, every time she saw him like that, she couldn't help but miss the Rickard who didn't engage in such playful antics. His character had undergone a change.Hesper found it amusing but didn't quite know how to express it. She sighed and added, "It's a fantastic opportunity. I know you'll let me go, right?"Rickard had no intention of inte
"Sullivan lied to her. He had her parents quietly killed. She found out after she turned her back on you."Benji lowered his gaze. "She was already dead when you came back. It was suicide."The conclusion lacked the weight necessary for such a betrayal. Hesper shut her eyes. The person she had trusted most was Renee. They had shared countless years together.Hesper acknowledged that their bond might not have been a genuine friendship. Renee had abandoned her when given the choice.However, Hesper had faced such situations before.Thankfully, there had been someone who had placed her first in their heart, reassuring her that she wasn't always relegated to being an option. Hesper stood in silence for a while before simply nodding.There was nothing she could do to aid Renee now. Renee had entered and departed alone, leaving no trace behind with Hesper.When the topic was broached, it weighed heavily on her heart. Hesper understood the situation but found herself at a loss for word