Seeing this, Hesper thoughtfully followed his gaze, only to find a pink piglet sticker stuck to her blouse, which was probably left behind from when she was coaxing Renfrew.'Does this young man like stickers?'Hesper peeled the sticker off her clothes and stretched her hand out. The young man's gaze followed the sticker as it moved to Hesper's face, seeming to understand her intention. He then reached out and placed his hand on Hesper's.Rickard and Benji exchanged gazes from behind, and Benji said with a raised eyebrow, "I didn't expect Ma'am to have such ability."Without saying much, Rickard kept his gaze fixed on Hesper. If anything unexpected happened, he could instantly pull her to safety.He was the shield that would protect Hesper's safety when he was by her side.Seeing the young man extending his hand obediently, Hesper was impressed by how smooth things were going and placed the sticker on the back of his hand.The young man pursed his lips before opening his mouth.
Rickard's appearance made Benji suppress a chuckle. Before meeting Hesper, Benji had never imagined that there would be someone who could elicit such emotion from his usually indifferent boss.Meanwhile, Hesper stared at the name written in the palm of her hand, nodded, and smiled. "I got it now, you're Duncan. It's a lovely name; I'll always remember it."My name is Hesper." After introducing herself, Hesper copied Duncan, writing her name in the palm of his hand. And when she finished writing, Duncan instantly retracted his hand as if he wanted to hold onto the name.Seeing Duncan in this state, Hesper felt rather complicated.'Even though Cheney is hunting these people down to such an extent, she's not entirely in the wrong. From a certain perspective, if these people hadn't taken part in past events and laid their fingers on Asher, they wouldn't have brought this disaster onto themselves.'Hesper could not judge what was right and wrong easily, which made her mood all the more
Deep down, Hesper was kind, but her intelligence often led her to take actions that went against her desire to avoid risks.If she was too weak, she could be easily taken advantage of. Only by being strong and determined to retaliate when provoked could she protect herself and those dear to her.Hesper knew what Rickard meant and lowered her gaze. "In the days to come, I'll hide my emotions well and won't let anything bad happen."Rickard completely trusted Hesper; in this regard, she was more skilled than anyone. Rickard had only spoken up to ensure she would not hurt herself."I know that," Hesper said and immediately turned her head.For a moment, Rickard thought he had gotten through to her, but Hesper continued, "I'll gain Duncan's trust and obtain the desired outcomes."These are my choices, so you do not need to worry about me."...Meanwhile, in the Andersons' residence, Chelsea managed to perfectly balance the time she had been spending with Dean and Briar, building a
Their farewell had been hasty. In fact, not to mention Chelsea, even Hesper had not anticipated that their paths would cross again in this manner.As for why Hesper was there, it began from the previous evening when Jade suddenly contacted her and explained that the Summers had no way to approach the Andersons without a legitimate excuse. Without Hesper's help, they had no means of getting there, so they had no choice but to turn to her once again.Hesper no longer desired Jade's offer. Except for Chelsea, everything of the Summers' was of no interest to her.However, Jade proved himself to be troublesome. Hesper was worried that if she could not find Chelsea, Jade would find a way to return to Halwanest and bother Ernest and others. This could lead to either angering Ernest or exposing Rickard's little secret, and neither of these outcomes was something Hesper wanted to see. Thus, she had no choice but to agree to help first.Thinking of this, Hesper smiled, but there was not a hi
Earlier, Hesper wanted to use the contract signed by Jade to constrain Chelsea and make her work for her, but she had changed her mind. With that thought in mind, Hesper placed the contract before Chelsea. "I can't deny that I have selfish motives, but you can look at this contract and consider what you've gained from the Summers over the years."At first, Chelsea was a bit puzzled, but after reading the contents of the contract, her face sank. Jade would never read contracts, so naturally, he would not see many hidden clauses in this contract.If Hesper were to enforce it, Chelsea would almost be a free contracted worker for her. It seemed to her that Jade was oblivious to this, and he thought that it was for Chelsea's good. However, it did not mean that he was ignorant. He just held the profits and benefits of the Summers above her."Fenix married again. I'm sure you know better than anyone else how the Summers treat you," Hesper said, her voice carrying a hint of inducement. "Y
As long as the chip remained undiscovered, they could find him no matter where he was. Rickard stood up and said, "Let's go to Berselion now."Suddenly, he remembered something and said, "Have Benji inform Hesper that we're going to Berselion to chase after Roy. Tell her not to worry, and I'll bring everyone back safely.""Yes, sir," Kenji replied. Looking at Rickard, he felt that he had changed. After all, Rickard used to act independently and make his own decisions. He would often choose to keep Hesper in the dark if he believed that informing her might lead to danger or make her worry.However, Hesper had repeatedly warned Rickard that if he did not inform her, she would only feel more worried, leading to worse consequences. Rickard had finally learned that he did not have to bear all the burdens alone. For every action, he had to inform Hesper.It was a good change.However, Kenji shook his head to focus on the things on hand. After all, Roy's life and death was still crucia
"Master Turner."Hearing Hesper's voice, Liam looked up and sighed. "Ms. Rivera."Hesper nodded. "I'm going to check on Lily's condition. According to the helper's messages, Lily's body has recovered quite a bit.""Okay, thank you, Ms. Rivera."Hesper shook her head. She turned around momentarily and then turned back, staring at Liam intently and making him slightly bewildered. "What's wrong?""I believe you can see through Christopher now, Master Turner?"Although Liam wanted to pretend he did not know, the facts were right before him. He nodded and said, "I know everything. You can rest assured, Ms. Rivera."Now, Hesper was truly reassured. She turned and went upstairs to find Lily.Liam was very lenient toward his family members. Hesper was worried that Liam might let Christopher escape to give him a chance, even after learning the truth.If that happened, it would be difficult to see Christopher again. She arrived before Lily's room and noticed that the door was open. Sh
Hesper consoled her for a while and finally calmed her down. After completing the routine medical treatment, Hesper prepared to leave. "I'll probably come around this time tomorrow."Lily seemed a bit hesitant. Hesper noticed the changes in her expression and asked, "Do you have something tomorrow?"Lily felt a bit embarrassed. After all, Hesper took time out to treat her, and now she might be delaying Hesper's time. Hesper shook her head and continued, "It's okay. I can come at any time." Hesper had nothing urgent to attend to, so her priority right now was coming here and caring for Lily.Lily nodded. Hesper noticed something and teased, "From your expression, it looks like you're going out on a date or something?"Hesper had just been playing around, but Lily's face turned red with embarrassment at her words. She lowered her head and hurriedly waved her hands but could not respond.Seeing Lily's reaction, Hesper shook her head and said, "Don't worry, I was just kidding."W
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