Chelsea was in a better situation than Sophia. Karen had liked her since the beginning, and now that everyone in the Summers knew about her ability, they liked her even more. After all, the casino had been exposed, and they could only rely on Chelsea now.Originally, Jade favored sons over daughters, but his attitude toward Chelsea had changed completely. He followed Chelsea every day as if he had always adored her.However, Chelsea was no fool. If she had a naive personality, she might not have survived until today. She could not leave the Summers, so even if she was annoyed, she would stay here for a long time.Sophia was different. Although the Summers were treating her well now, she never considered staying. She knew that Fenix would despise her one day, and the outcome would not change even if Chelsea continued to help her.Therefore, she had to leave as soon as possible.There had been a lack of a suitable opportunity during this time, and Hesper had not actively reached out
Hesper looked at her and asked, "How did you know I wanted to ask you for information?""Well..." Chelsea sighed helplessly. She knew that Hesper would be particularly sensitive to such matters, so she laid out all her speculations. "Your recent movements aren't secret. After all, every move you make is being observed. But everyone is also speculating on what you're up to. You coming to me now is related to this. I've thought it over, and there's probably nothing you would want from the Summers except for the information in my hands."Chelsea's guess was close to the truth. Hesper paused momentarily, discerning the truth in Chelsea's words before proceeding. "Yes, I have some questions for you, but they're not questions to trouble you. Considering the time, you should be at the age where you understand things, so you should remember what happened back then."Although somewhat puzzled, Chelsea quickly nodded. "As long as I know it, I'll speak the truth. However, in return, you should
Both of them said the name at the same time. Hesper knew that Rickard would probably guess it even if she did not, so she nodded."The Summers have gone too far," Hesper said. She speculated that Chelsea might not be satisfied with her soon-to-be husband. Otherwise, leaving the Summers and accepting such an opportunity might not be bad. However, she had not expected that the Summers would go so far as to marry Chelsea to someone with a tarnished reputation and intellectual issues.Regardless of her path, she could not avoid dealing with the Andersons. Instead of hiding, it might be better to confront the Andersons directly and then address other issues.After receiving successive blows, the Andersons' recent situation was even worse than she had imagined. In a certain sense, the Andersons might be at their most vulnerable moment now. Thinking about it, Hesper felt somewhat relieved."Also, Professor Miles said he would come this afternoon," Rickard calmly added. Hesper could not he
"After you return, listen to Isaac and Zoya, okay?" Hesper said as she ruffled Renfrew's head, and Renfrew nodded.After returning, many people would take care of Renfrew. Hesper believed that even if the people in Montequinto were powerful, they could not touch Renfrew. Hesper rubbed Renfrew's head once again before turning around to let her men take Renfrew away."You must come back soon, okay?" Renfrew said as he earnestly waved at Hesper. "I'll be waiting for Daddy and Mommy to come home!"Hesper's eyes moistened slightly, but she had prepared herself mentally for this separation.On his way back, Liam sent messages to Hesper, telling her to let him know if they needed help. However, Hesper felt somewhat suspicious.According to Chelsea, many people knew about their actions recently. Even Liam was aware of it, but the problem was that they kept a very low profile, so how did these people find out?"It should be Frankie." Rickard said calmly, "He transmitted messages outside
After all, you're not far from being a dead person." "Professor Miles…" Hesper felt utterly embarrassed. Professor Miles did not have the mood for jokes, gesturing for her to sit down."I've worked day and night these past two days and finally found a way to slow it down. If I can get a good night's sleep, it's considered a success," Professor Miles said as he took a bottle of medicine from his jacket pocket. "This is for you to treat your current situation. We'll discuss the treatment later."Professor Miles had not rested properly these past few days just to look for a cure for her, and he looked visibly tired. Hesper looked at him with guilt, knowing he genuinely cared for her. This love was why she frequently felt treasured by numerous people, empowering her to confront any curveballs that life threw her way."Thank you, Professor."Professor Miles reverted to his usual expression, saying, "If you really want to thank me, just listen to me more next time, and don't get your
If Earl could stay safe outside, there was a possibility that the Andersons would undergo a complete overhaul by the time he returned. After careful consideration, Hesper decided not to let the Andersons disappear completely, as Verdon City had its checks and balances.She just needed to ensure they lacked the ability and courage to resist her. For this, Hesper carefully selected a new head of the Andersons—Earl. However, these were somewhat distant matters, and whether the plan would proceed as intended remained unknown."Everything is done here," Rickard said over the phone. Hesper responded with a nod. "I'll pretend to be close to Chelsea these days, making the Andersons believe I intend to use the Summers as a breakthrough.""Okay."When they were about to end the call after going through the detailed plan, Hesper said, "Wait."Although Rickard did not say anything, Hesper knew he was listening attentively. She continued, "Don't forget what you promised me earlier. Take go
It was the best to end everything now. However, Sophia was a bit different. She was legally married to Fenix, so she could not leave directly. Moreover, Sophia used to be Rickard's younger sister as well.Seeing Chelsea's gaze, Hesper instantly knew what she was thinking. She had given up on explanations, and she felt her mental state improve after starting to talk nonsense."Don't worry, you don't need to concern yourself with things over there. I can handle it myself."Chelsea nodded as she looked at Hesper with admiration. Hesper could not be bothered to explain. She simply nodded hastily.With the press credentials provided by Liam, the two entered smoothly. They could not enter the venue, so Hesper and Chelsea waited outside for the right moment. Suddenly, a commotion not far away caught their attention. Hesper and Chelsea exchanged glances and walked toward the commotion.After all, their identities were journalists and they could not appear too suspicious. They overheard so
Rickard's eyes betrayed a moment of vulnerability, prompting Hesper to swiftly rise from her seat. The sudden commotion ignited a frenzy of photography as onlookers sensed something noteworthy. Hesper understood that this incident, with a few alterations, would become headline news. As long as the underlying issue remained concealed, everything would be fine.Rickard was aware of her covert presence and had no intention of revealing her identity. Despite being Mr. Chronos's wife in name, she had severed all ties with him. This was the reason Hesper decided to disengage."Be careful."Chelsea witnessed the entire episode and couldn't help but speculate about a clandestine love story, although she kept her thoughts to herself. Thankfully, the crowd dispersed soon after. Hesper couldn't determine whether someone had deliberately or accidentally pushed her, but it was an inauspicious start.Keen observers might notice that something was amiss. Rickard wasn't known for selflessly assist
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