The team back at Duval Group was ready, and on the other side, Rickard had chosen the most direct approach, as the media outside Lane Manor were the ideal medium he needed to spread the news.There was no need for further arrangements."Here she comes!" One of the reporters shouted at the top of her lungs.Hesper's face suddenly appeared on the screen, and even with minimal makeup, her beauty remained breathtaking in front of the camera. All the viewers watching the live broadcast were instantly captivated by her.[I have to say, Hesper is quite beautiful...][I can't help but feel that Hesper looks exceptionally charming today. Is this what having your lover by your side feels like?][I'm curious about who Mr. Chronos is and what he looks like to outshine even Rickard.][It must be his unparalleled wealth.][Keep your jealousy to yourself. Does Hesper look like someone who'd marry for money?]...Hesper didn't need to read the online comments to know what people were discuss
[You must've just joined the stream, right? They've been stuck in there for the past two days.][Yeah, these reporters have been camping at the entrance for two days, even sleeping in sleeping bags. It's quite outrageous, to be honest.][Hesper and her family can't even lead a normal life... It's a bit too much.][Stop pretending to be saints now, you guys. When I followed this livestream earlier, no one said a word.]...Hesper didn't pay much attention to the comments; after all, Rickard had decided to reveal his identity. The direction of the netizens' discussions didn't matter much to them now.Of course, if these people developed some sympathy toward them, it might be somewhat beneficial for handling things later. However, the online world was unpredictable. Hesper couldn't be sure what these people were thinking."Don't worry, folks. Mr. Chronos will come out to meet you soon." After Hesper spoke, eagerness gleamed in the eyes of the reporters standing on the other side of
The two of them emerged from the manor, and as soon as Mr. Chronos came into view, a commotion erupted in the crowd, and the comments on the livestream platform scrolled rapidly.[Look at that grandiose aura; the Lanes' genes are truly extraordinary.][Whenever Mr. Chronos and Hesper stand together, the phrase "a perfect match" comes to mind.][Judging solely from his presence, I imagine Mr. Chronos's true appearance must be breathtaking.][Of course. Otherwise, Hesper wouldn't be interested...][His looks aren't the most important thing! Mr. Chronos is distinguished; his appearance isn't the focus!]...No one at the scene was aware of the comments in the livestream, but as soon as reporters from various news outlets saw the couple, they rushed forward like hungry wolves catching a whiff of meat, bombarding them with questions."Mr. Chronos! Excuse me, Sir, but can you tell us why you suddenly rushed back from Montequinto? Did something urgent arise a few days ago?""Mr. Chro
The internet was abuzz with discussions, but since the livestream platform had completely crashed, there was no way to access the follow-up. After a brief shock, the reporters quickly regained their composure, and the scene soon descended into chaos, with everyone bombarding the couple with questions one after another.Hesper and Rickard were well-prepared for this. They clearly understood which questions to answer and which ones to avoid, and they had already set their boundaries.Therefore, the reporters' efforts to extract more sensational news were in vain.They had considered all these aspects thoroughly. Hesper and Rickard had already thought through these scenarios in advance, so no matter how tricky the reporters' questions were, it was evident that Hesper and Rickard handled them with ease. They didn't need to think much.For questions they couldn't answer, they remained silent. Many soon realized that some questions were not avoided out of unwillingness but impossibility.
However, due to Hesper's unique physical condition and the fact that there was no longer a need for Rickard to hide his identity, Rickard had chosen to accompany her at all times.While Hesper felt this might be a bit of an overreaction, it was evident that if she disagreed with this arrangement, her entire family would not allow her to leave the manor.With no other option, she reluctantly brought Rickard along. At least having him by her side wouldn't pose any trouble. Though it made things somewhat ostentatious, Hesper found it more advantageous.Professor Miles was still unaware of Hesper's pregnancy. The primary concern was how Victor would react when he found out, as it might lead to further complications."There's been some progress in the past two days, but not much," Professor Miles responded to Hesper's unspoken question. He glanced at Victor before continuing, "Mainly because you weren't here, and someone hasn't been genuinely helpful."Victor looked somewhat innocent a
Rickard's publicized identity had created quite a sensation, particularly among the Montequintans.During this period, Hesper and Rickard didn't feel the impact as much, as most of the commotion revolved around outsiders rather than those close to them.The termination of Matthew and Dianthe's engagement gave Matthew an unexpected opportunity to reassess and react. He remarked with a hint of bemusement, "You two have truly mastered the art of being absentee bosses." Taking over the companies of the Duvals and the Lanes was something he hadn't anticipated, but it was evident that Rickard and Hesper had more pressing matters on their minds.Hesper playfully stuck out her tongue. With things progressing smoothly, she was in a relatively good mood. Moreover, now that everything had become clearer, she only needed to spend a short time in the laboratory daily. Having Rickard by her side made the time pass without boredom.However, whenever she found a moment of free time, someone seemed
"Considering that you might be more capable than those doctors, I thought of coming over to ask if you have any solutions."Hesper nodded understandingly. Although Pennleigh was unaware of the situation in Montequinto, he could guess something from the recent information. He knew how busy Hesper was, so he had been refraining from disturbing her.However, things had turned for the worse. He just could not sit by and watch Crosleigh die when he knew that Hesper might have other solutions."Alright, let me get things straight first. The doctors you previously consulted may not have been able to solve those issues, but it shouldn't have been difficult for them to figure out some symptoms, right?" Hesper asked.Hearing this, Pennleigh knew that Hesper should have been able to help in this matter. "Don't worry. I'm not as busy these days. However, I can't guarantee that I can cure Crosleigh. My teacher is currently unavailable, so whether it works depends on me," Hesper said, not want
Nobody knew how Crosleigh got it, but the wound did not get better during treatment and seemed to develop slight ulceration for some unknown reason.His family became anxious when the doctors were helpless in this situation. Right now, Crosleigh's wounds had become necrotic. It looked terrifying, and it seemed like there was no way to save him. Hesper frowned. The wound had transformed significantly from the initial injury, not just ulcerating but continuously expanding. At this rate, it would not be long before Crosleigh would not feel pain anymore because he would be gone."Why is this happening?" Hesper mumbled. She had not heard of such a condition before, especially considering Crosleigh was not born with it but suddenly developed it. This made it even more puzzling.It was tough to pinpoint the timeline precisely since they only found out about Crosleigh's condition after he got injured. If he had not been injured, it could have taken a while before they realized what was ha
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