Hesper and Rickard were just like any expectant parents. However, the impending reopening of the black market cast a shadow of uncertainty over Hesper. Despite her efforts to reassure everyone that she would return safely and be fine, she couldn't shake her own doubts.Moonlight illuminated her palm as she stared at it with determination. Regardless of her uncertainties, she knew she had to take this step.***When the invitations to the black market were sent out, it triggered a wave of shock and speculation, just as Hesper had anticipated. Many people immediately connected the black market's disappearance to the hallucinogen crisis.Some individuals who had been on the fence about attending the black market even approached Rickard to inquire about the situation. Hesper found the situation somewhat amusing, but it was exactly what they had hoped for. People were starting to scheme and make plans to secure a spot on the black market ship.Amid all the chatter, Sullivan couldn't ha
To exercise caution, the Simmons weren't included in the list of recipients for invitations to the black market, as this was a strategic move to gauge Sullivan's response.Each invitation was assigned a unique serial number, a practice the black market had employed for years to manage the number of attendees. Initially, it seemed that Sullivan was maintaining his composure, but after a few days, the Simmons began actively seeking an invitation.Hesper found this perplexing, as she had expected Sullivan to see through their ruse. Compared to the general populace, Sullivan had a better understanding of Hesper and Rickard. So, why did he insist on attending?Hesper had assumed he would hesitate, but he wasted no time, searching for a ticket within half a day. It was too swift.It was undoubtedly a trap meant for him, and he was fully aware of it, yet he willingly walked into it. Hesper chose not to dwell on his motivations as long as the outcome aligned with their objectives.Rickard
[She's pregnant and still entering such a dangerous place? That's incredibly risky.][Hesper and Rickard must have stirred up quite a hornet's nest the last time they were in Montequinto. They may not want to return, but they have no other choice.]While someone on the platform had already revealed the truth, here, the journey had just begun, and all speculations remained just that – speculations. Hesper and Rickard paid no attention to the livestream.After all, if something unsuitable for broadcasting were to happen, the live broadcast would undoubtedly be stopped – whether it occurred in the next second or at some point later.Rickard relayed his findings. "There's still half an hour left, and two families haven't boarded the ship yet."One of them was the Summers. Hesper hadn't expected the Summers to be this savvy. Without Chelsea, the Summers were already on a declining path, forced to come to the black market in search of opportunities.As expected, not long after, some me
In the end, Sullivan simply nodded. "Mr. Moreau, nice to meet you."Lucian replied with a smile, "Indeed, this is our first encounter. However, it may not be the same for me and the other gentlemen present."With this somewhat cryptic statement, the crowd surrounding them had no recollection of Lucian and didn't grasp the meaning behind his words. Yet, observing Lucian's polite demeanor, they all nodded in response.Lucian then posed a question to the gathered individuals, "Why have we convened here today? Is it because of the hallucinogenic drug?"At the mention of the hallucinogenic drug, a commotion swept through the crowd, and the livestream platform also descended into chaos briefly before a comment appeared in the chat box.[Are they discussing the same hallucinogenic drug that Hesper was guarding before?][Jesus! It feels like we're witnessing something we shouldn't be seeing at all.]As expected, the live broadcast was abruptly terminated. Discussing the hallucinogenic d
According to Hesper, Gerard was indeed an exceptionally upright police officer, especially given his involvement in the investigation related to the hallucinogenic drug many years ago.Initially, Hesper had been unaware of Gerard's role in the matter. She only discovered it later during her investigation, thanks partly to Zoya's extra effort when wrapping up the situation in Fredonia.Later, Gerard proactively contacted Hesper, stating that he might have a solution to the matter, and that was why Hesper chose to meet him before leaving Fredonia.Leaving evidence of these events for the future was almost impossible. Even the live broadcast might be cut off, and Hesper was well aware of this. Hence, they needed authoritative figures present as witnesses.If it were just representatives from Montequinto and Halwanest presenting their respective sides of the story, it might lead to more complications. However, with Gerard present, the situation took on a different dimension.Gerard lo
Given the current tense situation, Hesper couldn't help but scoff in anger. Listening to Charles's voice, she whispered coldly, "Why are you here?"'He must have known things would turn rough here, yet he still chose to come and support us. However, if things go awry, he might...'"Just consider it a friendly gesture; it's my pleasure to be able to help," Charles responded with a smile.After saying so, Charles hung up the phone. Hesper hadn't had a chance to say anything and could only listen to the busy tone coming from the other end of the call. She then took a deep breath before placing the phone down.Everyone present naturally understood that the other ship trailing behind belonged to Hesper's team. Escaping now was essentially an impossible task.Furthermore, Hesper was right. If they were to attempt an escape today, they would undoubtedly face even more severe retaliation from Hesper and Rickard in the future. It would be no different from the current situation, so it was
He was akin to a ravenous wolf, ready to employ any means to achieve his goals. Those who placed their trust in him might as well have thrown themselves into shark-infested waters."You might not have a death sentence, but if you die now, you'll lose everything." Hesper's counsel had a mesmerizing quality. While some remained unmoved, a growing number began to waver. Initially, they had sought modest profits from the drug trade and hadn't considered the possibility of total ruin.The rationale behind Hesper's words was crystal clear to everyone present. It was just that, until now, they had clung to their meager gains."We... We'll plead guilty, and we won't resist!" The first to speak was Fenix.Hesper smiled at him, recognizing his profound fear of death. With the first surrender, others were likely to follow suit.At that moment, most of the people on the ship had decided to confess.Sullivan stood by Hesper, observing how these individuals were swayed, a smile playing on his
The situation took an unexpected turn. Bringing firearms onto the ship during boarding was virtually impossible. Everyone underwent thorough searches before they were allowed on board, making it improbable for guns to be smuggled in.Hesper's expression darkened as she turned to Lucian, who smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry, this wasn't my doing."Lucian had assumed responsibility for the black market's arrangements due to his close relationship with Cheney. He was someone both Cheney and Vivienne trusted implicitly. Cheney's cautious nature had instilled faith in Lucian, and Hesper had readily agreed.Lucian tried to explain but found it challenging to clear his name in just a few words. It genuinely wasn't a betrayal on his part."I swear, it wasn't me!"Hesper furrowed her brows.Sullivan decided it was time for full disclosure. "Don't make it any harder for him. My men were the ones who left these guns on the ship the last time we were here."Even though Cheney had instructe
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