Hesper was doing well. “Don’t push too hard. I’m worried that you’ll be too tired, and you don’t know what people will do when they’re forced into a corner. Besides, Rickard is a wolf.”Matthew couldn’t make out Hesper’s emotions through the phone, but he knew that Hesper’s change wasn’t out of nowhere.Anything related to Rickard would affect her emotions tremendously. “I’m fine, don’t worry. I’m just more aware than I used to be.”Hesper removed her glasses. Between the company and school, she was busy and life was never more fulfilling. Matthew hadn’t been in contact with her in a while, so it was understandable that he was worried. “The next time you come over, I might already have tamed the wolf. All the things that I’ve learned were to prepare me for this.”Rickard was really quick in handling the attacks she launched. There was a back and forth, but Hesper would always end up with the upper ground. All the Duval Group could do was protect their own profits to ensure th
After Hesper spilled the beans, Xavier fell quiet. Hesper wasn’t a shy person. If it wasn’t something that she absolutely couldn’t talk about, she wouldn’t have hidden it. They were just normal people, different from the Duvals, who were important. In comparison, they were just ants. Xavier remembered that Hesper didn’t come from the best background, so she must have gone through a lot living with the Duvals. “This is a really rare chance.” After a long pause, Xavier finally sighed and waved his hand to let Hesper leave. Hesper walked out of the office and looked at the campus grounds, then sighed too. She knew how rare the opportunity was, but after having an intense struggle with herself, she chose to give it up. She was too naive in the past. Now that she had come so far, there was no point chasing dreams and hobbies. Where would she find the time and energy for those things?The right opportunity had come at the wrong time. Life wasn’t perfect; that was reality. It
“You should go first. I’ll go and get the car parked, and you can order anything you want.” Nathaniel pulled over in front of the restaurant. “Their food is rather spicy, so if you can’t handle the spice, you could just tell the owner.”Hesper didn’t really like spicy food, so she nodded and walked into the inconspicuous, tiny restaurant.Hesper truly had no idea how Nathaniel got to know about this restaurant. She looked around the area while they were on the way here, and there was not even a single means of transportation within a few miles from the place, let alone any passerby.The small shop was hidden behind a grove. It already looked very inconspicuous during autumn, so the whole restaurant might be completely concealed behind the trees when all the leaves grew back during summer.A small string of wind chimes made out of shells was hung on the door frame of the entrance. When Nathaniel walked into the premises, it gave off a crisp chime.“Hello?”Once inside, no one coul
Seth came out with the dishes and chuckled when he heard Hesper’s speculation.“...What’s the matter? Did I say something wrong?”Nathaniel shook his head as Seth served the dishes and left.Hesper looked a little bewildered, so Nathaniel helplessly explained, “Don’t worry about him. That’s how he treats everyone. Seth is indeed my younger brother, but he likes to cook and he’s rather introverted, which is why you haven’t heard much of him.”Hesper nodded with a hazy notion. Nathaniel pushed the dishes she ordered closer toward her while she was still a little confused and said, “Try them. His cooking is comparable to a professional chef’s.”After the two of them had dinner, Nathaniel sent Hesper back home.As dusk fell, Hesper could not help but sigh as she stared at the breathtaking but fleeting scenery outside the window.“What’s the matter? Are you tired?” Nathaniel’s voice came from the left.Hesper shook her head slowly and said after a short pause, “I’m still thinking ab
‘And the things that I managed to gather almost scared the crap out of me. I’m guessing that not only did Mr. Duval not get to see Ms. Lane, but he actually got to meet his love rival instead? Maybe Ms. Lane was even getting a little steamy with Nathaniel there. After all, they’re actually in a proper engagement agreement, so they could do whatever they want...’Thinking of this, Benji could not help but inwardly say a prayer for his boss.Rickard stood under the tree for a long time after that. The cigarette hanging between his lips was not lit, and he himself did not even know what he was thinking about.In the end, Benji felt that something was not right, so he called Zikmund and asked him to drive over to Hesper’s place to pick Rickard up.“Does she really not like me anymore?” Rickard asked Zikmund directly.Looking at his haggard friend, Zikmund could not help but sigh.“I’ve heard about the recent incidents. To be honest, Hesper’s attacks are freaking ruthless; that means
Ever since Rickard started to fight back, Hesper instantly realized that Rickard had been giving in deliberately before. But why would that matter? The use of others’ feelings for her was also a means of business. It was not that she could not use it, it was just that she could not be bothered to use it.Nathaniel came to Genecity only to deliver things to Hesper. Since he had done everything that he wanted to do, and Hesper was busy with work every day and did not have time to entertain him, he returned to Emperion.“There will be a charity auction tomorrow night. I’ve rejected a few events of such nature on your behalf before this because the company hasn’t officially stabilized and gone on track.” Renee updated Hesper on an invitation. “But this is different. The organizer specially sent an invitation letter here, so do you want to attend the event?”When she was in Emperion, Hesper often followed Matthew to various auctions, which were always great opportunities for companies to
Before Hesper had the time to say anything, beeping sounds started to ring in her ear, signaling the end of the call.‘If Seth slipped his business card to me secretly, it means that he doesn’t want Nathaniel to know about this.’Hesper was forced to listen to those incomprehensible words and felt that the matter was getting more and more dubious. Nathaniel was most likely to know something about this, but Hesper had an inexplicable intuition deep down.‘I guess I shouldn’t ask Nathaniel about this matter first, at least not now.’Letting go of her doubts for the time, Hesper reminded herself not to think about those complicated matters.‘The most urgent task on my hands at the moment is to make it impossible for Duval Group to recover, and then get Renfrew’s custody back, and lastly, make sure that Lane Holdings settles down in Genecity smoothly. There are still too many things to focus on, so I have no time to think about all these illusory affairs.’Hesper put her phone down,
Juniper was born with a delicate and captivating look, so as long as her beholder did not deliberately try to find fault in her appearance, she might even look a little innocent and artless.“You look nice.” Ariana nodded. “However, I’m here to tell you to not go to the charity gala tonight.”Ariana’s gaze and expression still looked gentle and amiable, but what she said did not seem to leave Juniper with any choices.Juniper’s expression turned cold instantly, and she stared at Ariana in confusion.“Why? I’ve been preparing for this event for a long time, and I only want to be there to...” Juniper’s eyes wandered out of focus for a split second, and she exclaimed with a frown, “I don’t care. I must attend the function tonight. If you don’t want me to go, shouldn’t you at least give me a valid reason?”Ariana nodded. “Rickard and Hesper will be attending the banquet tonight too, so I don’t want you to go. This is the reason.”‘Nowadays, there’s been so much ruckus going on betwee
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