Julie attempted to defend herself by saying, "That's not what I meant…" But Sophia could tell from Rickard's expression that their actions had consequences. Knowing that Rickard would not let them off easily this time, Sophia felt defeated."Have you not committed enough wrongdoings in the past?" Rickard spoke in a calm tone, then turned to Benji. "Starting today, neither of them will have any authority to use the house's money. You will take care of their daily needs."Benji was taken aback and hesitated for a moment before asking, "Are you sure about this, Mr. Duval?" "Yes, just do as I have instructed." Sophia felt a sense of relief upon hearing the punishment. She had anticipated a harsher punishment, but they were only losing their access to the house's money. Being a Duval mistress was already enough to ensure a worry-free life, so losing a bit of money was insignificant. "I'll also arrange a marriage for Sophia soon. As for you, mother, after Sophia's wedding, you will r
"Okay, then let's contact the Duval Group," Hesper said. She had worked with them before, so she had nothing to fear. After all, as long as Rickard was a smart businessman, he would never refuse the benefits that came to him.Renee nodded and turned to leave. Hesper fell into silence for a moment before continuing with her work. Previously, Benji had warned her that many of the contracts given to her by Rickard contained hidden clauses. Those contracts had been sorted and taken back to the Lanes by Matthew. Now, it seemed like she needed to retrieve them and carefully examine them to avoid any more accidents in the future.Hesper sent a message to Matthew, asking him to mail her the previous contracts. With that settled, she began to prepare for negotiations with the Duval Group.The Lane Holdings needed to recuperate at the moment, so Hesper was willing to make some concessions during the negotiations. If one deal fell apart, she might not have the ability to consider the next one.
Sophia pondered for a moment before deciding to capture crucial pages from the documents and send them to her mother via pictures.[Sophia: Dick is going to collaborate with Hesper. Mom, it appears that Hesper has no intention of returning to be his wife. We must not let my brother make another mistake.]At that moment, Julie was receiving cooking lessons from Wendy on how to make an omelet. Though a simple dish, Julie struggled as she had not been cooking for a long time. Rickard had assigned Wendy to keep an eye on his mother, and Wendy thought it would be wise to teach her some cooking skills first.Although it was Rickard's arrangement, Wendy knew that she was just a servant and should not interfere too much in the Duvals' family affair. Upon reading Sophia's message, Julie was infuriated. However, knowing that she had made a significant error, she understood that Rickard would not heed her words at the moment.As for Ernest, he would do everything in his power to bring Ricka
Upon entering the office, Hesper immediately realized that her initial perception of the situation was too simplistic. The meeting room was packed with people, at least thirty or forty of them. She couldn't help but wonder, 'What is he up to now?' That said, Hesper calmly sat down amidst the gazes of everyone in the room and faced Rickard, who was seated in the main seat. She forced a bitter smile and said, "It feels like I'm attending my own execution." "You're just being paranoid," Rickard replied nonchalantly. However, upon seeing Hesper's strained smile, he couldn't help but smirk and add, "This just shows our sincerity to you, doesn't it?" Benji coughed awkwardly, and Hesper bit her tongue before nodding. "Alright, let's get started. I want to see if your sincerity goes beyond just words." "I'm sure you won't be disappointed, Ms. Lane," Rickard said. Although the employees in the room could sense the tension between the two and they wanted to see drama between Rickard
Hesper's eyes were cold and sharp, devoid of any trace of amusement. Each word she spoke felt like a blade slicing through Sophia's body. When Sophia remained silent, Hesper repeated herself. "Sorry about what?" All eyes were on Sophia now, and she felt like she was being scrutinized by every single one of them. She clenched her fists, feeling a sharp pang of humiliation. She had never been so insulted in her life. She knew that Hesper was trying to humiliate her in front of everyone. What Sophia could not understand was why Rickard remained silent. Why did he not say anything to defend her? Did he not know that the humiliation she suffered would reflect on the Duval family's reputation?"I… I'm sorry, Ms. Lane," Sophia said, her voice trembling with indignation. She spoke louder this time, but the anger in her tone was apparent. Hesper did not let her off the hook. She rubbed her temples wearily and spoke again. "Too soft. I can't hear you.""I'm sorry! It's all my fault, Ms. La
The attendees were taken aback by Hesper's dominance throughout the meeting, leaving Rickard at a disadvantage. It seemed they had greatly underestimated her."Mr. Duval, if we continue like this, we'll get nowhere," Hesper interjected, halting the profit negotiation with Rickard. She proposed a figure. "This figure is most acceptable to both parties after my calculations. I believe your company has also estimated beforehand. If you disagree, you can suggest a different figure." The rest of the people fell silent. They had planned the data previously and determined the optimal solution. They just didn't anticipate Hesper to be so precise; it matched their previous calculation exactly. "You seem prepared, Ms. Lane," Rickard remarked. In response, Hesper smiled and narrowed her eyes. "You laid so many traps for me, so it's only reasonable for me to be well-prepared." "Traps?" Hesper tilted her head and said, "Quit pretending, Mr. Duval. There are numerous employees present. If
Hesper gestured with frustration towards Benji, who wore a dumb expression, and shooed him away while he was still embarrassed by having his thoughts exposed.'Is it that obvious that I like Renee?'"What are you doing?" Suddenly, Rickard's voice sounded from behind, stunning Benji. He quickly put away his embarrassed smile and said, "Nothing. Ms. Duval looks a bit upset. Should I go comfort her?""That's not necessary," Rickard said. "She's already at the age where she should be responsible for what she did. Otherwise, how can we manage things in the future? Letting her live under the protection of the Duvals all her life and constantly causing trouble?"It was true that Julie did spoil Sophia to an excessive degree, and perhaps it was Julie's habits that shaped Sophia's personality. Both of them needed someone to keep an eye on them. If not, if they could lose $450,000 to the gambling den that day, then they could lose the Duvals' entire wealth the next day. Benji nodded un
"Someone bought off the factory, so there are some problems with the machines, and the ones with the biggest problem were the batch that we gave you… It's fortunate that nothing happened during this period of time."As Hesper listened to Rickard's explanation, she couldn't shake the feeling that he was alluding to something deeper. What did he mean by the batch they gave her having the biggest problem? Was someone trying to target the Duval Group and accidentally ensnared them in the process, or was Lane Holdings being attacked through their affiliation with the Duvals?Before she could voice her thoughts, Rickard interrupted, "I'm tied up at the moment. I'll contact you when I have a moment. Please investigate the Halwart Factory if you can. I suspect something is amiss with their person-in-charge."After saying this, Rickard hung up the phone. Hesper was left holding her phone, lost in thought. 'Halwart Factory? Wasn't that the same factory that fell for my bait in the business co
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