Judging from his character, Hestia originally thought that Crosleigh would only pester her for two or three days at most.Unexpectedly, he had been here for one whole week. He would go to work on time every morning, and would be the last to leave at night. If he were an employee of the studio, Hestia would probably have to give him a bonus for his work attitude."He’s way too patient." Jessie shook her head and sighed.Hestia walked over expressionlessly. "Have you finished sorting out all the materials? Why are you still standing here watching what’s going on with Crosleigh? You’ve actually miscalculated yesterday’s finances. You’re lucky that the studio hasn’t opened up for business yet."Hearing Hestia’s heart-wrenching words, Jessie covered her chest exaggeratedly."I have something to do tonight, so let’s give everyone a break after lunch today." Hestia ignored Jessie’s expression and said, "Everyone’s worked hard to reorganize the studio during this time, it must’ve been har
As soon as she thought of this, Hestia frowned indistinctly.Sure enough, Rickard arrived at the scene not long after. Hestia subconsciously looked over and did not see any strange woman standing beside him; the one who came with him was Zikmund instead.Seeing this, she felt an instant relief for some reason.However, after a while, Hestia’s expression froze for a bit.‘Rickard can be with whoever he likes. What has it got to do with me?’Having not seen Hesper in a long time, Rickard’s gaze would stop on Hestia from time to time. In fact, Rickard could also feel that Hestia had been avoiding him recently. She was probably avoiding suspicions because of the previous news."Did Jessie not come?" Zikmund looked around, but he did not see Jessie anywhere. He felt a little lost for a moment. "I thought she would come with Hesper. She just loves to be around when there’s such an event.""Too bad she doesn’t want to be around you."Zikmund was at a loss for words. Although what Rick
‘Xenia Lanik, Zenovia Lanik. They sound like biological sisters.’Although the distance between her and Zenovia was a little too far and Hestia could not see what Zenovia looked like, she had already seen Xenia, who looked gorgeous, so Zenovia must not look too shabby in order for her to have the confidence to become a celebrity."Does her existence bother you?"Nathaniel’s voice sounded from behind, but Hestia paused for a split second, then retracted her gaze and looked at Nathaniel with a half-smile."Mr. Tucker, you seem as if you can’t wait for me to turn you into a cuckold." Hestia said bluntly, "I have nothing to do with Rickard, so if you're hoping to see me lose my cool and walk out there to argue with someone else, then you're going to be disappointed big time.""Why would I think so? I have a lot of faith in you, Ms. Deschamps." Nathaniel took Hestia’s arm and said, "It’s just that I didn’t expect Rickard to find himself a new lover so soon. It seems that the two of the
It seemed that she had decided that Hestia did not dare to talk back to her only because of a guilty conscience. Hence, regardless of Crosleigh’s obstruction, Xenia was determined to challenge Hestia.‘I must make Crosleigh see just what kind of woman Hestia is! Zenovia is the future wife of the president of Duval Group, and I’m a standout among my peers too. So why does Crosleigh follow Hestia around all the time?’"Okay."Hestia was not someone who would take the initiative to offend anyone if she had not been offended first. She was already not very happy that night, as she had been showing Xenia enough respect and giving her enough chances to step down over and over again as a result of her patience.Now she, Xenia, was the one who did not want them.Nathaniel took half a step backward, leaving some space for Hestia to go at it."You seem very committed to witnessing something thrilling, don’t you? If Rickard and I make it onto the headlines of some random entertainment news
Hearing these words, Zenovia’s heart skipped a beat. She instantly turned her head and glanced at Rickard, only to see him lift his head and meet her gaze."Mr. Duval, what’s wrong...?"Rickard shook his head and explained softly, "I’m going out to pick someone up now, and Benji will be heading out with me. Now, Ms. Lanik, since you’ve already entered the infield of the reception with me, you can approach any of the connections that you wish to obtain, and if you can’t secure it during this banquet, you can always get Benji to assist you later on."Hearing that Rickard was going out, Zenovia immediately breathed a sigh of relief, then nodded and said, "Of course, you should move on with whatever you have to do. I know what to do and what not to do on this occasion, so I won’t continue to bother you and Mr. Lynch.""Good."Xenia could not hear what the two of them were talking about, but they looked very intimate, so she turned her head and looked at Hestia who, for some reason, st
"You say you’re Rickard’s girlfriend, but what proof do you have?"Hestia’s voice sounded unrestrained, so the people around them heard the argument and started to look over. Some of the people had even recognized Hestia and Zenovia and started to discuss among themselves in a low voice.However, Zenovia’s collaboration with Rickard was intended to cause a scandal, so it should not be a big deal even if it were to go a little too far.Zenovia straightened her posture and proclaimed, "Don’t you know that I’m Rickard’s female companion for the night? Have you ever seen Rickard bring a female companion along his side when he attends such an event? So when he's chosen to bring me to such an important occasion, if this isn’t proof, then what is?""Rickard also brings Benji around with him all the time, so according to your logic, he should have a thing for men."Hestia’s voice sounded calm and unwavering. Someone standing near her chuckled, causing the embarrassment that Zenovia felt t
Before Hestia could say anything, Pennleigh continued, "Ever since you left Eustoma to return to Halwanest, I’d been waiting for you to come back to fulfill your promise. But all I got... was the news of your death."‘A promise that I made?’Hestia did not know about this, but with the current situation that they were in, no matter what kind of promise Hesper had made to Pennleigh, Hestia would never admit that she was Hesper. She stared at Nathaniel who was standing next to her and did not hesitate before she stepped forward and took Nathaniel’s arm."Sorry, sir, but I really don’t know what you’re talking about. Besides, this is my husband, Nathaniel Tucker. We’re already married, so please show some self-respect.""You finally think of me, Ms. Deschamps. You’re indeed someone who’d kick down the ladder."Hestia was at a loss for words.Even if Hestia was not willing to listen to what Nathaniel had to say at the moment, she still had to pretend to be in a harmonious relationshi
Hestia lowered her head, so Rickard turned around. He had roughly guessed what happened earlier, so he continued. "What I mean is, there’s no point in you arguing with her because I’m indeed courting her."Zenovia was astonished by what she heard, while Xenia did not expect that response either."Zen... Didn’t you say..."The rest of the sentence did not get uttered. No matter how dull and slow Xenia was, she could tell that Zenovia was not Rickard’s girlfriend, and Hestia’s friend had not been bragging at all.‘Hestia actually has connections with so many high-tier men.’Crosleigh seemed to have only gotten to know Xenia for the first time that day. Pennleigh had told him before that Xenia was someone that he should not get close with, as she was dumb and impulsive, but all he obtained from the advice was that Pennleigh was looking down on him and his standards.However, looking at it now, his mind and rationale must have gone gaga.A dinner party got wrecked because of the ups
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