Freddy's anger abated a little. Xenia was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. In his opinion, she was even multiple times better than the dominating woman back in his house. With that thought in mind, he realized that indulging her a bit more would not hurt. Although he had a vague sense that it was wrong for him to think this way, Freddy became considerably milder in his demeanor and his voice grew softer."It's all because of Rickard and Hesper. I can't fathom what goes on in their minds. Why are they both so obsessed with Salt City?" Freddy sighed. "I think I can't keep my earlier promise to you anymore."Upon hearing this, Xenia immediately sat up straight. "Rickard is also in Salt City?"If it were not for Rickard and Hesper, her sister would not have met such a tragic end. If it were not for them, how could all the riches, prestige, and splendor she once enjoyed in the Duvals have vanished into nothingness? They were solely to blame for everything!"Speaking of which
On the third morning, Hesper decided not to reach out to Freddy but instead went straight to his company. The company was called Stiles & Rismount Tech, a name that once symbolized their union and marriage. However, their relationship was now hanging by a thread."Hello, do you have an appointment?"Hesper took out her business card from her jacket pocket and handed it to the receptionist. After the receptionist glanced at it, her expression changed and she cautiously asked, "Are you here to look for Mr. Stiles, Ms. Lane?" "Nope. I'm here for Mrs. Rismount.""Mrs. Rismount?" The receptionist had not expected that Hesper actually knew who the real person in charge of their company was. Other people always thought it was Freddy, but in reality, it was Winona who took care of their company."Alright, let me call Mrs. Rismount for you." The receptionist nodded and quickly made the call.Hesper nodded, and soon, the receptionist came over and led her upstairs."When Mrs. Rismount h
"Alright, alright," Winona accepted. Even though she didn't know what Freddy meant, from the company's perspective, she wouldn't let go of such a great opportunity, so she brought Hesper to the office. They had a simple discussion which led to Hesper realizing that Winona was a capable person. Letting her run a small company was a waste of her talent. Winona was like two different people when she was working and when she was talking about Freddy. "Other than Duval Group, we're the only ones who could master this skill, but projects that require this skill are scarce." Winona felt as though she had the most precious stone in the world, but no one knew the value of it. "Don't worry, you won't regret working with me." Hesper looked up and the confidence she exuded made Winona pause. After a moment, Winona smiled and praised her. "I heard that you're very good at what you do, and I can see that they're right.""I can say the same about you," Hesper casually replied, but it made
Turning around, Winona looked at Hesper. Hesper's eyes were filled with confidence. "If you believe me, then accept my offer. I'll show you all the proof you need tonight.""Alright." Winona nodded, but she didn't hesitate this time. "I accept. If Freddy really lied to me, I have no reason to restrict my future for him."Hesper smiled widened when she saw how quickly Winona got it. If someone like her could work for her, it would greatly help her. When she left Stiles & Rismount Tech, Sylvie had the car waiting for her. She knew their plan worked when she saw Hesper's expression as she got into the car, so she said, "I've arranged for the plan tonight. Freddy will show up.""Good." Hesper nodded but paused, then said, "Why would he suddenly change his mind? Have you found anything from your investigation?""Not yet." Sylvie shook her head and started the car, but quickly continued. "Even though there's not much progress, we have a lead. After we left the other day, someone went t
Freddy had been frustrated recently because of Hesper. Even though he still thought Xenia was very pretty when he looked at her, he was much more level-minded when she wasn't around. Xenia was only interested in his money and not him. He never thought he would bump into someone who looked so much like Xenia but with no temper when he went to a bar one day. There were a few thugs standing around her, but when Freddy walked closer to her, they walked away and left her alone. She looked at him and thought he saved her. He loved how she needed him because that was a feeling both Winona and Xenovia didn't give. The woman looking so much like Xenia made things even better. When Freddy found out she was a poor orphan and could only work at the bar, he felt bad for her and went to the bar more. After Hesper found out the whole story from Sylvie, she nodded. She had to admit that Sylvie was better than her when it came to this because she wouldn't have done things so well. They
However, that didn't stop Xenia. She scratched Freddy's arms so hard he bled and it looked horrible. "I had a feeling that something was off. Turns out you're dating someone else?" Xenia clicked her tongue. "You should look in the mirror. You think you can be a playboy with a personality like yours?""What's wrong with my personality?" Freddy scoffed and shoved Xenia. "All the money you spend, on food or clothes, is from me. What do you mean by personality? Don't you dare yell at me like you're my wife. You're just a mistress. You think you can control me?"Hesper tilted her head while watching the show. "What do you think? Do you feel better after watching this?"Winona looked at this side of Freddy which was unfamiliar to her. She had to admit that this was pretty cathartic, and at the same time, she realized Hesper arranged this to make her feel better, so she was even more thankful. "Thanks, Ms. Rivera."Hesper waved her hand. "If you really want to thank me, show me some
He couldn't bear seeing Hepser so sad, but the rain started pouring. If Hesper insisted on waiting in the rain, she would fall sick the next day. Rickard sighed when he thought of that. "You just have to test me, Hesper."***When Rickard arrived at the place, the rain was still pouring. Hesper didn't walk into the shops nearby but instead stood under the awning, her clothes mostly wet. "Hesper." Hesper turned around when she heard his voice. Hesper didn't know how she felt when she saw it was Rickard in the surveillance videos. She expected it yet it was surprising that Rickard was doing something pointless again. "Take a walk with me."Rickard looked back and there was a long flight of stairs. The surface was wet and slippery because of the rain. It was easier on the way up, but getting down would be much harder. He knew Hesper wouldn't have an umbrella, but he didn't know what she was planning, so he handed the umbrella he was holding over to her. Hesper looked at it
After Hesper recovered her memories, neither of them brought that up, but it didn't mean it never happened. Juniper took credit for what Hesper did for years while Rickard was still stuck in the storm from his younger years. Hesper chuckled and said, "I really loved you back then, Rickard. But I hated you just as much after that. Why do you keep coming back into my life? We're always on opposite sides of a path.""I…" Before he could say anything, Hesper shook her head, the determination in her eyes saying everything. Rickard held his tongue and just looked her in the eyes. "When I carried you in the rain, that was when I loved you the most." Hesper's eyes were red. What fell from her eyes might be more than rainwater. "Now, I'm going to get you out of my mind while I walk away in the rain."Hesper sounded firm. Rickard stretched out his hand to hold her, but Hesper pulled back and walked away, not giving him a chance to say anything. The repeated hesitation in the past was t
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