In the CEO's office, only Xander and Abigail remained. He gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Finished with your resignation?"She nodded. "You're not my boss anymore, so you can't boss me around."He chuckled. "Guess I'm the one taking orders now."Abigail wrapped her arm around his. "How about dinner tonight? I've got some extra money, and I want to treat you.""Sounds good," Xander said."What do you want to eat?" Abigail asked."I'm not picky; whatever you want is good with me," Xander replied.She raised an eyebrow. "Really? Even with how you used to be so choosy about your water?"Xander said, "Before I met you, I was picky about food. Now, everything tastes better."That comment warmed Abigail's heart. She looked into his eyes. "Me too. With you, even a regular meal feels amazing."Xander pulled Abigail close, his arms wrapped around her waist. "Abigail."As she felt his breath on her face, she closed her eyes, thinking he was about to kiss her. Inst
Xander thought, 'At that time, I had just come back from Valtara. And after I finished doing my work, I went to Abigail's rented place to pick her up. However, I mistook Abigail's best friend for her and thought she was cheating on me.'Out of anger, I considered divorcing her, and I hadn't dined at this restaurant since then.'Xander wondered if Abigail had some special idea for choosing this restaurant for their meal today.Just when he had that thought and before he could speak, Abigail seemed to understand his thoughts and said, "A year ago, we didn't make it here. Making it up today shouldn't be too late."She was smiling very brightly. She was genuinely happy.Xander responded, "Not too late."Abigail said, "Let's go then. I've reserved a room with a view. We can eat while enjoying the night view of Florivera."Xander replied, "Sure."Over the past year, Abigail had helped many couples book this restaurant. So, she had become acquainted with the person in charge of this h
Amy and Dianna remained silent. They pondered, 'What does Mr. Zane mean by this? Is he and Ms. Renee married? He's been waiting for her to disclose his identity?'Abigail smiled. "Let me introduce, this is my husband."When Amy and Dianna heard that, they looked extremely jealous. "Oh, Mr. Renee..."They thought, 'That doesn't seem right. We shouldn't address him that way. They're our CEO and CEO's wife!'Abigail said, "You two enjoy your meals. We've reserved a room here."After that, Abigail pulled Xander's hand and left.Amy and Dianna watched Abigail's and Xander's backs as they exclaimed in unison, "So, the CEO's wife, whom we've all been curious about, has always been right here with us."...Although Xander said he could eat anything, Abigail still thoughtfully ordered Floriveran dishes that he liked, all of which were relatively mild in flavor.However, Xander only took a few bites before putting his cutlery down.Abigail asked, "Is the food not to your liking?"Xand
That night, Abigail did not sleep well. She had a lot of bizarre dreams. When she woke up in the morning, Xander had already gone to work.And he was so busy that he only returned after several days.Today, while Abigail was drawing her comic at home, she heard the sound of a car outside. She hurriedly went to greet them. To her surprise, not only did Xander get out of the car, but Lucia was there too.Abigail had not seen Lucia for quite some time. Abigail was very happy. "Lucia, you're here."Lucia hastily ran to Abigail. "Abigail."Abigail asked, "How's work been lately?"Lucia responded, "It's been pretty good."Xander walked straight into the house without even looking at Abigail. He said, "Bring me the proposal for the Aglow Sky project. I want to see it.""Okay." Lucia released Abigail's hand and said, "I need to go work with Mr. Zane now. After we finish, we can chat.""Sure. Go ahead." Abigail smiled and continued saying, "What would you like to drink? I'll prepare so
Susanna said, "Abigail, you have feelings for Xander. I don't believe that you wouldn't be upset if someone took him away from you. It's good to be broad-minded. But sometimes, you can't be too broad-minded, or you'll be the one who gets hurt."After Susanna finished nagging, she went to the kitchen to prepare some drinks and took them upstairs.Abigail was not worried that Xander would be snatched away by another woman, but Susanna was worried. Susanna thought, 'Old Madam asked me to take good care of Xander and Abigail, especially to look after Abigail well.'Not only do I have a responsibility to Old Madam, but I also like Abigail very much. So, I can't allow anyone to ruin their marriage. And I definitely can't allow Abigail to be wronged.'After Susanna left, Abigail continued drawing her comic.After a while, Susanna came to Abigail's side with heavy footsteps and said, "Abigail!"Abigail asked, "Susanna, what's wrong?"Susanna rubbed her hands as she said with hesitation,
Abigail asked, "Fifty million dollars?"Felix nodded. "Yes. There were other companies that offered higher prices. But we don't trust their production quality. So, we listened to you and went with Ripplewood Films."Copyright fees of fifty million dollars might not be much for many major players. But for a rising star like Abigail, it was indeed a very high copyright fee.The copyright fee for Tale of Chloe Bay was only in the seven-figure range, significantly less than the copyright fees this time. Abigail asked, "Is it really fifty million? You guys aren't joking with me, right?"Melody responded, "When have we ever played this kind of joke on you?"The three of them had grown up together and had plenty of fun together. But they also knew when to be serious. They would never joke about matters that could not be joked about.Abigail remained silent and mentally processed this big news.She knew that the reason her value had skyrocketed was closely related to Stella.When Stell
Felix remained silent. He thought, 'She's right. Actually, I'm also very excited. But I'm trying to control myself. After all, we want to do great things together. We shouldn't all go wild just because of this amount of money.'Melody continued saying, "I've calculated. Once we get all fifty million dollars, after deducting taxes and expenses like website maintenance, employee salaries, and so on, each of us should get approximately ten million dollars."Felix responded, "Ten million dollars. It sounds like just a number. But so many people can't make this much money in their entire lives."Abigail had been following Xander for a very long time. The Zane Corporation's businesses were projects that were worth at least billions of dollars.She thought she had become numb to numbers after she heard so much about it. Never did she expect that hearing she could earn ten million dollars would still excite her, as this was earned by the three of them through their own abilities.Melody k
Lucia immediately followed Abigail. "I'll go with you."Xander said, "You stay."Abigail and Lucia both stopped walking at the same time. Abigail thought Xander's words were directed at her. But when she turned to look at him, she realized he was asking Lucia to stay.Abigail felt a strange emotion, making her very uncomfortable. She tried very hard to push away this feeling. She pretended as if she was not bothered and looked at Xander to hear what he wanted to say to Lucia.Lucia glanced at Abigail before walking back to Xander. "Mr. Zane..."Xander responded, "Call Keith. The Aglow Sky proposal must be finalized tonight."Lucia said, "Okay."Abigail thought, 'So it's about work. I feel like slapping myself. How could I have such thoughts about my husband and my own sister?'Abigail then walked to the kitchen. "Susanna, is the food ready?"Susanna responded, "Yes. It's all ready."Abigail said, "All right. I'll ask them to have dinner."She then walked back to the kitchen
Emma turned and dashed into the bathroom. She cranked the faucet on and splashed water on her face, aiming to soothe her nerves.Although they were engaged, they were still too young, with countless uncertainties looming over their future. The possibility of actually walking down the aisle was up in the air.Decisions made in a rush of happiness could eventually become sources of regret. And Emma knew all too well that she couldn't afford any regrets.She thought that fortunately, Ron hadn't pushed things further, which gave her time to cool off.After freshening up, Emma stepped out to find Ron on the balcony, a cigarette in hand.She couldn't resist chiding him, "I've told you to cut down on smoking. Why can't you seem to remember?"This time, Ron complied, snuffing out the cigarette. "We should get some sleep. We've got to put our best foot forward when we meet your family tomorrow.""Okay, I'll sleep on the couch. You take the bed," Emma responded.Ron simply replied, "As y
Ron looked at her dawdling pace with disdain. "If you, a lady, can handle it, why can't I, a grown man, stay?"His words sounded noble, but Ron regretted them the moment they arrived at the hotel.Despite now earning a decent income, Emma was still reluctant to spend money.This place was hardly a hotel; it was clearly a budget inn charging only a few dozen bucks a night. The hygiene was questionable at best, and safety seemed like a gamble.Ron turned on his heel, dragging her suitcase behind him. "We're leaving, now.""It's too late, and we can't get a refund for the room.""Are you trying to get us killed?"Emma fell silent, her thoughts a whirlwind of frustration. 'I told him he wouldn't be used to cheap places. He insisted on coming with me, and now he won't even let me stay here alone. Why is he so annoying?'However, considering Ron had rushed over in the middle of the night to help her, Emma decided not to hold it against him.Ron picked the best hotel in the area—the
Rebekah glanced over at Ron; she exchanged a knowing look with him before saying, "I'll have someone tidy up the rooms. Why don't you two stay here tonight and keep me company?"Ron replied simply, "Sure."Emma had purchased a midnight flight back to South Florivera, necessitating a rush to the airport, which made staying over after dinner impossible.Yet, she found herself at a loss for words, struggling to decline Rebekah's kind offer.As she hesitated, Ron stepped in to clear the air. "Mom, I've got something on tonight. After dinner, I'll drive Emma back to her dorm."Rebekah raised an eyebrow. "What's so important?" she wondered aloud, thinking, 'Wasn't he the one insisting Emma stay over? What's he up to now?'Ron kept it mysterious. "Life stuff."Rebekah could not help but chide him lightly, "You, always the joker."Right after dinner, Ron insisted on leaving to take Emma back to her dormitory. But as soon as they were out of the gated community, he asked, "So, you reall
Ron chuckled. "I didn't know you were aware that even a cornered rat will fight."Emma shot him a glare. "Are we going or not?"Ron quickly said, "Of course. When Miss Blue commands, how can I dare not obey?"Fearing another of his notorious driving escapades, Emma hastily buckled her seatbelt as she settled into the car.Thankfully, this time Ron kept it smooth, driving steadily.As they neared their destination, Ron finally spoke up, "You know, that Tucker guy is a married man. Don't let his kindness fool you into being the other woman."Emma's gaze on Ron was fiery, seething with anger. "Do you even hear yourself? Is that what you think of me? For the last time: Tucker and I share nothing more than a mentor-mentee relationship. There's nothing else between us.""I'm just looking out for you, worried you might get deceived," Ron said, witnessing Emma's fury for the first time. Yet, he could not help but find her anger not at all intimidating, but rather endearingly foolish.R
The two sisters had a pact: no cell phones at home to keep their secrets from the prying eyes of the Blue family. Thus, Emma could call only at prearranged times, the sole window for Rihanna to catch up.Rihanna's voice bubbled with excitement over the phone, as she chattered away about her life's minutiae.Knowing Rihanna was doing well eased Emma's mind.Just as Emma was about to end the call, she heard Rihanna's voice, soft and wistful. "You're really not coming home for the holidays? If you don't, I'll be all alone."Emma's heart clenched at those words, and she made up her mind in an instant. "I'll come back the day before New Year's Eve."The Blue family had their hands full with festivities that day, too busy to notice Rihanna's absence. Emma figured slipping back unnoticed then would be her best shot.After hanging up, Emma immediately booked a flight from Valtara to South Florivera. With her ticket secured and her last bit of work finished, Emma prepared to leave her off
Emma had no interest in romance, let alone the audacity to dream that Ron might fancy her.This time, she did not pick up the thread of conversation.After dinner, Ron, as usual, drove Emma back to the university.Before parting, Ron said, "Winter break is almost upon us, and the dorms might be off-limits. Are you sure you don't want to stay at my place for a couple of months?"Emma offered a smile in response. "Thanks for the offer. I've spoken with the dorm supervisor and submitted an application in advance. I'll be able to stay over the holiday period."Ron paused before saying, "Well, if you need anything, just let me know. I'll text you my number in a bit; make sure you save it."Emma nodded. "Sure."Without further ado, Ron drove off.Upon returning to her dorm, Emma saw Evelyn and Cassie, busy packing their bags, surrounded by gifts for their parents bought from Valtara.Evelyn asked Emma, "Are you really not going home for the winter break?"Emma replied, "No, I won't
Emma did not have the guts to risk failure because she did not have a safe haven to fall back on.Lucas kicked Ron in the shin. "Come on, if you fancy her, out with it. No Hagrid heir dithers like this."Ron glared at him. "Mind your own business." In his head, Emma was already his. The thought of losing her was unimaginable.Lucas said, "Without my meddling, she'd never be yours."Ron changed the subject. "I called you here for a serious discussion."Lucas replied, "No matter how serious, it can't outweigh the matter of your lifetime happiness."Ron was exasperated. "Lucas!"Lucas relented. "Alright, alright, you talk, I'm all ears."Ron spelled out Emma's music venture with Tucker. After hearing it all, Lucas could not help but see Emma in a new light."Never pegged Emma as such a dark horse," Lucas said.Silently listening to their conversation, Emma was thrilled to have her work recognized.Lucas said, "But, getting back to it, whether a song makes money, and how much, d
Ron barked, "Lucas!"With a chuckle, Lucas responded, "Alright, alright, I'll stop teasing Emma. I'm starving. Let's grab some food and talk business while we eat."Ron snapped, "Get lost!"Lucas could not help but revel in Ron's frustration. "Ron, have you fallen so quickly? Who was it that told me they would never accept an arranged marriage?"Emma was increasingly confused by their banter. "If it's inconvenient for me to be here, I can just take a cab and leave."Ron said, "Call you dumb and you won't admit it!"Emma thought to herself, 'I didn't want to be a third wheel, cramping their style. Was that really so wrong? No good deed goes unpunished, apparently.'Suddenly, Ron grabbed Emma's hand and led her inside. "It's cold out; let's go inside."Emma had to quicken her pace, practically being dragged along.Seeing them together, Lucas laughed heartily from behind. "Ron, oh Ron, never thought I'd see the day.""Don't laugh too soon. Your day is coming," Ron shot back.Th
Emma said, "Okay."Ron asked, "Have you won over your crush?"Lucas responded, "Secret."Ron replied, "Looks like you haven't won her over."Lucas said, "As long as I make a move, there's no girl I can't win over. But I haven't made a move yet because the timing isn't right."Ron asked, "Is it because of the Sandow family?"Lucas answered, "The Sandow family wants to marry their daughter to me, and my family wants me to marry her too. But I've told them long ago that I'm not willing to do that. Nobody can make me marry a girl I don't like."Emma remained silent. 'I didn't expect that Lucas would also have the same problem as me and Ron.'It seems like the wealthier the family, the more they'll arrange marriages based on social status without considering personal preferences.'Lucas seemed to sense Emma's thoughts. "Emma, my situation with the Sandow girl is different from yours and Ron's. Don't lump us together."Ron looked at Emma and suddenly said, "There isn't any other gi