"Am I really such a bitch, like you said, that I see someone handsome and would feel he was familiar the first time I saw him? I would even dream of him in my nightmare..." She smiled like a fool, as if it was funny. "Or am I having a lewd dream?"Xander was rendered speechless. 'No wonder she stared at me the first time she came to work for me. She felt a sense of familiarity but forgot who I was. I almost missed her that day, but luckily I decided to let her stay on.'"Tell me, Mel. Am I that hateful?""Who said you are?""If I'm not, why did everyone leave me all alone?" She wrinkled her face as if she had entered a painful recollection of her past. "Mom, Dad, that person, and even Nathan..."Xander's hand that was patting her back paused when she mentioned his name and a multitude of emotions overcame him. He caressed her forehead. "Don't worry, Nathan won't leave you. Not ever."She did not care to listen as she continued talking from the bottom of her heart, "I tried hard t
Abigail woke up soon after Xander left, having had many weird dreams of a lot of people yesterday night, but the weirdest part was that Xander was in all of them.Abigail quickly went to the bathroom and splashed her face with cold water, trying to sober up. She told herself, 'I'm fine with dreaming about someone else, but not Xander again.'She went downstairs as soon as she finished packing, thinking she would be the first to wake up, but contrary to her expectations, Xander was already having breakfast at the restaurant on the first floor. She immediately greeted, "Good morning, Mr. Zane!" "Morning," replied Xander as he nodded his head and pointed at the untouched breakfast. "Yours.""Thank you, Mr. Zane!" said Abigail as she set her table manners aside, sat down, and started eating.Xander finished, gracefully wiped his mouth, and noticed her attitude had returned to how she was with him at work. Feeling conflicted, he asked the obvious, "Where did you go yesterday?""Yesterd
Abigail had no choice but to sit down and continue the topic just now. "I've been working by your side for less than a year, and I've already seen women who pass you notes, women who give you flirtatious looks, women who throw themselves at you, women like Winnie who pursue you straightforwardly, and more."At the level of wealth and status that Xander had, even though his fame for staying away from women was well-known by everyone, there were still all sorts of people trying to send women toward him every day.To put it nicely, they offered women as a plaything to Xander. However, ultimately it was just a temptation and trap. Once he made a mistake and got caught, some things would be subject to the whims of others.Over the years, Xander had dealt with these things many times. No matter how he handled those people, there were always those who would take the risk and try again. Therefore, he had not yet found a way to eliminate others sending women to him permanently.Xander was i
After the drugging incident, Xander eliminated all the spies that Jane had planted in Chrysalis. Therefore, she had no way of knowing about the current situation between Xander and Abigail. Unexpectedly, the next she heard about Xander was that he had gotten married. It caused a stir. The announcement of Xander's marriage indicated that he knew his registered wife was his assistant, Abigail.Jane looked at the snow outside the window and sighed. "Do I really have to allow that woman who doesn't belong in high society into the Zane family?"Forest, who was by her side, immediately replied, "Madam, you don't have to be so worried. Although our spies have been eliminated, we're not the only ones who dislike Abigail. So, someone will naturally deal with her."Jane said, "Tell me whatever you know."Forest said, "Do you remember the Cooper family's concubine?"Jane nodded. "Just get to the point."Forest continued, "The Cooper family has declined over the years, and the concubine's li
Mallory covered her beaten face and dared not make a sound. 'I'm the only daughter of the Guzman family. Everyone thinks I'm the princess of this family and spoiled by them. However, how many people know what I've experienced in this family?'Max was even more furious as Mallory remained silent. He raised his hand and was about to slap her again. "Are you mute?"Mallory shivered and dodged backward. "Max, you can rest assured. I'll continue to keep in touch with her. I'll do whatever you want me to do, and I'll never question again in the future."Max withdrew his hand. "You're so close to Esther. Won't you ask her about who Xander's wife is?"Mallory huddled up and said in a quavery voice, "I did, but Esther hasn't met her sister-in-law yet. She doesn't know what she looks like, let alone her name."Max was so angry that he wanted to slap her again. "Esther hasn't met her, won't you abet her to meet her? She's Xander's sister. Can Xander kill her?"Mallory said, "I'll contact he
Abigail raised her eyebrows and said, "Is what Mr. Zach wants me to do related to Mr. Zane?""It's always nice to deal with smart people." Rowan gave her an appreciative look and continued, "After the dinner tonight, find a way to send a woman to Mr. Zane's room for me. Your responsibility is just getting the person in. Whether the plan succeeds, the villa in Mangrove Bay is yours."'Mr. Zane has already announced his marriage, yet there are still people trying to send him women with such despicable methods. How can there be people without any boundaries in this world?'Abigail replied calmly, "Mr. Zach, Mr. Zane is married."Rowan disagreed. "With Mr. Zane's status, being married is nothing. As long as he crooks his fingers, countless women will still come to him willingly. Ms. Renee, no man in this world doesn't love money, power, and beauty. If you help me, you surely will get benefits in the future.""Of course I want benefits, but... I trust Mr. Zane's abilities more. If I be
Rowan gritted his teeth in pain. "Xander, don't be too overboard. Otherwise, no one will have a good end.""Do you think you're qualified to be my opponent?" Xander gave Rowan a contemptuous look and left with an elegant stride.Rowan clenched his fists angrily. "We'll see about that!"Abigail secretly glanced at Xander when he returned to the hall. However, she could not tell his emotions. "Mr. Zane, you must have heard just now. I didn't get bribed by him."Xander looked at her. "Is it because you're afraid of me?"Abigail shook her head. "No. It's because I respect you. Besides, I would never do anything to hurt your wife. No one can destroy the love between you two."As they chatted, Xander asked suddenly, "Where do you like residential properties in Florivera?"Abigail liked both residential properties in those two areas that Rowan mentioned just now. However, liking and being able to afford them were two different matters. So, she smiled without answering. "Mr. Zane, the m
Abigail double-checked her message after typing it out. Before she hit [send], she suddenly heard Xander's voice saying, "Your husband gave you a property. Why didn't you take it?"Abigail was startled. "Ah. You're still here, Mr. Zane?" They were the only ones left in the room. "Answer my question." Xander was an assertive man, but Abigail had her way around him. "Please don't ask about my personal matters, Mr. Zane."Xander was quiet. He suddenly wanted to kiss her for having a silver tongue.Abigail forgot to send out the text following the interruption. She lay in bed and picked up her phone after having dinner and a shower, ready to chat with Melody and Felix, when she saw the message she had typed out earlier. She then clicked the send button, and Xander received the text.Xander had also just gotten out of the shower and was lying in bed. He read what she wrote and replied: [We're legally married! That's why I'm giving you the residential property.]The response pulled on A
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