Abigail remained silent, which, to Nova, was because she was scared.He then chuckled and said with a hint of mockery and satisfaction, "Perhaps it'll be next week or even before that when the world will know that I, Nova Zane, have regained control of Zane Corporation."Abigail said, "Take a look at the history of Zane Corporation. Not only did you not contribute anything to the company, but during the years you were in charge, you slowly got Zane Corporation into deep trouble."It was Xander who took over the company and brought it back to life. He also brought Zane Corporation back to the top of the world. He has full control of the company. The entire management of Zane Corporation is made up of his trusted people."You trying to snatch Zane Corporation from Xander is like trying to crack a stone with an egg. You're weak. You'll definitely fail and get screwed."Nova responded, "Haha... Is the entire management of Zane Corporation made up of his trusted people? You've spent so
Abigail thought, 'Impossible! That's absolutely impossible!'Xander is Nathan, and Nathan is Xander. They've always been the same person. The voice in this video must've been manipulated by Nova.'However, in the next moment, the video clearly showed two people. One of them was Xander, wearing a white shirt and blank pants, the Xander that Abigail was very familiar with. The other man had a face identical to Xander's but wore a black shirt and black pants.Xander in the black shirt suddenly laughed. "Xander Zane, we're twins. Why would you want to kill me and take my identity?""Because I've set my eyes on your young, beautiful wife." Xander in the white shirt slowly reached out to firmly grip the other Xander's neck. "Of course, if you're smart enough, you don't need to die."Xander in the black shirt said, "I've only met that woman once on the day we registered our marriage anyway. There isn't any emotional connection between us. And I don't even remember what she looks like. If
Even though Stella's manager was not present at the moment, her words still resonated in Stella's ears like a spell.Stella shivered and forced herself to withdraw the fork she had extended. She thought, 'I've already eaten a thick piece of bacon. I absolutely can't eat another piece.'I don't even dare to imagine eating as much as Abigail is eating.'When Grace noticed what had happened, she got up and went to the kitchen without saying a word.After a short while, the sound of food being chopped could be heard from the kitchen.Stella stretched her neck and asked, "Mom, are you making more dishes?"Grace did not respond. But not much later, she brought out a plate of specially processed smoked asparagus wrapped in bacon.She said, "I soaked the ingredients in water to reduce its salt content. I even removed all the fat from the bacon. So, this dish isn't high in fat or salt content. Eating this won't have a significant impact on your weight loss plan."Grace thought, 'Stella
After Abigail exited the building, she subconsciously looked toward the second building.She thought, 'The road and building are still the same. The flowers that blossomed during the last time I came here hadn't withered yet. But we've separated. Human feelings change more quickly than anything else in this world...'Well, it's all in the past. I shouldn't dwell on the past. I shouldn't live in memories.'As soon as Abigail looked away and was about to leave, she saw a familiar figure. It made her suddenly feel hurt.She then turned around pretending she did not see her. But Lucia stopped her. "Sis, Sis..."Lucia hurriedly ran to Abigail. "Don't go. Wait for me. I have a few things I want to tell you."Abigail stopped walking. She turned her head and quietly looked at Lucia.Lucia's eyes flickered. She did not dare to look Abigail in the eyes. "I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you.""Don't say sorry to me." The three words that Abigail disliked the most were "I am sorry".Lu
Abigail continued to say, "When the people around me betray me, I'll remember it deeply and will never forget it. I could decisively sever ties with my ex-husband when he betrayed me. And when my sister betrays me, I can do the same too."Abigail was looking at Lucia when she said that slowly and heavily as if she spoke every word using all her strength.Abigail continued, "Lucia, I wish you happiness and hope you two can grow old together. As for our sibling relationship, when you made that decision, you should've known that it'd permanently damage our bond. So, from now on, we shouldn't see each other again."She then turned around and left after she said that. No matter how Lucia called Abigail's name, Abigail did not stop walking, let alone turn her head.Abigail used to care deeply for Lucia, but when she found out that Lucia had betrayed her, she was extremely hurt.Lucia could not do anything as she watched Abigail walk away. She could only say in her thoughts, 'Abigail, I'
Stella said, "I'm planning to go to the Northwestern region to visit the deserts and the vast grasslands."Abigail asked, "Are you going alone? Is there anyone going with you?"Stella hooked her arm around Abigail. "Are you not going to accompany me?"Abigail responded, "You do know that I have a lot of work to do in the coming days. So, I probably won't have time to go on a trip for now.""You're right. Focus on your work for now. And when you're free, we can go on a trip together." Stella put her arm around Abigail's waist and gently pinched. "Abigail, have you gained some weight?""It seems like I have." Abigail touched her waist and continued saying, "Especially around my waist. It feels like it's become a lot bigger. I can't even fit into some of the pants I wore a few months ago."Stella replied, "But you don't appear on screen. A little extra weight looks good on you."Abigail said, "I don't really have a strong desire to lose weight. It's just that I used to eat without
Melody broke up with Tywin quite some time ago. Yesterday, Tywin went to their studio with a bucket of gasoline and caused a scene. He started by scolding Abigail.He claimed that it was her who had driven a wedge between him and Melody causing them to break up. He did not think that Melody broke up with him because he had lied to her. He even demanded Melody to marry him.After Melody firmly rejected him, he threatened to hurt everyone in the studio. He acted like a maniac, and it was especially frightening.If Abigail had not called the police in time, something serious might have happened.Tywin was taken away by the police. However, since he had not committed any severe offenses, he would likely be detained for a maximum of two days.It was uncertain whether he would cause trouble again once he was released. So, Abigail emphasized that these days Melody should not go out alone and should always have someone with her.Melody chuckled before ominously saying, "I'm not afraid of
Tywin continued thinking, 'Only at this moment do I realize how scary she is.'Abigail said, "You have parents and kids. Your parents run a small business, and your family conditions are quite good. You aren't a person without options just because you lost your job."People who aren't cornered rarely act so extremely. So, I'd been wondering why you did this. After thinking for a whole day, I finally figured out the whole story."Tywin asked, "How did you figure it out?"Abigail responded, "I figured it out through the timing of your appearance. You appeared around Mel around the same time when Nova was trying to make his presence known. Furthermore, you didn't appear for quite some time after Mel and you broke up. But shortly after Nova found me, you suddenly appeared."If I couldn't figure out the connection between you and him, then I'd truly be stupid."Tywin replied, "Now that you know everything, do you think I'll spare you?"Abigail raised the bag in her hand. "Inside this
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