Nova suddenly changed the topic. "You're not afraid of me. So, Xander, that bastard is still alive? How's he now? How much longer can he live?"When Xander's condition was mentioned, a murderous intent flashed in Raymond's eyes. "You're the one who's responsible. Don't you know how he is now?"Upon hearing that, Nova laughed heartily. "He isn't dead yet, but probably close to it. That's why you all are so eager to drag me down to hell with him."Raymond replied, "The only one who's going to hell is you."Nova looked triumphantly at Raymond. "Do you really think it matters whether someone goes to heaven or hell after they die?"Raymond wished he could kill Nova.Nova continued saying, "It's not important whether one will go to hell or heaven. What matters is how a person lives. I imagine that the feeling of living worse than being dead should be quite nice. Right now, Xander must be in great pain. I really want to see how his organs are slowly destroyed by the drugs..."Raymond w
Raymond said, "The news wasn't released by us."Once the news of Xander's death leaked, Abigail would know. And it was possible that she would be sad.Even though it was just a possibility, Xander would not let such news reach Abigail.However, for some unknown reason, the news of his death got out, and they had to come up with even worse tricks to deceive her.Nova clearly did not believe it. "If it wasn't released by you all, who else could it be?"Raymond responded, "Zane Corporation was once so powerful. And it made many enemies. Once they found out the possibility of Zane Corporation collapsing, they'd do everything possible to hurt Zane Corporation and completely destroy it."Nova replied, "Could it be that there's a traitor among you all who sold the news of Xander's critical condition?"Raymond said, "Nova, are you stupid? Do you think people who want to destroy Zane Corporation need real news?"Nova remained silent.Raymond continued, "They knew how important Mr. Zane
Raymond said, "You still remember that you're his father?"Nova replied, "He's the one who's never considered his father."Raymond responded, "Tsk-tsk, did you even remember that you were his father when you hurt him? And let me tell you, what he's doing isn't harming his father; he's helping society to get rid of danger."Xander had many ways to deal with Nova. But as Nova mentioned, no matter how Xander dealt with him, if Xander hurt Nova personally, he would be considered unfilial.To a Chrysalian, even if a father committed a serious mistake, he was still his child's father. So, the child should unconditionally provide for the father.Ten years ago, all Xander did was find evidence to put Nova behind bars for a decade. Yet, he was considered ungrateful, heartless, and wicked.If he were to do something to Nova personally again, even if it was merely a response to provocations, he would face endless public condemnation.Now, Xander was no longer impulsive like when he was you
The doctor quickly came up with a plan. The fastest way to reduce Abigail's fever was to inject her with antipyretic medication. However, there was a significant risk that the medicine could harm Abigail's fetus.Johann and the doctor prioritized Abigail over the baby. But Abigail, who was disoriented, covered her stomach and kept murmuring, "Dad doesn't want me anymore, Grandma doesn't want me anymore, he doesn't want me anymore too. I have nothing now except for my child..."When Abigail was clear-headed, she would never say such words. Her saying these things indicated that she was indeed disoriented from the fever.Johann was very worried. But he remained calm.During this period when he was with Abigail, he learned how much she cared about the child she was pregnant with.Abigail could endure the deep emotional pain caused by Xander. But she would not be able to take it if she lost her child.Johann tightly held Abigail's hand and turned to the doctor. "Find a way to cool he
Abigail could not eat, so the doctor had no choice but to administer parenteral nutrition for her to ensure her bodily functions could operate normally.This went on for two days. Abigail still continued to vomit anything she tried to eat. She could not get any nourishment through food.Everyone knew that if Abigail continued to be unable to eat, it was not just her unborn child's life that was at risk, but also her own.Johann and the others tried various methods, but nothing was effective. So, he sent someone to Florivera to invite Felix and Melody to Valtara, hoping that they could help.In just a few days, Abigail had become so thin that she seemed like a different person. Felix and Melody were heartbroken to see Abigail in her current state.Melody was so worried that she teared up. "Caterpie, what's wrong?"Abigail was half-lying on the bed. She did not look so well because she was only relying on parenteral nutrition these two days. Her voice was very weak too. "Mel, Fee,
Felix said, "Caterpie, are you crazy? Do you know what you're saying?"Abigail responded, "It's also possible that the people who would die because of me had all passed away. And now it's my turn. That's why I can't eat anything."Melody said, "Then you should eat well. You have to live well and fight against fate. Caterpie, you could do it before, and you can do it now."Abigail shook her head. "I don't think I can anymore..."Melody asked, "Why? You have to believe in yourself. You can do it."Abigail replied, "Mel, Fee, if I can't get through this, you two must take my ashes back to North Florivera and bury them next to my grandmother. I miss her so, so much. I think she must miss me a lot too. When she missed me back then, she'd call me. Now, she can't even call me if she misses me..."Melody said, "Caterpie!"Felix shouted too, "Caterpie!"Abigail responded, "Don't be so loud, you two. My hearing is still good. I can hear what you're saying."Melody said, "Your grandmothe
Johann said, "Well, you need to show me that you can really help her. Don't just be all talk."Finnigan responded, "Mr. Blau, you can ask Ms. Renee if she still remembers someone called Finnigan Yale. If she does, that's great. If she doesn't, remind her that I once helped her with her psychological issues."Johann was convinced that Finnigan was not a scammer through his manner of speaking and behavior. He pondered for a moment before replying, "Wait for a while."Johann then hurriedly went to Abigail's room on the second floor. After a short while, he rushed back down to the living room on the first floor. Melody and Felix followed him.They stared at Finnigan with wide eyes, as if they wanted to see through him.Johann said, "Mr. Yale, Abigail asked you to go up."Finnigan asked, "She still remembers me?"Johann responded, "What psychological issues did you help her with? Why did she ask for you to go up as soon as I mentioned your name?"Finnigan answered, "I can't tell you
Finnigan asked, "You know Lucas White, right?"Abigail answered, "Yes. He's the CEO of White Corporation. He's wealthy, good-looking, and young. He often appears in celebrity magazines. How could I not know him?"Finnigan replied, "You know I'm not talking about that kind of knowing him."Abigail asked, "What kind are you talking about then?"Finnigan responded, "Abigail, you agreed to let me come up and see you. That proves that you know what your problem is and want to address it. But now you're not willing to cooperate with me. You don't want to speak honestly with me. So, how can I help you?"Abigail replied, "Do you really think you can help me?"Finnigan reassured, "I can. Trust me."Abigail looked at him. After she saw the determination in his eyes, she slowly stopped smiling, and her beautiful eyes were filled with loneliness. "Mr. Yale, I think I'm sick."Finnigan responded, "I know."Abigail was full of emotions. Her hands trembled. "I can't control myself. I can't d
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