Lucas took out a lighter and lit a cigarette for Mitch. "You've rushed here all the way and you must be tired. Why don't you get some rest first?"Mitch took a long puff from his cigarette. "Stella almost lost her life in an accident and we only found out about it today. Do you think we could actually sleep now?""I'm so sorry," Lucas apologized."Do you love my daughter?" Mitch looked at Lucas.The latter nodded. "I do.""And since you love her, let her go and allow me to take her back to our place," Mitch said."Mitch, I want Stella to stay. I hope she can remember me again," Lucas pleaded.Lucas knew that if Stella returned with her parents, she might forget him completely, erasing any memory of their shared past.Mitch then said, "You claim to love her, but reflect on whether it's truly her you love, or the control you hold over her."Taken aback by Mitch's words, Lucas faltered before admitting, "I like her.""You love her? It doesn't seem like it to me," Mitch said.Lu
After Mitch managed to convince Lucas, he finally felt relieved.He trembled slightly as he took out a crumpled cigarette box from his pocket and knocked two cigarettes out.His calloused hand then handed one over to Lucas. "Want one?"The cigarettes in this box were probably worth a couple of bucks, no more than ten.In comparison, Lucas's specially made cigarettes had a less unpleasant smell.In normal circumstances, Lucas would never smoke such cheap cigarettes.But Lucas, not refusing, took the cigarette, held it in his mouth, and lit it.A puff later, he was having a coughing fit.Mitch also lit his cigarette and took a puff. "Not used to it?"Lucas frowned and said, "Mitch, if you want to smoke, let me get you quality cigs. Stop smoking these cheap sticks; it's not good for you."Mitch gently tapped the cigarette. "I've been smoking these for years, from costing a few pennies to a few bucks a box. "I've long been used to the strong, pungent smell of this brand and just
Lucas was at a loss for words.If it were back then, Lucas would not have cared about issues like that.Back then, he thought marriage was a matter solely between him and Stella and had nothing to do with the people around them. It was only recently that he realized the importance of social circles.The people around him refused to acknowledge Stella, especially his parents, and that would definitely make Stella uncomfortable.After talking about this, the two had nothing else to say and just smoked in silence.Once he was done with the cigarette, Lucas put it out and said, "Mitch, I agreed to allow you to take Stella away, but can I still go in and accompany her?""You should seek Grace's agreement," Mitch said.Yet, at this very moment, Grace walked out of the ward. "Stella is sleeping soundly, don't wake her up."That meant she agreed."Thank you!" Lucas quickly entered Stella's ward.Mitch wiped away his tears and looked worriedly at Grace. "How's Stella...""She's fine.
Nathan's words struck Lucas like a bolt from the blue."As long as I don't agree, even the Reaper can forget about taking her away," Lucas said with a gloomy face as he immediately made a few calls to reach out to all the specialists both within the country and abroad.No matter the cost, Lucas was determined to bring Stella back to consciousness.After two days of rescue, Stella was finally out of danger.However, she showed no signs of waking up.The doctor said that she might wake up very soon or might never wake up at all.It was all down to Stella's will to survive.Lucas then asked the doctor if her will to survive was strong.The doctor was unable to provide him with an answer.He was told to speak more to Stella, to talk about things that interested her.Only then did he realize that he knew nothing about what Stella was interested in at all.And so, he tried to tell her all sorts of stories, thinking that there might be one that would pique her interest.However, i
Stella was in total disbelief. 'Really? He divorced me because of Stellie, yet now he claims there was nothing between them? How can he say that, given how close the two of them seemed? Does he think the injury to my legs somehow affected my intelligence? That's such a weak excuse.'Lucas continued, "All those stories about Stellie and me were just gossip. We barely know each other."Stella felt like screaming. Exhausted from pretending to sleep, she silently pleaded for him to leave her room.But then Lucas said something that really got to her. "I've only ever cared about you. You're the only woman in my life; I haven't been with anyone else."Stella was shocked. 'What's he trying to say? Did he misspeak, or am I hearing things? Is he trying to tell me he was inexperienced before me? And even after we split, he hasn't been with anyone else? What a jerk! He's definitely messing with me.'Lucas whispered, "Stella..."Stella could not take it anymore and let it all out. Her eyes s
A security guard was about to tell them to move their cars when a man in black interrupted. He said firmly, "We're from the Sandow family. This is our business."Being a big deal in Hayshiport, the Sandow family commanded respect, and nobody messed with them.The guard quickly opened the gate. "Who are you visiting?""We need to go to Building Eight, Unit Two." They had heard that their young lady was looking for someone in Apartment 2502 at Building Eight, Unit Two.The guard gestured and said, "Right this way, please."Abigail knew that the fancy apartments by the river, for which Hayshiport was famous, were pricey; she had rented two of them. She aspired to provide the best for Nathan, formerly a key figure at Zane Corporation, now sidelined by injury. Abigail was firm in her belief that Nathan, having endured so much, deserved a comfortable and spacious house.Determined to earn enough money to take care of Nathan, Abigail felt confident in her job, which paid enough to suppo
'Who deserves this more than Abigail?' Nathan mused, grinning. "Paxton."Nathan's words faded as Paxton, a man of few words, emerged quietly behind a bunch of guys in dark clothes. "Mr. Hart, I've got this."Paxton swiftly approached one of the guys, grabbed his collar, and pushed him against the elevator. "Do you know who I am?"The move surprised the guy, who found himself pressed against the wall. It did not hurt, just really embarrassing.The other guys circled around. "You should know who you're dealing with. Ever heard of the Sandow family?""The Sandow family? My boss thinks they're no big deal," Paxton replied coolly, standing firm. He lifted the guy, placing him back against the elevator but with a bit more force.Nathan, hearing the loud noise, quickly turned his head, concerned the disturbance might wake Abigail and Pax. "Paxton, tone it down. We can't disturb them," he said.Paxton instantly spoke more quietly, "Got it."Nathan used his fingerprint to unlock the doo
Eager to find out more, Stellie and her team acted swiftly. The next day, they learned Nathan and Lucas had a longstanding, close relationship.Stellie knew who Lucas hung out with: Alwyn of Hill Corporation in Neusack, Ron from Hagrid Corporation in Valtara, and Xander of Zane Corporation in Florivera. These guys were top dogs in the business world.But then, just before the New Year, Zane Corporation went belly up, and Xander, the guy who put it on the map, was dead.Now, Lucas's circle had shrunk to just Alwyn and Ron. They were always in the spotlight, and Stellie knew them well. That meant Nathan was probably not in Lucas's inner circle.Her guess? Nathan was trying to get in well with Lucas and the White Corporation. He skillfully created the impression that he was close to Lucas to open more doors for himself.After piecing this together, Stellie was ready to take action. "I think it's time I meet this guy myself and see what he's made of."Stellie, known for her romantic
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