In short, she could not lower the living standard of both Nathan and Margaret no matter what.She also wondered if they still had any properties left in Florivera.If there were none left, then her current apartment definitely could not fit six people in it.So, she had to find a bigger home to ensure their comfort.Just as she was lost in her thoughts, Nathan held her hand in his. "What are you thinking about?"Abigail then looked up at him. "I'm planning our future."When Nathan heard that, his interest was piqued as his eyes beneath the silver-rimmed glasses gleamed as he looked at her. "What are you planning? Care to share the details?"Abigail leaned on his shoulder and said softly, "I'm planning to get us a bigger home."A bigger house would be conducive for Nathan's recuperation too.During the checkup a few days ago, Kane told her that Nathan was recovering apace but he could not be careless with his care and needed proper rest, not be too tired, and to keep an upbeat
Even after she said she was going to ignore him, Abigail still turned around and squinted at him.Noticing that, Nathan held her hand again. "Decided to not ignore me now?""Can't bear to ignore you," Abigail teased.Those few words were far, far sweeter than the sweetest sugar on Earth, and they struck Nathan right in the heart.It really felt good when one was being valued.He then broke into a smile. "Thank you!""You're my husband and I'm your wife, what are you thanking me for?" Abigail said.Nathan did not answer and just gently held her hand tightly, so tight that both of them could feel each other's love and affection....After more than two hours of flying, the airplane finally landed at Florivera International Airport.Upon coming out of the VIP lane, Abigail had planned to hail a taxi back, and when she looked up, she saw a luxury car that she could not be more familiar with.And it was not just one car, but a whole row of them!It was so spectacular one could n
Abigail was very curious but had to forcibly endure it.About half an hour later, the car arrived at its destination.Looking at the tall building before her, Abigail was utterly dumbstruck. "Isn't, isn't this the old Zane Corporation building?"Keith was as usual, quick with his words. "It's no longer the Zane Corporation, it's now the Hart Corporation."Abigail was so shocked she could not even muster a word."Let's go in and have a look." Nathan held her hand.He took her hand and walked along the familiar path when she used to work here and entered the CEO's private elevator.Back then, she was always walking behind him.But today, she was walking by his side.And her hand was still held tightly in his.Abigail lowered her head slightly, looking at the big hand holding hers and felt nothing but security and happiness.Soon, they arrived at the floor where they used to work.The moment they stepped out of the elevator, they were greeted by the staff of the secretary depa
Abigail gently patted Lucia's back. "Lucia, I know the ins and outs of the situation now. I was wrong to blame you back then. I'm sorry!"Lucia wiped away her tears and said, "You don't need to apologize to me. As long as you still consider me your sister, I'll die with no regrets."Abigail raised her hand to tenderly wipe away Lucia's tears. "Of course, I consider you my sister. Don't say anything about dying. Don't cry. After work today, I'll take you to see your little nephew."Lucia joyfully responded, "Okay. I'm sure he's very cute. Does he look more like you or his dad?""He looks more like Nathan, very cute.""Are you going to have a second child? If you do, have a daughter who looks like you. That'd be perfect..."Abigail's nose felt sour as she listened to Lucia's picture of her future, which was all about her. She rubbed Lucia's head. "Silly girl, why are you so silly?"Lucia replied, "I'm not silly.""Not silly? Then why did you agree to Nathan's scheme back then? Yo
As Ron had mentioned, Nathan set up a trap back then and led Nova into it. In the end, not only did Nova suffer personal and reputational losses, but he also ended up in prison.Abigail remained silent for quite a while after coming out of Hart Corporation.Nathan was very worried. "Why aren't you talking? Are you angry that I kept this from you before this?"Abigail lifted her head and saw the concern in his eyes. "Who's angry? How could I be angry? I'm clearly feeling bad for you."Nathan asked, "Why?""Of course, I feel bad for you. You did so much on your own. I didn't even share any of the burdens with you."These matters might sound simple, but in reality, they were incredibly challenging to execute.Abigail could not imagine how Nathan managed to handle everything.Nathan smiled. "Who said you didn't help?"Abigail asked, "You drove me away during that time. How could I have helped?"Nathan explained, "Your existence was the greatest help to me. With you, I have hope.
Mitch was an honest person. He would honestly respond to whatever others asked. He said, "Yes, Stella is feeling a little uncomfortable. She needs to rest properly for some time."Someone said, "When Stella is well rested, she must come out, walk around, and chat with us often. Don't be like during New Year when she hardly went out. It's like she looks down on us neighbors because she's a superstar now."This remark was quite uncomfortable to hear. But Mitch did not think much of it. He just instinctively defended his daughter. "Young people nowadays are always using their phones wherever they go, so they don't like going out. Everyone's children don't like going out; not just Stella."Another person said, "Stella is different from our kids. I heard that just a photo taken with her can be sold for a lot of money. I guess your family is afraid that we'll take photos with her and sell them, so you don't let her go out."The conversation got more unpleasant, and Mitch felt uncomfortab
Everyone turned together and saw a man.Not only did he have a pleasant voice, but he was also good-looking. He was so tall that he seemed like a giant standing in front of the crowd.He smiled and repeated the earlier question, "Are you all looking for me?"Someone asked, "Who are you?"Lucas smiled. "I'm Stella's husband. If anyone wants to see me, you can come forward and take a good look."The crowd fell silent. All of them were unhappy.Everyone in the village thought that Stella was someone's mistress; even if she was not, they assumed she married an old man on the brink of death, and that was why she had the resources to become a superstar.None of them expected that the man Stella married was so young and handsome. And his demeanor clearly showed he was not an ordinary person.Lucas maintained his smile and politely said, "Weren't all of you calling for me to come out? I'm here now, why is everyone so quiet?"The crowd remained silent.No one dared to speak. Lucas see
Jimmy's wife, Paige Duncan, and Frazer's wife, Gloria Tucker, said in unison, "What nonsense are you talking about?"Paige looked at Lucas before looking at Gloria, seemingly starting to believe it to some extent."Paige, don't listen to his nonsense." A hint of guilt showed in Gloria's eyes, but she remained unyielding. "We don't even know where this man came from. How can he just simply talk nonsense?"Lucas responded, "All of you can talk nonsense, so why can't I?"Gloria replied, "We're women, and you're a man..."Lucas said, "Just because you're a woman doesn't mean you can talk nonsense. You can only speak for yourself, not for all women. My mother-in-law and Stella never gossip about you all."Gloria responded, "If it wasn't them who told you, how do you, an outsider, know our names?"Lucas replied, "If you want to keep something a secret, it's best not to do it in the first place."Actually, when he had just arrived at the village entrance, he overheard two men chatting
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