"I have the courage to be closer to Keith because, firstly, Keith is single, and secondly, no one is gossiping about me and Keith, so I don't have to worry about being smothered by rumors." Abigail desperately wanted to shout this at Xander, but in front of the powerful figure steering Zane Corporation, she was just a small, inconsequential assistant. He could obliterate all her efforts with a single utterance; she could not possibly challenge him. Abigail remained silent, her eyes locked with his.Although he had erupted at her without cause, his intense gaze seemed to convey that she was the one who had committed some wrongdoing, and she now awaited his merciless judgment. Even with several meters between them, Abigail felt as if she was being scorched by his seething rage. She silently returned to her seat, grabbing her cutlery and devouring her meal with haste.After an excruciating silence, Xander's voice resounded once more, but this time it held a trace of gentleness. "Finish
"Mr. Spencer, thank you." Abigail's voice trembled with gratitude. If it were not for his timely arrival, she was convinced she would have met her end. Paxton, however, remained stoic, disappearing into the shadows within a few steps.With Paxton gone, Abigail had to continue her errand. Her heart raced as she glanced cautiously from side to side, walking gingerly, fearful of another stray dog lunging at her. Fortunately, she encountered no further dangers and successfully purchased the sanitary products she needed before safely returning to the hotel.Upon arriving back at the hotel, Abigail found Dr. Sander waiting outside her door, seemingly having been there for quite some time. She remembered that Dr. Sander had not accompanied them either but was now present. The mother and son truly seemed to possess an uncanny ability to appear and disappear at will.Dr. Sander smiled gently, saying, "Xander is worried about your injury and asked me to come take a look."Abigail invited her
Abigail slept in a daze as her personal phone buzzed on the nightstand, signaling a video call from her grandmother. She answered immediately, "Grandma, it's so late, why aren't you resting?"Her grandmother's face was full of worry. "I've been trying to reach you and couldn't get through. I was terrified something happened to you."Abigail noticed several missed video calls. "I'm sorry, Grandma, I went out to buy something and forgot my phone."Cassandra sighed with relief. "Abigail, have you had dinner? Is the pressure from work too much lately? If it is, change jobs. Don't overwork yourself."Abigail's heart softened as she replied, "Grandma, I'm fine. Don't worry about me. What about you? Have you been tutoring lately?"Cassandra, a retired teacher, had been rehired by the school for a few years before truly retiring earlier this year. Unable to stay idle, she had taken up tutoring. "Well, I'd be idle otherwise. Tutoring not only pays, but it also keeps my mind active. It's pe
Fee replied: [Alone, with a heavy heart, as sleep eludes me on this endless night.]Melody sent a photo of a man. [Caterpie, Fee, what's your take on this guy who's been chasing after me?] Melody had no shortage of admirers, but she had not been in a relationship for years. She often lamented, "I'm probably ruined by all those novels and comics, forever dreaming of a young, striking, and powerful CEO falling madly in love with me. No man in real life ever seems to measure up."Abigail scrutinized the photo. The man sported thick black-rimmed glasses, appearing like the typical, honest nerd – a far cry from Melody's type. Abigail knew Melody's ideal man would resemble someone like Xander, who seemed as if he had leaped straight out of a comic book. Even though Xander also wore glasses, his silver-rimmed pair did not make him look nerdy; instead, they added an air of a polished and restrained god from a novel.Abigail could not fathom why she was suddenly comparing Xander to someone e
"I accept your apology." Abigail stared icily at Cleona, uncertain of her true intentions. "But Mr. Zane's decision to have you leave Zane Corporation is his own. You've been with him for many years; you should know better than anyone that once he's made up his mind, no one can change it.""Abigail, you can change his decision because everything he's doing is for you," Cleona pleaded, desperation etched on her face as she clung to Abigail's arms. One hand happened to grip Abigail's injured arm—whether intentionally or unintentionally. "Abigail, I'm begging you, help me. You're the only one who can. If you don't plead for me, I'll have nowhere to turn but be done for.""Ms. Sander, release me first. You're hurting me." Abigail tried to push her away, but the strength of a desperate person far exceeded that of a normal individual.She clung to Abigail, shaking her violently. "I won't let go. If I release you, I'm done for.""Let her go." Xander's deep, commanding voice suddenly fille
Xander said, "Things are quite complicated here, so I plan on staying a while longer. If you can't stand the climate, I can have Paxton take you back."Abigail replied, "It's alright. I can handle a little hardship.""Abigail..." His voice was heavy, weighted with concern as he called her name."Yes?"Xander said, "In the future, if you encounter situations like today, don't be so reckless."Abigail had no words. She did not want to be reckless either; it was just her instinctive reaction. Being under his control for so long had conditioned her to consider him first in everything she did.After a tense silence, Xander spoke again, "Does your husband know about your injury?"Abigail shook her head. "I didn't tell him."Xander, puzzled, asked, "Why not?""I don't want him to worry about me."Xander understood and felt uneasy. He imagined that if his wife had not betrayed him and they had a normal relationship, he would not be happy if she hid an injury from him either. He glanc
After a deeply satisfying meal, Abigail fell into a heavy sleep that night. The morning alarm at six failed to rouse her, and she did not stir until half-past nine. The persistent rain from the night before had ceased, and now the sun shone brightly outside her window. As she gazed through the floor-to-ceiling glass, a breathtaking scene of a shimmering green lake and snow-capped mountains bathed in golden light captured her attention. Abigail felt an unexpected surge of happiness and serenity.Before visiting the highlands, Abigail had read countless posts online about how the region could cleanse and purify one's soul. She had been skeptical, but now that she was here, she found herself a believer. City dwellers were always swamped with work, studies, or mindlessly scrolling through short videos on their phones. Taking a break in such a serene place for a week or two could truly be a life-changing experience.Lost in her thoughts, Abigail jumped when the doorbell unexpectedly rang.
The warm glow of the streetlights outside the hotel bathed the area in a cozy ambiance. Just a couple hundred meters to the right of the hotel, a vibrant commercial street had come to life. The once-empty street now boasted a supermarket, shops selling enticing local specialties, and a myriad of mouthwatering snack vendors. The transformation was nothing short of miraculous compared to the desolate darkness that shrouded the area only a month ago.Abigail's eyes sparkled with admiration. "Mr. Zane, you're truly extraordinary!"Xander's eyes softened, a hint of a smile gracing his handsome features. "Oh? How so?"Abigail gestured animatedly to the bustling shops. "When we arrived, this place was empty, devoid of life. But in just a month, an entire thriving commercial street has emerged. It's now a treasure trove of necessities and a melting pot of delicious cuisines from every corner of the world. How could that not be awe-inspiring?"Xander quipped, "You've certainly honed your fl
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