Xander could not use his present identity to know what Abigail was truly thinking. So, he grabbed his personal phone to text Abigail using his Nathan identity: [Abigail, how's work today... Are you doing okay?]It seemed like the text had disappeared after he sent it. Xander waited for a long time, but he still did not receive a reply from Abigail.Abigail usually would not carry her personal phone with her during working hours. So, she did not know she had received a text from Nathan.Abigail thought, 'Mr. Young is in a rush. He has to go to the airport soon. The agreement signing can't be delayed any longer.'Abigail waited for a long time, but she still did not see Xander walk out of his office. So, she knocked on his office door again. "Mr. Zane, you..."Before she could finish talking, Xander already walked toward her and said, "Let's go."He strode to the elevator after he walked out of his office. Abigail kept up with his pace and entered the CEO's exclusive elevator with
At present, the country was thriving and prosperous. The citizens were getting richer. And the number of wealthy people was increasing. As people became richer, tourism would also become a major expenditure for many people, especially wealthy individuals.Wealthy individuals did not care how much they spent. They cared about the environment, service, privacy, and so on. But the current tourism programs could not satisfy the huge market demand.So, the Zane Corporation spent a sky-high amount of money to buy the rights to use the land of Oakford Island. They planned to build a top-class maritime amusement park that combined various elements such as leisure activities, entertainment options, business facilities, and so on.The Zane Corporation owned the top-tier HC hotel chain brand. It was known around the world for its luxurious and unique furnishing style. It was highly appreciated by wealthy people around the world.But now, Xander wanted to do more than just the hotel business.
Abigail thought, 'Before a meal, he'd want the disinfected plates to be washed several times. And he must use his personal fork. And his personal fork must be changed regularly too. The clothes he wears must be immaculate. He'll throw them away if the clothes are just slightly wrinkled...'Just the thought of spending her life with a man like him frightened Abigail and gave her goosebumps.Xander raised his dashing eyebrows as he said, "Do you truly think so?"Abigail put on a pleasing, sincere smile as she nodded vigorously. "Of course!"Xander said, "Little liar!"Abigail was speechless.She thought, 'What did I lie to him about?'Did I deceive him into giving me money?'Or did I deceive him for sexual purposes?'I merely wanted to make him happy so that it'll make my job easier.'...Abigail had been working non-stop for half a month. The contract signing with the Skyrocket Corporation was the only work today. The original plan was that after signing the contract, Abigail
As expected, Abigail picked Esther without any hesitation. "Mr. Zane, if you don't have any other tasks for me, I'll go and eat with Essy now."After Esther celebrated Easter with them in Paridale, she just disappeared the next day. Abigail did not know where she went. And she also did not receive any news from her for a long time.Moreover, she was busy with Emma's matters and with work. She did not have the time to be concerned about where Esther went.Abigail wanted to take this opportunity today to properly ask Esther what she was busy with recently.Although Xander was very reluctant, he still respected Abigail's choice. So, he could only watch them leave....On the way there, Esther was constantly talking to Abigail.She told her that she went to a few countries to spend time with her friends after she left Paridale.In short, Esther's life was great. It was so great that Abigail, who came from an ordinary family, could not even imagine it.Abigail paid attention to wha
"We do? In what way?" Abigail looked at Mallory. She did not think that she looked like her.Esther then stared at them again. "I can't exactly tell in what way you two look alike. Perhaps you two look alike in general..."Esther did not think they looked alike back then. But the more she looked at them now, the more she felt they looked like each other. But she could not specifically tell what the resemblance between them was.She then stared at them for some time. She finally figured it out. 'They both have beautiful foxy eyes.'But the difference is that Abigail's eyes are clear and bright. They're like the Sea of Stars that make people want to immerse themselves in it. While Mallory's eyes are gentler. They're so gentle that they make people feel very protective toward her.'"As the saying goes, beautiful people tend to resemble each other. Perhaps, we both are good-looking." Mallory did not take Esther's words seriously. She continued saying, "Abigail, I heard from Esther tha
Mallory's eyes brightened upon hearing it. "Abigail, you're so nice. We're friends now. So, don't call me Ms. Guzman from now on. Call me Mallory."Abigail nodded. "Sure."Mallory then squeezed beside Abigail and asked, "Abigail, can you help me win Xander over?"Before Abigail could respond, Mallory continued to say, "If you can help me successfully marry Xander, I'll definitely ask him to give you a pay raise in the future. I'll not forget your kindness to me."'So, after all the fuss, this is her true purpose today,' Abigail thought. She felt like laughing as she responded, "Ms. Guzman, I can't help you with this."Abigail had just been working alongside Xander for a year. But many people had asked her to help them win Xander over.Mallory was not the first person who asked her for this favor. And Abigail believed Mallory would not be the last one.Back then, some people even promised Abigail houses, cars, and money if she successfully helped them. But Mallory was the first p
Esther said, "Mallory, my brother already has my sister-in-law..."Mallory interrupted her. She screamed heartbrokenly, "Your sister-in-law is just luckier than me. She was chosen by your grandmother to marry Xander. Your brother doesn't even love his wife."Esther said, "You can't read my brother's mind. How can you know whether my brother loves his wife or not?"Mallory responded, "The night before yesterday you told me yourself that your brother hasn't even made love to his wife. The only reason a man isn't willing to touch his wife is that he doesn't love the woman at all."Esther said, "You believed the nonsense I said when I was drunk?"Mallory did not care if it was the drink talking. "That woman can't even manage to sexually arouse your brother. He isn't willing to be intimate with her. And yet, you still don't allow me to marry your brother. Do you wish the Zane family's line to end?""Mallory. Please shut up and stop talking... My brother cares about his wife a lot. It'
Abigail thought, 'Right my ass. Whether or not they love each other is their business. She's just an outsider. Who's she to meddle in a married couple's business? And she even spoke so righteously.'"All right. Don't say it." Mallory then said to Esther, "Esther, your sister-in-law minds about your brother's problems in that aspect, but I don't. I don't care about your brother's capability in that aspect. As long as he accepts me, I don't mind if we'll never have coitus. If he doesn't want to marry me, it's fine too. I'm willing to stay by his side without being married to him."Mallory was like a madwoman who lost her mind.Abigail had some doubts. 'Does she truly love Xander?'Or is she just obsessed with winning him over?'No matter what it was, Abigail felt pity for Mallory who had lost her mind and whose heart was broken.She thought to herself again, 'A woman stoops so low just for a man. She doesn't even care about her dignity anymore. It's so sad.'Abigail did not want t
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