Ring...The sudden phone ringing sound interrupted their conversation. Abigail glanced at Keith to signal him to leave and not stay at her desk anymore.She only grabbed her phone after Keith left and saw that the person who called her was Felix.He knew Abigail usually would not carry her personal phone with her during work hours. That was why he called her work phone.As soon as Abigail accepted the call, she could hear Felix's voice, "Caterpie, the police called us just now. After countless nights of hard work, they finally found out who vandalized our studio."Abigail exclaimed, "That's great! Was the crime done by one person or a group of perpetrators? Or was there someone who ordered them to do this?"Felix replied, "There was indeed someone behind it. But the police currently can't do anything about that person because there isn't any evidence."Without waiting for Abigail to ask, Felix continued, "The ones who vandalized our studio were two young hooligans around twenty
Abigail replied calmly, "Don't worry, I'm not stupid. Go and look for renovation companies with Mel if you two are free. I'll have an answer by tonight."Felix protested, "Caterpie, no! I can't allow you to take the risk. For the renovation expenses, Mel and I will borrow some money from our families..."Abigail objected, "Your parents need money for emergencies. You two should stop asking your families for money. Even if I can't make Daisy compensate us, Nathan asked me to save a few hundred thousand dollars for him during Easter, remember? I can use that money for now and pay him back later."Felix said, "Now we know Nathan is Xander and that he's truly wealthy. But we still can't just simply spend his money. I don't want you to feel ashamed in front of him in the future.""Don't worry! I know what to do." Although Nathan was Xander, Abigail had never thought of spending his money.After the call ended, Abigail took out her personal phone. She wanted to get Daisy's contact numbe
Daisy had more to say. "Little bitch, just because you're in Florivera now, don't think nobody knows the dirty, shameful things you did in North Florivera. You seduced a married man when you were just a teenager. You even got caught in bed by his wife."You probably lost your virginity a long time ago, right? And yet you still managed to sleep with Xander. I admit, your seduction skills are very impressive. I wonder if Xander regrets sleeping with you. Or does he like sluts like you?"Daisy knew very well that her usual tactics of spreading rumors about a girl's wild personal life were the best way to ruin a young, beautiful, and ambitious girl.Society nowadays was harsher to a lady than to a man.Regardless of who it was, a girl would be considered a slut with just a remark of "that lady did something with someone", even without any evidence.With just their mouths or a contextless screenshot, someone could make the victims of rumors live with bad reputations and be constantly j
Abigail knew very well that the Zane family was a true elite family, and the Zane family wealth was well and far beyond the other three great families in Florivera combined.If she had known that Nathan Hart was Xander Zane, she probably would not have agreed to sign the marriage certificate.However, since she had done that, they were legally husband and wife, and their status must not be an obstacle between them.Abigail did not want to waste her time with Daisy, so she said, "Mrs. Gardner, I'll send the bank account details to you right now. If I don't see the compensation payment made by six in the evening, know that there'll be hell to pay.""Don't even think you'd get a single cent from me!" Daisy did not want to part with any amount of money at all, but she knew very well that she could not afford not to pay up.Before she could even finish screaming into the phone, Abigail had already hung up the call.She looked at the 'call ended' notification. She was so furious, she w
"Mallory Guzman, I bore you for nine whole months. Your life was given to you by me... If I didn't risk childbirth complications to give birth to you, you wouldn't even exist today!" Daisy roared. "I've suffered so much for you. Everyone can turn their backs on me, but not you!"Her face was swollen from the hit, yet Mallory acted like she did not feel it.She turned around and looked at Daisy before looking back out again, as if something outside caught her eye. "Heh, you gave birth to me... Did you ask me if I wanted to be born? You think I wanted this life?""Mallory..." Daisy looked at Mallory's swollen face and then back at her hand, guilt creeping in slowly. "I'm sorry, Mallory! Mommy didn't mean to hit you. It was... just a moment of impulse. Can you forgive me?"Mallory did not seem to mind being beaten at all as she smirked. "Just hit me if you want to. You're not the first to hit me, and you definitely won't be the last...""Mallory, my poor daughter..." Daisy hugged her
It went on and on and Daisy even described some rather unspeakable details in a very vivid manner.Mallory got sick of it and asked, "Mom, when are you transferring the compensation payment to Abigail?"Those words dampened Daisy's excitement immediately, making her clench her teeth in anger."Mom, why did you get someone to destroy Abigail's studio? Why did you try to frame her last night? Was it because she talked back to you?"In Mallory's mind, her mother was a deep-thinking person who knew when to bend when needed. Even when she hated someone to the bone, she would still put on a friendly facade.Yet, Daisy's hostility toward Abigail was too glaring, as if the two of them bore a grudge from a previous life.Daisy was taken aback by her daughter's words but she quickly found a good excuse. "She's an obstacle for you to get married to Xander. So why wouldn't I try to take her out?"Mallory simply listened, but there were more and more questions gnawing inside her.Meanwhile,
Abigail wanted to pretend to not hear that and tried to dodge the question, yet the problem was pushed directly onto her.Embarrassed, she looked at Xander. "Dating differs from person to person, and I'm not sure what you should prepare for your first date either."Keith had never dated before so he was unable to provide Xander any ideas. Hence, he shoved the pressure onto Abigail. "Abigail, no need to be shy. Just tell Mr. Zane what you prepared when you had your first date with your husband."Abigail was speechless.Why did she intercede on behalf of Keith's big mouth earlier in the morning?She should have just allowed him to be transferred to India."You really don't know?" Xander asked.His voice was rumbling and sexy, and carried with it an almost oppressive pressure.It felt like if Abigail did not give the answer he wanted, he would reveal her true identity.Abigail gave him a begrudging look. "Should I be in the know for this?"'He's my husband, and we never went on
"Keith, what's there to hide about having a girlfriend in this day and age?" Malcolm hooked his arm over Keith's shoulder and said solemnly, "Nowadays, everyone's open-minded, and getting into bed on the first date is pretty normal. For safety's sake, and to avoid any unwanted pregnancies, condoms are a must for any upstanding man."Malcolm's strength was that he had extremely thick skin and could say what was in his mind in front of anyone, no matter the time or place. In any case, it was not him who would get embarrassed, but everyone else around him.With a little encouragement from Malcolm, Keith seemingly gained enlightenment. Since this was something that Mr. Zane was too embarrassed to ask, Keith thought he should help him get to the bottom of this. "Mr. Malcolm, what type do you recommend?"This question was clearly something Malcolm was prepared for. "For this, there are many types in the market. If you want to be safe, anything that follows the common standard will do. If
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