"The Zane family? Are you buddies with the Zane family?"Felix had just started to like Xander, but hearing Ben was buddies with Xander made him change his mind right away. He even thought maybe Xander was working with Ben to hurt Abigail. The idea made Felix so scared that he turned white. He did not want to think about it, but if Xander and Abigail got married for a bad reason, Abigail's life could be totally ruined.Ben thought Felix was scared of the Zane family, and his smirk got bigger. "I came here to celebrate your birthday." He showed the birthday cake he had been hiding. "Look, I got a cake for you. This cake is from a fancy brand. It's a lot more expensive than normal cakes. You need a special card just to buy it."Melody got mad. Ben was making a big deal about a cake, acting like they could not afford it. "We don't need your party or cake. Give it to someone else. Just get lost and never come back!""You don't want it?" Ben held up the cake, shook his head, then walked
After all these years, Ben just wanted to see Abigail. He could not believe Felix and Melody were still so bothersome. He thought to himself, 'Since I'm here today, I won't leave without taking Abigail out to lunch. Otherwise, no one's going to have a good day.' Then he spoke up, "Abigail is working at Zane Corporation now, right?"Melody felt surprised. But remembering that Abigail's husband was the boss of Zane Corporation, she did not feel scared. "How did you find out Abigail works at Zane Corporation?"Ben smirked. "In Florivera, if the Yank family wants to know something, we find out. Check with her if she still wants her job. Lots of people could take her place. If she wants to stay, she should come to lunch with me.""What do you want to do with Abigail? I warn you, if you dare touch her, I'll fight you," Felix said. He did not know much about Xander except for some things Abigail told him and what he had heard from gossip. When he first heard the negative hearsay about Xand
However, the Yank family no longer had the ability to support themselves.They were lucky that Margaret was a grateful person. After she found out that Nova and Xander did not help the Yank family, she started transferring some money from her personal account to the Yank family every month.Of course, the Yank family was not satisfied with this small amount of money. They boasted about their good relationship with the Zane family to attract people who wanted to get close to the Zane family through their connection. And they would charge these people high fees.Over the years, the Yank family had a considerable income through Margaret's support and money from those who wanted to establish connections with the Zane family. They did not have to work hard to earn a living. And their lives were more comfortable than many people's."Abigail is yours? You can decide if she can continue to work in the Zane Corporation? You're extremely close to the Zane family? Who do you think you are to
Xander thought, 'This man hurt her so much. He even insulted her just now. Yet, she's still protecting him?'Abigail knew he was overthinking. She quickly explained, "I'm not being soft-hearted. I won't go soft on a jerk like him. I have a better way to deal with him."Xander believed she could do that. So, he let her deal with him.Abigail let go of Xander's arm and confidently walked toward Ben. She smiled slightly as she said, "Mr. Yank, did you come here as a business partner or my ex-boyfriend?"'It's only been a few years. Not only has she gotten prettier, but she's also more mature in handling things. I can't even figure out what she's thinking,' Ben thought before saying, "Does it matter?"Abigail maintained her polite smile. "If it's about work, please come to the office on Monday. We can discuss it during work hours. If you came here as my ex-boyfriend..."Abigail paused. The smile on her face instantly disappeared. Her voice turned cold. "Please get lost. Stop disturbi
Ben was still lost in his thoughts. 'So many women from prestigious and wealthy families want to become Xander's wife. It's impossible for someone like Abigail, who's unworldly and comes from a small town, to even dream about it.'Ben just could not believe that Abigail was Xander's wife.Actually, he was afraid that if Abigail was indeed Xander's wife, he would then never have a chance to be with her again.Although he was afraid of Xander's gaze, he could not help but look at him. He wanted to hear him scold Abigail and tell her that she could never become his wife.However, it did not happen.Xander was affectionately staring at Abigail. He was deeply captivated by her.When Xander shifted his gaze to Ben, he suddenly looked extremely terrifying.Ben was overwhelmed and intimidated by Xander's menacing look."Abigail is the woman in the spouse column of my marriage certificate. She's my lawful wife," Xander firmly said as he hugged Abigail's slim waist.It seemed like Xande
Felix responded, "You're the guest. Just go to the living room, have some fruits and snacks, and watch TV for a while. I don't need your help."Tywin said, "Well, after I marry Mel, I'll consider you as my brother-in-law. You don't have to be overly polite with me."Felix replied, "I'm not being overly polite with you. There are only five of us for the meal. And we've already prepared everything we need. The appetizers are ready to be served. The soup in the pot is almost ready too. I just need to stir-fry some vegetables. The vegetables are already prepped as well. Just make sure next time you come on time. Don't be late again."Tywin smiled as he said, "Sure, sure. I'll be on time next time.""Since he doesn't want your help, come to the living room and watch some TV with me." Melody came to the kitchen and pulled Tywin to the living room. She then pressed him down on the sofa. "Just stay here with me. Eat some snacks and watch TV."Tywin looked around. He stared at the room wit
Melody guessed, 'Xander probably didn't perform at the crucial moment and was bitten by Caterpie.'Caterpie is usually gentle, polite, and friendly to everyone. But if someone made her angry, she'd reveal her true self. She's actually brutal.'"Hubby, why don't you watch the TV on your own for a while? I'm going to find Caterpie to chat with." After informing Tywin, Melody walked toward Abigail's door.She knocked on the door before entering. "Stinky Caterpie, what were you two doing in the room?"Abigail was covering herself under the blanket. Only her feet were sticking out.Upon hearing Melody's voice, she wrapped herself tighter. "Don't ask me about that. I won't tell you anything. It's too embarrassing."Melody said, "I hope it's not what I guessed. Did Mr. Zane fail to perform at the crucial moment?"Abigail responded, "I've told you I won't say a word about it. Stop guessing."Melody said, "Are you planning to just stay in the room and avoid seeing people? My boyfriend i
In the past, the three of them used to celebrate Felix's birthday together. They would sit in their respective seats. Felix would definitely be the center of attention on his birthday. But this year, everything changed.He thought, 'I'm no longer the center of attention for them!'They only pay attention to the men sitting beside them!'Felix, the birthday boy, had been busy for the whole morning. And no one was even paying attention to him now.Since nobody paid attention to him, he had to make himself noticed.He raised his glass. "This is my first drink today. Let's all wish me a happy birthday!"The others finally looked at him when they heard him. All of them raised their glasses as they said, "Happy Birthday!"However, Abigail wanted to change Xander's drink. She said, "Fee, his stomach isn't well. He'll drink tea instead of alcohol."Felix glanced at Abigail and Xander as he unhappily said, "Since when did his body get so weak that he can't even drink a sip of alcohol?"
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