It was as if the elders had acknowledged Lucia as kin.Lucia exclaimed, "Sis, this is...miraculous!""Lucia, they must've acknowledged you as kin," Abigail said as she pulled Lucia over to say another word of prayer. "Grandpa, Grandma, Dad, don't you worry, I'll take good care of Lucia, and I too have her for company. I'm not alone in this world anymore, I now have a family and we'll live happily ever after..."Abigail was sure that her departed loved ones had heard her, especially her grandmother.She looked at Cassandra's portrait on the tombstone and whispered, "Grandma, I know you're worried about me, and I miss you too, but I want to tell you today that Xander and I will live on happily, and both of us will have a child soon. We'll bring the child along to visit after I've given birth..."Abigail blurted out everything in a single breath, unloading everything she wanted to say as if Cassandra was still around.It was because she knew that after this visit, she would not have
As Raymond drove the car, he said, "I've worked alongside Mr. Zane for a couple of years and had only come to North Florivera the year before. So, I do know him somewhat.""How so?" Abigail asked."Everyone outside says that he's a ruthless, heartless man, but he's not like that at all. He had never mistreated any of us loyal subordinates."Abigail then smiled. "How much truth can there be in those rumors? People would often believe what they want to regardless of the truth," Abigail said with a smile.It was just like what happened to her, even after what had happened was exposed and the police had made arrests, there were some who were still cursing her name.Some even believed that the expose was fake, questioning why it was not shown back then.Abigail had already seen through such people a long time ago."Mr. Zane is so powerful he no longer cares how the outside world sees him," Raymond said.Abigail however retorted, "No matter how powerful he is, he's still a living, br
Lucia then added, "Melody, you're much prettier and gentler than I've imagined.""You think? You're quite pretty yourself too..." Melody gushed."Oh, stop tooting each other's horns already," Abigail chimed in."What? This is just two pretty girls appreciating one another," Melody spat back.Raymond, who had been ignored thus far, parked the car and hurriedly walked to Melody. "Good day, Ms. Mane!"Melody was taken aback for a moment before realizing that she had met this person a few days ago. "Hello, Mr. Seabrook!"Raymond held his hand out to her. "Nice to meet you!"It was impossible for someone to reach the top level of Zane Corporation without ability or guile and Melody did not want to have too much to do with people like these.However, since Raymond had so enthusiastically held his hand out, Melody found it difficult to refuse him, so she politely shook his hand.Yet, who knew Raymond would not let go of her hand. "Ms. Mane..."Melody pulled her hand back. "Mr. Seabr
Raymond asked, "Is how much you like someone related to how many times you've seen them?"Abigail replied, "It does, doesn't it?""Stop." Melody raised her hand to stop him and said, "I've been very clear, Mr. Seabrook. I have a boyfriend, and we're planning to get married. So, please stop talking nonsense.""Relationships can end, even marriages." Raymond pulled out his phone. "Let's exchange contact information, Ms. Mane. If you ever find yourself single again, I hope you'll think of me."Melody was infuriated. 'Who wishes for someone to break up?' she thought. "I forgot that my mom didn't prepare much food. It won't be enough for an extra person, so I can't invite you over for dinner."Raymond said, "It's okay. No need for dinner. I can just come over and hang out."Melody had encountered rude people before, but never someone this pushy. Despite her objections, Raymond somehow still ended up at Melody's apartment.Raymond held a high-ranking position at Zane Corporation, the
Even though Daisy had aged, the overall shape of her eyes and other key features likely remained the same as in her youth."Especially those eyes," Jodie said. "They look so gentle when she looks at people, but also very powerful." That was Jodie's deepest impression of Abigail's mother. She used to wonder how there could be such a captivating woman in the world, who seemed so soft and delicate, never raising her voice, as if she could be toppled by a light breeze, yet she radiated strength as if nothing could bother her. Jodie continued, "I don't know what your mom has experienced, or what happened between you two, and I'm not in a position to take sides. But I have to say, your mom is genuinely a good person. Maybe she had her reasons for leaving you and your dad back then. You should listen to her side of the story with an open mind."Abigail nodded appreciatively. "Thanks, Jodie. I will."Jodie smiled warmly. "With your dad and grandma gone, we thought you were on your own. But
Before Abigail could even answer, Raymond was already thrusting the car keys into her hand. "The medicine is in the box in the back seat. Sorry to ask, but can you grab it for me?""Sure," Abigail replied, then turned to Melody. "Mel, keep an eye on him. I'll be right back with the medicine.""Okay, be quick." Melody's gaze shifted to Raymond, her displeasure evident. She could not help but think how irresponsible he was, knowing full well he could not handle alcohol yet continuing to drink. If something were to happen, it would mean endless trouble for their family.Abigail raced downstairs, out of the building, and toward the car to grab the medicine. As she flung open the rear door and climbed in, she was startled to find a man, dressed sharply in a suit and tie, already occupying the back seat. A wave of panic washed over her as she realized she might have walked into a trap. Before she could react, the doors locked automatically, and the car accelerated abruptly. Desperately, s
Abigail asked, "Who's your boss?"The man replied, "You'll know when you get inside."Abigail looked around, trying to memorize the garden's appearance in case she got a chance to call for help and describe her location. However, the man beside her quickly made it clear that it was pointless."Don't bother, Ms. Renee. There's a device that stops phones from working in this area outside the house. Your phone still won't have any signal, and you won't be able to make any emergency calls."Abigail did not say anything, thinking how terrifying it was that these people seemed to know everything she was thinking.The man spoke again, "My boss has been waiting for a while, so please hurry up."Abigail walked alone into the area outside the house. After passing through an archway, the scenery inside suddenly brightened. The buildings were so beautiful that it seemed like a place from a fairytale, completely different from the outside world. Abigail passed through the first door, and a yo
Abigail was a no-nonsense person who hated nothing more than a hypocrite. She was not in the mood for any of his nonsense. "Coffee is for friends," she said. "I don't like you, you don't like me. So, no point wasting coffee, right? Just spit it out. What do you want?"Nova said, "Who says I don't like you? Why would I bother inviting you for coffee if I didn't?"Abigail snapped, "Can we cut the act? It's exhausting." She could not stand the fake smile plastered on his face.Ignoring Abigail's outburst, Nova gestured for his staff to bring the coffee. "You standing there makes me look like a bad host. Sit down, will you? Even if you don't want the coffee."Indeed, standing was tiring, and Abigail was not one to punish herself. She walked a few steps and sat down opposite Nova. Nova did not have anyone pour her coffee; he picked up a cup himself and slowly took two sips."Do you know how to play poker, Ms. Renee?"Abigail did, but she did not want to play with him. "No."Nova said
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