Ben sat there, looking dejected. "It's not salt. Those are my tears."
James was baffled. "What nonsense are you spouting?"
"Sorry, Dad. I'm just not feeling well today. I've been crying a lot, and I'm a bit dizzy."
"Dizzy?" James's eyebrow twitched in irritation.
If it weren't for the guests, he would have taken off his shoe and given Ben a good thrashing. But seeing that Ben seemed genuinely upset and alone, he decided to cut him some slack.
James's tone softened. "Alright, let's just eat. Everyone, help yourselves. We're family here, so dig in."
The guests nodded and picked up their forks, starting to eat.
Tony and Leah, tasting Ben's cooking for the first time, were impressed.
"This steak is really good, probably the best I've ever had," Tony said.
Andrew, sitting beside him, whispered, "If you like it, I can learn to cook too."
"I get it, but stop holding my hand under the table. There are people watching."
“I can't help it,” Ben said, counting on his fingers. “I can't wait to see Liora. It's been six days since we last saw each other.”He had planned to visit her tonight anyway, but his dad’s broken bone made for an unexpected, yet welcome, excuse.The group reached the office of the orthopedic chief on the third floor.Since only one family member was allowed inside, Ben accompanied James.Standing at the door, Ben was about to knock when James stopped him.“Wait.”Ben was puzzled. “What’s wrong?”“It’s the first time meeting my future daughter-in-law. I’m a bit nervous.”Future daughter-in-law?Ben sheepishly rubbed his nose. “Isn't that title a bit premature?”“What, you’re not dating Liora with the intention of marrying her?”“Of course I am! I just don’t know if Liora feels the same way. I’m afraid she might not want to go the distance with me.”James nodded. “That’s a legitimate concern.”
Liora's voice was soft and seductive. Ben swallowed hard, ready to kiss her again when his phone rang. Startled, he pulled away."Hold on, my phone's ringing..."He answered the call, his expression changing as he listened. He replied a few times and then hung up, looking crestfallen."It’s the production team... They need me back this afternoon.""This afternoon?""Yeah." Ben checked the time, his face full of disappointment. "Looks like we won't get to be together tonight after all."As he spoke, his eyes lingered on Liora's perfect figure, his frustration clear.Liora picked up her phone from the side table and checked the time."Forty minutes left before I start work."Hearing this, Ben felt a wave of sadness wash over him.Did this mean he only had forty minutes left to spend with Liora today?Ben suddenly felt a tightening around his neck. Liora had wrapped one arm around it, her other hand brushing t
Ivana's breathing was labored, her face contorted with pain like a wronged child."Hold me," she whispered.Before Jacob's brain could process, Jacob's arms had already enveloped her. Ivana clung to his waist, resting her head on his chest, biting her lip hard.Jacob held her gently, whispering, "If it hurts, let Dr. Myers give you some pain medication."Ivana nodded, then shook her head. "It won't help," she said quietly.Jacob looked down, a flicker of worry crossing his eyes. He gently patted her back, offering what little comfort he could. Gradually, Ivana's tense body began to relax, and her grip on his shirt loosened as the pain seemed to subside.Jacob stroked her hair and asked softly, "Does it hurt less now?"Ivana, her face buried in his chest, made a small, cat-like sound of assent. "Mm."Jacob let out a breath of relief and glanced at Dr. Myers, who was standing by. "You can go now. I'll take care of her."Dr
After a long pause, Ivana gazed at Jacob with pleading eyes and asked quietly, "Why won't you come over?"Jacob hesitated, feeling a mixture of confusion and frustration. "You seem a bit tense," Ivana noted softly, tilting her head.Jacob couldn't help but let out a small, derisive laugh. "Ha."He walked over and sat beside Ivana on the bed. "If you have something to say, just..."Before he could finish, Ivana leaned into him, her small hand pressing against his bare chest. The scent of her faint perfume filled the air as she fell into his embrace, catching him completely off guard.Jacob was momentarily stunned, his mind blank for a few seconds. Her delicate hand tightened on his chest, and he instinctively grabbed her hand, stopping her."What are you doing?" he demanded.Ivana looked up at him, her eyes full of innocence, and then she frowned slightly, a hint of hurt in her expression. "It hurts," she said softly.Jacob rele
Ivana sniffled, her eyes rimmed with red. “She had too many toxins building up in her body and didn’t make it. By the time she died, she was swollen and bruised beyond recognition. Dad buried her in a hurry. After Mom died, Dad worried I’d be too traumatized and might kill myself, ruining all his hard work. So he kept a close watch on me. But I didn’t want to kill myself… I wanted to kill him. He’s a madman, not fit to be my father.”Ivana continued in a low voice, “Dad and my uncles valued me greatly because I was the only one in years to successfully become a Voodoo Lwa. They were ecstatic, planning among themselves, saying the Boss would be thrilled when he saw me. They talked about how much money they’d make.”Jacob’s eyes narrowed slightly. “The Boss?”“Yeah... I don’t know who the Boss is. I just knew they were planning to sell me. So, on the day the Boss was supposed to come, I decided to kill my dad first. But I failed. Dad and my uncles tied me up and w
The relationships within the Nelson family were tangled, but Jacob remembered that Carl hadn’t had any prior conflicts with the Matthews Group.“Go and investigate this man thoroughly.”“We’re already on it,” Mitbahl replied, his eyes studying Jacob. “But, Captain, since Ivana’s origins are suspicious, shouldn’t we be more cautious with her? Maybe even confine her?”“No need,” Jacob said, turning the glass in his hand. “She’s not in good health, and besides… she’s not someone with malicious intentions.”Mitbahl stayed silent for a moment. Jacob noticed his intense stare, as if trying to bore a hole through him.“What are you staring at?”“You’re doomed.” Mitbahl made an exaggerated face. “You’ve fallen in love!”Jacob: ...“Get out!”“Just because I hit the mark, you get all defensive…”Mitbahl pouted, grumbling under his breath. As he walked towards the window, he turned back, a mischievous glint in his eye as he
Patrick walked over.“Kevin, you’re awake?”“Yeah.”Kevin walked in, his eyes scanning the tidy room before landing on the man sitting on the sofa.He climbed onto the sofa next to Yosef, puzzled.“Bro, what was that noise outside just now? It was so loud.”“Nothing much, just had Kirin feed the fish.”“Why would feeding fish make such a commotion?”“Feeding sharks.”“Oh.”Kevin’s expression showed sudden understanding, then he sighed. “Bro, when are we going back to the Rainbow City? Your health isn’t good; you can’t keep running around like this.”Yosef didn’t respond immediately.Then he said slowly, “We’re going back tomorrow.”“Really?”“Yeah, but before that, tonight I’m taking you to see someone.”“Who?”Yosef reached out and gently pinched Kevin’s cheek. “You’ve been wanting to see your angel sister, right? We’ll see her before we leave.”Kevin’s eyes lit up
"What’s with this? Even if I’m staying with the angel sister for a bit, the proper way to do this would be for you to take me to her place, we’d have dinner together, you’d tell her to take good care of me, and then we’d have a heartfelt goodbye. Isn’t that right?"Didn't expect it to be so hasty?Kevin even wore a little suit today, ready to make it formal.Yosef narrowed his eyes, "You really know how to dramatize things, huh?""At least there should be a proper farewell… Bro, if I just leave like this, won’t you be sad?" Kevin looked up, his dark eyes gazing at the cold, pale man in front of him.As if trying to read something from his face.Yosef crossed his long legs, his expression indifferent."What’s there to be sad about? You’ll be living in comfort over there, with your angel sister. It’s better than staying with me.""Is that what you really think?""… Yes."Upon hearing this, Kevin lowered his head sli
At another table, Frank sat staring at Liam in his smart suit, his brow slightly furrowed."Hey, been causing trouble lately?"Liam rolled his eyes, displeased. "No.""What's with the haircut then? Going for the military look?""My mom made me." Liam sipped his champagne. "She thought my old hairstyle looked too thug-like for Uncle John's wedding, so she took matters into her own hands.""No worries, I think this look suits you."Beside him, Rose tilted her head, looking at him with adoration."You know what? I think any look suits you, I just really like you.""Cough~"Liam choked a bit.He cleared his throat, "Don't say such things in front of everyone.""Sure, sorry~" Rose nodded obediently.Frank thought to himself, Damn. Even my bro's nephew is showing off in front of me? Can't let this slide!He turned to Jenny with a mischievous grin."Jenny, do you think my hairstyle looks good
Upon arriving, she put her hands on her hips, adopting an accusatory posture."Look at this, I left for just a moment, and you're already being targeted by women. How can I ever feel safe letting you go out?"John's deep gaze slightly lowered. "And you?"Diana looked down at the Red Rose in her hand, feeling a bit guilty."Uh..." She reached out and presented the rose to John: "It's for you."John remained silent.Instead, the little baby in his arms stretched out a hand, grabbed the Red Rose, and then happily held it in her arms.Diana chuckled, pinching the little baby's soft cheek."Oh, our Tiger likes flowers~"The little baby stretched out her short arms toward Kevin, earnestly offering him the flower.The little baby handed the flower to him!Diana was astonished."My goodness, Tiger, you can't even speak and you're already trying to win over little boys?!"Truly her daughter!Kev
Kevin pulled on his turtle shell bag strap, seriously said: "I really have to go now, remember, my name is Kevin Nelson."Saying that, he turned his head and was ready to leave."Wait a moment."Kevin stopped in his tracks, turned his head, looked at him with a complex gaze.What...Did his brother remember something, or was he reluctant to part with him?Yosef picked up a Red Rose beside him."This, take it."Kevin was somewhat surprised: "Give it to me? But I'm a man, why would you give me a rose?""It's not for you."Yosef handed the flower to him, glanced at the distant girl, and said: "It's for her."Kevin: "...I just told you, my sister has a husband and a child, are you still not giving up?"Kevin thought: Oh, no! My brother may falls again in the same place after losing his memory!"What are you talking about." Yosef interrupted his thoughts: "I didn't think about pursuing her."
Kevin let himself be led by Yosef's hand, and they both sat on the swing in front of the flower shop.Once seated, the little kid beside Yosef didn't make a sound.He wore a bowl cut hairstyle, carried a big turtle shell backpack, and lowered his head, lost in thought.Yosef occasionally glanced over at him.After a while, he couldn't remind silence any more."You..."Hearing his voice, Kevin immediately turned his head, his eyes sparkling as he looked at him.Full of anticipation.Yosef slowly opened his mouth: "This outfit... who bought it for you?""My brother, what about it?""To be honest, your brother's taste isn't great." Looking at the little one's green onesie, Yosef slightly frowned, "Ugly."Kevin: ……This outfit was something Kevin had insisted on buying for his fifth birthday.He also bought a larger size for Yosef, as matching brother outfits.Although Yosef never wore it,
Hearing this, Kevin covered his mouth: "You mean... my brother's mind is damaged?"Godber corrected: "This is called mental issues.""Isn't that the same thing?"Godber: ...It seems so.Diana frowned. "Yosef lost his memory? With so many enemies, your situation should be unfavorable now, right?"Godber: "Mr. Nelson had already anticipated this. Before completely losing his memory, he divided the remaining power of the Nelson family into three parts, assigning them to the other three members of the Nelson family to keep each other in check, while he decided to retire due to health reasons."Kirin nodded. "So, currently, apart from us and Patrick, no one else in the Nelson family knows Mr. Nelson has lost his memory, thinking he's stepping down due to health reasons."Kevin asked: "Then where is my brother now?"Kirin glanced at Diana and John beside him, hesitating whether to speak.But then he heard John calmly say: "Gri
John's voice had a lazy, sexy edge."Sleep a bit more.""...Okay."Diana turned over, adjusting to a comfortable position, leaning into his embrace.Just as she was about to drift off, she felt the hand on her waist start to move along her curves.Wherever it touched, it ignited sparks.Diana's eyes flew open, and she turned her head.Behind her, John still had his eyes closed, his expression as calm as if he were asleep.But the hand under the covers was very much awake.This beast.Diana turned around and bit his Adam's apple.John frowned slightly, then opened his eyes.His deep gaze locked onto the girl in his arms.As if capturing prey, with a wild possessiveness.Diana knew that look well.It was the same look he gave her last night.She squinted. "Again?"His response was another wave of kisses....Diana became an overnight sensation without an
Reeves turned back and glared at Morse.Wanting to say something to retort against this guy.But he found... There was nothing to say...He looked at the cold and noble man beside Diana and felt an extremely complex mix of emotions.From the moment this man appeared, he knew he had lost.Lost utterly.John slightly lifted his eyes and swept them over Reeves holding roses.Facing the man's icy and profound gaze, Reeves felt somewhat nervous.Just as he thought John would question him, he saw John casually withdraw his gaze and look at the girl beside him."Do you like it?"Reeves: ... This man actually completely ignored me!Being ignored hurt Reeves' pride even more than being questioned!It meant that this man simply didn't regard Reeves as a threat!Unable to help himself, Reeves said."Are you Miss Thompson's fiancé?"Hearing this, Morse behind him covered his eyes with his ha
Hearing this, Frank approached her and whispered, "Big sis, think it through. This guy doesn't seem too smart; having him around might lower our overall standard.""Don't worry, if you can work well in the studio, so can he."Frank: ???Reeves beamed with joy: "Then, Miss Thompson, please accept my flowers first. When I join the Blue Rose Studio, we can get to know each other better.""I welcome you to Blue Rose as a designer, but I can't accept your flowers or feelings.""Why?""Because I already have someone I love."Reeves: ......He opened his mouth slightly, then his expression fell."Who is it?"Reeves scanned the group behind Diana one by one.A bunch of top-notch handsome guys and beautiful girls almost blinded him.This...Each one was very likely!Reeves had a complex expression on his face: "May I ask impertinently, the person you like, is it a man or a woman?"Diana:
Faced with the relentless questions from the reporters, Diana remained calm.She nodded."The name Blue Rose does hold a special meaning for me. As for Reeves, I'm not familiar with him; I have nothing to say.""Miss Thompson, you're so young and accomplished; how about your love life? Do you have a boyfriend?"Hearing this, Ben immediately stepped forward."This is Diana's privacy; we refuse to answer!"The reporters were taken aback for a moment.Everyone stared at Ben wearing a hat; suddenly, excitement surged: "Isn’t this Big Star Fly? Why did he suddenly appear here?"Someone seemed to realize something."Could it be that Fly and Thompson are a couple?!""You're talking nonsense! Diana is my biological sister; stop spouting rubbish here! And this is my girlfriend!"Saying that, Ben pulled Liora over and tightly grasped her hand."This is my girlfriend; Diana is my sister, got it?!"Hearin