The next day, Marcia woke up to find it was already noon.Claire was sitting by her bedside, looking drained but still in decent spirits."You're awake?" Claire asked softly.Marcia took her hand in hers. "Claire, are you okay?"Claire forced a smile, trying to sound carefree as she shrugged. "I broke up. I'm single again."Hearing this, Marcia tightened her grip on Claire's hand but didn't ask about what happened last night after she fainted. She wasn't sure how to bring it up, and even if she did, she didn't dare to.Both Elijah and Kevin were sitting on the sofa in the room. When they saw Marcia awake, they both visibly relaxed. Kevin chuckled, "You scared us. Just passed out without saying a word. What's wrong with you?"Elijah, however, asked seriously, "Was it because of my driving?"Marcia shook her head. "I don't know why I fainted. Nicole, and the two gentlemen, have they left?"Kevin nodded. "Nicole went off to film an ad. Chubby took her. As for the other two... they're bus
When Elijah returned, he was alone.He held two breakfast trays and lightly knocked on the hospital room door. He was unused to waiting outside, feeling awkward. He cleared his throat before pushing the door open.Inside, Claire was gone. Marcia was sitting against the headboard, her face pale and expressionless.Elijah frowned. "What happened? Did your friend leave?"Marcia stayed silent for a long while, her eyes lifeless.He set the trays down, sensing something was off. "Are you okay?"His unease deepened.Suddenly, Marcia looked up and smiled faintly. Her smile didn't reach her eyes, and there was a trace of blood at the corner of her mouth.Elijah quickly grabbed her chin. "Stop it! What are you doing?"Marcia kept her jaw clenched, biting so hard that she didn't even notice she'd broken the skin. She just looked at him, smiling, not crying, but with eyes wide open and numb.Elijah felt a chill run down his spine, shaken by her strange demeanor. He had no idea what was happening
Wendy at the front desk stuck out her tongue, thinking to herself, I thought a cold, aloof boss would be difficult to deal with, but Kevin, who had been so warm and attentive lately, suddenly turned into a demon and became the third most untouchable person in the company.Meanwhile, Drew was lounging in the meeting room, sipping tea, his phone in hand with a message just sent. "Alan, I've come back to Azure to see what's really going on!"The phone lit up with Alan's reply."Elijah really isn't at the company?"Drew shook his head, pulled out a cigarette, and took a few puffs. "I've been here three times, and I haven't seen him once! The front desk said that the person in charge at Azure now is some nerd from The Royal Society. Elijah's been transferred to the headquarters and hasn't returned. Is that true?""A nerd? What's his name?""Kevin Franklin. I hear he's into research and development. Alan, I'm doing all this for you... about that project...""Don't worry, you'll get your sha
Marcia had a dream.She dreamt of her first year in college. Her father's business had grown so big that he barely had time for her, and Marcia, seeking something new, decided to live on campus.She had many personal habits that her roommates found annoying. They thought she was a spoiled princess and often whispered complaints behind her back. Only Kate always stood by her.They grew close, becoming inseparable.Kate came from a poor family, but she was beautiful, attracting many admirers. Guys would often leave her little gifts, hoping to get a date with her.Marcia would often warn her, saying, "This guy who wants to meet you at night—he definitely has bad intentions." Or, "This guy isn't right for you; his clothes look clean, but those scuffed shoelaces? He must've tried to look presentable just for you."As Marcia's comments continued, the number of guys pursuing Kate dwindled.Marcia was pleased, thinking her advice had made an im
The next morning, when Marcia woke up, Elijah was still lying beside her, sound asleep.She took her time studying his face closely. Elijah was the most handsome man she'd ever seen, even more striking than the idols on TV.True, he didn't have Hayden's perfectly sculpted features, Myron's easy-going charm, or Kevin's intellectual and lively aura.Yet somehow, he was the most captivating of them all. Elijah had a way of making her feel safe and assured.Marcia's fingers lightly traced his eyebrows, lingering with a hint of affection as her hand glided down to his eyes, nose, and lips...His Adam's apple, particularly enticing, gave a slight bob as he woke up, his hand catching hers in a firm grip."Harassing me this early, darling?" he murmured.Marcia tried to keep her composure. "Didn't you touch me yesterday? And kissed me, too! Don't think I didn't notice just because you thought I was asleep."Elijah chuckled, his laughter
Elijah tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, his gaze steady and calm as he looked at the woman standing before him."Is there something you need me to do, sir?" Marcia couldn't resist asking.Elijah's deep, unfazed eyes met hers without a word in response."Sir?" she pressed, her tone tinged with impatience."Cia..." He motioned for her to come closer with a slight curl of his finger. "Come here."Hesitating, Marcia took two tentative steps towards him. "Sir, what is it?"Before she could process it, Elijah took her wrist, pulling her right into his arms."Just look at you, changing the moment you're back! If I'd known, I'd have left you in the hospital a few more days." His voice dropped as he breathed into her ear, causing it to blush immediately."I... I did not! Sir, please let go of me. This is the office...!"Elijah chuckled, his laughter low and warm. "It's my office. Who dares interrupt? I offered to bring you
The business world is often like a battlefield, but more often than not, it's a stage—only those with the best performance can seize the lead.Though Alan and Drew both harbored resentment, when they saw Kevin appear in the doorway, their faces broke into genuine smiles, as if they were meeting an old, dear friend."You must be Professor Franklin, right? Truly impressive for someone so young!" Alan extended his hand, greeting Kevin politely.Kevin smiled warmly. "Hello, Alan Wright, it's an honor. I've heard so much about you! Haha, Drew, I heard you're out now. Why aren't you resting at home for a few days?"Drew's jaw twitched as he forced a smile. "Professor Franklin, that day I acted on impulse. As soon as I got out, I came to apologize. I hope you can forgive me.""Don't say that!" Kevin replied smoothly, stepping aside. "An apology is due to more than just me! But Jane's on leave today, so if you really want to apologize, come back tomo
The two men sat in the meeting room, each harboring their own suspicions.After about ten minutes, a group of people hurriedly entered.One person straightened the chairs, another set out tea, and the last one, carrying a stack of documents, entered with a serious expression.Alan and Drew exchanged a glance, their brows furrowed.They both wondered: Whose show is this?Drew had dealt with Elijah before and knew he wasn't one for formalities. He didn't care for the pomp and circumstance—he was above all that.After all, even dressed in torn jeans and flip-flops, Elijah's name alone commanded respect and authority.Looking at the scene unfolding, Alan and Drew couldn't help but wonder: Does here have someone this high up?Just then, a tall man walked in. The smell of smoke filled the air, and his tone wasn't exactly pleasant. "Hey, open the window. Didn't we say no smoking? Who's been smoking in here?"Alan and Drew stiffened. Could this be the new boss?Drew looked at him, his face re
Her hand fumbled across the bed, finally reaching the bedside lamp. "You lunatic! It's your fault, not mine. Why do you always blame others? Kate left with someone else—what does that have to do with me? Let go of me!"She rolled her eyes in defiance, but her arms were too weak to resist. Just a little more, and she could grab the lamp...Alan's eyes burned crimson with rage. "It's all your fault! I was fine with Kate before you came along! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have given her to Harold. That bastard said he just wanted her for one night, but now he won't return her! He's no different from Elijah—both beasts! No, fools! Secondhand goods, and yet they enjoy it so much! Is every woman I've been with so desirable? Marcia, tell me—who's better, huh?!"He lost all reason, furiously trying to tear off Marcia's pants. But in his drunken state, he couldn't manage. Frustrated, he pressed against her through her clothes and shouted, "Say it!
Meanwhile, back in his room, Booth snapped out of his daze.Covered in sweat and grime, he had no interest in showering after his conversation with Jane. Instead, he slumped onto the sofa, staring blankly into the distance.It was unclear how long he sat there before irritation drove him to his feet. Booth stormed into the bathroom, peeled off his shirt, and splashed cold water onto his face. Suddenly, something didn't feel right.Jane was staying on the 17th floor—that much he remembered clearly. So why had he seen her waiting for the elevator on the 22nd floor? This was a hotel, not a crowded office building where people often rode the elevator in the wrong direction just to secure a spot.A suspicion crept into Booth's mind—Jane was hiding something from him. He couldn't explain the feeling, but his instincts rarely failed him.Pulling out his phone, he tried calling her, only to find her phone was turned off."Damn it,"
Calvin walked into the hotel lobby and spotted the manager, Charles, speaking on the phone at the front desk.The moment Charles saw Calvin, he hung up immediately and greeted him respectfully. "Sir, would you like me to arrange a car for you?"Calvin raised an eyebrow. "Your efficiency is quite impressive.""My apologies for earlier, sir. I hope you'll forgive us," Charles said with a polite smile.Calvin replied casually, "You were just doing your job, ensuring the guests are taken care of. By the way, she...""Please rest assured, sir. We'll take excellent care of her. Mr. Elijah has already instructed us," Charles responded quickly, knowing exactly who Calvin was referring to.Calvin chuckled. "Seems like he's not too busy in America.""He's just concerned about his wife, that's all. Sir, this way, please. Your car is ready." Charles gestured respectfully. Calvin glanced in the direction Charles indicated, seeing a black Mercedes-Benz van parked at the entrance.Calvin gave Charle
Jane reached out to steady Marcia's back and said softly, "Sir, my name is Jane. May I ask for yours? I joined Sin Corporation the same year as Patricia—quite the coincidence, isn't it?"Calvin frowned slightly at Jane's sudden familiarity but answered curtly, "Calvin."Unbothered by his aloofness, Jane smiled and scanned the room numbers as they walked. "Oh, here it is—2711! Calvin, I almost forgot. Do you have her room card? Without it, we can't get in."After a moment of hesitation, Calvin handed Marcia's bag to Jane. "It should be in her bag. Check inside."Jane accepted the bag cheerfully and rummaged through it. "Found it!"She held up the card and swiped it against the door lock. With a soft beep, the door to 2711 clicked open."Come in, Calvin," Jane said, stepping aside.Calvin nodded and entered quickly, not noticing that Jane discreetly slipped the room card into her own pocket instead of returning it to the bag."Lay her down on the bed," Jane suggested. She glanced at Cal
Calvin didn't drive. Partly because he had been drinking, and partly because it had been a long time since he had been this close to Marcia.Marcia was light as a feather on his back as he slowly carried her toward the hotel.He had grown used to keeping track of Marcia's every move, but her heart had always been out of his reach.As a child, Marcia would cling to his arm with a sweet smile, half-coquettish, half-pleading, as she said, "Calvin, when I grow up, let's get married, okay?"She was just speaking innocent words of a child, but he took them seriously.Her casual remark stayed with him all these years. He had waited for her to grow up, imagining her as his perfect bride. But when she finally did, she showed up holding Alan's hand."Calvin, this is Alan. I...I want to marry him. You're the most important person to me, so you're the first to know," she said.Back then, Alan was a nobody, his humble demeanor barely concealed by his clean, smiling face.Calvin couldn't recall wha
Some people completely lose their memory once they get drunk.After just three glasses of red wine, Marcia had already lost all self-control.Kevin was slightly better off, still holding on to a sliver of rationality as Booth supported him. Kevin managed to exchange a few polite words with Bill and Cliff, ensuring they left the Cote Bistro with the contract in hand.Only after confirming its authenticity did Kevin collapse onto the sofa in the lobby, refusing to move no matter how hard Booth tried.After a chaotic mess, Booth entrusted Kevin to the lobby manager and went back to look for Marcia, only to find Calvin already carrying her. "I'll take her back to the hotel," Calvin said indifferently before striding off.Booth instinctively wanted to follow but was stopped by a waiter. Apparently, someone else had passed out in the private room.Pushing open the door, Booth found Myron slumped awkwardly in a corner, dozing.What's worse than one drunk person? Two drunk people—and worse st
Kevin's eyes were slightly red, but he let out a hearty laugh. "Look at what you're saying. It's an honor for Azure to have you both here today!"With that, he downed another glass of red wine.Marcia hadn't expected him to drink so heavily and looked at him with concern. Just as she was about to intervene, Myron gently shook his head. "Gentlemen, Kevin is like a brother to me. We're mainly here to catch up today, so I won't say too much. Let me also raise a glass to you both! Even though Eli isn't here, I hope you'll consider working with us on my behalf."After speaking, Myron downed his glass in one go. This time, Bill and Cliff clinked glasses with him and took a sip of their own drinks.Bill set his glass down and chuckled. "Myron, I'll toast with you today, but next time, you'd better bring a wife, or marry Nancy already! Otherwise, don't even think about getting me to drink again."Cliff, after finishing his glass, was stopped by Alison, who took over drinking on his behalf.Ma
After laughing, Marcia felt she had been too distant with Calvin, so she smiled at him and said, "Calvin, since you've returned to the country, I haven't properly hosted you. When are you heading back to Liverpool? Let me treat you to a meal before then.""I'll contact you after I get there," Calvin replied with a gentle smile, raising his glass toward her.Marcia nodded firmly and responded enthusiastically, "Alright."Just then, there was a knock at the door.Knock, knock, knock...As they were chatting, Booth pushed the door open and entered."Ma'am, everyone has arrived!" Booth announced.Marcia and Kevin exchanged a glance before quickly heading toward the door. Three individuals entered slowly as introductions were made, and the group exchanged pleasantries before taking their seats with smiles all around.Due to Elijah's influence, the guests were exceptionally polite. Myron also played the perfect mediator, lightening the atmosphere with a few jokes, making everyone laugh.Mar
Calvin looked at Marcia's surprised expression and let a faint smile tug at the corners of his lips. "Are you really that shocked to see me?" he asked softly.Marcia shook her head with a light laugh. "I should be asking you that! You disappeared from the hospital that day without a word. What brings you here?""Elijah personally invited me. It's hard to say no to his invitations, don't you think?" Calvin chuckled. "I'm here representing Shine Glow Group."Kevin, who had been wearing a playful expression, paused for a moment, raising an eyebrow curiously. "SG Group?""The owner of SG, John Linton, is my uncle. He's not feeling well and specifically asked me to attend in his place," Calvin explained, extending a hand toward Kevin. "I'm Calvin, Marcia's childhood friend."Marcia couldn't help but laugh. "We grew up as neighbors. He's closer to me than a real brother. But wait—how did I not know John was your uncle? You don't even share the same last name!""It's through my mother's side