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
Alan froze on the spot, staring at the woman before him, whose every smile and frown seemed almost magical, filling his mind with surprise and suspicion.Marcia had always been reserved. She wasn't particularly beautiful, her features merely passable, yet her eyes always held an aloofness, an icy pride that made her less appealing to men compared to the sweet and sultry Kate.If Kate hadn't mentioned her family's wealth back then, Alan wouldn't have bothered chasing her with such determination.But this woman in front of him—she looked the same, yet her entire aura had transformed, radiating captivating brilliance. Was she truly not Marcia?Noticing Alan's shocked expression, Drew frowned, stepping forward. "With this look, we barely recognized you! No wonder Elijah chose you as the new project lead."Marcia gave a faint smile, unfazed by the implications in Drew's words, and replied coolly, "What brings you two here?"Drew nudged Alan's arm, only to find him standing there silently,
Elijah frowned. "Impossible?" He couldn't understand. "But then... how could you? No, we're going to the hospital right now! The doctors I know are far more reliable than him. I've always found him suspicious. Let's get you checked first, then we can talk about this.""Are you not happy that I can conceive?"Elijah shook his head. "How could I not be happy? But I don't trust him. Let's go to the hospital, okay?"He was overwhelmed with joy, but beneath that joy lay deep concern. If Jeff was lying, how would Marcia handle it? He could live without a child, but he couldn't bear to see Marcia fall into despair again.He never wanted to see her cry. That pain would be far worse than not having a child."Eli, sit down first." Marcia dared not let him take her to the hospital—if they found out she had recently lost a pregnancy, things would be disastrous."The surgery two years ago... Jeff was actually the lead surgeon." Marcia watched Elijah's expression darken as her voice unconsciously d
Marcia leaned against Elijah's chest, yet a slight unease crept into her heart.She still remembered Jeff's instructions—no intimacy for a month. But when she stole a glance at Elijah, his brows were tightly furrowed, his expression serious. For some reason, her heart softened again and again."Eli, what are you thinking about?"Hearing the slight anxiety in Marcia's voice, Elijah held her tightly, resting his head against her neck. His voice was low and gentle. "Nothing. I just think... it's really good that you're here.""Myron is really getting engaged? To... that Nancy?" Marcia traced her fingers over his firm arm, feeling a growing sense of security.She wished she could rely on him like this forever."Mm." Elijah's response was muffled, carrying a hint of an unspoken heaviness.Marcia thought for a moment. "His family has a rule that a man can only marry one woman in his lifetime, right? Does your family have a rule like that?"Elijah chuckled lightly and ran his fingers through
Elijah let out a soft sigh and gently pulled Marcia behind him. "What are you doing?"Marcia bit her lip, feeling a bit foolish for her reaction. Why did she assume Hayden would actually come to blows with Elijah?Elijah, standing tall and unwavering, met Hayden's gaze head-on, his expression calm. "To bring Myron back to Liverpool.""Back to Liverpool? If he's taking that woman with him, then what's the point? He might as well not come back at all! Damn it!" Hayden raised his fist but ultimately slammed it against the table instead."Hayden, sit down." Myron's voice was deep and hoarse. He seemed exhausted, yet his expression remained resolute. "I chose to marry Nancy on my own. It has nothing to do with my mother or Eli. I appreciate your concern, but enough with the arguments."He glanced at Kevin and chuckled. "What are you scheming now? Think I'm lying?"Kevin cleared his throat awkwardly. "Not at all. If you say so, then it must be true." He had initially suspected this was just
"Patricia, I thought you two would head straight to the second floor!" Hayden teased with a mischievous grin, taking a sip of his orange juice.Marcia ignored him, her eyes immediately landing on Myron, who sat beside Kevin with a face as dark as ink. At the head of the dining table sat a frail, pale-skinned elderly woman who was scrutinizing her with an assessing gaze.Marcia couldn't help but feel nervous."Auntie, this is Patricia. What do you think? Beautiful, right?" Elijah draped an arm over Marcia's shoulder, grinning proudly.Gloria took a sip of water before smiling lightly. "Hmm, she is beautiful. No wonder you've been so restless, eager to come home!""That's not true! I'm also happy to spend more time with you!" Elijah chuckled, then gently nudged Marcia forward. "Cia, come say hello to Auntie."His eyes were filled with warmth, a look that was second nature to him in front of Myron and the others. But for Gloria, it was the first time witnessing this side of him, and she
Marcia and Elijah walked hand in hand toward the villa. Since it was located in the suburbs, the fresh air was a rare luxury.A cool breeze brushed against Marcia's face, making her instinctively shrink her neck."Are you cold?" Elijah asked, his voice tinged with concern as he pulled her into his embrace. "I was worried you'd feel uncomfortable if we stayed in the car for too long. Looks like I miscalculated again!"Marcia shook her head and snuggled against his chest with a soft laugh. "Not at all. The air is refreshing, and the scenery is beautiful. But how did you know I was feeling restless in the car? Do you have some kind of mind-reading power? That would be incredible!"Elijah chuckled, gently ruffling her hair. "Your nose is all red. You look just like a little bunny. Makes me want to eat you up!"As he spoke, he playfully rubbed her cheeks. When Marcia looked up at him with a smile, he couldn't resist leaning down to kiss her cool lips."Aren't they waiting for us inside? Le
Seeing the two of them like this, Marcia couldn't shake the strange feeling growing inside her. She pulled out her phone to check for any messages from Elijah. The last thing on their chat was a simple "Good night" from both of them. A faint smile curved her lips.She casually snapped a photo of the highway scenery outside the car window and sent it to Elijah.Since it was still early, she hadn't expected an immediate response. But to her surprise, he seemed to have been awake all night—his reply came almost instantly."Already on the road? Are you tired? You should get some rest in the car!"Marcia bit her lip lightly and typed back curiously, "Did you not sleep? I'm not tired. I've been resting at home these past few days.""Hmm, I heard about that. Why are you so lazy and always sleeping?" Elijah chuckled, then added, "Even though I feel bad for you, my love, I'm so happy that I'll see you soon."Seeing him call her lazy, Marcia instinctively glanced at Kevin, who was driving. It h
Ever since that terrible experience, Marcia had developed a subtle aversion to "Calderstones."Elijah had been away for five days now. They spoke on the phone daily—sometimes just exchanging a few words, other times lingering as if they couldn't bear to hang up.The distance seemed to intensify their feelings, making them feel like a couple deeply in love.A call in the early morning. The phone was warm in her hand. Though sadness still lingered in her heart, Marcia felt as if Elijah was slowly healing her, piece by piece.Since her surgery, she had become more sensitive—more reliant on Elijah. She wanted him to return, yet at the same time, she hoped he wouldn't come back too soon. She longed for his embrace but also feared the warmth he brought.Torn between these emotions, her longing for him only grew stronger.Sometimes, as she lay in her empty bed, she couldn't help but imagine what it would be like if he were beside her&md
"He's just a wolf in sheep's clothing," Hayden remarked leisurely, pouring himself a cup of hot water. Watching the steam rise, he smiled faintly and casually asked, "Patricia, did you already know Myron was fine? Otherwise, how could you be in the mood to come out for a meal?"Marcia was momentarily stunned. After a brief silence, she chuckled. "I contacted Eli. Besides, there wasn't much to eat at home. Everyone's had a tough day—it's only right that we treat ourselves to a meal. Why? Do you think there's something wrong with that?"Hayden smirked. "Not at all. Just a funny coincidence." He blew on his cup, took a small sip, and added, "Anyone who didn't know better would think you hadn't been home at all."Shirley shot him a glare. "Hayden, your mindset is all wrong!""Oh?" Hayden raised an eyebrow and turned to look at her.Shirley shook her head dramatically and said with an air of seriousness, "Have you been spending too much time with Demon? You've picked up the nasty habit of
"Did she ask you anything? Or did she want you to do something?" Marcia sat up straight, her tone cold and sharp.Jeff snapped out of his thoughts and replied calmly, "She was curious if you were pregnant. Oh, that reminds me, was she the one at Calderstones that time...?"Before he could finish, he paused, realization dawning on his face. "No wonder!"Marcia stared at him intently. "What did you tell her? Did you take her money? What about Alan? Was he there too?"Jeff shot her a glare. "I'm a doctor. What do you take me for? She's pregnant, and Alan? Oh, you mean that man? No, I didn't see him."Pregnant? A sharp pain struck Marcia's heart. Kate was pregnant again, while she… she had lost her child.Fate was truly laughable. The heavens remained as unfair as ever.Perhaps sensing her hatred too clearly, Jeff coughed lightly and continued, "Alright, stop glaring at me. I'm on your side."Marcia eyed him suspiciously but said nothing.Jeff sighed. "I refused to be her private doctor,