A little while later, in the secretary's office.Ding ding...Marcia glanced at her computer screen, noticing a notification in the lower-right corner. It was from a discussion group Booth had created long ago, consisting of five members.Clicking the flashing icon, Marcia saw Wendy's startled message:"Attention, everyone! Winter Is Coming!""What do you mean? What are you talking about?""Don't you mean... Nicole Winter has come to the company, do you?"The group chat exploded at that suggestion.Reading the flurry of messages, Marcia instinctively looked toward the office entrance.Sure enough, Nicole appeared, wearing a military-green jumpsuit and high heels that clicked with authority as she strode forward.Seeing Marcia glance up, Nicole raised an eyebrow and asked, "Where's Eli?"Marcia stood and offered her a polite smile. "The boss is inside. Let me go...""You dare say 'go inform him'? Be careful, or I might spill a certain secret," Nicole said, crossing her arms and pouting
The moment Kevin finished speaking, Elijah seemed to snap out of his thoughts and strode toward Marcia.Nicole, holding onto Marcia with a worried expression, quickly tried to explain, "Eli, she… she didn't mean to! She accidentally bumped into it. She didn't even see the pen fall. It was an accident!"Despite Nicole's frantic and jumbled explanation, a flicker of barely perceptible anger flashed in Elijah's dark eyes.Marcia, filled with unease, felt her heart sink. That pen must be important to him! Hurriedly, she squatted down to pick it up, but before she could, Elijah was already standing in front of her.She opened her mouth to apologize. "I'm sorry, I… I didn't mean to…" But no matter how much she apologized, it wouldn't fix the damage. The pen cap was nowhere to be found, and the nib had been crushed under her foot.Holding the broken pen in her hand, Marcia's guilt deepened. If Elijah lashed out at her, it would only be fair.Even Kevin thought Elijah would lose his temper, b
The next day, Marcia sat in her office, resting her chin in her hand, staring at the tightly closed door of Elijah's office.She couldn't help but wonder if he was feeling as weak in the legs and sore in the back as she was. The thought made her face uncontrollably flush."Patricia! The manager is asking for you!" Booth's loud voice startled her as his oversized features suddenly appeared in front of her."You walk so quietly! You scared me half to death!" Marcia clutched her chest, still shaken.Booth grinned mischievously and winked. "Your face is glowing. Were you thinking about a man?""Don't talk nonsense! Kevin's looking for me?" Marcia quickly stood up—damn it, her legs were weak! She glanced at Booth nervously, trying to compose herself. "Let's go. Don't keep him waiting!"Booth chuckled and nodded enthusiastically as they walked out side by side."Booth, what's up with you?" Marcia paused halfway, unable to ignore the unnerving glee on his face.Booth's expression grew sheepi
Lunchtime."What are you staring at me for?" Elijah frowned, looking at Marcia, who had been staring at him the whole time.Marcia shook her head. "Nothing."She then looked down, finished the last bit of salad, put her fork down, and smiled at him. "I'm done."Elijah gave her a satisfied glance. "Don't rush. Drink some more soup."Sometimes, Marcia couldn't help but wonder if Elijah thought of her as a pet—though not a cat or a dog, more like a pig!"I can't eat anymore," Marcia said, pointing to her round stomach, looking at him with a hint of pleading. "I already had pasta, and I finished the salad.""You're too thin," Elijah said, as he slowly sipped his soup, a disturbing, almost eerie way of drinking. He gently blew on the spoon, letting his lips touch the surface before swallowing the soup in one go, all the while staring at her unblinkingly. It wasn't concern—it felt more like a threat.The feeling was unbearable!Marcia shook her head quickly. "I've gained 5, no, 10 pounds!"
That EveningHilton Hotel BallroomAlan, dressed in a sleek charcoal-gray suit, stood tall, exuding a gentle, refined demeanor.At his side was Kate, wearing a low-cut white fitted dress, showcasing her curves. With her exquisite makeup and seductive gaze, she caught the attention of many of the men present."Alan, your wife is truly beautiful! No wonder you keep her hidden from public gatherings," a man leered, eyeing Kate's pale cleavage as he raised his glass to Alan in discontent.Alan shook his head with a light chuckle. "My wife is perfect in every way, but she's just too shy. I had to beg her for quite a while before she'd agree to join me tonight."Kate, playfully embarrassed, hid in Alan's arms, laughing softly. "Stop teasing me."They made for a picture-perfect couple, radiating love and harmony."Look at Alan, just a few days ago caught with a mistress, and today he's here with his wife. Quite the actor, huh?""Yeah, and his wife is no saint either. That dress is so reveali
"Alan, sorry we're late!" Kevin smiled at Alan and then turned his gaze to the woman beside him. "This must be your wife? She's absolutely charming!"Kate forced a smile and replied, "You're too kind.""Hey, who's that woman over there? I've never seen her before!""Yeah, and that man beside her is quite handsome!""I thought Alan's wife was pretty, but now that I see her next to this woman, she doesn't stand out at all!"Hearing the whispers from all around, Kate couldn't help but grip Alan's arm tighter. When it came to looks, she'd never been outshone! These women were just jealous of her beauty!"Ha, it's great to see you, madam!" Alan smoothly pulled away from Kate and extended his hand toward Marcia.Marcia glanced at him indifferently, then offered a brief handshake, "Sorry for keeping you waiting."Before Alan could even register the delicate touch, Marcia had already linked her arm with Kevin's. Alan felt a pang of disappointment but laughed nonetheless. "Madam, it's an honor
"Kevin, let go of him!" Marcia stood before Alan, her lips curling slightly in a cold smile. "My personal matters are no one else's business," she said, her tone detached as she took a step forward.Her gaze swept the room, and she spoke slowly, emphasizing each word. "If something is a secret, there's no need to announce it publicly. This is basic common sense, Alan, though it seems you don't understand it."Her words caused several people in the room to smile. This woman wasn't even subtly calling Alan a fool for being ignorant.Alan, pretending not to catch her meaning, forced a smile. "You misunderstood me. It was just a joke. Let's not bring up such dull topics anymore! Tonight is about celebrating our cooperation with Azure, so let's not stand on ceremony. Everyone, let's raise a glass!"Kate quickly added, "Alan, what are you talking about? You always talk nonsense when you've had a drink! Um, Patricia, Kevin, I apologize on Alan's behalf!"She raised her glass and took a large
Elijah's words made everyone swallow hard, a hint of regret flashing in their minds.If they had known, they wouldn't have indulged in gossip. Fortunately, none of them had said anything too harsh, because from the look on Elijah's face, it was clear they would have regretted it!"Is she really his wife?" someone whispered.Elijah smiled coolly. "It seems everyone is quite interested in my marriage, so I'll be upfront. The beautiful lady by my side is my legal wife. She's always been low-key and doesn't like to make it public, and I respect that. But it seems that some people have revealed it."His indifferent gaze swept over Alan, causing Alan to freeze in place. He forced a smile. "I..."But Elijah turned away, slightly tilting his body. His gaze was full of tenderness as he looked at Marcia. He spoke softly, "I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce my wife, Patricia Roberts. I first met her two years ago when she joined my company as my secretary, and I fell in love with her
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,