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
"Hi, what a coincidence!" Nicole greeted the three of them with a smile.Kevin, who didn't seem to know Calvin, whistled lightly and chuckled. "Got yourself a new boyfriend?"For the first time, Nicole blushed at his words but didn't deny it. Kevin almost dropped his jaw in shock, tempted to call Hayden to confirm whether Nicole was possessed by a ghost!Marcia watched Nicole's reaction, a thought crossing her mind.Could Nicole actually like Calvin? But how did they even meet? One had been living in the U.S., and the other had always stayed in the country.Elijah extended his hand toward Calvin. "When did you get back?"Calvin glanced at Marcia, his eyes lingering on the arm she was tightly clutching around Elijah. "Oh, just yesterday."Marcia felt a strange guilt creeping in. She instinctively withdrew her hand, only to catch Elijah giving her a glance that was neither heavy nor light, leaving her unsure how to respond.Calvi
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