Anna was complimented with peach blossoms, “When I was young, my parents educated my big brother and me that no one is guaranteed a lifetime of great wealth and prosperity and that we have to prepare for a hard life. A lot of things are done by our own hands, I also know how to do handicrafts. I will embroider a flower decoration on your tie someday.”The man’s tie is something that can only be touched by his beloved. Anna is observing the attitude of Calvin.“Calvin said, “Okay.”Anna’s heart snapped, “How is it? Is it good?”“Not bad,” Calvin gestured to Kevin, “Anna specially made the dish. Count yourself lucky today, come over and try it.”Kevin was stunned, “I…”Calvin said, “Didn’t you skip lunch too?”The president gave an order, but Kevin didn’t dare to disobey. He smiled slightly at Anna, “Miss Blake…”Anna generously said, “Please sit! There are too many dishes and we two can’t able to finish it. What’s more, it’s not good to waste food. So, please come and eat.”Kevin was l
Adriana was now down and out, but back then, she had been twenty-three years old and at the peak of her life. From childhood to adulthood, she had been raised as a princess, her personality steeped in arrogance. Since the age of three, she had received an elite education, learning self-esteem, self-love, and self-improvement. No one had ever taught her how to please others. So now, even though she was at the mercy of others at every turn, she could not abandon the pride embedded in her bones.Calvin sneered. “Far away in the United Kingdom, your parents live precariously, waiting for you to return and earn money for their old age. And what are you doing? Can you eat your dignity? For Miss Clarke, half a million dollars is a mere trifle—the cost of a bag. But for Lawyer Clarke, it’s a year’s worth of food for the family. So, dignity or survival—think carefully before you speak.”Adriana's breathing grew heavy and labored.All pride comes at a high price.Calvin tore away the protective
She was gambling!All roads lead to Rome. Who doesn’t want a piece of Rome?As soon as Calvin tightened his grip on the back of her head, he pressed her delicate face against the glass, forcing her to look at the world outside the window. “You complain about your family’s decline. Why don’t you spend some time thinking about how to build a new city-state on the ruins? Living in the past and feeling sorry for yourself will deprive you of even this pitiful capital in your hands.”Wow!Adriana lifted her leg and kicked Calvin down. She herself was stunned by the angle—how did she even do it?No matter what, she finally shook off Calvin’s grip. “What qualifications do you have to educate me? You have no idea what I’ve been through, what my parents have been through! Have you ever cared about me? Have you ever asked me about my past? Have you ever had the slightest hint of wanting to understand me?”Adriana looked at the man whose face was darkened by the kick to his leg and moved a little
The moment Adriana grabbed the door and walked out, Calvin was filled with irritation. He wanted to yank her back, kick the glass window, and throw her out.He wanted to ask Adriana, if he hadn’t have enough patience and tolerance towards her. In the past, her family had exploited his connections and taken away so much money. His so-called father-in-law and great-uncle had borrowed his reputation everywhere to pull loans and seek recourse. Calvin thought, if he ever faced Adriana again, he should split her head with a knife, forcing her to take responsibility for her father's debts.Several times, Calvin suspected he was not acting of his own free will but was manipulated by Adriana. Yet, despite his anger, he surprisingly never laid a cruel hand on her. When she yelled and screamed, her words carried an undertone of pride that irked him to his core.This woman made him so angry that his teeth itched with frustration.(Some people use all their stre
She has this in her heart, and that’s enough. Even if it’s just to spit out some harsh words, where can she really fight with people? Even though she went to fight with him, it was as if hitting a stone with an egg.“The man who hurt me will have to be dealt with sooner or later, but he can’t be so adventurous as to fall on his sword instead.”Eria glared. “Adria, you say you… are so tolerant. Who wouldn’t be heartbroken?”Adriana smiled bitterly, “However, I’m kind of at the end of this lawsuit. Ridiculous, right? I’ve spent so much time thinking I could make a buck.”She had thought that she had practiced enough to be mature and stable. However, as soon as she was involved with Calvin, she was out of control, and cranky for no reason.Eria, so windy and fiery, made Adriana both cry and laugh, almost to the point of tears.“Adria, don’t be afraid. We
Eria held Adriana’s hand as the two of them walked out of the mall, their high heels clicking against the tiled floor. “Hermès or Chanel, which one should we go for?” Eria asked.“Buying this or that, they’re practically the same models. It’s no fun,” Adriana replied. “Why don’t we check out some niche designer brands? Their styles and originality are less likely to clash with others.”A single outfit from Chanel cost more than ten thousand dollars, and Adriana didn’t want to spend Eria’s money so frivolously.Eria tugged her toward a store. “Can a niche brand even compare to a top one? Besides, you’re a lawyer. Who would take you seriously if you’re wearing something from a no-name brand?”Adriana resisted. “You just told me I look beautiful no matter what I wear. And now you want me to rely on clothes to make an impression? My dear Snow, can you
Calvin’s expression remained neutral as his sharp gaze rested on Adriana. She wasn’t the soft, gentle woman he remembered; now, she radiated defiance. “Adriana, watch your tone,” he said evenly.Adriana’s heart ached at the subtle rebuke.Anna, emboldened, snuggled closer to Calvin. “It’s okay, I won’t stoop to her level. But these clothes are so uncomfortable. Calvin, let’s keep shopping, just the two of us?”She had worked hard for this rare alone time with Calvin and wouldn’t let Adriana ruin it.Adriana also didn’t want to see them loitering in front of her, so before Calvin could open his mouth, she said, “The two of you, please go ahead! I will take my leave first! Bye!”As Calvin looked her leaving figure in the the glass wall of the store, for no reason at all, he felt a little empty inside.“Calvin?”Interrupted in his thoughts by
“Shit! How dare you accuse me?” Eria yelled, caught red-handed. She lashed out, tearing and slapping. The girl in front of her turned into a cowering weakling in the blink of an eye.Eria’s movements were so fast and urgent that Adriana didn’t have time to stop her. By now, they were surrounded by onlookers, and countless cell phones were recording the scene. At that moment, a thought flashed across Adriana’s mind: “We’re doomed!”The three of them were taken to the police station to give their statements. The girl, beaten beyond recognition, sat crying in a corner.Eria’s body had no visible injuries, which gave her an edge. However, the situation was far from ideal. Despite Adriana’s testimony that the other girl had started the fight, the police were not inclined to listen. Swearing and verbal provocation, after all, cannot be used as concrete evidence in court.The girl covered her scratched face, sobbing, “I’ll make sure you end up in jail!”Eria scoffed, “Who’s afraid of you?”I
Calvin spoke out in shock. Adriana was afraid he would say something else, so she hurriedly advised, “Calvin, let’s just come together and part peacefully. At least let’s leave each other with some dignity. Let’s not make a mess of things until there’s nothing left.”There was a warning in her eyes, and her stance made it clear she was drawing a line with him.Calvin cooperated by lowering his head slightly, and likewise lowered his voice, whispering, “Do you like that playboy so much? Do you even know what kind of person Carson really is?”Adriana glanced at Carson out of the corner of her eye. He appeared calm and composed, not at all embarrassed by being left out, standing there like a clear stream.“What kind of person he is — time will tell,” she replied. “I’ll also keep my eyes wide open to see it for myself. Instead of listening to your version, I’d rather experience it firsthand.”Calvin was thoroughly exasperated by her. “It seems you’re determined to go against me.”“Calvin,
New York is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the country and has been ranked as a highly livable place for several years in a row. Facing the sea and stretching northward, its late spring and early summer evenings are filled with a gentle breeze and bustling traffic—a perfect blend of vibrant life and the relentless struggles of young dreamers.Strolling through the college campus, where students gathered in groups, one could see couples walking arm in arm, hear playful bickering, and catch fleeting glimpses of youthful romance. It was enough to rekindle even the most faded sparks of sentiment.Carson pulled a cigarette case and lighter from his trouser pocket, but just as he was about to light one, he hesitated and put them back. “There’s an observation deck nearby. Want to check it out?”Adriana refused without hesitation. She wasn’t here for a date. Why would she follow the same route as young lovers?“I’m not going.”Carson glanced at a couple embracing in front of the
Looking at the smelly rice noodles bubbling on the table, Adriana wrinkled her eyebrows into two tight knots. “This is refreshing?”Carson, his long fingers stirring the noodles and auxiliary ingredients in the large bowl, looked completely at ease—clearly, he had eaten this many times before. “These rice noodles are made from the shop owner’s authentic recipe. Only his family knows it. Have a try!”Adriana’s expression darkened as she pushed her bowl away. “Deputy Director Carson, you should eat more.”She found it hard to believe that someone like Carson, born with a silver spoon in his mouth, would be good at this.Actually, it was more than just being grounded—it was practically underground.Carson noticed her reluctance and frowned. “Didn’t you used to love this?”Adriana hesitated. “Before? How do you know what I used to eat?”Had their paths ever crossed? Searching her memory, Adriana couldn’t recall.Carson smirked mysteriously. “Eat three bites, and I’ll tell you.”Back in co
Adriana ignored the message alert and pretended not to see it.At the dinner table, Anderson both explicitly and implicitly mentioned that Calvin’s plan for the night was to attend Karl’s birthday party. He even emphasized, “Our president—when has he ever given anyone such an honor? He rarely attends private parties in a year.”The implication was clear: the relationship between the Walker family and the Blake family was extraordinary.His remark was directed at Adriana, who simply smiled.Anderson might have intended to provoke her, but her lack of response left him disinterested, and he didn’t bring it up again.A house call and a banquet—it seemed that things between Anna and Calvin were progressing well.Pretty good.Drip!The sound of a car horn suddenly interrupted her thoughts. Adriana turned toward the road, and her expression darkened instantly.Carson rolled down the window and leaned out, his elbow resting on the window frame as he smiled at her. “What a coincidence!”At tw
Calvin said, “Whether we are falling out or not, Chairman Blake, there’s no need for you to know too much. I didn’t see Albert.”No one could force a word out of him if he didn’t want to speak.Karl, understanding Calvin’s style, knew better than to press the matter. Truth be told, there was no need to ask—Carson had likely crossed a line that Calvin, who couldn’t tolerate even a speck of sand in his eyes, found unforgivable. Perhaps even Albert himself was not worth seeing in Calvin’s view.This is tricky.Karl kept a smile on his face and said, “Carson—that boy lacks determination. Albert has mentioned many times that… well, never mind. Even raising his own son hasn’t been easy for him. It’s clear that mistakes are inevitable in other areas as well. But let’s not dwell on it.”Despite his lighthearted tone, Karl was struggling internally.With his current cash flow issues, he had planned for Albert to meet Calvin tonight, hoping to reinforce his confidence and secure financial suppo
In the evening, the Grand Empire lawyers dined at Savory Spice Heaven.Adriana kept her thoughts to herself—after all, her last traumatic experience had taken place here, and revisiting the same place felt like an emotional wipeout.As they entered the private dining room, Marshal smiled and said, “Lawyer Clarke, this way, please.”Marshal, holding the highest position, rightfully should have taken the seat across from the door. However, he reached out to invite Adriana instead, even offering her the most honorable chair.Wasn’t that cynicism?Adriana politely declined, took a seat on the left side, and pulled out a chair. “Minister Marshal, you are too polite. You are the host, and I am the guest. Where is the reasoning in competing with the host for a seat?”Lawyer Miller smiled. “Lawyer Clarke, with your relationship with the president, why be so modest? Not to mention just a single seat—this entire restaurant must look up to you!”Adriana didn’t show even a hint of anger. She simp
Carson wasn’t blind, nor was he stupid. The lingering redness at the corner of Adriana’s mouth wasn’t from accidentally scraping it while drinking water.“You left too quickly at lunch. I hadn’t finished what I was saying. Busy now?” he asked.Adriana replied calmly, “Just finished work. I was about to head down.”Carson nodded, finally turning his attention to Calvin, who was practically radiating hostility. “Calvin, I’ll be taking my person with me. I wouldn’t want to disturb your office. See you later.”Calvin’s fingers casually brushed over the corner of his mouth. Then, as if savoring the moment, he deliberately glanced at the faint traces left on Adriana’s lips—his traces.“Miss Clarke, seven o’clock—don’t be late.”Adriana’s head buzzed for a moment. Can’t you phrase it more clearly? Now it sounded like they had some private rendezvous.She quickly corrected him. “Of course, Mr. Calvin. The Grand Empire Legal Department is full of industry elites. I’ll be sure to learn from the
Adriana knocked on the door and entered after receiving Calvin’s permission. “This is—”Before she could finish, Calvin’s landline rang. He gestured for her to come forward while answering the call.“Cancel tomorrow’s appointment with General Manager Park. Is he waiting for my time, or am I waiting for his? Let him think carefully before reaching out again."It seemed like things weren’t going his way over there, and Calvin’s tone was strong.Adriana placed the two documents on her left and right and waited with her head lowered.Calvin answered three calls in a row. Ten minutes passed before he finally freed himself. “What’s this?”“This one is paperwork, and this one is a document the secretary asked me to bring in,” Adriana replied.Calvin wasn’t sure he had heard her correctly. “The secretary told you to bring it in?”“She had an emergency and had to meet someone in the parlor. I just happened to be delivering something to you, so she asked me to bring this along.”Calvin leaned b
The deeper meaning was self-evident—she had been discarded in the divorce, yet now she was being specially invited to participate in an important case for the company.Marshal could see this implication, and the others weren’t foolish either. Sensing the situation, they quickly followed suit, laughing and saying:“Thanks to the president’s appreciation, today’s hardest-working person is Lawyer Clarke. She wrote the entire draft, and it took a great deal of effort.”“Lawyer Clarke is meticulous in her work—a role model for us all.”“Despite her age, Lawyer Clarke considers issues with remarkable depth and a fresh perspective.”Adriana didn’t feel pleased. Instead, she felt immense pressure.These people were experts at reading the room. The moment they sensed Calvin’s attitude toward her, they immediately started singing her praises.She kept her expression neutral and replied modestly, “Compared to all of you, I’m still a novice. I’m grateful that you seniors are willing to guide me d