Chris asked the kitchen to prepare meatballs for Kathryn's dinner. Her favorite was beef meatballs with chives and onion, but Chris didn't fancy them as much. So, he requested a steak instead.As Chris reached for his wine glass at the dining table, Kathryn inquired, "My sister is wondering who that man was from six years ago."With a contemplative nod, Chris remarked, "It's important to know, at the very least, who the child's father is."When a woman had no idea who her child's father was, it didn't just affect the child; it left a void in her life. So, uncovering the man's identity was of paramount importance. No matter what it took, she needed to know who the man was."Please discreetly investigate it then," Kathryn asked, her tone cautious. Caution was necessary in this matter. Otherwise, Jessica and Kelly would suffer the brunt of it again.Chris nodded in agreement.After dinner, Chris took Kathryn for a walk.Sunshine Bay was a vast area filled with private villas, a
"Okay, I got it," Kathryn said, nodding.The maid left, leaving Kathryn and Nalia alone in the room.Kathryn asked Nalia, "Does Emily come here often?""Ms. Albert had never set foot in this place," Nalia answered.Kathryn nodded in acknowledgment. It seemed that not only the people from Albert Manor were kept in the dark; Emily might not even know that Chris was the mysterious owner of Sunshine Bay. Emily was not just his sister but also the closest person to him. Yet, he chose to hide this from her, too.Kathryn's heart ached for Chris again. He couldn't even trust the person closest to him. What kind of pain had he endured over the years to suffer alone like this?Without further thought, Kathryn went downstairs in her nightgown. Emily was seated on the sofa downstairs and saw Kathryn wearing her custom nightgown. Her rustic countryside demeanor was nowhere to be seen. As Emily looked at Kathryn, the former felt that the latter had grown more elegant during her time wi
Emily never expected Chris to use such a tone with her.Over the years, Krista had taken on the role of Mrs. Albert, as their mother had been overseas the entire time. Hence, her brother was the only close family member left in the country.Based on how Chris had spoken to her, it was evident that he was siding with Kathryn. Emily struggled to speak as she said, "Let's talk, Chris.""What's there to talk about?" Chris was clearly upset.She didn't say anything. Her intentions were clear—she had purposefully chosen a time when Chris wasn't home to speak with Kathryn.But what did she want with Kathryn?It didn't take long for Chris to piece things together. Despite all the developments, someone still wanted to interfere in his affairs. It seemed that these people couldn't grasp the situation."Let's go to the study," Emily suggested.Emily had witnessed firsthand how protective Chris was of Kathryn. She was hesitant to bring up anything related to her with him. An unmistakable
Emily was sure that Chris was comforting Kathryn, and she was even more convinced about what Kathryn had told Chris.Little did she know that Chris hadn't actually comforted Kathryn. To be more precise, he was shocked by Kathryn's little outburst. He went downstairs and instructed Frank to prepare food for Kathryn. He also asked Nalia to keep her company. All these arrangements took him some time.Emily took a deep breath as she looked at her brother, Chris. "Mom said she will be back in one week.""She's coming back?" Chris scoffed. That statement sounded ridiculous to him.Emily could sense the indifference in Chris' tone. Wasn't he eager for their mother to return?Perplexed, Emily looked at Chris. "I don't understand, Chris.""Ask her not to come back. Everything is a mess now," Chris responded. "We're in the final stages. I'm sure Krista has no ammunition left to retaliate against us."The topic of their mother's return would have been awkward to broach in the past.Kr
Chris noticed the shock on Emily's face and snorted, "Emily, never try to play tricks behind my back again. Or else …"Or else?Chris' tone had never been this threatening before. Emily might be his sister, but she was equally terrified by the level of threat. "Chris, you …""You know what I hate the most," Chris added. What did he hate most?He hated anyone who tried to manipulate him. But she hadn't intended to. She had been doing it for his own good. Emily's lips moved as if she were about to say something, yet no words emerged from her mouth as she met with Chris' cold gaze. Chris heaved a sigh. "Just go back, will you?""Mom will never agree to this. She reacted poorly toward Kathryn on the phone and insisted she had to leave," Emily stated."Enough!" Chris roared, his stern gaze fixed firmly on Emily. Emily was left speechless. She couldn't utter a single word as he continued to stare her down. One thing was certain—Chris' feelings for Kathryn were real. Eve
Tally couldn't believe how things had turned out.Upon her arrival in Harborlean, she received a call summoning her to the office. Everything seemed to be happening before the marriage had even started or ended.Chelsea was already at the office when Tally arrived. Tally scratched her head and complained, "Didn't we sign the contract already? Why do I need to work overtime?"The client had almost slipped through her finger previously. But hadn't she resolved that matter?Tally felt exasperated as she recollected how anxious she had recently been at work. Chelsea handed Tally a stack of client information. "This is a new client. He's leaving overseas tomorrow, so you need to complete it today."Tally stared at the pile of information thrust into her hands, her anger rising. "The sales department is so big. Why does it have to be me?" complained Tally. "Mr. Markus personally asked for you!"Tally scoffed inwardly at the mention of Markus Hunt.Now that both the Hunt brother
Tally and Markus were the only ones remaining in the office. There was no change in the expression on Markus' face. His cold demeanor had managed to extinguish half of Tally's earlier burning rage. As she thought about Markus' temper, fear filled her heart.She took a deep breath and muttered meekly, "I've been working overtime for most of this week. I'll collapse from exhaustion if this continues."Tally didn't dare to cross someone as menacing as Markus. "I'm sure your body is as strong as your capabilities," Markus replied.Tally didn't understand. Capable? How were her capabilities related to the strength of her body? She was confused. She stared blankly at Markus. "Even if it's strong, it will deteriorate, won't it?"Markus was silent."I take pride in maintaining my physical health. Plus, I'm only here to boost your sales, not to work as a regular employee."She was right. All she had to do was achieve 100 million in sales. She didn't owe him her life!However, he
"If you don't want to be in a bind, there is another way," said MarkusTally was left speechless. Was there a way to compromise? The notion Markus raised had an immediate invigorating effect on her. "Tell me more.""Completely sever ties with Victor."Tally was taken aback. How was this a compromise? Any glimmer of hope in her eyes was immediately extinguished.She grabbed her file. "I'll get started on working overtime."What kind of choice was that? Markus was essentially asking her to throw herself into the lion's den.Markus' expression darkened as he cursed Tally under his breath.As she walked toward the door, Markus spoke softly, "I'm doing this for your good.""Thanks, but no thanks!"For her own good? It felt more like he was throwing her to the wolves.She had been the one to initiate things with Victor, and now that the crisis at Albert Group had been resolved, was she expected to cancel her agreement and end the engagement?Everyone in Harborlean knew the Gle