Ever since the day she deleted that text message from Oliver's phone, Serena had been on edge.She guessed Lillian must lack the courage to tell Oliver the news face-to-face since she had resorted to texting. But Serena couldn't ease her mind and decided to invite Oliver out.However, he had to work late and couldn't make it. Nevertheless, Serena stuck by his side at the office and then dragged him to a gathering with friends. He ended up drinking too much and passed out.During that time, she even called Lillian, who hung up in a flustered state. This secretly delighted Serena.Lillian's reaction indicated her growing despondence. Serena only needed to leak that Oliver wanted the abortion and that she, Serena, was willing to compensate. Surely, Lillian would then abandon any foolish hopes.But Serena couldn't broach the topic herself; if Oliver ever found out, he might blame her. So, she carelessly mentioned it to a friend, enlisting their help.To her surprise, Lillian didn't show u
Here we go again.That same sentence structure.Lillian once thought Serena to be exceptionally gentle and likable, for she always appeared generous and appropriate in public.But since returning home, Serena had used this kind of talk twice. Last time it was Oliver, now the household staff.On the surface, it seemed like gratitude, but it was actually a declaration of ownership.Ownership that Serena didn't truly possess.If before, her relationship with Oliver could be labeled as boyfriend and girlfriend, then her words might seem reasonable.But they weren't, and Lillian couldn't grasp the stance Serena was taking now.Moreover, had they been a couple, Lillian would never have agreed to a sham marriage with Oliver, no matter how much she adored him.Nevertheless, Serena had helped her in the past.So, Lillian could only purse her lips and swallow the discomfort, eventually pushing it back down. She offered a shallow smile and said nothing.Lillian's lack of discomfort and non-react
Evidently, Serena was unnerved by the rejection of her money. Since her return, she had noticed Oliver's delicate behavior around Lillian. If he were to discover Lillian's pregnancy, Serena couldn't be certain of his response. Her intuition warned her that Oliver wouldn't easily let go if he learned the truth.Facing Lillian, Serena could only muster a strained smile. "Lillian, are you worried what others might think? There's no need. This money is my own, known to no one else. I am genuinely concerned about you, especially given your current situation...""Miss Serena," Lillian sighed softly, "Thank you for your concern. Though my family has fallen, I've strived these past years. Maybe not lavish, but sufficient for myself and..." She paused, a faint smile curving her lips, "it's not a problem. Besides, you've helped me enough already; I can't continue taking your money.""It's alright, I'm giving it willingly.""Miss Serena, I really can't."Lillian returned the envelope to Serena a
Her words struck him like a blow, leaving Oliver speechless for a long time. When he finally regained his senses, he saw Lillian's eyes filled with mockery and pain. Before he could look closer, she lowered her head and resumed packing with an urgency that hadn't been there before. Clothes were no longer folded neatly but crumpled together hastily and stuffed into her suitcase.As she turned, Oliver's icy voice came from above and his grip tightened around her delicate wrist. "Why move out today? Are you so eager?"His tone was laced with sarcasm. "Let me guess the reason for your haste—is it because of the lunch you had today with your dear Nolan?"Lillian jerked her head up in disbelief. "You have no right to mock me! You know exactly what my relationship with Nolan is!"She struggled to free her hand, but Oliver's grip was unyielding, clutching her even tighter as she attempted to pull away.His mouth was set in a straight, displeased line. "What? Am I wrong? If he's not the reason
Oliver dragged two of his buddies out for drinks.He was drinking fiercely, treating the alcohol as if it were mere water.Ji Qingbei and Gu Yanxi watched on the side, both feeling a sense of alarm."Should we stop him?"Ji Qingbei gestured with his eyes towards Gu Yanxi.Hearing this, Gu Yanxi shrugged helplessly."Do you think I have the ability to persuade him?"Ji Qingbei pursed his lips with a grave expression: "He's already had a lot. If he keeps this up, it's not going to be good for his health."Gu Yanxi nodded in agreement."Yeah."The next second, both moved forward in silent consensus to intervene."That's enough, Oliver. Stop drinking.""Even if you're trying to drown your sorrows, you've had enough. Once the alcohol evaporates a bit, you'll be out cold."While they verbally tried to stop him, they didn't dare to physically intervene.Hearing them, Oliver let out a scoff, not bothering to reply. He had enough for the night, his eyes were red, and there was a heavy air of a
At that moment, Lillian had already changed into her pajamas, ready to lie down for the night. No matter how upset she felt, she couldn't let it disrupt her normal routine. If she truly decided to keep the child, she knew she might have a tough battle ahead. Thus, she needed to be constantly rejuvenated and prepared. Even if sleep eluded her, she had to lie in bed and rest.Unexpectedly, her phone rang at this hour, and to her surprise, it was Oliver calling. The sight of his name on the screen brought a complex swirl of emotions. After their rigid confrontation earlier and his abrupt departure, Lillian had assumed he went to seek solace with Serena. Yet here he was, calling her.Tempted to answer, then considering the call he had Serena make earlier, she almost didn't want to. But as the phone continued to ring, she finally relented, only to hear an unfamiliar male voice on the line.After a few seconds of internal conflict, Lillian resigned herself to change out of her sleepwear and
Gu Yanxi immediately nodded in agreement."You're right; he can't be left unattended in this state. So, where shall we...""Let's take him to my place," Ji Qingbei interjected suddenly, his voice steady and deep. "As you both heard, he called out my name. If I don't keep my promise, he might come looking for trouble once he's sober."Ji Qingbei had been an old friend of Oliver's for many years, even before Gu Yanxi and Serena came into the picture.His temperament was always composed, speaking little and wasting no words. But when he did speak, it was difficult to refuse him.Just like now.Serena observed Ji Qingbei with his calm demeanor. For reasons she couldn't fathom, she felt as though this Ji Qingbei wasn't too fond of her.But he was a good friend of Oliver's.Maybe it was just her imagination.Gu Yanxi, on the other hand, seemed a bit lost for words as he spoke up for Serena."Oliver's drunk out of his mind; he probably won't even remember what he's said by morning. Ji, why t
"What do you think?" Ji Qingbei countered with a question of his own.Their gazes locked in mid-air, and after a beat, Ji Qingbei added, "What's wrong? Disappointed she didn't come?"The 'she' they referred to was clear to both.Silence lingered for a moment before Oliver scoffed, "Disappointed? About what? Doesn't matter to me whether she shows up or not.""Oh," Ji Qingbei raised an eyebrow, "since you don't care, I won't say anything else."And with that, he remained silent.Oliver's brows knitted tightly together, his gaze on Ji Qingbei filled with annoyance."Why play coy? If you know something, just spit it out.""I'm playing coy?" Ji Qingbei feigned surprise, "I thought you didn't want to know, fearing it would annoy you. So I said nothing. But do you really want to know?"Oliver's response was an irritated silence.Damn it, why did he even know someone like Ji Qingbei?Oliver was too exasperated to c