"If it's within your power..."Serena nearly blurted out a request but swallowed her words at the last moment. She reminded herself to remain composed.So instead, she deftly shifted the conversation to inquire about Granny Qin's health."I have not had the chance to visit her since I returned to the country. In a few days, I’d like to pay her a visit, if that’s alright with you?"Oliver frowned, rejecting her proposal."Let’s wait a little longer. I'm concerned it might affect Granny’s health."The smile on Serena's lips faded slightly, yet another setback. For reasons she couldn't fathom, it seemed Granny Qin wasn't fond of her. Though treated with the respect due to Oliver's savior, it was always with an excessive formality. To Lillian, however, Granny was warm as to a blood granddaughter, which once rankled Serena deeply.Ultimately, Serena nodded obediently."Alright, I’ll listen to you."After all, it was only a matter of days before she wouldn't need to rush.—Lillian's annual
Finally, under Lillian's composed gaze, Yolanda sat back down, though inside she seethed, biting her lip in fury. "Lillian, did you not hear their words? It’s outrageous, I want to tear their mouths apart."Lillian inquired methodically, "And then what? Start a commotion over a few remarks, and have everyone say that not only was I relegated to the cafeteria, but I also got into a brawl over some pointed jabs?"Yolanda's delicate brow furrowed. "That’s not what I meant, Lillian.""I'm well aware that's not what you intended. But do you really think confronting them would make a difference? No matter how you respond, you can't control what others say."Yolanda bit her lip harder. "I can’t just stand by while they slander you like this!"Her indignation on Lillian's behalf was touching. Lillian hadn't expected her usually timid assistant to show such obstinate loyalty.With a sigh, Lillian conceded, "Actually, it's not all slander."Yolanda's eyes widened in disbelief. "What are you say
Serena was taken aback by the question. She had indeed hinted at her wishes, but whether Oliver pretended not to understand or genuinely didn’t, he never agreed. And Serena couldn't be too blunt, for fear of being labeled promiscuous. So, she had no choice but to swallow the bitter pill.Lillian quirked an eyebrow at Serena's silent, ashen countenance. "Or is it that you can't get him to leave, so you come to bother me instead?"At this, Serena looked up, her eyes flashing with displeasure. Lillian, however, met her gaze confidently."Am I wrong? You don’t have to do these unnecessary things, you know. Despite your dislike for me, you still bring me food. Are you trying to prove your magnanimity in front of him? Save your efforts. If your beloved would fall out of love over something so trivial, you might as well find a new one."Lillian's words cut to the heart of Serena's intentions, causing her fists to clench at her sides, the urge to lash out at Lillian nearly overwhelming.Lilli
Nolan lingered for quite a while in Lillian's office before taking his leave. As fate would have it, his exit coincided with Oliver and Serena’s approach. The sight of him tightened Oliver's gaze instantaneously, a chilly aura enveloping his demeanor.Accompanying Oliver, Serena instantly picked up on the tension. With a contemplative look towards Nolan, who was just leaving Lillian’s office, she mused aloud, “Mr. Jiang seems to be on rather good terms with Lillian. Weren’t they out dining together just the other day?”Oliver’s brow furrowed, his lips pressed into a thin line, answering her with silence. But Serena, feigning ignorance of his mood, carried on, “When I think about it, he's quite considerate towards Lillian. After the Shen family’s downfall, everyone avoided her, yet he joined the company alongside her and still keeps in touch. I used to hear rumors about her father grooming Mr. Jiang as a prospective son-in-law—I thought they were just jokes.”Serena paused there, choos
Jealous? Oliver's composure wavered, and he touched the crimson mark by her lips. His voice was deep and rough, a touch of hoarseness making it unexpectedly alluring. “Even if I were jealous, so what? Don’t forget, in the eyes of the law, you are my wife.”His breath was hot against Lillian’s face, his lips inching closer as their breaths mingled. Lillian, mere moments from their lips touching, countered, “So what if I am legally your wife? Are you entitled to be jealous?”Oliver stilled.Lillian smiled, her voice laced with mockery, “Or to put it another way, if you’re jealous over me, where does that leave Serena?”The sudden intrusion of a third party quenched the flame of desire in Oliver’s eyes. His gaze chilled considerably, taken aback by the mention of Serena.“Why bring her up?” Oliver’s voice was a mix of surprise and irritation.Lillian replied with a pointed tone, “Why not? Why mention Nolan then?”A tense silence fell between them, and finally, Oliver released her wrist a
Despite being declined just yesterday, Serena came again today, insistent on delivering a meal, her feigned kindness causing Lillian to stifle a laugh. Lillian, too disinterested to expose her act, wasn't even up for acknowledging her."Lillian, you've been quite ill, you must be feeling weak. I've even simmered chicken soup especially for you today. Won't you have some?" Serena insisted.Lillian, resting her chin on her hand, observed Serena with a calm amusement. No other souls were present, yet Serena maintained her charade. Lillian set aside her pen and faced her directly. "Doesn't this act tire you?"Lillian's question was about Serena's pretense, but Serena seemed to miss the point and shifted the conversation. "There's a certain bliss in cooking for someone you care about, to watch them enjoy the meal. How could I ever find that tiring?"She added with a sting, "Lillian, when you find someone who likes you as much as you like them, you'll understand my feelings. You too would b
Serena emerged from Lillian's office with a complexion turning sour beyond measure, her hands trembling slightly by her dress hem. She had never expected such mockery from a mere assistant. Although she refrained from lashing out there and then, the affront was something Serena felt she couldn't just swallow.Upon returning to her own office, Serena immediately vented about the incident, her voice devoid of resentment, secretly hoping for Oliver's sympathy. However, after her recount, Oliver remained silent for what felt like an eternity."Oliver?" Serena queried, puzzled by his lack of response, only to notice his distant gaze fixed on his laptop, seemingly lost in thought.With no choice but to call his name a couple more times, Oliver finally snapped back to reality, frowning slightly, "You're back."Serena's heart sank. How long had she been back? Had he not heard a word she said?"Uh, yes. I've been back a while. I was talking to you, but you didn't respond," she managed to say w
“Or is it that you lack confidence in him?” Lillian's lips curved into a faint smile, “Given my current predicament, I'm not worried. What's troubling you?”Seeing her still standing there, unmoved, Lillian pressed on, “Relax. In a few days, Grandma will have her surgery. Just hold on a little longer, and soon you'll have your wish. As soon as her operation is a success, I'll leave this place and not return for five years.”Serena gradually regained her composure with Lillian’s reminder. Indeed, it was just a matter of days before it would all be over, the farce between her and Oliver included. Then, she wouldn't have to tiptoe around as she did now."Fine, I'll take your word for it for now and hope you'll stick to it when the time comes."After Serena's departure, the room fell silent. Lillian's gaze dropped to her abdomen, her hand lightly caressing it."Baby, let's pray together for everything to go smoothly. Soon, I'll take you abroad to live. Your grandfather is there, and he wi