After seeing Grandma Qin comfortably settled in, Serena looked at Lillian and said, “Thank you.”Throughout the day, she had been seizing every chance to ingratiate herself with Grandma Qin. Lillian had the opportunity and the means to intervene, but she didn't.“I misjudged you before. I thought you were not a person of your word. Sorry.”With Grandma Qin’s sudden collapse and the surgery postponed, Serena had been skeptical. Her first thought upon hearing the news was one of disbelief. Why would a perfectly healthy person suddenly faint? She darkly suspected that Lillian might have confided in the old lady about her pregnancy and Serena's involvement, and the old lady had conspired with her to delay the surgery.That was her initial thought.Serena knew she tended to think the worst of people, a trait known only to herself. But at present, it seemed Grandma Qin was oblivious to it all.And Lillian hadn’t stopped her from getting close to Grandma Qin and playing the good Samaritan. H
Oliver?What was he doing here???Lillian nearly let out a scream.Wasn't he supposed to be handling work? Why was he here in the study, and so silently at that? She hadn’t heard a peep when she came in.Had she just… mentioned the baby?And Oliver had come in at that very moment. Had he caught that critical word? Or...Lillian's face turned as pale as snow, her heart racing as she looked at Oliver, lips pressed tightly in a feigned calmness.Oliver hadn’t expected her to be in the study either.Seeing her ghost-like expression, his brows knit together slightly. She’d been jumpy lately, as if she was hiding something from him.He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, his sharp gaze falling upon Lillian's pale face."Who were you talking to just now?"Lillian faltered.Did his question mean Oliver hadn’t clearly heard what she was saying?But she couldn’t be sure. What if he had heard and was now probing her?With this thought, Lillian regained some composure and whispered, "Why are y
Lillian's words tumbled out incessantly, each phrase spoken so assertively that Oliver found himself at a loss for counterarguments.He had witnessed Lillian's verbal prowess firsthand. Initially, when he took her for business negotiations, her inexperienced nerves were evident due to her young age. But as her experience grew, so did her confidence, and she began commanding the room with ease, her logic and reasoning sharp and clear.Just like now, she was deploying the same tactics against him.And Oliver found himself speechlessly outmaneuvered.Serena indeed had visited, and she had worn Lillian’s clothes.Seeing him speechless, Lillian's lips curled into a mocking smile. "What’s the matter? Lost for words? Oliver, imagine if I brought another man home and let him wear your clothes."Oliver was dumbfounded.Just hearing Lillian voice the idea was intolerable to him, let alone...With him at a loss for words, Lillian seized the moment to push past him, notebook in hand, and leave.O
Uncle Yan's words held significant weight.Lillian felt a sudden self-consciousness. Could he have deduced something from her change in eating habits?Uncle Yan, noticing Lillian's bewildered expression and her hands nervously rubbing together, smiled earnestly."Madam, since you've suddenly changed your tastes, I thought I’d make some adjustments based on your preferences. Is there any problem?"A sudden change in tastes...Such a statement might raise suspicions if overheard by others.Lillian pursed her lips, looking serious, and spoke softly, "Uncle Yan, where have I drastically changed my tastes? I just had a few extra treats this morning."Uncle Yan looked confounded, scratching the back of his head. He actually agreed with her. She had only had a few more sweets than usual, so why did he think her tastes had changed?At that realization, Uncle Yan felt a touch embarrassed, "Sorry, madam. Perhaps I overthought it."Lillian arched an eyebrow, "It’s alright, Uncle Yan. You're just
As the world spun around her, Lillian had only one thought in her mind.What happened to counting to three?With Oliver's tall stature and long strides, they swiftly returned to their room. Lillian expected him to put her down upon entering, but instead, he stood erect as if struck by paralysis."Put me down."It was as if he hadn't heard her, his dark eyes gazing at her intently."I'll make things clear with Serena."Lillian: "?"What did he mean by that?"Didn't you say that my relationship with her was unclear? From today onwards, she won't appear before you. I won't let her go to the company, come to the house, or wear your clothes."Hearing this, Lillian's heart skipped a beat.What did he mean by his words? Why the sudden change?"Why?"Lillian wasn't sulking anymore, she asked calmly.Oliver's gaze was heavy, causing Lillian to feel uneasy."Why this sudden change?""You can't call him anymore," Oliver blurted out.Lillian: "?"What??"And no more calling him 'baby' or showing
As Lillian pondered, the shop owner's voice cut through her thoughts."Young lady, your eight-treasure porridge and custard buns are ready."Snapping back to reality at his words, Lillian saw the shop owner had already packed her items and reached out to take them."Thank you, I've already paid.""Alright, take care and welcome back anytime."Lillian turned and walked away, bag in hand.She felt the stare linger until she entered the company's doors, then it vanished. Was there really someone in that black car earlier?On her walk back, she contemplated checking the car. Whether it was occupied or empty, a quick look would reveal the truth. But the thought sent shivers down her spine, and she refrained. After all, a car parked in broad daylight was likely empty.Rubbing her eyes, Lillian dismissed the notion as overthinking.Ding—the elevator arrived.She stepped inside.The afternoon's flurry of activity soon pushed the midday incident to the back of her mind.As quitting time approa
During the uncomfortable silence in the room, a man with an unpleasant disposition spoke up."Why change venues, beautiful secretary? We're all friends with Chen here; is there something we're not allowed to see? Don't worry, even if there is, we'll shut our eyes, promise."Hearing this, Lillian's delicate brows knit together. Spending time with Oliver had lent her an intimidating aura.Just one sharp glance from Lillian silenced the man, who then shrank back into his seat. As Lillian's gaze moved away, he finally realized his own reaction.Damn, what was he so afraid of? A young woman had intimidated him – had he lost his mind?"Secretary Shen, it might be inconvenient to switch places. If you can't stand the smell, we can keep the door of the private room open to air it out, how about that?" Chen Chen proposed with a sly grin, like a tiger baring its teeth in a smile.One of his more agreeable friends took command, "Did you hear that? Put out your cigarettes, don't smoke. What if we
Upon seeing his pallid complexion, Lillian surmised he must have recalled his past indiscretions."How about it? Master Chen hasn't forgotten the words he once boasted, has he?"Curiosity arose among his companions, "Chen, what did you say back then?"Chen Chen was momentarily lost, long having thought that Lillian simply looked down on his lineage, preferring the attachment to someone more influential. He hadn't realized she had overheard his braggadocious statements, which might have cost him a chance with her. He wanted to smack himself for it."It wasn't like that!" Chen Chen explained, with reddened eyes and gritted teeth, "I was just blabbering for fun back then, I didn't mean any offense."If he had only been after a fling, he wouldn't have bothered to go all the way to the hot springs after hearing she would be there."For fun?" Lillian tilted her head slightly, as if pondering the phrase, then slowly spoke, "So, such words are amusing in Master Chen's eyes?""I didn't mean it