Before Orion could respond, the woman continued, "Look at them, doting over your sister. They haven’t even looked your way."She clearly had ulterior motives.Freya stepped in, pulling Orion aside and shooting back at the woman, “Ma’am, that’s not how it is. My sister and brother-in-law adore both their children equally. Please don’t spread nonsense.”The woman sneered, sizing up Freya with disdain. “You’re not Mrs. York, so how would you know? It’s obvious they favor the daughter more. Was there this much fuss when Orion was born? I don’t recall seeing any of this.”Orion scoffed, “Just because you didn’t see it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. And unless you’re my parents, how would you know how much they love me?”Freya gave him a discreet thumbs-up.The woman, still not ready to back down, opened her mouth to say more, but Orion cut her off.Raising his chin, his eyes met hers with a defiant gleam. “I’m guessing your parents didn’t care much about you, did they? That’s probabl
Since their shared ordeal, the bond between Quincy and Lydia had become an unspoken understanding. They confirmed their feelings for each other and worked side by side. In a relationship, maintaining a healthy balance was crucial. Too much distance would breed longing, but too much closeness could lead to conflicts. However, they rarely argued and faced every challenge together, both in and out of the office.After work, they would have dinner, watch movies, and even commute together. Quincy felt that, at this point in his life, it was time to give Lydia a meaningful commitment. It was a promise not just to her but also to their future together.“Quincy has been with Mr. York for so many years, he’s practically family. Proposing tonight feels so right, like seeing a flower finally bloom!”“Quincy is Mr. York’s right-hand man, and we’ve all witnessed his impressive abilities firsthand!”“This really is a double celebration! Mr. York’s most trusted ally finding happiness, what
Mr. Fay’s dark eyes seemed to pierce right through Quincy. “No matter how successful you are in your career, you're still just someone working for others. My daughter deserves the best. Just because she chose to gain some experience on her own doesn’t mean she’s an ordinary person.”His voice remained calm, almost devoid of emotion, but the words were sharp and cutting.Quincy had earned respect from many due to his outstanding abilities and his close association with Nash York. People regarded him highly, partly because of Nash and partly because of his own competence. Nash, known for his high standards, wouldn’t keep anyone around who wasn’t exceptional.But in Mr. Fay’s eyes, Quincy was still not good enough.Quincy remained composed. “I’ve known Lydia’s background since the day she joined us. We both earned our positions through hard work. If you think my current job isn’t good enough for her, I can start my own business. But I owe everything I have today to Mr. York, and I pla
Lydia wrapped her arms around Quincy. “I joined York Corporation to gain some experience. And with your help, I’ve learned so much. But I always knew I’d leave one day. Quincy, I want to see you reach your full potential, not be limited by someone else’s shadow. Do you understand what I’m saying?”She wanted him to succeed, but if he chose to stay, she wouldn’t push him. Still, she couldn’t help but wonder why he would limit himself when he had the ability to go so much further.“I understand, but Lydia, I’ve committed to following Mr. York for life. I’ll do my best to gain your father’s approval. But if, in the end, he still doesn’t accept me...”Before Quincy could finish, Lydia’s face turned serious. “Quincy, you’ve been through so much. Just because my dad says no, you’re going to give up?”She was frustrated. They had been through so much together. And now, just because her father disapproved, he was ready to walk away?Quincy pressed his lips together and spoke softly, “It’s
Quincy had proposed to Lydia at Gemma’s first month celebration, and Nash hadn’t forgotten. The two of them were more than just his right and left hand, they were a perfect couple.“Honestly, it might not happen,” Quincy confessed.Nash immediately realized that Lydia’s parents were the issue. Usually, it was the groom’s parents who were eager for the wedding, especially considering Quincy wasn’t exactly young anymore.Nash gave Quincy a supportive pat on the shoulder. “Time reveals all. Here’s what we’ll do. I’m giving you some time off. Go win your girl. If her father wants you to take over the family business, go for it. I’ll bring up a new team here. None of this is more important than your life.”Nash meant every word. Quincy had been with him for over a decade, not just as an assistant but as a friend, a brother, and family. If a better opportunity came along for Quincy, Nash would not only be happy for him but would even help pave the way.“If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t
Mrs. Fay hadn’t expected Quincy to be so determined. She decided it was time to lay everything out clearly. “Quincy, if you were a parent, given the choice between someone already successful and someone still trying to make it, who would you choose?”“I’d choose the former,” Quincy replied honestly. “But Mrs. Fay, I’m asking for a chance. I’m not just some aimless dreamer.” He sat upright, his posture radiating confidence and resolve.He was impressive, handsome, articulate, with the demeanor of a true professional. His presence alone reflected his time spent working alongside Nash. No matter how capable Quincy was, he couldn’t measure up to Nash. Nash had the entire York family behind him, along with the powerful connections from Nina’s father and his own influential background. Even though Nash deeply trusted Quincy and valued his contributions, Quincy was still just an assistant. There was no way Nash would ever hand over the York Corporation to him.Quincy, for his part, w
Mrs. Fay’s expression turned stern as she addressed Lydia sharply, “I’ve arranged a blind date for you, and your date will be here soon. If you don’t want your father to lock you up at home, you’d better cooperate.”Though she sat calmly on the sofa, her piercing gaze and commanding presence left no room for argument.Just then, Mr. Fay, who had been pretending to be ill, emerged from the room.“Your mother is being kind. If it were up to me, I’d be even harsher. If Quincy keeps showing up, I won’t hesitate to have him thrown out.”Lydia’s breath caught in her throat. She never imagined these words could come from her own parents. They were well-educated, successful people, yet here they were, saying such things and even trying to force her into a blind date.What did they take her for?Some commodity to be traded?Lydia let out a bitter laugh. “The Fay family is already powerful. Just how much is enough? When will you ever be satisfied?”She scoffed bitterly. “And why not go a
Mr. Fay clutched his chest, his voice pained. “Lydia, you’d go this far for a man? You’d hurt your parents like this?”Mrs. Fay, equally panicked, pleaded, “Lydia, put the knife down. Your father’s health isn’t good. Please, don’t make him worry anymore!”But Lydia didn’t lower the knife. Instead, she let out a bitter laugh. “You’re asking me not to hurt him, not to hurt you. But what about me? Have you thought about the fact that you’re hurting me? I’ve always been the obedient daughter, doing everything to make you happy.“Even when I took the job as a secretary at York Corporation, it was because you wanted me to gain some experience. But now, what’s it turned into?“I never dated in college, never had a boyfriend. Now I’ve finally found someone I love, and Quincy treats me so well. Why can’t I be with him?“Is Quincy such a terrible person?”If he were, Nash wouldn’t have trusted and mentored him all these years. Quincy was capable and respected in the industry, with many com