At 9:30 am on Saturday morning, Gabriella arrived at Astral Heights to pick Felise up. She brought her to the mall to look around.It was almost time. The two of them were about to make their way to the restaurant when Gabriella received a message from Robin. "Ms. Gabby, I found a cafe on my way here. What would you like to drink?"Then he sent a photo of the menu. Gabriella tapped on the menu and bent down, "What would you like to drink, Lise?"Felise glanced at it. Her dark eyes rolled as she chose the most expensive one. Then she bit her finger and said, "Aunt Gabriella, I want three cups. One for me, one for Uncle Henry, and one for Grandma Maria."Gabriella was dumbfounded. This little girl was coming up with all sorts of ways to make Robin spend money."Alright, three cups it is." Gabriella sent the drinks order to Robin. She then transferred some money over to him. Robin sent another message. "Why did you send me money again, Ms. Gabby? I said that I would be
At that moment, Gabriella quickly withdrew her hand and raised it.She said, "I'm a little thirsty. Could you help me get a cup of coffee? I want the cappuccino."She figured that if she was holding Felise's hand in one hand while holding her coffee in the other, their hands wouldn't touch again.Robin's hand stiffened as he withdrew it quietly. He took a cappuccino from the bag and handed it to Gabriella with a straw. "Here.""Thank you.""You're welcome."When they got to the cinema, Gabriella looked at the huge screen to see the current cartoons that were showing and their showtimes. Then she searched online for the synopses and let Felise choose one.It would start at 2:00 pm. They still had about 20 minutes.Gabriella looked around. There was a row of seats to the right of the lobby. She led Felise over to sit. After 20 minutes, they entered. Gabriella realized that most people had come with their children.The movie was already playing on the big screen. The three
Felise watched the two of them talk. She huffed coldly before going to the restroom. She quietly dialed Henry's number and said in a low voice, "Uncle Henry, I'm at Aunt Gabriella's right now.""Should I come and pick you up?" Henry's voice came through. "Hmm, Uncle Henry, I … I think …""What do you think?""I think you may no longer have a chance."Henry was silent for a while. "What happened while you were having lunch just now?""Aunt Gabriella was so busy talking to him that she ignored me. He invited Aunt Gabriella to watch a movie together after that, and she didn't refuse," Felise said with a straight face. Henry was quiet for a few seconds. "What else?"He wondered if Gabriella really did have feelings for Robin.He couldn't help feeling that something was amiss. "I wanted to use more of his money so I ordered more dishes, but Aunt Gabriella told me not to go against him. She said … she said that he might be my uncle in the future and that if I do it again
Henry shook his head. "If Aunt Diana really cared about her, then she wouldn't force Lise to stay away from you because of her own likes and dislikes."Firstly, Gabriella wouldn't hurt Lise. Secondly, she wouldn't lead her astray. Since Felise liked her, why not let Gabriella take care of her?Gabriella smiled, "That's understandable. If it were my child, I wouldn't let them interact with someone I disliked either. You don't need to judge her too harshly."After listening to Gabriella and thinking about how Diana had insulted her, Henry frowned. He looked at Gabriella. "If Lise is willing to stay, I'll register her as my daughter. So that she grows up healthily, I'll write your name on the form as her 'biological mother'."Gabriella was startled. She stared at Henry, confused. Henry's expression did not change. "This was what I came up with after deep consideration. What do you think?"Most people didn't know much about their marriage. If they claimed that Felise was their
Gabriella said expressionlessly. "I won't go."Henry did not allow her to refuse. "I'll pick you up tomorrow afternoon."He turned to leave. Before he left he reminded Felise, "Lise, remember to listen to your Aunt Gabriella, okay?"Felise nodded. She watched Henry leave with the door closed behind him. She looked up and asked curiously, "Aunt Gabriella, what's a cocktail party?"Gabriella explained simply, "It's when a lot of people gather and drink alcohol.""Then can I go tomorrow?" The little girl was very curious, and looked hopefully at Gabriella. Gabriella smiled and shook her head. "No.""... Alright then."Gabriella looked at the weather and went to the kitchen. She opened the fridge and took out some ingredients to start preparing dinner. When she was halfway done, there was a click from the doorway. Colene pushed open the door and came in, tossing her bag on the sofa. "Little Fluffy! Where are you, little Fluffy?""Fluffy is here!"Felise's head
Henry's eyes were empty and unfocused, as though he were recalling something. He turned to look at Gabriella, and his high brows cast a shadow over his eyes. The look in his dark eyes was meaningful. Gabriella thought disdainfully that he was a horny asshole, and glared at him coldly. Instead of getting angry, Henry laughed quietly. His laugh was bright, but it sent a chill down Gabriella's spine. She hurriedly changed the subject. "Lise, do you have homework for the winter break?"Felise looked up and blinked. "Yes, but it's all too easy.""Okay then.""Uncle Henry, do I have to go home now? I want to go to the cocktail party too." Felise looked up at Henry, tugging on his arm. "Be good, Lise. I'm going to take you home first, and when I return I'll bring you cakes.""I don't want to eat cakes, I want to go to the cocktail party.""No.""Hmph! I'm going to ignore you!" Felise's little face was puffed up indignantly. She looked away and shifted over to Gabriel
Gabriella walked toward the clothes rack. Henry got there first and took a down jacket, which he wrapped around her. When they exited the studio, the cold pierced through to their bones. "Get in the car, quick."Henry wanted to grab Gabriella's hand, but she dodged him. He stiffened but could only walk quickly over to the car and open the back door for her. Gabriella lifted up her skirt and got in. Henry immediately closed the door and went to the other side to get in. The car heater ensured that it was nice and warm inside. When they reached the venue, Gabriella took off her jacket and followed behind Henry. Henry suddenly stopped when they arrived at the entrance. He raised his arm and looked at Gabriella. Gabriella raised her eyebrows, took his arm, and walked into the hall with him. "Mr. Toussaint." The organizer of the cocktail party immediately came over, smiling obsequiously. "Your presence is an honor to me."Henry had several assets under his name,
As his tall figure enveloped her, she could feel a strong sense of oppression. The thick smell of alcohol emanating from the man in front of her made her frown slightly as she held her breath.Upon hearing the sound of the door locking, she felt a chill run down her spine. That was when she calmed her emotions and struck first by demanding, "Henry Toussaint, are you out of your mind? Why did you drag me here?"Henry only tightly pressed his lips together. His deep eyes stared at her unblinkingly like black holes.Gabriella felt uneasy under his gaze. However, she couldn't get him to budge at all even when she shoved at him.Henry smirked, revealing a mocking smile. "You don't know why? Why did you run away when you saw me, then?""Run away?" Gabriella's expression stayed the same as she looked into his eyes. "When did I do that?""Oh? You mean you weren't doing that?" Henry purred in a low voice, his sexy Adam's apple bobbing. His eyes, too, held a hint of playfulness.
Carmila, dressed in a gorgeous wedding gown, entered with Zain.After exchanging rings, Shawn and Carmila headed toward their parents in the front row.Layla's seat was on the opposite side, and the gorgeous flowers on stage hid her view, so she could only hear what was happening.The newlyweds appeared on stage with the four elders for a group shot.She narrowed her eyes and noticed that Shawn's mother resembled her landlord.Chris also had the same realization and whispered to her, "Layla, do you think that person looks like our landlord?""They do look quite similar."The ceremony was over. The newlyweds left, and the waiters began serving dishes.Carmila was pregnant and didn't need to toast. Only Shawn came forward to drink with the Sanderson elders.After toasting, he placed the wine glass on the tray, followed the elders' instructions, and turned to the next table.When he noticed a familiar figure at the table, he stopped and narrowed his eyes. He looked at Layla, the
Shawn and Carmila's wedding was rescheduled once Henry had been safely released from the detention center.However, Carmila's pregnancy was already showing, so the wedding was kept simple.Firstly, everyone thought she would appear unsightly if she married while being visibly pregnant. The second reason was that they feared the complex wedding would exhaust her and the child in her womb.Carmila was displeased, but she had no say in the matter. Furthermore, insisting on a bigger ceremony would make it appear that she didn't care about the child.The wedding car left Florin around 5:00 am and picked her up at 8:00 am.Shawn was in a suit, and Carmila was in a wedding gown. They stood together and carried out the ceremony amidst their elders' blessings.Then, he helped her into the bridal chamber.Meanwhile, Gabriella, along with Megan and several close relatives, entertained the guests who were seeing off the bride.Everyone left for the hotel around 10:00 a.m.Although the wed
Naturally, Elaine wouldn't tell the truth. "I've told you about Moabia before. They're the ones who took the watch. "I ran into Fay's friend at the mall two days ago. She recognized and mocked me! I was outraged and tried to scare them today. But they smashed my car, pinned me to the ground, and beat me!"Unexpectedly, Sam scowled. "Nothing would happen if you didn't scare them."As soon as he heard about Moabia, he knew that Gabriella's friend, whom Elaine mentioned, was Colene.Although he hadn't returned to Chatan at that time, he had been following Colene's Twitter account and checking it frequently. He knew she had accompanied Gabriella to Moabia.She wouldn't let herself suffer, and she wouldn't mock others without reason. There must be a reason for everything.Furthermore, Elaine's words lacked credibility.Everyone would choose to portray themselves favorably, including her. Just like when she broke a person's leg and said it was just a minor injury. Elaine couldn't b
Alicia looked over and saw Colene drag Elaine by the hair and push her to the ground. Colene even tied her hands with a rope as she struggled.Gabriella straddled Elaine, grabbed her chin, and slapped her twice.It was a rare opportunity to teach Elaine a lesson. She naturally wanted to settle the scores!Alicia was speechless. Sam's plane was about to land. She didn't want to face him with a bruised and swollen face."Ah! Just wait and see! I'll kill you bitches! Let go of me! My uncle will shoot you both! Ah! Fay, you bitch!"Elaine was crying and howling on the ground, her voice shrill. It was the first time in her life that she had suffered such humiliation! She swore to take revenge on them!She would make sure Blake had them jailed and executed!Elaine's cries attracted several passersby.Seeing that the destroyed car was a Maserati, they realized they couldn't intervene. So, they just watched from the side. No one dared to step forward.Someone was filming Gabriella, bu
They were her nemesis!Elaine fixed her gaze on Gabriella and Colene, filled with rage. "I must teach them a lesson!"Alicia, trying to discourage her, said, "Elaine, I don't think it's a good idea. We're in Chatan…""My uncle's here. What are you afraid of?" Elaine replied unconcernedly, "Follow me."Gabriella and Colene stepped into a clothing store while talking. The clothing in the store was stylish. Gabriella chose a one-shoulder dress and entered the changing room.Colene was outside and exclaimed with astonishment, "Damn! So the woman standing with Henry outside the women's restroom door that day was Elaine?"Gabriella frequently videocalled her while in Draken, telling her about her situation there.She then realized that Gabriella had met the self-righteous foolish Elaine, the young lady of the Draken's wealthy family, on the plane again."It's her," Gabriella responded as she changed clothes."She came to Florin?""Do you remember that we met a big shot at the pol
Then she turned slightly to see that Felise was still fast asleep. However, they were so close that they might wake her up.Gabriella didn't want Felise to catch them in the act.Henry didn't answer. He blew hot air onto Gabriella's neck, and goosebumps prickled her skin. He caught her earlobe and sucked it hard.A jolt of electricity seemed to shoot through her, and she shuddered. She curled her toes and shrank back.Suddenly, Gabriella became fully awake, and she tightened around Henry's hand. "What… what are you doing?"Henry's mouth was next to her ear, and his breath was hot on her earlobes. "I'm helping you relax.""No…""When you're relaxed, I'll sleep."Gabriella remained silent. Then, she bit her lip. "No, Henry… don't… uh, Lise is beside me… don't…"A light seemed to flash across her brain, and she stiffened suddenly, and her eyes went out of focus as she stared at the ceiling. Her breathing turned heavy.Henry kissed her cheek and got some wet towels to wipe her do
Felise hadn't seen Gabriella in two months, and she missed her dearly.After school, Felise got in line with the other children to leave the kindergarten. She looked around and heard her seatmate say, "Lise, your parents have come together to get you!"Felise followed the gaze of her seatmate, and she saw a man and a woman standing side by side, their eyes searching through the crowd of kindergarteners. The man wore a black shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing his lean forearms. He wore black pants and a leather belt, which showed off his long legs. He looked like a model.The woman wore a fitting white lace blouse, and there was a white-gold necklace around her creamy neck. Her arms were fair and slender, like snow, and she wore a short khaki-colored miniskirt. Her legs were slim and fair, and her skin was flawless. They were a very good-looking couple, and they attracted the attention of many of the parents. Even the children couldn't help looking over at
It was already noon. Henry told the driver to make a detour to a restaurant. The waiter led them to a private room on the second floor and politely handed them a menu.Henry had come here a few times before. Perhaps it was because he didn't like lamb, but he only just noticed that there were several signature lamb dishes on the menu. Gabriella looked through the menu and ordered a few at random.Henry heard her orders and told the waiter, "Add a braised lamb and lamb rack.""You have great taste, sir. These are our signature dishes." The waiter smiled and noted it down."Will it be too much?""It's okay. We can bring it back if we can't finish it." Henry gave the menu to the waiter. "That's all."While they waited for the food to be served, the two of them chatted casually.Henry told her in detail about all the affiliated companies under Toussaint Holdings and the new products the studios were about to launch. He asked Gabriella which of these she was interested in. As lo
Then Layla heard something that made her lose all hope."Layla, come to my office."She opened her mouth, then deflated and said, "Okay."The intern looked curiously at Shawn's retreating figure and said, "Why does Mr. Shawn want to see you?""I don't know. Whatever it is, I'll find out when I go. I'm leaving." Layla carried an expression of dignified resignation.She guessed that Shawn wanted to see her about the office romance issue. She wasn't dating Robin, but it was worse than dating. Shawn had just stepped into the office when Layla followed him in. Her head was lowered, and she looked uneasy. "Mr. Shawn, what do you want to see me about?" she asked, her voice hoarse. Shawn sat down behind the desk and arranged the documents on it. He asked casually, "Do you remember what I asked you during your interview?""Y-yes… you asked me what I think about office romances." Layla lowered her gaze and answered in a small voice. Her palms were sweating, and her heart was in her t