Colene and Gabriella arrived at Paradise Bar at 8:15 pm.Colene and her blind date had agreed to meet at 8:00 pm. However, Colene and Gabriella arrived late on purpose.Colene was hoping that her date would leave when she didn't show up.The bar was loud and crowded.The two of them sat in a booth and ordered two drinks.Colene took out her phone and sent her date an Instagram message. Colene: "I'm here. Where are you?"HY: "I'm not there yet. Please wait for me for a while."Colene: "Alright."Colene told Gabriella irritably as she sent that message, "Fuck! He's later than me!"In a nearby corner, a tall man lounged in a booth. He was sipping on his wine in boredom. He appeared to be waiting for someone as he would glance at the entrance from time to time.He was handsome and wore gold-rimmed glasses. He exuded an elegant and refreshing vibe. People were drawn to him.He sat there alone for a while. Many people, both men and women, approached him to strike up a conversati
The police siren suddenly blared at the door.Someone yelled, "The police are here!"The entire bar instantly erupted into a huge commotion. Some of the customers didn't know what to do and were frozen in place, whereas some of the guilty ones fled quickly.Two police officers rushed in through the main entrance and immediately maintained order.The chief police officer sternly demanded, "Everyone, calm down. We received a report that someone in this bar was doing drugs illegally. So, please cooperate with us as we investigate. Otherwise, you'll be arrested for being uncooperative. We won't take up too much of your time."Most of the customers calmed down and answered the police's questions cooperatively.Colene was extremely shocked. She exclaimed, "Someone was doing drugs here? What a mess! Keating, what kind of place is this?"Sam replied innocently, "How do I know …""Shut up!"Sam's lips formed a straight line. He kept quiet. Colene whispered, "The person who made the
"Elias told me everything. Are those two girls your friends?" Sam's uncle asked."Yes. I know them. They wouldn't do anything illegal. I think someone might have spiked their drinks at the bar," Sam said.Elias said, "Don't worry, Mr. Keating, Blake. I'll have my people look into it and release Mr. Keating's friends soon.""Thank you, Elias." Sam nodded.In the interrogation room, experts checked and confirmed that Gabriella was a first-time offender and she was not addicted yet.Gabriella tried hard to remember details from the bar despite her headache. She was unfocused at the time and couldn't recall the specifics."Think again. Did the glass ever leave your sight?" the interrogating officer asked.Gabriella frowned. The headache was unbearable. She said, "I can't remember. Can you check the security footage?"The interrogating officer was about to say something when another officer entered. He whispered to the interrogating officer and they both left.The interrogating
Gabriella couldn't believe that Elijah would have someone spike her drink with illegal drugs.He had made remarks against her at Joseubury. Gabriella knew she couldn't please everyone.Still, she hadn't offended Elijah in any way. At least, not to her knowledge.He shouldn't have used this method against her just because he didn't like her. She thought it was sick.Gabriella was glad that they discovered it earlier. She couldn't imagine what could have happened if Elijah struck again when her guard was lowered.She could become addicted. Gabriella felt a shiver down her spine just thinking about it."What about this person? They were together," the policeman asked while pointing to the woman next to Elijah.Gabriella frowned and exclaimed, "Yasmine!"Gabriella suspected that Elijah's hatred toward her was because of Yasmine.The police looked at Colene. She waved her hand and said, "I don't know."The police looked at Gabriella and asked, "Have you had any issues with them?
Elijah was arrested at midnight.His parents, Jason Melo and Rebecca Madden rushed to Florin overnight. After learning about the situation, they realized that their son had been used by Yasmine.They didn't respect Natalie for being a hostess and looked down on Yasmine even more.No matter how hard they tried to persuade him, Elijah refused to blame Yasmine. He kept insisting that he acted on his own to teach Gabriella a lesson.The Melo family was one of the most prominent families in Joseubury. They could easily handle any issues caused by the family members.But Elijah's situation was more serious this time.Firstly, the incident happened in Florin, where local authorities held sway. The Melo family's influence might be limited.Secondly, Blake's involvement had made the Florin police force firm. Henry wouldn't back down either.The situation was presently being kept under wraps. If it blew up and garnered more public attention, Elijah would be in even bigger trouble.His p
Rebecca remained composed. She spoke persuasively. "Ladies, our intention in coming here was to rescue Elijah. We have no desire to harm your friend. "Please understand that no one wishes to see their loved ones in trouble. This is our last option, but sometimes we must resolve conflicts amicably. I hope you'll consider this carefully.""Talk is cheap!" Colene rolled her eyes. "You just want us to forgive your precious son, right?""I understand that you're upset," Rebecca said calmly. "But, I hope you'll calm down and seriously consider what matters more to you. Your pride or your friend?"Colene lost her cool at Rebecca's collected composure.She exchanged a glance with Gabriella. Despite what Rebecca said, they had only one option.Gabriella smirked and said, "Your actions already assume we'll give in. What's there to consider?"Rebecca smiled gently. She retrieved a paper and pen from her bag. "Sometimes, there's no other choice. Both of you are loyal and sensible
Henry arrived at Gabriella's house in the afternoon.Gabriella eagerly welcomed him in. She asked, "How was it?"Henry found Gabriella's expression funny. She had never greeted him so warmly before."A deal was made," Henry said as he sat on the sofa."How did it go?" Gabriella sat opposite him. She was eager to listen like a diligent student."He wanted me to understand his deep love for his son, so I shared my love for my wife," Henry said with a small smile.Gabriella smirked, "Henry, you're shameless.""Did you just realize?"She changed the subject, "So what happened next? He wouldn't just drop the settlement because of that, would he?""Of course not. I guided him in another direction," Henry said."What do you mean?""I advised them to contact the Caddel family," Henry said solemnly. "Do you know what Elijah said in his police statement?"Gabriella shook her head and asked, "What did he say?""He said he did it because he didn't want Frank to be misled by you. H
At Natalie's silence, Yasmine quickly said, "Aunt Natalie, you've got to help me."Natalie returned to her senses. She said gently, "Didn't you say Elijah did it? As long as the police don't catch you, what happened has nothing to do with you. Don't worry."Yasmine's heart was racing. "But I'm scared. What if he sells me out to the police to receive a lighter punishment? What if the Melo family pins the blame on me? Will Uncle Arthur use me as a scapegoat to stay on good terms with them?"Yasmine wasn't worried about Elijah. He was a loyal dog who would listen to anything she said. She was afraid of his family.After all, they were a family of elites. They could easily tell that she was the one ordering Elijah around. They might demand an explanation from the Caddel family.Just as Natalie was about to speak, they both heard a loud commotion downstairs.Yasmine ran to peek out of the window and spotted a black Sedan parked outside Caddel Residence's main entrance. A person st
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