"No. I don't want you to leave, Aunt Gabriella," Felise said, tears streaming down her face. "Why are you suddenly going abroad? Did Uncle Henry upset you? I need to talk to him!"She tried to jump off the sofa, her short legs scrambling.Gabriella stopped her, saying softly, "Lise, your Uncle Henry and I can't be together.""Why?" The little girl looked at her with teary eyes.Felise knew they had been making so much progress. They were about to get back together. Gabriella lowered her gaze. "It's a long story. You'll understand when you're older."Felise would still need to rely on Henry in the future. Gabriella couldn't speak ill of him in front of Felise, fearing it would only cause resentment.Initially, Henry had wanted to keep Felise partly because of Gabriella. He was using the child to win the bet.Now that they'd laid their cards on the table, it remained uncertain how Henry would navigate his relationship with Felise. Henry had already attained his goal, and now, th
"Yeah, she showed up, but I shut her down," Gabriella said, glancing at Frank."You did the right thing. Yasmine messed up and deserved consequences. When Aunt Natalie comes bothering you, don't bother caring—just bluntly tell her to buzz off," Frank advised."I knew it. You and Mr. Caddel both have your heads screwed on right," Gabriella remarked.Frank lowered his gaze and changed the subject. "Why the sudden interest in going abroad?""No particular reason. I'm just tired of being here," Gabriella said, shrugging.She couldn't bring herself to mention the embarrassing incident.Observing Gabriella's expression, Frank casually mentioned, "A few days back, I spotted Henry and Ms. Hannah together at some event. They seemed pretty close."Unfazed, Gabriella replied, "Let's not talk about him. Here, a toast to you.""Cheers."Reading Gabriella's demeanor, Frank could sense that her choice to move abroad was likely prompted by the rekindled romance between Henry and Hannah.Fran
As Carmila speculated about the woman's identity, Shawn took her hand and led her forward. "Mom, Dad, meet Mila."Carmila's head buzzed, her face growing pale as she nervously said, "Nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Toussaint."Feeling uneasy, she hoped Meredith wouldn't recognize her.Meredith was chatting with Gabriella. She casually glanced at Carmila, nodded faintly, and then continued discussing things with Gabriella.Carmila's heart sank. Stealing a glance at Gabriella, she felt a twinge of disappointment.Her mother-in-law's clear disapproval was evident. She didn't receive a warm welcome in the Toussaint Residence.If it were just at home, she could have brushed it off. But on her first visit to the Toussaint Residence, the cold reception left her questioning if anyone would ever respect her in the future.Carmila glanced at Shawn, silently pleading for some backup. However, Shawn acted as if he hadn't noticed and just led her to the couch.Watching Carmila's anxious deme
On June 7th, around 10:00 am, Gabriella arrived at Florin International Airport with her suitcase. Colene was there to see her off.The 11:30 am flight required two layovers, spanning over 20 hours before reaching Draken.Colene accompanied Gabriella to check in and drop off her luggage. They went through security together and waited in the departure lounge.Around 11:00 am, the passengers formed a line at the boarding gate, getting ready for ticket checks and boarding.As Gabriella went on this journey, it would be months before she and Colene could reunite. Knowing this, Colene couldn't help but tear up.Embracing Gabriella, she said, "Once you're there, make sure to give me a call often. If … if things aren't going well, just come back, okay?""Okay."Hearing Colene's words, Gabriella felt a lump in her throat. "What if you come along with me?"Throughout their journey together, especially during Gabriella's challenging moments, Colene has consistently provided support and e
"Well, Pete, don't tell anyone about this," Gabriella said.She was worried that someone might take advantage of her amnesia to get close to her, and she couldn't tell the difference.She had only revealed the truth to Pete because she trusted that Frank wouldn't harm her.Pete also knew the seriousness of the matter and said, "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. If anyone asks in the future, just say that it's been a few years, and you've forgotten most of it.""Yeah, I know." Pete began to give her a new introduction to Draken, such as the museum over here, the city hall over there, and Draken Chatanesetown.When they reached the hotel, Gabriella checked in with the front desk and took the key card. Then, she took the suitcase from Pete's hand. "Thanks for the lift, Pete," she said. "It's quite late, so you should head back first.""It's not a big deal. I'll walk you up."Pete escorted Gabriella to her room and reminded her to lock the door at night."It's getting late, Pet
A car accident stole parts of Gabriella's memory, leading her to lose contact with Bella upon returning to her home country. Therefore, she didn't recognize Bella when she first met her.The extended gap from their last meeting had made Gabriella feel like a stranger to Bella. As a result, she hesitated to reveal her true identity.Aware of the unlikeliness of the situation, Gabriella asked, "Did you happen to know the name of your friend in Chatanese?"Having had a Chatanese friend and currently having a Chatanese boyfriend, Bella had picked up a few Chatanese sentences, and her pronunciation was quite fluent.She replied in Chatanese, "Her name is Gabriella Carrington."Gabriella stood in disbelief, her mouth agape."You … you can't really be Gabriella, can you?" Bella asked incredulously, raising an eyebrow."I really am." Gabriella forced a smile.She could hardly believe it herself."Don't you remember me? You were the one who helped me find my way to class when I first s
During the day, Pete took Gabriella to get a local SIM card.Gabriella shared her new number with Colene and Aster. As for her old Chatan number, she kept it but canceled the data plan, keeping only basic calling and messaging features.In the morning, Gabriella donned a white knit cardigan paired with a brown bodycon mini-skirt and leggings. She completed the look with brown ankle boots, creating an elegant appearance.After receiving Bella's call, she grabbed her bag and camera downstairs, planning to walk around and take some photos. Bella, being so pretty, was the perfect model for her."I wish I had changed into a nicer outfit if I had known you were bringing a camera," Bella lamented. "You look fantastic in anything," Gabriella said. "You'd even make a potato sack look good." Bella couldn't help but laugh. "Haha. Fay, you're much more interesting now.""Was I boring before?""Well, let's just say you seem happier now. Back then, you were always studying. Even during bre
Gabriella was well aware of the power of the Internet nowadays, with more and more people venturing into the self-media industry.Some people filmed interesting or informative videos to make money from views and advertising fees, while others filmed videos to showcase the charm of their original work and used the internet to attract customers.Gabriella thought she should belong to the latter, even though she had never filmed a video before.After understanding the customer's requirements, Gabriella negotiated some details with the customer and quoted a price. The students who had come to study there were generally well-off. Since they had messaged Gabriella voluntarily, they agreed immediately and paid a deposit, scheduling the shoot for the following weekend.Gabriella looked at a few photography studios on a job search website. Finally, she selected a few that she liked and submitted her resume, including the studio of Frank's friend.After finishing all this, it was almost m
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