"Have I stopped talking to you?"Jane’s words made Zachary want to laugh.Jane wrapped her arms around his neck. "Of course, it’s different with me than with anyone else. You usually don’t talk much outside."Zachary deliberately scoffed. "You get along so naturally and happily with Dominic. It seems he understands you quite well."Jane knew he was pretending to accept Dominic as her “brother-in-law,” but after all, Dominic wasn’t related to her by blood.So, of course, he was feeling a little jealous."After all, we’ve known each other for many years. Isn’t that how friends are?""He knows what you’d like. Even though he’s never been to the restaurant, he can still recommend the dishes that suit your taste. You seemed really happy tonight."Jane pinched his ear. "He’s local. Isn’t that the reason why he’s here tonight?""I know local specialties too. Why didn’t you ask me?"Hearing his slightly envious tone, Jane was both amused and helpless. "Alright, Mr. Collins. He’s a fr
Charlotte thought the term was good. “What’s wrong with that? Clothes aren’t just for celebrities, right?”Jane hugged her. “You set your standards too high, but I understand. Still, with the designs you’ve produced, they’re already perfect. And we can do nationwide customization, but we have to release the celebrity collection first. After seeing the results, we can make adjustments and mass-produce, right? You also said that some of the colors you’ve created aren’t suitable for everyone. We have to make mistakes first, don’t we?”Charlotte had indeed hit a bottleneck.That was why she was thinking of combining intangible cultural heritage with national trends to innovate a new series.Otherwise, with so many clothing brands on the market, without innovation, they would be eliminated sooner or later.But innovation was also a troubling thing.You couldn’t overdo it and kill the market.“I think dopamine is fine. Many dopamine style clothes make people happy right now.”Jane po
Charlotte was confused. “Although Westley assigned Dominic to this project, does Dominic really have that much authority?”Dominic spoke up. “No, Mrs. Smith. The Intangible Cultural Heritage National Trend Festival is supported by the Howard family, but we’re the organizer. Also, bringing you here has nothing to do with the Howard family. This is my own network. I’ve been in this industry for so many years, and it wasn’t for nothing. Don’t worry. We’ll definitely make it to the last day of the event.”Jane also said, “Don’t worry, Charlotte. Dominic is really good at handling things.”She gave a thumbs-up.Charlotte wasn’t very familiar with Dominic, but they were getting to know each other better now.“By the way, don’t forget about the photoshoot,” Dominic said to Jane.This was something Jane was still a bit worried about.“Do you know any other photographers?”Dominic looked puzzled. “What’s wrong? Did Jordan’s schedule clash?”“No...”It wasn’t that.If she showed up th
Jane really liked the little restaurant, and Charlotte wasn’t that particular either.But they both needed to report to their families first.Dominic teased Jane. “Didn’t expect you to be in such a situation before.”After sending the message, Jane said, “You’ll be in the same position sooner or later. But if your gold-digger ex comes back after seeing you’ve made a fortune, promise me, don’t get back together with her.”Dominic rolled his eyes. “Am I really that cheap?”“Aren’t you?”Charlotte smiled and pursed her lips.The two of them were really a funny pair.On the other side, Zachary hid on the small balcony, the tip of his cigarette glowing in the dark.Frank brought two glasses of alcohol, placing one in front of him.“I went to Sharaston. Luthor’s marriage to the eldest daughter of the Joseph family is confirmed.”Zachary flicked the ash from his cigarette. “The eldest daughter is willing to marry him?”Frank flashed a meaningful smile. “They said it’ll be the elde
The girl hooked her arm around Tom’s, looking up at him with innocent, wide eyes. “Tom, is this your wife?”“Don’t disgust me.” Jane spoke before Tom could. “I’m just a concerned citizen.”The girl looked at Tom. “Do you know her?”Tom pulled his arm away. “I have something to do. You go back to school first.”The girl was unwilling, but when Tom’s expression turned cold, she glared at Jane with resentment and turned to leave.Her high heels seemed to hammer into the floor, showing just how angry she was.Jane felt innocent under the glare and regretted getting involved.“Jane...”“No matter what you say, I won’t listen. Please stay away from me. Don’t ruin my appetite.” Jane interrupted coldly.But Tom reached out and grabbed her arm.Jane immediately pulled away. “If you have a problem, go to the police. Try not to disgust me.”“I’m getting a divorce.” Tom pulled out a chair and sat next to Jane. “Jane, I’ve always had you in my heart.”Had her in his heart?He had just
Without saying a word, Zachary turned and led Jane away.Tom, didn’t seem to be afraid at all. He held his stomach and chased after them.“Jane!”Zachary didn’t slow his pace, and since Jane was being pulled along by him, she couldn’t stop either.Tom jogged a couple of steps and blocked their way.When he saw Zachary, he froze.Then his gaze dropped and landed on Zachary’s arm around Jane’s waist.“Your boyfriend is... Mr. Collins?”Jane stood on tiptoe and kissed Zachary’s cheek. “I’ve said it, my boyfriend is way better than you.”Tom’s face darkened. “How could he possibly...”Then he suddenly remembered that there were rumors in the circle that Zachary had someone he liked, but that person didn’t have a strong background and hadn’t been accepted by the Collins family.So he hadn’t paid much attention to it.After all, people in their circle were all like this. In the end, he had done an arranged marriage too.But he never expected it would be Jane.Zachary didn’t say
He said cryptically, “Maybe you two are destined.”Jane frowned, “Don’t disgust me.”Zachary reached out and pinched her chin, his gaze deep and mysterious.“Why didn’t you say that I was your fiance just now?”Jane slapped his hand away and glared at him.As if saying, “You’re crazy.”Zachary’s lips curved into a slight smile, and he pulled her into his arms.“You still haven’t answered my question.”Jane was speechless. “You’re my boyfriend, right? Why emphasize the fiance part? What’s the difference? Let him know our relationship, isn’t that enough?”Zachary disagreed, “A boyfriend could become an ex-boyfriend by tomorrow, but a fiance means marriage is on the horizon. It’s a more stable relationship and also more intimidating to him.”“He’s the one with the problem.” Jane waved her hand. “Look at this huge ring, it’s so obvious, and he can’t even see it. Even if I told him you’re my fiance, he wouldn’t believe it. Because he only broke up with me due to family pressure an
“What’s wrong with me having a serious relationship? Unlike some people who treat their ‘friend’ as if she was their girlfriend.”This round ended in a draw.Jane placed a piece of fried chicken in her mouth.She had expected the fried chicken to be nothing special, but to her surprise, it was amazing.She immediately wanted to share it with Charlotte and ask Dominic why the taste was so unique.Just as she picked up her phone, Zachary snatched it away.“What? Want to fight again?”Zachary placed her phone on the edge of the dining table and sat beside her.“Are you wanting to ask about the fried chicken?”Jane’s gaze narrowed. “You really know me well. Looks like you truly love me a lot.”“Am I not showing it enough?”That was enough.She didn’t want to continue on that topic.Instead, she asked, “Why does this fried chicken taste different from the one in Jeswood?”“The chicken is different.”Jane took a closer look but didn’t notice any difference.“It’s organic chic
"But what?"Westley didn't say anything.Zachary didn’t ask either, just silently smoked his cigarette.In the end, Westley couldn't hold it in anymore."Why aren’t you asking me?""Don’t really care."Westley clenched his fist, took a few deep breaths, and suppressed the words that almost slipped out.If it weren’t for owing someone a favor, and their close relationship with mutual interests, he really couldn’t be bothered to deal with Zachary."I’ve been thinking a lot lately, about why I ended up becoming friends with you.""I had the same question myself."Frank walked over and handed Westley a glass of wine.Westley’s gaze darkened a little. "This wouldn’t happen to be from my wine cellar, would it?"Frank smirked and replied, "A limited edition."Westley must have committed some sin in his past life to be acquainted with these two in this one."You know that kind of limited edition is priceless, right?""I know, so while I’m still alive, I might as well try a sip."
Zachary had a phone call and, after finishing it, came over.He hugged her from behind."You've already put on this outfit, don’t waste it."Jane pressed his hand down. "This is proper sleepwear. I usually wear this."Zachary lingered on her swan-like neck."A candlelit dinner, sexy sleepwear... Are you sure this isn’t a hint?""Of course not!"Jane elbowed him in the stomach. "Have you lost your memory? Didn’t we just finish this morning? I don’t want to die in bed while I’m still young. Go away, and help me pack!"Zachary kissed her cheek, released her, and began folding her clothes.Jane went into the bathroom, changed out of her sleepwear, and stuffed it into her suitcase.She walked around the room to make sure nothing was left behind, grabbed her phone, slung her bag over her shoulder, and opened the door.After waiting for a while, Raymond entered and took the suitcase.Once they reached the underground garage, Jane saw Charlotte."Are you heading back to Jeswood, o
Jane received a message from Zachary inviting her to dinner.Just as she was about to tell Charlotte, Frank appeared and took her away.It was perfect timing.She called the front desk and ordered a few dishes.She quickly tidied up the room, placed flowers and candles on the dining table.Then she opened a bottle of red wine to let it breathe.She had just nestled into the sofa and opened Zachary's chat window, planning to ask where he was.At that moment, she heard a beep at the door.She got up and walked over.Seeing the familiar figure entering, she was a little surprised. "So soon?"Zachary shut the door with one hand and immediately pulled her into his arms.They had recently reconciled and were in the honeymoon phase of their relationship.But his behavior was still a bit off.Jane patted his back. "I can’t breathe... a bit tight."Zachary loosened his grip slightly but didn’t fully let her go.He still held her close.His face nuzzled into the crook of her neck
Raymond saw that Luthor's hand, gripping the redwood armrest, had turned pale.If it had been glass, it would have shattered by now.‘Mr. Collins really did have a knack for making people angry.’"Mr. Collins..." The head of the Joseph family said cautiously, "Could you kindly tell me where my eldest daughter is? I'll go pick her up so she can go with Mr. Winston to register for the marriage. This is something that's already been arranged. There’s no turning back."Zachary fished out a cigarette, and as he looked for his lighter, the head of the Joseph family immediately held one up to him.But Zachary, instead of using the lighter, tilted his head slightly and lit the cigarette with the incense that hadn’t burned out behind him.The head of the Joseph family froze, still holding the lighter in midair.Zachary glanced at him indifferently, his voice casual. "Sorry, I didn’t notice you offering the lighter."It wasn’t that he hadn’t noticed, he simply didn’t want to use the one
Zachary arrived uninvited.He even sat in the host's seat.Without any hesitation, he picked up the tea that the butler had brought for the head of the family, his long fingers delicately holding the cup. He lightly tapped the rim twice, then took a sip.After setting the cup down, he looked at the people in front of him.In a joking tone, he made everything obvious.But he remained completely calm.Luthor sat at his right, in the lower seat.Silently sipping his tea, his expression unchanged.Yet in his eyes, hidden from everyone, was a strong murderous intent.The expressions of all the members of the Joseph changed.The head of the Joseph family had no dealings with the Collins family, nor had he offended them.But he understood very well the purpose of Zachary’s visit.The marriage alliance with the Collins family’s greatest enemy, the Winston family, had already made it clear to the world, they were now enemies of the Collins family.But even so, he couldn’t openly br
Jane immediately pulled back and called out, "Rick."The girl finally whispered in her ear, "I hope to see you alive again."After leaving the store, Jane still felt a chill down her back.Charlotte gently stroked her back to comfort her. "Let’s not act rashly. We’ll talk after asking Zachary.""Anyway, she's already out in the open, there's no need to be afraid."Jane had anticipated that after her breakup some time ago, many dangerous things might happen in the future.This path was full of thorns. Even if one could walk through it, they would be covered in wounds.But since they had gotten back together, she knew she would face it with Zachary, no matter what."Rick.""Mrs. Collins."Jane stopped. "What did you just call me?"If she remembered correctly, they had always addressed her as "Miss Greenwood". When did the title change?"You and Mr. Collins are going to marry, so of course, we need to change how we address you. In the future, you’ll be Mrs. Collins."She had
“Jane, you won’t be able to marry him! Stop dreaming! Ouch—”Tom's voice faltered as the pain hit him, making it hard for him to say another word. Even begging for mercy was difficult. He was close to being castrated.Zachary retracted his foot, and Tom immediately curled up in pain.He raised his hand, and Ross stepped forward, dragging Tom away."Tell the Hilton family, if they don’t want to end their bloodline, they need to keep a better watch on their people."Ross nodded. "Yes, Mr. Collins."The hotel entrance returned to normal.Jane stepped forward and asked, "Why did you suddenly come back? Didn't you say you had something to do this afternoon?"Zachary dispersed the cold aura around him, his expression softening as he gently patted her head."Change of plans. I came back to check on things."Jane wasn’t convinced. "You told me that with the people you’ve placed around me, you couldn’t have not known Tom was going to show up.""You just wanted a chance to hit him," s
"So clingy!" Charlotte teased. "You see each other every day, and still send so many messages?"Jane unlocked her phone, and her expression darkened.Charlotte immediately guessed who it was."All the sins I committed when I was younger are starting to come back at once," said Jane.She handed the phone to Charlotte.Charlotte asked, "Didn't you block him? I did, but he changed his number and kept messaging."Tom didn't care whether Jane would reply. He sent long messages, one after another.The general gist of them was that with someone like Zachary, who had such a powerful background, it was impossible for him to marry her. He urged her to cut her losses before she got hurt.He also said that he was getting a divorce and couldn't forget her, wanting to reconcile because he truly cared for her.He explained the situation with the girl from last night—he had only been acting on impulse, nothing had happened, and promised there would be no more “flirty women” once they got back
Raymond glanced at Zachary’s expression and continued, “Now, your relationship with Mrs. Collins is well-known. Tom is currently having marital problems and is on the brink of divorce. It’s possible that Luthor might try to recruit him later. If you disregard Mrs. Collins, you’ll be walking right into Luthor’s trap.”After finishing his report, Raymond noticed that Zachary’s expression hadn’t changed at all.At that moment, he missed Roy more than ever.Roy was the one who could best understand Mr. Collins’s thoughts.But, of course, it was also because he was so good at it that he got sent to Afrealia.Raymond hesitated and said, “As long as we prevent Tom from contacting Mrs. Collins, Luthor’s plan won’t succeed.”The car fell into silence.They had arrived at the meeting place.Zachary didn’t give any instructions, only raised his hand.Raymond got out of the car, opened the door, and shielded him as he exited.“Mr. Collins, what should we do next?”“Nothing.”With that,