In the car, Murray patted the pocket of his coat and said to Emily, "I've prepared a gift for you. Guess what it is?"
"Huh?" Emily was a bit incredulous, "You're giving me a gift after I didn't listen to you yesterday?"
Murray cut her off. "Do I need an occasion to give you a gift?"
"Oh, well, that's very kind of you," Emily replied with a smile, revealing two shallow dimples on her cheeks.
"Go on, guess what it is."
Murray's coat was of a light and thin style. If the gift was large, it would have been obvious, but there was only a slight bulge. He was known for his generosity, so the size of the object didn't necessarily indicate its value.
"I guess it's jewelry," Emily said, her eyes shining with innocence.
Murray seemed to be holding back laughter as he raised his hands, revealing his pocket. "Take it out yourself."
"Well, if you insist." Emily reached into the pocket.
Something furry, with a pointy mouth and w
Odelia Cromwell, like a, bid farewell to the two with the reverence of a devout follower watching their depart before turning to speak to Emily. "You shouldn't be out if you're sick. Look at your face, as pale as a ghost." She deliberately shrugged her shoulders as she spoke, swinging the purse on her arm before Emily's eyes. "Wow, Odelia, your bag is so beautiful," Emily remarked, as expected. Eager to return and speak with Emily, Devin casually replied, "If you like it, let Elton buy you one too. It's getting late; let's talk more when we return." Before Elton could respond, Odelia Cromwell interjected, "What are you saying, Dad! This is a Hermes limited edition, the only one in the world, right here with me. Where would my brother find another?" Devin was momentarily at a loss for words. "You're such a spendthrift." Emily sneered inwardly. After two years, Odelia remained the same brainless, vain, and superficial fool. Parading around with a fake bag so boldly. She knew it
In the chill of the evening, with faint snowflakes drifting outside, Emily decided to stay the night in her room at the villa. After dinner and chatting in the living room, everyone retired to their rooms. Elton walked her to her door and politely bid goodnight. "Good night, sweet dreams Elton." Sleep eluded her once she closed the door and lay on the bed, which felt strange and familiar. She picked up her phone, which showed a clean screen with a perfectly functioning network. Opening W******p, the most recent chat was the video call from Murray the previous day. She typed a message: 【I won't be coming back tonight. Is that okay?】 Thirty minutes passed without a response. She sent another message: 【If you don't reply, I'll take it as your agreement.】 The world remained silent. Emily laughed wryly at herself, at her presumptuousness. The jerk was probably having the time of his life and had long forgotten her. Decisively, she turned off her phone and tried to sleep. "Achoo
Half an hour later, the car stopped outside an inconspicuous hotel. Peering out, Emily asked, "We're going this far for breakfast?" "Mhm." Murray slapped her bottom. "Get out." She was exasperated with him. Entering the hotel hand in hand, she shook his off. "Aren't you afraid of being seen?" "Members only. No random riffraff. No need to worry." Murray slipped his arm around Emily's neck. Unable to break free, she was dragged into the elevator. After eating in the room, Murray insisted on bathing together. "Mr. Gibson, shouldn't you pace yourself? I'm afraid you'll be drained lifeless." "I never realized you were this kind of person; all you think about is sex. Simply frightening." Murray hugged himself in mock fear as if Emily was some perverted woman. Emily couldn't help but laugh at his reversal of roles. "Fine, if you dare touch me today, you're a dog." "Less nonsense, get in here."
Murray Gibson called Cornelius, quickly relayed a few instructions, and then returned to his downtown apartment.Settling into his study, he spent some time with a book until around seven. Then, he changed into a simple yet comfortable casual outfit and drove out.Sandviken was home to many exclusive clubs catering to the wealthy.The one Murray Gibson was now heading to was the Mellow Mirror Hotel, where his childhood friend Ronald Richardson was a major shareholder.Caught at a red light, he texted Stacey, "I'll be passing South Street soon. Fancy some coconut tarts?"Stacey responded promptly, "Went there with Jean yesterday. The shop's moved ages ago."Murray felt a bit embarrassed. He only remembered Stacey loving those pastries as a kid, but her mom Rita considered the ingredients at those street stalls low quality and wouldn't let her eat them. So, he would secretly buy them on his way home from school and bring them to her the next day. After Stacey went abroad for high schoo
Finally surrounded by peace, the two walked in silence, perfectly in sync, savoring this tranquil moment."Are you cold?" Murray asked, noticing her only in a coat, and began to remove his down jacket to drape over her.But Stacey stopped his hand, smiling. "I've endured all kinds of harsh environments these years. My body's made of iron now, and this is nothing."Knowing her blunt nature, Murray knew if she said she didn't need it, then she really didn't. So he let it go."Not leaving again this time, are you?" "Nope, Dad said if I leave again, he'll break my legs." Murray chuckled softly, "Uncle's still got his sense of humor.""What humor? My free spirit's been shackled! Shouldn't you feel sorry for me?" Stacey huffed, folding her arms and glaring at him in pretend anger.Murray, hands in his pockets, idly kicked at the pebbles on the ground. "You've seen enough of the world. It's time to experience our ordinar
Jean and Stacey, sitting on a swing not far away, looked over in Murray's direction."You know, they say women change a lot as they grow up, but I think it applies to men too. I saw Murray in a finance magazine last year and thought, 'Wow, this guy has become so handsome.' Seeing him in person today, he's even more striking," Jean remarked, genuinely impressed by Murray's transformation.Stacey laughed softly, "Murray has always been good-looking. I remember saying as a kid that I wanted to marry him, but my mom said handsome men aren't reliable and strictly opposed the idea."Jean burst into laughter, "All these years, you've been traveling around, and Murray has become one of Sandviken's top figures without a hint of scandal. Seems your mom's judgment wasn't that accurate.""Who knows? But I feel something different about him this time," Stacey mused.Jean suggested, "He's been in the business world for a while now. Some change is natural."
"What?" Murray quickly withdrew his hand, causing Ronald to fall headfirst on the floor. Despite the pain, Ronald's curiosity was undiminished."Stop pretending. Look at the bite mark on your hand. Don't tell me a dog bit you."Murray glanced at his hand, noticing a neat row of bruise-like teeth marks on the base of his thumb.Ronald leaned in, "That bite, definitely from a sexy lady.""Fuck off!" Murray kicked him playfully and stood up to leave, then paused and turned back, squatting in front of Ronald. "If you dare say anything nonsensical to Stacey, I'll castrate you.""I'm naturally curious. If you don't tell me if there's a woman or not, I might just go around asking..."Murray sighed, sat down, and lit another cigarette, taking a deep drag. "Yeah.""Who is she? Do I know her? Seems like a fiery one, even daring to bite the great Mr. Gibson's hand.""Someone introduced her, you don't know her." Murray extinguished his hal
Emily, somewhat perplexed and anxious, pulled out her phone and called Murray. After a long wait, the call connected, and his deep voice came through."What's up?""What's with the house?" Emily cut straight to the point."Just accept it if I'm giving it to you. Why ask so many questions?" Murray's tone was indifferent, revealing no particular emotion.After some thought, Emily probed, "Coming over tonight for dinner? Haven't seen you in ages; I miss you." Her voice was soft and airy, stirring an itch in Murray's heart. He instantly agreed, "Yeah, I've got some things to handle first, so I'll see you later.""See you tonight." Emily hung up, pressing a hand against her rapidly beating heart. His willingness to come over suggested he wasn't planning to break up with her.She must seize tonight's chance. Even if he did want to split, she'd crush any such intention! After an hour of workout in the gym to stay sharp a
In the coffee shop, Murray pushed aside his sugar-added coffee, a gesture Stacey noticed as her hand paused, spoon in mid-air. "What's wrong?""I never add sugar to my coffee," Murray said with a smile."Before..." Stacey started, then stopped, realizing the significance. What used to be was in the past; now it was a different story."Why did you ask me to come here?" Stacey dropped the spoon into the cup, a droplet of dark brown liquid splashing onto the white saucer, starkly visible.Murray looked puzzled. "Wasn't it you who invited me?"Stacey, half amused and half irritated, pulled out her phone, tapped a few times, and pushed it toward Murray.A message inviting her for a meeting, signed by Murray, flashed on the screen.Murray frowned; he had received a similar message from the same number. He dialed the number from Stacey's phone, which was quickly answered. "How is it going? Did Murray show up? Talk it out. After so many
"Is it well peeled?" Holding up the neatly peeled apple, Emily smiled with her eyes curving into crescents. "Look, I didn't break the peel even once."Elton opened his mouth but suddenly found himself at a loss for words. An invisible wall stood between them, unseen yet palpably separating them."Mr. Cromwell, may I come in?" Sandy stood at the door with her laptop, her arrival seemingly a rescue for Elton."Come in."Emily stood up. "If you need to discuss work, I won't intrude."Elton politely insisted it was okay for her to stay, but Emily mentioned that now that she, too, worked at the company, it was proper to follow protocol.Elton didn't press her to stay any longer.Before leaving, Sandy gave Emily a knowing wink, and Emily nodded in understanding.Once outside the hospital, Emily searched on her phone for the nearest mall. She planned to do some shopping. Ronald had called her, pleading for her to attend his mother's b
Entering the office, the supervisor perused Emily's file, her brows knitting into a tight knot. This resume was the most outlandish she had ever seen since joining the company. However, the more outlandish it was, the clearer it became that this girl was no ordinary employee.She gestured for Emily to sit, her tone softening slightly, "Your team members have formally accused you of malicious competition."As Emily predicted, those two must have claimed that she had hidden other members' reports to favor her own.Emily remained expressionless. "Was it Lydia or Karen?"The supervisor was taken aback by her directness. "Both of them have made allegations.""Oh," Emily nodded, meeting the supervisor's gaze calmly, "I assume you investigate such claims."The teacher's eyebrows lifted in surprise; the young lady didn't seem like a novice in the workplace. "Indeed, at Bucapital, a major company, we don't target any employee based solely on an accus
"Starting to check up on me now?" Murray teased as he playfully kissed Emily, pausing between each peck.Emily dodged his kisses with a smile, "If you're avoiding answering, you must have had dinner with a woman."Murray pinched her cheek lightly, "Even if there were women at the dinner, they were business partners. Does gender really matter?""Fair enough," Emily said, pushing his shoulders to sit up. "I have a question for you."Seeing her serious expression, Murray couldn't help but smile."Be serious, don't laugh," Emily chided, tapping his shoulder.Murray composed himself, waiting for her question."If, and I'm just saying if, someone made you choose between me and Stacey, who would you pick?"Murray frowned, "What kind of childish question is that?""Just answer me," Emily urged, shaking his arm.Murray squeezed her hand firmly, his voice cold, "I'd choose to eliminate the person forcing me to make that cho
Caught under the intense gaze of such a handsome man, Donna couldn't bring herself to look up, her face flushing like pomegranate seeds.Emily, noticing Humphrey's look, immediately understood his intentions. She swiftly pulled Donna behind her, speaking firmly, "I'm warning you, don't even think about it."With a puzzled expression, Donna thought to herself, 'The boss is interested in me? Is this really happening?'She discreetly poked Emily's waist, internally pleading, 'Please don't stop the boss from showing interest in me.'Emily, misunderstanding Donna's gesture as fear of offending Humphrey, reassuringly patted her shoulder, "Don't worry, I'm here. He won't dare do anything to you."Humphrey raised an eyebrow and leaned forward to get a better look at Donna. As someone experienced in reading women, he was well aware of what they desired and confident in his allure.Humphrey snapped his fingers at Donna, tilting his chin suggestively,
As Elton left with Odelia, he avoided Emily's gaze. However, Emily stopped him with a smile, "You should go to the hospital first."Elton looked up, meeting her smiling face. She spoke with concern, but her eyes lacked their usual sparkling brightness. Suddenly, his steps felt unbearably heavy, as if they were laden with lead."Are you coming or not?" Odelia impatiently tugged at his sleeve.Regaining his composure, Elton sighed, hunched over, and slowly shuffled out."If you want to cry, just let it out," Humphrey, lounging on the sofa, his arm supporting his head, said to Emily with an amused smile.Emily sensed a change in the atmosphere after the two left. Humphrey's demeanor shifted from malicious mockery to a gentle familiarity, unintentionally lowering her guard.Standing for so long, her legs had become numb. Emily moved to sit on the sofa opposite Humphrey, her tone calm, "Why should I cry?"Humphrey, lips curled in a meaning
As he spoke, Humphrey paused briefly, his gaze unabashedly sweeping over Emily."Out of the two, one must stay with me today. As for who stays, you decide."He leaned back into the sofa, seemingly amused by his own game. Resting his chin on the back of his hand, he chuckled lightly.Emily looked at Elton, seeing him clench his teeth, his eyes bloodshot with anger.Clinging to Humphrey's leg, Odelia complained, "I'm your girlfriend; how can you say such things in front of me?""Girlfriend?" Humphrey laughed so hard his shoulders shook. He wrapped an arm around her, his voice soft but his eyes chillingly cold, "I have many pets, but certainly no girlfriend."Odelia turned pale, incredulous, "You see me as your pet?"Humphrey laughed again, "You're not even a pet, to be precise, a toy.""No, that's not true. You've
Emily donned a sleek, all-black ensemble, complete with a baseball cap, and just before stepping out, she clipped a pen to her waist.In the car, her thoughts were in turmoil. She hardly knew Humphrey, but it was clear that he was not someone to be trifled with.Yet, Elton had insisted on keeping the Cromwells in the dark. Contacting the police would blow their cover, so she pondered texting Murray for help but ultimately decided against it, not wanting to drag him into this messy affair.Parking on the Road, she didn't head straight for the back streets. A glance around revealed two traffic officers at the street corner, offering a slight reassurance.She then fished a tiny pepper spray from her pocket, holding it tightly in her palm, before venturing into the dark alley. Fortunately, it was short, and she emerged quickly.Outside, she spotted a tall, lean young man leaning agai
After work, Emily stepped out of the skyscraper, not wanting to return to the villa. She walked slowly along the sidewalk, the city lights just beginning to twinkle. The streets bustled with traffic, and the colorful lights on the overpass lit up like a rainbow arching over the city.The CBD, every inch of it worth its weight in gold, seemed like two different worlds by day and night. The aroma of various street foods wafted from the carts lining the road, stirring up a voracious appetite in passersby."The hustle and bustle of life, it truly soothes the soul," Emily thought, looking up and taking a deep breath. Then, she pulled out her phone and ordered a takeaway for two, hoping to share it with Donna.However, Donna was out at a dinner party.It seemed every time Emily called Donna. Lately, she has been at some social events. Emily couldn't help but wonder what kind of entertainment company Donna