From a distance, she hadn’t noticed, but now that she was up close, she saw that he had quite a few scars—of varying degrees. However, because of the tattoos on his body, they weren’t easily noticeable unless one looked carefully.Being so near, Karsyn could clearly smell the cold, sharp scent emanating from him.For some reason, she didn’t find it repulsive. Maybe it was because she had been spending quite a bit of time around Ernesto recently.Fights?Was he talking about schoolyard brawls between a bunch of kids?Ernesto’s pale lips pressed into a thin line. He didn’t answer Karsyn’s question because he knew their lives were worlds apart. There would never be any intersection between them.And he certainly didn’t want her to know about his life.How boring!Karsyn had already rolled her eyes at this man countless times since arriving here.Whenever she asked him something, he either ignored her or just replied with a dismissive “hmm” or “ah.” He was being so perfunctory!Did he rea
As Karsynplaced her hand on the doorknob, she suddenly heard Ernesto’s voice. She turned around in confusion, about to ask what he wanted.Ernesto’s gaze shifted to the dining table. “Take the stuff on the table with you.”A million curses ran through Karsyn’s mind.Damn!So he’s just going to pretend nothing happened after eating?What a heartless bastard!But even though she was about to explode from anger, she didn’t dare to say anything out loud.After all, she was in the wrong earlier.Stepping back in her high heels, she walked over to the table and picked up the empty takeout boxes that had been cleaned out without a single scrap left behind.“I’ll be back later to bring you food,” she said before stepping out.Ernestocontinued tending to his wound without acknowledging her, not even sparing her a glance.Karsynwas already used t
In the end, Hughproposed and finalized the decision to have dinner at Crimson Restaurant, a high-end buffet restaurant.When the others heard they were going to Crimson Restaurant, they were overjoyed and naturally didn’t catch the underlying message in Hugh’s words.However, both MaliaBritneyunderstood the other layer of meaning behind it. But when it came to matters of the heart, as an outsider, Britneyhad no place to comment.The group split into three cars and headed toward Crimson RestaurantBuffet Restaurant, located in the commercial center of Goldmoor.With a sophisticated ambiance, soft background music, and an array of exquisite dishes neatly arranged, the restaurant exuded elegance.During the meal, the group deliberately arranged for Hughand Maliato sit together."You guys…" Sitting down, Maliawanted to explain something but found herself at a loss for words.
As for what Liviawas thinking, Britneycouldn’t be bothered.She only had one thought right now—Livia, that little brat, wouldn't have come here for something so simple."That’s good! As long as you and Manuelare getting along well. Your father and I saw the news before and were worried something might have happened between you two!" Natalia nodded in relief.Livialistened to Britney’s words. Although her delicate face didn't show much suspicion, she wasn’t fooled. Britneymight be able to deceive her mother, but fooling her? Not a chance!Before coming here, she had already found out that Brother Manuelwas no longer in Goldmoor!Otherwise, she wouldn’t have begged her mother to bring her here..."When is Brother Manuelcoming back? I haven’t seen him in so long!"Britney’s gaze landed on Livia. "He won’t be back for another couple of days. Yo
Natalia, in a moment of urgency, no longer cared about whether her words might offend someone. Her only concern was her emotionally unstable daughter. She stood up and walked toward her physically impaired daughter, no longer wanting to argue, intending to take her away directly. "Come on, let's go home with Mom!"Liviapushed the wheelchair herself, avoiding Natalia’s touch. "No, I’m not leaving!""Livia!" Natalia called out to her daughter, who was wheeling herself away. She couldn’t understand why her daughter was so insistent on staying with Britney. She had never been this determined before. Just what kind of spell had Britneycast on her?Liviamaneuvered her wheelchair toward the kitchen."Mr.Turner!" Livia's voice was sweet and, having just cried, carried a fragile, soft quality that instinctively evoked a desire to protect her.Under normal circumstances, Parkerwould have already gone to bed. But sinc
Liviawiped away the lingering traces of tears on her face.What a waste of her tears!Britney’s lips curled into a smile, one devoid of kindness. "That depends on who I’m dealing with. When it comes to you, this is called self-defense."She wasn’t foolish enough to let this seemingly fragile yet deeply scheming woman stab her in the back."I’d love to see how you defend yourself!" Liviashot a glance at Britneybefore picking up a fork and stabbing it into a piece of dessert."From now on, it’s best if we stay out of each other’s way. That way, I might just let you stay here a couple more days. But if you’re looking for trouble, that’ll be your cue to leave," Britneydeclared bluntly. She then turned towards the door, grabbed her handbag, and prepared to go upstairs."I'm staying at my brother’s house. You have no right to kick me out!" Liviagripped the armrests
The morning sunlight bathed the hillside villa, casting a warm glow over the lush green lawn as a gentle breeze lifted the sheer white curtains.Britneyhad no idea what time she had fallen asleep last night—she only knew that after two nights without any news from Manuel, her sleep quality had been terrible.After washing up, she looked at herself in the mirror. Fatigue was still evident on her face, with dark circles under her eyes. She dabbed on some concealer to hide them, applied a light, refreshing makeup look, and tied her hair into a high ponytail to make herself appear more energetic.She headed downstairs.Considering her usual work schedule, she was up relatively early for someone who didn’t have to go to work. But unexpectedly, Liviawas already awake."Good morning, Miss!" Liviacheerfully wheeled herself around the living room, as carefree as a little bird taking flight.A new environment, a fresh sta
The morning sunlight cast a soft glow on Britney’s calm and composed face, making Liviaboth frustrated and anxious.Who said she was the only one who could act? Damn Britneywas just the same! Truly the most ruthless of women—did she really think Liviacouldn’t hear the hidden meaning in her words? She was clearly warning her that she was just a guest here and shouldn't forget her place!And to make matters worse, that damned woman was born with a face that made others envious!But Liviawas not someone who could be easily defeated..."Remember to come back early. Just because my brother isn't home doesn't mean you can go around freely dating other men! I'll be keeping an eye on you..." Liviatook another bite of her pan-fried bun, speaking as if it were only natural.She had to admit—although Parkerlooked average, his cooking skills were excellent.Her words were sharp and cutting.
Skyler had fallen asleep, but her mind remained alert. After all, Raiden had left a psychological scar on her today.As soon as Raiden mentioned being hungry, she couldn't help but complain to herself. He hadn't felt hungry earlier, and now, suddenly, he was.But despite the resentment in her heart, she didn’t dare voice it. After all, he was the young master, and she was just a servant..."Should I heat it up for you?" Since this "ancestor" had called for her, it was clear he wouldn’t do it himself. And it was late, so the other family members had likely already gone to sleep.Sure enough, the young master kicked his feet and said, "Should I do it myself?" If he was going to do it himself, why bother calling her? The real reason was that he couldn’t sleep and, seeing her sleep soundly beside him, a psychological urge stirred within him.If he couldn’t sleep, neither should she. It was a kind of unhealthy mentality.He wanted to wake her up
Skyler finally had the chance to observe the entire room. The decor was simple yet refined.A large sky-blue bed, a desk with a desktop LCD computer, and some model decorations—all expensive just at a glance. It matched his unruly personality well. However, it was clear he didn’t come home often; everything here still looked brand new."Where are you sleeping? Why are you asking me?"Since his father let her move in, he must have arranged a place for her."Do you have an extra blanket? I’ll sleep on the floor."The bed was big enough for two people, and she had slept with him before—otherwise, how would she have gotten pregnant? But at this moment, she didn’t dare sleep with him. She hadn’t forgotten the way he had looked downstairs, as if he wanted to devour her alive.She didn’t dare provoke him again, afraid that if she shared a bed with him, she might not even know how she died.She knew t
"Do you think you've found yourself a backer now? Is that why you feel so important?"Raiden’s tone was full of sarcasm.He looked exactly like a little kid afraid of losing his father's love.It’s often said that women mature faster than men, and Skyler was one of those women. She could see exactly what Raiden was upset about, and a smile tugged at her lips."No, Mr.Calderon! My biggest backer is you," Skyler admitted her mistake.Like hell he’d believe that! The innocence she had before was completely gone now.Raiden let out a cold snort and sneered, "Skyler, I didn't expect your appetite to be this big. First, you took my house, and now, in the blink of an eye, you've managed to squeeze a fortune out of my dad. Did your brain suddenly become enlightened? You’re making money at an impressive speed!""Mr.Calderon, I did go back on my word in this matter. I’m sorry! Here’s the key to the house you
Every parent, when talking about their child, always wears the kindest smile. Frankie was no exception. And when he thought about the fact that he would soon become a grandfather, his mood improved even more.Feeling good, he couldn’t help but chat a little more with Skyler.As Frankie flipped through old photos of Raiden’s childhood and talked about his younger days, Skyler truly saw how adorable he had been as a child.Uncle Calderon wasn’t lying—Mr.Calderon had been handsome since he was little.Big eyes, double eyelids, a high nose bridge, rosy lips, pearly white teeth, and fair skin—all combined with that charmingly arrogant expression…Skyler subconsciously placed her hand on her belly, wondering if the baby inside would be just as good-looking. If it were a girl and took after Mr.Calderon, she certainly wouldn’t be unattractive."Master, dinner is ready!" a servant came forward and announced.
"She should take a good look at herself! She doesn't want to marry me?" Raiden shouted.Who did she think she was? And who was he? Since when did a woman have the right to reject him?Since he was old enough to understand things, he had been surrounded by countless women, all vying for his attention. Which woman didn't want to marry him?Raiden sneered internally. This woman was definitely playing hard to get in front of his father, trying to win his favor so that he would pressure him into marrying her.I didn't see this coming.Skyler, so you dare play tricks on me!Skyler shivered slightly under Raiden’s sharp gaze. Was it a crime now to not want to marry him?Frankie stepped forward and kicked his own son. "And you should take a good look at yourself!"That kick wasn’t light. Raiden gasped in pain and quickly pulled his leg back to clutch it.Damn it!He was almost thirty, yet his old man still kicked him with
When Raiden walked in, he actually found that woman in his house!Without a word, he rushed up to her, grabbed her wrist, and started dragging her outside with large strides."Mr.Calderon, what are you doing?" Caught off guard by his strength, Skyler’s wrist throbbed in pain as she frowned and couldn't help but cry out."Don't ask, just come with me!"As soon as Raiden received a call from the person he had arranged to take Skyler to the hospital, he rushed back immediately.He had sent her to get an abortion, and she was already on the operating table—yet somehow, the old trickster in his family had intercepted her! Just thinking about how the plan was almost completed but was suddenly interrupted made him incredibly frustrated.How could he not know what that old fox was scheming?For the past few years, every time he returned home, the old man would pester him about marriage. Eventually, he got so fed up that he outrigh
Frankie was setting up Skyler, but unfortunately, she was too young and inexperienced to realize it. She had never encountered such schemes before, let alone faced an old fox like Frankie.At first, Skyler had no idea who had decided against her abortion. It wasn’t until she had spoken with Frankie for a while that she finally understood—it was the old master himself who wanted to keep his grandchild.She had already promised Raiden that she would terminate the pregnancy, and she had struggled internally for a long time. But in the end, her heart leaned toward keeping the child.“However, I have three conditions.”“Go ahead, go ahead…” Frankie was so delighted that she had agreed that he would have accepted a hundred conditions if necessary.“First, after the child is born, I want to be able to visit them whenever I wish. But you can rest assured—I will only be visiting the child and will have
Raiden’s Father...Hearing Frankie's words, Skyler couldn't help but look up. He wasn’t like what she had imagined. The middle-aged man in front of her was well-maintained, looking energetic and full of vitality. His smile was warm and friendly. There were indeed some resemblances between him and Raiden—he must have been quite a charming man in his younger years.Seeing her subtly relax, Frankie chuckled, “What do you think? Not quite what you imagined, right?”Having her thoughts seen through so easily, Skyler blushed, feeling slightly embarrassed. “It’s a bit different from what I expected,” she admitted.“Sit down and talk. I’m not used to looking up at people while speaking.” Frankie deliberately said this, knowing that otherwise, she wouldn’t sit down.Just as he had anticipated, Skyler realized that standing while talking to someone like this was somewhat impolite. Beside
Skyler looked at the cold, sterile operating table, her steps heavy as she walked over and lay down with the nurse’s help. Staring at her still-flat stomach, she silently whispered to the tiny life inside her, "Baby, I'm sorry."He had been so well-behaved. She had heard that during the first three months of pregnancy, morning sickness was common, sometimes severe enough to make one feel like the world was spinning. Yet, she hadn’t experienced any of that—she felt just like a normal person. She knew her baby must be a very obedient child.Unfortunately, she had no ability to keep him. If she forced his birth, he would only suffer alongside her.So, I’m sorry. It’s because I’m not brave enough…She had never intended to keep this child, but that didn’t mean she had no feelings for him. He was, after all, her own flesh and blood."Miss Oneal, we’re going to administer the anesthesia now. Try to r