This marked the first time Rosa had experienced public humiliation in front of a crowd.She was on the verge of tears, but Lana showed no signs of relenting.As Lana had declared, today was all about teaching Rosa a lesson in respecting boundaries.Lana's lips curved into a mischievous grin, her unwavering gaze fixed on Rosa. "Huh? What did you say? I didn't quite catch that. Speak louder!"Rosa wanted to walk away, but in reality, she found herself without any alternative. She was undeniably branded as the "loser", and there seemed to be no escape from this harsh label.Amidst the surprised and mocking glances from the others, Rosa reluctantly summoned her courage. She called out to Lana, exclaiming, "Queen Lana!"Lana's face broke into a contented smile. "Now, that's more like it!"At that very moment, someone in the crowd had a sudden recollection and exclaimed, "Hey, Rosa had a Math Olympiad at the President's banquet, right?""Yeah, I heard she lost to someone!"Another p
"Grandma, it's my responsibility. I feel like I've fallen short as a mother. I'll talk to Rosa right away," Joyce uttered.Priscilla sighed disapprovingly and added, "You know you could've done better, right? Remember, if you can't handle it, someone else will."Joyce nodded, her humility evident. "I understand, Grandma. I promise to make amends."Priscilla, with her trademark blend of criticism and kindness, remarked, "I was just offering some advice. There's no need to get all worked up. By the way, didn't Rosa want to talk with you?"Joyce left the chapel, visibly upset, and made her way home."Rosa, could you please come out here for a moment?" Joyce exclaimed from outside Rosa's room.Startled, Rosa, who was holding a bag of potato chips, opened the door. She asked, "Mom, why are you shouting like that? You scared me, you know?"Looking stern, Joyce led Rosa into her room."I've told you this before, haven't I?" Joyce asserted with a serious tone. "When your great-grandma
Joyce was completely taken aback by Rosa's disrespectful words. She never expected her to say that. Acting on impulse, she covered Rosa's mouth and said, "What on earth are you talking about? How can you say something like that?"However, Rosa seemed unfazed. She managed to break free from Joyce's grasp and replied indifferently, "Why is it so hard to believe? I am Uncle Devon's niece, aren't I?"And hasn't Uncle Devon been childless all this time? Everything he has will eventually be mine."Joyce suddenly realized that her parenting might have fallen short. Rosa's behavior was likely a result of being overly pampered."But even if that's the case," Joyce advised, trying to guide Rosa, "you can't just say that. What if someone with bad intentions overhears? How would you handle that?"Rosa, however, remained indifferent. "If they hear it, whatever. I like watching people get all riled up and not being able to do a thing about it."Indeed, this child was spiraling out of control
Liam's sudden revelation took Lana completely by surprise, leaving her momentarily speechless.The two security guards, having seen the photo, exchanged knowing glances. They began to share their thoughts, both shaking their heads in disbelief."It's fascinating how wealth can transform people. They can be all affectionate one day and act like strangers the next.""Yeah, if my daughter ever pulled something like that, I'd have to step in and establish some rules."The spa's security guards consisted of retired veterans from the neighborhood.Lana had hand-picked them during a period of unemployment to form a security company responsible for safeguarding all her properties in Dawsbury City.These seasoned guards had encountered many situations over the years. They couldn't help but be disheartened by the younger generation's casual attitude toward relationships.People could warmly embrace someone one day, only to witness that same person act like a stranger the very next day.Y
Lincoln's sudden interruption made Liam lose interest instantly. He quickly straightened his clothes and reverted to his usual demeanor—the cold and aloof CEO he always projected.Lana shook her head in disapproval.Who would have imagined that the typically aloof and domineering CEO could display such eagerness and passion, just like any ordinary person in love?"Why are you looking at me like that?" Liam noticed Lana's gaze and approached her. He wrapped his arms around her from behind. "Do you want to continue?" he asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.Lana pushed him away firmly. “You wish. My dignity was completely ruined by you just now.”Liam chuckled but remained silent, staying close to her."Oh, Liam, can't you stop clinging to me?"Liam stubbornly rested his head on her shoulder. "No, besides you, who else can I cling to?"An involuntary shiver ran down Lana's spine at his words.When this domineering CEO got affectionate, it was more overwhelming than dealing w
Lana and Liam left the restaurant together, but Liam suddenly stopped and turned to look at the restaurant's entrance. Liam had always been calm, but just a moment ago, Lana detected a trace of wariness in his gaze."What's wrong?" she asked. Liam shook his head. He turned and led her forward. "It's nothing."Lana assumed he just saw an acquaintance and didn't give it a second thought. Liam was still a bit wary, but he hoped he was just being paranoid.Emilia waited until Liam and Lana were out of sight before finally stepping out of the restaurant. Unknowingly, she had broken out in a cold sweat.Although she couldn't make out their faces clearly, the gaze of the man beside Lana was too piercing. Even from a distance, Emilia felt like she was being stared at by a predator.She couldn't imagine what it would be like if she was closer to him. She would probably be completely paralyzed with fear.She usually had a commanding presence. Even her family was apprehensive around h
The next morning, Lana called Liam. Her voice sounded somewhat listless.Liam couldn't help but knowingly ask, "What's the matter?"Lana lamented, "Oh, Liam, I'm so upset! I finally got to spend time with my idols, and it was suddenly cut short! Their movie was supposed to start filming later, but it was suddenly moved ahead of schedule."I can't believe this is happening to me. I feel like fate has it out for me."Liam cheekily responded, "It's almost as if the universe is 'plotting' against you."Lana, on the other end of the phone, sobbed, "You're right. I might be the most miserable fan in the world. Just before I got to savor the moment, I suddenly lost both of them!"Liam, with a hint of arrogance, offered, "Since they can't accompany you anymore, do you want me to fly over and accompany you for a few days?"Lana immediately declined his offer, "It's alright. I've already had my fair share of fun. Also, I've already booked an afternoon flight, and I'll be back in Dawsbury
After Lana brought it up, the manager was also puzzled. "Was the person scared silly?"Lana felt that things were not that simple.However, the person had already been taken into custody, and many things remained uncertain. Lana believed it would be best to wait for the official results from the police. Due to the incident, Enjoy Spa had to temporarily suspend its operations. Lana swiftly made the decision to grant paid leave to the employees unrelated to the incident. They would be informed on when to return to work as well.The employees were overwhelmed with gratitude. They had never met such a reasonable and generous employer before. So, after expressing their gratitude to Lana, they happily returned home.Lana returned to her apartment alone and couldn't sleep all night.She couldn't help but feel that something was off. This happened at such an important time. It couldn't have been just a coincidence.The incident sparked a media frenzy. The next day, the internet was b
Would Lana forgive him and spend the rest of her life with him?Liam's heart was filled with a sense of anticipation.Since the reason for the incident had been clarified, everyone let out a sigh of relief at the same time and also went back to rest. Even Leonardo was taken away just to give the two people who had been apart for a long time some space to be alone.After everyone had left, Liam straightened out his clothes and approached Lana, then proceeded to slowly crouch down."Lana!"In the man's deep and sexy voice, there was an unusual tremor and a hint of choked emotion.Liam had no idea what kept him going during these years after losing Lana.Liam didn't dare to do anything too bold. Instead, he gently leaned his handsome face against Lana's hand, repeatedly calling her name.Three years had already passed since Lana left in a fit of anger, setting off a series of events afterward.If she still had any resentment, it would have vanished when she saw Liam's tall figu
Liam's outstretched hand awkwardly hung in the air, and eventually, he could only withdraw it."Speak up if you have something to say, or else, stay quiet. We're not in the mood to listen to you." Hector's attitude toward Liam was still unfavorable, to the extent that he didn't even want to see him.Lana suddenly said, "Something very serious actually happened today."Following that, she placed Leonardo down and showed everyone the wound on his neck.A ring of red marks surrounded Leonardo's delicate neck. In some places, the marks were so swollen that it looked like a tire had been wrapped around his neck. It was a shocking sight to behold.Hector, Violet, Mandy, and Romelius were immediately enraged."What happened to Leo?""What happened to his neck? It could have been fatal if it was any worse.""Who was responsible for watching Leo today? How could they be so negligent and let the child get injured so badly?""This doesn't look like any ordinary wound. It looks like it wa
"Stop looking at me like that. If you want to kill or torture me, go ahead." Cynthia knew what would happen to her after the truth came out, so she gave up struggling. "However, even after my death, I'll haunt you for the rest of your life!"As they listened to her absurd threat, Lana and the Traffic Light Trio burst into laughter."If ghosts were real, then Emilia would be the first to look for you."When her deceased sister was mentioned, Cynthia's smile remained unchanged. "That fool probably never knew it was me who betrayed her until her death."Considering the situation, Cynthia didn't believe she could leave the Garrison Villa tonight."What exactly do you gain by single-handedly destroying the Cooper family?"Lana was still very confused by Cynthia's actions.After all, Emilia and Cynthia were twins and had the same blood coursing through their veins. With all the Coopers gone, Cynthia had nothing to gain from it either!Cynthia sneered at Lana's question. "Lana, yo
On the evening of the banquet, the Garrison Villa was bustling with distinguished guests.Initially, everyone's attention was on the precious great-grandson of the Garrison and Kane family. With his confident and lively demeanor, the chubby child was absolutely adorable. Everyone was naturally curious about who the child might have chosen as his stepmother.It should be noted that the Garrison and Kane family only had one great-grandson. His future was destined to be extraordinary. As long as one could control the child, it was much more worthwhile than dealing with those individuals from the two affluent families.After all, the elders from the two families were very attentive and doting toward this child. Surprisingly, Liam, who was said to have been away from home for a long time, had returned. During the reception of guests, he unexpectedly had a smile on his face.The ladies who had come tonight, vying for the position of Liam's wife, became even more excited.Liam typi
On the night before the banquet, Romelius and Mandy finally brought Leonardo back.Lana was overjoyed, and she immediately went to the bungalow where they were staying.At that time, Leonardo had just returned home and was playing with toys on the living room floor."Leo, you're back! Did you miss Mommy? Mommy missed you so much!"Lana ran toward Leonardo, talking to him while reaching out to hug him. In a flash, Leonardo suddenly ran toward Romelius while holding a toy car.After that, he kept hiding in his arms, refusing to come out. He would occasionally peek out from the gaps to glance at Lana.His actions clearly showed that he refused to accept Lana.Lana's enthusiasm was dampened, and her outstretched arms awkwardly remained in midair. She looked at Romelius and then at Mandy as if waiting for them to persuade Leonardo. However, these two remained silent and only greeted Lana in a casual manner."Oh, Lana, you've come?" Mandy said while presenting her with a basket o
Due to the fact that the Garrison family was going to hold a banquet to introduce the mother of their beloved great-grandson, Leonardo, the Garrisons once again became the talk of the town in Dawsbury.The last time Dawsbury was so lively was when Hector introduced the Garrison family's heir to everyone.As soon as the news was released, the Garrisons became noticeably busier in the following days. All of them were busy scurrying around and helping Hector deliver the invitations.In addition to people who had business dealings with the Garrison family, the invitations were naturally sent to people who were familiar with Lana in the past. Therefore, as soon as the Traffic Light Trio received the invitation, they didn't even go to work and immediately ran to Liam's office—intending to get an explanation from him.At that time, Liam had just finished a phone call from overseas and was deep in thought when the office door was suddenly kicked open.Lincoln stood at the door, looking
With that, Sawyer ignored the unpleasant expressions on Freya and Hector's faces. He immediately picked up his child and walked away.Hector was furious. He glared at Liam, his eyes burning with anger. It was clear that he thought Liam was the one responsible for Lana's predicament.Liam was once again innocently caught in the crossfire.Freya set aside her current tasks, offered some comforting words to Hector, and then got up and chased after them.She knew Sawyer well enough and was certain that he would never have treated someone like this unless there was a reason.As Freya's family of three left, Lana's face bore a sorrowful expression. "Since I'm not welcome here, I guess I'll just go."With that, Lana got up and walked toward the door.Hector and Violet had been waiting for Lana's return for a long time. Now that she was finally back, how could they possibly let her go?Naturally, the two of them chased after Lana and tried to talk her out of leaving. They eventually ma
Liam sensed a challenging undertone in Lana's stare. After all this time, had they truly become adversaries?Releasing Lana abruptly, Violet gently patted her arm, her eyes filled with profound hurt."You're here, alive and well. Why did you leave us in the shadows? Even if you chose not to contact anyone else, you should've considered reaching out to me. Do you have any idea how much I missed you?"Over the years, Violet had been grappling with a deep sense of loss.Though it remained an unspoken sentiment among them, Violet was aware of the underlying blame directed toward Liam for what was believed to be Lana's demise.Had Liam been more emotionally available, their relationship wouldn't have crumbled. It would've stopped Lana from seeking refuge overseas while carrying their child, an act that set the stage for her heartbreaking destiny.Witnessing Liam's anguish and believing Lana to be lost forever had taken a severe toll on Violet's health, aging her considerably."Gr
Liam guided Leo to Lana's room.As they entered, Lana was already awake, bathed in the serene morning light streaming through the window.Upon hearing their arrival, Lana, while brushing her hair, shifted her gaze toward them—a familiar scene echoing times gone by."Good morning, Liam and Leo!" she greeted them effortlessly.Without hesitation, Leonardo squirmed out of Liam's embrace and darted toward Lana, exclaiming, "Hi, Nana!"Lana paused, momentarily surprised by Leonardo's nickname. "Leo, you should be calling me 'Mommy'!" she gently corrected him.Leonardo hesitated momentarily before redirecting his attention to Liam.Even though Liam hadn't exchanged a single word with Lana, he spoke up when Leo glanced his way, firmly stating, "Feel free to do as you wish. There's no need to seek my approval. Alright?"Leonardo nodded obediently and turned his gaze back to Lana, continuing to address her as "Nana."While Lana appeared somewhat displeased by this unexpected turn of ev