Xander's face turned red, a wave of overwhelming sensations leaving his throat constricted.Heat surged from his face to his neck, his eyes fixed on Lana's hand in his. His heart pounded so fiercely that he feared he might collapse on the spot.Sensing Xander's nervousness, Lana promptly released his hand."I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," she apologized sincerely.Xander lowered the car window, welcoming the cool breeze to dispel the heat inside the car."Honestly, I wouldn't mind these sudden moments more often." He smiled, though a flicker of disappointment crossed his eyes. It hinted at his regret over Lana's swift withdrawal.Lana's cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. She made a conscious effort to suppress the playful thoughts that bubbled within her.Sensing Xander's sincerity, Lana grappled with her feelings about their budding relationship. Despite her uncertainties about the future, she respected his feelings. She was keenly aware of the depth of his sincerity
In the hushed atmosphere of the hospital room, Romelius shifted uneasily. His gaze fell to his quivering legs. Trying to conceal his discomfort, he mumbled, "My legs are itching."Lana's expression darkened as she retorted, "You're lucky you said that only around me. If the elders heard it, you'd be in some serious trouble."Nervously, Romelius nodded and managed a sheepish grin. "I won't say such words again in the future, I promise."Lana remained perplexed."Seriously, what's going on with you two lately?" She paused, searching their faces for answers. "Why do you act so cautiously around me? I'm not a monster, you know."This odd behavior from Romelius and Mandy had begun back in the previous hospital.Lana couldn't shake off her confusion. They seemed afraid she might bail on them at any moment.Romelius and Mandy exchanged uneasy glances.They couldn't meet Lana's eyes because of the guilt weighing heavily on their hearts.Despite Lana being sent away after birth, Ro
"Ms. Clark, I understand your concerns," Freya said persuasively. "Rest assured, if Mr. Garrison Senior can't be cured, we won't hold you responsible."However, should he recover, the Garrison family will owe you a favor. Given your new status in Dawsbury City, I believe some assistance in the business world would be invaluable."With just a word from us, the Garrisons, there's nothing beyond our reach."Freya's statement was tinged with arrogance. Even so, it held a genuine promise."Very well, please arrange for a car to pick me up," Lana agreed. Then, she gave Freya Mandy's hospital address.After the call ended, Romelius noticed Lana's troubled expression."Lana, is there something on your mind? You can talk to me. I'm here to help you."Lana shook her head. She recounted the details of her conversation with Freya."What? Freya contacted you personally?" Romelius was usually composed. However, he was visibly taken aback by Freya's direct approach."Is she truly that influe
The room brimmed with joy as everyone celebrated.Wearing a satisfied smile, Freya mimicked Lana's cunning tone. She playfully rubbed her round belly and teased, "Dad, when did you learn to speak like that?"Hector grew increasingly frustrated. He retorted, "What do you mean, learn to speak? I've always—"He abruptly stopped, startled by his own words.Just a few days ago, he had suffered a stroke and was unable to speak. He had to rely on conservative treatment from his private doctor.Yet now, after Lana treated him with acupuncture, he could talk again?Amidst his astonishment, Hector looked at Lana with newfound respect. "Lana, your medical skills are truly exceptional!"Lana didn't downplay the compliment and replied, "I'm just average, ranked third best in the world."Her mentor held the first position, and her senior colleague claimed the second. Hence, Lana considered herself third.Freya's face rarely broke into a smile. She commented, "Ms. Clark, I'm glad I made the
"Aim his arrow?" Hector's revelation left Lana stunned. "So he wants to shoot me to death?" she uttered in disbelief.Hector hurriedly clarified, "No, no, no! Cupid, the god of love, wants you and my grandson to be together!"Lana shook her head, denying the offer. "No, no, no. Such a good opportunity should be reserved for a nice girl from a good family. I'll pass," she said firmly.Recently crowned as the wealthiest woman in Zanteles, Lana had no intention of being ensnared in the cage of marriage again.Outside, there were plenty of handsome and caring young men waiting for her affection.Unfazed by Lana's initial rejection, Hector remained persistent. "Well, if you won't accept my proposal to be my granddaughter-in-law, at least do me the honor of attending the homecoming dinner for my stubborn grandson."Given that it was merely a dinner event, Lana agreed.She acknowledged her limited social circle in the new city. Thus, Lana viewed the Garrison family's invitation a
"Sorry Jeff, but I already have plans for Sunday. How about another time?" Nadia's polite decline was met with a familiar sigh from Jeff.He had grown accustomed to her rejections. Still, a hint of sadness lingered in his voice. "Nadia, when will you be able to accept my invitation?"Don't you trust me? If you need to, I can introduce you to my parents right away, even my whole family."Jeff was genuinely smitten. He was eager to express his affection for Nadia, the girl he deeply admired.As Jeff grew more patient and understanding, Nadia's heart weighed heavier with concern.Having experienced mistreatment in the past, she wrestled with feelings of unworthiness. Despite recognizing Jeff as a kind and decent man, she was hesitant. She didn't want to shatter his heart."Jeff, please don't misunderstand. It's not what you think. I just … I just …" Nadia hesitated, struggling to find the right words to convey her emotions.With a resigned sigh, Jeff replied, "I understand, Nadia.
Why was Lana here?What made her deserving of an invitation to the Garrison family heir's homecoming dinner?Rosa couldn't help but envy Lana's effortless charm. It was a quality that seemed to outshine her own carefully chosen outfit.Sensing Rosa's jealousy, Lana teased her with a disdainful whistle. It instantly cast a shadow over Rosa's expression.Reluctantly, Rosa approached Lana. She avoided eye contact as she whispered under her breath, "Hello, Queen Lana."Feigning ignorance, Lana asked, "I'm sorry. What did you say?"Rosa's frustration grew. It became increasingly clear that Lana was intentionally embarrassing her in front of everyone.Despite her irritation, Rosa felt compelled to adhere to the instructions Joyce had given her before they left the house.Reluctantly, in the end, Rosa complied and shouted, "Hello, Queen Lana." Her voice was laced with an unmistakable tone of grievance.Lana's smile turned into a mocking grin. "Good girl! If only you were this obedien
Carol was accompanied by Rosa and a handful of other girls. They began to form a tight circle around Lana.To those in the know, it seemed like a friendly greeting. However, to the unaware, it appeared as if Lana was on the verge of a confrontation with the younger ladies."Why are you still being so nice to her after how she treated you, Carol?" Rosa's frustration spilled out as she interjected. She couldn't hide her exasperation.Rosa couldn't bear the thought of witnessing another clash between Carol and Lana. She knew she would bear the brunt of their disputes.This time, she was determined not to let Carol get entangled with Lana again."It's not as simple as you think, Rosa," Carol explained, her voice tinged with deception. "Lana might not acknowledge me, but she's still my sister. I can't just stand by and watch her being ridiculed."Upon hearing Carol's explanation, the other girls who followed them chimed in. They defended Carol's actions and revealed some uncomfortable