"Ms. York! I was just upholding the standards of our spa! People like them don't deserve to be here!" Denise stepped forward to defend herself.If she was fired just like that, it would be too unfair.Daphne sneered, "Why wasn't I aware that my place judged people based on their spending? This is my spa. Who gave you the right to make decisions?"Denise's face paled. "But I—"Jennifer pushed Denise aside. "Ms. York, why are you getting angry at your employee over a mere outsider?" she asked. "Denise just acted accordingly to protect your spa's reputation!"Daphne looked at Jennifer with disdain and sneered, "Who said Lana is an outsider? She's my business partner. To be precise, she's the co-owner!"Lana smiled faintly. "No, to be more precise, the co-owner is Nadia."After all, Lana's 40% shares were all under Nadia's name."What?" Jennifer was taken aback."Ms. York, could you be mistaken? This is the good-for-nothing Lana we're talking about!"Daphne smiled as she stood
Lana brought Nadia to a bustling vegan pasta restaurant.The restaurant was lively since it was peak mealtime. Every table in the three connected storefronts downstairs was occupied. The private rooms upstairs were nearly full as well. There was even a long queue of hungry patrons at the entrance. The name of the restaurant was also very interesting. It was simply called "Peter's Pasta".Lana led Nadia to a small table near the corner. As soon as the waiter came over, Lana ordered a few side dishes and two plates of pasta."I remember this place!" Nadia exclaimed after looking at the bustling scene before her. She added, "It was on TV last week, and some online media had also covered this place. I heard it's the best vegan restaurant in Zanteles!"Lana nodded with a faint smile.The restaurant had been doing well lately. So, Lana and the Waltons bought the two neighboring storefronts, including the upper floors. They connected all of them to create the current, more spacious
Lana thought Eric was just like other typical rich kids: incompetent and chubby. Yet, even then, countless girls would flock to his side just for his money.However, the Eric before her really surprised her.Eric's slightly long, wavy black hair was styled casually with wax, giving him an air of nobility. His features were sharp and defined, but his eyes were a stark contrast to them. His innocent-looking eyes, enhanced by long eyelashes, were offset by a pair of gold-rimmed glasses. It added a touch of mystery and sophistication.The pure white suit he wore made him stand out from the crowd. His tall and upright figure immediately caught the attention of countless girls.Standing next to him, Jennifer was wearing a pink evening gown with a large bowknot. She wore delicate nude makeup, giving off a pure and youthful air.Both of them standing together looked like a match made in heaven.In the corner, Lana held her champagne glass and raised an eyebrow.This was Eric, her targ
"Ms. Clark, Mr. Wheeler would like to invite you to the rooftop cafe for coffee."Before Lana could leave the hotel where the charity dinner was held, Eric's people came to find her. Lana was puzzled. Could it be that Eric wanted to help Jennifer seek revenge?"But since the other party had come looking for her, they had no intention of letting her go. So, Lana followed Eric's people upstairs.The rooftop cafe was still bustling with people at this time. Eric was sitting at a small table in the corner, reading a book."Mr. Wheeler, the guest has arrived."Eric finally put down the book in his hand. He raised his enchanting eyes as he stood up from his seat."Hello, Ms. Clark. I'm Eric Wheeler. It's a pleasure to meet you."Eric's humble attitude somewhat surprised Lana. Even so, what surprised Lana the most was that Jennifer was not by Eric's side.Did he not call her up just to seek revenge on Jennifer's behalf?Lana offered her hand, and Eric proceeded to shake it. His han
"Damn, did he have to make such a big fuss?""Isn't he poisoned? But he's yelling so loudly."The Traffic Light Trio and the Waltons stood at the door fuming. Lana frowned. She felt like there was something fishy about it. But she still knocked on the door openly and led the employees in. "Hi, I'm the restaurant's owner. This is a small gift for you," Lana said as she placed a fruit basket on his nightstand. The man looked like he was in his thirties. He had a surprised look on his chubby face due to Lana's exceptional beauty. But he quickly came to his senses. He pointed at Lana and yelled, "Why are you here? I almost died in your restaurant. How dare you show yourselves here. Are you here to see if I'm dead yet?"The reporters didn't miss a beat. They began to interview Lana frantically. "Miss, I heard that the customer got food poisoning because your kitchen is filthy and disorganized. Do you have any comments?""Someone reported that the customer got food poisoning b
Lana thought Eric's tone with her was too intimate. It was like he was talking with his girlfriend. The situation was getting weirder by the second. But she maintained a polite but distant attitude. "Thanks, Mr. Wheeler. I can deal with it by myself."Eric was close with Jennifer. Lana didn't want to associate with him too closely. Also, the Wheelers were very influential in Gilsbury. She didn't want to risk offending someone like him."That's too bad." Eric felt a little powerless at Lana's refusal. "But I promise I'll try my best to help you whenever you need me."Lana was rendered speechless. Eric's words were too intimate. Lana couldn't help but picture him as a playboy. Nadia started to worry when she noticed Lana's unusual attitude on the phone. "Who is it?""Eric Wheeler."Nadia became upset when she heard the name. "Why is he calling you? Is he planning to avenge Jennifer?"While still in the Clark household, Nadia heard Sarah discussing marrying Jeniffer to Eric.
Carol nodded. "The Simses are backed by the Kanes. That's the reason behind their explosive growth. "Mr. Sims Senior is a renowned figure in the world of literature. He also made significant contributions to the country when he was younger. Do you still think they made it via stock trading?"Jennifer shook her head, her eyes filled with excitement. "Then I'll go to the banquet." She hesitated right after the words came out of her mouth. "Isn't Mr. Sims Senior rumored to be on his deathbed? Why would the Simses put so much effort into celebrating his birthday?" Jennifer asked. Carol was utterly speechless. Even if George was terminally ill, wouldn't it make sense that an up-and-coming wealthy family would celebrate the birthday of a family elder? What did it have to do with his health?Carol finally understood that Jennifer wasn't at the same intellectual level. She had already given Jennifer an explanation of the situation. Still, Jennifer couldn't grasp the intricacies o
It was night. Lights shone brightly at the gate of Sims Residence. Many people and luxury cars lined up to get in. Lana was shocked by the sight. She had thought George meant a simple dinner and not a party. She didn't prepare much because she thought it would be a simple dinner. She had been all around the place the whole day. Her coat was wrinkled, and she didn't even have makeup on. Lana had hurried over to the Sims Residence with a birthday cake. George wouldn't say anything even if she wore simple clothes, but what about the others? Would they think she was being disrespectful to him?Lana hesitated at the gate. She was planning to go home and freshen herself up before coming back. Suddenly, a clear voice came from behind her, "Ms. Clark, are you also here for Mr. Sims Senior's birthday banquet?"Eric was wearing a blue-colored bespoke suit. He looked handsome and dignified and attracted the gaze of many women.Lana approached him and said, "Nice to see you."Eric st
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