Annabelle paused for a moment, realizing that Marvin had come to share this good news with her.Although she felt that it had nothing to do with her, she also didn't like to casually ruin other people's joy, so she smiled and said, "That's great, congratulations to you.""Anna, I remember everything you said. Meeting you, I was really lucky."Annabelle smiled and didn't know what to say. She felt that the man in front of her, when he spoke, was just like a twelve-year-old boy."In conclusion, I would continue to strive.""Okay, then you go for it," Annabelle smiled at him again, feeling like she was encouraging a younger student.Who would have thought that Marvin is six years older than her...Marvin opened his mouth, the words he wanted to say were on the tip of his tongue, but in the end, he swallowed them: "Anna, you go to class, I happen to have some free time today, so I came to see you. Everything is fine.""Okay, then I went back first."Annabelle entered the teaching building
Marvin's face looked very unpleasant at this moment, and of course, he didn't want to go overseas to become an executive vice president.But now, does he still have room to refuse?This was Kendrick deliberately playing a trick on him, but he was not strong enough to do anything except silently swallow his anger."I had no objection.""Alright, from now on, you two brothers should think in the same direction and work together to strengthen our company, the Gregory Group..."After the father finished speaking, the two brothers walked out of the study.As soon as Marvin arrived in the corridor, he said to Kendrick, "Don't think that by sending me to the border, you will get Anna."Kendrick chuckled and said, "Firstly, even my father said it, this is a great opportunity, not some banishment to the border. Secondly, Annabelle and I are already married, you were already out of the game long ago."Marvin clenched his fist in anger, and his jaw muscles stood out prominently due to his fury.
There were over a dozen versions of speculations about Annabelle's identity.One good thing was that after the helicopter incident, no one dared to bully her.However, those are all other people's opinions. Annabelle doesn't care either way and goes to school every day just as she always has.That day, Kendrick dropped her off at school. She was about to get off the car, but Kendrick held her back."Do I need to help you control those public opinions?"Kendrick didn't want to interfere with her school matters, but he couldn't help but feel sorry for her and wanted to lend her a hand.Annabelle was taken aback after hearing this. She realized that Kendrick knew about her affairs at school."Thank you, I don't need it.""Are you sure?"Annabelle said lightly, "With a mouth as eloquent as yours, how can you possibly silence it?"Rumors end with the wise, and she who is pure clears herself, without needing to argue with those petty people.Not everyone was criticizing her, and there were
This boy was a second-generation rich, named Gerald Byrd. He used to enjoy playing pranks on others and relied on his family's influence. Sometimes, he even dared to make jokes about the teachers. Annabelle had long disliked him.Just now, he played a prank on the chubby girl and immediately took out his phone to record it. Without a doubt, he was planning to upload that video online."Woman, I advise you to mind your own business," Gerald said with a wicked smile, sitting back in his chair with his legs crossed. The chair's two legs were off the ground, swaying back and forth, displaying an air of arrogance."I said it again, delete the video."The boy chuckled lightly and said, "I won't delete it. What can you do to me?"As soon as he finished speaking, Annabelle had already taken two steps towards him. She forcefully pulled the back of his chair, causing the boy to instantly lose his balance and fall backwards onto the ground, letting out a painful cry.Everyone held their breath,
After class, Annabelle packed up her things and prepared to go home.The fat girl stopped her in the corridor."Clothes, I will go back and wash them clean for you."Annabelle glanced at the jacket still tied around the girl's waist and said, "Hmm, no rush.""Thank you just now."Annabelle shook her head, indicating not to worry.Annabelle was introverted and not used to talking to unfamiliar people, so after exchanging a few pleasantries with the chubby girl, she wanted to leave.The girl suddenly asked, "Do you pity me?"Annabelle frowned, "I just feel that if I let him bully you, I might become his target in the future."The girl's eyes turned red, and her face was filled with sadness and anger."It's because someone was protecting you that you were fearless and able to say such things."Annabelle smiled helplessly. The girl said someone was protecting her, probably because she thought Annabelle knew someone like Marvin, a young master.But she dared to knock over the chair of the
Kamila's summary of the three people instantly amused Annabelle.If Kendrick knew that others called him "Audi long legs," I wonder how dark his face would become?"Don't laugh, answer me quickly, I won't tell anyone."Annabelle thought for a moment and said, "None of them.""Have you not decided who to choose yet?"Annabelle smiled and asked, "Do you want to give me some advice?"Kamila pondered for a moment and said, "The helicopter is too flashy, and I feel like you wouldn't like it. Fabian is on a whole different level, and it's difficult for us to handle. I think this tall guy is better, even though he only drives an A6 and is definitely not as wealthy as Fabian with his helicopter. But he has good looks and a great physique."Annabelle listened to Kamila's words and glanced at Kendrick in the distance, feeling a strong urge to laugh.This Elfhedge, the most precious Mr. Gregory, in the mouth of the unsuspecting Kamila, unexpectedly turned into an economical man, only relying on
Annabelle's body was pressed tightly against the back of the chair, biting her lip.Regret.What were you blabbering about just now, talking about brothers and sisters!How can I say such cheesy things out loud?However, Kendrick approached a little closer, which scared Annabelle so much that she had to grit her teeth and admit defeat."Good brother... Good brother! Are you done?"At this moment, she felt both embarrassed and annoyed. Her small face, the size of a palm, turned pink, and her eyes shimmered with watery light, making her look even more pitiful.Kendrick's eyes darkened, and he couldn't help but kiss her lips.Annabelle quickly reacted as soon as she realized his motive, she turned her head and, in the end, Kendrick's kiss landed on her cheek.Kendrick chuckled and whispered in her ear ambiguously, "Good girl."Annabelle blushed and avoided looking at him, wishing she could become invisible."B
After Annabelle finished giving her statement, she was taken to a temporary holding room.She opened her big eyes and quietly looked at the silent surroundings, fear gradually spreading from the bottom of her heart...The small window and bare walls made Annabelle feel increasingly oppressed in the past. Time seemed to stretch infinitely, and many painful memories resurfaced.She seemed to be back to when she was eight years old, back when she was still at the Sanchez's place. It was because she had broken her mother's beloved plate, and her mother locked her in a small dark room for a full two days and nights, until her younger brother Raphael quietly let her out.She also remembered the cold winter when she first arrived at Springvale Temple, with the mountains covered in heavy snow. Her face was wrapped in bandages as she lay on a stiff wooden bed, forgotten by everyone, until the young master appeared.Those past moments came back to Annabelle'
What Gauge wanted to discuss with Kendrick was a strategic collaboration between their two companies.Since stepping into the family business, Gauge had discovered a series of issues.Although Lin Jewelry appeared to be thriving, its narrow focus on a single line of business had left it vulnerable to serious challenges.Therefore, Gauge was planning to expand the jewelry and watch business within the next five years into leather goods, fashion products, and the perfume industry.He also proposed merging the group's original real estate construction division with a subsidiary of Gregory's Group. Murphy's Group would retain only a small share—essentially, a disguised sale to Gregory's.But the reason they couldn’t call it a sale outright was because Murphy's Group had started out in the construction industry. Gauge’s father, Simon, still held an emotional attachment to that legacy and couldn’t let go entirely.After the merger of the construction branches, Gauge hoped to acquire Gregory
At first, Annabelle didn’t understand what he was up to. It wasn’t until they were back inside the house that she realized—Kendrick thought she looked a little too sexy wearing his oversized T-shirt, especially since it made it seem like she wasn’t wearing anything on the bottom. It sparked a lot of imaginative thoughts.Annabelle was both amused and exasperated. She lifted the hem of the T-shirt to show him: “I am wearing shorts! They’re just... a little short. But still totally decent!”But Mr. Gregory was persistent. In the end, Annabelle gave in and changed into her own clothes.Once they were both dressed, they returned to the courtyard.Annabelle noticed Gauge hadn’t touched the watermelon and asked why—after all, it was set aside just for him.Gauge pulled a ten-hole blues harmonica from his pocket and said, “If I eat now, I won’t be able to play.”She knew harmonica players had to keep their mouth clean before playing.Then, Gauge handed her his guitar. “Since we’re just hang
While Kendrick was cutting the watermelon, Annabelle couldn’t take her eyes off him.How strange—why did everything this man did seem so charming to her? Even slicing a watermelon looked handsome.It was as if her brain had automatically applied a beauty filter to him.Annabelle placed a hand over her chest, trying to calm her racing heart. But the more she tried, the faster it beat. The sweet words he had just whispered, every little expression and gesture of his, were now playing back in her mind like a movie…Kendrick held out the watermelon to her with a grin. “Little fangirl, stop staring. This handsome guy is your husband—100% confirmed.”Annabelle glared at him with a flushed face. “Narcissist!”Then she lowered her head, scooping out a bite of watermelon, determined to focus on eating.Just as she was about to take a bite, she noticed Kendrick had sat down.The other half of the watermelon was still sitting on the small stone platform by the well.“Aren’t you going to eat?”“Y
Annabelle smiled softly, her eyes twinkling with a mix of amusement and affection. "Why do you always have to compare everything?" she asked, her voice gentle and teasing."I just want to know," he replied, his voice low and earnest. He reached out and tucked a strand of Anna's hair behind her ear, his touch light but intimate. "What it feels like for you to be with me."Annabelle fell into deep thought, her gaze drifting away as she considered his question. The room was quiet, filled only with the soft sounds of their breathing and the occasional rustle of the sheets beneath them. After a while, she still hadn't answered. Kendrick sighed, a hint of frustration in his voice. "Is it really that hard to answer?""Hmm... it’s hard to describe," Annabelle murmured thoughtfully, her fingers playing with the edge of the blanket. "Before, when I was with you, just seeing you would throw my heart into chaos. My pulse would race, and I could hardly catch my breath. But now…” She trailed off, h
Annabelle hadn’t slept so soundly in a long time.When she lazily opened her eyes and looked out the window, she realized it was already dark.Ever since arriving at her grandma’s house and staying in this quiet little fishing village—far away from her usual life—it felt like she had escaped to another world. Her entire being relaxed, with nothing left to worry about.Kendrick didn’t have to stress over the corporation anymore either.Their biggest daily dilemma had become: what should we eat for the next meal?If only life could always be this carefree...Annabelle slowly sat up. After sleeping for so long, her whole body felt soft and mushy. She got out of bed and wandered into the courtyard, where she saw Kendrick sitting at the small table, smoking.When he heard her, he turned around.“Awake?”Kendrick stubbed out his cigarette and patted his thigh.Annabelle walked over without hesitation or shyness and naturally sat on his lap, arms around his neck, resting softly against his s
Kendrick’s face darkened. “It’s better to date someone older. Look at Mr. Murphy—he’s too young, can’t even cook. How’s he supposed to take care of a girlfriend?”Annabelle raised her eyebrows and gave the sly old fox a glance. Flicking the water off her hands, she smiled and said, “But younger guys are energetic—and no generation gap!”Kendrick let out a sharp “hmph.” “You think there’s a generation gap between us?”“I didn’t say us,” Annabelle teased, eyes twinkling. “Why are you jumping to conclusions? Having a midlife crisis already, Uncle?”The little bunny was obviously up to no good with that mischievous grin.Kendrick glanced at the loquat tree in the courtyard, then squinted at the sunlight filtering through its leaves, trying hard to stay calm.After all, he was turning 31 after the New Year. Couldn’t let a little girl get under his skin, right?But midlife crisis? Really?He was in his prime. A young man!So this young Mr. Gregory looked into the reflection on the glass. He
So Annabelle thought to herself—was Mr. Gregory being a little too proactive?Kendrick asked lightly, “So, do you want to go swimming with him alone?”He deliberately emphasized the word “alone,” as if suggesting she had ulterior motives. Annabelle could only respond, “...I never said that!”“Then that’s that,” Kendrick said calmly, taking her hand and leading her into the house.After a short rest, the three of them began preparing lunch.Gauge was every bit the privileged young master—clearly someone who’d never cooked at home before. He practically didn’t know how to do anything.He was too rough when washing vegetables, to the point of mangling the leaves.Then they had him try chopping vegetables—but the young master, with his obsessive need for precision, insisted on cutting everything perfectly uniform, each slice as neat as the next. At the rate he was going, they’d probably be eating tomorrow’s lunch.Kendrick and Annabelle didn’t even bother expecting him to cook anything. T
Afterward, the three of them returned to Grandma’s house first.Gauge waited in the courtyard while Annabelle and Kendrick brought the things they bought at the market into the house. After grabbing the ingredients they needed for lunch, the three of them headed to Gauge’s place together.When they arrived in front of the white guesthouse, Kendrick couldn’t help but chuckle.That morning, he and Anna had passed by this very spot. He had been wondering at the time—the place had a fresh, elegant architectural style. But there was no signboard, so maybe it wasn’t a guesthouse after all. If it was just a private residence, then it probably belonged to someone with means.Sure enough, his guess wasn’t far off. What he didn’t expect was that this would turn out to be Gauge’s home.After stepping through the front gate, Annabelle couldn’t help but marvel.To build such a charming little courtyard on this sloped hill must’ve taken a lot of thought and care.“Come in, rest a bit. Have some wat
As Kendrick was lost in thought, Annabelle called out to him, “Let me help you carry a couple of those.”Just moments ago, Kendrick had taken all the shopping bags from her hands—he was carrying everything by himself now.Seeing his forehead glistening with sweat, Annabelle, who now had empty hands, felt both guilty and worried.Kendrick looked back at her, smiled, and said, “I could carry you on my back too, no problem.”“Stop messing around, give me two bags.”Seeing how serious she looked, eyebrows furrowed and all, he finally gave in and handed her two of the lightest ones.But as soon as she took them, Gauge casually took them from her without saying a word.Annabelle: “…”She felt like she’d just become the middleman in a hand-off.Kendrick glanced at Gauge. “Thanks, Mr. Murphy.”His tone and look were both laced with provocation.Even Annabelle thought he was kinda asking for a punch right then.Gauge snorted coldly, “Don’t thank me. It’s not like I’m helping you.”“Tsk, brat…”