Kendrick turned to Annabelle and asked, "Do you want to swim for a while longer, or come with me?"If it were just her here, it wouldn't be an issue. But since Ariana and Cael were also around, and Cael's gaze seemed a bit inappropriate, Kendrick wanted to take her with him.However, Annabelle had just warmed up and hadn’t had enough fun yet. She turned to Trey and asked, "Will Grandpa and Kendrick talk for long?"If it wasn’t going to take too long, she’d just wait for him here.Trey, who had already noticed that the young lady was enjoying herself, chuckled and replied, "It won’t take long. The young master can just put on a bathrobe and ask a few questions.""Then I’ll wait for you," Annabelle said to Kendrick, smiling brightly.Kendrick sighed. It was rare for her to be so excited, and he didn’t want to spoil her fun. Since she needed some exercise, the only thing he could do was indulge her."Alright, I’ll be back soon."Kendrick got out of the pool, put on a bathrobe, and follow
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Ariana smiled and said, "Trey mentioned that Grandpa’s new swimming pool is ready for use, and since Kendrick and Sister-in-law are already here, we decided to come over. I hope we’re not disturbing you!""It’s fine," Kendrick responded with a faint smile, which didn’t reach his eyes.Ariana's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly added, "Then we’ll go change. Kendrick, Sister-in-law, we’ll see you later!"Annabelle smiled back at her, hoping that with a fiancé now, Ariana would stop seeing her as a rival.Once they left, Kendrick turned to Annabelle, "If you don’t want to swim anymore, we can leave."Annabelle shook her head. "No, I haven’t swum much yet. Let’s stay a little longer."She had just changed into her swimsuit and hadn’t had enough fun yet. It wouldn’t feel right to leave so soon. Plus, Ariana’s arrival made her reluctant to go. She didn’t want to appear petty. Despite her dislike for Ariana, there was no need to act small-minded
There was another person observing the competition from a hidden spot—Marvin.Marvin had been there for a while, even earlier than Annabelle and Kendrick. After swimming for a bit and getting a little tired, he decided to rest in the semi-open lounge area by the pool.When Kendrick and Annabelle were playing in the water, Marvin had woken up but didn’t come out. As Annabelle and Ariana prepared for their race, he received a message from his good friend, urging him to watch the live stream.He watched the stream and quickly understood what was going on. When the race began and he saw Annabelle trailing slightly behind Ariana, Marvin walked out of the lounge, leaning casually against the wall, waiting quietly.He hoped Annabelle would lose.Although it seemed like a small game, Marvin knew that Annabelle was someone who kept her promises. If she lost, she would leave Kendrick.And that would give him more chances to win her back.Ariana was also thinking the same. With only a third of t
In the VIP ballroom of the Imperial Hotel in Elfhedge, a grand engagement party was underway."Let's welcome the groom-to-be and the bride-to-be to have their opening dance!"The groom-to-be, Marvin Gregory, burst into laughter after hearing what the emcee said."Opening dance? You might have thought too highly of that ugly creature!"Upon hearing that, everyone turned to Annabelle Sanchez, the bride-to-be, who had just become a laughingstock.Wearing a veil, she stood quietly on the stage.People started to gossip. Some said that Annabelle, the third girl of the Sanchez family, was disfigured by a fire when she was a child, and she had been living in Springvale Temple in the mountains ever since. She never even went to college.Marvin, on the other hand, was the second eldest son of the Gregory family, handsome and influential. It was reasonable for him to disdain her.That being said, Annabelle was from a prestigious family. Everyone assumed that she was probably on the verge of she
Annabelle was stunned, her brows knitting in confusion.She thought to herself, "It's easy to break off an engagement, yet things are much more complicated when it comes to a divorce. Why bother?'She pondered for a second and said, "OK. But I have a demand."Kendrick smiled helplessly and thought, 'That's rich'But still, he said, "Name it. I can't guarantee you a yes, though."He had a playful expression on his face, making him look like a cunning fox. No one could tell what was on his mind.Annabelle frowned and said righteously, "Sex is definitely off the table after we get married."She looked like a soldier trying to defend her territory. Seeing that, Kendrick couldn't help but grin."Seriously, Ms. Sanchez? You think having sex with me is a loss for you?"Annabelle felt that her cheeks were burning. She thought, 'What a narcissist! Who knows what it's gonna be like? Well, it's true that he is handsome, tall, upright, and dignified in every manner. Yet I'm no nympho, and I don't
Annabelle could distinctly smell the faint aroma of cedar, mixed with a faint smell of alcohol, coming from Kendrick. Combined with the dim light in the car, she felt that the atmosphere was way too erotic.She felt her face getting hotter and hotter. When she tried to push him away, he grabbed her wrist.Kendrick clutched her slender wrist as he raised the corners of his lips, looking discontented."Ms. Sanchez, we're getting married, and yet you won't even let me see your face? That's not very sincere. Don't you think so?Annabelle thought, 'It seems that I just can't get away from it. Fine, then. I'll show him what he wants. Sooner or later, he's gonna see it anyway'.She sighed silently and said, "Step back a little, please."Kendrick grinned as he let go of her wrist."What? You don't wanna scare me?"While he was teasing, she had already taken off her veil.Kendrick was stunned.He had a feeling that she wouldn't be ugly, yet he didn't expect her to be that pretty.With fine fea
Kendrick acted seriously and stroked Annabelle's hair. "All done now. Let's go."She pressed her hair which he had tousled while thinking, 'I know that he was about to rub my head. What a cunning fox! He's such an actor!'Holding that thought in mind, she walked into the lobby together with Kendrick.The marriage registration went smoothly. When it came to the wedding photo session, they came to the studio together and were seated in a chair.Kendrick naturally put his hand on Annabelle's shoulder.Annabelle frowned and glanced at his hand, and then she glared at him.Yet Kendrick didn't see any problem. "It's what couples do when taking photos.""Mr. Gregory, it sounds like you're quite experienced."Annabelle said so with a smile, and then she shoved his hand away without hesitation.Seeing the slightly angry look on her face, Kendrick found her just like a gentle kitten who suddenly flashed its claws and scratched his heart.He felt ... a bit itchy. To be more accurate, he felt a b
Annabelle thought about it and realized that Kendrick wasn't asking too much.She thought, 'Now that we're married, even though we're just a couple in name, still, we have to put on an act in front of others. Besides, after spending time with him this morning, I feel that he is kind of reasonable. Maybe he just likes to make jokes sometimes.'While thinking that way, she felt much more at ease."Fine. I'll live at your place."Kendrick couldn't help but smile bitterly.Deep down, he couldn't help but complain, 'Just fine? She sounds so reluctant. Come on! I am the eldest son of the Gregory family as well as the CEO of the Gregory Group. I stand out when it comes to both appearance and family background. Yet why do I feel like I'm not attractive at all to her? Is it because I'm getting old?'The same morning, Kendrick took Annabelle to his villa in the western suburb, showed her around briefly, arranged a bedroom for her, and then went to his office.After he left, Annabelle called hom
There was another person observing the competition from a hidden spot—Marvin.Marvin had been there for a while, even earlier than Annabelle and Kendrick. After swimming for a bit and getting a little tired, he decided to rest in the semi-open lounge area by the pool.When Kendrick and Annabelle were playing in the water, Marvin had woken up but didn’t come out. As Annabelle and Ariana prepared for their race, he received a message from his good friend, urging him to watch the live stream.He watched the stream and quickly understood what was going on. When the race began and he saw Annabelle trailing slightly behind Ariana, Marvin walked out of the lounge, leaning casually against the wall, waiting quietly.He hoped Annabelle would lose.Although it seemed like a small game, Marvin knew that Annabelle was someone who kept her promises. If she lost, she would leave Kendrick.And that would give him more chances to win her back.Ariana was also thinking the same. With only a third of t
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Ariana smiled and said, "Trey mentioned that Grandpa’s new swimming pool is ready for use, and since Kendrick and Sister-in-law are already here, we decided to come over. I hope we’re not disturbing you!""It’s fine," Kendrick responded with a faint smile, which didn’t reach his eyes.Ariana's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly added, "Then we’ll go change. Kendrick, Sister-in-law, we’ll see you later!"Annabelle smiled back at her, hoping that with a fiancé now, Ariana would stop seeing her as a rival.Once they left, Kendrick turned to Annabelle, "If you don’t want to swim anymore, we can leave."Annabelle shook her head. "No, I haven’t swum much yet. Let’s stay a little longer."She had just changed into her swimsuit and hadn’t had enough fun yet. It wouldn’t feel right to leave so soon. Plus, Ariana’s arrival made her reluctant to go. She didn’t want to appear petty. Despite her dislike for Ariana, there was no need to act small-minded
Kendrick turned to Annabelle and asked, "Do you want to swim for a while longer, or come with me?"If it were just her here, it wouldn't be an issue. But since Ariana and Cael were also around, and Cael's gaze seemed a bit inappropriate, Kendrick wanted to take her with him.However, Annabelle had just warmed up and hadn’t had enough fun yet. She turned to Trey and asked, "Will Grandpa and Kendrick talk for long?"If it wasn’t going to take too long, she’d just wait for him here.Trey, who had already noticed that the young lady was enjoying herself, chuckled and replied, "It won’t take long. The young master can just put on a bathrobe and ask a few questions.""Then I’ll wait for you," Annabelle said to Kendrick, smiling brightly.Kendrick sighed. It was rare for her to be so excited, and he didn’t want to spoil her fun. Since she needed some exercise, the only thing he could do was indulge her."Alright, I’ll be back soon."Kendrick got out of the pool, put on a bathrobe, and follow
After the four of them exchanged pleasantries, Ariana smiled and said, "Trey just mentioned that Grandpa’s new swimming pool is ready for use. Since Kendrick and Sister-in-law are already here, we decided to come over. I hope we’re not disturbing you!""It’s fine," Kendrick responded with a faint smile, though his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.Ariana’s smile stiffened slightly, but she quickly said, "Then we’ll go change. Kendrick, Sister-in-law, we’ll see you later!"Annabelle smiled back at her, hoping that with a fiancé now, Ariana would stop treating her as a rival.After they left, Kendrick turned to Annabelle, "If you don’t want to swim anymore, we can leave."Annabelle shook her head. "No, I haven’t swum much yet. Let’s stay a little longer."She had just changed into her swimsuit and hadn’t swum for long. It wouldn’t feel right to leave yet.Besides, Ariana showing up made her want to stay. She didn’t want to seem petty. Even though she was somewhat bothered by Ariana, th
They fought for air, and just before they were on the verge of suffocating, Annabelle felt every sense in her body become hypersensitive, her dependency on Kendrick growing stronger.When he brought her up for air, her face was flushed, and she gasped, "You're crazy!""Don't like it?" He grinned, his smile mischievous.Annabelle’s face grew even redder. She turned her head, burying her face against the stone table, determined to ignore him.Kendrick, however, wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and kissed her neck."Kendrick, you need to control yourself; someone might see us."Annabelle was a little panicked. Despite their previous agreement to refrain from intimacy until her health was clear, she still found it embarrassing to kiss or hug in such an open place.Kendrick chuckled, "So shy? No one is coming. Didn't Grandpa say so...?"Just as his words ended, footsteps approached.Kendrick frowned in annoyance, turning toward the sound, and Annabelle looked as well. Both of
Kendrick's eyes were filled with admiration and appreciation as he watched Annabelle. She was like a vision, and he couldn’t look away.Annabelle, feeling both shy and exhilarated under his intense gaze, couldn’t help but smile. She lifted the corner of her lips, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she mimicked his tone. "Do you think it looks good?" she asked, her voice teasing.Kendrick cleared his throat, trying to maintain his composure. "It's alright," he replied."Just alright?" Annabelle raised an eyebrow, her smirk growing wider. "Then why does Mr. Gregory seem so... affected?"He stepped closer, his voice low and firm. "From now on, you’re only allowed to wear swimsuits when I’m around."Annabelle laughed, her pride evident. "Then you’d better make sure you’re with me every time I swim."Kendrick’s eyes narrowed slightly, a mix of amusement and possessiveness flickering in his gaze.Tsk! This little woman is being very bold today!He reached out to grab her wrist, but Annabell
This decision was made by Annabelle after much thought.Kendrick was good at managing finances and running his company well, so if she wasn’t going to invest in him, who else would she invest in?Oh, right, Annabelle was thinking about investing in the Nichols Group's stocks next, because she was also optimistic about Nichols Chen Yuan.She also wanted to invest in the fashion brand founded by Fabian Mcmahon, but unfortunately, his company wasn’t listed yet.Kendrick chuckled helplessly, “Great choice. It's a good decision.”Investing her own money in her own company made perfect sense.“By the way, Grandpa told me this morning that he wants us to come over for dinner tomorrow. If you’re not feeling well, we don’t have to go.”Annabelle thought to herself, it was Grandpa who invited them, of course, they had to go. Besides, she felt great today and was completely healthy now.“I’m fine. I haven’t visited Grandpa since the New Year, so it’s about time I go.”Kendrick smiled and gently
Wilson packed up his things and told Annabelle that she was probably just very tired recently and needed to rest more. There was no need to worry too much. For her cold symptoms, he recommended stopping any other nourishing medicines until she recovered. He suggested a balanced diet, mostly light foods, and plenty of warm water to help speed up her metabolism. He would also prepare a herbal soup for her.Wilson's advice was conservative and aligned with what Annabelle expected. She felt less anxious about her condition than she had before.After seeing Wilson off, Kendrick asked him, "What exactly is going on with Annabelle?"He had known Wilson for quite some time, and the repeated reassurance to Annabelle only made Kendrick feel uneasy.Wilson's expression was serious as he replied, "I can't say for sure, but I don't think it's looking too good...""Tell me straight," Kendrick insisted."I suggest we wait for the test results. Modern medicine should be able to pinpoint the cause. I
Annabelle shifted her gaze and lightly scolded him, "I didn't! You're mistaken." Kendrick smiled and handed her the warm milk, with the little cat, Coco, eagerly waiting for its milk at his feet. Annabelle took a small saucer and poured a little for Coco. "Can Coco drink milk?" Kendrick asked Annabelle, but Coco meowed, as if to say, "Yes, I can." Annabelle crouched down, rubbed Coco's forehead, placed the saucer on the floor, and said to Kendrick, "Most cats are lactose intolerant, so milk can cause diarrhea, but the milk I bought is lactose-free, so it's fine to give him a little." Afterward, both the large and small ones were drinking milk in the tea room. The small one was soft and cute, while the large one was gentle, and Kendrick's gaze deepened. After Coco finished, it stretched, rubbed against Annabelle's leg, and walked off with small steps. Annabelle, also looking satisfied, licked her lips, feeling that the gloomy mood earlier had dissipated. She was about