Considering the rumors of a feud between Joyce and Jean and that no outsiders knew about Jean's existence, the lobby manager could guess that Dorian had never met Jean.After all, Jean had been working abroad all these years. "That woman is your mother's younger sister, but we don't know much about her." When Dorian was about to inquire further, Albert rushed into the building with concern. "Dorian, how could you come to the company by yourself without letting me know? I was worried sick."Dorian's attention was diverted upon seeing Albert breaking out in a sweat. "The bodyguards are keeping me protected. You don't have to worry." Albert finally heaved a sigh of relief after ensuring Dorian's safety. Then, he hurriedly took Dorian's hand and led him away."Please don't ever do this again. I'm too old for surprises." Dorian nodded silently. After taking several steps forward, he turned around to look at the tightly shut elevator doors solemnly. He had never heard
The staff members were so immersed in the discussions that they didn't notice someone had entered the building. After all, they thought no important people would come to the company at the end of the workday."What are you guys talking about?" Upon hearing the discussion, Joyce approached the staff. Joyce's sudden voice startled them. Upon seeing her, they couldn't tell her apart from Jean. Thus, they lowered their heads, not daring to utter another word. Joyce smiled and spoke in a friendly manner, "What's the matter with you all? I won't bite. I'm just curious about your discussion." Upon noticing Joyce's demeanor, tone, and distinctive smile, the staff finally recognized her."Ms. Michaels, our apologies. We were just having a casual chat." Then, they added, "Mr. Larson has left." Upon hearing about Tyler's departure, Joyce checked her phone in confusion. "He's left? That's very rare for him to get off work so early." Tyler rarely left the company thi
After the Film and Television Management Team left, Jean walked up to Tyler. Considering Tyler's attentiveness toward them just now, she felt puzzled."Weren't you the one who arranged it?" After all, Tyler was the only one in Henkel who was influential enough to intervene with the higher-ups.A hint of mockery flashed across Tyler's eyes as he said with a chuckle, "If I had wanted to play tricks on you, I wouldn't have wasted my time entertaining those people." Jean frowned as her expression grew solemn. She had kept a low profile since her return to the country. She had never offended anyone except the Michaels family. If it wasn't Tyler, it could only be the work of the Michaels family. Jean assumed Joyce's experience in the entertainment industry must have helped her gain a connection with people from the Film and Television Management Team. With a sigh, she remained solemn. The members of the Michaels family were determined to make things difficult for her.
Ever since Cassie's resignation from her role, the cast and crew had been in a panic. However, Cassie's resignation didn't bother Jean much. Instead, Jean felt that it was an opportunity to get Cassie replaced. Previously, Jean had been focusing so much on Cassie's image that she had neglected to understand her personality. Now that she could get Cassie off the set, she wouldn't miss the chance.She had sent a lawyer to the entertainment company under Larson Group for a negotiation. Once the company signed the contract, Cassie's actions would have nothing to do with her anymore. Jean's lawyer was so efficient that he managed to deliver the termination contract back to her early in the morning.Jean learned from the lawyer that it was Chris who had helped speed up the termination process.As soon as the contract was in hand, she instructed Tristan to inform Stella to come for an audition. By the time Jean arrived on the set, Stella had already arrived. Stella had lon
Jean looked at Sydney and nodded. "Indeed, I was raised in the countryside without any resources. At first, I thought it was because the Michaels family was too poor to raise two daughters. Later, I learned that Joyce just didn't want me to be as successful as her."She was worried I would steal her spotlight." Upon hearing Jean's words, Sydney held her coffee cup tightly and smiled coldly. "That does sound like something she would do." Joyce had once taken advantage of Sydney in this aspect. They used to be good friends. However, Joyce schemed against Sydney during a crucial performance, causing her to make a huge mistake and be ridiculed by many. Due to that incident, Sydney and Joyce became enemies. Sydney was too afraid to perform on stage again and became Glenn's woman. She had only regained her confidence recently and occasionally took to the stage again. Unfortunately, she had missed the best opportunity for fame, causing her current popularity to be no
It had taken Dorian some effort to get Chris to reveal Jean's name to him. At the mention of Jean, Albert paused for a moment before responding. "As the daughter of Mrs. Michaels, it's reasonable for Ms. Jean Michaels to attend her birthday party. Upon getting Albert's confirmation, Dorian looked relieved. Seeing Dorian's curiosity about Jean, Albert's gaze grew solemn. Dorian was rarely interested in the Michaels family's affairs, never mind wanting to get to know someone from that family. Thus, Albert decided to report this matter to Tyler. Dorothy's 50th birthday party was around the corner. Dorothy had become vain over the years due to raising the prodigal Joyce. She held her birthday party at the most luxurious restaurant in Henkel, the Upperstar Restaurant. Larson Group built this restaurant in five years at a tremendous cost to cater to the affluent and influential. The expenses were exceptionally high. Unless there were significant reasons, ordin
Joyce started panicking on the inside.Dorian noticed Joyce approaching him with a small smile on her lips. He took a deep breath before uttering in a low voice, "No, I didn't get to know anyone here."Joyce's expression faltered slightly when she noticed how stiff and awkward Dorian sounded. Still, she managed to recompose herself in a flash."Look at you, all grown up now. To think that you're starting to keep secrets from your own mother."Joyce dropped the subject. She knew that Dorian had always been independent.She remained seated for a while before drawing to her feet. With a serene smile on her lips, Joyce stated softly, "Dorian, why don't you stay here with Mr. Anders? I'll be right back."Dorian never bothered answering her. All he did was look elsewhere.Albert just nodded in response. He stayed by Dorian's side quietly without a complaint.Joyce's smile vanished the moment she stepped out of the private room. She strode down the stairs right away, soon spotting D
Tyler appeared at the doorway the moment Jean sat down. His presence instantly attracted everyone's attention.The moment Dorothy noticed Tyler, she ditched the other guests and approached him swiftly with a wide smile on her face. Everyone could see just how much she was itching to suck up to Tyler.The guests sitting at Jean's table shot sympathetic looks in her direction.To think that Dorothy cared about an outsider more than her own daughter …Jean didn't mind the inquisitive looks. Heck, she didn't even look sad.Now that she thought about it, this was her first time attending such a banquet as a Michaels.In the past, Jean was practically ignored by the entire Michaels family. Many people didn't even know that Joyce had a twin sister. The Michaels family didn't let Jean attend such events for fear that she might embarrass them.A hint of sarcasm fleeted across Jean's eyes as she recalled her past.Meanwhile, Joyce was surrounded by a group of refined heiresses and scions
Even though Lukas was now back together with her, Jenny could clearly feel that their relationship could never return to the way it had been in the past. After spending some time with Lukas, Jenny felt that Lukas' heart no longer belonged to her.Once Conner and Robin were done packing up Alina's belongings at the hospital, they made their way to Robin's car. Robin drove them to her apartment. Upon seeing where they were heading, Conner said to Robin softly, "Roo, I won't be going back to your apartment."Upon hearing this, Robin looked confused. Before she could ask why, Conner added softly, "I want to return to Swiree."Robin was taken aback for a moment. Then, she replied, "Dad, you really don't need to rush back home."Conner had already sold the family business in Swiree when Alina was hospitalized in Henkel. As such, Robin had not expected to hear Conner tell her that he wanted to return to Swiree."Just stay here," Robin said.Upon hearing that, Conner sighed softly and
After Alina passed away, her body was taken to the funeral home the next morning.Alina had instructed Conner to keep her funeral simple after her death.After Alina was hospitalized, Conner showed her a grave site according to her wishes.A van from the funeral home came to the hospital the next morning to take Alina's body to the funeral home.Upon hearing the news, Jean and Tyler rushed to the hospital and accompanied Robin there.On the way to the funeral home, Tyler tried to call Terence. However, Terence did not answer.Tyler had to call Wilson to inform Terence of what had happened.Only a handful of relatives and friends attended the funeral to pay their respects to Alina.With Jean and Tyler's help, Alina's funeral wasn't much trouble to set up.Terence received the news of Alina's death in the afternoon. Only then did he rush to the funeral home.When Terence arrived, Alina's remains had already been cremated and placed in an urn.He walked over to Robin. When he s
Robin's call managed to go through, but no one answered her call even after a long while.Robin gradually tightened the grip she had on her phone. She tried to maintain her composure while holding the phone.After what seemed like ages, Terence finally answered her call."Roo, why are you still up?"Terence's gentle voice came through in the end. His tone was tinged with a hint of exhaustion.Upon hearing his voice, Robin secretly breathed a sigh of relief.Seeing that Terence had ended up answering her call, she supposed there weren't any problems to worry about."Yeah, I haven't gone to sleep yet. I'm still—"Robin was about to tell Terence that she was still at the hospital.However, Terence quickly interjected, "I'm still at the hospital now."Upon hearing Terence's words, Robin unconsciously tightened her grip on her phone. Her heart quivered in fear for a moment.She suddenly felt insecure.Robin hummed in acknowledgment and asked, "Is Ms. Blake not doing well?"Robi
Robin's response was in no way problematic.From her response, it was clear how cautious and serious she was when dealing with matters of the heart.Brian sighed and looked at Robin deeply.However, Robin deliberately avoided Brian's gaze at this moment.She didn't want him to waste his time on her. Robin certainly didn't want Brian's friendship with Terence to be negatively affected because of her.Seeing that Robin was deliberately avoiding his gaze, Brian curled his lips into a small smile and said softly, "You don't need to be so wary of me. I'm not going to force you to help me."I'm glad to see that you're going steady with Terence. I'm looking forward to attending your guys' wedding."Upon hearing this, Robin pursed her lips lightly. She let out a calm smile and replied, "Well, then you'll have to spend quite some time waiting."Brian turned to look at Robin. He had a tender expression on his face as he said, "Don't worry, I know Terence very well. I'm certain he'll marr
Robin couldn't help looking surprised upon seeing Brian dressed in formal attire. He looked somewhat weary."Mr. Collins," Robin greeted.Brian nodded slightly in response and walked over to her side.He whispered, "I heard that Aunt Alina isn't doing very well, so I came to check on you guys. Don't be too upset if you can help it."Upon hearing this, Robin pursed her lips. She replied in a soft voice, "I already expected this to happen, so I'm not too upset by it. I just feel a bit helpless at the moment."Although Robin had already anticipated this outcome, she couldn't change it.Robin sighed as a hint of grief filled her eyes.Brian walked over to sit beside her. His tone was gentle as he said, "Death is inevitable for everyone, after all. People either die from old age or sickness. Try to take it easy."Aunt Alina probably wouldn't want you to be so upset either."Robin nodded and turned her gaze toward Brian. When she noticed that was wearing a suit, she asked, "Where we
During her conversation with Alina, Robin had already tried her best to keep her emotions under control. She did not expect Alina to get so worked up.Robin simply didn't want Alina to use her past as an example to educate Robin.After all, everybody was living a different life.Robin would never settle for second best.Robin sat quietly as the doctor continued talking. But she didn't hear a word he said. Noticing Robin's low spirits, Conner said softly to her after the doctor left, "Roo, don't burden yourself with all this. This day was bound to come sooner or later."Although Conner was trying to comfort Robin, his voice was hoarse and contained a hint of melancholy that he failed to conceal.Robin took a deep breath. With her reddened, teary eyes, she told Conner, "I shouldn't have argued with her knowing she was sick. With her current state, it's my fault that I insisted on my point."Conner sighed with a hint of helplessness in his expression. He avoided Robin's eyes and
Robin took a deep breath and said softly, "Don't worry about Chandler. Terence will handle it."After all, Chandler raised Terence like a son despite not being blood-related. The bond between them was too strong for Terence to ignore."Just focus on getting better."Alina went silent for a while. Robin chose not to say anything further either.She wanted to end the discussion in Alina's silence. But to her surprise, Alina uttered hesitantly after a long pause, "No, Terence will not care about Chandler."If Terence helps Chandler out, Weiss Group will face setbacks. Terence prioritizes his interests above all else. He won't care about Chandler. I…"Robin watched Alina getting worked up as she continued talking. Robin couldn't help but feel bad.However, she couldn't pinpoint her feelings. Did she feel bad because after all these years, Alina still cared about Chandler? Or was it because Conner's effort was being overlooked by Alina?Even though Chandler was her biological father
Conner had been working tirelessly to take care of the family. Even now that Alina fell ill, he cared for her selflessly."I should go back and check on your mom. If not, she'll wake up and find herself alone."Robin felt bad watching Conner's silhouette. She and Conner went back to the ward together. Sure enough, Alina was already awake.Robin sat on the couch and felt a mix of emotions as she watched Conner care for Alina devotedly.Alina had finished her medicine for the day, and Conner needed to get her the newly prescribed medicine from the pharmacy. So, Robin stayed back to keep Alina company.Robin kept her gaze fixed on Alina's weary face and asked softly, "Mom, do you want me to end up like you?"Alina paused for a moment after listening to Robin as a hint of confusion flashed in her eyes. Clearly, she did not understand the meaning of Robin's words.Robin took a deep breath to control her own emotions and continued softly, "I was referring to finding a man who takes
Terence was waiting at a traffic light, so his surroundings were noisy. As Robin's voice was very soft, Terence couldn't quite make out what she was saying. "I'm heading to the hospital to check on her now. How are things with your mom?" Terence repeated his question to Robin again. Robin went silent. She had already decided to be with Terence, and he had also publicly clarified that nothing was happening between him and Monica. So, it would be childish of her to ask the question again because he had already made things clear. Robin's lips were pressed together, and her expression had reverted back to normal. She said, "She's fine here. Don't worry about it." She then murmured softly under her breath, "I'll call you back later. Drive safely." As soon as she finished talking, she immediately ended the call. Terence didn't give it much thought after Robin ended the call. He turned the engine on and drove off to the hospital to visit Monica. Robin stood in the cor