"You win," Stevan said, and the maids clapped and cheered.Caraline clapped along, though her face still looked cold. She had to admit that the figure of Thomas was what Deric had brought out of the ordinary. Was Thomas Deric's little friend?"You have a two-minute break," Stevan said. The man began to undress, stripping off his black shirt to reveal a sleeveless T-shirt that immediately showed off his massive muscles. For once, the maids screamed in excitement.Caraline rolled her eyes, giving Deric an exasperated look. If Thomas managed to defeat Stevan, she would inevitably have to accept the man's proposal. She was still skeptical even though Thomas' abilities were truly extraordinary. Could Thomas be trusted?"I can't wait for the final battle. It's very interesting entertainment," Deric said.Caraline snorted in annoyance. "You're always getting on my nerves. I wouldn't necessarily agree if Thomas managed to defeat Stevan. You can't get too excited.""How about a bet?" suggested
The atmosphere became very quiet for a few moments. Everyone in the audience was silent in shock. However, it wasn't long before there was a resounding chorus of screams and applause. The bodyguards looked incredulous at Stevan's defeat, but on the other hand, they couldn't protest because Thomas was also an outstanding figure."Thank you for being my opponent. I hope we can fight again next time." Thomas got up from Stevan's body and extended a hand to the man.Stevan laughed briefly. It was something he had rarely done in his life. He took Thomas's hand and stood up. "I'll pay for my defeat next time. I lost because I underestimated you."Stevan raised Thomas's right hand and shouted, "Thomas has won the match. That means he passed all the tests."Caraline snorted in annoyance. She hadn't expected Stevan to lose amid his superiority. She had to admit that Thomas was the winner of this match and that meant she had lost to Deric."That guy's still as great as ever," Deric said when he
"What do you want?" asked Caraline harshly with her back half turned to Deric. Her cheeks flushed at the thought of him doing the same thing she had done to Deric a while ago.Being Deric's slave for a few days was certainly not a difficult choice, Caraline thought. After all, she had been enslaved by him all along."What do you want?" repeated Caraline as she turned back to face Deric. She quickly looked away when she felt her face heat up."I honestly haven't thought about it," Deric said.Caraline snickered. "You're annoying. You're making me lose precious time.""How about you... be my lover for one day," Deric said."Wh-what?" Caraline instantly opened her eyes wide. Her heart jumped out of her chest in shock at Deric's words. Her legs seemed to turn into jelly and her body almost swayed. Her ears kept ringing with the words. "W-what did you say?"Caraline quickly turned her back to Deric. She did not expect this day to come. Deric had confessed his feelings for her and it had ta
Caraline looked up to see who had spoken just now. She quickly got up when she saw Catherine haughtily standing nearby. Turning toward the door, she could see that Helen had just arrived in the room."Miss Caraline," Helen said as she approached with a guilty look on her face."What do you want, Catherine?" asked Caraline harshly, "don't make my morning as ruined as yours."Catherine took a deep breath, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. Rather than answer Caraline's question, she was more interested in looking around her cousin's room. It had been a long time since she had visited this place. "I must admit you have pretty good taste. But unfortunately, it's inversely proportional to your life.""I don't want to hear your ramblings. You'd better get out of my office now," Caraline said, pointing at the exit."You always have such a bad attitude." Catherine rolled her eyes. She was about to sit on the sofa when she suddenly turned her head towards the table when she saw a box of ch
Catherine quickly picked up her cell phone. "You have no right to control me anymore, Wilson!" "What exactly were you thinking by making that handicapped man your cell phone screen?" Wilson shook his head in disbelief. "Is there no other man you could have chosen?""It's none of your business, Wilson," Catherine snapped."Of course, it's my business, Catherine," Wilson replied as he grabbed Catherine's shoulder firmly. "I gave you a stern warning to stay away from that deformed man, and you also told me that you didn't have any feelings for him. But look at you now, you even have that cripple's picture as your cell phone picture. You have lost your mind! Do you want to die?""I... I... I'm just curious," Catherine said."You said curious?" Wilson shook his head several times. "Your brain is really in trouble, Catherine. Curiosity has blinded your eyes, brain, and heart. You can choose the best man you like. You haven't changed a bit since then.""What do you mean, Wilson?" Catherine
Stevan called a guard into the room to bring him a document. Once the folder was in his hands, he quickly gave the file to Caraline.Caraline opened the folder in a hurry. The document contained photos of two run-down buildings, pictures of a black car taken from various angles, as well as sketches of a man in a black suit and a man in a car with his face covered by a cloth and only his eyeballs showing."I sent my men to the location of the thugs' headquarters according to the information from the criminals we still have in custody. I also got a sketch of the face of the person who recruited them based on the testimony of the criminals. Unfortunately, we haven't found the people in question yet," Stevan explained.Caraline quickly checked the video Helen had sent her. "It's the same car as the one used by the stabbers."Caraline also compared the sketch of the stabber's face with the new sketch Stevan had brought. "It looks like the person in charge of recruiting the thugs and the st
Thomas remained silent for a while. "Where should I start?"It was Caraline's turn to be suddenly silent. The woman had been curious about the identity of Deric's parents. So this was a good opportunity to find out. She only knew that both of them were dead. "You're free to say it from anywhere.""All right." Thomas paused for a while. "Mr. Jacob's father's name was Joseph and Mr. Deric's mother's was Juliana. They were very loving parents and wonderful individuals. However, they are both gone now.""Joseph, Juliana, Jacob," Caraline murmured with a faint smile."Both are buried in one of the cemeteries in Summertown. Mr. Jacob was deeply hurt by their loss. But afterward, he promised them that they would become great men in the future."Caraline suddenly froze when she heard the last sentence. Her eyes suddenly condensed and prepared to shed a rain of tears. She immediately looked down with her chest tight. Her careless actions on the night of Carla's graduation had made Deric's life
Time has flown by. Tonight was the launch of the latest product from Mimiline Group and Otopixel company. The news about the event has become the talk of the town on social media and almost everyone in the country these days, especially when the rumor about Henry Hulbert's arrival at the event spread.Several observers and celebrities were interviewed regarding the news. This made the launch of the new program a hot topic that was discussed all the time. Because the program was so busy, several television stations even scrambled to win the broadcast rights to air the program.The media crew also did not remain silent. Apart from Henry Hulbert, Caraline and Diego's relationship was one of the things that should be scrutinized in such a way as to bring in money.The launch will be held at a luxury hotel and will be attended by various dignitaries, business partners, and top artists. Preparations had been made over the past few days, and tonight was the highlight of the event.Caraline w
Jeremy, Jonathan, and James looked tense as they followed a bodyguard to the edge of the park. The crashing of the waves was a musical accompaniment to their racing hearts. The three men suddenly fell silent when they saw Deric with his back to them near the fence. Shortly afterward, the bodyguard chose to excuse himself. For a few seconds, there was only silence between the four men. Jeremy, Jonathan, and James exchanged glances with each other, confused as to what action they should take at this point. Should they say goodbye? Deric slowly turned around, smiling to greet his three half-brothers. He walked over, but Jeremy, Jonathan, and James did not move from their places or even turn their heads towards him. "I've been waiting for your arrival," Deric said. Jeremy, Jonathan, and James had not paid any attention to Deric's words. Their faces had not completely lifted either. "Didn't you miss me a lot, James?" asked Deric, "you even called me and sent me messages almost every da
Six months later The news of the Universe Corporation President's marriage sent the country into a frenzy. Many of the women who dreamed of becoming his wife suddenly felt heartbreak and deep sadness.Rumors circulated like mushrooms in the rainy season about who the lucky woman who would become Jacob Balderic's partner would be. Six months after the Universe Corporation President appeared in public and introduced himself, the man never appeared in front of the media again. However, the news about him continued to fill news lines and television shows.A week after the news of the wedding broke, the media managed to uncover the lucky woman, who was none other than Caraline. Many people agreed with this because they felt that the two were a good match. However, some sneered and bullied Caraline on social media. Even so, the wedding was held in a private location in the city of Summertown.The news of the wedding became the top and hottest topic ever, and even the news of Caraline and D
All eyes were on Deric who had just recognized himself as the presiden of the number one company in the country. The atmosphere of the event was instantly silent, as were the people watching the news on television channels and the internet. Shortly afterward, the adoring admiration was met with thunderous applause."Oh my," said Helen, "isn't that Mr. Deric? How could this be possible? He can walk on both feet and right now he's in front of us."Helen turned to Caraline who was looking down with a smile on her face. When she realized something, Helen quickly controlled herself. She knew the reason behind Caraline's change over the past two weeks."Miss Caraline," Helen called with a bright smile. Despite the crack in her heart, she was happy to see Caraline now.Caraline was silent and didn't dare to raise her head at the moment. The praise and admiration directed at Deric made her even more terrified of losing him.On the other side, Diego and Wilson were watching the show on the scr
A week passed after Caraline met with Deric on the rooftop of the building. However, her happy smile never faded. Helen, Stevan, and the rest of the maids and guards couldn't understand her attitude. While Caraline had been saddened a few months ago, for the past week, she had been overwhelmed with happiness.Caraline visited an event organized by one of Universe Coporation's subsidiaries in a large park. Many famous officials and businessmen attended the event, including Henry Hulbert.Caraline couldn't sit still while watching Henry Hulbert perform on stage. Her eyes were often drawn to the surroundings. There was a good chance that Deric was also at this event, she thought.Caraline hadn't received any messages from Deric all week. She also deliberately did not contact him. If longing had been excruciating in the past, this longing had only intensified the love."Do you need something?" asked Helen, who was sitting next to Caraline's chair."Nothing." Caraline shook her head, turni
Caraline and Deric looked at each other for some time, lost in their feelings. The lights around the rooftop seemed to change color as time passed."I'm just afraid that you'll lose consciousness like last time," Deric said suddenly."What do you mean?" asked Caraline with flushed cheeks."You know, you suddenly passed out when we were about to do... 'it' in your room." Deric laughed, gently stroking Caraline's hair."Passed out?" Caraline raised one eyebrow. "Didn't we ever do that?""Not at all," Deric said, "you seemed to be so nervous that you passed out, especially since you didn't stop smiling during your sleep."Caraline suddenly turned her back on Deric, closing her eyes with a very red face. She was embarrassed when she heard that. So, all this time she had only dreamed about doing 'that' with Deric. "Don't talk to me anymore. I hate you.""I know if your heart says otherwise." Deric stood beside Caraline."No, I'm serious." Caraline turned her gaze to the other side. "You ar
Caraline's whole body shook even more when she saw Deric standing in front of her. She dropped her cell phone because she couldn't contain her shock. For a few moments, she could only hold her breath with an unblinking gaze.Caraline felt shocked on top of the shock. She had wanted Deric to walk again, but when she saw it firsthand, Caraline was left stunned and unable to do anything. Her lips half opened, but quickly closed again.Didn't Deric look perfect with his current appearance?Caraline pinched her left arm hard. She felt a great pain there. It signaled that she was in the real world. However, Caraline still felt lost in dreamland. Deric, who she thought was a man who had lost his dreams, was the mysterious figure that people wanted to know about. Deric was none other than the richest man in the country.Doesn't Deric look perfect in his current position?Caraline looked back as her feet hit the rooftop barrier. She was at the edge of the room and there was no turning back. Fo
"Deric."Caraline could only remain silent with wide-rounded eyes for some time. Her mouth was half open with a look of disbelief. All the images of her time with Deric instantly faded away, making her body almost collapse on the floor. Tears were rolling down her cheeks relentlessly.Caraline knew that she missed Deric more than anything. However, when he was in front of her right now, she could only stand still without being able to get closer or even hug him tightly.Time seemed to stop for Caraline. All the scenery around her suddenly turned black and white, except for Deric alone. At the same time, the world became eerily silent.Could this all be a delusion?Could it be that he was in a dream?Could it be that God had answered all her prayers and hopes?Caraline still couldn't quite believe what was happening. For months she had searched for Deric's whereabouts with everything she had, but nothing good had come of it. However, at this moment, Deric came to him alone on this roof
Two months laterA talent show organized by one of Universe Corporation's subsidiaries received an overwhelming response from the public. The show had the highest ratings for several weeks. It culminated in the finale that aired last night. The participants put on an incredible show of entertainment and performance. The show was even aired in several neighboring countries. The enthusiasm of the public and netizens for the program was so high that the organizers intended to re-organize a similar event with a fresh and new concept.As a token of appreciation for the achievement and success, a lavish banquet was held for all partners who joined the program. Several Universe Corporation officials were present, one of whom was Henry Hulbert.Caraline was still in the room, staring at her reflection in the mirror. She put on the earrings Deric had given her to complete her look tonight. The search for the man had been ongoing until now, but his whereabouts had yet to be discovered."Wherev
One month passed quickly. Caraline reorganized her life. Diego was sentenced to fifteen years in prison for the crimes he had committed. Although it wasn't worth it, it was enough to make her feel relieved. On the other hand, Wilson was also put behind bars. Although the Wattson family tried to get him released, he was sentenced to eight years in prison.Caraline's life gradually returned to the way it was before knowing Deric. She was busy with office work. However, her longing and love for him became even more unstoppable.Caraline has a new habit now. When she missed Deric the most, she would go to his former residence and spend the night there. Caraline would smile at the pictures on the wall and cry shortly after.The search for Deric, Lucy, and Thomas was still ongoing. However, there was no sign that they will be found. Caraline felt that this was her punishment for hurting and wasting Deric's presence all this time. This longing and regret tormented her.On the other hand, Cat