When the children heard there were presents for them, they first looked at Quinn. Only when Quinn did not object that they followed Julian excitedly. Julian opened the car door and reached into the car to bring out the gifts. He told them, “Your names are written on the gift box.”Quinn heard him as she walked over. Surprised, she asked, “How do you know their names, Mr. Bucham?”She only told him that she had brought twelve children to Wiltspoon for the competition and that there were six boys and girls, respectively. She never mentioned their names.Julian said, “You said you all came for a competition. I had someone look into it and found the children’s names. Everyone has a gift, and each is unique. They can hold onto the gifts and unbox them after the meal.”The children were delighted to receive presents that were luxuriously wrapped.Julian had left his assistants in charge of the gifts. The attentive assistants looked into the children’s preferences and prepared their gi
Quinn replied with a hum. Even though she felt the car looked brand new, as if fresh out of the factory, she did not probe because Julian said this was a car from his garage.Quinn supposed it looked new as Julian rarely drove such an inconspicuous car. He probably would not buy a new car just to transport the presents, right?Julian brought Quinn and the children to a private room he reserved. After everyone was seated, he gestured for the waiter to hand the menu to Quinn. Quinn said, “The children and I aren’t picky, Mr. Bucham. You’re probably more familiar with what’s good here, so it’s better if you order.”“Haven’t you been having your meals in the hotel?”“We have, but we usually eat in the buffet hall on the first floor. I think there’s more variety there. Everyone can eat whatever they want, and the children like it too. I told them to take only as much as they could eat and not waste any food.”Julian grinned. “You’re right. We shouldn’t waste food and take only a
“You saved my life, Ms. Crawford. Treating you to a meal isn’t enough. I should return the favor with much more,” Julian said.Quinn changed the topic, saying, “How are the robbers doing now? How many years of jail time will they get?”“They’re all in prison now. I’m not sure how long their sentence will be, but it’ll be several years at least for robbery.”Julian did not even bat an eye as he lied. His subordinates were indeed somewhere. They were not in prison though, they were receiving treatment at the hospital. They were either beaten up by Quinn or injured from a fall. Simply speaking, Quinn had defeated all of his subordinates. They were in awe of their future missus. Quinn said, “You were unlucky. I heard Wiltspoon is a safe place. There haven’t been motorcycle gangs in many years, but you just happened to meet one of them.”Julian laughed. “I think they’re the ones who got unlucky. They ran into you, the chivalrous Ms. Crawford, as soon as they appeared. You saved
Quinn was tempted.She said, “I’ll think about it. It’s someone else’s house. We’ll be a disturbance if we have fun there.”More importantly, she had to bring twelve students everywhere with her. She could not ditch them and have fun herself.“It’s really fine. If you’re worried about the noise, I can send Zachary a message for his opinion now.”Julian was going all out to secure time with Quinn.He immediately sent a message to Zachary.However, he typed another message before that. He told Zachary he was pursuing someone, asked for his help, and requested him not to reveal his identity.Quinn was likely clueless about the Buchams’ background.Julian did not want her to find out as he was afraid of scaring her off.If Quinn discovered the Bucham family’s true nature and that he was the young master, she would have guessed that he had her investigated before.Her impression of him would be ruined.Quinn was the only woman in the world who could move his heart and make him a
Zachary grabbed Serenity’s shoulders and let her lean against him. Wanting to please her, he said, “Honey, let’s go on a holiday soon, okay? Just the two of us.”“Where are we going?”Serenity’s attention was successfully diverted. “We’ll remain in Wiltspoon, but we’re going to another estate I own that you haven’t been to.”“Aren’t we going to wait until after the wedding? If we can’t go someplace far, our honeymoon can be a drive around Wiltspoon.”Zachary remembered that their wedding ceremony would be held after their anniversary. Although both occasions could be celebrated together, they held different meanings. He said, “It’ll be a two-day holiday. We can go on a drive after our wedding too. I have one month off.”“I can imagine how furious Josh will get.”“I granted him two months off when he got married while only taking a month off for myself now. He shouldn’t be angry about this.”Serenity smiled. “Okay. You can make the necessary arrangements.”She knew Zachary wan
“What’s your decision, Ms. Crawford?”Julian asked Quinn whether she wanted to go to Wildridge Manor. Quinn searched for images of the manor on her phone, but nothing came up. “Why can’t I find any pictures of Wildridge Manor?”“That’s for sure. It’s the York family’s manor. How can they let just anyone take pictures when that’s where they live? I can guarantee that you won’t regret visiting the manor.”Since Julian already obtained Zachary’s permission, Quinn agreed as she was also interested in the York family. “Let’s visit the place then. Are you free tomorrow, Mr. Bucham? I wish to bring the children there tomorrow.”“I’m free anytime. I don’t have to be at the company daily anyway. I call the shots, so no one has a say in what I do.”There was truly no one who could control him, except for his parents.“What will you guys be doing this evening?” Julian asked. “I’m taking the kids to a nearby park for a walk. We saw a huge park nearby when we were on the bus. There were
Quinn agreed with Julian. They chatted during the meal like they were old friends. Julian’s personality was similar to Quinn’s, so they got along well. He was glad that the woman destined for him was a perfect match in every way.…Meanwhile, at Johnson Group, a subsidiary of FC & Co., where Remy was in charge of the company. He was the CEO assigned by the headquarters to be stationed at Wiltspoon long-term.Remy returned to the company from the Stones’ villa in the evening.Everyone noticed that their boss’s mood had changed. There was a serious expression on his handsome face. Who offended Mr. Johnson?Remy was the most easy-going person among the men of the Johnsons. He would smile at everyone, even when he was talking. With that, people let their guard down unconsciously. He rarely looked tense or had stern expressions. Did something serious happen in the company?Everyone had their guesses, but no one dared to ask. They worked harder than usual that day, fearing so
Ben asked, “What happened?”Elisa was Remy’s girlfriend, and they often showed up as a pair. Why would Walter propose marriage to the Stones?“Remy, should I inform our grandparents and parents about this? We can prepare some gifts and pay the Stones a visit to ask for their daughter’s hand in marriage as well.”Ben felt his family was not inferior to the Buchams, and his brother was not lacking compared to Julian too. Remy had never sought help from his family when it came to matters related to him and Elisa. His parents, brothers, and sisters-in-law were concerned about his love life. He told them not to worry and that he would definitely win the heart of the girl he loved. He would marry her and spoil her. Since he said so, his family did not interfere and simply waited for his news. Otherwise, based on Antonia’s personality, she would have been desperate to fly to Wiltspoon with a marriage proposal on behalf of her youngest son. However, Remy said the timing was not ri
Trenton was relieved that Dalton was indebted to Camryn. That was why Dalton had been loyal to Newman Enterprise.If Newman Enterprise did not fall into Camryn’s hands, there was no doubt that Dalton would leave the company. If that happened, the company was doomed.When his parents went to prison, he was merely 18, and Carrie only knew how to spend money. Not only that, their relatives were hungry to get a share of the Newman family’s assets. He and Carrie could not have protected their family’s wealth alone.After Camryn regained her sight, she still could not strain her eyes for long hours. Therefore, Dalton remained in charge of the company.Luckily, they had Callum as well. Even if anything were to happen, Callum would not leave Newman Enterprise to fall because many of the Newman family’s assets belonged to Camryn.He would not let Camryn lose anything.“You’ve been brainwashed by Dalton after working with him. Our dad treated him well and trusted him, yet Dalton betrayed
Camryn said, “She’s just using her lack of money as an excuse to start a fight with me.“Do you really think she has no money?”Carrie had somehow become Mrs. Longbottom yet she was still hiding her identity. Camryn had not understood the entire situation yet.Nevertheless, she was certain that Carrie did not need money.After she spoke, a familiar car arrived.It was the car Carrie had always used in the past.When she returned to the Newman family’s villa after getting out of prison, she only drove that car. She could not take other cars. The cars were still parked in the garage. “Come out, Camryn.”Carrie had gotten out of the car and started shouting for Camryn.When the York family’s bodyguards saw her, they simply glanced at her and did not stop her from entering the store. They knew Camryn had always been lenient with her younger sister.Since Camryn did not give any orders to stop Carrie from entering, the bodyguards simply kept an eye on Carrie to ensure that sh
“I want to go to Spring Blossoms as Carrie,” she told the bodyguard who was driving. “Your sister’s people are keeping an eye on your apartment. She’ll get suspicious again if you head over in your outfit. Everything Mr. Longbottom arranged will go to waste,” the bodyguard reminded her.Carrie thought it over. “Okay. Let’s head home first. I’ll change my clothes and remove my makeup before heading over.”She would also check if her stand-in had damaged any of her stuff.If she did, Carrie would tell the stand-in to compensate her.The bodyguard remained silent.Once they arrived at Longbottom Villa, Carrie took off her hyper-realistic mask and removed her makeup. After changing her clothes, she returned to being Carrie and went out with her bag.Her two bodyguards did not stop her from leaving.She could do anything as long as it would not rouse Camryn and other people’s suspicions.Besides, Carrie had just gotten scolded by their boss on the phone. Although Mr. Longbottom
Mr. Longbottom thought he was not so inferior to men younger than him.More accurately, he was far superior. He had status, money, and power.Which of the younger men could be on par with him unless they came from a wealthy family?Many sons of wealthy families could not compete with him.“I can’t go over because I’m busy these days. But I do miss you too.“It’s more difficult because of the festive season. There are many events, and I have to accompany my family. My wife doesn't care about me, but her request is that I be with her during the holidays because we have to meet our friends and families. Do you understand?”Mr. Longbottom had a wife and children. Carrie knew about it. He had never hid that fact.Carrie did not know if he was close to his wife. Although he said they no longer had feelings for each other, Carrie dared not believe him because he had never let other women take his wife’s place.He also never allowed other women to become pregnant with his children.Mr
Carrie thought she had matured since she could figure out that much. In the past, she would not have understood a thing. Love was about accepting everything about someone. Most people could tolerate their partner’s shortcomings when they were deeply in love. However, without love, even a person’s strength would seem like a fault. Carrie smiled. “Mr. York is a workaholic. Serenity must’ve gotten the habit from him and turned into one herself. I can’t believe she’s working so hard even though she’s pregnant.”“She’s still in the early stages of pregnancy. Going to work is fine.”“Do you need anything else, Mrs. Longbottom?” Jasmine asked.“No. I shall take my leave now, Mrs. Bucham.”Jasmine was on guard and unwilling to reveal much about Serenity. Therefore, it would be better for Carrie to leave. She was not close to Serenity and her friends yet. “Bye, Mrs. Longbottom.”Jasmine saw Carrie out and watched as she got into her car.Once Carrie got far enough from the booksto
Mr. Longbottom had been surprised by her question. He told her coldly that she should refrain from asking unnecessary questions.One who knew too much would not live long. Carrie got intimidated and dared not ask another question. Although she got more curious, she did not try to gather more information for fear Mr. Longbottom would choke her again if he found out. “Nothing. I just asked because I haven’t seen her in a while.”Of course, Carrie could not reveal that she was looking for Serenity. Jasmine would get suspicious if she did. No one around Serenity was a fool. “Seren is busy with work. I rarely see her these days,” Jasmine said.Carrie knew it was a lie. She was aware that Serenity's closest friends did not trust her yet. It made her feel defeated. It had been months since Mr. Longbottom found her and asked her to approach Serenity. Despite her efforts, she still had not obtained Serenity’s trust, let alone become her friend.However, Jasmine and Serenity go
The day ended peacefully. The following day, Zachary ate breakfast and had Kevin drive him and his bodyguards to the airport. They were taking an airplane to Annenburg. Before boarding, Zachary texted Serenity to tell her he would soon arrive in Annenburg. Serenity would be returning from the Murphys’ place. On the other hand, Liberty brought Duncan to Queen Manor to visit Mr. Donald. They would soon become related to each other. Since Duncan was in the city, it was only proper that he visited the Queens. Meanwhile, in Wiltspoon, Jasmine had returned to the bookstore despite it being the winter holidays. She found it rather dull being at home all the time. At the bookstore, even when there were no customers, she could chat with the owners of the nearby stores. While some had closed their stores to celebrate the festive season, many chose to stay open. Jasmine was a month further into her pregnancy than Serenity. Her bump was huge. Luckily, it did not restrict her moveme
After half an hour, Liberty and Duncan finally arrived at the hotel. They bumped into Zachary and Kevin, who had also just returned.“You’re here, Duncan.”Zachary walked toward them. “Hi, Liberty.”Kevin walked over as well. “I told Zachary that you’d be here in no time. Being apart from your girlfriend isn’t easy, right?” Kevin teased.“You’ve experienced it yourself,” replied Duncan as he laughed. Kevin did not respond. He did miss Hayden a lot in the early stages of their relationship. “You two bought so many things.” Kevin saw the items in Duncan’s arms and on his thighs. They were all toys. “Sonny’s getting new toys again, eh?” “Yeah. We bought him some new clothes and toys. I’ve been giving him windmills all the time. It’s time to change it up.”Even Duncan found it slightly ridiculous. He thought Sonny loved windmills just because he saw Sonny playing with them once. That was why he kept getting more windmills for Sonny.Sonny used to be scared of him, but
She would wear light make-up for work to accentuate her beauty. Sometimes, she could not believe the glowing, confident woman looking back at her in the mirror was herself. She had changed a lot after her divorce two years ago. “I’m letting myself enjoy tonight because I’m with you. I won’t have late-night snacks anymore. Going on a diet is too difficult. I don’t want to do it again.”If she gained too much weight, it would be difficult to get fit again because she was happy and did not lack money. In addition, she had Duncan spoiling her. Since she no longer wanted to go on a weight loss journey, she had no choice but to control her appetite and exercise daily to maintain her figure. “I heard the others saying that you have many admirers here. Although they’ve not said anything, even a fool can tell that they’ve fallen for you just from their gazes.”The men who had a crush on Liberty knew she had a fiance who was the young master of the Lewises from Wiltspoon. While they