Much as Zachary wished to maintain his current relationship with Serenity so she could be happy and relaxed, he did not say anything else. She took pity on Serenity as she was changing her life for his sake.However, he could not bring himself to let her go.He would attend social gatherings occasionally to make an appearance, but he would soon leave. As for the women in his family, everyone would admire and flatter them ladies whenever they showed up. Hence, it would be impossible for them to get bullied.Nevertheless, there was one point Zachary would not overlook, namely that his mother and aunts grew up in wealthy families.His mother’s and aunts’ marriages with the Yorks were considered well-matched.At the thought of Serenity’s circumstances, Zachary gradually came to understand her persistence.Zachary held Serenity’s hand.To save his dignity in front of her aunt, Serenity did not shake his hand off.Zachary was just holding her hand tightly without saying a word.Afte
“I’m going to work now.”Zachary walked out of the Stones’ villa reluctantly and left under Serenity’s gaze.Sonny touched the part of his cheek where his uncle pinched, then he asked Serenity, “Aunt Ser, Uncle Zak just called me a third wheel. My name is Sonny, not a third wheel.”While carrying Sonny, Serenity returned to the house and said gently, “Your uncle was just joking with you. You’re not a third wheel but a peacemaker.”If she brought Sonny along to meet Zachary, the two of them would control their temper and avoid conflict. This would be helpful in improving their relationship and trust in each other.They were very concerned about the healthy environment in which the child grew up. Therefore, Sonny acted as a reconciler between the couple even though he was not their child.“I’m Sonny.”“Fine, fine. You’re Sonny.”Only then was Sonny satisfied.He had no idea what a third wheel or peacemaker was. All he knew was that his full name was Sonny Brown, and his nickname
“My boss suddenly showed mercy and attended the social function on his own. I’m quite relaxed, so I came over to pick you up after work. Let’s have a meal together. I made a reservation and even ordered the dishes at Wiltspoon Hotel. Once we arrive, we can straight away have the dishes served without waiting.“I’ve also bought two movie tickets. After dinner, we can watch a movie. It’s rare that I have so much leisure time.”Ever since Josh became Zachary’s administrative executive, he had been really busy.He barely had nights with no social functions to attend.Josh was busiest during the period when Zachary and Serenity’s relationship improved. It was because Zachary always assigned the company’s matters to Josh while he spent time with his wife. When Jasmine was about to speak, Josh suddenly swung around and ran out.Jasmine was dazed for a moment before she asked Mrs. Lane, “I haven’t said anything, have I? Why did he run out all of a sudden?”Mrs. Lane said, “Just now, I
Jasmine ordered food delivery for Mrs. Lane and passed the store key to her. She said, “Mrs. Lane, you can close the store and go home whenever you want after you have dinner. You can keep the key or pass it to your missus.”“Missus said that she won’t be available for the next few days. So I’ll come over to help out on her behalf. Let me keep the key.”Mrs. Lane added with a smile, “Ms. Sox and Mr. Bucham, both of you can go ahead and eat together. I can watch the store.”Mrs. Lane had helped in the store for quite a long period. She could remember the book prices. Even if she was alone, it would not affect the operation of the store.Jasmine felt at ease when she left with Josh. They headed to Wiltspoon Hotel for dinner.“How has Zachary been lately?” Jasmine asked concernedly.While driving, Josh said, “He’s busier than ever. He’s been working around the clock like Superman. I could hardly keep up with him. Those working under him have been grumbling, and many of them expect m
At that time, Josh did not take Jasmine seriously at all.It was only until Jasmine’s aunt stopped setting up blind dates for her that Josh started to pay attention to her after the incident at Mrs. Dawson’s birthday party. He found Jasmine interesting.After going on a blind date with Jasmine, Josh felt that she was his cup of tea. Similar to him, Jasmine enjoyed joining in on the fun and gossiping. Coincidentally, he knew a lot of juicy gossip. He could share it with someone who was eager to listen to gossip. Little by little, the thought of marrying Jasmine occurred to him.“After all, I’m already in my 30s. I have common love knowledge. Furthermore, onlookers see most of the game. I can see things clearer than Zachary and have become his love consultant. Unfortunately, his relationship with Serenity is still a mess despite the help of an excellent love consultant.”Jasmine let out a sigh. “Seren isn’t cold-hearted. It was because Zachary concealed his identity and lied to her.
“Josh!”After Mrs. Bucham called her son, she saw that he was pulling a young girl to hurry inside to shy away from her.Mrs. Bucham could not help but scurry forward. She caught up with them shortly and stopped in front of Josh.“Josh, you brat. Didn’t you hear me calling you?”Mrs. Bucham gave him the piece of her mind first. When she turned her gaze to Jasmine, she wore a smile and said to Jasmine, “Young lady, don’t be intimidated. I had to tell Josh off. How dare he turn a deaf ear to his mother’s words and run away when his mother was calling him!”“Mom.”Never in his wildest dreams did he think that he would bump into his mother here.Mrs. Bucham checked Jasmine out from head to toe and saw her holding a bouquet of flowers. Even though Josh had let go of Jasmine’s hand, Mrs. Bucham clearly saw her son holding Jasmine’s hand just now.Giving flowers and holding hands were daily acts of a couple. When did that brat get into a relationship? He did not even let his family
Jasmine smiled and replied, “I’m afraid I’ll disturb you.”“No worries. I enjoy having you around, in fact.”Mrs. Bucham brought Jasmine upstairs as if she knew in which room Josh was going to have a meal. Once they entered the room, it happened to be the private room that Josh had reserved.After being seated, Mrs. Bucham took off her fine charm bracelet. Then, she lifted Jasmine’s hand with the bracelet that Josh gave to Jasmine, and she removed that bracelet. After that, Mrs. Bucham put her bracelet on Jasmine’s wrist and said, “Jasmine, this is our first time meeting. I didn’t prepare anything, so I’ll give you my bracelet as a gift. That bracelet was given by Josh, right? The fineness of this charm bracelet is better.”Jasmine was born into a wealthy family and had a wealthy aunt. Therefore, she had come across all kinds of jewelry and could determine the value of the jewelry.The bracelet Josh gave her was quite costly. It was estimated to be worth a hundred thousand doll
Jasmine thought about how her parents liked Josh. If their parents were to meet, they would likely start discussing their nuptials immediately. And so, she said tactfully, “Mrs. Bucham, my parents are currently traveling and may only be back in a few months.”Mrs. Bucham said regretfully, “Oh, they’re out traveling? Then we’ll wait for them to come back and have a meal together. Jasmine, have your parents met Josh yet?”“They have.”“What did they think of him?”Jasmine looked at Josh and said, “I didn’t ask my parents that because when Josh came to my house, ninety percent of the reason was to look for my brother and treat him to a meal, so my parents think he likes my brother.”Mrs. Bucham was at a loss for words.Josh’s handsome face appeared slightly embarrassed but he did not try to explain himself.He knew Jasmine still did not want their parents to meet yet. He was not in a hurry anyway—it was enough for him to be able to bring home this beautiful woman this year.“Jasmi
Adrian snapped, “Are you saying that I don’t do real work? Caroline, I was working at Fisher Enterprise long before we even knew you existed.”Caroline said neutrally, “Yes, yes, Adrian, you’ve been at Fisher Enterprise for a long time, but what achievements have you made? I mean, achievements that you accomplished on your own.“The results credited to you in the past weren’t actually your doing. You know better than anyone how they came about, so I won’t spell it out. I may have joined Fisher Enterprise only recently, but look at the position I’m in now.“Adrian, I’ve made it very clear. If you want to keep your job, do it well and take it seriously. Stop trying to take credit for other people’s work.”Adrian’s expression darkened. “I only said a couple of things, and you fired back with dozens. Can’t you give me some grace? I have pride, too.”“Adrian, go back to work. I need to get ready to head out soon.” Caroline was done talking to her brother.Adrian fell silent for a mo
Adrian was sullenly quiet. Was he really that incompetent? He thought he had done a pretty good job.Back when their mother was still around, he had not even needed to lift a finger. He just had to vaguely outline the requirements, and the elite team under him would come up with a proposal that satisfied everyone upstairs.All he had to do was wait for the praise and the compliments about how capable he was.After doing this for so long, Adrian had started to believe that he truly was talented.Then, he found out that Celine was not his biological sister and that Caroline was, but the latter had grown up in the countryside, appearing weak and timid, and seemed useless to the company—a good-for-nothing. Thus, Adrian began to harbor ambitions. He wanted to replace his sister and become the successor of the Fisher family.He had repeatedly expressed to his mother his desire to take over, to become the first male successor in the Fisher family’s history. He even said he was willing
Adrian tried several times to interrupt his sister, but Caroline’s barrage came at him like a machine gun, rapid and relentless. All he could do was glare at her, his face flush with anger. If looks could kill, Caroline would have been torn to pieces long ago.After finishing her lecture, Caroline picked up her cup and took a few sips of her coffee. She then said, “Adrian, look at me, I’m parched from all this talking. I’ve really gone out of my way to persuade you for your own good, just like how you tried to persuade me not to hand over control of the Fisher family. “To be honest, even if I didn’t give it back to Audrey and the rest, do you think I could hold onto the position of the matriarch?“The rest of the family doesn’t support us. They might not necessarily side with the Wiltspoonians either, but they definitely won’t side with us. They’ve long been dissatisfied with Mom and us.“Without their support and unable to win against Audrey, the Fisher legacy would eventually be
“But as time passed, we treated you decently, no? Yet, you’ve never had any regard for us, your brothers, and not even for Dad.“You’ve been back with us for several years now. Even if we weren’t particularly close to you, we weren’t exactly terrible either, but you’ve always shut us out, never treating us as family. It’s you who couldn’t integrate into this family, not us who rejected you.”Every time Adrian saw Caroline, he had a lot to say. He always complained that Caroline was not close to them and that she was not on their side.Caroline wore a neutral expression. “Adrian, you might be much older than me, but you’re only middle-aged. Has your memory already started failing? Do I need to remind you of all the things you’ve done behind my back?“It’s not that I didn’t want to integrate into this family, it’s you who’ve always excluded me. You never treated me as your sister. “In your hearts, Celine was your sister, while I was just an intruder who shouldn’t have come back, wh
Adrian’s housekeeper was long bribed by Darren. Whenever he needed them, they would do his bidding. The video and audio recordings were sent by the housekeeper to Darren, who then forwarded them to Caroline.After reviewing the evidence, Caroline no longer felt like resting. She got out of bed, went into the bathroom, and quickly freshened up. When she came out, she grabbed her phone and left the lounge.She first brewed herself a cup of coffee, then carried the steaming cup to her desk and sat down, leisurely sipping it.Then, a knock sounded at the door.“Come in,” Caroline said.The door opened, and in walked Adrian.Seeing him enter, Caroline’s beautiful eyes flickered slightly, but her expression remained calm. She continued sipping her coffee as she watched her eldest brother approach.“Carol,” Adrian said with a forced smile, his tone somewhat affectionate.Caroline stopped drinking her coffee. She casually placed the cup on the table, straightened up, and said, “Adrian,
“You’re new here, so you wouldn’t know. I’ve been working here longer, and since the eldest son lives here, I’ve been able to hear the latest news about the Fisher family.”After all, family matters like these were not usually spread all over the city. Only major events that caught the media’s attention would get leaked. Adrian had no idea about the two security guards’ conversation. He believed he had executed his plan perfectly and was now just waiting for the final step to be carried out tonight in eliminating Caroline to avenge Celine and his mother, as well as reclaiming all of his mother’s private assets.He could not let Caroline take everything for herself.Adrian blamed Caroline for the deaths of Celine and Belinda, convinced that Caroline was responsible for their demise. However, in reality, even without Caroline, Audrey would have returned to seek justice for her mother, and the Fisher family would still have ended up in the same situation. Belinda’s descendants woul
“If you ever encounter any difficulties in the future, come to us. If we can help, we will. If we can’t, then there’s nothing we can do,” Adrian said.The Dott brothers pretended to decline the money, but after some back-and-forth, they eventually accepted, repeatedly expressing their gratitude.“I’ll call a car to take you back,” Adrian said, pulling out his phone to arrange transportation for them.Of course, they were not actually leaving Jensburg. They planned to start their operation tonight, aiming to deal with Caroline quickly to avoid any complications.“Thank you, Mr. Clark. You've already done so much for us,” the Dott brothers said, continuing to play their roles. They had come this far in their act and did not mind keeping up the charade a little longer.Soon, a black car really did arrive and stopped nearby. The driver stepped out and approached, respectfully greeting the three Clark brothers.“Take these two gentlemen home. They are Ms. Celine’s biological brothers,
Justin returned to the dining room and packed up all the leftover dishes they had not finished, along with the opened but unfinished bottle of wine. He stuffed everything into several bags and carried them out. Handing the leftovers to Jacob, he said, “If we’re going to keep up appearances, we need to make it look like we’re really giving you our charity, so take these leftovers back with you. You can heat them up for dinner tonight, otherwise, just toss them in the trash after you leave, but don’t throw away the wine—only you two had it. We haven’t touched it.“This wine is really good stuff, too. Where you’re from, even if you had the money, you wouldn’t be able to buy such fine wine. And if you did find any, it’d probably be fake.”Jacob took the leftovers and the unfinished bottle of wine from Justin. The wine was indeed excellent. In fact, he would have asked for it himself even if Justin had not offered it. In all his life, he had never tasted such good wine.“Once you’re re
Adrian beckoned Celine’s brothers closer in a low voice. The two had had some alcohol, and it was going to their heads. Their faces reddened in excitement and they hurried over.Adrian handed the suitcase to Jacob by the handle. He watched as Jacob laid it on the ground and opened it, exposing the thick wads of cash within.The Dott brothers' hands were trembling from excitement, for they had never seen so much cash before. At the thought that the bagful of cash was theirs now, wide smiles broke out across their faces. They each took a bundle and kissed it a couple of times.“I love this the most,” Jacob exclaimed excitedly. “The more, the better, and the more, the merrier.”“Me, too. Jacob, we’ll take ten bundles each. Let’s just keep the cash in this bag for now and when we get home, we’ll secretly divide it. For now, let’s not tell Mom, your wife, or any others.”The more people knew, the more talk there would be, so it was better for as few people as possible to know.Actuall