A flash of understanding crossed Matthew's eyes. It seemed he would have to take things slow. Feeling the danger of this topic, Cynthia decided to change the subject, "Why are you back? Are you on holiday?" "I'm retired," Matthew murmured. Cynthia looked up in surprise. "Retired?" "Mm." "Why?" Everyone knew that the Captain's capabilities were top-tier in the organization. He had led his team to complete many challenging tasks, earning numerous medals. Most importantly, he had a promising future. Why had he chosen to retire? "I was severely injured during a mission a year ago. The doctor said I couldn't engage in high-intensity training daily. My successor has already been trained, so it seemed right to retire." Matthew did not hide the truth from her. A wave of concern surged in Cynthia's heart. She wanted to ask why he had not informed them about his injury but remembered that some mission details were classified and better left unsaid. So she changed her question, "H
"Hmm, I'm turning thirty next month. I can't very well tell people on blind dates that I'm unemployed," Matthew responded. His eyes were pale, and his words were so ambiguous that it was hard to discern whether he was serious or joking. His simple statement caused Cynthia to worry on his behalf. She blurted out, "You're right. You are not getting any younger." Matthew laughed, seeming amused. This girl. Was she implying he was old? "Well, I'm not as young and energetic as you," Matthew responded nonchalantly. Cynthia quickly explained, "That's not what I meant." "You don't think I'm old? Hmm," Matthew chuckled lightly. Cynthia was not very good at flattery, but at this moment, she mustered up a compliment anyway. "Being a man near thirty, you don't look old at all." "You're a bad liar." "Captain..." Matthew moved his bishop. "Cynthia, checkmate." Only then did Cynthia snap back to reality. Looking at the chessboard in front of her, she felt for the umpteenth time th
In a short while, the two had finished their game. Matthew took the initiative to put away the chess pieces and board, bidding the old man farewell with a courteous yet refined manner. Cynthia also bid her farewell. Though Old Man Tanz was reluctant to let them go, he understood not to delay them for too long. "How are you going back, Captain?" she asked. "I'll hail a cab." Old Man Tanz was taken aback. He glanced instinctively at the SUV parked nearby, confused by the blatant lie. However, he chose not to confront Matthew, silently watching the performance unfold. He was curious as to what Matthew was planning. "It's quite a distance to walk from here, and there aren't many cabs around. Where are you headed? If it's not too far, I can give you a ride," Cynthia said, holding the car keys. The Captain had always been kind to them. She could not just stand by and watch him walk all that way. Matthew's eyes remained indifferent, his tone casual. "Would it be too much trouble?"
Matthew's eyes brightened as he replied, [I'm not planning to come back for now.][Hank Quier: !!!][Hank Quier: You bastard! Do you want a beating? Your mom and I raised you, but we don't get to see you often in a year! Now that you're retired, you're still not planning to come home?][Hank Quier: If you don't return, your mom and I will have another child!]Matthew stared at the messages, then responded directly, [If you're not concerned about Mom's health, go ahead and have another child.]Hank read the message and became furious. Then, he promptly limited Matthew's contact number.This kid was simply too audacious! [Matthew: I'm busy winning over someone.]As soon as the message was sent, a red exclamation mark appeared next to it. Hank had limited Matthew's messages, indicating that Hank would not receive the message until Hank adjusted the setting. Matthew was caught off guard and thought his father was childish. "Captain, we've arrived," Cynthia said as she parke
Matthew casually slid his hand into his pocket. His slender figure made him seem like he was the protagonist stepping out of a comic book. He exuded an air of nobility yet appeared easygoing, and he seemed really smart. Matthew hesitated, but he still got into the car.Cynthia took him to the residential area where she usually stayed for work and handed him the key to the adjacent unit, asking him to register his fingerprints for the door lock."There are new towels and toiletries in the guest bedroom. You just need to bring your change of clothes tomorrow, and you can officially move in." Cynthia had arranged everything well.Matthew responded, "Alright."Seeing that she had finished most of her instructions, Cynthia planned to leave. Just as she walked out and was about to open her own door, she received a text message.It was a bank transaction notification for 20,000 USD.She glanced at the message only to find that Matthew had transferred her the money.Cynthia knocke
Cynthia thought Mitchell's advice was great and agreed, "Okay."After ending the call, Cynthia went to her study to prepare a special employment contract for Matthew.On the other hand, Mitchell called Matthew as he could not help but wonder who would ultimately win Cynthia's affection—Matthew or Joshua. Although Cynthia trusted Captain and had no reservations about him, their relationship remained purely platonic. As for Joshua, Mitchell personally did not want Cynthia to be more involved with him. Joshua's actions destroyed all of Cynthia's trust and feelings for him.After all, Cynthia was the kind of person who would wholeheartedly devote herself to someone she liked, but once she fell out of love, it was difficult to change her mind.While pondering these thoughts, Matthew's deep voice came through."Mitchell.""Captain, you're quite proactive," Mitchell commented."I let her slip away once before. I can't let it happen again this time," Matthew casually chatted with Mi
It was not about trying to please her, but it felt strange nonetheless."Take it." Matthew pushed the breakfast into her hands without hesitation, saying, "I really don't know what goes on in your head."Cynthia was rendered speechless by his remark and internally scoffed at it. Well… It was because Matthew had been acting so out of character. In the past, she would have to go hungry if she was late or had not completed a task, and not only that, she would face additional penalties. Yet now, Matthew was directly delivering food to her. How could she not read into it? Maybe this was his way of punishing her because of the incident last time… Could it be her 'last meal'?The more Cynthia thought about it, the more convinced she became.Finally, she blurted out, "Captain, just be straightforward with me."She was sure that Matthew was indirectly punishing her because she called him as if he were an antidote. He wanted to put psychological pressure on her, and he definitely su
Cynthia was still confused. She thought Matthew's reaction was off, but she did not expect Jimmy's reaction to be so extreme.In the Seven Dwarf's group chat… [Little Jerry: Captain is back and even brought breakfast for Cynthia.][Riley: ?][Gaby: ?][Little Bee: ?][The Most Handsome in the Group: ?]A series of question marks filled. Even the two who had not been very active before were taken aback.[Riley: Cyn, listen to me and run away now.][Little Bee: The memory of Captain bringing me food last time is still vivid in my mind. It's not a good thing! Run!][The Most Handsome in the Group: Captain gave me a water bottle, and I had to run ten kilometers with extra weight.] [Cynthia: …] Mitchell looked at the various messages in the group and replied, [Is it really that terrifying?]Little Bee initiated a group call.The call connected, and seven people appeared on the phone screen.As soon as Cynthia answered the call, Little Bee quickly said, "Cyn, we're not
Isabella glared at Nick. He actually betrayed her! Caught off guard by Luther's honesty, Nick quickly explained, "Don't look at me like that. Luther forced me to do it. If I didn't agree to his request, he would've spilled my past to my current girlfriend.""Current girlfriend?" Isabella looked puzzled.Nick confessed honestly, "My new girlfriend."Isabella was at a loss for words. Nick was very handsome. His looks could rival top celebrities. Naturally, with his face and charisma, he had no shortage of admirers. That led to a habit of frequently changing girlfriends."I made my rules clear to her. No shady behavior allowed," Nick added quickly, sensing what Isabella was thinking.Hearing this, Isabella did not say much.A moment later, Luther, seeing that their conversation had wrapped up, took Isabella's hand and left. On the way back, he deliberately brought up the topic of proposals."What kind of proposal do you like?" Luther asked."Anything works," Isabella replied
There was a time when Isabella considered letting Luther propose to her. However, he had not shown any signs that he would or asked for her ring size. There was no need to overthink it; that fool probably had not even thought about it. Nonetheless, Isabella did not blame Luther. After all, she was well aware that everyone expressed love differently. Yet, that was also precisely why she wanted to propose to him, to make him understand just how much she cared."What's wrong?" Annie asked, concerned."I'm just worried," Isabella replied. The ring sizes had been a constant worry for her."Because of what you just mentioned?"Isabella nodded. "Yeah.""Why do you want to propose to him?" Annie looked toward a dark corner. "In most relationships, the boyfriend proposes to the girlfriend, right?""I want him to feel loved," Isabella answered simply.Luther was different from most people; he always suppressed his negative emotions and limited his freedom. He no longer wanted to restr
"No," Luther declined; he still wanted to be the one proposing to her."Okay," Joshua agreed readily.Luther nodded, letting his mind wander. In the following days, Isabella kept checking on the progress, each time being informed that there was no opportunity to measure Luther's finger.In the blink of an eye, three days passed.Cynthia and Matthew had a conversation with Isaiah.Due to prior preparation, Isaiah handled Cynthia and Matthew's questions smoothly. Although they knew Isaiah had not been entirely truthful, based on his attitude toward Sandra, they agreed to the marriage without excessive probing into his relationship with her.As for Isabella, she waited for a few days but had not received any news. Frustrated, she decided to go to Jiverton herself to find Luther.When Joshua heard about her plan, he asked her to give him a bit more time. He assured her he would have the sizes by next Friday at the latest."Really?" Isabella was worried about running out of time.
"Okay." Isaiah already had a plan in mind.After discussing the matter, the two did not say much more. In the following two days, Cynthia and Matthew stayed home while Isabella prepared the details and processes for the proposal.However, after going through the general plan, Isabella suddenly realized a problem. She did not know Luther's ring size. How could she prepare a ring for the proposal without knowing the size?Realizing this issue, she immediately thought of flying to Jiverton to find out but hesitated due to Luther's caution. If she returned so soon after just coming back, he would surely be suspicious. After much contemplation, she came up with a solution—Joshua.When Isabella called, Joshua happened to be having a meal with Luther."I'm not busy, what's up?""I need your help with something," Isabella said, trusting Joshua's abilities, "but Luther can't know about it."Joshua instinctively glanced at Luther.Luther was confused. He glanced at Joshua's phone and
"Quit the act," Matthew said to Isabella, "It's too bad."Isabella stayed quiet. Matthew bluntly stated, "Isaiah currently oversees the company, and the annual revenue has been consistently increasing under his management. He even took a few subsidiaries public.""And?" Isabella inquired."He has a talent for this," Matthew hinted, leaving Isabella puzzled as she struggled to keep up with Matthew's pace."He's barely in his twenties, so there's no rush to get married," Matthew explained. He saw through everything, understanding Isaiah well, adding, "If there were truly such a concern, he could easily establish a company under Sandra's name in the next few years, operate it until it goes public."With Isaiah's abilities and connections, starting a company and taking it public would be a simple task. After the IPO and proper management, Sandra's value would naturally rise. This would effortlessly 'shut their mouths'. Isabella wanted to say something, realizing her dad's words
"That depends on the secret he's keeping," Matthew responded immediately, taking the opportunity to tease Isaiah, "If it's something against our moral values, it'd be hard not to form an opinion, even if we try not to.""He's not that kind of person," Isabella defended Isaiah.Matthew did not respond but just sat there. Their father-son dynamic involved banter and teasing, but when it came down to it, they genuinely cared about each other."He's just worried that you might object to Sandra's background," Isabella continued to spin her tale convincingly.Cynthia and Matthew were confused, both staring at Isabella.Isabella felt a bit uneasy. Something seemed off with her parents' expressions. "What's wrong?""Are you sure Isaiah is worried about this?" Cynthia asked.Why was their beloved daughter so bad at lying? Not catching on, Isabella nodded, "Absolutely.""Setting aside the fact that we've always taught you not to treat people differently based on their family background
"Ah, I see." Isabella breathed a sigh of relief and purposely asked, "Is it possible that Isaiah got to know Sandra through Uncle Yves and Uncle Sean?""It's unlikely," Cynthia denied. Even though they had not arranged any blind dates or rushed Isaiah into marriage, given his personality, he would not seek an introduction from anyone."Whenever you have time, ask Isaiah to bring his girlfriend home," Cynthia said, truly wishing for her children to find happiness. Isabella agreed, "Sure.""Isabella," Cynthia suddenly spoke up.Putting away her plan book, Isabella responded, "Hmm?""Do you think I look stern?" Cynthia sounded gentler than usual, lacking the usual nonchalance.Having been accustomed to being herself, Cynthia found it a bit awkward to take on the role of an elder suddenly. If she left a bad impression on Sandra during their first meeting, it could easily jeopardize Isaiah's relationship."Not at all," Isabella spoke sincerely, looking at Cynthia affectionately. "Y
Isaiah had seen through their plans. He knew that his parents' friends enjoyed watching him banter with Matthew. Every time something was like this, they would eagerly make things difficult for him.Early the next morning, Mitchell and the others began implementing the plan. Initially, Matthew did not suspect anything and thought they genuinely had urgent matters to attend to and brought Cynthia back home first.Considering Luther's upcoming proposal, they decided not to travel the world but instead explored nearby cities. After Mitchell and the others called Matthew aside, Isabella approached Cynthia. Cynthia was surprised to learn about Isabella and Isaiah's plan."Aren't you afraid of getting in trouble?" Cynthia asked."Not at all," Isabella responded very directly, her mind focused on planning her and Luther's engagement. "Isaiah said he can handle this matter, so let's discuss the proposal first. I've thought about several options, but none seem good enough.""Okay," Cynth
Isaiah was surprised."Take her to shoot wedding photos first," Isabella suggested seriously. After giving it some thought, Isaiah said, "I'll ask her during dinner.""Why bother asking?" Isabella thought Isaiah's emotional intelligence was lacking, and Sandra's expectations were too low. "Just pick a few reputable studios and let her choose one she likes."During their conversation, Isabella noticed that Sandra was slightly anticipating a wedding, although she had refused for some unknown reason. If she was not truly opposed to weddings, there should not be an issue with pre-wedding photos."If you give it directly to her, she'll probably say she doesn't need it," Isabella coined. She could see through people and was quite clever.Isaiah clearly did not consider this possibility."Take a look at these studios. My friends suggested them," Isabella had already made the selections and recommended them to him. "Weren't you against my decision before?" Isaiah, not understanding h