It read, "Twenty years later, the Bishop family's eldest grandson will tie the knot with the York family's eldest daughter. Consider this emerald pendant and engagement agreement as evidence. Yours truly, James Bishop."Damon recognized the familiar golden script as his grandfather's handwriting. The engagement agreement did not mention a specific name. It simply referred to "the York family's eldest daughter." In James's final years, as he battled severe Alzheimer's, he lost the ability to recognize anyone when the York family came to visit. Naturally, the Bishop family accepted Shannon as the sole daughter of the York family.The York family was respected among Taverdale's elite, but the Bishops, with their long-established lineage, held an even more esteemed position. Their wealth had been in the family for generations, unlike the Yorks, who acquired their fortune in recent years. Due to these differences, the elders of the Bishop family could not understand James's intentio
At Jasper's office, Megan sat in the reception area and waited until 11:00 pm. While sipping her third cup of coffee, he finally returned after finishing his tasks."What couldn't be said over the phone that required a late-night visit?" he asked her.He ruffled her hair and sat across from her. As the prospective head of the Schultz family, he was undeniably the busiest among the siblings. Despite being cousins, it was not unusual for months to pass without them crossing paths."Jasper, I wanted to talk to you about Celeste and Damon." Megan went straight to the point. He had gotten hold of the latest marketing draft she sent out for Celeste. That was how Megan found out about the close relationship between Jasper and Damon."Oh? What's she after now?" Jasper had only crossed paths with Celeste a few times, but his biases ran deep.In his view, Celeste was cunning, icy, and ready to go to any lengths to get what she wanted. So, when Megan broached the subject, he grew even more
No matter what she did, Celeste could not fall asleep again.She searched the internet for the name "Leah Sullivan." It was not difficult to find Leah, given her name and family background.Leah was five years older than Celeste and the founder of a renowned jewelry brand. Despite her success, Leah had the face of a campus idol drama heroine—innocent and sweet.The gossip surrounding her and Damon was even more intriguing. However, Megan's narration about spending tens of millions of dollars just to make a woman happy sounded a bit too disguised. However, the online gossip forums painted a vivid picture of the drama.The gossip making the rounds hinted that Leah, under family pressure, married a financial tycoon from Xiandora. This supposedly triggered Damon to seal off his emotions and throw himself wholeheartedly into his career.In two years, he grew the Bishop Group into a leading company with assets worth billions.Meanwhile, Leah divorced the tycoon when Damon and Shannon's
Damon wrapped his arm around Celeste's waist and led her into the master bedroom."You're quite generous," he remarked, closing the door with a disdainful snort.She could not be bothered to justify herself. She respected his choices, providing him with an opportunity to relive an unforgettable first love. Should he not be grateful?"Thank you." She grabbed a fresh bathrobe and walked to the bathroom.But he grabbed her arm and pinned her down onto the bed. His arms propped on either side of her body. He looked down at her with a blend of inquiry and desire in his eyes."Celeste, why the rush to pass me off to someone else?" he questioned.When Damon returned home that night to find Celeste sitting alone in the yard, he initially regretted leaving her. Little did he expect that she would willingly grab her pillow and offer the bedroom to Leah.He used to have feelings for Leah a while back, but things have changed. Now, their relationship was more like that of friends. A few d
At 2:00 am, Damon sat at the Echo Club and downed one drink after another with a scowl etched on his face. Jasper and Nicholas exchanged glances, and it was Nicholas who finally asked, "So, did you leave the two women alone at home?""Yeah," Damon said simply."I'm worried your departure might lead to Celeste bullying Leah, considering Celeste's temperament," Jasper commented, clearly forming opinions about Celeste."No, she won't." Damon shook his head.He continued, "Celeste insisted on giving the master bedroom to Leah today. Judging by her attitude, she might kick me out, too.""Really? What's going on in her mind?" Nicholas became intrigued. "She went through a lot to win you over."Damon's scowl deepened. He had no idea what was going on in her mind. If she wanted to throw a fit or torment Leah, he could handle it. But Celeste's earlier attitude made him feel like he would be cringing if he tried to appease her."Maybe she had heard something," Jasper mused, pouring hims
As Damon extended the olive branch, Leah's eyes sparkled with satisfaction as she savored the moment.Glancing at Celeste as if remembering something, Leah quickly said, "Danny and I grew up together. We're used to this banter. Ms. York won't mind, right?""Of course not," Celeste replied without lifting her head, engrossed in a struggle with the meatballs on her plate.Knowing that Leah's words were laced with provocation, Celeste chose to ignore them.She had not slept well. Her appetite decreased after just two bites, leaving her feeling uneasy."If you can't eat, don't force it," Damon finally spoke, concern evident in his voice. He had intended to care for her, but his tone unintentionally seemed to express annoyance at Celeste's presence."Enjoy your meal then." Feeling a bit uneasy, she smiled politely. She gently placed her utensils down and retreated upstairs with her coffee.Damn, what was that awkward smile that felt worse than tears? If she was jealous, she should ju
Celeste and Megan had arranged to look for a house together. When she stepped out, the latter's car was already waiting nearby."You worked so hard for this marriage. Are you giving up just like that?" asked Megan.She had not expected Celeste to give up so easily."I don't have a choice. The rival is too strong. Besides, Shannon can't marry Damon, so I've achieved my goal," Celeste replied with a wry smile.There was a reason why she acted without restraint when Damon was dating Shannon. It was because she could sense Damon's feelings for Shannon weren't steadfast.On the other hand, Leah had been his crush since his youth. She was his unforgettable first love. What did Celeste have to compete with her?"Well, luckily, you aren't in love with Damon. As long as he doesn't divorce you and marry Leah, you won't be considered a loser."Megan stood by her initial viewpoint. She turned around and saw a hint of sadness in Celeste's eyes. Suddenly, Megan froze."No way, Celeste. Are y
Celeste could not dodge in time. Hence, Shannon scratched her face with her sharp nails. "Shannon York, it seems like you won't learn from your mistakes if I don't teach you a lesson!" Celeste yelled.She immediately counterattacked. In no time, she was in a scuffle with Shannon.When Megan returned, the two were in a fierce fight. She picked up a stone from the roadside and smashed it against Shannon's head.As the trio came to a stop, Shannon was already clutching the back of her head, howling in pain."Don't let me see you again, Shannon York! Otherwise, you'll regret it!" Megan shouted fiercely.After that, together with Celeste, they got into the car.In the car, Celeste seethed with anger as her chest rose and fell. She then took deep breaths to calm down.Next to her, Megan used an alcohol wipe to clean Celeste's wound.She frowned with concern, saying, "Cel, the York family is still somewhat wary even though you're in a relationship with Damon."After you separated f