After dinner, Charlotte sat in the living room and sent a message to Simon.Charlotte: [Are you free the day after tomorrow?]Simon replied immediately.Simon: [You're inviting me?]Charlotte: [Yes, I am.]Simon: [Wow.]He called her and casually asked, "Is Griffith going to die?"Charlotte popped a grape into her mouth and replied, "Don't you think it's more exciting to meet up while he's alive?"Simon laughed. "Where are we meeting?""At the Wilson family's old mansion, the day after tomorrow."Simon fell silent."Are you afraid?" she asked.It remained quiet on the other end. After a long while, she started to feel uncertain. "I just had someone check, and Griffith is actually still alive. Are you out of your mind?""Answer me, yes or no?"Simon wasn't stupid. He could tell she was trying to provoke him. However, an invitation that was so obviously suspicious was more intriguing than a straightforward one.He didn't hesitate and replied, "Alright, I'll be there on t
Since Alana's passing, Francine hasn't hosted a grand banquet like this in over a decade. This was the first time in more than ten years.Charlotte sat in the car, observing the people outside. Every one of them was a leader in their respective fields, including both white and black individuals. At a glance, she had the feeling that people from all corners of the world had gathered here.The car stopped in front of the main residence, and she got out of the car with Griffith. Suddenly, she found herself facing a wall of cameras.She froze for a moment, her breath caught in her throat. Then, a hand reached out and covered half of her face, pulling her gently, and she was pressed into someone's chest. A faint fragrance filled her nose, and her forehead touched his chin.In the next second, the camera flashes went off, creating a barrage of blinding lights. Charlotte's body stiffened. She hadn't realized there would be reporters here.Griffith hadn't noticed her unease. She hadn't ap
Charlotte claimed she wasn't pregnant, but Rebecca naturally didn't believe her. She was aware of the situation in the Wilson family and whispered to Charlotte, "The baby's still not safe within the first three months. You're right not to say anything, so you won't attract unnecessary attention.""Rebecca..." Charlotte showed a grateful expression but quickly covered it up. "I'm really not pregnant."Rebecca saw through her act but didn't expose it. She smiled faintly and linked her arm with Charlotte, leading her inside. Griffith and Liam followed behind them.Upon entering the hall, the atmosphere had changed drastically from the usual simplicity to opulent extravagance.A servant said, "Everything today was arranged by Ms. Michelle."Rebecca sneered. "It looks too simple."As a couple, they had always supported Griffith. In fact, most of the elders of the Wilson family abroad leaned toward Alana. They looked down on the new lady of the house, who had come to power after the un
When Francine entered the small living room, the wealthy ladies who had originally not been getting along with Rebecca and the others also joined in, offering their birthday wishes one by one.As the center of attention, Michelle held her chin up with an air of pride as if she were a proud peacock. Maybe she herself thought that she was the ‘swan’ among the ducklings.Charlotte lowered her head and sipped her tea, her lips curved in a mocking smile.During the conversation, Rebecca deliberately said, "Michelle, you must have prepared the most splendid gift for Grandma on this special occasion, right?"Michelle smirked. "I'm just a junior, so my gift can't compare to yours. But I've put some thought into it."This response was quite praiseworthy, in Charlotte's opinion, given Michelle's intelligence. Unfortunately, the people in the room were all seasoned veterans, and handling Michelle was a matter of a few words. As expected, Rebecca and the others supported and urged her to show
“A weak teammate does you more harm than a strong enemy.” Charlotte felt like this saying should be engraved on the first page of De Re Militari by Flavius Vegetius Renatus.Mariah was full of schemes, and her other two children were intelligent, but Michelle was lacking in wits. Among the people present, this was a common sentiment.Regardless of the relationship between Katie and Griffith, today was Francine's birthday banquet. Yet, Michelle had invited Katie here, seemingly with the intention of embarrassing Charlotte. As for Katie, even if she really had a genuine love for Griffith, if she were a bit smarter, she wouldn't have come today. How foolish.Michelle, oblivious to all this, pulled Katie to sit down and even said, "Grandma, you've always wanted a great-grandchild, right? You've waited for three years and still haven't gotten one. Today, with Rebecca and the other ladies here, I want to offer my congratulations to you."She held Katie's hand and glanced at Charlotte, ra
Katie was different from Michelle. She was intelligent and had a purpose. Attending this birthday banquet was harmful rather than beneficial to her. However, she had to come because she needed to confirm whether Charlotte was pregnant or not. If she was pregnant, Katie would have to deal with the child tonight!Their eyes met, and Katie fixed her gaze on Charlotte's face. Her face was beautiful, yet pale. The restroom was filled with a strong aroma, and after Charlotte spoke, she immediately wrinkled her brow in discomfort.She replied calmly, "It's only appropriate for me to come and wish Grandma a happy birthday. Why would it be embarrassing?"As she finished speaking, she suddenly turned toward Charlotte. Charlotte seemed taken aback for a moment, then relaxed. Her hand instinctively protected her lower abdomen, but she quickly moved it away.Katie caught this small gesture, and anxiety filled her heart. Her gaze shifted to Charlotte's handbag. Then, she casually picked up the h
Griffith was talking to Eli. Benjamin was also present today; the young man had been immersed in the rehabilitation center, working hard on his recovery.Suddenly, Eli clicked his tongue. "What's this kid up to?"Griffith looked over.Benjamin had been watching things unfold. In the garden filled with noble ladies, Simon walked in, quite conspicuous. He walked straight up to Charlotte, bent down, and extended his hand. "Charlotte, would you like to dance?"His voice wasn't loud, but it was loud enough for everyone in the garden to hear. Griffith's face darkened.Eli exclaimed, "My goodness!"In the garden, Charlotte hadn't moved from her seat. It seemed like she had rejected Simon. Simon persisted for a while, then raised an eyebrow, smiled, and gave up.Eli glanced at Griffith. "Well, your wife still remembers that you're alive."Griffith looked at him with a cold expression.Not far away, Charlotte sent another message to Simon. "Invite me again."Simon's interest was thoro
"Isn’t it obvious?" "You like Charlotte!" Simon took out a cigarette and lit it. He said affectionately, "She's quite cute."Michelle's face turned pale. She made every effort to control herself before saying, "She's already married to my older brother!""Their relationship doesn't seem to be good, does it?" Michelle was somewhat skeptical and asked him, "Do you actually like her? Or are you only using her to make my older brother uncomfortable?""Think whatever you want." Simon then turned around directly.Michelle blocked his way and asked, "Don't you care about the engagement?"Simon sneered. "What engagement? Whose are we talking about?"Michelle was stunned. She had her pride too. She had pursued Simon for so many years. Both families' elders had already agreed, but Simon always looked down on her. How could she accept that?"You don't want to marry me?""Why would I want to marry you?""If you're not marrying me, are you planning to wait for Charlotte to divorce an
Tanya's previous full-length mirror was still usable, but because it was small, she had to walk a bit farther every time she used it. Eli had long wanted to replace it.Little did he know, she got rid of many things in the house to make room for the new large sofa for him, including that old full-length mirror."How do you like it? Surprised?" He patted the mirror.Tanya smiled wryly and pointed to the large sofa. "And you? Surprised?" Only then did Eli notice fewer small items in the living room and a large new sofa. He suddenly chuckled. It was quite nice.He thought of her, and she thought of him. This winter was truly warm.Tanya abandoned the egg tart and hugged him again. "Oh no, this mirror is so big. There's nowhere to put it."Eli carried her with one hand and moved the mirror to the corner with the other. Sitting on the sofa, he thought for a moment, then hugged her and said, "Tanya, let's move to a bigger place."Tanya knew he had been thinking about this all along.
Eli found it amusing. He pushed the head of the small money jar and couldn't help but say, "You gold digger! You love money so much, then why did you give the check I gave you to Soraya?"Tanya blinked and chuckled. "I only acquire wealth in the proper way. To be honest…" She pondered for a moment, then turned to look at him. "Probably because, at that time, I was just too fond of you like I am now."Hearing this, Eli felt a pang of heartache and leaned down to kiss her forehead. Tanya smiled, moved the gifts aside, and made some space for him.Just as they were about to talk, Eli's phone vibrated continuously. It turned out that Bridget was sending over the detailed preparation process for the wedding.Tanya scrolled through it and suddenly felt overwhelmed. Eli looked at it and also felt a headache coming. The two glanced at each other, sighed simultaneously, and leaned back.After they publicly disclosed their relationship, life continued as usual but became busier due to the w
Eli being married was shocking enough, but then his wife was hiding right in the office. In the next half hour, Tanya heard wailing from all around.The atmosphere in their office was quite good, and everyone got along well. After coming clean, everyone joked around and teased each other."Nia, don't forget Mr. Ted, he's been cursing at you all along!""Yeah, he's been calling you a fool!""I heard it, I can testify!"Ted was furious and rushed out to hit someone. Tanya followed with laughter.Before leaving work, Amy indeed brought the cake and candies, sharing them with everyone in the building. Thus, the entire group gave them their blessings.From the office to the parking lot, Tanya received blessings. When she got into Eli's car, her heart was still pounding.Eli was happily eating his candy, feeling good. Especially now that he didn't have to sneak around anymore, he even turned the steering wheel effortlessly.Tanya, holding the cake, asked him in surprise, "Were these
Tanya walked out of the room with her guard down and came face to face with Ted's sneaky expression. She paused.Ted gasped, his brain instantly turning blank.He looked at Tanya, covered his mouth with his left hand, and placed his right hand over the left with his eyes gradually widening.God! This was insane!Tanya regained her composure and glanced in Eli's direction. Eli remained calm, glanced at the fruit plate on the table, and said, "Should we take some down to share with your colleagues?"Tanya nodded. She glanced at the still-disheveled Ted and kindly handed him a tangerine."Sir?"Ted swallowed, looked at Tanya, then at Eli. Finally, he settled his gaze on the tangerine in her hand, mechanically accepting it.Tanya turned to look at Eli. 'Look, you've scared my superior.'Eli shrugged."I'm leaving," she said.Eli nodded and escorted her to the door.Ted followed them out and was sent into the elevator by his boss. As the elevator doors closed, he let out a long
The deep blue bedsheet was neatly spread out. But the two pillows lacked pillowcases, exposed in a sorry state.Eli placed his hands on his belt and turned to look at Tanya. "Is this also your doing?"Tanya leaned against the door frame, only poking her head in, smiling sheepishly."I accidentally drooled while sleeping that day and dirtied the pillowcase. Knowing that you're a neat freak, I took them all off to wash," she said. She raised her hand and swore, "The pillowcases have been washed and are in the cabinet at home."Eli wasn't interested in the pillowcases' whereabouts. He remembered when Amy called him, saying Tanya missed him and wanted to touch the sheets and pillows after waking up.Nonsense!He took a deep breath, then turned his head to Tanya with a frightening smile. Tanya realized the danger and tried to run, but he grabbed her by the waist."Hey, what are you doing?" she said.Eli tossed her onto the bed and followed suit."What are you doing?!""Collecting
Tanya sat upright in the office. Eli stood before her with his hands behind his back. "Come on, explain."Tanya's eyes darted around. "Do you believe me? It's because I missed you too much. When I came to your place, I couldn't help but take away everything related to you." Eli scoffed. "Including the toilet paper?"Tanya pondered seriously.Eli tapped the coffee machine and pointed to the plug that had been pulled out, saying, "If the coffee machine wasn't too heavy, would you have taken that too?"'This brat has no conscience at all. Does she even understand what a cold shoulder is?'While he was reminiscing in her room, she made a fortune in his office!Tanya blinked and gave him an embarrassed smile. "If you think about it from another angle, I love you deeply. If we couldn't reconcile and you came back to see all this, you would hate me. Hate represents love, and love means you can't forget me. My obsession is so deep; I want to stay in your heart forever."Eli fell silen
"You should buy something while visiting. Do you have enough money in your account? If not, I will transfer some to you," Mrs. Moran said on the phone.Tanya didn't want money; she just wanted to hear some advice. She knew her parents' financial situation wasn't good. Due to illness, her stepfather had retired from his position as a butler of the Sterling family. Although the Sterlings provided a retirement package, Mr. Moran was getting old, and he had a son. She heard that his son's business had lost a considerable amount of money in recent years. As a stepdaughter, she had already received enough help from them, so how could she ask for more money?During her university days, she didn't ask her family for money. If she could find a part-time job, she would, and if not, she would endure it just to avoid causing her mother trouble."Mom, I don't need money. I have enough."When Mrs. Moran heard this, she felt even more sorry for her.Since her ex-husband was useless, Tanya suffer
After breakfast, Eli called Bridget."Why did you send her a check? Do you have nothing better to do?"Bridget had just arrived home and begun playing poker with a few old friends.She threw out a card, rolled her eyes, and said, "It's the first time I've met my daughter-in-law! What's wrong with giving her some money!"Eli was speechless."Madam, you came up and threw 500,000 dollars just like that. Aren't you afraid of scaring people?""What should I do? Throw 50,000 dollars instead? That's too stingy."Eli was speechless. Holding onto the railing, he glanced downstairs and saw Tanya ironing her coat in the living room."I almost got dumped because you caused a scene," he joked.Bridget threw the cards while chuckling. "It's good to be dumped. With your unruly behavior, someone should make you suffer a bit.""Are you really my mother?""If you still want to be a good son, hurry up and go through the procedures, live a proper life with Tanya, and try to give me a grandson n
"What did Her Majesty tell you?"Tanya nearly lost her composure, fighting back laughter.Bridget said nothing more as she left with Benjamin, leaving Tanya and Eli to return to the apartment. The journey back was silent, with Tanya deep in thought. Upon entering, Eli halted her at the entrance.Exhaling deeply, Tanya reached into her pocket and withdrew a check. Eli's gaze fell upon it, noting it was only for $500,000. As he moved to take it, Tanya tucked it back into her pocket. On the bar, a spread of breakfast awaited them - fried eggs, sausages, fruits, and vegetables. Despite the inviting display, Tanya's attention was on Eli."Don't you want breakfast?"With the situation still unclear, Eli's appetite waned. Nonetheless, knowing Bridget's nature, he remained calm. Seating himself opposite Tanya, he nibbled at a sausage, noticing her lack of interest."Is everything alright?" he asked, concerned.Tanya shook her head.The oversized sandwich Bridget had ordered had already