"Welcome, Esther!" Anika happily welcomed her friend into their home.Esther smiled and came in, looking around at the large and exquisite mansion.It was different from the ostentatious mansions of other rich families. It can be seen that the master of the home was minimalistic, but every corner and part of the home was carefully thought of."Hello! Thank you for having me here!" Esther greeted."Are your family here?" She asked as she looked around the place."It's just me, Nanny Rose, and Steward Ben. Leon is at the office, and Adie is at school," Anika responded as she led Esther to the sofa."Please sit down. Nanny has prepared delicious food for you," Anika enthusiastically invited.And as if on cue, Nanny Rose arrived with a tray in her hand."The guest is finally here!" She said in a cheerful voice."You need to know Anika has been excited since she woke up," She added with a chuckle.Anika blushed and smiled embarrassedly.Esther heard this and smiled."I was excited too, tha
"Girl! Is that the limited-edition LV bag?!" A high-pitched voice exclaimed.Esther looked at her friend, Elise, and smirked. She sat down on her seat calmly and placed her precious bag on the desk.She had just arrived at school, and her friends immediately surrounded her."Yes," She answered with a raised chin."Is that legit?!" Her other friend, Dane, looked inquisitively at the bag."Of course! No matter how you look at this, it's original," Esther replied confidently."Where did you get that? Hey, have you gotten a sugar daddy lately?" Elise can't help but doubt."Stop talking nonsense! What sugar daddy?" Esther rolled her eyes at her."Girl, I know you! Where did you get that from, hmm? Do you have some gold master we didn't know of?" Elise insisted with squinted eyes.Esther looked at her friends helplessly. And finally, in order for her not to be taught badly by these shady girls, she finally revealed her new 'friend'."Wow, this girl is be-au-ti-ful," Dane exclaimed exaggerat
Anika stared at the message on her phone.She was completely torn right now. In her heart, she understands Leon only does things for her own good and doesn't intend any harm.But she also wants to keep her first friend. And she thinks Esther is not taking advantage of her.As long as she can give, she will give to the people in her life. Isn't that how it is?So Anika was really sad now that Leon didn't allow her to be friends with Esther.She bit her lips and stared at her phone. And a rebellious idea formed in her mind.She sent her reply to Esther in voicemail before her next class. When her teacher arrived, she hid her phone and seriously listened to the lecture.When it was time for her to be dismissed, she saw her teacher off.Looking at the leaving car, she took out her phone. She read again Esther's message on where she would wait for her to be picked up.She anxiously looked back inside the house and saw Nanny Rose and Steward Ben were not looking, she sighed in relief. Maybe
"Here's your bill, ladies," A waiter approached a group of woman's table and handed them their bill.Esther turned to him and motioned to Anika."Give it to our Madame, please," Esther said in a playful tone.Anika, who was only playing with her coffee, looked up. Her coffee was bitter, and she didn't quite like it.And hearing Esther's words, she dazedly accepted the bill from the waiter and saw him waiting beside her.She became flustered and clumsily took her phone out. She didn't know she was the one going to pay, and this was the first time she had paid by herself.Leon taught her to pay bills by scanning her account on her phone, in case of emergency. Luckily, Anika remembered it and held her phone out to the waiter.The waiter did not delay and scanned her account smoothly."Thank you for your payment," The waiter bowed and left."Wow, thanks for treating us, Anika!" Elise said cheerfully, giving a secret glance at Esther and Dane.The other women smirked and also turned to Ani
"No!" Anika's exclamation rang in the hall.Leon froze when he heard this. He looked at Anika and saw tears brimming in the corner of her eyes.He felt something clench in his chest. He didn't expect her reaction would be this much."You said, if I want something, I could aim for it," Anika said with an aggrieved voice, lowering her eyes in distress."You said, I deserve to wish for something, I have the right to receive it. You said I could have what a normal person has," She continued, her voice breaking a bit."Baby.."Anika suddenly raised her eyes, a bit of accusation in them."You lie.." She whispered in a soft voice and turned around to run upstairs."Anika!" Leon helplessly called, but the woman had immediately escaped from his eyes.His shoulders slumped as his temples tightened, seemingly in a dilemma.He turned back to flop on the sofa while rubbing his eyebrows.He never expected that an insignificant and lowly person would be the cause of his first fight with his wife.Re
Leaving Leon's study, Esther went straight to the receiving hall. There she already saw Anika."Esther!" Anika happily waved at her.Esther tried to fix her expression and smiled back.Anika pulled her to sit and chat."Nanny made some delicious pastries. Try them!" She offered.Esther took one nonchalantly and ate some. Her mind was still on the conversation she just had earlier.Finally, she can't help but turn to Anika."Did you... say anything to your husband? About you giving me stuff," She asked hesitantly.Anika heard this and nodded innocently."Yes, I did,"Esther almost rolled her eyes at this. She sighed and tried to calm her voice."He got angry, right?" She then asked.This made Anika think for a while, glancing uneasily at Esther, but still nodded again.Esther made her expression pitiful and smiled sadly."Well, he would really be angry. I am just a nobody for you to give things to," Esther said in a melancholic voice.Anika hurriedly took her hand."No, you're not a no
"Nanny Rose had already personally given it to her," Steward Ben answered respectfully.Leon nodded. He specifically prepared that piece. The Albrecht brides all have heirlooms passed by the family, but he doesn't want Anika to wear those tainted things.So, he decided to make a new one, especially for her. He personally designed the crown and chose the gems to be used. It can be said that the luxury piece was put together with a lot of thought.Suddenly, someone chuckled beside him."Are you nervous?" A man's teasing voice asked.It was one of Leon's few good friends. Alexander.Leon did not answer and only stood ramrod straight, staring at the big church door.Alexander shook his head. He didn't expect he would one day witness Leon like this.And he's actually pretty sneaky too. This would be the first time he and the people in their circle would see Leon's wife. This man had guarded his wife tightly.He also turned to the door when the wedding bells rang, a sign that the bride was
At the end of the event, the guests stood outside, seeing off the married couple. They were by the pier where a large and luxurious yacht was waiting afloat.Leon was talking with a few important people, and Anika only now had the time to talk to Esther. She was very busy all day, and she hardly talked to her friend."Esther, did you have fun? Did you eat well?" Anika asked with concern.Esther was still dazzled by everything. And seeing Anika approach her, she was still shrouded by a light as someone she couldn't reach. This made her feel utterly uncomfortable.She could only smile stiffly and nod."Everything was good. Congratulations." Her reluctant voice responded.Anika was still on cloud nine and could not feel the disgruntled tone of Esther. No one could spoil her mood tonight as this was the day of her dreams.So, she only hugged Esther happily."Well, see you soon. Be careful and take care!" She bid goodbye and went back to Leon, who was already waiting for her.Leon held his
Leon immediately took action. He made sure no soul would tell what happened that day at the abandoned building. With power and money, he can easily do this. He also had connections with the authorities, and it was not hard to suppress this matter from spreading out.He then cleaned up the parasites in his company and kicked them out without second thoughts.They were not only one of them, and he knew it. So, this time, he didn’t take risks and immediately tore down their faces.Then, he also used underhanded means to buy and spill the dirty waters of those who dared to prey on his family.Do they think only they could use underhanded means? He was also willing to dirty his hands just to protect his beloveds.Coercion, blackmail, and soiling their reputation, Leon did all that just to make them pay.And seeing this, anyone in the business circle feared and wouldn’t dare to plot against the Albrecht family.…………………………………………………………………………….After all that happened, it left a shadow on Anik
In the following days, Anika stayed in the mansion. And these days, she noticed that Leon had become busier. He had also restricted where they would go at the moment. He said that it was best for them to stay home, aside from Adelaide’s school.Anika felt it was unnatural, but when she saw Leon’s tension, no matter how much he hid it, she chose to follow him obediently.Until her foreboding feeling actually happened.“Anika! Something happened in Adelaide’s school!”……………………………………………………………………..“Don’t you dare hurt my daughter,” Leon said in a dangerous voice. his eyes were vicious right now and if this man was in front of him, he would tear him to pieces.“Too bad you offended someone vicious. But maybe you’ll meet one day. Only, as someone who is against you,” The voice from the other side of the phone said cruelly and let off an evil laugh.With a beep, the phone was hung up.“Damn!” Leon furiously slammed the phone in the car hood.In the current days, Leon couldn’t deny that the
The time of their departure arrived, but before that, the old Madame, who was Madame Lestrange, went to Anika to apologize.“That time from the banquet. I apologize. I hope you spare my old face,” The old woman said with a stiff face.She held a lukewarm expression, but deep inside, she was greatly indignant.She had reached such an age, when did she ever apologize?! But now, she could only grit her teeth and endure.Anika looked at Leon in hesitation, and seeing him nod, she turned back to the old lady.“It’s fine, Madame,” She responded softly.Leon didn’t let Anika be awkward for long and took her away.And Madame Lestrange only watched the leaving car with cold eyes. Just wait.……………………………………………………………………..Arriving home, Anika spent her days in the mansion while Leon was busy with the project. And Sera felt distressed for her.“Let’s go shopping!” Sera invited, coming to their home early in the morning.“Shopping?” Anika asked, tilting her head.“What, don’t you shop?” Sera asked
After Leon settled and calmed Anika down, he and Alexander went out again to handle the matter quickly.In his mind, he was not desperate for the bidding project. And he wouldn’t sacrifice his family just for this.Even though that old woman had high status, he would make her apologize to his family.Leon thought coldly as he made some phone calls.While Anika continued to spend time with Sera. As of now, the ladies were avoiding them like a plague, as if afraid that they would be implicated.But Sera didn’t mind. She was also not interested in hanging out with those fake and plastic, rich ladies.She preferred to be with Anika. Although she was still whispering how stupid she was but in her mind, she thought,She’s so stupid, who will defend her if she gets bullied?Sera sighed like an old mother. Therefore, she decided to take it to herself to watch over this stupid lady.She would reluctantly accept her as a friend like the big girl that she is. Sera thought with a pointed nose.Wi
“Whose child is this?!’” A sharp voice sounded.Anika immediately turned to the voice and saw someone pointing to Adelaide.She hurriedly stood up and ran to her daughter.Yes, today’s event was less formal. It was a casual banquet, so they took Adelaide with them.Currently, the ladies are having tea in the outdoor garden.Who knew they would immediately encounter a problem?“Is this your daughter? How do you teach her? She hurt my granddaughter!” The elder woman with a luxurious fur coat said in a strict voice.She had an undeniable majesty around her. It could be seen that her identity is not trivial.Anika hurriedly kneeled to level with Adelaide and asked her.“Sweetheart, what happened?” Adelaide pouted and hugged her doll.“She wanted to take my doll,” The child answered softly.Anika rubbed her back and turned to the elderly lady.“It’s, it’s not my daughter's fault,” She tried to reason out.“What do you mean? Your child pushed my granddaughter!” The elderly angrily pointed.
Leon arrived at their table and saw that Alexander was already there, beside his cousin.He went to the seat next to Anika.“Were you fine while I was gone?” Leon asked as he caressed Anika’s hair.Anika nodded.“The dessert is delicious,” She answered softly.Leon smiled and gave her some fruit juice to rinse her throat.Shortly, the banquet started. The main course meals were served.At their table, the businessmen were talking about the project. Some talked about the market and investments.“Just bare it for a moment..” They heard Alexander whisper beside them.Anika turned and saw Alexander whispering to Seraphina.“But I’m bored,” Sera complained while playing with her food.Alexander could sigh helplessly.Then Sera dropped her cutleries and wiped her lips with a napkin.“I’ll find Andrei, he’s more fun than you. Hmp,” She said and stood from her seat. She fixed her skirt and happily left to find her other cousin.Leon looked gloatingly at Alexander.“Don’t look at me like that
“Who are you?” A young but haughty voice asked.Anika turned in that direction and saw a girl wearing a pink ruffled cocktail dress. She had milky skin, jet-black hair, and her cute face was a contrast to her snobbish expression.“I know everyone assigned to this table. This is my first time seeing you,” She squinted his eyes as she studied Anika.Anika blinked and answered hurriedly.“I’m Anika,”The girl tilted her head and raised a brow. Anika? She thought for a while and remembered something. Anika seemed to be the name of the newlywed wife of the Albrecht family.“You’re Mrs. Albrecht?” She asked again.Anika nodded, looking vigilantly at the other.The girl hummed and sat in her seat, two seats away from Anika. At the moment, only the two of them were at the table.She turned to Anika, still a bit haughty.“I’m Seraphina. My cousin is friends with your husband. I didn’t go to your wedding because-“ Seraphina was stumped for a while.Why didn’t she go again? Oh, right, it seems..
“I’m going on a business trip. Do you want to come with me?” It was days later, and Leon offered this trip. He knew everything left a shadow for Anika, and he wanted to cheer her up.It was just right timing that he had a business trip abroad, and this would be a great opportunity to take Anika and their daughter for their first overseas trip aside from the honeymoon trip.Anika’s low mood brightened a bit when she heard they were going to other countries, and they would be riding a plane. She hadn’t experienced this before, so she looked forward in her heart.So, everything was settled. They packed up and once again took Nanny Rose with them and left the mansion in Steward Ben’s care.Anika and Adelaide boarded their first plane in their life. The family rode their family’s privately owned jet.“We’re in the sky..” Anika whispered mesmerizingly as she looked out of the window and saw the clouds and the land becoming small.“Sky!” Little Adie also cheered happily. Even though they fe
“Mr. Albrecht, please have mercy on our daughter,” An honest-looking but haggard couple stood outside the gate, with their backs hunched, humbly begging for Leon’s lenience.It was Esther’s parents. They had hurriedly come after hearing what had happened. They traveled overnight, therefore appearing disheveled in front of Leon. But their perseverance was not weak. Although their backs were hunched, they were tenacious, as if they wouldn’t leave until they could save their daughter.Leon’s brows furrowed as he stared at the humble parents.The couple thought Leon thought of them as a nuisance, and they immediately became flustered. Although they were ignorant townsfolks, they knew that powerful people like this man could hold the laws in their hands. No matter how much they would try to defend their daughter, this man could turn the tables to his advantage. So, they could only come and beg for mercy.“Mister, it is this old couple’s fault. We didn’t educate our daughter properly. Plea