They arrived at the school gates well before dismissal time. Lindsay, having come prepared, swiftly located Albert's car. Through the open window, they could see Albert smoking, his gaze fixed distantly to one side, his posture radiating dejection.Lindsay and Jenny walked over, and Lindsay raised her hand to knock on the car door. Albert snapped back to reality. When he turned his head and saw Lindsay, he was taken aback. "Miss Summer!" Although he wasn't very close with Lindsay, she wasn't a stranger either. Lindsay used to be an artist with Harper Entertainment, but she hadn't used much of the company's operations and PR resources.The rumor was that Lindsay had offended her agent, Oliver, and was therefore sidelined like them. Previously, they believed it. Lindsay possessed a rare combination of stunning looks, refined temperament, and exceptional acting skills. Industry insiders recognized her immense potential and believed she had a strong chance of ascending to stardom. Howe
Following her plan, the studio did indeed have potential. Albert admitted, "Miss Summer, your plan is impressive and persuasive. But I have many colleagues who depend on me for their livelihood, so I'm sorry."Lindsay handed him another folder. "This is the compensation package. Please take a look."Albert was curious about what kind of salary a small studio could offer. As he opened the folder and examined it, he was surprised. The compensation was higher than what they currently received, and it offered greater autonomy. He would be in charge of managing the operations of the studio, a testament to their trust in him.Nevertheless, he remained cautious. He knew well that promises were easily made, and his life experiences had tempered any naivety. It wasn't a matter of distrusting Lindsay specifically, but at forty, with his family life in turmoil, he lacked the emotional and financial reserves for such a high-stakes venture.Lindsay didn't expect these documents to convince Albert
As Albert walked into the company, he saw a familiar figure ahead.He paused, realizing it was his wife, Mary Kay. She had told him she was working late with an artist, so why was she back at the office at this hour?He was about to call out to her when he remembered Lindsay's mention of getting his answers. So, he held back and followed her slowly.He watched her enter the elevator, waiting to see it stop on the fifth floor. After a brief moment of hesitation, Albert followed suit, taking the elevator to the fifth floor himself.His office was on the fifth floor; could she be coming to see him? But that didn't make sense. Recently, he had been picking up their child after work, and she knew that.Filled with doubt, he exited on the fifth floor and went to his office, which was empty. He then wandered around the floor.Ten minutes later, he arrived at the new director's office. The lights were on, and he could hear voices inside.He approached quietly. The door wasn't fully closed, a
Robert said, "Indeed. How else could I have smoothly outmaneuvered Albert and secured his position? Both Oliver and the CEO are set on removing the former CEO's appointees.“Shortly after Oliver joined the company, Albert managed to offend him. It's clear someone has to go, and Albert's made himself the prime target. “However, given his years of competent management, the CEO couldn't justify replacing him without cause. We needed him to make a misstep. Once we obtain the data from him, Oliver will have the grounds to remove Albert and his entire team."Mary replied, " I understand now. Two years ago, when you instructed me to get close to Albert, focusing on his son and mother to manipulate him into marriage - was Oliver aware of this strategy?"Robert responded, "Of course, he’s aware. When Oliver conducted his investigation, it revealed that Albert's primary vulnerabilities were his mother and son. I leveraged that information, directing you to approach him from that angle to ultima
Lindsay and Jenny were cooking in their apartment.When Lindsay saw an unfamiliar number calling, she knew it was from Albert.She answered, "Hello!"Albert spoke up, "Miss Summer, it's me."Lindsay asked, "Mr. Watson, have you found the answer?"Albert, hearing Lindsay's unsurprised tone, was even more convinced of her abilities."Did you predict everything that happened tonight, Miss Summer?"Lindsay replied honestly, "Not exactly. I just saw from your face that you’re low in luck when it comes to love. And you have troublemakers around you. Those troublemakers are colluding to harm you. I also calculated that tonight would be the best time for you to solve your doubts and get answers. That's why I suggested it."She didn't have divine sight; it was impossible for her to predict every detail of what happened to Albert tonight. However, she could roughly calculate some of his personal matters, like Albert being betrayed by his wife, who colluded with others against him. But since Al
“After that, they'll try to blacklist us, making it impossible for us to work in the industry. If they were to find out we're joining your studio, they might target you too."Lindsay responded confidently, "Do you think I would be afraid? They tried to blacklist me before, and instead, I became more popular. So, as long as we have real capabilities, we can ignore their empty threats."Albert was briefly stunned but soon felt a wave of relief wash over him. "You're right. Should we just resign immediately?"Lindsay asked, "Since you got the answers tonight, you must have some leverage, right?"Albert wasn't the impulsive type, so it was likely he had some leverage.Her words deepened Albert's respect for Lindsay. It was clear she had anticipated everything with precision.How impressive."Yes, I do have some leverage."Lindsay suggested, "Then tomorrow, go directly to Edmund and show him the leverage. Threaten him that if he were to hinder your resignation, you'd make it public. Since y
Albert decided not to stay for the night; the situation was too revolting for him. He called someone to find out which hotel the two were staying at. Then, he carefully reviewed the artists' information before sending a list and details to Lindsay.After that, Albert gathered his trusted team members, the ones he planned to take with him, at his home. He didn't tell them that Mary had been planted by the new director. The embarrassment of being so meticulously set up was too much to bear. Instead, he told them he had discovered his wife was cheating with Robert. He explained that his two recent failures were the result of their collusion with Oliver.Not only did they aim to bring him down, but they also wanted him to take his team and leave. He played a recording for them, editing out the earlier parts and focusing on the segment where the two discussed getting rid of everyone. The team was outraged, feeling the Harper brothers were too ruthless. They were company veterans, and t
His appearance, reminiscent of a national heartthrob, garnered him a brief period of popularity. However, since his style clashed with a newcomer that Oliver was promoting, his resources were cut off. After starring in an idol drama, he was given two minor roles over the following year, effectively sidelining him.In the entertainment industry, if newcomers didn't stay in the spotlight, they were quickly forgotten, even if they had once been popular.Lindsay watched a few episodes of his idol drama. "Although his acting is a bit raw, it's not bad. He has a lot of potential and room for improvement. The data shows he has no scandals. Even though he's been sidelined, he's still taking acting classes to improve his skills. He's a promising talent. We can bring him over and groom him as the star of our studio."Jenny, seeing the elegant and handsome young man, smiled and said, "He's got a distinctive kind of good looks. I think he's great. Let's go with him, then."Lindsay marked the fi
In the vibrant district of the historic town, the streets were lined with vintage boutiques and various artisan stalls. Lindsay's group visited the town’s administration office and rented a temporary booth.Alex and Justin eagerly borrowed a table and chairs, setting up the booth. Following Lindsay's instructions, they also bought a piece of white fabric and worked together to create a simple sign. The production team provided markers and other supplies.Lindsay glanced over at Benedict and said, "Benedict, I’ll let you handle writing the banner."She was eager to observe his writing and the energy he gave off while doing it.Benedict sighed inwardly—this girl was constantly trying to test him. After a moment’s thought, he nodded. "Alright, I’ll write it."He grabbed a marker, uncapped it, and wrote in bold letters across the white fabric: “Fortune Telling, Divination, and Tarot Readings.”Lindsay watched him closely, noticing the fluidity of his movements as he wrote, his posture exud
Justin added, "My mom’s been trying to get me to help Olivia and distance myself from Lindsay. She’s also said plenty of nasty things about Lindsay. This time, not only did I ignore her, but I even pushed back. It probably pissed her off, and now she’s taking it out on Lindsay."Alex, clearly upset, said, "You should talk to her and tell her to stop fixating on Lindsay. Lindsay hasn’t done anything to provoke her. It’s ridiculous."He was frustrated that Justin’s mom had been stirring up trouble, making Grace even more difficult to deal with.Justin nodded. "Alright, after the show is over, I’ll have a talk with her."He also felt his mom was acting out of line. Back when he liked Lindsay, her disapproval at least made sense. But now that Lindsay had kicked him to the curb, his mom’s continued obsession was baffling.Although they were speaking softly, Lindsay and Benedict, walking ahead, heard every word.Lindsay found the situation with Abby baffling as well. A woman who fawned over
After Lindsay left, the other guests quickly followed, leaving only Alex standing there awkwardly. He spoke briefly to the production staff, and they soon shifted the cameras away from that area. Alex then walked over to Grace, saying, "Mom, since Lindsay won’t lend it, let’s just drop it."Grace shot him a cold glare, her expression dark. "How can you be so heartless? The one lying in bed is your fourth brother. Are you hanging around Lindsay all the time just to learn how to be cold and ruthless?"Unable to contain her frustration toward Lindsay, Grace directed it at Alex instead.Alex sighed in exasperation. "Even if we need help, it has to be something she’s willing to do! We’ve wronged Lindsay enough as it is, so why do you keep trying to guilt-trip her? Brandon’s situation isn’t Lindsay’s fault. Why don’t you go find Olivia? She’s the one who caused all this, maybe she can fix it. After all, whoever’s behind her is no easy target."Right now, all Alex felt toward Lindsay was gui
Grace held back her anger and said, "It'll only take a few minutes. I have something important to discuss with you."Lindsay sat back down in her seat. "Fine, go ahead."The livestream was on, and Lindsay was fully aware of it—she was doing this on purpose.Grace was about to speak when her assistant whispered something in her ear. Her expression changed, and she subtly shifted her body to turn away from the camera.Then she looked at Lindsay. "Can we talk outside?"In her rush to find Lindsay, she had almost forgotten that this was a live-streamed variety show. She didn’t want to be on camera, much less discuss such personal matters in front of an audience.Lindsay, however, refused. "If it's important, say it here. If not, then don’t say anything."Grace’s expression darkened. "It’s because it’s important that we need to talk privately."She emphasized, "It’s not appropriate in front of the camera."Lindsay just smiled. "Unless it's something shady, what’s wrong with saying it on cam
Lindsay thought about it for a while and figured that if Grace was coming to find her, it was probably for Brandon. The only thing she could want would be the artifact in her possession.Alex saw her reply and couldn’t help but smile wryly. His sister was indeed sharp and saw right through it.He sent a voice message, repeating what the head of the Divination Association had told them. "Mom just wants to borrow the artifact from you to suppress Brandon’s condition."Lindsay replied, "Tell her not to waste her energy."Seeing that message, Alex knew right away that she wouldn’t lend it out. It didn’t surprise him—his sister could be ruthless when she wanted to be."We can’t convince her otherwise, not even Dad can stop her... sigh," Alex added. When their mom’s temper flared, she wouldn’t listen to anyone.Lindsay didn’t seem to care. "Then let her come. I’m not going to do her any favors."Alex recalled the conversation between their parents at the hospital and decided to warn her, "M
Recently, Grace had been spending more time with Abby, often meeting up for outings. Over time, Richard noticed that Grace's anger towards their biological daughter had deepened. Abby had always disliked Lindsay and showed more favoritism towards Olivia. She must have been stirring up trouble and egging Grace on whenever they met. With time, Grace was bound to be influenced.Grace, clearly annoyed, said, "You even want to control who I make friends with? Aren't you going too far? What's wrong with me getting along with Mrs. Ford and spending more time with her?"Richard felt cornered. "I just think there's something off about her. Her intentions in getting close to you don't seem good. That's why I'm trying to give you a heads-up."Grace didn't believe him at all. "I think you're overthinking it. We’ve always had a decent relationship. We’re just closer now, that’s all.""What do you men know about women’s matters? Don't interfere." She now had plenty to talk about with Abby. Jenny wa
Richard glanced at Grace with clear disapproval. “This whole mess was caused by Olivia and Brandon. What does any of it have to do with Lindsay?”He could tell that recent events, and the embarrassment caused by their sons, had left his wife feeling bitter. It seemed she had begun to project that frustration onto Lindsay, despite the situation having little to do with her.Grace crossed her arms defensively. “If it wasn’t for her ongoing fight with Olivia, Brandon wouldn’t have gotten involved. He’s her brother. Doesn’t she owe him some consideration now that he’s in this condition?”Richard frowned. “What exactly are you trying to say?”Valarie, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up, her displeasure clear. “I see it differently. It’s Olivia and your son who started the trouble, and all Lindsay did was defend herself. Are you really looking to embarrass yourselves even more?”Grace shifted uncomfortably, feeling the sting of her mother-in-law’s words. “I’m just thinking abou
Given the Harper family's persistence, there was no way the Divination Association could avoid a thorough investigation. Seeing that Randolph wouldn’t back down, the official left, courteously escorted out by Randolph, who, for the moment, had ceased his protests.Valarie carefully placed the multicolored stone inside a small protective pouch before securing it around Brandon's neck. Though he felt a slight relief after putting it on, the bad luck continued. As the official had warned, his misfortune was too severe for one artifact to fully contain.Randolph tried every connection he had, attempting to borrow a second artifact, but came up empty-handed. Time slipped by, and evening approached before they could find any further solutions.By the time Richard and Grace arrived at the hospital, they were met with the weary faces of their parents. Feeling guilty for everything his father had gone through, Richard bowed his head. "Dad, Mom, I'm so sorry you had to go through this today."
Hearing their words, the hope that had briefly flickered in Brandon’s eyes quickly faded, leaving him more devastated than before. "Grandfather, I know I was wrong," he muttered, finally realizing the truth. His foster sister had been nothing but trouble—far from trustworthy, she had been a constant source of harm. Meanwhile, his real sister, though harsh and distant, had proven to be far more reliable. Regret gnawed at him deeply.Randolph sighed, his voice heavy with disappointment. “Knowing you’re wrong doesn’t change anything. It’s too late now.”Turning back to the two mystics, Randolph asked, “If you can’t break the curse directly, could you at least help suppress his misfortune? Maybe with a protective charm or some kind of mystical object?”Despite his frustration with his grandson’s foolishness, he couldn’t just leave him to suffer.Both mystics exchanged uneasy glances. “We don’t have the ability to suppress his bad luck with charms.”“For something like that, you’d need t