Gilbert closed the menu and said calmly, "There's no need for it. You guys go ahead."Sharon smiled, "Come on, Gilbert. We hardly meet each other. It'll be fun to have a meal together. Besides that, you could introduce this beautiful lady to us too."Gilbert remained silent. Emma pressed her lips together shyly," She's right. Why don't we join them?""Your wish," Gilbert said these two words in a flat tone. Emma could not figure him out and smiled at Sharon. "Why don't you and your friend sit here? Mr. Kooper ordered a lot just now.""Alright, I'll go call my friend," Sharon said and dragged Kisa. Kisa was not bashful. She nodded and smiled at Emma, then took a seat. Emma sized her up and smiled uncomfortably, "You're Kisa Becker?"The moment Emma mentioned Kisa's name, Sharon was filled with jealousy. 'Didn't she say she wasn't familiar with the local entertainment industry? Why would she know Kisa then?' thought Sharon.Kisa affirmed with a smile, "Hi, I'm Kisa Becker.""I rea
Kisa jeered, "Shouldn't you ask Mr. Kooper? She is Mr. Kooper's blind date. Plus, isn't it disrespectful to ask me such a question in front of Ms. Thompson?"Sure enough, Emma's expression hardened. Sharon was not scared of offending people and snorted, "Why is it disrespectful? Since she's Gilbert's blind date, you should give some opinions, right? You are Gilbert's ex-wife, after all," Sharon emphasized in the sentence.Emma's face took on a ghastly expression. Gilbert was like an outsider, with no words, no change of expression on his clean-cut face.Sharon's aim today was undoubtedly to provoke a conflict between Kisa and Emma. Kisa sneered, "So you invited me today to let me look at Gilbert's blind date? Honestly, I think Ms. Thompson's a nice lady. She's elegant and beautiful. They're like a pair made in heaven when they stood together."Emma blushed from the compliments and smiled at Kisa." You're flattering me."Sharon turned red with fury. She never thought Kisa would hav
"Oh my, Gilbert. It would be such a waste to throw the card away. Kisa treasured it so much just now. Her heart will be broken if you throw it away now."Kisa lowered her eyes with a hint of laughter and walked down the stairs. She felt she could finally breathe after she left the restaurant. 'Hah, I never expected Gilbert to go on a blind date. But that's nice too. At least he won't linger around me and pretend to be affectionate anymore. Maybe we've shed all pretenses of cordialities from that day onwards. Neither of us can fake it any longer. After that, only hate and disgust are left between us.'The next day would be Saturday. At night, Kisa could not sleep. Jensen opened a bottle of wine and poured a glass for her. But Kisa shook her head when he handed the glass to her. "Is this from Gilbert?"Jensen found it amusing. "You won't even drink the wine he gives now?" Kisa had kept all of Gilbert's clothes and daily necessities in the corner of the room he had once lived in. Howev
'Did something bad happen? After all, Jensen has always kept his poise and he’s never revealed such an anxious expression,' thought Kisa.Jensen spoke before Kisa had a chance to inquire, "Sorry, I don't think I can accompany you to see Mr. Tanner."Kisa was startled."What happened?""Mia got into a car accident."Kisa froze before asking hurriedly, "How'd that happen? Is it serious? Is she hurt?"Jensen shook his head, "The hospital called me. I don't know the specifics yet, so I'll need to head over to the hospital.""Alright, you go ahead then. Please keep me in the loop about Ms. Fallon's condition."Jensen nodded and said, "Mr. Tanner is really nice; you can ask him anything. You don't have to be scared.""Mhm, hurry to the hospital now."Kisa felt anxious as she watched Jensen leave.'How did Mia get into a car accident out of nowhere? I hope she's alright,' thought Kisa.Kisa and Mr. Tanner agreed to meet at a bistro.It was only half past two when Kisa arrived at
Davian scratched his head awkwardly.'Since when did the Madam become this sharp-tongued? If I’d known earlier, I would've kept my mouth shut,' he thought.Meanwhile, Sharon took this as an opportunity to mock Kisa.She sneered, "Aren't you and Jensen joined at the hip? Why didn't he attend such an important luncheon with you? Was he fine with you coming alone?"Kisa could not help but think of Mia when she heard Sharon's words.'Jensen hasn't called me yet. I wonder how Mia is,' thought Kisa.Seeing how Kisa had a look of worry and tightly scrunched brows, Sharon felt smug.She continued sneering at Kisa, "Do you see how much of a wreck you look like right now? Don't tell me Jensen's with another woman right now. Tsk. It's so pitiful that he dumped you here all by yourself. And I actually thought Jensen was so in love with you; it turns out that wasn't the case after all."Kisa lowered her gaze and let Sharon continue mocking her.However, Kisa's silence only led to Sharon mo
"Haha! Sorry for making you all wait."The man with an outstanding aura said to Kisa and Gilbert with a smile.Gilbert responded coolly, "No worries. We just arrived too.""That's good, that's good. Have a seat."The man said to Gilbert and Kisa.Kisa observed the four men in silence. She could not figure out which one of them was Mr. Tanner.'I didn't expect Mr. Tanner to invite that many people. Otherwise, I would've looked at his photos before the luncheon. Then, I wouldn't feel as lost right now,' thought Kisa.After everyone sat down, the man introduced the three men beside him to Kisa and Gilbert with a smile."Mr. Kooper, Ms. Becker, these are my business partners: Mr. Park, Mr. Webb, and Mr. Gates. They'll also be investing in the drama we plan to shoot."After hearing the man's introduction, Kisa was certain that he was Adrien Tanner, also known as Mr. Tanner.However, Jensen had always been the one to discuss their business affairs with Adrien.That was why Kisa fe
It was obvious Davian was trying to change the topic, so the three men did not continue to press on further.Meanwhile, Kisa kept her gaze down and was in deep thought.She kept a calm and unchanging expression as if the woman Gilbert said he almost forgot about was not her.Then, Mr. Webb noticed her."You're... Ms. Becker from J & K Film Group, right?" he said as he raised his glass at her.Kisa hurriedly lifted her glass to meet his, "Hello, I'm Kisa Becker.""I've heard of you, Ms. Becker. You've achieved so much at such a young age; you’re living proof that women are as good as men.""You're too kind, Mr. Webb."Seeing how Mr. Webb had downed his entire glass, Kisa had no choice but to also down her glass, which was seven-tenth full, out of courtesy.The waiter filled her glass up again in no time.Suddenly, Mr. Gates furrowed his brows and asked, "Oh? I remember you being Mr. Kooper's ex-wife."Kisa smiled coolly and nodded, "That's right."The title "Mr. Kooper's ex-
Adrien did not get angry at Sharon's reaction. He merely smiled coolly, "The topic about you and Ms. Becker has been all the rage. If the two of you could work on this drama together, it'll be widely discussed, and its popularity will be off the charts.""But why's she the female lead while I'm the second female lead? I'm an international superstar, so I'm at a level much higher than her. What were you all thinking when you made such arrangements?"Sharon had probably never played as a second female lead before.'The second female lead is something people like Ariella long for, but Sharon is acting as if it's a form of humiliation,' thought Kisa.Mr. Park and Mr. Webb looked a little unhappy.However, Adrien kept his calm and gentle smile. He stared at Sharon, "It's because you're fit to be the second female lead.""I won't do it if I'm the second female lead. I won't do it at all."Sharon said arrogantly. Then, she turned to Gilbert with a wronged expression.Meanwhile, Gilber
In a small town in the South, a gentle breeze caressed the cheeks of passersby, creating a pleasant and serene atmosphere. This town, known for its tourism, was adorned with flowers even in its narrow alleys. The surrounding houses were all quaint inns, exuding a poetic and picturesque charm.Beneath an arching bridge, Kisa set up an easel to display and sell her paintings. She had always loved painting since childhood. Although she had not achieved great success in this field, her vivid and evocative paintings were very popular with tourists. She would sell most of her paintings every day.On weekends, Blake would join her at the stall, but today was Wednesday, and she was alone. After arranging her paintings, she had barely sat down when people began to gather around. Some admired her art, while others immediately offered to buy. Her paintings were reasonably priced, which attracted many customers."Miss, I'd like that painting of the snow-covered rose garden at night.""Alright,
In the backyard, Kohen looked at his older brother's calm expression, a hint of worry in his voice. "Bro, are you alright?""I'm fine," Hayes said, adjusting the blanket on his lap. "Tomorrow, take me to meet those medical geniuses you found.""Oh, sure..." Kohen nodded in agreement, but after a moment, he could not help but ask, "Bro, what did that woman say to you that made you change your mind so suddenly?"Hayes gazed at the stars in the sky, his voice cool and distant. "She told me she's doing well, very happy. Then she pointed out how pitiful and miserable I am right now. She asked me if I don't feel envious, knowing how well she is doing compared to me."Kohen grimaced, realizing that the woman had provoked his brother into action.Hayes lowered his eyes, a faint smile on his face. "That's right. How could I not be envious? So, I want to heal my legs, live a good life, and show her that I can do better than her."Kohen felt a pang of sympathy for his brother. From Hayes's
Mentioning Hayes, Eylul's expression became complex. "Hayes is reclusive and doesn't like to see people. Only a single old servant has been taking care of him all these years. I only met him once, back when I married Kohen."Mia's heart ached, recalling the enigmatic yet deeply emotional man. She could not help but feel a lump in her throat. "How's his health?" Mia asked.Eylul replied, "His health is fine, but his legs have remained the same. Kohen has found top orthopedic experts for him and even sought out Kelvin Hoover from Calthon, but he refuses treatment. For so many years, he hasn't even stepped outside the backyard.""You mean he's been living in the backyard all this time?" Jensen asked gravely.Eylul nodded. "Yes, Kohen wanted him to live in the main house, but he refused. He only likes staying in the backyard. Moreover, the room he stays in used to be..." Eylul glanced at Mia. She had heard that Mia used to live in that room.With a complicated expression, Mia pursed h
"Let's forget everything that just happened,' Mia said.Jensen looked up at her. In the moonlight, his eyes were deep and complex, profound and unfathomable.Mia tried to muster a smile. "You don't have to feel burdened. In a way, I forced you. And you must have always disliked me. Actually, I didn't come to you for money; I just wanted to see you. Now that I have, I should go. Jensen, from now on... take care."With that, she walked away, fearing that if she lingered any longer, she would not be able to leave. But after only a few steps, she was embraced from behind.Jensen's voice was low and hoarse. "Stay with me."Mia trembled at his words. Jensen continued. "But I still have so many things to do and someone in my heart I can't let go of. I don't know... when I will be able to give you a satisfactory answer. If you don't want to stay with me without any promises or guarantees, you can—""I'm willing," Mia blurted out, "as long as I can be with you, I don't care about anything
Mia's face changed instantly. " You... you know I like Jensen, why would you...""Heh, if you like Jensen, shouldn't you be willing to do anything for him? If you can't even do this, how can you claim to love him?""I won't do it! Doing this would be betraying Jensen. I would risk my life for him, but I can't do this."Adrien stared at her flushed face and gently chuckled, his words loaded with meaning. "Aren't you feeling all hot and bothered yet?"Mia frowned. Her body was indeed getting hotter and more agitated. 'Why would Adrien ask this? Could it be the drink...?'As the thought crossed her mind, her heart sank. Seeing Adrien's cold expression and the man's playful smile, Mia turned and ran. But before she could take more than a few steps, she was dragged back. Weakened by the drink, her desperate struggles were futile. As the man pressed her down, playing with her like a toy, she closed her eyes in despair. She thought she could never face Jensen again. With a bitter laugh,
Adrien Tanner, Jensen's father, stood before Mia with a warm smile. "My son is truly awkward when it comes to matters of the heart. He's even willing to refuse such a beautiful young woman like you."Mia stared at him, her tears suddenly streaming down her face. "I only wanted to see him, even if it was to face rejection. Wouldn't it better to say it clearly to my face?""Yes, it would." Adrien agreed. "But standing here stubbornly won't help, because he left on a business trip a couple of days ago."Mia's heart ached even more, realizing that Jensen had avoided using the front door just to evade her.Adrien continued. "I have a way to make him come to you willingly, but it depends on whether you're willing to cooperate."Mia nodded. "What do I have to do?"Adrien motioned to his bodyguard, who handed him a glass of wine. "Drink this," he said.Mia furrowed her brow, hesitant.Adrien gently patted her shoulder, like a father would."Don't be afraid. I won't harm you. From the
Filled with guilt, Mia stepped forward, but Kohen suddenly pulled out a handgun and aimed it at her."Get out!"Jensen pulled Mia back. He looked at the cold man before him. It was this man who had taken him in years ago. At that time, Kohen was young, a carefree and privileged young man. Now, he seemed to have grown up all at once, his eyes colder and more distant.Jensen said with a troubled expression, "If you ever need me in the future, don't hesitate to find me."Kohen sneered coldly; pain etched in his brow. He mocked himself. "I never should have taken you in back then. In the end, it was I who harmed my own brother."Jensen pursed his lips, not knowing what to say, only feeling an unbearable pain in his heart. It was the first time he felt he owed someone. That sense of indebtedness suffocated him."Get out, and don't let me see you two ever again."On that night, Jensen and Mia left the McCray family. As a result of Hayes's ordeal, the McCray family underwent tremendous
"What on earth happened?"Jensen did not speak. Mia choked out. "The collaboration between the Burton family and the McCray family was a trap. We were ambushed by the Burton family, and Hayes... he was hit by a car trying to save us.""Damn it!" Kohen cursed under his breath, abruptly pulling a knife from a nearby bodyguard and pointing it at them. "What are your lives worth? Why would my brother save you? Why?"Mia bit her lip, tears streaming down her face. 'It's my fault. I wanted to save Jensen, but I should have gone alone. I shouldn't have dragged Hayes into this. He seemed cold-blooded and heartless, and I never thought that he would risk his life for me. Why was he so good to me?'"Kohen..."Suddenly, a weak cry rang out. Hayes had awakened.Kohen hurriedly moved closer, gripping Hayes's hand. "Bro!"Hayes's face was deathly pale. He did not look at Kohen, but instead turned his gaze to Mia. His eyes were calm. He saw Mia's red-rimmed eyes and the tears lingering there,
Hayes was sent flying by the car, his body crashing into a wall before bouncing back.Mia's entire body felt ice-cold as she trembled, yelling, "Hayes!""Kill them all!" A hoarse, aged voice suddenly rang out from the entrance. It was Curtis. He looked at Kendall's lifeless body on the ground, his eyes filled with rage, shouting, "Run them over! I want them to join my grandson in death!""Ah!" Jensen roared, disregarding the guards' swinging knives, and like a madman, charged at Curtis. Curtis's face changed, desperately pulling a nearby guard in front of him as a shield. But it was useless. Jensen, like a crazed beast, attacked anyone in his path. Soon, his knife was held against Curtis's throat.Curtis trembled all over. "Wh-What do you want?"Jensen, covered in blood with splatters on his face, looked like a demon that had emerged from a battleground. He grabbed Curtis and held him hostage in front of him. "Let us go!""Don't even think about it!" Curtis retorted angrily. "You