Sharon Lindt gently ruffled Xyla Questโs hair. โBe good. Just hang in there for one more month.โโOne more month,โ Xyla murmured, knowing there was no point in resisting.So, she nodded helplessly.Sharon was in a much better mood when she saw how obedient she was.She knew that Xyla and Stanley Batton would be facing a lot of hurdles in the future.She didnโt know whether their family could be torn apart or if she might lose anyone in the family.Hence, she wanted to treat Xyla and Stanley in the best way she could.She wanted to cherish the moments of happiness with her family while they lasted.If she could, she wanted to give Xyla everything in the world.Xyla was now an orphan, and if the Batton family didnโt look after her, no one else would.โWaaโฆ WaahโฆโLynette Batton, who was in Wilson Battonโs arms, suddenly started crying right then.Her face turned red, and her legs kept kicking around.There was a sad look in her bright eyes.Seeing this, Wilson felt as if hi
Xyla Quest still loved both her children. Her life felt fuller with their presence, making her world feel much warmer.Out of the blue, she was reminded of her late father, affecting her mood slightly.Releasing a long sigh, she gazed at Stanley Batton and the others. โCan I go outside for a bit? Iโll be back very soon.โThe Batton family had overseen and held Jeremy Questโs funeral during Xylaโs postpartum recovery period, so she couldn't attend it despite being his daughter.It was now time for her to pay her respects to her late father ever since she left the hospital.Xyla wanted to wait until her postpartum recovery period was over before personally holding the burial service for him, but Yaksha disagreed with her decision.Doing so would affect his luck in his next life, possibly even cause him to become a wandering spirit.She asked for details, but he wouldnโt explain any further and insisted that they held the burial service on his chosen date.Yaksha also forbade her
Xyla Quest took the white chrysanthemums from Stanley Batton before kneeling to place them on the ground to pay her respects to her father, Jeremy Quest.โDad, Iโm here to see you,โ she said, moving closer to the tombstone and hugging it tightly. The tombstone was akin to a metaphorical knife that stabbed into her heart, causing tears to trickle down her face without her realizing it, blurring her vision.โDad, Iโm sorry. I came late. How are you doing up there?โ Xyla asked.No matter what she said in the past, her father would always reply. But now, it was no longer possible.She would never be able to hear his voice again.Right then, memories of her and her father appeared in her mind like an old film playing before her eyes.Stanley Batton's brows furrowed before kneeling to pay his respects.He then gently ruffled Xylaโs hair and glanced at Jeremy Questโs photo on the tombstone. โDad, donโt worry. Iโll take good care of Xyla. I wonโt let her suffer a day for the rest of h
The caller was Zack Cassidy.Stanley Batton immediately picked up the call.A large meeting room filled with top executives on the top floor of Dragon Groupโs office building was completely silent on the other side of the call. Zack stood by the empty main seat as he spoke softly to Stanley on the phone. โMr. Batton, the top executives are all here. When will the meeting start?โStanley frowned and glanced at his expensive watch. โCancel todayโs meeting.โโButโฆโ Zack's voice trailed off.Didnโt they need to discuss and decide on something important during the meeting today?โMy wife needs me,โ Stanley said before hanging up directly.His voice thundered clearly over the phone in the silent meeting room.The people closer to Zack were able to hear what Stanley said.Suddenly, everyone in the meeting room erupted into discussions.Recently, Stanley had missed countless meetings because of his wife's health.People change.In the past, Stanley always took his time at work se
When the call ended, Stanley Batton walked over to Xyla Quest and held her hand.She turned around to gaze at him quizzically. โDid something come up in the office?โโNo, nothing,โ he replied.โI heard the word โmeetingโ. Do you have a meeting?โ Xyla questioned further.Whenever her husband hosted a meeting, it involved something significant.โYeah, but itโs not important,โ he insisted.She knew he was lying. โYou should go. Youโve already put off a lot of work because of me recently. If this goes on, your staff might start to gossip.โXyla had no idea that people were already talking about it.Every employee in Dragon Group knew how much Stanley worried about his wife. He practically followed Xyla everywhere for twenty-four hours a day.โItโs fine, I can continue working tomorrow.โโDonโt worry about me. I am all right,โ she insisted, knowing very well why Stanley had canceled his meeting again.He was concerned that she wouldnโt have anyone to talk to when she was in a bad
The cradles were identical, both white and had wind chimes of pink, blue, and various other colors above them.At that moment, the twins were staring at their parents, their pure gazes seemingly capable of melting everything in sight.As soon as Xyla Quest saw her children, she instantly found herself relaxing significantly. They were like a drug to her. No matter how much pain she felt, theyโd instantly make her feel better.The moment their eyes met, the children smiled at her, instantly melting her heart.โMy children are so adorable. I have to stay by their side and watch them grow.โFrom then on, Xyla vowed to keep her emotions in check. Sheโd start working out and keep herself physically healthy.It was the only way she could deal with the hurdles that awaited her and remain healthy so that she could be with her children for a long, long time.Inhaling deeply, Xyla slowly picked up Leon Batton, noting how soft he felt to the touch.She was so careful with him because
Since Xyla Quest and Sharon Lindt had mutually agreed, there wasnโt much Stanley Batton or Wilson Batton could say.In the Batton family, the wives were in charge. Any man who wasnโt good to his wife would be doomed.The best way to be good to oneโs wife was to keep her happy.As long as Xyla and Sharon were happy, Stanley and Wilson would be fine with anything.Besides, Stanley didnโt mind having his parents around, and Wilson was also reluctant to leave his grandchildren.โCome here, let me hold Leon,โ Wilson smiled before lifting Leon Batton carefully into his arms.As soon as their eyes met, Leon began smiling sweetly again, making Wilson wish he could give him the entire world.He had no idea how such adorable children could exist in the world.They were practically angels.Not only were they smart and beautiful, but they were also adorable.Now that he held Leon in his arms, he wanted his turn with Lynette Batton.He couldnโt get enough of the twins.โXyla, letโs exch
Stanley Batton pinched his forehead helplessly before walking up to Xyla Quest. โAre you hungry?โ he asked softly.Xyla was in a much better mood after playing with her child. She nodded as she was beginning to feel hungry.โOh, look at me. Iโd forgotten that I already prepared dinner," Sharon Lindt exclaimed when she heard them. "You should hurry down to the kitchen and eat your dinner. Stan, heat the food up for Xyla, will you? She should eat something warm now.โโOkay, got it,โ Stanley answered obediently.โAlso, Xyla shouldn't be touching cold water or there could be issues later,โ she added.โAll right, I know.โThe nannies were observing their exchange speechlessly, exchanging glances every so often.They were able to establish each family member's ranking from the short time theyโd spent with the Batton family.Xyla and Sharon came first, followed by the two children, and then Wilson and Stanley came lastIt was a strange family.These women had worked for many rich
Xyla quickly reached for Hannahโs hand. โIs that right? Hannah, youโre amazingโฆ! Youโre practically on par with Leon!โHannah laughed, slightly embarrassed. โNot at all.โโOh, cut it out. If you hadnโt helped me, how could I have improved so quickly?โ Leon chuckled.โI guess Iโve lived up to my promise.โ Hannah giggled along.Back then, she had promised Leon that she would become someone deserving of him.She claimed that she would grow with Leon.Without a doubt, she had done it.Now, Hannah had become a successful woman many would often speak of. She earned her rightful seat next to Leon as the CEO of Dragon Group.Stanley also turned to look at Hannah. โYes, Hannahโs very capable. Sheโs our family pride.โHannah laughed. โI was lucky to be accepted by your family.โIn fact, Hannah genuinely felt grateful toward the Batton family over the years she had spent with them.They had helped her through all the hardship she encountered when she was poor and down on her luck.Aft
โHannah, Iโve taken the first step for you. Are you willing to walk by my side for the rest of our lives?โ Leon asked, serious.โYes, I amโฆโ Hannah answered without missing a beat.โIโll protect you. From now on, you donโt have to worry about a single thing.โ With that, Leon placed both hands on Hannahโs face and kissed her on the lips.The moment their lips touched, everything felt surrealโฆHannah could feel pink, light bubbles floating all around her. It felt as if all the flowers in the world were blossoming at once.In Hannahโs dark, depressing life, Leon was her only salvation.He was a ray of hope that led her out of hell, so she could see light once more.Hannah thought she would never have anything to do with Leon after she quit school.Even until now, she still remembered how sorrowful she was on her last day of school.But nowโฆ Not only did she get the opportunity to interact with him once more, but they also became a couple.Their driver sighed to himself while
Over time, Leonโs feelings for Hannah grew deeper, stronger, and more intense.He had grown used to having her with him all the time.Thus, he hoped she would stay by his side for the rest of his life.Upon hearing his words, Hannahโs mind went blank.What did her dream guy just say?Was she dreaming?Hannah quickly pinched her palm at the thought in an attempt to discern between dream and reality.Her palm hurt. That meant this wasnโt a dream. It was real!Hannah felt even more dumbfoundedโฆThis meant Leon actually liked her! He was confessing to her, wasnโt he?Did her dream guy actually reciprocate her feelings?Never in her wildest dreams did Hannah imagine she would go through such an experience.Excitement jammed her mind, so much that she was rendered speechless. There were many things she wanted to say, and yet, she couldnโt utter a single word.Her heartbeat increased rapidly, and her entire body began to shake. Sensing her trembling body, Leon tightened his e
Immediately after, the men in black pulled out guns from their pockets, which they aimed at Raymondโs head.Raymond panicked instantly, going pale.He subconsciously retreated a step back. โWho are you? Donโt you know what youโre doing is illegal?โLeon sneered. โYou donโt deserve to know my name. In this city, I am the law.โLeonโs domineering words made him seem even more imposing.At this moment, Hannah felt as if he was a guardian angel sent from Heaven to protect her.Something about him seemed oddly sacred and heavenly.โMr. Batton, do I shoot him in the head?โ One of the men dressed in black asked.โMr. Batton? Are you Stanley Battonโs son?!โ Fear was beginning to spread through Raymond. For one to have Batton as his surname and act this arrogantly in Atlantis, he could be none other than a member of the renowned Batton family.โHow dare you address our president by name?!โ Another man in black leveled Raymond with a chilling glare.Suffice to say, Raymond was terrif
Terrible pain ached at every part of Hannahโs body as she collided with the cold, hard ground.The pain was such that all her bones felt close to breaking. Everywhere hurt badly.At that moment, Hannah felt like a fragile doll made of clay that had been forcefully slammed hard against the ground until it broke into small pieces.Her mind went blank from the stinging agony.She braced herself and looked at the cold eyes staring back at her, filled with terror. Stammering, she asked, โMr. Grayโฆ What is the meaning of this?โ โWhatโs the meaning of this? Ha! Donโt you know whatโs good for you? You dumb b*tchโฆ Youโre lucky that I set my sights on you!โโHow dare you refuse my feelings! Not just that, but you even made up a story to deceive me!โโEven when you saw me, you tried to trick me again!โโDo you think Iโm stupid? That I canโt think? Do you honestly think Iโd fall for your lies again and again?โ Raymond went, his tone steadily rising into a furious roar.He then got on o
Although the sun had long sunk beneath the horizons and darkness had set in, the lively city wasnโt about to be silent anytime soon. Hannah felt deeply unsettled, so much that she didnโt leave right away.Instead, she waited in front of the bar, filled with hesitance and anxiety.Should she really leave?Would Rihanna truly be able to sort things out?The man was Raymond Grayโฆ Neither Rihanna nor the bar could afford to upset him, lest they face terrible repercussions.Hannah remained standing on the same spot, uncertain. She really didnโt know what to do.Finally, she came to a decision. She took out her phone and tapped open a ride-hailing application on her phone.Yet just as she did that, she instantly closed it. Afterwards, she began pacing back and forth in worried circles, going to and fro aimlessly. Right as she was trapped in her worried musings, a group of people exited the bar. Raymond Gray, dressed in black, sporty attire, led all of them in a flamboyant manner.
A handsome waiter quickly walked in and looked at Rihanna. โMs. Jensen, Mr. Gray out there insists that Hannah should get on stage to sing another song. I told him that Hannah would only sing three songs todayโฆโโHe lost his temper and claimed heโd destroy our bar if Hannah refuses to sing another songโฆโ The waiter added. He was visibly trembling by the end of the sentence.Hannah figured Mr. Gray was probably the only son of the new mayor of Atlantis there werenโt many people with Gray as their surname in Atlantis. There were even less people who were arrogant like him. He was the only one.Hannah had heard about how terrible this person could be. He was known to be a womanizer too.Due to his powerful background, he looked down on everyone else. He didnโt respect women at allโฆ Moreover, he had a relatively cruel personality. One could almost describe him as being a pervert.There was once when an owner of a bar offended a female internet celebrity he was dating. He directly hired
Hannah Roland smiled politely at Lina Cohen. โNice to meet youโฆ Thank you in advance!โโNo problemโฆ Do let me know if thereโs anything you donโt like about your makeup too,โ Lina said.Hannah nodded. โOkay, sureโฆโโBy the wayโฆ Do all the signers here get such good treatment? Iโm surprised weโre even assigned our own makeup artists,โ Hannah asked carefully as she wasnโt aware about things like these..However, Lina smiled without answering Hannahโs question directly. She held Hannahโs hand casually the next second, โCome here. Iโll start doing your makeup nowโฆโHannah noddedโฆLina was a very professional makeup artist. She took an hour to finish Hannahโs makeup.An hour later, Hannahโs appearance transformed completely.Lina permed Hannahโs long, black hair into natural-looking curls.Hannah had intricate peach-colored makeup on her face which made her appear lively and youthful.Once Lina was done with Hannahโs makeup, she happily retrieved a long, white dress from a clothes
Hannah Roland smiled without saying anything.***Hannah arrived at the bar where she worked at seven oโclock the next evening and walked into Rihanna Jensenโs office.Rihanna was going through paperwork in her office. When she saw Hannah, she immediately stood up and smiled at her. โHannah, youโre hereโฆโโHereโs the contractโฆโ Rihanna said before pushing a thick stack of paper to the center of the table.Hannah quickly stepped forward and skimmed through the document. She then picked up a pen and signed itโฆRihanna smiled upon seeing this. โOkayโฆ Iโll transfer the money into your account tonightโฆ Iโve told our big boss about your situation. Heโs fine with my decision to pay your salary in advance. In fact, he even told me I did a good jobโฆโโHe said you can sing without worrying about a single thingโฆ If you need any help in the future, do let us knowโฆโ Rihanna added.Hannah felt glad when she heard this, and became teary-eyed. โThank youโฆ Please thank our big boss for me too.