Stanley Batton vaguely sensed that Alex treated Xyla Quest differently.Once or twice might’ve been a coincidence, but not after multiple times.His instincts were telling him that there was something fishy about Alex.He took a long hard look at Alex before regaining his composure and wrapped his arm around Xyla, who was oblivious to his thoughts.Alex led his team members over to Team IM to shake their hands before heading back to the stage, feeling pretty happy.Alex's eyes were glowing evidently despite his attempt to hide his expression of joy while the rest gathered behind him with their arms raised over their heads to wave at their supporters below the stage.Each of them seemed to be on some adrenaline rush, feeling like they had the world right under their feet.They felt like kings in the world of League of Legends.They demonstrated the enthusiasm, exuberance, and excitement of the youths.Seeing the young ones like this made Xyla feel very pleased.She'd always ha
“I guess they were pleasantly surprised," Alex said thoughtfully. "Anyway, everyone’s happy about it.”“Yes, they are. Is there anything you’d like to say to Xyla and your fans?” the female host questioned further.He instantly turned his somber-looking face at Xyla Quest. “I won’t let you down, Boss. I’ll bring all the trophies to you.”On the livestream channel—“Stanley: Just pretend I’m dead.”“I honestly feel that Alex has a crush on Xyla. I don’t think I’m mistaken.”“The look in his eyes is so mesmerizing. They’d be a lovely couple!”“Calm down, everyone. Xyla is older than Alex. How could that work out? He isn’t the type to like older women.”“Alex wouldn’t dare set his eyes on Stanley’s wife. Are you all mad?”Xyla flashed a smile upon hearing his words, raising both thumbs at him when he turned to look at her once more.Their entire exchange was captured and displayed on the large screen by the broadcasting director.Stanley Batton observed everything next to her,
News about Team XS winning the League of Legends spring season tournament appeared on their phone screens.The four of them simultaneously clicked on the news article published by League of Legends’ official account. There was even a picture of Team XS taken when they won the tournament.Xyla Quest glanced at it before clicking on the list of hot topics.Just as she expected, a lot was going on there.Hot topic number one: ‘#Xyla and Stanley show up at League of Legends spring season tournament finale#’.Hot topic number two: ‘#Team XS wins the tournament#’.Hot topic number three: ‘#Alex’s god-like maneuvers with Akali#’.Hot topic number four: ‘#Josh Batton and Annabeth Cates show up at League of Legends spring season tournament finale#’.Xyla found the first three topics full of various positive comments, and then she checked out the fourth hot topic.Upon clicking on it, Xyla saw a picture of Josh Batton and Annabeth Cates watching the competition inconspicuously. It was p
Everyone instantly nodded at her suggestion.“Let’s go for that. I want to eat fish too,” Annabeth Cates said excitedly.Josh Batton had an affectionate look in his eyes as he gently touched her face. “Fish it is, then.”“Okay, as you wish,” Stanley Batton replied with a smile.Everyone was on the same page.Soon, they arrived at the restaurant that Xyla Quest recommended. It had a relatively affordable price range, so the clientele consisted of ordinary folks.The interior design was also relatively basic, unlike those they frequented in high-class restaurants.Even so, Xyla and the rest were still very excited.For them, it didn't matter how high-class the place was, but the taste of the food was more important.Josh and Annabeth, who were still under disguise, entered inconspicuously behind Xyla and Stanley while they requested for a private room.Then, they all headed upstairs together.The seemingly elegant and outstanding party of four instantly attracted attention as
The waitress reluctantly left the private dining room, feeling like the luckiest person in the world as the door closed.Not only did she get to see Xyla Quest and Stanley Batton in person, but she also got to meet her beloved idol.Feeling wonderful, she walked down the stairs with lightened footsteps.Once the waitress had left, everyone in the private dining room felt more relaxed as they leaned back against their chairs.“Xyla, Team XS was amazing tonight. I’ve become a fan. I never used to like such things, but I think I might have fallen in love with eSports after tonight,” Annabeth Cates said as she rested her head against Josh Batton’s shoulder.She found herself attracted to the unyielding spirit of eSports after being able to experience it herself today.Xyla brightened up when she heard her. “All right, let’s watch competitions together from now on.”Annabeth nodded.“Annabeth, you could understand the game?” Stanley asked.“Yes, I can. I used to play it for a while
Sharon Lindt appeared unconcerned. “Why does it matter? People your age should stay out late. You’re not old, so what’s the concern about coming home before midnight?”Xyla Quest couldn’t help but laugh at this.Stanley Batton calmly walked over and sat down next to his wife. “My parents don’t mind.”“Yes, it’s fine if you want to stay up all night. You both should enjoy your lives while you’re still young. Your mother and I would stay up all night sometimes, too,” Wilson Batton spoke up.Xyla’s smile gradually widened, recalling the videos she’d recently seen of people complaining about their mothers-in-law on TikTok.Their mothers-in-law would often nag at them for getting home late and not looking after their children due to work.Some would even nag at them despite staying at home to look after their children every day.Compared to these people, Xyla was even more content with her life, feeling like she was practically living in heaven.She was very much at peace.“That’s
“Would you get tired of me one day if I keep behaving like this?” Xyla Quest asked.“No. I would never get tired of you,” Stanley Batton answered in earnest.“Really?” she asked.“I’ll get struck by lightning if I’m lying,” he said, prompting Xyla to place her finger hastily on his lips.“What are you saying? Don’t say nonsense like that!”“Let’s go and check on our kids,” she said, holding his hand before they returned to the living room.She picked up Leon Batton while her husband carried Lynette Batton.The twins seemed more aware now as they instantly reached out to touch their parents' faces as they were held.As soon as their tiny hands touched Xyla and Stanley’s faces, their gazes softened at once.She looked affectionately at Leon’s face. “Leon, did you miss Mommy? Hmm?”He didn’t respond except to gently caress her face with his chubby hands, peering quietly at his mother with clear eyes.It seemed like there was a sea of stars in his eyes.Xyla felt as if she was
The internet was taken by storm on the day their charity foundation was established, with netizens expressing their support for Xyla Quest and Stanley Batton’s initiative.People even created brand new emojis of the couple to convey how good-looking, kind, and generous they were.Xyla and Stanley held a charity banquet to promote the foundation and encourage donations during the launch, inviting many people from wealthy folks to celebrities in Country Z.The couple had booked the entire Atlantis International Hotel to hold the event.By nightfall, the grand charity banquet was underway at the hotel's largest hall, covering an area of 500 square meters adorned with fresh flowers, balloons, and bright lights everywhere.All invitees had arrived fashionably dressed, already settled in their allocated seats even though the banquet hadn’t officially begun yet.A massive round stage stood at the center of the hall where various performances would take place tonight.By then, the sta
Xyla quickly reached for Hannah’s hand. “Is that right? Hannah, you’re amazing…! You’re practically on par with Leon!”Hannah laughed, slightly embarrassed. “Not at all.”“Oh, cut it out. If you hadn’t helped me, how could I have improved so quickly?” Leon chuckled.“I guess I’ve lived up to my promise.” 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. “Yes, Hannah’s very capable. She’s our family pride.”Hannah laughed. “I was lucky to be accepted by your family.”In 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
“Hannah, I’ve taken the first step for you. Are you willing to walk by my side for the rest of our lives?” Leon asked, serious.“Yes, I am…” Hannah answered without missing a beat.“I’ll protect you. From now on, you don’t have to worry about a single thing.” With that, Leon placed both hands on Hannah’s face and kissed her on the lips.The moment their lips touched, everything felt surreal…Hannah could feel pink, light bubbles floating all around her. It felt as if all the flowers in the world were blossoming at once.In Hannah’s 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 now… 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, Leon’s 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, Hannah’s 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 wasn’t a dream. It was real!Hannah felt even more dumbfounded…This meant Leon actually liked her! He was confessing to her, wasn’t 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 couldn’t 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 Raymond’s head.Raymond panicked instantly, going pale.He subconsciously retreated a step back. “Who are you? Don’t you know what you’re doing is illegal?”Leon sneered. “You don’t deserve to know my name. In this city, I am the law.”Leon’s 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.“Mr. Batton, do I shoot him in the head?” One of the men dressed in black asked.“Mr. Batton? Are you Stanley Batton’s son?!” 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.“How dare you address our president by name?!” Another man in black leveled Raymond with a chilling glare.Suffice to say, Raymond was terrif
Terrible pain ached at every part of Hannah’s 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, “Mr. Gray… What is the meaning of this?” “What’s the meaning of this? Ha! Don’t you know what’s good for you? You dumb b*tch… You’re lucky that I set my sights on you!”“How dare you refuse my feelings! Not just that, but you even made up a story to deceive me!”“Even when you saw me, you tried to trick me again!”“Do you think I’m stupid? That I can’t think? Do you honestly think I’d fall for your lies again and again?” 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 wasn’t about to be silent anytime soon. Hannah felt deeply unsettled, so much that she didn’t 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 Gray… 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 didn’t 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. “Ms. 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 today…”“He lost his temper and claimed he’d destroy our bar if Hannah refuses to sing another song…” 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 weren’t 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 didn’t respect women at all… 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. “Nice to meet you… Thank you in advance!”“No problem… Do let me know if there’s anything you don’t like about your makeup too,” Lina said.Hannah nodded. “Okay, sure…”“By the way… Do all the signers here get such good treatment? I’m surprised we’re even assigned our own makeup artists,” Hannah asked carefully as she wasn’t aware about things like these..However, Lina smiled without answering Hannah’s question directly. She held Hannah’s hand casually the next second, “Come here. I’ll start doing your makeup now…”Hannah nodded…Lina was a very professional makeup artist. She took an hour to finish Hannah’s makeup.An hour later, Hannah’s appearance transformed completely.Lina permed Hannah’s 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 Hannah’s 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 o’clock the next evening and walked into Rihanna Jensen’s office.Rihanna was going through paperwork in her office. When she saw Hannah, she immediately stood up and smiled at her. “Hannah, you’re here…”“Here’s the contract…” 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 it…Rihanna smiled upon seeing this. “Okay… I’ll transfer the money into your account tonight… I’ve told our big boss about your situation. He’s fine with my decision to pay your salary in advance. In fact, he even told me I did a good job…”“He said you can sing without worrying about a single thing… If you need any help in the future, do let us know…” Rihanna added.Hannah felt glad when she heard this, and became teary-eyed. “Thank you… Please thank our big boss for me too.