“I’ve made my decision. You can do whatever you want to take revenge on me, but the Quest family are not pushovers,” added Jeremy. He was ready to turn against them completely, because what Mary had done was too much. He would stand up for his daughter indefinitely. If a man couldn’t even support his daughter, how was he a man at all? A true man would never let those around him suffer any grievances. “Alright… I announce that our family will withdraw our investment. Return our eight billion at once. Weren’t you very strong-willed? I want to see how you’ll get eight billion dollars in such a short amount of time. When the project has to halt and you’re completely out of ideas, don’t come and beg us,” Bailey uttered every word through gritted teeth, her eyes filled with hatred. Vrrt, vrrt, vrrt…Just then, Jeremy’s phone vibrated. Seeing that it was his assistant calling, he immediately answered. Soon, the tender voice of a woman flowed from the other end, “Mr. President, someon
“Yeah, the president’s assistant called our office personally. When he told us this, he sounded especially sincere. He even left his number with me, and said that you could contact him directly if you were interested,” said the voice on the other end.“Right, they also said that you can think of their investment capital as a loan. There’s no need for shares or bonuses. Once we make money, we just have to return it with a little bit of interest,” she added. Jeremy, Xyla, Bailey, and Tony were all utterly shocked.Why was the Quest Group receiving such a windfall? The Dragon group only wanted to invest, without expecting any shares or bonuses in return. Their interest rates were even similar to a bank’s. Were they doing charity? Why was something like this happening to the Quest Group? “Send his number to my WeChat. I’ll contact him in a bit,” said Jeremy. “Understood.” After that, Jeremy simply hung up. Happiness had arrived so suddenly. Right now, everything felt surreal, lik
Bailey nodded again. “Only, he might be unwilling to collaborate with us again. If we’d known, we never should have brought up withdrawing our investment. If we hadn’t, we’d still be on good terms.” She was now crying over spilled milk. If the two families were collaborating on a project, they would have a great many chances to meet. The initial awkwardness caused by Emily, Tom, and Mary would also be eased up slightly. And when the Quest family truly became prestigious, the Sullivan Group could benefit a little from them. *** Xyla followed Jeremy into his study. Jeremy led her to sit down at the side of the bed in front of the coffee table. There was an expensive celadon tea set on the coffee table. The tea in the pot was still hot, with steam coming out of it. A faint, refreshing scent of Iron Goddess tea leaves rose together with the steam and enveloped their senses. Xyla slowly poured Jeremy a cup of tea before placing it in front of him with both hands. “Thank you, Dad
“Alright, if there’s nothing much, hurry on back to the company. I’ll give that president’s assistant a call,” said Jeremy. “Yeah, call me if anything happens,” said Xyla as she got up. Jeremy nodded, and Xyla left the room. Based on the current situation, it seemed like the Dragon Group was really planning to do charity by helping them. The possibility of this being true and not a scam was high. At this thought, she suddenly felt like she was on cloud nine. Hopefully, this could all proceed as desired. But even if it didn’t, she wasn’t afraid, because she had the money they needed.From the money she earned from X Entertainment, she had saved part of it and even invested some. Due to her good sense, her investments had been returned by a hundred folds. Since X Entertainment’s establishment until now, her accumulated wealth was just around eight billion. *** Back at the Quest Group, Xyla shut everything out as she immersed herself in work. This continued on until six in the
Xyla put his call on hold before continuing to talk to Georgie. “Alright, alright, do as you please,” Georgie said helplessly. “That’s settled then. I have things to take care of so I’m hanging up. Let’s have a meal next time,” said Xyla. She ended her call with Georgie and switched over to Josh’s call. “Where are you? Do you have time for dinner?” Josh Batton’s voice sounded crisp and gentle as usual. “Yeah, I’m at the Quest Group,” replied Xyla. “I’ll come pick you up. I’ll be there in half an hour.” “Okay.”After hanging up, Xyla browsed through a few more documents. When it was almost time for Josh to arrive, she swiftly touched up her makeup before pulling her hair up into a ponytail and went downstairs with her backpack.Just then, a black Rolls Royce pulled up and stopped right in front of her. The car window rolled down, revealing Josh Batton’s smile. He was driving so there was no one else in the car. “Get in,” he said. Xyla scanned her surroundings. Verifyin
“Oh, that’s a small issue,” Josh remarked casually. “How is this a small issue?” Xyla frowned. “It seems like the company needs to give you a few more bodyguards. Five is clearly not enough.” “Are you really that concerned about me?”Josh’s lips curled into a dazzling grin. His smile had a purification effect. In an instant, the air inside the car became more refreshing. Xyla looked solemn. “Be serious.” “Okay, okay, okay…” Josh’s eyes were filled with affection. The light turned green and the car moved forward steadily. *** About ten minutes later, Josh’s car stopped at the entrance of Serenity, a high-class western restaurant. Josh swiftly put on black sunglasses, a black cap, and a mask before leading Xyla into the restaurant, keeping a low profile. Once inside, the handsome restaurant manager showed them to the luxurious private room on the second floor. The interior design was reminiscent of an European palace—bedazzled and extremely luxurious. Besides the long,
“Why wouldn’t there be? Don’t you have tons of them around you? What’s so good about a married woman like me?” said Xyla, maintaining her kind and polite smile the entire time. The passion in Josh’s eyes grew deeper. “Then, why don’t I see them? I think you’re the best. Since you’ve already planned to get a divorce, why not leave me a spot? Once you’re divorced, I can fill it.” “I always thought of you as a business partner, a friend.” “Then, you can stop thinking of me as a friend. Treating me as a backup works too.” It was hard to imagine that this person who was worshipped by countless people like a precious star would actually say something like wanting to become a backup option. This man was Josh Batton. The unattainable star in many young girls’ hearts. However, Xyla did not waver. “I don’t have a habit of keeping backups. Josh Batton, you’re a great and excellent person. Listen to me and look ahead. Keep your options open.” “I will wait for you.” Josh was reluctant
Xyla was dumbstruck and instantly asked, “Who are you guys?” The men in black clothing remained silent, simply politely nodding at her in unison before walking over to Josh. “Come with us.” Compared to Xyla, Josh was much calmer and seemed composed. “Can’t you see that I’m on a date?” he asked. However, without waiting for him to speak, the man in black leading the group beckoned the others. In a flash, Josh was forcefully picked up by a few men. “Pardon me,” said the leader of the group. Xyla immediately frowned hard. She got up and asked, “Who are you guys? Do you have any idea what you’re doing right now?” “It’s okay, I know these people. They’re from my family,” Josh comforted her. Xyla’s heart gradually relaxed at this. “Come with us,” the leader of the group repeated. After that, they took Josh away by force. He struggled and resisted, but it was futile. Finally, he could only let them take him away.He turned to Xyla and smiled. “Wait for me, I’ll be back soon
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.