“Yeah…” Stanley Batton said.Xyla Quest nodded.“Why were you peeking at me earlier?” he asked.Xyla coughed awkwardly. “When did I peek at you?”“Didn’t you?” he asked.“I didn’t. If you didn’t look at me, how would you know that I was looking at you? I haven’t even asked why you were peeking at me.” Xyla changed the topic directly, sounding confident with what she said.Stanley slowly smiled. “I think you look good. That’s why I wanted to look at you. Am I not allowed to?”Xyla instantly felt her heart clenched.“Isn’t your beauty meant to be seen by others?” Stanley added.“Makes sense…“Aren’t you going out today?” Xyla changed the topic suddenly.“Hmm. I’m staying at home to look after you.”“Don’t you have work?”“Yes, but it’s all the simple stuff. No big deal,” he said.Right then, Stanley received a call from Zack Cassidy. He walked right over to the french window and picked up the call.Although the warm sun was now shining against his face, it couldn’t melt aw
“If that’s the case, has she been discharged? How’s she doing?” Henry Armstrong asked.“She’s been discharged long ago. She’s doing very well,” Stanley Batton answered.“Well then, Sebastian and I must come over to visit her. Wait for me. I’m coming back right now,” Henry added.“Don’t,” Stanley said without hesitation.“We’re just paying the sick a visit,” Henry said.“She doesn’t allow me to bring friends home,” Stanley added.“And you’re not going to just because she says so? Why are you so obedient?” Henry retorted.“Do you have a problem with that?” Stanley asked.“No… How would I even dare?” Henry rubbed his head, helplessly.“But I want to visit her. There’s nothing wrong with your friend visiting her, right?” Henry added.“Don’t get in our way,” Stanley said before hanging up right away.Henry felt thoroughly confused.He couldn’t resist cursing at Stanley. “What the hell has gotten into this friend of mine? Is he a person who values women over his friends?”After
Stanley Batton snapped his phone shut and focused on marinating the steak. On the other hand, Sebastian Brenand and the guys continued teasing Stanley in the group for quite some time before they gradually calmed themselves down and discussed their gathering later in the evening. ***In the blink of an eye, the twilight faded to darkness and it was already night-time. Xyla Quest, who had finished her dinner, returned to her room.After putting on light makeup, she headed to the cloakroom and picked a black, polka dot knee-length dress, matching it with a snow white suit. Subsequently, she put on wine red stilettos and carried a black Chanel handbag. Satisfied with her own outfit, she left the house and walked to her car. She began to feel nervous as soon as she got into the car. While she was starting the car engine, she peeked at the clock and it showed seven o’clock sharp. This meant she would be meeting her husband in an hour. Would their negotiation go well today?
Did he come here with his gang leader?That seemed to be the only explanation. Xyla Quest did not have time to think about that. She stuffed her phone into her bag and marched to the clubhouse.After showing her membership card to the security guard standing at the entrance, the guard let her enter the clubhouse without hesitation. The lobby was as glorious as the ancient European palace where the King used to stay. There was a huge crystal chandelier above Xyla, occupying the entire ceiling and illuminating its surroundings with the light from the lightbulbs as well as from the reflection of the crystal pendants. The lobby was as bright as day under the presence of the beautiful chandelier. Soon, a waitress dressed in an elegant uniform walked up to Xyla and led her to the fancy elevator decorated with gold and silver theme, all the way to her destination. The private room was as magnificent as the outside. It was designed with the same European palace style, using gold
The more Xyla Quest thought about it, the angrier she felt. Apart from that, she felt even more ridiculous of herself, being kept in the dark for such a long time.From Stanley Batton’s point of view, he must have thought it was funny to make a fool out of her, right?She could not believe that Stanley could lie to her without blinking an eye. Was there anything that he could not do?She did not know if she could trust anything he had said to her before. Which of them were truths? How many lies were there?Noticing the changes in Xyla’s expression, Stanley rubbed his forehead helplessly for a second before he walked up to her, both his hands clasped firmly on her shoulders. “I can explain. Just give me ten minutes.”“What have you got to say for yourself? You’ve been making a monkey out of me all this while! If Grandpa doesn’t set up the meeting for us today, how long are you going to hide the truth from me?”Her first instinct told her that he must be doing this for some purpose
When the door flung open, George Clementine bore an extremely worried face as her hands grasped Xyla Quest’s shoulder. “President Xyla, what’s wrong with you?”“I’ll sleep over at your house tonight.” Xyla said with a deep, depressed sigh. She did not want to go back to their house tonight. Georgie realized that she must have gotten herself into a difficult or complicated situation from the expression on her face. Immediately, she caught up with Xyla and pulled her to the sofa, sitting down together with her. “What’s the matter? Did you have a fight with Five Batton?”Upon hearing the name ‘Five Batton’, Xyla could not help but sneer bitterly. “Five Batton? Pfft… Just call him Stanley Batton from now on.”The initial worry on Georgie’s face was replaced by shock. “What do you mean?” “He’s Stanley Batton… My husband.”Georgie was struck dumb by her words, her eyes out on stalks as she gaped at Xyla’s face. “What? He’s your mysterious husband that you never met? Stanley Batton?
Xyla Quest shook her head. “I don’t know. Speaking of which, which room is empty? I need some sleep to put my mind at ease. I’ll get back to you on that after I wake up.”Georgie Clementine did not say anything else. She simply held Xyla’s right hand in her own before leading her to an empty guest room and stopping in front of the door. “You can sleep here tonight. There are pajamas and some brand new bras inside the closet. Feel free to wear them.”Xyla nodded her head in response. “Thanks, Georgie.”Then, Georgie pushed open the door and turned on the lights. “Go to bed now and stop thinking about it. Call me if you need anything, alright?” “Okay. If he calls you to ask about my whereabouts, please tell him that you have no idea.” Xyla reminded her before she sank onto the bed. She refused to see him at the moment. All she wanted to do was to calm herself down and leave everything behind. “Although your post-surgery recovery is going really well, you still need to have enoug
Zack Cassidy woke up instantaneously. He turned on the light and stole a glance at the clock. It was already ten o’clock at night. This bastard… “Yes, Fifth Master!” Zack nodded respectfully before jumping down from the bed with a heart full of resentment. On the other hand, Stanley Batton had gone to some of the bars and hotels that Xyla Quest often went to after he drove away from his villa. As he drove, he could not help but started laughing at himself. Never in his life had he been so crazy for anyone, or anything, not even once since he was a child. He felt very much like a blind, headless fly right now, roaming through the streets, not knowing where to go. The person he was at that very moment was akin to an immature boy who fell in love for the first time, doing all he could do for his first love. When Stanley was drowning in his deep thoughts, it started to drizzle. Under the drizzle, the black Honda continued to roam between the streets, traveling through the c
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.