"At least you're luckier than me. My parents..." Patty began, but I cut her off.Patty had told me about her difficult childhood more than once. When I was still naive, her story had deeply moved me. However, after experiencing the darker sides of human nature, I realized Patty was using her story to gain my sympathy."Patty, I used to feel a lot of sympathy for you because of your background, and I did everything I could to help you. But we barely know each other, and I don't owe you anything," I firmly said."Jen, I'm not saying you owe me. Some things are easy for you but could change my life. If you won't talk to Mrs. Muller about me, can you help me get a job at Origin Real Estate?""..." She thought getting into Origin was as easy as walking into a market?"I recently sent my resume to Origin, but I got rejected in the interview stage. If I couldn't get in myself, how could I help you?""But you...""Origin is different now. You have work experience, so you could try apply
Luke reacted quickly, pulling me back just in time by my arm, causing me to bump into his chest."Sorry, I didn't see you there," the person with the shopping cart hurriedly apologized. I nodded slightly to indicate that it was fine.Luke's eyes darkened, and the other person quickly left upon noticing his stern expression."See how quickly that boyfriend reacted? He pulled her into his arms immediately! Last time, you just stood there dumbly while I got hit by a bicycle!" The couple's argument floated over, reminding me that I was still leaning against Luke's chest. I quickly straightened up and took a step to the side.My sudden movement was like that of a startled rabbit, jumping away.Feeling a bit embarrassed, I said, "Thanks for just now.""You seem to get it well," Luke remarked.I was speechless.Luke, looking displeased, pushed the cart past me. He worked out regularly, and even through his clothes, I could feel the firmness of his chest. I discreetly touched my back,
Luke smiled slightly and effortlessly retrieved the two books he needed from the bookshelf."You knew where they were this entire time and didn't tell me!" I exclaimed, frustrated from my futile search.I toyed with the idea of pouring out the water I had poured, but he was my boss. All I could do was make a few harmless remarks. I handed him the glass politely.Luke took the glass. "How many of these books have you read?""I'm not sure."Maybe five, six, or even seven or eight!When I was minoring in finance, I attempted to read a few of them. My father's books were always filled with notes, densely packed, triggering my trypophobia. The content was also complex and hard to grasp. Since Max could explain things more clearly, I gave up on struggling with my father's books."Are you unsure or too embarrassed to admit it?" Luke teased."Are you suggesting that to excel in my job, I need to read all of my dad's books?"Luke was usually straightforward. Why was he being so indirec
Wendy grew increasingly agitated, contemplating whether she would have already slapped Francis Muller if he were in front of her."Wendy is always so caring, never wanting me to suffer even a little," I said, feeling warmth spread through me. Tears welled up in my eyes."Of course, you're my treasure!" Wendy's voice gradually calmed. "Did Luke do anything about this? Since it happened at JL Capital, he should have intervened, right?""If he didn't handle it, then anyone could bully JL Capital's employees.""From the way you're talking, Luke did more than just intervened—he did a good job?""He did an excellent job."I recounted the entire incident to Wendy."You've grown up, Jen! This is such an exciting story, and you didn't tell me!" Wendy said, excitedly."Wendy, I was wrong. Give me another chance."I thought everyone involved would keep it quiet. Little did I know that Francis would gossip and distort the story."Here we go again!" Wendy said fondly. "So, how do you plan
Wendy hung up the phone quickly after her fervent outburst. She always took my matters to heart, and I felt incredibly fortunate to have such a genuine and caring friend....On Monday, Patty was waiting at the base of the Greenfield Building. When she saw me, she called out, "Jen," and reached to link arms with me as if nothing had happened the previous day.I stepped aside to avoid her touch. "Do I need to call security?"The Greenfield Building had a robust security system. After the incident with Mandy's driver, security patrols had become even more frequent. I glanced toward a nearby security guard."Jen, I'm begging you!" Patty suddenly dropped to her knees in front of me. The hard steps offered no cushion, and the sound made me wince."What are you doing?" I asked.With tears in her eyes, Patty pleaded, "Jen, I'm truly at my wit's end. I'm just an orphan with no family, and now I've lost my job because of my association with you. I can't support myself anymore! Please, as
Ugh, it's so frustrating! It's incredibly easy to spread rumors, but debunking them feels like an uphill battle. I'm the victim here, but now I'm being portrayed as a flirtatious woman who seduced someone else's husband. Even if I were looking for a man, Francis would be the last person I'd choose.As I let the cold water cool my anger, I gradually calmed down. Rumors are as fierce as tigers; if I don't act quickly to provide evidence and stop the gossip, it will not only tarnish my reputation, but also bring shame to JL Capital.Since joining JL Capital, small issues have been popping up frequently. If this continues, it might cause problems with the other partners. I need to resolve this quickly.That day, Luke asked Zac to retrieve the surveillance footage that captured Francis's actions towards me. He has no proof to support his claim that I seduced him, but I have solid evidence of his harassment. Let's see how he can deny it then!I reached out to Zac. He was already at his d
Francis not only harassed me, but also spread false rumors that have damaged my reputation and caused me a great deal of distress. I want him to face the appropriate consequences and clear my name. The police have accepted the case and I have provided them with my contact information."We will contact you once we have any updates on the case. If you have any additional evidence, please submit it as well.""Thank you. I appreciate your assistance."Curious if Wendy had obtained any useful information from Penny, I sent her a text message informing her that I had reported the incident. She may have been busy, as she did not respond immediately. I put my phone away and began searching for a taxi."Ms. Middleton, are you here to inquire about Max's case?""No, I am here regarding a different matter."Encountering Stephen at the police station, I expressed my gratitude to him once again for his efforts in Max's case."I am just doing my job. If you wish to thank someone, thank Luke."
"Go ahead and call the police. Let's see if they even bother with something like this," Patty said defiantly. "And even if they do, what are they going to do? Lock me up? If you don't help me, I'll be here every day, becoming your worst nightmare!""Did Mandy put you up to this? What did she offer you that's worth ruining your career?" Patty's shameless behavior was a stark contrast to the shy, somewhat pitiful girl I once knew. Time changes people, sometimes beyond recognition."I'm doing this for my job. How could I be ruining my career? Don't try to scare me! I'm not a three-year-old who's going to be fooled by your words!"I tried to keep my patience. "Do you know why Origin Real Estate rejected me?"Patty replied irritably, "Because you're not good enough!""JL Capital only employs capable candidates. If I weren't capable, I wouldn't be Luke Walker's assistant. Don't believe what others say. I didn't get into JL Capital because of some unclear relationship with Luke.""You s
Due to jet lag, I was already exhausted though it wasn't dark yet.Ian was drooping too, suddenly slumping against me.Worried he'd fall, I quickly steadied him.He glanced at me before contentedly closing his eyes again.He was completely worn out.Mr. Lloyd, who had been chatting with the director, noticed this and quickly wrapped up his conversation to join us.Still half-awake, Ian instinctively held onto my arm when his father reached for him."It's your Dad."At my words, Ian let go.Mr. Lloyd picked him up and strode toward the car, while I gathered Ian's things and followed.On the way back, I offered to drive.Mr. Lloyd was quiet. I turned on the car's music system, and soft music filled the space.Having debuted overseas as a trainee, Mr. Lloyd's fingers unconsciously tapped along to the rhythm on his leg.At a red light, I caught this movement in the rearview mirror.Mr. Lloyd had been an all rounder superstar - consistently among the top three highest-earning
Since Penelope was mid-flight and unreachable, I sent her a message and forwarded Sara's letter."Are you okay, Jen? You seem worried," Ian asked."Just blown away by your amazing performance. I'm still thinking about it."Ian was a natural - his acting could really move people."I might be cocky,” Ian grinned.He looked proud, and I ruffled his hair. "No chance of that."For a four-year-old, he'd shown remarkable composure during the preschool incident.Even after being cleared, he hadn't played the victim. That kind of emotional strength showed real character.A few compliments wouldn't change that.Ian's smile lit up his whole face, showing perfect baby teeth."When do you start filming your scenes?"The director was clearly impressed - Ian's role was locked in."Not sure yet."Ian looked up at his father."Soon," Mr. Lloyd said, clearly proud of Ian's performance. "I'll stay on set with Ian these next few days. Jen, feel free to explore the city. I'll call if we need
Just when they thought they'd found hope, the bad guys caught up with them.During their escape, his best friend fell off a cliff. When Bobby was finally rescued and led them back, they found his friend's body, mangled beyond recognition. He was devastated."I'll start now!"In an instant, Ian transformed. He walked heavily toward a chair, his expression gradually filling with pain.Kneeling beside the chair, he reached out as if to touch "him" but couldn't bring himself to do it. Tears silently rolled down his face.The director checked the script and signaled his assistant to remove the chair, simulating the scene where the friend's body would be placed in a body bag.At this, Ian broke into heart-wrenching sobs.His emotional outburst impressed everyone watching on set.Mr. Lloyd looked proud, and the director, as if discovering a treasure, praised Ian after his performance: "Your acting reminds me of your father in his prime.""If I'm as good as Dad was at my age, imagine
I'd dug my own grave, hadn't I?I swallowed my food, took a sip of water, and kept my head down while eating.Luke pushed the mild seafood soup toward me. "This is less spicy."Stubborn as I was, I ignored him.Luke called the server over, trying to order milder versions of the fish and pork."Don't bother, I love extra spicy food."Even though I needed water after every bite, I was determined to finish what I'd ordered.Seeing my stubbornness, Luke apologized to the server and let her go."Jen...""Don't talk while eating."By now, my soul had practically left my body from the spice. I wasn't in the mood for conversation.My throat felt like it was on fire as I gulped down more water.Luke quietly refilled my empty glass. He'd barely touched his seafood soup, his elegant movements making me feel even more ungraceful.I was suffering from my own spite!I wanted to throw down my chopsticks and leave.No, stay calm!I tried to maintain my composure, fighting the urge to d
Just as I finished speaking, my stomach let out an embarrassing growl."There's an excellent Chinese place around the corner," Luke said."You've been here before?""No.""..." Then how did he know about a good restaurant?Did he research every place this thoroughly?He'd make a perfect travel companion.I later learned he'd researched local restaurants knowing my passion for food.I'd only had water since waking up. The film crew would have finished lunch by now, with no leftovers available. I needed to find something on the way.Being in a bad mood lately, I hadn't researched any local restaurants before coming here.Craving authentic Chinese food, I decided to take Luke's suggestion.It was an upscale Chinese restaurant specializing in spicy cuisine. As soon as we sat down, a cheerful server brought out place settings and started listing their specialties."Our portions are generous. For a couple, I'd recommend one appetizer and a soup to start.""We're not a couple," I
Luke came to search for his birth mother himself?As I looked at him, he noticed me too.I greeted him and was about to get a taxi to the set."If you have time, can you show me where you saw her yesterday?""I... okay."Mr. Lloyd and Ian would be fine - finding Luke's mother was more urgent.After weighing the pros and cons, I agreed.Luke hadn't brought an assistant. I waited outside while he took his luggage to his hotel room, then we walked to where I'd seen his mother yesterday.It wasn't far from the hotel, so we went on foot.Without thinking, I kept about three feet between us.Luke: "Do I look like some kind of monster?"With his model-like features that made you want to break rules just looking at him, how could he possibly look like a monster?I shook my head."Then why are you keeping such a distance?""..." So that's what he meant...Though I'd decided to stay just friends, my heart - already full of him - still skipped beats when we were together.He was t
"If you can't find her, Luke can! Now that he has a general area, he can track her down quickly.""I'll let him know."Mrs. Walker was also searching for her, planning to use her to manipulate Luke. We needed to contact her before Mrs. Walker did.After hanging up with Wendy, I looked at Luke’s number on my phone. Several times I almost called him, but kept backing out.After hesitating, I tried calling Emily, but hung up just before it connected.Although Emily had been open with me, I couldn't be sure if she was genuinely helping Luke.To be safe, I called Luke instead. He answered on the first ring.Luke stayed silent."Mr. Walker, this is Jen.""I wasn't planning to cut you out of my life completely. I kept your number."Me: ...There he went again with his sharp tongue. I almost hung up, but remembering how much he'd helped me, and that I could finally do something for him, I told him about possibly seeing his birth mother near the hotel.After a moment of silence, Luk
"Dad, he's a bad guy!" Ian pointed at the man who was already several yards away.The robber was huge - well over 6'2", wearing a denim vest that showed off his muscular arms. Mr. Lloyd probably couldn't take many punches from him, and we didn't know if he was armed. It wasn't worth the risk.I ruffled Ian's hair. "Let's go get something to eat.""Help! Stop the robber!"A woman was running after him, desperately grabbing passersby for help, out of breath.Following the 'better safe than sorry' principle, no one stepped forward to help.She reached us, and seeing we were Asian, her eyes lit up with hope. "Please help me, I have something very important in my bag."Mr. Lloyd looked down at his arm where she was clutching it. "I'm sorry, we're new here and unfamiliar with the area. We can't help."She let go, disappointed, staring dejectedly in the direction the robber had disappeared.Ian said in his sweet voice, "When you're in trouble, find a police officer."The woman was a
His stern look only made Penelope more nervous.When Director Nolan called "Cut!", she was already drenched in cold sweat.She quickly apologized to the director.Director Nolan watched the playback with a grave expression.As the makeup artist touched up Penelope's makeup, I went to her side and encouraged her: "It gets easier after the first try. You'll do better in the next take.""Jen..." Penelope glanced at the crew members around us. "This is my first time on such a major production.""You'll have many more opportunities like this."One Entertainment had been investing most of its resources in Penelope lately, and with her connection to Jethro, her popularity wasn't waning.One hit was all she needed to skyrocket to stardom."Jen..."Penelope's voice trembled with worry.George was particularly anxious too. "You've done well in other productions. We can't mess up at this crucial moment!"A good performance in Director Nolan's film could lead to future collaborations,