"You're not leaving!" Mandy blocked my path as I waved down a taxi. "Take me to see Stephen!""If you want to see him, go to his office."Who did Mandy think she was, ordering me around?"You think I haven't tried? I waited at his office all day and never even saw him! He's hiding those clients, and I can't get in touch with them. I don't even have a chance to speak with them!""Are you planning to bribe or threaten them to drop the case?"Mandy thought money could solve everything. I knew her ways well enough from our previous encounters. "Mandy, let me be clear. Stephen's clients won't drop the case. If you don't want a divorce, then spend your money on getting Francis a good lawyer. But no matter who you hire, you'll still lose.""Jen, because of what you said, I swear I'll get my husband out of this with his head held high!" Mandy declared firmly."I'll be waiting for that day."Stephen must have solid evidence. Mandy's dream of Francis getting off scot-free was just a fant
When I mentioned this to Wendy, she said that arrogant people often face consequences. She told me that if I ever saw Stephen in a vulnerable moment, I would realize that he is just as human as the rest of us."Know your enemy and know yourself, and you'll win every battle. Mandy is Francis's wife; Stephen will keep a close eye on her movements," Luke said.He leaned back against the seat. The open window allowed the wind to ruffle Luke's usually neat hair, giving him a more casual appearance."You seem to know Stephen's working style well," I observed.Luke and Stephen were both top performers in their respective fields. It's true that exceptional people often attract each other."We work in different industries, but our approaches to handling matters are quite similar," Luke replied.Indeed, JL Capital always conducted thorough research and risk assessments on potential partner companies for every project. The principle was the same.I nodded, remembering the food I had ordere
"Ms. Middleton, we've arrived at Johnsonville Bistro.""I... I'll get out right away."The driver's words snapped me back to reality. My face felt warm as I responded, hastily avoiding Luke's gaze. I opened the car door and stepped out, walking towards the left side of the car."Jen," Luke called out.I clutched my bag tightly, stopped, and turned around.He was leaning his arm on the car window, smiling, looking extremely pleased.Was he amused by my flustered state?How annoying!I quickly turned away.Luke: "Johnsonville Bistro is on the right side.""..." I looked up to see a maternity store directly across from me. The bistro didn't have good parking, so the driver had stopped on the opposite side.I had been so fixated on Luke that I was now doubly embarrassed, my face turning an even deeper shade of red.Feeling mortified, I didn't dare look back and hurried across the street.This stretch of road had little traffic at night. I crossed and entered the bistro.The c
"I'll definitely remember!"Despite her promise, Marianne showed up at my doorstep with breakfast again the next morning."Marianne..."My tone was a mix of helplessness and playful complaint."I... I might be getting old and forgetful. I'll see a doctor this morning after I finish my chores," Marianne said, looking slightly guilty.She had genuinely forgotten!I quickly reassured her, "It's okay, Marianne. I haven't had breakfast yet anyway."Forgetfulness is common with age, but it's still important to get checked at the hospital to rule out any medical causes for memory decline. "I'm very busy at work today and can't accompany you to the hospital, but please call me if anything comes up.""It's just a doctor's visit. I can manage. Don't worry about me and focus on your work," Marianne urged. "It's getting late. Hurry and eat your breakfast, or you'll be late.""Take care, Marianne."As I watched her leave, I looked down at the delicate breakfast set on my plate, feeling to
Half an hour later, the simulation test came to an end, and the impressive visual effects left me eagerly anticipating the upcoming real-world tests.If autonomous cars could navigate extremely complex environments successfully, it would significantly reduce traffic accidents and be a boon for many consumers. Technology truly has the power to change lives.At the test site, Luke and I, along with others, sat in the stands. Below us was a modified racetrack filled with various obstacles designed to simulate challenging driving conditions. Professional testers were ready.However, real-world driving conditions can change in an instant, whereas the simulated obstacles were fixed. This made the test results less convincing to me, and my excitement dwindled.I thought I hid my feelings well, but Neil called me out."Ms. Middleton, have you ever used an autonomous driving system?""No, I haven't."I've always driven traditional gas cars. Wendy is much more receptive to new technology
What Luke was implying was that the obstacles on the track were too simple. Neil understood Luke's criticism and explained, "We have our own testing ground, but due to the heavy rain today, we had to move indoors. The indoor space is limited and doesn't allow for complex maneuvers.""Testing in the rain is crucial."Driving in the rain increases the risk of accidents, making rain tests more convincing.I opened the test report that I had been holding, but there was no mention of rain testing.Luke noticed Neil's troubled expression and asked, "Have you not tested in the rain, or does the success rate drop significantly in such conditions?""Our success rate in the rain is around seventy percent," Neil admitted, looking a bit defeated."Around seventy percent? Do you expect consumers to stay home whenever it rains?""We've optimized the sensors, but the increased sensitivity has introduced some issues we haven't resolved yet.""These issues include adverse weather interfering wi
"Why did you reject Neil's suggestion? Do you believe that autonomous driving systems are unreliable?"When I was with Max, he always showed contempt for AI technology. Despite his higher education and understanding of the significance of technological progress, I now realize that it wasn't the technology he despised—it was Luke. Max refused to switch to a smart car because he didn't want a constant reminder of someone he could never measure up to."Mr. Walker always prioritizes people in his work. If autonomous driving technology were unreliable, you wouldn't persist in this field," I said. JL Capital focused on the tech sector; if I doubted technology, I might as well quit now!I explained, "I was rear-ended before, and it left a scar. I haven't driven since.""Was it when Cindy rear-ended you?""You have an excellent memory, Mr. Walker."Luke was already aware of the complicated situation between Max, Cindy, and me, so there was no need to hide it."Have you done something wr
"Mr. Walker...""Go buy the tickets."Luke handed me his wallet, stretching it out in front of me."Mr. Walker, my fear is gone. I can drive now!" I would happily demonstrate my driving skills to avoid bungee jumping.Luke remained silent, simply pointing in the direction of the ticket booth.It was evident that he wasn't going to change his mind. With heavy footsteps, I reluctantly made my way to the ticket booth, wishing it were further away. Though it was only about twenty meters from the entrance, it felt like I was running a marathon. It took me five minutes to cover that short distance.Meanwhile, Luke stood there and reminded me, "Jen, make sure to get tickets for today."He seemed to read my thoughts perfectly. Even if I wanted to pull a trick or find a way out, there was no chance of escaping this situation.With great reluctance, I purchased the tickets and urgently texted Wendy, asking her to call me with an important matter that required my immediate attention.As
She took my card - could she be working at the Mary Institute?I tried calling back immediately, but the line stayed busy. After several attempts, I researched the institute online.Over a hundred years old, the institute only hired the top experts in pharmaceutical research.For privacy reasons, they didn't publish staff information online.I found nothing about her.I wanted to tell Luke but feared giving false hope. Better to confirm first.As my racing thoughts calmed, exhaustion hit. I yawned and headed to bed.The next morning, I felt refreshed after a deep sleep.Just after my morning routine, the doorbell chimed. "Room service," came a crisp British accent.Strange - I hadn't ordered anything.Through the peephole, I saw a server with a cart. I opened the door."There must be a mistake."He checked his order slip. "Placed at 6:30."I was barely awake then. About to protest, I spotted a box of Belgian chocolates on the cart.Luke. Of course."My friend must have o
Luke played the video, but the quality was too poor to make out more than a silhouette.Trying to see better, I leaned closer to his phone, unconsciously pressing against him. I felt him stiffen slightly.Looking between the video and photos, I muttered, "Even his own mother couldn't identify him from this footage."Luke chuckled softly. "Don't get discouraged. Everyone has unique mannerisms. If we compare videos of these three suspects with this dashcam footage, we might find something unexpected."Luke always seemed so composed, as if he could easily solve any problem.I nodded, feeling fatigue creeping in. My eyes were getting heavy, and I needed to rest."Have you had dinner?""Ate at the set."Food always tastes better with company. The crew's boxed dinners were simple but satisfying."Haven't eaten yet?" I asked casually."No.""You should go eat then. Don't let me keep you."As I turned to leave, Luke grabbed my wrist. "You won't even spare a moment for me anymore?"
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