Ryan, known for his emotional stability, had completed his undergraduate degree at a top university before going abroad to earn double degrees. Upon returning, he joined the family business.Starting from the bottom, he climbed to management in just two years. To test his abilities, Henry transferred him to a struggling, debt-ridden branch as general manager.Ryan accepted the challenge without complaint. Once there, he implemented bold reforms, adjusted management strategies, and daringly promoted talented young employees. Within months, although not yet profitable, the company's atmosphere had completely transformed.The branch primarily focused on tourism. With the recent surge in study abroad programs, Ryan seized the opportunity to launch various travel-study packages.Their advertising was impressive; their promotions popped up on nearly every webpage.Wendy had heard through industry contacts that sign-ups for the branch's latest offerings were steadily increasing. If this
"So you're the one in the hospital," Joey said.In the few days since I'd last seen her, Joey had lost weight. Her blue and white hospital gown hung loosely on her frail frame, and her sallow face bore a gloomy expression.I remained silent."You won't invite me in, and I don't plan to enter anyway," Joey said, turning her wheelchair to leave."How did you know I was hospitalized?" I asked, suddenly suspicious that Joey might be behind our kidnapping."I was bored, sitting by the window, when I saw Mr. Walker carrying something into the inpatient ward. I was curious to see who was important enough for him to visit," Joey explained. I noticed she now called him "Mr. Walker" instead of "Lu." "But I wasn't sure if he was visiting you or Wendy in your room.""That's none of your business," I replied coldly."You and Wendy seem close. I wonder if you'll end up fighting over a man someday," Joey said with a smirk.Wendy appeared beside me, her smile not reaching her eyes. "No need to
I was speechless."Wendy, you would be the perfect crush for him," I said."What's the point? He's not interested in me!" Wendy interrupted me, pressing her finger to my lips. "Don't ask how I know. It's just woman's intuition!"I remained silent."Enough joking around, I have work to do," Wendy sighed. "I could use this injury to my advantage and get more work done. Maybe it will make Dad more sympathetic. It's not easy competing with four step-siblings!"Wendy took out her phone to arrange for someone to bring her a laptop.Half an hour later, Luke's assistant delivered laptops to our room, and we both switched into work mode.By that time, someone had already sent Mrs. Walker a recording of our conversation with Luke that morning.At lunchtime, we had an unexpected visitor.Mrs. Walker arrived at our hospital room with a variety of health foods and supplements. Her sweet and gentle demeanor made me uneasy.Fortunately, Wendy was skilled at socializing. She showered Mrs. Wa
"I'm sorry, Wendy. I've caused you trouble again."Despite Mrs. Walker's apparent kindness, I knew her true nature. She was ruthless and cunning, and her interest in Wendy was clear. I feared that she might try to manipulate or harm her."Jen, when you say 'trouble,' do you mean Mrs. Walker?" Wendy asked."Yes.""Mrs. Walker is Luke's family. If anyone should apologize, it's him." Wendy nudged my arm. "Jen, you haven't started thinking you belong to Luke just because you're his assistant, have you?""By that logic, wouldn't all the women at JL Capital be 'his'?" I countered."The other girls aren't as self-aware as you, sweetie!" Wendy winked suggestively."Wendy, if you keep this up, I might start taking you seriously." I sat cross-legged on the bed, unconsciously fidgeting with the sheets. "Luke has someone he loves. If I fell for him, it'd be one-sided. You'd be the one comforting me if I got my heart broken!""Ever heard of 'love grows with time'? You're so sweet and lovely
David: How dare you involve Mr. Walker in this?Owner: I'm telling the truth! If you don't believe me, you can ask Mr. Walker yourself.David: Does Ms. Parker know about this?Owner: I'm not sure. The tabloids say they're a couple, so Mr. Walker might have already told her.David: What if Ms. Parker doesn't know and blames you for the accident?Owner: It's not my fault! How could I have known she would have an accident during the trip?David: Then you need to go to the hospital and explain it to her face.Owner: If I do that, won't it look like I'm badmouthing Mr. Walker behind his back? It could affect their relationship. If Mr. Walker finds out, I'm done for!The owner, not understanding David's hint, was afraid of offending Luke.David: If their love is strong enough, nothing anyone says will come between them.The owner suddenly understood. He was about to speak when David raised his hand to stop him.David: That's all I have to say. The rest is up to you.Owner: Please
In the afternoon, Marianne prepared ingredients to make soup for Wendy and me.Wendy, having finished her work, followed Marianne around, praising her skill and calling her a talented chef."Ms. Smith, you're making me blush so much I can hardly work," Marianne said, her face flushed with a shy smile as she lowered her head slightly.As Wendy was about to continue her flattery, I tugged at her sleeve. "Wendy, I think Marianne gets the point. If you need something, just ask."Marianne was like a caring elder to me, and she'd rarely refuse a request if she could manage it. Too much flattery might make her uncomfortable."I was hoping you could make an extra portion of soup," Wendy said, her eyes full of hope. "Is that okay, Marianne?""Of course!" Marianne agreed immediately. "I'll prepare some extra ingredients.""Thank you! Could you put the extra portion in a thermos?" Wendy asked."Is it for a late-night snack, Ms. Smith?""No, I'm going to give it to someone."Having known
"They just went down a few minutes ago. Ms. Parker usually keeps her walks to about half an hour. You're welcome to wait in her room," the psychologist said, opening the door wider and stepping aside to invite us in."Where does she usually walk? We'll go find her," Wendy said."There's a garden area downstairs. Ms. Parker usually strolls around there.""Thanks," Wendy said, then pulled me towards the elevator.As we descended, she grumbled, "Stephen's a lawyer, smart and rational. How has he been playing the devoted simp for so many years?""We always want what we can't have," I replied."You nailed it, Jen. With Joey's heart broken by Luke, Stephen might have a chance to swoop in. Who knows, it might work out.""That would be a happy ending for everyone.""Happy for Stephen, maybe," Wendy said with a grimace. "Luke is Joey's obsession. Even if she agrees to be with Stephen, she won't completely let go of Luke. It's like that song, 'The One That Got Away.'"I was speechless.
"Joey, about what happened back then...""Don't tell me what's done is done!" Joey's voice rose, her emotions flaring as she turned to glare resentfully at Stephen."Why does she always interrupt at the crucial moment?" Wendy muttered quietly, crossing her arms.From Stephen and Joey's reactions, it was clear that past events had deeply affected them both. Wendy felt a strong curiosity, as if a cat were clawing inside her. She was itching to rush over and demand the details of their past."Joey..." Stephen tried again."If you want to make amends, don't bring up irrelevant things," Joey said forcefully. "I'm tired. Let's go back to my room."Stephen stood still, not moving.Joey, certain he would give in, didn't push further.After a few minutes, Stephen composed himself and turned the wheelchair around, immediately spotting Wendy and me standing nearby.Joey's face suddenly changed. "How long have you been here?""I can't remember exactly when we arrived," Wendy said, "but I