Millie pushed the door open, gesturing for Everly to step inside and see for herself.A rush of excitement surged through Everly. In an instant, her earlier anger vanished completely. "Mills, do you really know Butterfly? I always thought you were just bragging." She hadn't taken Millie's words seriously after that day. But to her surprise, Millie had actually brought back Butterfly's comeback collection.With the box in her hands, Everly rushed into the living room. She barely had time to greet anyone before hastily opening it.The box was exquisite, and as she opened it, she discovered another layer to unwrap. Butterfly's packaging was distinctive, featuring an outer layer that hinted at something luxurious and mysterious.Once Everly peeled that away, the details were revealed—the name, design concepts, the materials used, and even a designer introduction.Inside, a password lock awaited her, adorned with a charming image. Everly needed to find three specific numbers to unloc
After seeing the Instagram post, Millie pursed her lips and remarked, "It's not the right time for you to diss me again, is it?""It's a different situation. Anyway, thanks, Mills. I'll take good care of it and return it to you after the red carpet event," Everly replied."No need to give it back. Just bring it to me whenever I need it for an exhibition. You can wear it whenever you want," Millie said casually as she settled onto the couch and grabbed a handful of chips.Everly blinked in surprise. "Mills, this is the Butterfly's Winter's Embrace! Why are you acting like it's no big deal?""What's wrong with that?" Millie countered."This is such a precious piece of jewelry! I doubt anyone wears something like this every day. What if it gets damaged or lost? That would be heartbreaking!"Even if Everly took it home, she would keep it somewhere safe. Millie fell silent, then relented. "Do as you like."With that, she returned to munching on chips and scrolling through her phone
With her phone in hand, Millie continued to reply to Winston's texts. "I'm heading to Harfush, but the date is still up in the air."Winston: "Harfush? Are you going alone?"Millie: "Maybe with my assistant."Winston: "Harfush can be pretty chaotic."Millie: "I'm not a kid anymore."Winston: "I can go with you."Millie narrowed her eyes at the screen and took a sip of water. Then, she typed back, "Don't you have your own things to handle, Mr. Greer?"Winston: "Millie, chances like this don't come around often. I've got to take advantage of it."Millie: "It's really not convenient. I'll manage on my own."Winston: "I'm an investor in the lab. What's inconvenient about that? Just let me know when you've got your plans set, and I'll tag along."Millie nearly choked on her water. She should have seen this coming. The moment Winston became an investor in the lab, he'd never let that title go unused. Of course, he was going to use it to his full advantage.Right then, Terrence and
Thomas, too, sensed what had happened. It seemed Winston had spoken up for Terrence.After all, he was Winston Greer, and his words carried the weight of a royal decree. Who wouldn't want to forge a connection with him?"Caldwell Group still wields considerable influence. Sadler Corporation that entered today's bidding simply can't compete," Terrence declared while puffing out his chest with pride, convinced his company was unparalleled.Thomas chuckled at that. Yet, no one revealed the truth."Come on! With so many good things happening today, let's raise a toast!" Terrence stood, his good mood contagious. Millie followed suit, opting for juice instead of alcohol. She had indulged a bit too much the night before and wasn't ready for another round."With New Year's coming up, let's hope we can all ring in the new year safely!" Thomas said, raising his glass with heartfelt enthusiasm.Everyone nodded in agreement, clinked their glasses, and downed their drinks in unison. Laughte
"Well, fortunately, I have no intention of remarrying him now," Millie said with a shrug.Everly took a sip of her drink, smiling faintly as if she already knew what the future held."It hasn't been easy to get here. I've worked hard to pull myself out of that dark place, and I'm not going back," Millie added, her tone lazy as she enjoyed her meal.Everly replied, "I know you're level-headed, but your feelings can sometimes get in the way of your judgment.""No, I just let emotions cloud my judgment when it comes to Winston," Millie admitted, reflecting on how love had once blinded her. She understood that the pain she had endured was something she deserved.Now, she saw things clearly. Nothing mattered more than herself and her family.At 20, Millie had been desperate to marry Winston. At 21, she would have sacrificed her life for him. But now, as she was approaching 25, she no longer felt that way."What's the next event you're going to?" Millie asked, eager to shift the conve
Millie didn't respond. Even though Julia hadn't finished speaking, she already knew the outcome—death."Maybe it's for the best. Otherwise, she'll just cause more trouble. She's so vile, she deserves every bit of suffering," Julia muttered, her anger even more intense than Millie's at the mention of Joanna.After all, if it weren't for Joanna, her daughter's marriage wouldn't have ended in such a mess. Joanna was the epitome of betrayal. After everything they had done for her, she turned around and stabbed them in the back. It was pathetic.Millie gazed out the window. The glowing city lights felt miles away from the heavy weight sitting in her chest. Meanwhile, Terrence, half-asleep, kept mumbling her name."Mills…"Mills, listen to me, okay?"No, don't…"His voice faded in soft, incoherent murmurs.Julia sighed deeply. "Your father has spent his whole life worrying about you, Mills. You can't break his heart again."Millie glanced up, memories of countless arguments with
After freshening up, Millie applied some light makeup. By the time she grabbed her bag and headed downstairs, Julia had already set the table for breakfast.That day, Millie wore a black-and-white suit, paired with a coat. Her hair was elegantly tied up, and her lips were adorned with a soft red hue. An indescribable grace enveloped her, radiating a sense of nobility that felt almost untouchable.Terrence was still asleep, having indulged a bit too much the night before.Outside, the Christmas tree in the yard was already beautifully decorated.Millie let out a resigned sigh. Unfortunately, her business trip meant she would have to wait until the night to admire the tree her father had so lovingly adorned."Mom, I'm off on a business trip. I should be back around midnight," she called toward the kitchen.Julia replied, "Alright, take care. Call if you need anything."Millie hummed in acknowledgment, grabbed a sandwich, and headed out.When Julia emerged from the kitchen, all sh
From the tone of the message, Natalie could tell Damien was furious. He was known for his calm demeanor, so if she could feel his anger through a text, it meant he was genuinely upset.She didn't dare respond further. After quickly sending a brief apology, she sat back quietly in her seat.Meanwhile, Millie was enjoying the peace and quiet in business class. She opened Twitter and saw that the guest list for Queen's Night had just been released. The event was happening that evening. Rachel was out of the country, so she wouldn't be attending. But Everly's name stood out, prominently displayed on the top. Falling on Christmas, Queen's Night was set to be an unforgettable evening.Millie soon found herself pulling out her notebook and pen. Inspiration struck, and she suddenly had the urge to design jewelry again.Christmas had always been her favorite time of the year, though she hadn't celebrated it properly in ages. Rachel hadn't forgotten, that was why she had called early tha
While in the hospital, Millie rubbed her arms to keep warm. Then, the person on the bed woke up.Millie turned her head and looked at the person on the hospital bed. Winston's eyes were dull and showed signs of exhaustion. Their eyes met, and neither of them said a word.The nurse entered and saw that Winston was awake, so she patiently asked about his condition.He just kept looking at Millie without saying anything.Millie glanced at the nurse, signaling that she could continue with her work. Winston seemed fine now."You're not allowed to drink anymore," Millie said, her voice calm and indifferent.He closed his eyes, turned his head away, and didn't look at her again.Millie frowned and asked, "What do you mean by turning your head?"Winston remained silent, unable to speak because of the tightness in his throat.Millie poured a glass of water and asked him, "Would you like some water?"He still remained silent.Millie grew impatient and said, "Then I'll call Eli to take
Other than that word, Everly couldn't hear anything else."Dad, I can't hear what you're saying at all." Everly was becoming frustrated.Thomas exclaimed, "I said, Mills!""Yes, you're talking about Mills. And then? What about her?" Everly was extremely confused.She picked up her phone to check the time—it was already 3:00 am.She was about to lose it. From New Year's Eve till now, she did nothing but take care of Thomas."Dad, why don't we just go to sleep?" Everly didn't want to listen anymore.Whatever it was, she would be nice to Millie and not go up against her.She didn't like Millie before, but that was simply because she disliked how obsessed Millie was with romantic relationships."Oh! Ah!" Thomas suddenly started grumbling as he threw back the blanket. "Why can't you understand?"He was getting agitated.Everly was also getting extremely agitated. What exactly did she need to understand?He wasn't even speaking loud enough."I mean your sister! Millie!" Thomas s
Everly, feeling exasperated, helped Thomas off the couch and took him to the bathroom.Thomas lifted his head. His face was flushed, and his eyes dazed over. "My daughter, my daughter, I didn't throw up…"Everly looked at the mess on the ground and felt a headache coming on. Thomas had already thrown up, yet he still claimed he hadn't."You're drinking so much even though you can't handle it!" Everly shouted."What are you saying? It's like you're saying, saying, saying… ugh!" Thomas immediately leaned over the toilet, unable to finish his sentence. It was like he was speaking in tongue twisters, and no one could understand him.Everly sighed. She twitched her nose and turned to go outside to wait for him.Ten minutes went by, and Everly had finished tidying up the house. There was no sound coming from the washroom where Thomas was.Everly furrowed her brows and called out, "Dad?"Fine. It seemed like he was going to end up sleeping on the toilet.Everly walked over and, as ex
"I'll go get your medicine for you. Wait a moment." Millie intended to get the medicine from the bedside table.But then, Winston grabbed her arm. His palms were sweaty, and when he held her hand, it felt so hot it was as if he might burn her.Millie looked down at him.Winston looked up at her face, worried that if he let go, she might disappear.However, he knew very well that Millie wanted to leave, and he couldn't stop her."Millie, do you really have to give up on me?" Winston asked again, seeming determined to get an answer.Millie furrowed her brows, breathing heavily."Do you have to?" He looked at her. "Hmm?"Millie felt her heart tighten, and she just couldn't bring herself to say, "I have to let you go.""Winston," she called to him.Winston had no more strength left in him, as if he couldn't wait any longer to hear those words from her.He suddenly bent over and fell to the ground.Millie paused for a moment, then she quickly crouched down. "Winston?"She immed
Millie tightened her grip on the doorknob and turned to look at Winston.He stood next to the coffee table, his hands dangling awkwardly at his sides. The expression on his face seemed profoundly sorrowful. Although they were close, it felt as if a huge ocean stood between them when he looked at her, making it impossible for him to bridge the gap.Winston made a slight groaning sound, licking his lips and breathing heavily. His body was also swaying a bit. His stomach felt extremely uncomfortable, churning violently as if he might throw up at any moment.What bothered him even more was the comment Millie had just made.She said, "Let's end this."End it? But how would they just end it? Then were her seven years over just like that? Did his guilt and regret count for anything?She could move on from him, love someone else, and marry them. But what about him? He could never forgive himself for the rest of his life…Could they just end it?"Millie. Tell me, how are we supposed to
"Listen." Millie bit her lip but finally mustered up the courage to speak. "Let's end this between us."During those years with him, she caused her family a lot of worry and concern. She no longer wanted her family to worry about her.Or perhaps, she had become scared. She didn't want to gamble with her feelings anymore."Winston, I admit defeat. I don't have the courage to go through this with you again." Millie's voice was choked with emotion as she struggled to hold back her sadness while saying this.Winston instinctively reached for her hand."Millie, you promised me. You said you'd give me a chance. Why?" His eyes suddenly turned bloodshot, and his voice was so hoarse it seemed like he could barely speak."There's no reason. The new year has begun, and I hope you get better. Don't come looking for me anymore." Millie pulled away from Winston's hand, turned around, and got ready to leave.He suddenly hugged Millie tightly and said, "Don't…"Winston's voice seemed to pierce
Millie opened the car door and pushed Winston inside the car.Winston fastened his seatbelt in the dark by himself.Millie got into the car and saw him sitting there quietly, which made her smile and sigh.Millie drove at a moderate speed. The road was busy, with many people out to watch fireworks, while others were heading home.Winston looked to the driver's side, his gaze fixed on Millie.Millie could sense that he was watching her, but she kept avoiding eye contact. Her mind was preoccupied with the messages her dad had sent.Let him go… The question was, could she give up on him?Millie furrowed her brow and rested her hand on her forehead, deep in thought."Did I make you hate me…?" Winston's raspy voice suddenly sounded next to her ear.Millie looked over at him with confusion."Does my drinking make you hate me?" he asked again, just like a child afraid of upsetting Millie."No." Millie shook her head.Despite having drunk too much, he still made an effort to pay at
After the video call ended, Millie placed her phone on the table.Thomas said to Millie, "Hahaha! Mills, look, he can't handle his drink!"Having been the son-in-law of the Caldwell family for three years, I only just found out that he can't hold his liquor."Millie gave a wry smile. This statement seemed to be a double-edged sword. For three years, he hadn't visited the Caldwell family even once. Winston was truly ruthless at that time.Winston quickly explained to Millie, "Millie, I haven't had too much. I can still drink, honestly."His face was completely flushed, and it was clear that his speech was slurred.The two of them had already finished a bottle of vodka.Thomas was even ready to switch to a different type of alcohol.Thomas had spent many years away from home and was quite a heavy drinker. His drinking ability was different from that of Winston.Winston could ask Eli to drink on his behalf if he didn't want to, but if Thomas was trying to win resources for Rach
At the dining table, Thomas and Winston started drinking vodka.The TV was showing this year's New Year Gala while Millie was quietly eating pierogi.She hadn't had homemade pierogi for three years, and they tasted so good. It felt like being back in her childhood, celebrating the New Year with her family. That was what made the festival truly special.Millie looked at her grandparents with a constant smile on her face. She felt happier than she had ever been before.She wished her parents were here too. Oh, those two…Just as she was thinking about this, her phone rang. It was Terrence calling.Millie answered the call without saying a word and pointed the camera toward Thomas.This year, Thomas had no one to drink with, so he turned to Winston for company.Terrence was lounging in the sun when he caught sight of Winston. His eyes widened in surprise, and he immediately set down his juice."Who is that? Am I seeing this right?" Terrence sat up straight, his voice filled with