“Dad, please stop it.” Harold interrupted Natalie from speaking. “It is already too late, anyway. Heidi won't get the position, she might as well continue managing that small brand.”“This is not what a responsible family member does, Brother.” Caleb stood up for Heidi. “You have gone too far by dangling the cherry in front of her and snatching it away when she almost grabbed it.”It was Harold Olsen who had suggested managing that brand in the first place, to test Heidi’s capabilities. Not only did he fool Heidi, but he also crushed her anticipation.“You- Caleb.” Harold pointed at him. “What right do you have to accuse me? Didn't you neglect all your duties in the company and go around catching fun?”“What duties do you mean, Harold?” Regina shot back. “Is it the duties you forcefully snatched from him? Everyone knows my husband is jobless which is all because of you!”“Regina, watch your mouth!” Beatrice stood up. “I know you and Caleb are jealous because you're both useless in thi
Flabbergasted, Heidi glanced at Kate who was also smiling. She couldn't mask her confusion. “Why, Suzie?”“I think I know why, Ms. Olsen.” Isla beamed. “You see, StriveStyle Co.'s glory has also contributed to Ms. Anderson's fame. It's ridiculous, right? But everyone online is praising Ms. Anderson for stepping in boldly and helping to revive the brand.”“I've never been this satisfied with my job before.” Kate chuckled. “Heidi, I have a crazy idea. What if I become a shareholder in this brand? Then I can work solely for the brand. I'm tired of juggling from one brand to another anyway. I want something of my own; by focusing alone on StriveStyle Co., and maybe someday I'll acquire it.”Kate's big offer was mind-blowing, prompting Heidi and Isla to let out a gasp.“That will be a good idea,” Suzie agreed. “Steve Anderson has broken into the business world in Phoenix City. Since he's going to live here for a while, I think it's better to have Kate stay here too.”“Come on, Suzie!” Kat
…At The Harrisons Villa.Lucas spent several minutes inside his car after stopping it in the parking lot, his mind filled with guilt, regret, and heartache.After another day of relentless search for Heidi, his efforts were futile.Heidi never unblocked him again, so finding her through phone and social media was useless.Where was she? How was he going to find her? Did he scare Heidi off by kidnapping her to his Villa? Maybe he should have been gentle with her.Lucas finally left the car, his mood worsening.When he entered the house and heard commotions coming from the living room, his brows wrinkled into a frown, and the frown turned into an impatient look when he saw Tracy.“You're finally back, Honey!” Tracy welcomed him with a big smile, throwing her arms around him and hugging him tightly. “I missed you so much… I've been dialing your number, Honey, why didn't you answer your phone?”“What brought you here?” It appeared Lucas was struggling to hide his displeasure.Even a simp
…On The Day of the Gala.The largest hall of the grandest hotel in Phoenix City echoed with indistinct chatter, laughter, and the sounds of glass clinking in cheers.There were so many people in one place.So many reputable businessmen and women dressed in outstanding outfits, obviously out to impress.Such an event occurred occasionally in Phoenix City, but this was the first time Heidi was attending one again after many many years.It's scary how things had changed a lot.The last time Heidi was in this kind of gathering was during the time her Grandma was still alive.Her Grandma, who had wanted to groom Heidi to be like her someday, would always drag her to such places even at a very young age.“Ms. Olsen, this is the perfect time for you to mingle,” Isla said, pulling Heidi's thoughts away from reminiscing the past memories. “All the great businessmen and women of Phoenix City are here, there's no doubt we can make some allies.”Heidi grabbed a glass of wine from a passing waite
After her uncle left, Heidi retained a normal look.“You make me speechless, Heidi.” Steve looked lovestruck. “I never knew the always reserved girl has this mischievous side. Old habits don't die easily, do they?”Heidi knew he was referring back to the days they were at kindergarten. “Yeah. They never die, I guess.”Steve chortled at her response, giving her a doting look. “I'm off to make some connections. You should also do the same.”“Good luck.”As soon as Steve left, Heidi longed to pick up the wine glass and she reached for it when a middle-aged man approached her with a young man behind him.Heidi had never met him before, so she wondered why he was giving her an inquisitive look.“Young Lady, why do I have a feeling that you look familiar? I can't help but compare your beauty and aura to someone's,” The middle-aged man said.“Oh, you flatter me.” Heidi gave him a smile. “I am new in the business circle, so you might have mistaken me for someone else.”“Not really.” The young
Lucas's eyes were fixed directly on hers, his intense gaze making Heidi's heart beat at a random pace.Thinking and hoping the man would ignore her, he walked in her direction, and Heidi had the urge to turn around and flee.“What are you doing here, Heidi?” Was the first question he asked when he approached her.“What else would bring Heidi here, Honey?” Tracy said in an innocent jovial tone, holding Lucas's arm protectively as if marking her territory. “There are so many big wigs at this party, this is a perfect opportunity for a girl like Heidi to make some cash. Oh, I think Steve Anderson brought her. Didn't we see him a while ago?”Lucas's expression was indescribable, his eyes flashing with disbelief and something else. “Heidi, did you come to this place with Steve Anderson?”His tone sounded more like a scolding.Heidi wanted to reply when Steve approached.Steve looked from Heidi to Lucas, a doubtful look in his eyes. “Is he bothering you, Heidi?” Lucas glared at him. “What g
The crowd's murmurs disrupted the silence in the hall, each one of their words not missing Heidi's ears.“Lucas Harrison has joined the bidding. He probably wants that necklace for his girlfriend.”“It's obvious. Even after the engagement scandal, Lucas Harrison still loves her. What a lucky girl.”“And do you notice something? Lucas Harrison's ex-wife happens to be here. How is she going to handle seeing her ex-husband openly showering another woman with love?”Heidi's lips twitched in annoyance, listening to their words.Behind her, Tracy was smiling triumphantly. She held Lucas's arm and cooed, “Oh, Honey. Isn't 10,000 too much? You're so generous-”“20,000!” Heidi raised her number tag, her clear voice silencing the crowd.“20,000! That's huge. Another bidder has joined us!” The auctioner's voice boomed. “Now things are getting interesting.”“40,000!” Lucas announced, and Heidi could feel his deep gaze behind her.“60,000!”“120,000!”“300,000!”“700,000!”“1 million!”“3 million!
Curious and confused, Heidi followed the direction of the voices.The two people seemed to be discussing inside the washroom, and the female voice belonged to Tracy.“Ha! Perfect! From tonight, Lucas Harrison will no longer resist me!”“Why are you also drinking it, Ms. Carlson?”“To make it more realistic.”The more Heidi listened to their words, the more confused she got.What was Tracy speaking about?Was it something regarding Lucas's well-being? Was Lucas in trouble?Heidi found herself walking further down the hallway, passing by many doors. Not to avoid Tracy, but to use the other elevator because this one was suddenly full.Whatever Lucas and Tracy were up to wasn't part of her business, was it?She was almost near the elevator, her footsteps echoing in the hallway. “Ah!”Out of nowhere, strong hands grabbed her arm and pulled her inside a room.Heidi yelped, her heart racing, her eyes staring back at dark squinted eyes. “Lucas Harrison, are you crazy?”Lucas caged her betwe