Larissa had previously suspected that Kevan was behind what had happened to Karin, but she'd never had the chance to confirm it. Now that he openly admitted it, she couldn't help feeling anxious for Lana.She didn't like Lana and didn't want anything to do with her, but she couldn't let Lana get into trouble in Covenford. Otherwise, Yvette would cause Larissa some trouble."I'll do as you say," Larissa said."Good." Satisfied, Kevan let go of her. Standing upright, he resumed an indifferent, aloof expression.Turning his back to Larissa, he returned to the elevator. "Wait for me downstairs at 8 am tomorrow."Larissa's work began at 9 am, and she usually left at 8:30 am, which gave her enough time to reach the hotel, clock in, and have breakfast. To accommodate Kevan's schedule, she had to wake up half an hour earlier.However, when she arrived downstairs, she didn't see Kevan. Instead, she saw Lana.Last night, she'd sent Larissa a long string of voice messages apologizing aft
Larissa's actions surprised everyone. Being the first to recover, Kevan smirked. "Alright."He opened the door to the passenger seat for her, shielding her head with his hand until she was safely seated inside. Lana trailed behind them. After checking his expression, she asked timidly, "Can you drop me off along the way Mr. Rogers?""Didn't Lucas offer to drive you?" Kevan retorted.Embarrassed, Lana's expression fell. "I told him not to bother me anymore," she said, forcing herself to smile. "Even if he comes, I won't pay any attention to him."Kevan didn't comment on that. "We're going in different directions," he said, changing the subject without warning."Huh?" It left Lana confused, and Kevan took advantage of that time to get into the car. The Maserati pulled away, leaving an angry Lana behind, gritting her teeth as she fumed. Just then, Dylan's car pulled up beside her, tooting his horn twice. "Lana, do you need a ride to the subway station?" Putting on an act,
Kevan's eyebrows furrowed."Don't call me ‘Mr. Rogers’ from now on," he said.Larissa stopped in her tracks."What should I call you then?""Well, you called me something else this morning, didn't you? I think it sounds pretty great"Larissa wondered what she had called him that morning when it struck her that she had called him by his first name—Kevan. However, she had merely been putting on an act before Lana. There was no way she could bring herself to call him that when they were alone. It sounded too intimate.Ignoring his request, Larissa proceeded to place his lunch on the table. Just as she was about to send a text to Dylan to invite him over for lunch, he pushed the door open and walked in, as if he had read her mind.As he was looking elsewhere, he didn't notice Larissa."Hey, why is everyone talking about you and Lana having an affair?" he asked Kevan.Larissa was about to greet him, but his words immediately made her stop. Kevan, on the other hand, glowered. Instin
"Are you saying that the rumors going on about me and Lana in the company were from you?" Kevan narrowed his eyes, glaring at her.Her head began to pound, and she began to shiver. She was even tempted to backtrack and deny everything. Fortunately, she managed to gather her marbles. Meeting his gaze, she nodded and said, "That's right."She would rather shoulder the blame than let Kevan trace the source of the rumors to Maggie—as that would implicate Zero and Raina. Given her relationship with Kevan—or whatever was going on between them—he might punish her out of anger, but he would likely not destroy her completely.Kevan smiled widely, but his gaze was as cold as ice."Lovely," he said through gritted teeth. Larissa shuddered to hear that. After that, Kevan fell silent. Picking up his utensils, he silently finished his meal.Despite Dylan's numerous attempts to ease the tension, Kevan remained unresponsive while Larissa seemed very distracted. Hence, he eventually gave up on c
"Mr. Rogers, I don't think this is within my responsibilities," Larissa said.She was only pretending to be his girlfriend, and it didn't mean they had to do things that real couples did.Kevan put his hands in his pockets, smirking. "Well, this is the price you pay for spreading rumors recklessly. And there will be more to come. Until the rumors about me and Lana completely disappear, be prepared for the consequences."Upon hearing this, Larissa deeply regretted her decision. If she had known it would lead to that, she wouldn't have taken the blame.Kevan waved her away. "That's it for now. See you tonight." He turned around, walking away nonchalantly. At that moment, the elevator descended, departing from the 69th floor.Utterly frustrated, Larissa pounded the elevator button twice.From a distance, Kevan called, "If you hit it till it breaks, you'll have to pay for it."Larissa immediately hid her hands behind her back, feeling guilty. She hurriedly denied, "I'm not doing
Larissa managed to hurry back to the hotel before the start of her afternoon shift. However, as soon as she entered the lobby, Livie frantically gestured at her, mouthing the words, "Take the back door!"Many of the employees in the lobby were aware of Larissa's previous attempts to avoid Janine by using the back door. Given Livie's actions, Larissa assumed that Janine had come again.It was plausible. The lawyer's letter sent by Dylan Shields had arrived at the Hardy family the morning before, and Janine was the one who received it. It was about time that Janine came to her.Larissa tightened her grip on her bag and turned to leave, but it was too late. Footsteps followed closely behind her, but they were agile and light, not sounding like the steps of an elderly woman."Stop!"A figure swiftly darted before her, blocking her way with its arms. Larissa was forced to halt and, upon a closer look, she was surprised to see that it was Andrew Hardy, which wasn't too far from her init
"First of all, I didn't cause your brother's death," she emphatically denied, making it clear. "If I remember correctly, you told the police that your brother committed suicide because he would be paralyzed for life and didn't want to burden the family."Andrew wanted to argue otherwise. "That's because … " Alas, halfway through his sentence, he shut his mouth."That's because your family accepted one million dollars as hush money from my mother," Larissa completed his sentence, "Does your brother know that he was only worth a million dollars to you?"Seeing her point out the truth, Andrew stopped holding himself back."If it's not your fault, why would your mother compensate my family with a million dollars?" he asked, his confidence restored.Larissa wished she could record this scene and show it to her cunning mother. It was because of her foolish move that her daughter was now in such an embarrassing situation, but she knew she wouldn't care. As long as the Hardys didn't mak
Larissa wasted no time and transferred the money for the medical expenses to the agent along with compensation for the hardship he had been through. She also sent several messages apologizing, but he ignored her. Then she contacted Andrew and said, "The tenant claims they haven't received the refunded rent from you. Can you please send me the transaction records?"Andrew sent her a screenshot from a mobile banking app, showing that he had transferred over ten thousand dollars to an account a few hours ago. The amount matched the rent paid by the tenant. Without hesitation, Larissa took the screenshot and went straight to the middle-aged couple's place.When she rang the doorbell for the first time, they didn't open the door at all. Instead, they shouted at her through a wooden panel, saying, "We've already paid the rent, and we're not going to move out!""But Ms. Levange's son said he refunded the rent to you," Larissa stood by the door, ensuring her voice could be heard inside. "
Wendy said, "You have to walk faster than this, Larissa! It's almost time! Your husband can't wait!""Alright!" Larissa quickly gathered up her skirts and followed her.The sun was out.Its golden rays shone softly on the red carpet through the rose petals.Larissa suppressed her desire to stay here for a little while longer and quickly walked toward the end.It was the door to the glass hall.Gary held Aster's hand and his cane in the other, waiting for her at the entrance.When he saw her, Aster immediately let go of Gary's hand and rushed toward her. "You're so pretty today, Mommy!"Larissa patted his head and smiled gently. "Thank you."Aster was her flower boy. Like Gary, he was wearing a tuxedo with a little bowtie.He was holding a basket that was proportionate to his body. In it were rose petals of various colors and shapes.The music suddenly began playing.Gary walked up to her and extended his arm toward her. "Let's go."He looked at her with a smile, his eyes g
Gary and Lewis left Bartham after two days.Blue Star did not give them time off. They couldn't stay for long.Larissa's holidays were coming to an end as well. Half of the time, she was in the Rogers' villa.Because of the pandemic, most of the shops weren't open yet. She slept and ate at home most of the time and accompanied her family. It was quite nice.After the holidays, Kevan and Larissa went back to work.Aster was sent to the kindergarten that he'd been to before. Violet was the one who drove him to and fro.In fact, in order to better take care of him, the parents moved out of Rogers' villa and bought a house in Kevan and Larissa's neighborhood.The days passed in the blink of an eye.Blue Star's company in Bartham was quickly built. Lewis sent over a few loyal and trained employees to hold the fort with Larissa and hired people according to the company's needs. The company was soon on the right track, and the headquarters' work was moved over.Larissa grew busier an
Violet had set aside Larissa's breakfast for her.Larissa ate with reddened cheeks. Kevan and Aster, who had been waiting for her, got up at the same time. Violet brought out a boxful of pie from the kitchen."Don't forget this." She put the box in Kevan's hands."Alright. Thanks, Mom." Kevan looked at Larissa and asked, "Can we go now?"Larissa wanted to ignore him, but in front of Violet, she couldn't express her emotions right now."Yes," she replied, pulling Aster toward her. She said goodbye to Violet and strode out the door.Kevan smiled in slight annoyance and followed suit.…Kevan had told Aster beforehand that they were going to see Great-Grandpa. Thus, all of Aster's questions on the way there revolved around him."Why is great-grandpa called 'Great-Grandpa'?""Is he Grandpa's dad?""Is Great-Grandpa fierce?""If he's dead, how is he going to eat the pie?"…Kevan patiently answered all of his questions.Meanwhile, Larissa looked out the window silently.Keva
Since Larissa had gone downstairs alone, it was natural to expect a few questions."Where's Kevan? Why isn't he coming down with you?""Where's Daddy? He said he would launch fireworks with me."Larissa walked over calmly and made up an excuse. "He's tired, so he showered and slept."The older people did not doubt her. Only Lewis stared at her thoughtfully."Oh … Why did Daddy sleep so early?" Aster pouted in disappointment."You can get him to launch fireworks with you tomorrow. It'll be the same." Larissa patted his head, keeping a calm expression on her face.Anthony and Violet gave the gifts they'd prepared to Larissa and Aster.Violet looked at them, tears falling down her cheeks."I have no regrets now," she said."Thank you, Mom." Larissa gave her a big hug.Violet was stunned, and she cried harder."Good girl." She hugged Larissa back, smiling widely.After Anthony and Violet, Gary and Lewis gave them their gifts. However, they were calm. Aster was so happy that he
"Happy Reunion Day!"For some reason, Larissa's eyes became a little moist. Her voice even sounded a bit choked up."What's wrong?" Kevan nervously held her face, urging her to meet his gaze. "Didn't you like the fireworks just now?"She shook her head. "No, I really liked them!""Then, why are you crying?" Kevan couldn't stand seeing her cry; it tugged at his heart."I'm just very moved."She buried her face in his chest, speaking emotionally, "Welcoming the big family reunion dinner with the person you love is wonderful."The corners of Kevan's mouth gradually curved up as he heard what she said.The hand around her waist tightened inch by inch."I love you too, Lari."He lowered his head and planted a kiss on the top of her head.She hurriedly pushed him away as she sensed his body's response. But she couldn't move him much."They're still waiting for us downstairs!" she reminded him.Lewis knew she was awake, and the fireworks were already over. If they stayed he
It was a rare occasion to have the entire extended family gathered together like this for the big family reunion dinner. In the evening, everyone was in high spirits, having enjoyed a bit of alcohol. Violet took advantage of the festive atmosphere and insisted that Gary and Lewis stay.Since Larissa woke up early after a day without proper rest, she was already feeling quite sleepy even though the reunion dinner TV celebration had just begun.Violet was understanding and told her to go to bed.Larissa tried to muster her energy to stay up."No, I'll at least wait until after midnight."She wasn't someone who adhered to rituals or traditions.In previous years, she wouldn't have stayed up late specifically to welcome the big family reunion dinner day.But this year was different.She had the companionship of her family.She was no longer a drifting, rootless plant in a foreign land.Kevan furrowed his brows slightly and gave her a gentle push."You should get some sleep.
Larissa recalled that there was indeed such an incident.However, Kevan's excuse to her was that he needed to go to Westonia to handle matters concerning Edmund."Kevan knows how the customs work better than you! You're not even married. Yet, you're already taking his side!"Gary scoffed.His displeasure was quite obvious.Larissa chuckled awkwardly, then decided to come clean and reveal the whole truth. "Well, the truth is, Kevan and I never actually got divorced. I married him over six years ago."Gary hadn't heard this from Kevan.So, his emotions seemed conflicted upon first hearing that. He clutched his chest. It was as if he were experiencing some discomfort.Larissa and Lewis quickly approached him, asking with concern, "What's wrong? Are you okay?"In a sudden change of demeanor, Gary used his other hand to playfully tap Larissa's forehead.His expression instantly returned to normal. However, the tap was quite forceful, causing Larissa to wince in pain."If yo
Larissa had to pick up Gary and Lewis early tomorrow morning. So, after having dinner, she returned to her room to freshen up and get ready for bed. As she lay down on the bed, she found herself tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep no matter what she did.Kevan had just managed to put Aster to sleep before coming into the room. He noticed that the lights were still on.He furrowed his brow and asked, "Why haven't you fallen asleep yet?"Larissa lifted the blanket and sat up abruptly. "I'm feeling very anxious right now," she admitted.Her hair was in disarray.There was a troubled expression on her face."Anxious about what?" Kevan inquired."Well, my dad is coming over tomorrow. What if he doesn't get along with your parents?" The mere thought of that possibility gave her a headache."Uncle Gary is a reasonable person. He won't easily give anyone a hard time," Kevan defended Gary.His words brought a smile to Larissa's face. "Are you saying he hasn't been gi
"Alright, then. We shall head out." Larissa gathered her belongings and pulled Kevan toward the exit."I'll come pick you up tomorrow morning. It's almost the big family reunion dinner day. "So, it's hard to find a cab on the road. You might even find yourself waiting for half a day without coming across an empty cab."Gary didn't refuse. Instead, he requested, "Then, you come alone tomorrow."Her steps hesitated a moment, and she sighed inwardly. Gary really hadn't changed."Alright," she agreed.…As soon as they closed the door, Larissa began complaining to Kevan, "I thought my dad had really come around! Turns out, he still has reservations about you!"Kevan tightened his grip on her hand and smiled."Take it slow; there has to be a gradual process."He didn't expect Gary to change his attitude overnight. But as long as things were moving in a positive direction, he was content.She shrugged upon hearing that."Well, it's not me who's being wronged here; it's y