Annabell replied, "Do tell."…Jay rushed over to Microworks early in the morning with Reuben in tow, but the security guards stopped him."Sorry, sir. But no visitor pass, no entry."Jay did not even know what the hell a visitor pass was. Trying to contain his anger, Jay did his best to speak politely to the guards. "Please inform Mr. Rogers that Jay Cole of Summer Entertainment is here to see him."The guards remained unfazed. "We don't have the clearance to go up to the presidential office. If you want to meet Mr. Rogers, please let him know in person."Having lived to his current age, Jay had never been humiliated this way before, let alone being disregarded by a mere security guard. However, he did not dare to lose his temper while on Microworks' turf.Seeing Reuben playing whatever it was on his phone, Jay's anger boiled over, and he furiously whacked his son on the back of the head.Hurting, Reuben let out a cry of pain. "Dad! What the hell are you doing?""That should
Kevan had just finished a meeting when he found out from his secretary that the Cole father-and-son duo had come to find him.That was within his expectations—as a matter of fact, it was a few days later than he had expected.Right now, all of the most valuable teams in Summer Entertainment had been pilfered by him. Soon, it would turn into a third-rate film company.But this was not enough.What he wanted was for the Cole family to be finished entirely, without any possibility of making a comeback."Should anyone from Summer Entertainment come by again, just get security up and throw them out," Kevan ordered coldly.The secretary acknowledged the order nervously.…When Larissa saw Jay and Dorian checking in at the hotel lobby, she thought she was seeing things.Not daring to let them notice her, she stood quietly in the corner and observed for a while. Once they went upstairs, she ran over to the front desk to confirm what she saw. "Were those two checking in to our hotel?"
It was clear that the Coles' goal was to cause trouble.Taking a deep breath, Larissa understood that if it was a blessing, it would not be a disaster; if it was a disaster, she could not avoid it.…Larissa rang the doorbell, and Dorian opened the door."Yo, Ms. Seymour is here? I thought you'd already clocked out?"Dorian smelled of alcohol, his beady eyes gleaming with lust.Even though she hated him, Larissa could only force out a professional smile due to his current status as a hotel guest. Speaking politely in response to his weird question, she said, "I have indeed clocked out, but our hotel's motto is customer first. Since Mr. Cole insists on seeing me, then I must return."Dorian laughed coldly before suddenly letting out a burp.In a flash, a pungent gust of alcoholic smell wafted over, causing Larissa to frown. As for the assistant behind her, she could not help but cover her mouth and nose with her hand."What, you think it stinks?" Dorian's smile vanished as he g
The only thing Larissa could do was move her head haphazardly to avoid Dorian's disgusting, stinky mouth.The assistant frantically pounded on the door outside, shouting, "Mr. Cole, please open the door! Or else I'll call the police!"But Dorian turned a deaf ear to it. Gripping Larissa's suit jacket, he ripped it, causing the buttons to pop off and scatter onto the floor.He then did the same thing to her shirt, causing irreparable damage to the two garments. The suite's thermostat was on, but Larissa only felt cold, especially when her chest was exposed to the air with Dorian's lewd gaze upon it."Mr. Cole, sexual assault is against the law." She struggled to keep herself calm, but her voice could not help but tremble. "If you stop now, I can pretend nothing has happened and will not hold you accountable.""What assault?" Dorian was dismissive. He even retorted unapologetically, "You're my future wife. How is this considered sexual assault?""I am married, Mr. Cole!" Larissa
As long as there was enough time, her assistant would bring someone over to save her. Fortunately, her assistant did not disappoint her. Not more than a few minutes later, she heard the assistant shouting again, "Ms. Seymour, are you in there?"This time, the assistant was pounding on the bedroom door."I'm here!" Larissa replied loudly.The arrival of "reinforcements" caused Dorian to panic. He finally gave up on waiting around and decided to take the offensive. However, before he reached Larissa, she used the bed and rushed to the other side of the room, succeeding in opening the bedroom door before he could get to her.The people outside swarmed in.The assistant hugged a disheveled Larissa, crying as she asked, "Ms. Seymour, are you okay?"Larissa shook her head. Seeing Dorian hurrying over in his attempt to catch her, Larissa hastened her pace and left the bedroom.The hotel security guards blocked Dorian's path with their tall and strong bodies."Sir, please remain in thi
"My apologies, Mr. Cole." Larissa's attitude was equally just as firm. "I'm afraid you will not be able to give me the compensation that I want."Suppose Dorian was acting irrationally under the influence of alcohol. In that case, she might have chosen to compromise for the hotel's sake. After all, Summer Entertainment had collaborated with Regal Dynasty multiple times. If their production was filmed in Covenford, they would typically choose Regal Dynasty as the base for the entire production crew.But she noticed a micro camera in Dorian's room. It was placed on the TV stand, facing the bed. The camera was tiny, resembling a regular USB drive. If Larissa hadn't worked in the hotel industry for a long time and had seen all kinds of micro cameras, she would not have noticed it at all.At that moment, she felt cold, having figured out in an instant that Dorian planned all of this.She did not know what he was going to do with the footage, but it would definitely be something he could
"Ow!" He wailed from the pain as he struggled to get up, only succeeding somewhat after Jay yanked him up by the back of his neck."Apologize to Ms. Seymour!" Jay ordered him.With the ordeal he had gone through, Dorian's face was already wet with tears and snot. He did not dare to go against Jay's order. Even though he was unwilling, he did as he was told. "I'm so sorry, Ms. Seymour!"Larissa could not hear any hint of sincerity in his voice."Ms. Seymour, if you're angry, feel free to hit or shout at him if you wish," Jay said.Larissa did not understand why Jay would go this far. From their brief acquaintance at the Seymour family home, Jay had come across as an assertive person who would persist even when he was in the wrong. "No need," Larissa replied, refusing his offer. She believed that someone like Dorian, whom she considered trash, couldn't be adequately punished through mere beatings or scoldings. Circling around them, she went back to the bedroom. Jay watched her w
Larissa had been wondering how her phone could have shut off with 50% battery remaining. It turned out that it was because of Kevan's calls.He normally never called her, only sending a text via WhatsApp when he was coming home late, but today …He probably had something important to do. Otherwise, he would not have called her so many times.Larissa quickly called him back, and he answered on the first ring."Where are you now?" Kevan's words were rushed, his voice low and cold.Larissa had just opened her mouth, but Kevan had taken over without even giving her a chance to say hello."I'm at home."She felt inexplicably guilty from how aggressive his aura was.Kevan grunted in acknowledgment, and his voice was gentler than before. "I have something I need to deal with over here. Dylan will find you later. Stay with him and don't go anywhere else. Wait for me to come home."Larissa had a fleeting moment of disillusionment—he seemed to have taken her for a child.Larissa's chee
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