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
Kevan's gaze suddenly focused on her wrists, and Larissa followed his gaze. Only then did she discover the dark red marks from Dorian's grip on her earlier. The marks were obvious due to how fair her skin was.Kevan's gaze darkened, and it was a little sinister how dark it got.Larissa shuddered involuntarily as he took two steps forward, grabbing her arm to raise it. He then asked in a low voice, "Cole did this?"Larissa did not need to lie. "Yeah."Biting his lip, Kevan asked again, "Does it hurt?"Larissa's mind went blank as she found herself captivated by his mesmerizing eyes. In a daze, she replied, "Yeah." Her voice was soft with a hint of hurt. It sounded very much like she was trying to seek attention from him. When Larissa came back to her senses, she was chagrined. What on earth had she done?Kevan's eyes narrowed, and the cold aura coming from him grew heavier. He pushed her onto the sofa and retrieved a first aid kit to treat her wrists. While he was applying some so
StreamWave …It was clearer and clearer who the culprit was.As for why it was an operational computer … Lana was probably afraid they might trace it back to her. But this diversion was useless as the only person in StreamWave who had a connection to Reuben was her."Did the police find Lana yet?""They did, but Lana denied it. She said that Reuben was framing her. There isn't any direct evidence to prove that she's the one using the account, so the police can't do anything about her."One was innocent until proven guilty. Even if everyone knew what was up, no one could punish her with the law, not to mention that Lana's plan was well-considered.Reuben tried to provide his chat history with her to prove that he was telling the truth, but he could not produce his phone. Even after he had turned the hotel room upside down, there was no sign of his phone.Based on his memory, he never used his phone again after Lana got someone to deliver the camera.The police promptly requested
Kevan was not marginalized because of that. On the contrary, everyone wanted to curry favor with him.Dylan knew that once Kevan had decided on something, no one could convince him to give up. Either way, he still tried and did exactly what a good friend would have done. This was as far as he could go.But there was one more thing …"Why am I the one to remind Sharon? It's not like you don't have her phone number!" Dylan lost his temper.Kevan said lightly, "She's your fiancée, not mine. If you don't want to remind her, then forget it. I won't even need to give out the timeframe of half a month, which is even better."Without waiting for Dylan to react, Kevan ended the video call.Dylan was so mad that he was gritting his teeth and shouted several strings of profanity. He sulkily called Sharon's number after he had calmed down.…The next day at work, Larissa was summoned by the general manager. He was waiting for her in his office, rubbing his hands with an unnatural smile on
Larissa left Jay's room, fully aware that she might face termination by the general manager. However, she was not afraid of this outcome. Jay might have the power to cost her job, but he was not able to do whatever he liked in Covenford.With her credentials and skills, finding another job in the industry wouldn't be difficult for Larissa. Surprisingly, the whole afternoon passed without any communication from the general manager.Larissa did not know if it was because Jay had not complained about her or if he did complain and the general manager chose to overlook the matter.But regardless of whichever it was, she did not care.…Not long after she clocked out, Larissa received a phone call from Zero, whom she had not met for a long time."My Lady Luck, you free tonight? You cool with supper?"Zero rarely called her out for a hangout, so Larissa could not find it in herself to refuse her."Sure. Send me the address."Supper was at a Southern-style diner that sold greasy foo
StreamWave was the exclusive platform for live-streaming the competition, so both parties would be collaborating closely. If StreamWave requested a favor from them, the organizers would be obligated to comply."Raina already asked. They said there's a limit to the total number of participants, and they've already arranged the competition schedule, so they can't forcibly stick in an extra person." Zero let out a long sigh before pushing an extra serving of steak toward Larissa. "Do eat more, Larissa! Let's enjoy the meal and stop thinking about such sad things!"…Larissa spent nearly two hours with Zero. When they emerged from the diner, they were pretty much stuffed."Huh? Isn't that Lana?" Zero exclaimed as she tugged on Larissa's down jacket's sleeve.Following where her finger was pointing, Larissa saw Lana and a man entering the high-end restaurant across the street. She did not get a good look at the man's face due to how dark it was, but she was sure that it was not Lucas.
"I saw Lana today." Larissa spoke very slowly, and her voice was hesitant.Before speaking, she was unsure if she should tell him about what happened tonight. However, she also felt that if Lana was really going to jump ship, StreamWave should be informed in advance to be prepared. Otherwise, the two participation spots given to her small anchors would be for naught.Kevan misunderstood her though. "She tried looking for trouble with you?" His eyes glinted dangerously, and his voice was sinisterly cold."No, no." Larissa quickly waved her hands. "I saw her, but she didn't see me."Kevan's coldness vanished at once. "So?" In the end, he was as calm as he was before.Larissa licked her lips. "She was eating with someone from LuminoLive. That guy tried to recruit Zero before …"She broke off at this point, and Kevan picked up where she left off. "So you think that he wants to recruit Lana too?"Larissa nodded minutely.Kevan recrossed his legs, his face remaining unchanged. "Lana
The heat permeated through the thin fabric and warmed Larissa's palm. It was so intense that it bordered on scorching, making her take shallow breaths in response."You … I …" Larissa started to become incoherent. Her tongue seemed to be all twisted up, and she could not utter a complete sentence at all.She curled up her fingers in an attempt to escape the source of the heat.Kevan grunted before taking a deep breath. "Larissa." He did his best to control himself, just barely forcing himself to speak in a hoarse voice. "I'm a normal man." He gazed at her with red eyes.The kiss on his neck appeared in Larissa's mind, and the smell of the thick Chanel 5 perfume seemed to surround Larissa at that moment."Don't you have a lover out there?" Jealous words escaped her as the fluster from before vanished entirely. She pressed her lips tightly together, and a faint hint of anger could be seen in her eyes.Kevan froze for a moment before a mischievous smile appeared on his face. "Are yo
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