Everyone stared in disbelief, unable to move as they wondered if they had misheard."What … did you just say?" Lotus asked. She also fixed her gaze on the general manager standing behind Kevan as she tried to seek confirmation of what had just been announced.However, the general manager merely shot her a resentful glance and remained silent."All of you, the entire housekeeping department staff, are fired," Kevan reiterated, using different words. "Do you understand now?""Why?" Lotus questioned with dissatisfaction. "I admit that there are areas for improvement, but that doesn't mean that the department doesn't even deserve a chance to make amends. Are you really dismissing us all without giving us an opportunity?""Opportunities are for those who genuinely seek change, and you all are not worthy," he sneered.In that instant, she found Kevan's words utterly absurd. "Mr. Chance!" She turned to address the general manager again. "Didn't you just say the housekeeping department would r
"Well, looking at your unique work attitude, it's no surprise that the staff here are also careless, creating negative publicity for the Company," Kevan sarcastically remarked.He felt a sense of disdain and had no intention of engaging with these individuals any longer. So, he merely said, "You have half an hour to go through the resignation procedures, and if anyone is still here after that, security will come and help you pack your things."Reluctantly, the remaining staff of the housekeeping department began to move slowly. However, Lotus still couldn't accept the outcome. She seized the general manager after Kevan had left and asked indignantly, "Mr. Chance, who was that strange person earlier? What authority does he have to fire us? Who gave him that power?"It was only at that moment that the general manager started to reflect on himself. How could he have been so blind as to promote Lotus to the housekeeping department manager?"That was Mr. Rogers," he replied, shaking off her
"Lotus didn't pick you up as agreed, not because she was handling customer complaints, but because she wanted to embarrass you intentionally. The Company does want to foster a competitive atmosphere among its hotels, but it's for mutual progress, not to suppress each other. Her actions today, along with her previous inaction and lack of remorse, led me to believe that she and the team she cultivated are not a good fit for the hotel's culture. Of course, my firm actions also serve as a warning to let other departments know the consequences of not following the Company's regulations and engaging in passive work."While she was somewhat relieved at his answer, she also felt disappointed because Kevan had not been driven by his emotions. She had actually thought that he had made such a scene just to defend her. Clearly, she had been too self-absorbed.She lowered her head, using her long hair to conceal her burning red face, and tried to inquire calmly, "When will the new employees be in p
Roland stood motionless, tightly gripping his cane with both hands. He only briefly glanced at Kevan in the beginning before becoming completely fixated on Larissa."And this is …" Although he directed his question at Kevan, his gaze never left Her. Upon hearing that, Kevan pulled Larissa closer. "This is my wife, Larissa."Roland was clearly taken aback and involuntarily raised his voice, saying, "What? Wife?"Larissa was shocked at the sudden raise of tone, causing her to instinctively press herself against Kevan. Initially, she had assumed he was taking her back to his own "home" in Bartham, but little did she expect that he would bring her to his grandfather's house. She would never have gone out with him if she had known earlier."Yes." Nevertheless, Kevan calmly nodded. "We got married on the 3rd."Infuriated, Roland widened his eyes and raised his cane to about half his height, but he suddenly realized Larissa was still present and had to forcefully lower it again.He gave Kevan
Roland observed his grandson, who had always been distant but now displayed such tenderness and thoughtfulness in front of Larissa. He instantly felt his satisfaction with her grow even more."Do your parents know about your marriage?" Roland inquired. His cold demeanor contrasted sharply with his warm attitude toward Larissa."They are not aware yet," Kevan responded honestly. "I plan to bring her back for the family reunion dinner and inform you all then. However, she had an unexpected business trip to Bartham. And since there are also pending matters at Microworks Corporation, we decided to come together. We only arrived in Bartham this morning and decided to visit you the same afternoon. No doubt I have always prioritized you in my heart."As Kevan tried to appease his grandfather with his words, Roland's expression improved somewhat. He raised his cane as if he was about to swing it at Kevan."What nonsense are you talking about? Your wife should be your top priority now that you'
If it had been just Kevan alone, Roland would have swung his cane mercilessly toward him. However, Larissa clearly sided with Kevan. If he scolded Kevan, it would be like scolding her. He didn't want to scare her away after waiting years for a granddaughter-in-law like her."Then, let's start coordinating from now on," Roland commanded firmly, facing Kevan. "You may have a busy schedule, but I believe you can manage your time. Accommodate Lari's schedule so that we can quickly set the wedding date, yeah?""Sure," Kevan readily agreed.And so, all the pressure fell on Larissa's shoulders. Infuriated, she gave Kevan a disdainful glance, annoyed by his irresponsible behavior of abandoning her to save his own arse at a critical moment."What say you, Lari?" Roland asked her.Naturally, she obediently nodded and replied, "After the big family reunion dinner, I'll ask my supervisors when I can take my wedding leave.""Good." Roland finally seemed satisfied and displayed a relieved smile. "I
"Probably," Kevan replied, turning to glance at the mansion and letting out a soft sigh. "My parents and several uncles have tried countless times to convince him to move in with them, but he refuses to leave the room where he lived with my grandmother."There was, of course, an even more significant reason—his grandpa symbolized the ultimate power of Soaring Corporation. No matter which son's house he decided to reside in, it would raise suspicion and discontent among others.However, Kevan had no intention of revealing these intricate family faction struggles to Larissa.She couldn't help but sigh and remark, "There aren't many men left in this world as loyal as your grandpa!"He looked into her eyes, almost saying, "You forgot about me," but ultimately chose to remain silent."If you want to stay, then stay." He pretended to turn back.Larissa quickly grasped his hand. "Forget it. Grandpa might already be in bed. When we come back next time, let's make sure to stay and keep him comp
The presidential suite was enormous, requiring two housekeepers to clean it together. So, Kevan and Larissa divided the task of keeping a watchful eye on each housekeeper among themselves to ensure the housekeepers followed all the regulations. They couldn't be certain whether it was the effect of the leaked video or the special treatment for the suite's guests, but the two housekeepers never made a single mistake during their work, unlike what was shown in the leaked footage.However, Larissa could tell that they lacked skill in their job. It was clear that they were not accustomed to this particular process. The weight of her responsibilities suddenly felt heavy on her shoulders.At that moment, Kevan's assistant delivered a suitcase containing his clothes for the next two weeks, as well as a brand-new set of bed sheets and covers.Larissa was amazed by this, but she understood why he did that. After all, Bartham's Regal Dynasty Hotel had recently faced hygiene issues, and Kevan's ob
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