Although Kevan really wanted her to, he did not dare push his luck when he saw Larissa's face darkening. He reached over Aster's head and swiped the tissue out of Larissa's hand, hastily rubbing it over his face."All done." He raised his hand and threw the crumpled tissue into a trash can that was a few feet away in a perfect arc.Yet another round of exclamations sounded around them, and even Larissa had to look at him in a whole new light.Aster clung to Kevan even more and asked him with puppy-dog eyes, "Daddy, when will you teach me how to shoot hoops?"Kevan replied without hesitation, "When you're resting this weekend."Aster immediately leaped three feet into the air with delight and stuck out his pinky. "That's a promise!"Larissa watched this while her heart sank slowly.…Having lost some momentum in the first activity, Kevan and Aster got Larissa to join in on every other activity that they could participate in to gain more points, and they gave their all in every a
Larissa crouched in front of Aster and held his hand, calmly reasoning with him, saying, "Mommy can't take such a long holiday, so I can't go to Kailadon with you. Instead of wasting this spot, it's better to give it away to another student instead.""But …" Aster pouted, his face filled with disappointment.It was not that he did not know that his mommy was busy with work, and it was not that he could not understand—he had long known from a young age that Mommy and Godma only wanted to give him a better life by working so hard. But compared to what they saw as a "better life", he desired their companionship more than anything."I want to go with you …" His voice became very small, and it was filled with hurt.Larissa pressed her lips tightly together. She felt bad for him, and she felt guilty too. She knew that she had not spent much time with him over these years. While other kids were vacationing all over the world, having fun at carnivals and amusement parks, he was usually alo
Aster froze before his shoulders slumped—but he stopped complaining.…Kevan did not stay tonight. He knew when to take his leave. If he continued to find excuses to stay, Larissa would definitely resent him. If something happened again in the future, she would not be soft-hearted enough to let him stay anymore.Without Kevan, Larissa was much more relaxed, but she also felt that something seemed to be missing at the same time. On the other hand, Aster made sure his displeasure was written all over his face. He kept talking about Kevan. When it was time for bed, Larissa had to tell him thrice before he reluctantly returned to his room.Having not been in the hotel for the whole day, Larissa went to the study to deal with her work that had piled up. When she finished, it was already almost 3 am.Yawning, she exited the study while stretching, nearly tripping over something that was on the floor. She looked down and realized that it was Cookie lying on the floor near the study's doo
Having played with Aster for the whole day, Kevan only took out his personal phone that he'd kept muted after he got home.There were several missed calls displayed on the screen, all from his parents.A sudden sense of irritation washed over him, and he took a deep breath and recomposed himself before calling back.Violet answered quickly and asked, "Kevan, what were you doing today? Why didn't you answer any of our calls, and why weren't you at the company or at home?"Kevan lied smoothly. "I went to see a client."Violet released an "Oh," in response.Kevan asked her, "Was there something you needed from me?"The distant tone in his voice caused Violet's heart to ache. "They arranged to meet a lawyer, Mr. Evans, today to discuss the distribution of your grandpa's assets …" She paused, sighing softly. "Your grandpa never made a will when he was alive, so they're fighting pretty bad over it … It doesn't look good."Kevan was not in the least bit surprised. As a matter of fact,
Violet told him, "It's done."Once he had gone through the inheritance process, the mansion would be his, and his alone."Bernard's and Felix's families have probably conferred behind the scenes yesterday. Today, Felix agreed to take just 5% of the shares and the rest of your grandpa's properties. Bernard got the rest of the shares."Roland held 56% of the shares in the company. Felix only taking 5% meant that he was cementing Cody's position as president of the company by leaving him the bigger percentage of shares.Although Bernard's and Felix's families were in cahoots with each other, they frequently fought among themselves due to their selfish natures. For Felix to agree to make such a big sacrifice meant that Bernard's family must have made some sort of guarantee—either that or Bernard's family had gotten some leverage over Felix's family.Kevan was not interested in the reasons that made this happen. He only cared whether or not his plan could still proceed smoothly—as long
It took Ben some time to calm himself down. Kevan patiently accompanied him, and even helped him unpack everything, putting the things back where they had come from.Ben got someone to make them some hot tea before serving a full cup to Kevan."This is the new tea that Peighdale sent over to Old Mr. Rogers this year! It's a pity that he only drank it once …" Ben was originally introducing the tea happily when his voice grew smaller at the end, and his eyes turned red again.Kevan took a sip. The rich and bittersweet taste engulfed his tongue, but when the tea slipped down his throat, he could savor a slight hint of sweetness. He did not like drinking tea. Compared to alcohol and coffee, which were stronger, tea was too bland for him.But his grandpa used to drink tea like his life depended on it."Old Mr. Rogers always said that tea could calm the mind," Ben said through sobs as he pressed his chest with his hand. "After he passed, I've been drinking this tea relentlessly, but my
Besides, he was only suspecting Cody. He could not be completely sure that he was the cause of Grandpa's death.Kevan drank another cup of tea before finding an excuse to leave Pine Mansion.The moment he got in the car, he called Dylan. "Don't you have a high school friend in the criminal investigation unit? I want him to help me out with something."…In the afternoon, Larissa was about to leave the hotel when she got a complaint from a VIP guest. This guest was rather hard to deal with. When she was finished, two had already passed.She hurried to the kindergarten. Aster was still with two other kids in the classroom, reading children's books under Ella's lead.Upon seeing Larissa, Ella greeted her as usual but did not tell Aster to pack his things and go with her."Ma'am, let's talk outside." Ella's expression was a little serious, and Larissa's heart sank at once.Aster watched them in confusion not far away, and he did not look guilty as one would normally look after maki
Time was needed to retrieve the footage. Ella told Larissa to leave first, and that she would send it over to her later.Larissa held Aster's hand tightly. She was really scared. The unknown man Ella mentioned … Although she had not seen him in person, she had a feeling that the man was not anyone with good intentions."Ms. Gilmore said that a man came to pick you up?" Larissa asked Aster."Yep." Aster nodded. "But I didn't know him, so I didn't leave with him.""Great job!" Larissa smiled and gave him a thumbs-up.Ever since he was able to understand them, she and Wendy had been teaching him about stranger danger. It seemed that their hard work had paid off."If Mommy ever needs someone to go pick you up, I will call Ms. Gilmore beforehand, okay? If I never informed Ms. Gilmore, you can't leave with anyone who says that they're here to pick you up, and that includes Uncle Kevan and Uncle Dylan, do you understand?""Aww …" Aster's face crumpled. "Why are Uncle Kevan and Uncle Dy
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