Soon, Jack called too. "We've found out where Ron is. Your daughter's with him."Ron was temporarily living in a private house on the outskirts of the city. It was a secluded area, with farmland all around. The neighbors were all placed very far apart from each other, which was a perfect place to hide a person.Jack had sent in a team to stake out the area nearby. They were to report to him the moment they heard or saw anything.Kevan grunted in acknowledgment. "Thank you for your hard work.""Not at all, this is what we should be doing," Jack said cheerfully. "Oh, by the way, about your grandpa—"Kevan froze, his pupils dilating. "Yes?""Roland's body has been cremated, so we can't perform an autopsy, which means we can't figure out how he died exactly. Although I really want to help you, I can't file a case based on your suspicions. As for Cody, I've used my personal connections to help you check. He did not exhibit any strange behavior before Roland passed. So …" Jack did not
This was the first time that Larissa had ever heard of Yvette's past.It was not her fault for being ill-informed. The truth was, the first time she knew that Yvette was once a famous celebrity was during her second year in high school. She went to the teacher's office to get the test papers at noon when she heard a couple of teachers talking and lamenting about it.Technology was not as advanced then as it was today. Computers were still luxurious items to the average family, and phones could only be used to call and text. Television and the news were the only two ways that people could get information.Yvette had stopped shooting movies for many years, so she was no longer prevalent in the media. The Seymours had never bothered with Larissa, and her peers at the time knew nothing about Yvette either.After she had grown up and gotten to use the Internet, Larissa never ever looked Yvette up, probably because she hated her. It was only when some Instagram marketing accounts would p
Larissa was about to say something to smooth things over when Morgan's phone rang.Ending the confrontation he had with Emmy, Morgan felt for his phone in his pocket. In the next second, his face appeared frozen.Emmy swiftly snatched his phone from him."Hey! What are you doing!" Morgan tried to get it back, but Emmy had already backed away till she was hiding behind Larissa.This all happened so fast that the crowd had no time to react.Emmy answered the call and put it on speakerphone."Morgan!" An overly attentive and sweet voice of a woman came through the phone's speakers, and everyone heard it.Larissa froze at once.That voice was familiar as hell, it was just that the tone … was massively different from the way that she usually heard it.Emmy said nothing as she turned to look at Morgan with a cold smile on her face."You promised to help me make an appointment to have a meal with Mr. Stephens of Olympus Entertainment before. What about it? Has it been decided?" Yvet
Larissa went outside with Emmy while also signaling to her assistant manager with her eyes that he should head back himself first.Emmy stopped at the elevator and asked Larissa, "Do you have a bar here?" She did not look good, and her smile was very forced.The fourth floor of Winston Hotel was a chill bar with all kinds of alcohol, and the environment was very tranquil, so Larissa brought her there.The resident singer had yet to leave. Her hoarse voice was singing softly at low pitches, which caused the atmosphere to be a little bleak for some reason.Emmy was not in a good state, so Larissa did not allow her to order any strong alcohol and only ordered two glasses of tap beer for each of them."Don't be angry, Emmy," Larissa advised her as she touched her glass to hers."I'm not angry! Who says I am?" Emmy downed a huge mouthful of beer and slammed her glass down. With a loud bang, the golden liquid splattered everywhere on the table.Hearing this, the waiter came over and a
"Maybe because deep down, men just like delicate women like Yvette!" Larissa replied after a moment's thought.Yvette and Ruby seemed to be the same sort of people.The fact that Ruby could even gain Kevan's heart proved that men really liked that sort of delicate frailty she exuded.Emmy angrily downed the rest of the beer in her glass. "Well, aren't they just two-faced bitches and whores? Motherfucking punk son of a bitch! Men are all blind!" Her rage reached its peak, and the volume of her voice overtook the dreamy singing in the room.The melodious guitar stopped abruptly, and all the waiters and patrons in the bar turned to look over at them.Emmy did not seem to notice as she raised a finger to the air and swore. "If Morgan dares help Yvette get resources, I will fucking divorce him at once!"Larissa quickly comforted her. "Morgan is definitely not that type of person! Please chill out a little, Emmy. Go back and have a good talk with Morgan. Don't have any misunderstanding
Larissa meddled by giving Morgan advice because firstly, she wanted to bring justice for Emmy, and secondly, she had her own personal reasons. She could ignore and not persecute the Seymours for everything they did to her. But since they dared to make Aster a target for their cunning ideas, then they should not blame her for being heartless.Having worked in the hotel industry for more than ten years and having contact with numerous guests, Larissa had developed quite a network of connections. She found a name in her contacts list and called the number under it once she was certain that it was the one she wanted.The other person was also a busy bee, the phone rang for a good while before they answered."Larissa, what made you call me after so long?" A young woman's voice came through the phone, clearly happy but also curious."Are you busy these days? Could you take some time out to come to Bartham? I have a huge deal for you, see if you want to take it." Larissa smiled, but it di
Ruby leaned in, trying to grab Kevan's hand that was resting on the table. He quickly evaded her grasp, casting his gaze downward to conceal the disgust in his eyes. He then repeated, "I'm sorry.""Is it because of Larissa? It's because of her, right?" Her expression turned vicious. "That bitch must have said something to you! Don't believe her! She wants me dead! She's a vile woman!"If it weren't for the unfinished business, Kevan would have immediately stood up and left; the air seemed to turn foul wherever she was. "It has nothing to do with anyone." He forcefully suppressed his anger and pushed his phone toward her. "I came to see you today for this."Her attention was diverted. She stared at his phone, looking perplexed, and asked, "What about it?"He played the video for her to watch. Her expression only showed subtle changes, and her initial reaction wasn't as panicked as a typical mother would be. Half a minute later, she exclaimed, "What happened to Bethany? What's going on?
Kevan blocked Ron's number and was finally able to enjoy some peace and quiet for the afternoon. However, in the evening, Violet called, bombarding him with a barrage of questions. "Tell me the truth. Has Bethany been kidnapped?"Her tone was urgent, tinged with panic. Each word quivered as it left her lips. There was no need for Kevan to speculate; Cody must have leaked the news to her. "Yes," he admitted."When did it happen?" Her trembling intensified."The day before yesterday," he answered.He reached out to his mother the same night when he received the kidnapper's call. Bethany had been staying with Violet all along, and it was only natural for Violet to be concerned when the nanny couldn't find Bethany when she went and picked Bethany up.Instead of telling Violet the truth, Kevan concocted an outrageous lie, saying, "I brought Bethany over to stay with me for a few days."Surprisingly, not only did she not suspect anything, but she was also very delighted. Her biggest wish wa
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