Dylan hadn't contacted Larissa ever since the kidnapping incident. She found it strange and decided to check the guest room, only to find out that he had already checked out. Without his proactive contact, she had lost the opportunity to inquire about the progress of the case.She had been diligently following the news for a few days but hadn't come across any relevant information. Perhaps this was the best outcome she could hope for, looking at it from a different perspective.…She was supposed to go to the airport to pick someone up at noon, but her meeting had been delayed, causing her to be nearly half an hour late. She hurriedly sent a message to the person, explaining her situation, and rushed off.As she reached the lobby, she nearly bumped into Gary, who had just returned from outside.He was dressed in a formal dark suit. She apologized and asked, "Were you out for business?"He nodded in response. "I had a meeting with Mr. Leon from Soaring Corporation this morning, but we h
"Oh." Lewis nodded subtly.Rena quickly changed the subject, asking, "Larissa, are you thinking of letting me handle the marketing strategies for your hotel?"Larissa shook her head in response. "It's a bit complicated. I'll explain in detail when we reach the hotel."Rena didn't press further.When they got out of the car, Lewis asked Rena for her business card, providing a valid reason. "I'll reach out to you in case our company requires any marketing assistance."…Larissa personally covered the expenses for a luxurious suite for Rena and ordered a variety of dishes for her. After a satisfying meal, Rena slumped onto the couch, rubbing her belly."Tell me what you want me to do. I'll make it happen if it's within my capabilities." She waved her hand confidently.Larissa smiled faintly. "I have a big scoop for you."Half an hour later, Rena's eyes widened, her mouth agape as she stared in disbelief."A-Are you sure you want me to break this news?" She looked at Larissa with a complic
"Ms. Seymour, someone's here to see you." Larissa's assistant intercepted her at the elevator lobby just as she returned from a meeting with a client. The assistant's expression held a hint of unease, one that Larissa had never seen on his face before."Who is it?" Larissa's steps halted as a wave of apprehension washed over her, causing her to cautiously glance behind him. A trace of disdain flashed across his eyes as he replied, "It's that female celebrity, Yvette, who has been caught up in a bunch of scandals recently." He paused for a moment and asked curiously, "Are you acquainted with her?"She didn't answer his question. Instead, she remained still as she inquired, "What does she want from me?""I don't know." He shook his head. "She seemed quite angry and had a pretty nasty expression on her face."Although Yvette spoke softly, and her attitude toward him was cordial, he was not her fan nor a greenhorn in the workplace. He could somewhat discern her underlying emotions beneath
"You will pay for this!" she muttered angrily as she passed by Larissa.Larissa smirked in amusement. "Ms. Xander, your payback hasn't arrived yet. So, I'm afraid you'll have to wait a little longer for mine." Yvette was left speechless and unable to respond.…As soon as Yvette left, Larissa's assistant hurriedly rushed in. "Ms. Seymour, are you okay?" He looked at her with concern, scanning her up and down."Yeah, I'm fine. Have the security guards escort Yvette out directly when she shows up next time," she ordered with a slight smile.He nodded in response. "Sure, I'll take care of it."…Meantime, Yvette seethed with frustration after being humiliated by Larissa. She could only vent her anger by pressing the hotel elevator's buttons vigorously."Slut! She's just as worthless as the useless wimp! I should have never given birth to her!" she muttered under her breath. As she cursed, the elevator reached the top floor. The doors slowly opened with a ding.She entered the elevator wi
Just as Larissa opened the report, her assistant rushed in anxiously to say, "There's an argument going on between Yvette and someone at the elevator!"She knew well how difficult and unpleasant Yvette could be, and how harsh her words could sound. Things never turned out well whenever she got into an argument with someone.She immediately dropped her mouse and hurriedly made her way toward the elevator. Little did she know that even from a distance, she could hear the words Yvette shouted.She froze in her tracks. She could clearly see the man standing alongside Yvette. The father she had thought about and longed for all these years had appeared before her in this manner. Despite being familiar enough with Gary to confide in him, she felt timid and couldn't bring herself to take another step closer at this moment.The three individuals standing at the elevator entrance hadn't noticed her yet. Even though Gary was slightly shorter than Yvette in high heels, he still exuded an intimidat
Should she let him in? Larissa questioned herself as well. She didn't want to see him—or rather, she didn't want to see anyone. All she wanted was some peace and solitude. However, she couldn't turn Gary away. Among his various roles, the one that mattered to her the most was his status as a valued guest at the Winston Hotel."Sure." She nodded.After her assistant left, she picked up the mouse from the ground. The battery, along with the cover, had been knocked off, and there was even a crack on its surface. Frustrated, she muttered under her breath and threw everything she was holding into the trash bin.The door was opened once again. Gary and Lewis entered her office, one after another. She wasn't prepared mentally when she caught sight of Gary. So, her body froze, and her heartbeat involuntarily quickened. She lowered her head intentionally, avoiding eye contact with Gary. After taking a deep breath, she mustered a faint smile and asked, "Is there anything I can help you with, Mr.
As if under a petrifying spell, Gary's eyes widened, and he stood frozen in place, completely motionless. He couldn't quite describe his current state of mind—there was embarrassment, anxiety, and a hint of joy and anticipation. Finally, he managed to compose himself, even though his smile still appeared somewhat rigid."You can think of me as your father," he said, his intense gaze fixed on Larissa.She disliked this kind of probing—either he acknowledged her or he didn't. These covert hints made her feel repulsed. As a result, her previous favorable impression of him had also dwindled."No need." She averted her gaze, giving him a casual smile. "But thank you for your advice."He felt a bit disappointed at being rejected so bluntly, but he couldn't show it too obviously, so he simply laughed it off. "I have to leave. I have a conference call later." He intentionally checked his wristwatch.She licked her lips and stood up with him. "I'll walk you out.""It's fine." He stopped her. A
Larissa walked with her back facing the car. So, by the time she heard the sound of the engine and turned to look, it was already too late.A sharp pain struck her lower back, and both her feet left the ground. After a brief half-minute, she fell to the ground in a prone position. The pain was so intense that her limbs became numb, and it felt as if her internal organs had shifted.Screams echoed in her eyes, and she could feel a warm liquid sliding down her cheek. Her vision darkened, and she lost consciousness completely.She didn't know how long she had been unconscious, but when she woke up, everything around her was pitch black without a trace of light. For a moment, she thought she lost her sight.Luckily, her eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness, and she could vaguely make out the outline of the ceiling above her. The strong scent of disinfectant filled her nostrils, reminding her that she was still in the hospital. She tried to move her neck to look at her surroundin
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