A handsome, attractive face was reflected in the mirror. At this moment, he had an expression of aroused lust on his face. His cheeks were flushed red from being turned on and his eyes were burning with desire. Parting his lips, Kevan raised his hand and stretched out his tongue. His eyes were half-closed as he licked every bit of the cream off his fingers slowly, imagining himself licking her soft and juicy pink lips. However, this was just a futile attempt to quench his thirst for her touch. Not only did it not satisfy him, his actions further intensified his longing to be intimate with her. Kevan clenched his fists, digging his nails into his flesh as he tried to alleviate his pent-up desire by the pain radiating from his palm. After about five minutes, he emerged from the restroom. Afraid of arousing suspicion, he even pretended to flush the toilet bowl. Larissa had already finished the cake and Gary was wiping her mouth with a tissue. When Gary heard the sound of
Blue Star Shipping was a famous multinational shipping company with a history of nearly thirty years since Gary had established the company. They had their own anchoring points and warehouses in almost every port city in the world, making the company an indispensable part of international trade. Despite his humble background and limited education, Gary had exceptionally clear principles and boundaries. He would never engage in any illegal business or activities. In the whole process of transporting goods, he placed utmost importance on the inspection of cargo and it was the part that was under the most scrutiny as well. It was unheard of for any incidences of smuggling or transportation of prohibited goods to occur within Blue Star Shipping. It was said that a major drug lord had once approached Gary before, offering him a commission of over a hundred million dollars to partner up and smuggle drugs overseas, but his proposal was decisively rejected. Gary's integrity was pra
Now that Kevan had leaked insider information to him and recalled the ship, there wouldn't be any conclusive evidence of Cody's misdeeds. Cody could easily find a way out to shift the blame to the suppliers overseas. The most serious consequence to him would only be the loss of the money he'd invested. If Cody had signed a contract with overseas suppliers for payment upon delivery, he wouldn't suffer from any losses at all. "As you said, I have my own principles. I will not drag other people into a personal grudge against my cousin," Kevan replied in a deep voice that had a hint of amusement in it. Lewis was taken aback initially, but he quickly recovered. "Is it because of Lari?" Smiling at him meaningfully, Kevan turned around and went up the stairs with large strides, taking two steps at a time. At the top of the stairs, he stood with his back facing Lewis. With a hand in his pocket, he carelessly waved the other hand at Lewis. "See you." Larissa keenly noticed that th
The revelation of Yvette's scandal in the past by the anonymous social media account not only completely ruined her chances of making a comeback in the entertainment industry, but also pushed her illegitimate daughter into the spotlight. The article that was published was written by Larissa herself, so she blurred out any information that would identify her. During the editing process, Rena carefully reviewed the article to ensure that Larissa's identity wouldn't be exposed before uploading it online. Nonetheless, no secret could be hidden forever. Larissa had lived with the Seymour family for many years. Although she was publicly introduced as Yvette's niece, those who were close to the Seymour family could guess that she was actually Yvette's illegitimate daughter after reading the exposé. In the initial stages, this incident was just casual gossip discussed among the upper echelons. However, after the gossip had spread further, it naturally reached the ears of the media. S
Because of this, the official Facebook pages of the Bartham City Police Bureau and Bartham City Court were constantly tagged in the comments. Everyone was demanding an explanation and insisting that they shouldn't let Lana go so easily just because she was mentally ill. Under pressure from public opinion, the Bartham City Court released a statement expressing their intent to handle the case according to the law and asked everyone to remain calm. "Mr. Cunningham called and told me that the judge is considering sending Lana to the Bartham Mental Asylum," Lewis said. The Bartham Mental Asylum was the biggest psychiatric hospital in Bartham and one of the more strictly managed institutions. Many patients with severe mental illnesses were forcibly sent there for treatment and isolated from the outside world. Of course, opinions from the patients' family members would be taken into consideration as well. "The current situation right now is that the court has to take urgent measures
Lewis had already instructed Frank on what to say and do when he met Xavier. That day, Frank brought a trusted associate with him, who was disguised as a translator. On the other hand, Xavier appeared with his loyal assistant, Ian, who had stayed by his side from the beginning. The location of their meeting was in an executive suite at the Regal Dynasty Hotel, where Frank was staying. Lewis didn't dare to book Frank a room at the Winston Hotel for fear that Xavier would suspect foul play. Lewis had his men set up hidden cameras in Frank's room beforehand, and everything happening in the room would be simultaneously transmitted to Lewis' computer in the adjacent suite. Frank was wearing a discreet earpiece that was connected to Lewis so that he could direct Frank's every move without much difficulty. Following Lewis' instructions, Frank received Xavier politely but without excessive enthusiasm. Inviting Xavier and Ian to take a seat, he greeted them warmly in broken Caldor
There was a little episode in the process of acquiring the rights to "Migration to Mars." When Cosmic Entertainment bought the IP, Pluto was still an unknown author. No one was willing to buy the copyrights to his novels, even when the publisher bundled his novels together at a low price. At that time, the person in charge of Cosmic Entertainment's film production department had a personal relationship with Pluto's editor, so they purchased the rights to this particular book out of goodwill. Two years ago, Pluto's new book, "Wormhole," won an international award, which brought his works into the spotlight. The copyright of "Wormhole" was bought by VisualBox, a streaming platform under Microworks Corporation. They engaged a foreign team overseas who took two whole years to produce a sci-fi film of exceptional quality. The film achieved tremendous success due to raving reviews, despite being released in an unpopular time slot. It eventually grossed over four billion dollars at th
"Migration to Mars" was one of Pluto's early works. Although it wasn't as famous as "Wormhole" and his writing style was more immature in that novel, its content was simpler to understand. The science fiction community regarded this particular novel as an entry into the rabbit hole as it did not contain an excessive amount of obscure knowledge, making it more palatable to the general audience. After assessment by professionals in the film industry, they estimated that "Migration to Mars" would become Pluto's most successful work, given that the level of production quality was similar to "Wormhole."Nonetheless, "Wormhole" had set the bar too high. VisualBox had financial backing from Microworks Corporation, so they could afford to hire a top-notch production crew from Tinseltown and put the most realistic visual effects into the film. Other production companies in Caldor couldn't compete on the same level. When Xavier was dreaming of making it big with "Migration to Mars," many
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