The officer behind the wheel hit the gas pedal, while the one in the passenger seat casually turned around and asked Xavier, "Do you have your phone with you?"Xavier became alert and countered, "What do you need it for?""We want you to call Chief Hanson!" The officer chuckled. "You can use mine if you don't have it." As he spoke, he pulled out his own phone and handed it over."There's no need! I've got mine! Take it from my right pocket!" Xavier was used to giving orders. So, instinctively, he also used an assertive tone even when talking to the officer.The officer wasn't bothered by Xavier's tone. Instead, he fetched the phone and handed it to him.Xavier dialed Chief Hanson's number. However, within seconds, he heard a cold, mechanical voice saying, "The person you called is unavailable. Please try again later." No matter how many times he tried, the result was still the same.The young officer sitting on Xavier's right side, who had handed him the phone, kindly reminded hi
The news of Yvette's hospitalization due to her injuries garnered significant media attention. The reporters went all out, leaving no stone unturned in their quest to uncover the truth. So, when the news spread that Xavier was the culprit, the media exploded with overwhelming coverage. Numerous social media accounts jumped on the bandwagon, dishing out "insider information." They used the statements from other Cosmic Studios employees to fabricate reasons for Xavier's attack on Yvette. Some even went so far as to create detailed recreations of the incident, turning this sensational news that spanned society and entertainment into a top headline.Xavier naturally couldn't evade the consequences of the law, with charges of "intentional assault" and "kidnapping" being slapped against him. Furthermore, even though Ian turned himself in leading to a reduced sentence, he still faced two to three years behind bars.At this moment, Cosmic Studios found itself in utter disarray, with no one
The housekeeper, who used to greet Lana with a fake smile and flattery, now had a stern expression. He coldly informed her, "Mr. and Mrs. Seymour Senior are not at home."Lana noticed the change in the housekeeper's attitude, but she didn't think much of it. She merely assumed that he was slacking off because her grandparents were away. So, she treated him just as she always did—by giving him a bad attitude. She impatiently pushed the housekeeper aside and snapped, "Move out of my way!"The housekeeper could no longer be bothered to hide his disdain for her. He steadied himself against the wall with one hand and sneered, "Do you think you're still the Ms. Seymour of this house? Let me be frank with you. Mr. and Mrs. Seymour Senior are in the living room right now. When I said they're not at home, it's because they don't want to see you!"Lana was taken aback. "Why's that?"Before the housekeeper could answer, the loud revving sound of a sports car approached and eventually stoppe
After a long wait, the day finally came for Lana's trial case. However, neither of the parties involved showed up in court. Larissa was still recovering in Aldovia, so it was not convenient for her to make a long trip back home. She entrusted her lawyer to handle everything on her behalf. As for Lana, it seemed as if she had completely disappeared; her lawyer couldn't reach her. Considering the possibility of her fleeing to escape punishment, the court immediately suspended the trial, and the police began searching for her.There were no records of Lana purchasing any flight or train tickets in the system. But that alone didn't necessarily mean she hadn't left Bartham. After searching all the hotels and guesthouses, as well as visiting hundreds of neighborhoods and streets in the city without any luck, the police had no choice but to issue a nationwide warrant for Lana and set a reward of ten thousand dollars for finding her."Hey, should I provide some tips to the police and claim
Because Kevan was eager to see Larissa, he didn't bother adjusting to the time difference. After a quick shower, he headed straight to the hospital, where Lewis was waiting for him at the entrance. It had been several months since they had last seen each other, but Lewis hadn't changed much. He still had that serious and business-like demeanor, but his gaze had softened a bit.They exchanged greetings. Kevan wasted no time in asking, "How's Larissa doing?""She's recovering well. She can walk on her own now," Lewis replied.Larissa received more attentive care than before being in Gary's territory, leaving her with little to worry about. Naturally, her health was improving day by day, though the only downside was that she had gained some weight due to the lack of exercise. Kevan noticed this the moment he saw her.Compared to the last time he saw her, she looked healthier and fuller. She was no longer the frail, skeletal woman he'd known. Kevan's heart eased, but at the same time
Kevan didn't spend much time at the hospital. Besides meeting Larissa, he had an important task to accomplish during his visit to Aldovia—to exchange information and strategize with Gary.When Gary's meeting ended, Lewis drove Kevan to Blue Star Shipping's headquarters which was located in the heart of Westonia. Westonia was one of the most developed cities in Aldovia, and many internationally renowned companies had their headquarters established here.As they drove away from the hospital, they were surrounded by towering buildings, which lined up on both sides of the road, blocking the blue sky. Even the sunlight couldn't reach the pedestrians directly."The pace of life here is too fast. I'm not a fan." Lewis chatted with Kevan while driving. Over the past few months, they had maintained constant communication, and their relationship had grown closer than before.Kevan looked out the window, observing the hurried white-collar workers holding their coffee cups, and didn't find thi
Lewis helped Kevan pull out a chair, addressing him politely as "Mr. Rogers."Kevan thanked him with a smile.Once they were both seated, Gary spoke. "Our ship will arrive at port tomorrow."The ship he spoke of was the one that helped Cody transport contraband things—the one that they had called back at the last minute. Gary had used a lot of effort to catch the mole. He did not subject him to private justice nor did he hand the guy over to the police. He even absolved any form of punishment that could have occurred.He only had one request—to continue working with Cody and pretend that nothing had happened.They changed the cargo that was meant to be smuggled into Caldor as flour—smuggling flour was not considered a major crime. Besides, they had even declared the flour and other cargo to customs. Although Cody could not be sentenced with just this, he had paid in full for that batch of cargo. With this happening, tens of millions of dollars were gone to waste. If this deficienc
Lana was, after all, a young lady who had been spoiled. She was very well-loved as a child and was quite coddled. She was not as mature and cunning as some other girls her age—any cunningness she may have had in this life was all spent on Larissa.To her, Miqeila was just a lousy aunt who constantly tailed after Xavier in a subservient manner, hoping for a bite of his wealth. As this lousy aunt of hers had gained a great deal of benefits from her own family, it was time for her to pay back what she was given. Therefore, she did not suspect Miqeila at all when she left with her, and things were developing the way she expected them to.She checked into a high-end hotel and got a bunch of pretty clothes, including expensive cosmetics. Her life was now like this—sleeping after eating, then waking up to repeat the process. Quite the wonderful, perfect life indeed.However, this only lasted for three days. After that, she officially stepped into hell.…Kevan would receive email reports
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