Larissa gave Kevan a detailed account of what happened. As she went on, his expression gradually darkened."Stop meddling in other people's businesses." His response was the same as that of Lewis. "Since your ex-superior could make his son suffer depression, he is not a good person either." Larissa had been reproached by Lewis just now, so she dared not retort to Kevan. She rubbed her belly and couldn't help sighing as she thought of the lavish meal that she had missed just now. "Are you hungry?" Kevan arched his brows. He knew her so well that he understood every move she made. "Yes!" Larissa's eyes brightened. "Is there anything to eat at home?" Her voice was filled with excitement. "What do you want to eat? I made beef stew today. Do you want some?""Sure!" That instantly whetted her appetite. Ten minutes later, Kevan walked out of the kitchen with a bowl of piping-hot beef stew. He added more ingredients to it, and the tantalizing aroma was permeating the air. L
Kevan stood beside Larissa with a hand in his pocket. He lowered his head to look at her and ordered, "It's getting late, time to sleep now." "I ate too much. I need to exercise and burn off some calories," Larissa said as she got up from the sofa. There was a dedicated gym in the house. Although there wasn't much equipment, it was sufficient for her needs. As soon as she took a step forward, Kevan stopped her. There was a meaningful smile on his face. "Exercise? I know of a particularly effective form of exercise to burn calories instead." It was the weekend, so all four of them were at home. After the intense "workout" last night, Larissa felt a little groggy in the morning. Yawning, she lay on the sofa in their home theater and watched a cheesy teen drama with Wendy. "Hey, do you know if Microworks Corporation is making a fortune from this recent epidemic happening back in Caldor?" Wendy blurted out suddenly. "What? Why?" Larissa's mind was still foggy and she did no
While Wendy was singing praises regarding Kevan, he was in the study on the phone with Anthony. The situation at Soaring Corporation was as dire as Wendy had mentioned. This was why Maria had been going over to Kevan's parents' house almost every day. "If you have the ability, help Cody out! Your grandfather had built Soaring Corporation up with his blood and tears. I can't bear to watch the company go down the drain," Anthony urged him. "Dad, you know I will never help Cody." Kevan had set up his plan many years ago. At this crucial juncture, he couldn't allow his plan to fail. The recent epidemic was a massive disaster. It was also the perfect opportunity to make sure Cody could never recover from this situation. "You are not helping Cody, but helping the family." Anthony wasn't fond of Cody either, but he was devoted to Soaring Corporation. "Soaring Corporation is the root of the Rogers family, Kevan," he said. "This root is already rotten. It needs to be uprooted." Ke
The ongoing teen drama series was so boring that it almost put Larissa to sleep. She struggled to stay awake. Her gaze happened to catch a glimmer of light seeping through the door crack.Kevan pushed the door open and walked in. He waved to Larissa. "Can you step out for a moment?"As she was still holding a grudge from the previous night's 'feud,' she pretended not to hear him. She remained nonchalant at him. Kevan smiled faintly. He approached her, bent down, and picked her up."Aaaaaaah—" she exclaimed. She was squirming in his arms.Wendy was munching on potato chips and watching them with keen interest. She thought that the scene was more entertaining than the cheesy teen drama.Kevan held Larissa's flailing hands in place. He apologized to Wendy. "I need to talk to her."Wendy nodded confidently. "Yeah, sure! As long as you need to!"Larissa turned and glared at Wendy. Kevan carried Larissa into the study. He locked the door behind them. He gestured for her to sit on th
Soon, the day of the trial arrived.Thanks to Lewis' influence, not a single respectable lawyer in Westonia dared to take on the task of defending Edmund, no matter how much he was willing to pay.Larissa had rehearsed her testimony at home in advance. Tears welled up in her eyes as she took the witness stand. She sobbed uncontrollably as she recounted the scary experiences after being kidnapped. Her emotional testimony moved the jury deeply. She cried so many times during her testimony that she could barely hold herself together.The key witnesses, including Vick, corroborated her account.The text messages and contracts exchanged between Vick and Edmund were presented as evidence.Such proof could potentially send Edmund to jail.Everything was proceeding smoothly, except for a minor hiccup during Wendy's appearance. Kevan was concerned about her mental state.So, he had coordinated with the prosecutor to place her as the last witness.Edmund was completely taken by
The reporters that Kevan had arranged were waiting outside the courthouse. At least ten cameras pointed at Edmund as soon as he came out.There were continuous shutter clicks. Reporters were bombarding him with questions.These finally exacerbated Edmund's already volatile emotions."Get the hell out of here! All of you! Get the hell out!" he yelled. His facial expression was so scary that it was almost distorted.His outburst was captured on cameras. It was spread across the entire Caldor's internet that day.He was somewhat of a public figure in Caldor, just not as famous as his own brother, Cody, or his cousin, Kevan.This was due to his connections with Soaring Corporation and the Regal Dynasty Hotel. So, him committing a crime and serving time in Aldovia became a sensation. The story had a significant social impact because of the incident itself and the shame it brought to the nation.Most media in Caldor was under Kevan's control. They added their own spin to the
With Edmund behind bars, Larissa finally was able to put the matter to rest.However, what troubled her the most was Blue Star's crisis.One by one, their long-time clients were being poached by Moorewell Shipping.So, their top priority was to acquire new clients to ensure the stability of the company's revenue. Indeed, they had a dedicated department for attracting small and medium-sized clients.However, dealing with larger clients usually relied on the company's top executives and their connections.Gary had plans to shift the business' focus to Caldor. This meant establishing closer ties and collaborations with major companies there. However, he didn't have the same level of access in Caldor as he did in Westonia; Caldor had numerous large shipping companies. They had no incentive to work exclusively with him.Considering the current situation in Caldor, Lewis didn't dare to allow Gary to travel there in person. After some discussions, a decision was reached.Lewis wo
Kevan wasn't particularly worried about this; his parents were definitely easier to handle than Larissa....But before dealing with his own parents, Kevan had someone else to deal with.At the airport, when Lewis saw Aster and Kevan getting out of the car behind Larissa, his expression immediately darkened."Why are they coming with you? Larissa, we're here in Caldor for business, not a vacation," he asked with an unpleasant tone."It's not what you think," Larissa replied.She felt a twinge of guilt due to Lewis' sudden accusations.She then pointed at Kevan."He just happened to have some matters to attend to in Caldor. And since there's no one at home to take care of Aster, he brought him along. After we land in Caldor, they will go their separate ways. They won't interfere with my work," she assured Lewis.Lewis's mood didn't improve with her explanation. However, he couldn't say anything more.There was an ongoing pandemic in Caldor. So, flights from Westonia to Caldo
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