Annie and Taylor left the bubble tea shop, their excitement carrying over as they continued their shopping spree. Taylor seemed thrilled about spending money, eagerly buying whatever caught their eye to the point that when they left, most of the shopping bags in the car's trunk belonged to Taylor.After another tiring round of shopping, they both decided to head to a highly-rated nearby barbecue restaurant, enjoying a delightful dinner together. It appeared that this meeting had lightened Annie's mood considerably, as her smile remained a constant fixture.After arriving home, Annie changed into her cozy slippers, put away her shopping bags, cleaned up, and then happily made her way to the kitchen.She had not anticipated running into Finn at this moment, so she was a bit taken aback by his busy figure. Of course, Finn also noticed Annie, but he was so engrossed in his work that he didn't pay her any mind, continuing to play the role of a blind person carefully heating water to brew c
The rekindling of Annie and Finn's relationship was a wonderful development. However, Finn's newfound closeness at times made Annie a bit withdrawn and hesitant. Having never been in a romantic relationship, let alone being physically close to a man, Annie struggled to adapt to Finn's sudden shift from being distant to gentle.For instance, this afternoon, Annie and Finn leisurely sat together on a swing, comfortably reclining on a soft cushion behind them. Annie lazily closed her eyes, savoring the sensation of each breeze caressing her ears and hair, as if blowing away the burdens of everyday life.They sat there well into the late afternoon, with the chilly autumn breeze bringing a shiver into the air. Annie wore a thin, long-sleeved dress, so her exposed legs felt a slight tremor in the cool air. She thought about getting up to fetch an additional blanket, and it seemed that Finn noticed her intention as he gracefully turned and gently urged her to remain seated.Subsequently, Fin
After rushing outside, Annie instinctively let out a sigh of relief. The tightness in her chest from earlier made her acutely aware of how fast her heart was racing now.She could vaguely guess that Finn might be teasing her, but she didn't dare to be entirely sure. After all, Finn's usual demeanor was cold and aloof-not the type to enjoy playful banter like that....Later that night, Annie lay lazily on the sofa, watching TV. She stretched her legs languidly while nibbling on the fruit Keelin had prepared for her. Though it was already late, sleep evaded her. The show she was watching grew increasingly engaging, and every now and then, a soft, amused giggle escaped her lips.Just as she stretched with a yawn and prepared to stand, the faint sound of footsteps reached her ears from the staircase above. She looked up to see Finn descending slowly.Almost unconsciously, she stepped closer to help him. Finn, for his part, accepted her support with ease, leaning slightly against her with
When work ended, Denis followed Annie to a nearby coffee shop and chose a table by the window. He felt a spark of joy at having some time alone with her, but he didn't expect her first words to strike him like a thunderbolt, freezing his expression in place."Denis, I'm already married. My husband and I love each other deeply and live together in perfect harmony," she began, her voice calm but unwavering."I'm not the right person for you to pursue right now."Denis's smile faltered, and an awkward stiffness took its place. He stared at Annie, utterly baffled by what he had just heard."What are you talking about? Married? When did you get married?"His eyes widened, his voice tinged with confusion and disbelief. From the moment he had met Annie, she had always seemed unattached, hadn't she?"You don't need to make such an excuse just to brush me off. If you don't like me, say it outright, Annie," he said, his tone tinged with both frustration and resignation."I won't cling to you or
Annie tilted her head, narrowing her eyes at the person who had just raised their voice. It was one of the individuals who had earlier stood beside the girl in the white dress, accusing her. They were all in it together.A group of malicious people intent on framing her.Annie yanked her hand free from the girl’s grasp, noticing that her wrist had reddened from being held too tightly. She looked at the girl, her voice still soft and composed.“What do you mean? What exactly did I steal?”“Do you have any proof?”Unprepared for Annie’s calm rebuttal, the girl momentarily froze. But within seconds, she puffed out her chest, raising her chin defiantly as she countered.“My word is proof enough. Now, get upstairs this instant!”“Apologize to my friend for your disgusting behavior earlier!”The woman persisted in accusing Annie, her voice growing louder and more commanding, drawing an increasing number of onlookers. Annie knew full well that this girl was deliberately trying to frame her,
In the video, everything was captured clearly.Very clearly.After Annie left, the corners of Lisa's lips curled into a mocking smile, quickly shifting into contempt. She scoffed softly, leaned over, and whispered something to Selena, causing the two to laugh.Seizing the moment when no one was paying attention, Selena helped Lisa remove the elegant diamond necklace from her neck and discreetly hid it in a secluded corner of the hotel.Selena winked at Lisa, signaling that everything was in order, and then walked away.The video ended there, as the rest was already known to everyone. Selena accused Annie of being a thief and humiliated her with the most vicious words imaginable.After hearing Annie's account of the situation and reviewing the footage from the camera, Finn let out a cold laugh."So this is what you call a thief, in your own words, Selena? Such a masterful twist of the narrative.""And Lisa," Finn's gaze shifted, his voice sharp and unyielding. "You truly are clever, ar
And of course, not an angel investor. Mike doesn't have that much money and kindness. Hearing Finn's invitation, Mike was genuinely intrigued. After all, Lisa's father's company operated in an industry that had always piqued his interest-jewelry. "How do you plan to do it?" Finn blinked thoughtfully, considering for a moment before outlining his plan to Mike. As Finn spoke, Mike seemed increasingly captivated, nodding along with visible enthusiasm. By the end of the explanation, he glanced at Finn with a meaningful smirk. "I have to admit, for someone who built their company from scratch, you've got a decent head for this." Finn didn't respond, merely giving Mike a calm, indifferent look. "Enough with the nonsense. When are you ready to start?" Mike arched a brow, his smirk widening. "Anytime." Finn chuckled, saying he wanted to get started immediately. Mike nodded, signaling his agreement. ... A few days later. Annie was in the garden, watering her flowers when
Annie endured in silence as she took a seat across from Sofia."How have things been lately? Has Finn grown tired of that rustic face of yours yet?""Has he thrown you out of the house already?"Sofia's tone was laced with arrogance as she eyed Annie with disdain and curiosity."Never. Everything is fine.""Finn still hasn't realized that I'm just a stand-in for you."Sofia burst into laughter as if she had just heard the most ridiculous joke."Then Finn really is a fool, isn't he? A noble lady like me is being replaced by a pathetic, ignorant girl like you for this long, and he hasn't even noticed a thing."Annie had no interest in entertaining Sofia's insults. She met her gaze head-on, her voice calm and indifferent."Why did you call me here today?"Sofia wasn't the least bit offended by the interruption. Instead, she smirked."Give me some money. Lately, my mom hasn't been as generous with my allowance, and it's hardly enough to take my darling boys on yacht parties like before."
Although Finn tried to appear composed and indifferent, his expression betrayed him. His eyes were distant, shadowed with nostalgia, and even his reactions lagged behind their usual sharpness.Sofia had finished speaking for quite some time before he finally let out a dazed "Oh."She sneered."Don't bother pretending with me Do you want to see Annie?"Her voice dropped lower, almost conspiratorial."I can arrange a little accidental meeting."Sofia gave a casual shrug, but it was precisely that nonchalance that made Finn suspicious. Narrowing his eyes, he asked her,"Can you really?"Under his probing gaze, Sofia nodded confidently and lifted her chin defiantly."Why not? Don't forget-no matter what's happened, Annie is still my sister. You think she'd refuse to meet her ownflesh and blood?"The question left Finn without a comeback. But he wasn't so easily fooled-he knew Sofia wasn't the kind of person to do favors out of kindness.His lips curled into a faint, cynical smile."So, wh
Half a month slipped by quietly, and at last, the day came for Annie and Isolde to return to Country B. From the break of dawn, they were already up, preparing and packing their belongings with care.There wasn't much to take home-everything unnecessary, especially things easily bought back in their homeland, had long been given away to neighbors and acquaintances.Just as they finished, the crisp chime of Annie's phone rang out."Annie, are you and Isolde ready? The taxi I booked is waiting just outside your home." Amber's cheerful voice came through, full of anticipation, as if she had been eagerly looking forward to this journey.Annie glanced around one last time, a soft smile playing on her lips."All done. We're heading out now."Ending the call, she turned to Isolde with a gentle look, and together they carried their things outside."Ready for a new life, darling?" Isolde asked softly as they stepped through the front door, her voice light and relieved.Annie nodded."I'm ready
With a gentle voice lingering in the air, Annie looked up at the young man who had just arrived-Nathan. Her eyes sparkled with unmistakable delight."What a coincidence," she said lightly. "Did you have plans here today too?"Nathan held her gaze without blinking, the corners of his lips curving into a smile as he casually adjusted his cap, revealing a pair of captivating, deep-set eyes."I'm meeting a friend for dinner," he replied with an easy charm.Then, as if noticing John sitting across from Annie, Nathan tilted his head slightly, his tone taking on a hint of curiosity."And who's this? Your boyfriend, Annie?"He added a playful wink, grinning as he teased,"Didn't you always say you were single? Hiding a boyfriend from everyone now, are you?"Nathan's lighthearted humor instantly put Annie at ease. She didn't notice the stiffness in John's expression and shook her head gently."Boyfriend? Don't be ridiculous. This is John, my neighbor. He knew I was returning to country B soon,
Sofia pretended not to notice Finn's silence, and even added with a sly smile, "Annie's been bragging about how she's always surrounded by admirers overseas. Not to mention, she just broke up with some boyfriend after only a few months of dating.""Who knows, maybe this time when Annie comes back, she'll bring her boyfriend along. And in that case, I could generously keep pretending to be your fiancée-so that you don't lose face."Her tone was teasing, deliberately mocking him.Finn remained silent from beginning to end, clearly unable to stomach the blow. He couldn't believe that Annie-the girl he had been searching for all this time-could so easily forget him and fall for someone else so quickly."Hey, why aren't you saying anything? Are you heartbroken to the point you've lost your voice?"Sofia goaded him, her voice deliberately rising in pitch."Don't fool yourself into thinking Annie would wait around forever just because you two had some sweet memories. It's been two years, Fin
And so, over two months,Sofia and Finn played the role of passionate lovers before the public eye. Most of the intimate "sightings" reported by the media were, in fact, discreetly leaked by the two of them.From lavish dinners at upscale restaurants to glamorous appearances at elite high-society parties-everything was carefully orchestrated to convince the world that they were hopelessly in love.During that same period,Sofia pulled every string she could, tapping into her network of friends to secure a new job and a place to stay within the country. After all, if she was going to break away from Calliope entirely, she needed to meticulously arrange every detail."A whole month's gone by. At the very least, don't you think you owe me an update on Annie's situation?"Only when the fabricated romance had grown convincing enough to fool the public into believing they were madly in love, did Finn begin to let his guard down. He looked at Sofia, displeasure written clearly across his fac
In the private lounge of the bar,bathed in the warm glow of amber lights and wrapped in a tranquil atmosphere,Mike clinked glasses with Finn, the sound laced with unmistakable excitement."So? Feel any better now that you've beaten Hubert?""Well, someone had to teach that idiot a lesson-make sure he knows better than ever to try hurting you again."Mike looked thoroughly pleased. He had watched the media gradually turn against Hubert, relentlessly pressing him for explanations about his recent troubles. Yet Hubert remained silent.And rightly so.He had originally planned to strike first with a press conference, hoping to catch Finn off guard. Then, after Finn launched his product, he would plant stories accusing Finn of plagiarism and theft.But in the end, Finn countered brilliantly, delivering a blow Hubert couldn't recover from.Hubert, ever the arrogant one, had never even considered a backup plan. He was too confident that he could crush Finn.Watching it all unfold, Mike cou
Finn went ahead with the press conference as if nothing had happened. After all, he knew perfectly well that Hubert was watching him with smug satisfaction, hoping to see him fail.Unfortunately for Hubert, he would be disappointed.The press conference was conducted swiftly and efficiently. The host merely greeted the attendees, gave a brief introduction to Finn's company and the purpose of the event, then invited Finn to the stage to speak.Finn casually adjusted his collar, stepping up with a composed air. The camera flashes lit up the room like a storm of starlight, a clear sign of just how much attention the journalists were paying to this conference. He narrowed his eyes, waiting until the photographers had had their fill before offering a faint smile and beginning his speech."Good afternoon, everyone..."He opened with a calm, steady voice, slowly recounting how he and Kay had begun collaborating to craft the first designs and eventually moved on to bring the project to life.
Sometime later...After announcing the project, Finn became engrossed in his work, preparing for the upcoming product launch press conference. He was so busy that he barely paid any attention to Hubert. However, Hubert's absurd antics were impossible to ignore.Manipulating the media, continuously steering public attention toward his own product launch, and-most audaciously-scheduling it exactly three hours before Finn's company's event.The intention was obvious.Hubert was laying a trap.Convinced of his own superiority, he believed he had already secured victory. That was why he deliberately set the timing this way-so that when Finn discovered the leaked project plans and realized that Hubert's new product was a replica of his own, it would be too late to react.A flawless scheme-if only it hadn't been flawed from the very beginning.Finn, however, was in no rush to expose the truth. There was still a week before the press conference, and in the meantime, he remained focused on wha
Hubert put on a sycophantic smile, carefully laying out his plan to Sofia."What do you think about becoming my fiancée after Finn fails this project? Although we don't have real feelings for each other, we can always build them over time."He gazed at Sofia, trying to appear deep and affectionate."Not to mention, I'd love to see Finn crumble under everyone's scrutiny. Losing such a crucial project and his fiancée simultaneously-now that would be a devastating blow."Hubert reveled in the thought, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. His excitement grew, his voice rising unconsciously-completely oblivious to Sofia's expression, which had turned from indifferent to outright disgusted.She regarded Hubert with unveiled contempt."If that's your plan, then forget it. I have no interest in playing a fake couple with you."At the very least, Finn was handsome and wealthy-pretending to be his fiancée would at least have some prestige to it. But Hubert? He had absolutely nothing going for h