Donald glanced at Jaud. "What's on your mind?"Jaud smiled. "Your daughter's now twenty-six, and it's time for her to marry. If we can arrange a strategic marriage with one of Riverton's top families, drawing upon their influence, it'd be far easier to establish ourselves there."Donald thought it made perfect sense, but he tended to spoil his daughter.Even if he wanted a strategic marriage with one of Riverton's top families, he would still like her partner to be someone she liked."Call Viola. I'll talk to her about it," he said.Soon, a charming lady dressed in a gown arrived at Donald's study—she was none other than Viola, his eldest daughter."It's quite late, Dad. Why did you ask for me?" she asked.Donald was forthright about the plans for the strategic marriage, and Viola soon leapt to her feet.Instead of getting into an outburst, she tugged at his sleeve and pouted. "I don't want that, Dad… I don't even know anyone from Riverton, and they'd never deserve me.""You'r
Viola promptly threw herself into Chris' arms. "What are you saying? I don't ever want you to go. Also, I'm just going through the motions with that party. My father can't do anything if I'm not interested in any Riverton boys."Chris lifted her chin. "I know you're the best."He had brainwashed Viola thoroughly with all his pick up lines over the years, his silver tongue leaving Viola lost in infatuation."By the way, how's business lately?" she suddenly asked."Not that good, actually," Chris said with an awkward look. "The market's been unstable lately… By the way, do you have some money on hand? I'm planning to import some equipment and upscale the company altogether, or we can't even be competitive!"Viola appeared troubled at that. "I don't have a lot of money right now…""Ah… I guess I'm on my own." Chris sighed unhappily."Don't say that. I'll definitely help."Viola was intent on pushing Chris to success so that he could ask for her hand in marriage from her father.
Helen finished, "I'm a woman, so it'd be pointless for me to go."She had no interest in frivolous banquets, though she would send someone to bring Viola some presents since the Salazars deserved that much respect."That makes sense. In that case, I won't go either," Chris said.He was inwardly relieved—he was absolutely worried that Helen and Viola would meet. Even if neither knew of each other's existence, if they actually met and started to talk, something might just get exposed… When that happened, it would be troublesome.Helen smiled just then as she teased Chris. "Why won't you attend it? Viola is as beautiful as she is wealthy and influential. I really think you'd be a good match for her.""I think Mr. Steiner's heart already belongs to someone else." Gina smiled just then.After all, Chris would come to visit Helen whenever he had time, and he also saved her at Skywater Bay.He was obviously interested in Helen, but she was too dense to notice.Chris nodded, his ey
Cindy strode through the front door just then, carrying shopping bags of various sizes."Where have you been, Cindy?" Gina asked.Cindy grinned. "Shopping—talk to you later, Aunt Gina. I'm busy."However, just before she headed upstairs, she spotted the red diamond necklace on the tea table."Woah!" she exclaimed as she put down her shopping bags and ran straight for the necklace, picking it up. "This is a red diamond, isn't it?""Naturally." Gina smiled smugly. "It's worth over twenty million dollars."At those words, Cindy brazenly sling it around her neck and asked Gina, "Does it look good on me, Aunt Gina?"Gina had an awkward look on her face right then. "Oh, uh… Yeah.""Lend it to me for a couple days then." Cindy giggled.Gina frowned right then. "Chris gave it to Helen. It's not really good if you wear it—I can buy you something else if you really like it."Peter snorted in disdain beside her. "Take it off right now. It's not yours."Cindy leveled a wounded look at H
Frank smiled as he tried to be as friendly as possible. "Just call me Frank. You don't have to be so formal with me."However, the more friendly he was, the more wary Fred became. He was also further convinced that Frank was up to something…Fred's phone rang just then, and he quickly answered it when he saw the number.Frank had no idea who it was but could not help frowning as he could hear the man on the other end snapping, "What the fuck have you been doing, Mr. Lawrence?! Are you going to fulfill your quota for this month or not?!"Opposite Frank, Fred apologized profusely and humbly. "Of course, boss! I'll definitely get it done…""If you don't meet the quota, you can pick up your things and leave!"Fred kept apologizing until he hung up, and breathed a huge sigh of relief.Still, he was soon left feeling awkward as he noticed Frank staring fixedly at him. "Haha… Sorry for that mess."Frank did not tease him for it at all. "I guess estates aren't selling well in this econ
The boor narrowed his eyes, actually surprised that Fred caved that easily.His eyes narrowing, he barked, "Do you think it's over with just an apology?"Fred drew a blank. "Well, what do you want?""Five hundred bucks. I need this repaired," the boor snarled."What?" Fred was left gaping.The boor was the one who hit his moped, and he was demanding that he pay up instead? What twisted reasoning was that?"What do you mean, 'what'?" The boor promptly seized Fred by the collar. "Pay up!""That's not it, chief." Fred tried to reason. "I've already apologized—why would you want me to pay above that?"He earned less than that in a day, and he really did not want to pay up!"Then what about the scratch on my car?!" The boor glared furiously. "Stop dragging your feet and pay up!"He raised his hand again, ready to land another slap when Frank suddenly strode up, catching his wrist.The boor did a double take, glaring at Frank as he snapped, "Who the hell are you?""Don't you th
However, life has dulled Fred's edge.No one had his back even if he fought for himself, and all he had was an elderly mother and a sister who was still attending university.His family would be in tatters if anything happened to him!Frank watched as Fred headed off into the distance and sighed exasperatedly.-The lights of the Salazar Villa in Riverton were bright and dazzling, for it was Viola's birthday party.The children of every important figure in Riverton were invited, and even Lane Holdings was on the list.However, Helen was too busy to attend and sent Cindy in her stead.Naturally, Cindy certainly could not ask for more for such a social event."Woah…" Her eyes were immediately darting everywhere after she entered Turnbull Villa.It might be just a villa, but the furnishing and renovations were a billion times better than what Lane Manor had. Even the paintings hung on the wall were all worth a fortune!Suddenly the crowd became rowdy."It's Ms. Salazar…""She
Cindy's face was ashen as she had difficult breathing. "My cousin… is Lane Holdings' CEO!"With that, Viola kicked Cindy in the gut with her stiletto heel, sending Cindy tumbling to the floor with an audible thud.She was left in agony as she felt a fiery pain in her stomach, while still confused about what made Viola so mad."Stello! Tera!" Viola called out just then, and the two bodyguards standing by the door hurried to her side."Yes, Ms. Salazar?""Bring me Lane Holdings' CEO," Viola shrieked manically. "Now. Immediately!!!"Both men traded glances.They had no idea what could have driven Viola to such fury, but they had their orders and they just had to carry it out."Yes, Ms. Salazar," both men replied, and left.Some of the onlookers then approached Viola, asking in concern, "What happened, Ms. Salazar? Why are you suddenly so upset?"Viola took a deep breath and waved them off. "It's no big deal—please enjoy yourselves. I'm feeling under the weather, so excuse me."