"My goodness! Blake is really something! When did she become so popular with everyone?" one of the colleagues exclaimed.Kevin remained unflinching but set down his glass with an inexplicably strange expression. Everyone watched as Blake staggered over, and Kevin was the only one who did not turn back. They were eager to see what astonishing things she would do next. However, what came next was not expected.Blake held the beer and walked up behind Kevin. Then, she leaned on his back and rested one hand on his shoulder. She said, "Hey! Who's this? Why haven't I seen you before? What's your name? Which department you're in? Where do you live? Are you in a relationship? How old are you this year? Who's in your family? Tell me everything."Everyone was shocked. "Blake, are you crazy?"Kevin cast a chilling, intimidating gaze at Edison standing nearby and asked, "How much did you let her drink?"Edison said, "She was fine after just one can earlier, but now she's had three. Besides, t
It was from that dinner onwards that Kevin and Blake's relationship started to change slowly. When someone fell for another, it did not require any reason. All it took was a small excuse they found or a moment that made their heart flutter.This moment came at a bad time, when Kevin tricked her and Mya, taking them to Southern Haven Villas to use as leverage against Madelyn. Since then, Blake began to see that her relationship with Kevin was just professional, without any special bond or affection.However, every girl's heart tended to gravitate toward a man much stronger than her. That made her see him in a better light, imagining him to be more wonderful than he was. But it was just an illusion.Once the illusion broke, Blake would see that the man she liked was not as remarkable as she had thought. However, moving on from these feelings turned out to be harder than expected.When Blake arrived in her neighborhood, she kept her head down, appearing lost and distraught. She did no
The maid rushed to Audrey's side with a mix of concern. She reprimanded her, "Ms. Parker, you need to rest! Mr. Parker has been worried sick about you and has arranged for your transportation."The maid continued, "You know how important your father's image is, being the mayor of Ventropolis. And Mr. Harrison... he's just an assistant, nothing compared to your status. Your father would be livid if he knew about your association with him. Your sister's recent issue isn't helpful, too."She sighed, "Mr. Parker had plans for you with Mr. Jardin, but that's off the table now, given his marital status. However, I think Mr. Parker means you could marry Mr. Jardin if you're willing."Audrey clutched her chest, coughing weakly, "I can't be Mrs. Jardin. My illness forbids me from living a normal life."The maid, determined to reassure Audrey, said, "Don't worry, Ms. Parker. Your father will find a solution. With your beauty, you'll be the pick of any suitor."Audrey simply replied, "I hope
Kevin stood up abruptly, his expression looking cold. "Figure it out yourself," he said curtly to Blake, who was momentarily lost in thought.As he moved toward the door, Blake, overcome by an inexplicable surge of joy, laughed heartily and hugged him from behind. Her sudden embrace and cheerful declaration caught Kevin off guard."I knew you came to make up! Let's forget about yesterday and start over. Since you've given me all that money, consider yourself my boyfriend again!" Blake exclaimed.Carefree and appeased, Blake was cheered up, especially with Kevin coming to find her.He turned to face her, his expression unreadable. "Are you sure you won't regret this?" he asked, his tone hinting at something deeper.Blake, oblivious to the underlying meaning, grinned, "Regret? Why would I? Besides, we can deal with any problems if they come up. Since you have that much money, you must have a villa in the capital, right?"Kevin just nodded, his cold expression warming slightly as he
Blake suddenly became angry. She looked into Kevin's eyes and demanded, "What do you mean I lack basic decency? Kevin, look at me. Do you actually have feelings for me, or is this all just an act?"Kevin remained silent, but his eyes betrayed him. Blake's heart plummeted with the realization.She had a bittersweet smile on her face. She sank onto the bed, resignation in her posture. She said, "I should've known. Someone like you with someone like me... it was never going to work, was it? Was there an ulterior motive from the start?"Shakily, she asked, "What do you want from me, Kevin? I know you don't really care, but I have feelings too. I don't toy with people's feelings like you do."Tears brimmed in Blake's eyes as she stared at the unresponsive Kevin. His usual decisiveness now appeared cold and indifferent.'Even if Kevin was using me, couldn't he at least pretend? Just saying 'I like you' would've been enough. But he didn't even do that... Maybe he really likes Ms. Parker.
'I'm late for work.' Kevin thought.Kevin's lateness was unusual for his flawless record at Jardin Corporation. His punctuality was legendary, making this deviation stand out.At the office, Blake's red, swollen eyes did not escape Janice's attention. She handed Blake a comforting cup of coffee and asked, "Blake, are you okay? Did something happen with Liam?"Blake brushed it off, "Just a late night with sad movies. I should go see Ms. Samford now."However, Blake's meeting with Cecilia was not about work. Cecilia, usually the epitome of corporate professionalism, was dressed casually today. Blake could not help but notice a change in her demeanor.The conversation took an unexpected turn as Cecilia inquired directly, "Are you dating Kevin?"Taken aback, Blake struggled to find words, "Ms. Samford..."Cecilia sat at her desk, clicking through her work email, and said, "Kevin sent me a work-related email this morning. Did you know about that?"Blake thought, 'Kevin emailing Ceci
Confused, Blake opened her work email. A notification about permanent positions caught her attention. Only three staff members were mentioned, one each from the Creative Design and Marketing Departments and Blake.Blake blinked in disbelief. She thought, 'My name is on the list!'In the background, the secretary's office buzzed with chatter."It's okay, Susan. There's always next month," one voice soothed."Exactly! It's those with connections who get ahead. Us regular folks just can't compete," another added bitterly."I can't believe how shameless some people can be."Blake tried to ignore them, but their words were too loud, too pointed.The group was consoling Susan, painting her as a victim.Frustrated, Blake slammed her desk and stood, "Enough! If you have something to say about me, say it to my face. I'm not putting up with this!"Tears streaked Susan's face as she turned to Blake, slapping her across the face.Susan said angrily, "You don't deserve this, Blake. You're
Zach normally detached himself from day-to-day staff issues at Jardin Corporation and dealt only with major company decisions.He felt that if minor problems required his intervention, it was a sign the company needed an overhaul. He paid high salaries for efficiency, not for employees to create drama.To Zach, incompetence had no place in Jardin Corporation.When Kevin arrived at the secretary's office, he was greeted by a scene of chaos. Blake, usually composed, was now in a fight with Susan, who was visibly battered.Kevin asked in disbelief, "Blake, are you acting out because I wasn't here?"He pulled Blake away, noticing the bloodied and bruised state of her neck.Blake shot back, "Yes, I am. What are you going to do? Fire me?"Kevin's expression darkened, chilling Blake to the core. She had never seen him this serious. Her bravado faltered, replaced by a sense of guilt.As Susan was hoisted up, Kevin, visibly frustrated, declared, "Take her to the hospital. I'll cover all