"Liam, isn't the food here delightful? Let's plan on coming here again, okay?" Ixia's voice was tinged with excitement.Blake's eyes widened in surprise at the entrance upon seeing Liam and Ixia together.With a gentle but firm motion, Liam eased Ixia's hand off his arm, turning toward Blake. "Blake, what brings you here?" he inquired, his tone even.Blake, momentarily flustered, darted at Ixia before averting Liam's gaze. "I was dining with Ms. Samford. I should leave now," she said, her voice slightly strained."Blake," Liam called out, following her retreating figure. On the other hand, Ixia, teetering in her high heels, cried out, "Liam, wait for me!"Outside, Liam caught up with Blake, grasping her wrist decisively. "We need to talk," he said, a serious undertone in his voice.Ushering Blake into his car, Liam swiftly secured the seatbelt around her. Ixia, having caught up, knocked on the car door, exasperation clear in her voice, "Liam, you promised to dine with me. How can
Blake hesitated, then added, "I'm sorry! I completely forgot about our pretend relationship."Liam abruptly stood and approached her desk, "Blake, Cecilia shared some things at the hospital; I may need to return to my family soon. Regarding our arrangement, I might still need your assistance. If it's too much, we can stop."Blake tensed, pondering. After a brief pause, she inquired, "How much longer do you need me?"Liam's silence lingered.Blake continued, "Liam, remember. I have Kevin. I don't want any misunderstandings when he's back. But I'll help if you need me. You've been there for me before."Liam nodded and smiled gently, "Alright. Since we're friends, what did Cecilia tell you? You've been unusually quiet. If something's troubling you, I'm here."Blake hesitated, her thoughts drifting to the video Cecilia showed her, depicting Kevin with a chilling, ruthless expression. His command had triggered a brutal action, reflecting a disturbing lack of concern for human life."
The horrific images, each a visceral shock to Blake's senses, lingered in her mind throughout the day at work. Suddenly, her phone vibrated next to her computer, snapping her out of her thoughts. It was a message from Cecilia, which also contained the unsettling video and photos. Each image, drenched in brutality, depicted Kevin's ruthless actions. Under his command, people lay defeated, lifeless.Shaking, Blake struggled to accept the reality of these images. She reached out to a digital forensics expert at Jardin Corporation, seeking assistance in verifying their authenticity. Once she found a method, she acted swiftly. The results, obtained within minutes, confirmed the photos were real. Blake clutched her mouse tightly, her body tensed. She was battling a storm of emotions. She finally deleted the photos from her computer and, with a sense of urgency, grabbed her phone and hurried out of the office. Liam, watching her hurried departure, was filled with concern.Blake strode purpo
As Blake boarded the private jet with Cecilia, surrounded by bodyguards, the reality of her situation weighed heavily on her. Inside, Cecilia remarked, "It's a long flight. Feel free to rest, and there's food available if you need it."Holding her phone tightly, Blake was filled with nervous anticipation. She thought, 'Is this the moment I finally confront him?'Observing Blake's preoccupation with her phone, Cecilia offered some advice, "Blake, don't devote your entire heart to one man. Men can be fickle; their sweet words are often just manipulation. If you can't hold onto them, focus on what you can control. I can help you win him over, but marrying him is not an option."Blake, setting her phone aside, replied with defiance, "What should I do then? Jump from one man to the next, like you did with Fred and Agustin? Do you really think Mr. Jardin is unaware of your actions? He would never consider a person like you."Cecilia's face hardened, but she controlled her anger, knowing
Feeling uneasy and uncertain, Blake exited the private jet with Cecilia, the presence of bodyguards nearby heightening her discomfort. Cecilia, appearing unfazed by the armed company, reassured her, "It's legal to carry weapons here. Stay close to me, and don't wander off. You'll be fine."As Blake detected the faint smell of gunpowder, her uneasiness grew. "Why would he be in a place like this?" she asked.Cecilia's reply was cryptic yet revealing, "This is the reality of the former million-earning assistant from Jardin Corporation."After about fifteen minutes, they arrived at a compound surrounded by high walls topped with barbed wires, a design suggesting containment rather than protection. Inside a relatively clean room, Blake and Cecilia were left with three suitcases while the bodyguards stood guard outside.Cecilia broke the silence, "We'll be meeting with some influential people of this region soon."Blake's frown deepened, "You seem very familiar with all this. Are you i
A group of people suddenly rushed in from outside and surrounded Cecilia and Blake.Cecilia calmly pulled Blake behind her to protect her. When Grant tried to get back up, Cecilia stepped on his chest, "Mr. Patterson, it's best to behave yourself in the future. If there's a next time, I can't guarantee you can keep your hands intact."She then removed her foot from Grant's chest before smiling, "It's getting late. I'll take my sister back to get some rest. Enjoy your time, everyone."The people who were present were those from four major families in charge of Northern Myanmar. When they saw Grant being treated that way, they just coldly watched him and did nothing.In their eyes, Cecilia was formidable and different from other women.When Cecilia and Blake walked to the gate of the guarded compound, Cecilia stopped and said, "I still have some matters to attend to. You go back to the room and rest. If you need anything, tell the bodyguards."She paused before continuing, "I'm ver
Kevin texted Blake: [This isn't a place you should come. Whoever you came with, go back to Ventropolis with that person immediately.]Blake took a shower and walked out of the bathroom. She then expressionlessly looked at the messages on her phone, which was on the table.She thought, 'So now you're worried about me. I've sent you so many messages before; why have you never replied?'However, as usual, Kevin managed to make Blake feel he cared about her with just his brief messages.Kevin texted her again: [I'm coming to find you.]That was the last message he sent her.Blake immediately picked up her phone and cursed, "Jerk! You finally decided to come looking for me now. Where were you before this?"She looked at her bare-faced reflection in the mirror and quickly took out her makeup from her bag; she planned to apply a simple makeup look. As she applied lipstick, she smiled, feeling satisfied that her appearance was decent enough to meet Kevin.After changing her clothes, he
The night was windy. Blake, feeling cold, hugged herself. Kevin then took her to a car parked at a secluded place by the river. The car had the heating on.Suddenly, Blake leaned in and kissed him. She sat on his lap and continued kissing him. After that, she cupped his face and pressed her forehead against his, "Kevin, I'll give you three years. I'll wait for you to return to Ventropolis. During this period, I don't care what you do, but after three years... You must give me a call or a message."If you want to marry me, I'm willing to marry you."I'll look after the position of the CEO's assistant for you. When Mr. Jardin wakes up, I'll be there and wait for you to return, okay?"If you don't speak, I'll take it as you agree to it."For Kevin, everything was too uncertain. He thought, 'Three years... Who knows how many three years a person has?'He replied, "Leave this place, and I'll agree with what you said."Blake grabbed his collar, "I'm already here. I won't just leave no