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
Kevin dropped Blake off near the guarded compound and drove away.When she returned to her room, she found that Cecilia had not come back yet since last night.Blake did not care where she had gone. She tiredly walked to the bathroom, wanting to take a shower. But as soon as she entered the bathroom, she thought of something and decided to walk back into the bedroom. She then lay on the bed with a pillow under her waist.She thought, 'This is a foolish idea, but I have no other choice.'When Cecilia returned, she saw Blake sleeping soundly and a pillow on the floor. When she walked closer to Blake, she noticed some marks under her collar and could guess what happened.Cecilia looked serious as she pondered, 'Why is she so wrong-headed?'Liam isn't any worse than Kevin. Why must Blake fall for a man with no background and status?'Cecilia did not rest the entire night. She went to take a shower before getting into bed and lay beside Blake.When Blake woke up in the afternoon and
Cecilia continued, "When that happens, your family and even I will face trouble because of Kevin."Cecilia was very good at reading people's minds and attacking their vulnerabilities. Her words made Blake completely panic.Blake responded, "T–That won't happen! Kevin hasn't done anything. As for Liam, he's even less likely to treat Kevin the way you describe. I don't believe a single word you're saying."Cecilia moved even closer to her, "Blake, I've long told you that the Jent family had a huge influence in Ventropolis. Do you know what their underground organization did? They were involved in everything. Do you know how many people wanted Hayson dead back then? If it weren't for Zach, Madelyn would've been dead."Did you think the Jent family and Azure Corporation had been doing nothing all those years?"The Jent family relied on Zach and Kevin. Madelyn is just a useless person who relies on other people. Did you think she could sustain the Jent family?"The Jent family has lon
The light in Blake's eyes seemed to fade as she struggled to find her voice, "Was this your plan or Liam's?"Cecilia responded with a soft laugh, shaking her head, "You'd break Liam's heart if he heard you now. You always say he's different from me, but think about it, what's your opinion of him now? Remember what I told you? Liam returned to his family for your sake!" Cecilia's voice was emphatic, "He's always acted with your best interests in mind. Why don't you check your phone? See how many messages he's sent you?"Since disembarking from the private jet, Blake had kept her phone silenced. Apart from messages from Kevin, she had yet to check any others.Cecilia left the room, advising, "Freshen up and join me for dinner. We're heading back to Ventropolis tonight."Blake was about to check her phone when she realized it was out of battery. After charging it, she saw that Cecilia was right. Liam had sent her a barrage of messages, nearly forty or fifty, all expressing his concern
A thought lingered in Blake's mind as she pondered deeply, 'As long as I'm married to Liam, Cecilia has promised not to harm anyone.'Liam, noticing something amiss in her demeanor, asked, "What's wrong? Is there something on my face?"Blake maintained a few steps behind Liam as they walked, creating a physical and emotional distance. She replied, "I'm just a bit dizzy. Let's head back."Liam offered to drive her home, but she declined, "No, thank you. My place is in the opposite direction of the company's. You have work, and I don't want to cause any delays."Despite her words, Blake felt an increasing emotional distance from him, which seemed to grow with each passing moment.Sensing her unease and looking slightly disappointed, Liam pressed her for answers, "Blake, what is going on? Is Cecilia using Kevin to threaten you again? Please, tell me what's going on. I'm here to help."Blake was torn. Liam's kindness overwhelmed her. It was more than what she expected from a friend.
Blake gazed at her phone resting on the bathroom sink. It vibrated with a new message from Liam, reading: [You've just returned. Take a few days to rest at home. I can manage things at the office for now.]As she read the message, Blake's thoughts drifted to Cecilia's suggestion of marrying Liam to prevent further crimes. She recalled learning about the dark history of Madelyn's family from Simon. The Jent family had been a prominent force in Ventropolis, respected by high-ranking officials. Yet, their behind-the-scenes actions were far from honorable.Lost in these thoughts, Blake suddenly felt dizzy. Her hand reached out to brace herself against the sink. Flashbacks of a dark basement flooded her mind, echoing with the cries of a young girl no older than six or seven devouring a bun given by a shadowy figure.The cacophony of the memories overwhelmed Blake. She clutched her head as a piercing pain surged through her. She endured the excruciating sensation, which eventually ebbed a
The maid, hesitating slightly, informed Grace, "Ms. Dion has returned, but she appeared to be suffering from a severe headache when I checked on her in her room."Grace's expression turned to one of concern, "Where is Blake now? Did you talk to her?"The maid responded, "I only gave her some medicine. She seemed quite pale, but I didn't say much."Worried, Grace decided, "I'll go see how she's doing. And please prepare some of Blake's favorite dishes for dinner tonight.""Yes, Ma'am," the maid responded.Grace had always shown maternal affection toward Blake, treating her as if she were her own daughter. Both Mya and Blake received equal love in the Harper household. Despite Mya being the elder, Blake often took on the role of her protector. Aware of Blake's sensitive nature, Grace always tried to show her extra care and affection.Entering Blake's room quietly, Grace saw her asleep on the bed, seemingly caught in a nightmare. She was murmuring and crying in her sleep, "Don't tak