After Leia left from the side door of the cottage, she purposely took the long way around the beach before coming to the outdoor barbecue area. Everyone was excited to see her."Leia, there you are. We've been waiting for you!" Luna and Leia had become good friends because their houses were next to each other. Luna had tried to persuade Leia to come to the barbecue earlier, but Leia had refused, so she was happy to see her now."Hi! Yeah, I figured everyone would think I'm pretentious if I didn't show up," Leia laughed awkwardly, feeling guilty."Haha! That's right—the more, the merrier. By the way, Mr. Dalton has been roasting chicken wings for you all night because he knows how much you like them," Megan said, sounding slightly jealous as she gestured at the rows of chicken wings on the grill. "Thanks to Mr. Dalton, you get to pick from wings with New Orleans sauce, honey sauce, salt and pepper, and so on... If only we were so lucky!" Leia looked at Santiago, feeling touched. A
Leia held her hand out to Santiago. In her mind, Santiago had always been like an unreachable star in the sky that she could only admire from afar, but after actually spending time with him, she found he was even more bewitching up close. She admired him even more now and fantasized about spending a peaceful life with him, holding hands as they took long walks on the beach.Santiago looked at her hand, and all his unhappiness from earlier instantly faded. However, before Santiago could take her hand, Xavier appeared from behind them and grabbed her hand instead. "What are you both doing here? There's an important session tonight, and everyone is waiting for you," Xavier said, gave Santiago a challenging look, and pulled Leia to the outdoor barbecue area. "Let go of me! I don't want to hold your hand!" Leia yelled and glared at Xavier, furious at him for always ruining her time with Santiago. He always spoiled her efforts to get closer to Santiago, and she was getting very frustra
"Darling, I was charmed by your agility the first time I saw you. My heart beat fast every time I saw your radiance on TV…" Skylar was reading out Leia's letter when everyone looked at Santiago. Santiago was an actor, so he was probably the one Leia saw on TV. At that moment, Santiago's expression was soft, but Xavier's expression had turned murderous. He was clenching his fists, looking like he was seconds away from strangling someone."I want to say that my first crush is you... Skylar. I hope we can get closer to each other in the next few episodes!" After Skylar read out the last few words, he looked flustered. He scratched his head awkwardly and looked at Leia. "Lei, I didn't expect you to be interested in me." Everyone there was staring at Leia in disbelief. In the end, Leia's crush wasn't Xavier or Santiago… but Skylar? They'd barely even spoken![No, she must be fooling us!] [She's just making a scene...][No, I'm all for XavLeia love!][But Leia likes Santiago more...]
"Ahem!" Xavier didn't see Skylar as a threat, but got jealous when he saw Leia happily chatting with Skylar. Skylar immediately cleared his throat and said politely, "I'm sorry, Lei, I like someone else. Please pick another person.""It's okay, we're still in the process of choosing the person we like. Your crush can join us for snorkeling, I won't mind," Leia explained with a smile. She found Skylar very cute, so it was easy to flirt with him. Besides, he was the safest bet since it wouldn't complicate things with Santiago and Xavier. "Really? Miss Osborne, you don't mind going snorkeling with my crush and I tomorrow morning?" Skylar looked at Leia and asked innocently"Of course not! I'm a generous person, you know. We'll be a good trio," Leia remarked mischievously. She knew that her statement would make people hate her, but that was just how she was—outspoken and fun-loving."Okay, it's a promise. We'll go snorkeling as a group tomorrow. You'll go, right?" "Don't worry, I'
There was a hazy kind of beauty to the island at dawn the next day. Leia had a habit of going on morning runs, and tended to wake up when everyone was still asleep. She ran around a hill surrounded by the sea for almost two kilometers, feeling good after sweating. She stood at the observation deck on the hillside and stared at the sea as she caught her breath. As she was stretching, Leia suddenly heard a voice behind her."Morning!"Leia turned around in surprise and saw Santiago. "Mr. Dalton? What a coincidence! Did you come for a morning run too?" Leia waved at Santiago. Inexplicably, Santiago's fervent confession last night flashed in her mind, and her cheeks turned red. Leia pursed her lips and looked away, unsure of how to face him."It's no coincidence..." Santiago looked charming with his white shirt, jeans, and messy hair. He rested his hands on the railing and tilted his head to look at Leia, his intense gaze bewitching her. "I learned the other day that you have a habit
Leia scratched her head, not knowing what to do next."There's no rush, we have time. I know you wanted to mediate the conflict between Xavier and I when you chose Skylar last night, but I hope you'll follow your heart and pick the one you want tonight." Santiago didn't want to pressure Leia, but he didn't like the vague relationship they had right now. He wanted to be with her in the open, and he also didn't know if Leia could withstand Xavier's flirtatiousness for much longer. "Okay." Leia nodded firmly. "I'll follow my heart tonight and won't waver again." After spending this time with Santiago, she was more certain of her feelings. She wanted a relationship that was safe and peaceful, not an unstable roller-coaster ride.Xavier was already awake when Leia and Santiago came down from the hill. Currently, he had the most points, and had chosen to exchange his house with Leia. He had already moved his luggage to Leia's large villa, which came with two floors and four bedrooms faci
They went to a clear area near the island for snorkeling based on their agreement last night. As they arrived at the island, Billy explained, "This island is called Heart Island because it's heart-shaped, and thanks to its crystal-clear water, a lot of coral reefs and tropical fish are visible while snorkeling. It's a breathtaking view, and if you're lucky, you might even find the special moonstone of this island. Yes... it's the kind of moonstone that lights up at night that we thought only existed in movies.""Is there really a moonstone here?" Leia became excited when she heard that, and couldn't wait to go snorkeling. She'd heard that Heart Island housed oysters that made beautiful pearls that could be sold for sky-high prices, but the moonstone Billy talked about had always been just a legend. According to the tales, people who found the moonstone on Heart Island would live a smooth and happy life, and if it was true, Leia wanted to find it and give it to Renee."Of course! An i
Naturally, Xavier wouldn't lose such an important position."I want Skylar to be my diving partner," Santiago ignored Xavier and said to the coach calmly. His words shocked both Xavier and Leia, Xavier even more so."What the hell are you doing? You're trying to advance by retreating? What kind of strategy is that?" Xavier glared at Santiago and demanded, "Why did you pick Skylar? We've finally got a chance to fight each other head-on, so why are you backing out now?"Santiago glanced at Xavier in disdain and murmured, "I'll leave Lei in your hands for now, but you have to make sure she's safe." Puzzled, Xavier watched as Santiago dove into the sea with Skylar after they had changed into their diving suits. "He's mad!" Xavier scoffed, peeved that he was the only one on this metaphorical battlefield. Santiago didn't even want to fight against him. He sighed and walked over to a dazed Leia, then said casually, "Let's get going then, dive buddy." "I must be very unlucky to be paire
At that time, Amber suddenly realized that there was nothing happier than marrying someone who she loved and who loved her back. The key to an everlasting marriage, which was long and complicated, was not to force herself or her lover."It's great you think that way, but the world might not be as wonderful as you've imagined…" Liam said, melancholic.Amber seemed to have grown up and was no longer the silly young woman who was infatuated with him. She had her thoughts about love and was no longer stubborn about marrying him. She yearned to explore the world and find a new guy. Liam felt that the girl who had always longed for him would finally leave. "The men out there are more wicked than the ones in this fort. There are many cunning and disloyal men. You can't fall in love with just any guy. Someone pure like you will be lied to and bullied. Do you understand?" Liam advised her eagerly, as though he were her senior. He patted her head gently, making her want to rely on him an
Mateo was gone, leaving Liam and Amber alone in the restaurant. Suddenly, awkwardness and silence overcame them. An amorous feeling hovered in the air.Liam finally stopped acting. He chuckled awkwardly and sat up straight, then said to Amber, "Thank you for what you did just now. I wasn't that serious. I was just acting.""I saw that." Amber grinned, teasing him. "I've got to say, you acted well. I thought Matt almost strangled and killed you.""I'm not that weak. Plus, he's not that brave either." A sudden competitiveness gripped Liam; he purposely flexed his arms and acted strong. "Did you think Mateo could fight me? With his physique, I can defeat him with one hand!" "Mm, I think so too. You must be stronger than Matt." Amber nodded, giving Liam her full support. She started to feel that Renee was right to claim that he was just a child."By the way, did you talk to Luneth? What did she say?" Liam asked; he knew that Luneth's attitude was the key to quickly resolving that iss
Amber took a deep breath, her eyes teary. She had long pondered over those words, but was too timid to say them aloud.She wanted to thank Liam for repeatedly insisting that she try to understand herself and reminding her not to take her marriage so callously. After some contemplation, Amber decided to not marry anyone."I won't marry you or Liam. I just want to marry someone I love and who loves me back. Only people who love each other can get married," she said firmly, looking dead serious. Both Mateo and Liam were stunned. Liam stopped acting weak; he held Amber's shoulders and stared at her carefully. "Is that what you truly think?""Yes!" Amber was shocked by the sudden change in Liam and subconsciously leaned backward."That's great! I didn't say those things for nothing. You're finally enlightened!" Liam nodded with gratification. "All I want is for you to understand yourself. There are many messy things and troubles in a marriage. If it isn't supported by love, you'll
Amber helped Liam to sit down before serving him water and rubbing his neck. She was full of anxiety.Mateo angrily gulped down a glass of wine, but the wine was so strong that he began coughing vigorously. It suffocated him. After helping Liam to settle down, Amber turned and glanced at Mateo, who was full of tears."Matt, why…are you crying? You strangled him, but you act like you're wronged!" "I…" Mateo pointed at his throat and the glass; he needed some water. Amber frowned and said solemnly, "You can't do that. You've repeatedly attacked Liam. You were over the line! Don't you know he thinks of you as his brother and values his friendship with you?"Mateo was flabbergasted to hear it. He knew nothing about that—it seemed Liam was even better at acting than him. While complaining about Mateo, Amber smoothed Liam's chest to make the latter feel better. "Liam always lets you have your way, but you target him. If I came late today, you might strangle and kill him."Mateo
Mateo swallowed. "Yes, I'm aware of that. The Stuart family has been investing in a lot of entertainment properties in Southeast Aeos in the recent few years. They're controlling more than half of the TV stations. Their power and influence are incomparable.""Looks like you keep up with the current events. Are you involved in the entertainment field too?" Liam asked.He had easily gained the result he wanted with just a few words. He faked a smile and looked at Mateo, who was panicking.Mateo glanced at him and said grumpily, "All that Master ever asks us to do is indecent. If we don't have any people in the media, we're doomed."The Triangle was never governed by the law, but public opinion was a dangerous weapon. If they went over the line and got reported by the media, international law would get involved. Naturally, it would affect their business.The Stuarts did decent business like the Osbornes and might appear easy to control. However, they couldn't be offended casually—a
Because of Liam's declaration, he and Mateo failed to reach a consensus.Mateo's gaze grew colder and more sinister, and he glared fiercely at Liam. "Fine. There's nothing to talk about between us.""No, you're wrong." Liam calmly swayed the wine glass. "You can get down on your knees and say sorry. Maybe I'll let you off by then!""How dare you!" Mateo could no longer take it—he pushed all the cutleries on the table to the floor and pointed angrily at Liam. "You refused my kindness. I won't go easy on you!""Just come at me. I'll wait," Liam shot back provocatively. He knew Mateo well—the man was wicked and cautious, but also cowardly. Under these circumstances, he wouldn't act recklessly. Hence, Liam wasn't afraid to infuriate him. Renee was right. Mateo had done so many things to control Liam. As long as Liam remained calm, Mateo couldn't do anything to Renee and Leia. "You think I won't do that?" Mateo clenched his fists and snarled fiercely, "I'll break one of their fing
Liam casually twirled the wine glass in his hand and asked Mateo coldly, "So, you won't stop until you marry Gem?""Not just that." Mateo tore off a drumstick and bit into it, then cracked a cunning sneer. "Marrying Amber is always in my plans. I'll marry her even if you're not involved. Tonight, I want to talk to you about the few territories in your hands.""The territories in my hands?" Liam frowned. Initially, he was confused—then, he understood it and chuckled. "What territories? I just work for Mr. Jenkins. The territories we took in belong to him. You'd better ask them from him instead of me. That's more straightforward."When Liam and Amber decided to fake their marriage, Benjamin focused on training Liam. In the process, he gave Liam a lot of power and authority.Liam didn't fail Benjamin. He did a great job even with his limited power. In half a year, he took three territories, namely the East River, West River, and South River. The three territories came with an importan
"Just forget about it?" Luneth fell into a daze when she heard Amber's words. She glanced at Amber darkly before letting out a twisted laugh. Then, she shook her head."No, I can't let it go just like that! Grady was hurt. How can I call myself a mother if I let it go like that? I must make the two people who hurt Grady pay dearly!"Luneth's expression shocked Amber. She subconsciously swallowed and asked, "Well, how will you handle it?" "I told Mateo to lock them up. When Grady's condition stabilizes, I'll make them pay!" Luneth's eyes shone with fury and vengeance, and she gnashed her teeth. "They hurt Grady, so I'll give them a taste of their medicine! I won't break their limbs or cut off their tongues. I'll just cut their foreheads and tear off their scalps! What do you think?""You want to…tear off their scalps?" Terror gripped Amber when she heard Luneth's plan. An awkward laughter escaped her. "Isn't that too ruthless? If they didn't do it on purpose, I don't think you sh
Amber grabbed some tissues beside her and carefully covered the scratch between her brows. She kept calm in hopes that she could make Luneth let down her guard. She knew very well that Liam, Renee, and Leia would be doomed if she didn't stop Luneth from telling Benjamin and Macsen about this incident. Although her face hurt badly from the teacup, it was nothing compared to their safety. "I'm sorry, Gem… I didn't do it on purpose. I was too angry and scared!" Luneth realized how aggressive she had been, and apologized to Amber in sobs. At the same time, she complained piteously, "You know how hard it was for me to get a child. Grady is very dear to Macsen and me. We don't even speak loudly to him or beat him up. But today, someone pressed him to the ground and beat him up. There's such a large hole in his head! The doctors told me that we needed to take good care of his wound. If it gets infected or he gets tetanus, the bacteria or virus might invade his brain and turn him mentall