Renee felt that, sometimes, Stefan was pretty crazy himself, and he's someone who had seen a lot of stuff.If even he thought that Rubio was crazy, then Rubio must be really, really crazy. Her understanding of Rubio may not have been comprehensive enough. She may have heard only a small part of the rumors.Stefan snorted and said, "Do you know why Rubio is already 48 years old but still looks so young and healthy?”“Maybe he's just born with good genes. Maybe he works out a lot. You can't accuse him of being crazy just because he looks young. You young people from prestigious families get jealous so easily...”“You know nothing!”Stefan was so angry at Renee's accusation that he decided not to be subtle anymore. He told her bluntly, "It's because he likes to take nourishment from girls under 18 years old to absorb their vitality!”“I've heard of that rumor...”Renee flipped her hair and replied calmly, "All men have desires. Some like lolis, and some like older women. Considerin
Renee could not stop Stefan from talking nonsense, so she could only cover her ears with both hands.The scenery outside the car gradually changed from a beautiful suburban environment to a bustling city center. They eventually arrived at a Western restaurant.“We're here,” Stefan said without any gentlemanly manner.Renee sulked in the passenger seat and refused to get out of the car. To be precise, she did not want to dine with Stefan.'There's a huge rift between us, and we dislike each other, but now we have to eat at the same table? Doesn't he feel awkward?'After taking a few steps, Stefan realized that Renee had not gotten off the car, so he returned to the car and looked down at her with a slightly puzzled expression. "Why are you still in the car? It's already so late. Aren't you hungry?”“I'm not hungry!”Renee continued to sulk, hoping that the man could read the mood.”Are you sure you're not hungry? “Stefan was amused.It was already 8 pm, so it was long past di
”Ahem!”Renee cleared her throat a few times and tried to cover up her embarrassment by drinking water.Stefan pretended not to hear anything. He elegantly spread a napkin on his legs, then wiped his hands with a hot towel. His movements were dignified and elegant.The waiter soon brought some exquisite dishes to their table, including braised beef in red sauce, braised cold shrimp with lime, caviar, prime sirloin steak, and a fruit salad.Renee's eyes were glued to the delicious food on the table. Not only did her stomach growl even harder, but she also could not help swallowing her saliva again.Stefan wordlessly carved a piece of steak and put it in his mouth. He chewed it slowly and then showed a regretful expression. "I consider myself a picky eater, but the quality of the steak here is really something else. Too bad you're not hungry, or you could have tried it.”Renee tried to shift her gaze to the outside of the window. She raised her chin high and said disdainfully, "It'
The red liquid ran along Stefan's hair and dripped down to his cheeks. Although he was in a mess, he still exuded a regal air.“Stef!”A woman's voice came from behind them.Seraphina was holding onto the hand of her best friend, Lina Hepburn, while staring at Stefan incredulously.After confirming that it really was him, she dashed over to Stefan with large, unladylike steps and wiped the wine from his head with a napkin.“My silly brother! What is going on? Why would someone as respectable as you let her splash wine on you in public? Look at you. Your hair and clothes are all wet. Oh, it pains me to see you like this!”As she wiped, she mumbled about how angry and upset she was, then turned angrily and admonished Renee, "Renee, you're in the wrong here. We're all civilized people, so there's no reason to act like this. Splashing wine on my bro's face is like splashing wine on my face. Even if he wouldn't pursue the matter, I would...”Seraphina disliked Renee. When she had to
“Aah! I'm so mad! I'm so mad! Stefan Hunt, you bastard! I hope you choke on that steak!”After Renee left the restaurant, she finally couldn't maintain her dignified demeanor anymore. She started cursing Stefan out.She never knew that he could be this shameless. After making her so mad that she almost had a stroke, he actually had the gall to sit back down and enjoy the food she paid for with Seraphina Murphy, who kept finding faults with her. What did he take her for? His credit card?!Renee hated how easily she let him affect her emotions even after all these years and even though she had maintained a clear mind... It made her feel useless and powerless.Stefan Hunt was the bane of her existence. Nothing good happened whenever she ran into him. She must stay as far away from him as possible from now on.Thinking of that, her emotions finally calmed down a bit.If she could not deal with him, she could just avoid him, right?She reached out for a taxi and returned to her apart
“The Rainbow Glaze?”“The Rainbow Glaze is exquisitely designed and made from glasses of seven different colors. Each side is carved with images of rare birds and beasts. It's a famous, auspicious treasure. In that chaotic era, it ensured the peace of Manchest for a hundred years. It is said that owning the “Rainbow Glaze” can lead to prosperity, long life, and fulfilled dreams. I've wanted it for a long time.”Renee continued to roll her eyes. She was exasperated. She asked, "You're not asking me to help you find this so-called ‘treasure’, are you?”“You're so smart, Ren. As expected of someone that I knew could be a great friend to me right away. You figured it out so quickly.”Renee was howling inside. She said through gritted teeth, "You're not doing this to toy with me, are you? Maybe this bottle is just folklore that doesn't exist. How am I supposed to find it for you?”“It's precisely because the task is difficult that it can prove your capability...”Rubio smiled and said
“You've found it already? Adie, you're so amazing!”Renee was delighted. She quickly got up from the sofa and moved over to the computer.“Look, Mommy!”Aiden pointed to the exquisitely shaped Rainbow Glaze on the computer screen. His chubby little face was proud as he said, “The latest information I've managed to trace shows that this item is currently stored at the Carmine Pawnshop. If you like it, just ask Q to give it to you. He said that everything he has is yours if you agree to be his wife anyway.”“That's... bizarre.”Renee's feelings were complicated. She did not know whether to feel happy or awkward.Why must this thing be in Mr. Q's possession? Now she did not know whether she should ask for it or not.If she did, it might make him think that she was after his assets.But if she did not, she would not be able to make a deal with Rubio Pascal. He only gave her one week...While Renee was stuck in a dilemma, the doorbell rang, and something even more bizarre happened.
Renee was so embarrassed. She glared at the two kids and said, "That's enough, you two. No matter how approachable Mr. Q is, he's still your elder, so don't be rude. You can't boss him around.”Aiden turned around and put on a somber expression. "Mommy, you're such a hopeless romantic. You haven't even married him yet, but you're already protecting him.”Renee was speechless.'Dear Lord, please make a hole appear in the ground so that I can bury myself in it! My son is trying to embarrass me to death!'“These two kids are very naughty and lack manners. Please don't take it to heart.”She glanced at Mr. Q, feeling extremely awkward.Although she and Mr. Q were no longer strangers, their relationship had not reached this level of intimacy. Moreover, he was her creditor, so she could not be too impolite to him.Surprisingly, Mr. Q did not mind at all. He even kind of liked it. He placed his long arm on Renee's shoulder and asked with a smile, "It doesn't matter. A husband should tr
Liam was impressed while looking at Justin's calm expression. He had always thought that Justin was cunning and full of schemes. He was even worried that Justin might plot against Renee in the future.However, Justin was quite open and generous. He was considering things from Renee's angle. He could be Renee's haven, but if he stepped down, he could willingly grant Renee's wish to be with the one she loved. It seemed that Justin was selfless, and Liam felt that he was worse than Justin. No wonder Renee would choose to spend the rest of her life with Justin. It seemed like he was a reliable man.Justin pocketed his hands and asked casually, "Is there any other problem now?""Not at the moment." Liam frowned in defeat. Since Justin had made such a big compromise, he would seem like a fool if he was too arrogant and refused to give up. A long sigh escaped him as he let go of Renee's hand, but he was still hopeful. He boasted to Justin, "Wait and see! I'll make Stefan appear.""Go
"Let go of her!" Justin turned cold and grabbed Renee's other hand. He said darkly to Liam, "You don't have the right to take her with you!""Hmph! I don't have the right to take her with me? Well, you don't have the right to marry her. I must take her with me today. Worst comes to worst, I'll fight your family!"Though he was too weak to fight the powerful Baldwin family, Liam was never a coward. He would fight the whole world alone for the sake of Renee's happy and stable life."Calm down…"In comparison, Justin was calmer. He was probably more confident since it was his territory and he could affirm Renee would not leave with Liam. He started mocking Liam. "I'm not the kind of person who will force others to do things they refuse to do. If Ren wants to leave, I'll let her go even if my family disowns me. But I know that she won't leave. At the very least, she won't leave with you.""What do you mean?" Liam could tell that Justin was mocking him, and it annoyed him. "Why are
Liam felt that his situation at the fort was almost the same as Renee's current situation. He had thought that the marriage was just for show. If he was unhappy, he could get a divorce. Even then, things were not that easy when he wanted to get out of that mess. If Amber had not protected him, Benjamin would have long gotten him killed. He knew better than anyone else how unfair it was for the other party when one tolerated and went through with the marriage.Amber was naive and was willing to be treated unfairly, but Justin was no fool. He would not be able to take it if it lasted for a long time. It was easy to imagine what Renee would face when Justin stopped taking her side."Let's go! I'm not afraid. You don't have to be afraid, either." Liam made up his mind to support Renee, who was standing behind him.Renee bit her lips and started to waver; not because she did not want to be with Justin, but simply because she was not confident in herself. She was afraid she would neve
"Liam, what are you doing?" Leia looked at Liam, unable to understand his sudden excitement."I'm going to meet Austin or Justin. I want them to cancel this engagement ceremony." Liam held Renee's wrist and tried to drag her out of the suite.He was certain Renee didn't want to marry Justin, so it was very likely that she would regret it in the future. It would be hard to settle if she regretted it after the engagement party. Liam felt that he had to try his best to put everything under control while he still could. Feeling helpless, Leia complained, "Stop making a scene… This is Ren's marriage. You can't make all this fuss!""You don't know. I'm doing this for her. I want the best for her." Liam knew the consequences of resisting Austin, given the man's position. He was also ready to be punished by them. Even though he would be beaten up vigorously, he would not hesitate as long as he could stop the ceremony and help Renee avoid such risks. "If you want the best for her, just
Leia felt so awkward that she wanted to run away. "Hey, can you stop flattering yourself? You haven't settled your messy romance, so please don't get Ren involved. You shouldn't joke like that!"Similarly, Liam found his joke impudent and admitted to his mistake. "Yeah, I was wrong. Don't take my joke seriously."Both Renee and Leia were amused. It helped relieve their tension. "But have you thought it through? After this ceremony, you'll be a part of the Baldwin family. You can't regret it by then," Liam said; he was worried about Renee. Everyone knew the Baldwin family's style. They had such a grand ceremony today. If anything went wrong, the Everheart family might be ruined for the second time. Although nobody knew who would win the battle, the trouble could be avoided. Liam was clueless as to why Renee wanted to take such a risk."Yes, I have." Renee nodded and added firmly, "I'd thought it through the moment I boarded the plane with Justin to fly here."It was the last c
Renee was done getting ready. As her closest friend, Leia came to North City with Liam immediately.The engagement ceremony was held in a magnificent hall of a top hotel. The guests arrived one by one and chatted among themselves. It was a luxurious and grand scene. "Ren, I'm sorry I'm late!" Leia arrived at the hotel suite where Renee was waiting. She put her hands together to express her apology. "It's Liam's fault! He was out of his mind and insisted on not coming here, but I forced him to and took some time. Please don't be mad at me!""Silly, I won't be mad at you. Plus, this ceremony doesn't carry much meaning. The Baldwin family just needs this as an assurance. It doesn't matter even if you're absent."Renee looked indifferent and was not at all happy and eager like a bride-to-be. The engagement ceremony was held to announce to the world about the relationship between her and Renee. In all honesty, Renee was resistant to it. She did not want her family or friends to at
Margaret decided to be frank since Renee had said so. "I can tell that you don't sincerely love Mr. Baldwin. Your marriage is just a way to avoid reality. Why are you so harsh on yourself if that's the case? Now, you're making such a big fuss about moving here. If you fail to get along with him and have to return to Beach City in the future, many people will gossip about you. They'll say nasty things about you. Why do you have to put yourself in such a condition?""Margaret, you don't understand…" Renee looked at herself in the mirror. She looked very charming, like a bride in ancient paintings. Everyone would be charmed by her—including herself. She knew very well that she was the one taking the lead in her romance with Justin. They could go on forever as long as she didn't end it. She was just afraid she could not hold on and wanted to stop, and the only reason that she wanted to stop was probably because of Stefan. "If I stay in Beach City, I'll come across Stefan. I know t
Time passed by. It was soon the day for the engagement ceremony between Justin and Renee.The Baldwin family held a grand ceremony while adhering to tradition. It was both traditional and romantic.Renee put on a red slim-fit silk gown with intricate black and gold embroidery. Her long hair was delicately pinned up, showing off her fair and slender neck. She looked elegant."How pretty!" Margaret stood in front of the vanity table and looked at Renee, whose face was dolled with exquisite makeup. She looked gratified, as though she were looking at her daughter."If your parents saw how pretty and elegant you were, they would be very happy." Margaret gently placed her hands on Renee's shoulders and commented, "You married Mr. Hunt when I wasn't around. You must have suffered a lot. But things will get better now… I'll stay with you and protect you forever. I'll be your strongest support."Back then, Renee was left alone when her family was ruined. She married Stefan without anyo
Alexander and Francine were already old. It was fine even if others criticized them or took violent revenge on them. But they were worried that the younger generation, especially Adie and Abby, would have a hard time handling it."You're right. I wasn't thinking straight…" Francine became teary and sobbed. "I just wanted to relieve my guilt and failed to consider the kids. We brought this upon ourselves. I'll probably have to suffer this pain for the rest of my life.""Stop thinking about that. It's all over. It's useless to regret or dwell on it." Alexander walked over and hugged her shoulders. He whispered some consoling words, "No one can tell who was right or wrong about that affair. We're already punished. Just act like everything is gone…"Is it? You're just trying to make yourself feel better." Francine leaned against Alexander's shoulders, full of melancholy. "Don't you think the kids are suffering the consequences of our actions? They love and understand each other bu