"We heard the old man's in Bardoff, so we thought we'd visit," Alfred explained, glancing at Mortimer.That look said it all. It was Mortimer who wanted to see his father.Jenny stood there, uncertain about whether she should let them in or not.Alec came to the door to her rescue, though his expression darkened the moment he saw who was standing outside. "What are you two doing here?""I want…to see…your grandfather, Alec," Mortimer spoke, words still choppy from not having spoken in so long.Alec's brow furrowed deeply. "He doesn't want to see you.""I know you hate me, Alec, but that's my father. Would he really feel that way?" Mortimer asked helplessly.Alec pursed his lips. In truth, he wasn't sure what his grandfather thought about Mortimer Faust. The old man hadn't mentioned a word of him since he came.Alfred then said, "He's already come all this way. Just let them meet this once, at least. We can't exactly stop them from seeing each other. It's their business."Alec
When Stephanie arrived, the sight of the house so packed with people took her by surprise."Uh…" Jenny squinted at Leonard, who was standing behind Stephanie.Stephanie didn't bring him here to get back at Paul, did she?As if anticipating Jenny's thoughts, Stephanie shook her head. "He came to find me right before I left, so I figured I might as well bring him along. You don't mind, do you?""Is that so?" Jenny asked, not buying her words whatsoever.Stephanie rolled her eyes. "What do I get from lying to you, huh?"Jenny huffed but let the two inside the house.Melanie, Jade, and Janet were already getting along in the living room while the rest of the men were huddled around playing cards. The atmosphere was delightfully cheery."Steph!" Melanie waved happily when she spotted Stephanie, gesturing for her to head over.That call instantly invited Paul's attention, who then noticed Leonard by Stephanie's side. His expression turned stormy in a split second.Stephanie was abo
"You have a quick wit," Paul scowled, glaring at Leonard.The latter smiled but said nothing. He knew Paul didn't like him, but that didn't change the fact that he didn't care.On the other hand, the women were getting along fairly well. Stephanie was excitedly listening to Jade talk about her relationship with Max, deeply admiring it."I'd heard of him back in Parrington, but the rumors and tabloids only spoke about how much of a womanizer he was. I never expected him to change so drastically!" Stephanie said in awe. Love really could change someone!Jade was blushing. "It's not that big of a change. He's still as silly as before."The real change was probably how clingy Max could be. The man had insisted on going to the New Year's Eve gathering with her earlier, and he usually stayed glued to her everyday too, as if he had nothing better to do."Someone's shy," Stephanie teased. Her impression of Jade as a stern workaholic had changed as well. Now Jade seemed more gentle and
Jenny and Alec had bore witness to the drama from the second-floor landing."Do you think…do you think Melanie has a chance?" Jenny asked with a sigh. Melanie was a kind, sweet girl. Of all the other men in Bardoff City, why did she have to fall for Paul?Alec sighed as well. "An incredibly slim one. Paul doesn't grow affection for someone that easily, and it's even harder for him to lose it."He wouldn't give up even if Stephanie and Leonard ended up dating."Why don't you talk to him?" Jenny didn't want him to continue being a nuisance in Stephanie's life. Plus, Paul would be lucky to have someone like Melanie.Alec shook his head. "You can't force people to like or dislike each other, Jenny.""Alright…fine. I just hoped you could convince him to let it go."Alec nodded. "In that case…I'll try my best."But even he knew his best would amount to nothing.Jenny glanced at the room Old Mr. Faust was staying in on the second floor. It had been some time since Alfred and Mortimer
As the sky darkened and stars lit up among the clouds, Alec's food orders were delivered to his doorstep one after the other, to no one's surprise. It would be unreasonable to expect him to have cooked single-handedly for so many people.The usually-quiet villa was now colored with movement and cheerful sound. The guests all sat together in the dining room around two tables. Old Mr. Faust was pleased by the sight. He had been worried Alec might end up lonely after he passed away, but that worry had now dissipated.It looked like Alec had both friends and those he loved. Old Mr. Faust knew his grandson was in good hands then. The old man seemed to relax just like that, no longer having to burden himself with those worries.As everyone conversed while eating, the warm, bubbly mood continued into the night.Alec, who sat beside Jenny, said, "I hope we can celebrate like this next year too.""Me too." Jenny nodded.Though the future was unpredictable, they both held high hopes for wh
If Paul really did do something illegal, no way would Leonard hold back. This dinner wasn't sufficient for them to make peace yet.Knowing that, Paul shot the man a final glare before leaving the table.It looked like someone lost their appetite.No one else said anything as he left, all knowing the feud between him and Leonard.Alec was about to leave the table and check on his friend before Jenny pulled him back down to sit. "He's taken care of for now."Sure enough, Melanie rose from her seat and went after Paul. Clearly, Paul had his share of those who cared for him now.Dinner then went on, Paul's absence not seeming to affect it. An hour later, when dinner was over, everyone helped clean up, though no one left afterward. Alec had arranged for an outdoor barbecue session, and since it was New Year's Eve, it didn't make sense to leave before the clock struck midnight now that they were all there.In the study, Alec was staring fixedly at Paul. "You want to do what to Leona
Of course, Paul didn't. But right now, the distance between him and Stephanie was already unbearably far. It felt like there was nothing he could do to win her back."I still have a chance with Leonard out of the picture. Right now, I'm basically nothing to her!" Paul insisted, having been incredibly jealous and angry ever since Leonard put his hands on Stephanie.Alec shook his head. "Do you really think so? Don't you know just how determined Stephanie can be?"He could guess based on how Jenny was like. If Paul actually killed Leonard, not only would he lose all his chances, Stephanie might hate him for life.Paul seemed to understand that as well. He clutched his head, panicked. "What do I do then? Fucking tell me what to do, Alec? I can't just watch them get closer to each other!"He really couldn't handle it."Do you want to hear my honest opinion, Paul?" Alec said, sad for his distressed friend."No. Hell no. She still loves me. I know she does. She's just angry at me fo
As the clock struck midnight, fireworks were launched into the sky, bursting into bright, colorful blossoms. Jenny happily admired the view, quietly making a wish for herself.Her wish was for Evan to be able to walk again."Did you make a wish yet?" Stephanie asked.Jenny nodded. "But I can't tell you what it was.""I understand. It won't come true if you do. I made my wish too." Stephanie grinned, staring up at the beautiful light show.After it was over, the guests left one after the other. Stephanie got into Leonard's car, waving goodbye to Jenny. "Bye. Happy New Year, Jenny!""Happy New Year!"The villa soon cleared out, leaving only Alec, Jenny, and Evan.Alec ignored the man and went straight to Jenny. "Happy New Year, Jenny.""Happy New Year." Jenny grinned. "Oh, wait for me one sec."Jenny ran back to Evan's place, grabbing the gift she'd gotten for Alec.Alec didn't know whether to laugh or cry as he watched her run in, glancing at the gift he'd prepared for her.