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.
After the New Year celebration, Jenny spent most of her time caring for Evan in his villa. Occasionally, Alec would invite them over for dinner. Life was overall good.After the holidays, everyone went back to work. Alec's appointment as the CEO of the Faust Group was explosive news, but at least it put an end to the fight over the position. The stock price soared, proving that everyone had confidence in him.Meanwhile, Alec wasn't too bothered by the harassment from the other families. To him, those were mere inconveniences that needed some time to be settled. After he took over the Faust Group, the Watkins didn't make any move on him. After all, Blake needed to work hand-in-hand with Alec, and it wouldn't make sense to go against him.In the afternoon, Alec was busy at work when he received a call from Blake, who requested to meet up."If you have anything to say, just tell me over the phone. I'm busy." He was reluctant to be in contact with her. He really was busy and didn't wan
Alec brought Dr. Gaarder with him when he showed up at Evan's villa. Jenny was off to the hospital, leaving Evan staring at Alec with a scowl on his face. "What's going on, Mr. Faust?""Dr. Gaarder will fly home soon. Before he leaves, I hope you could allow him to check your injuries. You probably wouldn't want to be using a wheelchair for the rest of your life," Alec explained with a half-smile on his face. Evan shot him a look and noticed the ten bodyguards who came with Alec. He then smirked. "Is that so? Mr. Faust, seeing the men you brought, I thought you were here for a robbery.""Mr. Clarke, you're overthinking it." Alec smiled gently."What if I refuse to let you in?" Evan challenged him. He stopped smiling as Alec's bodyguards marched over. "Oh well, I would have no choice but to force my way in. You wouldn't want that to happen.""Alec Faust, are you trespassing on private property now?" Evan's expression hardened. Alec was unbothered as he walked up to Evan. "How co
"Alec, I know you don't like Jenny looking after me, but you don't have to hurt me in this way," Evan spoke with sorrow in his eyes. Jenny instantly felt bad for him because he was injured while saving her. Nobody would want to be confined to a wheelchair if they had a choice."Jenny, how about you leave with Mr. Faust? Howard's around, and he can take care of me." Evan decided to "compromise" with a forced smile on his face. However, Jenny would never leave him behind. She went up to him and wheeled him into the villa. "Ignore him. I'll send you to your room for a rest."Soon, the two vanished from Alec's sight. He gritted his teeth, holding back the urge to pin down Evan and force the checkup on him. But he knew better than to do that.Instead, he ordered the bodyguards to leave. Only he and Dr. Gaarder were waiting at the entrance. Half an hour later, Jenny finally exited Evan's villa. It seemed that she had helped Evan to settle down. For some reason, Alec felt bitter at the s
Jenny was taken aback once more. She was no fool—there must be a reason why Alec emphasized the background of the kidnapper.Staring at him in disbelief, she finally blurted out, "Do you suspect Evan of planning my kidnapping?""More accurately, I suspect he orchestrated the whole thing to make you stay by his side after saving your life." There was no good reason for Evan to kidnap Jenny, but what if that was never the goal? Right now, it seemed that Evan had gotten what he wanted."Impossible!" she said without thinking. "That doesn't sound like Evan at all."Alec had wanted to tell her that Evan was no saint, but he felt upset upon seeing how firmly she trusted Evan. "Maybe. But for him to be innocent, he has to be recovering from real injuries.""Alright. I got it. I'll talk to him and get him to do a checkup at a Bardoff City hospital," she suggested, thinking that having Dr. Gaarder around was unnecessary. Alec knew there was no point arguing because Jenny wouldn't allow him