In his half-conscious state, Justin felt a soft, delicate hand slide across his chest.It moved down past his abdomen as he shot out his hand, grabbing the wrist tightly.His eyes snapped open, and in an instant, he flipped over, pinning the person beneath him.The scent of alcohol still lingered on him."Serena… No, you're not Serena."Candice wrapped her arms around his neck."You're dreaming again, Justin. Just pretend I'm Serena. I love you. I'd do anything for you."She lifted her head and pressed her lips to his.Justin's body tensed for a brief moment.Then, he took control, gripping the back of her head and kissing her forcefully.Candice's heart surged with joy.She eagerly tilted her head back, responding passionately.…The next morning, Justin remained in a deep sleep until mid-morning.When he finally woke, his throat was dry, and he instinctively reached for the water on the nightstand.But his hand pressed against someone.His eyes flew open. Sleep instan
"Then… Then what should we do?" Lara asked.Candice spoke in a low voice. "Act like you don't know anything. Also, get rid of the phone you used to contact Lucas. Just cancel the number and destroy it immediately."Lara nodded repeatedly. "Okay, got it… You be careful too."Then, she hurriedly hung up.Candice gripped the steering wheel, thought for a moment, and then drove back to the hospital. For now, all she could do was wait for news.She was certain that Lucas wouldn't betray her. As long as she didn't expose herself, she would be fine.…Meanwhile, Serena had a peaceful night's sleep at home. She woke up to a message from Wilson the next morning, saying the matter had been taken care of.She immediately called him. "Mr. Quade, I still think we should report this to the police. I'm worried someone was deliberately targeting me this time."Wilson's voice was calm and reassuring as he said, "I already reported it yesterday. That man's name is Lucas Montgomery."He has a p
Lauren scratched her head. "It's just a gut feeling. But honestly, I don't know Mr. Quade that well. Rina, why are you suddenly asking me this?"Serena told her about what had happened yesterday, and Lauren's face changed instantly."Another creep? Damn, what kind of luck do you have? Why do you keep running into these messed-up situations?""At least nothing bad happened," Serena said calmly."Still… based on what you just told me, I'd say there's a good chance Mr. Quade likes you."Serena's eyes widened. "Are you sure?""Of course! He even patted your head. That kind of intimate gesture is something only a brother or a boyfriend would do. Unless he's your long-lost sibling, that means he wants to be your man."Lauren's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Hehe, Rina, can you smell that? Spring's coming.""Spring is long over. It's practically winter already," Serena muttered, still unable to believe that Wilson might actually have feelings for her.Lauren jumped up from the couch
"Oh, really?" Wilson narrowed his eyes, then suddenly reached out and pressed the burning cigarette against Lara's arm.She let out a sharp scream. Before she could cry out further, Kayden covered her mouth."I'll give you one more chance," Wilson said coldly. "If you don't talk, next time, this cigarette will be on your daughter's face. Weren't you hoping she'd use that face to marry into wealth?"Candice's face turned deathly pale. She grabbed Lara's hand and immediately dropped to her knees."Mr. Quade, I don't know how I've offended you! I really don't know what you're talking about…"Lara, muffled by Kayden's hand, shook her head frantically. Meanwhile, the air was thick with the acrid scent of burned flesh.Candice sobbed as she tried to explain, "Mr. Quade, all I know is that Lucas ran into my dad last time and said he had a criminal record, which made it hard for him to find a job."He begged my dad for help, and since they were from the same hometown, my dad forged an I
The fortune teller took Serena's fortune stick, glanced at it, and immediately smiled. "This is a top-tier fortune."Lauren's eyes lit up. "My bestie was asking about romance! Does this mean she's about to meet her destined one?"The fortune teller nodded."The signs suggest that your destined person has already appeared in your life. However, there will be obstacles and misunderstandings between you two, causing you to miss each other."But don't worry. The clouds will clear eventually, and you will reunite and stay together."Lauren frowned while rubbing her chin. "Wait a second… Why does this sound like you and that scumbag Justin?"She couldn't make sense of it. As far as she knew, Wilson and Serena had no significant past connection. So where did this "already appeared in your life" part come from?The thought alone unsettled her. If Serena ever reconciled with Justin, she might actually lose her mind!"Alright, then check mine, sir. I was asking about my boyfriend's caree
With a firm motion, Wilson turned Serena around and led her out of the back courtyard.He gave her a knowing look. "Ms. Judd, instead of meditating, were you sneaking around to watch a couple's intimate moment?"Serena felt her face heat up. "This is supposed to be a quiet place! I didn't expect to stumble into that."She eyed him suspiciously. "Mr. Quade, are you here to get your fortunes read too?"He didn't seem like the superstitious type.Wilson smiled. "Of course. I heard this place is good for matchmaking, so I came to see when I'll finally meet my fated one."Serena went silent. She inwardly scoffed, "As if he needed divine intervention." If he wanted, there would be countless women lining up for him."What about you, Ms. Judd? Shouldn't you be resting at home? What brought you here?""Lauren thinks my luck has been terrible lately, so she dragged me here to see if it'll turn around." Serena sighed.A thought crossed her mind. She reached into her bag and pulled out
Joseph was speechless. "What the hell is going on? Do I have that little value? It's like even stray dogs bark at me when they pass by.""Say that again!" Justin scowled."I wasn't talking about you…" Joseph sighed. "Justin, listen, I actually have good news for you. I went to the fortune teller with my mom today and ran into Serena. I saw her getting a protection charm for you."There was a brief silence on the other end."Are you sure it was for me?""Who else would it be for? She doesn't have any family, barely any close friends, and let's be honest, the only person around her who's been dealing with health problems lately is you."Your stomach issues keep acting up. If it's not for you, then who?""I got it," Justin said. His tone was noticeably lighter.Joseph scoffed internally. "Wow. That mood shift was fast."…A Rolls-Royce slowly pulled up at the fortune teller's shop's entrance. The window rolled down, revealing Jacob's strikingly handsome face from the back seat.
Sitting on the hospital corridor bench, Serena Judd trembled uncontrollably.She had just encountered a creep.She had worked overtime until midnight. Exhausted, she dragged her weary body back to her rented apartment. Just as she was about to take out her keys, someone suddenly covered her mouth and nose from behind.Serena struggled with everything she had, but her attacker dragged her toward the stairwell.A warm, repulsive breath brushed against her ear. "You smell amazing."That revolting voice coiled around her like a venomous snake, suffocating her with every word.In sheer terror, Serena had thrown herself backward, dragging the man down the stairs with her.She was lucky—only a few scrapes and bruises.However, the creep wasn't so fortunate. He cracked his head on the way down and lay motionless long enough for her to escape.After giving her statement at the police station, Serena went to the hospital herself. She kept glancing at her phone, which displayed the messa
Joseph was speechless. "What the hell is going on? Do I have that little value? It's like even stray dogs bark at me when they pass by.""Say that again!" Justin scowled."I wasn't talking about you…" Joseph sighed. "Justin, listen, I actually have good news for you. I went to the fortune teller with my mom today and ran into Serena. I saw her getting a protection charm for you."There was a brief silence on the other end."Are you sure it was for me?""Who else would it be for? She doesn't have any family, barely any close friends, and let's be honest, the only person around her who's been dealing with health problems lately is you."Your stomach issues keep acting up. If it's not for you, then who?""I got it," Justin said. His tone was noticeably lighter.Joseph scoffed internally. "Wow. That mood shift was fast."…A Rolls-Royce slowly pulled up at the fortune teller's shop's entrance. The window rolled down, revealing Jacob's strikingly handsome face from the back seat.
With a firm motion, Wilson turned Serena around and led her out of the back courtyard.He gave her a knowing look. "Ms. Judd, instead of meditating, were you sneaking around to watch a couple's intimate moment?"Serena felt her face heat up. "This is supposed to be a quiet place! I didn't expect to stumble into that."She eyed him suspiciously. "Mr. Quade, are you here to get your fortunes read too?"He didn't seem like the superstitious type.Wilson smiled. "Of course. I heard this place is good for matchmaking, so I came to see when I'll finally meet my fated one."Serena went silent. She inwardly scoffed, "As if he needed divine intervention." If he wanted, there would be countless women lining up for him."What about you, Ms. Judd? Shouldn't you be resting at home? What brought you here?""Lauren thinks my luck has been terrible lately, so she dragged me here to see if it'll turn around." Serena sighed.A thought crossed her mind. She reached into her bag and pulled out
The fortune teller took Serena's fortune stick, glanced at it, and immediately smiled. "This is a top-tier fortune."Lauren's eyes lit up. "My bestie was asking about romance! Does this mean she's about to meet her destined one?"The fortune teller nodded."The signs suggest that your destined person has already appeared in your life. However, there will be obstacles and misunderstandings between you two, causing you to miss each other."But don't worry. The clouds will clear eventually, and you will reunite and stay together."Lauren frowned while rubbing her chin. "Wait a second… Why does this sound like you and that scumbag Justin?"She couldn't make sense of it. As far as she knew, Wilson and Serena had no significant past connection. So where did this "already appeared in your life" part come from?The thought alone unsettled her. If Serena ever reconciled with Justin, she might actually lose her mind!"Alright, then check mine, sir. I was asking about my boyfriend's caree
"Oh, really?" Wilson narrowed his eyes, then suddenly reached out and pressed the burning cigarette against Lara's arm.She let out a sharp scream. Before she could cry out further, Kayden covered her mouth."I'll give you one more chance," Wilson said coldly. "If you don't talk, next time, this cigarette will be on your daughter's face. Weren't you hoping she'd use that face to marry into wealth?"Candice's face turned deathly pale. She grabbed Lara's hand and immediately dropped to her knees."Mr. Quade, I don't know how I've offended you! I really don't know what you're talking about…"Lara, muffled by Kayden's hand, shook her head frantically. Meanwhile, the air was thick with the acrid scent of burned flesh.Candice sobbed as she tried to explain, "Mr. Quade, all I know is that Lucas ran into my dad last time and said he had a criminal record, which made it hard for him to find a job."He begged my dad for help, and since they were from the same hometown, my dad forged an I
Lauren scratched her head. "It's just a gut feeling. But honestly, I don't know Mr. Quade that well. Rina, why are you suddenly asking me this?"Serena told her about what had happened yesterday, and Lauren's face changed instantly."Another creep? Damn, what kind of luck do you have? Why do you keep running into these messed-up situations?""At least nothing bad happened," Serena said calmly."Still… based on what you just told me, I'd say there's a good chance Mr. Quade likes you."Serena's eyes widened. "Are you sure?""Of course! He even patted your head. That kind of intimate gesture is something only a brother or a boyfriend would do. Unless he's your long-lost sibling, that means he wants to be your man."Lauren's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Hehe, Rina, can you smell that? Spring's coming.""Spring is long over. It's practically winter already," Serena muttered, still unable to believe that Wilson might actually have feelings for her.Lauren jumped up from the couch
"Then… Then what should we do?" Lara asked.Candice spoke in a low voice. "Act like you don't know anything. Also, get rid of the phone you used to contact Lucas. Just cancel the number and destroy it immediately."Lara nodded repeatedly. "Okay, got it… You be careful too."Then, she hurriedly hung up.Candice gripped the steering wheel, thought for a moment, and then drove back to the hospital. For now, all she could do was wait for news.She was certain that Lucas wouldn't betray her. As long as she didn't expose herself, she would be fine.…Meanwhile, Serena had a peaceful night's sleep at home. She woke up to a message from Wilson the next morning, saying the matter had been taken care of.She immediately called him. "Mr. Quade, I still think we should report this to the police. I'm worried someone was deliberately targeting me this time."Wilson's voice was calm and reassuring as he said, "I already reported it yesterday. That man's name is Lucas Montgomery."He has a p
In his half-conscious state, Justin felt a soft, delicate hand slide across his chest.It moved down past his abdomen as he shot out his hand, grabbing the wrist tightly.His eyes snapped open, and in an instant, he flipped over, pinning the person beneath him.The scent of alcohol still lingered on him."Serena… No, you're not Serena."Candice wrapped her arms around his neck."You're dreaming again, Justin. Just pretend I'm Serena. I love you. I'd do anything for you."She lifted her head and pressed her lips to his.Justin's body tensed for a brief moment.Then, he took control, gripping the back of her head and kissing her forcefully.Candice's heart surged with joy.She eagerly tilted her head back, responding passionately.…The next morning, Justin remained in a deep sleep until mid-morning.When he finally woke, his throat was dry, and he instinctively reached for the water on the nightstand.But his hand pressed against someone.His eyes flew open. Sleep instan
Garbage like that had no place here. It belonged where it belonged—in the trash. …After getting an IV and taking his medication at the hospital, Justin's stomach finally felt a little better.Mollie had just breathed a sigh of relief when, out of nowhere, he yanked out the IV and insisted on going home.She couldn't stop him. All she could do was grumble and drive him back to the villa. "The doctor told you a hundred times—your stomach needs rest. No drinking. But you just had to mess yourself up! Justin, ever since Serena left, you've completely lost it!"Justin leaned back against the car seat, his eyes closed. It was unclear if he was even listening.Taking advantage of his half-drunken state, Mollie kept ranting."You were so damn confident before, saying Serena would never leave you—like she couldn't live without you. Well, look at you now. I guess that confidence didn't age well, huh? "I'm not even a fan of Serena, but to be fair, this is all on you. Of all the thing
At this moment, Wilson's voice was nothing short of heavenly to Serena.Behind her, the man, his swollen eyes barely open, still came charging after her."You bitch! I'm going to kill you!"He was still unsteady from climbing up when a powerful kick knocked him off his feet.He crashed hard at the basement entrance, the impact echoing through the space.Kayden walked down the stairs at a leisurely pace, his expression unreadable.Serena turned her head. "Is he dead?“"Not something you need to worry about."Wilson turned her face back toward him, scanning her up and down. Seeing that she was unharmed, he finally let you a breath of relief."Did he hurt you?"Serena's wide eyes blinked as she shook her head. "No. I caught him off guard and used my pepper spray."Wilson chuckled softly and ruffled her hair. "Not bad."Serena felt a bit odd. Wasn't this gesture too intimate?Wilson took her hand. "Leave this to Kayden. I'll take you back to your complex first."Serena obedie