Candice exploded with anger. "Are you deaf? Can you bear the consequences if anything happens to the baby?""Just wait a minute. I'll go downstairs and ask Mrs. Farrow," Maisie said as she hurriedly descended the stairs.Beatrice had also heard the commotion. "What's going on upstairs? I thought Mollie wasn't coming back tonight. Why do I hear a woman's voice?"Justin's expression darkened as he glared at Jenna. Jenna offered an awkward smile. "It's nothing. Just one of our new maids. She's clumsy and probably broke something."What was Candice up to now? As Jenna fumed, Maisie rushed down and whispered the situation in her ear.Jenna's face grew grave. "Really?" she asked."Yeah, what should we do?" Maisie asked nervously."Get the family doctor over here," Jenna ordered.However, Justin's deep voice boomed. "Do not call the doctor.""Justin, what are you…" Jenna tried to protest."Haven't you sent the woman upstairs away yet?" Justin wiped his hands and said irritably, "T
Jenna was furious. "He left without even a goodbye! If it weren't for him getting her pregnant, I wouldn't have let that troublemaker stay here. Now that she's carrying a Farrow child, I'm stuck cleaning up his mess!"Beatrice interjected, "That baby was a result of Justin being conned. Understandably, he's angry now."Jenna snapped, "What are you saying? Are you implying I'm at fault?"Beatrice shook her head. "Forget it. I can no longer meddle in your affairs. Don't come to me anymore." With Wendy's help, she slowly walked out. The dinner, once pleasant, ended in bitter discord.In a burst of anger, Jenna glared at Candice, startling her. "What's wrong?" she asked timidly."Didn't you fall and hurt yourself? I see you look perfectly fine now!" Jenna accused.Candice's eyes darted nervously as she remained silent, looking guilty."You little bitch!" Jenna shouted, raising her hand to slap Candice.Startled, Candice shrank back. Then, biting her lip, she straightened her postur
Such a pity about that guy back then… he was really something. But don't you go around spreading this story," Lynn said."Got it," Mollie reassured her.Candice moved into a small, detached house. The environment was pleasant, and she was satisfied.After ordering the maids to unpack her belongings, she went to her bedroom to freshen up and get ready for bed. Just then, her phone rang.Candice picked it up and her breath froze when she saw the message. "Baby, I heard you successfully tricked your way into a wealthy family. Now that you're so rich, how could you ever forget me?" It was Thomas!Panic-stricken, Candice immediately deleted the message and then called Lara. "Mom, didn't you say you already gave Thomas 100 thousand dollars to get rid of him? Why is he messaging me now?""I was just about to tell you. He called today, saying he knows what kind of schemes you're running. He wants me to give him 500 thousand dollars, or else he'll go to the Farrow residence to find you!
It was as if Wilson sensed something, he suddenly looked up. Serena's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly drew the curtains.Downstairs, Wilson noticed the silhouette by the window vanish, and he took several more drags from his cigarette. He felt almost like a creep. Perhaps she had been frightened by him?He had no idea what had happened to him today. After drinking, he had spent the entire afternoon sleeping in his office, tormented by a jumble of dreams. Every one of them was about her.In his dreams, he had pinned her down in the break room, leaving his scent on every inch of her. She had been soaked with sweat, like a fish dried out by the sun.When he finally woke up, Wilson lay in bed, lost in thought for a long time. Then he took a shower, got into his car, and drove to the building where Serena lived, staying there until now. He wasn't sure what he was after either. He then extinguished his cigarette and prepared to leave.Just then, a white Mercedes-Benz slowly pull
Wilson followed in and joined her.Beatrice lay in her hospital bed, receiving IV fluids. "Serena, you're here…""Mrs. Farrow Senior!" Serena hurried over, her eyes welling up with tears once more.Beatrice gently dabbed them away. "Oh, sweet child, why are you crying?"Wilson muttered under his breath, "She's such a crybaby. She hasn't changed at all over the years."Serena silently cursed him. Even at a moment like this he couldn't help his sharp tongue. No wonder he might end up single forever!She squeezed Beatrice's hand. "Mrs. Farrow Senior, didn't your heart condition improve after surgery? Why is it acting up again?""It's hard to explain… All I know is that today, I'm grateful Wilson was here. If it hadn't been for him, I'd be in serious trouble," Beatrice said weakly.Serena was surprised. "So, it was Mr. Quade who saved you?""Yes. He was even at your building downstairs when it happened," Beatrice said.Serena turned to look at Wilson and met his deep, steady gaze
Outside, in the corridor, Wilson leaned against the wall while his gaze fixed indifferently on the closed door of the patient room. He appeared lost in thought.Lauren stole a glance at him.Wilson turned his head. "Ask whatever you want. I won't bite.""Heh." Lauren touched her nose and offered an awkward smile. "Mr. Quade, don't mind if I ask, what were you doing down there so late? You looked like a total creep."Wilson narrowed his eyes slightly. "I do mind, so I won't answer that question."Lauren was speechless. If he wouldn't answer, then so be it.Wilson asked suddenly, "I heard Serena is working on her cake shop project. How's it going?""That's Rina's private business. I choose not to comment…" Lauren muttered under her breath."What did you just say?" Wilson asked."We've already picked out a location, and we're just waiting for the renovations to be completed before we open," Lauren admitted honestly. She wasn't afraid. She had lost her nerve earlier when she had t
Serena interjected, "I'll go with Lauren. She drove here today."Justin and Wilson spun to look at her.Lauren was rendered speechless when she heard Serena mention her name. She was disappointed the two men did not engage in an epic battle like she'd hoped. "Come on, Rina. Let's go."Serena left the room with Lauren, and Wilson followed suit shortly after.Justin watched as Serena headed out the door, and it wasn't until she'd disappeared round the corner that he looked away. He approached Beatrice's bed and asked, "Grandma, why didn't you say something? You were the one who wanted Serena and me to be together. You should have stopped her from leaving."Beatrice leveled a stony look at him. "I can't believe you expect me to help you after the mess you've caused at home!"A dark look flashed in Justin's eyes. "Nothing is going on between me and Candice anymore. I didn't choose to keep her at the family residence. That was all Mom.""I can't butt into your love life, nor do I wan
Serena's words stumped Zoey. She rolled her eyes and argued, "I'm not like you or other women. I pal around with Kieran and the guys, not that I'd expect you to understand!""Serena." Damian came up behind Serena, crossing the room to the booth.He looked dapper in his black, button-down shirt that accentuated his broad shoulders and lean waist. As his towering silhouette approached, he looked more mature and unlike his usual fresh-faced, youthful self.Surprise flickered across Serena's face. "Damian… Why are you dressed like that today?""I was meeting a client just now and figured I'd suit up a little bit. I look okay, don't I?" Damian asked."You do," Serena reassured him, suddenly realizing how much he'd grown.A faint smile curved Damian's lips. "Your photos from our shoot are out, Serena. Let's go take a look at them."She nodded and fell in step behind him as he left.Zoey watched them leave and snorted. "What a tramp. She was all over Kieran a second ago, and now, she'
Serena remembered now. Marcus was born out of David's second marriage.Marcus wheeled the birthday cake toward David. He stopped beside David and grinned. "Happy birthday, Dad! May you have a long and healthy life ahead of you!""Looks like you've pulled yourself together, Marcus," David praised, smiling. He'd never smiled like that when Jacob was around.David paid no mind to Jacob's darkened expression as he pulled Marcus closer and launched into introductions. "Everyone, this is Marcus. He's been majoring in finance abroad and flew home especially for my birthday today!"A few guests at the table recognized Marcus. "Goodness, it's Marcus! I haven't seen him in years! He sure looks different now.""Yes, he looks a lot like a younger Mr. David."Jacob lifted his gaze. "Dad, why didn't you tell me Marcus was coming home today?"David's smile slipped. "You should have known he was coming home, Jacob. You're the older brother, so don't go blaming me for not keeping you up to date
A loud cough suddenly sounded behind Jacob and the others. David was making his way down the stairs with Natasha's help."Mr. Smith," Wilson greeted.A shadow fell over David's face. "Wilson, I wasn't expecting you to come.""It's your birthday today, Mr. Smith. It's only right that I come over and celebrate with you out of respect, wouldn't you say?" Wilson said congenially. He snaked an arm around Serena's shoulders as he approached David. "Mr. Smith, allow me to introduce my girlfriend, Serena Judd."David made a noise of approval. "She's got a decent face and build, that much I'll say. You got lucky, Wilson.""Oh, my luck with the ladies is nothing compared to yours, Mr. Smith." Wilson grinned.Beside David, Natasha looked a little uneasy. She clutched David's arm and asked, "Would you like to sit, Mr. Smith?""Bring me to the couch so I may catch my breath."Natasha did as she was told and helped David to the couch, whereupon they sat.Jacob and Wilson sauntered to one si
Serena wished she could sew Wilson's mouth shut. He helped her put on her clothes and said, "We're going to the Smith residence tonight. It's Jacob's father's birthday."Serena considered her plans for the day. The patisserie was doing all right recently, and she had nothing urgent to take care of. As such, she agreed to be Wilson's plus-one.…Serena and Wilson arrived downstairs to find that Elsa had already prepared a meal for them. Under Elsa's curious and meaningful gaze, Serena finished her food and headed out with Wilson.They dropped by an upscale women's boutique. Serena was about to leave after picking out a dress when Wilson grabbed her wrist. "You may as well pick out a few more outfits now that we're here. With that killer figure of yours, you'll look good in anything."It was still early, so Serena decided to stay and shop a little while longer. It would have been foolish of her to decline Wilson's generous offer of new clothes. She tried on a dozen outfits, and Wils
Waking up late the next day, Serena's eyes slowly blinked open, her thoughts still hazy and unfocused. She stared at the blackout curtains that had been drawn over the window, and the memories from last night flashed through her mind.As the hand on her side gently shifted, a voice rumbled, "Are you up?"Serena hummed in response, her throat a little dry. Last night had been wild; she'd behaved nothing like her usual self. She blushed slightly at the thought.Wilson gently pinched the soft flesh of her waist and kissed her. "Lie in for a bit."With that, he lifted the blanket and got out of bed. The soft glow of the bedside lamp illuminated the room a second later, and he handed Serena a glass of water. "To quench your thirst."Wilson's tone was warm and mild, but the way his alluring eyes fixed on Serena turned his sentence into a double entendre. Diffident, she took the glass from him and had a few gulps of water.Wilson then set the glass down and began putting on his clothes.
Wilson brought Serena back to his villa.Serena was greeted by the feast on the table when she entered the door and noted her favorite dishes among the food. Wilson explained, "When I came home earlier, I told Elsa to make dinner. We'll be eating here tonight."Serena nodded. She took a seat at the table, only to see Elsa Rosenburg bustling around to tend to her needs. She served Serena soup, brought her a wine glass, and even warmly asked Serena if she could have cold drinks.Wilson narrowed his eyes from across the table. "Elsa, if you'd like to take a look at my girlfriend, you may do so openly without buzzing around her like a bee."An awkward chuckle escaped Elsa. Oh, well, so much for being subtle. But could Wilson blame her? He'd only ever brought men home, and this was the first time he'd brought a woman over—and she was his girlfriend, no less!It was a rare sight for Elsa, indeed. Before this, she thought Wilson and Jacob were dating.Elsa stared at Serena for a moment,
Damian's eyes darkened. He strode over to Wilson. "Mr. Quade."Wilson appraised him from head to toe. "What is your purpose of getting close to Serena?"Damian looked baffled. "I've known Serena for years, and we've always been on good terms. What do you mean by that question, Mr. Quade?""The next time you act dumb and naïve, try to be more convincing. Who are you trying to fool when you can't even keep the scheming look out of your eyes?" Wilson drawled.Damian froze, then flashed Wilson a smile. "I don't know what you're talking about, Mr. Quade. Serena may be your girlfriend, but she has the freedom to be friends with whomever she wants."Wilson took a drag of his cigarette. "You sabotaged the security camera at Serena's place previously, didn't you?"Damian's smile vanished.Contempt gleamed in Wilson's narrowed eyes as he added, "Stay in line if you don't want Serena to find out just how despicable you are. I don't want to see you anywhere near Serena after this."With a
Wilson leaned into his seat and waved at Jillian through the screen as he said, "How is that you look younger since the last time we met, Madam Gallagher? And you look so fabulous and festive in that jacket, too. How will anyone tell you and an 18-year-old young woman apart?""You and your nonsense." Jillian laughed at the compliments. She gave him a meaningful look. "Do you know who got me this jacket?""Your old sweetheart?""Piss off!" Jillian snapped. "Serena got me the jacket."Surprise flickered in Wilson's eyes. He chuckled and said, "My mistake. So, it was my sweetheart who got you the jacket. How nice and generous of her; she is far better than your granddaughter. Did you reward her?""Reward her all you like when you get home." Jillian held up her phone and scoffed. "You should know you're lucky to have tricked a lovely young lady like her into falling for you."Trevor was confused. "Wait, are you familiar with Serena, too?""Yes. Our paths crossed somehow, and we beca
"Did you come to talk to me about the shop?" Jillian waved her hand dismissively. "I already told you, you get to call the shots when it comes to the patisserie. You don't have to report back to me on every little thing. Just give me my share of the profits every year."Serena said warmly, "I didn't come to talk to you about work. I just wanted to see you."Jillian went still. "What's there to see? I'm just a little old lady, and we aren't even close.""You did me a huge favor, Madam Gallagher. Visiting you is part for the course." Serena produced the gift bag and said, "I went shopping today and saw this. I thought it'd suit you and took the liberty of getting it for you. Try it on."Jillian glanced at the item in the gift bag. The style and color were to her liking, indeed. "I appreciate the gift. Leave it there.""Perhaps you should try it on first," Serena suggested, taking out the jacket and holding it up. She gently tugged on Jillian's arm and prompted, "Come on, Madam Galla
Jenna narrowed her eyes at Willow. "Your last name is Quade? What's your relationship with Wilson Quade?""He's my older cousin," Willow answered.Jenna's expression turned stormy when she heard this. She despised the Quade family.At that moment, Serena returned with the retail assistant. She had paid for Jillian's present and was ready to leave when Willow clutched her arm. "Help me pick something out."Serena nodded and began looking around the boutique with Willow.Jenna stared daggers at the two young ladies, her mood growing fouler by the second. She said scathingly, "They say birds of a feather flock together. I bet Willow is just as bad as Serena. Did you smell the smoke on her when she walked past us earlier? She must have been smoking outside before she entered the boutique!"Kelly looked offended. "Smoking doesn't mean anything. I was a smoker when I was young, too." She used to be a photographer and picked up smoking due to the stressful nature of her job. She only qu