"Are you free? Come meet me for some drinks," Justin invited."I'm not free now," Arthur replied.Justin was a little frustrated, wondering why he couldn't get any of his close friends out for a drink."There's nothing keeping you busy at work recently, and you're not a womanizer. What else can possibly hold you up?""It's something important. I can't come over now. We'll meet next time." Arthur tapped on the screen and hung up.In front of him, Willow was draped in sexy lingerie. She sat on the bed with her legs crossed, swinging her fair leg rhythmically.Arthur went on one knee and removed her shoe as she placed her other foot on his shoulder."Aren't you a womanizer? I didn't know that you're living an ascetic life, Mr. Collinsworth."Arthur kept quiet with his head lowered, playing with her foot in his hand.Willow recalled the last time when they had sex. Arthur had done a few rounds. The first time, he seemed a little untrained.She didn't dwell on it because his perfo
Candice stood outside the club, smiling sweetly at Justin. "Hi, Justin."Justin's face instantly turned dark. "What are you doing here?""I…" Candice stammered, unable to explain herself.Justin frowned. "Are you following me?""I didn't!" Candice felt a wave of diffidence before saying, "I went to the cake store today to check on the business and saw that you were there, too. "I wanted to greet you, but I was worried that you'd be annoyed. So, I followed you here. Justin, I don't mean anything else. I just miss you so much."She pouted her lips, wearing a pitiful, aggrieved expression. "I'm not the only one who misses you. Your baby is missing you, too."Her words revolted Justin. "Are you done talking?" Candice raised her head, only to meet his indifferent eyes."Get lost if you're done!" Justin barked, shocking Candice.Then, he spun on his heels and walked toward the bathroom without looking back.Biting her lip, Candice followed after him in frustration. Justin had
"Justin, who is she? Do you know what you're doing?" Candice was shaking with anger."She's not Serena but a club hostess. Don't you find her filthy?"Seeing her so agitated, Maisie repeatedly advised her to calm down. "Ms. Ashton, let's go back—"But her words fell on deaf ears. "Why should I go home? Who is this woman?"Meanwhile, Justin made a call to the manager. When the manager arrived, he instructed, "Drag this madwoman out of here."Candice stuck out her stomach. "I dare you! I'm pregnant with the Farrow family's heir. I would like to see who has the guts to touch me!"Everyone was shocked. Did she say the heir of the Farrow family? Wasn't that Justin's child?Justin suppressed the anger burning in his chest. "Get her out of here!"A few security officers wanted to drag Candice out, but she put up a fight, struggling with all her might. "Justin Farrow, you heartless man! I'm pregnant with your child! I dare anyone here to touch me! If you hurt my baby, all of you will
Jenna said in an emotionless voice, "Are you deaf? Or do you not understand me?"Her words ignited Candice's fury, and Jenna reminded her, "I'm courteous to you because you're pregnant. If you lose the baby, you'll have nothing at all."Candice was startled for a moment, but she quickly tried to calm herself. "I understand.""Good." Jenna headed out and narrowed her eyes when she saw the palm mark on Maisie's face. Considering the fact that Candice's pregnancy was still unstable, Jenna held back her temper.How audacious of Candice to have struck her maid! Jenna already made a mental note of this feud.…To play it safe, Jenna had Candice checked into the hospital for the night for observation. Lying on the hospital bed, Candice was about to fall asleep when her cellphone suddenly rang.It was a call from an unknown number."Hello?""It's been a while, babe." The voice shocked Candice so much that she was no longer sleepy. She sat upright and asked, "Are you—""It's T
Serena's heart skipped a beat, and she jumped out of his embrace. "What are you doing here so late at night?""Taking a stroll," Wilson answered.Serena thought speechlessly, "There he goes again, telling bullshit with a straight face.""You showed up here late at night the last time, and this time as well. Mr. Quade, is there nothing happening at work recently to keep you busy?" she asked."But don't you think that I appear at the perfect timing every time?"Again, Serena was speechless. Wilson saved Beatrice the last time he appeared here. Today, he appeared again and pacified her anxiety.Every time, he showed up just in time. "I'll walk you home," Wilson offered."Okay," she accepted. Her experiences with stalkers had left a psychological scar in her.At her apartment door, Serena turned around and said, "I'm home, Mr. Quade. You should go home, too."It was already so late. It would be inappropriate if he came into her apartment. Furthermore, Lauren was inside.She e
Serena's offer not only provided Isaac with a job but also a continuation of his dream. Hence, he agreed to it.Before leaving, Serena said sincerely, "Mr. Cooper, I know you're a man of ingenuity, and I respect everyone with a dream and faith. I look forward to working with you."A smile spread across Isaac's face. "Me too, Ms. Judd. I look forward to working with you."…In a mansion located in the suburbs, Gary was sipping tea on a couch in the living room, looking upstairs anxiously.Opposite him, Desiree sat demurely, whispering, "Dad, why did you bring me?" "Your grandmother knows that you're in Nocturna. If you don't come along, it will seem like we're lacking in sincerity.""When I had amnesia, she didn't visit me, either.""That's nonsense. When you were hospitalized, she did send someone to check on you, but you didn't know about it."Desiree picked up her cup. "She's not that heartless, then.""Behave yourself later once she's here," Gary said as Jillian came down
Gary was speechless.Allowing an enemy to do as they pleased would only cause trouble in the future, and he was afraid that his nephew, Trevor Stone, would act outside of his expectations and jeopardize his position.If he had known that Trevor would grow up to be such a ruthless man, he would have gotten rid of him back then when he got rid of his elder brother, Billy Stone. Then, both of them could reunite in hell."What are you thinking about?" Jillian uttered suddenly, jerking Gary back to his senses."I'm just thinking… You and Dad had always favored Billy since we were young. Even when he's now dead, you're favoring his son.""Aren't you ashamed to mention this?" Alas, a shade of emotion appeared on Jillian's face. "You know exactly how Billy died!"It was him; Gary caused Billy's death. He killed her eldest son, his blood brother!But now, he wasn't the least ashamed to act aggrieved in her presence.A chill washed over Jillian's heart. "Get out of here!""Mom—""I mov
Afterward, Billy was naturally selected to be nurtured as the heir of the Stone family. In the meantime, Gary lived a carefree life.However, he wanted to be the CEO of Stone Enterprise and the family heir, too. But nobody would notice him with Billy around.He had to admit that Billy was outstanding. Every time they were in the same room, Gary would feel an irresistibly oppressive air.Perhaps some were born to be leaders, but in the end, Billy still died in his hands.When they went scuba diving together, he tampered with Billy's oxygen bottle, causing Billy to drown to his death.Gary assumed he had been meticulous enough. He thought that no one would find out. Alas, he underestimated his father's astuteness.It didn't take long before Gary became the biggest suspect and was uncovered by his father.That day, he groveled on his knees, begging for forgiveness from his father. Sorrowful and furious, his father almost killed him on the spot with a whip while Jillian sat in a cor
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