The next morning, Serena woke up early to prepare breakfast. Her fridge was stocked with fresh vegetables and some meat, so she decided to make a pot of hearty mushroom soup. Once everything was carefully packed into a thermalware food jar, she headed to the office.As she approached the crosswalk near her building, a Range Rover suddenly sped out of nowhere, grazing past her. Serena instinctively stepped back, narrowly avoiding harm, but her bag was not so lucky. It hit the car, sending the food jar flying, and the soup spilled across the pavement.The Range Rover screeched to a halt, and the driver rolled down the window to toss out a wad of cash onto the ground. The driver barked, "We're in a rush. Mr. Jenkins says this is your compensation!" Serena slowly walked over, picked up the money, and approached the vehicle. Just as the driver prepared to step on the gas, Serena raised her hand and slammed the cash right into his face.She said firmly, "I've already taken a picture of
Just as Serena was about to leave, Wilson pushed the door open and walked in. He was dressed in a custom-tailored black suit without a tie, and the perfectly fitted trousers accentuated his long legs. His demeanor was cool and composed, yet there was a hint of casual indifference in his stride."Mr. Quade," Serena greeted him with a warm smile. "I brought you your breakfast."Wilson approached the desk and glanced at the neatly packaged mushroom soup on it. He clicked his tongue. He remarked dryly, "Ms. Judd, your soup looks so exquisite—exactly like the one from the breakfast shop downstairs. Funny, the packaging even has the same logo."Serena froze for a moment before explaining, "I did make soup for you, but there was an accident this morning, and it spilled everywhere. I had no choice but to buy some. Don't worry—I'll make it for you tomorrow."Wilson's gaze softened slightly. "Are you okay?""Huh?" Serena blinked. Then, it hit her that he was asking about her. "I'm fine. The
Serena's expression almost faltered. Once they were out of earshot, she could not help but whisper, "Mr. Quade, why didn't you deny it?"Wilson raised a brow and replied, "Did you see how much that young woman idolized the idea of a perfect love story? How could I crush her dream like that?""Well, in the future… maybe don't make jokes like that again," she said with a sigh.Wilson's faint smile faded slightly at that. "Alright."Serena kept her head lowered, completely missing the subtle drop in his mood.Afterward, they headed to the doctor's office, where she underwent a thorough examination. Just as she had expected, everything was fine. Then, they visited a few more departments, but the results were the same—nothing wrong.When Serena came out, she found Wilson leaning against the wall, flipping through her medical reports one by one. His slightly tousled hair fell over his forehead, adding a trace of melancholy to his otherwise striking features.Several passersby could no
"You, of course!" Serena replied without hesitation. Wilson grinned. "Really? Judging by the way you were zoning out in the car earlier, I thought you were worried I'd beaten Justin too badly.""I wasn't worried about him," she said, turning her face toward the window. "I was just thinking about something."Her mind drifted to the past, back to her time with Justin. Once, during a client dinner, a man tried to take advantage of her by pressuring her to drink. When she refused, he lost his temper, poured a drink over her head, and berated her in front of everyone.Justin had been there. He demanded an apology—but not from the client. Instead, he made her apologize to the man. She swallowed her pride and muttered a soft "I'm sorry" while holding back tears of humiliation.Later, she brought it up when they were alone, hoping for some sympathy, but Justin had brushed it off. "I was right there. He wouldn't have actually done anything. Serena, you're usually so reasonable—this client
Would Justin have sought out Serena if he hadn't been drunk?Zane stole a glance at the rearview mirror, watching Justin's shifting expressions. One moment, he was scowling; the next, grinning. It was unsettling. "Zane, didn't I tell you to find a new assistant? Still no progress?""Mr. Farrow, I've shortlisted a few suitable candidates, but you haven't had time to interview them yourself," Zane replied."Today, then. Have them come over immediately." Justin reclined in the backseat of the car, his legs crossed comfortably. He could always find a replacement for Serena. When they arrived at Farrow Corporation, Justin wasted no time arranging the interviews. Soon, the candidates gathered in his office. After all, the opportunity to work at such a prestigious company was rare. They filed into his office, lining up nervously. Two men and three women, all visibly anxious, were surprised that Justin himself was conducting the interviews. "Let's begin with introductions. One minu
Two wristwatches rested on the desk. Their intricate designs gleamed under the light, radiating a cool metallic charm that spoke of luxury.Wilson glanced at them indifferently and quipped, "Thanks, but what's the deal with gifting me a pair of watches? Are you mocking me for being single?"Jacob chuckled. "The women's watch? That's for you to give to Serena.""She won't accept it," Wilson said."Well, that's your problem." Jacob smiled before continuing, "It's a special day today. Want to grab a drink with me tonight?"Wilson picked up the watches and tucked them away. "What's so special about it? You know I don't celebrate birthdays.""Can't you make an exception for once?" Jacob clicked his tongue, though he wasn't surprised. After that incident, Wilson had sworn off acknowledging his birthday. A knock on the door interrupted them. Knuckles rapped against the wood, and after receiving permission, Serena stepped in. She nodded politely at Jacob. "Mr. Smith.""Why so formal?
During her years with the Farrows, the only elder who genuinely cared for Serena was Justin's grandmother, Beatrice Elordi. She had been in poor health for as long as Serena could remember. A few years ago, she moved into a nursing home surrounded by scenic views. Despite the distance, Beatrice never missed sending Serena a birthday gift each year. Serena stood still for a moment before ending the call.Wilson noticed her change in demeanor. "What's wrong?"Serena answered hesitantly, "Mr. Quade, something's come up. Can we take a rain check on dinner?" Beatrice's health had been declining steadily over the past two years. Serena feared this might be her last chance to see her. She couldn't bear the thought of living with that regret. But today was Wilson's birthday too, a day that only came once a year.Wilson's calm voice interrupted her thoughts. "It's alright. Where do you need to go? I'll drive you."Serena was surprised. "You're not mad?"He gripped the steering wheel
"Mrs. Farrow Senior. Mrs. Farrow."Jenna shot Serena a withering glare but offered only a curt nod in response. In stark contrast, Beatrice's face lit up with delight. "Rina, my dear! Come here. Let me take a good look at you!"Serena walked over and was immediately pulled to sit by the bedside, Beatrice's hands clasping hers gently."It's been almost a year since I last saw you. You've lost weight, haven't you?" Beatrice turned to Jenna and instructed, "Tell Leyla to make some bagels and beef ribs for Rina. She needs to eat more and put on some weight."Jenna's expression soured, her lips twitching as though she wanted to object. But before she could speak, Beatrice coughed sharply, cutting her off. With a reluctant sigh, she stood and left the room.Serena gently patted Beatrice's back. "Mrs. Farrow Senior, why are you sick again?""Oh, it's nothing—just old age catching up with me. It's nothing to worry about. Seeing you here has already made me feel a hundred times better.
Seeing Jessica drink so boldly, the other businessmen also raised their glasses for a toast. Jessica handled each one smoothly, taking the drinks on behalf of Justin.Justin glanced at the lively scene in front of him but felt oddly distracted.It reminded him of how Serena used to do the same whenever she accompanied him to social events. She always worried about his stomach issues and made sure to take all the drinks for him.His gastritis rarely acted up when she was around because of that. Yet, she suffered for it.He had seen Serena drunk before, curled over a toilet as she was vomiting miserably.At first, he used to care, asking if she was alright. But over time, he grew indifferent.She seemed unbreakable. Even after drinking herself sick at night, she'd wake up the next morning looking fresh and energetic. So, eventually, he stopped paying attention.There was one time when a big client had made advances toward her. Serena had rejected him outright, but the man had gott
Serena didn't think much of her cold. She simply grabbed her tumbler and headed to work as usual.By evening, she accompanied Wilson to a six-star hotel for a client meeting.Just as she got into the car, she suddenly sneezed heavily.Wilson turned to look at her. "Are you sick?""Maybe just a little." Serena sniffled. "Mr. Quade, should I sit in the front? I don't want to pass it to you.""No need. I have a strong immune system. A minor cold like yours is nothing to me."The car smoothly pulled onto the road. Midway through the drive, Wilson suddenly instructed Sebastian to stop the car."Wait here for a bit." With that, he stepped out and walked away.A few minutes later, he returned carrying a large bag and handed it to Serena. "Take this."Serena peeked inside, and it was full of cold medicine, antibiotics, and fever reducers."The seasonal transition has been bad. I heard viral colds are going around, so keep these just in case," Wilson said casually.Serena stared at h
When Justin entered the hospital room, he saw Candice sitting by the window, looking pale and lost in thought.The moment she saw him, her eyes lit up with hope. "Justin! Did you come to see me?"Justin got straight to the point. "I heard Wilson came looking for you."Candice's eyes immediately welled up with tears."Yes… He barged in with his men while you weren't around and… He burned my mom's arm with a cigarette! She's in the burn unit right now…"She sniffled. "Justin, I was so scared!"Candice moved forward, wanting to throw herself into his arms, but Justin pushed her away.She froze and called out, "Justin?""Why would Wilson come after you for no reason?""I-It was because of Serena…"Candice's gaze flickered with hesitation."He thinks I bullied Serena, so he came to warn me not to bother her again. You know how my mom is. She has a bit of a temper."When she heard that, she lost her cool and started yelling at him… That's when he burned her arm."Justin's face d
"Serena!"Justin caught up quickly and blocked their path. "Serena, don't you have anything to say to me?"Serena's voice was calm. "No.""Nothing at all?"Lauren rolled her eyes. "Are you just looking for something to talk about? She said no. Are your ears broken now too, along with your brain?"Justin's expression darkened. "Why are you always around?""Yes, and I'll always be here. I'll always have a place by Rina's side. But you? You're already out of the game. Got it?"Serena said calmly, "Laurie, don't waste your breath on him. Let's go home.""Got it.""Serena."Justin called out as he grabbed her wrist before she could leave. "Stop pretending to be so indifferent. Joseph already told me. I know."Serena frowned. "Know what?""You went to the fortune teller's today. You got a protection charm, didn't you?"Justin's eyes brightened as he asked, "Was the charm… for me?"The moment he said that, a loud burst of laughter exploded beside them. Lauren clutched her stomac
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