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.
After Beatrice fell asleep, Serena and Justin left the room. As soon as the door closed, Serena pulled her hand free from Justin's grasp without hesitation.His gaze darkened. "What is it? Do I disgust you that much?""The act is over. Now that Mrs. Farrow Senior is asleep, there's no need to keep pretending," she said, turning to head downstairs."Where are you going?" Justin asked while following closely."Home," Serena replied curtly. "This late? You're really going back now?" Justin asked."That's none of your concern." Serena's steps were decisive.Downstairs, Leyla Watson stood holding a tray with bagels and beef ribs. Sitting on the couch with a Pomeranian in her lap, Jenna cast Serena a mocking glance. "These are for you. Mrs. Farrow Senior asked for them. Eat up.""No need, Mrs. Farrow. I already had dinner," Serena replied politely.Jenna scoffed. "Suit yourself. You think I want an ingrate to stay in my house?""If it weren't for Mrs. Farrow Senior, I wouldn't h
Justin slammed his fist against the side of his Maybach. Pain shot through his hand.Inside the Bentley, Serena sat in the passenger seat, dabbing at her rain-soaked clothes with a handful of tissues. After a brief drive, Wilson pulled over unexpectedly. He reached into the back seat and retrieved a soft blanket before handing it to her. "Use this.""Thanks." Serena accepted the blanket and began drying her hair. When she finally set it aside, she noticed the car hadn't moved. Turning her head, she found Wilson resting one hand on the steering wheel, watching her with an air of casual amusement. She froze mid-motion. "Mr. Quade?""Serena, you're not quite like the rumors suggest," he said, his voice laced with humor. "They say you're hopelessly in love with Justin. But looking at you now, you've cut ties pretty cleanly."Serena's gaze dropped. "I'm still human." She had her pride and limits, and Justin had crossed them all.Wilson chuckled. "True. You're human. Justin? Maybe n
At the Farrow residence, Justin stepped out of the shower, the water finally easing the simmering frustration that had been building within him. His phone buzzed. Without thinking, he picked it up. On the other end, Candice's soft, almost pleading voice came through. "Justin, I called earlier. Why didn't you answer?""I was busy," Justin replied coldly."How's Mrs. Farrow Senior doing?" Candice asked, her tone laced with concern. "Maybe I should bring something over tomorrow and check on her." Justin pulled out a cigarette, placing it between his lips, before lowering his head to light it with a lighter. "There's no need. She wanted to see Serena, and after seeing her today, she's doing much better."Silence stretched on the other end. Before Justin could say anything, Candice's quiet sobs broke through. "Justin, does Mrs. Farrow Senior not like me? Your mom and your sister already don't. And now your grandma doesn't like me either. What did I do wrong?"Her crying made his t
The next day was the weekend. Serena had planned to try on the dresses with Wilson, but an unexpected matter required him to fly overseas that morning. He called to assure her that everything had been arranged with the person in charge, and all she needed to do was show up. Coincidentally, Lauren came by to ask her out for some shopping, so Serena decided to bring her along.The person assigned to assist her was Monique Olston, a mixed-race woman renowned in the fashion industry. Not only was she the brand's agent in Nocturna, but she also owned a prominent fashion magazine company that had featured countless celebrities and artists. The moment Monique saw Serena, she exclaimed, "Ms. Judd, you're stunning! You outshine most actresses I've worked with!"Serena responded with a modest smile, but Lauren beamed with pride. "Well, what can I say? My dear Serena is just that gorgeous. As her best friend, I'm honored to bask in her glow."Serena sighed helplessly, but Lauren leaned in,
Serena turned to leave, but Shawn followed closely behind. "Serena, you're damaged goods now. After all those years with Justin, you walked away with nothing. Come with me, and I'll pay you 30 thousand dollars a month.""Get lost!" Serena snapped."50 thousand, then? Or do you think you're worth a hundred?" His smirk widened as he leaned closer, his voice dripping with mockery. "Fine, a hundred it is. But I'll expect something a little… spicier. Think you can handle that?"A sharp slap echoed through the room as Serena's hand connected with his face. "I'm warning you—stay away from me! There are cameras here, and if you don't leave now, I'll report you for harassment!"Shawn's expression darkened, a sinister glint in his eyes. "Feisty, aren't you? You think I'm scared of that?"He grabbed her wrist, his grip tightening menacingly. Before he could make another move, a commanding voice cut through the tension. "What do you think you're doing?" Lauren appeared, dressed in a sleek b
Seeing Justin like this, a wave of insecurity washed over Candice as panic flickered in her gaze. She clung to him and said with false innocence, "Wasn't that Serena just now? Being pretty must have its perks. It's one thing for Mr. Quade to back her up, but now it looks like she's got herself a new admirer, too."When Justin made no reply, Candice gripped his hand and asked, "Are you alright, Justin?""I'm fine. We should get out of the car," he said hoarsely.Candice obediently stepped out of the vehicle and entered the boutique with him. Monique approached them and asked, "Now there's a surprising face. What brings you here today, Mr. Farrow?""My girlfriend needs a new dress," Justin said as he nudged Candice forward.Monique appraised Candice briefly before dishing out a few compliments. After that, she led the latter to the private fitting room. The boutique housed several large private fitting rooms, each manned by a small team of attendants.Justin did not follow Candice
Serena opened it and found a beautiful scarf from a luxury brand.Smiling, Gwen said, "Serena, I don't have many friends in Nocturna, and you're one of them. I get along quite well with you, but I'll be moving away soon. I can't really bear to leave you.""You may visit Nocturna in the future. Once your mother recovers, bring her along.""I hope so." Gwen sighed. "I was packing today. I've decided not to bring along the pretty ornaments I've collected, but it would be a pity to throw them away."Serena, would you like to take a look at them and see if any of them would be suitable for you?"Serena agreed, "Sure."After organizing the details for the banquet the next day, Serena left with Gwen. On the way, they chatted happily. When they almost reached, Gwen jumped into a supermarket and bought some groceries."Serena, would you like to have dinner at my place? I'm a good cook."Serena wanted to turn down the invitation, but Gwen grabbed her arm. "Come on, I'll prepare my best d
Natasha pounded Jacob's chest, but it did not stop him. It spurred him on and added a different kind of excitement to what they were about to do.He leaned forward until he trapped her between himself and the bed, then smoothly pinned her arms above her head. Their bodies pressed closely together, Jacob gripped her waist with his free hand as if to mold the soft curves of her body into the hard planes of his.Jacob had developed a taste for Natasha since the first time he'd had her.They were so tangled up in each other's arms that they didn't even notice the bedroom door opening behind them.A loud thud sounded behind them. Jacob paused and turned to see David at the door, the latter's frame hunched over as shock colored his wizened face. A moment later, the shock was replaced by thunderous rage."You ingrate! And you! You whore!" David roared. He was quaking with anger, and it was only by bracing his hand against the wall that he could keep upright as he entered the room.Jacob
David pressed a hand to his chest as he burst into a violent coughing fit. Natasha tried to help him, but he shoved her away. "This won't kill me! Have someone send Marcus to the hospital!""Alright." Natasha turned and left to get help.After sending Marcus to the hospital, Natasha helped David up the stairs. He looked drained and haggard. It was as if years had been shaved off his life within minutes.David went to the study while Natasha returned to the bedroom. Her cheek was swollen and stinging from the slap Marcus had given her. She was about to seek out a housekeeper for some salve when a towering silhouette appeared at the door.Jacob stood at the door with one hand in his pocket, his gaze dark and piercing behind his glasses as he looked at Natasha. "Going somewhere?""I'm going downstairs to… look for Francine," Natasha answered hesitantly.Jacob stared at her evenly for a moment, then entered the room and closed the door behind him. Natasha backed away. "Can you please
David's 60th birthday party ended on an absurd, if not chaotic, note. The directors who came barely ate before getting up and leaving. In the end, only Serena and Wilson remained at the table.Wilson peeled shrimp for Serena, who felt uneasy. "No one's eating anymore…""That shouldn't stop us from enjoying our dinner," Wilson replied casually."Forget it," Serena replied. The atmosphere around her felt too heavy for her to stomach food."Alright, let's forget about dinner." Wilson rose and slowly wiped his fingers with a wet napkin. "Mr. Smith, you seem to have some household affairs to straighten out, so I won't be staying. Goodbye."David looked sullen but said nothing.Wilson exchanged a look with Jacob, then wrapped his arm around Serena's shoulders and left the Smith residence. It didn't take long for the sound of a car driving away to come from the outside.The moment all the guests left, Marcus threw a maniacal fit. "Dad, how could you sign that agreement? What do I get n
Louis snorted. "The facts speak louder than words!""Shut your damn mouth! My dad should never have trusted a bunch of ungrateful old farts like you!" Marcus thundered.The directors' faces darkened at Marcus's scathing remark, but for the sake of their friendship with David, they said nothing.Wilson lightly tapped his fingers against the table. "Mr. Smith, this is the son you're so proud of? He behaves like a rabid dog. You may want to put him on a tighter leash before he gets put down."Marcus turned to him and snapped, "Stay out of our family business!"A deadly look flashed in Wilson's eyes. David smacked the table again and barked, "Pipe down, Marcus! This isn't the place for one of your tantrums!""But Dad—""Scram to the side and stay in line!" David was nervous. The worst that could happen if they pissed off the directors was a heated argument followed by a fallout. But if they crossed Wilson, there was no telling what would happen.David glanced at Wilson. He was secr
With the truth out in the open, David saw no need to carry on with his pretenses. "So, you refuse to step down as CEO, is that it?"Jacob crossed his legs and lit a cigarette. "That's right.""Don't force my hand, Jacob. You'll be thrown out of Smith Group at the board meeting tomorrow!" David warned."You don't need to wait until tomorrow to throw me out. The executive directors are here today, so we may as well let them vote on the matter now. Once they've made their decision, you won't need the other directors to weigh in anymore," Jacob suggested."I'll hold you to that!" David swept his gaze over the directors at the table, signaling them to talk.For a while, there was only silence at the table. Then, Louis Callaghan said, "I… am in favor of Mr. Jacob remaining as the CEO.""What did you say?" David looked aghast.Marcus panicked as well. "Mr. Callaghan, do you have any idea what you just said?"Louis repeated, "I said—I am in favor of Mr. Jacob remaining as the CEO of Sm
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