After the barbecue, everyone eagerly pitched in to clean up. They washed the dishes, tidied up Serena's small apartment, and had everything spotless in no time. Aaron even rolled up his sleeves and helped wipe down the table.The only one who stayed seated was Wilson. He casually leaned back in his chair, watching the stock market trends on his phone.Willow muttered, "Wilson's something else. He couldn't even make an effort in front of Serena. How could he just sit there like a king while everyone else cleans? He's completely oblivious."Lauren immediately fired back, "You don't get it, do you? Mr. Quade is busy. He's managing multimillion-dollar deals, and you want him to mop the floor? I think you're the one who's clueless."Willow laughed wryly. "Seriously? A watch is all it takes to win you over? You're his little lackey now."Lauren grinned. "Hey, not just anyone gets to be Mr. Quade's lackey. If I can, it's because I earned it."Willow rolled her eyes.The apartment was s
Candice's smile froze the moment she stepped into the office and saw the scene inside."Ms. Ashton, you're here too," Jessica said, looking smugly at Candice. "Mr. Farrow didn't have lunch today, so I personally prepared something for him."Candice walked in calmly. "What a coincidence, Justin. I brought you some homemade food, too," she said, placing her thermal food container on the table and casually sliding Jessica's thermal food container to the side."Ms. Hayes, you can keep that for yourself," Candice said with a forced smile. Her gaze lingered on Justin, and she waited for his response.Justin set his spoon down slowly and said, "Ms. Hayes, take it away.""Alright," Jessica replied before leaving in frustration.A triumphant smirk flashed across Candice's face as she watched Jessica leave, but when she turned back to Justin, she quickly reverted to her sweet, demure expression."Justin, try my cooking," she coaxed softly.Justin didn't respond. He simply picked up a spo
Candice asked, "Justin, why did you stop eating?""You don't need to bring me food anymore," Justin said, setting down his spoon. "You should focus on your own things. Didn't you already settle on opening a bakery? How's that going?""I've been keeping an eye on it," Candice replied quickly. The shop is brand new, so I took it over directly. The franchise has also been finalized and should open in a few days."Justin raised an eyebrow. "That fast?""Of course, mainly because of your support. With the funding in place, everything's moving quickly," Candice replied, leaning in to grab his arm.Then, she asked, "Justin, if the bakery opens in three days, can you come? I'm a bit nervous about handling it alone."Justin glanced at his schedule and noted that he was free that day. "Sure," he said.…That night, Nocturna experienced a heavy downpour. After the rain, the temperature dropped by several degrees.While out buying groceries, Serena heard the faint sound of a cat meowing f
Wilson raised his brows slightly. "Are you close with Serena?"Sebastian suddenly felt a twinge of guilt. "Not really, but she might need something.""Answer it," Wilson instructed.Sebastian had no choice but to accept the call. After a few polite exchanges, he said, "I'm not sure about this, Ms. Judd; Mr. Quade is right here. Perhaps you should ask him directly."Serena agreed, "Alright."Wilson looked mildly surprised. Since she was looking for him, he couldn't help but wonder why she had called Sebastian instead.Wilson reached over and took the phone.Yvonne anxiously spoke up, "Wilson, I—"Wilson shot her a glance.His usually lazy eyes suddenly turned cold, a sharp, icy gleam in them, making Yvonne fall silent. By the time she recovered, Wilson had already stepped onto the terrace with the phone in hand."Ms. Judd, is there something you need from me?"Serena's gentle voice came through. "Yes, I just wanted to ask—Mr. Quade, are you allergic to cats?"Wilson replied,
Wilson remained unmoved."What are you all standing there for? Escort Ms. Jenkins out."The bodyguards immediately stepped in, swiftly escorting Yvonne out of the office.It wasn't until she was back in her Porsche that Yvonne regained some of her composure. She shakily took out her phone and dialed a number.As soon as the call connected, Yvonne couldn't hold back her anger. "Simon, your son is in trouble! Shawn's been kidnapped by that wicked Wilson! Do you know that?"Simon's voice was surprisingly calm. "Wilson has already informed me about this."Yvonne was taken aback. "You knew?""This is Shawn's fault. He took Wilson's people for no reason and still has yet to learn his lesson. How do you think Wilson feels about that?" Simon replied. "Why did he have to provoke Wilson of all people? Now, Wilson's going to send him off to Westeros, and there's nothing I can do about it!"Yvonne shouted in frustration, "Are you seriously saying that? He's your son!"Simon was also angry
The doctor recommended Serena take a week off to rest due to her injuries. With no work to go to, she quickly found herself feeling unusually idle. On the first day, Willow also took a day off and spent it with her, feeding Bingo and cooking. For the next two days, Serena stayed at home binge-watching TV shows.When Lauren found out, she immediately rushed over, eager to drag Serena out for a shopping spree.Serena was puzzled. "Aren't you working?"Lauren smirked, clearly in control. "I requested time off. If that Stupidron refuses, I'll—"Serena raised an eyebrow. "What will you do?"Lauren leaned in close and whispered something in her ear. Serena blushed slightly."Does that really make him burn with desire?" Serena asked."You don't get it. Once a man has tasted it, he'll only think with his lower half," Lauren said, adopting a worldly tone. "If he can't get what he wants, it's worse than killing him. It's pure torture!""Are all men like that?" Serena asked skeptically.
Just as Serena was about to step outside, Lauren stormed in, grabbed her by the arm, and dragged her out in a rush."I knew there was something fishy about all these people showing up! Scumstin is here playing knight in shining armor for that bimbo. Ugh, I should've brought some rotten eggs today to throw at these two!"As Serena was dragged outside, she saw the commotion across the street. A throng of people had gathered in front of the new cake shop, but a group of bodyguards had cordoned off a large space in the middle.Justin, dressed in a light gray suit, stood beside Candice, holding scissors for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. They looked harmonious and picture-perfect, drawing the attention of the gathered crowd and cameras. Photographers clicked away nonstop, while a few journalists attempted to ask questions, only to be silenced by a single sharp glance from Justin.Lauren sneered. "Look at that Scumstin. Back when he was with you, he wouldn't show his face in public even
Serena froze, then turned around to meet a pair of smiling eyes. Wilson bent down and snagged the cake box from behind her. He stood close to her, and the cool, woody fragrance he carried unexpectedly calmed Serena greatly.Lauren gasped out loud. She asked, "What are you doing here, Mr. Quade?""I had a sudden craving for cake," Wilson said. His gaze drifted lazily to Serena, and his lips curled into a cheeky grin. "I didn't expect Ms. Judd to have bought it for me. What would you call this?"Lauren quipped, "Telepathy!"Serena was speechless as she wondered if Wilson and Lauren were putting on a little act.Justin felt his heart sink slightly. He looked at Serena and asked, "Are you really here just to buy cake?""What other reason is there? I've said this before, Justin—I'm not interested in anything to do with you or your girlfriend. You're the one who's overthinking the matter." Serena gave him a brief glance before turning to leave.Justin felt an inexplicable twinge of
"Gwen should be punished for her mistakes, but I feel sorry about her situation." Serena felt a mix of emotions.Suddenly, her cellphone beeped; it was a text from Gwen. "Serena, thank you. I lied to you. My mother already passed away a month ago, and I have no other concerns anymore. If it were possible, I wish I had known you earlier."Serena's heart pounded, and a bad premonition rose in her. She called Gwen's number, but nobody picked up. "Wilson, I think something is wrong."Wilson read the text message and made a call. The other end of the line said something, and Wilson replied curtly."Gwen went to Desiree's studio.""Let's go and look for her!"…Desiree had just closed a big deal with a client, walking the client out with all smiles. Dressed in a white business suit, she wore an elegant smile that made her look like a well-brought-up socialite.Even her client couldn't help but praise, "That's what I'd expect of a top socialite, Ms. Stone. Not only are you beautiful
Gwen thought that Serena would be mad and disappointed at her. However, Serena was composed, and there weren't any signs of resentment on her face at all.Instead, she said calmly, "Were you forced to do it?"Serena swept her composed gaze over Gwen. "Gwen, why are you working for Desiree?""Does it matter?""It does." Serena looked at her. "I want to help you.""Are you crazy, Serena Judd? I wanted to harm you before this! I wanted to kill you!" Gwen lost her composure, and tears stumbled out of her reddened eyes. "I'm sorry…" "I know that the Stones aren't as decent as they appear to be. If you know anything, you can tell us. Will you trust us?"Wilson's brows shot up slightly at Serena's words. This was the first time he saw someone talking to an enemy so kindly.It seemed that Serena was concerned about Gwen, so he decided to let her do as she wanted. Whatever happened afterward, he'd be there to take care of it.Wiping away her tears, Gwen smiled weakly. "It's useless.
Two days later, a light snowfall dusted over Nocturna and froze the city overnight. Dressed in a thick fleece jacket, Gwen arrived at Quade Group early in the morning. Today would be her last day of work handover, and she would leave the company once it was completed.On the way, she received several calls. Although the number wasn't saved, she knew who was calling her, so she silenced her cellphone.At the CEO's office, she was about to finish with the remaining handover when Elena said, "Ms. Beckham, Mr. Quade is waiting for you inside.""Alright."Gwen knocked on the door and entered after receiving Wilson's approval.There was no one else in the spacious office. In the middle of the room was a dark-colored leather couch, and Wilson was lounging on it, wearing a black button-down shirt. His sleeves were rolled up, and the collar buttons were undone, revealing his collarbones.Gwen stood still. "Did you ask for me, Mr. Quade?" "I did." Lowering his head, Wilson lit a cigare
Wilson's voice was laced with pride. "When David was alive, you were forced to keep your relationship with Natasha a secret. She could understand your reason for doing that. Now that you can have an open relationship with her, you asked her to be your mistress instead."Those are two different situations. Do you get it now?"For a few seconds, Jacob was taken aback. Then, he cursed in a low voice, "Damn it."Now that Wilson mentioned it, that seemed to make sense. Where did Wilson learn all these from? It would be tough to give Natasha a proper status. Dating her for now was not an issue, but it never crossed Jacob's mind to marry her.His future wife had to be someone who could benefit Smith Group. On the other hand, Natasha had nothing."You have guests," Wilson said suddenly.Turning his head to look, Jacob saw Justin and Damian in black suits with flowers in their hands."Hello, Justin. Hello, Damian." Jacob approached them, surprised to see Justin here.Although he was c
Wilson wasn't surprised at Serena's answer at all. "I told you to stay away from Gwen for this reason. My men found out that your kidnapping case is connected to the Stone family, and Gwen knows Desiree. Maybe she's working for the Stones.""Desiree?" Serena was surprised."What's wrong?" Wilson asked."Gwen was bullied by Desiree in the past. They aren't on the best of terms with each other." Gwen's tipsy face appeared in Serena's mind. "I don't think she was lying. Wilson, why do you think Gwen would work for Desiree when she has so much resentment for her?"Wilson answered calmly, "Just because she works for Desiree doesn't mean that she's on her side."He spun the wheel with one hand. "If you want someone to work for you, not only do you need to convince them, but there are also thousands of other ways. We just don't know which method Desiree applied."Serena balled her fists. "Maybe it's not Gwen. She's leaving Nocturna soon. Maybe… everything is just a misunderstanding."
"Her face was once my nightmare and haunted me for years. But she remembered nothing of my misery. This is so unfair," Gwen said."Is that why you threw away the graduation photo?" Serena asked."Yeah. I didn't have the guts to look at this photo in the past, but I think I've accepted it now. It's all over, so I decided to throw it out." A smile tinged Gwen's lips."After spending so much time healing from that trauma, I can't allow myself to fall back into that painful past again." Suddenly, Serena paced over to her and hugged her gently.Gwen was stunned, and Serena patted her back softly. "I'm sorry. I don't know how I should comfort you. In my opinion, you're especially outstanding and radiant. I think you're a million times better than Desiree."All of a sudden, Gwen was a little choked up. "But… I'm not as great as you think."Patting her back, Serena was about to speak when her cellphone started ringing. It was a call from Wilson. She answered and hung up after saying a
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