Nina nodded and said in a soft voice, “Okay. I’ll be quiet.”The two of them walked into the bedroom one after another.Luca opened the closet and took a new set of pajamas and underwear. "Your figure is almost the same as mine. These are new. Hurry up and take a shower."“Thank you.” Nina sniffed and took the clothes that Luca handed to her.Something came across Luca’s mind, and she said, “Hold on. Let me get you a set of new towels and toiletries.”Luca walked out of the bedroom and headed to the storeroom to get a new set of toiletries and towels. Aunt Neile had prepared all these.Luca returned to the bedroom and handed everything to Nina. She said, "Off you go. You can use the shower gel, shampoo, and skincare products in the bathroom."“Luca, there’s no doubt I’d fall in love with you if you were a man,” Nina playfully joked with her.Luca was amused by Nina's joke and pretended to be serious as she said, "No way. I'm not going to fight over a woman with Mr. Mallory. I'm
“Even if she succeeds in becoming the Mallory family's young mistress, you’re not her. Although both of you were born to the same mother, what’s the point of defending her now when your futures are going to be worlds apart? Jean, wake up! Her good life has nothing to do with you. So, you should drag her down instead of seeing her marry rich. She wants to get rid of you to live a luxurious life, so you can’t let her wish come true!” Marie continued to provoke him after seeing him remain silent.Jean frowned and looked at Marie.She had a point.Judging from how Nina currently acted, he would not have anything to do with her after she became rich.She could not be counted on in the future.At the end of the day, he could only count on himself. If he had to watch Nina live a good life while he lived a miserable one, he might as well do as Marie said and drag her down.The change in Jean’s expression caught Marie’s eyes. She said, “Am I right? The press pays generously. Aren’t you sh
Marie was filled with resentment as she saw him hold up the ten dollars.“You don’t want it? I’ll take it back then.” Jean saw that she did not move and was about to take back the money until she swiftly snatched it from him.Jean smiled contemptuously.“It’s not enough,” said Marie as she held out her hand.“If ten dollars is not enough, how much do you want?” Jean frowned and was obviously unwilling to give her too much.“Even if you’re covering the costs of my stay, what about my food and daily transportation expenses? You can’t leave me empty-handed. Even if I were to stay at home, I’d need money to order takeout too,” said Marie.“How troublesome.” Jean took out his wallet and handed her a public transport card.“This is…” Marie looked at the public transport card and frowned as the card could only be used for rides and not for consumption. Plus, who even took public transport nowadays?“There are ten dollars on the card. You can take the subway when you go out. It’ll last
“You didn’t have to get up early. Besides, sleeping a little longer is good for you.” Luca served her a bowl of oats.Nina smiled and said, “It smells so good. Would I still have gotten such a hearty and delicious breakfast if I had continued to sleep?”Aunt Neile stood aside and smiled. “Ms. Nina, the breakfast reserved for you is still in the kitchen. Since you’re awake, I’ll bring it out right now.”“Thank you,” thanked Nina.Luca placed a bun on her plate using tongs and said, “That’s Aunt Neile, the maid who works here. Tell her if you need anything, and try not to go out during this period of time. If you really have to go out, there are cars in the garage. You can ask Aunt Neile for the keys.”“The cars in the garage belong to Mr. Crawford, right?” Nina took a bite out of the bun and immediately gave Luca a thumbs up. It was delicious.“They’re Mr. Crawford’s, but it doesn’t matter,” said Luca as Mr. Crawford had mentioned that if she wanted to drive, she could drive those
Although she told other people that she was okay, Nina did in fact mind it.She frowned as she saw those disgusting comments and could only sigh. She did not even have to strength to speak up for herself in the comments section.Nina tossed her phone aside and rested her head in her hands.If someone were to see her in her current state, they would definitely know that she had been defeated by those comments on the internet.If she knew who was the one that made her so miserable, she would not let them get away with it.Her phone rang.She glanced at the screen to see that it was a call from Percy.She knew that if she did not answer, Percy would keep calling her, so she had no choice but to pick up.“Don’t you have to work?” Nina did not ask why he called as even the stupidest person would know what he called her for.“I’m worried about you. Are you okay?” Percy’s voice was hoarse.Nina frowned because of his hoarse voice. Did he drink a lot?“I’m doing fine here. Which oth
“Pfft.” Luca looked at how helpless Nina was and laughed.Tommy shook his head and deliberately lowered his voice, “Ms. Nina, it’s not like our homework is difficult.”“I know it’s not difficult, but you all… I can only say that you’re too smart. There’s no need for me to get involved.” Nina sighed.“Yeah, they don’t need tutoring, but they need someone to check their homework later. Nina, I’ll go help Aunt Neile in the kitchen. Can you check the kid’s homework later?” said Luca.“Alright, I’ll promise to get the job done.” Nina gave her an OK gesture.Luca turned around and walked into the kitchen.Tommy whispered, “Great, we’ll have good food again tonight.”Nina listened to the child and patted his head. She said, “Aunt Neile’s cooking is also very good.”“But Ms. Luca’s tastes even better!” Tommy handed his finished homework to Nina. “Ms. Nina, I’m done. Check it, please.”Nina was glad. She finally had something to do. She took the workbook and checked it while saying, “D
"Okay, got it. How did they know Nina was here?" Luca's expression was stern. It seemed that the Mallory family was dead serious about wanting Nina to leave Percy.However, how was Nina at fault?She did not cause the misfortune that came upon her blood family nor did she have an option.Pierre was the one who caused all of Nina’s recent suffering. She was the victim!Nina sighed when she saw Luca’s sour expression. "It should be Joanne… They came for me. I'm sorry for putting you in such a difficult position, Luca. I'll go out.""No, you stay here." Luca wanted to make a call but realized that her phone was not there. She then remembered that she left it in the bedroom.She said to Aunt Neile, "Aunt Neile, I'm going to make a call. In the meantime, please open the door for the Mallory family and have Lanie and the others go upstairs. I don't want the Mallory family to scare them.""Okay, I'll do it right now." Aunt Neile nodded and was about to leave the bedroom."Another thin
Pierre was raving mad at Luca when he thought of the suffering he went through because of her. He wanted to take revenge right there, right then.However, he could not afford to act recklessly in that situation.After all, they were in Luke's territory. The explanation that he promised Luke previously had not been made.No matter how much money he offered, no one in the company was willing to be the scapegoat. Mr. Peralta knew what was coming and opted to resign immediately.Pierre looked stern as he sat beside Old Master Mallory."Who is this?" Old Master Mallory's tone was unfriendly. He looked at Luca with contempt.Luca frowned. She had met Madam Mallory and thought that her arrogant and domineering appearance was not at all like the demeanor of a lady.After she met Old Master Mallory, she finally understood that Madam Mallory's arrogance came from him.Old Master Mallory and Old Master Crawford were from the same era. They should be about the same age. However, the pers
After signing the agreement, Karen eagerly handed it over to the man she believed to be the lawyer.The moment the doctor took the shares transfer agreement, a syringe containing anesthesia slipped from his sleeve and was swiftly injected into Karen’s hand.“You...” Karen felt a sharp sting, but before she could speak, her consciousness faded.At the same time, the knife in her hand clattered to the floor.The doctor quickly steadied her to prevent her from hitting her head when she collapsed.“Luckily, the dose was strong enough, or she wouldn’t have been knocked out so quickly.” He gently laid her down, checked to make sure she was unconscious, and then hurried out of the office to notify the hospital director.Percy quickly stepped forward, gently lifting Nina’s chin to examine her wound.“I’m fine,” Nina said in a soft voice, lowering her head to hide the injury on her neck.“Let me take a look at you,” Percy insisted, gently lifting her chin again. After checking, he added
“Mr. Mallory, won’t you feel guilty if something happens to Nina?” Sue did not understand why he refused to call the police.“It won’t happen.” Percy furrowed his brows as his mind raced to find a solution.Sue was even more confused. “Just because you say it won’t happen, does that mean it won’t? Yes, Madam Mallory is your mother, but Nina is also your wife. If your mother harms your wife, shouldn’t you call the police? Instead of doing that, you’re leaving her in this dangerous situation. I honestly feel sorry for Nina.”Sue had always been straightforward. She thought Percy would protect Nina for life, but seeing him defend Karen at the cost of his wife’s safety, she was deeply disappointed.She felt she was in no position to feel sorry for Nina, but she could not understand Percy’s actions.Percy furrowed his brows. Calling the police was not an option.The Mallory family could not afford this kind of turmoil.If Old Master Mallory found out that he handed his mother over to
Nina trembled when she was touched. Her whole body was shaking.Karen’s touch was icy cold, and when her hand fell on Nina’s face, it carried a chill.“Don’t hurt her!” Percy’s voice was hoarse, his anger barely concealed in his eyes.He was furious but kept reminding himself not to provoke Karen.“Hmph, look at how nervous you are.” Karen's patience wore thin. Without another word, she laid out her conditions. “If you want me to let her go, fine.”“What do you want me to do?” Percy knew the conditions she was about to propose would not be as simple as keeping her out of the psychiatric hospital.It could involve Pierre.Perhaps even the company.Even though Karen had spoken to him about the high hopes she had for him, Percy did not believe a word of it. To her, from beginning to end, the only person who mattered was Pierre.Percy was merely a tool to secure her position in the Mallory family.“See? You still care about this woman. You’ve disappointed me!” Karen glanced at Ni
“Mr. Mallory, I didn’t dare to go in. Nina and your mother are still inside.” After Sue realized that Nina might be in danger, she had been waiting outside, unwilling to leave.She had been planning to rush in with the other employees if she heard Nina scream.Percy's expression darkened. He did not blame Sue for the situation, so he did not say anything. Instead, he quickly walked to Nina’s office door and pushed it open.The sight before him sent a chill through his veins, as though his blood had turned to ice.“You're here?” Karen fixed her eerie gaze on the person who had opened the door. A strange, sinister smile curved at the corners of her lips. She stood behind Nina with a knife tightly gripped in her hand.The sharp blade was pressed against Nina’s neck, already leaving a faint red mark.Sue gasped at the sight and instantly lost her composure.Karen frowned in dissatisfaction, moving the knife slightly and muttering, “Why is there another woman here? Tell her to leave!
“'ll contact someone in A City to investigate,” said Gale.“Let Percy know while you're at it,” added Luke. “He needs to be aware of this.”“Got it.” Gale hurried off to handle the matter.…After taking Gale's call, Percy hung up and stared icily at the middle-aged man standing before him.Under Percy's chilling gaze, the man nervously dabbed at the sweat on his forehead with a handkerchief.“Mr. Mallory, my sincerest apologies…” The man, the director of the psychiatric hospital, had come to personally apologize to Percy today.Karen had escaped.Two days ago, Percy admitted Karen to the psychiatric hospital. After an evaluation, the doctors determined her condition warranted hospitalization, so she was admitted.Even though Karen was against it, given her mental state and with the consent of an immediate family member, the hospital was legally authorized to proceed.Percy had even informed the hospital to take special care of Karen. He had explicitly instructed them not to
When she opened her eyes again, the sky outside had already darkened slightly.Luca mumbled, feeling the warmth beside her. She instinctively curled closer. “What time is it?”“It's a little past five.” Luke gently rubbed her back, offering a quiet comfort to help her feel at ease.Since he could not be there beside her, he could only make these small gestures to bring her some peace of mind.“An entire afternoon just passed like that…” Luca was reluctant to leave at the moment. Her slender fingers lightly pressed against his chest.Luke took her hand in his, bringing it to his lips for a soft kiss, holding it as if it were something precious and tenderly stroking it.Luca's hands had once been delicate and smooth, but during their time in the small villa, they had become much rougher.“You've got calluses.” Luke felt sorry for her.Luca gently traced her finger over his lips, leaning in to plant a soft kiss on him. “It’s just from the needlework and the experiments I’ve been d
Luca walked over to another couch and sat down. “I think I’ll stay here. How about letting Luke come down so that we can all catch up? It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other.”Gordan’s face fell. “Ms. Craw, are you doing this on purpose?”Luca pretended not to know anything. “Doing what on purpose?”Gordan quickly shook his head. “Nothing. Just go upstairs already. Brother Luke’s been waiting for you.”Luca had intended to tease Gordan a little longer, but after not seeing Luke for the past few days, she found herself missing him deeply. Standing up with a smile, she said, “Alright, I won’t tease you anymore. Oh, by the way, Mr. Gale, could you help me pick up a few things? Someone over there asked me to get them, and I couldn’t refuse.”“Sure, no problem. What do you need?” Gale agreed immediately.After handing him the list, Luca turned and headed upstairs.Gale watched Luca leave from behind, nudging Gordan’s arm. “Let’s go. We should leave and give the boss and Ms. Cr
The security guard remained completely unfazed.This was because the village chief was his uncle, and in their tight-knit community, they always stuck together and never favored outsiders.With directions from the people inside the ancestral hall, Hera found the village chief.“You’re the village chief, right?” Hera looked at the man in his fifties in front of her and spoke with an arrogant tone, completely unbothered.“And you are?” The village chief, seeing her attitude, was puzzled. He had no idea whether she was an investor or someone looking to discuss a major partnership to bring development to their quiet village.“It doesn’t matter who I am. I see you have surveillance here, and I need to review your footage,” replied Hera.The village chief was even more confused. “Are you a police officer?”“No.” Hera frowned. She thought reviewing surveillance footage was no big deal. Why was this village chief being so difficult?The village chief gave her a look as if she were a fo
“Wait a little longer. By the way, what kind of ancestral hall is this?” asked Hera.“It's a local family's ancestral hall. I heard it's been designed by the owner of a large company, and now it's also one of the tourist attractions.” The taxi driver was not from around here, so he did not know all the details, but he knew it had become a popular spot. “Now, thanks to the reputation of that boss, many architects come here as one of their reference points.”Hera frowned deeper. What was Luca doing here?The driver suggested, “If you're interested in sightseeing, the attractions inside are pretty good. But for outsiders, they charge an entrance fee. Maintenance costs a lot of money, so they charge tourists from outside.”“I'm not here for sightseeing,” replied Hera, “Don't worry. I'll pay you for however long I stay here. You’ll get your money.”The driver heard that she was paying, and did not press her further and remained quiet.Hera stared at the entrance of the ancestral hall,